SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • WWE Files for Several New Inspirational Trademarks

    WWE Files for Several New Inspirational Trademarks

    WWE has filed for several trademarks centered around slogans as the filing was made on Friday, December 23, 2022

    WWE applied to trademark the terms “All Heart All In,” “Inspire The Impossible,” From Dreams To Destiny,” “Desire. Determination. Destiny.” and “Where The Stars Align” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

    Purpose

    The trademarks all list the same Goods and Services usage descriptions, which are for general pro wrestling and sports entertainment use, as well as merchandise and other common uses.

    Earlier in the month of December, WWE filed trademarks on its logo for metaverse-related purposes earlier this month. WWE has spoken in the past about its interest in breaking into the metaverse, which is why it opened an NFT shop, WWE Moonsault. There are occasional NFT drops to go along with holidays or premium live events.

    Regarding e-sports, a field largely untapped by WWE for now, Stephanie McMahon is on the Board of Directors for FaZe Clan, a popular e-sports franchise.

    As of this writing, there’s no word yet on what the new trademarks are for. Most recently, WWE filed to trademark its logo for various categories. 

  • Glass Onion Director Calls Dave Bautista the Greatest Wrestler-Turned-Actor

    Glass Onion Director Calls Dave Bautista the Greatest Wrestler-Turned-Actor

    Dave Bautista (Batista) has come a long way in life as he found a ton of success in the world of pro wrestling in WWE and now in Hollywood as an actor. Many wrestlers have tried acting like Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and plenty more in featured films over the years.

    Bautista, The Rock, and John Cena have found the most success out of those who attempted it. Bautista has often spoken about wanting to carve a different path for himself by taking various roles to show his range.

    While speaking to The Atlantic, filmmaker Rian Johnson discussed Bautista’s acting chop after working with him on “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” when asked who has surprised him the most. 

    High Praise

    “Dave Bautista. When I was writing [his character, a men’s-rights streamer named Duke Cody], I was picturing a scrawny dude who’s trying to overcompensate. When Bautista was brought up, I was instantly so smitten by the idea. I’ve been a very big fan of his dramatic chops as an actor.”

    It was noted that Batista is “Low-key the greatest wrestler-to-actor ever,” Johnson replied, “I absolutely 100 percent agree. And I think somebody like [Paul Thomas Anderson] is going to give him a real part and is gonna look like a genius. As a person, Bautista is genuinely, immediately vulnerable when you meet him, and that’s what I was excited about. This is someone who has the physical trappings of someone who would play it big, but he actually brings sensitivity to the role.”

    Batista gifted Johnson with a WWE Championship after filming the movie that is currently on Netflix. 

    Dave Bautista Gave World Title to Rian Johnson on Glass Onion Movie Set With his WWE Theme Playing
  • Cain Velasquez Has Discussed Doing a Wrestling Match With Daniel Cormier

    Cain Velasquez Has Discussed Doing a Wrestling Match With Daniel Cormier

    Cain Velasquez and Daniel Cormier have been friends and training partners for years. They also have a love for pro wrestling as they have both attended and even participated in WWE events in the past. 

    Velasquez had an opportunity to become WWE Champion against Brock Lesnar in 2019 for an event in Saudi Arabia, but came up short.  Velasquez has also wrestled for AAA Lucha Libre in Mexico, while Cormier hasn’t wrestled a match yet, but has entertained the idea. 

    During a recent appearance on Konnan’s K100 podcast, Velasquez revealed that he and Cormier have discussed doing a match together for AAA. Velazquez did not specify whether it was about competing in a one-on-one match or a tag-team scenario.

    The Moment

    “Daniel Cormier was actually at my house yesterday, him and Luke Rockhold came over. DC, we talked about doing a match as well — like doing something with me, him, AAA,” said Velasquez. “For me, man, it’s just good that I get to have like my family involved in it. You know, my kids get to watch it and they love it. They’re big fans of AAA and WWE. I’m just glad I get to bring my family into the sport that I’m doing now. With fighting, it wasn’t like that. I had to like kind of shelter them throughout that whole thing.”

    Cormier, a former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion, was recently the referee during the Fight Pit Match between Seth Rollins and Matt Riddle at WWE Extreme Rules. Konnan, the head of talent relations for AAA, said he would be excited to work with Cormier and Velasquez in AAA.

    H/T to Fightful

    Cain Velasquez Opens Up About Release From Jail – Working with AAA
  • Shinsuke Nakamura on The Great Muta Match: ‘It Would’ve Never Happened Under Vince McMahon’

    Shinsuke Nakamura on The Great Muta Match: ‘It Would’ve Never Happened Under Vince McMahon’

    Shinsuke Nakamura made a name for himself in NJPW and was nicknamed the King Of Strong Style, but decided to make the jump to WWE several years ago, where he found a spot on the main roster. 

    This Sunday, a rare situation is happening when WWE allows Nakamura to wrestle The Great Muta (Keiji Muto) at the NOAH The New Year show on January 1st, 2023. The match was first announced in October. 

    While speaking to Yahoo Sports, Nakamura discussed the upcoming match, and during it, Nakamura revealed that Vince McMahon initially declined his request to face Muta. However, when McMahon resigned due to the hush money scandal, Triple H took over and approved the match. 

    Initial Reaction

    “I was like, “No way. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think it would happen. It was something that would never have happened under the previous structure of the WWE. Noah came to me with the idea, and we discussed it, but my answer was no. Vince (McMahon, Chairman and CEO of WWE) stepped down in the summer, and I was advised by people within the company that it might be possible now. I still thought it would be difficult, but I even talked directly to Triple H (WWE’s vice president). When the decision was actually made, I was shaken.”

    Nakamura noted that a big change happened between when Mutoh announced his retirement and when the match was decided, as a lot of changes happened when McMahon walked away. Nakamura admitted there was a feeling that many things would change in the future.

  • WWE’s Recent Columbus Live Event Was a Logistical Mess

    WWE’s Recent Columbus Live Event Was a Logistical Mess

    WWE’s recent live event from Columbus, Ohio is being considered a logistical mess by those within the company.

    Yesterday, WWE hosted an event from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, which was headlined by U.S. Champion Austin Theory retaining against Damian Priest and Johnny Gargano in a steel cage match.

    In addition to the Columbus event, the promotion returned to the World’s Most Famous Arena, as it had every December 26, for the past few years.

    Logistical Mess

    The crowd in Columbus got to see a stacked show, but what fans saw was far from what was originally planned.

    Several WWE Superstars were forced to miss the show, which was a logistical mess, according to Fightful Select.

    Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins both missed the event, with Rollins apologizing for his absence in a tweet.

    It has been reported that loud “we want Rollins” chants were heard all night.

    Bobby Lashley and Columbus’ own Alexa Bliss also missed the event, and it’s noted that “several more had to rush to even make it to the show.”

    Due to the absences, Johnny Gargano competed twice on the show, defeating Baron Corbin in the third match of the night before later headlining the show.

    Madison Square Garden

    WWE’s event in Columbus, Ohio didn’t go as planned, but the show inside MSG had its own problems.

    The New York City event was also plagued with travel issues, with PW Insider reporting that flight issues led to “travel headaches” and several Superstars being delayed.

    That event also saw Ricochet be pulled from an Intercontinental title ladder match due to the injury during the latest SmackDown which required stitches.

    Drew McIntyre had been promoted for the main event but was pulled as he is “medically disqualified.”

    Drew McIntyre Pulled from WWE MSG Holiday Tour Event
  • Kevin Nash Shares the Changes He Wants to See WWE Make

    Kevin Nash Shares the Changes He Wants to See WWE Make

    WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash has some suggestions for changes the promotion’s new regime could make.

    In July, Vince McMahon retired as WWE’s CEO, Chairman, and Head of Creative, due to allegations of misconduct with female employees.

    With McMahon gone, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan serve as Co-CEOs, with Stephanie as Chairwoman, while Triple H is Head of Creative.

    Changes

    Under the new regime, several released Superstars have been brought back including Bray Wyatt, Karrion Kross, and Dakota Kai among others.

    During the latest Kliq This, Nash gave his suggestions for improvements WWE can make now with Vince McMahon, not a factor.

    “I would have fewer house shows. They’ve already shown for a fact, during COVID that it was more profitable for them not to do live events.”

    Kevin Nash.

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WWE went for over a year without Live events due to rules regarding social gatherings.

    Production

    Fewer WWE Live events isn’t the only suggestion that Nash, a two-time Hall of Famer, has made.

    On his show, the former World Champion said that the production quality of WWE’s content could be seriously improved if changes are made.

    “Come in on Sunday, and have a call sheet and shoot, you know, have the crew come in Saturday, and get all the locations in the building for all the shots, have a call sheet, come in and shoot two and three camera shots that that production crew could definitely edit and install on Monday. Instead of everything being shot with a single camera and giving it a completely different look. Then, as I’ve always wanted to do, shoot the show like The Larry Sanders Show. When it’s in the ring, it has that hard camera.

    “That’s what I would do, then that way they’re the camera doesn’t go back and forth, which tells you it’s a camera. It’s the POV that goes back and forth, and tells you, ‘I’m watching a televised show.’ This is part — It’s the only thing you watch that’s trying to convey any kind of a story that is shot with a single camera.”

    Any changes to WWE’s production would have to be approved by Stephanie, Triple H, and Khan before being implemented.

    Kevin Nash Claims Larry Zbyszko Got Stoned for WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    h/t – BodySlam

  • Cody Rhodes Makes Appearance on Final RAW of 2022

    Cody Rhodes Makes Appearance on Final RAW of 2022

    The final WWE Raw of 2022 was dedicated to looking back at some of the show’s biggest happenings over the past 12 months. One of the biggest moments of the year was Cody Rhodes jumping ship from the company he helped create to the company that didn’t see him as a star.

    During his return to WWE, Rhodes had three matches against Seth Rollins. Their last match took place at Hell in a Cell in June. Rhodes wrestled with a torn pectoral muscle.

    WWE announced after his surgery that he’d likely be out for nine months. That would put him out of action until March 2023, however “The American Nightmare” has hinted that his return could come at Royal Rumble.

    Cody Rhodes’ Plans for 2023

    Appearing on RAW in a pre-taped segment, Rhodes said he wants to “pick up right where I left off.”

    “I am being incredibly vague here and I get it. Anyone who is a fan of what we do can read between the lines. There is one thing that I came back for specifically. One thing. And again, a torn pec couldn’t stop me. I couldn’t name anything that can stop me. It has to be done. It needs to be done. And I want to get it done.”

    Cody Rhodes with the WWE Championship

    Rhodes is of course talking about winning the WWE Championship. When he returned to the company, he made it clear that he wanted to win the championship that his father, Dusty, could never win.

    Earlier on Monday, Wrestling News Co. said that the current plan for WrestleMania 39 main event is for Seth Rollins to face either Rhodes or Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. Night Two would be Roman Reigns versus an undetermined opponent for the Universal Championship. If The Rock cannot wrestle at WrestleMania, then Rhodes would face Reigns.

    It seems like Rhodes will get a title shot at WrestleMania one way or another. It’s unclear which night and which title. It’s possible that Rhodes will have to wait a while longer to become WWE Champion, but could become the Universal champion in the meantime. Assuming he returns during the Royal Rumble and wins, he can “choose” which title he wants to compete for at “The Show of Shows”.

  • Bray Wyatt Wrestles at MSG (video)

    Bray Wyatt Wrestles at MSG (video)

    Bray Wyatt made his triumphant return to WWE at Extreme Rules in October. This followed weeks of teases of the White Rabbit. He has since spent time taunting LA Knight and cutting promos that are more like riddles.

    Last week, the crowd and LA Knight got to meet Uncle Howdy. While Wyatt was in the ring, Uncle Howdy stood at the top of the ramp to prove that they are in fact two people and not a figment of Wyatt’s imagination.

    Weeks after making his WWE return, Wyatt has had his first match. WWE held a house show at the famed Madison Square Garden tonight.

    Bray Wyatt’s First Match Back

    Wyatt has not wrestled a match for WWE since The Fiend lost to Randy Orton at WrestleMania 37 in April 2021.

    Twitter user Taboy225 posted a seven second clip of Wyatt in the ring and captioned it “Bray is having a match!” His opponent was Jinder Mahal.

    A second Twitter video shows Wyatt getting the pin after Sister Abigail.

    https://twitter.com/Taboy225/status/1607546127326351360?s=20&t=8vbglZLyo1fKUSpik1zyPw

    Another Twitter user, @abigailwrites, took video of Wyatt’s entrance.

    She also captured him getting a “This is awesome!” chant.



    Another user, @bankssmorgan, got a closer video of the match.

    On the second anniversary of Jon Huber’s (Brodie Lee/Luke Harper) death, his good friend paid tribute to him.

    As of now, Wyatt has not been confirmed for any television matches for WWE.

  • Apollo Crews Comments on William Regal’s Reported WWE Return

    Apollo Crews Comments on William Regal’s Reported WWE Return

    Apollo Crews has weighed in on William Regal’s return to WWE.

    Regal had been WWE’s Director of Talent Development and Head of Global Recruiting, where he played a big part in helping Triple H build NXT into what it became. However, in late 2021, things changed for Regal as Triple H stepped away due to health issues.

    The company made sweeping changes to NXT and WWE released Regal on January 5, 2022. He went on to sign with AEW, where he made his promotional debut at AEW Revolution in March. 

    Once Triple H was put in charge of main roster creative, it only took a few months before Regal asked for AEW not to renew his contract option so he could return to WWE. It’s been reported that Regal has come to terms with WWE, and he is set to start with the company in the first week of January 2023.

    The Influence

    While speaking with Alistair McGeorge of Metro, Crews commented on the reports about Regal’s return to WWE.

    “I feel like there’s a lot of young kids – not just young kids, but anybody can benefit from somebody with credentials like William Regal. If it’s something that’s happening, it’s gonna be fantastic for a lot of the younger kids, all of us, to get the knowledge and experience of someone who’s so well traveled, so well-versed. He’s been around for as long as I’ve been watching wrestling, really. I’m all for it,” Crews said.

    Crews thinks the locker room should make the most of the opportunity to learn from someone like Regal.

  • WWE’s Current Plans for WrestleMania 39 Main Event Matches

    WWE’s Current Plans for WrestleMania 39 Main Event Matches

    WWE is still locking in its long-term plans for the first few months of 2023 and that includes which matches will serve as the main event of both nights of WrestleMania 39 in April. 

    It’s been noted in various reports that WWE wants to have its WrestleMania plans for top matches locked down by mid-January. That includes commitments from top stars such as John Cena, The Rock, and Steve Austin regarding whether they plan to be part of the year’s biggest event. 

    Cena is committed and just needs to finalize his schedule, as he will be filming a movie in February and March. 

    The Big Match

    Just over three months out from WWE’s biggest event of the year, the top matches hinge on The Rock’s availability. As of this writing, he’s still not committed.

    WWE typically finalizes the WrestleMania main events in mid-January, so this will come down to the wire. According to our friends at WrestlingNews.co, here’s what we’re looking at:

    • WrestleMania Saturday: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre or Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship.
    • WrestleMania Sunday: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes or TBD for the Universal Championship

    If The Rock does work WrestleMania, it will be Rollins vs. Rhodes headlining Saturday night and Rock vs. Reigns on last Sunday night.

    If The Rock does not work WrestleMania, it will be Rollins vs. Rhodes at Night 1 and Reigns vs. an opponent TBD at Night 2.

    As of this writing, it’s not clear how the company will split the WWE Championship and Universal Championship before WrestleMania 39, but WWE wants to have a top title for each brand heading into the summer.

    WWE Discussing Multiple WrestleMania 39 Ideas for Top Stars
  • WWE Hyping ‘Pitch Black Match’ for the Royal Rumble

    WWE Hyping ‘Pitch Black Match’ for the Royal Rumble

    WWE fans are looking forward to the Royal Rumble, as the event will take place on January 28, 2023, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

    However, the most interesting part apart from the battle royale is the anticipation over a new and unique match type called the “Pitch Black” match. While details about the match remain scarce, a recently released commercial has only added to the excitement.

    The 15-second ad for the Royal Rumble shows the arena going dark, accompanied by the tag line “When It’s The Pitch Black Match” and the promise that “Anything can happen.”

    The mysterious stipulation match appears to be a cross-promotional tie-in with Mountain Dew and their Pitch Black soft drink.

    WrestlingNews.co was first to report the details about creative pitching a ‘Pitch Black match’ for the Royal Rumble. One source within the company believed that the match could potentially be for Bray Wyatt. The company is taking care to not overexpose Bray Wyatt in the ring, as they want his appearances to feel extra special. This strategy has previously been employed by WWE in regard to Wyatt’s portrayal of the character The Fiend, as he wrestled on a limited schedule. WWE likely wants Wyatt to appear as a strong and formidable opponent via this strategy.

    In addition to the Pitch Black match, Royal Rumble will also feature a Hell in a Cell match between “Demon” Finn Balor and “Brood” Edge, as well as the return of a fan-favourite persona.

    Apart from that, WWE’s Royal Rumble event will also feature the traditional Royal Rumble matches for both male and female wrestlers. But that’s not all – the Royal Rumble will also feature a defence of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship by Roman Reigns.

  • Kurt Angle Names the Person with the Highest Wrestling IQ

    Kurt Angle Names the Person with the Highest Wrestling IQ

    Kurt Angle has worked with some of the most influential people in wrestling history. However, there’s one person who stands out to him as having the highest wrestling IQ.

    Angle spoke about this topic and much more on the latest ‘Ask Kurt Anything’ edition of his Kurt Angle Show podcast.

    Throughout his runs in WWE and TNA, the Olympic gold medalist collaborated with the likes of Vince McMahon, Paul Heyman, Stephanie McMahon, Steve Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Bruce Pritchard, Pat Patterson, Dixie Carter, Vince Russo and countless others.

    They’ve all made immeasurable contributions to the industry, Angle is convinced one name surpasses them all.

    Triple H’s Wrestling IQ

    Kurt Angle says Triple H has a grasp on the wrestling business better than anybody he’s ever worked with. The Game is an all-time-great in-ring performer, but also understands the psychology, creative and business aspects of wrestling as well.

    “For me, personally, Triple H. He’s always had it. He’s not just from a wrestling standpoint, but from a creative standpoint, from a psychology standpoint, from a promo standpoint. Triple H is one guy that is so well educated. He loves pro wrestling like it’s his wife, okay? He cherishes it. He’s really good at it. He has a great mind for it.”

    – Kurt Angle

    Angle says he previously may have named someone like Hulk Hogan, who was a master at drawing business and holding crowds in the palm of his hand.

    He went out of his way to praise Hogan, who helped blast wrestling’s popularity into the stratosphere during the 1980’s expansion period. Nobody would argue against the fact that Hogan was a bigger star than Triple H as an active competitor and pop culture phenomenon.

    However, the topic at hand is ‘highest wrestling IQ’ and best mind for the business, and Angle says Triple h is number one.

  • Ricochet Shares Photos Of Gruesome Injury From SmackDown

    Ricochet Shares Photos Of Gruesome Injury From SmackDown

    Ricochet teamed up with Braun Strowman to compete in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight against Imperium during the December 23rd edition of WWE SmackDown.

    The main event featured cameos from a ballerina as well as The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods both of which emerged from a gift.

    The ending of the bout saw Strowman reviving Ricochet with a kiss from his real life girlfriend Samantha Irwin. The duo then defeated Imperium after Ricochet hit a crossbody off Strowman’s shoulders.

    Ricochet Shows Graphic Injury

    While the high-flying star did win the match it was revealed later that he suffered an injury. The former IC champion’s head was split open during the bout. While he was able to finish the match, the officials checked on him afterward.

    The SmackDown star provided an update on his health on Twitter after the pre-taped show. He shared some graphic photos of the injury and revealed that he received six stitches from the cut:

    https://twitter.com/KingRicochet/status/1606717187783536640

    Ricochet has been involved in a feud with Gunther over the IC title recently. He won the SmackDown World Cup to earn a shot at the championship. Though he was unable to capture the title when he faced the Ring General earlier this month.

  • Kurt Angle Shares his Picks for Final WrestleMania Opponent

    Kurt Angle Shares his Picks for Final WrestleMania Opponent

    WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle may be retired, but the Olympian is ready to make a return to the ring with the right opponent.

    Angle returned to WWE in 2017 after a near-eleven-year absence and competed in a handful of matches in that time.

    The Olympic Gold Medalist last competed at WrestleMania 35 in a loss to Baron Corbin.

    One More Match

    Despite it being years since Angle’s most recent match, the former WWE World Champion has never been shy about teasing a return.

    Speaking on the most recent episode of The Kurt Angle Show, Angle said he would have to work with a younger talent to ‘carry’ him through a match at WrestleMania.

    “I’m not that stupid. So I’m going to make sure it’s a young guy because I’m a little bit older. I lost a little bit of a step. I would have to say someone like AJ Styles or Ricochet, I really liked that kid. I think I would have an incredible match with him.”

    Kurt Angle.

    While Angle and Styles faced off several times in TNA/Impact Wrestling, the Olympian has yet to face off with the One and Only.

    Braun Strowman

    It wasn’t just Ricochet and Styles that Angle had praise for, as he also highlighted the career of Braun Strowman.

    The Olympian also named the Monster Among Men as someone he’d love to wrestle again if he returned to the ring.

    “He is so athletic for his size. He reminds me a lot of Brock Lesnar with his athleticism. He’s not as athletic as Brock, he’s pretty close.”

    Kurt Angle.

    Strowman was released from WWE in June of last year and returned to WWE TV this past September.

    Kurt Angle Offers Big Praise To TNA Original

    h/t – eWrestlingNews

  • WWE is Taking No Chances With Drew McIntyre’s Ongoing Injury

    WWE is Taking No Chances With Drew McIntyre’s Ongoing Injury

    Drew McIntyre will only be allowed to step back in the ring when WWE are beyond certain that he is fully healed from his current injury.

    The two-time former WWE Champion had been scheduled to compete at the upcoming Boxing Day live event inside Madison Square Garden.

    The eight-man tag-team match McIntyre had been scheduled to be in has been replaced with a standard tag match pitting The Usos against Braun Strowman and Kevin Owens.

    Injury

    McIntyre has missed several events this month and was “medically disqualified” from an Undisputed Tag Title match on the December 9, SmackDown.

    It has not been confirmed what injury McIntyre is dealing with, though many believe that he suffered a ruptured ear drum during the Men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series: WarGames.

    McIntyre’s last match was almost a month ago at a WWE Live event on December 27, in which he competed in an eight-man tag-team match.

    Fully Healed

    Drew McIntyre may have been able to work the upcoming Boxing Day WWE Live event, PW Insider reports.

    It is noted that WWE officials are being extra cautious with the Scottish Warrior, and want him to be “beyond 100%” before he’s cleared to compete.

    There is no word on when McIntyre will be allowed to wrestle again.

    It was noted that Mcintyre has been eager to wrestle, even trying to compete before he was medically disqualified, but WWE officials overruled him.

    Visit WWE.com for ticket information if you’re interested in attending any of the shows on the 2022 Live Holiday Tour.

    Drew McIntyre Praised for Being a Workhorse in WWE
  • Update on The Rock’s Status for WWE WrestleMania 39

    Update on The Rock’s Status for WWE WrestleMania 39

    Time is ticking on WWE’s plans for the main events of WWE WrestleMania 39 as the company wants to have these plans locked in by mid-January. The company will need two headline attractions for the main event of each night. 

    They will need to also figure out the plans for the men’s and women’s world title matches by January 28th, as that is when the WWE Royal Rumble premium live event goes down. 

    The women’s roster will need two title challengers for its two world champions: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair and SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey. On the men’s side, things are a little more complicated.

    As previously reported, WWE is hoping to have Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns face The Rock at WrestleMania 39, but it comes down to The Rock’s busy Hollywood schedule. 

    WWE has targeted this show because it takes place in Hollywood and will get more mainstream attention. Reigns has been championing himself as the head of the Anoa’i family for his entire run as The Tribal Chief. The stars are aligning for a battle between the two stars, but the match has yet to be confirmed.

    Where Things Stand

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Reigns vs. Rock is neither “off the boards” nor “a lock” for WrestleMania. The uncertainty of the match means that there have to be “back-up plans put in place,” although it’s unclear if those plans have been made yet. 

    The report emphasizes that The Rock has to “make up his mind,” likely “just before the Rumble.” Should he not go forward with the match, fans have speculated Cody Rhodes is stepping up to challenge Reigns for the title at the show. 

  • Dave Bautista Gave World Title to Rian Johnson on Glass Onion Movie Set With his WWE Theme Playing

    Dave Bautista Gave World Title to Rian Johnson on Glass Onion Movie Set With his WWE Theme Playing

    “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” a Netflix film with a limited theatrical run, has been released on the streaming service. 

    Dave Bautista is among the cast, including Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, and Kate Hudson. Here is the synopsis of the film:

    “Tech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island. When someone turns up dead, Detective Benoit Blanc is put on the case.”

    The Moment

    Rian Johnson wrote and directed it and produced the film alongside Ram Bergman.

    As seen below, while the movie was being made, the former WWE star gave Johnson a World Heavyweight Title belt while entering the set to his WWE theme music, “I Walk Alone” by Saliva. 

    Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” started streaming last month on Disney+ featuring Bautista. 

    Bautista portrays Drax in the franchise. Also, part of the cast includes Kevin Bacon, Chris Pratt as Peter Quill / Star-Lord, Zoe Saldaña as Gamora, Vin Diesel as Groot, and Bradley Cooper as Rocket.

    “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” hits theaters May 5, 2023. Bautista has indicated this movie could be the end of his run as the character.

  • Buff Bagwell Shares Positive News on his Sobriety

    Buff Bagwell Shares Positive News on his Sobriety

    Marcus “Buff” Bagwell has updated his fans regarding his sobriety. 

    The former WCW star noted in a post on Twitter that he’s been sober for 117 days and is on a healthy path toward recovery. Bagwell added that sharing his experiences on Cameo and with those at live events has been super beneficial for his process. 

    His full tweet reads, “117 days sober. My walk of sobriety has just begun but I have learned so much in just a few months! Thank you to all those who continue to support me. Sharing my experience on my cameos and at recent live events has been a huge part of knowing I’m on the right path.”

    Progress

    Back in October, in a video posted on the DDP Yoga YouTube channel, Bagwell revealed that he was working on the “Change Or Die” project to document his addiction issues before going to rehab. Bagwell said that when an intervention was done on him, and he initially didn’t want to go to rehab, he decided to go through with it. 

    WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page commented on Bagwell’s post to tell him that he is super proud of the progress he’s made. 

    The WWE Hall Of Famer has been instrumental in Bagwell’s recovery as he’s been working next to him at his compound. He previously helped Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Scott Hall with their addictions. Check out the tweets below.

  • Drew McIntyre Pulled from WWE MSG Holiday Tour Event

    Drew McIntyre Pulled from WWE MSG Holiday Tour Event

    Drew McIntyre will be unable to compete at next week’s WWE live event from Madison Square Garden.

    WWE’s Live Holiday Tour continued this coming Monday, with eight shows scheduled between Christmas and New Year’s:

    • New York, NY
    • Columbus, Ohio
    • Atlanta, GA
    • Cleveland, OH
    • Greensboro, NC
    • Miami, FL
    • Hershey, PA
    • Toronto, ON

    McIntyre is still advertised for MSG as of this writing, but a report at PWInsider states that he won’t be medically cleared in time.

    WWE sources have confirmed that the reason a change was made to their MSG main event for the annual post-Christmas event is that Drew McIntyre will not be cleared to return to the ring by the time the show takes place. 

    – PWInsider

    McIntyre Dealing with an Injury

    Drew McIntyre has been pulled from several appearances this month, including a tag title match on the December 9 edition of SmackDown on Fox. WWE noted at the time that he was ‘medically disqualified’ from competing.

    It’s believed he’s dealing with an injury. McIntyre was optimistic he’d be back in time for the Christmas-week tour, but he won’t be there on Monday.

    McIntyre’s most recent match took place nearly a month ago. He competed on November 27 at a non-televised SuperShow from Portland, Maine. He teamed with Kevin Owens & The Brawling Brutes (Butch & Ridge Holland) to defeat The Usos, Sami Zayn & Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline.

    Visit WWE.com for ticket information if you’re interested in attending any of the shows on the 2022 Live Holiday Tour.

  • Latest Update On John Cena’s Status For WrestleMania 39

    Latest Update On John Cena’s Status For WrestleMania 39

    John Cena is set to wrestle for the first time this year at the December 30 edition of SmackDown.

    The longtime star-turned-Hollywood actor will tag with Kevin Owens against Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn. John Cena has not wrestled since his SummerSlam main event loss against Reigns last year. In that time, Cena has been focusing on film and TV work, including the popular HBO series Peacemaker.

    As per the Wrestling Observer, several angles for John Cena at next year’s WrestleMania could be implemented in next week’s match. Despite interest in seeing the 16-time World Champion perform at the Show of Shows, it’s not yet definite he will be able to. The former face of the company is very busy with other commitments at the moment but it’s believed he will manage to make the Mania event.

    Due to his show business commitments, John Cena will be unavailable for much of February and March. This could make building his WrestleMania angle troublesome.

    Who Did Vince McMahon Want Cena To Face At WrestleMania?

    Before his retirement earlier this year, Vince McMahon was apparently keen on John Cena facing Austin Theory next year. Seeds for a feud were seemingly planted at Cena’s 20th Anniversary celebrations on RAW earlier this year. Theory was in his first run as US Champion at the time. The rising star cut an aggressive promo on “The Doctor of Thuganomics”.

    Since then, Theory has lost the US Title, won and failed to cash-in the Money in the Bank briefcase, and regained the US Championship. The title’s long been synonymous with John Cena due to both his early years in the WWE midcard and his acclaimed 2015 title run. Therefore, a US Title bout between the two could work as a passing of the torch-type angle.

    Vince McMahon reportedly considered Theory the next John Cena-level star. However, Cena has been inserted into the Kevin Owens/Sami Zayn/Roman Reigns angle. With this in mind, a Theory feud coming soon doesn’t look as likely as it did earlier this year.

    Austin Theory
  • Dax Harwood: ‘Sasha Banks has a Reason to Feel Slighted’

    Dax Harwood: ‘Sasha Banks has a Reason to Feel Slighted’

    In May, Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of an episode of WWE Raw over a creative dispute about how they were being booked as WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

    They put their titles on John Laurinaitis’ desk and left the arena before the company stripped them of the titles and suspended them. The commentary teams for both Raw and SmackDown publicly chastised them for weeks. 

    Once  Laurinaitis and Vince McMahon were gone from the company, some fans believed it would only be a matter of time before the two returned. For Naomi, fans are still waiting for that day to happen while Banks negotiated her WWE release months ago and is slated to start working for NJPW next month. 

    Banks reportedly signed a highly-lucrative contract with New Japan’s parent company Bushiroad. Although not confirmed, it’s believed Banks will feud with Kairi (Sane) over the IWGP Women’s Championship. 

    Dax Harwood, who is good friends with Banks, offered some insight in a new interview with AdFreeShows while promoting his new podcast “FTR With Dax Harwood.” He noted that she worked hard for the company and became a big star, but still feels slighted.

    Insight

    “I think that, just like me, I feel that sometimes she gets a bad rep because of how passionate she is and how much she wants,” Harwood explained. “You know, she wants it all, but she wants to work for it. That’s the same with us. Like, I want everything this business, but I want to work for it and I want you to know that I’m going to work hard for you, and that’s her, man. She knows what she deserves, and she knows what she’s earned, and she works her ass off to get it, and if she doesn’t get it, she feels slighted and she has a reason to feel that way. Huge star, huge heart, beautiful human being, the greatest woman wrestler of all time. I think she’s just incredible.”

    FTR was in action on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, where they lost to Austin & Colten Gunn.

    H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription

  • WWE has Postponed its India Event (Report)

    WWE has Postponed its India Event (Report)

    According to a new report, WWE won’t be going to India after all. WWE had plans to run a show on a “grand scale” in Hyderabad, India, and would consist of “a mix of superstars, both Indian and international.”

    It was later reported that the show would be on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from the G.M.C. Balayogi Sports Complex, an indoor stadium in Hyderabad with a capacity of 5,000 people featuring SmackDown talent mostly. 

    WWE never announced the show, nor was it confirmed whether the company had plans to air it as a special on Peacock, tape it for the local market, or just have it as a house show. 

    Postponed

    According to WrestleVotes, the show has been postponed, although no reason was given. It’s also unclear when the company plans to reschedule the show: 

    Sanga & Veer Mahaan vs. The Creed Brothers had been booked for the WWE NXT Deadline event earlier this month, but it was later nixed. 

    The match was reportedly pulled due to Veer dealing with a minor injury and the promotion is being careful with him, so they pulled the bout as he was supposed to be featured at this India event. 

    WWE’s Upcoming India Event Will be “Built All Around” Injured Superstar (Report)
  • Major Changes Made to WWE’s Wellness Policy

    Major Changes Made to WWE’s Wellness Policy

    WWE has made major changes to its Wellness Policy which could see Superstars receive more violations before being released.

    The Wellness Policy was introduced in the early 2000s in the wake of the sudden death of Eddie Guerrero, who died aged 38 of heart failure.

    Traditionally, a Superstar who violates the policy will receive a 30-day suspension for their first violation, and a 60-day suspension for their second violation.

    A third violation traditionally results in a Superstar being released.

    Matt Riddle

    Earlier this month, Matt Riddle was written off of WWE TV with an attack by Solo Sikoa, which is believed to be due to his second violation of the Wellness Policy.

    On the Wrestling Observer Forums, a fan said that Riddle will be fired upon his next suspension from the company.

    In response, Dave Meltzer said that WWE has changed the roles, thanks in part to multiple prominent names having two suspensions to their name already.

    Meltzer said that the “wrestling war” between WWE and AEW has affected the rule change, as WWE does not want any of those big names on two violations becoming ‘All-Elite.’

    It was also noted that somebody with two suspensions could intentionally fail a test to get out of their contract, something that cannot happen with this new rule.

    It is unclear how many violations now result in a Superstar’s release, or if there is a fixed number.

    Riddle and Rehab

    WWE has reported that Riddle is not expected back for six weeks after the attack by Sikoa.

    It has been reported that Riddle has entered rehab for his drug issues, though this claim has not been publicly confirmed by WWE.

    Riddle is also facing allegations of abuse by his ex-girlfriend Daniela Petrow and has been dating multiple adult film actresses.

    Adult Film Actress Seemingly Confirms Matt Riddle is Going to Rehab
  • Ric Flair: I Wish Vince McMahon Returns to WWE in Some Capacity

    Ric Flair: I Wish Vince McMahon Returns to WWE in Some Capacity

    Will Vince McMahon return to WWE after his shocking retirement in July? Ric Flair certainly hopes so.

    The 77-year-old billionaire retired from WWE earlier this year due to allegations of misconduct with female employees and after paying millions of dollars in ‘hush money’ NDAs.

    McMahon reportedly regrets retiring as CEO and Chairman and believes the allegations against him would have blown over had he stayed in his roles.

    Hope

    Since McMahon’s retirement, it has been reported that morale in WWE has improved significantly, with talent and staff no longer walking on eggshells.

    Speaking about McMahon’s rumored comeback during the latest To Be The Man, Flair admitted he doesn’t know for sure but hopes it happens.

    “I don’t know the answer to that. I wish he would come back in some capacity. I mean, obviously, Hunter and Stephanie [McMahon] are doing a great job, and trust me, it’s a big job, you know what I mean? At least they’re dividing the time. I see people periodically, and people are happy working for Hunter.

    ” I wish he would come back in some capacity.”

    Ric Flair on Vince McMahon.

    “Here’s the problem, it’s like in any business, you’re never gonna like everybody you work for. So, I’m sure there are some people [who] like working for Hunter, some people like better working for Vince. I can’t give you an honest answer. I just want him to be happy.”

    McMahon’s Return – Could it Happen?

    Although Vince McMahon is gone from WWE, he’s not entirely left the promotion he ran for four decades.

    McMahon is the majority shareholder, owning over 30% of all stock, and due to how his stock is treated, the ex-CEO has approximately 80% of the voting power.

    With that said, his return to WWE’s board and as CEO would face significant backlash from fans and the media, and could lead to a potential loss of sponsors.

    Triple H Has a Strategy to Differentiate Himself from Vince McMahon
  • Backstage Update on Edge’s Status With WWE

    Backstage Update on Edge’s Status With WWE

    Edge had a memorable homecoming in the main event of the August 22 edition of WWE Monday Night Raw despite not being around every week leading up to the show to do the match with Damian Priest or the Finn Balor match at Extreme Rules. Since then, he hasn’t been seen since.

    Fightful Select reports that Edge is on a deal with limited dates, which is why he has appeared periodically since splitting from the Judgment Day group. 

    One WWE higher-up said that the vignettes this past summer were a way to “buy some weeks” on television for him before he made his return to television and give them a little more time to build to some important matches throughout the rest of the year. This happened with the Balor and Priest matchups.

    His Deal

    In 2020 when Edge was medically cleared and made a deal with WWE, it was reported the Hall Of Famer had signed a three-year contract for 25 appearances and five matches per year.  Edge had talks with All Elite Wrestling before his WWE deal was signed. 

    However, Fightful’s new report notes that it was either incorrect or amended, as Edge competed in ten matches in 2021 and has already competed in six matches in 2022.

    It’s unclear when his deal is up or how many appearances are left on his existing deal, but if the length was correctly reported, that deal could be up soon. It’s always possible that the deal was frozen due to injury, but that’s not confirmed if that’s the case.