SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • WWE Planning More Mystery Storylines Similar to Bray Wyatt’s “White Rabbit”

    WWE Planning More Mystery Storylines Similar to Bray Wyatt’s “White Rabbit”

    Paul Levesque (Triple H) is planning more ‘mystery’ storylines for WWE programming after the company’s success with the build-up to Bray Wyatt’s return with the White Rabbit teases.

    In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Triple H had considered incorporating more ominous teases and angles before Wyatt’s return. 

    “Paul Levesque had told people even before Wyatt debuted that the type of teases that were being done would be used more often as a facet of storylines and mystery. With the success of the Wyatt angle, expect there to be more of it.”

    Mystery Storylines Continuing

    Triple H
    (BT Sport)

    Wyatt’s return at Extreme Rules on October 8 was teased with a series of QR codes onscreen during TV events while the White Rabbit song played for the live crowd in attendance. 

    The teases had clues that led fans down a rabbit hole, following red herrings to creepy videos of butchered pigs interspersed with cartoons.

    The company is reportedly thrilled with how the campaign was received, and fans seemed to enjoy the teases, as well as Wyatt being the bestseller of merchandise in the company. Plans were recently reported that WWE intends to create a line of plushes of the FunHouse characters. 

    On this week’s episode of NXT TV, WWE began teasing a new character called Scrypts and the company recently filed a trademark for the term. As of this writing, it’s unclear who is behind this character as no clear hints were given past the vignettes, as the first one had someone leaving a distorted voice message for the Performance Center.

  • Former WWE Superstar Congratulates Sheamus on Getting Married (Photo)

    Former WWE Superstar Congratulates Sheamus on Getting Married (Photo)

    The Bloodline brutally attacked Sheamus last week on SmackDown.

    Jey Uso bashed The Celtic Warrior with a steel chair several times and then The Bloodline posed over Sheamus outside the ring.

    Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn will battle Ridge Holland and Butch of The Brawling Brutes tonight on WWE SmackDown on FS1.

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

    Sheamus Gets Married

    It appears that it hasn’t been that bad of a week for Sheamus after all.

    The 44-year-old reportedly was married this past weekend and the attack from The Bloodline was done as a way to write The Celtic Warrior off of television for the time being.

    Drew McIntyre is reportedly not going to be on tonight’s edition of SmackDown because he was the best man at Sheamus’ wedding. Sheamus’ wife, Isabella Revilla announced their engagement last year.

    https://twitter.com/WrestlingSZN7/status/1585812297737453575?s=20&t=d9ECuo5-IdcX-lZVvQPigg

    Former WWE Superstar Lana (CJ Perry) and Miro (FKA Rusev in WWE) were in attendance for the ceremony. Miro can be seen as a groomsman in the photo below.

    Sheamus recently was involved in a bitter rivalry with Gunther over the Intercontinental Championship. The two battled at Clash at the Castle, WWE’s first UK Stadium show in over thirty years. The Celtic Warrior and The Ring General provided the 60,000+ fans in Cardiff with an instant classic but Sheamus ultimately came up short.

    The Celtic Warrior received a standing ovation after the match and then another opportunity on a recent episode of SmackDown. Gunther retained by hitting Sheamus over the head with a shillelagh. Time will tell if Sheamus challenges Gunther again down the line or now has his sights set on getting revenge on The Bloodline.

  • WWE Considering Big Change for Money in the Bank

    WWE Considering Big Change for Money in the Bank

    Triple H has already made changes to the 2023 WWE premium live event schedule as he nixed the Day 1 and Hell in a Cell shows. He is also looking to go away from gimmick-themed shows. 

    Some fans think WWE should make a change to the Money in the Bank event with it being moved back to WrestleMania instead of its stand-alone event. 

    WrestleMania to Host MITB Again?

    While speaking with GiveMeSport, WrestleVotes noted that WWE has talked about bringing Money in the Bank back to WrestleMania.

    “Putting Money in the Bank on WrestleMania, one night women’s and one night men’s is something I’ve heard. I know since Hunter has taken over, the idea of one night women and one night men is alive.”

    The person behind the Twitter account did explain that while WWE is considering the idea, this person doesn’t think it will happen. 

    “I don’t think they’re going to do that. Let’s say Money in the Bank was scheduled for Allegiant Stadium, and they’re hoping to get 50,000 people. If you can do that on the back of Money in the Bank, I don’t think you put that show in the garbage and put the matches WrestleMania.”

    In July, Money in the Bank was originally scheduled to be held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, but the show was moved to MGM Grand Garden Arena due to poor ticket sales.

  • Spoiler on WWE’s Plans for Bray Wyatt on Tonight’s SmackDown

    Spoiler on WWE’s Plans for Bray Wyatt on Tonight’s SmackDown

    WWE has plans to use Bray Wyatt on tonight’s episode of SmackDown and next week’s show, which will also be taped from St. Louis, MO.

    Fightful Select reports WWE plans to include several pieces of Wyatt’s past as of Thursday. One thing stated was that WWE wanted to bring in the rocking chair that Wyatt used during his early years in the company. Also, there has been talk of The Fiend mask being ripped up by Bray or another talent.

    Wyatt Rumors

    Bray Wyatt Backstage

    The report added that rumors about Wyatt vs. Reigns imminently starting a feud are false because “Where would we go from there?” Another person in the company said they learned from the Fiend run.

    Seth Rollins, who feuded with Wyatt in 2019, has said publicly that the previous Fiend run was difficult on the wrestlers he worked with because The Fiend had to be booked to be indestructible.

    Dave Meltzer noted in this week’s Wrestling Observer about those two names potentially feuding, but Meltzer never said when the feud could happen. Meltzer wrote, “While it would be best to keep them apart for a while, the idea is Reigns vs. Wyatt could be the biggest program in a long time since Wyatt is so hot right now.”

    Emma (Tenille Dashwood) Returns to WWE on SmackDown
  • Emma (Tenille Dashwood) Returns to WWE on SmackDown

    Emma (Tenille Dashwood) Returns to WWE on SmackDown

    UPDATE: Emma is back as she did answer Ronda Rousey’s challenge, but fell short as Rousey won after hitting the Piper’s Pit and the armbar submission.

    ORIGINAL: Former WWE star Tennille Dashwood aka Emma, is returning to the company as she is backstage at tonight’s SmackDown TV event in St. Louis, Missouri. 

    Pwinsider.com reported the news this afternoon. Per the report, she is expected to return tonight as the person responding to SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey’s open challenge.

    Emma’s Homecoming

    Tenille Dashwood aka Emma
    Tenille Dashwood aka Emma

    Dashwood, the first Australian woman signed to a WWE deal, had two runs on the WWE main roster, with the first being tied to Santino Marella and then a heel run leading to her rebranding as Emmalina eventually. This character was dropped before she came back to television. She also found success in NXT. 

    Dashwood was released in October 2017. After her WWE release, Dashwood spent a year working for Ring of Honor before several years in Impact Wrestling but finished up with the promotion this past August when her contract with the company expired.  

    Dashwood got over with fans as a loveable babyface on the NXT women’s roster during Triple H’s time in charge of the promotion. Dashwood is currently dating SmackDown’s Madcap Moss.

    She is one of the world’s best wrestlers and helped create the women’s revolution alongside several names, including Paige. 

  • Latest Update on Sasha Banks’ Status with WWE

    Latest Update on Sasha Banks’ Status with WWE

    Fans eager to see Sasha Banks back in a WWE ring will have to keep waiting, as there’s still no confirmation on when she’ll be back.

    Banks was suspended from WWE in May of this year after she and Naomi walked out of an episode of Raw over creative differences.

    Despite belief earlier this year that both women would be leaving, it is now reported that both will return under WWE’s post-Vince McMahon era.

    Where is The Boss?

    It has been reported for some time that Banks’ return to WWE TV is imminent, but there’s been no sighting of the former Women’s Champion.

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that there’s been a hold-up in bringing The Boss back.

    “She is still under contract to WWE but there is no word on when she’ll return as there were said to be hang-ups in negotiations for a new deal.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    During Extreme Rules 2022, Banks was mentioned during the Raw Women’s Championship Ladder Match, the first time her name has been used on air since the suspension.

    Naomi

    Like Banks, Naomi was also suspended for walking out during the May 16, episode of Monday Night Raw.

    Earlier this month, it was reported that WWE may have frozen her contract, which was set to expire this year, and if so, means she cannot discuss signing elsewhere.

    Banks and Naomi have appeared together in non-WWE appearances since the suspension, including at the recent Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiere alongside the New Day and Jimmy Uso.

    Sasha Banks Says Modeling Debut Felt Like Her ‘First Wrestling Match All Over Again’
  • Former Impact Knockouts Champion Appears to be WWE Bound

    Former Impact Knockouts Champion Appears to be WWE Bound

    Impact Wrestling finds itself at a time where there is turnover in the promotion with stars leaving and staying as The Kingdom departed to join AEW while another Impact star is also leaving the company as Chelsea Green is reportedly on her way out.

    According to a report by PWInsider, Green filmed an exit vignette at the most recent set of Impact tapings, with many people believing she could be on her way to WWE. 

    Is Chelsea Green Returning?

    Chelsea Green
    Chelsea Green

    Also at the tapings, Impact taped a singles match between Green and Mickie James now believed to be a ‘Loser Leaves Town’ match. The feeling is that Green reportedly wouldn’t ‘give up regular Impact bookings unless she was WWE bound’.

    Green wrote, “Left you all #VXT from the beginning” on Twitter, with many seeing this as confirmation of Chelsea’s exit.

    Green was released by WWE in 2021 after a tumultuous three-year run with the company. 

    WrestleVotes recently reported that WWE is interested in bringing back Green, who was among the names to be released by the company last year because of “budget cuts.”

    If Green returns to WWE, it will be interesting to see whether WWE would also be interested in her husband, Matt Cardona, also known as Zack Ryder, in WWE.

  • WWE Considering Interesting Idea for Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank Cash-in

    WWE Considering Interesting Idea for Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank Cash-in

    WWE has discussed doing something new with Austin Theory’s Money In The Bank cash-in attempt.

    Over the summer, Theory won the briefcase at this year’s Money In The Bank after being added to the ladder match as a last-minute entry over Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Omos, Sami Zayn, Riddle, and Madcap Moss.

    The Pitch

    WWE Superstar Austin Theory
    (WWE)

    WrestleVotes revealed that there had been an internal pitch for Theory where he would keep the Money in the Bank briefcase for almost an entire year. 

    “There is an idea that he is the first guy to wait a full year, like the day of or let’s say, night of Money in the Bank next year,” the person behind the Twitter account stated in an interview with GiveMeSport. “That’s the storyline, like ‘you have to cash this in two and a half hours. You have to cash this in 90 minutes.’ That type of thing. I know that idea is on the table.”

    As of this writing, it is unclear whether or not the current plan is for Theory’s cash-in to be successful.

    Theory last wrestled on this week’s edition of Raw, defeating Mustafa Ali in singles action. He doesn’t have a match announced for Crown Jewel on November 5th in Saudi Arabia. 

  • John Cena and Idris Elba to Star in Amazon’s ‘Heads of State’ Movie

    John Cena and Idris Elba to Star in Amazon’s ‘Heads of State’ Movie

    John Cena has another Hollywood role lined up as the former WWE Champion has signed onto a new project. 

    The Hollywood Reporter reports that Cena will star in Ilya Naishuller’s next film, “Heads of State” along with Idris Elba. In October 2020, Amazon Studios picked up the rights for “Heads of State” during a competitive Zoom presentation.

    The film will be produced by Peter Safran, co-chair and co-CEO of DC Studios, and John Rickard via The Safran Company, while the initial script was created by Harrison Query, who recently set up My Wife and I Bought a Ranch

    Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec, who worked on the recently wrapped Beverly Hills Cop reboot, wrote the final draft. 

    Cena’s Other Films

    The film is described as “Air Force One meets Midnight Run,” centered on a mismatched pair who are in over their heads in a high-stakes situation.

    Cena recently finished filming movies such as The Independent, Snafu, Coyote v. Acme, Argylle, and Freelance while he is currently filming Honeymoon Friends.

    As previously noted, The Independent, which comes out next month, will be exclusively on Peacock. 

    John Cena Stars as Presidential Candidate in Peacock’s “The Independent” Film
  • Latest On Karl Anderson’s Status With WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling

    Latest On Karl Anderson’s Status With WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling

    Will Karl Anderson miss NJPW Battle Autumn as he claims? Perhaps, but that isn’t a bad thing.

    Earlier this month, Anderson returned to WWE as the NJPW Never Openweight Champion and was booked for a title match at Battle Autumn on November 5.

    Anderson has made it clear that he intends to compete at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5 and will miss Battle Autumn.

    The Update

    Anderson, WWE, and New Japan appear to be at odds, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

    Fightful Select reports that there have always been plans for the ‘Machine Gun’ to compete for New Japan despite his WWE return.

    It is unclear what will happen with the Never Openweight Championship, which NJPW has insisted must be defended at Battle Autumn or Anderson will be stripped of the title.

    The report adds that New Japan was aware that Anderson and Luke Gallows would be returning to WWE as early as August.

    Sources close to the situation said that “things are fine” between Anderson and the two promotions.

    More Appearances

    In their report, Fightful reported that New Japan expects more appearances from Anderson and Gallows after Battle Autumn and that WWE is fine with this.

    It was previously reported that NJPW is hopeful that Gallows and Anderson will make multiple appearances in the run-up to their big annual event Wrestle Kingdom.

    NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 will take place on January 4, 2023, marking the first time since 2019 the show has happened in one day.

    Four matches have been announced so far, including the crowning of the inaugural NJPW World Television Champion.

  • Billy Corgan Open to the NWA Being a Developmental System for WWE

    Billy Corgan Open to the NWA Being a Developmental System for WWE

    WWE’s new regime has shown it isn’t afraid to work with other promotions, but could the Sports Entertainment juggernaut one day team up with the NWA?

    In 2017, the NWA was purchased by Smashing Pumpkins star Billy Corgan, who has breathed new-life into the historic part of wrestling.

    Once a governing body, the NWA’s control over wrestling dipped in the 1980s with the rise of the WWF, and today is just one singular promotion.

    Working with WWE

    The NWA has come a long way under Corgan’s leadership, but the promotion could soon become part of WWE’s empire.

    Speaking to the Metro, Corgan recalled conversations he’s had with WWE regarding getting his promotion on the WWE Network and Peacock.

    “Very, very good discussions, very open and cool. They certainly liked what I was trying to do, and they’ve always been cool about what I was doing in the NWA, so I remain optimistic going into the future that there might be some business there to do.”

    Billy Corgan.

    Corgan added that the NWA could potentially be a developmental brand for the WWE where he can “help develop” wrestlers who aren’t main-roster ready.

    Other Options

    Corgan is open to working with WWE, but they’re not the only promotion on the Smashing Pumpkin star’s radar.

    In the interview, Corgan added that he is willing to work in a similar way with All Elite Wrestling, saying the Tony Khan-run company “has a tremendous amount of talent under contract.”

    While WWE uses NXT as their developmental program, AEW features young talent on Dark and Dark: Elevation before calling them to Dynamite or Rampage.

    NWA Host Talent-Wide Meeting After Recent Tapings

  • Watch: Liv Morgan Killed on Latest Episode of ‘Chucky’ TV Series

    Watch: Liv Morgan Killed on Latest Episode of ‘Chucky’ TV Series

    Liv Morgan has undergone an attitude adjustment following WWE Extreme Rules.

    She defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules match at the Premium Live Event.

    The 28-year-old wanted to prove to The Baddest Woman on the Planet that she was extreme and she was successful in doing so. Unfortunately for Liv Morgan, it still wasn’t enough and Ronda defeated her to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion. After the match, Liv was approached for an interview but was in no mood to talk.

    Watch: Liv Morgan Is In A Dark Place Following Title Loss At WWE Extreme Rules

    Liv Morgan Killed on Chucky TV Show

    The horror movie villain Chucky has made some cameos on NXT during the Halloween season. Now, WWE Superstar Liv Morgan has appeared on the Chucky TV show on SyFy. The former SmackDown Women’s Champion appeared on the fourth episode of season 2 of the series. Liv’s cameo on the show was brief as she was brutally murdered by the doll as seen below.

    Liv Morgan was recently interviewed by USA Insider about her appearance on the show and revealed she reached out to WWE and USA Network to be a part of the show.

    So I just went to WWE and I was like, ‘Do you think there’s any opportunity for me in any capacity? Because I’d love to be involved in any way, shape, or form.’

    And so they reached out, and I was actually put in touch with Don Mancini, the show’s creator – he’s been so gracious to me.

    We jumped on a Zoom and he was able to write me into the script. It’s been almost a pipe dream come true. It started with an ask that turned into something unbelievable.

  • Sasha Banks, Naomi, New Day & Jimmy Uso Attend ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Premiere

    Sasha Banks, Naomi, New Day & Jimmy Uso Attend ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Premiere

    Sasha Banks and Naomi have not appeared in WWE since the May 16th edition of RAW.

    They were the Women’s Tag Team Champions at the time but creative called for them to enter singles programs ahead of the Hell in a Cell PLE. Sasha and Naomi were scheduled to compete against each other in a Six-Pack Challenge but that never happened.

    The Women’s Tag Team Champions walked into former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ desk, left the titles behind, and walked out of the arena. There have been rumors of their return to the company but nothing has come to fruition yet.

    The former Women’s Tag Team Champions recently walked the runway at a fashion show in NYC with Bayley in attendance.

    Sasha, Naomi, Jimmy Uso, and New Day Attend Movie Premiere Today In Los Angeles

    Sasha Banks, Naomi, Jimmy Uso, Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Xavier Woods attended Wednesday’s premiere for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ today in Los Angeles. The crew arrived together and danced on the purple carpet.

    The stars walked the purple carpet during the premiere for the Marvel Studios film. Xavier Woods and Naomi posted photos from the event on social media.

    Former WWE Champion Big E posted a slow-motion video of the New Day walking the purple carpet. Big E has been out of action since March after suffering a neck injury. He is scheduled to be reevaluated next March to see if he can return to the squared circle.

    Several fans have posted videos and photos of the stars at tonight’s movie premiere and you can check them out below.

    https://twitter.com/KingZairois/status/1585467133793894402?s=20&t=5axzFJNfdDQPjOfSAoAjtw
  • Zelina Vega: ‘For the Longest Time, I Felt Like WWE Was Afraid to Give me the Ball’

    Zelina Vega: ‘For the Longest Time, I Felt Like WWE Was Afraid to Give me the Ball’

    Zelina Vega made her return to WWE on the October 7 episode of WWE SmackDown by being the new manager of Legado Del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, and Cruz Del Toro) to attack Hit Row (Top Dolla, B-Fab, & Ashante “Thee” Adonis).

    Throughout her career with WWE, Vega has filled multiple roles, including managing Andrade in NXT and the main roster, winning the first-ever Queen of the Ring tournament and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. 

    While speaking on Busted Open Radio, Zelina discussed her opportunities in WWE and wanting the ball.

    Wanting The Chance

    Zelina Vega
    (via WWE)

    “I had those questions like, ‘Can I do this by myself? Can I carry all about me?’ Damn right I can. Then, I became Queen,” she said when discussing moving away from being utilized more as a manager. “Now, it’s taking both parts and combining them together and doing this for me but also doing this for my team and getting people to see that side of me. For the longest time, I was like, ‘Damn, they have no idea what they have.’ I always told them, ‘Give me the ball. If I drop it, screw me, but you’ll never know until you try.’”

    Vega noted that you have to trust people and give them a chance as WWE did with Liv Morgan once fans got behind her. 

    She continued, “I heard from so many different people, ‘it’s just a matter of time. When is Zelina going to get this chance?’ I’m waiting. I’m here. For the longest, I felt like they were afraid to do it. The only thing they’re going to regret is that they didn’t do it sooner, that they didn’t take a chance on me sooner. They have no idea. This is one side of me, and you’re getting a different side now, but imagine what could happen if you actually give me the ball to just be me and have that opportunity. I feel like, for the longest, they were afraid to do it. What’s stopping you? Clearly, I can do for me alone, I can do it for other people, why not give me the actual chance? Are they afraid? What could you really lose when it comes to me? I’ve handled literally everything that has been handed to me. I think it’s just a matter of time.”

    Before her return, Vega had been off television for several months due to an injury as she last wrestled on the April 11 episode of WWE Raw, losing to Bianca Belair.

    On Friday’s WWE SmackDown, Legado Del Fantasma will be in six-man tag team action when they take on Hit Row and their mystery partner.

    H/T to Fightful for the transcription

  • Backstage Update on Triple H Potentially Bringing CM Punk Back to WWE

    Backstage Update on Triple H Potentially Bringing CM Punk Back to WWE

    CM Punk and All Elite Wrestling are reportedly about to go their separate ways.

    The 44-year-old returned to professional wrestling last year on Rampage: The First Dance. AEW sold out the United Center in Chicago on a rumor that CM Punk would be there and the crowd absolutely erupted when he arrived.

    A year later, CM Punk appears to be on the way out of All Elite Wrestling following the brawl with The Elite at the All Out media scrum. The Elite are reportedly on their way back to the promotion.

    AEW Negotiating to Buy Out CM Punk’s Contract (Report)

    Update on how Triple H Feels About Bringing CM Punk Back to WWE

    WrestleVotes recently spoke to GiveMeSport and provided an update on how Triple H feels about bringing CM Punk back to WWE. It was previously reported that The Game was open to bringing the former AEW Champion back to the company but likely not on a full-time deal.

    During the interview, WrestleVotes revealed that Triple H wanted nothing to do with CM Punk, and even less to do with the person (Phil Brooks) in July.

    I was told, I mean, pretty straightforward, that Triple H wants nothing to do with CM Punk, and even less to do with Phil Brooks. Well, that’s what I was told and that was July.

    However, WrestleVotes claims that The Game’s stance on CM Punk has “softened” recently but animosity between the two still remains.

    I did ask over the last couple of days, and it has softened a little bit from what I understand. I still think there’s animosity, I still think there’s a lot of pieces that need to be picked up between the two of them specifically. But Hunter, learned from Vince [McMahon] and Vince made amends with everybody.

    WrestleVotes added that it is “ridiculous” to say that the door is closed for Punk to return to the company, especially in the ‘war’ that is happening right now between the promotions.

    H/T: GiveMeSport

  • John Cena Stars as Presidential Candidate in Peacock’s “The Independent” Film

    John Cena Stars as Presidential Candidate in Peacock’s “The Independent” Film

    Peacock is slated to premiere a new movie featuring John Cena next month. 

    Peacock announced today that the political thriller “The Independent” will premiere exclusively on the streaming platform on Wednesday, November 2.

    The movie comes from Emmy-nominated director Amy Rice. Evan Parter wrote the script. Relativity Media and Park Pictures are releasing the film, along with Anonymous Content and NEXT Productions, in association with Orogen Entertainment and The Exchange. 

    Also starring in the movie include Cena, Ann Dowd, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Brian Cox. The official synopsis reads like this:

    The Plot

    “It’s the final weeks of the most consequential presidential election in history. America is poised to elect either its first female president (Ann Dowd) or its first viable independent candidate (John Cena). Reporting history as it’s made, an idealistic young journalist (Jodie Turner-Smith) teams up with her idol, legendary journalist Nick Booker (Brian Cox), to uncover a conspiracy that places the fate of the election, and the country, in their hands.”

    The film is produced by Sam Bisbee, Theodora Dunlap, Caddy Vanasirikul, Ryan Cunningham, and Evan Parter. Executive Producers include Laura Grange, Julia Stuart, Brian Cox, Jodie Turner-Smith, John Cena, Blair Ward, Anders Erdén, Eric Harbert, Bill Kiely, Whitney Moehle, Michael Arrieta, Marc Danon, David Robbins, Lex Miron, Amy Jarvela, Charles Stiefel, Brian O’Shea, Giovanna Trischitta, Nat McCormick, Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Lance Acord, and Cody Ryder.

    Although no trailer has been released, you can check out a new first-look clip for the movie with Cox and Turner-Smith:

  • Report: 13-Year WWE Event “Completely Dead” Thanks to Triple H

    Report: 13-Year WWE Event “Completely Dead” Thanks to Triple H

    One of WWE’s staple events of the past 13 years is said to be “completely dead” as part of changes made under the new regime.

    Since July, Triple H has operated as both Head of Creative and Head of Talent Relations, implementing several changes.

    The Game’s tenure has seen several released Superstars be rehired, including Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, Karrion Kross, and Hit Row among others.

    Completely Dead

    WWE Hell in a Cell

    Triple H isn’t just changing the rosters of WWE, but is also changing the line-up of Premium Live Events. According to Wrestle Votes, the annual Hell in a Cell Premium Live Event is said to be “completely dead” and will not return next year.

    Speaking to GiveMeSport, Wrestle Votes explained Triple H’s personal attachment to the stipulation.

    “That match, from what I understand, means a lot to Hunter, just think of the classics that he’s had in there. Roman Reigns & Jey, so they’ve been feuding for six weeks. They got to be there now because the calendar says so… That’s not going to happen anymore.”

    Wrestle Votes.

    Triple H entered Hell in a Cell for the first time at No Way Out 2000 with a victory over Cactus Jack, and has competed in the match nine times.

    The King of Kings has the second most Cell appearances (behind The Undertaker at 14) and boasts a 66.6% win rate.

    It is believed that the stipulation will still be used but only when the storyline demands it.

    More Changes

    WWE Hell in a Cell may be finished as an event, but it may not be the only show on the chopping block.

    This month, it was reported that WWE’s new regime will move away from stipulation events, meaning shows like Elimination Chamber and WWE TLC could also be scrapped.

    WWE is also reportedly interested in hosting more international Premium Live Events, following the monumental success of WWE Clash at the Castle in Cardiff, Wales.

    3 Reasons to Love WWE’s New Premium Live Events Strategy
  • Tommaso Ciampa Undergoes Surgery for Torn Hip Labrum

    Tommaso Ciampa Undergoes Surgery for Torn Hip Labrum

    Tommaso Ciampa has undergone the knife to repair a torn hip labrum. 

    The WWE star hasn’t wrestled since a WWE live event on Sept. 17 and has been absent from Monday Night Raw for the past few weeks. On Monday Night Raw this week, Johnny Gargnao mentioned Ciampa was dealing with an injury during a backstage promo with The Miz, but it was unclear at the time if this was merely a storyline or real-life. Obviously, the injury is real. 

    Road to Recovery

    Ciampa

    Ciampa confirmed on Wednesday that he had undergone surgery to repair a torn hip labrum. He wrote the following on Instagram: 

    “The road to recovery begins. It’s a familiar road. Almost too familiar,” Ciampa wrote in an Instagram post. “Special thanks to Dr Emblom and his team for taking such incredible care of me. Thanks to the WWE medical team for once again putting me back together. And thanks to my ‘nurses’ at home for always giving me perspective. It took awhile but we finally found the cause to all of that glute/SI/back pain. A hip labrum that ‘looked like shredded cheese’ according to my wife, who watched the surgery.”

    He also included an inspirational quote by beloved fictional character, Rocky Balboa:

    “But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

    – Rocky Balboa

    Ciampa had been pushed by Triple H since taking over creative from Vince McMahon this past July. Ciampa had gone from being Miz’s henchman to challenging Bobby Lashley for the United States Championship.

  • Kofi Kingston Names His WarGames ‘Dream Team’ for WWE Survivor Series

    Kofi Kingston Names His WarGames ‘Dream Team’ for WWE Survivor Series

    This year’s WWE Survivor Series premium live event will feature a special WarGames theme, with men’s and women’s double-cage matches set to headline the event. This is a departure from recent years, which saw a contrived ‘brand supremacy’ format involving the Superstars from Raw, SmackDown and NXT competing.

    Triple H recently commented on the changes coming to Survivor Series:

    “The tradition of the Survivor Series has ebbed and flowed and changed slightly over time, but this will be similar to that,” he said in a press release. “This will not be Raw versus SmackDown. It will be much more story-line driven. I still look at it as a traditional component of Survivor Series in there because it’s large teams of people competing. We just upped the ante a little bit with WarGames and made it evolve.”

    Kofi Kingston’s WarGames Dream Team

    Former WWE Champion Kofi Kingston recently spoke with Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston and named his ideal partners in a hypothetical WarGames match. Unsurprisingly, his New Day teammates (Big E & Xavier Woods) were included.

    We have actually teamed up with Braun Strowman a couple of times and he is just amazing to be in the ring with.

    I find him to be such a character. He lives such a crazy life. He lives in the woods, hunts boars, and so many awesome stories.

    So even sometimes when we are like, Woods will be in there wrestling and we are on the apron, I’m just like man this dude is huge. He’s a force to be reckoned with.

    I would put Braun on my team. Shoot, I’ll put Bray on my team too. I don’t know if he’s looking for a team but I’ll put Bray on there.

    I don’t know if Orton is coming back, but I’ll put Randy on my team. The Viper and the experience factor.

    You mentioned Carmelo (Hayes), I’d put him and Trick Williams on my team because I think they have got a lot of potential.

    I’m excited to see what they bring to the table when they get to the, well I guess Carmelo is on the main roster, he’s been on Main Event a few times now.

    WWE Survivor Series takes place Saturday, November 26th from Boston’s TD Garden.

    If you use any quotes from this article, please credit NBC Ten Count and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

  • Solo Sikoa Weighs In on One Day Facing his Cousin Roman Reigns

    Solo Sikoa Weighs In on One Day Facing his Cousin Roman Reigns

    Could Solo Sikoa one day turn his back on The Bloodline and face off with his cousin and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns? Don’t bet on it.

    Sikoa joined WWE last year as part of NXT 2.0, and was called up to the main roster in September 2022.

    A former North American Champion, Sikoa made his main-roster debut by aiding his cousin during the WWE Clash at the Castle Premium Live Event against Drew McIntyre.

    Reigns Vs. Sikoa

    Since being called up, Sikoa has served as the enforcer of the Bloodline and regularly appears with Reigns on-screen.

    Speaking with Sportskeeda, Sikoa addressed the Royal Rumble, and has no plan on winning the 30-Man match (via Fightful.)

    “I might not win the Royal Rumble. I might eliminate myself. I don’t know, you never know. If that opportunity presents itself, Maybe. But I know my role as the enforcer and that it’s to protect — anybody that tries to step up to Roman Reigns, gets knocked down.”

    The 2023 Royal Rumble will take place on January 28, 2023, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

    Rumble Favorites

    While Sikoa does not have WrestleMania main event ambitions (at least not against Roman Reigns) countless Superstars would love to win.

    Right now, the current favorite among fans to win is Cody Rhodes, who has been out since June with a torn pectoral.

    Rhodes is also a favorite among fans to dethrone Reigns and end his tenure as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

    The Rock, a fellow member of Reigns’ family is also being considered by some, with rumors of a Rock-Reigns match at WrestleMania 39.

    “I’m Having A Lot Of Fun” – Solo Sikoa On Being A Part Of The Bloodline In WWE
  • NJPW Warns Karl Anderson Over Booking Conflict with WWE Crown Jewel

    NJPW Warns Karl Anderson Over Booking Conflict with WWE Crown Jewel

    Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson recently returned to WWE to help AJ Styles in his battle with The Judgment Day.

    Finn Balor had been trying to get The Phenomenal One to join the faction but AJ ultimately declined. The Judgment Day attacked Styles in response and The Good Brothers made their return.

    WWE has announced that The OC will battle The Judgment Day in a 6-man tag team match at Crown Jewel on November 5th.

    NJPW Warns Karl Anderson That They Will Vacate His Title If He Works Crown Jewel

    Karl Anderson is the current NEVER Openweight Champion and was scheduled to defend the title on the same day against Hikuleo. Karl and Luke recently uploaded a video and said that they will not be at Battle Autumn. Gallows added that Anderson’s bookings must go through him and NJPW didn’t clear it with him.

    New Japan Pro-Wrestling has responded today with a statement that refutes the claims made above by Luke Gallows. NJPW stated that they booked the match through the proper channels with Karl Anderson and the match was announced on October 4th. NJPW added that Karl will have to vacate and return the NEVER Openweight Championship if he does not compete in the match he was scheduled for.

    You can read the entire statement below:

    Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 

    Early morning Japan time on October 20, NEVER Openweight Champion Karl Anderson posted a video on social media indicating that he would not be making his advertised commitment on November 5 in Osaka. 

    NJPW had announced Anderson’s match with Hikuleo for the NEVER Openweight Championship on October 4. Despite comments from Doc Gallows to the contrary in Anderson’s video, the booking was made through the appropriate channels, and with Anderson’s expressed approval.

    However, after the match’s announcement, both Gallows and Anderson would appear on the October 10 edition of WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” broadcast. This led to WWE announcing a match featuring both men for their Saudi Arabia event on November 5, in direct conflict with Anderson’s prior commitment.

    NJPW has for the past several days attempted to negotiate with Anderson, but has not been met with a response. Should Anderson decide to renege on his scheduled championship match, he will be required to vacate the NEVER Openweight Championship and return the title belt to NJPW immediately. 

    New Japan Pro-Wrestling holds its champions to the highest standards of professionalism, and sincerely apologizes to fans for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by this matter. 

  • The Rock’s Daughter Ava Raine Makes WWE NXT TV Debut

    The Rock’s Daughter Ava Raine Makes WWE NXT TV Debut

    The Rock’s daughter, Simone Johnson, has made her WWE NXT television debut as the newest member of Schism. 

    Johnson, known as Ava Raine in NXT, took off her mask in a segment to reveal she is part of the faction led by Joe Gacy. In her promo, she talked about how love and acceptance that the Schism has given her defies any preconceived notions of who she’s supposed to be. 

    She said this family completes her. The segment ended with her posing with the group, including Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid.

    Ava Raine’s Journey

    Raine made her WWE NXT live event debut in July by scouting talent and then cut her first promo the following night and called herself “The Final Girl.”

    While speaking with Entertainment Tonight over the summer, The Rock talked about his daughter making her debut. 

    “She’s made history. Very, very proud of her. She is fiercely independent. It’s very important for her to make her own way, blaze her own trail, blaze her own path. She doesn’t come to me looking for a lot, which I respect that. And I’m here watching and supporting.”

    Raine has been with WWE for several years, although she has not wrestled in a sanctioned match as of this writing.

  • The Boogeyman Set to Return to WWE Programming This Week

    The Boogeyman Set to Return to WWE Programming This Week

    The Boogeyman is set to make his long-awaited WWE return this week as Halloween approaches.

    He has been very active on social media as of late with fans trying to return to the company and now it appears that The Boogeyman has gotten his wish. The Boogeyman will appear on WWE programming this week a few days before Halloween.

    The Boogeyman Will Return to WWE on The Bump

    WWE legend The Boogeyman will make his triumphant return to the company tomorrow at 1 PM. The Boogeyman will join stars Liv Morgan and Shotzi on WWE’s The Bump tomorrow afternoon. It will be interesting to see if he makes an appearance on RAW or SmackDown as well.

    The Boogeyman is currently on a legends contract with the company but has made it known that he wants to return to television on social media. He recently posted on Twitter that he wants to face Bray Wyatt following his return at the Extreme Rules PLE.

    Shotzi hosted the NXT Halloween Havoc over the weekend and recently teamed up with Raquel Rodriguez to battle Damage CTRL. The team fell short of capturing the Women’s Tag Team Championships.

    Liv Morgan lost the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules match at the Premium Live Event. Since losing the title, Liv’s attitude has completely changed. The 28-year-old attacked Sonya Deville backstage and Powerbombed her through a table on a recent episode of SmackDown. She went on to defeat Sonya in a singles match last week on the blue brand and hit her with a Superplex onto a stack of chairs after the match.

  • WWE Stars Honor The Ultimate Warrior on 35th Anniversary of His Debut

    WWE Stars Honor The Ultimate Warrior on 35th Anniversary of His Debut

    The Ultimate Warrior debuted in WWE 35 years ago today. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014 and tragically passed away shortly after. Ultimate Warrior died at the age of 54 on April 8, 2014. WWE has since created the Warrior Award in his honor. Shad Gaspard was the recipient of this year’s Warrior Award.

    WWE uploaded a video today featuring several of today’s most popular superstars discussing their favorite moments of The Ultimate Warrior’s career to pay tribute to the wrestling legend on the anniversary of his debut. He debuted in WWE 35 years ago and defeated Terry Gibbs.

    Drew McIntyre said that WrestleMania VII was his favorite moment of The Ultimate Warrior’s career and claimed to have worn out the VHS tape of the event watching it with his brother growing up. The Ultimate Warrior defeated Randy Savage at the event.

    The Miz stated that Ultimate Warrior was his favorite wrestler growing up. The Miz joked that his favorite “moment” of the Hall of Famer’s career was whenever he cut a promo because you couldn’t really understand what he said. The Miz added that he has “load the spaceship with the rocket fuel” embedded in his head.

    Sheamus revealed that his favorite Ultimate Warrior moment was at SummerSlam 1988. The Ultimate Warrior demolished The Honky Tonk Man in quick fashion at the event. The Celtic Warrior added that it is moments like that one that will stick in fans’ heads forever.

    Tamina Snuka told a story of The Ultimate Warrior signing a jacket for her when she was younger and her dad gave it to her on Christmas. Natalya selected his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as her favorite moment from his career.

    Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson also discussed how The Ultimate Warrior influenced their career. Gallows picked Warrior’s return at WrestleMania 8 as his favorite moment. You can check out the video presented by Mattel below.

  • Ric Flair Says He Would Love to Return to WWE

    Ric Flair Says He Would Love to Return to WWE

    Ric Flair wrestled his last match during WWE SummerSlam weekend in Nashville.

    The 73-year-old teamed up with his son-in-law, Andrade El Idolo, to defeat AEW star Jay Lethal and wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett in a tag team match.

    Ric Flair’s Last Match was an event produced by Conrad Thompson and Jim Crockett Promotions and it was very successful. The event sold out the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, drawing 6.800 fans with a live gate of $448,402.

    Ric Flair’s Last Match also brought in estimated 20-25k viewers on FITE and is the 2nd highest-grossing North American independent professional wrestling event behind All In in 2018.

    Ric Flair on a Potential Return to WWE

    The Nature Boy spoke about a potential return to WWE recently on his To Be The Man podcast. Ric said that he would “love to return to the company and do stuff with them” but did not disclose what his return would entail.

    He also discussed his upcoming documentary and claimed that it was going to be better than the 30 for 30 produced by ESPN.

    This will be better than my 30 for 30 on ESPN because I made them promise me that whatever I said, they wouldn’t edit. I’m not going to do something that’s going to be edited again.

    “I was passionate and I expressed everything that I thought was good or bad in my life. I discussed my personal life, my personal problems, family problems, wrestling problems, issues with people that I have had.

    I just answered questions and I answered them as truthfully as I could.

    H/T: F4WOnline