SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • First Inductee for The WWE Hall Of Fame 2023 Revealed (Report)

    First Inductee for The WWE Hall Of Fame 2023 Revealed (Report)

    It looks like Dave Bautista will get his moment to be honored by WWE for all of his accomplishments and success with the company. 

    The former WWE World Heavyweight champion had been slated to go in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic nixed that. The Class of 2020 inductees got their ceremony the following year and was paired with the 2021 class as it was pre-taped inside the virtual WWE ThunderDome. 

    Previous Induction

    Bautista decided to pull out of the 2021 ceremony “due to previous obligations.” Just last month, the former WWE star told ComicBook.com that he did not know if he would be inducted this year but was hoping he would. 

    Wrestling News Premium, WrestlingNews.co’s Patreon account reported today, “the word going around in WWE is that Dave Bautista will be the headliner at this year’s WWE Hall Of Fame.”

    Per the report, those they spoke with in the company believe that both sides wanted to hold off on his induction as there wouldn’t be fans in attendance to hear his speech, something he wanted to do in front of fans. 

    It’s still unclear when they will make the announcement nor who else will be going into the class. 

    Batista Hoping for 2023 WWE Hall of Fame Induction
  • More Details on WWE’s Plans to Bring Back Finn Balor’s Demon Character

    More Details on WWE’s Plans to Bring Back Finn Balor’s Demon Character

    WWE had plans in place to bring back The Demon version of Finn Balor, but it didn’t end up happening.

    It was originally reported by WrestlingNews.co in December that WWE was going to do Edge vs. Balor at the Royal Rumble as a way to further the Judgment Day vs. Edge feud that has been going on for almost a year now. 

    Original Plans

    However, that was nixed due to Edge being away with a filming project and his schedule not allowing him to make appearances on WWE TV leading up to the bout. 

    Originally, WWE wanted to do a Hell in a Cell match at the show. Fighful Select provided more details on WWE’s plans for The Demon, Balor’s alter ego, to make a return based on internal plans. 

    People that Fightful spoke with “felt as if the Demon persona didn’t fit during the current iteration of Judgment Day, and were against it in this situation.”

    There were others who felt the match would have needed something special and Balor portraying the Demon would’ve done just that. 

    Although Balor has used the persona seven times in WWE on the main roster, he last portrayed it when he lost to WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WWE Extreme Rules last year. 

  • Teddy Long Says Cody Rhodes Can Outshine John Cena Any Day

    Teddy Long Says Cody Rhodes Can Outshine John Cena Any Day

    Teddy Long believes that Cody Rhodes has the ability to outshine someone like John Cena any day.

    The WWE Hall Of Famer recently took part in an interview with Sportskeeda’s Riju Dasgupta, where he was asked about Cody Rhodes and his current rise to the top of the WWE card since making his return.

    Long had nothing but praise for “The American Nightmare,” going as far as saying that Rhodes could outshine WWE legend John Cena “any day.”

    “In my opinion, I think Cody Rhodes can certainly outshine John Cena any day. He’s a great competitor. I’ve known Cody Rhodes since he was a little bitty boy playing on the softball team.

    “His father, Dusty Rhodes, God rest his soul, gave me my first job, so I never will forget that, but Cody Rhodes, I guarantee you, will outshine John Cena any day.”

    Cody Rhodes won the 2023 Royal Rumble

    Rhodes has certainly had a tremendous run since returning to WWE. He made a surprise return to the company last year at WrestleMania, being revealed as Seth Rollins’ surprise opponent at the event.

    This marked the beginning of a tremendous rivalry between the pair, which ultimately ended with a pectoral injury for Rhodes that forced him to be sidelined for the next several months.

    Rhodes made his triumphant return at the Royal Rumble last month, winning the Men’s Royal Rumble match and punching his ticket to the WrestleMania 39 main event.

    Now, he’s slated to headline the card against Roman Reigns, challenging for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. If he wins, he’ll be the first of his family to win a WWE World Title.

    Quotes via WrestlingNews.co

  • Charlotte Flair Hasn’t Noticed Difference Between Triple H & Vince McMahon’s Creative

    Charlotte Flair Hasn’t Noticed Difference Between Triple H & Vince McMahon’s Creative

    If there’s been a difference in Triple H and Vince McMahon’s creative within WWE, Charlotte Flair hasn’t noticed it.

    Flair recently took part in an interview with The Daytona Beach News Journal, and was asked about what differences she’s noticed since Triple H has taken over WWE creative for Vince McMahon.

    “The Queen” noted that she hasn’t noticed much of a difference in all honesty, but mostly because she feels it’s more so up to her to make something work on-screen rather than the person coming up with the idea.

    “I haven’t really noticed a difference because I feel, as a performer, that my job is just to make my boss happy. Whoever is in the seat is your boss,” Charlotte Flair said.

    “Maybe if I was new, I would feel a difference, but I’m on more of the seasoned vet side. I don’t feel like there is as much maneuvering or trying to build a new character.”

    Charlotte Flair
    (WWE)

    McMahon was forced to step down from his position of head of WWE creative late last year in the midst of the sexual misconduct investigation against him. This left his son-in-law, Triple H, to step up and take over the creative helm.

    Since, Triple H’s creative decisions have been hailed as being far more in-tune with the professional wrestling crowd than McMahon’s. Especially after a great Elimination Chamber event this past weekend from Montreal.

    Now that McMahon is back with the company in an executive role, it remains to be seen if he ever eventually decides to return to run WWE’s creative process again.

  • John Cena Announced for Upcoming WWE Raw from Boston

    John Cena Announced for Upcoming WWE Raw from Boston

    John Cena is returning to WWE television soon.

    Cena’s most recent appearance took place on the December 30 edition of WWE SmackDown. He teamed up with Kevin Owens that night to defeat The Bloodline’s Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. In doing so, he continued his long-running streak of wrestling at least one match per year.

    On Monday, WWE announced Cena will be on hand Monday, March 6 when Raw rolls into his home town of Boston, MA. Here’s the official announcement from WWE, including a link to purchase tickets, if you’re in the Boston area.

    John Cena to Appear Live in Boston!

    16-time World Champion John Cena will appear LIVE at TD Garden in Boston, MA for the 3/6/23 edition of Monday Night RAW.

    Don’t miss out on seeing this epic Monday Night RAW on the Road to WrestleMania LIVE!

    Tickets are now available via Ticketmaster.

    John Cena’s next appearance comes in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania 39. Cena is expected to compete against reigning Untied State Champion Austin Theory at WWE’s biggest event of the year. Theory defends the gold against Edge tonight on Raw.

    Cena and Theory have been talking about wanting to work against each other over the past year. Theory has named Cena as one his favorite wrestlers while he was growing up, which paves the way for a built-in storyline for such a match. Theory has been complaining that people compare him to Cena, and has boasted that he’s achieving things in WWE that Cena never did.

  • Rumored Big Match Not Locked In For WrestleMania

    Rumored Big Match Not Locked In For WrestleMania

    A major match-up many have been expecting for WrestleMania this year is currently up in the air.

    At Elimination Chamber, Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley had their third singles bout. The latest showdown between the pair followed ‘The All Mighty’ making quick work of, and eliminating, ‘The Beast Incarnate’ from the men’s Royal Rumble match last month.

    In a sprint-paced brawl, the two heavyweight monsters quickly got their spots in. Lesnar then got DQ’d for a surprise low blow just shy of the five-minute mark. The post-match antics saw the former UFC Heavyweight Champion obliterate both Lashley and the referee with F-5s.

    Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar

    The chaotic finish has left fans expecting a final, blow-off bout between the pair with a decisive finish. Their original clash at last year’s Royal Rumble win ended with a tainted Lashley win after Paul Heyman betrayed Lesnar. Their second bout saw Lesnar win with a surprise pinfall when he was locked in The Hurt Lock at Crown Jewel back in November.

    Is Bray Wyatt vs. Brock Lesnar On The Cards For WrestleMania?

    On the go-home SmackDown before Elimination Chamber, Bray Wyatt expressed his interesting facing the winner of Lesnar vs. Lashley III.

    While Lesnar lost the bout via DQ, Wyatt very curiously specified he wants to face whoever “walks out alive” of the bout. Despite his loss, Lesnar was certainly not the worse for wear figure after his bout with Lashley.

    The controversial ending of Lesnar/Lashley III was reportedly booked to keep the feud chugging along this year. However, according to a recent report from Fightful Select, the continuation of the feud may wait until after WrestleMania.

    Considering Wyatt’s promo and Lesnar’s curious booking at Elimination Chamber, it looks like the big man may well be butting heads with Wyatt and Uncle Howdy very soon.

    Would you like to see Bray Wyatt face either Brock Lesnar or Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania?

  • Teddy Long Names WWE Tag Team He’d Want to Manage

    Teddy Long Names WWE Tag Team He’d Want to Manage

    Teddy Long is best known to WWE fans as the former General Manager of SmackDown (more specifically, booking tag team matches and making people go one-on-one with the Undertaker).

    Prior to his memorable role as the SmackDown GM, Long worked as a referee and also guided several wrestlers as a manager, including Doom (Ron Simmons and Butch Reed), The Skyscrapers (Sid Vicious, “Mean” Mark Callous and Butch Reed), 2 Cold Scorpio, Marcus “Buff” Bagwell and many more.

    Teddy Long & The Street Profits

    During a recent interview with Riju Dasgupta of Sportskeeda for WrestleBinge, Long was asked a hypothetical question about current WWE act(s) he’d want to manage.

    Long said, if he were to manage anybody, he thinks he’d probably choose a tag team. He then named multi-time tag team champions, The Street Profits.

    “I like them, I watch them,” he said. “You know they are good, they are good in the ring. Their mic skills are good. You know they are a couple of nice guys. I had a chance to meet them. So Street Profits are the guys I’d like to be with.”

    WWE’s roster is loaded with talented performers, but the Street Profits are a great pick. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins are one of the biggest success stories to come out of NXT over the past several years. Ford in particular is seen as having tremendous upside and will likely branch out on his own as a singles act in the future. He had an impressive showing over the weekend in the men’s Elimination Chamber match.

    Long’s illustrious career earned him a much-deserved spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2017.

    WWE produced this video package highlighting some of his greatest moments:

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

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

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

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

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

    “Right Up There”

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

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

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

    Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman.

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

    Cracks in the Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Future Plans

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

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

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

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

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

    WWE The Favorites to Sign Top Free Agent Jay White

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

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

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

    WWE Future

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

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

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

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

    Dave Meltzer.

    AEW Interest

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

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

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

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

    h/t – Wrestle Talk

  • Latest on Triple H Being Underwhelmed by Rehired WWE Superstars

    Latest on Triple H Being Underwhelmed by Rehired WWE Superstars

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

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

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

    Underwhelmed?

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

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

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

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

    Expectations and Depth

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Former WWE Superstar Spotted at Elimination Chamber 2023

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

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

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

    JTG

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

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

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

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

    JTG After WWE

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

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

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

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

    WWE Elimination Chamber and a Look Ahead to WrestleMania 39
  • WWE Elimination Chamber and a Look Ahead to WrestleMania 39

    WWE Elimination Chamber and a Look Ahead to WrestleMania 39

    This week on Top Rope Nation, the crew looks at Saturday night’s WWE Elimination Chamber event and all the results coming out of Montreal. Plus, a look ahead at WrestleMania 39.

    Each week, the video version of Top Rope Nation streams live to the SEScoops YouTube channel. You can join the live streams by subscribing to the channel and turning on notifications so you never miss a live broadcast. This will include a regular weekly edition of Top Rope Nation (typically Thursday nights), as well as reviews of all major WWE and AEW PLE/PPV shows.

    On episode 286 this week, the Top Rope Nation crew breaks down each match from Elimination Chamber as only they can. Plus, they have a lively discussion on if Roman Reigns will actually lose the title at WrestleMania, whether he should, WWE’s problems at the top of the card moving forward, and of course a whole lot on the future for Sami Zayn.

    You can watch the show via the embedded YouTube video at the top of this page. Additionally, you can listen to the audio-only podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are found. You will also find an embedded audio player below.

  • Ric Flair Explains Hopes for Third WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    Ric Flair Explains Hopes for Third WWE Hall of Fame Induction

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

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

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

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

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

    Third Induction

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

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

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

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

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

    Evolution

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

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

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

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

    Asuka Makes WWE History with Elimination Chamber 2023 Victory

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

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

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

    History Maker

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

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

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

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

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

    Asuka at WrestleMania

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Staying Out of It

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

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

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

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

    Triple H.

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

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

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

    h/t – Fightful

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

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

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

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

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

    Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins

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

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

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

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

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

    WrestleMania Plans

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

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

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

    Original Plans For Scrapped Raw XXX Match
  • Triple H Compares Sami Zayn To Hall of Famer After Elimination Chamber

    Triple H Compares Sami Zayn To Hall of Famer After Elimination Chamber

    Triple H has compared Sami Zayn to WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley after his incredible performance at the Elimination Chamber PPV.

    Zayn went up against Roman Reigns at the PLE in a very emotional match. While he didn’t manage to win the title, the former NXT champion gave the performance of a lifetime during the show.

    The WWE Executive talked about the bout in the post-show press conference. Triple H explained that Sami Zayn reminds him of Foley due to his connection with the crowd:

    “[Sami Zayn is] just a really special performer that in some ways, not in all ways, but in some ways reminds me so much of a Mick Foley in that his connection to a crowd.

    One minute can make you laugh, the next minute you can have so much sympathy for him. He’s just, he connects on such an emotional level that I think it’s hard to put it in words and that makes it something really special.”

    Zayn unintentionally speared Jey Uso during the Elimination Chamber match. He was then saved from a post-match beatdown by Kevin Owens.

    After tonight it appears that WWE is going with their original plans for WrestleMania and we will see Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens teaming up against The Usos at the show of shows.

    You can check out the Elimination Chamber press conference below:

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

  • Watch: What Happened With Sami Zayn After Elimination Chamber Went Off Air

    Watch: What Happened With Sami Zayn After Elimination Chamber Went Off Air

    Sami Zayn had the opportunity of a lifetime at Elimination Chamber. He went up against Roman Reigns in one of the best stories that WWE has told in a long time.

    Unfortunately for the former NXT champion, WWE decided not to pull the trigger on him despite the incredible crowd support.

    Reigns ended up winning the match after distractions from Jimmy and Jey Uso. The Tribal Chief tried to deliver a post-match beatdown on his opponent but a returning Kevin Owens made the save.

    Owens first laid out Jimmy Uso and he took out Reigns as well. Sami Zayn then delivered a helluva kick to the Undisputed Champion and stood tall in the ring as the show went off air.

    The Underdog from The Underground stayed in the ring after the cameras stopped rolling. He soaked in a standing ovation from the crowd for a while before finally leaving:

    The Elimination Chamber PPV also saw Jey Uso coming in between the Head of The Table and Sami Zayn, only for him to eat a spear from Sami that was originally meant for Reigns.

    After tonight, it seems clear that WWE is sticking with their original plans for WrestleMania 39. We will see Zayn and Owens teaming up to face The Usos at the upcoming PPV.

  • Sami Zayn Breaks Silence After Disheartening Elimination Chamber Loss

    Sami Zayn Breaks Silence After Disheartening Elimination Chamber Loss

    Sami Zayn had the opportunity of a lifetime in his hometown to make history and defeat Roman Reigns to win his first world title in WWE.

    The Underdog from The Underground however, failed to get the job done. WWE chose not to pull the trigger despite the incredible crowd support and he suffered a disheartening loss.

    Zayn broke his silence on the defeat during the post-show press conference. The WWE star said that he is feeling ‘strangely detached’ after the show:

    “I feel very strangely detached, which I don’t know if people want to hear. You want to hear, ‘Wow, I did this. It was awesome. I’m riding high.’ I normally am, but I’m feeling very strange, strangely detached,”

    Sami Zayn said that he might feel different later after he has watched the whole thing back. However, right now he is feeling like waking up just before you have realized your dream:

    “I’d be lying if I said that didn’t affect me. Of course, it’s unbelievable…this is a dream come true. You ever have a dream, it’s going in a certain direction, and then you wake up right before. That’s kind of what this was.”

    The former NXT champion later mentioned that some elements of this story were real. He discussed how he saw the crowd after the match was over and saw deflated faces that were not ‘in a storyline sort of deflated.’

    You can check out the full press conference below:

  • Austin Theory Announces US Title Open Challenge For Raw, Talks John Cena

    Austin Theory Announces US Title Open Challenge For Raw, Talks John Cena

    Austin Theory has made a big announcement for this Monday’s Raw after successfully retaining the United States Championship at Elimination Chamber.

    The current champion managed to outlast the five challengers he faced inside the Chamber. He last eliminated Seth Rollins who was distracted by Logan Paul to retain the title.

    In the post show press conference, Theory was asked if he would want to defend the belt against John Cena at WrestleMania. The US Champion explained that people should talk about him and not the Cenation Leader:

    “Why does everyone talk about John Cena? Why? Why don’t they talk about me? Because now they’re gonna talk about me. Because tonight I showcased my immortality inside that chamber.”

    – Austin Theory

    Later in the press conference, Austin Theory asked a question of his own. He wondered who is gonna step up to him now because there is no one in the WWE locker room who thinks like him.

    The Raw star then announced that he will be issuing an open challenge for the US Championship on Monday and said that he will beat anyone who answers it.

    Apart from this, the Elimination Chamber PPV also featured another cage match and the match between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. You can check out the results for the show here.

    Update: it appears that Edge has accepted the open challenge issued by Theory. He said this at the post-show press conference:

  • Roman Reigns Defeats Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens Makes The Save at WWE Elimination Chamber

    Roman Reigns Defeats Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens Makes The Save at WWE Elimination Chamber

    Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns had their highly anticipated bout at this year’s WWE Elimination Chamber premium live event when “The Tribal Chief” made his latest defense as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. 

    The match opened with a long staredown before they looked around at the crowd. After tossing him to the floor, Zayn hit an outside dive. Reigns cut him off with a right hand. While the beatdown was going on, Reigns was talking trash about Zayn to Zayn’s wife. Zayn then made a comeback. Zayn with the superman punch then a big boot for two. Reigns cut off a DDT attempt with an uppercut.

    Zayn avoided the spear and Reigns went through the barricade. Zayn hit the blue thunder bomb for 2 once in the ring. The referee was taken out by accident and Jimmy Uso came out to hit Zayn with superkicks. Reigns hit a spear after Zayn knocked Jimmy off the apron. After the second referee was knocked down, they did double superman punches. As Reigns was about to hit Zayn with a chair, Jey Uso showed up. Zayn accidentally speared Jey and Reigns hit Zayn with a chair. Reigns retained with a spear. 

    Kevin Owens came out to make the save for Zayn in a post-match beatdown. Owens with a stunner to Reigns then one to Jimmy. Owens with a powerbomb to Jimmy through the announce table. Owens with a stunner to Paul Heyman. Zayn laid out Reigns with the big boot in the corner to end the show. 

    After months of embracing him into The Bloodline, Zayn finally turned on The Bloodline at the Royal Rumble after Reigns retained the Undisputed WWE Universal Title over Kevin Owens. The Bloodline beat down Owens after the match. Reigns was going to hit him with a chair, only for Zayn to stop him. Reigns wanted Zayn to hit Owens with the chair and Zayn refused to do it. Zayn hit Reigns in the back. The Bloodline beat down Zayn, except for Jey Uso, who walked out.

    Reigns will make his next defense as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39. 

  • Austin Theory Retains WWE US Title With Logan Paul’s Help at Elimination Chamber

    Austin Theory Retains WWE US Title With Logan Paul’s Help at Elimination Chamber

    WWE stacked the deck in storyline against Austin Theory when he put his United States Title on the line against Seth Rollins, Bronson Reed, Johnny Gargano, Damian Priest, and Montez Ford in an Elimination Chamber Match at the themed PLE on Saturday night. 

    The match opened with Rollins and Gargano. Theory was the third star in only to be beaten down by Rollins and Gargano. Priest was the fourth star in which he hit a front senton to Gargano over the top rope. Rollins with falcon arrow to Priest for 2. Reed came in as the fifth star and Ford was the last to enter. 

    Ford climbed the fence to the top and jumped off to take everyone out. Reed was eliminated after taking everyone’s finisher. Gargano did a hurricanrana to Rollins off the top of a pod. Gargano was eliminated by Priest with the razor’s edge. Priest was sent packing after Rollins and Ford did an overcastle/powerbomb double team move. Ford was eliminated by Theory after Ford took the stomp by Rollins. Moments later, Logan Paul came out after Ford was taken to the back by medical and hit a stomp to Rollins allowing Theory to hit his finisher for the win. 

    WWE held qualifying matches for the competitors in the match. Reed defeated Dolph Ziggler, Gargano defeated Baron Corbin, Rollins defeated Chad Gable, Priest pinned Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford pinned Elias to advance. 

    Theory is reportedly slated to wrestle John Cena at WrestleMania 39 in April. 

    What are your thoughts on Theory retaining the United States Title? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

  • Mercedes Moné Comments on Possible WWE Return

    Mercedes Moné Comments on Possible WWE Return

    Mercedes Moné, formerly known as Sasha Banks, is outside the WWE bubble now that she is an NJPW talent. 

    Moné walked out of WWE last May with Naomi due to creative differences and was on hiatus for the rest of 2022 while negotiating her WWE release. She became free and clear of WWE last month before officially signing with New Japan Pro Wrestling. 

    Moné made her promotional debut last month at Wrestle Kingdom, where she confronted KAIRI, setting up their IWGP Women’s Title match at Saturday’s Battle in the Valley event. 

    While speaking with Marc Raimondi of ESPN, Moné was asked about a possible return to WWE one day. 

    “I guess people like to say ‘never say never.’’ You never know in life. I never knew life would take me here, but I always follow my heart so wherever my heart takes me is where I’m going to go.” 

    When asked whether returning to WWE is a greater chance of happening than fighting UFC’s megastar Amanda Nunes, Moné responded, “Probably the same chances.”

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

  • Colby Corino Signs With WWE (Report)

    Colby Corino Signs With WWE (Report)

    WWE has signed another independent star and that’s Colby Corino. 

    On Saturday, Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam reported that Colby Corino has signed with the company. Per the report, Corino is expected to report to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida where he will work in NXT as early as March. 

    Where It Started

    Last month, Corino announced that he was a free agent after finishing his run with the National Wrestling Alliance. Corino made his NWA debut during the tapings for The Circle Squared in 2019, but wasn’t brought back until 2021. 

    It was reported by Hayes in December that WWE was interested in Corino and he was slated to travel to the training facility to do a tryout with the company once he was free and clear of the NWA. 

    As of this writing, WWE has not confirmed Corino signing with the promotion.

    Many fans will recognize the name as Colby is the son of Steve Corino, who currently works for WWE as a trainer/producer for the NXT brand. 

    Colby last wrestled on January 22 at Catalyst Wrestling Rock The Bell House when he faced Homicide in a Last Man Standing match but came up short.