Category: WWE

  • Stratus/Lynch/Lita Dream Team Plan to Shut Damage CTRL Up at WWE WrestleMania 39

    Stratus/Lynch/Lita Dream Team Plan to Shut Damage CTRL Up at WWE WrestleMania 39

    The dream team of WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Becky Lynch and Lita, and Trish Stratus, are looking to shut Damage CTRL up for good at WrestleMania 39.

    Last month, Lita made her return to WWE to aid Lynch in a steel cage match against Bayley, which had originally been scheduled for the Raw is XXX event.

    On last week’s Raw, Lynch and Lita dethroned Dakota Kai and IYO SKY to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, the first title for Lita since 2006.

    While Bayley tried to interfere in that match, the returning Trish Stratus (who had been scheduled for the previous week’s Raw but didn’t appear) neutralized the Role Model.

    WrestleMania 39

    On this week’s Raw, the new champions and Stratus celebrated the victory but were quickly interrupted by Damage CTRL

    Stratus then challenged Damage CTRL to a six-woman-tag team match and made it clear that she wanted to shut Bayley up once and for all.

    Bayley accepted the challenge on behalf of her team.

    The WrestleMania match will mark Stratus’ first match since SummerSlam 2019, when she lost to Charlotte Flair in Canada.

    Surprisingly, this will mark the second in-ring WrestleMania appearance for Lita, after she challenged for the WWF Women’s Championship at WrestleMania X8.

    Double-Booked?

    The announcement of Lynch, Lita and Stratus against Damage CTRL at WrestleMania is an interesting one, given that this isn’t the match many expected.

    It has been reported that WWE’s plan initially was for Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at the two-night event in April.

    Despite Rousey aggravating an injury (which is why she was in a sling on last Friday’s SmackDown,) she is expected to be fully healed in time for WrestleMania.

    There is the possibility that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions could compete on both nights, a feat Tamina Snuka and Natalya achieved at WrestleMania 37 in 2021.

  • WWE King & Queen of the Ring Confirmed for May Premium Live Event

    WWE King & Queen of the Ring Confirmed for May Premium Live Event

    WWE will be adding some new royalty to their history books with the crowning of a new King and Queen of the Ring later this year.

    It has been confirmed that the King and Queen of the Ring event will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 27.

    WWE’s most recent coronation also happened in Saudi Arabia, at the Crown Jewel 2021 event.

    At that show, Xavier Woods (who had rallied for the return of the KOTR tournament) was crowned King.

    Zelina Vega, mere months after her return to WWE, bested Doudrop to win the ‘Queen’s Crown Tournament’ as WWE opted against calling her Queen of the Ring.

    Unhappy

    For the video package aired on Raw, WWE featured several Superstars, but two notable exceptions were Vega and Woods.

    On Twitter, Vega expressed her displeasure at the fact that the most recent King and Queen of WWE were nowhere to be seen.

    Woods also shared an edited clip of the video promo, which featured only himself and Vega.

    Good to Be the King

    The first King of the Ring tournament took place back in 1985, when Don ‘The Rock’ Muraco captured the crown, besting the Iron Sheik in the finals.

    In the following years, Harley Race, Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, Tito Santana, and Bret Hart would all be crowned King.

    In 1993, WWE introduced the King of the Ring event to Television, with Bret once again winning, becoming the only two-time King of the Ring winner in history.

  • John Cena Roasts Austin Theory, Confirms WWE WrestleMania 39 Match

    John Cena Roasts Austin Theory, Confirms WWE WrestleMania 39 Match

    As expected, John Cena will wrestle Austin Theory at WWE WrestleMania 39. 

    The match was made official during Monday Night Raw this week when Cena made his return where he was about to do a promo, but Austin Theory came out before Cena could say a word. 

    Theory said that he has all the respect in the world for Cena and he became a WWE star because of Cena and watching him as a kid. He said he has a gift for Cena and that’s for them to have a match for the US Title at WrestleMania 39. 

    Cena told him no because he was not interested in his gift because Theory hasn’t earned it to give it. He said that he doesn’t care what Theory says and just like the fans, he doesn’t either because they don’t believe Theory because Theory doesn’t believe him. He called him generic and has no heart. He said that Theory was the version of him that almost got fired as ruthless aggression. He said that Theory has been given chances and has shown nothing for it. Cena said that the fans believe in him and don’t believe in Theory. He said that Theory is a pair of trunks from being jabroni, but Theory has the best name in WWE history because that’s exactly what Theory is, a theory. In theory, Austin should be great, but he’s not. Cena told him to shut up and leave. 

    Theory refused and said he’s not going anywhere just like Cena’s bald spot. Cena said he’s proud of it. He questioned Cena’s giving up, and not respecting the chance to go to WrestleMania. Theory said that you shouldn’t meet your hero because if you do, they’ll disappoint. Cena said he would rather be bald than have WWE pipe-in crowd noise during his matches.

    He said no because Theory isn’t ready for a match and he wins then Theory loses everything because he was done. He said if Theory wins then he would lose everything and go out the next night to explain by himself to the most critical fans alive. He said Theory is full of crap. He asked the fans what they should do and the fans cheered. Cena accepted the match and said Theory made the biggest mistake of his life. 

  • Vince McMahon Backstage at Monday’s WWE Raw from Boston

    Vince McMahon Backstage at Monday’s WWE Raw from Boston

    Ever since Vince McMahon made his return to WWE as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors in January, fans have feared that he would eventually return to the head of creative. 

    McMahon said that he returned to WWE to explore the possibility of a sale and help with the negotiations of the next TV rights deal. McMahon has yet to take over creative from Triple H and for now that will stay intact, but McMahon did make his presence known at WWE Monday Night Raw this week. 

    He’s Back

    At Monday’s show in Boston, MA, McMahon is at the show. Sean Ross Sapp, Dave Meltzer, and Bryan Alvarez reported the news. It’s unclear whether he will appear on the broadcast or why he’s there, but it may have something to do with John Cena. 

    When Cena made his return to WWE TV last June, it was McMahon who introduced him. Despite the hush money scandal going on that eventually led to him stepping down as CEO and Chairman, McMahon did make a few appearances on WWE television. 

    Cena will return on tonight’s Raw where it’s expected that he’ll set up his WrestleMania 39 match with Austin Theory. 

    Triple H took over creative last summer and has publicly said that he will get suggestions from McMahon. However, he is still in charge, not his father-in-law.

    Last week after WWE made the Brock Lesnar vs. Omos match at WrestleMania 39 official, it was reported that the match was an idea by McMahon, who was high on Omos when he was in charge of creative. 

  • The Rock Explains Why he Bought The XFL

    The Rock Explains Why he Bought The XFL

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had many doubters when he decided to buy the XFL alongside his longtime business partner Danny Garcia and RedBird Capital a few years ago after Vince McMahon shut it down after a second attempt at a spring pro football league. 

    The new owners have revamped what McMahon had come up with. The Rock is looking to get the most out of the third chance at the league because he wants to give players a second chance. 

    The Rock played as a defensive end/tackle at the University of Miami but didn’t make it to the NFL. Instead, he went to the CFL before he decided he had enough and got into wrestling. 

    The Reason

    While speaking to ESPN, The Rock was asked why he decided to buy the XFL with his investment partners. 

    “It was an ability to create a league that I wish I had when I was around. I was a good player. I had great, what Coach Ed Orgeron used to say, I had ‘great upper body violence.’ Which is a compliment,” The Rock stated.” The allure of this was my longtime business partner Dani Garcia, she says, ‘I have this crazy idea, let’s go buy the XFL, and immediately it was the easiest ‘yes’ I ever said because we both knew we had an opportunity to not only be owners of a league, but to be a part of the sport that we love, but also create a culture of second chances for guys like me.”

    The Rock noted that he told that story to NFL commissioner Roger Goodwell. 

  • Bray Wyatt and Wade Barrett Among Names Announced as WWE 2K23 DLC Characters

    Bray Wyatt and Wade Barrett Among Names Announced as WWE 2K23 DLC Characters

    Fans will have more superstars to play, as in WWE 2K23, through five post-launch DLC packs.

    On Monday, WWE and 2K games announced five upcoming DLC packs, including various superstars, legends, and celebrities. The first pack will be released on April 19, while the last pack is set to be released on August 16.

    Some names include Bray Wyatt, The Steiners, Zeus, Harley Race, Eve Torres, Blair Davenport, and Wade Barrett.

    The Breakdown

    DLC 1: Steiner Row Pack (April 19)

    • Scott Steiner
    • Rick Steiner
    • B-Fab (Manager only)
    • Top Dolla
    • Ashante Adonis

    DLC 2: Pretty Sweet Pack (May 17)

    • Karl Anderson
    • Luke Gallows
    • Tiffany Stratton
    • Elton Prince
    • Kit Wilson

    DLC 3: Race to NXT Pack (June 14)

    • Harley Race
    • Ivy Nile
    • Wendy Choo
    • Tony D’Angelo
    • Trick Williams

    DLC 4: Revel with Wyatt Pack (July 19)

    • Bray Wyatt
    • Zeus
    • Valhalla
    • Joe Gacy
    • Blair Davenport

    DLC 5: Bad News U Pack (August 16)

    • Eve Torres
    • Wade Barrett
    • Damon Kemp
    • Andre Chase
    • Nathan Frazer

    The standard edition of WWE 2K23 will be out on Friday, March 17, 2023 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series XS, Xbox One, and PC. Those who get the Deluxe or Icon editions will have access to the game on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. 

  • Details on WWE’s Big Plans for Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns

    Details on WWE’s Big Plans for Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns

    WWE has found another diamond in the rough in Solo Sikoa.

    Wrestling is all about creating larger-than-life characters that resonate with audiences and become legends in their own right. WWE has made some bonafide superstars – and Sikoa could be getting this treatment next.

    Sikoa has been impressive since his debut on NXT. He’s continued to wow audiences and critics alike on the main roster. Most recently he picked up an impressive victory over Sami Zayn in the main event of Friday’s SmackDown.  

    Undefeated Sikoa Primed for Greatness

    On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that WWE plans to build and protect Sikoa. In time he’s slated for a massive showdown against none other than Roman Reigns.

    Sikoa’s impressive streak on the main roster is worth noting, as he has not suffered a clean singles loss on TV, nor has he lost any singles matches at non-televised events.

    This is a testament to the creative team’s belief in him and their desire to protect him as they build towards something big. Sikoa has already been involved in some big matches, including The Bloodline’s WarGames win, where he played an integral role in the victory. He has also defeated some notable names, including Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, and Mustafa Ali.

    Solo Sikoa was brought in to help Reigns retain his title over Drew McIntyre at WWE Clash at The Castle, and a feud with Reigns would make for a very engaging storyline with The Bloodline. This would be a significant match for both wrestlers, as Reigns is currently the top dog in WWE, and Sikoa is still establishing himself as a future star. If booked correctly, this could be a career-defining moment for Solo Sikoa. Solo Sikoa, he has all the tools to become a future WWE superstar. He has the look, the charisma, and the in-ring skills to succeed in WWE, and he has already shown that he can handle himself where it counts.

  • John Cena Reflects on his WWE Rivalry With The Rock

    John Cena Reflects on his WWE Rivalry With The Rock

    For a span of a few years in the early 2010s, The Rock and John Cena had a memorable rivalry that stemmed from real life.

    Cena felt that The Rock abandoned the company he worked for and found success as a top star for many years when he went to Hollywood to become an actor. His full-time days started to dwindle down in 2002 before missing the second half of 2003 and then only working one match in 2004 before being on hiatus from WWE for several years. 

    In 2011, The Rock returned to be the host of WrestleMania 27 where he cost Cena the WWE Title by helping The Miz retain the championship. They later teamed together to beat The Miz and R-Truth that November at Survivor Series. 

    The Rock beat Cena at WrestleMania 28 in Miami, Florida then the next year at WrestleMania 29, Cena beat The Rock to win the WWE Title in New Jersey. 

    The Tweet

    Their feud was featured on Sunday’s WWE Rivals program that aired on A&E. Cena took to Twitter to look back on the feud. 

    Cena tweeted: “Relive this epic @WWE rivaly thru those who lived it. I wouldnt be who I am 2day w/o @TheRock.  Professionally & personally. He challenged me, demanded my best, forced me to address my flaws w/ the world watching! Respect is a core value for me…this took it to new level!”

    Cena will be returning to WWE on tonight’s episode of Raw where it’s expected that he will be there to set up his WrestleMania 39 match with United States Champion Austin Theory. 

  • First Look at John Cena’s Character in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”

    First Look at John Cena’s Character in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”

    John Cena joins a star-studded cast for the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” animated movie.

    The teaser trailer for the highly anticipated film was released today and gives a first look at Cena’s character, Rocksteady, which appears at the 1:12 mark of the trailer. 

    The movie is slated to be released on August 4th. The film’s synopsis reads as the following: 

    “In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.”

    Rest of the Cast

    • Micah Abbey as Donatello
    • Shamon Brown Jr. as Michelangelo
    • Hannibal Buress as Genghis Frog
    • Rose Byrne as Leatherhead
    • Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo
    • Jackie Chan as Splinter
    • Ice Cube as Superfly
    • Natasia Demetriou as Wingnut
    • Ayo Edebiri as April O’Neil
    • Giancarlo Esposito as Baxter Stockman
    • Post Malone as Ray Fillet
    • Brady Noon as Raphael
    • Seth Rogen as Bebop
    • Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko
    • Maya Rudolph as Cynthia Utrom

    The film is directed by Jeff Rowe and written by Brendan O’Brien. It’s produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and James Weaver. Paramount Pictures distributed the film. 

  • Watch Mustafa Ali Ruin Dolph Ziggler’s VIP Signing

    Watch Mustafa Ali Ruin Dolph Ziggler’s VIP Signing

    Mustafa Ali crashed a VIP autograph signing for Dolph Ziggler over the weekend at a non-televised live event from Trenton, New Jersey.

    The former Retribution leader has adopted a new character. He’s keeping a positive mindset, but seems unstable and is borderline delusional.

    Ali’s new angle with Ziggler began a few weeks ago, when he scored a surprising win over Ziggler on Raw in less than five minutes. As seen below, he filmed a video of himself ambushing Ziggler with more of his off-putting ‘positivity.’ Ziggler wasn’t having it and had security escort Ali out of the event, which got the guests all riled up.

    Mustafa Ali has a surprise for Ziggler on RAW

    Meanwhile, Mustafa Ali has also planned a surprise for Dolph Ziggler on the upcoming episode of RAW. Ali has accused ‘The Showoff’ of getting more opportunities because he looked different and smiled more.

    However, ahead of Monday Night RAW next week, the 36-year-old star took to Twitter to announce that he was a surprise for Dolph Ziggler. Ali also asked WWE fans to guess his surprise for The Showoff.

    “HUGE!!!HUGE!!!HUGE!!!! SURPRISE for my man Deez @HEELZiggler NEXT WEEK on #WWERaw. Comment below; what do you think the SURPRISE is?!?” Mustafa Ali wrote.

  • Tommaso Ciampa Provides Update on His Recovery from Hip Surgery

    Tommaso Ciampa Provides Update on His Recovery from Hip Surgery

    WWE star Tommaso Ciampa recently hit a major milestone on recovery from hip surgery.

    Ciampa, a 2-time NXT Champion, had a memorable run as part of WWE’s developmental brand. He and Johnny Gargano are former NXT Tag-Team Champions as part of the beloved DIY tag team. The partners would later go on to feud in what would become one of the brand’s most heated rivalries ever.

    Ciampa has been out of action since last summer. His most recent match on the main roster took place in August 2022. He and The Miz defeated Bobby Lashley and AJ Styles by disqualification on the August 22 episode of Monday Night RAW.

    He underwent surgery in October and is expected to be out of action for several more months.

    Tommaso Ciampa Injury Update

    Ciampa recently took to Instagram and he revealed that he’s completed his final day of stem cell therapy treatment. Tommaso Ciampa wrote on Friday:

    “Today was my final stem cell treatment. They have this awesome tradition at @bioxcellerator where you write what you are hoping to achieve on your stem cell bag. I wrote “dance with buddies” which is Willow’s term for wrestling, and “play tag” because it breaks my heart that I can’t run and play with my 4 year old.

    130 million cells via IV 190 million cells via intraarticular (ankles, knees, hips, shoulders) 40 million cells via intradiscal (lumbar spine, facets, SI joints) 360 million stem cells in total. Let’s heal! ?

    Mommy, Daddy, Willow Forever ?”

  • WWE Hall of Fame: Latest Update on Plans for This Year’s Ceremony

    WWE Hall of Fame: Latest Update on Plans for This Year’s Ceremony

    Each year, the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony is one of the highlights of WrestleMania weekend. Just four weeks out from pro wrestling’s biggest event of the year, details about this year’s HOF ceremony have been sparse.

    WWE has yet to announce a single member for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. It’s been rumored that former WWE Champion Batista will be the headliner. He was originally planned to be inducted back in 2020, but the ceremony was scrapped that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s said to have had ‘scheduling conflicts’ in subsequent years.

    WWE Hall of Fame Update

    Instead of being a stand-alone event, this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony is expected to take place immediately following the March 31 episode of SmackDown from the Crypto.com Center in Los Angeles, California.

    According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

    “Those at WWE said that even though there has been no talk about it nor any names mentioned, that the Hall of Fame ceremony is still scheduled on 3/31 at the Crypto.com Center right after the conclusion of the live Smackdown. It’s part of the Smackdown ticket rather than an additional event.”

    In addition to Batista, Hall of Famer Trish Stratus also recently pitched a name that she’d like to see inducted this year.

  • WWE Removes Vince McMahon’s Name from WrestleMania 39 Poster

    WWE Removes Vince McMahon’s Name from WrestleMania 39 Poster

    Vince McMahon may be back in charge of WWE, but the promotion is trying to distance its controversial chairman from WrestleMania 39.

    McMahon made his shocking return to WWE two months ago, after retiring from all roles with the company in July of last year.

    McMahon reportedly began plotting his comeback shortly after his retirement, believing he had been given bad advice by those closest to him.

    Director no Longer

    Given the California setting for the April event, WWE have leaned heavily into the Hollywood theme, with movie-style posters for Superstars being used in graphics.

    For the poster of Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, the credits during a recent graphic included the phrase ‘Directed by Vince McMahon.’

    Fans have speculated as to whether this was just a nod to McMahon’s ownership of WWE, or if it is a sign that he is more tied to creative than WWE is admitting.

    In a more recent graphic though, McMahon has been ousted as ‘director,’ and the graphic now reads that WrestleMania 39 is directed by Selma Tinware.

    Ms. Tinware is a name not known among wrestling fans, primarily because she does not exist, and Selma Tinware is merely an anagram of WrestleMania.

    WrestleMania 39

    WWE WrestleMania 39 will be (in theory) the first Showcase of the Immortals without McMahon heading the creative team.

    In addition to the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Reigns and Cody Rhodes, the SmackDown Women’s Title will be on the line as Charlotte Flair will defend against Rhea Ripley.

    Asuka looks to end the near-year-long reign of Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, while it will be Goliath Vs. Goliath as Brock Lesnar is set to face Omos.

  • Ric Flair on His Last Match: ‘It Was The Sh*ts’

    Ric Flair on His Last Match: ‘It Was The Sh*ts’

    WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair had a retirement match billed as “Ric Flair’s Last Match” last July when he teamed with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo against Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal.

    Flair and the AEW star went over when Flair hit Jarrett with brass knuckles and then put him in the figure-four leg lock. Coming out of the event, Flair blamed not being properly hydrated for his performance in the match. 

    Dave Meltzer recently published the fan-voted Wrestling Observer Awards. Among the list of awards was the worst match with Vince McMahon vs. Pat McAfee at WrestleMania 38 earning that award while Flair’s last match was the runner-up.

    Flair’s Reaction

    While speaking on his To Be The Man podcast, Ric Flair talked about the Wrestling Observer Awards.

    “I’ll take that because it was the sh*ts. No, no, but here’s the deal. It was the sh*ts because I made a mistake in not hydrating. Let them have it again. No, I mean, I’m serious. I think about it all the time. Let me have the match again. Because the one thing I never thought about was to keep myself hydrated, which I found out my doctor told me the other day, I just went to get my heart tested and all that.”

    He faked having a heart attack during the match a play on having a pacemaker in chest.

    Flair continued by noting that the only recommendation that his doctor gave him was to drink more water since he won’t stop drinking, which includes nine to 12 beers a day.

    H/T to TJRWrestling

  • John Cena to Team With Jackie Chan & Paul Rudd for Upcoming Ninja Turtles Project

    John Cena to Team With Jackie Chan & Paul Rudd for Upcoming Ninja Turtles Project

    John Cena is set to return to WWE TV soon enough, but fans will soon be hearing the 16-time WWE World Champion in a new animated project.

    At the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, Seth Rogen announced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem which is due for an August 4, release.

    Cena will be voicing TMNT regular Rocksteady, a petty criminal who becomes a hulking, mutated rhinoceros due to radioactive ooze.

    Interestingly enough, fellow WWE Superstar Sheamus portrayed the same character in 2014’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.

    Mutant Mayhem

    Cena will be working with an all-star cast for the project, including Jackie Chan as the voice of Splinter, the wise teacher of the titular turtles.

    Fresh off the set of Marvel’s Ant-Man & The Wasp: QuantumMania, Paul Rudd will play Mondo Gecko.

    The iconic heroes in a half-shell will be voiced by Micah Abbey (Donatello) Shamon Brown Jr. (Michaelangelo,) Nicolas Cantu (Leonardo,) and Brady Noon (Raphael.)

    Aya Edebiri will be voicing TMNT icon April O’Neil, who helps the turtles in various adventures.

    Cena in Animation

    Though fans have seen plenty of Cena in films, thanks to blockbusters including Fast9, The Suicide Squad, and Bumblebee, Cena is no stranger to animation.

    John played himself in 2014’s Scooby-Doo: WrestleMania Mystery, and played a prehistoric version of himself, John Cenastone in The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown!

    This new project isn’t John’s first foray into the TMNT world, as he voiced Baron Draxum in eight episodes of Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

  • Sami Zayn Set for Bloodline Match on WWE Monday Night Raw

    Sami Zayn Set for Bloodline Match on WWE Monday Night Raw

    Sami Zayn’s issues with the Bloodline are far from over, as the Honorary Uce will be stepping in the ring with a former ally tomorrow night.

    Zayn’s near-year-long storyline with the group has been praised by fans as some of the best storytelling in wrestling they’ve seen in years.

    At the 2023 Royal Rumble, Zayn’s time as the Honorary Uce ended when he refused to attack Roman Reigns and instead struck Kevin Owens.

    Monday Night Raw

    At WWE Elimination Chamber, Zayn attempted to dethrone Reigns as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion but came up short in his native Montreal.

    During last week’s SmackDown, Solo Sikoa defeated Sami Zayn, but the post-match beatdown did not go as planned.

    When Jimmy Uso said he’d do the running hip attack, Zayn was able to fend off both men, infuriating Reigns backstage.

    On tomorrow’s Raw, Uso will be under pressure to make things right when he faces Zayn one-on-one.

    The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion has certainly been feeling the heat as of late, after being unable to coax his brother Jey back to the Bloodline.

    Future Plans

    Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn will face off next week, and it may not be long before they share the ring again.

    It has been reported that the WrestleMania 39 plan is for the Usos to defend their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against Zayn and Kevin Owens.

    As to how WWE will get to this match remains to be seen, as The Usos are evidently not on the same page, and Owens has refused to join Sami’s side.

    There have been rumors that this match could headline Night One of WrestleMania, given the popularity of Zayn and this angle.

  • WWE Superstar Presents at Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo

    WWE Superstar Presents at Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo

    WWE Superstar Zelina Vega was able to take some time away from the ring to present awards at this weekend’s Crunchyroll Anime Awards.

    These fan-voted awards began in 2017, and according to Crunchyroll themselves, the “global event has annually recognized anime’s finest series and films.”

    Crunchyroll is a popular American video-on-demand streaming service that specializes in Japanese anime and was founded in 2006.

    Zelina Vega

    At the awards, Zelina Vega walked the red (or orange) carpet for the ceremony, and presented several awards.

    The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion presented the Best Romance award to Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – Ultra Romantic.

    Vega also presented the Best Anime Song to Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2 for their track “The Rumbling” by SiM.

    In an Instagram post, Vega said it was an “absolute honor” to be involved with the awards ceremony.

    Vega and Anime

    Zelina Vega’s love for anime and Japanese pop culture is hardly a secret to those who have followed the career of the 2021 Queen’s Crown Tournament winner.

    During a recent interview with IGN, Vega spoke about her dream to one day be part of an Anime herself.

    “I’m a huge fan of Naruto and Demon Slayer, and I’m just like, ‘Man, it would be amazing to have this full circle of voicing a character and then cosplaying them in the ring.”

    Zelina Vega.

    Vega is set to be part of the upcoming Street Fighter 6 video game commentary team.

    h/t – Fightful.

  • Watch: Roman Reigns Takes On Sami Zayn In Elimination Chamber Rematch

    Watch: Roman Reigns Takes On Sami Zayn In Elimination Chamber Rematch

    Sami Zayn got another shot at the Undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns after their Elimination Chamber match in Montreal.

    WWE presented their latest Live Event from Toronto, Canada this Sunday. The show featured stars such as Rhea Ripley, Kevin Owens and more.

    Matches on the card for this event included bouts such as Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman and Ricochet vs. The Imperium, Charlotte Flair vs. Shayna Bazler and more.

    WWE had originally booked Zayn for a tag team match with Owens at the show but they later changed it to singles matches for both the stars.

    Sami Zayn vs. Roman Reigns

    Kevin defeated LA Knight in a match on the House Show while Sami Zayn got another shot at the Head Of The Table in the main event of the night.

    The two recreated the magic of their Elimination Chamber encounter and delivered a nail biter for the live crowd. The referee got knocked out towards the ending of the bout and Roman Reigns tried to use a chair to his advantage but failed.

    The final moments of the match saw Roman delivering a low blow to his opponent. He then picked up the victory to retain the titles with a spear.

    Both Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn addressed the crowd after the match to end the night. You can check out some photos and videos of their encounter below:

  • MJF Told a WWE Talent That he Looks Forward to Being There in 2024 (Report)

    MJF Told a WWE Talent That he Looks Forward to Being There in 2024 (Report)

    Last year, there was a lot of talk about what MJF would do when his contract with AEW comes due in January 2024.

    This was put on television through a storyline that led to him cutting a heated promo where he called AEW President Tony Khan a ‘mark’ and dared him to fire him. He showed up at the end of the All Out event in September before beating Jon Moxley for the AEW World Heavyweight Title at Full Gear that November. 

    It’s been reported that WWE has an interest in signing him when he’s free and clear of his AEW deal. MJF has reminded fans in countless interviews and promos that his contract is coming up. He shifted this to a work and came up with the “bidding war of 2024” line he has used on TV.

    The Admission

    Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports that MJF told one WWE talent, “I’m looking forward to being there in 2024.” 

    The source said that MJF wanted them to think he was serious, but the person didn’t take anything MJF said too seriously. The report added, “Word of him saying that had made its way to other talent there, as well.”

    It should be noted that MJF has said he’s looking to sign with whichever company will offer him the most amount of money. Whether it’s AEW or WWE, MJF is a top star who continues to improve and will be getting paid either way come 2024.

  • Kofi Kingston Injured on Friday’s SmackDown (Report)

    Kofi Kingston Injured on Friday’s SmackDown (Report)

    Kofi Kingston is currently on the sidelines with an injury. 

    On Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown, it appeared that Kingston had suffered an injury in a segment that also featured Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Karrion Kross, and LA Knight to set up a 5-way match on next week’s show to determine who will face Gunther for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 39.

    Kofi Kingston’s Status

    Unfortunately, that is the case. FightFans.co reported today that Kingston is dealing with an arm injury. Bryan Alvarez also reported the news on his Twitter account. 

    While the exact injury and timeline for his return is unknown, the word is that it is expected to be a lengthy period of time. The report added that there is already talk of a replacement for Kingston in the match. 

    Kingston’s most recent match was a dark match with Jinder Mahal that saw Kingston go over the fellow former WWE Champion at a February 24 SmackDown event. 

    Kingston and Xavier Woods previously dropped the NXT Tag Team Titles to Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) at WWE NXT Vengeance Day.

    We wish Kingston a speedy recovery.

  • Naomi Set For First Wrestling Appearance Since WWE walkout

    Naomi Set For First Wrestling Appearance Since WWE walkout

    Naomi (real name Trinity Fatu) is set to make a pro-wrestling-related appearance since the controversial WWE walkout.

    The former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion is scheduled to appear at the WrestleCon event during WrestleMania 39 weekend in LA on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2.

    Other stars appearing at the convention include Mercedes Mone, Young Bucks, Goldberg, Adam Cole, Toni Storm, Brandi Rhodes, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, Ric Flair, Ricky Starks, The Acclaimed, Thunder Rosa, and Jake Roberts.

    This will mark Naomi’s first wrestling-related appearance since she walked out of WWE last year. Mercedes Mone (formerly Sasha Banks in WWE) and Naomi had walked out of Monday Night RAW due to creative differences in May last year. There have been various sides to the story. It was also reported that the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions confronted the then WWE Chairman Vince McMahon over their issue.

    Last month, Mercedes and Naomi appeared on the Bar season premiere of Bar Rescue. ‘The Glow’ has been away from the company for months now. Meanwhile, Mercedes became the second-ever IWGP Women’s Champion when she defeated inaugural champion KAIRI for the title at NJPW Battle in the Valley.

    It was reported by Bryan Alvarez in January that Naomi was expected to make her return to the company which led to speculation that it could happen with her being a surprise entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble match.

    That same week, Dave Meltzer reported that talks between WWE and Naomi were ongoing. Fightful also reported that one WWE higher-up was confident Naomi would return to WWE. 

    However, her return never came into fruition. Meanwhile, her former tag team partner Ariane Andrew (Cameron), Andrew noted that Naomi underwent surgery. 

  • Paul Heyman: “I Can Guarantee You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Sami Zayn”

    Paul Heyman: “I Can Guarantee You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Sami Zayn”

    The case of Sami Zayn and The Bloodline is a curious one. The former NXT champion wasn’t even considered a main event talent by many fans up until a year ago. However, he has turned haters into supporters with his performance in the past year. Many believe that he should have beaten Roman Reigns at the Elimination Chamber PPV. Though Paul Heyman is promising that Sami’s story is not finished despite the loss.

    The special counsel recently appeared on the SI Media podcast. He was asked if there was ever any inkling to change the WrestleMania plans for Reigns due to Zayn’s rise to popularity. The former ECW owner claimed that it’s always a possibility:

    “There’s always an inkling to change any plan because the old expression is you have a test audience every night and we’re very adaptable. We think we have a really good formula here. We think we have a really good path. I don’t think you’ve seen the last of Sami Zayn. In fact, I can guarantee you haven’t seen the last of Sami Zayn, nor Kevin Owens, nor any of the other players in this act that we’ve put together.

    There was a very compelling reason to put Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn on Elimination Chamber. The timing was perfect for us and oh my god, we just happened to be putting that show in Montreal, where the reception to Sami would be something that other audiences will aspire to top just because they wanna be the best audience ever.”

    ‘That’s What We Do’: Paul Heyman

    Paul Heyman and Sami Zayn

    Many people still believe that WWE should have saved the bout between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn for WrestleMania 39. Paul Heyman addressed this belief and explained how the loss still helped the Honorary Uce:

    “So we saw this Montreal opportunity. We also saw the timing could not be better. We’re heading into the Royal Rumble with Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens, and then all the different opportunities that interweave themselves with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The timeline for the story just fit. I understand that people have wanted more and more and more for Sami. That’s the object. We try to do that with every challenger. We did that with Drew McIntyre going on over to Cardiff in the UK. We did that with Brock Lesnar going into SummerSlam when he drove a tractor out to the ring and demolished the ring. We did that with the group that we took on in the WarGames in Survivor Series. We did it with Kevin Owens going into the Royal Rumble.

    We try to do that with everyone that comes into the co-starring role with Roman Reigns in terms of who his opponent’s going to be for the match that we’re trying to sell. And hopefully, on the flip side of being defeated by the Tribal Chief, the Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns, you are worth far more. Have a far more passionate fan base. Sell far more merchandise, sell far more tickets than you did before. You are more famous, more accepted, more valued by the audience than you were before we got our hands on you. That’s the whole object of what we do. I hope six months from now, people are still clamoring more and more and more for Sami, that’s what we do. We try to make stars out of everyone that’s within our orbit.”

    You can check out Paul Heyman’s full interview below:

    More Originals From SEScoops:

    If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

  • Brett DiBiase, Son of Ted DiBiase, Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charge

    Brett DiBiase, Son of Ted DiBiase, Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charge

    Brett DiBiase has made a plea in the case against him connected with Mississippi’s largest welfare embezzlement scandal.

    WLBT reports DiBiase pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in US District Court. He previously pled guilty to two charges in Hinds County Circuit Court. 

    Now, he awaits his sentence in state court and faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

    The Scandal

    Brett was one of several people who were connected to the fraud where they were accused of the embezzlement of millions of dollars in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding. Brett paid $48,000 through his business Restore2, LLC by using false claims to get the money as he covered up these payments by falsifying documents, invoices, books, reports, and ledgers.

    Others involved in the case were indicted and later convicted. The names included were former DHS Executive Director John Davis, Nancy New, Zach New, and Ann McGrew.

    The son of WWE Hall of Famer Ted Dibiase did work for WWE from 2008 to 2011 where he was used in FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling), then-WWE’s developmental territory where he was a Tag Team Championship.

  • Paul Heyman Opens up on Emotional Promo Segment With Cody Rhodes

    Paul Heyman Opens up on Emotional Promo Segment With Cody Rhodes

    Paul Heyman and Cody Rhodes had a memorable promo segment on the February 6 edition of WWE Raw.

    This was where Heyman talked with the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble winner on behalf of WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns ahead of their clash at WrestleMania 39. 

    The topic of Cody’s late father Dusty Rhodes was the main focal point of the promo. Rhodes thanked Heyman for reigniting Dusty’s passion during his ECW days. Heyman told Rhodes that in the last conversation he had with Dusty, the legendary wrestler told him that  Cody was his favorite son, but Reigns was the son he always wanted.

    The Pressure

    While speaking on the SI Media podcast, Heyman looked back on the promo. 

    “I like pressure. I don’t find pressure to be burdensome. I find it to be inspiring. We have Cody coming out of the gates now one-on-one with Roman because this was the night after the Elimination Chamber where Roman Reigns defeats Sami Zayn. so you know it won’t be Sami, you know it’s going to be Cody challenging Roman and an audience. I’m sorry, this was before the Elimination Chamber, but an audience that is really honed in on the arrival of Sami Zayn as a superstar.”

    Heyman continued, “Here’s Cody, with his own narrative, his own story to tell, and as he will tell his story to finish. And a compelling one at that, and an emotional one at that. We have to tell his story as well. The pressure is we have a first time WrestleMania main event and an audience that is very critical of new people in the main event of WrestleMania….The pressure really was to demonstrate Cody Rhodes as someone who is capable of hanging with and telling himself a WrestleMania main event level story for the audience to absorb and become invested in.”

    If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit with an h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

  • Ronda Rousey Dealing With an Injury Heading Into WWE WrestleMania

    Ronda Rousey Dealing With an Injury Heading Into WWE WrestleMania

    Although Ronda Rousey is dealing with an injury, she is not expected to miss WWE WrestleMania 39 in April. 

    According to PWTorch, the top WWE star has aggravated a prior injury, but the report stated that it wouldn’t prevent her from competing at WrestleMania next month in Los Angeles.

    Rousey was originally set to team with Shayna Baszler to take on Tegan Nox and Natalya on Friday’s episode of SmackDown. However, plans had to change due to Rousey’s injury. 

    Plans Change

    WWE did an angle on the show where it was revealed that the two teams got into a brawl backstage at the show earlier in the day. The announcers would later explain that Rousey suffering an injury in the brawl caused the tag team match to be nixed and a singles match between Baszler and Nox was made. 

     Baszler won the match via armbar while Rousey was with her good friend during the match while wearing a sling on her arm.

    As of late, Baszler and Rousey have been teaming together. Rousey has stated that she wants to have a tag team run with Baszler, which is reportedly the direction for both stars by WWE as they’re supposed to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania 39.