SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Booker T On Whether a CM Punk WWE Return is Possible

    Booker T On Whether a CM Punk WWE Return is Possible

    During the AEW All Out 2022 post-show media scrum, CM Punk had some explosive comments for Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks.

    Punk criticized the management skill of the AEW EVPs and also accused them of spreading false information about him.

    The two-time AEW World Champion also fought with the Bucks and Omega, in a brawl that also involved Punk’s trainer Ace Steel.

    Return to WWE?

    Due to his comments and involvement in the fight (in addition to an injury) Punk has been removed from AEW programming and stripped of the AEW World title.

    It has been reported that Punk could be fired (if not already) or could choose to leave AEW, especially if Steel is fired as expected. Speaking to WrestlingInc, Booker T discussed a possible WWE return for the ‘Best in the World.

    “It would be hard, it would be really hard for him just to swallow his pride and go back to that.”

    Booker T on CM Punk.

    Booker added that while Punk’s time on WWE Backstage provided an opportunity, he believes that ship has sailed.

    The two-time WWE Hall of Famer also questions what Punk’s “positioning” would be in WWE’s current roster.

    Is a Deal Possible?

    Punk walked out of WWE after the 2014 Royal Rumble Pay Per View, citing injuries and frustrations with the company.

    Though Punk was part of WWE Backstage in 2019, the former Champion never returned to WWE, signing a deal with FOX instead.

    Appearing on the Barstool Sports’ ‘Pardon my Take’ podcast in April 2021, Triple H didn’t rule out a CM Punk return, saying “never say never.”

    However, Triple H added that there has to be a desire on both sides for a Punk-WWE return to work.

    AEW Suspends Several People (Report), Update on Punk’s Future
  • Why Tommaso Ciampa Changed his Mind Over WWE Main Roster Call-Up

    Why Tommaso Ciampa Changed his Mind Over WWE Main Roster Call-Up

    During the April 11, 2022 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, Tommaso Ciampa had his call-up to the main roster, appearing in a segment with Kevin Owens and Ezekiel.

    For his run on the red brand, Ciampa has aligned himself with The Miz, and both lost and regained his first name.

    Change of Plans

    Ciampa may be seen on the main roster these days, but for years, the two-time former NXT Champion was against being called-up.

    In an appearance on a 2019 episode of After the Bell, Ciampa told Corey Graves that he would rather retire than leave NXT.

    Speaking to Fightful, Ciampa explained his previous comments, saying that at the time, he felt his career was coming to an end soon, and he does not feel that way now.

    Instead, the former NXT Champion said he now feels to be finished with the first half of his career, because he’s learned to wrestle with his neck injury, andnjot be in pain.

    Addressing the call-up, Ciampa said that lot of things changed, from the world, his life and maturity that made him more open to joining the main roster.

    Creative Freedom

    Speaking about his time on Raw, Ciampa addressed his passionate promo during the July 25, 2022 edition of Raw Talk.

    Ciampa said that he was given a lot more freedom than expected, and was told to say what he wants as long as he made the relevant points.

    The Miz, who was also in the promo, encouraged Ciampa to improvise along the way.

    Cruiserweight Classic

    In 2016, Ciampa competed in the Cruiserweight Classic, the tournament of cruiserweights which was won by TJP.

    Ciampa’s time in the tournament was short-lived, as he lost to his friend and rival Johnny Gargano in the first round.

    Tommaso told Fightful that he was not planned to be in the tournament at first, but told William Regal he wanted to be included and wanted to face Gargano.

    Regal, then the NXT GM, encouraged Ciampa to pitch the idea to Triple H, who approved the change.

    Ciampa Names ‘Craziest, Funniest’ Part Of Vince McMahon’s Retirement

  • Ken Shamrock Explains Why He Belongs In The WWE Hall Of Fame

    Ken Shamrock Explains Why He Belongs In The WWE Hall Of Fame

    Ken Shamrock believes that he is worthy of the WWE Hall of Fame.

    The World’s Most Dangerous man is best known in the wrestling world for his run with the WWE during the Attitude Era, where he is a former Intercontinental champion, a former tag team champion, and a one-time King of the Ring winner. Shamrock had just as many accomplishments with IMPACT, a promotion who inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2020.

    He is also considered a legend of the Mixed Martial Arts world, and one of the greatest competitive fighters of all time. UFC honored Shamrock by inducting him into their inaugural Hall of Fame back in 2003. To this day Shamrock contributes to the MMA world as an analyst.

    Why He Believes He Is Worthy Of The WWE Hall of Fame

    While speaking on the Universal Wrestling Podcast Shamrock would be asked whether he even cared about joining the WWE Hall of Fame.

    “Of course, I care,” he replied. “I think anybody that does anything at the highest level wants to be recognized for their greatness. It’s out of my control. Obviously, I think I did enough for me to be recognized, especially if you have seen some of the guys that went in there.”

    Shamrock later explained how his shoot fighting and submission offense has been utilized in professional wrestling ever since his run with WWE.

    “If you look at the stamps that are all over wrestling, it’s Ken Shamrock. Submission holds, I brought those in. I mixed them in with pro wrestling and now everybody is doing it. If you’re looking at it and you want to figure out whether or not I do or don’t belong, those are the things you look at. I look at and say absolutely, I belong in there.”

    Ending his rant…Shamrock states that he will not lose any sleep if he never gets into WWE’s prestigious Hall of Fame, as it is something that is entirely out of his control.

    “I was already inducted into other hall of fames for things that I have done, I’m very proud of that, but if I don’t get into WWE (Hall of Fame), it’s not something I’m going to lose sleep over. I see it as something important, but those are decisions that I cannot control, and therefore I have to move on and do other things to make sure my legacy and life and family are left in a better place.”

    H/T: Fightful

  • WWE Names New Executive VP of Talent

    WWE Names New Executive VP of Talent

    WWE announced today that they’ve hired two new people on the executive side of their company, including a former president of an NFL team. 

    The announcement touted the hires of former Las Vegas Raiders president Dan Ventrelle in the role of EVP, Talent, and Maurice F. Edelson in the role of EVP, Chief Legal Officer.

    This past May, Ventrelle departed from the Raiders and claimed that he was fired “as retaliation for informing the [NFL] of alleged complaints claiming [Raiders owner Mark Davis] created a hostile work environment as well as other potential misconduct, which he says Davis dismissed.”

    In the role of EVP of talent, Ventrelle will oversee WWE’s talent department and report to chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

    The New Hires

    WWE HQ
    (via Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media)

    WWE touted that Ventrelle was an integral part of the Raiders’ successful move from Oakland to Vegas and the opening of Allegiant Stadium. He began his tenure with the Raiders as an attorney in 2004 before expanding into other business roles. 

    “As a lifelong fan, it is an honor to join the world’s premier sports entertainment company,” Ventrelle said. “I am inspired by the vision that Stephanie [McMahon], Nick [Khan] and Paul have for the future and excited to further the commitment to deliver exceptional talent to the WWE Universe.”

    “Working with Dan during SummerSlam at Allegiant Stadium last year, we were impressed by his expertise across a number of business and personnel areas,” Levesque said. “We’re excited to welcome him to the company.”

    Edelson will report to chairwoman and co-CEO Stephanie McMahon. Edelson was previously an EVP & General Counsel of Time Inc and served as General Counsel since 2015 for The Juilliard School. 

    “I could not be more delighted to be joining the WWE team at this moment,” Edelson said. “I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success and expansion of the WWE business.”

  • “It was a Year of Me Being an A**hole” Becky Lynch on Her Rivalry With WWE RAW Star

    “It was a Year of Me Being an A**hole” Becky Lynch on Her Rivalry With WWE RAW Star

    Becky Lynch suffered a separated shoulder during her match against Bianca Belair at WWE SummerSlam. Big Time Becks came up short at SummerSlam but left Nissan Stadium in Nashville as a fan-favorite once again.

    After Bianca Belair retained the RAW Women’s Championship Damage CTRL (Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai) made their debut and surrounded Belair. Becky returned to The Man persona and stood by the champ’s side.

    Damage CTRL retreated but attacked Becky on the following RAW as a way to write her off TV as she recovers from her injury. Bayley seems to be next in line for a title shot as she pinned the RAW Women’s Champion during the 6-woman tag team match at Clash at the Castle this past Saturday.

    Becky Lynch on her Rivalry With Bianca Belair

    The EST did more than just retain her RAW Women’s Championship over Becky Lynch at SummerSlam. She avenged her loss to Becky in 26 seconds at SummerSlam 2021.

    Becky joined Ryan Satin’s Out of Character podcast and said that she is really happy with the feud and noted that it began and ended with a handshake at SummerSlam. She added that she spent the past year being an a**hole but has come back around to being The Man.

    I’m really happy with what we did because I do think that it was a beautiful end to the story. It began with a handshake at SummerSlam, it ended with a handshake at SummerSlam. It was a year of me being an a**hole and coming back around to being The Man. I feel like it was, we don’t often do long-term storytelling like that, and more often when we do it is by accident.

    But we had it in our minds what we wanted to push forward, especially that WrestleMania moment. Everything that happened afterward wasn’t ideal, but actually turned out to be ideal. So, I’m really proud of that year.

    Becky Lynch on her feud with Bianca Belair

    H/T: Sportskeeda

  • Finn Balor Reveals Reaction To Edge Leaving Judgement Day

    Finn Balor Reveals Reaction To Edge Leaving Judgement Day

    Finn Balor has offered up his thoughts on Edge departing The Judgement Day.

    Balor was recently interviewed by BT Sport’s Ariel Helwani, ahead of Clash At The Castle this past weekend.

    During the interview, Balor was asked for his thoughts on WWE Hall Of Famer Edge being removed from the Judgement Day faction so quickly.

    Several weeks ago, upon Balor being introduced to the group, Balor, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley attacked Edge, seemingly kicking him out of the group. The creative decision was one that confused fans greatly at the time, seeing as it had only started a few weeks ago.

    Finn Balor
    (via WWE)

    As for Balor, he thinks the idea worked out in the long run, allowing the group to make it their own rather than playing “sidekick” to Edge.

    “Things could always be different, and we can pick apart things that happen on a TV show weekly. But we have to adapt on the fly, unlike television. It is what it is. It wasn’t how I imagined it to be, but it’s a little cooler this way.

    “For me personally, if Edge had been in the group, the reactions we would get – maybe myself, Rhea, and Damian – we would say ‘that’s because of Edge.’ But now the reactions we get, that’s because of us.

    “We’re not leaning on Edge in any way, so it gives me more responsibility, Damian more responsibility, and Rhea the same. We can dive into this as ourselves as not as a sidekick to Edge. We’re excited with how it’s going.”

    Currently, Edge is still feuding with The Judgement Day; which now consists of Balor, Priest, Ripley, and now Dominik Mysterio. The young Mysterio joined The Judgement Day on RAW this week after he turned on Edge and his father, Rey Mysterio, at Clash At The Castle.

  • Pat McAfee SmackDown Commentator Role On Hold After College Gameday News

    Pat McAfee SmackDown Commentator Role On Hold After College Gameday News

    Pat McAfee will have his SmackDown Live commentator role on hold after the announcement that he’ll be joining College Gameday full-time.

    It was recently announced that McAfee will join ‘College GameDay’ on ESPN starting this Saturday. This won’t affect McAfee’s daily sports show on YouTube, which is currently in the middle of a four-year $120 million dollar deal with FanDuel. 

    However, with McAfee’s commentator duties for WWE taking place on Friday nights on SmackDown, and College Gameday taking place the following morning, that could pose some travel concerns for the ex-NFL punter.

    Pat McAfee
    (via WWE)

    As a result, McAfee announced on his show, “The Pat McAfee Show,” today that his role as a commentator on SmackDown Live will be put on hold. However, he’s still a member of the WWE family.

    Triple H followed up with a Tweet confirming the news, suggesting that WWE is looking forward to McAfee’s return in the future.

    McAfee has been competing for WWE as an in-ring performer sporadically over the past few months. He’s become quite the fan-favorite, especially on commentary, so his absence will certainly be felt.

    The college football season ends in January, making that a likely return timeframe for McAfee should he decide to do so.

  • 2023 WWE Royal Rumble Headed to San Antonio’s Alamodome

    2023 WWE Royal Rumble Headed to San Antonio’s Alamodome

    WWE has announced the location for next year’s Royal Rumble premium live event. After hosting a record 6 stadium shows this year, the world’s leading pro wrestling organization is wasting no time booking huge venues for next year.

    The 2023 WWE Royal Rumble will take place Saturday, January 28th from the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. This will be the third time the Alamodome will host the Royal Rumble, including 1997 (winner: Steve Austin) and 2017 (winner: Randy Orton).

    2023 WWE Royal Rumble

    WWE has confirmed the signature event will once again be headlined by Men’s and Women’s Rumble Rumble matches, with the winners earning championship match opportunities at WrestleMania Hollywood.

    In a press release sent in to SEScoops, Mayor Ron Nirenberg says he’s thrilled to bring one of WWE’s most exciting spectacles back to San Antonio. WWE’s major shows bring tens of thousands of tourists into town. Nirenberg touted the “incredible economic boost” and community outreach events that the Rumble will bring.

    Royal Rumble tickets go on sale Friday, September 30 at Ticketmaster.

  • R Truth Explains His ‘Clap Back’ Against CM Punk

    R Truth Explains His ‘Clap Back’ Against CM Punk

    R Truth has explained his ‘clap back’ against CM Punk over the former WWE champion’s remarks about their old match.

    The wrestling veteran recently appeared on Premiere Live TV. He talked about things such as his childhood hero John Cena, his music career and more.

    Speaking about his exchange with CM Punk over their match at Vengeance 2011, Truth claimed that he has no beef with the AEW champion:

    “I’m still me at the end of the day. You don’t say no bullshit on me and I won’t come back. I am a clap backer. It depends. Sometimes I ignore shit, but I will clap back.

    We cool. No beef with me and Punk.” claimed R Truth, “Me and Miz beat him because we were hotter than him at the time. Punk has gotten his push and all that shit, but we were hotter than him at the time. No beef,”

    CM Punk teamed with Triple H to face Truth and The Miz in a tag match at Vengeance 2011. To many people’s surprise the team of Punk and H lost this bout.

    In his infamous appearance at Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling podcast, Punk had questioned this booking decision. R Truth had later responded to the AEW star saying that they were hotter than Punk at the time.

    Quotes via Fightful

  • ‘Doubled Edged Sword’: Seth Rollins Describes Experience Of Working Under Vince McMahon

    ‘Doubled Edged Sword’: Seth Rollins Describes Experience Of Working Under Vince McMahon

    Seth Rollins worked under Vince McMahon for almost ten years. According to the former world champion, working for the former WWE chairman was like a double-edged sword. You knew exactly who to go to for answers when needed but his style of working was also very stressful.

    The Visionary recently appeared on Ryan Satin’s Out of Character podcast. Among other things, he also talked about the recent WWE regime change. Commenting on his experience of working with his old boss, Seth Rollins detailed the two sides of it:

    “With Vince, it was like kind of a double-edged sword. On one hand you knew exactly who to go to all the time. Every answer needed to go through Vince. That was security in that. If you needed something and you needed an answer, pronto. He was right there.” said Seth Rollins, “You knew exactly that if you got yes from him, nothing else beneath that mattered. So that was really cool.

    He continued: “You could understand his vision, once you worked with him for a long enough time. You started to understand that. On the other side of that, he was very flippant. He was very all over the place. That was to his credit, part of his genius but it was also like very stressful to deal with as a talent.”

    More Originals From SEScoops:

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

  • Mike Chioda Reveals What Reffing a Vince McMahon Match was Like

    Mike Chioda Reveals What Reffing a Vince McMahon Match was Like

    Mike Chioda worked with WWE for over 30 years, before his release came in August 2020.

    Chioda, like many at the time, was cut due to budget cuts, reportedly brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Reffing the Chairman

    Over his 30+ years with WWE, Chioda was often called upon to officiate matches with Vince McMahon.

    McMahon had a total 57 sanctioned matches prior to his retirement in July this year, a month after stepping down as CEO and Chairman of WWE.

    Speaking on his ‘Monday Mailbag,’ Chioda recalled how stressful it was to have his boss in the ring (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “You’re stressed with Vince in the ring, you don’t want to f*** up. If he asks for a spot or asks for something like, ‘Hey, what’s next?’ you better, you better know it, you know what I’m saying? What I like about Vince is when Vince asks you do something, you say I can get it done.”

    “”If he asks for a spot… you better, you better know it.”

    Mike Chioda on officiating a Vince McMahon match.

    Chioda said that his concerns only grew as McMahon got older and more prone to injury.

    McMahon’s final WWE match came at this year’s WrestleMania, where he defeated Pat McAfee.

    The ‘match’ saw little offense by McMahon himself, but more by Austin Theory who was the on-screen protege of the then-Chairman at the time.

    McMahon’s win at WrestleMania marks his only victory at his biggest creation.

    Triple H Reveals Vince McMahon’s Advice for Running WWE
  • Dani Luna Comments on WWE Departure, Speaking Out, NXT Europe

    Dani Luna Comments on WWE Departure, Speaking Out, NXT Europe

    In June 2019, Dani Luna had her first match for WWE, competing in a handicap match at that year’s Download Festival as part of NXT UK.

    In January 2020, WWE confirmed that Luna had signed a contract with the promotion, but had fewer than 20 matches before her release.

    Luna was cut from WWE last month, alongside the majority of talent from NXT UK, as part of WWE’s plans to launch NXT Europe next year.

    Released, Not Fired

    Speaking with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall of NBC Sports Boston, Luna reflected on her time in WWE, and made it clear that there’s a difference between being released and being fired.

    “I was released. I don’t want to set any of those rumors alight. I was released under very nice terms. I wasn’t fired. It was just a case of what they’re doing at the moment doesn’t fit what I’m doing at the moment kind of thing.”

    Luna wasn’t too mad at her situation, admitting that she still had her friends made in NXT UK, and that she was in good company.

    Speaking Out

    NXT UK was never the focus of WWE, and the brand was hit hard by the 2020 Speaking Out movement.

    The movement highlighted several wrestlers in several promotions who had engaged, or alleged to have engaged in abusive behavior with women.

    Joe Coffey, Jack Gallagher, Travis Banks, El Ligero, Jordan Devlin, and referees Joel Allen and Chris Roberts were all NXT UK talent who were accused of misconduct.

    Speaking about the decline of NXT UK, Luna said how the Speaking Out movement had an impact.

    “I don’t know. I don’t know if it [NXT UK’s decline] was necessarily WWE’s fault, or obviously we had the whole Speaking Out Movement over here as well, so I don’t know if that obviously affected it a little bit too.”

    Luna added that low viewership also had an effect in the decline of NXT UK.

    NXT Europe

    NXT UK is now on what WWE have called a “brief hiatus” to make room for the launch of NXT Europe next year.

    Luna said how the demise of NXT UK came suddenly.

    “It was a pretty quick turnaround, to be honest. But the same you hear all these rumors, we hear them all too, and it’s even more unsettling when you work there… we were all understandably upset.”

    Despite WWE’s claims of a brief hiatus, many believe that NXT UK is finished for good.

  • Pat McAfee Joining ESPN’s College GameDay Full-Time

    Pat McAfee Joining ESPN’s College GameDay Full-Time

    Pat McAfee has got another job outside of WWE. He will be a full-time member of ‘College GameDay’ on ESPN and will be on the show this Saturday. Pat hinted that something was coming earlier tonight on social media before it was reported by The New York Post.

    The 35-year-old will continue his daily sports show on YouTube, as ‘The Pat McAfee Show‘ is currently in the middle of a four-year $120 million dollar deal with FanDuel. Pat will remain with WWE as an announcer for SmackDown. He signed a multi-year contract extension with WWE in July.

    After the news broke, Pat took to Twitter and said that he’s been a fan of the GameDay show forever and that he had “real cool conversations” with WWE about accepting the new gig and will reveal the details to kickoff his show tomorrow.

    It’s an absolute honor 2 have this tweet tweeted about me. GameDay is a show that I’ve been a fan of FOREVER So many moving parts including real cool conversations w/ the fine folks from WWE..all moved quickly Will lead show manana w/ all the deets. DUMBEST LIFE OF ALL TIME

    ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ was featured on SiriusXM until late August. He sent out a Tweet shortly after it was announced the show would no longer be on satellite radio.

  • Main Roster WWE Superstars Returning to NXT 2.0 Tonight

    Main Roster WWE Superstars Returning to NXT 2.0 Tonight

    WWE has announced two main roster Superstars are headed to Orlando for tonight’s NXT 2.0 broadcast on the USA Network.

    Raw Superstars Nikki A.S.H and Doudrop will be back in NXT to battle Toxic Attraction. This match is being set up after Toxic Attraction cost Nikki and Doudrop the NXT Women’s tag team titles in their match against Katana Chance & Kayden Carter at Worlds Collide.

    The Scottish duo didn’t realize they had issues with Toxic Attraction, but they now plan to make Toxic Attraction wish they’d never stuck their noses in their business.

    Tonight’s NXT 2.0 broadcast will also feature:

    • Ricochet vs. Trick Williams
    • JD McDonagh vs. Wes Lee
    • Axiom and Nathan Frazer will kick off their Best of Three series
    • Meiko Satomura vs. Roxanne Perez

    WWE has been teasing that Nikki A.S.H. will be losing the ‘super hero’ gimmick. More on that story below:

    WWE Teasing Gimmick Change for Former Women’s Champion
  • WWE Teasing Gimmick Change for Former Women’s Champion

    WWE Teasing Gimmick Change for Former Women’s Champion

    Since Triple H took over as Head of WWE’s Creative, the promotion has undergone several changes.

    Fans have seen several returns from Superstars released under the previous regime, with Karrion Kross, Dakota Kai, Hit Row, Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis all being rehired.

    WWE has also relaxed rules against some ‘banned’ words, allowing terms like wrestler and hospital to make it to air.

    Nikki A.S.H, No More?

    During this week’s Monday Night Raw, Nikki A.S.H and Doudrop came up short in their efforts to become WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

    Losing to Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah, this loss came mere days after the pair of Scottish Superstars failed to capture the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships at Worlds Collide.

    During a segment backstage, where Damage CTRL were walking to the ring, Nikki could be seen berating Doudrop, and ripped her mask off and threw it at her tag team partner.

    Nikki stormed off, and on Twitter, reacted to a video of the clip.

    Changes

    If Nikki A.S.H does revert back to Nikki Cross, she’ll be the latest WWE Superstar to undergo a change.

    With Vince McMahon retired, multiple Superstars have had their names changed to monikers used earlier in their careers.

    Austin Theory and Tommaso Ciampa both lost their first names as part of a McMahon-era rule against talent using real names.

    On last week’s SmackDown, Butch, who previously wrestled as Pete Dunne, competed in his Dunne-era attire.

    While Nikki did use part of her real name while working as Nikki Cross (her real name is Nikki Glencross) it is not believed that her name change last year was part of the rule.

  • Backstage News On Braun Strowman Returning To WWE

    Backstage News On Braun Strowman Returning To WWE

    We have some backstage news to pass along regarding Braun Strowman returning to WWE.

    As noted, on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, Braun Strowman made his return to the company.

    Strowman made a surprise appearance during the Fatal-Four Way Number One Contenders tag team match between The New Day, Alpha Academy, Los Lotharios, and The Street Profits.

    Strowman came out and laid out everybody before celebrating with the crowd. PWInsider reports that, despite returning on RAW, Strowman will be used as a member of the SmackDown Live roster. He’s also slated to be used as a babyface.

    The former WWE Universal Champion’s first run with WWE began back in 2013 as a member of The Wyatt Family. After several years with the faction, Strowman began a singles career in 2016.

    Braun Strowman

    That run saw him feud with top stars the likes of Roman Reigns, winning the WWE Universal Title, Intercontinental Title, and RAW Tag Team Titles. He’s also a former Money In The Bank winner, and an Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner.

    Strowman was released from WWE in June of 2021 due to budget cuts. During his time away from WWE, Strowman still competed in professional wrestling on the independent circuit for the Control Your Narrative promotion.

    Now, he’s back with WWE and could potentially rejoin the World Title picture as a potential opponent for Roman Reigns.

  • Triple H Promoted to Chief Content Officer, WWE Appoints New President

    Triple H Promoted to Chief Content Officer, WWE Appoints New President

    Paul “Triple H” Levesque has been promoted once again. WWE issued a press release on Tuesday announcing Levesque will now serve as the company’s Chief Content Officer.

    In a press release sent in to SEScoops, we’ve learned the responsibilities Triple H’s new role entails.

    As Chief Content Officer, Levesque will oversee Creative Writing, Talent Relations, Live Events, Talent Development and Creative Services. The role will report to WWE co-CEO Nick Khan.

    WWE also touted a 15% spike in Raw viewership since Triple H took over the creative reigns from Vince McMahon, as well as double-digit gains in social media activity.

    Triple H issued the following statement regarding his promotion:

    “WWE is one of the most prolific producers of premium content in the world and I look forward to this amazing opportunity,” said Levesque. “Having spent my entire career in this business, I’m confident that we have the right pieces in place to continue to grow our audience and deliver for our fans around the world.”

    New WWE President & CFO

    Additionally, Frank A. Riddick III has been promoted to be WWE’s new President and Chief Financial Officer. Riddick joined WWE as Chief Financial Officer last year, after serving on the company’s Board of Directors for more than 13 years and previously holding the role of interim CFO.

    As President & CFO, Riddick will oversee Financial Planning & Analysis, Strategy, Controllership, Investor Relations, Tax, Data Analytics, Technology, Event Travel and Facilities. He will jointly report to WWE Chairwoman & co-CEO Stephanie McMahon and co-CEO Nick Khan.

    “I’ve had the great fortune of working closely with the talented people at WWE in a variety of capacities over the past 15 years,” said Riddick. “Along with Steph, Nick and Paul, we look forward to executing our ambitious plans and delivering for our shareholders.”

    “We are excited to announce expanded roles for Paul and Frank, which will enhance WWE’s ability to create premium content for our partners around the world and, ultimately, drive our business forward,” said McMahon and Khan.

    Visit the WWE Corporate website for more details.

  • Solo Sikoa Comments on Joining WWE’s Bloodline Faction

    Solo Sikoa Comments on Joining WWE’s Bloodline Faction

    Solo Sikoa is ready to take his rightful place alongside The Bloodline this Friday on WWE SmackDown.

    The younger brother of The Usos (and cousin of Roman Reigns) has been making a name for himself in NXT since his arrival in October 2021. After weeks of rumors that he’s headed to the main roster, Sikoa appeared in the main event of Saturday’s Clash at the Castle premium live event.

    Sikoa instantly proved his usefulness to Reigns by getting involved when it counted the most. With Drew McIntyre seconds away from dethroning Reigns, Sikoa emerged and pulled the referee out of the ring and interrupted what could have been the deciding pinfall.

    Solo Sikoa Joins the Bloodline

    Just because Solo Sikoa helped Roman Reigns retain the Undisputed WWE Universal championship, that doesn’t guarantee he will officially join the Bloodline faction.Well, WWE is now advertising exactly that.

    WWE has published a teaser video hyping Friday’s SmackDown titled, “The Bloodline’s family grows.” The voiceover on the video states, “This Friday, Acknowledge a Bigger, Badder Bloodline.”

    In his first public statement since Clash at the Castle, Sikoa replied to the Smackdown teaser on social media by writing, “[Blood] comes first. Always.”

    https://twitter.com/WWESoloSikoa/status/1566986780884303873
  • Triple H Reveals Cancelled Plans for WWE WrestleMania 38

    Triple H Reveals Cancelled Plans for WWE WrestleMania 38

    At WWE WrestleMania: Sunday, Triple H opened the show by welcoming fans to the company’s biggest event of the year and leaving his boots in the ring.

    The Game’s appearance was his first public appearance in the ring since suffering a cardiac event in September 2021.

    The show also marked Triple H’s first appearance since the death of one of his closest friends Scott Hall, who had died in March.

    Dropped Plans

    The cardiac event Triple H suffered in late 2021 forced the former WWE World Champion into retirement.

    While Triple H’s days as a WWE Superstar are over, there were plans for him to compete at Wrestlemania.

    Speaking to Ariel Helwani of BT Sport, Triple H said that he was going to do something with Gable Steveson (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “I was was going to do something with Gable Stevenson and try to get him launched and get going. When they told me I was like, ‘Okay.’”

    Triple H on plans for him at WrestleMania 38.

    Triple H added that then-WWE CEO Vince McMahon was counting on an appearance by his son-in-law, who needed “the attraction” of the former World Heavyweight Champion.

    However, Stephanie McMahon was reportedly against the idea of Triple H doing anything physical with Steveson, and the idea was later scrapped.

    Going Cold

    Instead of tangling with Triple H, Steveson appeared at WrestleMania: Saturday, having an in-ring segment with the Street Profits and RK-Bro.

    WWE signed Steveson last year, with huge expectations for the Olympic Gold Medalist, who was drafted to Raw last October.

    According to recent reports, WWE has gone cold on Steveson, as he’s not shown the level of improvement in training expected of him.

    While WWE had plans to fast-track Steveson to the main roster, his name hasn’t come up in creative meetings in months.

    WWE TV Has More Wrestling Since Triple H Took Over Creative
  • WWE Could be About to Drop one of its Championships

    WWE Could be About to Drop one of its Championships

    When WWE introduced the 24/7 Championship, the title was at first met with criticism from fans.

    Fans had been hoping to see the return of the Hardcore Championship, especially as it was Mick Foley (the first Hardcore Champion) who did the unveiling of the 24/7 title.

    The title’s design also spawned criticism, though fans got on board with the new championship thanks to comedy segments, many of which featured R-Truth.

    The End of the Championship?

    The 24/7 Championship has been around for over three years, but fans haven’t seen much of the title as of late.

    The most recent televised title match took place on the July 18, 2022, episode of WWE Raw, when Dana Brooke pinned Tamina to win the gold.

    This lack of TV time has led to the belief that the title could be quietly retired as part of the new era of WWE.

    While the title isn’t being defended on TV, there are still title changes happening at untelevised WWE Live Events

    According to a report from Fightful Select, none of those title changes have been acknowledged, which has fueled belief that the title is finished.

    It is not confirmed whether or not Triple H is planning on retiring the title or if he will just be using it for live event purposes.

    Replicas of the WWE 24/7 Championship are still available on WWE’s merchandise website.

    The current Champion is Dana Brooke, who is in her seventh official reign as Champion, but has held the title several times more than that by winning at WWE Live events.

    Jeff Hardy Felt “Ashamed” Chasing the WWE 24/7 Championship
  • Road Dogg Says he has “Survivors Guilt” Over Chyna

    Road Dogg Says he has “Survivors Guilt” Over Chyna

    In 1997, Joan Laurer debated in the WWF, introduced as Chyna: the imposing bodyguard for D-Generation X.

    Chyna’s career would see her become a two-time Intercontinental Champion (the only woman to win the title), as well as a one-time Women’s Champion and the only woman to enter the King of the Ring tournament.

    After her 2001 departure, Chyna was never welcomed back to the company before her death in April 2016.

    Survivor’s Guilt

    One Superstar who worked closely with Chyna is ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James, who often teamed with the Ninth Wonder of the World in DX.

    Speaking on his ‘Oh You Didn’t Know’ podcast, James said that he recently filmed content for an A&E Biographies: WWE Legends episode about the deceased wrestler.

    Road Dogg said he got emotional thinking about Chyna, and how like her, he too had problems with drugs and other substances, but is still alive (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “They came to my house and I didn’t think I was gonna, I was gonna cry, but it got me, man. Some of that survivor’s guilt comes back, you know what I mean? … I did every horrible thing she ever did, why me? … It got me yesterday and the guy said, ‘Oh, man, that’s gonna be good TV.’”

    “I did every horrible thing she ever did, why me?”

    Road Dogg Jesse James on questioning why he’s alive and Chyna isn’t.

    The Hall of Fame

    For years, WWE tried to downplay Chyna’s influence, arguing that her career in pornography meant that she could not be acknowledged by the PG-rated promotion.

    In recent years, WWE has done a U-turn and now celebrates Chyna, inducting her posthumously into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

    While Chyna is worthy of the induction, fans criticized that she was being inducted as part of DX and not as a singles Superstar.

    There have been calls for Chyna to receive a second induction, with WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley saying he believes it should happen.

    Jade Cargill Reacts To Goldberg & Chyna Comparisons
  • What Happened With Dexter Lumis and The Miz After WWE RAW Went off the Air?

    What Happened With Dexter Lumis and The Miz After WWE RAW Went off the Air?

    The Miz has been tormented by Dexter Lumis for the past few weeks.

    Dexter has dragged The A-Lister out of an arena, hidden in the back of his car, and now he’s kidnapped The Miz once again. Lumis arrived in epic fashion during tonight’s main event. Bobby Lashley put the United States Championship on the line against The Miz inside a Steel Cage.

    Tommaso Ciampa was ringside for the match and kept hitting the champion with cheap shots. The Miz appeared to have the match won when Dexter Lumis slid out from under the ring in an awesome camera shot. The A-Lister scurried back into the ring and got hit with a Spear from Lashley for the pinfall victory. Lashley is still the United States Champion.

    Dexter Lumis Kidnaps The Miz After RAW Goes off the Air

    Dexter climbed up the steel cage as The Miz desperately tried to get away and crawl towards the steel door. Lumis caught up to Miz and choked him out in the middle of the ring. He then patted Miz on top of the head as if he was pet as RAW went off the air.

    After RAW ended, the steel cage was brought up and Dexter took the opportunity to kidnap the 2-time WWE Champion. He slid out of the ring like a snake before dragging The Miz to the outside. Dexter put The Miz over his shoulder and walked backstage.

  • Johnny Gargano Returning to Action Next Week on WWE RAW

    Johnny Gargano Returning to Action Next Week on WWE RAW

    Johnny Gargano made his return to WWE recently after spending nine months as a free agent.

    He and his wife, former NXT Superstar Candice LeRae, welcomed a baby into the family and exited the company. Johnny returned on the August 22nd edition of WWE RAW from Toronto, Canada. He got a tremendous reaction from the crowd and claimed that he wanted to become Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, and perform at WrestleMania and WWE was the only place to do that.

    Money in the Bank winner Theory, now known as Austin Theory, interrupted and got a Superkick to the face.

    Johnny Gargano’s Return Match Announced For RAW Next Week

    Gargano was interviewed backstage tonight during RAW and was interrupted by Theory once again. Austin attempted to cash in his Money in the Bank contract during the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre.

    Both WWE Superstars were down and it appeared that he picked the perfect time to cash in. Unfortunately for Theory, he was unable to cash in because he received a massive right hand to the face courtesy of Tyson Fury.

    The 25-year-old came up short once again tonight against Kevin Owens and was pissed off when he interrupted Gargano’s interview backstage. Johnny announced that he will be returning to the ring next week to Theory but did not name him as the opponent.

    Next week live on Monday Night RAW, Johnny Wrestling after nine months returns to in-ring action.

    Who would you like to see Johnny Gargano face next week on WWE RAW? Let us know in the comments section below.

  • Braun Strowman Reveals What’s Next Following Return on WWE RAW

    Braun Strowman Reveals What’s Next Following Return on WWE RAW

    Braun Strowman returned to WWE tonight on RAW. He arrived in the middle of a Fatal 4-Way match between Alpha Academy, Los Lotharios, Street Profits, and The New Day to determine the #1 contenders for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships.

    The match ended in a no contest after Braun attacked Chad Gable and put Angelo Dawkins through the commentary table with a Powerslam. The Monster Among Men continued his attack through a commercial break until WWE officials finally broke it up when RAW returned.

    Braun will Appear on WWE SmackDown This Friday

    During the final hour of WWE RAW, Braun was interviewed backstage about his return Strowman didn’t reveal much but did disclose what’s next for him. He will be appearing on Friday’s edition of SmackDown and that nobody is safe.

    Look, I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know. The Monsters of All Monsters is back and nobody is safe. I will see you all this Friday night on SmackDown.

    Nicholas Congratulates Strowman

    Braun Strowman single-handedly decimated four tag teams tonight on RAW. The 39-year-old accomplished another incredible feat at WrestleMania 34. Strowman didn’t have a partner for a tag title match so he selected a 10-year-old child named Nicholas from the crowd.

    Nicholas and Braun defeated The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro, now known as ROH Champion Claudio Castagnoli) to capture the RAW Tag Team Championships. After Braun arrived on RAW, his former tag team partner sent out a picture of them celebrating the titles.

  • Dominik Mysterio Joins Judgment Day, Will Face Edge Next Week on Raw

    Dominik Mysterio Joins Judgment Day, Will Face Edge Next Week on Raw

    Dominik Mysterio has joined The Judgment Day just days after turning on Edge and his father Rey Mysterio at WWE Clash at the Castle. On Monday’s episode Raw, he aided the group as they attacked Edge. 

    The show opened with Edge doing a promo where he called out Dominik, but Rey answered the callout instead to ask Edge not to hurt his son. The WWE Hall Of Famer called him out again after stating Dominik is old enough to answer for his own actions. 

    Rhea Ripley came out next to say that she had made Dominik a man, and then the son of the former WWE champion walked out to stand with Ripley. Rey left the ring as he said he could not be a part of what was about to happen. Although he asked Dominik to look at him and to apologize to Edge, Dominik refused. 

    As Dominik and Ripley walked towards the ring, Finn Balor and Damian Priest of Judgment Day attacked Edge. Dominik handed Balor a chair, and Balor hit a Coup de Grace. 

    Judgment Day Attacks

    Dominik Mysterio on Raw
    Dominik Mysterio

    Dominik then posed with The Judgment Day as Rey returned to check on Edge. According to the announcers, Edge had been taken to a medical facility following the attack. 

    Dominik turned heel this past Saturday at Clash at the Castle by attacking Edge and Rey following their tag team bout against Priest and Balor.