SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Former WWE Superstar Claims Cody Rhodes Was “Entitled” Early in His Career

    Former WWE Superstar Claims Cody Rhodes Was “Entitled” Early in His Career

    Cody Rhodes was an EVP of All Elite Wrestling before exiting the promotion earlier this year. He spent nine years with WWE before being released from the company in 2016.

    The former TNT Champion returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38. He was former WWE CEO Vince McMahon’s handpicked opponent for Seth “Freakin” Rollins.

    The American Nightmare went on to defeat The Visionary three times in a row but was injured ahead of their match at Hell in a Cell. Cody entered the steel structure with a torn pectoral muscle and left a legend amongst WWE fans.

    Former WWE Superstar Rene Dupree on Cody Rhodes

    Rene Dupree recently discussed Cody Rhodes on his Cafe de Rene podcast. The former WWE Superstar claimed that The American Nightmare was entitled early in his career. Rene recalled Cody getting hired by the company despite having little experience and trying to be an actor at the time.

    I remember Cody Rhodes one time spotted off like yeah second generation guys don’t get along and I’m thinking what the f**k do you know about that. My days with Cody were different with other people because when I first met him like, entitled? like a hundred and f**king percent right… He got hired, no experience, no nothing, he was 21, he was trying to be an actor in Hollywood.

    H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

    When Will Cody Rhodes Return to WWE?

    Cody Rhodes isn’t expected to return to action this year. Many have speculated that he will return at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event but time will tell. The American Nightmare recently spoke to TMZ Sports and said that he hopes his return is a run fans remember. Cody added that his return before injury was the best three months of his life.

  • CM Punk Moved the Needle During His Time with AEW

    CM Punk Moved the Needle During His Time with AEW

    All Elite Wrestling is reportedly negotiating a buyout with CM Punk for the remaining years on his contract.

    The 43-year-old debuted to a sold-out United Center on the 2nd episode of AEW Rampage last year. AEW and Punk sold out the venue on a rumor that he would be making his return to professional wrestling after seven long years away.

    It was electric in Chicago when “Cult of Personality” blasted through the speakers and The Voice of the Voiceless had finally returned. Unfortunately, the good vibes were short-lived and Punk seemingly has squandered the opportunity he always complained about not getting in WWE.

    Was CM Punk a Draw in All Elite Wrestling?

    One of the criticisms of CM Punk is that he wasn’t a draw for the promotion. AEW President Tony Khan once vehemently defended the former two-time AEW World Champion from criticism from Eric Bischoff during a media scrum.

    ‘It’s F*cking Bullshit’: Tony Khan Fires Back At Eric Bischoff For Saying CM Punk Is A Financial Flop

    Wrestlenomics has provided some data that proves that CM Punk was a draw for All Elite Wrestling during his year in the promotion. According to Wrestlenomics, Punk increased quarter-hour ratings when he was on the screen. The five PPVs he appeared on are the highest-selling in promotion history. He main evented two $1m gates and has four of the top ten selling items on ShopAEW and PWTees this year.

    Was CM Punk a draw for AEW? -His appearances often increased quarter-hours -5 PPVs he was on are AEW’s 5 highest-selling -Main evented two $1M gates, arguably drew a 3rd he wasn’t on -4 of 10 top selling items for the yr on ShopAEW & PWTees are his

    CM Punk defeated Jon Moxley at AEW All Out in the NOW Arena in Chicago on September 4th. He tore his pectoral during the match and would have had to relinquish the title anyway.

    However, CM Punk went on a rant to begin the media scrum after the PPV. During the rant, he insulted The Elite, Hangman Page, Colt Cabana, and others, all while AEW President Tony Khan was seated directly next to him.

    After his rant, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks reportedly went to the former AEW World Champion’s locker room and a brawl broke out. CM Punk’s friend and former AEW producer Ace Steel has been released from the company.

    Report: Talent who know CM Punk Predicted AEW Run Would Go Poorly
  • Kofi Kingston Has “No Idea” Why He Never Got a Rematch Against Brock Lesnar

    Kofi Kingston Has “No Idea” Why He Never Got a Rematch Against Brock Lesnar

    Kofi Kingston captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 by defeating Daniel Bryan.

    He wrestled 75 matches as the champion and had long rivalries with Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, and Dolph Ziggler during his reign.

    WWE SmackDown debuted on Fox on October 4th, 2019. The main event for the show was Kofi defending his WWE Championship against Brock Lesnar.

    Most fans expected Brock to win but The Beast absolutely dominated and squashed Kofi to win the title.

    Kofi Kingston on why He Never Got a Rematch Against Brock Lesnar

    The former WWE Champion spoke with Steve Fall on NBC Ten Count recently and was asked why he never received a rematch after the shocking defeat.

    Kofi admitted that he has no idea why he didn’t get a rematch for the title but claimed that it is not something he dwells on nowadays.

    I have no idea. I don’t really dwell on the why, there is a lot of things in the industry that you look at sometimes and you’re like ‘whoa, why did that happen?’. And you just move on and the wheel keeps on turning.

    Again, for me to like dwell on what happened in that match with Brock Lesnar, it doesn’t serve me any purpose, right? It’s not going to make me better, it’s not going to change what happened, it’s not really going to do anything besides make me feel bad.

    So, I’m not going to let it do that. I have a lot more career left to handle. I think that it is a scenario where like, again this is such a unique opportunity to be on this roster.

    As far as my run being WWE Champion, I got to go six months almost to the day. So that is a very long reign.

    I think if you look back at how many of the past or current champions have had a reign of six months or more it’s Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley, Roman Reigns and myself.

    Kofi spoke about his rivalries during his title reign and noted how it was cool to tie everything together by revisiting his rivalry with The Viper Randy Orton.

    AJ Styles at the beginning, and then Randy Orton kind of like tying everything together.

    Being that I was in for a push in 2009 and I was out in a rivalry with Randy Orton, and then it didn’t work out.

    So to be able to kind of like button that up was great. So I enjoyed my title reign. I enjoyed every single moment of it because I know how rare it is to be in that championship role.

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

  • Bron Breakker Retains WWE NXT Title at Halloween Havoc

    Bron Breakker Retains WWE NXT Title at Halloween Havoc

    WWE NXT Champion Bron Breakker made his latest title defense in a triple threat match that served as the main event of this year’s Halloween Havoc event from Orlando, Florida. Breakker defended it against JD McDonagh and former NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov. 

    The match featured numerous memorable spots including when Dragunov hit coast to coast on McDonagh and Breakker. Breakker hit a Frankensteiner to McDonagh, who then was caught by Dragunov for a powerbomb. 

    Dragunov hit a powerbomb to Breakker for 2. McDonagh with a 450 splash to Dragunov for a near fall. Dragunov with his finisher to Breakker, but McDonagh broke it up. Breakker with a spear to Dragunov for the win. 

    How We Got Here

    The September 27th edition of NXT opened with Dragunov and McDonagh laying claim to being the next contender for the NXT Championship. Breakker came out to address them. 

    McDonagh suggested that Breakker and Dragunov face each other, with the winner facing him, but Bron didn’t like it so he came up with a triple threat match at Halloween Havoc, which was eventually confirmed.

    This was after Dragunov made his return the previous week by confronting McDonagh after he won a number one contendership match, defeating Tyler Bate. Dragunov  said he never lost the NXT UK Championship as he had to vacate it earlier in the summer due to injury and that’s why he wanted a title bout. 

  • Mandy Rose Retains WWE NXT Women’s Title at Halloween Havoc

    Mandy Rose Retains WWE NXT Women’s Title at Halloween Havoc

    Alba Fyre wasn’t the person to step up and dethrone Mandy Rose as the NXT Women’s Champion in one of the top matches featured on the card of this year’s Halloween Havoc event in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center.

    Before the bout, Toxic Attraction went through a haunted house with Fyre taking out the group. The match did start in the ring though.

    There was outside interference from Jayne and Dolin, but the bout was kept short. Fyre avoided a knee shot and hit her finisher, but the referee was out thanks to Dolin and Jayne, who took out Fyre on the floor and Rose hit her with a knee strike for the win. 

    Rose’s Reign

    Rose defeated Gonzalez to win the NXT Women’s Championship at Halloween Havoc last year with the help of Dakota Kai. Rose’s previous title defense came against former NXT UK Women’s Champion Cora Jade on the February 8, 2021 edition of NXT 2.0. 

    Rose became the unified champion at NXT Worlds Collide when she beat NXT UK Champion Meiko Satomura and Blair Davenport in a triple threat match. 

  • Wes Lee Wins WWE NXT North American Championship

    Wes Lee Wins WWE NXT North American Championship

    WWE crowned a new NXT North American Champion in the way of booking a ladder match at this year’s Halloween Havoc event in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center.

    Wes Lee ended up winning the bout. Also in the match included Von Wagner, Nathan Frazer, Carmelo Hayes, and Oro Mensah.

    The match opened the show. Some memorable spots included Carter with a leg drop while using a ladder to Nathan.Frazer with a spanish fly from the middle rope onto a ladder with Hayes. Trick Williams pushed Oro off the ladder so Oro jumped off taking everyone out on the floor. Frazer hit a frog splash off the top rope to Von, who was placed on a ladder outside the ring. Von tossed Lee from the ring onto the announce table. 

    The Title Was Vacated

    The title was vacated on the September 20th edition of NXT after the week prior where Sikoa, who made his main roster debut at Clash at the Castle, made a surprise appearance on NXT, by challenging Hayes after Hayes and Trick Williams laid out his original opponent, Wes Lee. An impromptu match was held, with Sikoa picking up the win. Shawn Michaels made Solo vacate the title. 

    Although Hayes wanted the title, Michaels booked a ladder match at this show instead. Hayes automatically qualified for the title match. 

    In his NXT debut under his new name, Mensah, formerly Oliver Carter, defeated Grayson Waller to advance followed by Lee. Von Wagner would be the fourth Superstar to join the fray after an emphatic qualifying victory over Andre Chase. Frazer defeated Axiom in their best of three series to earn the final spot in the ladder match.

  • WWE Legend on JBL Managing Baron Corbin: “They’re Trying”

    WWE Legend on JBL Managing Baron Corbin: “They’re Trying”

    Baron Corbin recently returned on WWE RAW with the legendary John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield as his manager.

    JBL picked up Corbin in his limo on the September 2nd edition of SmackDown and they had not appeared on TV since Corbin’s return last week.

    Rey Mysterio approached Triple H on a recent episode of SmackDown and tried to quit due to conflict with his son, Dominik Mysterio, and The Judgment Day. The Game opted to trade Corbin to the RAW roster and bring Mysterio to SmackDown instead.

    Rey Mysterio Explains Why He Tried To Quit WWE & How Triple H Convinced Him To Join The SmackDown Roster

    Baron battled Dolph Ziggler in a long match on RAW as JBL joined commentary. JBL referred to Corbin as the “Modern Day Wrestling God” after he defeated The Showoff.

    Jim Cornette on Baron Corbin & JBL

    Wrestling legend Jim Cornette praised JBL for his promo and on episode 266 of Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru. Jim and co-host Brian Last joked that JBL’s suit was a little too big for him.

    Jim praised JBL for his promo ability and noted how he got the crowd to turn against him right away.

    He acknowledged the people’s cheers and etc, and then went right into the f***ing best heel promo, the most natural.

    He’s got the personality, the delivery, the material, it was all off the top of his head. He buried Oklahoma and praised Texas, like if you anyone from Oklahoma and Texas, that is all they do.

    Cornette wondered if even the great JBL will be able to get Baron Corbin over with the crowd despite being a great promo.

    JBL is a great promo. But can even he get Baron Corbin over? But it’s not Happy Corbin anymore. They’re trying.

    It’s Baron Corbin. We were watching the show when he became homeless Corbin and then he became Happy Corbin, but did we ever just see a Baron Corbin? Before that he was the possum king, King Corbin.

    Have we ever just seen Baron Corbin try to be serious?

    The 61-year-old noted that Corbin’s new gear looks horrendous and compared him to “some kind of a mole creature” that resides underground.

    His gear still looks horrendous. I don’t what the f***. He’s so hairless. He looks like some kind of mole creature. That lives underground and has no hair. I don’t know.

    But his gear looks horrendous, which accentuates the paleness and lack of features he has. He seems to have lost weight. He’s trying to get in better shape.

    His work, some of it looked okay. His physical appearance to me is odd and off-putting. I don’t know how to explain it.

    If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru with a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

  • Black Adam is The Rock’s Biggest Opening as a Leading Man

    Black Adam is The Rock’s Biggest Opening as a Leading Man

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s new film ‘Black Adam’ is off to a strong start at the box office.

    The film is expected to open with $60M-$62M over the weekend, making it the best domestic debut for The Rock outside of The Mummy Returns in 2001. As reported by Deadline, ‘Black Adam’ opened with a strong $26.8M on Friday and was The Rock’s best opening day for a film he’s the solo star of.

    The reviews have been mixed for the film. The critic score on Rotten Tomatoes currently sits at 41% while the audience score is much more positive at 89% enjoyed the film. ‘Black Adam’ currently has a 7.2 rating on IMDb with over 28,000 reviews from fans.

    The Rock on if a Presidential Run is Still on the Table

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson isn’t just a beloved wrestler and the biggest movie star on the planet, he’s also a potential presidential candidate in the eyes of some fans. The Rock recently shot down rumors of him running for public office in 2024.

    The Rock Says Running for US President is ‘Off The Table’

    However, The Great One claimed that he may consider it down the line in a recent interview with Jake Tapper on CNN. He noted that his main priority right now is to be a father to his daughters but wouldn’t rule out a possible run in the future.

    Right now for my daughters, it is important that I’m home, and that stability is important for me to be there. That is the most important thing to me.

    By the way, that is a tough thing I think to reconcile, I’m blown away by that. The fact that I’m even having this conversation with you.

    The fact that I’ve been approached by the most influential in the world of politics, which I think you (Jake Tapper) know very well. It was really moving but right now the most important job I have is to be their father.

  • Logan Paul Teases Major Appearance For Crown Jewel

    Logan Paul Teases Major Appearance For Crown Jewel

    Logan Paul is all set to challenge Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship at Crown Jewel on November 5. Though he realizes that The Tribal Chief won’t be the only problem he’d be dealing with at the show. The rest of The Bloodline will also be there to hinder his momentum. Logan will need any help he can to overcome the number’s game and he is teasing a very interesting solution to even the odds.

    The YouTube star recently had a 1-on-1 interview with Ryan Satin. Among other things, he was asked about his brother and boxing star Jake Paul possibly crossing over into WWE someday. Replying to it, Logan claimed that it’s inevitable. Furthermore, he teased this crossover for the upcoming Saudi event, saying that he’s going to need his own bloodline to combat the bloodline of his opponent:

    “Truthfully, I think it’s inevitable. I mean, I’m biased, but I think what we’re doing is incredibly exciting, at least for me personally. It is incredibly exciting. I often try to separate me as the entertainer and me as a consumer.” said Logan Paul, “If I were watching two brothers take over, and I use that word intentionally, take over two highly entertaining sports – boxing, and wrestling, in a way that has never been done before, my curiosity would be piqued.

    He’s fighting Anderson Silva, one of the greatest combat sports fighters of all time, one week before I take on the Tribal Chief, the face of the WWE for the title in Saudi Arabia [at] Crown Jewel. It’s never happened before. It’s unreplicable. You can’t duplicate this. History is unfolding in front of your eyes live. People are gonna choose whether to tune in or not, and I’m urging you to tune in. Because you’re gonna want to watch this. We’re making history as we speak. I think Jake’s crossover into the WWE is inevitable. Bro, I need a bloodline. Roman got his. I got mine. Where he at?”

    You can check out Logan Paul’s full interview below:

    More Originals From SEScoops:

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

  • Sasha Banks & Kalisto Win Big at the World CBD Awards

    Sasha Banks & Kalisto Win Big at the World CBD Awards

    Sasha Banks has racked up another impressive accolade to her resume. Earlier this year, Banks and former WWE Superstar Kalisto launched Premier Kanndela Labs, a brand that develops a variety of CBD (Cannabidiol) wellness products.

    It has not taken long for Kanndela to be recognized for its medical benefits. Kandella just won the Industry Newcomer Award at the World CBD Awards in Barcelona, Spain.

    Here’s a clip of their win, courtesy of Cannabis Health Magazine:

    Sasha Banks shared her excitement on social media. She feels “so beyond blessed” to be part of the cannabis industry. She thanked the scientists, doctors, engineers, lawyers and entrepreneurs who made the award possible and proclaimed, “Cannabis has changed my life.”

    Sasha Banks & Kanndela CBD

    Sasha Banks (Mercedes Varnado) spoke with  “Cannabis & Tech Today” Magazine over the summer and revealed that CBD helped her reduce her alcohol consumption and overcome depression and anxiety.

    “Being a professional wrestler, it’s so draining,” she said. “It’s so, so hard. We’re never home. We’re always banged up and always hurt. And once I got introduced to CBD my life just fully, fully changed. I noticed that anxiety I would get, once I took CBD it all just dissipated. I started to feel like myself again.”

    This led her to launch Kanndela CBD. According to the official Kanndela website:

    “Kanndela was designed with peak performance and homeostasis in mind. We are confident our groundbreaking product, combining nutrition with the power of phytocannabinoid extracts, is a game changer in both the CBD and wellness industries!”

    Banks has kept busy since quietly departing WWE earlier this year. In addition to the Kanndela CBD brand, she’s also walked the runaway at New York Fashion Week and appeared at the C2E2 convention.

    Next week, she returns to television with a special appearance on the USA Network’s new series, Barmageddon (co-hosted by Nikki Bella).

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

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

    Sheamus battled Solo Sikoa tonight to begin WWE SmackDown. The Bloodline (besides Roman Reigns) and The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland and Butch) were ringside for the match.

    The Celtic Warrior was in control of the match when Honorary Uce Sami Zayn hopped on the ring apron for a distraction. Sikoa capitalized and connected with the Spinning Solo Uranage for the pinfall victory.

    After the match, The Bloodline continued the attack but one member may have taken things too far. Jey Uso grabbed a steel chair and bashed Sheamus’ arm several times against the steel steps.

    Jey went on to attack Logan Paul against The Tribal Chief’s orders later on the show. Sami once again tried to stop him but it was too late. Logan Paul leveled Jey with one punch to send a message to Roman Reigns ahead of Crown Jewel.

    Sheamus Rushed To Local Medical Facility

    After the attack by The Bloodline, Sheamus and The Brawling Brutes were interviewed backstage in a WWE Digital Exclusive. Sheamus was taken to a local medical facility, AKA a hospital, and The Brawling Brutes stopped for a brief interview.

    Butch delivered a warning to The Bloodline and stated that “The Bloodline picked on the wrong bunch of lads”. Ridge Holland that this isn’t over and The Brawling Brutes walked away.

    The rivalry between The Bloodline and The Brawling Brutes is far from over. It was announced that Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn will battle Butch and Ridge Holland next week on WWE SmackDown. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will also return next week on the blue brand.

    9 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (10/21): Logan Paul Knocks Out a Member of The Bloodline, Bray Wyatt
  • Backstage News on Triple H’s WWE Status After COVID-19 Diagnosis

    Backstage News on Triple H’s WWE Status After COVID-19 Diagnosis

    News broke earlier this week that WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque had tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, he missed Monday Night Raw and NXT the following night. 

    WWE will present a live episode of SmackDown tonight, and fans have been wondering whether “The Game” will be back in time to run tonight’s show. PWinsider.com reports that Triple H “remains in WWE’s COVID-19 protocol” and will therefore be unable to be present at the show. 

    Health Update

    Triple H
    (BT Sport)

    Just like at Raw, Triple H continues to be in close contact with those helping creative in his absence.

    Triple H is said to be feeling fine and is simply doing what’s required before he can return in person. The hope is that he will be able to come back to television next week, but that will depend on the test results. This would also mean that he will miss Saturday’s NXT Halloween Havoc special on Peacock. 

    This week’s SmackDown from Toledo, Ohio, will feature an appearance by Logan Paul as WWE continues to build to his Undisputed Universal Championship matchup with Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next month.

  • Backstage Update on CM Punk Returning to WWE if He Leaves AEW

    Backstage Update on CM Punk Returning to WWE if He Leaves AEW

    CM Punk defeated Jon Moxley to win the AEW World Championship in the main event of AEW All Out on September 5th.

    He suffered a torn tricep during the match and is out of action while he recovers from surgery. Following the PPV, All Elite Wrestling held a media scrum and led off with the newly crowned AEW World Champion.

    CM Punk went on a rant for the ages while AEW President Tony Khan was seated right next to him. Punk claimed that the company’s EVPs weren’t capable of running a Target, let alone a wrestling company.

    After his rant, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks confronted CM Punk backstage and a brawl broke out. Ace Steel has been released from the company, CM Punk and The Elite were stripped of their titles and have not appeared on TV since All Out.

    Will CM Punk Return to WWE?

    CM Punk on stage
    (AEW)

    It was reported earlier today by the Wrestling Observer that CM Punk is not likely to return to AEW and the company is working on a buyout for the former champion A non-compete clause appears to be the hold-up at the moment.

    According to a new report from Fightful Select, sources within WWE believe that CM Punk would not have been brought back to the company with Vince McMahon at the helm, but that may not be the case with Triple H. A source told Fightful that Triple H wants to create compelling TV “more than anything” but can’t see WWE bringing CM Punk back on a full-time deal like he had in All Elite Wrestling.

    However, if the money, creative and situation is right, Triple H’s regime can leave the door open for anything. It was also noted that Punk may not need to wrestle again if his contract gets bought out.

    The report echoed previous sentiments that many within All Elite Wrestling do not want CM Punk back unless he makes serious amends for how he made the company look following All Out.

  • Ric Flair Says “Never Say Never” About Another Wrestling Match

    Ric Flair Says “Never Say Never” About Another Wrestling Match

    Despite having what was advertised as his retirement match, Ric Flair is still not closing the door on the idea of stepping back into the ring for one more match. 

    This past July, Flair partnered up with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo and faced Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett in the main event of “Ric Flair’s Last Match” event during SummerSlam weekend at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium that Jim Crockett Promotions and Conrad Thompson presented.

    During the match, Flair took some scary bumps and bled throughout it, which was something that he promised to do heading into the bout. Flair managed to finish without any serious injury.

    Since then, Flair has teased getting back into the ring and regretting saying it would be his last match. 

    Ric Flair Not Ruling It Out

    Ric Flair
    (via WWE)

    While speaking to TMZ Sports, Flair was asked about returning to pro wrestling again and he made it clear that he does not rule out competing again.

    “I don’t know,” Flair told us out in LA this week. “I’ve already promised [I was done] once. Right now, I’m not doing anything. But, never say never.”

    The WWE Hall Of Famer responded to the recent comments made by Joe Rogan regarding his Figure Four Leglock submission finisher.

    Ric Flair Offers to Put Joe Rogan in the Figure Four Leglock
  • Ric Flair Offers to Put Joe Rogan in the Figure Four Leglock

    Ric Flair Offers to Put Joe Rogan in the Figure Four Leglock

    Ric Flair has responded to the recent comments made by popular podcaster and standup comedian Joe Rogan regarding his Figure Four Leglock submission finisher and threw out a challenge to him. 

    On a recent episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. The UFC commentator referred to the legendary move as “dumb” because the technique of the move doesn’t make sense when applied to real-life fighting.

    Flair Fires Back

    On Friday, in a post on Twitter, the legendary pro wrestler responded to Rogan and called for an appearance on his podcast so he could put him in the submission hold that helped him win many of his 16 world titles. 

    “@joerogan, You’re Getting A Lot Of Attention For Calling Me Out! The Only Way To Resolve This Is To Have Me On The Show. I’ll Put You In The Figure Four Leg Lock & We’ll See If You Can Take It! LFG! WOOOOO!”

    Flair wrestled his final match at the “Ric Flair’s Last Match” event during SummerSlam weekend at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium that Jim Crockett Promotions and Conrad Thompson presented.

    He teamed up with his son-in-law and AEW star Andrade El Idolo to beat Jeff Jarrett and AEW wrestler Jay Lethal in a tag team match.

    Joe Rogan on Ric Flair’s Figure Four Leg Lock: “It Doesn’t Work”
  • WWE Possibly Bringing Back Iconic Pay-Per-View as Premium Live Event

    WWE Possibly Bringing Back Iconic Pay-Per-View as Premium Live Event

    A member of WWE’s roster could join the likes of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, and Booker T as King of the Ring next year.

    The King of the Ring tournament began in 1985 with Don Muraco becoming the first King, with the first televised event seeing Bret Hart claim the crown in 1993.

    WWE’s most recent King is Xavier Woods, who defeated Finn Balor at Crown Jewel 2021.

    Good to be the King

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that WWE is considering bringing back the iconic tournament in 2023.

    Rather than in recent years, when only the finals would be on a Premium Live Event, the reported plan is for there to be an official King of the Ring event.

    WWE canceled the KOTR Pay-Per-View after 2002’s event reportedly due to drawing weak numbers.

    Nowadays, Pay-Per-View buys are no longer the metric WWE uses to gauge a show’s success, as money is guaranteed by Peacock, allowing for more unique shows.

    A Throne Fit for a Queen

    In the report, it is also noted that WWE is looking to bring in a Queen of the Ring tournament as well.

    In 2021, WWE held its first ‘Queen’s Crown Tournament,’ but avoided using the term ‘Queen of the Ring.’

    At Crown Jewel that year, Zelina Vega, who’d returned to WWE months prior, defeated Doudrop to become the first Queen.

    Vega defeated current AEW Interim Women’s World Champion Toni Storm in the quarter-finals and future tag-team partner Carmella in the semis to advance.

    Xavier Woods Speaks On Winning King Of The Ring Tournament
  • WWE Considering Ex-Ring of Honor Talent for Bray Wyatt’s Stable

    WWE Considering Ex-Ring of Honor Talent for Bray Wyatt’s Stable

    WWE may be looking for talent outside of their own company to follow the buzzards into Bray Wyatt’s rumored stable.

    Wyatt returned to WWE at Extreme Rules 2022, 15 months after his controversial release under the previous regime.

    At the time it was reported that Wyatt’s contract, estimated to be $3 million per year, and creative differences with then-CEO Vince McMahon, led to his release.

    New Members

    During his Extreme Rules return, characters from the Firefly Fun House appeared, portrayed by real people.

    This has led to speculation of a stable, which has been dubbed by fans the ‘Wyatt-6,’ a nod to his Twitter handle ‘@Windham6.’

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that former Ring of Honor talent Vincent and Dutch have been considered to play two of the Wyatt characters.

    Vincent, a record-setting four-time ROH World Six-Man Tag Champion, was with the promotion from 2012 to 2019.

    Standing at 6-foot-4 and 336lbs, Dutch is an imposing figure, and also a former ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion.

    Both men were backstage during this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw.

    Other Members

    Vincent and Dutch may soon be part of the Wyatt-6 but other names have been rumored.

    After being in a ‘dark place’ following her SmackDown Women’s Championship loss at Extreme Rules, Liv Morgan has been rumored to join.

    Alexa Bliss is also rumored to join, playing into her past with Wyatt.

    Bo Dallas is reported to be returning to WWE, and many expect him to align with his brother.

    It is believed that Grayson Waller portrayed Mercy the Buzzard at Extreme Rules, while Joe Gacy has also teased involvement.

    Jim Ross Doubts Bray Wyatt Was Ever Interested in Joining AEW
  • What Did AEW Want from WWE for Billy Gunn to Appear on Raw with DX?

    What Did AEW Want from WWE for Billy Gunn to Appear on Raw with DX?

    WWE and All Elite Wrestling were incredibly close to putting their differences aside in order for Billy Gunn to appear on Monday Night Raw.

    On last week’s Raw, which served as the season premiere, all living members of D-Generation X reunited except for Gunn.

    Prior to the show, there was speculation as to whether Gunn would appear, given he is signed to AEW as an on-screen performer and trainer.

    The Deal that Wasn’t

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that AEW and WWE discussed a Gunn appearance.

    WWE did not offer any money and AEW did not request any money for the WWE Hall of Famer to appear.

    Instead, Tony Khan requested that WWE make reference to AEW on the show, similar to acknowledging Impact Wrestling during Mickie James’ return in January this year.

    James appeared in the WWE Women’s Royal Rumble despite being with Impact and the promotion’s Knockouts World Champion at the time.

    After agreeing and disagreeing on whether to have Gunn appear, the Newsletter reports that a “last-minute” call was made for Gunn not to appear.

    Gunn did not appear but Corey Graves referenced a DX member who now works in office supplies.

    Graves’ reference was a nod to Gunn who has been scissoring with AEW World Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed this year.

    Payback?

    Billy Gunn didn’t appear for WWE during the DX reunion, but he has made a WWE appearance while with AEW.

    In 2019, Gunn, mere months into his role as an AEW coach, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of DX.

    During the event, Gunn joked that he couldn’t be fired from WWE, and Triple H responded that then-CEO Vince McMahon could buy the “p*ss-ant” AEW.

    In the report, Dave Meltzer writes that he is surprised that WWE and AEW had any discussions about bringing Gunn in, given the frosty relationship between the two companies at this time.

    “We Missed You” – Road Dogg Sends Message To Billy Gunn After DX Reunites On WWE RAW
  • NJPW Boss ‘Furious’ Over Karl Anderson Choosing WWE Crown Jewel

    NJPW Boss ‘Furious’ Over Karl Anderson Choosing WWE Crown Jewel

    Karl Anderson’s decision to choose WWE Crown Jewel 2022 over NJPW Battle Autumn has infuriated NJPW President Takami Ohbari.

    Anderson, the reigning NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, returned to WWE earlier this month alongside Luke Gallows.

    The duo will team up with AJ Styles to face the Judgment Day at Crown Jewel on November 5.

    Double Booking

    After his return to WWE, it was reported that Anderson was still booked for Battle Autumn, where he was set to defend against Hikuleo.

    In an updated card, published after the Good Brothers returned to Raw, the match was still on the schedule, with many believing NJPW and WWE had reached a deal.

    After his match at Crown Jewel was announced, Anderson took to Twitter, where he and Gallows said they will not be competing at Battle Autumn.

    The show is also scheduled for November 5 and is will take place in Osaka, Japan, over 5,200 miles away from Crown Jewel’s host city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Furious

    Anderson and by proxy, Gallows, are off the Battle Autumn card, which hasn’t gone down well with New Japan’s higher ups.

    In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, company President Takami Ohbari stated that he was “furious,” but declined to comment further on the matter.

    The report also noted that in early 2006, Brock Lesnar was forced to pull out a NJPW event, though in his case it was due to Visa issues.

    Anderson’s decision to skip Battle Autum in favor of WWE Crown Jewel is the first instance of a “foreign fighter blatantly refusing to participate” at a pre-advertised show.

    “It Will Be Rectified” – Good Brothers Send Warning To Judgment Day After WWE RAW

  • Goldberg Claims WWE Didn’t Want Him As World Champion

    Goldberg Claims WWE Didn’t Want Him As World Champion

    Bill Goldberg’s rise to the top of WWE after joining in 2003 was incredibly quick, but that wasn’t exactly what the promotion wanted.

    After WCW folded in March 2001, Goldberg, one of the company’s few home-grown stars, would join WWE in March 2003.

    Goldberg would interrupt The Rock, fresh off his WrestleMania XIX win over ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, culminating in a match at Backlash which Goldberg would win.

    Not World Champion

    In September 2003, Goldberg captured the World Heavyweight Championship, ending Triple H’s nine-month reign.

    The match at Unforgiven saw Goldberg put his career on the line, and the title would change hands if Triple H was disqualified or counted out.

    Speaking on the Roman Atwood Podcast, Goldberg gave his honest thoughts on how the company perceived him (via Sportskeeda.)

    “I think at WCW I was the world champion for a while. WWE, I don’t think they ever wanted me to be the champion for more than like 10 minutes. Although I’m still in a contract, sorry guys.”

    After retaining at that year’s Survivor Series against Triple H, Goldberg lost the title back to the Game at Armageddon, in a match that included Kane.

    Goldberg Today

    Goldberg returned to WWE in 2016, and has had two brief reigns as Universal Champion.

    In 2017, Goldberg flattened Kevin Owens, before losing the title to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 33.

    In 2020, Goldberg defeated ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt in a controversial title-change many criticised WWE over.

    Like before, Goldberg’s reign would be short-lived as he’d lose the title at WrestleMania 36 to Braun Strowman, who replaced Roman Reigns.

    Goldberg Recalls First Year In WWE Being The Most Stressful Of His Life
  • Roman Reigns Reacts to Logan Paul Training with WWE Legend: “Hopefully He’s Training with God Next Week”

    Roman Reigns Reacts to Logan Paul Training with WWE Legend: “Hopefully He’s Training with God Next Week”

    Popular YouTuber, boxer, podcaster, and WWE Superstar Logan Paul is scheduled to battle Roman Reigns at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5th.

    The Tribal Chief will put the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on the line against Logan at the Premium Live Event. Roman Reigns has held the title for 778 days now and the 27-year-old will look to put an end to his title reign in a couple of weeks.

    Logan Paul and The Bloodline held a press conference in Las Vegas last month to make the match official.

    Roman Reigns Reacts to Logan Paul Training with Shawn Michaels

    Logan Paul has only competed in two matches during his young WWE career. He teamed up with The Miz at WrestleMania 38 to battle Dominik and Rey Mysterio. The A-Lister and Logan picked up the victory but The Miz betrayed him after the match.

    The Miz planted Logan with a Skull Crushing Finale at WrestleMania as the crowd cheered. Logan got his revenge a couple of months later at WWE SummerSlam. Logan defeated The Miz in a singles match and impressed the WWE Universe with his skills in the squared circle.

    He is in for the match of his life at Crown Jewel against The Tribal Chief but appears to be taking the necessary steps in order to give himself a fighting chance. Logan took to Twitter today to share a photo of him training with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. The 27-year-old is in mid-flip in the photo seen below.

    Roman Reigns responded to the photos and joked that Logan Paul is going to need all the help he can get at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5th.

    He’s gonna need all the help he can get. Hopefully he’s training with God next week. #WWECrownJewel

  • WWE NXT Reportedly Planning Next PLE on Same Day as ROH Final Battle

    WWE NXT Reportedly Planning Next PLE on Same Day as ROH Final Battle

    Ring of Honor will hold its next PPV event on December 10th. ROH Final Battle will live from the University of Texas at Arlington with a start time of 4 PM ET.

    The Wednesday night wars were revisited this week, only this time it was on a Tuesday. AEW Dynamite aired on Tuesday night this week due to postseason baseball. Dynamite drew a larger audience and a bigger number in the key demographic in this week’s ratings war.

    AEW President Tony Khan also spoke with Sports Illustrated recently and said that there will be “great news” soon about a weekly ROH TV show after the PPV.

    We’ll have great news soon about Ring of Honor weekly shows,” Khan says. “The success of Death Before Dishonor on pay-per-view has ensured there will be more Ring of Honor pay-per-views.

    Our goal is to have one more great pay-per-view for Ring of Honor in 2022 and then follow that up with a weekly show in 2023.

    Tony Khan on the future of ROH via Sports Illustrated
    AEW Dynamite Viewership Tops NXT in Tuesday Night Clash

    WWE Planning Show The Same Day As ROH Final Battle

    WWE reportedly is planning an event on the same day as ROH Final Battle. The company employed a similar strategy against AEW All Out weekend, with Clash at the Castle and an NXT event happening the same weekend.

    In a new report from Fightful Select, NXT talent were informed that December 10th is the date internally scheduled for the next WWE NXT Premium Live Event.

    The show is rumored to be related to the “Deadline” trademark recently filed by WWE but that has not been confirmed.

    WWE Developing a Brand-New NXT Show

    While the shows will be on the same day, the companies will not be going head-to-head. ROH Final Battle is scheduled to air in the afternoon, while the unnamed NXT event will be at night.

    Fightful’s report also notes that the NXT PLE will likely be held in the Performance Center and is expected to be announced at the Halloween Havoc event this Saturday.

  • WWE NXT Star Undergoes Surgery to Repair Knee Injury

    WWE NXT Star Undergoes Surgery to Repair Knee Injury

    WWE NXT’s Arianna Grace has provided an injury update after getting surgery to repair a knee injury.

    Gace first revealed on October 13th that she suffered the injury that needed surgery with the following message on Twitter:

    “Hey you guys!!!! Sadly, I’m injured and will have surgery next week. I’m going to do all I can to recover properly and come back stronger so I can get back to doing what I love, performing for all of YOU! I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

    Gace later thanked fans and fellow wrestlers for their support and well wishes following her announcement.

    Arianna Grace’s Road to Recovery 

    Arianna Grace WWE
    WWE

    Grace later revealed on TikTok that she had surgery due to a torn ACL and meniscus in her knee. In another TikTok video, she noted that she would miss in-ring action for nine months. “The Iron Princess” announced today that she underwent successful surgery this past Tuesday. 

    “Hey guys, surgery went well. Now is the hard part. Really difficult to move or even use my crutches without excruciating pain. Hoping it gets better soon,” Grace wrote via Twitter.

    Gace had a WWE tryout last December and signed with the company to start training at the Performance Center earlier this year. She worked the inaugural NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament but fell short to Nikkita Lyons in the opening round. Her last match happened at the October 4 NXT Level Up taping, where she teamed with Kiana James against Fallon Henley & Sol Ruca.

    We wish her a speedy recovery.

  • Glenn Jacobs Has a Surprising Choice for His Scariest Kane Moment

    Glenn Jacobs Has a Surprising Choice for His Scariest Kane Moment

    Kane may have spent decades terrifying countless WWE fans, but it is an iconic dance move that keeps the Devil’s Favorite Demon up at night.

    After multiple previous gimmicks including ‘Fake Diesel’ and Isaac Yankem D.D.S, Jacobs debuted as the hellish Kane during the In Your House: 1997 Bad Blood Pay-Per-View.

    Attacking his ‘brother’ The Undertaker, Kane cost the Phenom the very first Hell in a Cell match against Shawn Michaels.

    The Kanearoonie

    By 2002, Kane’s monstrous personality had somewhat simmered, and he was a babyface adored by fans on Raw.

    In one of the character’s most infamous moments, Kane used Booker T’s ‘Spinaroonie,’ dubbed by fans as the ‘Kanearoonie.’

    Speaking on the latest episode of WWE’s The Bump, Jacobs recalled the segment, calling it the scariest moment of his career.

    “The most horrifying was the Kaneroonie, I’ll tell you that. I had to get some lessons from Booker T on how to do the Kaneroonie. It turns out it’s all about momentum, getting your lower body and your legs going first. Booker was kind enough to show me how to do that.”

    Repackaging

    While many Superstars would be opposed to performing the dance move, Jacobs was open to the idea.

    The WWE Hall of Famer explained in the interview that he wasn’t against doing the move, as he was working on changing the Kane character.

    “We did want it to be a more lighthearted Kane and a more entertaining Kane as opposed to the dark brooding character that I had been initially. So I didn’t really had to be talked into it.

    “After I saw it, I kind of wished that I’d never gotten talked into it.”

    Kane would remain as a babyface until losing a mask vs. title match against then-World Heavyweight Champion Triple H in June 2003.

    WWE News: Cody Rhodes & The Throne, Green Kane Debunked
  • WWE Developing a Brand-New NXT Show

    WWE Developing a Brand-New NXT Show

    A new NXT show is seemingly in the works according to a recent trademark filing by WWE.

    NXT was revamped into WWE NXT 2.0 last September, with control over the brand being taken away from long-time head Triple H.

    Last month, WWE ditched the NXT 2.0 branding in favor of WWE NXT, though the show will still serve as a developmental program for the main roster.

    NXT Deadline

    Fightful reports that WWE filed a trademark for the term ‘NXT Deadline’ on October 15.

    The trademark reads as follows.

    “NXT DEADLINE trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of entertainment services, namely, a show about professional wrestling; entertainment services, namely, the production and exhibition of professional wrestling events rendered live and through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing wrestling news and information through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information.”

    WWE has not commented publicly on plans for NXT Deadline or how the show will differ from the main NXT two-hour weekly show.

    The NXT Brand

    There’s no word on when NXT Deadline will arrive on our screens, but the project is just the latest endeavor of the NXT brand.

    In 2017, WWE started its NXT UK brand, which ended in August to make way for NXT Europe.

    NXT Europe is expected to launch next year but no names have been confirmed for the roster.

    WWE also has NXT Lvl Up, which serves as a sister show for NXT, and gives inexperienced talents the chance to hone their skills.

    There have been talks over the years of NXT brands in other countries, notably in Japan.

    In early 2021, WWE announced NXT India, but there have been no updates about that brand.

    Becky Lynch Says NXT Women are the ‘future’