SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Kurt Angle Shares his Pick for the Greatest Heel in Pro-Wrestling

    Kurt Angle Shares his Pick for the Greatest Heel in Pro-Wrestling

    Kurt Angle is no stranger to dastardly actions in wrestling, but he believes that wrestling’s greatest heel, isn’t even a wrestler.

    In late 2002, Angle captured his third WWE Championship, dethroning the Big Show at that December’s Armageddon Pay-Per-View.

    Big Show had only won the title a month earlier, defeating Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series in the Beast’s first loss in WWE.

    Greatest Heel

    Lesnar’s loss inside Madison Square Garden came about after Paul Heyman turned on Brock, ending their alliance that had existed since Lesnar’s debut earlier that year.

    After his title win at Armageddon, Kurt revealed Lesnar as the head of his management team (Team Angle) turning heel in the process.

    Speaking on The Kurt Angle Show, the Olympian spoke about working with Heyman.

    “It was a great idea. It’s not that I needed Paul to speak for me, not at all, but he draws a lot of heat. At this particular time I was kind of a babyface so that I was having Paul on my side would draw a little bit more heat for me.

    “He is the best heel in the business, he really is.”

    Kurt Angle on Paul Heyman.

    “He was, he is, the best heel in the business, he really is. And it is because he draws a lot of heat. He’s the best promo guy I’ve ever been around. When you’re around him you learn a lot, so I was really happy to have Paul as my manager.”

    Working with Brock

    While Angle’s victory over Big Show came thanks to a big assist from Lesnar, Kurt and Heyman declared that they would refuse to face the Beast.

    On his podcast, Angle spoke about the WrestleMania 19 match he’d have with Lesnar, and despite his declaration, knew the plan all along.

    “I knew after I won that title [at Armageddon 2002] that Brock and I were gonna wrestle four or five months later at WrestleMania.”

    Kurt Angle.

    Angle added that their match was extra special for both men given their similar backgrounds.

    “We’d got in a ring a little bit here and there you know, with tag matches and stuff but this is our first singles match. Both of us were looking forward to it.

    “I saw how talented Brock was and how quickly he picked it up and he knew I was really talented so we were really looking forward to it. Especially with our amateur wrestling backgrounds we really wanted to showcase that at WrestleMania.”

    Lesnar would dethrone Angle at WrestleMania 19, in the only example of a WrestleMania main event where all competitors used their birth names.

    Kurt Angle Reveals How Much Money He’d Wrestle In Saudi Arabia For Now

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

  • Vince McMahon Could Lose WWE Job if Two Potential Buyers Make Purchase

    Vince McMahon Could Lose WWE Job if Two Potential Buyers Make Purchase

    Vince McMahon is back in WWE and is back in charge once more, but for how long?

    McMahon’s shocking return to WWE came last week when he was appointed to the Board of Directors and he has since been appointed Executive Chairman of the company.

    It has been reported that McMahon did not work well with WWE’s previous Chairwoman (and his daughter) Stephanie McMahon, with WWE CEO Nick Khan serving as a buffer between them.

    Out of a Job

    The 77-year-old billionaire is back to oversee a sale of WWE, with numerous big names being listed as potential buyers.

    While McMahon fought to get his roles back with WWE, he could be out of a job again if two of the listed buyers end up in control.

    Sources within Disney and Comcast told Fightful that they are well aware of the rumors of both companies being interested in a purchase.

    Those sources added that it would be hard to believe any major company would want to retain Vince’s services in any capacity in the event of a sale.

    Disney and Comcast

    To many, Comcast makes the most logical sense as a potential buyer of WWE, given the close connection already existing between the two.

    Comcast is the parent company on NBC-Universal, which owns the USA Network, the current home of Monday Night Raw and WWE NXT.

    NBC-Universal also owns Peacock, the home of the WWE Network in the United States.

    As for Disney, the House of Mouse is no stranger to collecting IPs, including internationally known brands like Marvel and Star Wars.

    A sale to Disney would not just mean WWE content on Disney+, but also the use of WWE’s property at theme parks around the world.

    WWE Talent Meeting Before SmackDown Amid Executive Shakeup
  • WWE Continues to Tease Splitting Undisputed Tag Team Titles

    WWE Continues to Tease Splitting Undisputed Tag Team Titles

    The era of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships is coming to an end according to last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

    The Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Titles were unified when The Usos (SmackDown) defeated RK-Bro (Raw) on the May 20, 2022 episode of SmackDown.

    No other Superstars have held the titles, and the Usos have retained them against the likes of Hit Row, the Brawling Brutes, and Kevin Owens & Matt Riddle.

    SmackDown

    During this week’s SmackDown, a number-one contenders tournament was set up to determine the next challengers to The Usos.

    It was announced that the Banger Bros. (Sheamus and Drew McIntyre) will face the Viking Raiders in the first round of the tournament next week.

    This tournament will determine the next challengers for the SmackDown Tag Team titles, not the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships.

    Raw

    This week’s SmackDown seemingly confirmed plans to split the titles, but talk of a split first began with this week’s Raw.

    In the main event, the Judgment Day went the distance in a gauntlet match to become the number one contenders for the Raw Tag Team Titles.

    The show ended with Jimmy and Jey having a face-off with Finn Balor’s faction, and raised only their Raw Tag Team gold.

    On commentary, Kevin Patrick repeatedly stated that the match would determine the next challengers for the Raw Tag Team titles.

    It remains unclear as to when this title match will take place.

    The Usos Succeeded in WWE “In Spite” of Vince McMahon
  • WWE Talent Meeting Before SmackDown Amid Executive Shakeup

    WWE Talent Meeting Before SmackDown Amid Executive Shakeup

    WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H held a talent meeting backstage at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, ahead of the live SmackDown episode on Friday night. 

    Fightful Select reports that Triple H thanked the wrestlers for all they do and said he understood there was some concern. He told them that the role of new WWE Chairman Vince McMahon since returning to the company last week is to spearhead the search to see if they will sell the company and to whom they may sell.

    As previously noted, WWE is looking to sell the company by the middle of this year, and several companies are interested in potentially buying WWE. 

    Not a Done Deal

    Triple H also made an attempt to squash the story of the WWE sale being a “done deal” and said even if it happened, it would take a lot longer. This comes after the rumors about the Saudi Arabia Investment Fund buying the company, only for those rumors to be squashed. 

    Triple H reiterated that this would not affect the current WWE creative team or process. This calmed many of the talent’s concerns over the last week. 

    He kept it open by noting anything could change, but Vince defers the final creative say-so to Triple H. He noted that while he and his father-in-law may have discussions, Triple H makes the final call.

  • How Much Money is Vince McMahon Planning to Sell WWE For? (Report)

    How Much Money is Vince McMahon Planning to Sell WWE For? (Report)

    How much money would cause Vince McMahon to part ways with the creation he has overseen for close to half a century?

    Last week, McMahon shocked the world with his return to WWE, months after his retirement in July of last year.

    McMahon returned to oversee a sale of the promotion but has since been appointed Executive Chairman, replacing Stephanie McMahon.

    Money Talks

    For the right price, you could be the next owner of WWE, but it won’t come cheap.

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that Wall Street analysts expect WWE to sell for anywhere between $7.4 to $8.2 billion.

    WWE is optimistic and is hoping for a sale figure of around $8.5 billion.

    The Observer added that the acquisitions market has cooled off in recent days.

    Meltzer also pointed out that a purchase from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund would bring a lot of bad publicity to the promotion, but that would likely be temporary.

    It is pointed out that the Saudis have purchased Newcastle United, and things have been business as usual since that purchase.

    Going Private

    It has been reported that if the Saudi PIF does purchase WWE, they intend to turn the company private once again.

    In the Observer, Meltzer adds that Tony and Shahid Khan are also interested in taking the promotion private.

    It was reported this week that the AEW President and his father are interested in a merger with WWE, but would pool their finances and resources with other groups.

    Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Had Issues Working Together (Report)
  • Stephanie McMahon Undergoes Ankle Surgery Days After WWE Resignation

    Stephanie McMahon Undergoes Ankle Surgery Days After WWE Resignation

    Former WWE Chairwoman and CEO Stephanie McMahon will undoubtedly be putting her feet up after undergoing surgery.

    On Twitter, McMahon informed her followers about her procedure, which has come after a “busy week.”

    McMahon thanked her surgeon Dr. Waldrop and her rehab specialist Kevin Wilk and mentioned her “amazing caregiver” and husband Triple H.

    Resignation

    McMahon’s procedure comes not long after her resignation from WWE as co-CEO and Chair of the Board.

    McMahon was appointed Interim CEO in June 2022, after her father stepped down due to the investigation.

    A month later, McMahon was appointed Chair of the Board and shared responsibilities as CEO with Nick Khan.

    Resigning this month, Vince McMahon has replaced his daughter as Executive Chairman while Khan serves as sole CEO.

    Before being appointed Interim CEO last June, Stephanie announced that she would be taking an extended break from WWE to spend more time with her family.

    Andrews Medical Center

    Judging by her tweet, McMahon went under the knife at the Andrews Sports Medicine Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

    Named for Dr. James Andrews, the center has been the go-to place for injured WWE talent for decades.

    Names who have had surgery at the center include Dave Batista, CM Punk, and Bobby Lashley.

    After testing his quads in 2001 and 2007, Triple H would report to the Andrews Center for surgery.

    More recently, Cody Rhodes made the trip to Birmingham after tearing his pectoral prior to Hell in a Cell last June.

    Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Had Issues Working Together (Report)

    We here at SEScoops are wishing Stephanie a full and speedy recovery.

  • Top Star No Longer Advertised for WWE Raw 30th Anniversary Show

    Top Star No Longer Advertised for WWE Raw 30th Anniversary Show

    WWE is gearing up to celebrate 30 years of Monday Night Raw on January 23rd. 

    One big name won’t be making the show as the company plans to bring in several top stars and legends for the special occasion. 

    WWE Hall of Famers Sean ‘X-Pac’ and the Big Red Monster Kane are scheduled to appear on the show that night. Tatanka and Ric Flair have also publicly stated that he received an invitation.

    Ronda Rousey Pulled

    Pwinsider.com reports that Ronda Rousey is no longer being advertised for the show. This serves as a bit of a surprise, but backs up the disclaimer that the card is subject to change. It’s unclear what WWE had in mind for her at the show nor why she was pulled. 

    The current advertised Main Event for the special is Austin Theory vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE United States Championship. 

    In recent months, Rousey has been paired with Shayna Baszler. She lost the SmackDown Women’s Title to Charlotte Flair last month on Friday Night SmackDown. 

    We will have to see what WWE does to celebrate 30 years of Raw, but it is presumed that Triple H will still be in charge of things when the day comes around and load up the event. 

  • Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Had Issues Working Together (Report)

    Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Had Issues Working Together (Report)

    Stephanie McMahon quickly resigned from WWE this week, days after her father, Vince, returned to the company. A new report noted that the two did not work well together.

    For years, the company had the dynamic of Vince as the Chairman and CEO, Stephanie working as an executive, and Paul “Triple H” Levesque overseeing developmental. 

    Last summer that changed when Vince resigned from his duties amid the hush money scandal, Triple H took over main roster creative, and Stephanie was named co-CEO with Nick Khan.

    Vince brought himself back last week by electing himself to the WWE Board Of Directors as he looks to sell the company. A sale of the company is something Stephanie and Triple H reportedly opposed. 

    Stephanie resigned from the company this past Tuesday, while Vince was officially named Chairman of the Board, and Khan was named the sole CEO. 

    Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that those close to the situation “in WWE tried to present her [McMahon] decision to leave as being related to the decision last year.” 

    Buffer

    Before taking over as co-CEO and Chairwoman, Stephanie announced a leave of absence with the idea of focusing on her family life. She returned once the hush money scandal broke. 

    “But that doesn’t explain why this was a resignation, and she left the board and cut all ties with the company she has worked for since she was a teenager. It was also conceded that she and Vince did have issues in working together as family members and how Khan was a buffer who kept things smooth between them and between Vince and Levesque,” Meltzer wrote. 

    WWE is looking at selling the company by the middle of this year. 

  • Jim Ross Recalls Having Scott Steiner Feud With Triple H So Soon

    Jim Ross Recalls Having Scott Steiner Feud With Triple H So Soon

    WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has looked back on having Scott Steiner feud with Triple H so soon after signing with the company.

    Ross took to his podcast, “Grilling JR,” to discuss Steiner’s signing to WWE in 2002 after WCW’s demise. Steiner was thrown right into a feud with Triple H, who was the World Heavyweight Champion at the time.

    The former longtime voice of WWE explained that the thinking behind having Steiner feud with a World Champion so soon was to showcase him as a star. Of course, ultimately the situation didn’t work out as they’d hoped.

    “Well, if you want the perception to be he’s a star and he could be the next world champion and he comes in very lauded, very high expectations not a bad place to start. I also think it made him comfortable a little bit more comfortable because it that WWE was very serious when we were talking about with him that you know we’re going to use you.

    “You’re going to be in a top spot and let’s let the cards fall where they may. I don’t think it was a bad thing. I mean there’s, hey there’s a lot of right ways to do a wrestling angle. A lot of right ways to get some skin the cat so to speak. I don’t, in hindsight, I had no major issues with that pairing.”

    Scott Steiner

    Steiner made a name for himself during his run with WCW from 1996 to 2001. He saw a great deal of success with WCW, establishing himself as one of their top stars after seven WCW Tag Team Title wins alongside brother Rick Steiner, a World Title run, and two United States Title wins.

    Although his singles run in WWE didn’t pan out, Steiner was still recognized for his historic career in 2022 when he was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. His nephew, Bron Breakker, currently competes in WWE as the NXT Champion.

    Quotes via 411Mania

  • Chris Adonis Reminded Vince McMahon Of Paul Orndorff

    Chris Adonis Reminded Vince McMahon Of Paul Orndorff

    Chris Adonis, formerly known as Chris Masters, apparently reminded Vince McMahon of Paul Orndorff.

    Adonis was recently interviewed on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet to discuss several professional wrestling topics. During the interview, Adonis touched on his time with WWE. He revealed that he actually reminded Vince McMahon of WWE Hall Of Famer “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff.

    “I know for certain that I reminded Vince of Paul Orndorff,” Chris Adonis said. “To the extent where they even had Paul Orndorff work with me when we did WrestleMania 21. Coincidentally out here in LA, which is going to be here again now, 20 years later.

    “It was really interesting though. So like, they have the ring set up for Wrestlemania if you need to go over anything or whatever. But they specifically designated some time for me to work with Paul, which looking back, was unbelievable to be able to work with Paul Orndorff.”

    As for what Orndorff taught him during their time together, Adonis explained that the legend really helped him understand how to properly channel his anger and rage in a healthy way.

    “I just remember him trying to teach me about like real intensity and how to translate that in the ring and me just being so young and green though that it was just so next level for me like I wasn’t, you know, I was hearing it but being able to receive that as a 20-year-old and under all these different circumstances and pressure.

    “What he was trying to show me, I think, is what you build up when you go through life. Because you build up this edge because good stuff happens but also bad things happen, right? And then those bad things, you build those calluses, and you build that rage, that anger.

    “And not necessarily negative anger but anger that can be channeled in positive ways like through pro wrestling, so I just think I was too young to really receive what he was giving me, but it was still useful information to take in.”

    Previously, Adonis signed with WWE in 2003 where he competed under the ring name Chris Masters. That initial run lasted until 2007 when he was released. After competing on the independent circuit for a few years, Adonis again returned to WWE in 2009, but was again released in 2011.

    That marked his final run with WWE to date, as he has since worked for promotions such as IMPACT Wrestling and the NWA.

    Quotes via WrestleZone

  • Divisive Former Superstar Teasing WWE Return This Year

    Divisive Former Superstar Teasing WWE Return This Year

    Former WWE Superstar Eva Marie (Natalie Eva Marie Nelson) is teasing that we could see her back with the company in the near future.

    Eva Marie’s first joined WWE a decade ago after winning the 2013 Diva Search competition. Her first run spanned from 2014-2019. She re-signed in October 2020, but did not return to television until June 2021. She was released in November of that year.

    Late Thursday evening, Eva Marie tweeted that she’s headed into 2023 with purpose and tagged multiple WWE-related accounts and hashtags.

    Where Does Eva Marie Fit In?

    Eva Marie has been a controversial figure throughout her time in pro wrestling. She was tailor made for the Divas era of the early 2000’s, which prioritized looks and sex appeal over technical wrestling abilities. However, a lot has changed since then.

    Ever since the Women’s Revolution in 2015, WWE has featured well-rounded performers and pulled back on pushing bikini model types. Despite her questionable ring work, there’s always a place in wrestling for charismatic personalities. Marie has not shied away from owning who she is and has generated a great deal of heel heat owning the fact that she’s more Diva than wrestler.

    WWE has brought back over a dozen former Superstars over the past year who were let go during the various rounds of budget cuts. Based on her latest social media post, it looks like Eva Marie is looking to follow this trend.

  • WWE Names More Advisors to Aid with Potential Sale

    WWE Names More Advisors to Aid with Potential Sale

    WWE and the promotion’s new Executive Chairman Vince McMahon are bringing in some heavy hitters to aid in the potential sale of the promotion.

    McMahon returned to WWE’s Board of Directors last week to aid with a potential sale, alongside former co-Presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios.

    The return of the controversial 77-year-old founder resulted in multiple resignations from the board from individuals who disagreed with the decision for McMahon to return.

    Advisors

    Earlier this week, WWE issued a statement confirming that legal and financial titan J.P. Morgan has been hired to advise on a sale.

    Now, a new statement from WWE has announced that more names are working with them, including The Raine Group, LLC as the promotion’s financial advisor.

    Kirkland & Ellis LLP will serve as legal advisor and August LLC as strategic communications advisor to support WWE’s management team.

    In a quote from Vince McMahon, the Executive Chairman spoke about the future of the promotion.

    “WWE’s upcoming media rights cycle will take place amid a rapidly evolving media and entertainment landscape, and we believe exploring our strategic alternatives at this critical juncture will enable WWE to fully capitalize on the significant value of our intellectual property.

    “I am highly confident that our outstanding Directors, outside advisors, and executive team will provide valuable expertise and counsel to help guide the Company through this important process while our management team and employee base continue to deliver results and content our fans love.”

    Despite reports earlier this week that WWE had been purchased by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, it has since been clarified that no deal has been reached at this time.

    AEW President Tony Khan & Father Shahid Interested in Merger with WWE
  • Stephanie McMahon and Triple H Reportedly Opposed to WWE Sale

    Stephanie McMahon and Triple H Reportedly Opposed to WWE Sale

    Former WWE CEO Stephanie McMahon and her husband, Chief Content Officer Triple H, opposed a potential WWE sell, according to Axios.

    This year has begun with a major shakeup with the return of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon on Jan. 6. The chairman returned after retiring last year after allegations of misconduct from former WWE employees. However, McMahon’s return also has led to the possibility of WWE being up for sale.

    While McMahon is exploring the possibility of selling the company, it doesn’t seem everyone is on board with the idea. Axios’s Tim Baysinger and Sara Fischer report that Stephanie and Triple H were against the idea of WWE potentially being up for sale.

    Sources told Axios that Stephanie McMahon and her husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque, the company’s chief content officer and a retired professional wrestler, had opposed a sale.

    The Effects of Vince McMahon’s Return

    Vince McMahon with money

    Following McMahon’s return on Jan. 6, Stephanie announced she had resigned from the company on Jan. 10. McMahon’s return also led to the departure of former Board of Director members JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed, Alan M. Wexler, Man Jit Singh, and Ignace Lahoud.

    While WWE employees and fans are worried about McMahon’s return, some former WWE employees and wrestlers are happy he’s in charge. Ric Flair has spoken openly about McMahon’s return and hopes he’s on TV for the Monday Night Raw 30th Anniversary on Jan. 23.

    The WWE Chairman’s comeback has also led to a lawsuit that was filed against him by a WWE investor for allegedly forcing himself back on the WWE Board of Directors.

    As for the WWE, it is seemingly up for sale and has several potential buyers. On Jan. 10, rumors sparked that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund bought the WWE. However, those rumors were debunked less than 24 hours later.

    WWE future is up in the air, as the company opens itself to be sold potentially this year. However, it doesn’t seem everyone is on board with its current direction.

  • Vince McMahon Provides WWE Sale Update: Advisors Engaged for ‘Strategic Alternatives’ Review

    Vince McMahon Provides WWE Sale Update: Advisors Engaged for ‘Strategic Alternatives’ Review

    WWE issued a press release Thursday evening addressing the company’s exploration of a potential sale. WWE has engaged financial, legal and strategic communications advisors to support the review of “strategic alternatives to maximize value for all WWE stockholders and other stakeholders.”

    Here is the press release, including a quote by the Executive Chairman Vince McMahon.

    WWE ENGAGES OUTSIDE ADVISORS TO SUPPORT REVIEW OF STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES

    STAMFORD, Conn., January 12, 2023 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced that it has retained The Raine Group, LLC as financial advisor, Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal advisor, and August LLC as strategic communications advisor to support WWE’s management team and its Board of Directors in connection with a review of strategic alternatives to maximize value for all WWE stockholders and other stakeholders.

    Vince McMahon, WWE’s Founder and Executive Chairman said:

    “WWE’s upcoming media rights cycle will take place amid a rapidly evolving media and entertainment landscape, and we believe exploring our strategic alternatives at this critical juncture will enable WWE to fully capitalize on the significant value of our intellectual property. I am highly confident that our outstanding Directors, outside advisors and executive team will provide valuable expertise and counsel to help guide the Company through this important process while our management team and employee base continue to deliver results and content our fans love.”

    – Vince McMahon

    There can be no assurances given regarding the outcome or timing of the strategic alternatives review process. WWE does not intend to comment further until the process has concluded or the Company has otherwise determined that further disclosure is appropriate or required.

    # # #

    About WWE
    WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TVPG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 30 languages through world class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX, BT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video on-demand library and is currently available in more than 180 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network.

    Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

  • AEW’s Tony and Shad Khan Are Among The List of Interested Buyers for WWE

    AEW’s Tony and Shad Khan Are Among The List of Interested Buyers for WWE

    WWE is looking at potentially selling the company by the middle of this year and has hired JPMorgan to help with talks. 

    Barron’s, the sister publication to the Wall Street Journal and a subsidiary of Dow Jones & Company, reports that AEW’s Tony and Shad Khan are said to be interested in buying WWE.

    The article noted that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund appears more likely to buy Vince McMahon‘s company. The Khan family “is in the pool of potential buyers for WWE.”

    The story added, “the Khans will likely look for a financial partner to acquire the asset. Tony Khan’s father Shahid Khan, a co-owner of AEW, already owns the football team Jacksonville Jaguars and the English soccer club Fulham Football Club, indicating the duo have deep pockets.”

    Other Buyers

    Comcast (NBCU’s parent company), Netflix, Amazon, Endeavor Group Holdings (UFC’s parent company), Warner Bros. Discovery (TNT & TBS’ parent company), Disney, and FOX have been speculated as potential buyers.

    “We think that now is the time to Buy WWE,” Benchmark’s Mike Hickey wrote on Friday. “Business momentum is strong, and future growth prospects appear promising.” Through the end of trading on Wednesday, the stock was up 24% since the close on Jan. 5, before Vince McMahon said he believed WWE should consider strategic alternatives.

    Dave Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio today that WWE CEO Nick Khan met with Disney CEO Bob Iger and ESPN President James Pitaro this past Monday while at the college football championship game. 

  • Potential Spoilers on WWE Royal Rumble Surprise Entrants

    Potential Spoilers on WWE Royal Rumble Surprise Entrants

    WWE is gearing up for its next premium live event Royal Rumble, later this month. 

    Every year, fans look forward to seeing who will be in the Royal Rumble matches for both the men and women from the active roster and those returning to the company and legends. 

    The 2023 PLE won’t be any different, as it’s believed several wrestlers will be returning at the show. 

    The Names

    According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, Edge and his wife, Beth Phoenix, are slated to be at the event. Neither has been on WWE television since the injury angle with Phoenix at the 2022 Extreme Rules PLE, where they were laid out by Judgment Day. 

    The report noted that Doudrop, who recently stated that she’s been dealing with an illness, is expected to be back in time for the show and will return to the Raw brand.

    As far as other return possibilities go, Johnson noted that “Logan Paul is absolutely being talked about in regard to an appearance at the Rumble as well, as long as his knee is rehabbed and he’s ready to go.”

    Paul’s recovery from injury was said to be going “better than expected, “as there has been speculation about him returning as soon as the Rumble. He last wrestled Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel in November. 

  • WWE Requests Protective Order Against MLW in Lawsuit

    WWE Requests Protective Order Against MLW in Lawsuit

    WWE hopes to secure a protective order for its anti-trust lawsuit with Major League Wrestling.

    On Jan. 11, 2022, MLW filed a lawsuit against the WWE. The lawsuit alleges that WWE tried to halt MLW from finalizing media deals with Tubi and Vice TV. MLW also claims that WWE tried to poach talent away from the company.

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

    WWE has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit but hasn’t succeeded. On Dec. 14, 2022, it was reported that the case is expected to move forward. The week prior, our’s Andrew Ravens reported that “MLW laid out the materials they were seeking in discovery.”

    PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reports that WWE has requested a protective order to prevent the company from providing discovery material.

    “World Wrestling Entertainment filed a motion with the United States District Court, Northern District of California, San Jose Division on January 5th, seeking a protective order from the court that would suspend WWE’s obligation to search for and produce materials requested by MLW in regard to the lawsuit Major League Wrestling brought against them last year,” said the report.

    WWE Reason for Requesting a Protective Order

    WWE believes the company should wait to provide material for discovery as it’s still being determined if the court will have jurisdiction over the case. Johnson also reports that “…WWE’s stance is that if the Court decides they are not dismissing MLW’s antitrust allegations against the company, the remaining allegations would likely land in State Court, which could require WWE to begin the discovery process anew, at an additional cost to the company.”

    The report also shared that MLW wants documents from WWE regarding”…all lawsuits, claims, or complaints, threatened or actual,” made by WWE’s employees (not just professional wrestlers) in connection with WWE employment or contractor agreements.”

    It’s unclear if WWE’s request to get a protective order will be granted. WWE could also try to settle the matter out of court, especially with hopes of potentially selling the company.

  • Matt Hardy: Current Chaos in WWE Will Only Benefit AEW

    Matt Hardy: Current Chaos in WWE Will Only Benefit AEW

    A lot has been happening within WWE over the past few weeks, which according to Matt Hardy, will only be good news for Tony Khan and AEW.

    This past week has seen Vince McMahon return to WWE and be announced as Executive Chairman, replacing his daughter Stephanie in the role.

    McMahon reportedly strong-armed his way back into WWE by threatening to withdraw support from all future TV rights negotiations and possible sales.

    Benefit

    Matt Hardy’s days with WWE are behind him, as he left in 2020, but he still keeps a close eye on the competition.

    On the latest Extreme Life podcast, Hardy explained how chaos and unpredictability in WWE can only help AEW.

    “Vince McMahon is back and he is the head. He is sitting as the head of the table of WWE currently. We also have Stephanie gone so there’s obviously been a big shake-up. There is a lot of cells, rumors, and innuendo going around, and if you ask me more than anything who benefits from all this? I would say AEW so I’m very happy to be at AEW currently right now. AEW has been producing great content.”

    “Who benefits from all this? I would say AEW.”

    Matt Hardy on the ongoing power plays in WWE.

    Hardy summarised his view on the situation by putting it into context with an analogy from Game of Thrones.

    “One thing I love about it is at WWE, they’re playing Games of Thrones It’s like in and out. Who can retain the power and who can backstab? Who can get someone else out or how can I get back in whatever it may be. Here, fortunately, it is just TK [Tony Khan] sitting on the Iron Throne.”

    Skeletons in the Closet

    There were years, decades even, when the idea of Vince McMahon retiring seemed impossible.

    Once McMahon did resign due to allegations of misconduct with female employees, fans thought they’d never see him return.

    On his podcast, Hardy discussed McMahon’s controversial comeback and suggested that there are more secrets that could be revealed.

    “It was very controversial whenever Vince ended up leaving [in July 2022.] Some of the accusations against him. And I don’t know, considering how much pro wrestling has started to begin mirroring society which is a good thing that it has it’s no longer the wild west it is starting to try and mirror society and run a parallel to how society is. Be a little more moral. But like the Vince thing could end up being very controversial because there are a lot of skeletons in those closets.”

    In all statements by WWE so far, there has been no reference to the allegations of misconduct or the millions of dollars McMahon paid in NDAs.

    Fingerprints

    Prior to McMahon’s return, the ex-CEO stated his attempted comeback was merely to oversee WWE’s sale to another company.

    Many are skeptical (especially now that McMahon is Executive Chairman) with fans fearing he will usurp Triple H as Head of Creative.

    Hardy said that while McMahon may have only returned for the sale as stated, it may be difficult for him to break old habits.

    “I feel like even if Vince is being sincere about that, he won’t be able to control himself like that. If he is back, he is going to put his fingerprints on things. It’s just who he is. It’s absolutely who it is.”

    “He won’t be able to control himself.”

    Matt Hardy on Vince McMahon.

    “There was someone, I would just say randomly, without mentioning names, who said, ‘Raw felt different on Monday. I’ve got a feeling Vince may have had his fingerprints on it.’ Which is interesting.”

    McMahon’s roster has not gone down well with WWE’s roster, with some threatening to walk out of the promotion if the rumored deal with Saudi Arabia goes ahead.

    Jim Ross Tells WWE Talent “Don’t Be a Baby” Over Vince McMahon’s Return
  • Gunther Addresses Rumor of WWE Sale to Saudi Arabia PIF

    Gunther Addresses Rumor of WWE Sale to Saudi Arabia PIF

    GUNTHER says he’s not concerned about WWE sale rumors. He’s leaving that stuff to the executives so he can focus on doing what he does best: winning his matches.

    Your reigning Intercontinental champion spoke with the Dallas Morning News this week to promote WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble premium live event from San Antonio, TX.

    It’s been an eventful news week for WWE, to say the least. Stephanie McMahon officially departed the company and Vince is back as Executive Chairman of the WWE Board of Directors. There was also the run-away rumor that WWE sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has since been debunked.

    During a conversation with reporter Joey Hayden, Gunther was asked for his take on the prospect of Vince McMahon selling WWE to the Saudis.

    “I mean, rumors are rumors. And at the end of the day, I’m not the CEO. I’m a wrestler. So, I focus on what I do in the ring and leave the business to the people that do business.”

    – GUNTHER

    Gunther was also asked about Stephanie McMahon’s resignation, which caught a lot of people off guard. The Austrian grappler says he doesn’t really know her well, but respects her decision to spend more time with her family.

    “I’m happy for her that she’s going to be able now to take time off and enjoy time with her family,” he said. “I think you should be happy for anyone who’s in a position to do that. All the best to her.”

  • WWE Announces Updated Tour Schedule With New Dates

    WWE Announces Updated Tour Schedule With New Dates

    WWE has announced additional dates for the company’s upcoming live event touring schedule. Tickets for these shows go on sale next Friday, January 20 at Ticketmaster.

    Check out the schedule below to see if WWE will be in your area in the weeks and months ahead:

    • Saturday, March 4: Road To WrestleMania® Tour – Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, ONT
    • Sunday, March 12: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Madison Square Garden in New York City
    • Monday, March 13: Raw® – Amica Medical Pavilion in Providence, R.I.
    • Friday, March 24: SmackDown® – MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
    • Saturday, March 25: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
    • Sunday, March 26: Road To WrestleMania Tour – Ball Arena in Denver
    • Friday, April 7: SmackDown – Moda Center in Portland, Ore.
    • Monday, April 10: Raw – Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
    • Friday, April 14: SmackDown – Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb.
    • Saturday, April 15: Saturday Night’s Main Event® – Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, N.M.
    • Sunday, April 16: Sunday Stunner – Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX
    • Monday, April 17: Raw – Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Ark.
    • Friday, April 21: SmackDown – Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH
    • Saturday, April 22: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Ind.
    • Monday, April 24: Raw – Allstate Arena in Chicago
    • Friday, April 28: SmackDown – American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX
    • Saturday, April 29: Saturday Night’s Main Event – Ford Arena in Beaumont, TX
    • Sunday, April 30: Sunday Stunner – Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, La.
    • Monday, May 1: Raw – Dickies Arena in Ft. Worth, TX
    • Monday, May 22: Raw – GIANT Center in Hershey, Pa.
  • Conrad Thompson Reveals If He Thinks Tony Khan Would Buy WWE

    Conrad Thompson Reveals If He Thinks Tony Khan Would Buy WWE

    With rumors running rampant about a WWE sale, Conrad Thompson has chimed in on whether or not he believes AEW’s Tony Khan could put in a winning bid.

    Thompson recently took to his podcast with Eric Bischoff, “83 Weeks,” to discuss the ongoing rumors about a potential WWE sale. The longtime professional wrestling podcaster noted he has received calls from multiple people asking if he thinks Khan could purchase WWE.

    While Thompson believes that Khan certainly has the ability to purchase WWE, he’s not sure it would make much sense for him to do so.

    “I got two phone calls last week from different people who, well, they’re names in the wrestling community,” Conrad Thompson said. “‘Would Tony Khan have the capacity to buy WWE?’ And, I think the answer is, yes, he has the capacity.

    “There is no question that he would be able to put together a deal. But, I would just, I would put the odds of that being near zero. Like what would be, I don’t know why Tony Khan would do that. I don’t see the upside of Tony Khan doing that.

    “How much of your 11 billion dollars of your net worth — depending on how much of it is even liquid — are you willing to put on WWE? … You’ve got the Jags, you’ve got a football team in England, you’ve got AEW, I don’t know what other businesses they’re in, but do you really, really want to do that?”

    Recently, Vince McMahon returned to WWE’s board of directors to reportedly help facilitate a trade. Frontrunners have emerged for the purchasing; with names like Amazon, FOX, and Comcast leading the way.

    There was a brief rumor that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund secured and finalized a deal to purchase WWE, however, that report was later proven false as no deal has been completed as of this writing.

    Despite this, the Saudi investment fund still remains a very real contender to purchase the professional wrestling juggernaut.

    https://youtu.be/LwSP9l81EqY

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • Nick Khan has Met with “Heavy Hitters” Named as Potential WWE Buyers (Report)

    Nick Khan has Met with “Heavy Hitters” Named as Potential WWE Buyers (Report)

    WWE is still on the market following premature reports of a sale, but higher-ups in the company hope this won’t be the case for long.

    Last week, Vince McMahon returned to WWE to oversee a sale of the company but has since been appointed as Executive Chairman of the board.

    Names reportedly interested in purchasing WWE include Comcast, FOX, Netflix, Amazon, and Disney, among others.

    Nick Khan 

    This week, it was reported that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund had purchased the promotion, but it was later clarified that a sale hasn’t happened yet.

    Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that WWE CEO Nick Khan was recently in the vicinity of some influential names.

    “Nick Khan was in Los Angeles when I was in Los Angeles…One hotel over from me. I didn’t know it at the time. Nick Khan went to football game Monday night, so he wasn’t on RAW.

    “he met with some heavy hitters, cause heavy hitters went to the college football championship game. Bob Iger [CEO of The Walt Disney Company,] Jimmy Pitaro [CEO of ESPN] so, I guess those names will ring some bells.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Summer

    There was a time when the sale of WWE seemed impossible, but now Vince McMahon and others are eager to make it happen.

    On his show, Meltzer gave a timeline as to when to expect a deal to be reached.

    “They are looking to sell by the middle of the year. JPMorgan is helping them.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Neither WWE nor the Saudi Public Investment Fund have commented on the reports of a deal between the two parties.

    WWE Superstar is “Done” With Company if Saudi Purchase Happens

    h/t – NoDQ.com

  • WWE Board Members Resigned Specifically Because of Vince McMahon

    WWE Board Members Resigned Specifically Because of Vince McMahon

    Vince McMahon’s return to WWE has shaken the wrestling world to its core and saw the departure of multiple members of the promotion’s Board of Directors.

    McMahon, who has the majority voting power in WWE, was reappointed to WWE’s Board of Directors last week, alongside former co-Presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios.

    Despite McMahon’s return being cited as just to oversee a sale of WWE, the 77-year-old billionaire has been appointed ‘Executive Chairman’ of WWE following the resignation of Stephanie McMahon.

    Resignations

    The return of McMahon, Wilson, and Barrios also saw the departure of JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed, and Alan M. Wexler from the board.

    Not long after these names were removed, it was reported that Man Jit Singh And Ignace Lahoud had voluntarily relinquished their positions on the board.

    In an SEC report filed yesterday afternoon, WWE confirmed that their departures came about because of McMahon’s return.

    “Messrs. Lahoud and Singh agreed with the Board’s decision to explore the Company’s strategic alternatives, they did not agree with Mr. McMahon’s return at this time.”

    Singh’s departure is particularly notable, as he led the board’s investigation into McMahon’s allegations of sexual misconduct and hush-money payments.

    There is currently no word on who will fill these spots.

    Vince McMahon is back on top of his wrestling kingdom, but how long the Executive Chairman stays there remains to be seen.

    One investor with WWE has filed a lawsuit against McMahon, alleging that his methods to take control of WWE are illegal.

    McMahon allegedly threatened to oppose any TV rights talks or offers to buy WWE, unless he got the final say on any future plans.

    The suit states that the move to “take complete personal control over any major corporate decision” by “adding his cronies to the board” violates Delaware law.

    WWE Sale Update: No Deal In Place As of Wednesday Morning
  • Jim Ross Tells WWE Talent “Don’t Be a Baby” Over Vince McMahon’s Return

    Jim Ross Tells WWE Talent “Don’t Be a Baby” Over Vince McMahon’s Return

    Vince McMahon is back with WWE, and the company could soon be owned by Saudi Arabia, and that’s just something Jim Ross believes the WWE Superstars have to accept.

    McMahon returned to WWE last week, initially as a member of the Board of Directors, but has since powered his way into being appointed ‘Executive Chairman.’

    It was reported this week that the company had been sold to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, but it was later clarified that this sale isn’t complete just yet.

    Don’t Be a Baby

    McMahon’s return to WWE has not gone down well with fans or those backstage, with the belief being that morale was much better with him gone.

    It has been reported that talent have been left fearful that mass-cuts will resume with McMahon in charge again, and some anonymous Superstars have told sources they want out.

    Speaking on his Grilling J.R. podcast, Ross, a former WWE Head of Talent Relations, gave his advice to the roster.

    “I’m sure that the guys that work there are wondering what the hell’s going on. My advice to them is just do your job. Come to work on time, don’t be a problem child, don’t be a baby. Be willing to go along with things to see how it’s gonna work out.”

    Jim Ross.

    Saudi Arabia

    McMahon’s return isn’t the only thing that is shaking morale in WWE at this time.

    While reports of WWE being sold to Saudi Arabia were premature, many believe that this sale will still happen down the line.

    Fightful Select reported this week that while nobody has asked for their release yet, one talent said “they’d be done” if WWE goes through with a Saudi sale.

    On a Fightful live-stream, Sean Ross Sapp said that talent have threatened to walk out if this sale happens, and “100%” believes that those Superstars will go ahead with their threat.

    Neither WWE nor the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund has confirmed or even commented on the reports of a sale taking place.

    Vince McMahon Has Been Planning WWE Sale Since his Retirement (Report)

    h/t – Sportskeeda

  • Update on William Regal’s New WWE Job Title

    Update on William Regal’s New WWE Job Title

    William Regal has been given a new title in WWE following his return to the company. 

    Regal’s previous title before his WWE release last year had been Director of Talent Development and Head of Global Recruiting. He had been working backstage in the company since June 2014 and was considered Triple H’s right-hand man. 

    According to a report from PWInsider, Regal is now the Vice President, Global Talent Development for WWE.

    Regal’s Journey

    The former NXT General Manager returned to WWE after being with AEW since debuting there at Revolution on March 6, 2022, where he helped form the Blackpool Combat Club. 

    The faction included Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta. Regal had the following to say about his time in AEW. 

    “Yesterday was my last official day with @AEW. I’d like to thank @TonyKhan, Megha and all the hard working crew. Contrary to people who’ve never spoken to me or have their information from people who don’t know me or are trying to make themselves noticed, I had a lovely time working there and had a great time. Lots of talented Wrestlers, and lovely people to work for. To my fellow BCC members, it was a special, albeit brief few months but it cemented our already strong friendship. To everyone there, thank you for welcoming me. Best wishes.”

    AEW President Tony Khan revealed during an ROH Final Battle media call last month that Regal asked him not to pick up the option year on his contract because he wanted to return to WWE to help train his son, NXT wrestler Charlie Dempsey.