WWE has big plans to launch NXT Europe next year, but the promotion will soon be traveling to Africa to recruit talent.
This week, WWE had its 2022 Q3 earnings call with investors, in which co-CEO Nick Khan confirmed a talent search starting next week.
Khan confirmed that the search will begin in Nigeria, but it is unclear whether the search will travel to other parts of the continent.
WWE had initially planned a two-day tryout back in 2020, but those plans were canceled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Broadcast Deal
WWE isn’t just searching for their next Superstars in Africa, but have also reached a deal regarding their content.
In a statement, WWE announced that the streaming service Showmax will become the new home of the WWE Network in sub-Saharan Africa.
Matt Drew, WWE Senior VP of International, was optimistic about plans for the new deal.
“Adding WWE to the Showmax platform is an exciting development that we know our entertainment and sport-loving African subscribers are going to enjoy, making WWE even more accessible and affordable.”
WWE and Africa
WWE has never hosted a Premium Live Event in the continent of Africa but has hosted several African-born Superstars.
Arguably the most successful of these stars is Kofi Kingston of Ghana, who has become a WWE Champion, Grand Slam Champion, and one of WWE’s longest-tenuring stars.
The colossal Omos also comes from Africa, having been born in Lagos, Nigeria, and is a former Raw Tag Team Champion.
In 2008, Justin Gabriel signed with the promotion, becoming the first South African wrestler under control, and would become FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion in September 2009.
Called up the following year, Gabriel would become a three-time WWE Tag Team Champion before he quit the company in January 2015, one day before being scheduled to appear at the Royal Rumble.
Could Vince McMahon return to WWE now that the investigation into him is over? Don’t bet on it.
In June, it was reported that McMahon had paid a total $12 million in NDA pay outs to female employees who it is alleged he had extramarital affairs with.
After an investigation into the matter was set up, McMahon retired from all roles with WWE in July with his role as Chair of the company going to Stephanie McMahon.
As part of the filing, it was said that “Mr. McMahon can effectively exercise control over our affairs,” leaving some to speculate on a return.
That isn’t the case, as a spokesperson from WWE who spoke to Fightful Select said that McMahon is “done, done” with the promotion.
Another WWE higher-up said that the morale in WWE post-McMahon has been the highest they’ve seen it in over a decade that they’ve been around.
Another longtime WWE employee said that rehiring the former Chairman would be a major step backward, and that the company’s success since his retirement proves it.
Still Paying
McMahon is alleged to have paid a total $12 million across 16 years to women it is reported he slept with to keep hush-hush about what happened.
In their statement on the matter, WWE disclosed that the investigation into the allegations totaled an estimated $19.4 million.
McMahon, who has a net worth of $2.7 billion, has agreed to pay the costs of the investigation.
For years, fans and Bobby Lashley had wanted to see him share the squared circle with Brock Lesnar under the WWE banner.
That dream became a reality at WWE Royal Rumble 2022, where Lashley challenged Lesnar for the WWE Championship. Thanks to some interference from Roman Reigns, Lashley scored the win.
Although they were booked in an Elimination Chamber Match the next month, it wasn’t what fans had hoped to see as Lashley was removed from the bout due to an injury. Lesnar ended up winning the WWE Title.
Fast forward to last month, WWE started the feud again and booked a rematch between the two stars at Crown Jewel.
Lashley on Lesnar
(WWE)
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Lashley was asked to describe how he feels about the build to this bout compared to the first match.
“I like the buildup because I think the buildup is really important because of what happened last time. There wasn’t that real resolution to anything except me pinning him. This time is going to be a lot more hype. I think that it’s not going to be the last time. I think that is so much more that Brock and I can actually get into. So I think that this feud is going to be a feud that’s going to keep going, and it’s going to keep looking different, and there is going to be a lot more involved with it.”
Lashley stated that Lesnar wants to fight and is the type of person that’s just going to let somebody beat him up two times in a row and then not even come to avenge it, so the feud will continue in his eyes.
WWE announced today in its third quarter 2022 earnings report that the investigation into alleged misconduct by Vince McMahon “is now complete, and the Special Committee has been disbanded.”
McMahon resigned from his duties as Chairman and CEO of WWE amid the WWE Board investigating him for alleged sexual misconduct and hush money. The investigation cost WWE $19.4 million.
WWE’s Statement
“As previously announced, a Special Committee of independent members of the Board of Directors was formed to investigate alleged misconduct by Vincent K. McMahon, the Company’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who resigned from all positions held with the Company on July 22, 2022 but remains a stockholder with a controlling interest, and another executive, who is also no longer with the Company. The Special Committee investigation is now complete and the Special Committee has been disbanded. Management is working with the Board to implement the recommendations of the Special Committee related to the investigation. For the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022, the Company’s consolidated pre-tax results include the impact of $17.7 million and $19.4 million, respectively, associated with certain costs related to the investigation. Please see the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K/A and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q/A and Form 10-Q for further details and ongoing risks regarding this matter.”
The Wall Street Journal broke the news earlier this year about the WWE Board of Directors investigating McMahon over a $3 million settlement that McMahon had agreed to pay a former employee with whom he allegedly had an affair. McMahon allegedly paid them more than $12 million to four women formerly with the company to “suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.” WWE later found more payments that were made.
McMahon resigned from WWE as Chairman and CEO. Since Vince’s resignation, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan have been named co-CEOs, while Triple H has been named Head of Creative.
WWE says the investigation into alleged misconduct by Vince McMahon "is now complete and the Special Committee has been disbanded."
The investigation cost WWE $19.4M. My reading is that that's separate from the $19.6M in previously unrecorded payments made by Vince McMahon. pic.twitter.com/YewJQxQxBE
WWE Superstar Butch, fka as Pete Dunne in NXT, joined Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast today.
Butch is currently in the Brawling Brutes faction and they have entered into a feud with The Bloodline. The Brawling Brutes are scheduled to battle The Usos this Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships.
Pete Dunne had an impressive NXT career and is a former NXT UK Champion. He was called up the main roster this year and given the name “Butch”. Satin asked Pete about getting called and The Bruiserweight revealed that he wasn’t in a hurry to get to the main roster.
I knew that I was bound to be called up in the coming months, years, whatever it was going to be. Before that, I was all about NXT. I loved NXT with what we were doing in the UK and over here, I was in no rush to get up to the main roster.
Dunne added that WWE started bringing him up for matches on main event and dark to prepare him for the main roster. He said he was given the new name “Butch” and spent an entire flight trying to figure out how he was going to make it work.
I was just about to board the plane and I got a call saying the new name and a basic rundown of the vision. Yeah, then I spent the whole flight thinking to myself ‘how is this going to be received?’, knowing how it was going to be received for the most part.
Pete added that he talked to legends of the business such as William Regal and Shawn Michaels to get their take on it. He concluded that people didn’t connect with Pete Dunne because of the name, they connected with him for what he does in the ring.
The 28-year-old discussed children liking the Butch character and noted that he’s been told by parents that they he is their kids favorite wrestler.
What I will say about it, especially about the earlier Butch stuff, it is the first time in my career when I meet people in the street they say ‘you are my kids’ favorite wrestler’.
Before it has always been ‘you are my favorite wrestler’. It is always people around a similar age to me. Now it is a lot more like ‘my kid loves you’ and that was nice to see.
Okay, now I’m connecting with a completely different portion of the audience. And trust me when I’m in the ring it is going to come back again, I’m the same guy and going to put on the same show.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Out of Character podcast with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.
Logan Paul is just days away from having the biggest pro wrestling match of his career thus far when he steps into the ring to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title in the main event of Saturday’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia.
Paul’s brother, Jake, will be paying attention to the match, and he thinks Logan can dethrone Reigns as the champion.
Jake Paul Wants Paul Heyman in his Corner
“My brother is going to become champion. I believe that. This is his time. It’s crazy, so crazy Logan has this match,” Paul said to Sports Illustrated. “I’m so proud of him. It’s surreal he has this opportunity, and it’s serendipitous that his event and my event are happening on back-to-back weekends. We’re taking over the world. We’re the next Kardashians.”
Jake is four days removed from picking up a boxing victory against former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. He sees himself potentially working with WWE and would be open to partnering with the legendary Paul Heyman, the special counsel of Reigns.
“Paul Heyman is very entertaining and smart. I love a lot of the WWE characters, and he’s on another level. I’d love him in my corner. We’d be Paul and Paul.”
Dana Brooke has big plans for her 24/7 Championship, including possibly turning the belt into a women’s mid-card title.
Brooke, a fifteen-time champion, has the second-highest total number of days at 328 (only behind R-Truth at 413 days.)
Her win as 24/7 Champion in November 2021 marked the first title the fitness enthusiast has ever held in WWE.
Changing the Title
Since first winning the championship a year ago, Brooke has been a constant fixture of the WWE 24/7 title picture.
While the title can be won by all genders, there are only three titles on the main roster exclusively for women (the Raw and SmackDown Women’s titles and Women’s Tag Titles.)
Speaking to SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall, Brooke said she hopes to change that.
“I’ve been wanting to transition the 24/7 Title into a [Women’s] IC title. I think it would be amazing. We’re building a roster, we have amazing women on the roster. With everyone coming back, why not? We have the tag team titles, but not everyone is teamed up. You have the storylines that are going for the women’s titles, but the rest are just little stories in the mix. Why not go for an IC Title?”
Despite calling her proposed idea a Women’s Intercontinental Championship, Brooke doesn’t believe it would have to be less relevant than the Raw or SmackDown Women’s Titles.
“It’s not secondary. It’s just another thing to pour your heart and soul in and have that title and be given that opportunity. I just feel like it would enhance the Women’s Division.”
Dana Brooke outlines her plan for a new Women’s Championship.
Brooke is hardly alone in her search for a women’s mid-card championship, as both Bayley and Raquel Rodriguez have been vocal about a female Mid-Card title.
Evolution
Since 2015, WWE has made an effort to treat women’s wrestling with more respect.
WWE’s Women’s Revolution culminated in 2018’s Evolution event, the promotions first, and to date, only all-female show.
Speaking about a possible sequel, Brooke said that she is optimistic given the leaps WWE has made since Evolution.
“Women have always, for the last decade or so, have been pushing the bar and really stepping up and at those Crown Jewel pay-per-views, we’ve been making history. So I definitely feel as though it’s something that we will see again soon.”
Brooke’s involvement at WWE Evolution saw her compete in a battle royal which was won by Nia Jax.
Saudi Arabia
WWE’s women’s division is allowed to compete at Saudi shows these days, but that wasn’t always the case.
Initally, women were banned from the events, and some suggested in 2018 that Evolution was nothing but WWE’s attempt to save face amid the Saudi controversy
While Women’s matches are allowed now, Superstars must dress fully covered, in accordance with Saudi Arabia customs.
Speaking about WWE’s Saudi deal, Brooke believes there will be a day when women are in the main event.
“Definitely [the women will headline a Saudi Arabia event.] The momentum is high. We’re breaking ground. We’re breaking barriers. We’re making history every time we go over there. The last time we were on billboards that was a huge accomplishment. I think it’s definitely something that will happen soon.”
This Saturday’s Crown Jewel will see the Raw Women’s Championship and the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles defended.
More Gold?
Brooke already has big plans for the 24/7 Championship, but doesn’t want to stop just there.
When addressing the possibility of adding more gold to her collection, Brooke remained open to going for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
“I would love to go out there find a tag team partner and go after those Tag Team titles.”
Brooke’s most recent shot at the titles came on the November 2, 2020, episode of Raw, where she and Mandy Rose unsuccessfully challenged Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler.
Logan Paul has a date with destiny this Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel. With only two pro wrestling matches under his belt, Paul looks to do the impossible. He’ll challenge Roman Reigns for a chance at becoming the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and become the industry’s new top dog.
Make no mistake about it, Paul is a heavy underdog in this match. According to BetOnline, Paul’s odds currently stand at +1000, with Reigns a -5000 favorite to retain. That said, the bigger the risk, the bigger reward.
The social media influencer turned pro wrestler will put his physical wellbeing on the line when he steps in the ring against his most dangerous opponent to date. Paul has looked impressive thus far, displaying athleticism and charisma far beyond his experience level.
Paul has provided a first look at the vest he will wear to the ring at Crown Jewel. He’s keeping the signature black and yellow colors we saw at WrestleMania and SummerSlam, but this time he’ll be showing off his ‘guns.’
Check out Logan Paul’s “Maverick Paul” entrance gear for WWE Crown Jewel, courtesy of his Instagram story:
Odyssey Jones is excited about the comeback after returning to the ring on Tuesday’s episode of NXT.
Last week, Jones appeared as he brought the party to Malik Blade & Edris Enofé after they failed to win the NXT Tag Team Titles from Pretty Deadly.
Jones suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in January and had not competed on NXT television since December 2021. Jones was in the 2021 NXT Breakout Tournament finals, losing to Carmelo Hayes.
Odyssey Jones is Back
That changed on Tuesday’s show when he quickly defeated Javier Bernal in a singles match. Following the match, he spoke with WWE digital about what his in-ring return meant to him.
“Oh, Kelly, the journey was long and difficult, but you know what kept me going through it all? This moment right here, right now. Knowing that I would be back in all black in the black, and gold in front of those beautiful fans and hearing them chant Odyssey Jones. Didn’t mean to rhyme, but it did.”
Jones continued, “I was excited to get back into the ring. Mr. Michaels is always looking out for me. He gave me a good opponent. Javier is a great, hard worker, but today he didn’t have enough to hang with Big O.”
On an episode of Monday Night RAW last month, Seth Rollins was a guest on commentary and discussed the possibility of Austin Theory cashing in his Money In The Bank contract for the United States Title.
Rollins said that Theory “has a better chance cashing in on Dana Brooke!” Brooke didn’t appreciate this much, taking to Twitter to issue a fiery response to Rollins and his comment.
“Talk is CHEAP!! I work my a** off every single day & will not tolerate this sh*t anymore! I can promise you I am the hardest working WOMAN around, never have I taken off work, always worked through injuries, proved multiple times I can fit any position given & DO IT W/ A SMILE!”
Talk is CHEAP!! I work my ass off every single day & will not tolerate this shit anymore! I can promise you I am the hardest working WOMAN around, never have I taken off work, always worked through injuries, proved multiple times I can fit any position given & DO IT W/ A SMILE! https://t.co/Sx6vzrliHI
“I’ve taken it many times, Sam Roberts, Corey Graves, and now Seth Rollins. They don’t see what I do behind the scenes. It’s always about an opportunity and I’m waiting on that opportunity to come out there and show them what I can do.
“But behind the scenes, I’m working 24/7. I’m in the ring here. I’m working out at the gym. I do boxing classes. I work on promo skills, acting classes, everything. I’m doing it all and never missed a day of work ever. I’ve had deaths in the family.
“I’ve showed up to work that following week just because I want that opportunity. I really do. People always see what is showcased out there in the ring or what’s on TV, but they never see how someone is working behind the scenes.
“I promise you I’m the hardest working woman. I said talk is cheap because I have that aggression. I have that pent up, you know, anger inside that I’m just ready to let out and show the world that I can do it.
“Trust me, I can do it. I’m just as good and as equal as every other woman on the roster. At the end of the day, my time will come.”
Brooke has been signed to WWE since 2013. Throughout that time, she has won only the WWE 24/7 Title 15 times, currently holding the strap.
A new trademark application filing indicates WWE will be launching a new event in the coming months. Last Friday, October 28, World Wrestling Entertainment applied to trademark the term QUEEN OF THE RING.
According to the United States Patent & Trademark Office database, the usage for the phrase will cover “Wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered through broadcast media including television” as well as merchandise and other related uses.
We’re already in November and WWE’s premium live events calendar is set for the remainder of the year, but WWE fans can expect to see the crown a King and Queen of the Ring in 2023.
Searching for a Queen
(WWE)
WWE has crowned many ‘Kings of the Ring’ over the years, but never a Queen of the Ring. We’ve had Sensational Queen Sherri and Queen Sharmell, but they were crowned by association to their royal male counterparts.
WWE held the inaugural Queen’s Crown tournament last year. Zelina Vega was crowned the winner at Crown Jewel in October 2021. She reigned as Queen Zelina until May 2022, when she was forced out of action due to an injury that required surgery. Vega recently returned to WWE television (without the Queen gimmick) and now leads the Legado Del Fantasma faction on the SmackDown brand.
The King and Queen honors have helped breathe life into various mid-card acts over the years. The news of a Queen of the Ring tournament comes amid buzz that WWE is looking to hold another all-women’s Evolution premium live event next year as well.
WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley would likely have to decline a chance to return to WWE at this point in his life.
He took to his podcast, “Foley Is Pod,” to explain. Over the course of his legendary career inside the ring Foley suffered a multitude of injuries that are catching up with him. At this point in his life, Foley admits he can’t remember a written promo or storyline.
“Now, I can’t remember a written promo. And that’s one of the reasons why if I do get a call for [WWE] TV, I’m more likely to say no. Because I don’t — I saw it in 2012, the year we’re covering, that I make a difference.
“And I thought I was one of the few returning guys who could make a difference or who wanted to make a difference. Because that was my primary goal. If you’re going to bring me back, I want to help out a storyline.
“I don’t want to just get the pop, I don’t wanna just promote something I have coming up, I want to make a difference. And now I cannot, I cannot remember a storyline. And I don’t wanna just be a hanger-on in the back on ‘Old School Day.
“But as far as remembering, as far as long-term memory, I think it’s as strong as its ever been.”
Mick Foley was a huge star for WWE in the 90s during the company’s Attitude Era. He’s a three-time WWE Champion and eight-time Tag Team Champion alongside partners such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kane, The Rock, and more.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame back in 2013. Foley did return in 2016 as the General Manager for Monday Night RAW under Stephanie McMahon for a brief time.
However, that stint lasted a little less than a year as Foley was written off TV the following March in 2017. Since, Foley has made sporadic appearances on WWE TV, his last being in 2019 to help unveil the new WWE 27/7 Title.
Madcap Moss knows exactly who he’d like to wrestle against at WrestleMania 39 next year.
Since his days as the goofy sidekick to Baron Corbin have come to an end, Moss begun his journey as a singles competitor in WWE. He’s found quite a bit of success since, winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
However, Moss is now seeking his very own “WrestleMania moment.” The SmackDown star appeared on “WWE Deutschland” recently and discussed next year’s WrestleMania 39 show from California.
In regards to who he’d potentially like to share the ring with at the show. Moss didn’t hesitate to name the current “Honorary Uce” Sami Zayn.
“Sami Zayn, the Honorary Uce,” Madcap Moss said. “I just can’t decide how I feel about him because I just can’t take my eyes off of him. He’s so entertaining.
“But, at the time, I have my fist balled up every time I watch him and I just want to punch him right in the face at the same time … Either way he’s an unbelievable performer, you know, all craziness aside he’s one of the best on the mic, in the ring.
“You know what he did this past year at WrestleMania with Johnny, Johnny Knoxville, how fun was that match? An absolutely all time match right there.”
Moss went on to praise Zayn and the current work he’s doing on SmackDown, claiming the Bloodline member is “firing on all cylinders” at the moment.
“It feels like he is his own performer that is, every little movement he makes, every face he makes, you know, the way he talks is unique to him and it feels like a unique performance each and every week,” Moss said.
“I think he’s firing on all cylinders and I don’t think there is anyone who is more entertaining than Sami Zayn right now.”
We have some news to pass along regarding a scrapped segment from this week’s episode of WWE RAW.
This week’s episode of Monday Night RAW had quite a bit to unpack, as it was the go-home episode before this weekend’s Crown Jewel event from Saudi Arabia.
Some big moves were made to set up matches ahead of the show, however, it appears one traditional segment was scrapped from the show.
Being that this week’s episode was broadcast on Halloween night, there were a few traditions WWE were expected to keep up with on the show. According to a report from Fightful Select, a Halloween party segment was, in fact, planned for the show initially.
A food fight, involving pumpkin pies, was pitched, as is tradition. However, that never ended up happening. A handful of extras were also on deck for the show, but were ultimately never used.
Matt Riddle
It’s believed the segment was nixed due to time constraints given everything WWE had to do ahead of Crown Jewel this weekend. It should be noted, however, that the show did feature it’s traditional “Trick or Street Fight,” which saw Matt Riddle pick up a fun win over Otis.
This week’s WWE RAW also featured some other big moments, including new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions being crowned, as the duo of Alexa Bliss and Asuka topped Damage CTRL’s IYO SKY & Dakota Kai for the gold.
Will The Rock return to WWE in early 2023 to have the long-awaited WrestleMania showdown with Roman Reigns?
That has been the question a ton of fans have been asking, and one that certainly seems possible.
Both Rock and Reigns have teased the match, and it was during an episode of Young Rock that it was teased a match that big could only happen at WrestleMania.
Not Returning?
Earlier this year, it was reported that The Rock’s usually full filming schedule is free for the first quarter of 2023.
Many have taken this as a sign that the Brahma Bull will return to WWE and have a program with the reigning Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
Speaking to SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall, ex-WWE Head Writer and close friend of The Rock Brian Gewirtz gave another possible suggestion.
“I saw an internet report at one point saying ‘Oh The Rock’s not shooting any movies in February.’ I don’t know if he is or not but he is launching with Dany [Garcia] a gigantic football league so that might take some time too.”
Gewirtz was with WWE for years and now works as part of The Rock’s ‘Seven Bucks Productions.
New WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka and Alexa Bliss won’t have long to savor their win, as the titles will be up for grabs at this Saturday’s Crown Jewel.
Bliss and Asuka won the titles during this week’s Raw, in what was Asuka’s first televised match in close to two months.
This marks both women’s third reign as Tag Champions (albeit with different partners) and the third partner for Asuka, who previously held gold with KAIRI and Charlotte Flair.
The Rematch
Just five days after winning the titles, Asuka and Bliss will put the Women’s Tag Team Championships on the line against Damage CTRL.
Bliss and Asuka will face former Champions Dakota Kai and IYO SKY, who had a 49-day reign before it was ended this week.
On Twitter, Damage CTRL’s Bayley added that she will “stop at nothing” to make things right for the group.
Bayley will also compete at Crown Jewel, where she will face Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair for the gold in a Last Woman Standing match.
Crown Jewel 2022 will mark the first time Asuka, SKY, and Kai have competed at a Saudi Arabia event.
Crown Jewel 2022
In addition to these two title matches, WWE Crown Jewel will see Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defend against Logan Paul.
The O.C. will be in action against the Judgment Day while Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley will have their long-awaited rematch from January.
Drew McIntyre will face Karrion Kross inside a Steel Cage, as the Scottish Warrior seeks to finally defeat his nemesis.
The Usos will put the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles on the line against the Brawling Brutes while Braun Strowman will have a meeting of the giants with Omos.
Bodhi Hayward has made it clear that he isn’t pleased to lose his job with WWE NXT this week.
Hayward was released yesterday and was one of five to be cut, alongside Sloane Jacobs, Ru Feng, Damaris Griffin, and Erica Yan.
Prior to his release, Hayward had been a regular feature on NXT TV as part of Andre Chase’s Chase University.
Embarrassed
Hayward’s release from WWE was certainly surprising, though it has been reported that he was a handful to work with backstage.
Taking to social media, Hayward addressed his release, saying:
“What up Brodies, it’s your boy, Bodhi Hayward … Brady Booker. Here to tell you that I was just released from the WWE. I’m hurt. I’m embarrassed. And Brodies, I’m just down bad.
For the last 18 months, Andre Chase University and wrestling has been my whole life. I’m no stranger to adversity. Adversity has been something that has come up my whole life, and I’ve found a way to get on top.
I will do it again. I’m Brady Booker, and I’m here to stay.”
Brodhi Hayward.
There is no word on what kind of non-compete clause is in effect, though if previous releases are anything to go by, Hayward and the others can’t wrestle for 30 days.
Out of the five Superstars released, Hayward was by far the most surprising, given he had been a regular on TV as part of Chase U.
Hayward’s antics with the group had proven to be popular, and he had regularly appeared alongside Thea Hail.
On last night’s WWE NXT, Duke Hudson, who attacked Hayward in his final appearance before Bodhi’s release, tried to become the newest student of Chase U.
Former WWE writer/producer Freddie Prinze Jr. hasn’t been a fan of Triple H’s booking of Damage CRL lately.
Damage CTRL arrived in WWE at this year’s SummerSlam event in Nashville, Tennessee. The group (Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY) debuted following Bianca Belair’s successful title defense against Becky Lynch. Damage CTRL surrounded The EST but Becky Lynch turned babyface and stood by the champion.
Since SummerSlam, Dakota Kai and IYO SKY made it to the finals of the Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament but lost to Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah. Damage CTRL then won the titles a couple of weeks later, only to lose them to Asuka & Alexa Bliss last night on WWE RAW.
Bayley has been in a long feud with Bianca Belair. She pinned the champion in a 6-woman tag team match at Clash at the Castle in September. Belair retained over Bayley in a Ladder match at WWE Extreme Rules in Philadelphia.
However, the Role Model was able to defeat Bianca in a non-title match in the main event of last week’s RAW after Nikki Cross interfered. Bianca is set to defend the RAW Women’s Championship against Bayley once again in a Last Woman Standing match at WWE Crown Jewel this Saturday. It was announced that Dakota Kai & IYO SKY will have a rematch for the titles at the premium live event as well.
Former WWE writer and actor Freddie Prinze Jr. questioned the booking of the heel faction on a recent episode of his “Wrestling with Freddie” podcast recorded before Dakota & IYO dropped the titles.
Freddie wondered if WWE is done with pushing Bayley and said that he doesn’t understand what the company is trying to do with Damage CTRL.
I guess WWE’s done with Bayley,” Prinze says. “She lost to Candice LeRae, she’s losing to everybody. The entire Damage CTRL situation is a tag team championship on two girls that I don’t know if they’re going to get over.
Whenever I see something not working,” he continued, “I just want to kill it. Blow it up. It’s wrestling, that’s been wrestling’s mo from the dawn of time. I don’t know what they’re trying to do with this.
Unfortunately, it looks like R-Truth was injured during his match against Grayson Waller on Tuesday’s episode of WWE NXT.
The opening match on the show ended earlier than expected. Truth caught Waller with a Tope Con Hilo, but his foot caught the top rope. Truth immediately clutched his leg after the impact. During the commercial break, he was checked on. Truth was being helped to the back and it was decided that the match would be called off.
The Injury
Alicia Taylor announced Waller as the winner via ref stoppage. Post-match, Waller took the mic and bragged about beating a veteran. He said NXT is Waller’s house and nothing will change that.
Truth has been appearing on television more often than he had been as of late as he would interrupt segments where the word “Truth” was used.
On last week’s NXT, Truth interrupted a promo between Wes Lee and Waller. Truth and Waller exchanged words, with a match being set up for this show. While on Monday’s Raw, he interrupted a promo with Baron Corbin and JBL. The segment ended with Corbin laying out Truth.
We hope to have an injury update shortly and that no major damage was done.
Rhea Ripley has become a thorn in the side of The OC and is now tormenting fans at WWE Live Events.
The 26-year-old was knocked out of the ring during a WWE Live Event today and rolled towards the barricade that separates the superstars from the fans.
Ripley reached under the barricade and untied a fan’s shoe before rolling away. WWE uploaded video of the mischievous incident on their official Twitter account.
The OC are Looking for Help to Deal with Rhea Ripley
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson recently returned to WWE and reunited with AJ Styles to reform The OC (The Original Club). Finn Balor had been trying to recruit AJ to The Judgment Day but The Phenomenal One declined the offer.
The Judgment Day attacked Styles which led to Gallows and Anderson making the save. On last week’s episode of RAW, Karl Anderson battled Finn Balor in a singles match. During the bout, Rhea confronted Luke Gallows outside the ring and connected with a massive Body Slam.
On last night’s edition of WWE RAW, Rhea attacked Gallows once again during Karl Anderson’s match against Damien Priest. Anderson picked up the victory but it was The Judgment Day that stood tall at the end of the segment. Ripley delivered a low blow to Gallows’ good brothers and left him laying in the ring.
Following last night’s episode of RAW, The OC were interviewed backstage on RAW Talk. AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson admitted that they are struggling with Rhea Ripley and asked interviewer Cathy Kelley to join the group and help them against Ripley. She declined and The OC said that they need to go back to the “drawing board” to deal with Rhea and The Judgment Day.
WWE released several NXT stars on Tuesday, including Bodhi Hayward, who came as somewhat of a surprise because he was involved in a storyline with Andre Chase’s Chase University.
While speaking on today’s Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez noted there is apparently more to the story behind Hayward’s release, and he was said to be a handful to work with.
Waiting for More Details
WWE
“All I will say, because I don’t know all of the details, but there was stuff going on,” Alvarez said. “I guess the easiest way to describe it is apparently Bodhi was a handful. So it wasn’t just ‘well, let’s get rid of this guy’ or whatever. But I did hear from multiple people that it wasn’t just ‘we’re gonna cut some folks, we’re gonna cut this person who was right in the middle of a storyline.’ There was more to Bodhi’s story. That’s really all I can say because I don’t know what the more is. But you know, you got a bunch of guys and whatever and they’re in Florida and there’s a loop and god only knows what can happen.”
Alvarez said that he presumed that the other releases were because they were not improving, and on Monday, he heard that there were six releases, so it’s possible that one name has not gotten out yet or WWE decided to not let this person go.
Dark Side of the Ring is on pause for now while creators Evan Husney and Jason Eisener work on Tales from the Territories.
Both shows are on VICE TV. A few months ago, before the announcement of Tales from the Territories, there were reports and speculation that Dark Side of the Ring had been canceled after the third season.
No Truth
Dark Side Of The Ring
It got to the point where VICE TV put out a statement denying the rumors, saying they were committed to the series. While speaking on Two Man Power Trip, Husney addressed the rumors.
“It was some rumor about how WWE was putting pressure on A&E to not air our shows and it could be too controversial, so they were going to cancel it. VICE would never do that because it’s their most successful show. If Dark Side wasn’t successful, I could see not doing another season. It was this weird thing where, yeah, season three had some controversial moments. I could see where people put two and two together. We see that happen every day in the wrestling news cycle of people guessing with the rumor mill and speculating what one thing means and two things are similar, you put it together and you have a story. That’s how our news cycle works. I totally understand how people come to that conclusion. 99.9% of the time of anything, any conspiracy, is always the most boring answer or reason. In this case, the boring answer is that we just made another show for a second,” he said.
Tales from the Territories debuted in October 2022, and is in conjunction with The Rock’s Seven Bucks Productions. Husney was asked about details for the fourth season.
Husney noted that the season is in the works, and things are still being worked out. He noted there should be an official word made, but they’re not done with the show. Husney pointed out how it would be challenging for them to do both shows at the same time because they’re too much control freaks for that to happen.
It is unknown when Dark Side of the Ring season four will premiere, while Tales from the Territories is currently airing Tuesdays on VICE TV.
WWE will present its second and final premium live event of 2022 in Saudi Arabia this Saturday with Crown Jewel.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Saudi Arabia has shared with the United States that they have intelligence about an imminent attack from Iran. The story notes that the attacks are planned for “targets in the kingdom.”
As a result of the warning, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and “several other neighboring states have raised the level of alert for their military forces.”
WWE’s Reaction Following The News
WWE talent is scheduled to fly out to Saudi Arabia this week for Crown Jewel ahead of the show on Saturday. Logan Paul noted that he’s flying out on Tuesday.
However, it appears that nothing has changed on WWE’s end for now as they announced this afternoon Alexa Bliss and Asuka will defend the Women’s Tag Team Titles against IYO SKY and Dakota Kai, a rematch from Monday’s Raw that featured the title change between the two teams.
The leader of the group, Bayley, will also be in action at this show as she meets Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair in a last woman standing match. The show will be headlined by Roman Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Logan Paul.
PWInsider reports WWE is set to go forward with the event and have security protocols in case of emergency.
Saudi Arabia has shared intelligence with the U.S. warning of an imminent attack from Iran on targets in the kingdom https://t.co/dmmXyJnRru
Cody Rhodes has opened up about how his physical therapy after an injury he suffered earlier this year is going.
The top WWE star has been sidelined since this year’s Hell in a Cell premium live event, which took place on June 5 when he wrestled Seth Rollins in the main event of the show with a torn pectoral muscle. He suffered the injury while training for the match, which saw him go over in.
The following night on WWE Raw, Rhodes was written off TV the following night after he was ambushed by Rollins, who had faked showing respect to him moments earlier.
Cody Rhodes’ Recovery
In a post on Twitter, Rhodes gave some details of how his recovery from the injury is going on his Twitter account, where he said the following:
“How’s pt going?” It’s fn’ awful. Everyday we dig into the muscle, then I scream, half the time I spot a tear flowing. It’s a near impossible task getting a bodypart that had been shredded to 100%…or Hell even 90%. But on the worst of days I have the best reason to not tap out.”
He also shared pictures and a video of Rhodes’ daughter Liberty Runnels, dressed in a Halloween costume.
ODB had a long and successful career in TNA/Impact Wrestling as she is a four-time Women’s Knockouts Champion and former Knockouts Tag Team Champion.
She has also worked in NWA and AEW in recent years before returning to Impact in 2021. These days, she is focused on her food truck business.
While speaking on The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast, ODB was asked whether there’s anywhere she wants to work that she hasn’t already, including WWE. This is where she revealed that she got a call for the WWE Royal Rumble, though it didn’t pan out.
ODB Was Nearly in the Royal Rumble?
ODB
“I always wanted to go there. Maybe because you got the Rumble, you know. I did get a call for the Rumble, but it didn’t work out. But that would be cool. I always wanted to drive the food truck into the arena,” ODB said.
She was asked to elaborate. She also didn’t mention what year this would’ve been, but did note that someone high up in WWE blocked it from happening. She replied, “They wanted me, but of course, a person [in] upper… someone turned it down. But I did get a couple calls.”
ODB previously talked about how Triple H encouraged her to sign with TNA Wrestling. She named Awesome Kong, Gail Kim, and the Beautiful People as some of her favorite opponents in the promotion.
