SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Hulk Hogan Teases Royal Rumble Involvement: “I Might Have One Left In Me”

    Hulk Hogan Teases Royal Rumble Involvement: “I Might Have One Left In Me”

    Could WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan make his return to competition as part of this weekend’s Royal Rumble event? You never know… 

    This week marks the 40th anniversary of Hogan’s historic world title win over the Iron Sheik, which is cited as the day that Hulkamania was born. WWE reportedly has big plans to celebrate the historic title change. 

    On this week’s Raw, Hogan looked back on the magic of his first World Championship win, and spoke about the Royal Rumble event that will take place this weekend. Teasing involvement in the match, Hogan said that you never know who may show up, adding “I might have one left in me.”

    Hulk Hogan in the Royal Rumble

    Hogan is one of three men to have won back-to-back Royal Rumble matches, putting him in an elite class with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels. The Hulkster was the first person in history to win multiple Rumble matches, having emerged victorious in 1990 and 1991. Hogan has competed in four Royal Rumble matches in his career. Combined, he has scored 27 eliminations and has lasted a total of 56:49 

    Royal Rumble 2024

    Here is the card for the WWE 2024 Royal Rumble PLE as it currently stands:

    • Men’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, GUNTHER, Chad Gable, Otis, Akira Tozawa, Kofi Kingston, Damian Priest) 
    • Women’s Royal Rumble match (Confirmed entrants: Bayley, Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Nia Jax, Maxxine Dupri, Ivy Nile)
    • Roman Reigns (c) (with Paul Heyman) vs. Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles vs. LA Knight (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
    • Logan Paul (c) vs. Kevin Owens (WWE United States Championship)

    Who should fans expect to see return at the Royal Rumble… 

  • Seth Rollins Vows To Make WrestleMania Despite 3-4 Month Injury Recovery Time

    Seth Rollins Vows To Make WrestleMania Despite 3-4 Month Injury Recovery Time

    Seth Rollins suffered a partially MCL tear and a meniscus tear during the January 15th episode of WWE RAW. That World Heavyweight Championship defense against Jinder Mahal was a success, but now the Visionary needed to address his future.

    Rollins’ Big Announcement

    The January 22nd episode of WWE RAW promised to open with Seth Rollins, as he addressed the WWE Universe. The subject of his promo was set to be his future as World Heavyweight Champion.

    Rollins made his way to the ring with a brace on his left knee. Then he got in the squared circle as “Thank you, Seth” chants rang out.

    The WWE World Heavyweight Champion addressed the New Orleans fans by welcoming them to Monday Night Rollins, before thanking them for their amazing reception to his entrance.

    Rollins said he felt something give in with his knee after doing a moonsault during his match against Jinder Mahal. It wasn’t until he got backstage on January 15th, after that title match, when he first started to think that a lengthy hiatus is possible.

    Then, Rollins said that he thought there was a real possibility that he may miss WrestleMania. Then he had his MRI done, and the new wasn’t great, but it could be much worse. His MCL tear is only a grade-two tear, and with surgery, he may be out of action three to four months.

    As Seth said he is taking things day-by-day, GUNTHER and Imperium entered to stop him mid-sentence.

    GUNTHER said that Rollins been a champion that everyone can be proud of, just like him. He said it pulls on his heartstrings to see Seth suffer a knee injury, and it makes him “honestly sad” that he may miss WrestleMania.

    That is when Rollins said that GUNTHER should have let him finish. He said he doesn’t give a damn how hard he has to rehab and push his knee, because he will walk into WrestleMania 40 as WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

    What’s Next

    WWE is planning a WrestleMania 40 match between CM Punk and Seth Rollins. This has been the plan since Punk’s reintroduction to the WWE landscape.

    I previously reported on Rollins’ status and the possibility of alternate matches for CM Punk at WrestleMania, I asked a tenured member of the WWE creative team, who stated as of Friday evening, “Rollins is still on for Mania at this moment.”

    Randy Orton was advertised to step in for Seth Rollins at this weekend’s WWE live events. Interestingly enough, The Viper did not make that appearance, either. WWE’s Royal Rumble event is going down on January 27th, where Seth Rollins is not scheduled to compete, but Orton is in a fatal four-way for the Undisputed Universal Title against LA Knight, AJ Styles, and Roman Reigns. 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C2bMaTrJFJj

  • Ivy Nile Shares Excitement For 2024 Royal Rumble Match, Potential Surprise Entrants (Exclusive)

    The road to WrestleMania will soon begin charting its course. Before we can reach the final destination at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia though, we must first head to the starting point in St. Petersburg, Florida — the site of the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble. 

    This weekend, 30 men and 30 women will compete in their respective Royal Rumble matches, with the winner of each guaranteeing themselves a title shot of their choosing at WrestleMania 40. SEScoops correspondent Ella Jay spoke with WWE Raw star Ivy Nile ahead of this premium live event, where Nile shared her excitement about the possibility of competing in the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

    “Isn’t that crazy that I was an alternate last year? That’s crazy,” Nile said. “I really believe in visioning yourself. Like last year, I envisioned just making that run down the way, and just envisioning myself in it. I definitely am doing the same thing this year and gosh, I’m just getting goosebumps thinking about it. To say you were in a WWE Royal Rumble, that’s insane to me. I’m very hopeful that I’ll be in it, but you never know. If Nia Jax is in it, we will see, I’m coming after her first. We’ll see. It’s definitely an exciting time backstage, and just hoping and waiting.”

    Potential Surprise Entrants

    As of this writing, only a handful of competitors have been confirmed for the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble, leaving the field wide open for surprise entrants to appear. When asked about who she’d like to see emerge as a surprise in the match, Nile pointed toward another powerhouse — WWE NXT star Lash Legend.

    “I gotta say, I hope my girl Last Legend comes up from NXT. Like I said, we’ve had some of the best fights, but that’s also my girl. Gosh, I honestly love the element of surprise. I think that’s why everyone watches the Rumble, because you just never know who’s gonna show up, and I think that’s so exciting. I mean, you kind of wish for some things, and then if someone is there and you’re starstruck, you’re just standing there like ‘What?’ So gosh,I really love the element of surprise.”

    On the topic of surprises, Nile tells SEScoops that there are specific two names that would cause her to feel starstruck if they were to compete in the Royal Rumble this year. 

    “I think AJ [Lee] would be amazing. Gosh, like star-struck by, I’m a huge Ronda Rousey fan. Of course, I just think she’s amazing. I would definitely — I don’t know what I would do. I would start running down, or if I’m running to them in that case, I don’t know, it would be crazy.”

    WWE Royal Rumble takes place Saturday, January 27 from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

  • Trailer for ‘Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez’ premiering Feb. 2 on Hulu

    Trailer for ‘Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez’ premiering Feb. 2 on Hulu

    WWE Superstars Bianca Belair and Montez Ford are ready to show fans behind the scenes of their married life. The couple’s Hulu Original reality TV show titled “Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez is set to premiere on February 2. While the fans have to wait another week, Hulu released a trailer for the upcoming show. 

    The trailer showed fans what to expect from the show, including the couple managing their personal life and being WWE superstars. One of the interesting moments of the trailer was Ford admitting to having difficulty figuring out his place in the company in his third year on the main roster and wanting to prove that he is more than “Bianca Belair’s husband.”

    The show will have a total of seven episodes, which surprisingly will all be released on Hulu on February 2. The popular subscription service usually features episodes of an original series weekly until the finale. It’s unclear why the decision was made to release all seven episodes simultaneously. 

    Regardless, “Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez” should give fans more insight into Belair and Montez’s relationship, just in time before Valentine’s Day. However, it seems we will also get appearances from other WWE superstars, such as Omos and Angelo Dawkins, who appeared in the trailer. 

    The timing of the new reality TV show is also interesting as the power couple tries to find their spot at WWE WrestleMania 40 in April.

    Bianca Belair & Montez Ford Current Storylines Heading Towards WrestleMania 40 

    WWE is currently on the “Road to WrestleMania,” the company is slowly putting the pieces together for what WWE WrestleMania matches could look like in April. A few superstars, including Ford, are starting to be involved in interesting storylines. 

    Ford is involved in a faction with Dawkins and Bobby Lashley. The group is currently in a feud with The Final Testament(Karrion Kross,  Akam, Rezar, Scarlett & Paul Ellering), which started after the “heel” faction attacked Ford, Dawkins, and Lashley on the January 5 episode of Friday Night Smackdown. The two groups are set for a confrontation on the January 26 episode and could seemingly continue the feud heading into WWE WrestleMania 40. 

    Belair is in an interesting position as she looks to win the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Match on January 27. She hopes to challenge WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky for the title at WWE Wrestlemania 40. However, she has the tough task of defeating 29 other superstars to earn her opportunity. If she is unsuccessful, what WWE will have planned for her at this year’s event is unclear. 

    The couple is excited about their upcoming show and hopes to have a match on the “Grandest Stage Of Them All.” 

  • Austin Theory Confirms WWE SmackDown Status After Injury Scare

    During the January 12th episode of WWE SmackDown, the bout between Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes was interrupted by the referee. This interruption occurred following an incident during an Avalanche Spanish Fly from the top turnbuckle, causing both wrestlers to land awkwardly. There was some worry about Carmelo Hayes and Austin Theory, but now we have it all sorted out.

    Austin Theory Addresses WWE Status

    It was previously reported that Austin Theory may have entered medical protocol. Now, the former United States Champion has opened up for fans about his current status.

    In an announcement, Theory shared that this upcoming Friday, despite being a busy individual, he took the time to discuss his schedule with Grayson Waller, who expressed sympathy, recognizing the challenges Theory faces and the extensive commitments he manages.

    Theory pointed out the lack of understanding from internet “keyboard warriors” criticizing his work ethic. Despite Grayson suggesting pulling him out of the match, Theory declined, asserting his identity as Mr. All Day. He then confirmed that he will be in Miami for SmackDown this Friday.

    “I was like, ‘Hey man, you know all these keyboard warriors on the internet, in their mom’s basement, eating cheese sticks all day, they don’t know a day of hard work. They just go ‘you don’t have potential, you don’t have what it takes’, but you know what, they have the ability to know how it looks to be a damn bean bag chair, so congrats to them.”

    “But Grayson was like ‘you know what, let’s get you out of this match’, and I said no, because I’m Mr. All Day. So, I’m going to be there on Friday in Miami, and Carmelo (Hayes), you keep saying you’re him, you’re him, well, guess what? When all the greats come back they want to be in the ring with me, they want their 15 seconds of fame, and I give it to them, and that’s a fact because I’m Austin Theory.”

    Carmelo Hayes’ Status

    Hayes returned to WWE NXT television without missing a beat. He teamed with Trick Williams as scheduled, as the two carry on in the 2024 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.

    After asking around, I was told that the referee expressed concern for both Theory and Hayes after the spot went wrong. It wasn’t a matter of one being more affected than the other.

    Additionally, it was said that the “referee believed both were hurt and followed the correct protocol by ringing the bell and requesting medical assistance.”

    The WWE commentary team also commended the referee for swift decision-making, highlighting the priority placed on Superstar safety in this situation. Thankfully, both Theory and Hayes are okay now.

  • Randy Orton Doesn’t Show Up At Advertised WWE Live Event

    Seth Rollins sustained a knee injury during his match against Jinder Mahal on the January 15th episode of WWE RAW,. He was then removed from this weekend’s live events, but a replacement was announced. Interestingly enough, that replacement wasn’t present, either.

    Randy Orton No-Shows Event

    Randy Orton marked his return at the 2023 Survivor Series, as he helped the babyface team win WarGames. Despite being slated to compete at a recent WWE live event, he wasn’t on the show after all.

    Randy Orton was advertised to take Seth Rollins’ place in the WWE live events. The Apex Predator’s render took the place of The Visionary’s on the promotion for the show.

    Fans were anticipating Orton’s performance, but they were left disappointed when he didn’t show up. One fan noted that they drove hours to see him, as he dropped a disappointed looking video selfie.

    The reason behind The Viper’s nonattendance remains unclear, but it’s plausible that the company may have made last-minute adjustments to its plans for the Montgomery event. Either way, that marked another change after Seth Rollins was taken off the card.

    What’s Next

    Randy Orton has other matters on his plate, as he is set to face AJ Styles, LA Knight, and Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble on January 27th for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. That fatal four-way match could have a very interesting outcome, for sure.

    Seth Rollins, on the other hand, will be on WWE RAW this week. He will address his future as World Heavyweight Champion to open the January 22nd episode of WWE RAW.

  • Rhea Ripley Flaunts Her New Neck Tatoo

    WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley has got a new ink.

    Rhea Ripley has become a formidable superstar in WWE and experienced a meteoric rise in WWE after joining The Judgment Day. Her affinity towards body ink is no secret. In addition to her in-ring prowess, ‘Mami’ is recognized for her distinctive canvas of tattoos and they are very personal representations of her identity and her journey in life. With a variety of tattoos, Ripley has created a distinct look that is fitting for her character.

    Rhe Ripley reveals her new ink

    That being said, Rhea Ripley recently took to Twitter and flaunted her new tattoo on the back of her neck. It seems that it is a set of wings.

    As we approach the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event this weekend, it’s worth noting that she has fond memories of the event. ‘The Eradicator’ had won last year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match and earned a title shot. She defeated Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 to capture the gold. This year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match will see a new winner and her reign could be at jeopardy at WrestleMania 40.

    On the most recent edition of SmackDown, Bayley was ringside for the women’s tag team match. She called out Rhea Ripley and referred to herself as the ‘Mami Slayer.’ Bayley has been considered to be a favorite to win this year’s high-stakes match. On the other hand, Ripley and Becky Lynch recently had a confrontation which could to WrestleMania 40 as well. It is to be seen who steps up to Rhea Ripley next. 

    Royal Rumble 2024 WWE Premium Live Event which will emanate live from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 27.

  • Natalya Picks TNA Legend As Her Dream Opponent

    Natalya Picks TNA Legend As Her Dream Opponent

    WWE Superstar Natalya has expressed her desire to battle one of the legendary women’s wrestlers, Gail Kim. 

    Natalya is a pro wrestling veteran and has been one of the mainstays in WWE for more than a decade. While he has several accomplishments and fought legendary superstars over the years, she never got an opportunity to face Gail Kim. Well, now she has revealed that she would have loved to face Kim and that she’s her dream opponent.

    Natalya took to her Instagram story to repost Gail Kim’s recent picture with Nattie’s real-life husband, TJ Wilson (also known as Tyson Kidd).

    “Always love you both. My Faves And you’re a DREAM MATCH OF MINE.”

    Natalya says Gail Kim is ‘so talented’

    The former Women’s Champion also recently took to Twitter and responded to a post from a fan. The veteran star responded by saying that she would love to wrestle Gail Kim, and she believes that the former WWE superstar is very talented.

    “Would so love to wrestle Gail. I think she’s so talented,” she wrote.

    Gail Kim reacts

    Gail Kim reacted to Natalya’s response and said that she could not believe they never crossed paths in a singles match. She added a crying emoji..

    “Can’t believe we’ve never had a singles match to be honest… ,” she wrote.

    Gail Kim’s legacy

    Gail Kim’s legacy in wrestling is defined by her trailblazing achievements. In WWE, Gail Kim made an immediate impact by winning the WWE Women’s Championship in her debut match in 2003. However, she left the company in 2004. She returned to the company in 2008 and that run lasted until 2011.

    It was in TNA where Gail Kim truly cemented her legacy. She is considered as a trailblazer, who helped to elevate the TNA Knockouts Division to new heights. With her in-ring prowess, she set a new standard for women’s wrestling.

    She’s a 7-time TNA Knockouts Champion and apart from in-ring performances, she also played a pivotal role behind the scenes. In 2016, she was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame and it was certainly a fitting tribute to her contributions.

  • Watch: The Rock Meets Make-A-Wish Kids & Gives Presents In Incredible Video

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson may be one of the biggest stars in the world, but he’ll always have time to meet the fine folks at Make-A-Wish. 

    In the video, The Rock recalled meeting 21 children from the Make-A-Wish foundation, who were thrilled to hang out with the People’s Champion. In the video, The Rock reflected on how incredible the experience was for him. 

    “I anticipated having a great day hey but today was something unlike I’ve ever experienced.”

    The Brahma Bull also reflected on his family’s history with Make-A-Wish and was honored to be performing in the same role as his father Rocky Johnson. 

    “We [myself and Make-A-Wish] go way way back. Make-A-Wish and my dad, granting the first wish in the state of New Jersey. I was 11 at that time the concept of that, I remember then being blown away. Like ‘wait this is this little kid’s wish?’

    “I always say that, you know, really they’re the heroes and their families are the superstars. It’s unbelievable and what an honor and and a privilege that I get to meet these kids to surprise them and it just gets no better than this.”

    As part of the day’s festivities, The Rock toured Universal Studios with the kids and their families, and answered questions about his role in the Fast and Furious franchise. 

    Later in the day, The Rock hosted a special party for the kids and their families. The Hollywood A-Lister gifted Project Rock merch and a Rock-themed Xbox to each kid, courtesy of ‘Dwanta Claus.’ Johnson also made sure to speak to every kid in one-on-one conversations and gave them some words of wisdom. 

    Did The Rock reveal a massive WWE future plan when meeting a kid from Make-A-Wish… 

  • Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Inducted Into Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Inducted Into Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

    Dwayne Johnson has added another accolade to his impressive resume by being inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. 

    Years before he was wowing fans as The Rock, Johnson played for the Miami Hurricanes as a defensive tackle. This week, The former WWE Champion was inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, which recognizes athletes from Tonga, Samoa and surrounding islands. On Twitter, the Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment was honored to receive the induction. 

    Speaking about the Brahma Bull, former Miami head coach Dennis Erickson recalled Johnson’s time with the University of Miami via the College Football Hall of Fame:

    “Back then, he was a broad-shouldered defensive lineman and his teammates called him ‘Dewey’. He was often spotted walking around campus in a lava-lava skirt singing country music.”

    During Johnson’s time at Miami, he was responsible for 77 tackles and 4.25 sacks, according to Pro Football Network. 

    Returning to the Ring? 

     It’s been decades since Johnson played football, but a return to the ring may be in the works.  On the Day 1 edition of WWE Raw, The Rock returned and teased coming for Roman Reigns’ spot as Head of the Table. Currently, WWE is trying to decide whether The Rock or Cody Rhodes will challenge Reigns at WrestleMania 40. Despite reports that a triple-threat match had been discussed, SE Scoops’ sources made clear that this is not the plan for the two-night April supershow. 

    The Rock may wrestle at WrestleMania 40 against his cousin, but is this the right match for WWE… 

  • WWE & AEW Both Hope To Snag Kazuchika Okada’s Next Contract

    WWE & AEW Both Hope To Snag Kazuchika Okada’s Next Contract

    Kazuchika Okada was one of the biggest names in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but his time with the company is ending. He is not retiring, so Okada will find another pro wrestling home. That brings up a couple obvious choices, but nothing is in stone yet.

    Kazuchika Okada leaving NJPW

    Okada will depart NJPW when his contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling concludes later this month, with potential moves to either WWE or AEW in early 2024.

    WWE has shown interest in Okada for some time, but he has never made his way there from NJPW. There is currently a perception that Okada was significantly underpaid during his tenure as a top star in New Japan Pro Wrestling, especially in comparison to potential earnings in the United States, whether with WWE or AEW.

    During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer brought up Okada’s current situation. At this time, he is still weighing his options, because he has a huge decision to make.

    “He’s gonna go to whoever makes the best offer. I’ve heard from people and talked to people who know him very well, who have talked to him in the last day or two. And he has not decided. It’s not like a secret. He just hasn’t decided yet. I know people in AEW who think they’ve got him.”

    “I know people in AEW who hope they’ve got him but don’t think they’ve got him. I know people in WWE who hope they’re gonna get him and who believe that..one person mentioned…..he wants the legacy, and it’s kinda like they’re like, ‘Well, maybe we can pay him less, but you can have your WrestleMania moment”. And again, what his goal is in his life, for some people that means more and either way he’s gonna make great money.”

    Both WWE and AEW presented proposals for Okada, and it was rumored that AEW had put forth a more compelling initial offer. Although no agreement has been finalized, both companies believe that they have a shot at securing the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion’s services.

  • Dakota Kai Steps Up To Save Puppy Who Needed A Home

    Dakota Kai Steps Up To Save Puppy Who Needed A Home

    Dakota Kai may play a heel on television for WWE, but she has a heart of gold outside the squared circle. She recently encountered a puppy who needed her help, and she took action.

    Dakota Kai’s Puppy Story

    The Damage CTRL member recently received a message from her friend. Someone dumped a puppy with her, and she couldn’t keep her. Kai wasted no time taking action.

    Dakota posted on her Instagram story to show off this little puppy. She also included a caption to explain this humanitarian situation.

    URGENT: Hey Florida people, this sweet anxious baby was ditched with my friend. She can’t keep her. HMU if you can help out even if it’s to foster in the meantime.”

    The WWE Superstar updated fans with a few Instagram stories about this puppy. She was very happy to meet the little girl, but she was even happier to let fans know that she found a home for him.

    It didn’t take much time for Dakota Kai to let fans know that it appears that they found a fur-ever home for this little girl. That is a great ending for this story.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C2YOU5wOsqd

    Dakota Kai’s Current WWE Status

    Dakota Kai appears on WWE television practically every week, but she is not wrestling. She is still out of action with an injury.

    Kai recently updated fans with a bit of apparent frustration, stating, “It’s irritating to hear people saying, ‘She can run and jump, so why isn’t she cleared yet?’ That’s not the process. I’ve been running and jumping for the past few months, but there’s a set date for official clearance because I need to go through matches, and they have specific criteria to meet before declaring me fully cleared. I won’t be in a wheelchair for nine months and then suddenly stand up and claim, ‘I’m cured.’ It doesn’t work that way.”

    As fans await her in-ring return, this is definitely a great story to hear in the meantime.

  • New Details Emerge About Kevin Dunn’s Time In WWE

    New Details Emerge About Kevin Dunn’s Time In WWE

    Longtime WWE Executive Producer Kevin Dunn left the company recently after decades as Vince McMahon’s right-hand man in production. WWE fans have already seen changes in segments during RAW and SmackDown. A bit of backlash has also sprung up about Lee Fitting as Dunn’s replacement. There is a lot more to this story when you crack it open.

    New Details about Kevin Dunn in WWE

    In the aftermath of Kevin Dunn’s departure from WWE, notable changes have emerged, and recent developments shed light on the impact of this shift. Sean Ross Sapp dropped a detailed report on Fightful Select to shed light on new details. 

    Numerous sources, approached by Fightful, provided insights into Dunn’s working dynamics. According to one source relayed by Corey Brennan, Dunn, contrary to expectations, was not excessively challenging to work with. However, he maintained a standard of excellence, expecting the best from everyone involved. 

    Dunn’s influence extended across various facets of WWE broadcasts, encompassing graphics, lighting, camera work, audio, pyrotechnics, and video production. He actively engaged in providing feedback for improvements and played a central role as the orchestrator of the broadcasts.

    Dunn’s consistent presence at almost every show was notable. In instances where he was absent, NXT producers stepped in to fill his role, particularly during the year-end shows he missed. Comparisons were drawn to Michael Cole’s regular attendance, but it was clarified that Dunn took a standard amount of holidays during his tenure.

    It was also noted that Triple H took charge of the broadcast during WWE Survivor Series and CM Punk’s return, given Dunn’s absence from the show. 

    Kevin Dunn as a Co-Worker in WWE

    Colleagues attested to Kevin Dunn’s positive working relationships with Triple H, Vince McMahon, Bruce Prichard, and segment producers. So, there was no animosity there, which is a departure from the narrative some painted. 

    Collaboration and idea exchange were reportedly common practices, and there was a notable emphasis on safety. For instance, during Cody Rhodes’ return at WrestleMania 38, Dunn ensured a prolonged hold on pyrotechnics to guarantee the safety of the camera crew on the ramp.

    Kevin Dunn may be gone from WWE, but he left a lasting impression on the entire pro wrestling business with his contributions. Although he was a scapegoat for fans and a controversial figure for others, Dunn was a constant in WWE, and he also left very large shoes to fill. 

  • Big E Gives Honest Status Of His WWE In-Ring Return Timetable

    Big E Gives Honest Status Of His WWE In-Ring Return Timetable

    Big E’s life changed when Ridge Holland did a German suplex on him outside the ring, and he didn’t make a full rotation. Since the March 11th, 2022 episode of WWE SmackDown, Big E has dealt with the aftermath of a broken neck. As we approach two years since that injury, a return is always a big question.

    Big E Addresses WWE Return

    Big E has already stated that he won’t have any word on his WWE stats until after WrestleMania. He is not saying no to an in-ring return, but he needs to make sure that decision is carefully thought out.

    While speaking to TMZ, Big E was asked how his neck is doing. “It’s all together, the bones connect to the other bones,” the former WWE Champion replied.

    Then got honest about his expected return timetable from injury. The truth is that, at this present time, there is no such expectation for his return.

    Big E stated that he doesn’t want to end up in a wheelchair, so he wants to make sure an in-ring return is the best choice to make for his own life.

    “I don’t have a timeline, unfortunately, but thank you for asking. ‘I just want to make a smart decision. I didn’t start wrestling to end up in a wheelchair, so I just want to make sure I’m just making the best decision for myself.”

    Big E In WWE During Injury Hiatus

    Big E is widely adored as a WWE Superstar, but he continues to be absent from the ring due to a severe neck injury. That doesn’t keep him out of WWE activities, because he still stays busy for the company.

    The New Day member has been present at WWE tryouts, where he kept an eye on talent. He has also acted as a scout in other respects. WWE uses Big E on a frequent basis for community events as well.

  • Watch: Cody Rhodes Meets ‘Mini Cody’ In Heartwarming WWE Live Event Moment

    WWE Raw Superstar Cody Rhodes has continued to prove himself as a hero of modern fans with a heartwarming interaction at a recent live event. 

    At the recent event in Montgomery, AL, Rhodes defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in a Bullrope match. After the bout, Rhodes met up with a young fan named Harrison, who was decked head to toe in a Cody-themed costume. Rhodes was thrilled to meet the young fan, and was relieved to learn that Harrison’s favorite wrestler is none other than Cody himself. You can check out the heartwarming interaction below. 

    Cody Rhodes & The Fans

    Young Harrison is hardly the first fan to have an epic encounter with Cody Rhodes. When a fan held a sign asking Rhodes to be his best man, the Raw Superstar gladly accepted. Rhodes has also given away items to fans at WWE events, including after this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown. In the run-up to Christmas, Rhodes went the extra mile to ensure that one young fan had the best Holiday season ever. 

    What’s Next for Cody Rhodes? 

    Rhodes will compete in next week’s Men’s Royal Rumble match, a bout he won in 2023. Win or lose, many believe Rhodes will face Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. WWE is currently deciding whether it’ll be Cody or The Rock who faces Reigns in Philadelphia. 

    Cody is the American Nightmare, but recently made some dreams come true for the popular ‘The Wrestling Club’… 

  • WWE Not Considering One Reported WrestleMania 40 Main Event Option

    WWE Not Considering One Reported WrestleMania 40 Main Event Option

    The Rock changed a lot about WrestleMania when he made his surprise return for a one-night special appearance on WWE RAW’s Day 1 episode. After he dropped that “Head of the Table” tease, the idea that fans may finally see Rock vs Roman Reigns is a very popular one. That leaves a big question about plans they already had in line.

    WrestleMania 40 Plans

    Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes was the plan for the Undisputed Universal Title match at WrestleMania 40. That would have seen Rhodes return a year after his Mania 39 loss to face Reigns again. After The Rock returned to the picture, that brought a big possible change.

    The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that, “Reigns’ opponent is expected to be either The Rock or Rhodes, or it could be a three-way.”

    Roman Reigns’ Match (Exclusive)

    While we cannot provide any information about WWE’s final decision for Reigns’ WrestleMania main event match, we can confirm that one of those three options is off the table. A triple threat match is not going to be how they resolve this issue.

    A tenured member of the WWE creative team confirmed to me that there will be, “No Triple Threat for Mania.” I was told that the creative team was informed of that last week.

    At this time, I am told that The Rock, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania situation “is being held tight at the highest levels.”

    History of The Rock vs Roman Reigns at WrestleMania

    The Rock vs Roman Reigns was pencilled in for WrestleMania 37 at SoFi Stadium, but then that event was moved to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, because WrestleMania 36 went down in front of zero fans. The pandemic caused Tampa to lose Mania 36, but WWE’s dedication to Florida brought them back for a show of shows in front of live fans the next year.

    The big cousin vs cousin main event was then tabled after I was told The Rock was a “virtual lock.”

    The Rock later confirmed on the Pat McAfee Show that he was very close to having that match against Roman on the grandest stage of them all, but things changed.

    “The Rock headlining WrestleMania with Roman Reigns, SoFi Stadium, that was locked. We were doing it. But let me just tell you, so about the beginning of 2022, Nick Khan, very good friend, he’s the man, he was very instrumental in bringing Vince and I together. We all flew to LA, we met, we sat. This was the beginning of 2022. We broke out the Teremana, we toasted life, we toasted the business we love, and about an hour later, we started talking about the potential of what this match could be between myself and Roman Reigns headlining WrestleMania at SoFi.”

    The Royal Rumble event on January 27th will likely answer more than a few questions about what WWE is planning for WrestleMania 40. Don’t count on a triple threat match, but the Tribal Chief is practically guaranteed to have a big match at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.

  • CM Punk Left Hanging by Damage CTRL After Applying to Join: “Haven’t heard anything yet”

    CM Punk Left Hanging by Damage CTRL After Applying to Join: “Haven’t heard anything yet”

    Could CM Punk be a part of Damage CTRL?

    Damage CTRL led by Bayley has been a formidable faction in the women’s division. The faction originally had Dakota Kai and IYO SKY and later Asuka and Kairi Sane joined the group. 

    Bayley recently posted a new photo with herself, Kairi Sane, Asuka, IYO SKY, and Dakota Kai. The former Women’s Champion wrote the following in the caption:

    “They said we won’t. I bet we will.”

    CM Punk jokes about wanting to join Damage CTRL

    CM Punk took note of the photo and wrote an amusing comment. He joked that he applied to join Damage CTRL.

    “I sent in my application to join but haven’t heard anything yet,” he said.

    Bayley and CM Punk will compete in respective Royal Rumble 2024 matches 

    Royal Rumble 2024 WWE Premium Live Event which will emanate live from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida is less than a week away. The show takes place on January 27.

    Damage CTRL’s Bayley is certainly among the
    favorites to win this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match. With Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley seemingly locked for a title bout for WrestleMania 40, ‘The Role Model’ could win the high-stakes match and go after IYO SKY’s WWE Women’s title, adding a new layer to their storyline. 

    Meanwhile, CM Punk who made a blockbuster return in November last year has made a major impact. He had been the talk of the town for quite some time and if he wins the Royal Rumble match, he could even go on to main event WrestleMania 40. 

  • Daniel Garcia: AEW’s Roster Are Very Happy To See WWE Succeed

    Daniel Garcia: AEW’s Roster Are Very Happy To See WWE Succeed

    While a portion of professional wrestling fans may be extremely tribal, those in AEW are happy to see its main competition, WWE, succeed. 

    Since launching in 2019, AEW has proven to be the biggest competition to WWE since the demise of WCW in 2001. When AEW Dynamite and WWE NXT competed in the Wednesday Night Wars, AEW’s flagship show would win the majority of battles over ratings. When the two shows went head-to-head last October, however, NXT earned a comfortable, decisive victory over Dynamite. 

    AEW Are Happy for WWE

    The topic of tribalism has been a hot-button issue since the launch of AEW, with Tony Khan’s recent outburst about Raw’s booking making headlines. In a recent interview with Adrian Hernandez, however, Daniel Garcia made it clear why AEW’s roster hopes to see WWE do well and vice versa. 

    “The fans are so AEW or WWE, they think the talent is like that as well. They think we hate each other and we don’t interact with each other. When it comes down to it, having both companies is great for all of us. It gets us all more money, it makes the product better. The competition is great.

    “We’re very grateful for WWE succeeding and I’m sure people at WWE, the talent, is very grateful for AEW being successful. All talent, for the most part, I think everyone gets along and interacts with each other.”

    Garcia competed on this week’s AEW Collision, where he defeated Buddy Matthews. He was attacked by the House of Black after the match. 

    One AEW star has called for less hostility among fans of AEW and WWE… 

    H/T – Fightful

  • Roman Reigns Surpasses Bruno Sammartino In Historic World Championship Reign

    Roman Reigns Surpasses Bruno Sammartino In Historic World Championship Reign

    Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns has continued to etch his name in history by surpassing the legendary Bruno Sammartino’s second WWWF title reign. 

    Reigns has dominated WWE since capturing the Universal Championship at Payback 2020, in a match that saw him defeat Braun Strowman and the late Bray Wyatt. This week, Reigns’ tenure as champion reached 1,238 days with the Universal title. In doing so, the Head of the Table surpassed Bruno’s second reign with the WWWF title. The WWE Hall of Famer’s second reign saw him hold the gold from December 10, 1973, to April 30, 1977. 

    The Longest Reigning Champion Ever? 

    By surpassing Bruno’s second World title reign, Reigns now boasts the fourth-longest WWE World Championship reign in the history of the company. Currently, the only reigns ahead of Reigns belong to Hulk Hogan, Bob Backlund and Bruno Sammartino’s first WWWF title reign. 

    For Roman to overtake Hogan’s first World title reign, he’ll need to hold the gold until September 12, 2024. To overtake Backlund’s first reign, he will need to remain champion until Sunday, July 5, 2026. Finally, to best Sammartino’s first reign and become the longest-reigning champion in WWE history, Roman Reigns will need to keep the gold until Wednesday, May 3, 2028. 

    What’s Next for Roman Reigns? 

    Reigns’ next title defense will come at the Royal Rumble 2024 event next week. Reigns will defend in a four-way against AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and LA Knight. Should Reigns retain, WWE is currently deciding between two massive opponents for Reigns at WrestleMania 40.

    The Rock wants Roman Reigns, but the Head of the Table isn’t sweating his cousin… 

  • Why Top WWE Prospect Was Backstage At AEW Dynamite This Week

    AEW has brought in some of the best free agents that they can since their doors opened. The fact that Kamille was backstage at Dynamite this week certainly made a lot of people look her way.

    Why Kamille Was Backstage At AEW Dynamite

    Kamille is one of the biggest female names in the pro wrestling scene. Her debut for AEW did not happen this week, but she was around. This goes against the previous idea that she was WWE bound. 

    Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that Kamille was just around AEW Dynamite to visit friends. She lives in the area, as Dynamite took place at the North Charleston Coliseum in North Charleston, South Carolina. 

    Fightful confirmed that even though she was originally just around visiting friends, as she’s local to the area. However, that she did speak with several people of influence at the show.

    Kamille’s Current Contract Status

    It was also noted that, as of January 19th, Kamille has not signed with any company yet. It was reported that overtures were made over the past couple of weeks to bring Kamille to WWE. However, that didn’t keep her from being backstage at AEW Dynamite on January 17.

    Kamille reportedly had a six-month option with NWA that could have extended into the first half of the year. Nevertheless, she chose not to exercise that option.

    What’s Next For Kamille?

    Kamille’s future is uncertain, but she is a top free agent in the pro wrestling landscape. Wherever she goes next, it is bound to draw headlines.

    The former NWA women’s champion is reportedly set to join WWE. The 31-year-old has been a free agent since January 1st, but that might not be the case for very long.

  • TNA Star Reveals Devastating Knee Injury

    TNA Wrestling just completed their re-branding, and that brought a new surge of interest for the former Impact Wrestling. Unfortunately, KiLynn King won’t be around for a while to enjoy that.

    KiLynn King Makes a Sad Announcement

    During the December 17th at the GLOW event hosted by the Florida independent promotion Mayhem on Mills in Sanford, Florida, TNA star KiLynn King sustained an injury.

    During that show, KiLynn King defended her Mayhem on Mills Championship against Eli Knight at the event. In the heat of the match, King executed a mid-air kick off the middle rope, but her landing seemed awkward.

    Sadly, King took to Instagram nearly one month later, where she had a sad announcement to make. She will be out of action for a while due to a knee injury.

    Yes, I’m still with TNA, but unfortunately, about a month ago, I got injured. I temporarily dislocated my knee in the match, which caused damage to my MCL and I tore my ACL. If you know anything about knees, you know no bueno.Why KiLynn King Waited To Tell Fans About Her Injury

    https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:C2TGmaIvqC4

    Why KiLynn King Waited To Tell Fans About Her Injury

    King explained that she did not go public about her injury right away, because she needed to process it. She was in denial about her injury at first.

    Several fans were apparently DMing her, to ask if she is still with TNA Wrestling. She is, but she is injured. She is walking again and has surgery scheduled for the first week of February. They are looking at a 9 to 12 month recovery process.

    We’re sending out our best to KiLynn King, and we hope that she can get back to the ring soon. She loves pro wrestling, and seems focused to make a headline-grabbing comeback when the day comes.

  • Which WWE Superstar Made Grayson Waller Swear Off Cake Forever?

    Which WWE Superstar Made Grayson Waller Swear Off Cake Forever?

    Grayson Waller has a bright future ahead of him in WWE, but don’t expect the Australian to celebrate any future big wins with something sweet. 

    Waller has become a regular on SmackDown, despite having yet to hold gold on either the main roster or in NXT. The Australian’s partnership with Theory has been well-received by management, with both men expected to be elevated on the road to WrestleMania. Waller recently made headlines for protecting kayfabe in the face of an Australian morning show host. 

    Grayson Waller & The Cake

    Waller has an impressive physique fans can see each week on WWE TV but isn’t immune to the occasional treat. During a recent appearance on the Boom Rookies podcast, Waller recalled working during a lengthy tour and intended to celebrate its completion with a delicious chocolate cake. 

    ”I put the knife into the cake and in walks Bobby Lashley. This man is a physical specimen. Huge human being, jacked to the gills. Me and Bobby hadn’t spoken much, and he walked in and looked at the cake. For like a good 15 seconds, an awkward amount of time. Then, this breaks my heart, he looked up at me and said, ‘Are you really going to have that?’ I kind of went, ‘I had a tour…’ He just walked away.”

    Waller’s interaction with Lashley was brief but had a profound effect on the former schoolteacher. 

    “I threw the cake in the bin. I haven’t gone for dessert at catering since. When I looked in his eyes, it looked like judgment. It looked like full judgment.”

    Grayson Waller recently found out a shocking truth about the United States… 

  • Charlotte Flair Receives Encouraging News on Her WWE Return Timeline

    Charlotte Flair Receives Encouraging News on Her WWE Return Timeline

    Fans will be delighted to know that multi-time Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair is ‘crushing it’ in the recovery process after she recently suffered a significant injury. 

    ‘The Queen’ sustained the injury in a singles match against Damage CTRL’s Asuka on the Tribute to the Troops edition of SmackDown on December 8. 

    The injury occurred when Flair tried to hit her signature moonsault outside the ring.  Flair managed to finish the match despite the injury.

    It was later announced that Charlotte Flair suffered multiple knee injuries during the incident, including tears to her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. She was even spotted on crutches at the CMLL event ahead of her surgery.

    After undergoing surgery, The Queen is pushing herself to the limits to make her highly-anticipated return. She is expected to be out for at least 9 months but it seems Flair wants to make a comeback far sooner. Flair recently posted a video clip on social media to show off her progress. She is already on the treadmill and hopes to return sooner.

    Ric Flair shares an update on Charlotte Flair

    WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has shared an update on her recovery. He said:

    “I was speaking with Dr. Dugan. He’s been there 30 years. He said Ashley is one of the top three athletes that they have ever done surgery on. Think about that. We’re talking Bo Jackson. We’re talking, I mean, I can go down the list of people.“

    “The Tommy John’s. He said we consider her one of the top three athletes, not wrestlers, to ever come through the doors.”

    Ric Flair lauded Charlotte Flair’s recuperation and that she’s showcasing her extraordinary abilities. Considering it one of the greatest compliments one could receive, he said that she is recovering beyond expectations and is expected to return sooner than advised. Ric highlighted the special and distinctive attributes of Charlotte Flair and said:

    “Her recovery, she’s crushing it. She’s actually going to come back faster than they will ever recommend. That’s unbelievable. I thought that might be one of the biggest compliments.“

    “I mean, it’s unfortunate that it had to come from a doctor in a hospital, but I keep telling people, man, she’s a different kind of cat.”

    We will now have to wait and see if Charlotte Flair actually makes her return ahead of schedule.

  • Logan Paul Stunned Upon Learning Stalker Allegedly Took His Own Life

    Logan Paul was a massive celebrity even before making his way to WWE. He has also dealt with his fair share of over-zealous fans as well. After hearing a grim update about one fan who went too far, the WWE United States Champion was devastated.

    Logan Paul’s Stalker Drama

    In 2018, Logan Paul found himself targeted by a man who apparently had an extreme fixation on him, even going so far as to break into his home. Unbeknownst to Logan at the time, this individual later took his own life.

    During a conversation with TMZ, they approached this dark chapter of his life when a person named Tahj Deondre Speight allegedly trespassed into Logan’s house without authorization, leading to a confrontation. Paul had no idea what happened to his stalker after that, but the news shook him.

    During that scary ordeal, Logan ended up apprehending Speight, who was subsequently arrested, charged, prosecuted, and eventually incarcerated. However, it came to light that Speight had passed away, seemingly by suicide.

    Logan Paul Reacts To His Tahj Deondre Speight’s Apparent Suicide

    Harvey Levin shared this news with Logan during the TMZ interview, catching him off guard with the revelation. Then the question was posed, asking if the system failed Speight by not providing him with the necessary help or resources.

    In response, Logan provided a candid answer, expressing empathy for the man he once subdued. He went on to express his thoughts that the system failed his stalker, because he was not mentally stable, and he didn’t get the help he needed.

    “Heavy …. I didn’t know he died. I’d say the system definitely failed him, for sure. I didn’t even know he died, and the first thing I said was, ‘this is obviously an unstable individual, and I’d like to emphasize with him however much I can. Whatever facility, whatever protocol was put in place to try to help this individual obviously failed, and that’s a shame. These aren’t normal individuals. They’re insane, and they need to be treated as such, and they need to be taken care of in a better way.”

    How To Watch The Whole Logan Paul Interview

    This emotional and heartfelt interview was part of the show titled TMZ Investigates: Obsessed and Dangerous: Hollywood’s Stalker Crisis. The weekly series will begin on FOX Monday at 9/8c.

    In times of struggle or crisis, assistance is within reach. Reach out by calling or texting 988, or engage in a chat at 988lifeline.org.

    Transcription by SE Scoops

  • Watch Bret ‘Gift-Man’ Hart Deliver Amazon Packages To Lucky Canadians

    Watch Bret ‘Gift-Man’ Hart Deliver Amazon Packages To Lucky Canadians

    Bret Hart is the Best There Is, the Best There Was, and the Best There Ever Will Be when it comes to delivering gifts to some very lucky Amazon Prime members. 

    Hart teamed with the product-delivery giant this week to deliver items to the winners of Amazon’s Giftmania contest. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer personally delivered items to various people who were thrilled to get their gifts and meet the Canadian wrestling legend. The gifts were from Amazon gift lists and recipients received gifts valued up to $300 by the ‘GiftMan’. 

    Amazon’s Giftmania contest was created to celebrate ten years of Amazon Prime in Canada. The contest was first announced in November of last year, with the former WWF and WCW World Heavyweight Champion appearing in a promotional video. 

    Bret Hart Today

    The Hitman’s days in the ring may be behind him, but Bret Hart continues to have an impact on the wrestling world. Last year, it was reported that Drew McIntyre’s heel turn had been inspired by the Hitman’s transformation in 1997. McIntyre slowly turned to the dark side as he was unwilling and unable to forgive Jey Uso for his past transgressions in the Bloodline. 

    The change mirrored Hart’s heel turn in 1997 when fans began embracing ruder characters such as Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin to the chagrin of the clean-cut Hitman. More recently, Bret Hart became a grandfather yet again, and it didn’t take Hart long to test his grandchild’s wrestling skills. 

    Bret Hart is respected by countless wrestlers, but one top WWE Superstar hasn’t been amazed by the Excellence of Execution…