SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Kevin Nash Assures Fans He’d Never Harm Himself After Recent Comments

    Kevin Nash Assures Fans He’d Never Harm Himself After Recent Comments

    Kevin Nash has come out to assure fans he’d never do harm to himself following his recent comments that got some worried.

    As we’ve noted, Nash sadly lost his 26-year-old son unexpectedly late last year. Recently, Nash made a comment to the affect of wanting to put a gun in his mouth after being asked about how he’s dealing with everything.

    These comments got some people concerned, with some worried that Nash might attempt to harm himself given everything that’s going on at the moment. However, taking to a recent episode of his Kliq This podcast, Nash assured fans he has no intentions of harming himself.

    “Last week I made some off-color remarks, but for anybody out there, I would never do anything to harm myself. I guess people don’t realize I have a wife that’s been with me for 35 fu**ing years. It’s never been about me. I drive a fu**ing ’05 Mustang.

    “I know it sounds like that skit from fu**ing Saturday Night Live where, ‘I drive a Dodge Stratus’, but I drive a 2005 Mustang. I don’t give a fu**. It’s never been about me. It’s about the people that I take care of and that’s your job. Your job is to provide and protect. That’s your job.” 

    Kevin Nash

    Authorities actually performed a wellness check on Nash following his comments. However, in hindsight, it appears that the WWE Hall Of Famer was simply being sarcastic in his comments.

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin Nash and his family during this difficult time.

    Quotes via WrestlingNews.co

  • Karrion Kross & Scarlett Were Planning to Start a Family Before WWE Return

    Karrion Kross & Scarlett Were Planning to Start a Family Before WWE Return

    WWE Superstars Karrion Kross and Scarlett were planning to start a family last year until a fateful call from Chief Content Officer Triple H put that on hold.

    It might have surprised fans when WWE decided to release Kross and Scarlett on Nov. 4, 2021. The couple had great success in NXT, with Kross winning the NXT Championship twice. However, WWE had different creative plans for them on the main roster by separating them and changing Kross’s character. Ultimately, Kross’s first run with the company didn’t work out, and both talents found themselves as free agents last year.

    Karrion Kross
    (via WWE)

    While in free agency, Kross and Scarlett could work together and compete for different independent wrestling promotions. In their time away from WWE, the couple decided they wanted to start a family. However, when Triple H called Kross about himself and Scarlett returning to the company, he and his wife halted their plans.

    In an interview with My San Antonio, Kross spoke about the call from Triple H to return. MY San Antonio’s Nick Talbot transcribed the following quotes.

    “He called us up and he said, ‘Do you want to come home?” And I responded, “Well, like, yeah.’ And then he was like, ‘All right. Here is my next question. Can you be here in a day and a half?’ And we’re like, ‘That’s pretty fast.’ You know, we had all these different bookings and different things going on.”

    We had our lives planned out. I mean, and people don’t even know this, we’re thinking about maybe even having a kid, you know, or thinking about starting a family. And we looked at each other – and her and I have always been telepathic, even before we were married or dating — so, we just kind of gave each other a look and we knew what page we’re on. And we’re like, ‘Yeah, we can do that.

    – Karrion Kross
    Karrion Kross
    WWE.com

    Karrion Kross Plans for Royal Rumble 2023

    Kross will compete in his first Royal Rumble event this weekend. He is looking forward to his first Royal Rumble appearance and hopes to have an impressive performance. “In a perfect world, I’d like to set some sort of record. I’d really like to do it,” said Kross(h/t Nick Talbot). He also shared in the interview that he hopes he could enter at number one.

    “You know what, if I could, I would come out number one. I would love to do that. To be able to go out there and demonstrate your grit and how much fight you actually have. I need to have the opportunity to get in front of that many people and fight them all at once. I live for stuff like that,” said Kross(h/t Nick Talbot).

    Before competing at the Royal Rumble, he will have to compete against Rey Mysterio on the Jan. 27 episode of Friday Night Smackdown. Since his return on Aug. 5, 2022, Kross has only lost one match to former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. A decisive win by Kross this Friday could indicate how WWE will utilize him in the Royal Rumble match.

    h/t: Nick Talbot

  • WWE 2K23 to Feature Cena’s The Prototype, Batista’s Leviathan and OVW-Era Lesnar & Orton

    WWE 2K23 to Feature Cena’s The Prototype, Batista’s Leviathan and OVW-Era Lesnar & Orton

    More details regarding WWE‘s upcoming 2K23 video game that was officially announced on Monday morning. 

    Before the game’s official reveal, John Cena had teased his potential involvement on his Instagram by sharing a blank cover of the game. He will be the game’s cover star and its three different editions – Standard, Deluxe, and Icon. 

    Pre-order for WWE 2K23 is now available before the game’s official launch on March 17th. By shelling out the money now, it will grant fans three-day early access starting March 14th.

    The Hype

    It was touted that “WWE 2K23 features several franchise advancements, including a unique new take on the 2K Showcase, the WWE 2K introduction of the fan-favorite WarGames, and expansions to several marquee game modes.”

    Fans can also look forward to the “Incredibly realistic graphics, animations, camera angles and lighting, plus accessible controls and a new optional pinning mechanic will add to the highly immersive experience.”

    The Icon Edition will be available for $119.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. It will feature something special to celebrate 20 years of John Cena’s WWE career, the Ruthless Aggression Pack. It will feature John Cena’s early “Prototype” character and “Leviathan” Batista, developmental rookie versions of Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton. 

    These are some of the biggest names in recent memory that WWE has developed from its rookie system in OVW at the time. Shelton Benjamin was also part of this star-studded class. 

    Game Details

    • 2K Showcase Starring John Cena: Conquering John Cena in the ring is an accolade few Superstars can claim. In an unprecedented twist on the 2K Showcase, players will step into the boots of several of Cena’s toughest competitors with one goal in mind: defeat the man who will “Never Give Up.” Spanning his 20-year WWE career and narrated by Cena himself, this interactive sports entertainment documentary uses 2K’s unique Slingshot Tech for a seamless transition from gameplay to live-action footage to bring pivotal moments in each match to life.
    • WarGames: The fan-favorite, chaotic and action-packed WarGames makes its debut in WWE 2K23 and delivers heart-pounding 3v3 and 4v4 single player or multiplayer mayhem inside two side-by-side rings, surrounded by a double steel cage.
    • MyGM: Now featuring more GMs to choose from – or a player’s own custom GM creation – as well as additional show options, multiple seasons, expanded match cards, and more match types for up to four players. Players draft a roster, manage budgets, sign free agents, choose various match types, arena locations, production elements and more, with the goal of beating a rival GM in weekly ratings battles.
    • MyFACTION: Now featuring online multiplayer action, the team-building mode in which players collect, manage, and upgrade an array of WWE Superstars and Legends to create their ultimate four-person factions returns. Players can now take their faction online and compete for global dominance, or compete in Weekly Towers and Faction Wars, while new themed card packs and goals roll out regularly throughout the year**.
    • MyRISE: Aspiring Superstars walk through the curtain for their WWE debut in MyRISE and shape their career with the decisions made along the way. Featuring distinct men’s and women’s division storylines and the ability to import custom created Superstars, players journey from the humble beginnings of a rookie, to being immortalized as a WWE Legend.
    • Universe: The ultimate WWE Universe sandbox that puts players in charge of their own version of WWE, from Superstar rosters, feuds, champions, weekly shows, and Premium Live Events! Updates to Universe include a reworked story system and more.
    • Creation Suite: A signature feature of the WWE 2K franchise, the creation suite returns with cross-platform community creations, including the ability to design custom Superstars, GMs, arenas, entrances, move sets, championships and more. Custom arenas are now playable online, and advanced customization has been added to created entrances.

    Additional confirmed playable characters: Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan (Hollywood Hogan), Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley.

    http://stg.sescoops.com/news/john-cena-unveiled-as-wwe-2k23-cover-star-details-on-release/
  • WWE Raw is XXX Preview, Live Results Tonight

    WWE Raw is XXX Preview, Live Results Tonight

    It’s going to be a celebration tonight as WWE recognizes the 30-year anniversary of Monday Night Raw. The very first episode of Raw took place January 11, 1993 from the Manhattan Center in New York City. 1,547 episodes later, and the longest-running-episodic-program on television is still going strong.

    WWE is bringing back some of the biggest names in Raw history to mark this special occasion. Legends who will be on hand include ‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan, ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair, The Undertaker, ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, the Bella Twins and more.

    We’ve also got some exciting matches to look forward to, including multiple title matches, a steel cage match and Sami Zayn going on ‘trial’ before the Bloodline.

    SEScoops will have live coverage of tonight’s WWE Raw. Our live results post will be up at 7:45pm (EST) so you can chat in the comments section.

    Raw is XXX Preview

    WWE is advertising the following matches for tonight’s Raw is XXX special:

    • Bayley challenges Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship in a Steel Cage Match.
    • Bobby Lashley challenges Austin Theory for the United States Championship.
    • The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio) challenge The Usos for the Raw tag team championships.

    Plus, The Bloodline will hold a Tribal Court for the Trial of Sami Zayn.

    Ahead of tonight’s Raw, check out our special feature running down 30 ‘Must See’ matches from the first 30 years of Monday Night Raw:

  • Ex-WWE Champion Praises “Really Good Person” Stephanie McMahon After Resignation

    Ex-WWE Champion Praises “Really Good Person” Stephanie McMahon After Resignation

    Two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion The Miz has lauded praise on Stephanie McMahon following the latter’s departure from the promotion.

    Stephanie parted ways with WWE earlier this month, after being appointed co-CEO in July of last year.

    McMahon’s resignation was confirmed the same day that her father Vince McMahon was appointed WWE’s new Executive Chairman.

    The Miz

    Given her decades with WWE, the wrestling world has been shocked by McMahon’s resignation this month.

    When TMZ caught up with The Miz, the A-Lister spoke about McMahon’s work in WWE and as a person.

    “For me, she’s always been one of the people you can talk to. She’s done a lot for the company, and she’s a really good person as well.”

    The Miz

    The A-Lister also spoke about the role of WWE Superstars, which despite the chaos at the very top of the company, remains unchanged.

    “Whoever is at the head at the time, we’re just trying to do our job as WWE Superstars to make people happy and give them something to remember.”

    The Miz

    Releases Coming?

    Vince McMahon’s return to WWE has led some talent fearful that mass cuts will resume, especially with the promotion looking for a buyer.

    At the time of the releases from 2020 to 2022, many speculated that WWE were trying to look even more profitable to buyers at a time they were already boasting record profits.

    Karrion Kross has refuted the idea that talent are worrying about their futures, saying those he has spoken to are not concerned.

    WWE’s VP of Communication Departs After 25 Years
  • Bobby Lashley Wants “Really Cool Showcase” With Ex-WWE Superstar

    Bobby Lashley Wants “Really Cool Showcase” With Ex-WWE Superstar

    Could WWE fans see Bobby Lashley’s Hurt Lock Vs. Chris Masters’ Master Lock, 16 years after the two last did battle?

    When Masters debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2005, he put away countless opponents with his take on the Full Nelson, and would have a weekly ‘Masterlock Challenge.’

    On the March 19, 2007, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Lashley broke the Master Lock on his road to the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania 23.

    Lashley Vs. Masters

    After returning to WWE in 2018, it wasn’t long until Lashley adopted the Full Nelson himself, calling the move the Hurt Lock.

    Speaking to the Hindustan Times this past week, Lashley spoke about the possibility of facing Masters again, possibly as soon as this Saturday’s Royal Rumble.

    “I think if he has an opportunity to come back, I think that would be a really cool showcase. Whether it happens at the Rumble, you never know. The Rumble always has surprises. I think Chris has kind of proved himself in the professional wrestling world.”

    Bobby Lashley.

    Since leaving WWE in 2011, Masters has worked for TNA/Impact Wrestling, GFW, and the NWA, and is a two-time NWA National Champion.

    Breaking the Lock

    Masters has not been confirmed for an appearance at the Royal Rumble and has instead stated that he will likely not be competing this weekend.

    In the interview, Lashley said that if somehow, the two do cross paths this Saturday, he is ready to break the Master Lock for the second time.

    “If he comes back, you know what I would do? I’d literally just turn around and put my hands out and tell him to put it on me again. Then I’d ask him to do the same. And I guarantee you he’s not breaking out of The Hurt Lock.”

    Bobby Lashley.
    Chris Masters is Ready for the Master Lock vs. the Hurt Lock

    h/t – Wrestling Inc

  • Karrion Kross: WWE Superstars Aren’t Scared About Losing Their Jobs

    Karrion Kross: WWE Superstars Aren’t Scared About Losing Their Jobs

    WWE SmackDown Superstar Karrion Kross has dismissed rumors that talent are fearful for their jobs following the return of Vince McMahon.

    McMahon was reappointed to WWE’s Board of Directors on January 6, 2023, after retiring from the promotion in July of last year.

    While initially claimed that McMahon’s return was solely to oversee a sale of WWE, the 77-year-old has since been appointed ‘Executive Chairman.’

    Fear

    In the final years of McMahon’s first era as head of WWE, the company undertook mass releases of talent, with Kross one of the names cut in 2021.

    With McMahon back, it has been reported that talent are concerned that it will be just a matter of time before these mass layoffs to the roster happen again.

    Speaking with the San Antonio Express-News, Kross dismissed the idea that McMahon’s comeback has Superstars shaking in their boots.

    “It’s in my news feeds, it’s everywhere. It’s inescapable at this point. But the people that I have spoken to about it, like my personal friends in the business, no one’s really concerned or afraid for their job.

    “All of us are ready to adapt…. I think everyone’s just taking it day by day to see where everything lands, and we’re all trying to remain optimistic.”

    Karrion Kross.

    Kross, who was released in November 2021 alongside his wife Scarlett, was one of the first names Triple H rehired after becoming head of Talent Relations.

    WWE Sale

    WWE has not cut any names from its roster in 2023 thus far, but it could happen as talks of a sale of the promotion ramp up.

    The cuts to the roster in 2020, 2021, and 2022, came at a time when the promotion was boasting record profits.

    Many at the time felt that these cuts were to make those profit margins even bigger, and therefore look more appealing to a potential buyer.

    Names reportedly interested in purchasing WWE include Comcast, FOX, Disney, Netflix, Amazon, the Saudi Arabia PIF, and Shahid & Tony Khan.

    WWE Firings Were a Hot Topic of Conversation Backstage at SmackDown

    h/t – Fightful

  • WWE Has Discussed Bringing Back Former Tag Team

    WWE Has Discussed Bringing Back Former Tag Team

    Two more WWE stars could be making a return to the company as WWE has had internal discussions about bringing back Akam and Rezar, collectively known as the Authors of Pain or AOP.  The news comes courtesy of Fightful Select.

    AOP
    Authors of Pain

    The report noted that bringing back the tag team has been at least discussed. AoP was integral to the NXT Black and Gold brand before being called up to WWE Raw. They were pushed as a monster team, some even comparing them to the legendary Road Warriors. 

    Paul Ellering Returning?

    The possibility of their longtime, original manager Paul Ellering was also discussed, as he managed them during their NXT run before being abandoned on the main roster. 

    Since the split, they’ve stayed close and got his blessing to name themselves Legion of Pain outside WWE. There had been rumors Ellering didn’t want to do the main roster travel with AOP, which he’s refuted in past interviews. 

    AOP hasn’t wrestled in nearly three years but remain young, as both are still under 30 years old. In 2020, WWE released them, and AOP was out of the wrestling business, besides their ill-fated promotion attempts with WES in 2022.

  • WWE Firings Were a Hot Topic of Conversation Backstage at SmackDown

    WWE Firings Were a Hot Topic of Conversation Backstage at SmackDown

    Recent departures from WWE were all the roster could talk about backstage at this week’s taping of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

    Earlier this week, it was reported that WWE is in the process of laying off several staff members, all of which are from the corporate side.

    There is no word yet on how many people have been let go, or whether the layoffs are still ongoing.

    These layoffs have taken place despite (now former CEO) Stephanie McMahon saying in a meeting earlier this month that little would change following Vince McMahon’s return to WWE.

    SmackDown

    No WWE Superstars have been laid off (at this time) but these office cuts were a huge talking point this week.

    Fightful Select reports that these layoffs were a “big topic of conversation” and many were surprised to learn that Adam Hopkins was gone.

    Hopkins had worked for WWE for 25 years and was a Vice President of Communications before his departure this month.

    It remains unclear whether Hopkins’ departure was a resignation or whether he was fired by the company.

    Talent Cuts

    While no Superstars have been released since McMahon’s departure, many feel it is just a matter of time before this happens.

    On Wrestling Observer Radio earlier this month, Dave Meltzer noted that talent are worried that Vince McMahon’s return will see more mass layoffs.

    When WWE was laying off talent in droves, starting with the April 15, 2020 cuts, it was suggested that the company was looking to boost profit margins and look more desirable to a potential buyer.

    Another WWE Vice President Parts Ways with WWE
  • Chris Jericho Reacts to Being Featured in Raw Is 30 Promo

    Chris Jericho Reacts to Being Featured in Raw Is 30 Promo

    Chris Jericho was part of some iconic moments from Monday Night Raw, so it is only fitting that he is featured in a promo for the upcoming Raw is XXX show.

    Tomorrow’s Raw will mark the 30th anniversary of the red brand which launched back on January 11, 1993.

    Several Hall of Famers are confirmed for the show, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels.

    Chris Jericho

    Chris Jericho will (likely) not be appearing at tomorrow’s celebration, but he was featured in a video promoting the show.

    In the promo, footage from Jericho’s WWF debut from 1999 is used.

    Addressing WWE using footage of him, the AEW star had no issue with this, saying that good pro wrestling transcends any given company, and is about making memories.

    Other AEW talent including Mark Henry and Bryan Danielson were also featured in the promotional video.

    Raw’s 30th-anniversary show will air from the sold-out Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and will be the go-home Raw before the Royal Rumble.

    Raw is Jericho

    Debuting on the August 9, 1999, episode of Monday Night Raw, Jericho didn’t waste time making an impression, interrupting The Rock, and holding his own on the mic with the Great One.

    Less than a year later, the now-face Jericho dethroned Triple H for the WWF title, but the controversial title change was later reversed and nullified.

    In 2012, after over a year away, Jericho would make his return to WWE on the first Raw of the new year, and would unveil his popular ‘The List of Jericho’ on Raw in September 2016.

    In early 2017, Raw would see the ‘Festival of Friendship’ in which Jericho would be betrayed by Kevin Owens.

    Raw is XXX: Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony Scrapped, Trial of Sami Zayn Announced
  • AJ Styles Was Considered For NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

    AJ Styles Was Considered For NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

    New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom event was almost ‘Phenomenal’ this year as AJ Styles nearly made it onto the show.

    NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 took place on January 4, and saw talent from New Japan, STARDOM, All Elite Wrestling, and WWE compete at the event.

    Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena took place yesterday and featured a tribute to the late Jay Briscoe.

    AJ Styles

    WWE’s Karl Anderson competed at Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, but the Machine Gun nearly had some back-up at the event.

    Fightful Select reports that there was a time in 2022 that New Japan was planning on Styles appearing on-screen at the event.

    Rocky Romero told Fightful’s Wrestling Perspective Podcast that the WWE Superstar himself thought it would be a “cool idea.”

    Romero added that he believes if it was up to Styles, he likely would have been in the Tokyo Dome.

    It was also clarified that there were never any official plans for Styles to appear at Wrestle Kingdom.

    Any hopes for the Phenomenal One to appear at the Tokyo Dome ended when Styles broke his ankle the week before the show.

    Fightful adds that Doc Gallows also did not make the trip to Japan, which is said to have been a New Japan call.

    AJ Styles at Wrestle Kingdom

    As part of a crossover between NJPW and TNA Wrestling in 2008, Styles represented the latter at Wrestle Kingdom 2, teaming with Christian Cage and Petey Williams to defeat RISE (Milano Collection AT, Minoru, and Prince Devitt.)

    At Wrestle Kingdom 9, Styles would defeat Tetsuya Naito and would unsuccessfully challenge IWGP Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 2016.

    Hours after that match, news broke that Styles had given his notice to NJPW, and he debuted for WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble later that month.

    AJ Styles Says Top WWE Star “Surprised” Him with In-Ring Skills
  • Raw is XXX: Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony Scrapped, Trial of Sami Zayn Announced

    Raw is XXX: Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony Scrapped, Trial of Sami Zayn Announced

    WWE has scrapped a major segment that was originally planned for Monday’s ‘RAW is XXX’ anniversary show from Philadelphia, PA.

    The Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony, which was going to feature several generations of the Anoa’i wrestling dynasty, will not be taking place. The news was first reported by PWInsider. The Wild Samoans (Afa and Siki) were slated to appear, along with Rikishi and Samu.

    WWE has already announced a replacement segment. Due to the events that transpired on Friday’s SmackDown, The Bloodline will hold a Tribal Court for The Trail of Sami Zayn.

    In addition to the Trial of Sami Zayn, top matches advertised for Raw is XXX include:

    • Becky Lynch vs. Bayley in a Steel Cage Match
    • Bobby Lashley challenges Austin Theory for the United States Championship
    • The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio) challenge The Usos for the Raw tag team championships

    WWE legends scheduled to appear include The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, X-Pac, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Teddy Long, Ron Simmons, and Kurt Angle.

  • WWE SmackDown Preview (1/27): Owens vs. Sikoa, Mysterio vs. Kross

    WWE SmackDown Preview (1/27): Owens vs. Sikoa, Mysterio vs. Kross

    WWE SmackDown heads to the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas this Friday night. The show takes place just 24 hours before the 2023 Royal Rumble premium live event, so fans can expect a hot atmosphere.

    On the eve of the biggest match of his career, Kevin Owens won’t get a chance to rest up. He may very well be the next Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, but first he’ll have to make it to San Antonio. Before testing himself against Roman Reigns at the Rumble, Owens have to go through Solo Sikoa.

    The SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender’s tournament continues, with two semi-final matches scheduled. Plus, Rey Mysterio’s ongoing feud with Killer Kross comes to a head.

    WWE SmackDown Matches (January 25, 2023)

    The following matches are scheduled for Smackdown:

    • Kevin Owens vs. Sola Sikoa of The Bloodline
    • Killer Kross vs. Rey Mysterio
    • Sheamus and Drew McIntyre vs. Hit Row (SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender’s Tournament Semi-Final Match)
    • Legado Del Fantasma vs. Imperium (SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender’s Tournament Semi-Final Match)
  • WWE Going Through Another Round of Office Cuts

    WWE Going Through Another Round of Office Cuts

    Vince McMahon’s return has led to claims from the promotion that nothing would change, but there’s been yet another example of this not being the case.

    McMahon returned to WWE’s board of directors earlier this month, less than six months after his retirement in July of last year.

    The 77-year-old billionaire has since been appointed Executive Chairman of WWE, replacing his daughter Stephanie in the role.

    Cuts Cuts Cuts

    From 2020 to McMahon’s departure in 2022, WWE experiences massive waves of cuts to both on-screen talent and those working behind the scenes.

    Sources who spoke to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select have confirmed that the company is undergoing office cuts right now.

    The previous releases were always described as being “budget cuts” by WWE, but no explanation for this latest wave of layoffs has been given.

    There is currently no confirmation on how many names will be laid off or who has been released from the promotion thus far.

    Are Talent Next?

    Sapp’s report made it clear that these current cuts are sole to office staff, but many believe that talent releases are coming.

    On Wrestling Observer Radio earlier this month, Dave Meltzer noted that talent are worried that Vince McMahon’s return will see more mass layoffs.

    At the time of the talent cuts, it was suggested that WWE was attempting to ‘trim the fat’ and boost its profits to look more appealing to a potential buyer.

    McMahon’s return to WWE has been to oversee the sale of the promotion, with names including Comcast, FOX, Netflix, and the Saudi Arabia PIF being considered possible buyers.

    WWE Releases 5 Wrestlers From NXT
  • WWE Senior Vice President: “Never Say Never” to CM Punk’s Return

    WWE Senior Vice President: “Never Say Never” to CM Punk’s Return

    Could CM Punk make a shocking return to WWE, over nine years after his departure from the promotion?

    In January 2014, Punk walked out of WWE following that year’s Royal Rumble and was released from the promotion that June.

    The former World Champion was sent his termination papers on his wedding day, timing that Vince McMahon later said was merely coincidental and apologized for.

    WWE Return

    With Punk still suspended from AEW due to the All Out brawl, questions remain as to his future with AEW.

    Speaking on his ‘Oh You Didn’t Know’ podcast, WWE’s Senior Vice President of Live Events ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James weighed in on whether Punk could return.

    “Never say never with these guys. They will give you a second chance. [WWE] will give you an opportunity if it’s business savvy, and bringing him back might be. The reason it might be is because he’s a needle mover.”

    ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James.

    Punk has had a hostile relationship with WWE following in the years since his walkout, but did appear for WWE Backstage, though his contract at the time was with FOX.

    Unhappy Roster

    CM Punk could (in theory) return to WWE, but if so, he shouldn’t expect a warm response.

    It has been reported that there are some who “absolutely do not want” Punk back, believing he would just bring the same attitude that has inflicted his AEW run.

    A return to AEW won’t be much better for Punk either, with top talent refusing to work with him if he is brought back by Tony Khan.

    There is a group, said to be led by former AEW World Champion Chris Jericho, which is working to prevent his return to the All-Elite promotion.

    AEW Roster Don’t Buy Tony Khan’s Recent Claim About CM Punk (Report)

    h/t – Wrestling Inc

  • More Legends Confirmed For Raw 30th Anniversary Special

    More Legends Confirmed For Raw 30th Anniversary Special

    WWE has added some more names to the line-up for the upcoming Raw 30th Anniversary special, including Diamond Dallas Page among others.

    In a graphic shown during this week’s episode of SmackDown, the company confirmed that DDP, Ted DiBiase, Mike “Irwin R. Schyster” Rotunda, Alundra Blayze, The Godfather, and Jimmy Hart will all be a part of the upcoming celebration.

    This comes after the promotion added Hulk Hogan and Triple H to an already stacked line up for the episode earlier in the day.

    Raw 30th Anniversary Match Card

    WWE will be celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw on January 23. You can check out the announced card for the show below:

    • WWE United States Championship Match: Austin Theory vs. Bobby Lashley
    • Raw Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos vs. Judgement Day
    • Steel Cage Match: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley
    • Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony with WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns

    Other names scheduled for the special episode include The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, X-Pac, Ric Flair, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, Teddy Long, Ron Simmons, and Kurt Angle.

    Rikishi and Samu are expected to participate in the Bloodline acknowledgment ceremony. The Bella Twins who were originally announced for Raw are no longer part of the promotional graphic.

  • Watch: Bray Wyatt Brings Back Firefly Fun House On SmackDown

    Watch: Bray Wyatt Brings Back Firefly Fun House On SmackDown

    The Firefly Funhouse is back!

    Bray Wyatt returned to The Firefly Fun House during the January 20 episode of SmackDown and reunited with all his friends.

    This week’s episode of the show saw LA Knight defeating Ren Jones in a singles match. Mercy the Buzzard, Abby The Witch, Ramblin’ Rabbit and Huskus the Pig Boy then made an appearance, confronting Knight on the Titantron.

    Ramblin Rabbit revealed that he is scared of the dark and worried about Bray for his Pitch Black match at the upcoming Royal Rumble PPV on January 29.

    Wyatt tried to console his friend but halfway through the segment, Uncle Howdy interrupted. He claimed that he knew all Bray needed was a push.

    The segment ended with Bray Wyatt telling LA Knight that whatever happens at the upcoming PPV, whatever walks through the door, it’s his own fault.

    Uncle Howdy also made an appearance on Raw this past Monday on January 16. He saved Alexa Bliss from Bianca Belair.

    Bray Wyatt has wrestled a few live event matches since his return but not on TV. His bout against Knight at Royal Rumble will mark his first Televised match since WrestleMania 37 back in April 2021 where he was defeated by Randy Orton.

  • WWE Pays Tribute to Jay Briscoe on Friday’s SmackDown

    WWE Pays Tribute to Jay Briscoe on Friday’s SmackDown

    WWE paid tribute to Jay Briscoe (Jamin Pugh) on Friday’s ‘SmackDown’ television broadcast on FOX.

    Early in the show, commentator Michael Cole took a moment to acknowledge Briscoe’s tragic passing in an automobile accident earlier this week (January 17).

    Speaking on behalf of WWE, Cole addressed the Universe:

    “We would like to send our condolences to the family of Jay Briscoe. Jay passed away suddenly earlier this week. He and his brother Mark formed one of wrestling’s great tag teams.”

    WWE acknowledged Briscoe’s passing on Tuesday night on NXT.

    AEW, Impact and the entire wrestling world have been paying respects over the past several days. On AEW Dynamite, several stars wore armbands honoring their friend.

    (Image: @MannyGomezMedia)

    A ‘Jay Briscoe Celebration of Life’ special was taped after Dynamite. That card of ROH matches will soon be available for streaming on the HonorClub service. (Spoiler Results)

  • Details on WWE Royal Rumble Meetings, Ronda Rousey’s Status for The Show

    Details on WWE Royal Rumble Meetings, Ronda Rousey’s Status for The Show

    WWE is just over a week away from this year’s Royal Rumble, and the company has been discussing the event in recent meetings. 

    Fightful Select reports that while several veterans have contacted WWE about making Royal Rumble appearances, WWE was said to have been leaning out of that in some cases in favor of what they call “non-traditional surprises.” 

    It’s unclear what that meant. Creative and producers were soliciting pitches for such a thing. In 2022, WWE was adamant about leaning out of NXT names appearing in the match.

    Ronda Rousey’s Status

    The report did note that as of last week, Ronda Rousey wasn’t planned for the Royal Rumble PPV when she lost the title. She dropped the SmackDown Women’s Championship to a returning Charlotte Flair on the December 30 edition of SmackDown. 

    Until December, Rousey was scheduled for the show in a singles match.

    Fightful was told that “WWE was very confident in their women’s roster as is with the hires and call-ups over the last year, and how it would play into the Royal Rumble match.”

    WWE needed to call in several veterans for last year’s match because of mass talent releases, causing a depleted roster. 

    Longtime indie wrestler Jason Cade has been brought in to help with the Royal Rumble while TJ Wilson will be on hand, leading the charge unlike last year as he wasn’t around. WWE had to bring in Fit Finlay to help.

  • Update on Plans for The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles

    Update on Plans for The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles

    WWE has changed how they book their Tag Team Champions as  The Usos are touted as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. However, they’ve always been the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions. 

    Instead of defending the titles separately, they defend both titles. The same goes for Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who holds both the WWE Title and Universal Championship.

    WWE booked The Usos’ next title defense for Raw 30 this Monday. However, the company made sure to note they will defend the Raw Tag Team Titles against Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest instead of noting they will defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.

    The Idea

    Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that having The Usos defend the titles separately again is a call from Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

    “The idea right now on the tag team front is that there are two sets of belts. The Usos are champions, but the Raw and Smackdown belts are different. This is a new Paul Levesque move and it does allow the Usos to lose one set of belts and keep the other. It was explained to me that the hope is it makes fans think it’s more likely somebody beats them for one set of belts.”

    The Usos do not have a match lined up yet for the Royal Rumble next Saturday. 

  • Two Big Names Confirmed for WWE Raw 30 Anniversary Show

    Two Big Names Confirmed for WWE Raw 30 Anniversary Show

    WWE has added two new names to the list of legends slated to appear on the Raw 30 anniversary show this coming Monday. 

    WWE.com now lists that Hulk Hogan and Triple H will be appearing at Raw’s 30th anniversary episode that takes place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Monday. 

    It will be Hogan’s first appearance on WWE TV since co-hosting WrestleMania 37 in 2021. WWE updated its advertisement to reflect Hogan appearance on the show: 

    The Announcement

    “The historic Raw 30 celebration will feature a slew of WWE Legends including The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Road Dogg, X-Pac, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, Teddy Long, Ron Simmons, and Kurt Angle,” WWE wrote. “Be a part of history on Raw 30, next Monday at 8/7 C on USA.”

    This episode of Raw is also the go-home show for the Royal Rumble that takes place next Saturday. 

    Updated WWE Raw 30 Anniversary Card

    • United States Champion Austin Theory vs. Bobby Lashley
    • Raw Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio)
    • Becky Lynch vs. Bayley – Steel Cage Match
    • Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns
    • WWE legends to appear
  • Dax Harwood Was Upset When Brock Lesnar Squashed Kofi Kingston For WWE Title

    Dax Harwood Was Upset When Brock Lesnar Squashed Kofi Kingston For WWE Title

    Dax Harwood was not happy when Brock Lesnar squashed Kofi Kingston to end his WWE Title run.

    On the newest episode of “FTR with Dax Harwood,” Harwood offered his thoughts on the first-ever episode of SmackDown Live on FOX. The episode featured the return of Brock Lesnar, who challenged then-WWE Champion Kofi Kingston for the title.

    Lesnar squashed Kingston for the title in seconds in the main event of the night. Putting an end to Kingston’s historic and memorable run as WWE Champion. Harwood explained why this upset him.

    “I was very, very upset,” Dax Harwood said. “I remember that I texted Kofi, and actually it was a group text with the three of them, The New Day and myself and Dan [Cash Wheeler], and I apologized to him and said, I’m so sorry this happened to you, man. We’re so upset. I can’t believe this is for real. Not because of obviously anything with Brock but how much we had worked and how hard he had worked to get to this point.

    “Dude, especially when we were working with him, with Randy, I saw him outside of Vince’s office or go into Vince’s office every single week to try to make things better, to try to make his championship run better. He worked so hard to be a great champion, and I think a lot of people, maybe they think, oh, man, his championship run wasn’t successful because, you know, whatever.

    “It wasn’t for lack of trying because I saw him every week, man. Try his damnedest to make something of nothing, and it broke all of our hearts, the whole locker room. It broke all of our hearts that that’s where the championship was being taken. Because not anything to do with Brock. But because Kofi had worked so hard. And seeing someone work so hard for so long to get this opportunity taken away from him.”

    Kofi Kingston
    Kofi Kingston

    The match is something that Kingston himself has spoken on since. Kingston admits he’d have at least liked a longer match with Lesnar if he was to drop the title. He also would’ve liked the opportunity for a rematch, which is customary for a champion after dropping the title.

    However, Kingston didn’t receive that rematch opportunity after all. With that being said, Kingston says he doesn’t dwell on it, nor should he, as he’s still one-third of one of the most successful factions in WWE tag team history.

    Quotes via WrestleZone

  • Venue for This Week’s WWE SmackDown Was Recently Evacuated

    Venue for This Week’s WWE SmackDown Was Recently Evacuated

    The venue, Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, set to hold Friday’s (January 20) WWE SmackDown event, had to be evacuated on Thursday night (January 19).

    This is according to the Detroit News, which noted the Little Caesars Arena was evacuated after an ammonia leak in the building. It happened around 3:15 pm in the arena’s basement. 

    Detroit Fire Department chief of community relations and public information officer James Harris stated that two men near the leak suffered chemical burns. They were transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital with minor injuries.

    Statement

    Firefighters, medics, and a hazmat specialist responded at the time. Harris shared the following statement to the press:

    “The leak was contained by us. Little Caesars Arena did their due diligence. They went into action, and the situation will be mitigated shortly.”

    Other details, including the cause of the leak, were shared. WWE is expected to move forward with SmackDown. They’ve previously announced two things for the show: Here’s the announced lineup for the episode:

    – Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens meet for a contract signing 

    – Drew McIntyre & Sheamus vs Viking Raiders – SmackDown Tag Team Title Tournament First-Round

  • Cody Rhodes Was Not Cleared to Compete When Announced for Royal Rumble (Report)

    Cody Rhodes Was Not Cleared to Compete When Announced for Royal Rumble (Report)

    Cody Rhodes will compete in this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble match, but the timing of his announcement has raised some eyebrows.

    Rhodes has not competed since WWE Hell in a Cell last June, as he tore his pectoral muscle mere hours before the show began.

    The American Nightmare fought through the pain to defeat Seth Rollins inside Hell in a Cell later that night.

    Announcement

    During this week’s Raw, WWE played their latest vignette documenting Rhodes’ return to WWE and his recovery process.

    It was also confirmed that Rhodes will be one of the 30 men to compete in the upcoming Men’s Royal Rumble match.

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Cody was not 100% medically cleared by WWE when his entry into the Rumble match was announced.

    WWE was confident that Rhodes would be cleared, with the Observer saying that the process of his medical clearing being confirmed was just a “formality.”

    This year will mark Rhodes’ ninth Rumble match and his first since 2016 when he competed as Stardust.

    Favorite?

    With his impressive recovery and his WWE booking since WrestleMania 38, many consider Rhodes a favorite to win the Men’s Rumble match.

    The odds of Rhodes winning have increased given reports that The Rock is not expected to compete at this year’s WrestleMania and ergo, the Royal Rumble.

    Sami Zayn is being considered a dark horse favorite by some to set up his inevitable split from the Bloodline.

    Cody Rhodes Makes Interesting Claim About his Time in AEW

  • The Rock No Longer Expected to Compete at WWE WrestleMania 39 (Report)

    The Rock No Longer Expected to Compete at WWE WrestleMania 39 (Report)

    Plans for The Rock to compete at this year’s WrestleMania are seemingly on the back burner, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    The Rock hasn’t competed for WWE since 2016, when he got a six-second victory over Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32.

    It has been rumored for some time that the Great One would be returning this year to face his cousin and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

    The Rock

    Reigns Vs. Rock is certainly a match worthy of headlining WrestleMania, but is unlikely to happen this year.

    Dave Meltzer reports that The Rock has informed WWE that he does not believe he has enough time to get in adequate shape for WrestleMania.

    Unless The Rock changes his mind within the next few days, a match between himself and Reigns won’t happen this year.

    The report adds that even if a match doesn’t happen this year, he remains open to doing something with WWE in the future.

    It is added that Rock’s involvement with next weekend’s Royal Rumble is “considered less likely than a few months ago.”

    Meltzer also suggests the possibility that there is “something” being kept from everyone backstage.

    Backup

    The Rock may not be competing at this year’s WrestleMania after all, but WWE still has a plan without the People’s Champion.

    In the Observer, Meltzer writes that WWE “has always had a backup direction” and always knew that The Rock was never a guarantee.

    Without The Rock, the arguable favorite to win the Men’s Rumble match is Cody Rhodes, whose return was announced during RAW.

    The Rock Talks Potential WWE Sale, Big Challenge New Owners Would Face