SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Drew McIntyre Pulled From Title Match on Friday’s WWE SmackDown

    Drew McIntyre Pulled From Title Match on Friday’s WWE SmackDown

    Drew McIntyre has revealed that he is not medically qualified to compete at this week’s WWE SmackDown.

    The former WWE Champion was slated to team with Sheamus to challenge the winners of the Undisputed Tag Team Championship match on tonight’s Raw between The Usos and Matt Riddle & Elias this Friday night on SmackDown. 

    The Announcement

    Drew McIntyre

    He promised to return soon because he doesn’t like missing shows. However, he didn’t provide any specifics as to what the exact issue is. McIntyre wrote the following: 

    “Unfortunately I am medically disqualified to compete this Friday on #Smackdown. I don’t like to miss any shows as everybody knows but I promise I’ll be back soon.”

    His last televised match was at Survivor Series in the Men’s WarGames match when the Bloodline (Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn & Solo Sikoa) defeated McIntyre, Kevin Owens & The Brawling Brutes (Butch, Ridge Holland & Sheamus). His last match happened on November 27 in a six-man tag team match at a house show. 

    Shayna Baszler (w/Ronda Rousey) vs. Shotzi (w/Raquel Rodriguez) and Kurt Angle’s birthday celebration is still advertised for this week’s SmackDown from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

    We wish the best to McIntyre and hope to see him back in the ring soon. 

  • Kevin Nash Reveals How Much WWE Paid Marvel For ‘Hulk’ Trademark

    Kevin Nash Reveals How Much WWE Paid Marvel For ‘Hulk’ Trademark

    Kevin Nash has revealed how much WWE dished out to Marvel for use of the “Hulk” trademark for Hulk Hogan.

    The WWE Hall Of Famer took to his “Kliq This” podcast and shed some light for fans on the trademark issue side of the professional wrestling business. Nash dove into the complexities of trademarks, including how some stars, such as 16-time World Champion John Cena, have their real names trademarked by WWE.

    “It should only be able to be registered, but not trademarked. And then you would have to sign a merchandising agreement. I don’t see how they can trademark it.”

    nWo
    (via WWE)

    Having been a part of one of the most famous professional wrestling factions of all time, the NWO, Nash was asked by co-host Sean Oliver how valuable the faction’s trademark is. Nash said that if he had the option to own the NWO trademark or his own name, he’d choose the NWO.

    “[WWE] owned the nWo. So we got a percentage of that from the WWE. The faction makes way more money than “Kevin Nash” does. The nWo was the homerun. If I could pick owning either the nWo trademark solely 100%, or owning “Kevin Nash” in the realm of wrestling? I’ll take the nWo.”

    Finally, Nash noted that WWE actually had to pay Marvel for the use of the “Hulk” trademark for Hulk Hogan – who was one of the most famous people on the planet during his run atop the WWE mountain.

    Apparently, the professional wrestling juggernaut had to dish out six figures for the use of the trademark.

    “It was Marvel, and [WWF] paid, I wanna say one hundred grand, to use the Hulk trademark.”

    Quotes via 411Mania

  • The Bloodline Honors Umaga on the Anniversary of his Passing

    The Bloodline Honors Umaga on the Anniversary of his Passing

    Sunday, December 4 marked the 13 years since the passing of former WWE Superstar Umaga (Edward Smith Fatu). He was a member of legendary Anoa?i family.

    Bloodline member Jey Uso honored The Samoan Bulldozer on social media on the anniversary of his untimely death.

    As seen below, he posted photos on Instagram remembering his late uncle. The caption reads, “Dec 4th be a sad day. Then, ALL the great memories brightens it up.??? Love u mane.”

    Several wrestling personalities liked and commented on the post, including Chris Jeriocho, Chavo Guerrero, Bayley and Renee Paquette.

    Jey Uso is very proud of his uncle and his family heritage. In a 2021 interview with Yahoo! Sports, he credted the Samoan people for ‘making’ wrestling.

    “I think the Samoan people have made wrestling,” he said. “Pro wrestling is right down our alley, we’re just physical people, strong, quick. I feel like we were just made to do this. Being a part of it now and seeing all of the blood that has been laid before me, the whole family tree, it’s very humbling and I’m so proud I am part of this.”

    Both Uso brothers have spoken candidly about the way Umaga changed their lives:

    Umaga Lives on

    The Bloodline faction is comprised of Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, The Usos, Solo Sikoa (plus honorary Uce, Sami Zayn). WWE broadcaster Corey Graves recently compared Sikoa to Umaga on the After the Bell podcast.

    “His reactions reminded me very much of Umaga,” said Graves. “I said it on the air with all due respect, because I know in what regard the family looks at Umaga and with what reference he is viewed within the family. So I would never say that as a flippant comment. A smaller, more compact version, but the same hard-hitting impact. The same savagery once he gets going.”

    Remembering Umaga

    WWE has created this playlist recapping some of Umaga’s greatest in-ring moments. He was an active Superstar from 2001-2003 (as Jamal of the ‘Three Minute Warning’ tag team) and later 2005-2009 (as Umaga).

  • WWE Expected to Struggle with Plans for Global Expansion (Report)

    WWE Expected to Struggle with Plans for Global Expansion (Report)

    WWE’s new regime may have big plans internationally, but don’t count on seeing a promotion be acquired anytime soon.

    Last month, WWE co-CEOs Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan appeared at the Wells Fargo TMT Summit to address plans in the post-Vince McMahon era.

    At the event, Stephanie McMahon spoke about plans for WWE to branch out “international is the focus for us.”

    Problems

    WWE’s plans to stretch its reach even further across the world is nothing new, but the company has yet to establish its brand with a promotion outside of the U.S. and the UK.

    Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained why WWE will continue to struggle.

    “The key is that they have a lot of money right now, and so they want to do mergers and acquisitions and stuff like that. Their business is wrestling so they’re looking at buying some wrestling companies. Them trying to run something in Mexico is probably a bad idea.

    Japanese companies do not want to sell to Americans.

    Dave Meltzer on one of WWE’s potential struggles for global expansion.

    “Them buying a Japanese company [is a bad idea] if they can because it’s already so hard. Japanese companies do not want to sell to Americans. It’s hard to do. They tried to buy Stardom, but Stardom sold to Bushiroad. They tried to buy NOAH, but NOAH sold to [CyberFight.] There are a million companies in Japan they could buy. I suppose they could run them, but there’s not really a lot of money to be made. I think they would screw up in Mexico. I don’t think they would understand the culture, and Japan has an even more difficult culture to understand than Mexico.”

    Boxing

    WWE’s talk of branching out internationally is nothing new, but talk about boxing took everyone by surprise.

    At the event, McMahon said that WWE is interested in getting into the world of professional boxing, saying it would need to line up with WWE’s standards.

    On his show, Meltzer explained that boxing is an industry WWE would be wise to avoid.

    Boxing would be the one that would surprise me. Dana White is a big Boxing fan and for years he’s talked about doing something in boxing. And when push came to shove [he didn’t.] If you want to get into boxing, you have two choices. You either work at such a small level and make no money, or you try and do something at the big level. And the problem is at the big level there’s high risk because the guarantees for the big-name fighters are so high. They’re way higher than UFC guys are used to paying their fighters. And they are WAY higher than WWE is used to paying.

    “I don’t know if that’s a business they want to get into. Especially right now.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    “I don’t know if that’s a business they want to get into. Especially right now, because boxing’s not really that popular. They have a few names that are big. If they go into the gimmick side, they are late in the game. We’ve already seen the Anderson Silva Vs. Jake Paul Pay-Per-View didn’t do well.”

    Meltzer concluded that he expects WWE to back off the idea of getting into boxing once they have a closer look at the financials of the matter.

    Stephanie McMahon Discusses Potential WWE Stadium Show in Australia
  • Kevin Nash Claims Larry Zbyszko Got Stoned for WWE Hall of Fame Induction

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

    Larry Zbyszko’s contributions to the wrestling world earned him a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2015, but the ‘living legend’ was reportedly high throughout the ceremony.

    On the night before WrestleMania 31, Zbyszko was inducted by his good friend Bruno Sammartino, who had been inducted two years earlier.

    Zbyszko’s induction was part of a stacked class, which included the late ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, Rikishi, Alundra Blayze, The Bushwhackers, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

    Stoned

    That year’s WWE Hall of Fame also saw the singles induction of Kevin Nash for his work in WWE as Big Daddy Cool Diesel.

    Speaking on his Kliq This podcast, Nash recalled Zbyszko mellowing out for his induction speech.

    “I went into the Hall of Fame. So it’s 2015 and [Mean] Gene’s next to me, and Zbyszko had gotten stoned before [the show began.] Larry had gotten stoned before he went out and did the Hall of Fame. Of course, you think in your mind ‘I’ll get stoned and I’ll be really entertaining.’”

    While Zbyszko believed that being high would help, Nash gave Mean Gene’s scathing review when the three were on a plane to leave San Francisco.

    “I’m in [Row] C. Gene is D and Larry is on the other side of Gene in the aisle. And he says ‘how did I do Gene?’ And he replies ‘it was the absolute drizzling sh*ts. The worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life Larry.’ And Larry was waiting [for Gene to say something good about the speech] and he just turned back to me and was talking.”

    “It was the absolute drizzling sh*ts!”

    Mean Gene Okerlund’s review of Larry Zybszko’s WWE Hall of Fame induction.

    WWE and Marijuana

    WWE has always had an interesting relationship with marijuana and has both allowed and banned the substance multiple times.

    Speaking about his own experiences, Nash recalled being able to use it during his first run, and not being allowed when he returned in 2002.

    “The first three years we could smoke. The three years after that we couldn’t smoke. WWE had the ‘no steroid, no marijuana’ policy.”

    Kevin Nash.

    Nash also named his favorite person to smoke with, and picked someone fans wouldn’t have expected.

    “One of my favorite people to hang out with on the road that I never got a chance to do much with is Chris Masters. The Masterlock. We were at a signing somewhere in Jersey. He made a pipe out of an apple and he and I got whacked! We ended up in lookers drinking Coronas. It was a good signing, a couple of hours. We went up the room and got baked.”

    In April 20, of this year, it was reported that WWE would no longer be penalizing talent for the use of marijuana.

    Jake Roberts Says Vince McMahon Banning Marijuana Led to Wrestlers Using Hard Drugs
  • Kurt Angle is Willing to Wrestle Shane McMahon Again… For the Right Price

    Kurt Angle is Willing to Wrestle Shane McMahon Again… For the Right Price

    Kurt Angle is ready to don his singlet and wrestling boots for a rematch with Shane McMahon, but the match won’t come cheap.

    At the 2001 King of the Ring Pay-Per-View, Angle wrestled three times, defeating Christian in the titular tournament semi-finals, before losing to Edge in the finals.

    Angle’s third match of the night saw him defeat Shane McMahon in a Street Fight which continues to be considered one of the best matches of both men’s respective careers.

    Shane McMahon

    Shane McMahon did not spend years honing his craft on the independents before wrestling for his father’s company, but he made up for any lack of experience in the ring.

    McMahon’s death-defying stunts would not look out of place in any hardcore indie promotion, and on his podcast, Angle had nothing but praise for Shane O’Mac.

    “Shane was great. I always loved working with him. Whether we were wrestling or cutting promos. We’ll never live down the match at King of the Ring. No matter how many times I wrestle Shane we will never duplicate that match, ever.”

    Kurt Angle.

    The King of the Ring match is perhaps best remembered for Shane being thrown through the show’s glass staging, twice.

    The Rematch

    In total, Kurt Angle wrestled for 45 minutes and 9 seconds at King of the Ring 2001, an impressive feat considering he’d been a WWF Superstar for little over a year.

    Speaking about facing Shane in a rematch, Kurt said that to do so would cost a lot of money.

    “man, that’s tough. Well, that would have to be a lot of money, I’m talking ten million.”

    Kurt Angle.

    Angle hasn’t competed since his WWE WrestleMania 35 loss to Baron Corbin in April 2019.

    New Details on Shane McMahon’s Controversial Conduct at the Royal Rumble

    h/t – eWrestlingNews

  • Tyson Fury Wants WWE Tag Team Match With Jake & Logan Paul

    Tyson Fury Wants WWE Tag Team Match With Jake & Logan Paul

    Boxing star Tyson Fury is ready to get back in a WWE ring if it means getting his hands on Jake and Logan Paul.

    In 2019, Fury competed in his first (and to date, only) WWE match, defeating Braun Strowman at that year’s Crown Jewel Premium Live Event via count out.

    Fury’s most recent appearance came at WWE Clash at the Castle in September of this year, preventing then-Mr. Money in the Bank Austin Theory from cashing in.

    The Paul Brothers

    In the years since Crown Jewel 2019, Fury has teased a return to WWE, something the promotion’s management would love to see.

    Speaking to Boxing Social this past week, Fury again expressed his excitement at a return to the WWE ring.

    “I can’t wait, smashing a chair on somebody’s head.”

    Tyson Fury.

    When asked about a tag-team match, pitting the Pauls against Tyson and his father, the former boxer John Fury, the ‘Gypsy King’ was on board.

    “Yeah that sounds good, let’s do it!”

    Tyson Fury.

    This past weekend, Fury retained the WBC World Heavyweight Championship and dominated Derek Chisora before the referee stopped the fight in the tenth round.

    Fury’s Other Match

    Tyson Fury may have his sights set on the Paul brothers, but Drew McIntyre is also a potential opponent for the Boxing megastar.

    Over the years, both McIntyre and Fury have teased a match that would take place at a WWE Premium Live Event in the United Kingdom.

    While both men appeared at Clash at the Castle, they didn’t come to blows but instead serenaded the crowd in Cardiff, Wales to close out the show.

    Drew McIntyre Believes Tyson Fury is “Custom Fit” for WWE
  • Triple H’s Creative Team “Almost Never Mentioned” the WWE 24/7 Championship

    Triple H’s Creative Team “Almost Never Mentioned” the WWE 24/7 Championship

    The WWE 24/7 Champion is officially retired as part of Triple H’s new regime as Head of Creative and Head of Talent Relations.

    The championship debuted in 2019 and despite initial hostility by fans over the design, became popular for providing comedy segments during WWE programming.

    After winning the title last month, Nikki Cross dumped the title in the trash, signifying the end of the championship.

    The End of the WWE 24/7 Championship

    After Triple H took the creative reins from his father-in-law Vince McMahon in July, the 24/7 Championship was immediately featured less and less on TV.

    The green-and-gold title played no part in the Game’s plans for WWE in the post-McMahon era, Fightful Select reports.

    A source who spoke to Fightful said that the title “was almost never mentioned in a creative sense” backstage in production meetings, but allowed for some fun moments at live events.”

    The source added that “the future of the title seemed to be up in the air and it wasn’t something that we heard Triple H ever talked about.”

    Despite the title appearing on TV during the Triple H era, no championship matches were held until Dana Brooke lost the title to Nikki Cross.

    The WWE 24/7 Championship

    After being introduced by Mick Foley, Titus O’Neil became the first 24/7 Champion by winning a battle royal but quickly lost the title moments later.

    R-Truth holds the records for both the most reigns (53) and the most combined days as champion (415 days.)

    Pat Patterson’s win at Raw Reunion in July 2019 aged 78 made him the oldest champion in WWE, while Kelly Kelly would become the first woman to hold the gold, also winning at Raw Reunion.

    The Revival (now AEW’s FTR) was the only tag team to win the title together, while Maria Kanellis-Bennett’s reign made her the first pregnant champion in WWE.

    Jeff Hardy Felt “Ashamed” Chasing the WWE 24/7 Championship
  • Former WWE Star Claims William Regal Regretted Signing with AEW due to “Maturity Issues” in Management

    Former WWE Star Claims William Regal Regretted Signing with AEW due to “Maturity Issues” in Management

    Former WWE NXT GM William Regal is reportedly returning to WWE following a short stint with AEW.

    Regal formed the Blackpool Combat Club with Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson. It appeared that AEW was onto something with the group but the booking quickly made them an afterthought. Claudio Castagnoli and Bryan Danielson chased after the ROH Championship and have been feuding with Jericho Appreciation Society for an eternity while Moxley was doing his own thing as AEW World Champion.

    William played a prominent role in the AEW World Championship match at Full Gear. Regal betrayed Jon Moxley and slid him the brass knuckles. MJF would then betray William Regal on this past Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite and bashed him in the back of the head with the brass knuckles.

    There have been reports of AEW talent questioning the decision to have Regal be the focal point of the AEW World Championship storyline when it was known he was leaving the company.

    AEW Talent Questioning Recent Tony Khan Booking Decision (Report)

    EC3 Claims William Regal Regretted Joining AEW

    Former WWE Superstar EC3 joined former WWE writer Vince Russo and Dr. Chris Featherstone for the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s The Wrestling Outlaws Show.

    During the conversation, EC3 stated that Regal’s value is in a developmental system where the talent listen and that was not the case in AEW.

    He’s too valuable to not be in a developmental system. And I know we can say ‘oh he’s there mentoring the people in AEW’, the thing is they are not listening.

    The talent doesn’t listen to veterans for the most part. The ones that do are knocking him in the back of the head with brass knuckles and are the World Champion.

    The other ones are doing moves all the way from Dynamite to Rampage to Dark, and nobody cares.

    His value is grooming future generations in NXT, like I think he loved it there. I think he was super comfortable. If people are paid money to listen to him, well maybe they will actually listen to him.

    EC3 added that he heard William Regal immediately regretted joining All Elite Wrestling once he signed with the promotion. The former WWE star claimed that he heard those words verbatim.

    The word was he said ‘I immediately regret this decision, there’s very much a maturity issue here within management’. Verbatim.

  • Seth Rollins Paid Tribute to Brodie Lee at WWE Show from Rochester, NY

    Seth Rollins Paid Tribute to Brodie Lee at WWE Show from Rochester, NY

    On Saturday night, WWE had a house show in Rochester, NY. That is the hometown of the late, great Brodie Lee.

    After a match with Austin Theory, an emotional Seth Rollins paid tribute to his late friend. “Mr. Brodie Lee, aka Luke Harper, was from here and he passed away a couple years ago, about this time. This is the first time that I’ve been here with a microphone in my hand, in this city to tell him much I miss him and how much I love him.” The crowd began chanting, “Brodie. Brodie. Brodie.”

    “The Architect” continued with, “I just wanted to say tonight was for him. Every single time we’re in Rochester, in my heart, that means we’re here for him. It’s Saturday and you know what that means.”

    Brodie Lee’s Death

    Brodie Lee
    Brodie Lee

    As Rollins mentioned, it’s getting close to the anniversary of Lee’s untimely death. He passed away December 26, 2020. Lee’s wife, Amanda, detailed his health issues that started in October 2020. His health declined rapidly and he was not approved for lung transplants. On Christmas Eve, they began preparing him for end of life care.

    A funeral was not held due to COVID-19. AEW’s “Celebration of Life” episode was his funeral, according to Amanda.

    Amanda now works for AEW in their Community Outreach department. Negative 1 still appears on AEW programming, including the Black Friday edition of Rampage where his mentor, Preston “10” Vance, turned on Dark Order and threw the mask his father gave him down at his feet.

  • Photos: Bianca Belair Impresses in Bodybuilding Competition, WWE Superstars React

    Photos: Bianca Belair Impresses in Bodybuilding Competition, WWE Superstars React

    RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair competed in a fitness competition over the weekend and showed off her impressive physique on social media today.

    Belair’s team defeated Damage CTRL, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross in the Women’s WarGames match this past Saturday. Becky Lynch returned to the company as the mystery teammate and wound up winning the match for Team Bianca at the premium live event. The Man connected with a Leg Drop off the top of the steel cage on Dakota and IYO below for the pinfall victory.

    Bianca took to Twitter to share several photos from the competition. She disclosed that she has been training for the past 10 weeks for the WBFF Pro Atlantic City Pro Am and got to show off her hard work on the stage over the weekend.

    Belair also noted that she is a part of the WBFF Pro Card Family now and received first place in wellness, and 2nd in fitness at the competition.

    WWE Superstars React to Bianca Belair Competing in Bodybuilding Competition

    Several WWE Superstars from the past and present praised Bianca on social media today. Charlotte Flair responded with a bunch of emojis and Impact producer Lance Storm praised The EST.

    https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1599478159350837248?s=20&t=iIYp1d1ZE39vEHhEbsJ3RQ

    WWE authority figure Adam Pearce said that Belair was inspiring and congratulated her.

    Former WWE Superstar and current producer Shane “The Hurricane” Helms also complimented Belair.

    Bianca just wrapped up a long rivalry with Bayley over the RAW Women’s Championship. She defeated The Role Model in a Last Woman Standing match at WWE Crown Jewel and got the better of Damage CTRL once again at Survivor Series WarGames.

  • Triple H was “Very Unhappy” with William Regal’s WWE NXT Release

    Triple H was “Very Unhappy” with William Regal’s WWE NXT Release

    William Regal is expected to return to WWE soon, after his release in January of this year left Triple H “very unhappy.”

    This week, Regal was written off of TV with an attack by AEW World Champion MJF, who chastised the British veteran for making a deal with ‘the Devil.’

    It was reported not long after that Regal is expected to finish with the company and return to WWE when he is able to.

    Done

    Sources in AEW all are operating on the assumption that he’s leaving the company, Fightful Select has reported.

    On the other side, sources from WWE who spoke to Fightful are all under the impression that Regal is rejoining their promotion.

    One AEW source said that after the MJF angle that ran last week, William Regal was “done” with the company, and will not be appearing on-screen again.

    Unhappy

    Regal’s imminent return to WWE comes after the former King of the Ring was released in January of this year.

    A WWE source said that it does not come as any surprise that William Regal is likely headed back, given how close he was to Triple H.

    Working as a tag team in WCW in 1994, Regal would serve as one of the Game’s groomsmen in 2003, and the pair worked together in NXT until Regal’s release.

    That same WWE source added that Triple H was “very unhappy” when Regal was let go, and those in NXT said they believed the Gentleman Villain would be a “lifer” with the brand.

    Those in WWE expect him to resume an advanced role similar to the one he had before, but that wasn’t confirmed.

    AEW Talent Questioning Recent Tony Khan Booking Decision (Report)
  • William Regal Returning to WWE for “Behind the Scenes” Role (Report)

    William Regal Returning to WWE for “Behind the Scenes” Role (Report)

    William Regal’s impending return to WWE will see the British star work behind the scenes in an unspecified role.

    On this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite Regal was betrayed by AEW World Champion MJF, who laid out the Brit with some brass knuckles.

    It has been reported that this is AEW’s way of writing Regal off of TV and marks his final appearance for the wrestling legend for the promotion.

    Gone

    There has been some speculation that Regal could still stay with AEW, but all signs are pointing to him both leaving, and to him returning to WWE.

    On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that there will be some reference to Regal on next week’s Dynamite.

    “Regal’s gone. It’s not like ‘maybe he’s gone, maybe he’s not.’ Regal’s gone. I believe that was his farewell. There’s going to be something on Wednesday’s show, there will be something addressing certain things.”

    Next week’s Dynamite will air from the H-E-B Arena in Cedar Park, Texas.

    Conflicting Stories

    Regal’s departure from AEW has come out of nowhere, given that he has been prominently featured since signing earlier this year.

    On his show, Meltzer explained how WWE’s version of events differs from what others have been saying.

    “He is going back to WWE. That’s just the deal. I’ve had so many different people tell me so many different stories. The primary source story is that his contract was short-term. The WWE side says he had an out. Did he sign a nine-month deal [with AEW?] Doesn’t sound right.

    “The closest thing to what I would say is official is that he signed a short-term deal. Others say he had an out or Tony [Khan] gave him an out.”

    Behind the Scenes

    Regal was an on-screen presence throughout his AEW run, and it is unconfirmed if he had any official role backstage.

    When he returns to WWE, the former Intercontinental Champion is set to resume a role behind the scenes, but it is unclear if he will also have an on-screen presence.

    “When he signed it was a three-year deal, supposedly and nine months now it’s over. Sounds weird? But if he had an out, he had an out. Or maybe Tony just said to him ‘hey look. He [WWE’s Head of Creative and Talent Triple H] is your buddy. You can go [to WWE] with the restrictions that maybe you’re not going to be on TV.

    “He’s going there to work behind the scenes.”

    Dave Meltzer.


    “I know he’s going there to work behind the scenes but I don’t know if he’s going over there to be a TV character.”

    Regal’s departure has yet to be confirmed by Tony Khan in an official capacity.

    AEW Talent Questioning Recent Tony Khan Booking Decision (Report)
  • “Internal Error” Caused WWE SmackDown Superstars to Miss Dark Match

    “Internal Error” Caused WWE SmackDown Superstars to Miss Dark Match

    WWE Superstar Scarlett was close to having her first match in over a year for the company this week, before being pulled from the SmackDown post-show dark match.

    Scarlett was released from WWE in November 2021 along with her husband Karrion Kross but both returned in August of this year.

    Since then, Kross has been prominently featured on TV but Scarlett is yet to have a televised match in a WWE ring.

    Dark Match

    After this week’s SmackDown went off the air, Braun Strowman, Madcap Moss, Matt Riddle, and Liv Morgan defeated Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro, Damian Priest, and Zelina Vega.

    Sources who spoke to 411 Mania have said that the original plan was for a six-person tag, pitting Riddle, Strowman, and Morgan against Priest, Kross, and Scarlett.

    Plans for Kross and Scarlett were set “long before Friday’s taping” but the Smokeshow was never told about her match.

    A source said that if Scarlett was told about the match at the taping, it would have been “news to her.”

    It is believed that there was an internal error or the match was just pitched and shot down before Friday’s taping.

    Scarlett in the Ring

    Despite being a trained wrestler in her own right, Scarlett has had just a handful of matches in WWE.

    During the Boxing Day 2016 episode of Raw, Bordeaux was used as enhancement talent and was quickly squashed by Nia Jax.

    Last year, Scarlett, now with her own character, competed in a dark match for the June 25, 2021, SmackDown taping, in a losing effort to Shotzi.

    WWE SmackDown Results, Takeaways (12/2/22): Survivor Series Fallout, World Cup Finals, Tegan Nox
  • Former WWE Writer Shares Wild Ideas Discussed: Vince McMahon Having Midlife Crisis, Undertaker’s Son

    Former WWE Writer Shares Wild Ideas Discussed: Vince McMahon Having Midlife Crisis, Undertaker’s Son

    Discussions happen all the time in WWE, but some make it to television, and others do not. When Vince McMahon was in charge of creative, some wild pitches were made, with some being approved by the former CEO and Chairman while others were not. 

    On Friday, it was reported that The Rock appearing in the WWE Royal Rumble “has been discussed within WWE. 

    Former WWE writer Brian Gewirtz, who worked for the company for over a decade in the early 2000s before going to work for The Rock at Seven Bucks Productions, commented on “discussions” about ideas he had during his time in the company. He shared them with the following post: 

    The Ideas

    Vince McMahon

    “Things “discussed” in my time at wwe: Vince having midlife crisis, growing beard, wearing Hawaiian shirts and singing Black Eyed Peas songs. Kaval being Undertakers secret long lost son. [John] Cena losing to Bray Wyatt via singing possessed child… wait, that one actually happened.”

    Kaval is best known as Low Ki, who was in WWE from the end of 2008 to December 2010. He also found success in ROH and TNA Wrestling. 

    Wyatt defeated Cena thanks to singing children at WWE Extreme Rules 2014. Wyatt gave the following response:

    As of this writing, The Rock coming back at the Royal Rumble and working a match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 has not been confirmed. 

  • AEW World Champion MJF Reacts to Praise from Sami Zayn: “Sami is Salt of the Earth”

    AEW World Champion MJF Reacts to Praise from Sami Zayn: “Sami is Salt of the Earth”

    Sami Zayn was recently interviewed by Peter Rosenberg on the Cheap Heat podcast and said he would like to work with AEW World Champion MJF.

    Maxwell captured the title from Jon Moxley in the main event of AEW Full Gear on November 19th. William Regal then slid MJF the brass knuckles and he punched Moxley with them to win the title. On this past Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite, MJF attacked Regal with the brass knuckles and introduced a new title design.

    Sami Zayn competed in the main event of WWE Survivor Series WarGames last weekend. The Honorary Uce was the reason The Bloodline picked up the victory at the premium live event. Zayn hit Kevin Owens with a low blow, a Helluva Kick, and Jey followed it up with a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory.

    Peter Rosenberg asked Sami Zayn if there was anyone outside of WWE that he would like to work with and Sami thought about it for a bit before naming MJF.

    AEW World Champion MJF took to Twitter to respond and called Sami the Salt of the Earth.


    Sami is Salt of the Earth.

    – MJF

    The AEW World Champion recently appeared on Sam Roberts’ Wrestling Show and said that Sami Zayn is one of the most entertaining wrestlers on the planet.

    MJF’s first AEW World Championship defense will be against Ricky Starks at Dynamite: Winter is coming on December 14th. Starks won the World Title Eliminator tournament to earn the title shot. Ricky will also be in the Battle Royal this Wednesday for the Dynamite Diamond Ring. MJF has won the ring the past three years.

    Solo Sikoa Responds to Praise from Popular AEW Star: “He Knows How to Get Down”
  • WWE Repackaging Lacey Evans With New Gimmick Again

    WWE Repackaging Lacey Evans With New Gimmick Again

    Lacey Evans is set to have her character revamped yet again as fans saw on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

    During SmackDown, a vignette aired hyping Evans’ return to the ring, which saw the Superstar reconnect with her Marine roots as she performed multiple drills.

    Evans has competed just once since October 2022, competing in a six-pack challenge that was won by Shotzi.

    Change of Character

    While Evans hasn’t been featured much on WWE programming this year, she’s had plenty of changes in her character.

    On the April 8, 2022, episode of WWE SmackDown, Evans appeared in a vignette as a babyface, speaking about her life as a mother.

    Not long after, Evans was moved to Raw and her character became a heel once again.

    Weeks later, Evans was moved back to SmackDown, but as a heel, without ever competing on Raw.

    On the June 10, SmackDown, Evans turned face yet again, defeating Xia Li and qualifying for the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match.

    During the post-Money in the Bank SmackDown, Evans turned heel again by attacking her tag-team partner Aliyah.

    Lacey Evans

    Signing with WWE in April 2016, Evans competed in the inaugural Mae Young Classic the following year but was eliminated in the second round by Toni Storm.

    In January 2019, the Sassy Southern Belle was called up to WWE’s main roster and was drafted to Raw after WrestleMania 35.

    On the red brand, Evans repeatedly challenged then-Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch but was unsuccessful in winning the title.

    Evans had reportedly been set to win the title from Asuka in early 2021 before her real-life pregnancy nixed those plans, as well as an on-screen romance with Ric Flair.

    WWE SmackDown Results, Takeaways (12/2/22): Survivor Series Fallout, World Cup Finals, Tegan Nox
  • Kevin Owens is “Ashamed” to Admit Why He Couldn’t Enjoy WWE Universal Title Run

    Kevin Owens is “Ashamed” to Admit Why He Couldn’t Enjoy WWE Universal Title Run

    Kevin Owens will go down in history as the second-ever WWE Universal Champion, but the Prizefighter did not enjoy his time on top.

    Owens won the vacated title on the August 29, 2016, episode of Monday Night Raw, defeating Seth Rollins, Big Cass, and Roman Reigns, albeit with help from Triple H.

    The title, which was won by Finn Balor at that year’s Summerslam, had been vacated due to a shoulder injury the Irish Superstar suffered during his title match.

    Biggest Lesson

    Owens has been with WWE since 2014, but established his name on the independent scene years prior to signing.

    Speaking on After the Bell, Owens was asked about what advice he’d give his younger self, and encouraged them to stop and smell the proverbial roses.

    “I used to always want more and more and more. What’s next? What’s next? What’s next? There are so many moments over the past eight years that I didn’t properly enjoy because I was always worried about what was the next thing.”

    Owens also expressed an interest in a return to the indies, believing it is possible now as part of WWE’s new regime.

    Universal Champion.

    Kevin Owens’ Universal title win marked the first (and to-date only) World Championship for the Canadian on the main roster.

    Unfortunately, Owens couldn’t stop and smell the proverbial roses as he was frustrated during his run on top.

    On the podcast, the Canadian Superstar explained why he could not enjoy his reign.

    “When I was Universal Champion, I had this incredible run with Chris Jericho and so many great moments, so many fun moments that people still talk about today. I’m ashamed to say that I really did not enjoy that as much as I should have.

    “I’m ashamed to say that I really did not enjoy that as much as I should have.”

    Kevin Owens.

    “I enjoy it now looking back. When I watch the stuff we were doing together, it’s so fun, it’s so good. But in that moment, I wouldn’t take the time to appreciate what I was doing because I was worried. ‘Okay next week, what are we doing?’”

    Owens’ reign would end at Fastlane 2017 when he was squashed by Bill Goldberg, after being distracted by his former friend Chris Jericho.

    Brock Lesnar Refused to Wrestle Kevin Owens
  • What Happened With Liv Morgan After WWE SmackDown Went Off The Air

    What Happened With Liv Morgan After WWE SmackDown Went Off The Air

    WWE SmackDown aired live this week from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. It was the first episode of the blue brand following WWE Survivor Series WarGames last Saturday.

    SEScoops correspondent Ella Jay was at the venue tonight and shared what happened after this week’s episode of SmackDown went off the air. Matt Riddle, Braun Strowman, Madcap Moss, and Liv Morgan defeated Legado Del Fantasma, Damian Priest, and Zelina Vega in the dark match.

    After #SmackDown went off the air, Matt Riddle, Braun Strowman, Madcap Moss, and Liv Morgan beat Legado Del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro and Zelina Vega) & Damian Priest in the dark match main event

    Sami Zayn defeated Sheamus in the opening contest after Jey Uso interfered. The Usos had a conversation about Zayn’s lie about talking with Kevin Owens last week but Jey said Sami proved himself by winning The Bloodline the Men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series.

    The finals of the SmackDown World Cup went down on tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown as well. Ricochet battled Santos Escobar to determine which superstar will challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.

    Legado Del Fantasma was kicked out ringside early and Ricochet was able to pick up the victory after hitting the 630 Splash. Gunther defeated Ricochet to win the IC Title, and beat him two weeks later on the June 24th edition of SmackDown in their rematch. It will be interesting to see if the third time is the charm for Ricochet.

    A released star also made their return to help Liv Morgan against Damage CTRL on this week’s WWE SmackDown and you can check that out below.

    Released WWE Superstar Returns on SmackDown
  • Released WWE Superstar Returns on SmackDown

    Released WWE Superstar Returns on SmackDown

    Damage CTRL appeared on tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown and cut a promo in the ring.

    Bayley boasted about being the longest-reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion of all-time before Liv Morgan interrupted.

    Liv has had an attitude adjustment since losing the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey at Extreme Rules and has seemingly lost her mind.

    The 28-year-old sprinted to the ring, even though she was outnumbered 3 to 1. Tegan Nox then made her shocking return to the company and made the save. Liv hit Damage CTRL with a couple of kendo sticks shots and Tegan followed it up with a Shining Wizard. Liv and Tegan stood tall as Damage CTRL retreated to the end the segment.

    Tegan was released by WWE in November 2021. Following her release, she published a list of wrestlers that she would like to face outside of WWE.

    Rhea Ripley Says Tegan Nox Helped Save Her Career

    Rhea Ripley was interviewed by Talk Sport ahead of Survivor Series last year and credited Tegan for helping her career. Ripley noted that she was on the verge of getting fired early in her career but Tegan made her look good in a match at the WWE Performance Center.

    Tegan, she doesn’t understand how much I appreciate her and what she’s done for me. But there was a time at the Performance Center where my name was on the list to get fired and I’d only been there for a year. 
    I don’t know why my name was on the list, I guess people just didn’t like me at the time. It is what it is – I changed their mind! But I was on the chopping block and I had a PC live match in front of all our peers and it was against Tegan.

    One of the guys found out I was on that list and he told her – he didn’t tell me because he knew I’d freak out – but he told her and was like ‘look, you’ve got to make Rhea look good because this might be her last match here otherwise.’ And that’s exactly what she did.

  • Kurt Angle Birthday Celebration & Title Matches Set for WWE TV Next Week

    Kurt Angle Birthday Celebration & Title Matches Set for WWE TV Next Week

    WWE has announced two title matches for next week. On WWE Raw, The Usos will be defending their Undisputed Tag Team Championships against Elias and Matt Riddle.

    The winner of that match will go on to defend against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus on next Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown.

    On this week’s episode of SmackDown, Sami Zayn battled Sheamus in the first match of the night. The Usos, Solo Sikoa and The Brawling Brutes were ringside for the match.

    The action broke down and turned into a brawl ringside. Jey Uso hopped on the ring apron and hit Sheamus with a cheap shot. Sami capitalized with a roll-up for the pinfall victory.

    Later on WWE SmackDown, The Usos were having a conversation backstage. Jimmy asked Jey about Sami lying to him and he claimed it was water under the bridge because of what the Honorary Uce did in the Men’s WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series last weekend.

    Sheamus showed up with a shillelagh and beat both Jimmy and Jey down before saying that he and Drew will be waiting for them next week if they retain.

    WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle was also announced for next week’s episode of SmackDown. He will appear to celebrate his 54th birthday next week.

  • Solo Sikoa Responds to Praise from Popular AEW Star: “He Knows How to Get Down”

    Solo Sikoa Responds to Praise from Popular AEW Star: “He Knows How to Get Down”

    The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa has responded to praise from AEW star Ricky Starks. Ricky took to Twitter recently and complimented Sikoa and said that The Enforcer of The Bloodline was a “beast”.

    Sikoa recently joined the Superstar Crossover show and was told about the kind words from Ricky Starks. Solo complimented Ricky and said that he’s a great promo.

    That’s big, man. I didn’t know he said that. Shout out to Ricky Starks. I know who he is. I’m also a fan of his mic work, man. He knows how to use a microphone. He knows how to get down, you know. I think it’s cool. I think it just shows respect, man.

    At the end of the day, we both know, and everybody knows this. This is a hard business to do. Not everybody can do it. If it was easy, everybody would do it, but everybody doesn’t do it. I think when one worker shows love to another one, especially in a different company, I think that’s much respect. At least that’s what I think. That’s cool, man. Shout out to Ricky Starks.

    H/T: 411Mania

    Ricky Starks is set to battle MJF for the AEW World Championship at Dynamite: Winter is Coming on December 14th. On this week’s Dynamite, Ricky vowed to take everything MJF has, including the Dynamite Diamond Ring during the Battle Royal next Wednesday.

    MJF brutally attacked William Regal last night and bashed him over the back of the head with brass knuckles. At AEW Full Gear on November 19th, William Regal betrayed Jon Moxley in the main event and slid the brass knuckles to MJF. Maxwell hit Jon Moxley with them to win the AEW World Championship.MJF’s attack on Regal this past Wednesday apparently was done as a way to write Regal off of television as he is reportedly expected back in WWE soon.

    William Regal Expected Back in WWE Soon
  • Robert Roode Undergoes Neck Fusion Surgery

    Robert Roode Undergoes Neck Fusion Surgery

    WWE’s Robert Roode is on the road to recovery after undergoing neck fusion surgery

    The former WWE NXT Champion posted photos after his surgery on Instagram, which he indicated was for fusion to his C-5 and C-6 vertebrae that was done in Birmingham, Alabama. He wrote the following on the surgery: 

    Roode’s Statement

    Robert Roode

    “Big thank you to Dr. Andy Cordover and his amazing staff at @andrews_sports_medicine and St Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. C5/6 fusion is complete. Now the work begins. Recovery and Rehabilitation. Looking forward to the challenge. Thanks @deneane__17. You’re the best.”

    In September, the veteran wrestler shared a picture of Southlake Orthopaedics in Birmingham, Alabama, and mentioned going home after what he believed was a successful trip. He also mentioned that he was suffering from an injury.

    Roode expressed his thanks to Southlake and Andrew Sports Medicine, which typically performs surgery on injured WWE stars. He posted a picture in the post that indicated he had surgery, but he didn’t explain why he was going to the facility.

    Since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 1st episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Dallas, Texas, Roode has not competed and has not made an appearance on television. Before he left, Dolph Ziggler was paired with Roode on WWE television.

  • Details on Becky Lynch Filming a Role for Marvel

    Details on Becky Lynch Filming a Role for Marvel

    Becky Lynch made a great impression portraying Cyndi Lauper on NBC’s Young Rock, a series about the life of The Rock. She’s also done voice acting for the Rumble movie after making her movie debut in The Marine 6. 

    Lynch’s appearance on the comedy series wasn’t t the only on-screen role she’s had of late. In 2021, Fightful Select learned Lynch was cast for a Marvel movie. Rumors then came out that Lynch would appear in a Marvel movie, but details were far and between until late 2021 when the media outlet confirmed Lynch had a role., However, nobody connected to Marvel would confirm it on the record. 

    Didn’t Make The Cut

    Becky Lynch
    (WWE)

    After speaking with Marvel sources, it was revealed that her scenes had been left on the cutting room floor, which is something writer Kris Tapley had recently tweeted about. 

    Per the report, the role was for Marvel Eternals in a post-credit scene to set up something for a future installment. It’s unclear what the role specifically was. One person who knew about the situation noted that the post-credits scene was “too depressing,” although no further context was given.

    Although the post-credits scene ended up being nixed, the possibility of using Lynch in future films is not out of the question. Lynch previously confirmed earlier this year about having conversations with Marvel, but not that she’d filmed for the movie. Sources at Marvel said that they were happy with the portrayal.

    The future of Marvel Eternals is in doubt due to mixed reviews and an underwhelming box office performance. The release date was pushed back multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Sheamus Will Battle a Member of The Bloodline to Kick Off Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

    Sheamus Will Battle a Member of The Bloodline to Kick Off Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

    A huge match has been announced to kick off tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown.

    Sheamus will battle Sami Zayn to begin tonight’s show in a few hours at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. It is the first episode SmackDown following WWE Survivor Series WarGame this past Saturday night.

    WWE uploaded a video of Cathy Kelley making the announcement that the Honorary Uce versus the Celtic Warrior will begin tonight’s show. Sheamus took to Twitter and promised another banger for the WWE Universe.

    The Bloodline battled Sheamus, Butch, Ridge Holland, Drew McIntyre in the Men’s WarGames match in the main event of WWE Survivor Series WarGames.

    Sheamus didn’t play much of a factor in the match, despite The Bloodline’s brutal attack on him on the October 21st edition of SmackDown. The Celtic Warrior may be able to get some revenge tonight against Sami.

    Watch: WWE Superstar Rushed to Local Medical Facility After Attack From The Bloodline on SmackDown

    Sami Zayn proved his worth to The Bloodline at Survivor Series WarGames. Jey Uso eavesdropped on a conversation between Sami and Kevin Owens on last week’s SmackDown. KO suggested that Sami turn his back on The Bloodline before they betray him. Jey asked Sami if he had spoken to anyone and the Honorary Uce lied to his face.

    At Survivor Series WarGames, Roman confronted Sami about the lie and Zayn claimed that he was just trying to protect Jey because The Usos had a big match last week on the blue brand. Sami proved he had The Bloodline’s back by hitting Kevin Owens with a low blow, a Helluva Kick, and then stepping aside so Jey Uso could have the moment. Jey hit KO with a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory. Sami shared a hug with Jey and the Tribal Chief after the match and it appears that The Bloodline is as strong as ever.

    Our live coverage for tonight’s WWE SmackDown will begin alongside the show at the link below.

    WWE SmackDown Results, Takeaways (12/2/22): Survivor Series Fallout, World Cup Finals, Tegan Nox