SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Wade Barrett Won’t be a WWE SmackDown Commentator for Long

    Wade Barrett Won’t be a WWE SmackDown Commentator for Long

    Fans of Wade Barrett who tune in to SmackDown should enjoy his commentary while it lasts, as he won’t be on the brand for long.

    Barrett, a five-time former WWE Intercontinental Champion, made his SmackDown commentary debut on last night’s episode on FOX.

    The move is part of WWE’s new lineup of commentary teams across SmackDown, Raw, and NXT, in line with the season premieres of each brand.

    Back to NXT

    Wade Barrett brings a unique perspective to the SmackDown commentary team, but his appearances on the show will end within months.

    In a tweet responding to the move, Barrett said he was thrilled to be working with Michael Cole, but said that he will be back in NXT one day.

    PW Insider reports that this is the case and that Barrett will leave SmackDown when Pat McAfee returns.

    McAfee has been absent from programming for weeks since taking a role with ESPN’s College Game Day.

    The NFL punter, who competed at this year’s WrestleMania is said to be well-liked within WWE, and his enthusiasm has also been commended.

    There’s no word on what this will mean for Booker T, as the two-time WWE Hall of Famer has replaced Barrett in NXT.

    In-Ring Return?

    Barrett has been a commentator for WWE for two years, but some remain hopeful for an in-ring return.

    From 2010 to 2016, Barrett wrestled for WWE and is perhaps best remembered for his role as leader of the Nexus.

    Speaking last year, Barrett teased an in-ring return, telling NXT colleague Vic Joseph that it will not take much to get him competing again.

    Wade Barrett Explains How He Got His Current Role In NXT
  • Report: WWE Bringing Back Sarah Logan

    Report: WWE Bringing Back Sarah Logan

    Former WWE Superstar Sarah Logan’s return to WWE is imminent according to a vignette that played out on this week’s SmackDown.

    During the episode, which served as the brand’s season premiere, a ‘Valhalla Awaits’ segment was played which featured Logan.

    While she was part of the segment, Logan’s face wasn’t shown on camera.

    According to a report from Fightful, several more segments are being produced to re-introduce Logan to the fans.

    Sarah Logan

    Logan’s first WWE appearance came in 2014 as the on-screen make-up artist for The Miz, an ironic role considering she does not enjoy wearing make-up.

    After being signed, Logan would have sporadic appearances in the ring before becoming part of the Riott Squad in 2017.

    When the group dissolved in 2019, would bounce around several feuds which she would lose prior to her release.

    Logan after WWE

    Sarah Logan was released as part of the April 15, 2020, releases, the first of what would become two years of mass releases, explained by WWE as budget cuts.

    Weeks after her release, she and husband Raymond (Viking Raider Erik) announced they were expecting their first child, and Raymond Jr. was born in February 2021.

    In June 2020, Logan said she was taken an extended hiatus from wrestling, but would make a one-night return to WWE as part of this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match.

    Since then, she has had two matches for Control Your Narrative, winning at their May 13, event in Cleveland and their May 14, event in Detroit.

    Following her release, Logan has maintained a very positive relationship with the company and has had several people within WWE go to bat for her.

    Sarah Logan: I Am Planning On Wrestling Again, One Day
  • Watch: What Happened With Damian Priest After SmackDown Went Off Air

    Watch: What Happened With Damian Priest After SmackDown Went Off Air

    While both Matt Riddle and Damian Priest weren’t part of the Extreme Rules go-home SmackDown, they did get to compete in a dark match after the episode.

    The main event of this week’s season premiere episode of the Blue Branded show saw Gunther once again putting the IC title on the line against Sheamus.

    At one point during the bout, Gunther tapped out to a Clover Leaf from Sheamus but the referee didn’t see it and the match continued.

    The ending of the bout saw Giovanni Vinci, Ludwig Kaiser, Butch and Ride Holland all coming out to the ring side. These four brawled as Gunther hit Sheamus with a shillelagh and picked up the win.

    What Happened After SmackDown

    Damian Priest and Riddle came out and had a fun match after the cameras stopped rolling. Priest tried to walk out of the bout at one point but the Ultimate Bro brought him back.

    The ending of the match saw Riddle hitting an RKO on the Judgement Day member and then pinning him for the victory.

    This was the final episode of SmackDown before the upcoming Extreme Rules PPV. WWE dropped many more White Rabbit clues on the show and teased the reveal at the upcoming PPV.

  • What Time Does WWE Extreme Rules Start?

    What Time Does WWE Extreme Rules Start?

    WWE Extreme Rules takes place this Saturday, October 8th.

    The show will air live from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Wells Fargo Center.

    WWE Extreme Rules starts at 8pm (ET) / 5pm (PT).

    In case you forget what time Extreme Rules begins, you can always catch the show on-demand on Peacock (US) and on the WWE Network (international).

    Prior to the start time of the main show, there will be a kickoff show that airs one hour earlier at 7pm (ET) / 4pm (ET). The kickoff show will stream on Peacock, the WWE Network (internationally), as well as WWE’s YouTube channel and social media pages.

    For more information, including the full match card and the latest news, visit our WWE Extreme Rules event page.

  • WWE Drops More White Rabbit Clues On SmackDown

    WWE Drops More White Rabbit Clues On SmackDown

    WWE had the season premiere of SmackDown tonight on Fox and one night before the Extreme Rules Premium Live Event tomorrow night.

    Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, appeared at the start of the show and welcomed the crowd to the show.

    Fans spotted another QR code on Triple H’s microphone and when scanned it brings you to another secret WWE website. You can see the QR code appear on the microphone in the video below.

    The latest video is another cartoon pig with the narrator saying “let me in” over and over. Bray Wyatt would use the catchphrase while he was portraying The Fiend in WWE. A loud banging can be heard throughout the video as if someone is trying to bang down a door.

    Another video appeared during the show and revealed tomorrow’s date. WWE Extreme Rules will air tomorrow night in Philadelphia. The words “feed your head” appeared on the screen.

    https://twitter.com/WrestlingNewsCo/status/1578549826584645632?s=20&t=bcUGkVFvWUjnomfberIAbA

    WWE has been playing the 1967 song “White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane during live events and random commercial breaks on RAW and SmackDown.

    The initial QR code brought fans to a secret WWE website in which the question posed was “WHO KILLED THE WORLD?” and the answer was “YOU DID”. During this week’s episode of RAW, a code appeared that brought fans to a painting of Samson and Deliah. There was a number on the painting that brings fans to “White Rabbit Milk” when googled.

    Alexa Bliss has also referenced the song by Jefferson Airplane in a recent promo and Monday’s QR code appeared just after she exited the screen.

    You can check out our deep dive on WWE’s White Rabbit here.

  • Watch: Paul Heyman Reveals The Opening To WWE Extreme Rules

    Watch: Paul Heyman Reveals The Opening To WWE Extreme Rules

    Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is having a face-to-face with Logan Paul tonight on SmackDown ahead of their title match at Crown Jewel on November 5th.

    The Wiseman Paul Heyman took to Twitter just before the season premiere of WWE SmackDown went on the air and revealed the opening to tomorrow night’s Premium Live Event. Reigns is not scheduled to defend the title at tomorrow night’s show in Philadelphia.

    Paul Heyman took ECW to new heights in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. The Wiseman narrated the video package and you can check it out below. A child appears at a spelling bee and Paul Heyman gave him the word “extreme” to spell.

    The kid asked for a definition of the word “extreme” and Heyman said it is “an act or measure taken to excessive lengths beyond the ordinary or average.” The child then asked for the word in a sentence and Heyman said the following:

    “The unbridled passion, the fearlessness to just go into something with a reckless abandon that allows you to create something from nothing. That allows you to innovate, that allows you take things to the Extreme.”

    He was then asked the place of origin for Extreme and The Wiseman said “Philadelphia”. Paul appeared on the screen at the end of the video to congratulate the child for spelling the word correctly.

    “Congratulations kid and welcome everyone to Extreme Rules!”

    WWE Extreme Rules Predictions
  • Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Triple H & Former Champions Hype Big Title Match Tonight On WWE SmackDown

    Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Triple H & Former Champions Hype Big Title Match Tonight On WWE SmackDown

    Gunther will defend the Intercontinental Championship tonight against Sheamus in a rematch from their epic encounter at WWE Clash at the Castle.

    The Celtic Warrior came up short in the match at the Premium Live Event earlier this month, but the crowd in Audience still gave him a standing ovation. It was a match that received rave reviews from fans and critics, and the rematch is going down tonight on the season premier of WWE SmackDown.

    Former Intercontinental Champions and WWE legends have taken to Twitter to hype tonight’s match. The legendary Bret Hart recently posed that he was in the crowd for their bout at Clash at the Castle and is excited to see the rematch tonight.

    Had the pleasure of watching @WWESheamus and@Gunther_AUT’s Intercontinental Championship match from ringside in Cardiff. Can’t wait for the rematch tonight on #SmackDown.

    Shawn Michaels promoted the match tonight as well. He noted that the title meant so much to him during his career and is pumped to see Sheamus & Gunther lay it all on the line tonight.

    Sheamus responded to both Bret and Shawn ahead of tonight’s match.

    WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H took to Twitter to hype up tonight’s massive title match.

    Two of the hardest hitters in this business battling for one of WWE’s most storied championships. I know@Gunther_AUT and @WWESheamus are ready to tear the house down tonight on #SmackDown. #ICTitle

    WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle also posted on Twitter that the IC Title really helped jumpstart his career. Angel announced that he will be tuning into the title match tonight.

    Sheamus has won a world championship four times, the United States and tag titles three times, the Money in the Bank, the Royal Rumble, and the King of the Ring. The Celtic Warrior has never captured the Intercontinental Championship in his incredible career and time will tell if that changes tonight.

    3 Reasons Sheamus Should Win The Intercontinental Championship
  • The Rock Says Running for US President is ‘Off The Table’

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

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is not going to run for President of the United States.

    In a preview of their upcoming interview with the former WWE star, CBS released a clip where Johnson states his plans to run for the presidency are “off the table.”

    Johnson cited his desire to be present for his second daughter than he was for his first daughter Simone, who is currently training at the WWE Performance Center. 

    Johnson entertained the idea of Johnson running for President in the past to the extent that it was the basis of his NBC series “Young Rock,” where Johnson is running in the 2032 election.

    The Rock’s Reasoning

    “Yes, it is off the table,” he said. I will say this because it requires the B side to this. I love our country and everyone in it. I also love being a daddy, and that’s the most important thing to me is being a daddy number one, especially during this time, this critical time in my daughter’s lives. Because I know what it was like to be on the road and be so busy that I was absent for a lot of years in my first daughter’s growing up in this critical age at this critical time in her life, anyway. That’s what the presidency will do. My number one priority is my daughters. Sure, CEO sounds great, but the #1 thing I want to be is daddy. That’s it.”

    You can watch The Rock’s comments about not running for office here:

    If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit with an h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

  • Top WWE Star is Getting Close to Returning to The Ring

    Top WWE Star is Getting Close to Returning to The Ring

    Former WWE Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch appears to be returning very soon.

    Lynch has been out of action since her defeat to Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair at SummerSlam in July, as she suffered a separated shoulder during the match. Despite the pain, she pushed through it and was able to finish the match. 

    The Man Comes Around

    After the match, Bayley, Dakota Kai, and Io Shirai made their returns. Alexa Bliss and Asuka have taken Bianca Belair’s side in the feud with Damage Control amidst Lynch’s absence.

    It may not be too long until “The Man” returns to WWE TV, as she was seen backstage at this past Monday’s Raw in  St. Paul, Minnesota. 

    When Lynch suffered her injury, the word making the rounds as she was set to be out for “several months.” PWInsider added, “she’s coming closer and closer to returning to action.”

    Earlier this week, Lynch showed off her new look as she is sporting long hair again thanks to extensions. She will be back as a babyface after Triple H turned from being a heel following her SummerSlam match. When she does return, she has a feud waiting for her against Bayley’s Damage CTRL stable.

  • Potential Spoiler on WWE’s Plans for Debuting Faction

    Potential Spoiler on WWE’s Plans for Debuting Faction

    Legado del Fantasma is headed to the main roster, but the group will see a change made to it by WWE officials. 

    It’s been reported by multiple outlets that Legado del Fantasma are slated to make their main roster debut soon and be at tonight’s episode of SmackDown. 

    Pwinsider.com reports the company’s initial plans to include Elektra Lopez with the group when they go to SmackDown have been dropped. She was originally slated to be at the show tonight, but over the last 24 hours, creative changed.

    This is despite her exit from NXT television being with the group. Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, and Raul Mendoza have been spotted in Worcester, MA, the site of SmackDown with the belief that they will debut as soon as tonight.

    Legado del Fantasma Getting a New Member? 

    As previously reported, Zelina Vega is slated for tonight’s show to make her return and is sporting a new blonde look.

    To make things even more interesting, Fightful Select reports there was a heavy pitch and push to put Vega with the Legado Del Fantasma faction, possibly in place of Lopez. 

    This hasn’t been confirmed, and no plans have been locked in, but there was a notable pitch for it to happen.

  • Matt Riddle: Personal Insults from Seth Rollins have been “Therapeutic”

    Matt Riddle: Personal Insults from Seth Rollins have been “Therapeutic”

    Matt Riddle has no problem with Seth Rollins airing some of the Original Bro’s ‘dirty laundry’ to millions of WWE fans each week.

    Rollins and Riddle have been feuding for months, with Seth making reference to Riddle’s recent divorce.

    Riddle’s now ex-wife Lisa divorced the WWE Superstar in March 2022, when Matt admitted to having a consensual affair with wrestler Candy Cartwright, who accused Riddle of sexual assault.

    Therapy

    It was during the August 29, 2022 Raw, that Rollins brought up Riddle’s divorce, saying that Lisa “took your kids and they don’t want to see your b*tch a** anymore.”

    Speaking on the latest After the Bell, Riddle explained why referencing his real-life situation has been a blessing in disguise.

    “I think he [Rollins] realizes what I bring to the table. What I’m willing to do to get reactions from the crowd. You know, when we go personal, we talk about things we probably shouldn’t be talking about. But I’m like, bro, I don’t care. I do pay child support. Things are rough for me. And for me, I honestly see this as more of a therapeutic thing because anybody who knows me knows what I’m going through.

    “I do pay child support. Things are rough for me… I honestly see this as more of a therapeutic thing.”

    Matt Riddle on personal feud with Seth Rollins.

    “[People] are like ‘I can’t believe. If he would have said that to me. If I was going through that.’ Everybody who’s been in that spot, in that moment, can relate.”

    Making it Real

    Riddle’s willingness to bring up real-life situations has made his feud with Rollins a highlight of Raw in this post-Vince McMahon era.

    Speaking about his feud with Rollins, Riddle said that making things seem real is incredibly important to him.

    “I want people to relate. Everybody can relate to being the smaller brother or friend who just wants to be cool and have the other brother like him. That’s me and Randy. With Seth, it’s just two guys who don’t like each other and Seth has talked some crap that he shouldn’t have been talking.

    “For me, the more real it is, the easier it is and the better it is. And that’s what makes me working with Seth so good. Because he’s the same way. He likes to go all in.

    Riddle and Rollins will face at tomorrow night in the Fight Pit match at Extreme Rules 2022, with special guest referee Daniel Cormier.

  • Finn Balor Addresses Critiques of WWE Being Overproduced

    Finn Balor Addresses Critiques of WWE Being Overproduced

    Triple H has made many big and small changes to the WWE programming since coming to power. One such subtle change is that stars are now allowed to interact with each other in backstage segments. Finn Balor believes that backstage activities in segments help the product feel more authentic.

    The former Universal champion recently had an interview with SHAK Wrestling. He was asked about the recent changes in WWE programming, specifically the changes in the production of backstage segments. Replying to it, Balor mentioned how WWE has been guilty of overproducing things in the past. According to the Judgement Day leader, a rougher product feels more authentic:

    “Yeah, and I also feel like maybe in the past we’ve been guilty of overproducing things, and it doesn’t feel as natural. For me, if I look back and watch like an old WCW episode, and there’s like a backstage scene or promo or a beat down, you’ll see people walking. Like leaving the building that have already finished a match, [or] entering the building that haven’t performed yet.

    That was natural. I feel like that element needs to really be emphasized in wrestling. This is live TV. It shouldn’t really be as produced as perhaps it was in the past. I feel like maybe the rougher edgier it is, the more authentic it will be.”

    You can check out Finn Balor’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

  • Gable Steveson Returns to WWE Performance Center After Heart Procedure

    Gable Steveson Returns to WWE Performance Center After Heart Procedure

    Olympic Gold medalist Gable Steveson underwent a heart procedure last month but is now training full-time at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. 

    According to ESPN, Steveson underwent an ablation on his heart to treat WPW (Wolff-Parkinson-White) syndrome. The prospect told the media outlet that the health issue was discovered last year before he traveled to Tokyo for the Olympics. However, he didn’t undergo the procedure until WWE’s medical staff advised him through the process. This included the recommendation of top cardiologists to treat his condition.

    Gable Steveson Back Training

    Gable Steveson on Raw
    Gable Steveson on Raw

    The process spanned many months, which delayed Steveson’s start at training full-time for his wrestling career. 

    ESPN noted, “WPW is a rare congenital heart defect, present at birth, in which an extra electrical pathway causes a rapid heartbeat. An ablation is a procedure that uses small burns or freezes to cause scarring on the inside of the heart to help break up the electrical signals and maintain a normal heart rhythm.”

    Steveson, who is the brother of WWE NXT star Damon Kemp, said he’s excited to get his WWE journey started as he hopes to compete on the main roster in the near future. In October 2021, Steveson was drafted to Raw and made a few special appearances.

    Steveson is currently working under the legendary Fit Finlay at the Performance Center. WWE previously set up a remote training facility for him near the University of Minnesota last year so that he could pursue a second NCAA championship.

    Steveson said he’s 100% committed to becoming the next big thing in WWE.

  • WWE Star to return on Tonight’s SmackDown Season Premiere

    WWE Star to return on Tonight’s SmackDown Season Premiere

    WWE is pulling out all the stops for tonight’s episode of SmackDown on FOX, which will serve as the season premiere of the blue brand.

    Tonight’s episode will air from the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

    Vega’s Return

    Ahead of tonight’s SmackDown, Zelina Vega was spotted at Boston Airport, fueling speculation of an appearance.

    PW Insider has confirmed that Vega is written into tonight’s plans and is sporting a new blond look.

    The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion hasn’t appeared on TV since the April 11, 2022, episode of Monday Night Raw, where she faced Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair.

    Not long after, Vega required surgery, which has kept her out of action since then.

    Despite her surgery, Vega has still made a handful of appearances off WWE TV, including appearing at San Diego Comic-Con for the WWE Mattel panel.

    Vega returned to WWE last year, after being released minutes after expressing support for unionization.

    Since returning, she has held the Women’s Tag Titles with Carmella and won the first-ever Queen’s Cup tournament.

    Tonight’s SmackDown

    Tonight’s season premiere of SmackDown will also be the final episode before this Saturday’s WWE Extreme Rules premium live event.

    It has been confirmed that Solo Sikoa, accompanied by Sami Zayn will face Ricochet.

    Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER will defend against Sheamus in a rematch from their instant classic from WWE Clash at the Castle.

    Roman Reigns will come face to face with Logan Paul ahead of their Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match at Crown Jewel.

    WWE Superstar Zelina Vega Shows Off New Look
  • Dwight Howard Reveals What Triple H and Stephanie McMahon Told Him At WWE Tryouts

    Dwight Howard Reveals What Triple H and Stephanie McMahon Told Him At WWE Tryouts

    NBA star Dwight Howard may have a future inside the squared circle. The 8-time All Star and 2020 NBA Champion attended WWE’s latest round of open tryouts, which took place this summer in Nashville during SummerSlam weekend.

    Howard’s work at the tryouts garnered both him and WWE some great attention, as the promos Howard cut circulated online and had fanbases in wrestling and basketball talking about his potential as a WWE superstar.

    Paul “Triple H” Levesque raved about Howard’s performance in Nashville. As the head of WWE’s talent relations division, Triple H said Howard could follow in the footsteps of Logan Paul and Bad Bunny if he’s really serious about making the jump into the world of pro wrestling.

    Howard Thinks He’d Excel In WWE

    Howard recently appeared on the “All The Smoke” program to discuss his work at the WWE tryouts, where he tells the show hosts that he’s always had an affinity for professional wrestling.

    “My whole life growing up as a kid, me and my brother wrestled,” he said. “I played around acting like I was the Hulk, you know what I’m saying? And then, my nickname is Randy Savage so that’ll tell right there how much I love wrestling. Randy Savage, that was my sh*t so, why not? I really enjoy the crowd, I enjoy entertaining people, I enjoy the fans and stuff like that and the atmosphere is crazy.”

    “I would definitely enjoy being a real wrestler like that.”

    – Dwight Howard

    He later reveals that Triple H and his wife, co-CEO Stephanie McMahon, were very complimentary of the promos he was cutting in Nashville.

    “I went to SummerSlam this summer and I got a chance to do some promos for wrestling and Triple H and Stephanie McMahon was there. She had just became the new CEO of WWE and I did my promo and they was like, ‘Man, that was the best promo of the whole tryout and do you really wanna wrestle?’

    Triple H Says WWE Would Sign Dwight Howard

    “The Ball Is In His Court” – Triple H Says WWE Is Open To Signing NBA Star
  • Nigel McGuinness Departs WWE Amid Announcer Shakeup

    Nigel McGuinness Departs WWE Amid Announcer Shakeup

    Nigel McGuinness (Steven Haworth) is no longer with WWE. He was released earlier this week amid a shakeup to the commentary teams of Raw, SmackDown and NXT. The news was first reported by PWInsider.

    The 46-year-old from London, England signed with WWE in 2016. He was hired at the recommendation of Michael Cole. He made his WWE commentary debut (alongside Cole) at the United Kingdom Championship Tournament in January 2017.

    During his time with the company, McGuinness did color commentary for NXT, 205 Live, Main Event, NXT UK and NXT Level Up.

    His departure comes at a time when WWE is applying a fresh coat of paint to its cable television shows for the new fall season. Earlier this week, WWE announced a major shakeup to the commentary teams of Raw, SmackDown and NXT. Amid this reshuffling, McGuinness and former Raw lead announcer Jimmy Smith found themselves on the outs.

    Jimmy Smith Learned about Losing Raw Commentary Role by Accident

    What’s Next for Nigel McGuinness?

    McGuinness is former Ring of Honor World Champion, so he’d be a natural fit to join the ROH broadcast team, if Tony Khan is able to secure a TV deal for his recent purchase.

  • Jimmy Smith Learned about Losing Raw Commentary Role by Accident

    Jimmy Smith Learned about Losing Raw Commentary Role by Accident

    Jimmy Smith will no longer be calling the action on Monday Night Raw, something that the former commentator learned by complete accident.

    Yesterday, WWE changed the commentary teams across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, as part of the season premieres for each show.

    Not long after news broke, Smith confirmed that he has left WWE.

    Triple H’s Accident

    Fans were surprised to see the changes be announced, first by Variety and later confirmed by WWE, but Smith wasn’t taken aback.

    Speaking on Unlocking the Cage, Smith said how a comment by Triple H earlier this week was all it took to learn of his fate (via ComicBook.)

    “Triple H accidentally told me before the show Monday. He screwed up and told me [about the commentary changes]. He didn’t mean to.”

    After speaking with Riddle and coming up with a good line for the Fight Pit at this weekend’s Extreme Rules event, Smith wanted to get it checked by Triple H.

    “I go to Triple H. Triple H standing there, I go, ‘Hey, I just talked to Riddle and he gave me this line about how he out-wrestled Jon Jones twice’ and Triple H goes, ‘Okay, cool. Give that note to Cole.’

    “Triple H accidentally told me before the show Monday. He screwed up and told me.”

    Jimmy Smith

    “I went, why would I have to give that note to Cole if I’m calling the match on Saturday? Oh. I’m not calling the match on Saturday. Oh, I’m probably fired. In about two seconds, my brain went, that’s so – okay… and I was like, all right. So I knew basically the whole show on Monday night that I wasn’t coming back.”

    Changes

    With Smith gone, the new commentary team on Raw will see Corey Graves team with Kevin Patrick.

    On SmackDown, Michael Cole will call the action with Wade Barrett, who is joining from NXT.

    WWE NXT will be called by Vic Joseph and Booker T, who has done commentary for SmackDown and Raw in the past.

    Jimmy Smith Reveals Advice Vince McMahon Gave Him
  • WWE Extreme Rules Predictions

    WWE Extreme Rules Predictions

    WWE Extreme Rules takes place this Saturday from Philadelphia, PA. This will be the 14th Extreme Rules event for the company, it originated in 2009.

    SEScoops correspondents Andrew Ravens, Thomas Lowson and Ryan Droste have assembled to provide our official WWE Extreme Rules predictions.

    WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey (Extreme Rules Match)

    Andrew Ravens: Everyone, including myself, thinks we get a title change here unless WWE wants to hold off one more month for it to happen. Rousey should be the champion, and Morgan as the champion just hasn’t clicked for me yet. Rousey is WWE’s biggest female star on SmackDown. Let her shine with the gold. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey).

    Thomas Lowson: I appreciate WWE trying to build up Morgan as a more legitimate threat to Rousey in recent weeks. And it has worked to an extent. However, I can’t see Rousey taking three losses in a row to Morgan. The Extreme Rules stip does give WWE the opportunity (again) to give Rousey a non-clean loss, but I don’t see it. Morgan’s had a good run, fans got what they wanted. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

    Ryan Droste: Morgan’s reign to this point has already exceeded the length that anyone could have predicted. I just can’t imagine that Rousey would lose here. While it’s been nice to see Morgan get some shine, the end goal here was always moving the title back to Rousey. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

    Consensus: Ronda Rousey

    WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Bayley (Ladder Match)

    Andrew Ravens: The ladder match stipulation is interesting if WWE wants to beat Belair but protect her, Bayley could win thanks to outside interference and not have to beat Belair clean. I don’t see it happening, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see it. Belair will be feuding with the heel faction for a while going forward, so she retains. (Prediction: Bianca Belair).

    Thomas Lowson: This is perhaps the match I’m most excited to see. Bayley and Damage CTRL have been on a roll, and I expect that to continue. The thing with Belair is that she’s been very well protected in WWE. Her last title loss only happened because she was caught off-guard. I think the ladder match stipulation gives WWE a perfect way to take the title off her, without Belair taking a clean loss. (Prediction: Bayley)

    Ryan Droste: Belair has once again been a solid champion. However, who does she work next if she defeats Bayley here? They can extend the program a little longer, but in the end it feels like a Bayley title reign is in the cars. Damage CTRL has felt very fresh, and with WWE concentrating on powerful factions of late, adding the Raw Women’s Championship to this one makes sense. (Prediction: Bayley)

    Consensus: Split

    Seth Rollins vs. Matt Riddle (Fight Pit Match)

    Andrew Ravens: This should be the main event of the show based on the fact that this has been a fun storyline, and WWE is bringing in UFC’s Daniel Cormier for the bout. I’ll side with Riddle going over because he needs a win to wrap up this storyline, and I can’t see Cormier counting the pinfall to give a heel the win. (Prediction: Matt Riddle).

    Thomas Lowson: With Roman Reigns a no-show, this will likely headline Extreme Rules. I think Riddle has this. It makes sense given that Rollins won in Cardiff, and personally, I hope it’s the end of the feud. Perhaps a match will be squeezed out at Crown Jewel, but I don’t need to see it. Rollins and Riddle have done well, but there’s no point in carrying this on. Riddle gets the win, and maybe a bit of respect from Rollins. As for Cormier, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some confrontation with Seth, setting up a Saudi match. (Prediction: Matt Riddle)

    Ryan Droste: Like my colleagues, it’s difficult to envision Riddle not winning this match. Daniel Cormier would seem to cement that fact. They’ve been feuding for a while and it’s time for Riddle to go over and move on to something else. (Predictions: Matt Riddle)

    Consensus: Matt Riddle

    Karrion Kross vs. Drew McIntyre (Strap Match)

    Andrew Ravens: This is a very intriguing match because both stars need a win. McIntyre needs a win since he just lost to Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle, but also, Kross needs a win to continue to prove to fans that he will be the second biggest heel on Smackdown. Kross also needs a great match with McIntyre, so I’ll side with Kross. (Prediction: Karrion Kross).

    Thomas Lowson: This seems the easiest one for me to call, which pains me as a huge McIntyre fan. It’s odd though, as neither man can really afford a loss. Kross is still relatively new on the scene on SmackDown, and McIntyre is coming off arguably the biggest loss of his career. But I have to go with Kross on this one. WWE has long-term plans for him in the main event, making his win more necessary. (Prediction: Karrion Kross)

    Ryan Droste: Kross seems destined for the title picture, while McIntyre has just exited that scene. One could make the argument that McIntyre needs a big win, but so does Kross having recently returned and looking to be elevated for a shot at Reigns. (Prediction: Karrion Kross)

    Consensus: Karrion Kross

    Edge vs. Finn Balor (“I Quit” Match)

    Andrew Ravens: I’m going with Balor solely based on the fact that WrestleVotes recently reported that WWE had big plans in place for Balor in the near future. I don’t think Edge needs to win just because he recently returned. (Prediction: Finn Balor).

    Thomas Lowson: Another difficult one to call. On paper, it seems like Balor and the Judgment Day would have this one in the bag. The numbers game alone would surely give them this. However, Edge only recently returned, and having him come back to lose would make little sense. Honestly, it’s a coin-toss, but I’ll give it to the Hall of Famer. (Prediction: Edge)

    Ryan Droste: Judgment Day lost to Edge and Rey Mysterio at Clash at the Castle. It feels like Balor goes over here. Outside of his initial Universal Championship victory (and injury), Balor has never lived up to his full potential on the main roster. While with NXT, Balor shined. Who was in charge of creative there? With Triple H in charge, it’s not surprising to see rumors of a strong Balor push. (Prediction: Finn Balor)

    Consensus: Split

    The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland & Butch) vs. Imperium (Gunther, Giovanni Vinci & Ludwig Kaiser) (Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook Match)

    Andrew Ravens: This could steal the show and should be the event’s opener. I think it’s a pick ’em, and the outcome will be based on what happens on Friday during the title bout between Gunther and Sheamus for the Intercontinental Title. I’ll side with The Brawling Brutes going over because I don’t think Sheamus wins the title on SmackDown. (Prediction: The Brawling Brutes).

    Thomas Lowson: I was fortunate to be in attendance for WWE Clash at the Castle, so I know how good this can be. It’s a tough one to call, and one I reckon will be influenced by the IC Title match on SmackDown. But I’m predicting a clean sweep for the Brutes. A new Intercontinental Champion, and a win at the PLE. (Prediction: The Brawling Brutes)

    Ryan Droste: SmackDown will have an impact on this result, and since we are publishing this before SmackDown, it’s really hard to say right now! Basically a toss-up. While Gunther prevailed in that classic match with Sheamus at Clash at the Castle, I think there’s a shot Sheamus wins the IC title on SmackDown (I was kind of expecting it to happen at Clash, actually). That being said, I wouldn’t do it. I would keep Gunther strong as he’s a guy who can challenge for the world title down the line. Why not keep him dominant? Sheamus gets his revenge here in a six man. (Prediction: The Brawling Brutes)

    Consensus: The Brawling Brutes

  • WWE Legend On Ronda Rousey’s Wrestling Career: “I Don’t See Her Trying To Improve”

    WWE Legend On Ronda Rousey’s Wrestling Career: “I Don’t See Her Trying To Improve”

    Liv Morgan will be defending the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey this Saturday night in an Extreme Rules match at the Premium Live Event.

    Morgan won the women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match and cashed in on Ronda Rousey on the same night. She went on to defeat Ronda once again at WWE SummerSlam in a match that ended in controversy.

    Ronda earned another title shot by winning a Fatal 5-Way on a recent edition of SmackDown. On last Friday’s SmackDown, Ronda and Liv brawled after Rousey tapped out Natalya. The champion brought a baseball bat to the ring but WWE security eventually were able to break it up.

    Jim Cornette On The Brawl Between Ronda Rousey & Liv Morgan

    Jim Cornette discussed the feud over the SmackDown Women’s Championship on episode 451 of the Jim Cornette Experience. The legendary manager said that WWE still knows how to book their stars when it comes to when they appear on the program.

    Did you notice the most notable thing about the Ronda Rousey versus Natalya match?

    It was Ronda Rousey’s entrance to the ring with music came at the top of the 9 PM hour. They may not have very many stars on this program but they know where to put them.

    Again, a simple “Vinceism”, top of the hour and to a lesser extent the bottom of the hour, you need a star headed to the ring or in the ring.

    Cornette added that Ronda’s work hasn’t improved much since she’s arrived in WWE.

    Her Judo is great, but her work is herky-jerky and awkward. It’s not smooth at all. She’s not getting better. I don’t know that she’s trying.

    I think by everything you can see from Ronda Rousey, that the bloom is off the rose for her on this wrestling thing. She’s doing it now because she’s signed a contract.

    I don’t see her having a ton of fun. I don’t see her trying to improve. I don’t see her going out there and just g*****n shucking the corn all the way down to the cob onto promos and just really being into this.

    It’s like, get it over with and that is the way we feel watching her at this point.

    Jim criticized the brawl on SmackDown as well and suggested that it might have been good with anyone besides WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan. You can check out his comments in the video below.

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

  • Becky Lynch Exposes Vince Russo’s Hypocrisy With Savage Tweet

    Becky Lynch Exposes Vince Russo’s Hypocrisy With Savage Tweet

    Becky Lynch and Mustafa Ali have responded to former WWE writer Vince Russo today on social media.

    Earlier today, Vince took to Twitter and tagged several talents to suggest that they should invest in their wardrobe including Bayley. The Role Model will battle Bianca Belair in a Ladder Match this Saturday night at Extreme Rules for the RAW Women’s Championship.

    So pertaining to @itsBayleyWWE, as a TV Critic, I made the statement that if u WANT to be a TV STAR u have 2 LOOK like a TV STAR, which means u should probably invest in your wardrobe-switch it up every week-aka@BeckyLynchWWE, @WWERollins,@BiancaBelair,@MsCharlotteWWE (PT. 1)

    Becky Lynch posted a transcription of Vince saying comments that seem to contradict the criticism offered. Russo stated in the past that both Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch dress ridiculously.

    Russo responded to Becky Lynch and said that it is hard for the audience to understand her character change from The Man to Big Time Becks without a proper explanation.

    When u portray a character, then u transition over to another without the proper explanation-which is in the writing—that could be hard for audience to grasp/understand. Some will get it-some won’t. You want Everybody to get it, so it just needs to be explained.

    Mustafa Ali joined the party and brought up a time when Russo suggested that he portray a racist cop in WWE. Vince asked for Ali to provide the audio of him saying that and Mustafa quickly supplied it.

    The 61-year-old then transitioned into promoting his shows and thanked Mustafa for the free publicity. Vince added that the racist cop angle would have been very topical and got Mustafa over as a heel.

  • “Tell That To My Merch Sales” – Alexa Bliss Responds To Criticism From Wrestling Podcaster After WWE RAW

    “Tell That To My Merch Sales” – Alexa Bliss Responds To Criticism From Wrestling Podcaster After WWE RAW

    Alexa Bliss battled IYO SKY of Damage CTRL in the main event of this week’s episode of WWE RAW.

    Earlier on the show, Bianca Belair and Bayley had a contract signing for their upcoming Ladder Match at Extreme Rules for the RAW Women’s Championship. The cameras cut backstage and Damage CTRL were attacking Asuka and Alexa Bliss.

    Bayley capitalized on the distraction and ripped Bianca over the table by her hair and beat her down. Following the attack, Alexa challenged IYO to a match and the two stars met in the main event. IYO picked up the victory thanks to interference by Damage CTRL.

    RAW went off the air with Bayley and the Women’s Tag Team Champions posing on a ladder in the middle of the ring.

    Alexa Bliss Responds To Criticism From Wrestling Podcaster

    Wrestling podcaster/YouTuber/House of Glory commentator JDFromNY206 certainly has his fans and detractors but is never short on opinions. He commented on Alexa Bliss facing IYO SKY in the main event of the red brand and said he wasn’t a fan of it. A fan clipped the comment made by JD and claimed that “Alexa Bliss can main event any show from WWE shes that talented unlike JDfromny206”.

    Here is what JD had to say about the main event of this week’s RAW in the video:

    Alexa Bliss and Io Shirai, IYO SKY, closed the show last night. That is not a main event. You don’t put that match on in the main event and expect people to hang around until 11 to watch that be the culmination of Monday Night RAW for three hours. That is ridiculous.

    In no way, on no planet should Alexa Bliss be in the f***ing main event of any show, period. She is absolutely iceberg cold. She is ridiculous. Judgment Day, AJ Styles, and Rey Mysterio absolutely should have closed the show no matter what.

    https://twitter.com/brianwookiee/status/1577819418708566018?s=20&t=ihI41hcMpar8ZTTrd-ky6A

    Despite not being tagged in the post, Alexa Bliss caught wind of the comments and took to Twitter to respond. She referred to JD as “JB” in her retort.

    Tell That to my Merch sales JB. Keep doing your job which is talking about… Me.

  • WWE Tough Enough Winner Sara Lee Passes Away, Wrestlers Pay Tribute

    WWE Tough Enough Winner Sara Lee Passes Away, Wrestlers Pay Tribute

    WWE Tough Enough winner Sara Lee (Sara Ann Weston) has tragically passed away. She was only 30 years old. Her mother announced the news on Facebook on Thursday.

    There has been no cause of death revealed at this time. Her mother wrote “It is with heavy hearts we wanted to share that our Sara Weston has gone to be with Jesus. We are all in shock and arrangements are not complete. We ask that you respectfully let our family mourn” in the heartbreaking announcement.

    Lee won Tough Enough in 2015 and earned a one-year contract with the promotion. She lost to Alicia Fox in the finale of the show and was released in 2016 after working live events but never debuted on NXT.

    Sara was also a competitive powerlifter and entered Tough Enough with no previous wrestling experience. She outlasted Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose, Chelsea Green, and Velveteen Dream in the competition.

    She was recently training at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando. Sara married former WWE Superstar Wesley Blake in December 2017. The couple lived in Orlando and had three children together.

    Wrestlers Pay Tribute To Sara Lee

    Several wrestlers have commented on the tragic news today. AEW star Saraya sent love to Sara’s family and posted photos of the two together.

    Former NXT star Bull James (Bull Dempsey) has set up a fund to help her family. As of this writing, Cody Rhodes, Alexa Bliss, Braun Strowman, Becky Lynch and The Cardonas have donated.

    Brandi Rhodes said she never got to meet Sara Lee but noticed her beautiful energy. RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair sent out a message as well.

    On behalf of SEScoops, we send our condolences to friends, family, and fans of Sara Lee.

  • Jimmy Smith Announces His Departure from WWE

    Jimmy Smith Announces His Departure from WWE

    Broadcaster Jimmy Smith has announced his departure from WWE. The move comes after WWE announced new commentary teams for Raw, SmackDown and NXT.

    Up until this week, Raw’s commentary team was comprised of Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton. Starting with next week’s Raw season premiere, it will instead be Graves and Kevin Patrick calling the action each week. WWE shifted Bryon Saxton to NXT, but Smith was not mentioned in WWE’s shakeup announcement.

    Smith addressed his future with WWE in a tweet sent out Thursday afternoon. After a year as the lead announcer of Monday Night Raw, he confirmed he’s no longer with the company.

    “Just wanted to say, now that the story is officially out, that my time with the WWE is officially done. Had a lot of fun and met some great people. Really and truly blown away by the acceptance from the WWE fans! You folks make it work every week, and your enthusiasm was amazing!”

    – Jimmy Smith announces WWE departure

    Smith signed with WWE in May 2021 as the play-by-play man for the Monday Night Raw announce team. Prior to his stint in WWE, he was the longtime commentator for Bellator MMA then went work for the UFC as a commentator/analyst.

    Fans can still hear Smith’s voice and thoughts on the world of combat sports on his daily ‘Unlocking The Cage’ show that airs on Sirius XM.

    WWE’s New Commentary Teams

    New Commentary Teams for WWE Raw, SmackDown & NXT
  • New Commentary Teams for WWE Raw, SmackDown & NXT

    New Commentary Teams for WWE Raw, SmackDown & NXT

    The landscape of WWE has changed dramatically across all three of the company’s brands, at least at the commentary desk.

    This week, WWE will begin their ‘season premiere’ week of programming, starting with tomorrow night’s SmackDown on FOX. Next week’s Raw and NXT will also serve as the season premieres of the red and gold brand.

    The following three shows of WWE programming will be stacked for the season premieres and will feature brand-new commentary teams.

    Wrestle Votes were the first to report that changes were expected to Raw’s commentary team before more information was provided by Variety. Their report, later confirmed by WWE, announced that the company is returning to two-person commentary teams across all three of its brands.

    Smackdown

    For tomorrow night’s SmackDown, Michael Cole and Wade Barrett will be calling the action, with the former Intercontinental Champion moving from NXT.

    Raw

    Next week’s Raw will see Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves behind the table, with Patrick being promoted as a full-time member of the Raw commentary team.

    The Irish announcer had previously served as a backstage interviewer and provided commentary on the July 24, 2022, Raw.

    Byron Saxton, who had been on commentary for Raw, has been moved to a role as an onscreen interviewer.

    NXT

    For NXT, the new commentary team will see Vic Joseph returning to the role, now working with Booker T.

    The two-time WWE Hall of Famer has previously served as a commentator for Raw and SmackDown, and regularly makes appearances on kick-off show panels.

    Premium Live Events

    For major WWE events such as WWE Premium Live Events, Cole and Graves will be the commentary team.

    Pat McAfee SmackDown Commentator Role On Hold After College Gameday News
  • Julia Hart Confirms Engagement to Fellow AEW Star

    Julia Hart Confirms Engagement to Fellow AEW Star

    Another wrestling couple is slated to get married – Julia Hart and Lee Johnson. 

    During an appearance on this week’s episode of AEW Unrestricted with hosts Aubrey Edwards and Alex Abrahantes, Hart spoke about a wide range of topics, including her relationship with the fellow AEW talent. 

    Julia Hart on the Engagement

    Photo Credit: Scott Lesh

    Hart revealed that they are engaged. It was stated on the podcast that they’d been engaged for months, but it was something they wanted to keep to themselves and within the circle of people who knew.

    Hart stated they have a good separation between work-life and real life, and she couldn’t ask for anyone better to be her man. 

    House of Black’s Malakai Black is off AEW television because he is tending to personal matters. He has stated that he’ll be back ‘pretty soon’. Buddy Matthews also recently came out and stated that he is taking time away from wrestling. 

    Johnson began working with AEW in April 2020. His first Dynamite appearance happened that same month as he took on the late Brodie Lee.

    Johnson competed on Dark and Dynamite in the months following before signing with them in February 2021. Johnson last wrestled in a sanctioned match for AEW in early May.