SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Kenny Omega Names Former WWE Champion as an Inspiration

    Kenny Omega Names Former WWE Champion as an Inspiration

    Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks returned at AEW Full Gear after being suspended for over two months for their part in the brawl with CM Punk following All Out.

    The Elite lost to Death Triangle at Full Gear but as it turns out, it was just the start of a Best of 7 Series for the Trios Championships. Death Triangle and The Elite will meet in Match 4 of series tomorrow night at AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming. Death Triangle currently leads the series 2-1. MJF will put the AEW World Championship on the line against Ricky Starks tomorrow night as well.

    Wrestling Twitter account GrappleKlips sent out a video showing RVD and Omega hitting the same move sequence.

    Omega replied and revealed the ECW legend and former WWE Champion influenced his career, along with many other wrestlers today.

    Rob Van Dam captured the WWE Championship from John Cena at ECW One Night Stand in 2006.

    RVD on CM Punk’s Ego

    Rob Van Dam recently spoke with former WWE Superstars Rene Dupree and Paul London about working with CM Punk following his rant targeting the AEW EVPs, Hangman Page, and Colt Cabana following winning the title at All Out.

    I think there is a good chance that CM Punk, just from feeling his energy, probably has as big of an ego as anybody that I’ve interacted with in the business.

    Those are the guys that get ahead, the guys that really believe in themselves. But then at the same time, it is really hard for me as another guy in the locker room, I think they believe in themselves too much. Some of it can be like natural heat, like The Miz. It’s just so easy to hate him.

    When someone comes back through the curtain after their character could have given the most believable speech that got all the heat in the world, if they can come back through the curtain and be humble, and realize that they are one amongst many, that is a really good place to be in.

  • WWE Superstar Deletes Twitter After Negative Reaction to a Photo With Austin Theory

    WWE Superstar Deletes Twitter After Negative Reaction to a Photo With Austin Theory

    Mia Yim posted a photograph with United States Champion Austin Theory earlier today. Austin was holding Mia up in the photo and it spawned a bizarre reaction from the Twitter mob that drove Yim off the social media platform.

    For some reason, a bunch of fans equated a photograph taken during a WWE photo shoot as Mia not respecting her marriage with AEW star Keith Lee. The absurd reaction is the latest example of fans not knowing how to interact with public figures on social media.

    Mia Yim sent out a final post this morning before deleting her Twitter account.

    “Ok, block button ready to go. Apparently I can’t take pics or get excited about seeing people I haven’t seen in a while. I love my husband and only have eyes for him. Apologies for any disrespect. Men and women can be friends without it being sexual.”

    Mia Yim on Her Return to WWE

    Mia Yim returned to the company on the November 7th edition of RAW as The OC’s answer to their “Rhea Ripley problem”.

    The 33-year-old was interviewed following her return on RAW Talk and said it was good to be back after a year away. She was released in November 2021 after a brief main roster run as “Reckoning” in the failed RETRIBUTION faction.

    Oh my gosh, it feels so good to be back. It took me a year to try and find myself but now I’m ready. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to kick some ass and get my retribution. But the boys are waiting on me so I’ll see ya later.

  • Adam Pearce Addresses Firing Bobby Lashley on Raw: “I Need to Apologize to the WWE Universe”

    Adam Pearce Addresses Firing Bobby Lashley on Raw: “I Need to Apologize to the WWE Universe”

    Bobby Lashley battled Seth Rollins in a #1 contenders match last night in the main event of WWE RAW.

    United States Champion Austin Theory watched on from backstage as Seth and Bobby fought to determine his next challenger. Lashley connected with a Spear but the referee was accidentally knocked out of the ring.

    Bobby then went for another Spear but Seth counted into a Pedigree in the middle of the ring for the pinfall victory. After the match, Lashley shouted at the referee and shoved him. WWE official Adam Pearce then rushed down the entrance ramp and got in Bobby’s face. The All Mighty responded by shoving Pearce into the barricade and Adam fired Bobby on the spot.

    WWE Raw Results, Takeaways (12/12/22): Bobby Lashley Fired, Alexa Bliss & Bianca Belair

    Adam Pearce Addresses Firing Lashley on WWE Raw

    WWE Official Adam Pearce took to Twitter today to explain why he fired Bobby Lashley last night at the conclusion of Raw.

    I’d like to address to what happened last night to end Monday Night Raw between myself and Bobby Lashley.

    First and foremost, despite what I said last night, Bobby Lashley is not fired.
    That said, Bobby has repeatedly crossed the line, last night physically accosting two referees and putting his hands on me, not to mention Spearing WWE official Pete Williams last week.

    All of that behavior is unacceptable, all of it will be addressed and it will have repercussions.

    Pearce then changed his tune and offered an apology to the WWE Universe for his actions last night on WWE Raw.

    Despite that, I need to apologize to the WWE Universe for the way I conducted myself.

    In the heat of the moment, I allowed emotion to get the better of me, and frankly I said some things I shouldn’t have.

    I’ll never apologize for having passion, but looking back on last night it is obvious I did not channel mine in the right direction. And I want you to know I regret that.

    Bobby and I are going to meet later this week man to man and discuss the ramifications of what he has done, and more importantly how we can move forward and do business together with respect, like we always have up until now.

    Please credit SEScoops for the transcription if you use any quotes from this article.

  • Valerie Loureda Addresses WWE Changing her Name to Lola Vice

    Valerie Loureda Addresses WWE Changing her Name to Lola Vice

    Valerie Loureda decided to make a big career change when she went from being an MMA fighter to a pro wrestler and signing with WWE. 

    The former Bellator MMA star signed with WWE in June and started training at the WWE Performance Center full-time in July. She dressed as Lola Bunny in the NXT Halloween battle royal at the NXT live event on October 28 before making her non-battle royal in-ring debut at the November 12 NXT live event

    On December 6, Loureda announced that she would be performing under the name Lola Vice in WWE.

    The Name

    Valerie Loureda
    (via Bellator MMA)

    While speaking to Jim Varasllone of the Miami Herald, Lola discussed her new name.

    “Lola came out because when my sisters and I were little, we had a lady who liked to do our makeup, and that was always our alter ego name, Lola. When we were coming up with names, I was like, ‘Let me throw that in there’ because I liked it. Then, I always had a vision of Miami Vice because I am the first Cuban American woman and I was born and raised in Miami. I feel like that’s me and I need to represent, how can I do this, and incorporate it into my name. I thought about Miami Vice and said, ‘how about Lola Vice?’ Actually, I gave them ten first names, ten last names, and Shawn Michaels chose Lola Vice. It’s beautiful, it goes, and I feel like this is my new era,” she said.

    Loureda was asked whether it was hard to come up with a new name. She said she always looks ahead and the other option she had was Estrella, which means star in Spanish. 

    “I liked that too, but something about Lola, I thought it was cute, a little latina and something easy for other people to announce. I had to get in the ring and say, ‘Can I be Lola for the rest of my career? Yes, I can.’ I’m glad they chose that for me and now we’re in the works to hopefully debut soon.”

    As of this writing, it is unknown when Lola will debut on NXT television.

    H/T to Fightful for the transcription

  • Vince McMahon Facing Fresh Demands Over Alleged Sexual Assault

    Vince McMahon Facing Fresh Demands Over Alleged Sexual Assault

    Former WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon has faced fresh demands over accusations of sexual misconduct following his retirement from the promotion this year.

    McMahon’s retirement came following accusations that the billionaire paid millions of dollars in NDAs to keep female employees quiet about extramarital affairs.

    An investigation into the matter found that while McMahon paid out of his own pocket, these payments should have been listed with WWE as they benefitted the company.

    Rita Chatterton

    In the 1980s, Rita Chatterton served as a referee in the then-World Wrestling Federation, making her the first female ref in company history.

    Chatterton’s tenure with the promotion would end in 1986, and Chatterton has alleged for decades that she was raped by McMahon in a limousine.

    She said in a series of 1992 interviews that Mr. McMahon told her she had to satisfy him if she wanted a $500,000 contract with WWF.

    In correspondence to McMahon’s representative, obtained by the Wall Street Journal, a lawyer for Chatterton demanded $11.75 million in damages for the alleged assault.

    McMahon has always denied the allegation and told people close to the situation that he will not pay the amount to Chatterton.

    McMahon alleged in a 1993 lawsuit that Chatterton was induced to make a false rape charge against him by a former wrestler with an ax to grind.

    That suit alleged that the promotion dismissed her in 1986 because she was a danger to wrestlers in the ring, but this suit against Chatterton was withdrawn by McMahon in 1994.

    Chatterton’s lawyer John Clune writes in the recent letter that his client “has suffered years of ongoing depression, substance abuse, disordered eating, lost income, and overall a decreased quality of life.” 

    Clune adds that Chatterton had passed a polygraph and that multiple sources corroborated her account, two of which corroborated her claims to the Wall Street Journal.

    WWE Hall of Famer Greg ‘The Hammer’ Valentine told the WSJ that he did not believe Chatterton’s claims, arguing that she was not attractive enough for McMahon.

    Leonard Inzitari, who went to wrestling school with Ms. Chatterton, said earlier this year that the ex-referee was shaking and crying as she recounted the alleged rape before a WWF event in 1986.

    When asked, Inzitari told the Journal that he believes Chatterton’s telling of events.

    Spa Manager

    Chatterton isn’t the only person alleging assault from the former WWE CEO, as a former spa manager alleges she was assaulted by McMahon in 2011 in Southern California.

    The Spa manager reported the alleged assault to the resort she was working at at the time, and also told her husband about what had happened.

    The woman’s husband reportedly drove to the WWE event McMahon was in town for with a baseball bat and tried to confront the boss, but was turned away.

    The spa manager’s lawyer, Michael Bressler, has been in touch with McMahon’s attorney since July.

    California, like New York, has a recently-introduced law that allows alleged victims of sex abuse to file lawsuits that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations.

    Neither WWE, McMahon, nor his legal representatives responded when requested for comment.

    Vince McMahon Planning WWE Comeback, Regrets Retiring
  • Vince McMahon Planning WWE Comeback, Regrets Retiring

    Vince McMahon Planning WWE Comeback, Regrets Retiring

    Could Vince McMahon return to WWE after his shocking and controversial retirement from the promotion earlier this year?

    McMahon, who ran WWE for four decades, stepped down as CEO and Chairman in the summer over allegations of misconduct with female employees.

    The 77-year-old was alleged to have paid millions of dollars in Non-Disclosure Agreements to women to not speak about his extramarital affairs, and allegedly coerced at least one woman into performing oral sex.

    Comeback

    It was the Wall Street Journal that first reported on McMahon’s NDAs that ultimately led to his retirement from pro wrestling.

    In their latest article, the WSJ reports that McMahon told people that he intends to make a comeback, though it is unclear when he plans on returning.

    The billionaire reportedly believes that he was given bad advice in July by people close to him that encouraged him to retire and that the allegations against him should have “blown over.”

    Vince McMahon boardroom
    (WWE)

    Despite stepping down, McMahon remains WWE’s majority owner, controlling the most shares in the company.

    Spokespersons for WWE, McMahon, and WWE’s legal head Jerry McDevitt, did not respond to the Wall Street Journal when asked for a comment.

    The Investigation

    After the allegations of McMahon’s behavior were first publicized, WWE conducted an investigation into the matter which has since concluded.

    This investigation determined that these payments, though made by McMahon personally, should have been booked as WWE expenses because they benefited the company.

    In McMahon’s absence, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan have been appointed co-CEOs with Stephanie also serving as Chairwoman of WWE.

    Backstage News on WWE Morale Since Vince McMahon’s Exit
  • Sasha Banks to Make far More Per Appearance in Japan than WWE

    Sasha Banks to Make far More Per Appearance in Japan than WWE

    Sasha Banks’ reported exit from WWE will see her earn more with STARDOM per appearance than she ever did working for the McMahon family.

    Earlier this month, it was reported that Banks will be appearing at New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom event on January 4 and that she is ‘done’ with WWE.

    The multi-time former Women’s Champion hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since walking out of the May 16, episode of Raw over a creative dispute.

    The Deal

    Banks’ deal with Bushiroad, the parent company of both NJPW and STARDOM, will make her the highest-paid contracted wrestler, Voices of Wrestling reports.

    They report that STARDOM pursued Banks not long after her May walkout and that Banks also showed interest in working with the promotion.

    STARDOM’s booker Rossy Ogawa walked away from negotiations after hearing Banks’ “exorbitant” asking price, which was said to be beyond the company’s budget.

    These talks resumed months later after Bushiroad President Takaaki Kidani gave Ogawa the green light to pursue Banks.

    It is believed that The Boss will confront IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI, who became the first holder of the title last month at NJPWxSTARDOM Historic X-Over.

    Highest Earner

    Banks’ agreement with Bushiroad will make her the highest-paid name to ever be contracted, even higher than Chris Jericho.

    For his feud with Kenny Omega that culminated in a match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 2018, Jericho was paid $100,000 per appearance for NJPW.

    As Dave Meltzer pointed out on Wrestling Observer Radio, Jericho was practically underpaid due to how much revenue he brought to New Japan with his match.

    Per appearance, the former Women’s Champion will earn far more than she made in WWE, though she is expected to be booked five times in 2023.

    This leaves Banks with plenty of time for other projects, including possibly working in AEW, something that has reportedly been on her bucket list.

    Sasha Banks’ Wrestle Kingdom Appearance was Kept Secret in NJPW (Report)
  • WWE Secures “King and Queen of the Ring” Trademark

    WWE Secures “King and Queen of the Ring” Trademark

    WWE has filed another trademark that all-but-guarantees we’ll be seeing King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring tournaments in 2023.

    WWE has owned the “King of the Ring” trademark for several years. In October, the company secured the rights to “Queen of the Ring” as well.

    On December 8, World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. applied to trademark, “WWE King and Queen of the Ring.”

    (USPTO database)

    According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, the Goods and Services usage description for the “LIVE” trademark includes:

    • Entertainment services, namely, a show about professional wrestling;
    • Entertainment services, namely, the production and exhibition of professional wrestling events rendered through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media;
    • Providing wrestling news and information through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media;
    • Providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media;
    • Providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information;

    It’s been rumored that WWE would be bringing back the King of the Ring tournament and holding the first-ever Queen of the Ring tournament since last year.

    Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, has spoken about his intention to reimagine the WWE’s approach to themed premium live events. While shows like Hell in a Cell are expected to be retired, it seems increasingly likely that King and Queen of the Ring will be added to the calendar next year.

  • More One-Off Returns Possible in WWE After Jamie Noble’s Last Match

    More One-Off Returns Possible in WWE After Jamie Noble’s Last Match

    The success of Jamie Noble’s final match could lead to more one-off in-ring returns, Fightful Select reports.

    Noble competed in his final match last weekend at a WWE Live event in Charleston, West Virginia.

    The former Cruiserweight Champion teamed with Braun Strowman, Ridge Holland, and Butch to defeat The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa, The Usos and Sami Zayn.

    On the Table

    Noble’s match last weekend came over seven-and-a-half years after his previous match, though he has been working with WWE throughout that time as a backstage producer.

    In their report, Fightful notes that things such as Noble wrestling at a Live event, that we wouldn’t normally see on WWE TV, are more likely under the current regime.

    One source who spoke to Fightful said that the idea of one-off returns and unique ideas similar to Noble wrestling are “on the table.”

    One More Match

    While WWE has a huge roster of active Superstars, there are plenty of former wrestlers working behind the scenes, who could soon have their own final match.

    Adam Pearce is a likely candidate, given that he is a regular on-screen, and fired Bobby Lashley on this week’s episode of Raw.

    Pearce has had just a handful of matches since joining WWE as a backstage producer, with his most recent match as a full-time wrestler coming for Ring of Honor in August 2014.

    Petey Williams, who joined WWE as a producer in January of this year, was speared by Lashley during last week’s Raw.

    Shane ‘Hurricane’ Helms, Molly Holly, and Kenny Dykstra have all wrestled for WWE and now work as producers and could have one more match for the promotion.

  • Bianca Belair Reacts to Bizarre Alexa Bliss Moment on WWE RAW: “I’m Still Trying to Figure Out What That Was”

    Bianca Belair Reacts to Bizarre Alexa Bliss Moment on WWE RAW: “I’m Still Trying to Figure Out What That Was”

    RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair is set to defend the RAW Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss in the near future.

    Alexa Bliss won a Triple Threat in the main event of last week’s edition of WWE RAW to earn her way into the #1 contender’s match tonight against Bayley. Damage CTRL attacked Becky Lynch during last week’s main event and Alexa capitalized with a Twisted Bliss on Nikki Cross for the pinfall victory.

    Bayley made her way to the ring with Damage CTRL to kick off tonight’s RAW but Becky got her revenge. Lynch attacked IYO SKY and Dakota Kai and chased them through the crowd. RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair then was ringside for the match. The Role Model was distracted by Bianca’s presence and Alexa once again capitalized with a Twisted Bliss for the pinfall victory.

    After the match, Bianca Belair congratulated Alexa but she almost hit the champion with a Sister Abigail out of nowhere as Bray Wyatt’s logo briefly flashed on the jumbotron. Alexa stopped herself and apologized to end the segment.

    Bianca Belair Reacts to Alexa Bliss Almost Attacking Her

    Bianca Belair was interviewed by Byron Saxton on RAW Talk this week and said she did not see that coming. The EST noted that she has teamed with Alexa on several occasions (Clash at the Castle, Survivor Series WarGames) but tonight she revealed a new side of her.

    I’m just trying to still wrap my mind around what just happened. I’m very happy for Alexa, well I was happy. Bayley, we’ve gone through this over and over and she won’t go away.
    Alexa actually won tonight in the right way and she deserved it.

    And we’ve gotten close over these past few months, we were WarGames partners.
    We won together, so yeah, I was definitely the happiest for her tonight.

    But yeah, she showed me a side of her that… I have no words for it.
    I’m still trying to figure out what that was, is this what is going to be, is this a phase?

    We’ll have to see. But at the end of the day, we are competitors. So once we step into the ring there are no friends and I have to remember that.

    Next time we step in the ring, I have to show her that I’m the EST of WWE, and we are going to compete, but that is not going to happen again.

    Please credit SEScoops for the transcription if you use any quotes from this article.

    WWE Raw Results, Takeaways (12/12/22): Bobby Lashley Fired, Alexa Bliss & Bianca Belair
  • Matt Riddle Reportedly In Rehab During WWE Hiatus

    Matt Riddle Reportedly In Rehab During WWE Hiatus

    Rumors have been swirling about why WWE pulled Matt Riddle off TV a few days ago. The storyline reason is that Solo Sikoa hit Riddle with an Asiatic spike and a Samoan Bulldozer. He was placed in a neck brace and put on a stretcher.

    On December 9, WWE tweeted that the Superstar would be out of action for six weeks.

    Matt Riddle Sent to Rehab

    Matt Riddle
    Matt Riddle

    Matt Riddle was originally supposed to face Seth Rollins at SummerSlam when the match was inexplicably moved to Clash at the Castle the following month. Bodyslam.net is reporting that Riddle failed a drug test. If he failed another drug test, he would have to go to rehab or be fired.

    According to Cassidy Haynes’ reporting, Riddle has either already entered rehab or will start soon. If he has entered a 30-day treatment, he will likely be able to return in the six week timeframe WWE has written him off for. It would put his return before Royal Rumble or WWE could potentially save his return for the rumble match itself.

    Haynes also reportedly asked what the failed drug test was for and noted that WWE no longer tests for marijuana.

  • Watch: Kylie Rae Debuts for WWE Before Monday’s Raw

    Watch: Kylie Rae Debuts for WWE Before Monday’s Raw

    Former AEW and Impact star Kylie Rae debuted for WWE tonight before this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw during a taping for Main Event. She will perform under the name “Briana Ray” in WWE. She attended a tryout recently at the WWE Performance Center and it apparently went well.

    She signed with All Elite Wrestling and was a part of the promotion’s inaugural Double or Nothing event. She was advertised for a match against Leva Bates at Fyter Fester in 2019 but was replaced by Allie (The Bunny). Tony Khan announced during the All Out media scrum that Kylie had been granted her release and the split was “amicable”.

    Kylie showed up at Impact Wrestling’s Bound for Glory in 2019 and entered the “Call Your Shot” Gauntlet match. Rae had a match scheduled against Deonna Purrazzo and Bound for Glory 2020 but didn’t appear at the event and was replaced by Su Yung.

    Kylie Rae showed up in NWA to team with Taryn Terrell to defeat Thunder Rosa and Melina Perez at When Our Shadows Fall. It was announced that she had signed a contract with NWA in June.

    Kylie Rae Signs With NWA Following Agreement With Impact
  • New Day’s Latest Ring Gear Influenced by Avatar: The Way of Water

    New Day’s Latest Ring Gear Influenced by Avatar: The Way of Water

    The New Day is known to incorporate pop culture phenomena into their ring gear as they have sported things such as Power Rangers and Dragon Ball. 

    The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) went down to NXT last week to start a program with Pretty Deadly, which led to them working a match over the weekend where Kingston and Woods beat Pretty Deadly to win the NXT Tag Team Championships at the NXT Deadline premium live event.

    The Influence

    WWE

    The tag team had ring gear to honor Avatar: The Way of Water, the sequel to the 2009 smash hit “Avatar.” Shawn Michaels, who oversees NXT creative, stated after Deadline that he is hoping to have The New Day around through the Vengence Day special in February. 

    Here is the synopsis for the movie that was written and directed by James Cameron:

    “Jake Sully and Ney’tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans.”

    The movie, set to come out December 16, stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet.

  • Matt Riddle Spotted With ‘Adult Performer’ Misha Montana

    Matt Riddle Spotted With ‘Adult Performer’ Misha Montana

    Matt Riddle has been spotted making out with adult film actress Misha Montana. She uploaded a picture with the former United States Champion on Instagram.

    Matt Riddle and Misha Montana
    (IG @themishamontana)

    Riddle was supposed to team up with Elias to battle The Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships last Monday on WWE RAW. However, The Bloodline attacked Elias at the beginning of the show in the parking lot and Riddle had to find a replacement. Kevin Owens replaced Elias in the match but it wasn’t enough. The Usos hit Riddle with the 1D to retain the titles.

    After the match, Solo Sikoa brutally beat Riddle down while paying tribute to Umaga in the process. Riddle was then stretchered out of the arena and it was announced on SmackDown that he is expected to miss six weeks of action.

    Riddle’s former tag team partner, Randy Orton, has been out of action since May. RK-Bro lost the SmackDown Tag Team Championship to The Usos on the May 20th edition of the blue brand in Orton’s last match before dealing with a back injury.

    Seth Rollins recently mocked Riddle for his divorce and not being able to see his family during their rivalry but it appears that the Original Bro has moved on.

    It will be interesting to see if Matt Riddle returns alone to in six weeks to get revenge or Solo Sikoa or if he will have some backup of his own against The Bloodline.

  • Latest on When William Regal is Returning to WWE & His Expected Role

    Latest on When William Regal is Returning to WWE & His Expected Role

    William Regal is set to leave AEW and return to WWE starting in the new year.

    On last week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Regal cut his final AEW promo in a pre-taped video where he explained why he turned on Jon Moxley at Full Gear to side with MJF by costing Moxley the AEW World Heavyweight Title. 

    Regal said that he was teaching the last lesson to the Blackpool Combat Club – to keep eyes in the back of their head. 

    The Latest

    WIlliam Regal
    (via AEW)

    According to a report by Pwinsider.com, Regal has officially come to terms on his new deal with WWE, and is set to start in the new year. Per the report, Regal will have a Vice President position in the company upon his return, although there has been no word on his official title or role.

    Last week during the ROH Final Battle media call, AEW/ROH President Tony Khan explained his reason why he let William Regal leave AEW and return to WWE, which was due to Regal asking the company not to renew his existing deal so he could go back to NXT to be with his son who currently wrestles as Charles Dempsey. 

    Regal’s AEW departure has a clause that he would not be able to appear in an on-screen role for WWE upon his return.

    William Regal Reveals Vince McMahon Ended WWE Non-Compete Clause Early to Let Him Join AEW
  • Veteran NXT Star Expected For Main Roster Call-Up Soon

    Veteran NXT Star Expected For Main Roster Call-Up Soon

    One veteran NXT star is expected to be making their way up to the main roster soon.

    According to a new report from Fightful Select, as of this fall, NXT star Cameron Grimes is expected to be called up to the WWE main roster soon. Grimes has already wrestled on the main roster after defeating Akira Tozawa on an October episode of WWE Main Event.

    Initial reports believed that Grimes would be called up to the main roster after his feud with Joey Gacy was up. Now that the feud has come to a close, and Grimes hasn’t appeared on NXT television, many expect his main roster call up to happen sooner rather than later.

    The 29-year-old has been competing in professional wrestling since 2014. Beginning his career on the independents, Grimes competed for notable promotions such as PWG before signing with IMPACT Wrestling.

    Cameron Grimes
    Cameron Grimes

    However, in 2019, Grimes inked a deal with WWE, joining its NXT developmental brand. During his time on the program, Grimes has won the NXT North American Title once, and is also a former Million Dollar Champion.

    With the newly-led main roster fronted by Triple H beginning to take shape, Grimes has the perfect opportunity to jump in and make a name for himself as a new regime continues into its infancy.

  • Ronda Rousey Talks Potential Tag Team Title Run

    Ronda Rousey Talks Potential Tag Team Title Run

    Current WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey has offered up her thoughts about potentially chasing a Tag Team Title run.

    Rousey recently took to her latest YouTube live stream and answered some questions about her professional wrestling career. One such question being if she’d be interested in going after the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.

    Currently, Rousey is a singles star at the top of her game, in the midst of her second reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion. However, despite mostly being known as a singles star, Rousey has no problem going after more gold with a partner.

    “Yes. I’m happy just to have a tag title. I don’t need a singles title. A tag run would be fun. I mean, both is cool. I’ve been doing singles for so long, I’m ready to change it up. That’s another thing, too, people forget I only have a year-and-a-half of in-ring experience.“

    Rousey has been with WWE since signing with the company back in 2018. Since, she has had a legendary career with WWE in just a few year’s time. Rousey was one-third of the first-ever women’s match to headline a WrestleMania card.

    She is also a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion and one-time RAW Women’s Champion. Rousey is also a Royal Rumble winner, winning the 2022 Rumble earlier this year.

    Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

  • Spoiler on WWE Plans for Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 39 Opponent

    Spoiler on WWE Plans for Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 39 Opponent

    There have been several reports about WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 39 and the company looking to bring back past stars. Now, the question of who Brock Lesnar will be wrestling at the company’s biggest event of the year has been answered. 

    WrestlingNews.co reports that Lesnar is Gunther is planned for the show. One person familiar with creative plans stated Lesnar vs. Gunther is one of the matches listed internally for the event. 

    Gunther has talked about wanting the match with Lesnar because he feels a match with him would be his biggest possible challenge. He called it his dream match and spoke highly of Lesnar’s mind for the business. 

    Lesnar’s Other Dates

    Brock Lesnar
    (via WWE)

    The report added that Lesnar is scheduled to work the Royal Rumble in January and Elimination Chamber in February.

    WWE is still months away from WrestleMania 39, and while plans can change, the report stated Triple H has all of the top matches laid out. Also, unlike under creative by Vince McMahon, “people in the company are not seeing the scripts being ripped up like before and chances are that, barring an injury, the current WrestleMania plans will not change.”

    Gunther Names Top WWE Star as his Dream Opponent
  • William Regal Reveals Vince McMahon Ended WWE Non-Compete Clause Early to Let Him Join AEW

    William Regal Reveals Vince McMahon Ended WWE Non-Compete Clause Early to Let Him Join AEW

    William Regal has opened up on the kind act that Vince McMahon did for him after working for WWE for over 20 years. 

    Regal served as the on-screen GM for NXT and was active behind the scenes as a scout and coach before he was let go this past January. He made his AEW debut at AEW Revolution on March 6 by breaking up a fight between Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson.

    While speaking at ITR Live, which was taped in October but recently released on YouTube, Regal revealed that McMahon ended his non-compete clause early so he could join AEW.

    The Story

    “Mr. McMahon was very good to me, to the point of, I will say this because whatever he’s going through, he was excellent to me. I had a talent contract, as well as an employee contract and it didn’t run out until the end of April because I played William Regal. I started for AEW on the seventh of March. I didn’t call anybody else, I sent a message straight to the boss, ‘Hey Boss, I’ve got this thing with Bryan,’ and he loves Bryan as well. ‘Absolutely, you go’ and still paid me until the end of my talent contract. I was the only person who ever got paid by both companies at the same time.”

    As previously reported, Regal requested AEW not pick up his option at the end of the year, and AEW President Tony Khan honored his request as Regal wanted to join his son Charlie Dempsey in NXT. Regal will be working behind the scenes in WWE. 

    H/T to Fightfu for the transcription

  • “The Future of the Business” – Becky Lynch Praises WWE Star

    “The Future of the Business” – Becky Lynch Praises WWE Star

    Becky Lynch has high expectations for The Judgment Day’s Rhea Ripley, declaring the Australian Superstar the “future of the business.”

    Ripley signed with WWE in 2017 and would become the first NXT UK Women’s Champion the following year, as well as the first female Australian champion in WWE history.

    After moving to WWE NXT and capturing that brand’s Women’s Championship, Ripley would find similar success after being called up to Raw in early 2021.

    The Future

    Like Ripley, Becky Lynch is no stranger to success, having held the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships on multiple occasions.

     In an interview with Verge, Lynch praised Ripley’s success so far and said she considers her the future of the business.

    “I think Rhea is one of the greatest female athletes that we’ve ever seen. I think she’s incredible. She is so young, so full of potential. I look at her and I go ‘well, that’s the future of the business and the business is in good hands.”

    Becky Lynch.

    Lynch added that while Ripley may indeed be the future, there’s only room for one top star to be called ‘The Man.’

    “She’s the future but I’m still the present. There can only be one Man around the place. If I have to put her in her place then I’ll put her in her place.”

    Becky Lynch.

    Finn Balor

    As a member of The Judgment Day, Ripley is working with a Superstar that Lynch has been very familiar with over the years: Finn Balor.

    It was Balor who trained Lynch when The Man was starting her wrestling career, and Lynch said it is wise of Ripley to work closely with the inaugural Universal Champion.

    “she’s hanging around with somebody that I know pretty well. In fact, somebody that taught me nearly everything that I know. There’s an interesting dynamic there because she’s got Finn Bálor in her corner. I’ve known Finn for over 20 years, so it would be interesting to see what side he would take, you know, if push came to shove.”

    Becky Lynch.

    Ripley and Lynch did face off during a 2019 episode of WWE NXT but the two are yet to go one-on-one on the main roster.

    During last week’s Raw, the two former champions had an intense stare-off, teasing a feud.

    “Very Big Push” for Raw Superstar Could Lead to WrestleMania 39 Title Match (Report)
  • Watch: WWE Star Wrestles Final Match At Live Event

    Watch: WWE Star Wrestles Final Match At Live Event

    WWE Producer Jamie Noble laced up his boots one last time to compete in a final match during Sunday’s Live Event from Charleston, WV.

    The former Cruiserweight Champion started his wrestling career back in 1995. He competed for promotions such as WCW, ROH and NJPW before ending up in WWE first as a competitor and later as a backstage producer.

    The WWE star spoke to Byron Saxton for an interview before his final outing in the ring. Noble talked about getting back into the squared circle after 7 years and his pet raccoon among other things:

    Jamie Noble’s Final Match

    The bout at the WWE Live Event coming from his hometown saw Jamie Noble teaming up with Braun Strowman and The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland & Butch) for an eight men tag team match.

    This team went up against The Bloodline (The Usos, Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn) in the main event of the show. You can check out some photos and videos of the tag match below:

    https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1602158473621667841

    This match was set up after The Usos vs. The Brawling Brutes tag team match ended in a no-contest earlier in the night. The ending saw Noble getting the pin over the Honorary Uce after hitting him with a Tiger Driver.

  • “He’s Like My Uncle” – The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa on His Relationship With Paul Heyman

    “He’s Like My Uncle” – The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa on His Relationship With Paul Heyman

    The Enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa, recently revealed his backstage relationship with The Wiseman Paul Heyman.

    Sikoa made his impact felt this past Monday on WWE RAW. The Usos retained the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against Matt Riddle and Kevin Owens. Jimmy and Jey were originally supposed to defend against Riddle and Elias on Monday but The Bloodline attacked Elias in the parking lot at the beginning of the show.

    Owens was announced as Elias’ replacement but The Usos still retained. They defeated Sheamus and Butch of The Brawling Brutes this past Friday on SmackDown in a tag title match as well. Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman were not at the show or ringside for the match. The Tribal Chief and The Wiseman will be returning next Friday on SmackDonw.

    Speaking on the Superstar Crossover show, Sikoa discussed his relationship with Paul Heyman and disclosed that he viewed him “like an uncle”.

    He’s like my uncle, man. First of all, he’s been around my family for over 50 years. He’s been around Roman’s dad, he was around my dad. I don’t know if a lot of people know this, but my dad was one of the first Paul Heyman guys when they started in WCW because he was their manager.

    Now he’s with Roman and my brothers, and now with me. There’s a lot of things that he’s taught and is still teaching me. There’s just so many things that I can’t even… he does tell me, ‘This is the place where you go be a big superstar, make some money, and take care of your family.’ That’s one of the things that he does tell me.

    Solo added that he feels very blessed to be working alongside Heyman and has learned a lot from him in the past couple of months.

    He’s real, man. That’s what I love about Paul. They don’t call him the ‘Wise Guy’ for nothing. He knows the game, he knows the one, he knows the outs.

    He’s been around the family. He knows our family. He knows how we move, he knows how we work. So I’m very blessed, especially coming up and only being here for two months, I’m very, very happy to be around him and to learn from Paul Heyman.

    H/T:Fightful

    Solo Sikoa Pays Tribute to Umaga on WWE Raw
  • AEW Star Suspended for Attacking Referee After Botched Finish at ROH Final Battle

    AEW Star Suspended for Attacking Referee After Botched Finish at ROH Final Battle

    Rush and Dralistico suffered a loss to AR Fox and Blake Christian to kick off ROH Final Battle yesterday. At the end of the match, AR Fox hit a 450 Splash and went for the cover. The referee counted to three but it looked like Dralistico kicked out in time. Rush and Dralistico threw a tantrum after the match to try and save the botched finish.

    It was a rough way to start the PPV but the rest of the card was strong enough to overcome a letdown of an opener. Rush attacked the referee and apparently has been “suspended” for the attack at Final Battle.

    Jose the Assistant took to Twitter to announce they have been “suspended” for a week by All Elite Wrestling. Jose noted that Preston Vance was not suspended because he wasn’t “too involved”.

    RUSH “assaulted” a Referee. We got fined $$ for using chairs. We’ve been SUSPENDED for a week by #AEW. Preston didn’t get too involved and isn’t suspended. You can’t fool the fans, they know the match ending was BULLSHIT. #ROHFinalBattle #LaFaccionIngobernable

    ROH Final Battle 2022 took place yesterday afternoon in Arlington, Texas. Six title matches went down at the College Park Center and several changed hands. Claudio Castagnoli defeated Chris Jericho in the main event by getting him to tap out after 32 rotations in The Swing.

    After the show, AEW President Tony Khan spoke to media and finally announced the future of Ring of Honor television. The future appears to be the backup plan, as Ring of Honor television will not have a home on TNT or TBS. Instead, Tony Khan announced that ROH TV will start sometime in the future on Honor Club, ROH’s subscription service on their website.

    AEW Issues Statement on ROH HonorClub Streaming Service
  • Bron Breakker Retains WWE NXT Title at Deadline

    Bron Breakker Retains WWE NXT Title at Deadline

    WWE NXT Champion Bron Breakker made his latest title defense against Apollo Crews at Saturday’s WWE NXT Deadline event. 

    The match had a slow build, with Crews controlling most of it.  Crews with a back flip off the apron before Bron with a brain buster then a standing moonsault for 2. Breakker with a dive over the top rope to the floor. Crews with a powerslam for a near fall. Bron with a spear for the win.  

    Post-match, Grayson Waller, who earned a future title shot earlier in the show after winning the Iron Survivor Match, laid out Breakker and ended the show standing tall with the title. 

    How We Got Here

    On the November 22nd edition of WWE NXT, the match was confirmed in a vignette with Crews announcing he would be getting the next title match after defeating JD McDonagh on a recent episode of NXT. He said during the vignette that he had been waiting six months for this moment and couldn’t wait to step into the ring with Breakker.

    Breakker won the NXT Title for a second time on the April 4th edition of Raw when he beat Dolph Ziggler. Breakker previously won the NXT Title from Ciampa at New Year’s Evil in January from Tommaso Ciampa.

    Breakker’s recent title defenses have come against Ilja Dragunov and JD McDonagh at Halloween Havoc, Tyler Bate at Worlds Collide, JD McDonagh in August, and Cameron Grimes on July 5th.

  • Grayson Waller Wins Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Match at WWE NXT Deadline

    Grayson Waller Wins Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Match at WWE NXT Deadline

    In the first-ever Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge match, WWE loaded up the match by booking Carmelo Hayes vs. JD McDonagh vs. Grayson Waller vs. Joe Gacy vs. Axiom.

    The match’s regulations stated that after the first two competitors, a new competitor would enter the match every five minutes until all five were there. In 25 minutes, the individual who has the most falls will win. A pinfall awards one point to the winner, and the loser is forced to spend 90 seconds in the penalty box.

    The entrant list be Axiom, JD, Hayes, Gacy, and Waller. 

    Hayes picked up the first fall on Axiom. Waller hit his finisher to Axiom and JD for double pinfalls. Waller with a back suplex to Hayes on the announce table. Axiom rolled up Waller for a pinfall. Axiom with a canadian destroyer then hit his finisher for another fall on JD.

    Gacy with a clothesline to Axiom for a near fall then put him in a submission hold for the submission fall. Gacy picked up a pinfall on Hayes.  Hayes with the crossface to Waller for the submission fall.  Waller pinned Axiom after Axiom received a leg drop from Hayes and that was the final fall.  

    As a result of winning the match, Waller has earned the right to challenge NXT Champion Bron Breakker for the championship at a later date.