SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Cain Velasquez Requests Special Permission to Wrestle at AAA Show While Out on Bail

    Cain Velasquez Requests Special Permission to Wrestle at AAA Show While Out on Bail

    Despite his ongoing legal issues, Cain Velasquez has requested permission to be part of AAA’s return to the United States on Saturday, December 3rd. 

    The former UFC Heavyweight Champion/former WWE star is currently out on $1 million bail on attempted murder charges stemming from a February incident where he allegedly chased down a man and fired a weapon into a truck that contained several people. In the vehicle was a man who allegedly sexually assaulted both his child and one of his relatives.

    The Request

    Cain Velasquez
    Cain Velasquez

    Velasquez and his legal team asked judge Daniel Nishigaya in Santa Clara County (California) court during an arraignment for permission to wrestle at the show on Monday. 

    The event will be held on the campus of Velasquez’s alma mater of Arizona State University. A Santa Clara prosecutor was unable to attend Monday’s hearing with a representative objecting to the request and requesting the decision be rescheduled for another month, but that’s an issue as pointed out by Velasquez’s lawyers due to that being past the date of the event. 

    Nishigaya rerouted the request to a different judge more familiar with the case and a ruling from the new judge is expected on Tuesday. As part of his bail arrangement, Velasquez currently has travel restrictions.

    ESPN’s Marc Raimondi mentioned on Twitter that his team has been discussing his involvement with the show since last week after he was released on bail on November 8th.

    Velasquez has wrestled for AAA three times, most recently in December 2021 at Triplemania Regia. 

    Cain Velasquez Granted $1 Million Bail After Eight Months in Jail
  • WWE Star Viewed “Almost Like a Reclamation Project” by Triple H

    WWE Star Viewed “Almost Like a Reclamation Project” by Triple H

    Since taking over main roster creative, Triple H has brought back several former WWE stars and also repackaged wrestlers already on the roster, including Finn Balor. He has been pushed strongly as part of The Judgment Day alongside Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, and Dominik mysterio Mysterio. 

    Balor is just the third man to win the NXT Championship twice, winning it first in 2015 and again in 2020 when he moved back down from the main roster in between runs. Balor was in the main event of many a Takeover events. 

    Although Vince McMahon pushed Balor at points, including when he was first called up to the main roster and became the inaugural Universal Champion, Balor’s push by McMahon came to an end earlier this year. 

    Triple H on Finn Balor

    WrestleVotes told GiveMeSport that Triple H views Balor as a ‘reclamation story’ after how he was booked by McMahon. 

    “They’ve always, always really liked each other. Seeing what Finn has been over the last few years, Hunter sees almost like a reclamation project, but one that he can get behind because of their personal relationship.

    Hunter’s first real big name was Fergal, so they’ve always had a relationship and worked well together. Hunter has always believed in him. When Finn got injured, after he won the title at SummerSlam 2016, he was checked on him daily, like keeping the relationship tight, even though he left NXT.”

    Balor vs. AJ Styles in a singles match has been booked for this Saturday’s Survivor Series premium live event. 

  • Royal Rumble 2023 Sets Box Office Record for WWE

    Royal Rumble 2023 Sets Box Office Record for WWE

    WWE’s Royal Rumble premium live event is over two months away, but the event is already a blockbuster success for the company.

    WWE has announced the 2023 Royal Rumble has garnered the largest box office gate in the event’s 36-year history.

    The event takes place Saturday, January 28 from San Antonio, TX at the AlamoDome.

    $5 Million+ Gate

    Over the weekend, the Royal Rumble surpassed $5 million in ticket sales. The previous record for ‘largest Royal Rumble gate’ was set in 2017, the last time the Rumble was held at the AlamoDome.

    Wrestletix provided an update on Royal Rumble ticket sales on November 18. As of that date, 30,361 tickets had been distributed and the stadium was configured to accommodate 33,874 fans. If you’re interested in attending the 2023 Royal Rumble, tickets are still on sale at SeatGeek.

    As we’ve seen in recent years, WWE will hold two Royal Rumble matches on January 28th (one for men, one for women). The winners of the Rumble matches will earn the right to challenge the champion of their choice at WrestleMania 39.

    Record-Setting Business

    WWE has been on a roll this year, setting box office records left and right. 2022 saw new box office records set for WrestleMania, Extreme Rules and Crown Jewel.

    This latest milestone for the 2023 Royal Rumble puts WWE in a great position headed into the new year. WrestleMania 39 is scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Back in August, the company announced over 90,000 tickets were sold within the first 24 hours, more than any event in WWE history and a 42% increase over first-day sales for WrestleMania 38 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

  • Small, But Talented: Kevin Nash Reacts to Logan Paul in WWE

    Small, But Talented: Kevin Nash Reacts to Logan Paul in WWE

    Logan Paul turned in one hell of a performance against Roman Reigns earlier this month at WWE Crown Jewel. Paul left it on in the ring on November 5, proving that he’s got what it takes to ‘hang’ with the industry’s top star.

    The 27-year-old influencer tore cartilage and ligaments in his right knee during the match. The injuries will keep him out of the ring for several months, but Paul is already training for his WWE return. His brother Jake Paul says his recovery is going better than expected and The Maverick is already plotting his next big match for WWE:

    WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash commented on Paul’s Crown Jewel performance on the latest episode of his Kliq This podcast. Nash, who was billed at 6’10” during his active career, says he was a bit surprised how small Paul looked compared to Reigns.

    I’m gonna say this… I’m gonna get browbeaten because God forbid if Kevin Nash was to let anybody that wasn’t nine feet tall wrestle… I didn’t realize he was that small. He was noticeably smaller than Roman Reigns.

    – Kevin Nash on Logan Paul

    Kid’s Talented

    Logan Paul Roman Reigns

    Roman Reigns has a muscular body, while Paul has a more athletic stature, but it’s not like Reigns (6’3″) towered over Paul (6’2″).

    Nash did say, “the kid [Paul] is talented,” and it helped that Shawn Michaels helped train him for the match. However, Nash was hung up on Paul’s size.

    “Look at the size of Roman’s head next to his,” Nash continued. “That’s the size of a man. He can have an eleven inch penis but if it’s like a number two pencil, that’s one thing, but if it’s got a head like a softball, you’re still gonna be the man. That looks like Hunter working against me, size-wise.”

    All that aside, Logan Paul is planning to continue his WWE career when his injuries heel. Shortly after his match at Crown Jewel, Paul said he plans to be a WWE Superstar for a long time.

    Logan Paul on His Match Against Roman Reigns at WWE Crown Jewel: “I’ll be Doing This for a Long Time”
  • Former WWE Star to Wrestle for ‘Possibly Last Time’ at House Show

    Former WWE Star to Wrestle for ‘Possibly Last Time’ at House Show

    Former WWE star Jamie Noble has announced what could be the final match of his career.  

    In a post on Instagram, he announced he would perform on the December 11 WWE house show from his home state of West Virginia. The live event takes place in Charleston, WV, which is less than a two-hour drive from Noble’s hometown of Hanover, WV. 

    Noble officially announced his active in-ring retirement in 2009 due to neck, shoulder, and back injuries, although he returned for a few house shows in 2012 and 2013 before becoming an on-screen role as a member of J&J Security in late 2014 and 2015. 

    His previous match took place on the June 8, 2015, edition of WWE Raw, where Noble and Mercury defeated Seth Rollins in a handicap match that night.  Noble wrote the following on Instagram: 

    The Announcement

    Jamie Noble bio

    “It’s Official!! On December 11 at the Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, WV. I will compete for possibly my last time in wrestling under the greatest company of all time WWE. It’s been roughly 11 years since I was forced out of the ring. Now I’m going to have one more opportunity in front of my people my state my family! I promise you I will walk out a winner or I will go out on my shield giving the best performance I can give. all the support I can get will be so greatly appreciated to show that I can still go! Thank you all!! God bless you and God bless WV!!” 

    Noble is a former WWE Cruiserweight Champion and former ROH Champion, having defeated CM Punk for the title in a four-way on August 12, 2005. 

  • Santino Marella Details Injury That Marked End Of His Wrestling Career

    Santino Marella Details Injury That Marked End Of His Wrestling Career

    There are some wrestlers who go through a public retirement and get to say goodbye to the fans. However, there are many who just disappear from the public eye for a while and then call it a career. Santino Marella is one such star who never had a proper retirement ceremony and he just settled into the life after WWE. Though, according to the former WWE star himself, he is very content with his run with the company.

    The former US champion recently had an interview with The A2theK Wrestling Show. Among other things he was asked what led to his retirement from wrestling. Marella revealed that he had a double cervical fusion surgery. Unfortunately, his neck didn’t heal as expected, leading to the end of his full time wrestling career:

    “It was my neck surgery. So I had my first cervical fusion. I had a double cervical fusion right off the bat. The goal was to come back and then a few months after, they noticed that one of the screws was coming out. Then at the end, at the three-month mark, one screw had completely come out, and one had come halfway out.

    So they had to go back in and take out the titanium. I think going back in the second time, kind of messed things up, cutting through the scared tissue. I just never got well enough to a point where I can come back and wrestle on a full-time basis. I can have a match here and there, but to do it properly, on a full time.”

    ‘It Was All Good’: Santino Marella

    After not having made any TV appearances since the previous December, the Canadian Star was released from his WWE contract in May 2016. This marked the unofficial end of his full-time career in wrestling. Though Santino Marella is not bitter about how things ended. He explained that while he did try to rehab his neck for a couple years after his surgery, he is content with how his WWE career turned out to be:

    “To be honest, I was kind of over it. I just wanted to come home a little bit. I opened up Battle Arts Academy in 2013. I actually retired in 2016. So, the last two years was me trying to get back in shape. Not physically, my neck and my back, to get back in shape to be able to come back and perform but it just never happened. It was all good.

    I had a very full life before WWE and I’ve had a very full life after WWE. It was a great chapter. Absolutely an incredible chapter. Up until the point that I retired, it was a quarter of my life, right? It’s funny, It’s not even my most recent chapter. Next year, 2023 – Battles Arts is having its 10-year anniversary. Then the last four years I have had this new family. That’s my most recent chapter. So wrestling’s kind of a few chapters back now.”

    You can check out Santino Marella’s full interview in the video below:

  • Steve Austin Addresses Recent Training Videos Amid WrestleMania 39 Rumors

    Steve Austin Addresses Recent Training Videos Amid WrestleMania 39 Rumors

    It’s been a big year for Steve Austin as he returned for his first wrestling match in almost twenty years, facing Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38, and has the chance to agree to another one if he’s up for it. 

    Austin went Owens in a No DQ Match from AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. In recent weeks, there has been more smoke to the fire as WWE has reached out to Stone Cold about potentially competing in another match and made him an offer, likely for WrestleMania 39. 

    At the same time, Austin has been posting videos of himself working out on social media. In an Instagram video, Austin noted that he isn’t doing this for any other reason than self-improvement because he got tired of how he looked, so he took action. 

    Steve Austin’s Explanation

    Stone Cold Steve Austin

    “People have been speculating, ‘Hey Steve, what are you doing? What are you training for? Are you training for an event?’ I just simply looked in the mirror and realized I look like shit so I called my diet coach up and my macros are currently, give or take, roughly around 2650 calories 300-320 grams of protein, 150 grams of carbs on a regular day, will spike at 420 on a load up. I still drink beer on Friday nights. Get 3 Broken Skull IPAs and that’s pretty much it. I’m probably, as far as body weight goes, sub-232, the leanest I’ve been in forever. Anyway, I’m out. I just got tired of looking In the mirror, I got tired of looking like shit, so I’m taking action to do something about it. I gotta go. Catch you down the road.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ClJ2e3cgSRW/

    H/T to Fightful for the transcript

  • Braun Strowman’s Controversial Tweets Referenced on WWE SmackDown

    Braun Strowman’s Controversial Tweets Referenced on WWE SmackDown

    Braun Strowman’s controversial tweets did not go unnoticed during this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

    Earlier this month, Strowman took aim at independent wrestling and mocked smaller, more athletic wrestlers, which he called “flippy floppy” wrestlers.

    This earned the backlash of fans and wrestlers alike, with Jeff Jarrett calling the former Universal Champion “naive” and EC3 calling his CYN co-founder “idiotic.”

    When confronted by others, including Will Ospreay, Strowman would backtrack on his comments, claiming he has “mad respect” for all wrestlers and that it was just a joke.

    SmackDown

    On SmackDown, Strowman had a backstage segment where he was confronted by Ricochet, one of many high-flying Superstars in WWE who made their name on the indies.

    Promoting their match next week, the One and Only warned Strowman not to underestimate him and referenced the tweet.

    “I know you’re not one for big thinking. You’re looking way too far into the future because if you keep looking past these ‘flippy flipper’, your words not mine, it might come back to bite you.”

    Ricochet.

    Strowman and Ricochet, both representing the United States, will face off next week in a SmackDown World Cup Tournament semi-finals match.

    Heat

    Strowman may insist that he was just kidding with his comments, but it appears the damage has been done.

    Fightful report that while Braun has been on his best behavior when at WWE events, his only presence, dubbed “social media Braun” is another story.

    WWE management is said to be well aware of Braun’s recent comments that caused so much ire, and Fightful adds that this was not part of any storyline.

    During SmackDown, Michael Cole teased that next week he would elaborate on what Strowman said on social media.

    Jake Roberts Names the Huge Mistake Braun Strowman is Making
  • Kevin Owens Returns on SmackDown, Joins WarGames Against the Bloodline

    Kevin Owens Returns on SmackDown, Joins WarGames Against the Bloodline

    Kevin Owens will step inside the iconic WarGames structure for the second time in his career after making his return to TV on this week’s SmackDown.

    Owens had been missing from programming in recent weeks, with his most recent televised match being a six-man tag victory in September of this year.

    Return and WarGames

    This week’s SmackDown kicked off with a segment between the Bloodline’s Sami Zayn and The Brawling Brutes with Drew McIntyre.

    After the Honorary Uce vowed that the Bloodline will win the Men’s WarGames match, Sheamus said that Zayn in particular wouldn’t appreciate their fifth member.

    In the main event, Butch defeated Zayn in the SmackDown World Cup Tournament but was attacked by Solo Sikoa after the match.

    When Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns arrived to take care of business, he was confronted by the returning Owens.

    The two brawled until Owens turned his attention to Zayn, and the Tribal Chief took advantage with a Superman punch.

    Reigns’ attempt to hit the spear did not work out, as Owens hit him with a knee to the face followed by a Stunner to send the Head of the Table reeling.

    Injury

    Owens involvement in the Men’s WarGames match is certainly interesting considering the injury he recently suffered.

    At a WWE Sunday Night Stunner event in Madison, Wisconsin last week, Owens suffered an injury during his match with Austin Theory.

    While he was able to finish the match, Owens needed the assistance of a referee to stand afterward, and it was reported that he had suffered an MCL sprain.

    The former Universal Champion is scheduled to be on next week’s SmackDown, the go-home episode before Survivor Series WarGames.

    Kevin Owens Names NXT Stars He Would Call If He Needs Backup
  • JBL Addresses His Giant Pants on WWE RAW: “I Have a Large A**”

    JBL Addresses His Giant Pants on WWE RAW: “I Have a Large A**”

    JBL returned to WWE recently as Baron Corbin’s manager on Raw.

    Rey Mysterio approached Triple H backstage during an episode of SmackDown and tried to quit the company because he didn’t want to battle with his son, Dominik Mysterio in Judgment Day.

    The Game talked Rey out of quitting and orchestrated a trade. Baron Corbin was traded to Raw in exchange for Rey Mysterio. JBL has been managing Corbin on the red brand and has referred to him as a “wrestling god”.

    Corbin has been picking up victories on Raw lately but lost all of his money this past Monday. Akira Tozawa whooped JBL and Corbin in poker, but Baron got his revenge later on the show by defeating him in a singles match.

    JBL joined Corey Graves’ After The Bell podcast recently and was asked about the MC Hammer suit pants he was wearing on RAW recently. JBL said he has a large backside and the bigger pants are necessary.

    I happen to buy pants that fit me,” said JBL. “I have a large a**. I have got more a** than a donkey farm. My college coach told me one time, ‘son if I told you to haul a**, it’d take you four trips’. I am not putting my large a**, ten pounds of potatoes in a five-pound sack, and putting them in skinny jeans.

  • Drew McIntyre Believes Tyson Fury is “Custom Fit” for WWE

    Drew McIntyre Believes Tyson Fury is “Custom Fit” for WWE

    Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre has aligned with his old friend Sheamus and The Brawling Brutes in their battle against The Bloodline leading into WWE Survivor Series WarGames.

    The Bloodline brutally attacked Sheamus on a recent edition of the blue brand and sent him to a “local medical facility” (hospital). The Celtic Warrior returned last week and helped The Brawling Brutes against Roman Reigns, The Usos and Solo Sikoa.

    As of now, there has not been a men’s WarGames match announced for the premium live event on November 26th. It seems likely that it will be the Brutes versus Bloodline at Survivor Series in a WarGames match.

    Sheamus, Butch, Ridge Holland, and Drew McIntyre still need one more superstar on their team if it does turn into a WarGames match. McIntyre sang a tune with boxer Tyson Fury after his loss to Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle and perhaps he could be the final member of the squad for WarGames.

    Speaking with Sportskeeda Wrestling, Drew said that he’d love to see Tyson Fury in WWE one day. McIntyre added that Tyson would fight in the company after he decides to hang up his boxing gloves.

    Oh, a hundred percent [Fury is perfect for WWE]. Tyson and I go from arguing with each other on social media to singing with each other in Cardiff to make sure the fans go home happy, no matter how I felt personally in the moment.

    You’ve gotta sometimes swallow your pride and make sure the fans are happy. But Tyson gets it, he’s an entertainer, he’s top of his field, and when he chooses to hang up the boxing gloves, he’s very much custom fit for WWE.

    H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

  • Detroit is the Front Runner to Host WWE SummerSlam 2023

    Detroit is the Front Runner to Host WWE SummerSlam 2023

    It appears WWE will be heading back to a familiar city for next year’s SummerSlam. A front runner city for the 2023 summer premium live event is Detroit, Michigan, according to Fightful Select. WWE sources have indicated that Detroit was being looked at by the company in recent months.

    WWE hasn’t been to the area for this summer event in years, as the last time was in 1993 at the Palace of Auburn Hills, where the Detroit Pistons formerly played. 

    WWE has also looked at other venues for the show, such as Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers and Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Pistons, and Ford Field, which hosted WrestleMania 23. 

    The last two years, WWE has held stadium shows for the event – Nashville, Tennessee, this year and Las Vegas, Nevada in 2021. 

    Updated WWE Premium Live Event Schedule

    WWE SummerSlam
    (via WWE)
    • Saturday, November 26: Survivor Series at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
    • Saturday, January 28: WWE Royal Rumble – San Antonio, Texas at the Alamodome
    • Saturday, February 18: WWE Elimination Chamber – Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the Bell Centre
    • Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2nd: WrestleMania 39 at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles CA
  • Linda McMahon Spotted at Mar a Lago with Former President Trump

    Linda McMahon Spotted at Mar a Lago with Former President Trump

    Former WWE President and CEO Linda McMahon was in Palm Beach, Florida this week alongside former US President Donald Trump.

    Trump, a WWE Hall of Famer is his own right, is gearing up for another run at the White House. Just days ago, he announced his candidacy for 2024.

    The Trumps and McMahons go way back, dating back to the 1980’s. In addition to their collaborations in the world of professional wrestling, McMahon served in Trump’s Presidential cabinet from 2016-2019 as the head of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

    Trump touted the “incredible job” McMahon did when she stepped down from her post at the SBA. He said she was a “superstar” in that role. He expected a lot from her, but was still surprised at how well she did and how many people she helped.

    On Thursday, the 45th President held another event was at Mar a Lago. As seen in the video and photo below, Trump and McMahon were seated next to each other in multiple settings.

    McMahon has kept a low profile since leaving public office, but could certainly mount a comeback now that Trump is running for President again. Trump almost certainly will not be selecting former Vice President Mike Pence as his running mate again. Pence remains loyal to Trump, but has publicly flirted with the idea of running against him in the primaries to determine the nominee for the Republican party in ’24.

    McMahon would make an interesting choice for a running mate, considering their longstanding history together. She could also serve as an advisor.

  • Backstage Update on Steve Austin’s Talks With WWE for WrestleMania 39 Match

    Backstage Update on Steve Austin’s Talks With WWE for WrestleMania 39 Match

    The details of the talks between WWE and Steve Austin are staying under wraps for now after word leaked earlier this week that the WWE Hall Of Famer received an offer from WWE to do another match. 

    This comes after Austin came out of retirement earlier this year for a match against Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 38. 

    Where Things Currently Stand

    Kevin Owens Stone Cold Steve Austin
    via WWE.com

    According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there is smoke to the fire, and something is in the discussion phase between Austin and WWE with ideas “discussed internally that are being kept secret.”

    Austin could face two types of opponents should he accept this offer – one being a younger star who can help carry the match as Owens did at WrestleMania 38. The second type of opponent could be a big name, such as Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, or John Cena. 

    Because Punk is in talks with AEW for the promotion to buy out his contract following the All Out incident, there’s been speculation about him potentially returning to WWE and perhaps a match with Austin. 

    Punk can’t return to WWE until he gets his release from AEW should both sides be interested in working together again. Meltzer’s report added that the idea of Punk potentially returning to the company is not a positive for many in WWE. Still, they also recognize this will be a decision made by Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Nick Khan.

  • Edge Explains His Plans For Retirement

    Edge Explains His Plans For Retirement

    It’s hard to believe that The Rated R Superstar has been back in the wrestling world for more than two years and he is already talking about riding off into the sunset for good. The former World Champion discussed his intention of hanging up his boots during WWE’s tour of Canada earlier this year in August. He explained to the crowd in Toronto after Raw that he planned on seeing them one more time and ‘in a perfect world,’ say goodbye to the fans after that.

    The 49-Year-Old was recently interviewed by The Nation Network. He was asked about his announcement and why he wants to retire in Toronto. Replying to it, Edge explained that he didn’t come back to win more championships. His goal was always to tell a good story before calling it a career:

    “That’s the key. The first time I was told, ‘You gotta hang it up. That’s it, you’re done.’ It was WrestleMania. I retired world champ, and that sounds Cinderella, but I just didn’t know. That made it hard to chew on all those years, but I had to accept it and move on with what life is now. [I got to] start an amazing, beautiful family and the acting thing started to kind of take [off] a little but when I had the chance to get this back. The first thing I thought is, ‘I want to retire in Toronto.’” explained Edge,

    He continued: “Because again, I know the window is not open for long. But if I can do it there, I think then I’ll be able to go right. I’m good. That was the last thing to kind of check off. I didn’t come back to win 4 more championships or anything like that. I really just came back to have fun, try and help teach a new generation of talent that I never got my hands on before. I always say, I call us storytellers. [I always intended to] come back and tell hell of a story for three or four years and then ride off into the sunset.”

    You can check out Edge’s full interview in the video below:

    More Originals From SEScoops:

    If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

  • The Usos Succeeded in WWE “In Spite” of Vince McMahon

    The Usos Succeeded in WWE “In Spite” of Vince McMahon

    The Usos have become one of, if not the greatest tag team in WWE history, but had to overcome much more than their opponents.

    Debuting on the main roster in 2010, Jimmy and Jey have become one of the longest-tenured teams in WWE history.

    This week, the brothers broke the record for the longest reign as WWE Tag Team Champions of all time, having held the SmackDown Tag Team Titles since July 2021.

    In Spite

    The Usos have faced and defeated some of the greatest teams in recent history, but arguably their biggest foe was Vince McMahon’s booking.

    Speaking on After the Bell, Corey Graves recognized Jimmy and Jey’s recent accomplishment and highlighted how they had to deal with a boss who had little interest in tag wrestling.

    “Let’s be honest. The old boss [Vince McMahon] looked at tag team wrestling different than the current boss [WWE’s Head of Talent/Creative Triple H.] But the Usos began succeeding when there was an old boss when the old boss was still in charge.

    “The Usos, in spite of the fact that it was his [McMahon’s] never favorite flavor of ice cream, still, week after week after week, would go out there and tear the house down.”

    Corey Graves.

    Jimmy and Jey secured their record by retaining the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles on last week’s SmackDown against the New Day.

    What’s Next for The Usos?

    After becoming the longest-reigning WWE Tag Champions of all time, The Usos next high-profile match won’t be for the gold.

    Jimmy and Jey are expected to enter WarGames later this month, alongside Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

    The Bloodline are expected face The Brawling Brutes, Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens, though there are questions about Owens’ status given his recent MCL injury.

    Owens, a Raw Superstar, is scheduled to be on this week’s and next week’s episodes of SmackDown.

    3 Tag Teams Who Could Dethrone The Usos in WWE
  • Corey Graves Names Ex-United States Champion the Next “Megastar” of WWE

    Corey Graves Names Ex-United States Champion the Next “Megastar” of WWE

    Bruno Sammartino. Hulk Hogan. ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. John Cena. Roman Reigns. Austin Theory?

    Earlier this year, it appeared that Theory was destined for greatness, having been personally endorsed by Mr. McMahon and holding the Money in the Bank contract.

    Since McMahon’s retirement in July, things have gone downhill for Theory, who failed in his MITB contract cash-in attempt on U.S. Champion Seth Rollins last week.

    Megastar

    On this week’s Raw, a much-more serious Theory defeated Dolph Ziggler and attacked Rollins, signaling that his feud with the latter is far from over.

    During After the Bell, Corey Graves, who called on fans to give the story a chance last week, had a huge prediction for WWE’s youngest United States Champion.

    “I believe in Austin Theory. I don’t believe he’s ‘that guy’ yet, but in my heart of hearts as a nerd who’s spent way too much time studying the history of this business and watching it and loving it with all my being, I believe Austin Theory is the next megastar [of WWE.] And I think on Monday a lot of people started to believe as well.”

    “I believe Austin Theory is the next megastar.”

    Corey Graves

    Letting things Play Out

    After Theory’s failed cash-in attempt, fans were quick to criticize WWE for ‘burying’ the young Superstar and ‘wasting’ the contract.

    On his show, Graves noted how fans were quick to jump the gun and called it a problem that exceeds far past just Theory’s situation.

    “Let everything play out. Everybody loves to get ahead of themselves and jump on Twitter. ‘Oh this is it! Austin Theory’s done. He’s buried. Why would you do this to the guy?’ Let the story play out. This is WWE. World Wrestling Entertainment [emphasis on entertainment.]

    “Let the story play out.”

    Corey Graves’ advice to fans.

    “There is a story involved. There’s curiosity. There’s drama. There are red herrings. Just like any source of literature. It’s entertainment. So let it play out. What we saw was a whole new chapter for Austin Theory.”

    Seth Rollins

    Theory has been a main event star in recent weeks but has been working closely with Seth Rollins.

    With Roman Reigns missing from Raw on a weekly basis, the reigning U.S. Champion has taken the mantle as WWE’s top Superstar on the red brand.

    On his show, Graves explained why Rollins is playing such an important role to elevate Theory.

    “Rollins has been one of the mechanisms in this story, that has helped elevate Austin Theory’s stock in the eyes of the viewers. Yes, Rollins was the one who beat him but that was an essential part of the story. What Rollins is doing simultaneously is elevating the United States Championship.”

    While no championship rematch has been announced, Rollins and Theory are expected to feud in the coming weeks, including a possible match at Survivor Series WarGames.

    Who Produced Austin Theory’s Failed Money in the Bank Cash-in On WWE Raw?
  • Bret Hart: Punching Vince McMahon is Probably the Greatest Thing I Ever Did

    Bret Hart: Punching Vince McMahon is Probably the Greatest Thing I Ever Did

    Bret Hart is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer with dozens of titles to his name, but none of it compares to giving Vince McMahon a shiner.

    After being screwed of the WWF Championship in Montreal, Hart confronted McMahon and punched his soon-to-be ex-boss, giving the then-Chairman a black eye.

    The wrestling urban legend is that Hart knocked out McMahon with his one punch.

    Dark Thoughts

    Hart being screwed out of the title came after over a decade of dedicated work for McMahon, and after Earl Hebner swore on his kids’ lives that there’d be no funny business.

    As you’d expect, Hart was furious after the match, and made that clear when speaking to The Ringer.

    “I’m a pretty easygoing guy. But I do know that I had a lot of dark thoughts, really crazy, dark thoughts about how angry I was when that happened.”

    The Hitman added that he initially tried to confront McMahon in his office, but felt relieved that the door was locked.

    The Greatest Thing I Ever Did

    Hart didn’t confront the Chairman in his office, but McMahon made the brave decision to approach Hart in the locker room.

    Speaking about the punch he gave the billionaire, Hart admitted it could be seen as foolish, but he does not regret it one bit.

    “It was probably the greatest thing I ever did, in the sense that I stood up for myself like no other wrestler ever stood up for themselves.”

    Bret Hart.

    Hart would exit the WWF for WCW, and it wouldn’t be until January 2020 that the Hitman next appeared on a Vince McMahon broadcast.

    What WWE Originally Planned for Bret Hart’s Return after Montreal Screwjob

    h/t – Wrestling Inc

  • Kevin Owens Booked for WWE SmackDown Despite Recent Injury

    Kevin Owens Booked for WWE SmackDown Despite Recent Injury

    Could Kevin Owens compete in WarGames at Survivor Series later this month despite his injury?

    At a WWE Live event, Owens suffered an injury during his match with Austin Theory which the Canadian Superstar would go on to win.

    It was later reported that Owens is dealing with a sprained MCL and has been rehabbing at WWE’s Performance Center in Florida.

    SmackDown

    With Owens injured, many assumed that plans for him to compete at WWE’s upcoming Premium Live Event had been canceled.

    According to PW Insider however, Owens is scheduled to be on this week’s Smackdown, despite being a Raw Superstar.

    The former Universal Champion is also scheduled for next week’s SmackDown, which will be the go-home episode before Survivor Series WarGames.

    The original plan was for Owens to be part of the Men’s WarGames match, which would have seen him team with Drew McIntyre and the Brawling Brutes against the Bloodline.

    On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that Owens “better heal up quick” if he wants a chance to compete in WarGames.

    Survivor Series WarGames

    This month’s Survivor Series will mark the first time that WarGames has been used on the main roster.

    In addition to the men’s match, the event will also feature a women’s match, between Team Bianca and Team Damage CTRL.

    Bayley, IYO SKY, Dakota Kai, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross will face Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Mia Yim, and one final teammate yet to be announced.

    It has been reported that WWE is planning some ‘craziness’ in this year’s WarGames matches, to produce footage that can be used in the future.

    Kevin Owens Opens Up About ‘Wrestler’ Promo With Drew McIntyre
  • Bianca Belair Wants to Play Marvel’s Storm: “I’m Just Waiting on the Phone Call”

    Bianca Belair Wants to Play Marvel’s Storm: “I’m Just Waiting on the Phone Call”

    RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair wants to portray the Marvel character Storm in an upcoming film.

    Bianca Belair battled Bayley at Crown Jewel in a Last Woman Standing match. She defeated The Role Model once again but this time in an interesting way. Belair trapped Bayley inside of a ladder and she couldn’t escape before the referee counted to ten.

    Bayley will not let their rivalry die and the two stars will meet again on November 26th in much different circumstances. Damage CTRL, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross will battle Bianca Belair, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Mia Yim, and a mystery superstar at Survivor Series: WarGames. Bianca will have to find one more superstar to join the team on RAW or wait to reveal the mystery superstar at the PLE at the TD Garden in Boston.

    The EST spoke with ComicBook recently and revealed that she would love to play Storm in a feature film. Halle Berry has played the character several times in X-Men films. Bianca added that Hollywood is ready for a strong woman to come onto the scene.

    Oh, 100%. I would love to cross over onto the movie scene and play Storm and just play such a strong, amazing character,” Belair said. “I think that hopefully Hollywood is ready for a strong, powerful, muscular woman to come on the scene, and if they are, then that’s me, and I’m ready. I’m just waiting on the phone call.

    Bianca Belair also promoted the new season of WWE Supercard and you can check out the entire interview in the video below.

    H/T: ComicBook

  • Kevin Owens Struggling to Move After WWE Live Event Injury (Report)

    Kevin Owens Struggling to Move After WWE Live Event Injury (Report)

    Kevin Owens is said to be struggling after suffering an injury at a recent WWE Live event.

    Over the weekend, Owens suffered an injury during a match with Austin Theory which the Prizefighter would go on to win.

    Owens was helped to the back by the referee and it was later reported that he is dealing with a sprained MCL.

    Struggling

    Owens was not part of this week’s WWE Monday Night Raw, which served as the penultimate episode of the red brand before Survivor Series WarGames

    While speaking during the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained that Owens is struggling after his injury according to a source close to the situation.

    “I did hear that he’s not moving very well. So he better heal up quick if he’s gonna make that pay-per-view.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Meltzer added that as of Monday morning, Owens’ injury has not been checked by a medical professional, but he has been rehabbing at the WWE’s Performance Center in Florida.

    Survivor Series WarGames

    It is expected that Owens will miss this month’s Survivor Series Premium Live Event, which will mark the debut of WarGames on the main roster.

    Owens was reported to have been part of the Men’s WarGames match, which would have seen him team with Drew McIntyre and the Brawling Brutes against the Bloodline.

    Given Owens’ injury, the Prizefighter is unlikely to compete, and Meltzer said an angle may be filmed for this Friday’s SmackDown to introduce someone else as the fifth member.

    Kevin Owens Appears to Mock CM Punk Following All Out Media Scrum
  • JONAH Receives Offer to Return – Will Have to Decide Between WWE and NJPW (Report)

    JONAH Receives Offer to Return – Will Have to Decide Between WWE and NJPW (Report)

    Will JONAH continue forward with his success in New Japan Pro Wrestling, or try his luck with a second run in WWE.

    JONAH , known in WWE as Bronson Reed, was part of NXT from 2018 to 2021 and is a former NXT North American Champion.

    Despite an impressive push and rumors of a main roster call-up, Reed was released in August 2021.

    Decisions, Decisions…

    In August of this year, it was reported that Triple H, now WWE’s Head of Talent, was interested in bringing the Australian wrestler back.

    During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that an offer has been made to JONAH.

    “JONAH certainly has an offer from WWE and he’s got to make a decision. Will it be New Japan or WWE? He’s got a great push in New Japan, but you know, it’s going to be his call.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Meltzer also gave his two cents on the matter, believing that JONAH would be better off staying in New Japan.

    “He would actually, probably do much better in New Japan Pro Wrestling than he will do in WWE, but there is a big difference in money. Or at least the potential money. You just don’t know what you want. ]

    “They’re completely different lifestyles. It depends on [what he wants.] I know a lot of guys would choose WWE, and a lot of guys would choose New Japan. It’s the circumstances.”

    New Japan or WWE?

    With an offer on the table, JONAH will have to make a decision soon about where his future lies.

    If JONAH’s long-term goal is to be a headline act, then his future should be with NJPW according to Meltzer.

    “The one thing with New Japan is he’s going to get a really big push, we’ve already seen that. He’s going to be protected and he’s going to get over because he did get over at a high level. In WWE, on the main roster, you just don’t know. You just don’t know.”

    If JONAH is wanting a more secure future and to earn more, then a WWE return makes more sense.

    “Main roster WWE, even the bottom number is a quarter-million [dollars a year.] That’s bottom, and obviously top is millions if you make it to the top.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Being Released

    It’s unclear if JONAH holds any ill will to WWE given his release in August of last year.

    Speaking about the release, Meltzer said that the decision specifically came from WWE’s head at the time.

    “It was a big surprise. It was Vince McMahon who made the call.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    After JONAH’s release, it was reported that WWE did not see the Australian as the right fit for NXT 2.0.

    The revamped NXT would launch in September 2021, a month after JONAH’s release.

    JONAH Explains Difference Between Western & Japanese Wrestling Fans
  • WWE Superstars Don’t Hear from Vince McMahon Anymore

    WWE Superstars Don’t Hear from Vince McMahon Anymore

    Vince McMahon is truly gone from the world of professional wrestling and communication between the ex-CEO and the roster has dried up.

    McMahon retired from all roles with WWE in July of this year, a month after stepping down as CEO and Chairman of the Board.

    McMahon’s resignation came following accusations of millions of dollars paid out in NDAs related to extramarital affairs with female employees.

    Silence

    Though McMahon publicly announced his retirement, some have questioned if the ex-Chairman is as truly gone as it seems.

    In August, Vince Russo said it was “impossible” that McMahon had retired, during an interview session on his Patreon.

    Fightful Select reports that McMahon’s retirement is the real deal and that those in the company don’t hear much from him their former boss these days.

    In his place, Stephanie McMahon has been appointed WWE’s Chairwoman and is Co-CEO with Nick Khan.

    Triple H has replaced the Billionaire as WWE’s Head of Creative and replaced long-time McMahon advocate John Laurinaitis as Head of Talent Relations.

    Getting Out More

    During his decades on top of wrestling, McMahon was a known workaholic but is finding a life outside of the ring.

    Fightful’s report adds that McMahon has been known to be out and about more than he was while still in WWE.

    The billionaire was spotted in New York in August for his 77th birthday, which was attended by WWE alum including John Cena and Brock Lesnar.

    McMahon was also spotted with an unknown woman, leading to speculation that his marriage to Linda McMahon has ended due to the recent controversy.

    Vice’s Vince McMahon Documentary Premieres December 13
  • Logan Paul’s Podcast Co-Host Suffered Jaw Injury at WWE Crown Jewel 2022

    Logan Paul’s Podcast Co-Host Suffered Jaw Injury at WWE Crown Jewel 2022

    Logan Paul left Riyadh worse for wear after his Crown Jewel match with Roman Reigns, and he isn’t the only one.

    In his third match, Paul challenged the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and despite coming up short, impressed fans with his in-ring ability.

    After the match, the Maverick took to Twitter to state that he has suffered a knee injury that will keep him out of the ring.

    Mike Majlak

    Paul wasn’t alone when he squared off against the might of the Bloodline, as his brother Jake and his co-hosts from the ImPAULsive podcast were also at Crown Jewel.

    During the match, co-hosts Mike and George were pulled from the crowd after trash-talking the Usos and earned a superkick each from the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.

    While on ImPAULsive, Mike discussed the injuries he sustained on WWE’s latest trip to Saudi Arabia.

    “My jaw came out of place. Everybody’s like ‘WWE is fake.’ Yeah, why don’t you get tossed around bro. I have bruises all over my back. My jaw is out of place.

    -Mike Majlak.

    What’s next for Logan Paul?

    Paul’s knee injury is the biggest roadblock for the YouTuber’s WWE career, but Logan remains optimistic about his recovery.

    This week, Paul said he has spoken to WWE’s Head of Talent and Creative Triple H about a WrestleMania 39 match with John Cena, which he is confident would ‘break’ the internet.

    Speaking to DAZN this week, Jake Paul said his brother’s recovery is going better than expected, as while it was believed to have been an ACL injury at first, it has since been diagnosed as an MCL and meniscus injury.

    Logan Paul Already Back Training As He Eyes WWE Return

    h/t – WrestleTalk

  • Vice’s Vince McMahon Documentary Premieres December 13

    Vice’s Vince McMahon Documentary Premieres December 13

    There’s a new Vince McMahon documentary in the works from Vice, the network that brought us three seasons of Dark Side of the Ring and Tales from the Territories.

    Wrestling fans won’t have to wait long to see what’s in store, because the doc is scheduled to premiere Tuesday, December 13 at 9 PM ET.

    Several wrestling pundits were interview for the project, including Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer.

    We’ve already seen from Dark Side that Vice doesn’t shy away from controversy. The McMahon doc will span his entire illustrious career, including his resignation from WWE this past summer related to his ‘romantic improprieties’ and mishandling of WWE expense reporting.

    McMahon resigned from his duties as Chairman and CEO of WWE amid the WWE Board investigating him for alleged sexual misconduct and hush money. WWE confirmed that from 2006 through 2022 (including amounts paid and payable in the future totaling $14.6 million) funds were not appropriately recorded as expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. 

    WWE identified two additional payments totaling $5.0 million, unrelated to the alleged misconduct by McMahon that led to the investigation. McMahon made in 2007 and 2009 that were not appropriately recorded as expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

    Vice is currently airing the first season of Tales from the Territories, a docu-series that reunites wrestlings legends to relive their most jaw-dropping stories from in and out of the ring.

    Episodes from the first season have focused on Memphis, the AWA, the CWF, Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling, the Samoan wrestling dynasty and more.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQqWMYuwQ2s