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Category: WWE

  • Sami Zayn Answers: Can He Be The Face of WWE?

    Sami Zayn Answers: Can He Be The Face of WWE?

    Is a 38-year-old Montreal-born wrestler who once donned the masked persona of ‘El Generico’ on the cusp of becoming the next face of WWE?

    Sami Zayn’s popularity with wrestling fans is truly impossible to deny, with the Honorary Uce winning over crowds around the globe with his role in the Bloodline.

    Zayn’s journey with the group began in April 2022 when he tried to curry favor with Roman Reigns’ faction, a plan that has clearly paid off.

    The Face of WWE?

    Since losing their tag match to John Cena and Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn has felt the ire of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

    After being found not guilty on this week’s Raw (thanks to a last-minute defense by Jey Uso) Zayn was told that he will face a final challenge at tomorrow’s Royal Rumble.

    While Zayn has proven his loyalty to the Bloodline time and time again, many feel it is just a matter of time before e and Reigns face off.

    Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Zayn was asked about the prospect of dethroning the most dominant champion of the last three decades.

    “If we’re being honest, I mean, I don’t know, I can win the World title. I could carry it for a while. I could go do talk shows, I could do all that stuff. I don’t know if I’m the guy you could necessarily hitch your wagon to for the next five to ten years and like face of the company for the next five to ten years.”

    “I’m not as big as say Roman or Cena or Brock or whoever and that’s typically the guy who’s the head.”

    Sami Zayn.

    “If nothing else, I’m somewhat realistic about my physical [appearance.] I’m not as big as say Roman or Cena or Brock or whoever and that’s typically the guy who’s the head at that scene. Because they [WWE] want a certain projection for the long haul.”

    World Champion

    Zayn may be pessimistic about becoming the next face of WWE, but that doesn’t mean World Championship glory will allude him.

    In the interview, Zayn spoke about the possibility of being champion, and says it would be an excellent payoff, as long as the story is done correctly.

    “Could I win the world title? I think, especially because of the way the story’s done… if you do it right, fans will buy it and get into it. So I think at this point, the way it’s been built, and I’m not saying this is what’s going to happen. But if it was me and Roman at WrestleMania, and I beat Roman, if we did it right like we’ve been doing it right the past nine month, nobody’s going to go ‘bogus. I’m out. I can’t take that.’ Because we’ve done it right.”

    Even if he wasn’t to become the ‘face’ of WWE, Zayn was confident he would represent the company proudly as champion.

    “I think I could be a guy who carries that title six months. Go on Jimmy Fallon, make a couple of jokes, have him do that fake laugh that he does. All that good stuff. Sure I could do that. Sure. I could probably do that in my sleep to be honest. But it’s just I understand the company’s projection of what they see as the face of the company.”

    “I could be a guy who carries that title.”

    Sami Zayn.

    “Being the champion and being the face are almost two different things, and I think I could be the champion. No problem. As far as being the guy that they’re like ‘number one, he’s our guy, he’s the poster-boy. He’s the ultimate representation of what our company is.’ I know physically I don’t fit that mold.”

    Reigns will face Zayn’s real-life best friend Kevin Owens with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble.

  • Mercedes Mone Addresses Her WWE Departure, Why She Signed With NJPW

    Mercedes Mone Addresses Her WWE Departure, Why She Signed With NJPW

    Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, is in a new chapter of her wrestling career after departing from WWE last year and joining NJPW this month when she made her promotional debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17. 

    The debut happened when she attacked IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI, after her successful title defense against Tam Nakano. 

    This set up a championship bout between KAIRI and Mone for a match at February’s NJPW Battle in the Valley. 

    The Reason

    While speaking with NJPW’s website, Mone noted that working in Japan became her number-one goal even before WWE. 

    “I was so amazed by them that Japan became my number one goal even before WWE. I managed to achieve what I wanted to achieve in WWE, and now I get to live out this international dream.”

    Mone noted that she was surprised by how quickly people have taken to her new monicker.

    Mone walked out of WWE last May alongside Naomi due to creative differences. However, that doesn’t mean she’s been relaxing, as she noted she’s been working every day since she left, whether that be modeling, making movies or wrestling.

  • Booker T: Rhea Ripley Is The Future Of The Women’s Division

    Booker T: Rhea Ripley Is The Future Of The Women’s Division

    WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T believes Rhea Ripley is the future of the women’s division.

    Booker T took to his podcast, “The Hall Of Fame,” and offered up some predictions for this weekend’s Royal Rumble. He picked Rhea Ripley as the winner for the Women’s Royal Rumble, going as far as suggesting Ripley is the future of the division.

    “Of course in the men’s, it’s gonna be Cody Rhodes,” Booker said. “In the women’s, it’s going to be the Rhip (Rhea Ripley). It’s time for the Rhip to get that push. It’s time for the Rhip to come out of that shadow of the women.

    “Being able to just sit back in the wings, watch and wait, you know, with Judgment Day as of late, has given her a little bit of time to get that hunger back to go out there and really take control of that women’s division. I really think she can. I really think Rhea Ripley is the future of the women’s division.”

    Ripley has certainly made a name for herself since joining the WWE’s main roster in 2021. After making a name for herself in NXT UK and NXT, winning the women’s title for both brands.

    Upon making it up to the main roster, Ripley went on to defeat Asuka for the RAW Women’s Title at WrestleMania 37. She also won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles alongside Nikki A.S.H.

    Currently, Ripley is a member of The Judgement Day alongside Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio.

    Quotes via WrestlingNews.co

  • Matt Riddle Earns His BJJ Black Belt, Update on WWE Return

    Matt Riddle Earns His BJJ Black Belt, Update on WWE Return

    Matt Riddle has been making progress in his personal life while away from WWE. 

    The WWE star has been gone from television since December 5, when Solo Sikoa attacked him on Monday Night Raw to cover up his absence from television. WWE announced at the time that he would be away for six weeks. 

    Outside The Ring Problems

    In reality, WWE did the angle because he failed a second drug test in 2022 with the expectation that he would be going to rehab. Riddle reportedly violated WWE’s wellness policy for the first time over the summer.

    An adult film star confirmed he was in rehab while also alleging that he cheated on her to do drugs with another woman, something Riddle later issued a statement on

    Riddle recently noted on Instagram that he got his BJJ black belt while training under Daniel Gracie. 

    “Finally got my BJJ black belt and I couldn’t be happier, thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way #bro #danielgracie #wwe #mma #bjj #stallion.”

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer questioned whether Riddle would be back in time to be a surprise entrant in the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match as WWE announced his absence on the December 12th show.

    “Riddle was announced as returning in six weeks after the injury angle on 12/12. That would indicate a Rumble return, although if he’s suspended two months, he wouldn’t make that time line.”

  • Liv Morgan: I’m Pitching to Enter the Women’s Rumble at #1

    Liv Morgan: I’m Pitching to Enter the Women’s Rumble at #1

    Liv Morgan is hoping to prove just how tough she is by entering tomorrow’s Women’s Royal Rumble match from the #1 spot.

    Tomorrow’s show will be the 36th Royal Rumble event in total (37 if you include 2018’s Greatest Royal Rumble) and the sixth to feature a women’s match.

    Since 2018, Asuka, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, and Ronda Rousey have all won the Rumble and punched their ticket on the road to WrestleMania.

    Number One

    Statistically speaking, #1 is the worst possible spot for a Rumble entrant, though that didn’t stop Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit, and Edge from winning.

    Speaking to Denise Salcedo, Morgan shared her plans for the Rumble, and will have a long night ahead.

    “I am hoping and I have been pitching myself to come out first. I want to come out first and make a statement. To not only endure all the pain and physicality that it will take to get to me to be the last woman standing, but just to leave a message that, bring all 29 women on, but at the end of the day, I’m still going to be the last one standing in that ring. And who knows what title I’d want to wrestle for.”

    The earliest Women’s Rumble victory goes to Bianca Belair, who lasted 56:42 in 2021 to win from the number 3 position.

    2022

    It was in January 2022 that Morgan was challenging for the Raw Women’s Championship, that started a milestone year for her.

    Winning the Women’s Money in the Bank contract and the SmackDown Women’s Title that July, Morgan spoke about accomplishing her goals in 2022.

    I feel like all the obstacles just made the end goal and the end result so much sweeter. I feel like there are so many times in my career where I felt like I’d never be Champion, or I wasn’t good enough to be Champion. Other people thought I wasn’t good enough to be champion.

    “Other people thought I wasn’t good enough to be champion.”

    Liv Morgan.

    “At the end of the day [I knew] I will be Champion so that’s exactly what I did. I’ve had an incredible, amazing, blessed year and I couldn’t be happier.”

    Change of Character

    After losing the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey, Morgan underwent a change of character that has shown her more extreme side.

    Addressing the change, Morgan appreciated how she’s been able to push the boat out from what fans are used to seeing.

    “I just feel more free if that makes sense? Especially right now with what I’m doing on TV. Liv is very extreme, she’s willing to go the extra mile to get what she needs done and with that I just feel like there are no handcuffs. No cage.

    “I just feel like there are no handcuffs. No cage.”

    Liv Morgan.

    “I can do anything and everything to accomplish my goal, to get what I want. So with that is such an intense feeling of just freedom which I’ve had so much fun with.”

    Liv Morgan Shares Big Plans for When she Retires from Wrestling

    For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

  • Details on MLW Hitting WWE With a Cease and Desist Letter

    Details on MLW Hitting WWE With a Cease and Desist Letter

    Major League Wrestling (MLW) has reportedly sent a Cease and Desist legal letter to WWE over the company’s attempt to use MLW talent on the Raw is XXX anniversary special.

    This is not the first time MLW has accused WWE of predatory behavior (more on that below). According to MLW sources (via the Wrestling Observer), WWE attempted to contact MLW’s contracted talent to be part of the Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony.

    MLW stars who are part of the Anoa’i family include Jacob Fatu (son of Samu Fatu, nephew of Rikishi) and his brother, Lance Anoa’i.

    The Acknowledgement Ceremony was reportedly canceled due to The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika) being unable to attend. The segment was replaced by The Trial of Sami Zayn.

    It’s believed that MLW CEO Court Bauer would have been open to the idea of his talent working a WWE show, but such arrangements would have to run through MLW offices, instead of ‘feelers’ being sent to talent directly. Per the Observer, WWE not replied to the C&D letter.

    WWE vs. MLW

    The legal battle between the two has been heating up in recent months. MLW filed a lawsuit against the wrestling giant for interfering with their business prospects and contracts.

    According to previous reports, the lawsuit specifically accuses the WWE of attempting to prevent Vice TV from working with MLW in early 2021. It also alleges that a former WWE executive named Susan Levinson even called Vice TV to let them know that Vince McMahon is not exactly happy about its partnership with MLW.

    WWE also reportedly stopped MLW from getting a deal with the streaming service Tubi. MLW claims that failure to secure a deal with Tubi caused substantial losses, including event cancellations and a 40% drop in ticket sales. The company’s CEO, Court Bauer, has spoken out against WWE in a press release.

    “WWE has been wrongfully depriving its competitors of critical opportunities for many years, but its latest conduct has been even more unconscionable,” said MLW CEO Court Bauer. “I think we speak for the rest of the professional wrestling world when we say that this anti-competitive behavior has to stop.”

  • WWE Royal Rumble Preview, Steve Austin & The Rock Rumors

    WWE Royal Rumble Preview, Steve Austin & The Rock Rumors

    This week on Top Rope Nation, SEScoops Site Manager Ryan Droste is joined by Pro Wrestling Torch Assistant Editor Zack Heydorn to preview Saturday night’s WWE Royal Rumble event.

    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. That means that the crew will be live this Sunday morning to review the Royal Rumble.

    On episode 281 this week, every match on the Rumble card is previewed (with predictions). Plus, Ryan and Zack also look at the rumors of appearances by The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin at the Royal Rumble. Will it happen? Should it? A great discussion.

    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.

  • Bray Wyatt On What The Undertaker Said To Him At Raw 30th

    Bray Wyatt On What The Undertaker Said To Him At Raw 30th

    Bray Wyatt got to share a pretty special moment with The Undertaker at Raw 30th Anniversary special. The Dead Man symbolized the passing of the torch when he didn’t capitalize on the opportunity to Chokeslam LA Knight. The Last Outlaw instead passed him on to the former Universal Champion so Wyatt can deliver a Sister Abigail. Taker then whispered something to Bray before making his way back.

    The Fiend recently had a rare interview with Ryan Satin on Out of Character. He was asked the question everyone has in mind – what did The Undertaker say to him. While the former champion didn’t betray the secret, he did claim that it was a very special segment. Wyatt who never re-watches any of his work, said that it’s the one moment he will cherish for the rest of his life:

    “Okay, so I think everybody kind of can see it for what it was, right? When something like that happens, that’s something that no one can take away from me.” said Bray Wyatt, “That moment belongs to me. No one else in the world in the history of time ever gets to have that moment. No one but me. What he said was something that only I would have understood. Something that only I would be able to appreciate, for when and where it happened.

    It was something I never thought would come but what he said exactly is between me, him, God [and] the devil. I could never [reveal it]. I’ll never, never tell so. I’ll go to my grave with it. But it was powerful, and it was unexpected. Very very cool. Something I will cherish for the rest of my life. That’s a segment I can watch back. That’s a special one.”

    You can check out the interview of Bray Wyatt below:

    More Originals From SEScoops:

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

  • Bray Wyatt Opens Up About Struggles After Loss Of Brodie Lee, WWE Release

    Bray Wyatt Opens Up About Struggles After Loss Of Brodie Lee, WWE Release

    Bray Wyatt is one of the rare breed of wrestlers who have kept kayfabe alive. He is one who almost never comes out of his character to talk to people and it creates a mystique around him. Though sometimes it also leads to him facing all his problems on his own without involving the world into it.

    The WWE star had a rare chat with Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast. They talked about his return promo at Extreme Rules last year where the former Wyatt Family Leader opened up about his struggles a little bit and thanked fans for saving him. He revisited the emotions during the talk and reiterated that it’s the fans that have led him back:

    “Well, I despise the way my mind works. That’s the truth of it all. I’m the first person ever to tell you all my flaws. I refuse to watch myself back. I’ve never seen pretty much anything that I’ve ever done. I can’t watch. I [am] just that kind of headcase man, but it’s also kind of my superpower.

    It’s what makes me, me. [It] is the obsession. When I’m geared on something, I’m so deep into it that there is no separating life from anything else. It just is. When I dive deep like that, it’s what makes me connect and it’s the reason that I have fans that are so into what I do. It feels like it’s part of their life too. If I didn’t have such passionate fans, man, I wouldn’t be here. I really wouldn’t. It’s them that led me back here.”

    ‘It Was All Out of Nowhere’: Bray Wyatt

    The former Universal champion went through a dark period in his life just around the time of his WWE firing in 2021. He lost two of his best friends apart from losing his job. Opening up about the time, Bray Wyatt admitted that he didn’t deal with it very well. Though he also explained that the long journey has led him to where he is now:

    “There was so much there. Just so much going on with all that. It was out of nowhere. I wasn’t prepared for any of that. I lost my childhood best friend. I lost Brodie. I lost my best friend from college Mark. It was something that I think I didn’t deal with very well. I think Brodie’s wife Amanda dealt with it. The kids dealt with it better than me and Rowan did. There’s something there that reminds me of him every single day.

    I think that time period was such a conundrum for me. I wasn’t myself. It took me a while to kind of remember what makes me, me. It was a long journey man but it’s led me here, into this moment. This is the best I’ve ever felt.”

    More Originals From SEScoops:

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

  • Vince McMahon Has Not Attended Any TV Tapings or Creative Meetings Yet (Report)

    Vince McMahon Has Not Attended Any TV Tapings or Creative Meetings Yet (Report)

    Could Vince McMahon actually be telling the TRUTH?!

    The 77-year-old billionaire retired from WWE last July over allegations of misconduct with female employees, resulting in millions of dollars being paid in NDAs.

    McMahon returned to WWE earlier this month and has since been appointed the promotion’s Executive Chairman.

    Keeping his Word

    When announcing his intention to return, McMahon made it clear that he was merely back to facilitate a sale of the promotion.

    Names reported as potential buyers include Comcast, FOX, Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, among others.

    Many have been dubious of McMahon’s claim, and believe it is just a matter of time until he makes a play to take over previous roles such as Head of Creative.

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that McMahon is remaining true to his word, and is rarely seen outside of meetings about the potential sale.

    McMahon has not attended any TV tapings, nor has he appeared at any creative meetings yet.

    Sources who spoke to the Observer that contrary to McMahon’s first era on top of WWE, he now leaves work at a normal time, rather than staying into the early morning.

    The Sale

    Though there was a time when the idea of Vince McMahon selling WWE seemed impossible, McMahon is seemingly fixated on making a sale go through.

    While it had been reported that the Saudi PIF had purchased the company and were planning on turning it private, that was later debunked.

    It is believed that WWE hopes for a sale to happen soon, before they have to renegotiate with their broadcast partners at the USA Network and FOX later this year.

    NBCUniversal CEO Comments on a Potential WWE Sale
  • NXT Talent Still In the Dark Over WWE Royal Rumble Status (Report)

    NXT Talent Still In the Dark Over WWE Royal Rumble Status (Report)

    The talent from WWE NXT are still in the dark as to whether they will be used for tomorrow’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.

    The show will be the 36th Rumble event (37 if you include the Greatest Royal Rumble) and will be the sixth year in a row that there will be a men’s and women’s match.

    This will also be the first Royal Rumble for Triple H following his appointment as WWE’s Head of Creative and Head of Talent Relations last July.

    NXT Power

    At this time, just seven spots in the Women’s Royal Rumble match have been filled, while 16 for the men’s match have been claimed.

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that as of midweek, NXT talent, particularly the women, were waiting to hear if anyone was being brought into the Rumble.

    WWE has previously used NXT talent to boost the numbers in previous Royal Rumbles.

    It was reported ahead of last year’s Royal Rumble event that WWE did not want to use women from NXT for that year’s match, following the brand’s relaunch as NXT 2.0.

    The belief at the time was that with NXT 2.0 once again being a developmental brand, it didn’t make sense for these ‘rookies’ to be put in the Women’s Rumble.

    No Rousey

    The women of NXT may not be sure of their Royal Rumble fates, but we do know that Ronda Rousey will not compete.

    The Observer adds that as of mid-week, the former SmackDown Women’s Champion was not going to be in the Rumble match.

    The feeling is that they didn’t want to marginalize Rousey’s star power by making her just one of 30 names in the match.

    Ronda Rousey returned to WWE after a near three-year hiatus at last year’s Royal Rumble event, winning the Women’s Rumble match.

    WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Staff Predictions
  • Bray Wyatt Says He Can’t Bring Back The Cult Leader Character Without Brodie Lee

    Bray Wyatt Says He Can’t Bring Back The Cult Leader Character Without Brodie Lee

    Ever since Bray Wyatt returned to WWE last year, people have been wanting to see the return of his cult leader character. The reason for him to not bring it back however, is very personal.

    WWE on Fox recently posted a clip of their upcoming sit-down interview with the former world champion. He is seen talking about the different iterations of his character.

    Speaking about the gimmick he originally debut on main roster with, Wyatt explained that he can’t bring it back without Brodie Lee:

    “For me, the Hawaiian shirt of Bray, who he was, he can’t be without Brodie. I can’t be that without Brodie. It’s just not the same. It’s disrespectful to my best friend. It just can’t be without him.”

    – Bray Wyatt

    The WWE star also mentioned his WrestleMania 37 match against Randy Orton. He claimed The Fiend died that day in Tampa, Florida and ‘it can never be again.’

    Brodie Lee, better known to WWE fans as Luke Harper was one of the original members of The Wyatt Family. He, unfortunately, passed away in December 2020 at the age of 41.

    Bray Wyatt is scheduled for a pitch-black match against LA Knight at Royal Rumble this year. The event, scheduled for Saturday, January 28 will be coming live from Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

  • Report: WWE Changed Plans For Women’s Title Match At The Royal Rumble

    Report: WWE Changed Plans For Women’s Title Match At The Royal Rumble

    The WWE Royal Rumble will take place this Saturday, Jan. 28. The matches are set; however, it seems the company changed their plans for the women’s title picture for the event.

    WWE surprised fans with Charlotte Flair’s return and the defeat of Ronda Rousey for the Smackdown Women’s Championship on the Dec. 30 episode of Friday Night Smackdown. Before her match with Flair, Rousey defeated Raquel Rodriguez to retain the title. However, it’s reported WWE didn’t initially plan for the Rousey and Rodriguez match to happen that soon.

    Ronda Rousey
    (via WWE)

    Fightful Select reports that the company wanted the Rousey and Rodriguez title match to occur at the Royal Rumble. The report also shared that WWE had thought of having Flair work with Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair.

    “…Ronda Rousey Smackdown Women’s Title defense against Raquel Rodriguez that took place on December 30 was actually originally planned to go down almost a full month later. Fightful has gained information that displays that the match was set for the WWE Royal Rumble as of early December,” said the report.

    It also added that “…Another interesting note is that several WWE plans have changed as a result of this in relation to it. At the same period, Charlotte Flair was tentatively scheduled on a “suggested matches” list to wrestle Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship. Rhea Ripley was set to take on Rousey, but that’s when Rousey was still Champion.”

    Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey
    (via WWE)

    What’s Next For Ronda Rousey?

    After her defeat to Flair, it’s unclear what WWE has planned for Rousey. The report notes that WWE gave her different creative options before Dec. 30. However, it didn’t work out, and they went with Flair defeating Rousey after her match with Rodriguez. It also didn’t share the options that WWE presented to the former champion.

    She isn’t advertised to compete at the Royal Rumble this weekend. This could still change, but Fightful Select reported on Jan. 20 that she isn’t expected to appear at the event.

    The company could have Rousey challenge Flair for the Smackdown Women’s Championship. However, Flair is working with Sonya Deville, which could get added it the Royal Rumble card. Rousey will have to wait to see what WWE has planned for her.

  • Vince McMahon Spotted at WWE Headquarters

    Vince McMahon Spotted at WWE Headquarters

    Vince McMahon returned to WWE as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, and countless changes have been made in the wake of his decision.

    His daughter and the former WWE CEO and Chairwoman Stephanie McMahon publicly announced her resignation on January 10, just hours before McMahon officially named himself the Executive Chairman. 

    This was after McMahon brought himself back to the Board along with George Barrios and Michelle Wilson while some Board members had left. 

    JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R Speed, and Alan M Wexler were the members that were removed to make way for them. Nick Khan is the CEO of the company, while Triple H remains in charge of WWE creative as well. 

    Last week, several big backstage names parted ways with WWE, and several employees were fired. Vince has also brought back EVP of Operations Brad Blum to the company.

    He’s Back

    Pwinsider.com reported, “McMahon was spotted earlier this week at Titan Tower, so it appears he’s back in his old office.”

    Since his return to the Board, there have been rumors that he was back, but this marks the first confirmed sighting of the former CEO and Chairman. 

    McMahon’ departed from the company last July after ‘hush pact’ allegations. He reached a settlement with Rita Chatterton for millions after she accused him of raping her in 1986. McMahon is back to facilitate a sale of the company and help with the TV rights negotiations.

  • Mick Foley On Bleeding Having A Place In Wrestling

    Mick Foley On Bleeding Having A Place In Wrestling

    WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley believes that bleeding certainly has its place in professional wrestling.

    Foley recently took to his podcast, “Foley Is Pod,” and discussed the topic. It’s a topic of discussion that many legends have been sharing their thoughts on as of late. The ex-WWE Champion explains that blood definitely has its place in professional wrestling, as long as it’s not overused.

    “I always felt like [blood] had a place. I’ve been around when it was overused, I’ve been around where it was underused or extinct. I was pretty good with the amount of blood when I was in WWE.

    “Of all the big matches — up until I had my comeback matches, where the blood was more frequent — I think I was only in four or five bloody matches, in my four years in WWE. Less is more. So that when Steve and Bret had their legendary match [at WrestleMania] it really meant something because it wasn’t overdone.”

    Mick Foley Hell in a Cell

    He further explained that he’s sure there were some of his matches that featured blood that probably didn’t need it. However, there were also matches that featured blood that actually helped make a good match great.

    “I’m sure there were times when I was involved in bloody matches that didn’t need to be bloody. I was in some others where the blood would have taken a good match and made it great, or taken a great match and made it legendary.

    “I did pretty well for myself in WWE during my main four years there, where I rarely bled. I did pretty well in WCW even after they put the ixnay on the bleeding. I didn’t feel like I had to have it. I thought I had it in perspective.

    “Maybe I used it a little more often than I should have, but I also don’t think that I overused it. Or else my fair complexion would look considerably different.”

    Quotes via 411Mania

  • Kevin Owens Reacts To Stephanie McMahon WWE Departure, Potential Sale

    Kevin Owens Reacts To Stephanie McMahon WWE Departure, Potential Sale

    Kevin Owens has offered his reaction to Stephanie McMahon departing WWE, and the possibility of a sale.

    Owens recently took part in an interview with Express News to promote the upcoming Royal Rumble in San Antonio, Texas. During the interview, Owens was asked about the recent departure of former WWE co-CEO Stephanie McMahon.

    “KO” said that McMahon has been nothing but amazing to him since he’s been in WWE, and he, along with others, are happy that she gets to take this time for herself.

    “(Stephanie) has been nothing but amazing to me my entire time here,” Kevin Owens said. “And I was so happy to see her more at the shows and get to be around her and get to work for her. Everybody’s also kind of happy that she gets to take this time for herself.”

    Kevin Owens

    There have also been a lot of rumors about a potential WWE sale. While the rumors are running rampant, Owens claims himself, along with the rest of the talent, are just focused on what they do inside the ring.

    “The internet will say what the internet will say, and then the reality will be what really matters. We just care about what we do in the ring. That’s what we try to do our best at.”

  • Triple H Reveals WWE Name He Thinks Has Potential To Be One Of The Biggest Stars In Wrestling

    Triple H Reveals WWE Name He Thinks Has Potential To Be One Of The Biggest Stars In Wrestling

    Triple H thinks highly of Austin Theory, just like his father-in-law, Vince McMahon, now that he has seen what the young star can do on the WWE main roster. 

    Theory’s first run on the main roster didn’t go as anyone wanted it to and he was sent back to NXT where he was paired with Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Indi Heartwell, where he got over with the fans. 

    It was reported that when Vince McMahon was still overseeing main roster creative, he thought Theory had the potential to be the next coming of John Cena. Theory even looked up to Cena while growing up as a child and wants to work a match with him. 

    Triple H on Theory

    Triple H commented on Theory’s potential as a top WWE star while speaking to ESPN.

    “It’s a nuanced feeling… once you see this guy’s a great athlete, I’m looking for their personality, their charisma,” Triple H said. “Austin Theory has it, and then some. Do I think he has all the potential to be one of the biggest stars in the business? Absolutely. What determines that? A lot of that is up to him now. You give him little bits of things here and there and he’s improving his game and he’s smart. He listens to the crowd, he listens to the people. He sees all the stuff that’s going on, and he adapts his game on a regular basis.”

    Theory, who retained his US Title over Bobby Lashley in the main event of WWE Raw 30, has not officially declared for the WWE Royal Rumble.

  • NBCUniversal CEO Comments on a Potential WWE Sale

    NBCUniversal CEO Comments on a Potential WWE Sale

    Comcast Corp, parent company of NBCUniversal, is among the many organizations discussed as potential buyers of World Wrestling Entertainment.

    On Thursday’s Comcast earnings call, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell was asked about the possibility of purchasing WWE.

    Shell did not specifically mention WWE in his response, but stated that the company is always in acquisition mode if the right opportunity comes along.

    “We are always looking for bolt-on acquisitions that bolster our businesses. Two examples: we bought DreamWorks [Animation]… and it has been paying off steadily since our acquisition. Just now, with Puss In Boots [The Last Wish], which is a big hit at the box office and really our entrance back into the Shrek universe, continues to make that acquisition look really favorable, And our Blumhouse investment over time, where we’re partners with Jason Blum, and we have a big hit, M3GAN, this month, which is coming out of that investment.”

    You can listen to audio of this topic here, courtesy of Brandon Thurston:

    As of this writing, WWE has a $6.42 billion market capitalization.

    Click here for more of our recent coverage on a potential WWE sale.

    H/T to Deadline for the transcribed quote

  • WWE News: Bray Wyatt’s Role on SmackDown, Naomi & Natalya’s New Looks, Rhea’s Royal Rumble Training

    WWE News: Bray Wyatt’s Role on SmackDown, Naomi & Natalya’s New Looks, Rhea’s Royal Rumble Training

    It’s Thursday, January 26 and we are just two days out from the 2023 WWE Royal Rumble from San Antonio, Texas. SEScoops will have live results of the Rumble on Saturday night. We’ll also be hosting a live discussion in the comments section of our Results post – we hope to see you there. Here’s a rundown of some odds-and-ends news items:

    Bray Wyatt’s Role on SmackDown

    Bray Wyatt is having a big week. On Monday’s Raw is XXX anniversary special, the Eater of Worlds shared a memorable encounter with The Undertaker. Each of them commented on the moment, with Wyatt stating, “This moment justified a lifetime of sacrifices for me.”

    According to the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE officials have Wyatt slotted as the #1 babyface on SmackDown brand. He’ll face LA Knight in a Lights Out match (stipulation details TBA) at the Rumble.

    As the top babyface on SmackDown, it’s probably only a matter of time before he’s in the title picture for either Roman Reigns’ Undisputed Universal Championship, or the Intercontinental title held by Gunther.

    Royal Rumble Favorites & Participants

    The Royal Rumble premium live event will be headlined by two 30-person Rumble matches (men’s and women’s), with the winners going on to challenge a champion of their choosing at WrestleMania Goes Hollywood. The current favorites, based on leading online sports betting sites, are Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley.

    As of this writing, 15 people are confirmed for the Men’s Rumble match and only seven confirmed for the Women’s Rumble. WWE.com has a running tally of all the participants.

    Rhea Training with Dominik:

    WWE has published several videos to get fans hyped for the Royal Rumble. As seen below, Rhea Ripley has been training with Dominik Mysterio.

    Ripley was in the news earlier this week for her comments about wanting to compete in the men’s Royal Rumble match.

    Zoey Stark Throws Shade at Nikkita Lyons

    NXT star Nikkita Lyons announced that she’s dealing with a serious knee injury (a torn ACL and meniscus). Rival Zoey Stark has little sympathy for Lyons, who will be out of the ring for several months.

    Naomi and Natalya’s New Looks

    Finally, two female Superstars are sporting new looks. Naomi (Trinity Fatu) continues to branch out into modeling with a new photo shoot for L’Officiel Baltic Sports.

    Natalya has been out of action since November, when she underwent nasal surgery to move her dislocated nose “back to the center of my face where it belongs.” During her time away, she’s decided to tryout a new hairstyle.

  • WWE Signs 15 Athletes to the Next In Line Program

    WWE Signs 15 Athletes to the Next In Line Program

    WWE has announced the signing of 15 athletes to the company’s ‘Next In Line’ program, which aims to recruit elite collegiate athletes from around the Untied States.

    As the Next in Line program enters its second year, WWE has finalized the third class of prospective future Superstars. The program now encompasses 46 athletes (26 male, 20 female) from 13 sports.

    This round of signees includes two-time NCAA All American wrestler Greg Kerkvliet (Penn State University), four-time NCAA National Champion thrower Turner Washington (Arizona State University) and NCAA Champion hurdler Alia Armstrong (Louisiana State University).

    Here’s the full list of athletes and the sports they’ve played:

    • Abby Jacobs (Soccer)
    • Alexandra Jaksec (Tennis)
    • Alia Armstrong (Track & Field)
    • Cameron Jones (Football)
    • Dee Beckwith (Football)
    • Greg Kerkvliet (Wrestling)
    • Isaiah Iton (Football)
    • Jaiden Fields (Softball)
    • Landon Jackson (Football)
    • Mady Aulbach (Basketball)
    • Nick Dawkins (Football)
    • Otoniel Badjana (Track & Field)
    • Peyton Prussin (Wrestling)
    • Tori Ortiz (Track & Field)
    • Turner Washington (Track & Field)

    WWE also published this infographic about the Next in Line program, which has been updated to include the latest class of 15 athletes:

    Learn more about the “Next In Line” program at wwerecruit.com.

  • LA Knight on Sharing the Ring With Undertaker, Being Managed by Paul Bearer

    LA Knight on Sharing the Ring With Undertaker, Being Managed by Paul Bearer

    LA Knight got to live one of the biggest moments of his career this past Monday during Raw. He got to share the ring with one of the greatest performers of all time in The Undertaker. According to the Raw star, the moment gave him chills.

    The former NXT star recently appeared on Insight With Chris Van Vliet. When asked about his segment with the Deadman, Knight revealed that he was told about the segment at the last minute. Per the former champion, he previously didn’t believe in the stories of Undertaker’s entrance but he does now:

    “I’ll tell you the truth. It’s funny because you always hear the cliche. ‘When you are standing in that ring and that bell tolls. It’s chills’ and I’m like ‘Oh yeah sure.’ That’s legit. It was chills. It was pretty wild. But at the same time to be standing there and doing my thing and to be very recognized. That audience was right on top of everything I had to say even with The Undertaker. That’s a big feather in my cap as far as I’m concerned.”

    ‘Beyond Grateful’: LA Knight

    LA Knight shares a very interesting similarity with The Last Outlaw. The 40-year-old was also managed by the legendary Paul Bearer during one point in his career in Championship Wrestling From Hollywood. Speaking about his interactions with Bearer, Knight claimed that he was beyond grateful to share any advice:

    “Three years, three years that guy led me to the ring. I loved him. He was so good to me. Anytime I ever had to ask him anything. He was like, it wasn’t even like he was willing to give it. It was beyond that. It was like he was so grateful to have an outlet to give any kind of advice or insight or anything like that. Like he thanked me profusely for asking, which just to me shows an enormous sign of his character.”

    More Originals From SEScoops:

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

    This article has been edited for clarity

  • Rob Van Dam Addresses Possible WWE Royal Rumble Return

    Rob Van Dam Addresses Possible WWE Royal Rumble Return

    WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam is feeling “awesome” ahead of this Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.

    Van Dam, a veteran of six WWE Royal Rumble matches, hasn’t competed for WWE since August 2014 when he was on the losing end of a match to Seth Rollins.

    Outside of WWE, RVD has competed for TNA/Impact Wrestling and various other smaller promotions.

    Rumble Return

    With only 15 spots filled in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, there are plenty of available spots for returning Superstars such as RVD.

    Speaking to Steve Fall’s “The Ten Count” podcast, Van Dam was asked whether he’ll be donning his singlet for this weekend’s show in San Antonio.

    “It’s happened before [returning at a Rumble.] you know when I left way back in 2006 or seven. I guess it was six. But yeah, hey, that’d be cool. I got no plans to share with you.” 

    Rob Van Dam.

    Van Dam in the Rumble

    After signing with the WWF in 2001, RVD would make his Rumble debut in January 2002 as the 29th entrant.

    Van Dam would not last long, being eliminated by Booker T (his future tag-team partner) in just over two minutes.

    Van Dam would fare much better the following year, lasting 33 minutes and scoring two eliminations, before being thrown out by Kane (another tag-partner of his.)

    After an injury forced Rob to miss much of 2005, he returned in 2006, and would make a one-night return as part of the 2009 Rumble match (which was won by Randy Orton.)

    RVD Reveals His Thoughts On Riddle

    h/t – eWrestlingNews

  • Third Lawsuit Filed Against Vince McMahon Since Return

    Third Lawsuit Filed Against Vince McMahon Since Return

    A third lawsuit has been filed against Vince McMahon since the chairman of the boards returned to WWE earlier this month.

    According to reports from Bloomberg, the lawsuit stems from the allegations that the boss paid up hush money to cover up sexual harassment allegations against him.

    With this new case, the investors are seeking to “sever their case from the consolidated action” and they can “keep the bylaw-related claims alive, interfering with any fee request” if they succeed.

    Carole Casale and Chrystal Lavalle are the two investors behind the suit. The lawsuit is not publicly available so not a lot of details have been revealed.

    Vince McMahon forced his way back into the WWE Board of Directors on January 6 after having retired on July last year. He was then voted the chairman on January 10.

    The WWE owner has since been sued by both Scott Fellows and the Police and Fire Retirement System of Detroit claiming that he “breached fiduciary duties as controlling stockholder.”

    They claimed that with the manner of his return, McMahon aims to “impose his personal will on WWE and its [board] by purporting to adopt a package of invalid and inequitable bylaw amendments that would hamstring the Board from making critical business decisions.”

    We will provide more information on the new lawsuit when it becomes available.

  • Jeff Cobb Open to Appearing in Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble

    Jeff Cobb Open to Appearing in Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble

    Jeff Cobb appears open to an appearance in WWE’s Royal Rumble match.

    Cobb recently took part in an interview with WrestlingNews.co and was asked about potentially being a surprise entrant in the match. While Cobb admits he hasn’t been contacted for such an appearance, he seems open to the idea.

    “You know what? You never say never. But it all depends on if the stars lined up and all that stuff. Again, if they wanted me for some odd reason, then they’d have to go through the right avenues. I don’t think they could contact me directly because I don’t think that’s legal.

    “I don’t know how those things work. But yeah, if for some odd reason, they were like, ‘Hey, we wanna put Jeff in the Royal Rumble,’ I’m not good at Royal Rumbles. I don’t want to run down to the ring either. But yeah, if the stars aligned, I’d be totally down to do it.”

    Jeff Cobb
    (via AEW)

    This year’s Royal Rumble takes place from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on January 28. Jeff Cobb could’ve been part of the Royal Rumble as a member of the WWE roster, but decided to turn down a contract offer from the company in 2020.

    The veteran has worked for Lucha Underground, PWG, Ring Of Honor, AEW, and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) throughout the years. He’s currently signed to the latter where the 40-year-old is still going strong.

    Quotes via 411Mania

  • Ric Flair Reveals He Apologized to Becky Lynch at RAW XXX

    Ric Flair Reveals He Apologized to Becky Lynch at RAW XXX

    Ric Flair issued an apology to Becky Lynch backstage at this week’s RAW XXX anniversary show.

    This week, Flair was backstage for the special RAW XXX anniversary show that featured several legends returning for the event. Speaking on his podcast, “To Be The Man,” Flair talked about his experience backstage at the show.

    Flair said he spoke to both Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, apologizing to the latter over their spat regarding the “The Man” moniker.

    “It started out with me and Hunter talking for about an hour, which is a private discussion, but resolving a lot of issues that have been lingering for a couple years, and then I apologized to Becky Lynch. I walked up to her and said, ‘May I speak with you for a minute’, and I said, ‘I’m sorry that this got to where it is.’

    “I went over and shook Seth Rollins hand and I said, ‘I’m going to apologize to your wife.’ I’ve just decided that, you know, it all comes with the documentary. Sometimes you get so wrapped up in things that you just forget, and you say it so many times for so many years.

    “Actually, the whole ‘The Man’ trademark was decided by someone besides she and I. It’s not that as much as the money that was involved in it which the company reaps the better part of it anyway.

    “Then I saw them with their child and I thought, ‘My God, this is going to be Ashley someday.’ It’s not worth it. I am not The Man anymore. The Man is who the people think it is, and basically we’ve turned it over to social media to decide who The Man is.”

    Saul Badman

    Ric Flair had been using the moniker since the 80s, while Lynch only adopted it in recent years for use on television. This started a trademark dispute between the two sides over the moniker, souring the relationship between not only Lynch and Flair, but Rollins and Flair as well.

    However, it looks like the two sides have now been able to put all of that behind them.

    Quotes via NoDQ.com