SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Exclusive Details On WWE’s Plan For Brock Lesnar In 2024

    Exclusive Details On WWE’s Plan For Brock Lesnar In 2024

    WWE is gearing up for the road to WrestleMania, and the event is set to kick off on January 27th at the Royal Rumble in Tropicana Field. Although we still have over a month until they really put the wheels in motion, other wheels on the road have provided a glimpse at what is to come.

    Brock Lesnar’s Current WWE Situation

    Brock Lesnar’s last appearance on WWE television took place during the SummerSlam, where he faced Cody Rhodes. Ultimately, Lesnar was defeated by The American Nightmare, and he praised Rhodes in an impromptu post-match celebration. The Beast Incarnate’s absence has persisted since that event in Detroit’s Ford Field.

    Despite Brock Lesnar’s current absence from WWE television, promotional materials featuring him for WrestleMania 40 were spotted on the back of a WWE production truck. This observation is noteworthy considering the proximity of the Royal Rumble next month, adding an intriguing layer to Lesnar’s potential involvement in upcoming events.

    Exclusive Details About Brock Lesnar’s WWE Future

    I was told by a tenured source within WWE after SummerSlam that Brock Lesnar won’t be back to wrestle for the rest of 2023. Now that we are closing out December, it seems that came to pass.

    The Royal Rumble event is the next big event on WWE’s schedule. I could not get a definite confirmation that Brock Lesnar will be a part of the January 27th Royal Rumble event, but it was not denied to me, either.

    I was told that Brock Lesnar is slated to be on the WrestleMania 40 card. That being said, WWE is obviously gearing up for a big night in Philadelphia for the Beast Incarnate. His opponent is another question, as a lot of things are shifting within WWE right now, especially after CM Punk’s return. So, nothing is locked into place yet.

    I was able to confirm, as I previously reported, that Roman Reigns’ plan for WrestleMania 40 has not changed, but anything is possible until it is “locked in.”

    UPDATE: Allegation Involving Brock Lesnar

    In the blockbuster lawsuit from Janel Grant, it was noted that Vince McMahon allegedly used her as a bargaining chip to secure a contract renewal. The Superstar in question was not named, but they were referred to as a former UFC Heavyweight Champion.

    In March 2020, McMahon began sharing sexually explicit photographs and videos of Ms. Grant (including pornographic content he recorded) with other men both inside and outside the company, including with members of the television production “tech” team, executive(s), 4 producer(s), and a world-famous athlete and former UFC Heavyweight Champion with whom WWE was actively trying to sign to a new contract (and ultimately did sign that contract).

    WrestleMania Update:

    Brock Lesnar’s planned WrestleMania match against GUNTHER is now up in the air. He was removed from Elimination Chamber plans to face Dominik Mysterio. It is unknown if he will wrestle at the show of shows.

    We will have complete coverage of the Road to WrestleMania here at SE Scoops. 

  • Dominik Mysterio Uses AEW Botch To Troll CM Punk

    Dominik Mysterio Uses AEW Botch To Troll CM Punk

    The upcoming clash between CM Punk and Mysterio is slated to unfold at WWE’s Holiday Tour house show at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday, December 26th, followed by a live event at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA on Saturday, December 30th. Those two matches will give Punk and Dirty Dominik a real familiarity with each other. 

    How CM Punk & Dominik Mysterio’s Match Was Booked

    Dominik Mysterio is known for drawing insane amounts of heat from WWE fans. Naturally, he is going to lay it on thick for CM Punk, even if the two aren’t slated to wrestle on television yet. 

    CM Punk’s return to WWE marks his first match since the 2014 Royal Rumble, with his latest taking place at AEW All In, where he beat Samoa Joe following a backstage altercation with Jack Perry in Wembley Stadium. Now, Punk is set to dust off his long bois with Dominik Mysterio. 

    During CM Punk’s recent commentary for the CFFC, he revealed a longstanding desire to punch Mysterio, tracing back to their past feud that involved a young Dominik and culminated in Punk getting his head shaved. In response, Dominik Mysterio took to Twitter, playfully mocking Punk by sharing a clip from an AEW match where Punk experienced a misstep in the ring. 

    Dominik Mysterio captioned the post with a little request for CM Punk to replicate the punch, adding a playful nod to Punk’s self-proclaimed title of Best in the World.

    “Punch me like this please…@CMPunk #bestintheworld.”

    What’s Next For CM Punk & Dominik Mysterio In WWE

    CM Punk just got off of a stint with AEW, so it’s not like he would have a tremendous amount of ring rust on him. Still, it appears that he will knock off what WWE ring rust he may have with Dominik Mysterio at Madison Square Garden on December 26th.

    WWE will have Dominik Mysterio around for a very long time to come. He recently inked a new deal with the company, reportedly speculated to be a five-year commitment.

    CM Punk has his eyes set on Seth Rollins in the television storyline, which is why he entered the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match. We will keep our eye on CM Punk and Dominik Mysterio’s set of matches here at SE Scoops, just in case anything eventful happens. 

  • WWE Hall of Famer Afa Undergoes Medical Procedure

    WWE Hall of Famer Afa Undergoes Medical Procedure

    WWE Hall of Famer Afa undergoes medical evaluation for a concern related to his heart.

    Afa Anoa’i, one-half of the original Wild Samoans tag team, recently completed two procedures aimed at checking out his heart valves. The 81-year-old is currently scheduled for a follow-up appointment later this week, where doctors will then determine the next course of action. Despite the uncertainty, Afa has since returned to the comfort of his home and seems to be in good spirits. 

    The latest update, which was posted to Afa’s official Facebook, reads:

    “Yesterday Afa had two exploratory heart procedures to check his valves. In his own words: “I kicked out before the 1!” He is home and doing very well. Nothing keeps a Wild Samoan down! His follow up appointment is on the 20th to go over next steps. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he may need a valve replacement. But he’s up and at it, working hard on the WXW Seminar on January 13th and the first show of the year, February 17th, with proceeds to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Afa was joking with and signing autographs for the hospital staff.”

    As mentioned in the aforementioned Facebook statement, Afa is also in the midst of preparing for an upcoming seminar he will be hosting at WXW Wrestling in Minneola, Florida on Saturday, January 13. The following month, WXW Wrestling will be holding a live wrestling event, in which proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

    SEScoops would like to extend our sincerest well wishes to Afa Anoa’i as he soon undergoes further evaluation. 

  • Rhea Ripley Is Very Proud Of Comparisons To Chyna

    Rhea Ripley Is Very Proud Of Comparisons To Chyna

    WWE has seen many women travel through the company that changed history. Chyna turned heads in the late-90s for WWE, proving that women can be more than Divas. In today’s company, Rhea Ripley is taking the idea of what it means to be a female Superstar to another level. 

    Rhea Ripley’s Place In WWE Today

    Rhea Ripley currently stands among the prominent female WWE Superstars, steadily gaining momentum each week. As the lone woman in Judgement Day, she has often been compared to another amazing female talent who once backed a stable, Chyna. The Eradicator doesn’t mind those comparisons at all.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lT9DIey1Ts

    While speaking to The West Australian, Rhea Ripley spoke about the comparisons she receives to Chyna. She considers those comparisons to the WWE Hall of Famer “amazing” and she is “very proud of” the fact that she is in that conversation. 

    “I don’t think getting compared to Chyna is a bad thing at all. I think it’s amazing. I’m actually very proud of that fact. The only problem that I’m having at the moment is that, I’ve done all these amazing things with men that have been so good to me, and let me do these things. While I was doing that, the women’s division was suffering a little bit, and not getting built the right way. It was at a weird time where things weren’t certain and things were changing constantly, so the women’s division suffered a little bit, and now we’re trying to build it back up.”

    “Obviously we have like our Becky Lynches, we have Nia Jax, we have our Charlotte Flairs, our Asukas, all of that, but it’s time to make some new stars as well, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to make new names and get the women’s division rocking and rolling.”

    “So there’s lots of great challenges, but for me, I love doing everything. I love beating the men up. I love beating the women up. It makes me different, it makes me stand out, and it’s a lot of fun.”

    Rhea Ripley will keep doing her thing, while remaining true to herself. If that means she is compared to a trailblazing legend like Chyna, then so bet it. 

    Chyna’s Tragic Groundbreaking Story In WWE

    Chyna rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a groundbreaking figure in professional wrestling. Debuting in WWE in 1997, Chyna quickly shattered gender norms by competing against male wrestlers. Billed as the “Ninth Wonder of the World.” Chyna achieved significant success, becoming the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble and winning the Intercontinental Championship. 

    Sadly, despite her accomplishments, personal struggles and conflicts led to her departure from WWE in 2001. Chyna faced challenges post-wrestling, including ventures into reality television and adult entertainment. Her life took a tragic turn, and she battled substance abuse and mental health issues, contributing to her untimely death in 2016. 

    Chyna’s legacy remains complex, marked by both her groundbreaking contributions to wrestling and the challenges she faced in her personal life. After her death, in a moment that was a long time coming for many pro wrestling fans, Chyna was finally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of DX in 2019.

    WWE fans are still waiting on a solo induction for Chyna, and Rhea Ripley would probably love to see that happen, too. 

  • ECW Legend Masato Tanaka is Coming to WrestleMania 40 Weekend

    ECW Legend Masato Tanaka is Coming to WrestleMania 40 Weekend

    Fans in the United States will soon get to see Masato Tanaka back in the ring as part of WrestleMania weekend next April.

    The 50-year-old continues to wrestle to this day and is looking for a role during the already-stacked weekend. On Twitter, Kikataru, the agent for Tanaka, shared that the Japanese wrestling legend is open to bookings for WrestleMania Weekend.

    Masato Tanaka

    Masato Tanaka began his wrestling career in July 1993 as part of FMW and would later find his way to ECW. In December 1999, Tanaka captured the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first champion not to be an American citizen. Tanaka has competed twice for WWE, with these matches being at the ECW One Night Stand shows in 2005 and in 2005.

    WrestleMania Weekend

    The highlight of WrestleMania weekend in April 2024 will, of course, be WrestleMania 40. The two-night event will take place on April 6, and April 7 from Lincoln, Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. This will be WWE’s fifth annual two-night WrestleMania, a concept introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    With wrestling fans around the world descending on Philly, it’s hardly a surprise that other companies are heading to the city of Brotherly Love. Game Changer Wrestling will host its annual The Collective next year: a series of events featuring numerous promotions. There will also be an ‘ECW Experience’ event for WrestleMania weekend, but it won’t come cheap. For $9,000, fans can enjoy the EXW experience with Rob Van Dam, floor seats at WrestleMania 40, and a pre-show party with The Undertaker.

  • WWE Locks Dominik Mysterio Into New Long-Term Contract

    WWE Locks Dominik Mysterio Into New Long-Term Contract

    Dominik Mysterio’s rise in popularity since he joined Judgment Day has been amazing to watch. A chorus of boos drowns out every one of his promos, a trend that continues to this day. He also can’t make it through certain security checkpoints without getting a second-look. Now, “Dirty Dominik” is making a real commitment to WWE.

    PW Insider reports that Dominik Mysterio has signed a new WWE contract. The signing actually took place about a month ago, marking a significant development in Mysterio’s career within the wrestling powerhouse.

    While it hasn’t been confirmed, the general reported belief is that Dominik Mysterio inked a five-year deal with WWE. That will keep Dominik Mysterio with WWE until 2028 when he is 31-years-old.

    Dominik Mysterio’s History In WWE

    Although Dominik Mysterio really established himself as a WWE Superstar over the past few years, He was a part of Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero’s classic “I’m Your Papi” storyline.

    During that time, Dominik Mysterio played integral roles alongside his father, Rey Mysterio, in compelling storylines involving wrestling luminaries such as Eddie Guerrero and CM Punk.

    Dominik Mysterio officially entered the WWE scene in 2020, making a noteworthy debut that set the stage for his ongoing journey in the world of professional wrestling.

    This new contract signifies not only a continued commitment between Dominik Mysterio and WWE, but also a testament to the company’s recognition of his contributions and potential within the industry. As the wrestling landscape evolves, Dominik’s presence will continue, meaning that Triple H sees Dominik Myserio as a part of WWE’s future for years to come.

  • Earl Hebner Confirms He Squashed Issues With Bret Hart

    Earl Hebner Confirms He Squashed Issues With Bret Hart

    Bret Hart famously left WWE in 1997 after an incredibly controversial exit. That departure still lives on in pro wrestling fandom, but it seems that the incident is water under the bridge for everyone involved. 

    The Montreal Screw-Job

    The Montreal Screwjob went down during the 1997 Survivor Series match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. In the closing moments of the bout, there was a controversial and unexpected turn of events. Despite Bret Hart not intending to drop the WWE Championship in his home country of Canada, Vince McMahon, the owner, and operator of WWE at the time, instructed the referee, Earl Hebner, to ring the bell and declare Shawn Michaels the winner. 

    This decision, which was made without Bret Hart’s knowledge, stirred immense controversy and changed the landscape of professional wrestling. It became one of the most talked-about incidents in the industry’s history. Not only did it inspire the legendary “Bret Screwed Bret” promo before memes existed, but it also lives on in pro wrestling history.

    The Aftermath of the Montreal Screw-Job

    During an interview with Steve Fall, Earl Hebner opened up about his current relationship with Bret Hart. It seems that the two have mended their bridge after that controversial Survivor Series main event in 1997.

    “I have a merch shirt that says ‘Damn right I did.’ And a lot of people want me to say, Can you write on it ‘I screwed Bret?’ I go, ‘No. I can’t do that.’ A while back, maybe three or four years ago, I would do it but Bret and I made up. And before my brother passed, we were at a house show, or indie show and he was there and he called us into the ring and he put us over like big time. So now Bret calls me now and then and I’ll call him and we got a good relationship back and I’m not gonna screw it up by writing something over a dumb ass shirt. It’s gonna destroy our friendship.

    Earl Hebner was questioned about any concerns he had before reuniting with Bret and the possibility of Bret being upset with him.

    “For a long time it honestly it bothered me. It was bad for me, you know, cuz I carried it with me for a lot of years. We met one time an airport, and I wanted to talk to him and he said, ‘I don’t want to talk to you.’ … I said, ‘can I talk to you for a minute?” He goes, ‘I don’t want to talk.’ I said okay, so I let it go and that was it. And as time went on, you know, it finally worked out well. We got to see each other [and] communicate.” 

    Working With Randy Savage

    Earl Hebner went on to speak about some talent who weren’t so easy to work with. One of those people was “Macho Man” Randy Savage, because he was such a perfectionist, and Savage wrote everything out in his matches move-by-move.

    “Well, from the old referees and today’s referees and today’s matches back then in there, it’s a world of difference. It’s not the same. It’s just it’s like old school and new school. You know and the old school you had to work and be smart because they never gave you everything. You know a lot of times back then I’d go in there and I go, ‘What’s the finish?’ They said, ‘just count.’ Okay. We did know the finish a lot of times. I mean 99 percent of the time. We knew the finish Some of the old guys just come through and tell you what it was. They said watch the match and count.”

    “Macho Man. I mean when it comes to WrestleMania, he gives you a sack of papers that thick of the whole match way before it was ever gonna go on. I mean two weeks before WrestleMania and then he comes back and I’ll go, ‘damn, this is a joke here.’ But that’s how he was, he was a perfectionist.”

    Steve Fall went on to note how Diamond Dallas Page wrote his matches out move by move before bell time. This caused Earl Hebner to reply, “Oh Randy was the same way about like TVs and house shows, you know same thing…If you screwed up he’d go, ‘What the hell’s going on here?’”

    Earl Hebner is full of stories, and he was a part of pro wrestling history along the way. It’s also nice to see that he was able to mend some of those relationships that he tarnished along the way.

    Earl Hebner’s book titled “Earl Hebner: The Official Story” can be purchased at this link.

  • Former WWE Star Teasing a Return At The Royal Rumble 2024

    Fans are buzzing after former WWE star Chris Masters recently dropped a video clip on social media. It seems that he is teasing a return to the company. 

    Masters debuted on WWE Raw in 2005 and was a standout superstar due to his impressive physique. He used a Full Nelson finisher known as the Masterlock which gave his opponents no choice but the tap out in many matches.

    ‘The Masterpiece’ had a couple of runs in WWE from 2005 to 2007 and then again from 2009 to 2011. Following his departure from the company, Masters went by his ring name Adonis, and has been competing on the independent circuit. He also became the NWA National Heavyweight Champion twice.

    Chris Masters teasing the fans

    Chris Masters took to Twitter and shared a video of himself inside a hallway which sparked speculation that he could be returning during the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event next year.

    “And now the participant who drew number 2….”

    Chris Masters on the possibility of a return to WWE

    Earlier this year, during an interview with Chris Van Vliet, the former WWE star spoke about his run at WWE and discussed the possibilities of a return to the company. He said:

    “I’ve never even thought about going back to WWE, honestly, because, and it’s not out of anything bitter. It’s just, you know, I had a couple of runs there and it ended the way it did. And, you know, I just realized that my love is for professional wrestling even if it’s not with WWE. But you know, with everything that I’ve learned in the last couple of years and then also seen Shelton, Carlito, MVP all my buddies you know, I finally started you know, looking at it and it was more out of this what you just mentioned.”

    “It was more not out of Chris Masters coming back, it was more out of because I remember getting in touch with that young wrestling fan. I remember what is it that we’re always looking for? We’re looking for that oh sh*t moment you know, I mean, like that Ultimate Warrior comeback at WrestleMania 8. It’s not to say anything I could do can measure to that but the Bobby Lashley scenario is fascinating because I haven’t been there for so long though.”

    WWE is planning to make this year’s Royal Rumble more special. CM Punk recently announced that he will be in the namesake match. The event is certainly generating massive hype among the fans with big ticket sales already recorded more than a month before the show.

    2024 Royal Rumble event set to take place at the Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 27.

  • Asuka Shuts Down Fan Criticizing Kabuki Warriors Team Name

    Asuka Shuts Down Fan Criticizing Kabuki Warriors Team Name

    Kairi Sane made her return to WWE, and she joined Damage CTRL. That also meant that Sane reunited with her former tag team partner, Asuka, and now the two are the Kabuki Warriors once again. Of course, that name has some baggage attached, but Asuka isn’t afraid to take on her critics.

    The Kabuki Warriors’ Return to WWE

    Last month, Asuka turned heel on SmackDown, aligning herself with Damage CTRL, particularly due to her connection with Kairi Sane. Fans, naturally, expressed their desire to see The Kabuki Warriors return. They didn’t have to wait long for that to happen.

    In the recent episode of Friday Night SmackDown, The Kabuki Warriors, consisting of Asuka and Kairi Sane, were in action for the first time in over three years, marking their reunion.

    Asuka Shuts Down Critical WWE Fan

    However, a fan on Twitter ridiculed the name of The Kabuki Warriors, suggesting that women don’t participate in traditional Kabuki plays. A private X account called, “SpineOnThePine” posted to say, “It’s funny because women don’t act in Kabuki plays.”

    Asuka took to social to respond, shutting down the fan and emphasizing that the fan lacked Japanese knowledge.

    It’s funny because Not that Kabuki.

    We know more about Japanese culture than you do.

    The Future of the Kabuki Warriors in WWE

    The future booking of Asuka and Kairi Sane on Friday Night SmackDown remains uncertain, and fans are eagerly anticipating their continued presence on WWE television. The return of the duo has been well-received by the audience.

    Asuka isn’t afraid of any opponent, she steps in the ring with. The same is true for haters online, or people who want to throw knowledge at her that she’s really not looking for.

    Keep checking back with SE Scoops for more of the top headlines in the pro wrestling world, and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date.

  • CM Punk Posts & Deletes Photo Of Possible WWE Return Ring Gear

    CM Punk Posts & Deletes Photo Of Possible WWE Return Ring Gear

    CM Punk did a lot in AEW during his short time with the company. While many fans remember his backstage fights, others point toward the introduction of the “long bois” wrestling gear as one of the most notable moments of his AEW tenure. That look just might follow Punk to WWE.

    CM Punk’s WWE Return

    The Second City Saint has made appearances on Monday Night RAW, Friday Night SmackDown, and NXT Deadline since his recent return to the company last month. It’s evident that Punk is a significant draw for the company, and fans consistently express their joy at seeing him. His merchandise is selling fast, and fans can’t wait to see him mix it up in the ring again.

    CM Punk’s First Return Match In WWE

    CM Punk is set to step into the ring against Dominik Mysterio as part of WWE’s Live Holiday Tour on Tuesday, December 26th at Madison Square Garden. That will be a big day after Christmas show in MSG.

    CM Punk also is scheduled to compete at Los Angeles’ KIA Forum against Dominik Mysterio on December 30th. Punk wanted that match with Dirty Dom, as he teased having a desire to punch Dominik in the face since he was 8-years-old.

    CM Punk Reveals WWE Return Ring Gear

    In a now-deleted Instagram story post, The Second City Saint hinted at wearing his long pants for his WWE in-ring return. He captioned that post with “LFG.” He also tagged MSG in the process. Then, he deleted the post. Obviously, Punk knew that some fans would see this, and the screenshot got out in a big way.

    CM Punk is apparently looking forward to facing Dominik Mysterio in their upcoming matches. He also has the Royal Rumble coming up on January 27th, and it’s anyone’s guess what gear he will rock for that match. 

    You can check out CM Punk’s deleted Instagram story. For more of the top headlines in the pro wrestling world, keep checking back with SE Scoops.

  • Seth Rollins Pays Tribute To Brodie Lee & Bray Wyatt During WWE Live Event In Rochester

    Seth Rollins Pays Tribute To Brodie Lee & Bray Wyatt During WWE Live Event In Rochester

    The pro wrestling world has dealt with many tragedies over the years. Few have been as shocking and sudden as Brodie Lee’s passing. Now, as we get closer to another year without the former Exalted One from the Dark Order, tributes are pouring in. Of course, the loss of Bray Wyatt is still fresh on everyone’s minds as well, leaving half of the Wyatt Family gone.

    Seth Rollins Pays Tribute To Brodie Lee and Bray Wyatt

    Seth Rollins is the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and he is a locker room leader through and through. The Visionary demonstrated his camaraderie with the roster by paying homage to the late Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee at a recent WWE house show.

    During a WWE event in Rochester, a place with special significance to Brodie Lee as his hometown, Seth Rollins engaged with the audience’s passionate side. He asked if there were any fireflies in the crowd, prompting fans to take out their phones and illuminate the arena with their lights as a tribute to Wyatt. Rollins also paid homage to Brodie Lee by incorporating his signature “Yeah yeah yeah!” catchphrase into the tribute.

    “The mood is set. Anybody got any fireflies among the audience tonight? I see a couple. I see a few now. This time of year loved ones are always on our minds, man, you know what I’m saying? Yeah yeah yeah!” 

    Brodie Lee and Bray Wyatt’s Legacy 

    Brodie Lee, who passed away on December 26th, 2020, due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, continues to be fondly remembered by anyone he ever met. Similarly, the sudden and untimely demise of Bray Wyatt at the age of 36 on August 24th, 2023, had a profound impact on fans and the wrestling community. The loss of two out of the four Wyatt Family members left fans in disbelief.

    We will have to see how the pro wrestling world continues their tributes for Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee. Rochester is certainly a special place for Brodie Lee, and Seth Rollins understood that all too well.

    You can watch Seth Rollins’ tribute below, and keep coming back to SE Scoops for more of the pro wrestling world’s most important stories. 

  • Drew McIntyre/ICW, Undertaker Adds Shows, Kurt Reacts to Meme & More

    Drew McIntyre/ICW, Undertaker Adds Shows, Kurt Reacts to Meme & More

    Drew McIntyre’s Shoutout to ICW

    Drew McIntyre hasn’t competed for ICW in years but recently gave a message to the promotion. In a video to the Scottish-based promotion, McIntyre reflected on his favorite ICW moments, as the company will no longer be hosting its Fight Club events. 

    Randy Orton at Ringside

    On last week’s SmackDown, Randy Orton made it clear he’s coming for the Bloodline but was in no hurry to get in the ring. During his entrance, WWE cut to a commercial and in off-air footage, fans can see Orton taking his time at ringside while Roman Reigns stands in the ring. 

    Kurt Angle Reacts to His Meme

    WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle may be a huge name in wrestling, but the Olympian recently went viral as part of a meme. The meme itself shows a frazzled-looking Kurt, which Angle reacted to on his podcast. 

    “I know that that video you know, it’s kind of a weird-looking face, but for some strange reason everybody caught on and wanted to throw out some memes and I was the butt of the joke, I guess.”

    Kurt later joked that he could just get paid to make that facial expression all day. Merchandise of the meme is already available. 

    The Undertaker Adds Shows

    As reported earlier this month, The Undertaker will be heading to Australia next February to host his 1deadMan show. WWE has now confirmed that the Deadman will be hitting three more towns. The Phenom will be appearing in Peth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. WWE will be in Australia in February for the WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth event. 

  • CM Punk Says Fan Support Brought Him Back To WWE

    CM Punk Says Fan Support Brought Him Back To WWE

    CM Punk’s return to WWE was something that many fans thought would never happen. He had plenty of reasons for making that comeback to WWE, and the fans had a lot to do with it as well.

    After departing WWE in 2014, CM Punk’s name continued to echo in chants from fans, persisting over the years. The audience’s unbreakable support reached a point where WWE could not avoid hearing CM Punk chants break out during any given event, especially if fans were unhappy with what they were seeing.

    CM Punk Explains Why He Returned To WWE

    During an Instagram Live session for Elite Comics and Kulture City, CM Punk opened up about his WWE return, emphasizing that it’s not driven by personal motives. Instead, Punk highlighted that the return is a tribute to the fans who passionately chanted his name for an entire decade.

    “This isn’t about me, this is about us. This about everybody that is behind me. That for ten years didn’t forget, chanted my name. I’m going to put the boots back on for all of ya’ll. We’re going to go on this journey together.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C08bra-uiUg

    What’s Next For CM Punk In WWE?

    CM Punk recently made appearances on Monday Night RAW, Friday Night SmackDown, and NXT Deadline after rejoining WWE last month. It’s evident that Punk’s presence is a significant draw for the company, and he expresses genuine enjoyment in being back.

    Although CM Punk is a RAW Superstar now, after signing an exclusive contract with the red brand, he is still listed internally as a free agent. We will have to see if he decides that going to SmackDown is a good option for him, because anything is on the table regarding this run that many thought was impossible.

    CM Punk is enjoying himself during this WWE run as well. All signs point to the idea that he is down to do business. While the jury is still out for many fans, there certainly seems to be a lot more reasons to be optimistic about the situation this time around.

  • Charlotte Flair’s Injury Situation Is Far Worse Than Initially Feared

    Charlotte Flair’s Injury Situation Is Far Worse Than Initially Feared

    Charlotte Flair suffered an injury during the December 8th episode of WWE SmackDown. That match with Asuka did not turn out the way she wanted it to at all, and it will be her last contest for over half a year.

    Backstory Behind Charlotte Flair’s Injury

    Video from Charlotte Flair’s injury is hard to watch. She was pulled from the road, and now we are getting more details about her situation. She hasn’t had surgery yet, but one is reportedly scheduled for a couple of weeks.

    During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Charlotte Flair is out of action with three different injuries, all of them surrounding her knee. This is not a good situation, and 9 months seems like a generous estimation for her return.

    “Let me touch on Charlotte Flair really quick. She has not had surgery yet, but she has a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, so that is her injuries.”

    “I just wanted to get that out. Hopefully, she can get that out — I know they said on the SmackDown show, 9 months … it’s a while, and it’s never a good time to have an injury.”

    What’s Next For Charlotte Flair After Her Knee Injury

    Charlotte Flair was on her way to the Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania after that. Now, she will have to watch all of those events from the sidelines, and it’s anyone’s guess if she will make it back by SummerSlam. 

    WWE has lost a few key members of their roster due to injury. Charlotte Flair’s absence will be felt in the locker room. Thankfully, WWE also has a loaded women’s roster to help fill some of those holes while The Queen recovers.

    Keep checking back with SE Scoops for more on Charlotte Flair’s injury and other updates.

  • Mick Foley Dresses As Santa Claus To Crash Indie Wrestling Event

    Mick Foley Dresses As Santa Claus To Crash Indie Wrestling Event

    Mick Foley is known for his Hardcore Legend persona and iconic characters like Mankind and Dude Love in WWE. He left a lasting mark on professional wrestling with his dedication in the ring. All the while, Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy never stopped loving Christmas.

    While Mick Foley gained fame through death matches as Cactus Jack in Japan, WCW, and ECW, his WWE roles are perhaps the most memorable. He took on a variety of faces for WWE, and continues as a positive light in the pro wrestling business to this day.

    Mick Foley Is Coming To Town

    Mick Foley is also good at surprising fans, as the WWE Hall of Famer made an unanticipated appearance at the ICW No Holds Barred event. He was dressed as Santa Claus, and attacked fellow wrestler John Wayne Murdoch, delivering a double-arm DDT and a barbed wire back. The match concluded with Tara Zep securing the victory.

    Mick Foley’s Current WWE Status

    Foley’s occasional appearances and unexpected in-ring moments continue to keep fans intrigued. He remains connected to the wrestling world, so you truly never know when he will show up next.

    In 2019, Mick Foley made his latest appearance on WWE television, and he also featured on Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions show in 2021 on Peacock. In 2022, Foley ventured into the podcasting world with “Foley is Pod,” a weekly show with Conrad Thompson, reflecting on his extensive wrestling career. Although he hasn’t been actively competing in the ring, he remains vocal about his perspectives on various aspects of the wrestling industry.

    We will keep a close eye on Mick Foley’s whereabouts to see if he surprises any more fans at indie shows. He can do as he pleases at this point in his career, as he continues spreading his own brand of holiday cheer wherever he goes.

    Mick Foley is beloved by fans all over, and his Foley Is Pod show is still a very popular program. Foley is also making stand-up comedy dates all over the country, and you may check out his latest tour schedule here.

  • Top Dolla’s Botch Saved His Life After Learning Of His Type II Diabetes

    Top Dolla’s Botch Saved His Life After Learning Of His Type II Diabetes

    AJ ‘Top Dolla’ Francis’ unfortunate botch on SmackDown may have become a meme among wrestling fans, but it also saved the young wrestler’s life. 

    During the December 16, 2022, edition of WWE SmackDown, Top Dolla attempted a dive to the outside of the ring that didn’t go as planned. Dolla didn’t reach the necessary elevation and flopped outside of the ring, with his mistake being mocked online. The mistake was also made into an angle, as WWE Superstars would mock Dolla for the botch, bringing out a more aggressive side of the Superstar. 

    The Botch That Saved His Life

    Reflecting on the one-year anniversary of what happened, Top Dolla said that in the past, he’d performed the dive and his legs had felt “off” but didn’t think about it. After the mistake on SmackDown, he decided to see a doctor and learned he had Type II Diabetes. 

    Unused Plans

    In the weeks that followed, Michael Cole would routinely mock Top Dolla for the botch and would poke fun at the Superstar . Last month, Top Dolla revealed that Cole’s comments were never malicious and that he was always on board with them. The plan, according to the ex-Superstar, was a PLE match, in which Cole would beat him after Dolla was distracted by a wrestler. 

    Top Dolla felt disappointment and shame after his initial release from WWE in late 2021, mere weeks after being called to the main roster. Click here to find out more. 

  • Zelina Vega Praised Backstage After Working Double SmackDown Taping Ill

    Zelina Vega Praised Backstage After Working Double SmackDown Taping Ill

    A WWE SmackDown Superstar impressed a lot of people behind the scenes by working the latest episode of the blue brand while ill.  

    The December 15, episode of SmackDown saw the return of Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who was immediately confronted by Randy Orton. While the Viper demanded a match against Reigns for the Royal Rumble PLE, the Tribal Chief was in no hurry to grant the match. The show also saw the return of AJ Styles, who turned heel with an attack on LA Knight.

     This week’s show also saw the continuation of the U.S. Championship Contenders Tournament. NXT’s Carmelo Hayes defeated Grayson Waller to advance to the next round while Kevin Owens bested Austin Theory. 

    Zelina Vega is Ill

    Zelina Vega worked through this week’s SmackDown taping in Green Bay, Wisconsin despite an illness, PW Insider reports. It’s unclear what Vega’s illness is, but it was noted during the production meeting before the show that she was sick. This isn’t the first time Vega has earned praise backstage, as she was heralded for her emotional reaction to Santos Escobar’s attack on Rey Mysterio a few weeks ago. 

    The night was doubly tough for Vega, as WWE also filmed its December 22 episode last night, giving the roster more time during the Holidays to spend with their families. On this week’s live episode of SmackDown, Vega teamed with ‘Michin’ Mia Yim in a losing effort to Damage CTRL’s Asuka & Kairi Sane. For more information on what Vega will do on next week’s edition of the blue brand, click here. 

    WWE introduced a brand new match type before this week’s episode of SmackDown went on the air. Click here to find out more. 

  • Mark Briscoe On WWE’s “Dem Boyz” Tweet: ‘I Can’t Just Keep Silent, That’s Disrespectful’

    Mark Briscoe On WWE’s “Dem Boyz” Tweet: ‘I Can’t Just Keep Silent, That’s Disrespectful’

    Mark Briscoe has shared why he put WWE on blast following a tweet that he and many found to be highly disrespectful. 

    Earlier this week, WWE tweeted an image of The Street Profits and Bobby Lashley, captioned with the phrase ‘Dem Boyz.’ While the term is used by many across sports and entertainment, in wrestling, the term is associated with the Briscoes. 

    WWE faced criticism for the tweet, with Mark sharing his own criticism and saying somebody running the account should be fired. In a follow-up tweet, however, Briscoe said that nobody needs to be fired but was still not pleased with the tweet. 

    Mark Briscoe on WWE’s Dem Boyz Tweet

    Speaking on the post-ROH Final Battle Media Scrum, Briscoe recalled his reaction to the tweet at the time. 

    “I thought, ‘Man, on the anniversary of this match that we had, they’re really going to do that? That’s kind of disrespectful. I can’t just keep silent. There’s only one Dem Boyz.’ You can talk about the Dallas Cowboys and multiple songs in the hip hop genre. That’s all good. In professional wrestling, there is only one Dem Boyz. That’s Mark and Jay Briscoe. I had to let them know there only one Dem Boyz.”

    Briscoe concluded by reiterating that there is only one pair of ‘Dem Boyz’ in WWE even with Jay’s passing. 

    “It’s not easy and we’re adjusting to this new normal. If anybody in the professional wrestling world is going to call themselves Dem Boyz, I’m going to come at you [laughs]. I don’t care who you are. There’s only one Dem Boyz and that’s the Briscoe Brothers, damn it.”

    Briscoe also said that after seeing the negativity from some to his tweet, he felt that things had gotten out of hand. He also pointed out that he’s a human being and is still struggling with the death of his brother in January of this year. 

    H/T – Fightful

  • Jake Paul Wants to be Logan’s Tag Team Partner in WWE

    Jake Paul Wants to be Logan’s Tag Team Partner in WWE

    Jake Paul isn’t opposed to stepping in the ring with his brother Logan, but would rather be an ally of the U.S. Champion than an opponent. 

    Logan Paul has made quite the impact since arriving in WWE two years ago and currently boasts a 4-4 win/loss record. At WWE Crown Jewel, Paul captured the U.S. Championship from Rey Mysterio, giving the Maverick his first taste of WWE gold. 

    Jake Paul Wants a Tag Team

    With Logan Paul making waves in WWE, speculation has grown as to whether Jake Paul could one day step into the ring with his brother. Speaking to Muscle Man Malcolm, Jake admitted that rather than facing his brother,  he’d rather team with the Maverick in a WWE ring. 

    ”Man, I’m trying to be on his team. I don’t want to go up against him. He’s a dog in WWE. I’m trying to be his tag team partner.”

    Logan Paul has so far competed in one tag-team match in WWE, which was his debut match. The Maverick teamed with The Miz to defeat Rey & Dominik Mysterio but was betrayed by WWE’s resident A-Lister after the bout. 

    Jake Paul in WWE

    Unlike his brother, Jake Paul has yet to compete in WWE but has made an appearance in the past. The Problem Child was in Logan’s corner at Crown Jewel 2022 for Logan’s match with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. The Tribal Chief would win the match, handing Logan Paul his first WWE loss in the process. 

    Has Logan Paul mastered a new way of the entertainment industry? Jake Paul believes so. Click here to find out more. 

  • Charlotte Flair To Have Knee Surgery Over The Holidays, Set To Be Out 9 Months

    Charlotte Flair To Have Knee Surgery Over The Holidays, Set To Be Out 9 Months

    Don’t expect to see Charlotte Flair back in action until the latter part of 2024. 

    ‘The Queen’ has been sidelined with an injury that is likely to keep her away from major WWE premium live events next year. The multi-time WWE Women’s Champion recently concerned the fans when her match with Asuka abruptly ended last Friday on SmackDown. Flair endured a defeat to Asuka after Bayley interfered.

    Following the match, several photos and video clips capturing the moment spread like a fire on social media. The videos saw medical staff attending the former Women’s Champion.

    It was later reported that Flair’s injury was legitimate and quite serious. ‘The Queen’ was also pulled from WWE live events. During last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown, it was announced that Charlotte Flair will be out of action for nine months following the knee injury. PWInsider is reporting that Flair will undergo surgery over the holidays.

    Charlotte Flair could miss WrestleMania 40 & SummerSlam next year

    There was a talk at Raw on Monday among the talents that Flair might have suffered a torn ACL. However, it wasn’t confirmed at the time. 

    Usually, a nine-month absence is seen for ACL tear, which usually requires at least six months’ recovery. It is to be seen if she is out for nine months because that means Flair would return around September next year. This indicates that she would miss both WrestleMania 40 and SummerSlam. 

    Charlotte Flair had started 2023 as WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion. She dropped the title to The Judgment Day’s Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 39. ‘The Queen’ went after IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship but that led her to compete in her first-ever  WarGames match last month against Damage CTRL.

    We at SEScoops wish Charlotte Flair a swift and speedy recovery.

  • How WWE Feels About Liv Morgan’s Recent Marijuana Possession Arrest

    How WWE Feels About Liv Morgan’s Recent Marijuana Possession Arrest

    Liv Morgan was arrested for charges related to marijuana possession. That sparked a huge discussion within the confines of the Internet Wrestling Community, and many have wondered if this will change WWE’s plan for her.

    As outlined in Liv Morgan’s arrest report, on December 14th, a Sumter County Deputy approached Morgan’s vehicle, and “the odor of marijuana was detected.” Upon searching Morgan’s vehicle, law enforcement discovered a “small plastic bag containing marijuana” and a vape pen containing “an oil-like substance.” Subsequently, the substance was subjected to testing, confirming it to be marijuana, as detailed in the arrest report.

    Is There Heat On Liv Morgan In WWE After Her Arrest?

    Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that there is “absolutely no heat” on Liv Morgan in the aftermath of her arrest. Some fans were naturally worried that there would be trouble for Morgan within the company.

    According to one WWE staff member, Liv Morgan’s absence from television did not disrupt creative plans, and her transparency about the situation has caused no issues for her.

    “Everybody liked Liv before, everybody still likes Liv. We’ll get our jokes off, and she’ll get hers off, and nobody will be thinking about it soon enough.”

    Another WWE source informed Sean Ross Sapp that Liv Morgan posted bail on Thursday and was back on Twitter promoting Smackdown by Friday. Her bail was $3,000, which was paid at the time of her release.

    Liv Morgan’s WWE Creative Plans After Her Arrest

    PW Insider also noted that WWE is not shifting their creative plans for Liv Morgan. She was always “pencilled in” for a 2024 return, and that hasn’t changed.

    “In speaking to WWE sources this morning, while Morgan’s arrest was not widely known within WWE before it became public, but we are told several top executives were aware and had spoken with Morgan the day after the arrest, but had kept the information within a small circle.”

    “We are told that Morgan had already been penciled in as to when she would be returning to company storylines in 2024 and currently, this is not believed to change those plans. The belief was she would be back in by the build to WrestleMania and was very much in the mix for what we are told is a “a high profile program.”

    Liv Morgan’s Court Date

    Liv Morgan is scheduled for arraignment on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Sumter County Courthouse in Florida at 9 AM. During this hearing, she is required to declare whether she pleads guilty or not guilty to charges of possession of marijuana.

    How WWE Feels About Marijuana

    It is important to note that, although marijuana is included in the Wellness Policy, WWE has not conducted tests for it for several years. Previously, a positive result led to a $2500 fine.

    Liv Morgan’s arrest for marijuana certainly came out of left field for many fans. Hopefully, she can put this messy legal situation behind her in February, but she does face a felony for that possession of marijuana (not more than 20 grams), possession of drug equipment and possession of drugs, possibly synthetic cannabinoid charge.

    We will have more updates at SE Scoops as more news is made available about this case. Right now, Liv Morgan is free, and her spot in WWE seems solid.

  • CM Punk Continues Doing MMA Commentary Following Return to WWE

    CM Punk Continues Doing MMA Commentary Following Return to WWE

    WWE superstar CM Punk once again made his comeback to Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) and carried out his duties as a commentator.

    CM Punk recently returned to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames PLE last month and it is one of the most shocking returns of the company. The pro wrestling fraternity was stunned by his comeback as many had ruled out his return to the company.  

    Punk had been making appearances for CFFC during his first suspension from AEW in late 2022, Ahead of his return to WWE, Punk had also returned to Cage Fury Fighting Championships as a commentator during which he teased the fans about his pro wrestling future which ultimately led to him signing with WWE.

    CM Punk appears in CFFC 

    This weekend during SmackDown, Punk was part of the CFFC commentary booth yet again. WWE usually doesn’t allow any superstar to appear in other promotions but in the case of Punk, it seems that the company has allowed him to continue giving voice to the MMA action.

    His commentary partner John Morgan also mentioned Seth Rollins during the action.

    “This Seth Rollins guy, I don’t know about him,” John Morgan said.

    https://twitter.com/hangermads/status/1735852922997551594

    During the commentary, Punk  also spoke about his upcoming WWE live event match against The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio. He said:

    “Come out to the LA Kia Forum. Watch me beat up Dirty Dominik. I’ve been wanting to punch this kid in the face since he was 8 years old. Now he’s legal and I’m gonna destroy him.”

    It’s worth noting that Punk and Rollins have ignited a feud since the former’s massive return. Fans were delighted to witness ‘The Best In The World’ return to Chicago except for Seth Rollins. ‘The Visionary’ was furious to see Punk and in a video footage, Rollins was even spotted flipping off Punk and had to be held back. 

    Rollins and Punk recently came face to face and had an in-ring promo segment. ‘The Best In The World’ also announced that he’s entering the Royal Rumble match next year and might come after Seth’s World Heavyweight title. 

  • Liv Morgan To Be Arraigned For Marijuana Possession Soon

    Liv Morgan To Be Arraigned For Marijuana Possession Soon

    WWE star Liv Morgan could be facing some legal consequences after she grabbed the headlines for possession of marijuana. 

    On Thursday, the popular WWE star was arrested for possession of marijuana.
    Morgan, has been on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury and she has found herself in hot waters.   

    Morgan was arrested on December 14th in Sumter County, Florida, following a traffic stop. Morgan, who is a former SmackDown Women’s Champion was picked up for a marijuana possession charge, not exceeding 20 grams.

    Morgan also faced charges for possession of drug equipment and potential possession of synthetic cannabinoids.

    It has come to light that a sheriff’s deputy spotted the yellow jeep she was driving while crossing over the delineation lines of a County Road. Per the arrest report, when approached by a Sumter County Deputy, Morgan’s vehicle emitted “the odor of marijuana.”

    Legal ramifications for Liv Morgan

    PWInsider has now reported that Liv Morgan is slated to be arraigned on charges of possession of marijuana (not more than 20 grams) and possession of drugs, possibly synthetic cannabinoids on Monday 2/12/14 at the Sumter County Courthouse in Florida at 9 AM. She will need to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty at that hearing.

    It’s to be noted that in Florida, possession of drugs, possibly synthetic cannabinoids is considered a felony and can be punishable by up to a maximum of one year in jail, up to one year of probation and a $1,000 fine.

    Conviction of possession can also lead to a six-month driving license suspension, random drug testing, and all the reimbursement of all fees related to the sentence.

    We will now have to wait and see how WWE deals with this situation when she returns to on-screen programming. 

  • Dominik Mysterio Is Prepared For Elimination Chamber: I Already Bailed Out of Prison

    Dominik Mysterio Is Prepared For Elimination Chamber: I Already Bailed Out of Prison

    Dominik Mysterio is ready to do anything it takes to earn the respect he deserves.

    The 26-year-old has completely turned his image around in one year. After betraying his father at Clash At The Castle last year, he has become one of the hottest stars in all of pro wrestling. Though despite being one of the hardest-working talents of WWE, Mysterio does not get the respect he deserves from fans.

    Dirty Dom recently had an interview with The Amin Show to promote the upcoming Elimination Chamber PPV in Perth. Dominik Mysterio was asked if he thinks people don’t respect him because they still see him as the kid from the storyline with Eddie Guerrero in 2005. 

    The WWE star mentioned how he has wrestled the second most matches for WWE this year. He proclaimed that he will do whatever it takes to get the respect of people:

    “No I don’t really know if it like…because when you put it that way, I’ve never really even thought about it that way. I think it’s more of like, they see me as a kid. So it’s kinda like they know me already. They expect a certain thing out of me. It’s like they only see me as this blond-haired, horribly dressed Dominik. Young Dominik that was always so sad.

    But no at the end of the day, one way or another, I’m going to make them respect me. Whether it’s in the ring, or what I have to do. Whether it’s getting more titles or more matches. Hell, I’m the second most person that has had matches in WWE this year, with 102 matches. So like I said, if I don’t get my respect, I’ll go out there and get it.”

    Dominik Mysterio Is already prepared

    Dominik Mysterio was also asked how he can prepare for the Elimination Chamber match which is going to be even more brutal than WarGames. The Judgement Day member mentioned that he’s already been behind bars once, so he is already prepared:

    “Yeah, most definitely. I remember growing up watching the Elimination Chamber matches and just thinking just how brutal they were and how, intense. The first thing that comes to mind is Shawn Michaels just bleeding coming down his face just insane, but I don’t know if you can prepare for something like that.

    I think the best way I can prepare is I’ve already done it, and I escaped and [I] was bailed out of prison. So the last thing I want to do is go back behind cages. So we’ll see what I can do, man, but I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully I can make my way and sneak into that Chamber match.””

    You can check out Dominik Mysterio’s full interview below:

    More originals from SEScoops:

    If you use any quotes from the article please credit The Amin Show with an H/t to SEScoops for transcription

  • Full Spoilers for WWE SmackDown Set to Air on December 22

    The WWE Universe at this week’s SmackDown got a special treat, as they watched two episode of the blue brand on one night.

    With the Holidays coming up, WWE decided to film next week’s episode of SmackDown this week, to give the Superstars some time off during the festive period. Here are the spoilers for the episode of SmackDown that will air on December 22:

    • Santos Escobar defeated Bobby Lashley to advance to the finals of the United States Championship Contenders Tournament. Escobar won with the help of Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo. 
    • Dragon Lee (c) defeated Butch to retain the NXT North American Championship
    • AJ Styles appeared dressed all in black and said he doesn’t care about Randy Orton and LA Knight. Styles said he should be the one facing Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble. Knight and Orton interrupted the segment. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis announced a triple threat match for the “New Year’s Revolution” edition of Smackdown. The winner will face Reigns at the Rumble.

    • Bianca Belair Shotzi, Zelina Vega and Michin defeated Damage CTRL. The babyfaces entered on a Christmas-themed tank and there was a Merry Christmas chant during the match. Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre attacked Kairi Sane at one point. 

    • Kevin Owens defeated Carmelo Hayes to advance to the finals of the United States Championship Contenders Tournament. Owens will face Santos Escobar in the finals. 
    • AJ Styles vs. Solo Sikoa ended in a DQ when Reigns attacked Styles. A brawl involving Styles, Knight, Orton, and the Bloodline ensued with Knight standing tall in the end. 

    To find out what happened on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, click here.