SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Roman Reigns: ‘Hard To Believe’ Vince McMahon Gone From WWE

    Roman Reigns: ‘Hard To Believe’ Vince McMahon Gone From WWE

    Roman Reigns finds it “hard to believe” that Vince McMahon is gone from WWE.

    “The Tribal Chief” was recently a guest on the Sports Illustrated Media podcast, where he gave his thoughts on the longtime WWE frontman finally retiring.

    Reigns said he, like most people, found it hard to believe when he first heard the news.

    “You know, it’s just hard to believe [that Vince McMahon is no longer CEO and Chairman of WWE], because I think along with anyone who has followed this business or been in this business that just, Vince is gonna be running this,” Roman Reigns said.

    “I’m gonna be long gone. I’ll be 20 years retired and Vince is still running the show, you know what I mean? So I think that was just kind of, ah, okay, we’ll see.

    “We’ll see him in six months or something like that I think was kind of the mindset that I initially took and then I think we received, you know, the Talent Relations text message and then obviously, a personal message from him and we talked a little bit and yeah.”

    Roman Reigns
    (via WWE)

    McMahon was forced to step down as WWE CEO after several allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him. As a result, the duo of Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan stepped up to fill the void as co-CEOs.

    Although McMahon had stepped down as CEO, he still served as the head of creative for WWE, heading production of television backstage. However, that all changed when several investigations into the sexual misconduct allegations began.

    Shortly after, McMahon took to Twitter where he officially announced his retirement, leaving WWE altogether as day-to-day head of creative. That job then fell into the lap of his son-in-law and former WWE Champion Triple H.

    Although the longtime regime of McMahon has seemingly come to a close, there is a ton of optimism for the new direction the company is headed in the aftermath.

    Quotes via Post Wrestling

  • Roman Reigns Reveals Details of His New WWE Contract

    Roman Reigns Reveals Details of His New WWE Contract

    Roman Reigns has revealed some details of his new WWE contract.

    Reigns inked a new deal with WWE back in May, which would see the current Undisputed WWE Champion work less days. Now, Reigns only appears every other week or so on WWE television, and even misses out on some of the lesser priority Premium Events.

    Recently, “The Tribal Chief” appeared on the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast, where he divulged a bit more about his WWE deal, explaining his new schedule.

    “So the main thing is, no, we’re not gonna be on every single pay-per-view but anything that I am on which of course will be all the major ones and then a couple of the other ones, you know, that kind of fall in between the big four and the Saudis.

    “I’ll always support those with TVs to build the story and the rivalry going forward so, it’s not like — compared to what I did, I guess, yeah, you could say technically, that’s, compared to a full-time, taking on everything, you only get a day-and-a-half-a-week.

    “Yeah, I guess it’s a part-time compared to what I usually run but, I’m an annual character on WWE television.”

    Roman Reigns
    (via WWE)

    Currently, Reigns is enjoying a prosperous run as the head of The Bloodline alongside Paul Heyman and The Usos. The Usos hold both the RAW and SmackDown Tag Team Titles, while Reigns is the WWE and Universal Champion.

    At the moment, Reigns is locked in a feud with Drew McIntyre, who he’ll put his titles up for grabs against next. The pair will headline the Clash At The Castle event on September 3 from Cardiff, Wales.

    Quotes via Post Wrestling

  • “The Strangest Booking of a World Champion Ever”

    “The Strangest Booking of a World Champion Ever”

    Liv Morgan’s reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion is off to a rocky start.

    Morgan won the gold by winning Money in the Bank at July’s premium live event and cashing in on a battered Ronda Rousey later in the evening. Ambushing a vulnerable champion is not the best start to a babyface title reign, but fans were excited for her nonetheless.

    She retained the title against Rousey at SummerSlam, but only won because the referee didn’t see her tapping out to Rousey’s arm bar. Once again, not the best look for a babyface champion.

    Morgan is now feuding with Shayna Baszler. The Submission Magician has been getting the upper hand so far, with the champion in peril ahead of their upcoming match at Clash at the Castle.

    Liv Morgan

    Weak Champion

    Former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. discussed WWE’s booking of Liv Morgan on the latest episode of his Wrestling With Freddie podcast.

    Prinze can’t believe what he’s been seeing and feels that Morgan has been portrayed as a punk who has shown no bravery or courage.

    “I don’t know whose fault this is,” he began. “Hear me out on this. I’ve never seen someone have to play a weak champion. Someone who tapped out to get the belt, but remains a babyface. Has to protect her arm, it’s almost not even playing injured, it’s like, scared and frail and weak. The stuff with Shayna made her look like a punk – and she’s the champion!

    Prinze wasn’t just complaining. He offered some suggestions about how things could have been done differently.

    “Don’t look scared. Look defiant. That should be the note, you know, when Shayna is like, ‘I’m gonna break your hand,’ she should be looking at her like, ‘Do it. Do it now and just get it over with and then we’ll see if you even get a match.’”

    “[Show] something. Some kind of bravery, courage, something, because everything else has been weird. I’ve never seen a weak babyface champion.”

    – Freddie Prinze Jr. on Liv Morgan

    You can listen to this week’s full episode of Wrestling with Freddie below:

    Please link to SEScoops if you use any of the quotes transcribed in this article. New episodes of Freddie Prinze Jr.’s podcast Wrestling With Freddie drop Wednesdays.

  • WWE Survivor Series 2022 Tickets Sales Off to a Very Strong Start

    WWE Survivor Series 2022 Tickets Sales Off to a Very Strong Start

    This November, WWE will host its annual Survivor Series event, which will feature Raw and SmackDown Superstars battle it out for brand supremacy.

    The Premium Live Event will take place at the TD Garden, in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 26, and mark the 36th annual Survivor Series event.

    A Sell-Out Event

    With Survivor Series over three months away, no matches have been confirmed for the show thus far, other than the titular elimination tag matches.

    Despite this, the show is proving to be immensely popular with fans, according to the Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer.

    Meltzer tweeted that the show has virtually sold out during the pre-sale earlier this week, and that the seats reserved for the general public sale are also expected to sell out quickly.

    Meltzer added that he cannot recall a show like this selling out so quickly.

    A Sign of the Times

    Survivor Series 2022 is proving to be popular with fans, but that’s not the only show that has done well.

    Earlier this month, WWE hosted their WrestleMania Hollywood tickets launch event, featuring Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair and celebrity appearances by Snoop Doog and JoJo Siwa.

    Tickets for the two-night April 2023 have reportedly sold incredibly well, despite no matches being confirmed (though The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns has been rumored.)

    Over 70,000 tickets have sold so far in the latest report on the two-night Premium Live Event.

    WWE officials are said to be “ecstatic” over the sales figures so far, especially for Night Two of the event.

    WrestleMania Hollywood Ticket Sales Off to a Strong Start
  • What Does William Regal Think of The End of WWE NXT UK?

    What Does William Regal Think of The End of WWE NXT UK?

    Last week, WWE announced the launch of NXT Europe, which will come at the expense of NXT UK. 

    The UK brand will go on what’s being called a “brief hiatus” after next month’s Worlds Collide event. 

    Not long after the announcement, WWE released several performers from NXT UK. 

    Regal Reacts

    Between this hiatus and the mass release of talent, many believe that NXT UK is finished for good. 

    One name who was a large part of NXT UK, especially during the early days, was William Regal. 

    Speaking on his Gentleman Villain podcast, Regal said that he’s known for years that NXT Europe was the long-term plan (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “For the last several years NXT Europe was in process … Things changed in the last year and different things, but now, things have changed again and things are back on track … I don’t work there and I don’t ask, but the expansion of NXT was going to happen. I was personally working on that for the last seven or eight years until January.”

    “The expansion of NXT was going to happen. I was personally working on that.”

    William Regal on NXT Europe and the end of NXT UK.

    Addressing the mass releases last week, Regal said that being cut does not mean they can’t come back as part of NXT Europe, adding that “everything was done for the right reasons.”

    What’s next for NXT UK?

    NXT UK may be done for good, but there are still some huge matches planned for those on the brand. 

    During this week’s NXT 2.0, it was confirmed that NXT UK Champion Tyler Bate will face NXT Champion Bron Breakker at Worlds Collide in a title-unification match. 

    It has also been confirmed that NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose, NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura, and Blair Davenport will face off at Worlds Collide in a title-unification match. 

    These matches which will see the NXT UK titles stop being used on TV, have only fueled the belief that NXT UK is done for good. 

    William Regal Credits Vince McMahon with Saving His Life In 1999
  • John Morrison Reveals the Origin of His Drip Stick in WWE

    John Morrison Reveals the Origin of His Drip Stick in WWE

    John Morrison says his Drip Stick gimmick came about after Vince McMahon saw him reference ‘drip stick’ in a promo and saw dollar signs.

    During a conversation with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston earlier this week, Morrison says he planned for an elaborate ring entrance that wasn’t meant to be.

    “First of all, I wrote, ‘I’m gonna moisten somebody up with my drip stick’ in a promo as kind of a joke. So Vince reads that and he goes, ‘Drip Stick? We’re gonna make a fortune on these drip sticks!’ He loves it.”

    “I wanted to have my entrance and then stand on the turnbuckle and have everyone shoot me with their drip sticks. It was going in that direction until people realized the arena would then be soaking wet and we decided we can’t sell drip sticks.”

    Drip Drop vs. Drip God?

    Later during the discussion, Steve Fall asked Morrison if he was bothered by Seth Rollins calling himself the Drip God. “As far as the drip stuff goes, I don’t know if he knows what drip is, even,” he said.

    “I feel like I got pulled back on because Miz left and for some reason, I had like 3 different plans that got changed at the last second.”

    “So, I was just sitting, and at TV, if you’re sitting for a couple weeks, then you start getting troubled, because you haven’t been on TV for a month or two, and suddenly it’s like.. ‘What are we doing with John? I don’t know, he hasn’t been on in a while. We need somebody to put over this guy, how about John?’ I think that’s kind of what happened, more than Seth Rollins being the cause of it. “

    Watch John Morrison’s interview with Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4SvnpeZ3bI
  • WWE Storyline Plans for Edge Before His 2011 Retirement

    WWE Storyline Plans for Edge Before His 2011 Retirement

    New details have emerged about WWE storyline plans for Edge before his heartbreaking retirement in April 2011.

    The Rated R Superstar’s career was cut short abruptly over a decade ago after he was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis. In an emotional address to the WWE Universe (seen below), Edge said doctors warned him he risked paralysis or even death should he continue wrestling.

    The Toronto native never gave up on his dream to wrestle again. Nine years after stepping away from the ring, he made a shocking return to WWE at the 2020 Royal Rumble.

    With Edge pondering retirement once again, this time on his own terms, we’ve now learned about a major angle WWE creative had in store for him in 2011.

    Plans for Edge before 2011 Retirement

    On the latest episode of his Wrestling With Freddie podcast, former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. shared a storyline he wrote for Edge that wound up getting scrapped.

    “I actually wrote the story for Edge that he ended up having to pull out of because he retired. We wrote this whole thing where, and it was creepy because it was kind of actually what happened to him.”

    “He wanted to get the belt on Christian, and Christian was gonna turn on Edge. [He was going to] just for weeks, smash him. It was going to be like when Dave Chappelle spoofed Sesame Street. He was going to do something like that, and they were gonna spell the word spine and what each letter stood for. Just mock what he did to this dude’s neck. It was this whole thing.”

    “Then Edge ends up actually hurting his neck. He couldn’t do the story. So they just wrapped it around Alberto Del Rio. [Christian] ended up getting [the title] for a day.”

    WWE Raw was back in Edge’s home town of Toronto this week. After Raw went off the air, he addressed the crowd and spoke about his plans to retire once and for all in the near future. More on that story (including video of Edge’s speech) here:

    Listen to this week’s full episode of Wrestling with Freddie:

    Please link to SEScoops if you use any of the quotes transcribed in this article. New episodes of Freddie Prinze Jr.’s podcast Wrestling With Freddie drop Wednesdays.

  • “It Wouldn’t Exist” – Cody Rhodes on His Role in AEW’s Creation

    “It Wouldn’t Exist” – Cody Rhodes on His Role in AEW’s Creation

    When Cody Rhodes left WWE, he started a chain reaction that ultimately led to the creation of All Elite Wrestling. The former AEW star believes that the company wouldn’t exist without him.

    The former IC Champion started his wrestling career in WWE in 2006. He had a decade-long run with the promotion, where he went through various phases.

    However, after being repackaged as Stardust, Rhodes became increasingly frustrated with his creative direction and he finally left WWE in 2016.

    He went on to make a name for himself in the independent circuit. Cody joined The Bullet Club and made friends with the Elite and the rest is history.

    Cody Rhodes and AEW

    A fan recently tweeted how people seem to underestimate Cody Rhodes’ importance in the creation of AEW. Replying to it, the former TNT champion said that the facts are there for everyone to see:

    “Facts are all out there to see…without Brandi or I it wouldn’t exist. Look no further than some of the infrastructure in place or even half the names of the events. Tony, Bucks, Kenny, Jericho, Dana, Hang…pioneers. I’ve moved on to the next stage for me, but beautiful memories.”

    What do you think about Cody Rhodes’ role in the inception of AEW? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

  • Tyrus (Brodus Clay) Reveals Hilarious Advice From The Undertaker

    Tyrus (Brodus Clay) Reveals Hilarious Advice From The Undertaker

    WWE under Vince McMahon had the habit of coming up with the most atrocious gimmicks for the most unlikely of performers. One such gimmick was when Brodus Clay was repackaged as a fun-loving dancing character dubbed as The Funkasaurus. WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker had the most hilarious response to it.

    The former WWE star who now goes by the name Tyrus recently appeared on Talk Is Jericho. Speaking about his Funkasaurus character, Clay revealed how the dead man reacted to it before his debut:

    “Taker never liked it. Taker’s advice to me was, he came up to me. He was like ‘Fall’. [I’m like] ‘What?’ He’s like ‘When you go out there, you debut tonight, fall. You fall on the stage; they’ll scrap the whole thing and you can get back [to being a monster].’ I just loved that. When I said ‘Would you fall?’, he said ‘No’”

    – Brodus Clay

    Brodus Clay was originally introduced as a monstrous bodyguard for Alberto Del Rio on Raw in early 2011. This stint lasted for a few months before Clay took time off from WWE programming for a movie. When he returned, Vince McMahon decided to repackage him. Needless to say, the new character never caught on, and he was released from the company in June 2014.

    The former WWE star has since made a name for himself in the independent circuit as Tyrus and he is the current NWA TV Champion. He will be looking to add the NWA world title to his collection as well when he takes on Trevor Murdoch at NWA 74.

    More Originals From SEScoops:

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

  • Bayley Reveals Sasha Banks Tribute From Raw

    Bayley Reveals Sasha Banks Tribute From Raw

    Bayley has confirmed that she paid tribute to her longtime rival and real-life friend Sasha Banks during her match on this week’s episode of Raw.

    The former women’s champion competed in a match against Aliyah. She defeated the young star after a short fight on this week’s episode of the Red Branded show.

    She later took on her Instagram to share video of a moment from her bout. It was a recreation of a spot from her famous NXT Takeover: Brooklyn match against Sasha Banks:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ChmlTgHOs4k

    Bayley and Sasha Banks

    Bayley and Sasha Banks have been crossing paths since their days in NXT. The two alongside Charlotte and Becky Lynch became known as the Four Horsewomen.

    It was during this time that the two had a highly praised match at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in 2015. This bout inspired many young females to pursue a career in wrestling, including a current NXT star as well.

    The two continued their love hate relationship after being called up to the main roster. They even became the Inaugural Women’s Tag Team Champions when the titles were first introduced in 2019.

    Sasha Banks is currently away from WWE after walking out of the company in May. Bayley on the other hand is leading the faction of Dakota Kai and IO Sky. They recently became the first finalist in the tournament for the vacant women’s tag team titles.

  • WWE Changes Plans for NXT 2.0 Stable Amid Call-Up Rumors

    WWE Changes Plans for NXT 2.0 Stable Amid Call-Up Rumors

    On last week’s NXT Heatwave special, Santos Escobar lost to Tony D’Angelo in a ‘Loser Leaves NXT’ match.

    Given that Escobar had teased a call-up to the main roster during the WWE WrestleMania 39 tickets launch event, his lost to Escobar wasn’t too surprising.

    The Call-Up

    It appears to be just a matter of time before Santos Escobar is called up to WWE’s main roster, but it doesn’t look like he will be going alone.

    On last night’s WWE NXT 2.0, Escobar pulled up in his SUV in the parking lot, where he was greeted by Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro and Elektra Lopez, members of Legado Del Fantasma.

    Escobar asked the group if they really thought he’d leave WWE NXT 2.0 without them, and teased the entire group’s call-up.

    “You didn’t think I was going to leave without you, did you? La Familia stays together. So, you ready to go?”

    Santos Escobar

    All members of Legado Del Fantasma got in the SUV and drove away from WWE NXT 2.0, signifying the end of the group on the brand.

    A Change of Plans

    Legado Del Fantasma are seemingly coming to the main roster soon, but that wasn’t always the plan.

    During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said how there were plans in place for Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro to become part of Tony D’Angelo’s ‘family.’

    The pair have been appearing as associates of D’Angelo during this past week’s NXT Live events in Florida.

    Those plans have seemingly been scrapped based on last night’s episode of WWE NXT 2.0.

    WWE NXT Results (8/23): Lights Out Match, Dexter Lumis Appears

  • Chris Jericho Isn’t Interested in Having the Same Matches in WWE

    Chris Jericho Isn’t Interested in Having the Same Matches in WWE

    In 2019, Chris Jericho joined AEW at the promotion’s launch event and has consistently been one of the company’s top stars.

    Later that year, Jericho would become the first AEW World Champion, and his work as part of the Inner Circle and later the Jericho Appreciation Society has kept him a fixture on TV.

    Returning to WWE

    Jericho has been a fixture of AEW for over three years now, but there are still some fans who hope to see him in WWE again.

    It was in WWE that Jericho became a nine-time Intercontinental Champion (a record that stands to this day) and the first-ever WWE Undisputed Champion.

    On Twitter, a fan suggested to Jericho that a return to WWE would be good for him, and that matches pitting Jericho against AJ Styles or Kevin Owens would be ‘fire.’

    In response, Jericho pointed out that these matches have happened, multiple times.

    Jericho was the first major feud for Styles after the former TNA Wrestling star joined WWE in 2016.

    Jericho Vs. Owens

    Fans won’t be seeing Chris Jericho face Kevin Owens in WWE, but this is a match fans have seen before.

    In 2017, the former friends feuded after Jericho cost Owens the Universal Championship, payback for Owens attacking Y2J during the Festival of Friendship.

    In an interview with TalkSport last year, Jericho said that there had been plans for him Vs. Owens for the Universal Championship as the main event of WrestleMania 33.

    After realizing WWE did not care about the feud, which saw Owens beat Jericho for the U.S. Title at WrestleMania, the AEW star said he knew it was time to finish with WWE.

    Chris Jericho Once Wanted To Punch Vince McMahon In His “Stupid Face”
  • WWE Draft Probably Not Happening Anytime Soon (Report)

    WWE Draft Probably Not Happening Anytime Soon (Report)

    The WWE Draft that was rumored to take place shortly after Clash of the Castle is no longer expected to take place.

    Earlier this month, it was reported by Fightful Select that members of the Raw roster were scheduled to appear on the first SmackDown after Clash at the Castle, while while SmackDown superstars were slated for the following week’s Raw.

    This led to a feeling amongst talent that WWE will be holding a Draft over the next several weeks. On Tuesday, we got another update that dispels that earlier report.

    Conflicting Reports

    Per Fightful, Raw talent is no longer scheduled to appear on SmackDown. While some WWE stars still expect a draft to be held, there’s reason to believe that’s not the case.

    The latest update is that sources within the USA Network are not aware of any plans for a WWE Draft taking place in September. In fact, April 2023, following WrestleMania 39, is a more likely timeframe for the next roster shakeup.

    “USA Network sources have told talent that the Draft isn’t happening in the immediate future, have outright stated to that after WrestleMania is a likelier landing spot.”

    – Fightful Select

    WWE has yet to announce anything related to an upcoming Draft. For now, it’s safe to say that your favorite Raw and Smackdown talent will be staying put for the foreseeable future. We’ll be tracking this story and will keep you posted if there are any developments.

  • Update on Backstage Environment In WWE Post Vince McMahon

    Update on Backstage Environment In WWE Post Vince McMahon

    The backstage atmosphere has had a “major positive change” since Vince McMahon’s departure according to a recent report.

    PWInsider reports that the feeling of “walking on eggshells” that was prevalent in certain departments is a thing of the past. Now, there seems to be a renewed hope and pride for those working in the company.

    One department that’s said to have seen one of the biggest changes is the production side of things. The change has been said to be “massively night and day.”

    With the likes of Nick Khan, Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon now leading the charge, nobody is yelling at the production truck or announcers anymore since the departure of the verbally “extremely heavy-handed” Vince McMahon.

    It’s also noted that Mondays and Fridays no longer feel like the worst days of the job for those working in production. Now, while days are still long and hard, nobody is walking in and out expecting some sort of “PTSD” to follow them the next day after TV.

    Vince McMahon

    Also, entire departments – announcers, cameramen, producers, directors, etc. – are said to be extremely happy over the past several weeks. One person said that they feel like they’re “allowed to feel like it’s fun to work here.”

    Everything has led to a better workflow, allowing the sharing of creative ideas and a more tight-nit department.

    Several people who were looking to leave the company just a few months ago are now reconsidering that decision.

    Many have described it as the  “honeymoon feeling” of the new regime, which has made a world of difference in their day to day professional lives.

  • Identity of the Man Who Went After AJ Styles on WWE Raw

    Identity of the Man Who Went After AJ Styles on WWE Raw

    A mystery man tried attacking AJ Styles on Monday’s edition of WWE Raw, but it wasn’t Dexter Lumis who was responsible.

    For the last several weeks, WWE has run an angle where Lumis has made numerous attempts to ‘invade’ Raw. He made his main roster return on the Aug. 8 episode of Raw after Styles defeated The Miz. Lumis almost hopped over the ringside barricade until their security guards stop him.

    On the Aug. 22 episode of Raw, WWE had the same angle with a slight twist. When Styles was outside the ring for his match, an attacker tried to hop over the barricade. However, the attacker wasn’t Lumis, and WWE security escorted the person away.

    To be clear, the company planned this to happen, and it was to set up a surprise for when Lumis did appear. However, people were curious about the identity of the mysterious kayfabe attacker.

    Who Attacked AJ Styles on Raw?

    The Local Competitor’s social media account helped identify the attacker as local talent Rajan Hustler. He trains at Battle Arts Academy and wrestles in Canada, where Raw was taking place.

    It seemed like WWE was teasing that Lumis wanted to go after Styles, but it’s unclear after the recent episode of Raw. Instead of going after “The Phenomenal One,” Lumis turned his attention to Miz and kidnapped him.

    Lumis has tried to invade in matches with Styles, but it also included Miz’s involvement. The company may be trying to surprise fans with Lumis feuding with Miz, not Styles.

    It’s unclear where Lumis took Miz or if that is the feud the company has planned. While the company hasn’t addressed where the Miz is, they may address the situation on the next episode of Raw. It’s unlikely that the “A-List Superstar” would take his kidnapping lightly.

    Who do you think Lumis’s first main roster feud will be against?

  • Victoria Says She Won’t Rule Out a Return to WWE

    Victoria Says She Won’t Rule Out a Return to WWE

    In 2002, Lisa Marie Varon appeared on WWE TV as Victoria, the bitter ex-friend of then-Women’s Champion Trish Stratus. 

    As Victoria, Varon would become a two-time Women’s Champion, holding the title in both 2002 and later from 2003-2004. 

    In 2009, Victoria left WWE, but could be on her way back to the promotion soon.

    A Return to the Ring.

    Since Victoria left WWE in 2009, a lot has changed in regards to the company’s treatment of female talent. 

    At the 2021 Royal Rumble, Victoria had her first WWE match in almost 12 years, entering the Women’s Rumble match at #10 and was the fifth woman eliminated. 

    While speaking with Alyx’s World, Varon said she will not rule out a return to the company under the right circumstances (via Wrestling Inc.)

    “There’s a lot to consider, like how much time do I have to get ready, because that would be make or break for me. ‘We want you to come back in a week.’ The fans are going to crap on me. I can’t get ready in a week for a match. Not with the caliber of girls they have now. I would need some time to prepare. But you never say never, right?”

    “Never say never, right?”

    Lisa Marie Varon on a possible WWE return.

    “The r-word is bad, retiring, because you never know. It’s almost like ‘I better not say this, because I know it’s going to bite me in the butt.’”

    There have been no reports as to if WWE has an interest in bringing Victoria back.

    Varon After WWE

    After leaving WWE in 2009, Varon joined TNA Wrestling in May that year working under the name Tara (short for Tarantula, a nod to her WWE days as a ‘Black Widow.’

    That July, Tara won the TNA Knockouts Championship, a title she’d hold on five occasions.

  • How WWE Kept Johnny Gargano Return Secret

    How WWE Kept Johnny Gargano Return Secret

    WWE managed to keep a major surprise under wraps for last night’s Monday Night RAW, as Johnny Gargano made his return.

    The former NXT star made his shock return during last night’s show, cutting a promo and declaring his intentions to win multiple titles on the WWE main roster. This led to a confrontation with Theory, who Gargano left laid out in the ring after a super kick.

    Gargano returning was a big shock to everyone, as there were no indications that he would be returning this week. PWInsider reports that Gargano was hidden from everyone backstage, and wasn’t even mentioned on the run sheet for the show.

    WWE Talent Surprised by Gargano’s Return

    Most of everyone backstage didn’t even know he was there until he was brought to the gorilla position. Gargano was reportedly flown into Canada on WWE’s corporate jet in order to keep him from being spotted by fans.

    Also, many within the company noted that Gargano was brought back without a name change. This could be an indication that the old Vince McMahon way of refusing to use real names or independent names is now a thing of the past.

    It was also noted that Gargano’s wife, Candice LaRae, was not backstage with him. It remains to be seen if she returns alongside him in the near future.

  • Trish Stratus Recalls Feeling Like She Didn’t Belong in WWE

    Trish Stratus Recalls Feeling Like She Didn’t Belong in WWE

    Trish Stratus is regarded as one of the WWE Superstars of all time. Despite her accomplishments, she hasn’t lost sight of her humble beginnings in the business.

    Earlier this month, Stratus became the first woman to accept the Lou Thesz Award as part of her induction into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. The success didn’t come overnight. It was a long road to the top for the 7-time Women’s champion.

    Stratus recently sat down with DS Shin for Ring The Belle and revealed she was initially hesitant to present herself as a WWE Superstar.

    “In the beginning, we would be at the airport [somebody would] be like, ‘Are you a wrestler?’ and I wouldn’t say yes because I felt like I didn’t deserve it.”

    – Trish Stratus

    WWE Rookie

    Trish Stratus made her WWE debut in 2000 during the Attitude Era. She started off as a heel manager for T&A (Test and Albert) and Val Venis. It wasn’t long before she was competing in matches. By early 2001, still in her rookie year, Stratus was thrust into the spotlight and featured in a prominent storyline with former WWE boss, Vince McMahon.

    Stratus tells Ring the Bell that she initially felt insecure about her role in WWE. She didn’t take the traditional path to the world’s most prominent wrestling organization. As a former fitness model, she bypassed the independent minor leagues. Had she earn the right to call herself a wrestler?

    “In the beginning, we would be at the airport, [somebody would] be like, ‘Are you a wrestler?’ and I wouldn’t say yes because I felt like I didn’t deserve it, even though I was wrestling, but it was almost like I don’t want the boys to hear me saying ‘Yeah I’m wrestler’ and then going ‘You’re not a wrestler. Who do you think you are?’

    Even though I’m doing the same road schedule as them, I was working every weekend. I was having matches, but it just felt like [I didn’t belong]. I don’t know, it took me a long time to be like ‘I’m a worker. It’s like, respectful of the business.

    [I wondered ] ‘Do I deserve to be called a wrestler?’ I mean , I didn’t come up the traditional way. I didn’t come up in the in the minor leagues or so to speak, indies and stuff.”

    The humility served Trish Stratus well. She found her way in WWE, to say the least. After several WrestleMania appearances and rivalries that are still spoken about until this day, she retired as Women’s champion in 2007.

    She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 and has competed several times since then, including a ‘dream match’ against Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam 2019.

    Stratus was back on Raw this week in her hometown of Toronto and teased that we may not have seen the last of her in the ring.

    Watch Trish Stratus’ full interview with Ring the Belle:

    Please credit Ring the Belle with a link to SEScoops if you use any of the quotes transcribed in this article.

  • Finn Balor Has a New Theme Song and it May Be His Best One Yet

    Finn Balor Has a New Theme Song and it May Be His Best One Yet

    Finn Balor debuted a new theme song on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, and it may be his best one yet.

    Balor has been undergoing quite a bit of changes over the past several weeks. Initially, it looked as though a trio was forming between Balor, AJ Styles, and Liv Morgan to take on The Judgement Day.

    The original three members of The Judgement Day were made up of Edge, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley. However, Balor eventually turned heel, joining Judgement Day and helping Priest and Ripley toss Edge out of the group.

    Now, still aligned with Judgement Day, Balor is a full-blown heel on Monday Night RAW, and he’s spicing things up with a new entrance theme.

    Finn Balor
    (via WWE)

    Finn Balor’s New Theme Music

    Prior to his match with Dolph Ziggler, Balor made his way to the ring accompanied by Ripley. It was during this entrance where Balor debuted his new song.

    Prior to the matchup, Balor had a backstage segment with Ziggler, in which Ziggler struck Balor, knocking him down to the ground. This set up their matchup just moments later, which Balor would go on to win.

    Balor re-appeared later that night, assisting Ripley and Priest in attacking Edge after “The Rated-R Superstar” picked up a big win in singles action over Priest.

    Luckily for Edge, his wife and WWE Hall Of Famer Beth Phoenix came to his aid, fending off Judgement Day with a steel chair to close the show.

    It’s safe to say Balor and The Judgement Day haven’t seen the last of Edge and Phoenix moving forward.

  • Second ‘Undertaker 1 deadMAN SHOW’ Announced for Cardiff

    Second ‘Undertaker 1 deadMAN SHOW’ Announced for Cardiff

    The Undertaker is headed to Cardiff, Wales next month.

    WWE has announced The Undertaker’s “1 deadMAN SHOW” stage show will take place Friday, September 2nd at the New Theatre in Cardiff.

    This is the day before WWE’s Clash at the Castle stadium show from Principality Stadium.

    Update: Due to overwhelming demand, WWE has added a second 1 deadMAN SHOW to the Undertaker’s upcoming trip to the UK. An ‘early bird’ show will be held at 1:30pm, ahead of the originally scheduled 8pm evening show.

    There will be VIP Meet and Greet sessions prior to each show.

    Undertaker’s 1 deadMAN Show

    1 deadMAN SHOW
    (WWE)

    UNDERTAKER 1 deadMAN SHOW features The Phenom in an intimate setting, sharing never-before-heard stories from his Hall of Fame career and taking questions from fans in attendance.

    These will be the second (and third) presentations of The Undertaker’s new stage show. The first installment took place last month from Nashville, TN during SummerSlam weekend.

    The first show was well-received and drew a strong house on the opening night, despite going head-to-head with the Roast of Ric Flair in the same city.

    If you’re attending WWE Clash at the Castle on Saturday, September 3rd, this is your chance to see WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker like you’ve never seen him before.

    Tickets for the upcoming 1 deadMAN SHOW go on sale this Friday at 10am BST via NewTheatreCardiff.co.uk.

    Recent News about The Undertaker

  • Edge May Have Found The Perfect Partner For His Fight Against Judgement Day

    Edge May Have Found The Perfect Partner For His Fight Against Judgement Day

    It appears that WWE Hall of Famer Edge may have found the perfect partner to help him in his ongoing feud against The Judgement Day after tonight’s Raw.

    WWE presented the Red Branded Show from Toronto, Canada this week which is the hometown of former world champion Edge. The wrestling veteran competed in the main event of the show. His wife Beth Phoenix was at the ringside for this bout.

    Edge took on Damian Priest in a one-on-one match and defeated the former US champion with a spear. However, the rest of Judgement Day attacked the former world champion after this match.

    Phoenix then made the save. She didn’t get physical but still helped fend off the attackers. The show ended with The Judgement Day in retreat.

    Will Beth Phoenix Return To The Ring?

    Both Edge and The Mysterios have been feuding with Judgement Day for a while now. The latest altercation suggests that this feud is far from over.

    The one thing they have been missing, however, is a female star who can help even the odds with the faction of Priest, Finn Balor, and Rhea Ripley.

    Beth Phoenix worked as a full-time NXT commentator during the Wednesday Wars era. She left the commentary team in December last year after the development show was rebranded.

    If Beth Phoenix does return to the ring against Judgment Day, it won’t be the first time. She joined Edge for a mixed tag match against The Miz and Maryse at Royal Rumble earlier this year as well.

  • Triple H Could be About to Rehire an Important Backstage Name from WWE NXT

    Triple H Could be About to Rehire an Important Backstage Name from WWE NXT

    In July, Triple H was appointed WWE’s Head of Creative, replacing his father-in-law Vince McMahon in the role.

    Not only that, but ‘The Game’ has been made Head of Talent Relations, replacing John Laurinaitis, and has made some huge changes already.

    Bringing back talent including Dexter Lumis, Karrion Kross and Hit Row have been just some of the changes Triple H has made.

    Rehiring

    Triple H has re-hired several Superstars he worked with as part of NXT, but a name from the brand’s backstage team could be back soon.

    According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, there is word that WWE is interested in bringing back Ryan Katz.

    Katz had been with WWE until January this year, when he and several names from NXT were released.

    Like the rest of the January cuts, Katz had worked closely with Triple H, and had been with NXT since 2015.

    Sapp adds that there were rumors last month that he could already have been back in WWE, but those have not been confirmed.

    Ryan Katz

    Katz appeared on WWE TV as the announcer for The Vaudevillains during the tag-team’s entrance video.

    In his time away from WWE, Katz has been hosting a podcast with ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James, who has been rehired by the company.

    Fans may know Katz for his work in Wrestling Society X as Fabian Kaelin, and in TNA as Minion.

    In WWE, Katz was part of the entrance for the Vaudevillains, announcing the former NXT Tag Team Champions to the ring.

    He also appeared as a Rosebud and was a part of Kane and Daniel Bryan’s anger management segments in 2012. 

    5 Changes We Want to See with Triple H Running WWE Creative
  • “Beyond Proud To Be Here” – Johnny Gargano on WWE Return

    “Beyond Proud To Be Here” – Johnny Gargano on WWE Return

    Johnny Gargano made his shocking return to WWE on tonight’s RAW after leaving the promotion in late 2021. His promo was interrupted by Theory, who was in “The Way” faction with Gargano in NXT.

    Theory was disrespectful towards Johnny and suggested that he carry his bags now that he is a part of the main roster. The 25-year-old wanted a high-five from Johnny Wrestling but got a Superkick to the face instead.

    Gargano Comments on WWE Return

    Following this week’s edition of RAW, Gargano was interviewed backstage in a WWE Digital Exclusive. The former NXT Champion said that he was still at a loss for words following his return and was concerned that people weren’t going to remember him after being away for so long.

    Gargano added that even though he accomplished a lot in NXT, there was still a part of him that was a nervous wreck leading up to his return. Gargano also discussed why he chose to return to the company after he stepped away nine months ago:

    “I said that I came back for a lot of different reasons, but first of all I wanted to be Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, WWE Champion, and I want to wrestle at WrestleMania. There is only one place you can do that, and that is here in WWE. That is why I came back. That is why I am beyond proud to be here.”

    Bonus: ‘Baby Wrestling’ Also Reacts

    Johnny noted that there was a “Baby Wrestling!” chant during his promo from the WWE Universe and that his son will appreciate that when he gets older.

  • Kayla Braxton Blasts Gay Ex-WWE Employee who Mocked her Coming Out

    Kayla Braxton Blasts Gay Ex-WWE Employee who Mocked her Coming Out

    In March last year, Kayla Braxton came out as bisexual, saying that she chooses being over having to choose between men and women.

    In response, Braxton received a ton of support from those both in the industry and from fans, who accepted who she is.

    Not everyone was as supportive however, including someone who worked for WWE at the time.

    The Ex-Superstar

    Not long after her public coming out, Braxton deactivated her Twitter account, with many believing it was due to harassment.

    It turns out that it wasn’t just some fans who had an issue with her coming out, but an ex-Superstar decided that it was a point of ridicule.

    Taking to Twitter this week, Braxton said that an ex-WWE employee, who is also gay, mocked her announcement and “made jokes about my revelation.”

    Braxton would get the last laugh though, as she added that the ex-Superstar not only has been released but is “the main character in my new fav movie airing on TMZ.”

    Braxton’s tweet, which has since been deleted, read:

    “A little over a year ago, I came out publicly about my sexuality. (For those who are just tuning in, I like both) Around the time I came out, a former coworker who’s also gay, made jokes about my revelation. Anyway – he’s now the main character in my new fav movie airing on TMZ.”

    Jake Atlas

    Braxton didn’t name who she was referring to, but many people believe it is Jake Atlas.

    In February 2018, Atlas came out as gay, and was released by WWE last year.

    This week, TMZ shared footage from Atlas’ arrest in May after an incident with his boyfriend that led to the ex-Superstar being charged with battery.

    The charges against Atlas were dropped in June.

    Jake Atlas Insults Boyfriend in Bizarre Arrest Video
  • WWE Official Adam Pearce Requests Information About Kidnapped RAW Star

    WWE Official Adam Pearce Requests Information About Kidnapped RAW Star

    WWE official Adam Pearce is determined to find a WWE Superstar that was kidnapped during this week’s episode of RAW.

    The Miz and Ciampa battled United States Champion Bobby Lashley and AJ Styles in a tag team match tonight on the red brand. The action spilled out of the ring and AJ connected with a Phenomenal Forearm and leaned against the barricade for a breather. A mysterious man appeared behind AJ and grabbed him but security quickly broke it. The man was then escorted out of the arena and the match continued.

    The Miz capitalized on the distraction and beat down Styles outside the ring. He then leaned up against the barricade for a moment and Dexter Lumis showed up. With a crazed look in his eyes, Dexter dragged The Miz all the way up the stairs and out of the Scotiabank Arena. The tag team match ended in a no contest, but Lashley opted to level Ciampa with a Spear anyway.

    After RAW went off the air, Adam Pearce took to Twitter to get the word out that The Miz is nowhere to be found. If you or anyone close to you have seen The Miz, please contract WWE official Adam Pearce with the information.