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Category: WWE

  • WWE Targeting AEW Allies For Partnership Deals (Report)

    WWE Targeting AEW Allies For Partnership Deals (Report)

    WWE’s recent partnership with the indie promotion Reality of Wrestling is not an entirely altruistic act, it has been reported.

    Earlier this week, it was announced that NXT talent will be appearing for ROW (the promotion founded by NXT commentator Booker T) starting with Ivy Nile.

    The Diamond Mine member will be in action at the ROW event on February 11, in Texas City.

    Targets

    Following the Monday Night War, WWE and Vince McMahon refused to play with others, which has made this apparent change of attitude such a surprise.

    Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that ROW is just one of several promotions in WWE’s sights, with the goal being to cut sources of talent to AEW.

    “there are several companies that are talked to, with the idea that they may be able to get NXT stars, but the Booker T thing has to go well. If it goes well, there are other companies and I think they are targeting companies that are close to AEW and see what they can do.

    Dave Meltzer.

    Working with Others

    WWE’s reasons for providing ROW with NXT talent aren’t just to help Booker’s promotion, and this isn’t the first time they’ve acted this way.

    During the Monday Night Wars, Vince McMahon would give payments to ECW, initially considered a loan though it is unclear if the money was ever repaid.

    McMahon would also send WWF talent to ECW for further conditioning, and ECW could advertise big names from the much bigger promotion.

    In return, Paul Heyman would give the WWF the first opportunity to sign ECW talent when contracts were expiring, giving McMahon the advantage over WCW.

    Vince McMahon Admonished Kevin Dunn After Using Slur About Ex-WWE Star

    h/t – Wrestling News

  • Matt Riddle Shows Off New Grill Amid WWE Hiatus

    Matt Riddle Shows Off New Grill Amid WWE Hiatus

    Matt Riddle has not been seen on WWE programming in months but has taken to social media to show off his new grill.

    Riddle last competed for WWE in early December and was written off of TV on the December 5, Raw with an attack by Solo Sikoa.

    The former United States Champion was in fact suspended for violating WWE’s Wellness Policy and it was later reported that he had entered rehab.

    New Grill

    Riddle may be missing from WWE TV, but the Original Bro has continued to make headlines for interesting reasons.

    After splitting from his ex-wife Lisa, Riddle began dating adult film actress Misha Montana, but has also faced accusations of cheating from other actresses.

    Taking to social media, Riddle shared a few selfies with Montana, and showed off his new grill.

    Riddle thanked Montana for her support during his recovery following his suspension from WWE.

    When a fan stated that they were hoping to see Riddle in a ‘more stable environment,’ Montana fired back, saying she and Matt are completely sober but people will route for failure.

    Riddle’s Return

    While Riddle’s suspension is believed to have been for sixty days, there’s been no confirmation as to when he will return to TV.

    Though Riddle has been advertised for the February 13, 2023, edition of Raw in Brooklyn, New York, the card is always subject to change.

    In addition to Riddle, RK-Bro ally Randy Orton continues to be missing due to a severe back injury, with some fearing that the Legend Killer’s days in the ring may be already over.

    Matt Riddle Earns His BJJ Black Belt, Update on WWE Return
  • Dominik Mysterio’s “Dream” Is to Compete for Lucha Libre AAA

    Dominik Mysterio’s “Dream” Is to Compete for Lucha Libre AAA

    Dominik Mysterio has made a name for himself as part of the WWE roster, but the self-proclaimed Eddie Guerrero of the modern day could one day compete for AAA.

    After being introduced to WWE fans as a child in the 2000s, Mysterio would make more regular appearances starting in 2019, and would have his first match in 2020.

    Initially teaming with his father Rey, Dominik would turn heel at WWE Clash at the Castle last year and has since joined the Judgment Day

    Competing for AAA

    Before joining WWE, Rey Mysterio honed his skills in AAA, and would return to the promotion after his departure from the Stamford promotion in 2015.

    Speaking to Wrestling Inc’s Nick Hausman, Dominik was asked if he would ever consider working a match in Lucha Libre AAA down the line.

    “I mean, that’d be awesome for me. I know that’s where my dad started and he got his start, so that’d be real cool for me and a dream come true for sure.”

    Dominik Mysterio.

    In addition to being part of his father’s legacy, AAA is also the home of Konnan, who serves as head booker and who has been helping Dominik with his new character.

    Dominik’s Future

    Dominik Mysterio may have his sights set on AAA, but his immediate future resides in his home state of California.

    Since turning heel in Cardiff, fans have assumed that a match between father and son is happening, with Rey moving to SmackDown to avoid said conflict.

    At the 2023 Royal Rumble, Rey was attacked backstage by Dominik, who mocked his father by wearing his mask.

    Dominik Mysterio Says He’s Got in Trouble in WWE for Missing Flights

  • Vince McMahon Admonished Kevin Dunn After Using Slur About Ex-WWE Star

    Vince McMahon Admonished Kevin Dunn After Using Slur About Ex-WWE Star

    Vince McMahon is an interesting person to say the very least.

    After retiring ‘for good’ in July of last year, the billionaire is back in charge of WWE, being appointed ‘Executive Chairman’ last month and replacing his daughter Stephanie.

    The 77-year-old McMahon has declared that he will retire again if it is in WWE’s best interest, and has kept away from creative meetings and TV tapings thus far.

    Hornswoggle

    Out of all the little people WWE has used over its many years Dylan ‘Hornswoggle’ Postl is perhaps the most recognizable.

    The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion (and Anonymous Raw General Manager) debuted as Finlay’s ‘leprechaun’ in 2006 but would have a solo career in his own right.

    While speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Postl explained that Kevin Dunn would often refer to him as “the midget,” a term found offensive by many little people.

    “Kevin Dunn on a headset. I was underneath the ring, and I could always hear the conversations between everyone. Everyone. The producers in the back, Kevin Dunn in the truck, Vince in the back.

    So Kevin Dunn’s like ‘Vince, we need to figure out how to get the midget back to the back.’ [As Vince] ‘Goddammit Kevin! We don’t use that word. He’s a little person.’”

    Dylan ‘Hornswoggle’ Postl.

    Postl added that Dunn gave “apology after apology” over the use of the term, both to McMahon and himself.

    After being released from WWE in May 2016, Postl would make sporadic appearances, including as part of the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble.

    Postl has also appeared for Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor and had a cameo appearance for AEW Dynamite in November 2020, as part of The Inner Circle’s trip to Las Vegas.

    Hornswoggle Talks His Medical History and Portraying Vince McMahon’s Son

    h/t – Fightful

  • Tony Khan Is “Certainly Open To” Possible WWE/AEW Crossover

    Tony Khan Is “Certainly Open To” Possible WWE/AEW Crossover

    Could WWE and All Elite Wrestling one day put their differences aside and work together for a crossover supershow? Tony Khan hopes so.

    WWE’s mantra has infamously been to not play with others, and has for decades refused to work with other promotions.

    That attitude has softened somewhat over the last year, with Impact’s Mickie James competing in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble.

    Last month also saw WWE’s Karl Anderson be allowed to compete at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17.

    WWE-AEW Crossover

    In the four years since being founded, fans have speculated on what a dream card between AEW and WWE talent would look like.

    Tony Khan was a recent guest of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast and when asked, expressed his interest in a crossover show between the two sides.

    “It’s something I would certainly be open to, and I think it’s an interesting thing for the future. It’s not something that’s ever really been done. They’ve kind of existed in their own space. We are working with a lot of wrestling promotions.”

    Tony Khan.

    Khan compared the situation to Marvel and DC Comics, saying it’d be a crossover that fans would have not seen before.

    The AEW President did admit that things “would get very political” with talent from both sides wanting to come out on top.

    Crossing Over

    While WWE and AEW haven’t held a show (yet) the relationship between the two sides isn’t as frosty as one may expect.

    In 2019, Billy Gunn, who had signed with AEW, was allowed to attend the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony for DX’s induction, joking on-camera that Vince McMahon couldn’t fire him.

    For last year’s celebration of 20 years of John Cena, multiple AEW stars including Bryan Danielson and Chris Jericho praised Cena in videos aired on Raw.

    AEW and WWE talent being backstage at each other’s companies is not uncommon either, with Ricky Starks being backstage to support his mentor Cody Rhodes at last weekend’s Royal Rumble.

    Tony Khan Believes it is Impossible to Please Everyone in AEW

    h/t – 411 Mania

  • Bron Breakker Retains WWE NXT Title at Vengeance Day

    Bron Breakker Retains WWE NXT Title at Vengeance Day

    WWE NXT Champion Bron Breakker made his latest title defense against Grayson Waller in the main event of the Vengeance Day special on Peacock. 

    The match started outside of the ring before Bron tossed him into the ring. Bron beat him down in the early going until Waller cut him with a drop kick off the middle rope then a leg drop off the top rope. Waller tied him up in the ropes to do more damage. Bron then made his comeback. Breakker hit a superplex off the top rope. Breakker went over with two spears. Post-match, Carmelo Hayes appeared, pointing at Breakker, an indication he’s next in line. 

    How we Got Here

    Their first match happened last month at New Year’s Evil when Breakker retained the title by countout. The finish of the bout saw Waller not be able to back into the ring and the match ended in a countout. 

    Breakker won the NXT Title for a second time on the April 4th edition of Raw when he beat Dolph Ziggler. Breakker previously won the NXT Title from Ciampa at New Year’s Evil in January from Tommaso Ciampa.

    Breakker’s recent title defenses have come against Ilja Dragunov and JD McDonagh at Halloween Havoc, Tyler Bate at Worlds Collide, JD McDonagh in August, and Cameron Grimes on July 5th. 

  • Gallus Wins WWE NXT Tag Team Titles at Vengeance Day

    Gallus Wins WWE NXT Tag Team Titles at Vengeance Day

    NXT Tag Team Champions New Day vs. Gallus (Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) vs. Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince and Kit Wilson) vs. Andre Chase and Duke Hudson were booked at Saturday’s Vengeance Day special. 

    The match took place in the middle of the card and was a typical multi-team match where it started slow and built from there with chaotic moments. 

    Wolfgang put Hudson through the announce table. Kofi went for a wild dive on the outside from the top rope only to be caught by Pretty Deadly. The finish saw Woods go for an elbow drop. However, he was caught by Wolfgang and Gallus hit their finisher for the win.

    New Day defeated Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince and Kit Wilson) on December 10, 2022 at NXT Deadline to win the titles.

    WWE holds the fallout episode from this show of NXT on Tuesday. It will be interesting to see if WWE continues this feud or goes in a different direction with the Tag Team Titles as New Day are still a main roster tag team. 

    What are your thoughts on Gallus winning the NXT Tag Team Titles? Was this the right call by WWE officials? Sound off in the comment section.

  • Watch: What Happened With Bray Wyatt After SmackDown Went Off Air

    Watch: What Happened With Bray Wyatt After SmackDown Went Off Air

    WWE fans in attendance on tonight’s SmackDown got a rare treat after the show went off air. They got to see Bray Wyatt wrestle in only his sixth match since his return to the company last year.

    The main event segment of this week’s show featured an appearance from Roman Reigns. The Tribal Chief cut a promo but he was interrupted by Sami Zayn who attacked him from behind.

    The Honorary Uce issued a challenge to Reigns for a world title match at Elimination Chamber. He was then taken out by Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso. The broadcast ended with Reigns standing tall after accepting his challenge.

    SmackDown Dark Matches

    After this segment, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso had a match. The duo picked up a win over The Good Brothers in a tag team bout.

    The final match of the night saw Bray Wyatt coming out to face LA Knight. The two SmackDown stars competed in a street fight.

    Both competitors used multiple weapons during the match. Knight almost defeated Wyatt after knocking him out using a kendo stick.

    After a failed pin fall attempt, LA Knight brought a table in the ring. Wyatt however, used it against him and he pinned the former NXT star after delivering a chokeslam through the table.

  • Cody Rhodes Committed A ‘Cardinal Sin’ At Royal Rumble

    Cody Rhodes Committed A ‘Cardinal Sin’ At Royal Rumble

    Royal Rumble was one of the biggest nights of his career for Cody Rhodes. He was making his return from a gruesome injury after months and he went on to pick up one of the biggest wins of his career. In the heat of the moment, however, Rhodes committed what he calls a ‘cardinal sin’ in the wrestling business.

    The winner of the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble recently appeared on After The Bell podcast. Speaking about his performance at the PPV, Rhodes revealed that he did not know where the hard cam was:

    “I did commit what I’d call kind of a cardinal sin in the wrestling game. My dad would be really irked if he knew this. I did not walk the arena earlier in the day. I did not walk the ramp. I did not get in the ring. I was very much held behind doors. Because of that, I will admit I had no clue and I still have not figured it out. I didn’t know where the hard cam was.”

    “Okay, Welcome Back”: Cody Rhodes

    Cody Rhodes won the 2023 Royal Rumble

    Cody Rhodes explained that his father the late great Dusty Rhodes would have not been too happy knowing this detail. It ended up not mattering in the end per Rhodes because the cameras managed to capture the best moment of the night:

    I tried. Then at a certain point, I just figured I had found it but then the sign was that way and I figured ‘Nope that can’t [be it]’. So I really was just looking to get all [corners] ‘Let’s just get all fours.’ That was one of those [reminding moments] ‘Okay, welcome back.’ Because that’s something you absolutely have to cover.

    That’s part of being a professional. Put your face to the camera and here I am claiming to be one of the world’s top professionals [not knowing]. I would have got a kick in the ass from the old man, and my brother for that matter, but it didn’t [matter in the end]. In the case of WWE, there’s 1000 cameras who captured every second of it. They got to capture the sweetest second of it and that’s when Gunther went over the top rope.”

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  • Cody Rhodes Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles Before WWE Departure

    Cody Rhodes Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles Before WWE Departure

    Cody Rhodes has come a long way in the last few years and established himself as one of the top stars of the current generation. After winning the Royal Rumble, he is only one step away from realizing his life’s dream. His journey, however, wasn’t always as glorious. The American Nightmare had to go through some dark times before he was able to get on the path to redemption.

    The former AEW star opened up about his journey and his mental health struggles during an appearance on After The Bell. Rhodes was asked about a conversation he had with his wife Brandi Rhodes before leaving WWE. The WWE star recalled how he was tired of not being considered a top guy:

    “I’m sitting in a rental car with Brandi. It’s freezing because we were in Scranton, it’s freezing, freezing. We were outside the bus. [The] crew bus was right in front of us. It had The Rock and had the John Cena photo on it from the second Mania. So we’ve already seen this bus for over a year now but this story was encompassing really two years. This story, the John vs Rock saga and it was wonderful. But when you’re on the card, not close to that [it’s discouraging].

    At my level, I had been chipping away a little bit as brass rings here and there, brass rings here and there but I hadn’t broken through by any means. I just got so tired of seeing their dang faces. I love John. He was my role model in the business. He’s a rental car guy with me until he got a bus but as much as I did, I just was getting so upset. I told her ‘I can’t keep looking at the same guys. I can’t.’ I got out the car and I threw a yoo hoo glass bottle up against beautiful Dwayne Johnson’s face.”

    ‘That Was Rough’: Cody Rhodes

    Cody Rhodes with wife Brandi Rhodes

    Cody Rhodes detailed his mental state at the time saying that he was ‘dead’ inside. He mentioned how being Stardust in front of Brandi was especially hard and he didn’t want to lower himself in front of her. The conversation ultimately led to him making the decision to leave the promotion:

    “Getting it out for me, ultimately would lead to me leaving. It was the only way I could get it out. It was pinned up. It was pinned up for too long. Today you’ve got a medical team at WWE that includes mental health services. I’m not saying that I was deep down the rabbit hole, but it’s still so helpful to talk to somebody. I only had other wrestlers to talk to. Myself to talk to. You never want to lower yourself in front of your beloved. In front of your wife.

    One of the hardest things for me was being Stardust in front of Brandi. That was rough. When Brandi married Cody Rhodes, he was the Intercontinental Champion. He was wrestling Randy Orton every night and we were absolutely tearing the joint down. Next thing you know, I’m running around in a space outfit and trying to make the best of it but I was very dead inside. Also to this day, I don’t know why I was drinking a yoo hoo.”

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  • Elimination Chamber Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match is Set

    Elimination Chamber Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match is Set

    Sami Zayn will finally get his hands on Roman Reigns and a shot at WWE gold.

    During the 2/3/23 episode of WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns delivered a warning to Sami Zayn, following Zayn’s betrayal of Reigns during the conclusion of the Royal Rumble. Zayn would interrupt Reigns’ comments with an attack from behind and laid out a title challenge for Reigns. Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa would sneak attack Sami before Reigns came back for some more.

    Reigns stopped the attack and told Sami that he tried to break up The Bloodline, so now it’s his turn. However, it must be in Sami’s hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada at Elimination Chamber. The champion promised to embarrass Zayn in front of his fans, friends, wife, and kids at the upcoming premium live event. The Bloodline, alongside Paul Heyman stood tall over Zayn to close the show.

    WWE Elimination Chamber Updated Card

    • Roman Reigns (C) vs. Sami Zayn — Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
    • Austin Theory (C) vs. Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed vs. Johnny Gargano vs. TBD vs. TBD — Elimination Chamber Match, United States Championship
    • Asuka vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Nikki Cross vs. Natalya vs. Liv Morgan vs. TBD — Elimination Chamber Match, Determining Number One Contender for RAW Women’s Championship

    SEScoops’ full report on the 2/3/23 episode of WWE SmackDown can be found by clicking here.

  • Seth Rollins on Logan Paul: “I Don’t Really Need Him in my Locker Room”

    Seth Rollins on Logan Paul: “I Don’t Really Need Him in my Locker Room”

    Both Seth Rollins and Logan Paul worked this year’s 30-Man Royal Rumble match as Paul entered the bout at the 29th spot. 

    It was a surprise return for the YouTuber after he was injured in his match with Roman Reigns at the 2022 Crown Jewel event.

    Paul eliminated Rollins from the Royal Rumble match after Rollins had been in the match for 37 minutes.

    Rollins Sounds Off

    While speaking on Instagram Live, Rollins went off on Paul in storyline and noted that Paul is not a real wrestler and he’s only in the WWE to further his popularity.

    “Alright, look. I was going to avoid this topic but since I’ve seen a few of you guys asking so far about Logan Paul, I don’t know. I don’t know about Logan Paul. All I know is that I don’t really like Logan Paul. I’ll just say it. A lot of us don’t really like Logan Paul. We don’t. I don’t like Logan Paul, I don’t really need him in my locker room, in my space. Great, the guy is ultra talented as far as athletic ability is concerned.”

    Rollins noted that it was his fault that Paul eliminated him from the bout because he took his eyes off the ball. 

    “It’s probably the coolest thing Logan’s ever gonna do in his life. I just advise him to stay in his lane. He’s had what, three or four matches? Again, athletic freak, no doubt about it. But, at the end of the day, he’s just not a wrestler. He doesn’t want to be a wrestler. He just wants to be famous, he doesn’t care about the industry. He’s not a wrestler. It’s best for him to just stay in his lane, whatever his lane is, I don’t know, buying counterfeit Pokémon cards. If that’s your lane, stay in that lane. Don’t come knocking on my door cause I’ll knock you out.”

    Rolllins said that Paul doesn’t have his brother as backup because he’s about to get cooked in his upcoming boxing ring. He said that Paul shouldn’t be bragging about the Rumble elimination. 

    All signs point to Rollins wrestling Paul at WrestleMania. For Now, Rollins will compete in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match for the United States Championship on February 18.

    H/T to Fightful

  • Nick Khan on WWE Sale Timeline: “Maybe Three Months”

    Nick Khan on WWE Sale Timeline: “Maybe Three Months”

    WWE CEO Nick Khan has publicly commented on when the possibility of a WWE sale will happen. 

    Khan appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box to talk about Thursday’s earnings call. During it, he noted that he feels a sale of the company will happen “quick” and speculated it might be a done deal within three months. 

    Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter had previously reported the company had been hoping to sell by mid-summer.

    Comcast Out of The Race?

    Co-host David Faber told Khan that he has heard “probably not at this point” regarding Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal, buying WWE. NBCU has had a longtime partnership with WWE and currently has the TV rights to WWE Raw, NXT, and WWE Network content on Peacock in the United States. 

    Another co-host mentioned the likes of Amazon and Netflix could be buyers, while Faber also brought up Endeavor, who owns the UFC. 

    Khan added that “we’re still bullish on Comcast being possible.” He mentioned they got a warm reception in the marketplace for those who are interested and they want to get a sale done before the TV rights deal not to eliminate any potential buyers. 

    Khan doubled down on his previous comments from the earnings call that Vince McMahon is willing not to be part of the company if the buyer doesn’t want him part of it. 

    A CNBC article noted that “McMahon’s potential future involvement in WWE has become an early sticking point in preliminary talks with various buyers, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private.”

  • Batista Hoping for 2023 WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    Batista Hoping for 2023 WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    Batista, real name Dave Bautista, was supposed to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those plans were nixed. 

    The pandemic forced all wrestling companies to hold shows in front of no fans. WWE not only nixed the Hall Of Fame that year, they moved WrestleMania from a stadium to an empty Performance Center. 

    The Class of 2020 inductees eventually got their ceremony the following year and was paired with the 2021 class. It was pre-taped inside the virtual WWE ThunderDome.

    However, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion decided to pull out of the 2021 ceremony “due to previous obligations.” 

    Although he noted that WWE honored his request to induct him at a “future ceremony” because he wants “to properly thank the fans and people who made [his] career possible,” it has yet to happen. 

    While speaking with ComicBook.com’s Liam Crowley at the premiere of his latest movie, “Knock At The Cabin,” Batista said he’s “trying” to be part of the 2023 ceremony.

    “I hope so, but I can’t say for sure. I can say that I’m trying. I am trying.”

    – Batista on a possible 2023 WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    As of this writing, WWE has yet to announce any inductees for the class this year. 

  • AEW Hits and Misses, How to Rebook 1998 WCW (Top Rope Nation)

    AEW Hits and Misses, How to Rebook 1998 WCW (Top Rope Nation)

    This week on Top Rope Nation, Kyle Ross is joined by Wrestling Observer Newsletter award-winning author Liam O’Rourke (Crazy Like A Fox: The Definitive Chronicle of Brian Pillman 20 Years Later) to discuss this week’s AEW Dynamite and look at some classic wrestling.

    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 283 this week, a great discussion is had about some of the positives (and negatives) that are plaguing AEW in early 2023. Plus, Kyle and Liam begin a series looking back at 1998 WCW and how things could have played out differently. Hulk Hogan. Sting. The nWo. Kevin Nash. Bill Goldberg. Bret Hart. They’re all discussed.

    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.

  • Brock Lesnar Scheduled to Work This Month’s Elimination Chamber PPV

    Brock Lesnar Scheduled to Work This Month’s Elimination Chamber PPV

    WrestleMania 39 is quickly approaching and fans are eagerly anticipating the highly-anticipated matches that will be taking place at the event. One match in particular that was in the rumor mills was the potential match-up between Brock Lesnar and Gunther.

    However, according to a new report from Dave Meltzer at The Wrestling Observer, any talk of a match between Lesnar and Gunther is completely false.

    Lesnar made his return as the 12th entrant in the Royal Rumble this year. He performed impressively, by quickly eliminating a number of participants in the match. However, his momentum ended after he came face-to-face with Gunther. Then Bobby Lashley came to eliminate The Beast Incarnate in a shocking manner.

    While Lesnar’s post-elimination performance at the Royal Rumble was planned, some parts of it caught those around him by surprise. Lesnar’s unplanned attack on referee Eddie Orengo, which involved throwing him over the barricade, was a particular highlight that earned the Beast Incarnate some heat backstage. Despite this, sources within WWE have indicated that Lesnar is unlikely to face any serious consequences for his actions, as he is still held in high regard and is unlikely to face any real repercussions.

    While there has been a lot of speculation about Lesnar’s next move, many fans were hoping for a match between Lesnar and Gunther after their intense stare-down during the Royal Rumble. However, the report from The Wrestling Observer confirms that this match is not in the cards and that the focus will instead be on Lesnar’s ongoing rivalry with Bobby Lashley.

    Lesnar has been confirmed to be working both Montreal and WrestleMania, with the potential for another match against Lashley. While rumors of Lesnar’s match with Gunther have been debunked, it was also noted that Steve Austin, who had been contacted for Lesnar, has declined to participate in the show.

    Montreal, Quebec will be an interesting location for Lesnar to perform at Elimination Chamber, as the former WWE Champion is now a Canadian citizen. Fans can expect a raucous reaction for Lesnar as he steps into the ring in front of his home country. According to The Wrestling Observer, “While not confirmed, one would expect Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar on the show because otherwise, Lashley should be in the men’s Chamber match.”

  • John Cena & Ronda Rousey’s WrestleMania Opponents ‘Locked In’

    John Cena & Ronda Rousey’s WrestleMania Opponents ‘Locked In’

    WrestleMania 39 is coming soon, and it is shaping up to be a massive event this year. There could be several big matches taking place in the event, and a recent report only adds to this excitement.

    Several more matches have been decided on for WWE’s biggest event of the year. The following matches are now “locked in” according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

    • Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Universal title
    • Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley for the SmackDown Women’s title
    • John Cena vs. Austin Theory
    • Rousey & Shayna Baszler challenging Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai for Women’s Tag Team titles
    • Bianca Belair vs. the Elimination Chamber winner for the Raw Women’s title

    Additional matches rumored for the event include Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley and Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul.

    Cena and Rousey’s Road to WrestleMania

    John Cena returned to the ring in 2022 on the final SmackDown episode of the year. He competed in a match with Kevin Owens against The Bloodline’s Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn, and he is rumored to be competing at WrestleMania 39 in April 2023.

    Cena fueled these rumors by making a post on Instagram which had Logan Paul holding the WWE Championship, but WWE is going in a different direction for the 16-time World Champion’s big match.

    Additionally, Cena is set to start filming for the upcoming R-Rated comedy “Ricky Stanicky” alongside Zac Efron next month. Still, the filming schedule won’t prevent him from working at WrestleMania. Whether Cena will face off against United States Champion Austin Theory remains to be seen, but Theory has been pushing for a match with Cena for years and recently filmed a backstage segment with him in Tampa, FL.

    As for Ronda Rousey, recent reports about her suggested that she was supposed to face Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 39, but plans for that were scrapped. Ronda dropped the SmackDown Women’s Championship to a returning Charlotte Flair on the December 30th episode of SmackDown.

  • WWE Interested in ‘Monetizing Ring Assets’ with Sponsorships

    WWE Interested in ‘Monetizing Ring Assets’ with Sponsorships

    Who will be walking down the KFC Deluxe Bucket ramp, stepping between the Castrol GTX-endorsed ropes to compete in the Wendy’s new 5-tier Baconator ring at WrestleMania 39?

    WWE, like any business, is about making money, and sponsorships have been a huge part of the company’s bottom line for years.

    At WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021, fans saw a lumberjack match sponsored by Netflix’s Army of the Dead, in which ‘zombies’ from the film crashed the event.

    Sponsorships

    At WWE Royal Rumble 2023, fans saw the first-ever Pitch Black match which was won by Bray Wyatt, and sponsored by Mountain Dew.

    Last Saturday’s Rumble didn’t just see that match be sponsored, but the official Royal Rumble clock was sponsored by Applebees.

    During WWE’s fourth-quarter earnings call, WWE CEO Nick Khan was asked whether WWE could possibly look at having sponsorships for different parts of the stage and ringside area.

    “Yes, to your question about monetizing the ring assets. It’s something we’re taking a deep dive into now and that we want to do. In terms of what’s driven it, I think it all started with Stephanie McMahon and changing the culture of our sales group, from changing from a ‘maybe’ to a ‘yes.’

    “It’s something we’re taking a deep dive into.”

    WWE CEO Nick Khan on monetizing ring assets.

    “When Mountain Dew and Pepsi pitched us the idea of sponsoring a match, I think it was done, was ‘absolutely we’ll do it,’ and then a conversation with Triple H, our head of creative, about ‘hey, we can probably do this, right?’ Which Triple H and our creative team made every accommodation to get it done.”

    Earlier this week, WWE Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sales and Partnerships Craig Stimmel told the Hollywood Reporter that another sponsored match will take place at WrestleMania 39.

    Pitch Black Match Confirmed for WWE Royal Rumble

    h/t – Sportskeeda

  • Vince McMahon has “Declared” he Will Step Down Again If In WWE’s Best Interest

    Vince McMahon has “Declared” he Will Step Down Again If In WWE’s Best Interest

    Vince McMahon’s return to WWE may be a short one, according to the company’s sole CEO Nick Khan.

    The billionaire’s return less than a month ago came less than six months after his shocking retirement in July of last year.

    McMahon reportedly strong-armed his way back into WWE, threatening to vote down any sales offers of negotiated TV deals if he was not brought back to the company.

    Second Retirement

    For decades, it was accepted that Vince McMahon would never retire, which made his actions last July all the more shocking.

    Many (including those on WWE’s Board of Directors) believe that McMahon’s return is the wrong call, though the rise in stock price following his return says otherwise.

    Speaking during the 2022 Q4 earnings call, WWE CEO Nick Khan said that McMahon will ultimately do what is best for WWE.

    “Yes [he would step down from his sole role as Executive Chairman.] Without question. He’s declared it to the board. He’s declared it to us in management. It’s all about shareholder value. Obviously, he is a shareholder. So it’s not about what role he’ll have. It’s about maximizing that value opportunity.”

    Nick Khan.

    The Sale

    At the time of his return, it was noted that McMahon is back to facilitate a sale of the promotion.

    While some have been dubious that McMahon doesn’t have grander ambitions than merely overseeing the sale, Vince has kept away from WWE’s TV tapings and creative meetings.

    Names interested in WWE include Comcast, FOX, Disney, Netflix, Amazon, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, and Shahid & Tony Khan.

    WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Was Much Easier Without Vince McMahon
  • WWE Reports Record Earnings In 2022 Financial Results

    WWE Reports Record Earnings In 2022 Financial Results

    2022 was truly an unprecedented year for WWE, but no amount of returns, releases, or retirements could stop the promotion from making a fortune.

    This week, WWE shared its fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal reports, and business is certainly booming.

    Fourth Quarter

    For the final quarter of 2022, (October to December) WWE revenue was $325.3 million, an increase of 5% over Q4 2021.

    Operating income was $62.7 million, a decrease of 22% over the previous fourth quarter.

    Each WWE premium live event (Extreme Rules and Survivor Series) was the most viewed event in its history with increases of 36% and 46%, respectively, in viewership.

    November WWE Crown Jewel event was the most-viewed international event in WWE history, surpassing WWE Clash at the Castle from 2022 Q3.

    2022 In Full

    WWE’s impressive fourth quarter was just part of an incredible year for the company in 2022.

    Year-end revenue increased 18% on 2021 to $1.3 billion, the highest in the company’s history.

    In a statement, WWE heralded the record revenue as down to “increased monetization of content, the return to a full year of ticketed live events and the staging of an additional large-scale international event.”

    Operating income increased 11% to a recorded $283.3 million.

    WWE returned $75.7 million of capital to shareholders, including share repurchases and dividends.

    Live events more than doubled in revenue (2021 bringing in $57.8 million to 2022’s $123.1 million) though that will have been affected by WWE going without live crowds for the first half of 2021.

    A full report on WWE’s impressive 2022 can be found here.

    Top WWE Merchandise Sellers Reportedly Revealed
  • WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Was Much Easier Without Vince McMahon

    WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Was Much Easier Without Vince McMahon

    WWE’s latest Premium Live Event has received rave reviews from fans, and was said to be much easier without Vince McMahon backstage.

    Last Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble 2023 saw Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley punch their tickets to WrestleMania 39, winning the Men’s and Women’s Rumble matches.

    In the main event, Roman Reigns retained his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship over Kevin Owens.

    The post-match segment that resulted in Sami Zayn (and Jey Uso) exiting the Bloodline has been praised as one of WWE’s best stories in years.

    Without McMahon

    Last Saturday’s Premium Live Event was the first PLE since the return of Vince McMahon, who didn’t attend the show himself, Fightful Select reports.

    One talent who spoke to Fightful said that this year’s Rumble was the easiest the annual event has been “in a long time” and cited the lack of McMahon as the reason.

    That same Superstar said that you can’t really count 2021 towards that because of COVID, but that this year was a dream compared to last year’s nightmare.

    Another source added that while people are not ‘afraid’ to bring up Vince’s name, generally most haven’t really asked much since Triple H, Nick Khan and Kevin Dunn held meetings.

    Those meetings last month assured talent that despite McMahon’s return as Executive Chairman, he will not have influence over Creative or Talent Relations.

    The only complaints that Fightful heard were about the Hardy performance cutting into the time of others, and some minor transitional things that they believe the current regime will get used to.

    Looking Ahead

    With the WWE Royal Rumble 2023 being a huge success to fans and those in the company, the promotion looks to keep that momentum going.

    WWE’s next PLE will be the Elimination Chamber event on Saturday, February 18, which will be WWE’s first major event in Montreal in over 13 years.

    A U.S. title Chamber match, as well as a Chamber match to determine Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair’s WrestleMania opponent have already been announced.

    It is reported that the main event will see hometown hero Sami Zayn challenge Roman Reigns for his title.

    WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Main Event Was A “Curtain Sellout” Backstage

  • Dave Bautista Praises Triple H For Running WWE Creative

    Dave Bautista Praises Triple H For Running WWE Creative

    Former WWE superstar Dave Bautista believes the WWE is in good hands with Triple H running creative.

    Bautista retired from wrestling after his last match against Triple H at WrestleMania 35 on April 7, 2019. It doesn’t seem that he has any intention of making a comeback in wrestling. Bautista has become a successful movie star, with his featured film A Knock at the Cabin coming out on Feb. 3.

    Triple H
    via Bleacher Report

    Although Bautista is not watching WWE regularly, he knows that his mentor Triple H is running creative as the Chief Content Officer. In promoting his upcoming movie, he spoke with Comicbook’s Brandon Davis. In the interview, he praised Triple H for running WWE creative and said he was the best person for the job.

    “I think this is the best thing for the company. It really is,” said Bautista. He continued, “It’s a personal thing with me because I know Triple H. I know how well he knows this business. I know how much he loves this business. As far as this business goes, he’s the smartest guy I’ve ever met in my life. He made me who I was. He was responsible for my career. I’ve never been ashamed to say that.”(h/t Comicbook’s Liam Crowley)

    Bautista added, “I think he is so dedicated to this product and wants the best for it. I think he’s absolutely the right person. I’ve never met anyone else who thinks the way he does, as far as wrestling goes.”

    WWE’s Recent Success With The 2023 Royal Rumble

    WWE is having great success on its road to WrestleMania 39. The company just had its annual Royal Rumble event on Jan. 28, which generated excellent revenue. WWE released a statement on Jan. 30 that this year’s event was the most viewed and highest-grossing Royal Rumble in history.

    “The event set a new all-time gate record at more than $7.7 million, far surpassing the previous Royal Rumble high in 2017 by more than 50 percent. Viewership of the event saw a 52 percent increase versus the previous record set in 2022,” said WWE.

    It’s hard to deny that since Triple H has taken control as Chief Content Officer, WWE has thrived. WrestleMania 39 will be a two-night event on April 1 and 2 at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. As of now, Ticketmaster has both nights close to selling out. A complete sellout for both nights of WrestleMania 39 would be another significant achievement Triple H and WWE could tout if it happens.

  • Lanny Poffo, The “Genius” of WWE, Passes Away at 68

    Lanny Poffo, The “Genius” of WWE, Passes Away at 68

    Wrestling legend Lanny Poffo, best known for his character “The Genius” during WWE’s late 80’s / early 90’s golden era, has passed away. He was 68 years old.

    Poffo, the son Angelo Poffo and younger brother of “Macho Man” Randy Savage, competed in the WWE (then WWF) from 1989 to 1992. During his time in the WWE, he feuded with Koko B. Ware, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, and Hulk Hogan.

    In an interesting bit of wrestling trivia, The Genius is one of the few WWE stars to score a victory over Hulk Hogan during the late 1980’s. He defeated Hogan by count out on the November 25, 1989 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event.

    The Genius also managed several acts, including Mr. Perfect and later the Beverly Brothers. Although he didn’t win any championships during his run with the company, he was one of the WWE’s most most obnoxious villains during the late ’80s and early ’90s. His final appearance for WWE came in 2015, when he inducted his brother into the Hall of Fame.

    We at SEScoops extend our condolences to family and friends of the great Lanny Poffo.

    Reactions to Lanny Poffo’s Passing

    Since the news of his transition, many active wrestlers and legends have sent their condolences to the Poffo family and kind words about him.

  • WWE SmackDown Star Comments on Lack of TV Time

    WWE SmackDown Star Comments on Lack of TV Time

    Aliyah has been off TV for months, and it looks like that will not be changing any time soon. 

    The SmackDown star went down with an elevated first rib and AC sprain in September. She was teaming with Raquel Rodriguez on the blue brand at the time of the injury, which kept her out of in-ring action for a few weeks. However, her absence from television isn’t due to injury any longer. 

    Aliyah Update

    In a post on Twitter, the WWE star told a fan that she’d been cleared since October 27, 2022. A fan asked her where she has been as of late, and she responded with a Britney Spears meme with the caption, “Umm, i don’t know…”

    In a response to a fan that suggested she film backstage content, she responded with, “If only I was backstage,” indicating she hasn’t been brought to events. 

    She also indicated that she would not be at the Elimination Chamber show in Montreal on February 18 when she wrote the following in response to a fan who hoped to see her there: “Sorry to let you down,”

    She also tweeted, “Sorry to let you down” in response to a fan who hoped that she would be in the upcoming WWE 2K23 video game.

  • Top WWE Merchandise Sellers Reportedly Revealed

    Top WWE Merchandise Sellers Reportedly Revealed

    WWE is doing serious business on the road to WrestleMania 39, but who are the biggest names when it comes to merchandise?

    These days, merchandise sellers may not be WWE’s primary source of income (thanks to the promotion’s lucrative TV deals and Saudi contract) but still earn WWE a hefty sum.

    More important merchandise sellers are a quantitative way for WWE to see who is the most popular among the fans.

    Top Merchandise Sellers

    With WrestleMania 39 drawing near, every WWE Superstar will hope to get the attention of the promotion’s higher-ups by moving a serious amount of merchandise.

    On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer named the stars who are shining above the rest of the roster in terms of merch.

    “A lot of the big characters are very over when it comes to selling merchandise right now. Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, I’m sure Sami Zayn. They’re hot. That’s the deal. Things look good for them going into WrestleMania season.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    WrestleMania 39

    We already know plans for two of WWE’s top merch sellers for WrestleMania, as Cody Rhodes will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal title this April.

    As for Sami Zayn, it has been rumored that he and Kevin Owens will challenge Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos at WrestleMania 39.

    It’s worth bearing in mind that these rumors began before Jey’s exit from the Bloodline at last weekend’s Royal Rumble event.

    As for Bray Wyatt, all signs are pointing to an eventual clash with Uncle Howdy (played by his brother Bo Dallas) at WrestleMania.

    AEW Theme Song Plays at WWE’s Royal Rumble Super Store
    h/t – Sportskeeda