SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Road Dogg: Billy Gunn Told me he Could Make DX Reunion on Raw

    Road Dogg: Billy Gunn Told me he Could Make DX Reunion on Raw

    Billy Gunn was ready to don the black and green again for WWE, at least according to his former tag-team partner ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James.

    On the October 10, 2022, episode of Monday Night Raw, D-Generation X reunited as part of the show’s season premiere.

    The iconic group was represented by James, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman.

    Billy Gunn

    DX reunited on Monday Night Raw, but not all members were present, as Chyna and Rick Rude have sadly passed away.

    Before the show, there were question as to whether AEW would allow Gunn, who joined DX in 1998, to appear on Raw.

    Speaking on his ‘Oh You Didn’t Know’ podcast, James, also WWE’s Senior VP of Live Events, says he was told Gunn could make the show (via WrestleZone.)

    “During the day prior, I texted him, ‘Hey, are you going to be able to make it? Have you found out any answers yet?’ He said, ‘Yes, I’m in.’ I was like, ‘Oh my God, that’s awesome.’ Literally, before I landed at home, I found out he was not in. I texted him back and he wasn’t happy.”

    While Gunn didn’t appear and wasn’t directly mentioned, Corey Graves references an absent member working with office supplies, a nod to Gunn’s teaming with The Acclaimed and ‘scissoring’ with Anthony Bowens.

    Not Happy

    Gunn wasn’t happy about not appearing, and neither was the remaining members of DX, according to James.

    “It broke my heart, and I believe it broke his too. In all actuality, Hunter was not happy about it either. Shawn and X-Pac weren’t either. We wanted the band, all that we could get back together.”

    DX appeared multiple times on the show, before having an in-ring segment with the four remaining members available to WWE.

    “We Missed You” – Road Dogg Sends Message To Billy Gunn After DX Reunites On WWE RAW
  • The Miz Claims He is Working Through an Injury

    The Miz Claims He is Working Through an Injury

    The Miz didn’t compete on this week’s Monday Night Raw as previously advertised, but there is a very good reason for that.

    On this week’s Raw, the plan was for Miz to face Dexter Lumis, who would have earned a WWE contract had he defeated the A-Lister.

    Had Miz defeated the former NXT Superstar, Lumis would have been banned from future appearances.

    Instead, Miz attacked Lumis before the match began, and the bout never took place.

    Working Hurt

    WWE did not give an explanation for why the match did not take place, but it is reportedly due to an injury.

    Speaking on the Ekeler’s Edge podcast, Miz told co-hosts Matt Harmon and Los Angeles Chargers Running Back Austin Ekeler about his condition (via POST Wrestling.)

    “I have a bursa sac that I burst that just keeps blowing up. I don’t know if you’ve ever blown that. It takes so long and then it’ll go away and then I don’t know if you can see it. Literally, it just keeps coming back. Fluid comes in, it goes away, comes in, goes away.”

    A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts like a cushion between tendons and bones to prevent grinding.

    The Miz added that he is also dealing with a hurt shoulder, saying that it was recently “messed up.”

    Miz on SmackDown

    While The Miz is a Monday Night Raw Superstar, he will be appearing for this week’s SmackDown.

    In the interview, the WWE Grand Slam Champion explained that he’ll be competing in a dark match, but no opponent was named.

    This Friday’s SmackDown will take place at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.

    Ciampa Credits Miz With Helping Him Transition to the Main Roster
  • Jim Ross Comments on Ace Steel Being Released by AEW: “I Thought he was a Good Hand”

    Jim Ross Comments on Ace Steel Being Released by AEW: “I Thought he was a Good Hand”

    Wrestling legend and AEW commentator Jim Ross has shared his thoughts on Ace Steel being released from All Elite Wrestling.

    Ace Steel had a hell of a run leading up until All Out but the brawl during the media scrum came back to bite him. He appeared on the Dynamite before the PPV to hype up CM Punk and convince him to challenge for the title once again.

    CM Punk had dropped the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley the week prior on Dynamite. Ace’s words of wisdom inspired Punk to accept the challenge and he fired up his hometown crowd in the NOW Arena.

    Jim Ross on Ace Steel Being Released by All Elite Wrestling

    Jim Ross spoke about Ace Steel being let go by AEW on a recent episode of his Grillin JR podcast.The 70-year-old complimented Ace as a producer and referred to him as a “solid hand”. Ross added that he didn’t work with him directly and called the situation “regrettable”.

    “He’s a smart guy. He has a lot of product knowledge. Solid hand. I thought he did a nice job. I didn’t work with him directly a lot. I have seen him at TV and he was always friendly and approachable.

    I’m sorry to hear that because I thought he was a good hand and did a nice job there. Things have a way of working out, you never say never, but I always thought he did a nice job for us. He was very loyal to CM Punk, nothing wrong with that, they were buddies. I’m assuming CM Punk is the guy that got Ace Steel his job.

    I don’t know where all of that is going. I hate to see anybody lose a job, lose a paycheck. While he was there, he seemed to be a viable asset, but again, I didn’t work with him directly. I didn’t have any issues, pro or con, with him. The bottom line is, another guy lost his job. That’s what’s regrettable.”

    JR wished Ace well and believes that he will find another job in wrestling.

    He’s got skills. I would think, if given a fair shake within the landscape of wrestling in general, he’ll find some work. Smart guy. I hope it works out well. I regret that anybody, anywhere in wrestling, loses their job.

    H/T: WrestleTalk

  • Joe Rogan on Ric Flair’s Figure Four Leg Lock: “It Doesn’t Work”

    Joe Rogan on Ric Flair’s Figure Four Leg Lock: “It Doesn’t Work”

    Ric Flair wrestled his final match at the “Ric Flair’s Last Match” event during SummerSlam weekend. The match took place at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and was presented by Jim Crocket Promotions and Conrad Thompson.

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

    Flair has won countless matches throughout his career with the Figure Four submission hold, a move created by Buddy Rogers and has been used by many wrestlers throughout the years. Flair recently recounted his last match on his “To Be The Man” podcast.

    Joe Rogan on Ric Flair’s Figure Four

    Popular podcaster and standup comedian Joe Rogan recently discussed Ric Flair on a recent episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. Rogan is also a commentator for MMA and broke down the Figure Four lock and referred to the legendary move as “dumb”. Rogan noted that the technique of the move doesn’t make sense when applied to real-life fighting.

    A bunch of [pro] wrestlers got mad at me… I was trying to explain how dumb a figure-four leg lock was because I was like he was literally giving up an inside heel hook.

    Inside heel hook is one of the most devastating submission techniques because once someone gets it the time you have to tap is so small before your knee gets ripped apart and so, a Figure-four leg lock you’ll never see in a jiu-jitsu competition.

    It doesn’t work. It’s funny in that regard, you know, you are doing this thing but this thing in the real world is the worst thing you do.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CquuH5Waln8

    H/T: LowKickMMA

  • Sami Zayn Comments on Tension with Jey Uso in The Bloodline: “It’s Getting Kinda Weird”

    Sami Zayn Comments on Tension with Jey Uso in The Bloodline: “It’s Getting Kinda Weird”

    The storyline of Sami Zayn becoming a member of The Bloodline has captivated the WWE Universe.

    Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns recently anointed Sami Zayn as the official Honorary Uce of The Bloodline and presented him with a new shirt. Sami was overcome with joy and celebrated with every member of The Bloodline besides Jey Uso.

    Jey Uso is no fan of the Honorary Uce but has been instructed by The Tribal Chief to make things work. Time will tell if the tensions rise to a boiling point.

    Sami Zayn Comments on Issues with Jey Uso

    Sami Zayn and The Enforcer of The Bloodline Solo Sikoa appeared on WWE’s The Bump today. The Honorary Uce admitted that things are starting to get a little weird with Jey Uso. Zayn added that he has known The Usos for a decade and has always gotten along with them prior to him being named an Honorary Uce.

    It’s getting kinda weird with Jey, because we used to get along great. I’ve known them [The Usos] for 10 years; we’ve always got along like peas in a pod. But this time around things are a little different, he [Jey] is a little different…. In the last 9 or 10 years, whatever it is, I’ve never known him to be like this, so snappy and so angry.

    The 38-year-old added that many fans don’t realize that they have been working well together as of late. Sami noted that when they are typically on the same page when they are ringside for each others’ matches.

    There is one thing though, that people fail to acknowledge with Jey. If you watch during the matches; when I’m out for his matches and he’s out during mine, we are kinda on the same page more often than not. Because when it comes to actually taking care of The Bloodline business, that’s what kinda brings us together.

    H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

  • Becky Lynch Says NXT Women are the ‘future’

    Becky Lynch Says NXT Women are the ‘future’

    While speaking at NYC Advertising Week about using social media to build WWE Superstar brands, Becky Lynch also spoke a little about about women’s wrestling.

    Fans have seen Lynch as both a babyface and a heel throughout her career. She admits that playing a heel is more fun. “I think human nature is we just generally don’t want to like people and certainly now, certainly that’s Twitter nature. So you have so much freedom that you can do anything, you can have fun. If people don’t like you, ‘well, I’m doing my job well. If people like you, well, you’re so entertaining, how can people not like you?’ It’s a lot easier, it’s a lot more fun in that aspect.”

    Becky Lynch being a heel helps the women’s division more

    Becky Lynch Asuka
    Photo: WWE.com

    “Being a babyface, I tend to naturally fall into. I think, honestly, I’m not the greatest athlete in the world and I think my story of perseverance has registered with a lot of people. Fans can get behind that underdog who constantly has to overcome.”

    “But then when it comes to business and wrestling as a whole, especially women’s wrestling, I feel like I can be of help by being a heel, right? Because when you’re a babyface, it’s all about you. It’s about how good you look. It’s how do we make the audience like you the most? And when you’re a heel, it’s all about how do you make the babyface look? How can you get people invested and want to see this guy win? I feel like I’ve gotten enough equity with the audience that I’m able to help a babyface. And then as a whole, that just helps women’s wrestling. When people get more equity and get more exposure and I think that drives the business forward.

    Lynch on women’s wrestling in WWE

    Becky Lynch Bianca Belair Bayley Iyo Sky Dakota Kai
    (via WWE)

    Lynch talks about headlining WrestleMania being a big career highlight. “I think anytime that I’ve gone out there as maybe the underdog or my match has gone out there as an underdog and we’ve stolen the show, that feels like a career highlight. One of my most recent ones was at WrestleMania against Bianca Belair. I didn’t get the win, but we stole the show, we stole that weekend and that felt like an accomplishment. There’s been so many and I’ve been so lucky and privileged that I’ve been in a time with women and people that are so progressive in terms of changing the way women are viewed in the business, which has been so predominantly male for so many years.”

    “And being one of the first people in the women’s Royal Rumble and having the first women’s ladder match. There’s just been a series of firsts and I think one is not better than the other. It’s been a whole story of how do we present the way women are perceived in this business and it’s awesome that I’ve been able to be a strong part of it.”

    When discussing the future of women’s wrestling in WWE, Lynch points to the up-and-comers of NXT. “I look at NXT and–this is no discourse towards the men–but the women, I go ‘oh, yep. That’s the future.’ That’s where the engaging characters are. There’s incredible athleticism, that’s athleticism that never in a million years I would be capable of. I think you can see the interest in what the women are doing down there and so I think it’s the future.”

    “And I look at our women’s roster now and I go between me (laughing), you’ve got Bianca Belair. You’ve got Rhea Ripley, who’s just incredible and she’s so young. And you’ve got Liv Morgan and you have all these incredible women just getting started. It’s awesome. I’m very excited about it.”

  • Jim Cornette on Maximum Male Models in WWE: “The Worst Idea Anybody Has Ever Had”

    Jim Cornette on Maximum Male Models in WWE: “The Worst Idea Anybody Has Ever Had”

    LA Knight debuted on the main roster as Max Dupri, manager of Maximum Male Models.

    The character and the group didn’t get over with fans and now Max Dupri is no more. Following Vince McMahon’s resignation from the company, several released stars have returned to the company and some had their names changed.

    LA Knight has exited Maximum Male Models and now has his sights set on becoming a star on WWE SmackDown. He defeated Mansoor of MMM this past Friday night and warned the locker room in a promo after the match.

    Jim Cornette on LA Knight’s Match and Promo on SmackDown

    Wrestling legend Jim Cornette shared his thoughts on LA Knight’s match and promo this past Friday on a recent edition of the Jim Cornette Experience. Cornette said that Mace and Mansoor have to be embarrassed at this point to be a part of Maximum Male Models.

    The thing about LA Knight is, I like the fact that they realize they’ve committed a crime against nature. Changing his name to Max Dupri, the whole male model thing, Mace and Mansoor, and by the way those guys have to be so embarrassed. They’re going out on TV looking like that and doing that s***.

    Jim commented on LA Knight’s promo after his victory over Mansoor and said he expects WWE to never mention his involvement with MMM ever again.

    He cuts the promo as LA Knight and he did a new catchphrase and blah blah blah. I expect they’ll just never mention this again. But you know me, I’ve got the OCD.

    And I would have had to have given LA Knight some reason to impart to the people why he did this. To obviously put it to bed, get over it, it was the worst idea anybody has ever had. But what was the reason he went along with it for three weeks?

    If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Jim Cornette Experience and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

  • Becky Lynch Says Her 10-year-old Self Helps with Branding Choices

    Becky Lynch Says Her 10-year-old Self Helps with Branding Choices

    During NYC Advertising Week, WWE Superstar Becky Lynch joined WWE Digital Vice President, Steve Braband on a panel to discuss how WWE Superstars create and build their personal brands.

    When asked how much she pays attention to how fans are engaging, Lynch replied, “I think there’s two different–in a way, there’s two different audiences– the online audience isn’t necessarily the audience that’s coming to the shows with their family. So, the things that those two audiences are into are very different. And I think you have to be in tune with both and you have to keep your ears open, your eyes open to what’s working and what isn’t.”

    “But at the same time, I think of this as art. I think of this as my art, my craft that I put my heart and soul into. I think you have to be aware and very diligent about not consuming too many opinions because once you’re listening to everybody, you’re not listening to yourself. It’s hard to forget what you’ve seen and what you’ve heard, especially if it’s negative. So I think you have to be very mindful of the feedback you’re getting.”

    Balancing the character and real life on social media

    Becky Lynch
    (via WWE)

    “Big Time Becks” posts a lot about both her professional and personal life on social media. She answered how she keeps a balance with, “I don’t know. I don’t know.” (laughing) “I think it’s constantly a work in progress. I try to keep my social media platforms very much in line with what I’m doing on TV. So that everything feels like it’s one story being told. The same character that you see on TV is the same character that you see tweeting, the same character that’s posting on social media. Sometimes, we bring in a little bit of reality, just like we do in WWE.”

    “But for me, I think it’s important that I keep a little bit of me for myself and my family. I don’t like posting pictures of my baby girl too much because I take her everywhere and I want her to be free of any of that kind of stuff.”

    10-year-old Becky Lynch helps her branding choices

    Lynch had a simple response on deciding what products to brand: “would ten-year-old me think its cool? Not always, but when you’re on the cover of a cereal box. It’s pretty frickin’ cool. I think in the beginning of my career, any opportunity that came my way was ‘yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.’ (pointing) Then as you grow and you can get a little bit pickier, you think ‘how do I want my brand to appear? How do I want this to effect the business in general? Or how will this progress the business? How does this progress me, my family, is it good for everyone involved?’ That’s how I look at things or how will ten-year-old me feel about it?”

    Being on Billions since she was a fan of the show was a highlight for Lynch. The SportsCenter commercial is another favorite branding opportunity.

    When Lynch wasn’t getting much TV time, social media was a “live mic in my hand 24/7 so that I could tell my story, so that I could get my message across. The currency of Twitter is the zinger; how do you zing people? And people get interested in that and they get engaged in that. And we’re in the conflict business–sure pre-determined conflict business, but it’s a conflict business– so when people see that on Twitter, they’re like, ‘oh, that’s real. That’s the real thing there.’ So, it’s always helped to drive a story.”

    She also says that people get upset about the conflicts on Twitter, but that helps drive the story.

  • Karl Anderson Addresses Being Booked on The Same Date by WWE and NJPW

    Karl Anderson Addresses Being Booked on The Same Date by WWE and NJPW

    Karl Anderson has commented on the situation where NJPW and WWE double-booked him on the same date. 

    The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows) made their returns to WWE to align with AJ Styles earlier this month despite working for NJPW as they weren’t under contract with the promotion. Instead, they had been working for NJPW on a handshake deal only. Anderson still has New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s NEVER Openweight Title. 

    The belief is that The Good Brothers will work their committed dates with NJPW through next January at Wrestle Kingdom 17. Anderson won the belt from Tama Tonga at Dominion.

    His next title defense is scheduled for November 5th at NJPW Battle Autumn in Osaka against Hikuleo. WWE confirmed on Monday Night Raw that Gallows and Anderson are scheduled to team with Styles at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia against The Judgment Day. 

    Karl Anderson’s Address

    The OC
    The OC: AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

    Anderson shared a video on social media where he noted that he’ll defend the belt on his own time and will not be at Battle Autumn. Gallows added that all Karl’s bookings must go through him, and since New Japan did not clear it, Anderson will not be there.

    WWE booked The Good Brothers on Tuesday’s NXT episode, where they tagged with Cameron Grimes and scored a win over The Schism (Joe Gacy, Jagger Reid & Rip Fowler).

    As of this writing, NJPW is still advertising the NEVER Title match on its website for the upcoming November 5th event. 

  • Bret Hart Calls for Goldberg to be Removed From WWE Hall of Fame

    Bret Hart Calls for Goldberg to be Removed From WWE Hall of Fame

    Bret Hart’s dislike of Bill Goldberg has been well-documented as his animosity stretches back to 1999’s Starrcade event where Goldberg nailed Hart with a thrust kick during their WCW World Heavyweight Championship match. 

    This was where Hart suffered a career-ending concussion. Hart has discussed his frustration with Goldberg ever since and has taken shots at him over the years. 

    Bret Hart on Goldberg

    While participating in a K&S Wrestlefest signing, Hart noted that he thinks Goldberg should be removed from the WWE Hall Of Fame.  

    “I always thought that if Goldberg got into the Hall of Fame then Horowitz should’ve gone into the Hall of Fame. Horowitz can actually wrestle. Goldberg never could. I think he got in there for hurting everybody he worked with…They should [on being told that WWE should put Horowitz into the Hall of Fame]. They should take Goldberg out.”

    Hart has previously stated that he wishes Goldberg had never kicked him in the head and doesn’t know how WWE could induct Goldberg into the Hall Of Fame for hurting as many wrestlers as he did. 

    Hart also lost money due to the concussion as he had signed a $3 million-a-year contract with WCW on top of the two years he had left on his original contract. 

    Goldberg has repeatedly apologized for what happened, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. While on The Michael Kay Show back in July, Goldberg stated that he had apologized over and over, but at some point, he questioned what else he could say for Hart to forgive him.  

    H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcription

  • Candice LeRae Wants Mixed Tag Match with WWE Hall of Fame Couple

    Candice LeRae Wants Mixed Tag Match with WWE Hall of Fame Couple

    Candice LeRae has only been back in WWE for a matter of weeks, but the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion has big plans.

    LeRae, the wife of fellow-WWE returnee Johnny Gargano, debuted on Raw on the September 26, episode with a victory over Nikki A.S.H.

    Candice had been quietly released in May this year after spending time away due to her pregnancy.

    LeRae’s return to WWE took fans by surprise, but fans should get used to seeing the ‘Poison Pixie.’

    WrestleMania

    Like countless wrestlers, LeRae hopes to one-day see herself at WWE’s biggest annual event: WrestleMania.

    Speaking on the Out of Character podcast, LeRae acknowledged her WrestleMania 35 Women’s Battle Royal appearance but wants more.

    “While I have done WrestleMania technically, it was a battle royal. I would love to actually be part of a singles match or something.”

    LeRae quickly changed her mind from a singles match to a mixed-tag team match featuring Gargano.

    “In a perfect world. I would love for me and Johnny to wrestle a mixed tag match at WrestleMania. That would be super awesome for me. Especially if it’s against Beth [Phoenix] and Edge. Just put that out there in the universe and hope it happens.”

    “I would love for me and Johnny to wrestle a mixed tag match at WrestleMania…Especially if it’s against Beth [Phoenix] and Edge.”

    Candice LeRae.

    Edge and the Glamazon have appeared together over the past year, including at the recent Extreme Rules Premium Live Event.

    Settling a Score

    In NXT and on WWE’s main roster, LeRae has done plenty, but one thing she hasn’t accomplished is to beat IYO SKY.

    In the interview, the Poison Pixie called beating the Damage CTRL member high on her list of priorities.

    “[That’s] unfinished business for me. I don’t know how [that hasn’t happened]. I did have a few times during pregnancy watching her wrestle where I was like ‘Man I just cannot beat this girl.’ I’ve just never beaten her.”

    LeRae’s one and only reign as NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions was with Indi Hartwell, and was ended by SKY (then Io Shirai) and Zoey Stark in July 2021.

    What Triple H Told Candice LeRae About Her Pregnancy
  • What Triple H Told Candice LeRae About Her Pregnancy

    What Triple H Told Candice LeRae About Her Pregnancy

    Wrestling is a physical sport and a lot of things can force plans to be changed at the last minute. One such thing that has led to planned angles being altered a number of times is the pregnancy of female stars. Candice LeRae however, did not want WWE officials to be put in an awkward position with her pregnancy. So she decided to tell them about her plans in advance.

    The former NXT star recently appeared on Out of Character podcast. Speaking about the birth of her baby, she mentioned that she had a meeting with Triple H before taking time off. LeRae revealed what The Game told her about it:

    “So earlier in the year, Johnny and I had sat down with DX of all people and discussed the fact that we wanted to have a baby and trying to kind of figure out when the right time was. Of course, they’re like, very supportive. Obviously, we don’t have to let them know but we wanted to kind of keep them in the loop because I felt like I owed it to everybody.

    I didn’t want to be put in a position or them be put in a position where we’re all just kind of like, ‘Oh, whoops, now what do we do?’ They were so [supportive]. Hunter even said to me. He said, ‘There’s never gonna be a right time. So you guys got to do what’s best for you guys. And we’ll work around it,’ Essentially.”

    ‘Are We Planning Our Future With DX?’: Candice LeRae

    The meeting with Triple H and Shawn Michaels was also a funny experience for Candice LeRae. Halfway through it, she realized that she was discussing her future with DX:

    “We were sitting in there and we’re waiting for Hunter to come in. That’s all I thought. It was like ‘Okay, Johnny and I are here and like waiting for Hunter to come in.’ Then Shawn Michaels just walked in and sat down at the table with his food. I was like, ‘Oh okay, that’s fine. Shawn too.’

    Halfway through the conversation, the child in me, it was all ‘Are we planning our future and our children with DX right now? Does that even make sense in any universe?’ They were very supportive where it was like we were telling our parents ‘Yeah, we want to have a baby.’ They were just supportive and awesome about it.”

    You can check out Candice LeRae’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

  • “One Door Closed. Another Opened” Bobby Lashley on how a Bank Robbery Changed his Life

    “One Door Closed. Another Opened” Bobby Lashley on how a Bank Robbery Changed his Life

    Bobby Lashley is known as the All Mighty in WWE for a reason, but he may have never made it in professional wrestling if not for a life-changing ordeal.

    Lashley debuted on WWE TV in 2005 and would return to the promotion in 2018 where he remains today.

    During his second return, Lashley has held the U.S. and Intercontinental Championships and is a two-time WWE Champion.

    The Robbery

    Before Lashley made it to WWE, he competed in amateur wrestling, including during his time with the United States Armed Forces.

    Lashley was successful enough to be considered a prospect for the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics before a robbery ended those dreams.

    Speaking on the Not Sam Wrestling podcast, Lashley recalled how it happened.

    “During that time when I was still training getting ready for the Olympics. I was in a bank. Guys came in shooting up, I took a dive down to the ground, split my knee open. That ended my amateur wrestling career.”

    The All Mighty added that with his Olympic dreams over, it wasn’t long before WWE gave him a call.

    “Gerald Brisco called me up during that time when I’m sitting with the leg brace on. He was like, ‘Hey, I know that you said that you wanted to wait until after the Olympics to talk to us, but we’d like for you to come a little bit sooner.’ [I] didn’t tell him about the leg brace.

    “So I trained and rehabbed for a little while and then came on. So it was like one door closed and another door opened.”

    In September 2005, Lashley would debut, defeating Simon Dean, who’d he defeat the following month at No Mercy: Lashley’s Pay Per View debut.

    Lashley Vs. Lesnar

    Lashley is an accomplished amateur wrestler, but he’s not the only one in WWE.

    This year, Lashley has feuded with Brock Lesnar, who the former U.S. Champion has been hungry to feud with for years.

    At the Royal Rumble 2022 Premium Live Event, Lashley defeated Lesnar to win the WWE Championship, albeit thanks to an assist from Roman Reigns.

    Lesnar returned to WWE earlier this month, costing Lashley the United States title, and the pair brawled on this week’s Raw.

    Lashley Vs. Lesnar II will take place at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5.

    Bobby Lashley Explains When He Plans to Retire
  • Sasha Banks & Brie Bella Returning to TV – Not for WWE

    Sasha Banks & Brie Bella Returning to TV – Not for WWE

    Former Champions of WWE Sasha Banks and Brie Bella will soon be back on our screens, though not in a role for WWE.

    Neither woman is a stranger to TV, with Nikki debuting on WWE’s main roster in 2008, and having featured on both Total Divas and Total Bellas.

    Banks made her WWE debut in 2012 and was called-up in 2015, and is also known for her role as Koska Reeves in Disney+ hit ‘The Mandalorian.’

    Facing Off

    Neither Banks nor Bella have wrestled for WWE in some time, but the two will be squaring off against each other out of the ring.

    Brie revealed on the newest episode of The Bellas Podcast that she and Banks will face off on USA Network’s ‘Barmageddon’ show (via POST Wrestling.)

    “I’m actually a contestant on the show [Barmageddon on USA Network] and if anyone knows how to play beer-drinking games — well more than beer-drinking, it’s just bar-drinking games. Brie Mode is definitely the one and I take on Sasha Banks so it’s pretty amazing.”

    Barmageddon will see celebrities face off in bar drinking games and will be hosted by Blake Shelton, Carson Daly, and Brie’s sister Nikki Bella.

    Banks and WWE

    While Brie and Nikki Bella have been retired for years, Sasha Banks is a current WWE Superstar, but hasn’t competed in May.

    The Boss continues to serve out her suspension, after walking out of the May 16, 2022, Raw over a creative dispute.

    Despite reports that Banks is expected to return to WWE, there have been no sightings of the former Champion at arenas.

    Banks was mentioned during Extreme Rules 2022, the first reference to her since the suspension.

    Update on Sasha Banks’ In-Ring Future
  • Big E Sends Message to Hangman Page After Scary Injury on AEW Dynamite

    Big E Sends Message to Hangman Page After Scary Injury on AEW Dynamite

    Hangman Adam Page wrestled Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship in the main event of this week’s Dynamite.

    The match kicked off with a bang and the two stars battled into the crowd. Hangman connected with a Moonsault and was in control as Dynamite went to a break.

    After the break, the match continued back and forth for several minutes before the AEW World Champion connected with a Clothesline. Hangman had a rough fall and landed awkwardly on the canvas.

    Hangman was stretchered out and MJF came to the ring at the conclusion of the show. Maxwell announced that he will be cashing in his chip for his title match against Jon Moxley at Full Gear on November 19th. Moxley wanted to have the match tonight but MJF said he wanted to beat Jon Moxley on his own when he is 110% at the PPV.

    https://twitter.com/SteveFall/status/1582551611934580736?s=20&t=q1z0vLs4z5eJDgMWKyYf0w

    Big E Wishes Hangman Page Well After His Injury

    Former WWE Champion Big E has been out of action for months after suffering a scary neck injury earlier this year. The Brawling Brutes’ Ridge Holland connected with a Suplex outside the ring but Big E landed on his head.

    The 36-year-old is recovering well and has made numerous appearances outside of WWE since the injury. He is scheduled to be reevaluated in March, a year after to the injury to assess if he can get back into the ring.

    Big E took to Twitter to send a message to Hangman Page after the scary injury during tonight’s Dynamite main event.

    Praying for Hangman.

    Hangman Page Injured, Stretchered Out of Tuesday’s AEW Dynamite
  • Becky Lynch Appears at Event In New York Without an Arm Brace

    Becky Lynch Appears at Event In New York Without an Arm Brace

    Becky Lynch was injured during her match against Bianca Belair at WWE SummerSlam.

    The EST avenged her quick defeat against Big Time Becks at last year’s SummerSlam and defeated Lynch to retain the RAW Women’s Championship.

    After the match, Damage CTRL (Bayley, IYO SKY, and Dakota Kai) appeared and surrounded the two stars in the middle of the ring. Becky turned babyface and stood by Belair’s side and the heels retreated.

    On the next episode of WWE RAW, Damage CTRL attacked Becky backstage as a way to right Lynch off of television as she recovers from a separated shoulder.

    Becky Lynch Appears At AW New York

    Becky Lynch appeared today during the Advertise Week New York marketing event. The 35-year-old was there to discuss wrestling and was not wearing an arm brace anymore. It was reported earlier today by Fightful Select that Becky is not close to returning to the company from injury.

    https://twitter.com/_lynchslaugh/status/1582446865446232065?s=20&t=wZXw4_okZqJzHMwWuKyQFg

    During the interview at AW New York, Becky stated that the worst match of her career was the one that she wasn’t nervous for.

    I want to get people involved emotionally. How do I want them to feel after this? How do I get them to care? I think when your focus is on the job, on the task at hand, then it is a lot easier to forget about all the extra noise.

    All the extra pressure that is on you. Of course, when you are going out there in front of 100,000 people for WrestleMania you are nervous.

    But it is a good kind of nervousness. I’ve only ever not been nervous for one match and it was the worst match I ever had. So now any time the nerves get to me I’m like ‘oh this is good’.

    https://twitter.com/_lynchslaugh/status/1582439393943425024?s=20&t=wZXw4_okZqJzHMwWuKyQFg
  • Backstage Update on Becky Lynch’s Recovery From Injury

    Backstage Update on Becky Lynch’s Recovery From Injury

    Becky Lynch separated her shoulder during her match with Bianca Belair at WWE SummerSlam. The following night on Raw, she was attacked by Damage CTRL and hasn’t been on television since then. 

    It was previously reported that Lynch would be out of action for several months. However, there was speculation she could be close to a return after she was backstage at the October 3 episode of Raw in St Paul, Minnesota. That’s not the case, though. 

    The Latest on Becky

    Becky Lynch

    Fightful Select reported today that nobody within WWE confirmed that Becky would be returning to in-ring action soon and even stated that the company had not yet followed up with Lynch regarding a possible return at that point in time. Those within WWE say that she was never slated for a September return.

    WWE officials had hoped that Lynch would be able to avoid needing surgery and that she would return after a few months in rehab. In early September, Lynch’s doctors and physical therapists believed that it would be at least a couple of months before she could return to the ring. As of this writing, there is no definitive timetable for her return.

    People in WWE creative said they were hoping to have Lynch back by the end of the year, but that was not a guarantee and was them being optimistic that she wouldn’t have surgery.

    Becky Lynch Spotted Without Her Arm Brace

    Becky Lynch Appears at Event In New York Without an Arm Brace
  • The Rock Confirms Talks With Nick Khan About Potential WWE Executive Role

    The Rock Confirms Talks With Nick Khan About Potential WWE Executive Role

    Although The Rock is a busy man with his acting career, running his businesses and relaunching the XFL next year, he has considered what being part of WWE would look like. 

    While speaking with BNN Bloomberg to promote the Black Adam film, The Rock was asked if he would be interested in making a strategic investment into WWE or taking on a corporate role in the company.

    The Rock noted that he and WWE co-CEO Nick Khan has discussed that but isn’t sure if a board seat is in his future.

    “Nick [Khan] and I have talked about that, and we always enjoy that over a bottle of Teremana [Johnson’s tequila brand]. I love the wrestling business. I grew up in it. My grandfather [and] my dad started here in Canada, where [his father] was born. So, I’m not quite too sure if a board seat is in my future, but possibly other things are in my future, for sure.”

    The Rock on Potential WWE Sale

    The Rock
    (WWE)

    The topic of a potential WWE sale came up and he thinks if Vince McMahon did ever decide to sell the company, then it needs to be purchased by someone who loves pro wrestling. 

    “I’ve known Vince for a very, very long time and he’s a businessman. I think the key if there were a sale of the WWE is to make sure that whoever acquires that brand in that property, you’ve got to love the wrestling business. Of course, you can love the asset, and you can love everything that comes with it, but you got to love the professional wrestling business … because if not, then you could kind of see the writing on the wall; four or five years down the road, what will happen?”

    The Rock has been friends with Khan and Khan’s sister, Nahnatchka, who is the creator of his “Young Rock” series on NBC, since they were children.

  • Ric Flair Names Potential WrestleMania Match That Could Be as Big as Steve Austin vs. The Rock

    Ric Flair Names Potential WrestleMania Match That Could Be as Big as Steve Austin vs. The Rock

    Ric Flair has commented on a potential Charlotte Flair vs. Bianca Belair bout.

    Flair is high on his daughter and her in-ring ability, especially her athleticism, as he has called her the best female wrestler of all time. Flair does put Bianca Belair in the same category as Charlotte for her athleticism.

    While speaking on his To Be The Man podcast, Flair said he would love to see a showdown between the two. He thinks it could be as big as Steve Austin vs. The Rock. 

    Ric Flair on The Match

    Ric Flair
    (via WWE)

    “I have no inclination as to whether or not this will happen, but I think if Ashley [Charlotte Flair] wrestles Bianca Belair at WrestleMania, it’ll be as big as Austin and Rock if they build it right. They are the two best athletes ever, that I’ve seen in my career, to ever be in the same women’s division. There are some other great workers, but for pure athletic ability, Bianca Belair and Ashley stand out. They could be the two best athletes in the company. I’m not kidding. Both are legitimate Division 1 athletes with credentials.”

    During her time at Tennessee as a track and field athlete, Belair was All-SEC and All-American. 

    Belair is the reigning WWE Raw Women’s Champion, while Charlotte hasn’t been on WWE TV since losing the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey at WWE WrestleMania Backlash.

    The Rock and Austin worked three WrestleMania events – WrestleMania 15, WrestleMania 17, and WrestleMania 19. 

    H/T to Fightful for the transcription

  • Bobby Lashley Explains When He Plans to Retire

    Bobby Lashley Explains When He Plans to Retire

    Bobby Lashley is at the top of his game right now. The All Mighty seems to only get better with every passing year and he has no immediate plans to retire. Though the former WWE Champion also does not want to be one of those people who keep competing way past their prime.

    The WWE star recently has an interview with Sam Roberts on NotSam Wrestling. When asked if he has any plans for retirement, Lashley mentioned how there are many fighters in combat sports that still compete when they shouldn’t. Per the former US Champion, he doesn’t want to become one of them:

    “My biggest thing was people that are around me, people that I feel that are a little closer to me. I want them to be honest with me and be real with me. You know how you see fighters that are like, they do that one last fight that they shouldn’t have done.

    They could have had sparring partners, they could have had coaches or somebody saying ‘Let’s tap out, let’s go and do something else. Let’s move to that next stage of life.’ I told the people around me. I said, ‘If you feel that for me, I’m okay with telling me.’”

    ‘I’m Not Doing It For The Money’: Bobby Lashley

    Bobby Lashley

    Bobby Lashley then explained that he continues to wrestle because it’s his passion. If there ever comes a time when he starts feeling slower, he’d call it a career:

    “I’m not doing it for the money right now. Over the years I’ve compiled a really nice real estate portfolio and different things like that. So that I’ve taken care of my kids. Right now, I’m doing [it] more [for the] legacy. I love wrestling and I have the ability to do it. I think I’m showing people something different. I’m that guy. That guy [in] the morning workouts. I’m that guy that trains hard. I’m okay with being a role model. I’m okay with all these different things.

    So I want to stay in the business as long as I can for that reason. But if there ever comes a time where I am running a little bit slower, I am moving a little slower, I take a bump and it’s like, ‘Oh no, this hurts coming back up.’ You’re gonna get that anyway. But if it ever gets to that point where I feel like I’m slowing down then let’s stop.”

    You can check out Bobby Lashley’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

  • Alexa Bliss Will Never Ask You For Money or Gift Cards

    Alexa Bliss Will Never Ask You For Money or Gift Cards

    WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss is warning her fans once again to not get scammed by people impersonating her online.

    Believe it or not, your favorite celebrity is not going to contact you and ask you to send them money. This may seem obvious, but there are a lot of gullible people out there and far too many scammers willing to victimize them.

    Bliss is one of the most popular wrestlers in the world, boasting nearly 6 million followers on Instagram and another 1.8 million on Twitter. She has a legion of fans who would love to interact with her and would not think twice about ‘helping’ her if she was in need.

    On Monday, Bliss sent out another message from her verified Twitter account urging her fans to stay safe online. She does not talk to people on Google Hangouts or in Facebook groups and she’s never going to ask her fans to send her money or gift cards.

    Bliss expressed frustration that she has to keep sending out these warnings, but the scams continue and her fans are the ones that suffer.

    Bliss has had to send these warnings before. She’s asked followers to report any accounts claiming to be her. Aside from scammers using her likeness to trick unsuspecting people, Bliss also has to deal with deranged people sending death threats to her and husband Ryan Cabrera.

    To our readers, please stay safe online. Investopedia has published this resource about the top Internet Scams to watch out for.

    “Tell That To My Merch Sales” – Alexa Bliss Responds To Criticism From Wrestling Podcaster After WWE RAW
  • DDP Explains Why Dominik Mysterio Should Be Booked Like The Rock

    DDP Explains Why Dominik Mysterio Should Be Booked Like The Rock

    Is Dominik Mysterio this generation’s The Rock? Perhaps not, but WWE could book him like the Hollywood A-Lister.

    Dominik had his in-ring WWE debut at Summerslam 2020, and has worked with his father Rey Mysterio since then. 

    At Clash at the Castle, Dominik turned on his father and Edge, and is now aligned with the Judgment Day. 

    Booking like The Rock

    Dominik has certainly gained a ton of heat since turning heel, but he’s hardly the only cocky young heel in WWE history. 

    After debuting as a babyface in 1996, a hostile response from the crowd would force WWE to turn Rocky Maivia heel and he became The Rock the following year. 

    Speaking on the latest episode of the DDP Snake Pit podcast, Diamond Dallas Page said WWE should antagonize fans as they did with the Brahma Bull. 

    “If I was booking, I would have Dominik beat anyone that he gets in front of. Because if you push him like that, they [the fans] are going to hate him even more. A la The Rock. Remember when they gave him that big push as Rocky Maivia? People hated him! [Now] Rock is the most beloved human being on the planet right now. He’s not the People’s Champion, he’s the World’s Champion. 

    “When you’re pushing someone in wrestling that fans don’t think should be pushed, it gets that other level of heat… He doesn’t need to say anything and they go crazy.”

    Speaking about  Rey Mysterio, Page speculated that the three-time WWE World Champion must feel conflicted feuding with his son. 

    “Dominik doesn’t have to say anything. They want Rey to beat his a**!

    “”I’m sure this is something that Rey is loving doing and also hurting [him] at the same time. Because it’s his kid… He’s so proud of his son.”

    Diamond Dallas Page.

    On last week’s SmackDown, Rey threatened to quit WWE rather than fight his son, and an agreement was made to move the older Mysterio to the blue brand.

    The Judgment Day

    Mysterio is the latest addition to the Judgment Day, which also consists of Finn Balor, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley. 

    When asked about the group, Page said that Balor has benefitted greatly from the stable. 

    “They’ve given Finn a lot of spots, championships. But they never really gave him the real push. Now he’s getting that. Every one of them. They’re talented. They look good and they can deliver in the ring. Finn of all of them, is the master. Finn can do anything.”

    The Judgment Day is set to compete at Crown Jewel on November 5, where they’ll face AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.

    Triple H

    Dominik’s heel turn, like much of the Judgment Day’s booking, was the decision of WWE’s Head of Creative Triple H.

    Speaking about the Game, Page said he knew from the start that things would change for the better.

    “I knew when Hunter [WWE Head of Talent Relations & Creative Triple H] got a hold of the booking of it, it was going to change and be more wrestling-oriented. Hence less matches, more time, because that’s where stories really get told.”

    Triple H is currently away from WWE after testing positive for Covid-19.

    “Looks Like You’ll Need A Real Man” – Dominik Mocks Rey Mysterio After He Joins WWE SmackDown Roster
  • Karl Anderson may Wrestle for WWE and NJPW on the Same Night

    Karl Anderson may Wrestle for WWE and NJPW on the Same Night

    Karl Anderson may be weeks away from making history by competing for WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling on the very same night.

    Last week, Anderson, alongside Luke Gallows, returned to WWE, coming to the aid of AJ Styles for his feud with The Judgment Day.

    Gallows and Anderson, who are former WWE Raw Tag Team Champions, were released in April 2020 with their final appearances being during WrestleMania 36’s Boneyard match.

    History Maker?

    Anderson returned to WWE, despite being the NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion.

    After his return, New Japan uploaded an updated card for their Battle Autumn event next month, confirming that Anderson is still on the card.

    Anderson will defend his championship against Hikuleo and is expected to drop the title in Osaka Jo-Hall in Japan on November 5.

    During this week’s Raw, it was announced that Styles, Gallows, and Anderson will face the Judgment Day’s Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio at Crown Jewel.

    Crown Jewel will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, also on November 5.

    If he works both events, Anderson will become the first wrestler to work for WWE and New Japan on the same night.

    More Appearances?

    Anderson is set to appear for New Japan Pro Wrestling, despite being a WWE Superstar, but his work with the former promotion won’t be a one-off.

    According to reports, New Japan is hopeful that both Anderson and Luke Gallows will be able to work events up until the company’s biggest annual show, Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January 2023.

    There is no confirmation as to whether WWE will agree for the duo to make multiple appearances for the other promotion.

    “It Will Be Rectified” – Good Brothers Send Warning To Judgment Day After WWE RAW
  • Who Ran Last Night’s WWE Monday Night Raw without Triple H?

    Who Ran Last Night’s WWE Monday Night Raw without Triple H?

    WWE’s Head of Talent Relations and Head of Creative Triple H was nowhere to be seen during last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw.

    Hours before the show went live, it was reported that the Game has contracted Covid-19 and is self-isolating.

    Contracting Covid also means that Triple H will miss tonight’s episode of WWE NXT, which will go head-to-head with a special Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite.

    Raw Without the Game

    Even without Triple H around, Raw went on ahead, with ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James running the show backstage.

    PW Insider reports that James oversaw production, and made the majority of the big calls for the show.

    At last Friday night’s WWE SmackDown TV tapings, Road Dogg was working alongside his D-Generation X stablemate.

    Road Dogg

    While best known for his work in DX and the New Age Outlaws, ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James has held various roles behind the scenes in WWE.

    In 2011, James returned to the promotion as a producer, and in 2016 became a writer for SmackDown, where he would also produce matches.

    After WrestleMania 35 in April 2019, it was reported that James had resigned as head writer of SmackDown, but would remain with WWE as a “utility” player.

    From 2019 to 2022, James worked with Triple H in NXT, teaching classes on in-ring development and promo skills before his release in January.

    The WWE Hall of Famer was appointed the Senior Vice President of Live Events in August this year, replacing Jeff Jarrett.

    Road Dogg Doesn’t Understand CM Punk Using ‘Cult Of Personality’ Theme
  • JBL Praises Baron Corbin After WWE RAW: “This Is The Debut Of The Modern Day Wrestling God”

    JBL Praises Baron Corbin After WWE RAW: “This Is The Debut Of The Modern Day Wrestling God”

    Happy Corbin left in JBL’s limo on the September 3rd edition of SmackDown and made his triumphant return tonight on WWE RAW.

    Following Rey Mysterio being moved to SmackDown, it was announced that Corbin was traded to RAW. JBL introduced Baron Corbin tonight and joined commentary for his match against Dolph Ziggler.

    JBL hyped up Corbin on commentary and compared him to Michael Jordan as Baron connected with the End of Days on Ziggler for the pinfall victory.

    JBL Praises Baron Corbin On RAW Talk

    Byron Saxton caught up with JBL and Baron Corbin backstage following the match. Saxton asked why WWE Hall of Famer JBL decided to lend his support to Baron Corbin. JBL said the choice was easy.

    This is the emergence, the debut, of the modern-day “Wrestling God”. The era of dominance, this man is a cornerstone. This is what you build a company on. So this has nothing to do with my return.

    I came back for one reason, and one reason only, and that is because this man is here. There is a lot of people out there you think ‘oh, I could be that guy’. You can’t be him. So ask him the questions because that is the man.

    Saxton asked Corbin how it felt to have JBL’s support in his career and Baron said anything is possible with the Hall of Famer’s guidance. Corbin added that landscape has officially changed to end the interview.

    How do you think it feels? I went out there on Monday Night RAW on my first night and I dominated Dolph Ziggler.

    With this man’s guidance, his wisdom, he’s a Hall of Famer and he’s passing this stuff onto me. The sky? There is no limit.

    We are changing the game. Like he said, a modern-day “Wrestling God”. The landscape has officially changed.

    If you use any quotes from this article, please credit RAW Talk and give a H/T to SEScoops.

    8 Takeaways From WWE RAW (10/17): Brock Lesnar & Bobby Lashley, Elias Returns, US Title Match