SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Clash at the Castle Was a Historic Success for WWE

    Clash at the Castle Was a Historic Success for WWE

    Roman Reigns retained the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship over Drew McIntyre in the main event of the WWE Clash at the Castle event, the first major PPV event in the UK since 1992, earlier this month. 

    Fans have widely praised the show for the in-ring product and fan reactions from those in attendance. It was also a big success for the company, something that Triple H touted in a new post on Twitter. 

    Triple H wrote, “#WWECastle was a massive success for @WWE across all lines of business and the #WWEUniverse in the UK… the next question is where should we go next?!”

    Clash at the Castle Success

    • Viewership: #1 international Premium live event in WWE history
    • Social: #WWECastle trends #1 on Twitter
    • Crowd: Largest European gate ever
    • Fan reaction: Highest-rated international prelims live event in WWE history
    • Press conference: Highest concurrent views on YouTube of any non-pre-show
    • Merchandise: Best-selling non-WrestleMania event

    Per Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the pay-per-view buyrate estimate is around 8,000. It should be noted the majority of viewership comes from the WWE Network internationally and Peacock in the United States. 

    According to WrestleTix, the event drew 62,215 fans, while the company announced an inflated number of 62,296.

  • Mark Henry On How They Handled Backstage Fights The ‘Old School’ Way

    Mark Henry On How They Handled Backstage Fights The ‘Old School’ Way

    The altercation between CM Punk and The Elite has made the topic of backstage fights popular again. Mark Henry, who comes from a time when locker room disputes were a lot more common, thinks that things should be settled the ‘old school way.’

    The former world champion talked about it on Busted Open Radio. He was asked about the backstage altercation and how he thinks it should be dealt with. Replying to it, Henry detailed what late wrestling promoter Paul Boesch used to do:

    “I liked the old school version. Paul Boesch used to move all the furniture out of the way.” remembered Mark Henry, “Put the guys in a room and say, ‘Okay, you can settle it with your fists, or you can pull a couple of these chairs up. Sit down and talk about it. But if you do get into it physically, the one that loses, you’re out of here.’ I like that because 9 times out of 10 the guys usually just pulled chairs up and was like, ‘Man, what the hell?’ They talked it out.

    Mark Henry continued, “Then they come out of the room shaking hands. like, ‘Well man that was a misunderstanding?’ ‘Well, you should have said that, we should have talked about this before,’ But prior, these dick swinging contests make the boys fight each other. You have to be able to put all your prideful things aside. Talk about it and get it out of the way.”

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  • Bianca Belair Comments On Importance Of Representation

    Bianca Belair Comments On Importance Of Representation

    Bianca Belair is living her dream in the pro wrestling world as the Raw women’s champion right now. Though she doesn’t want people to just watch her winning the matches and titles. The female star instead wants them to see themselves and believe that it’s possible for them too.

    The EST had an interview with Rebellious Noise Pro Wrestling. When asked about the importance of representation, she revealed two quotes which she lives by:

    “It’s very important. I always live by the quote, ‘Representation is not a request, it’s a requirement.’ So it’s very important for me to be able to relate to other people and identify with other people.” said Bianca Belair, “Another quote out there that I heard with someone that was like ‘Listen if you see me and you get inspired, I’m not really the inspiration, you just see yourself in me. So you are the inspiration.’

    That’s what I really want people to see when they see me. I don’t want them to see someone that they’re watching doing moves in the ring or winning championships. I want them to see themselves and see that what I’m doing, it’s very possible for them to do as well.”

    You can check out Bianca Belair’s full interview below:

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  • Potential Spoilers on Plans for Edge/Rey Mysterio & The Judgment Day

    Potential Spoilers on Plans for Edge/Rey Mysterio & The Judgment Day

    At WWE Clash at the Castle, Dominik Mysterio turned heel on his father Rey and Edge, who had won their match with The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Damian Priest.

    For many, Dominik’s heel turn had been a long-time coming, having been teased all the way back in 2020 during Rey’s feud with Seth Rollins.

    On last week’s Raw Dominik was welcomed as an official member of The Judgment Day.

    Monday Night Raw

    Tonight, Dominik will have his first official match since turning heel, when he faces Edge on Monday Night Raw.

    According to a report from PW Insider, a match may not be all from Dominik, as an angle could be shown from Edge’s home (via Cageside Seats.)

    “PW Insider notes Rey & Dominik Mysterio were both in Asheville, North Carolina this past weekend, leading to speculation they may have shot an angle, or filmed something, at Edge’s house because that’s where he lives.”

    The Rated-R Home

    Edge, who ironically invaded John Cena’s home in 2006, is having to get used to uninvited guests in his domain.

    Last October, Seth Rollins invaded Edge’s home during their feud, with the Rated-R Superstar rushing from SmackDown.

    Edge even referenced AEW tag-team FTR, using the real names of Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood on a phone call to his wife Beth Phoenix.

    In a recent interview, Rollins said that the idea for the home invasion came from Edge, and that this too was filmed in Asheville, North Carolina.

    Dominik Mysterio joins The Judgment Day – Will face Edge

  • Dolph Ziggler Addresses his Current Plans for Retirement

    Dolph Ziggler Addresses his Current Plans for Retirement

    Dolph Ziggler is aware that he can’t wrestle forever, but the Show-Off has no plans to stop anytime soon.

    Ziggler debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2005 as the caddy for Kerwin White (Chavo Guerrero.)

    After being repackaged as Nicky, one-fifth of the Spirit Squad the following year, Dolph would get the Ziggler name in 2008 which he has used ever since.

    Retirement

    Having worked on WWE’s main roster for close to two decades, Ziggler is one of WWE’s most veteran performers competing today.

    During his recent appearance on Cleveland’s Morning News with Wills and Snyder, Ziggler discussed when he will hang up his boots for good (via Fightful.)

    “It really depends. The healthiest people in the world, sometimes it doesn’t work. Some people have re-occurring injuries. I’ve been very lucky. Going on 18 years, no major surgeries.

    “I don’t want to stop. One day I’ll have to but it sure as hell won’t be now.”

    Dolph Ziggler.

    “Any kind of surgery I got, it was from wrestling in college. I’ve been lucky. I don’t ever want to stop. One day I’ll have to, but it sure as hell won’t be now.”

    Turning Face

    After a reign as NXT Champion earlier this year, Ziggler returned from a break in June this year, attacking MVP and turning face for the first time in 2017.

    In recent weeks, Ziggler feuded with Austin Theory, culminating in a match on the August 15, 2022 episode of Raw.

    Theory defeated Ziggler in the match, ending their feud, and Dolph has had a handful of matches with the Judgment Day since then.

    Dolph Ziggler Reveals his Current Goal in Wrestling

  • WWE & AEW Stars Team Up for Fashion Runway

    WWE & AEW Stars Team Up for Fashion Runway

    Wrestlers from both WWE and All Elite Wrestling were able to put their differences aside last weekend to strut their stuff as part of a fashion runway.

    During a celebrity fashion show in Pittsburgh, PA, stars from both companies walked the runway, wearing outfits from David Alan Clothing.

    AEW TNT Champion Wardlow was on hand to show off the clothes and removed them on the runway.

    Shawn Spears gave fans a little dance during his performance, while AEW’s lawyer and manager ‘Smart’ Mark Sterling had someone play an electric violin for his walk.

    Sterling also handed out business cards to those in the audience.

    As for WWE, Braun Strowman walked the runway and was also billed under his real name Adam Scherr.

    The event also featured former WWE Superstar Mojo Rawley.

    Strutting their Stuff

    It’s not just male wrestlers who have been walking the runway in the name of fashion recently.

    Last week, Sasha Banks and Naomi participated in a fashion runway as part of New York Fashion Week.

    This is the latest public appearance by the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, who haven’t been seen since walking out of Monday Night Raw during the May 16, 2022, episode.

    Despite belief that the pair were set to leave WWE, there has been reports that Banks and Naomi have agreed to return under the company’s new regime.

    Reports have suggested that Banks and Naomi could return to WWE TV within a matter of weeks.

    Wardlow Says “So Much Ruined” with MJF match at AEW Double or Nothing 2022.

  • ‘Lightning In A Bottle’: Steve Austin Comments On The Amazing Career Of WWE Legend

    ‘Lightning In A Bottle’: Steve Austin Comments On The Amazing Career Of WWE Legend

    The Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin were two of the top WWE talents during the Attitude Era. However, while Austin had to retire from the business not long after the Monday Night Wars ended, Taker continued his career for much longer. According to the Texas Rattlesnake, this is a feat that no one else will achieve.

    The former face of WWE recently had an interview with SportsKeeda. Speaking about The Undertaker, Steve Austin claimed that he knew Mark Calaway would be a star before he became the Dead Man:

    “30 years in the WWE, that’s something no one else will do. If they’d gave that gimmick to anybody else and I told Mark this to his face, it might have lasted two years, maybe three. Then it just fell off and no one would have been able to do it like he did. It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing where they caught lightning in the bottle.

    I knew Mark was going to be a star when we stunk out the Sportatorium. He was working as The Punisher and I was Stunning Steve. Mark is an amazing talent. For him to be able to make that run and make those micro adjustments to that character. Stay in touch with that fan base, and always [be] at the top or very near to the top to keep himself in that position for Vince to use as he did. A frickin master.”

    You can watch Steve Austin’s interview below:

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  • KENTA Had The ‘Worst Experience’ In WWE Because Of CM Punk

    KENTA Had The ‘Worst Experience’ In WWE Because Of CM Punk

    For KENTA, his WWE career was one of the worst experiences in the wrestling business because he wasn’t able to use the GTS move he created.

    The Japanese star joined WWE back in January 2014 as Hideo Itami. It was around the same time when CM Punk made his infamous departure from the promotion.

    Since Punk used the GTS move as a finisher in WWE for a long time, KENTA wasn’t allowed to use the maneuver during his 4 years long run with the company.

    The former IWGP US champion has joined in on the debate about Punk recently. He made a tweet agreeing with the sentiment of Bobby Fish earlier this week.

    KENTA On His Time In WWE

    KENTA then made another comment referring to Punk and his time in WWE recently. He mentioned how he wasn’t able to use the GTS move during this period:

    “Let the world know. One of my worst experience in this business is that I was not allowed to use MY finishing move for 4 years. A move which I created on my own. WHAT A LIFE.”

    CM Punk has not yet responded to the remarks from KENTA. Though we can be certain that the former WWE champion has taken a note of it and Punk may fire back at him at the right time.

  • Backstage Update On Veer Mahaan’s Status

    Backstage Update On Veer Mahaan’s Status

    Veer Mahaan is one of the stars that hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since Triple H took over the creative. It appears that he won’t be returning anytime soon.

    Fightful Select recently provided a minor update on the Indian star. They noted that there aren’t any imminent creative plans for the Raw star:

    “We’ve heard there aren’t significant imminent creative plans for Veer as of right now. As with anything, that can change.”

    Veer Mahaan originally joined WWE back in January 2018. He made his in ring debut during a live event in May that year and Robert Strauss was assigned to be his manager at the beginning.

    Mahaan’s televised debut came during the March 25, 2020 episode of NXT. The young star was joined by Saurav Gurjar, and manager Malcolm Bivens

    The former baseball player made his Raw debut during the May 6, 2021 episode of the Red Branded Show along with Shanky. They aligned themselves with Jinder Mahal.

    Shanky was drafted to SmackDown during the 2021 draft while Veer remained on Raw. WWE started airing vignettes in November hyping up his arrival. He finally returned to Raw during the April 4, 2022 episode of the show.

    The character of Veer Mahaan fitted the vision of Vince McMahon for the WWE roster. With Triple H in charge, it’s possible that he will get yet another new gimmick when Veer returns.

  • Sasha Banks Wants to Own the IP of her Characters

    Sasha Banks Wants to Own the IP of her Characters

    Mercedes Varnado is no stranger to playing characters, both in and out of the ring.

    In WWE, she’s known as Sasha Banks, the multi-time Women’s Champion, while outside of wrestling, Varnado is perhaps best known for her character Koska Reeves in Disney Plus hit ‘The Mandalorian.

    Controlling her Characters

    Recently, Sasha Banks spoke about wanting to branch out into other forms of entertainment, including music.

    While it may be a while before the Boss is on the Top 40 charts, Banks plans on ensuring that what she does is her own property.

    Speaking to the Ahch-To podcast, Banks spoke about her media plans, and how she wishes to own the Intellectual Property of her characters (via Fightful.)

    “We’re always portraying different characters in every different moment of our time. For me, it’s really just owning my own IP [Intellectual Property] and owning the character behind the character and really defining, who is the character that is playing the character. It’s really just finding yourself. When it comes to even wrestling, that’s a character that I come up with.”

    At this time, there’s no word on any other characters Banks hopes to portray in the future, though she has told fans to “stay tuned.”

    Returning to WWE?

    Sasha Banks is still with WWE, but hasn’t been seen since walking out of the May 16, 2022, episode of Raw.

    Despite the belief that she and Naomi were done with the company, there has been renewed hope that the pair will return in this post-Vince McMahon era of the company.

    Sasha Banks & Naomi Walk the Runway for New York Fashion Week

  • Roman Reigns Reaches Yet Another WWE Milestone

    Roman Reigns Reaches Yet Another WWE Milestone

    Roman Reigns has dominated WWE for over two years as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

    Reigns’ tenure as the Tribal Chief has seen him defeat plenty of WWE’s biggest stars, including Bray Wyatt, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Edge to name just a few.

    Now, the leader of the Bloodline has another impressive accolade.

    Pinfall

    Reigns has retained against every opponent he’s faced so far, and it’s been a very long time since the Tribal Chief suffered defeat.

    This week, Reigns reached 1,000 days since being pinned, which took place at the WWE: Tables Ladders and Chairs event in December 2019.

    At the show, Reigns, then a babyface, loss to Baron Corbin in a TLC match.

    It’s worth mentioning that Corbin had significant help in the match, with Dolph Ziggler and the Revival (now FTR in AEW) helping him get the win.

    Who’s Next?

    Reigns has gone 1,000 days since last being pinned, but this streak will have to end eventually.

    It was recently reported that the Tribal Chief won’t be competing at next month’s Extreme Rules, and his next title defense will be at the Crown Jewel show in November.

    Despite Kevin Owens teasing confronting Reigns, it’s also been noted that he won’t be facing Reigns, nor will long-time rival Seth Rollins.

    Braun Strowman has been rumored by fans to be next to step up to the Head of the Table, given his return to WWE earlier this month.

    There has also been speculation that Cody Rhodes could be the one to break Reigns’ tenure as Champion, as well as reports of Roman facing his cousin The Rock at WrestleMania 39.

    Roman Reigns Walks Out of WWE Clash at the Castle Press Conference

  • Sasha Banks Tells Fans “Stay Tuned” For Projects Outside of WWE

    Sasha Banks Tells Fans “Stay Tuned” For Projects Outside of WWE

    Sasha Banks is one of WWE’s most recognizable stars in recent years, but fans haven’t seen much of her as of late.

    Banks and Naomi were suspended in May following their walk-out during Raw, citing creative differences with the planned main event, and long-term plans for both women.

    With Vince McMahon’s retirement, it is believed that Banks and Naomi will be back on WWE TV soon, but ‘the Boss’ has plans for outside the company.

    Outside the Ring

    Sasha Banks is already an established name in WWE, and she’s been looking to make her name in other forms of entertainment.

    Banks’ best-known non-WWE role is as Koska Reeves on Disney Plus hit ‘The Mandalorian’ set in the Star Wars universe.

    Speaking to Ahch-To Radio, Banks discussed her work outside the ring and teased big plans for the future.

    “There is so much that I’m creating right now. It’s all under an umbrella. I’m an actor, writer, producer, and extraordinaire entertainer. All within those realms, I’m doing something. You just have to stay tuned. You have a microphone, that’s something big I want to do. Not podcasting, but music. I don’t know if that’s the number one next thing because acting.”

    “You just have to stay tuned.”

    Sasha Banks

    “There are a lot of things coming up acting right now. I’m really starting to focus my mind around music and the music realm and being kind of a director in that space of creating a musical video piece.”

    Banks recently appeared at the premiere for Marvel’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and walked the runway for the New York Fashion Week.

    Sasha Banks & Naomi Expected Back in WWE Any Week Now

    H/T Fightful

  • Bobby Fish Believes Undisputed Era Were Split Up Prematurely

    Bobby Fish Believes Undisputed Era Were Split Up Prematurely

    The Undisputed Era were one of the hottest commodities of the Black and Gold era of NXT. Though many people believe that the group was disbanded prematurely. Bobby Fish admits that the end of the stable when it happened was a mistake.

    The former WWE star recently spoke to Steve Fall of NBC Sports Boston. Speaking about the break-up of The Undisputed Era, Fish explained that they evolved a little bit too quickly, leading to a premature break up:

    “I just think things changed and everything needs to evolve. I think we had evolved quite a bit in a very short time. Maybe we moved a little bit quicker than we needed to as far as the timing of when to pull the trigger on stuff and when not to.

    The people that made decisions at this time would probably agree that we split apart premature. I think there was more left for us to do as a unit. I think that was the plan and then it wasn’t the plan and then it was the plan and then it wasn’t.” said Bobby Fish, “Then they just weren’t sure what to do. So we pulled the trigger. You learn from your mistakes.”

    Undisputed Era made their debut during NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III in 2017. The four members of the group held all four male titles of the development brand at one point in 2019. They were disbanded in 2021 when Adam Cole attacked Kyle O’Reilly during NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day.

    You can check out Fish’s full interview below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZP9UUVs6fo&t=647s

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  • Dolph Ziggler Reveals His Current Goal In Wrestling

    Dolph Ziggler Reveals His Current Goal In Wrestling

    Dolph Ziggler has been a part of the wrestling world for a long time and he has seen many highs and lows. He has now reached the place where personal accolades do not interest him. The Show off instead is focused on making sure that he leaves the business better than when he started.

    The former world champion had an interview with The Wrestling Classic. He was asked what’s left in his bucket list. Ziggler first mentioned how he had the idea to cash in his Money In The Bank contract to get a match with Shawn Michaels back in the day. However, now he is focused on helping younger talents who can pass the knowledge when their time comes:

    “When it comes to now 2022 It’s just finding someone like a Theory, who’s quickly picking it up, crushing it, and be able to have some time on the weekend.” said Dolph Ziggler, “Live event matches where we don’t have to go to commercial in 90 seconds. We got 25-30 minutes, and you beat him down and you see what he can do. Then you see if he can pass that on to someone else when you’ve done.

    So things like that are much more important. To be leaving the business better than when you started and actually have a meaningful impact on not just young talent, or talent the same age or even talent that are older than me. Being able to know that no matter what the win-loss record is out there. No matter what fans online say. Everyone in that locker room says ‘This is the guy I want leading my platoon, putting the company on his back, putting me over his shoulder, and passing it on to the next generation.’”

    You can watch Ziggler’s full interview below:

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  • “It ain’t over” – Solo Sikoa Warns WWE Star After In-Ring Debut On SmackDown

    “It ain’t over” – Solo Sikoa Warns WWE Star After In-Ring Debut On SmackDown

    Solo Sikoa made his main roster debut this past Saturday at WWE Clash at the Castle.

    Roman Reigns defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre in the main event. Drew had the match won after hitting the Claymore but Solo Sikoa arrived through the crowd.

    Solo broke up the cover, allowing The Tribal Chief to hit his third Spear of the match to retain the title. On tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, The Usos and Honorary Uce Sami Zayn officially welcomed Solo Sikoa to The Bloodline.

    Drew McIntyre interrupted and marched down to the ring with a steel chair. Solo wouldn’t leave the ring as the rest of The Bloodline scattered. Sami then leaped in front of the chair shot and saved Sikoa. Drew got in some punches on Solo before The Bloodline retreated. McIntyre demanded a match and Solo accepted.

    Initially, The Bloodline would not be ringside but Jey got jealous when Solo suggested he would ask Sami Zayn to help him. The Bloodline were all ringside for the match.

    Solo Sikoa Warns Drew McIntyre

    In the main event of this week’s SmackDown, Solo Sikoa made his in-ring debut on the main roster against the man he screwed out of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Drew McIntyre. The Usos and Sami Zayn kept trying to distract McIntyre but Street Profits rushed the ring to make the save.

    Once again, it appeared that Drew had the match won when he was attacked from behind. Karrion Kross got McIntyre in the Kross Jacket and choked him out as the blue brand went off the air. Solo took to Twitter to issue a warning to Drew McIntyre that their rivalry is far from over.

    It ain’t over. Bring a chair. Bring a sword. I don’t back down from nothing or nobody.

    https://twitter.com/WWESoloSikoa/status/1568477506600321024?s=20&t=fUpPZydTx6M8R_A3c741pg
  • WWE Star Jokes About The CM Punk Media Scrum Comments

    WWE Star Jokes About The CM Punk Media Scrum Comments

    The drama that ensued from CM Punk’s media scrum comments has attracted reactions from all over the wrestling world including a WWE star.

    WWE announced a fatal five-way #1 contenders match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship for tonight’s show earlier on Friday.

    Natalya who was one of the participants of the bout took this opportunity to make a joke about the CM Punk situation. The former women’s champion replied to a tweet about the bout as her assistant.

    She noted how she hasn’t sued anyone in this match despite being a locker room leader. She was also eating a muffin while writing the message:

    “This is Bob. Ms Neidhart hasn’t sued anyone in this match, and she’s also a locker room leader. For some reason, she was eating a muffin when she dictated this message to me. Bye.”

    Latest reports on the matter suggest that CM Punk’s comments about the AEW EVPs during the press conference may have been premeditated. He intentionally tried to bury the company executives during the post-show media scrum.

    AEW has brought in an independent firm to investigate the issue. If the claims against the former AEW champion are verified, then it may very well lead to his departure from the promotion.

  • Bianca Belair Set To Defend Title On WWE RAW

    Bianca Belair Set To Defend Title On WWE RAW

    WWE ran an advertisement tonight that announced Bianca Belair will be putting the RAW Women’s Championship on the next Monday night.

    Next week’s edition of the red brand takes place in Portland, Oregon. Johnny Gargano will make his return to the ring after nine months. Gargano left WWE nine months ago but returned on the August 22nd episode of RAW.

    Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky will also challenge Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah for the Women’s Tag Team Championships. The two teams met in the finals of the tournament but Aliyah rolled up Dakota to capture the titles. Edge will battle Dominik Mysterio in a singles match. Dominik shockingly joined The Judgment Day on last week’s show.

    WWE also advertised a RAW Women’s Championship match for Monday’s episode. Bianca Belair will put the title on the line in an Open Challenge next Monday on RAW. You can check out the advertisement for next week’s RAW in the video below.

    Bianca Belair & Damage CTRL

    The EST is currently involved in a storyline with Bayley after The Role Model returned at SummerSlam. She missed over a year of action with a torn ACL and returned following Bianca’s victory over Becky Lynch. Bayley arrived with Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky and the faction has now been named Damage CTRL.

    At Clash at the Castle, Damage CTRL picked up the victory over Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss. Bayley connected with the Rose Plant and Iyo followed it up with a Moonsault. The Role Model then pinned the RAW Women’s Champion to pick up the win for Damage CTRL.

  • Max Dupri Hints At Gimmick Change Following WWE SmackDown

    Max Dupri Hints At Gimmick Change Following WWE SmackDown

    Max and Maxxiine Dupri’s Maximum Male Models (Mansoor & Mace) teamed up with Los Lotharios to battle Hit Row and Street Profits this week on SmackDown.

    Hit Row and Street Profits picked up the victory and Max Dupri gave his faction a pep talk during a WWE Digital Exclusive following the show. Mace and Mansoor were despondent after the loss and Max searched for the words to say.

    After a dramatic pause, the 39-year-old changed his tune and appeared to hint at a return to his LA Knight gimmick in NXT.

    “Gentlemen, you have to pick those chins up. Lift those chiseled chins, I’ve been here before, unfortunately too many times. In that process, I have learned that you have to go through the day to get to the night”.

    Max performed as LA Knight in NXT and captured the Million Dollar Championship from Cameron Grimes at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. He lost his final match in NXT to Intercontinental Champion Gunther at Stand & Deliver.

    He made his debut on the main roster on the May 20th edition of SmackDown as Max Dupri. Maximum Male Models later added Max’s storyline sister, Maxxiine Dupri to the faction. Maxxine Dupri performed as Sofia Cromwell in NXT.

    Maximum Male Models debuted while Vince McMahon was still the CEO of WWE. It will be interesting to see what The Game has planned for the group and Max Dupri moving forward. Triple H has already given Riddle and Theory their first names back and brought back several stars that were released under the previous regime.

  • Sasha Banks & Naomi Walk the Runway at New York Fashion Week

    Sasha Banks & Naomi Walk the Runway at New York Fashion Week

    Sasha Banks and Naomi have not made their rumored return yet but they’re keeping their tag team intact and making appearances everywhere they can.

    The latest sighting of the former women’s tag champions came at the New York Fashion Week. Both the wrestling stars walked the ramp as models:

    Both Sasha Banks and Naomi have been absent from the wrestling world since their infamous walkout from Raw back in May.

    The duo were considered to be done with the company, and they had even gotten their releases, until the WWE regime changed.

    After Triple H took over the creative control of the company, it was reported that the former tag champs were open to a WWE return.

    Later reports claimed that the two parties had agreed on a new deal and Banks’ and Naomi’s return was only a matter of time.

    WWE announced the tournament to crown the new Women’s Tag Team champions in the midst of all this. The tournament was won by Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez.

    It was believed that both Sasha Banks and Naomi will return to TV shortly after this tournament concludes since they never officially lost the titles. However, they haven’t made their return so far.

  • MJF Reacts To The Bloodline Segment On Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

    MJF Reacts To The Bloodline Segment On Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

    The Bloodline welcomed a new member tonight on SmackDown.

    Solo Sikoa made his presence felt at Clash at the Castle in the main event between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre. The Usos’ younger brother interfered in the match and it allowed Reigns to connected with his third Spear of the night to win the match.

    Honorary Uce Sami Zayn and The Usos welcomed Solo to The Bloodline tonight on SmackDown. Roman Reigns was not with them during the segment. Sikoa announced that he was here to say but Drew McIntyre interrupted.

    Drew marched to the ring with a steel chair but Sikoa remained in the ring as the rest of The Bloodline retreated. Sami then jumped in front of the chair shot but McIntyre was able to beat down Solo a bit. The Bloodline retreated as Drew demanded a match against Solo tonight.

    MJF Reacts To The Bloodline Segment on WWE SmackDown

    MJF returned to All Elite Wrestling this past Sunday at All Out. He confronted then-AEW Champion CM Punk to close the show. CM Punk then went on an absurd rant during his appearance at the media scrum following the PPV, which led to a physical confrontation with then-Trios Champions The Elite (Young Bucks & Kenny Omega). The fight after the media scrum (AEW Brawl Out) has led to CM Punk and The Elite being stripped of their titles and numerous suspensions.

    On Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite, MJF referred Cody Rhodes and Triple H during his promo. He claimed that he views the AEW Championship as a bargaining chip for the bidding war of 2024. Maxwell was tuning into tonight’s edition of SmackDown and reacted to The Bloodline’s segment with a “we the ones” emoji.

  • “I’m Not High” – Former WWE Champion Pitches New Nickname For Sami Zayn

    “I’m Not High” – Former WWE Champion Pitches New Nickname For Sami Zayn

    Former WWE Champion Kofi Kingston has suggested a new nickname for Sami Zayn based on being an Honorary Uce in The Bloodline and his friendship with Kevin Owens.

    Sami has spent months trying to become an official member of The Bloodline faction with Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Paul Heyman. He recently had some conversations backstage with The Tribal Chief and it appeared that Sami was on his way to joining the group.

    Kevin Owens battled Jey Uso on the August 29th episode of RAW. During the match, The Usos wanted Zayn to strike Owens with a chair but he refused. This led to Jimmy getting frustrated with Sami and taking his eye off of Owens. Kevin capitalized with a Stunner for the pinfall victory.

    Earlier today, Kofi took to Twitter to suggest a new name for Sami that may allow The Role Model to stay loyal to both parties.

    Man… i might be late on this but…I just realized that Sami been trying to get in with the Samoans…but there’s questions on wether he’s still boys with Kevin Owens… you think he can stay loyal to both parties by changing his name to ‘Sam Owens’ ? (I’m not high)

    Sami has already hopped in front of a few Claymore kicks from Drew McIntyre in an effort to show his loyalty to Roman Reigns. It will be interesting to see how much more The Locker Room Leader is willing to take before he inevitably has a falling out with The Bloodline. The Usos’ younger brother, Solo Sikoa, joined The Bloodline at Clash at the Castle this past weekend and helped Roman retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship over Drew McIntyre.

  • Backstage Update on Roman Reigns’ Next Title Challenger

    Backstage Update on Roman Reigns’ Next Title Challenger

    WWE will be waiting again to see Roman Reigns back in action as Reigns is next scheduled to defend his WWE Universal Title at Crown Jewel on November 5. 

    In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that The Tribal Chief will not be wrestling at WWE’s next premium live event, Extreme Rules, on October 8th. 

    Meltzer was told the next challenger was neither Seth Rollins nor Kevin Owens, even though both matches have been teased in recent times. With both stars mentioned above being ruled out as Reigns’ opponent at the Saudi Arabia show, it would favor Karrion Kross or Drew McIntyre being the next challenger. 

    This is unless WWE decides to bring back a big name such as Brock Lesnar or Goldberg, two opponents who have wrestled Reigns in the past. Lesnar’s most recent match was against Reigns at SummerSlam. 

    Reigns most recently worked a match when he successfully defended the title against McIntyre in the main event of last weekend’s Clash At The Castle pay-per-view. 

    Roman is currently in the middle of a record-setting run as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, as his reign is up to 740 days and counting.

  • Triple H Scraps Two Longstanding Vince McMahon Edicts

    Triple H Scraps Two Longstanding Vince McMahon Edicts

    Triple H has scrapped two longstanding Vince McMahon edicts.

    It’s “The Game’s” show now, and he’s certainly making his presence felt. Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Triple H first has done away with the notion that, in a tag team match, the illegal man can only attack a legal competitor in the ring when the referee is done.

    The long running Vince McMahon rule stated that WWE producers have been told for years that an illegal competitor can’t successfully attack a legal competitor in a match without it being a DQ.

    You can get away with doing the five-second double team spot, however, if it’s a straight up attack on the legal competitor from the illegal one, the referee had to be down. That is no longer the case.

    The second rule “The Game” has done away with has been banned by McMahon for years, but was a staple in major matches during the Attitude Era.

    Triple H
    (BT Sport)

    There was a pin spot where the babyface of the match would look like they had the match won, but someone would pull the referee out of the ring from outside to kill the count.

    Vince McMahon reportedly banned the spot because “it makes no sense.” However, as Dave Meltzer points out, nothing in pro wrestling makes sense.

    The spot is no longer banned and was returned with Solo Sikoa debuting at Clash At The Castle by assisting Roman Reigns in defeating Drew McIntyre.

  • Johnny Gargano Reveals Promo That Inspired His Wrestling Return

    Johnny Gargano Reveals Promo That Inspired His Wrestling Return

    Johnny Gargano was living a peaceful life at home and contemplating the idea of never returning to wrestling at all. This was until he heard a song.

    The former NXT champion appeared on After The Bell podcast. Among other things, he discussed his time away from wrestling and how he was enjoying his stint as a stay-at-home dad. When Vic Joseph asked Gargano if he considered just calling it a career at the time, Gargano noted that he was considering the possibility, until he heard the song Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush:

    “This is when I knew what I wanted to do. I was watching Stranger Things and the song came on. The first thing that popped into my head was ‘Wait a minute, that’s Shawn vs. The Undertaker song from WrestleMania.’ That’s where my mind went. I was like, ‘I remember that.’ That’s right and I watched a hype video for Shawn and Taker from Mania.”

    ‘It Just Hit Me’: Johnny Gargano

    Johnny Gargano

    Johnny Gargano recalled watching the video on his kitchen table. It reminded him of what he originally got into wrestling for:

    “I sat there in the kitchen. Candice was right there. She can tell you this. I sat there in the kitchen. I watched this hype video. She’s doing baby stuff. It just hit me watching this video. I was like, ‘This is what I want to do.’ I want this. This is where I want to be and this is what I want to do. This is why I got into this. To have videos like this about me but also to have these WrestleMania stories and matches, and I haven’t had that yet. “

    You can watch the promo that inspired Johnny Gargano’s return below:

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  • Alan Angles Remembers His Worst Independent Booking

    Alan Angles Remembers His Worst Independent Booking

    Alan Angles had a relatively easy start in wrestling, and he was signed by AEW to a contract at only 22 years old. Though this doesn’t mean that he didn’t pay his dues and Angles had already been wrestling in the independent circuit for a while before that.

    The former Dark Order member detailed his experience in the indie circuit during his recent appearance on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast. When asked about his worst indie booking, Angles recalled wrestling in a barn for his very first show:

    “Probably the first indie show that I ever did. There was about seven of us packed in a car. We drove about seven hours to a town called Dyersburg, Tennessee for I think it was called DXW.” recalled Alan Angles, “It was in a shoot barn like an actual barn. There was hay on the floor.

    A small lowboy ring, [with] just the worst ropes of all time. We got paid, I think $20 Each or something like that. That’s actually not the least I’ve ever been paid.”

    Jericho then asked him what’s the lowest amount he got paid. Angles recalled getting paid $5 for a tag match “One time I got paid in a $5 bill, and it was supposed to go to me, and my tag partner.”

    Alan Angles was part of the AEW roster from 2020 to 2022. He left the promotion earlier this year after the company offered him a per appearance deal instead of a full contract. The star previously known as Five explained that he wanted to rebuild himself.

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