SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Damian Priest Says The Judgment Day Doesn’t Need Championships in WWE

    Will The Judgment Day one day walk down the ramp on Monday Night Raw glistening with gold? Perhaps, but that’s not something the group needs.

    The Judgment Day was founded by Edge earlier this year and the Rated-R Superstar recruited Priest and Rhea Ripley.

    After Finn Balor joined, the group turned on Edge and welcomed Dominik Mysterio as a member at WWE Clash at the Castle in Cardiff.

    Championships

    While all four members of The Judgment Day have held gold in the past, none have won a championship as part of the faction.

    Speaking on The Archive of B-Sox show, Priest said that the group’s success without titles just goes to prove how impressive all four members have been.

    “How do you become a focal point of the show not being a champion? That makes you just that much more valuable, and I think that’s where we’re at right now. Let’s make this show revolve around us. Let’s be the main thing on this show, without even having championships.”

    Damian Priest

    While The Judgment Day is yet to hold gold, Rhea Ripley recently teased going after Bianca Belair and the WWE Raw Women’s Championship.

    The Future

    The Judgment Day has been around for less than a year, but Priest is optimistic about the future.

    Speaking about his tenure with the group so far, the former U.S. Champion said that The Judgment Day is just getting started.

    “It’s been awesome. It’s been a roller coaster, yes, but we’re ending it at the highest point. We all feel like we’re not even where we need to be yet, which is crazy. The things that we look forward to, the things that we talk about, and what we want to accomplish, we’re just getting started.”

    In recent weeks, The Judgment Day has been feuding with the O.C. (AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, and Mia Yim.)

    Details on How Triple H Originally Felt About Judgment Day

    h/t – Sportskeeda

  • Snoop Dogg’s Gold WWE Championship Found – Immediately Goes Missing Again

    Snoop Dogg’s Gold WWE Championship Found – Immediately Goes Missing Again

    It may be a good while yet before Snoop Dogg and his gold WWE Championship are reunited after the title went missing this week.

    On social media, the rap legend and WWE informed fans that the title had been ‘stolen’ during Snoop’s ongoing ‘Holidaze of Blaze’ tour.

    Snoop, a WWE Hall of Famer as part of the celebrity wing, was presented the title by Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch at the WrestleMania 39 tickets launch party in August of this year.

    Lost and Found

    On Instagram, WWE shared footage of comedian Guillermo Rodriguez with the golden title, saying he won’t give it back to Snoop.

    After a ‘moments later’ cut, Rodriguez revealed that he has already lost the title, and it is unclear where it is now.

    Rodriguez is best known for his work on Jimmy Kimmel Live as the sidekick of the popular late-night talk show host.

    Expert belt creator Dan Beltzer (@BeltFanDan) senses this developing news story might be seasoned with a hint of show business. Beltzer noticed that more than one belt has been used as part of the news coverage, a sign that this may be part of an angle to generate publicity for Snoop and/or WWE.

    WrestleMania 39

    When asking for the help of fans, Snoop Dogg stressed that he needs to find the gold WWE Championship before WrestleMania 39.

    Many have taken this as a sign that the rap legend will have some involvement with the show which will take place on April 1, and April 2, next year.

    Snoop is no stranger to WrestleMania, having performed his cousin Sasha Banks to the ring for her WrestleMania 32 triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Championship.

    WWE WrestleMania 39 will take place at SoFi Stadium, in Los Angeles, California and mark the fourth two-night WrestleMania in a row.

    Snoop Dogg & More Attend WWE WrestleMania 39 Tickets Launch Event
  • AEW Talent Defends Top Dolla After Botch on WWE SmackDown: “It’s Part of the Process to Get Better”

    AEW Talent Defends Top Dolla After Botch on WWE SmackDown: “It’s Part of the Process to Get Better”

    AEW announcer Mark Henry has defended AJ “Top Dolla” Francis of Hit Row following his botch on this past Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown.

    Hit Row battled Legado Del Fantasma and Viking Raiders in a Triple Threat Tag Team match. During the match, Top Dolla went for a dive over the top rope but didn’t make it and tumbled to floor as SmackDown announcer Michael Cole joked that is probably the reason why he doesn’t do high flying moves too often.

    Hit Row went on to win the match and earn a shot at the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships this Friday on WWE SmackDown.

    Top Dolla has defended himself over the botch and posted clips of him hitting the move in the past.

    I was 50 lbs heavier in this video than I am now. My leg gave out on live TV and some of y’all jokes are actually very funny but calling me a liar is super weird. It could’ve been way worse so I’m blessed ?? Y’all don’t care doe ??

    Top Dolla

    AEW commentator Mark Henry responded to the post and defended Top Dolla. Mark also questioned why he would listen to those who have no idea what it takes to do the move while the cameras are rolling.

    Bro, anyone that has ever performed has failed. It’s a part of the process to get better. Why would you listen to people that have no idea how to do what you did,the ability or confidence to do what you did an the athleticism to perform that maneuver when the cameras are rolling.

    Mark Henry

    Top Dolla Has Big Goals After WWE

    Top Dolla spoke with Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast last month and revealed his goals for after WWE.

    The former NFL player signed with the promotion in 2020 and debuted in NXT in 2021. The stable briefly debuted on the main roster before they were surprisingly released in November 2021. Triple H brought the group back earlier this year besides Swerve Strickland, who signed with All Elite Wrestling after he was released by WWE.

    Top Dolla told Ryan Satin that his goal is to host The Tonight Show following his WWE career and believes that his years of being in front of the camera will make him ready for that opportunity down the line.

  • Charlotte Flair Wishes WWE Legend & Former Rival a Happy Birthday

    Charlotte Flair Wishes WWE Legend & Former Rival a Happy Birthday

    Charlotte Flair wished former rival and WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus a happy birthday today.

    WWE legend Trish Stratus celebrated her 47th birthday. She recently appeared on the September 5th edition of WWE RAW when the company was in Toronto. Damage CTRL confronted the WWE legend but Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss made the save.

    Stratus took to Twitter earlier today and thanked wrestling fans for all the birthday wishes she received. Charlotte Flair responded and wished Trish a happy birthday as well. Flair has not appeared in WWE since her loss to Ronda Rousey in an I Quit match at WrestleMania Backlash.

    Trish Stratus Says Charlotte Flair is the Best Female Superstar

    WWE released a list of the 50 greatest female Superstars in modern WWE last year on Peacock and Trish Stratus was ranked number one. Sable, Lita, Gail Kim, AJ Lee, and other legends were featured on the list.

    Trish was asked about the list on Busted Open Radio and claimed that she would have put Charlotte Flair at number one already.

    It’s a bold thing for them to put out. Lists are subjective. I don’t know who was behind the list. Did my mom vote? Internally, with me and my team, I knew there was the top five and I was grateful to be in the top five.

    I for sure thought Charlotte was going to be number one. That’s where I put her. It was crazy when they put that video package together and you get emotional looking back on that ride and they position you the way they did. I was lucky, I say all the time that I only got any accolades that I got because of the people that surrounded me.

    Trish Stratus

    H/T: ITRWrestling

    Charlotte Flair and Trish Stratus battled at WWE SummerSlam 2019 and you can check out the entire match below.

  • Wrestling Veteran on Mandy Rose Being Released by WWE: “They’re a PG Company”

    Wrestling Veteran on Mandy Rose Being Released by WWE: “They’re a PG Company”

    Mandy Rose walked into Tuesday’s edition of WWE NXT as the reigning Women’s Champion. She left the show without the title and her job.

    WWE released Mandy Rose on Wednesday morning after Roxanne Perez ended her 413-day reign as NXT Women’s Champion. The company believed they had no choice due to the explicit content Mandy was posting on her subscription site for fans.

    Speaking on the Jim Cornette Experience podcast, the legendary manager and promoter discussed Mandy Rose’s release from WWE. He noted that he is pro-porn, but not if you are representing a company trying to make deals with Disney.

    In all honesty, and by the way, I’m completely pro-porn. But if they’re supposed to be [PG], they can’t do Playboy anymore, right? Because they’re a PG company, the sponsors they don’t want [it].

    So I haven’t seen the material so I don’t know whether it’s mild to wild or anything in between. But if the executives of the company that she works for said well she’s a featured person in NXT and she’s the champion and all this stuff but holy sh*t, if anybody sees and finds out.

    You know, that’s the thing if they say Jesus Christ, you can’t, you know, have an aunt Fanny out there in front of God and everybody. Whether it’s a private or personal deal or not, or whatever.

    If it’s going to show up on the internet in some fashion, this is probably something you should have not done while representing us and we’re trying to do deals with Disney, then I understand that.

    Jim Cornette

    Jim Cornette on Mandy Rose possibly earning more outside of WWE

    It was reported that former WWE Superstar Lana (CJ Perry) earned more this year on her subscription site than she did during her best year in WWE. Mandy Rose’s subscription site will likely rise in popularity following her release from the company and the added attention it has received.

    Cornette noted on his podcast that it makes sense that Mandy would choose modeling over wrestling if she can earn similar money.

    The question becomes which endeavour was she making a bigger profit at? Was she making more money travelling all over the place getting in a ring with people that are going to land on her and landing on sh*t herself and getting beat up or whatever the f*ck?

    Or is she gonna make more money in I assume a less violent setting showing off, as aunt Lola would say, what God gave her? So if it’s anywhere close maybe that’s the preferable f*cking direction there.

    Jim Cornette

    H/T: TJRwrestling

    Roxanne Perez Reacts to Winning NXT Women’s Championship: “Everything Was Worth It”
  • Former WWE Superstar Makes More Money From Subscription Service Than Her Best Year in Wrestling

    Former WWE Superstar Makes More Money From Subscription Service Than Her Best Year in Wrestling

    Former WWE Superstar Lana, now known as CJ Perry, is reportedly making more money on her subscription site for fans than she did during her best year in WWE.

    Lana managed Rusev for the majority of her run on the main roster in WWE. Rusev is now signed with All Elite Wrestling as Miro, while Lana remains a free agent. The 37-year-old may not be in any rush to return to the professional wrestling industry, as she is reportedly making more money on her BrandArmy site than she ever did in WWE.

    According to Fightful Select, Perry is currently earning more than she ever did in WWE, just like the recently released Mandy Rose. Lana has appeared in a couple of films since her release in 2020 but has mainly been focusing on her BrandArmy content. Her site launched earlier this year and she made over $20,000 on the first day.

    Lana on if She Would Work for All Elite Wrestling

    Lana spoke with The Man Cave Chronicles earlier this year about her acting career and if she would ever join Miro in All Elite Wrestling.

    During the conversation, Lana disclosed that she would love to do something with AEW one day, whether it be with Miro or others. She claimed that she just wants to tell compelling stories and would love the opportunity if it ever came about.

    I love television and movies, but you don’t get that instant gratification. You don’t even know, all you really get is online with the critics. When you are live performing in the wrestling arena, you know exactly how they feel immediately.

    It is just such a relationship that I really am thankful for that I have with the audience. So I’d love to do something with AEW. If the story is right, I’d love to do something with Miro or maybe with other people. But I want to tell compelling stories, so if it is right I would absolutely love it.

  • Rumor Killer on Goldberg’s WWE Contract Status

    Rumor Killer on Goldberg’s WWE Contract Status

    Goldberg hasn’t been seen on WWE television for months and while he has publicly expressed interest in wrestling again, he has been waiting on the sidelines for that to happen. 

    There was word that Goldberg had a new WWE contract, but that’s not the case. Last week, rumors went around that the Hall Of Famer had inked a new deal that would keep him under contract for two years with five matches guaranteed over that time and three matches to be against new talent that he hasn’t faced. 

    The rumored deal would’ve also seen those five matches take place in Saudi Arabia and WrestleMania.

    The Truth

    Goldberg

    Fightful Select reports those close to him say not so fast and specifically, they said, “that would be news to his reps that negotiate those kinds of deals.”

    Goldberg’s current WWE agreement runs through 2022, but there are no matches remaining on it. There’s always a chance he signs a new deal with WWE, but according to his reps, that’s not the case yet.

    Goldberg has only wrestled once in 2022, which was the Roman Reigns match at Elimination Chamber. In 2021, he worked three matches – a loss to Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble and Bobby Lashley at SummerSlam before beating Bobby Lashley at Crown Jewel.

  • Top Matches Rumored for the Royal Rumble Including Hell in a Cell

    Top Matches Rumored for the Royal Rumble Including Hell in a Cell

    Planning is well underway for next month’s Royal Rumble premium live event, with things kicking into high gear after the holidays.

    WWE presents the Royal Rumble on Saturday, January 28, 2023 from San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome. The event will stream live on Peacock in the US and on the WWE Network internationally.

    Matches the Rumble will be announced in the coming weeks, but WWE has already locked in the top of the card. Some aspects of the Rumble can’t be announced until after the December 30th edition of SmackDown, which will be headlined by John Cena teaming with Kevin Owens against Sami Zayn and Roman Reigns. 

    Royal Rumble 2023 Matches

    Here’s what’s currently in the works for the Royal Rumble, according to our friends at WrestlingNews.co:

    • Barring an injury, the card will feature Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Kevin Owens.
    • Ronda Rousey defending the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship against Raquel Rodriguez
    • Edge will battle Finn Balor, who will revive his Demon alter-ego. There’s been talk of this being a Hell in a Cell match.

    It’s also been rumored that WWE will be introducing a new stipulation match at the Rumble, a Pitch Black match. Bray Wyatt, who has been feuding with LA Knight, was linked to this Pitch Black concept. However, it seems unlikely WWE would hold four big stipulation events on the same card (two Royal Rumbles, Hell in a Cell and Pitch Black), so it’s likely we’ll see either Hell in a Cell or Pitch Black.

  • Likely Plans for Cody Rhodes After WWE Return from Injury (Report)

    Likely Plans for Cody Rhodes After WWE Return from Injury (Report)

    Cody Rhodes is expected to lock up with an old nemesis once he’s back from his injury.

    Rhodes returned to WWE in April of this year at WrestleMania 38, mere weeks after announcing his departure from AEW in February.

    The former three-time AEW TNT Champion has been out of action since June after suffering a torn pectoral hours before the WWE Hell in a Cell event.

    Rhodes Plans

    Despite his torn pectoral, Rhodes fought through the pain to defeat Seth Rollins inside the barbaric Hell in a Cell structure.

    This win marked Rhodes’ third Premium Live Event victory over Rollins, after defeating the Architect at WrestleMania and WrestleMania Backlash.

    During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that there are plans for Rollins and Rhodes to continue their feud and that there will be “more talk” about the two soon.

    It is unclear how this will affect Rollins’ current feud with United States Champion Austin Theory, or if this will result in him turning heel again.

    When his injured happened, WWE announced that Rhodes would miss nine months, which would put his return in March of next year.

    WrestleMania 39

    WWE may want fans to believe Rhodes won’t be back until March, but nobody is buying this claim.

    Instead, Rhodes is expected to return next month at the Royal Rumble, and is a favorite to win the Men’s Rumble match.

    Upon his return to WWE, Rhodes told fans on the post-WrestleMania episode of Monday Night Raw that he returned to become WWE Champion.

    Cody Rhodes Talks About AEW Role and Mistakes Made as EVP
  • Road Dogg Names Current WWE Superstar Better than Bret Hart

    Road Dogg Names Current WWE Superstar Better than Bret Hart

    Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart may be known as the best there is, was, and ever will be, but does he hold a candle to AJ Styles?

    Hart is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, having been inducted in 2006 and inducted as part of the Hart Foundation in 2019.

    Styles, a two-time WWE Champion, debuted for the promotion at the 2016 Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View, and is also a Grand Slam champion.

    Styles Vs. Hart

    Both Styles and Hart are considered two of the best wrestlers of their respective eras, but which is better?

    During the latest episode of his ‘Oh You Didn’t Know’ podcast, WWE’s Senior VP of Live Events ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James gave his pick.

    “He [Styles] is a better wrestler. He has been working very hard ever since he showed up at the [Royal] Rumble. He’s older now and he’s slower now and he wants to work smarter now, but when he first got here and I think he was very much in his prime, the road puts it on you and that life.”

    ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James.

    In recent months, Styles has been feuding with the Judgment Day, and has reunited with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.

    Road Dogg also named AEW’s Kenny Omega as one of the greats, saying he is currently below the Phenomenal One.

    Road Dogg and Bret Hart

    This week is hardly the first time that ‘Road Dogg’ has spoken about Bret Hart, and while others have respect for the Hitman, James isn’t among them.

    In November, James told listeners of his podcast that he “never saw what the big deal was” in regards to Bret as a performer.

    “I don’t think Bret was a great wrestler. He was a wrestler. I think I was a better sports entertainer than Bret was and I think that’s where the money is.”

    ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James to Jeff Jarrett: “Sorry I Took Your Job”

    h/t – WrestlingInc

  • Kevin Owens Missed Friday’s WWE SmackDown Due to a Nightmare Travel Situation

    Kevin Owens Missed Friday’s WWE SmackDown Due to a Nightmare Travel Situation

    Since Triple H took over main roster creative, Kevin Owens has once again been a big part of WWE television and that importance will likely only grow as the road to WrestleMania picks up. 

    He was supposed to be on television for SmackDown this week, but that didn’t go as planned. WWE aired a live episode this week before taping next week’s Friday right after the show went off the air from Chicago. 

    What Happened 

    Kevin Owens
    (via WWE)

    Fightful Select reported that Owens was supposed to be on both week’s episodes, but he couldn’t make it due to what was called a “nightmare travel situation.”

    The report added, “Owens had to be written out of the shows and major production and writing changes were made. Originally Owens was supposed to be face-to-face with the Bloodline to introduce the John Cena video.”

    Cena will team up with Kevin Owens to take on Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn on the December 30th edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown. 

    This comes after The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos, Sami Zayn, & Solo Sikoa) vs. The Brawling Brutes (Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Butch, and Ridge Holland & Kevin Owens) in the Men’s WarGames Match at this year’s Survivor Series premium live event.

  • WWE SmackDown Spoilers: Airing December 23, 2022

    WWE SmackDown Spoilers: Airing December 23, 2022

    Due to the crew being given time off to spend Christmas with their families, next week’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown from Chicago was filmed after the December 16 show. 

    WWE SmackDown Spoilers

    WWE SmackDown logo

    Here are the spoilers for next week (December 23), courtesy of F4Wonline.com:

    Raquel Rodriguez won a gauntlet match to become the number one contender for the SmackDown Women’s title. Xia Li beat Emma and Tegan Nox. Raquel defeated Li, Liv Morgan, and Sonya Deville to win the match. Shayna Baszler came out as a surprise entrant, only to be defeated by Rodriguez.

    Bray Wyatt came out and said that LA Knight owes him an apology. Wyatt ends up attacking the cameraman.

    Rey Mysterio defeated Angel of Los Lotharios as Karrion Kross and Scarlett were watching in the crowd.

    The Bloodline came out for a promo. Solo Sikoa vs. Sheamus was booked for the December 30 show in Tampa. During the promo, Sami Zayn said that Kevin Owens was like a black cloud that is still following him.

    The Usos defeated Hit Row to retain the WWE Undisputed Tag Team titles.

    Braun Strowman and Ricochet defeated Imperium in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight. Presents were everywhere and were used as weapons. The New Day was dressed as nutcrackers. Ricochet, at one point, was hurt as he was bleeding. He recovered and won the match for his team.

  • People in WWE Believe Sasha Banks Will Return in the Future (Report)

    People in WWE Believe Sasha Banks Will Return in the Future (Report)

    Sasha Banks’ time with WWE has come to an end, but the former Women’s Champion may not be gone for good.

    This week, it was reported that Banks reached an agreement in June to leave WWE, on the basis that she would not do anything wrestling-related for the rest of the year.

    Banks will be a free agent come January 1, and has reportedly signed a lucrative per-appearance deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

    Return to WWE

    Banks’ first appearance for New Japan will come at the Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4.

    During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that some in WWE are confident she will be back.

    “There’s no reason at all that she can’t go back to WWE if she wants to. That door is not shut at all. People in WWE think she’ll be back, but who knows when? whereas with Mandy, she might. She might not, who knows? There’s a lot of questions because of the content, whether they would want her back with the sponsors.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Mandy Rose’s departure from WWE was also confirmed this week, after the promotion learned of the content shared on her fan website.

    Money

    For now, Sasha Banks is out of WWE, a decision that comes down to money.

    On his show, Meltzer explained how despite being a “given” at one time that she would be returning to WWE, the two sides were never close to a financial agreement

    “It wasn’t close on money, but there were points when it was a given that she would be back. It was a question of when not even if. Their feeling from the WWE side is that she was asking too high of a price. From her side [she was not asking too high of a price.] That was the thing. She had how much she thought she was worth. And they were not close.

    “She’s making a lot of money per date, and she’s got a lot of things she can do. Between the acting and things like that. She can market herself in many different ways. She has a better long-term than Mandy Rose, in the sense that she’s a really outstanding wrestler, and can go to Japan and wrestle. She’s in a good spot with the partial schedule.”

    While it is unconfirmed how much Banks will be earning, it is believed she will earn more per appearance in Japan than with WWE.

    Banks will reportedly be the highest-paid name under a contract with Bushiroad, the parent company of NJPW and STARDOM.

    Sasha Banks’ Wrestle Kingdom Appearance was Kept Secret in NJPW (Report)
    For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.
  • Liv Morgan Shares Big Plans for When she Retires from Wrestling

    Liv Morgan Shares Big Plans for When she Retires from Wrestling

    Liv Morgan may still have years ahead of her in the wrestling business, but she also has big plans after her time in the ring.

    Morgan signed with WWE in 2014, and this year captured the Women’s Money in the Bank contract and the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

    At WWE Extreme Rules in October, Morgan lost the title to Ronda Rousey and has teased a darker edge to her character.

    Acting

    At just 28 years old, Morgan is still young into her wrestling career, but she has acting plans for when her wrestling career ends.

    Speaking to Twin Talk with Haley & Hanna Cavinder, Morgan spoke about already having some experience under her belt.

    “Immediately, day after retirement, I’d like to be doing movies. I’ve been lucky enough to have some opportunities within WWE. I was in Chucky season two and I got killed by Chucky, which was a dream and amazing. It was so cool. I never get starstruck over anyone, but when I saw Chucky, I was so starstruck.”

    Liv Morgan.

    Morgan also revealed that she recently filmed a role for ‘The Kill Room’ a Uma Thurman and Samuel L Jackson project that has yet to be released.

    Other Plans

    Morgan is hoping to do more in the world of acting, but that’s not all she has planned.

    In the interview, the former SmackDown Women’s Champion added that she also plans on expanding her soap business.

    Like many wrestlers, Morgan said that getting into real estate is an option that is “always in the back of my mind.”

    Reason Why Liv Morgan Lost SmackDown Women’s Title at WWE Extreme Rules

    h/t – eWrestlingNews

  • Watch: WWE Superstar Receives Standing Ovation After Loss on SmackDown

    Watch: WWE Superstar Receives Standing Ovation After Loss on SmackDown

    Ricochet battled Gunther tonight for the Intercontinental Championship tonight on WWE SmackDown. He gave it everything he had and was able to kick out of a big Powerbomb from The Ring General during the match.

    However, Gunther proved to be too much for Ricochet and put the challenger away with a Powerslam to retain the Intercontinental Championship. After the match, Imperium surrounded Ricochet and were about to attack when Braun Strowman’s music hit.

    The Monster of All Monsters charged down the entrance ramp and Imperium retreated. Strowman posed with Ricochet as SmackDown moved on to another segment.

    WWE’s official Twitter uploaded an exclusive video to show that Ricochet received a standing ovation after losing his shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Ricochet earned the title shot by winning the SmackDown World Cup tournament.

    Braun Strowman on Carrying on the Tradition of Giants in Wrestling

    Braun Strowman was a part of the SmackDown World Cup Tournament but Gunther made sure to interfere in his semifinal match against Ricochet. Imperium’s interference wound up costing Strowman the match against Ricochet and The Ring General is clearly trying to avoid Braun at all costs. Perhaps Gunther is afraid of Strowman because he is one of the last remaining giants in wrestling.

    Strowman recently spoke with CBS Sports and said that he is carrying on the fading tradition of giants in the world of professional wrestling.

    Andre the Giant is sports entertainment. He is the reason why this industry is what it is. It’s world-renowned as a global entity. When you talk about WWE, you cannot mention this company without saying Andre the Giant.

    So from him to the Big Show to Kane to Undertaker to Mark Henry to all these other giant men that have come and gone in this business, I’m one of the very last few of a dying breed of these dinosaurs, as I like to call it. So in my mind, I’m carrying on a tradition and a legacy that is fading.

    Braun Strowman
    WWE SmackDown Results, Takeaways (12/16/22): Roman Reigns Returns, Two Title Matches, John Cena
  • Roman Reigns & John Cena Match Set for the Final WWE SmackDown of the Year

    Roman Reigns & John Cena Match Set for the Final WWE SmackDown of the Year

    A big Roman Reigns match has been announced for the December 30th edition of WWE SmackDown.

    On the final episode of SmackDown of the year, Roman Reigns will be teaming up with a member of The Bloodline. During tonight’s edition of SmackDown, Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso had a conversation backstage. Jimmy wondered what Reigns had planned for Sami Zayn’s “big night” tonight. Reigns said he wanted to talk to WWE Official Adam Pearce and Paul Heyman called him into The Tribal Chief’s locker room.

    Roman Reigns said he wanted to team up with Sami Zayn against Kevin Owens and a partner of his choosing. Paul Heyman suggested December 30th as the date for the match. John Cena will also be returning on the final edition of SmackDown of the year in Tampa Bay, Florida.

    At the end of WWE SmackDown, The Bloodline came to the ring in what was supposed to be a big night for Sami Zayn. However, John Cena interrupted on the jumbotron and announced he will be Kevin Owens’ tag team partner against Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn on December 30th.

    Sami Zayn Leads The Bloodline to Victory at WWE Survivor Series WarGames

    Sami Zayn has spend the past several months trying to prove his worth to The Bloodline and he finally did so at WWE Survivor Series WarGames last month.

    On the SmackDown before the premium live event, Jey Uso overheard Kevin Owens talking to Sami Zayn outside The Bloodline’s locker room. Owens suggested that Sami betray The Bloodline before they do so to him. Sami then lied to Jey about the conversation taking place, but admitted everything to The Tribal Chief when he talked to him at Survivor Series.

    At the end of the WarGames match, Sami hit Kevin Owens with a low blow and followed it up with a Helluva Kick. The Honorary Uce then stepped aside and allowed Jey Uso to hit KO with a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory. Roman and Jey shared a hug with Sami after The Bloodline’s victory at the premium live event.

    WWE Wants to Make Upcoming SmackDown With John Cena a “Must-Watch” Show
  • Watch: WWE Superstar Revealed as Mystery Attacker on SmackDown

    Watch: WWE Superstar Revealed as Mystery Attacker on SmackDown

    A masked WWE Superstar interfered in the Women’s Tag Team Championship match tonight on SmackDown.

    Damage CTRL defended the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Tegan Nox and Liv Morgan to begin this week’s episode of SmackDown. Tegan Nox recently returned to the promotion after she was released last November.

    Liv Morgan has gone a bit crazy since losing to Ronda Rousey at Extreme Rules and attempted to confront Damage CTRL by herself. Tegan Nox made the save and it led to tonight’s Women’s Tag Team Championship match.

    Bayley was ringside for the match and watched on as Dakota and IYO controlled the action early. Tegan and Liv Morgan began to battle back and Bayley attempted to interfere. Nox sent The Role Model flying over the barricade but a masked superstar attacked her.

    Damage CTRL capitalized on the attack and IYO connected with a Moonsault on Nox for the pinfall victory. IYO SKY and Dakota Kai are still the Women’s Tag Team Champions.

    Xia Li Revealed as the Mystery Attacker

    After the Women’s Tag Team Championship match, the masked superstar was caught by WWE security and brought backstage.

    WWE official Adam Pearce then unmasked the attacker and revealed that it was Xia Li. Xia has not been since on SmackDown since she called Emma weak after she lost her return match against Ronda Rousey.

    Xia Li debuted for WWE in 2017 in the Mae Young Classic. She was called up to the main roster last December but hasn’t been featured much on SmackDown.

    Xia Li Makes Debut Against Sonya Deville On SmackDown
  • WWE Wants to Make Upcoming SmackDown With John Cena a “Must-Watch” Show

    WWE Wants to Make Upcoming SmackDown With John Cena a “Must-Watch” Show

    John Cena is slated to return to WWE television on the December 30 edition of SmackDown. 

    According to Fightful Select, there’s been talk of seeing him before then. Per the report,  “there have been discussions within WWE and even plans to integrate Cena into upcoming episodes of SmackDown even before he arrives.” 

    Some of the talks included having a “video presence” of some sort, but the extent of that wasn’t known. That was one of the several things that were teased to hype up Smackdown this week.

    The report added that the Cena appearance will be promoted heavily over the next two weeks and that they wanted to make the December 30 show a “must-watch.”

    His Last Appearance

    During Cena’s return on Raw for his 20th Anniversary celebration over the summer, he did not set up his match with Theory at SummerSlam, which had been speculated about because they had been publicly teasing a match.

    Instead, nothing was announced regarding his WWE future, as Cena stated he wasn’t sure when he would wrestle again. 

    Shortly before WWE confirmed Cena would be appearing on this episode of SmackDown, it was reported that Cena was expected to work WrestleMania 39 although an opponent wasn’t mentioned. 

  • WWE Discussing Multiple WrestleMania 39 Ideas for Top Stars

    WWE Discussing Multiple WrestleMania 39 Ideas for Top Stars

    Triple H is gearing up for his first WWE WrestleMania in charge of creative after Vince McMahon decided to retire due to the hush money scandal. 

    Since taking over creative, fans believe WWE has changed for the better. WrestleMania 39 will be a two-night show, set to take place on April 1st and 2nd at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

    In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that the company has already started discussing multiple ideas for top talent.

    Where Things Stand

    Wrestlemania 39
    Graphic Credit: Business Wire

    Meltzer wrote, “regarding stories that the WrestleMania card is finalized, we are told that there are multiple ideas for Mania cards in discussion and every top act has multiple different things under discussion right now.”

    As previously reported, WWE has locked in plans for Brock Lesnar. WWE is hoping to have The Rock, Steve Austin, and John Cena wrestle at the show. 

    The speculation is that if WWE can’t get The Rock to come back to do a match with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns then Cody Rhodes may fill that rople. There’s also been talk of having Reigns wrestle on both nights of the show against both stars on different nights. 

    Spoiler on WWE Plans for Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 39 Opponent
  • AEW & WWE Pay Tribute to Brodie Lee on His Birthday

    AEW & WWE Pay Tribute to Brodie Lee on His Birthday

    It is December 16th, do you know what that means? It is Brodie Lee’s birthday.

    The former TNT Champion passed away in December 2020 at just 41 years old. His wife, Amanda Huber, works on the promotion’s Community Outreach program. His son, Brodie Lee Jr., portrays -1 in Dark Order. Today would have been Brodie’s 43rd birthday.

    Brodie Lee was known as Luke Harper in WWE during his time with the promotion. He was a part of The Wyatt Family, as well as the tag team The Bludgeon Brothers with Erick Rowan. Former Wyatt Family member Braun Strowman took to Twitter to send a happy birthday wish and noted that everyone misses him.

    “It’s Friday!!!!!! You know what that means. Happy birthday brother. We miss you.”

    WWE & AEW Pay Tribute to Brodie Lee

    AEW’s official Twitter sent out a tribute to Brodie earlier today and said that The Exalted One will never be forgotten.

    He will never be forgotten. Happy Birthday to the greatest TNT Champion, “The Exalted One @ThisBrodieLee

    WWE remembered Harper on his birthday as well. Jon wrestled as Luke Harper in WWE from 2012-2019.

    Former WWE Champion Big E was close friends with Jon Huber and wished his friend a happy birthday.

    Happy birthday, my brother. We still remember you. We still love you. We still miss you.

    WWE had a live event in Rochester, New York earlier this month and Seth Rollins honored Brodie in his hometown.

    He passed away a couple of years ago around this time and this is the first time I have been here with a microphone in my hand in this city to tell him how much I miss him and how much I love him.

    I just wanted to say tonight was for him, every time we are in Rochester, in my heart, that means we’re here for him. It’s Saturday, and you know what that means, so do your damn thing and sing my song.

    Brodie Lee’s final match was on October 7th, 2020. He dropped the TNT Championship to Cody Rhodes in a Dog Collar match. AEW celebrated the life of The Exalted One on the December 30, 2020 edition of Dynamite from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville.

    What are some of your favorite moments of Brodie Lee/Luke Harper’s professional wrestling career? Let us know in the comments section below.

  • “Completely Wrong” – Chris Jericho Touts How Much He Earned in NJPW

    “Completely Wrong” – Chris Jericho Touts How Much He Earned in NJPW

    Chris Jericho is setting the record straight on how much money he made during his high-profile run with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

    When Jericho left WWE in 2017, wrestling fans didn’t think much of it at the time. He came and went from WWE several times over the years, a practice that helped keep him fresh and always left fans wanting more. Nobody expected what would happen later that year, when Jericho popped up in NJPW for a feud with Kenny Omega. They did huge business together and NJPW is still profiting off that run to this day from subscribers to their NJPW World streaming service. Jericho was paid handsomely and rightfully so.

    NJPW’s gamble to bring in an expensive star from WWE paid off. The promotion will soon attempt to catch lightning in a bottle once again. Sasha Banks is expected to attend Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4 and work a series of dates for NJPW.

    How Much Did Chris Jericho Make in Japan?

    Earlier this week, Dave Meltzer reported that Sasha Banks will be the highest-paid performer in the history of NJPW. She’ll be earning more than she did in WWE (on a per-show basis) – allegedly more than Chris Jericho was paid. Meltzer pegged this figure at $100,000 per match. Jericho caught wind of this claim and says it’s not true.

    The inaugural AEW World Champion says this notion is “completely wrong” and he didn’t make a flat rate per appearance. Instead, his pay was determined based on the success of the shows he wrestled on.

    “I never had a flat per appearance deal, I was paid according to the event.”

    – Chris Jericho

    He added that he made more per NJPW event than he did for most of his WrestleMania matches, which is quite a statement.

    Jericho is known to be a savvy businessman and proved this once again by negotiating a great deal for himself in Japan. Certain Hollywood stars negotiate a percentage of box office receipts as part of their compensation for appearing in movies. Jericho took the same route, knowing his popularity would drive fans to spend money on his NJPW matches.

  • WWE Believes Sasha Banks has Peaked as a Wrestler (Report)

    WWE Believes Sasha Banks has Peaked as a Wrestler (Report)

    Sasha Banks and WWE were nowhere close to reaching a deal as the promotion no longer see potential in her, the Wrestling Observer Newletter reports.

    This month, it was reported that Banks will appear for New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4.

    The former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion hasn’t appeared for WWE since walking out of the May 16, Raw over a creative dispute.

    Negotiations

    For months, it was believed that Banks and WWE would reach an agreement that would facilitate her return to the promotion.

    The Observer reports that the two sides were not close on money and that the only deal reached in the summer was for her to leave.

    Banks did return to the negotiating table after Vince McMahon’s retirement in July, and despite belief of a “done deal” at the time, the two remained far apart on money.

    Horsewomen

    It is unclear how much exactly Banks was seeking from WWE, but the Observer writes that it was a number close to the levels of Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.

    WWE at the time did not see Banks as somebody who would be on top for the next five years, and instead, believe that she has already peaked as a wrestler.

    The company acknowledged that if they did bring her back, there would be a ‘honeymoon’ period of fan support for her, but believed that would not be long-lasting.

    It is believed within WWE that Banks could make a fine singles or tag champion, but she is far from a name WWE can build a women’s division around.

    Dave Meltzer writes that New Japan cannot afford to pay anywhere close to her WWE deal, but that she will earn more per appearance than for WWE.

    Sasha Banks on Filming Her First Movie, Future Projects Outside of WWE
  • Mandy Rose Wasn’t Given Chance to Delete Photos Before WWE Firing (Report)

    Mandy Rose Wasn’t Given Chance to Delete Photos Before WWE Firing (Report)

    Mandy Rose was released from WWE this week, and the promotion reportedly did not give her a chance to make things right.

    Rose was released on Wednesday, 24 hours after dropping the NXT Women’s Championship to Roxanne Perez on this week’s episode of WWE NXT.

    The Toxic Attraction member was cut over NSFW content she had shared on her personal website with subscribers.

    Mandy Rose

    Rose’s departure came as a shock to fans given how popular she had proven to be as NXT Women’s Champion for the past year.

    The former Superstar was fired without being given the option to take the stuff down and tone down her site, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports.

    Those in the company felt that had no other choice than to fire her because she was an active performer on the roster, and unlike the Saraya situation, these photos had been posted willingly.

    The Observer reports that during one stream, Rose threatened to end the stream if she was not tipped $400 for her performance.

    Despite WWE sources claiming she requested her release two weeks ago, Rose was reportedly blindsided by being fired this week.

    Sympathy

    Rose is gone from WWE, and many both in and out of the company believe this is the wrong decision.

    While nobody has directly mentioned her, WWE talent have been sharing posts of support, in a rare example of going against management.

    Cora Jade posted a heart after news of Rose’s departure was announced, while her Toxic Attraction partners Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne shared images of broken hearts.

    Shawn Michaels Wanted NXT Women’s Title Off Mandy Rose Immediately After Learning of Online Content (Report)
  • Vince McMahon’s WWE Return Could “Cripple the Entire Company” (Report)

    Vince McMahon’s WWE Return Could “Cripple the Entire Company” (Report)

    Those in WWE are concerned that Vince McMahon’s return could “cripple the entire company” if it goes ahead.

    This week, it was reported that McMahon is planning a comeback, believing that he was given bad advice to retire in July of this year.

    McMahon believes that the allegations of misconduct leveled against him in June would have blown over if he had stayed in his roles as CEO and Chairman.

    Cripple the Company

    McMahon’s potential return to WWE has been met with universal disdain, both from fans and those within the company.

    The opinion within WWE is that the promotion has been doing very well under the current regime of Nick Khan, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H.

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that one longtime Vince supporter is against the idea, fearing that McMahon could “upend the entire Board.”

    That same source said that removing the entire Board would likely lead to class action shareholder lawsuits that would “cripple the entire company.”

    McMahon Power

    Vince McMahon may have retired in July, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have some power.

    McMahon owns 37.6% of all WWE stock (as of this past summer) but because his stock is determined differently, this gives him 80% of the voting power.

    One source in WWE noted that McMahon stands to make a fortune in stock sales if he allows TV negotiations to go smoothly, which isn’t as likely with rumors of his possible return to the company.

    Jim Cornette on Vince McMahon Trying to Return to WWE: “He Thought It Was Going to Blow Over”
  • Drew McIntyre On Vince McMahon’s Original Plans For 3MB

    Drew McIntyre On Vince McMahon’s Original Plans For 3MB

    Drew McIntyre’s career in WWE started off on a high note. Vince McMahon himself hailed him as ‘The Chosen One’ and he looked all set to be the next star of the company. Things didn’t go as planned however and after the initial run, McIntyre slowly descended into the card until he reached the very bottom as part of the 3MB stable.

    Though, according to the former WWE Champion himself, his inclusion in 3MB wasn’t meant to be a demotion and instead it was an effort from Vince McMahon to bring some personality out of him.

    The WWE star was recently interviewed by Faction 919 where he talked about the different stages and milestones of his career. Speaking about his time in 3MB, Drew mentioned how there were many names suggested for the group but Vince chose him and Jinder Mahal to accompany Heath Slater:

    “Vince McMahon looked at the ideas and went ‘these are kind of the obvious ones’ but he doesn’t think like everybody else.” said Drew McIntyre, “He went ‘No, no, I wanna see Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal.’ The two most serious guys, serious characters who have not shown anything but being serious.

    Because he wants to see what we’ve got and gave us the opportunity [for] our personalities to shine a little more. In WWE, you can’t just be the same forever. It gets boring. You can’t just be angry all the time. Even when you’re winning titles. I was winning titles and just scowling all the time, for some reason, because I just wasn’t relaxed. I felt like I had to be that badass all the time.”

    ‘He Was Trying To Bring Something Out Of Us’: Drew McIntyre

    Heath Slater and 3MB

    Drew McIntyre recalled that he was plagued by personal issues at the time and wasn’t fit to be put in the top position in the company. He revealed that there were bigger plans in place for 3MB that couldn’t materialize because he got injured:

    “He was trying to bring something out of us while at the same time couldn’t trust us in a prominent role. But [thought] ‘Okay, let’s see if these guys can come out of their shell a little bit more with Heath’ and that’s why 3MB was put together.

    I had a broken wrist at the time, didn’t realize I needed surgery. So he did have bigger plans than ended up materializing, but six weeks after we formed, I had to get wrist surgery. I couldn’t touch anyone for about six months. So that kind of put the 3MB in the ground before we even started.”

    You can check out Drew McIntyre’s full interview below: