SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Backstage Update On Johnny Gargano’s Return To WWE On RAW

    Backstage Update On Johnny Gargano’s Return To WWE On RAW

    Johnny Gargano made his surprising return to WWE on this week’s edition of RAW.

    He appeared during the final hour of RAW, just a few moments after The Miz was kidnapped by another returning NXT star, Dexter Lumis. Johnny Wrestling made his way to the ring to a great reaction from the Toronto crowd and delivered a promo on he decided to return to the company after nine months away.

    The 35-year-old stated that he wanted to become the Intercontinental Champion, the United States Champion, the WWE Champion, and perform at WrestleMania. He added that he wanted to teach his newborn son to chase after his dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Money in the Bank winner Theory then interrupted and Johnny hit him with a Superkick to the face to end the segment.

    In a new report from Fightful Select, Johnny’s name did not appear on any rundowns before the show as WWE wanted to keep the return a secret. Most of the talent was unaware Johnny was in the Scotiabank Arena until a few minutes before he made his way to the ring.

    Fightful added that WWE was patient and respected Gargano’s wishes for time off. Johnny’s wife, former NXT Superstar Candice LeRae, gave birth to their son six months ago. WWE felt they had a significantly higher chance of bringing Johnny back to the promotion after Vince McMahon departed the company and Triple H took over creative.

    There were no “advanced conversations” between Johnny and All Elite Wrestling during his free agency, despite several people pushing for the promotion to sign him. IMPACT Wrestling was reportedly never seriously considered as a potential landing spot for Gargano.

  • Watch: Edge Makes Massive Career Announcement After Raw In Toronto

    Watch: Edge Makes Massive Career Announcement After Raw In Toronto

    WWE Hall of Famer Edge has made a big career announcement and revealed the intention to take retirement from in ring action next year.

    This week’s episode of Raw was held in Toronto. It saw the Rated R Superstar battling against Damian Priest in a one-on-one match in the main event of the show.

    Edge picked up the victory in this match with a spear. The rest of the Judgement day then attacked the wrestling veteran. Beth Phoenix made the save to end the show.

    After the broadcast ended, the former world champion addressed the fans. He first mentioned how his comeback started in Toronto when he hit a spear on Elias during SummerSlam 2019.

    Edge Confirms Plans For His Retirement

    The Hall of Famer thanked all the fans. Edge then revealed his intention to retire from in ring action when WWE visits Toronto again:

    “I can’t wait to hopefully come back one last time here in Toronto. I’ve been looking at the calendar, we usually come here in August. So next August I plan on seeing each and every one of you. And in a perfect world, we all say goodbye to each other that night”

    Things can obviously change between now and then but Edge has made it clear that he isn’t planning to continue his wrestling career for long.

    Edge made a surprise return to WWE at the 2020 Royal Rumble after nearly nine years away from the ring.

  • Former Raw General Manager Returning Next Week

    Former Raw General Manager Returning Next Week

    WWE Hall of Famer and former Raw General Manager Kurt Angle has been announced for an appearance on next week’s episode of the Monday night show.

    Next week’s episode of the Red Branded Show will be held from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. It’s the hometown of the Olympic Gold Medallist.

    There is no word yet on what Angle will be doing on the show. It’s likely that he gets involved in a storyline similar to how a returning Trish Stratus was confronted by Bayley and her stable on Raw tonight.

    The former world champion was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017. He was then appointed the new General Manager of Raw.

    Kurt Angle also made his in-ring return for the company during this run. He originally replaced Roman Reigns in a match and teamed with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose during the 2017 TLC event.

    The veteran went on to have multiple matches after this. He competed in bouts such as the traditional Survivor Series elimination match and more.

    This run ended with Angle competing in a retirement match at WrestleMania 35. He faced Baron Corbin and lost the bout.

    His last WWE TV appearance came earlier this year when Kurt sent a video message to John Cena congratulating him on the 20th anniversary of his WWE debut in June.

  • Johnny Gargano Returns to WWE on Raw

    Johnny Gargano Returns to WWE on Raw

    In the third hour of Monday’s WWE Raw, Johnny Gargano walked out to the ring to a big ovation. 

    Gargano cut a promo about his accomplishments in NXT before telling a story about how he wondered for a long time if he even wanted to do this still. Gargano recalled having big dreams as a kid and becoming the Intercontinental and WWE Champion. He said he can never fail if he bets on himself, and that’s what he is doing. He said that he’s back in WWE and just getting started. 

    The Way Reunion

    Theory walked out and said a lot has happened in the last nine months. Gargano said it’s great to see how much Theory has changed. Theory said he’s on his way to becoming the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion and brought up everything he’s accomplished. Theory said everything he’s done is everything Gargano has dreamed of doing. Theory thanked him for what he did for him in NXT, but noted that he’s now the veteran, and Gargano is now the rookie. Theory said Gargano can get behind him or go away. Theory wanted a high five, and Gargano super kicked him to end the segment. 

    Following an assault by Grayson Waller intended to put Gargano out of commission on television, he ended his tenure in WWE NXT in December of last year as he decided to not re-sign with the company. 

    Ahead of the birth of his first child, Quill, Gargano took time off to be with his wife, Candice LeRae. He had previously teased that he “caught the itch” to pick up wrestling once more and has participated in meet-and-greet events.

    Gargano previously stated that he still had unfinished business with the WWE, but he also believed that all of his options are open to him. Therefore, he had not yet made up his mind about what to do next and had remained a free agent. 

    It was recently reported that following Triple H being put into charge of talent relations and creative, he wanted to bring Gargano back and put Shawn Michaels up to the task to get it done. 

  • Road Dogg Returns To WWE, Key NXT Figure May Be Back As Well

    Road Dogg Returns To WWE, Key NXT Figure May Be Back As Well

    Road Dogg is back in the saddle in WWE.Brian James is returning to an executive position, as first reported by PWinsider. The Attitude Era legend and DX alum is backstage at Monday’s Raw from Toronto.

    Road Dogg will take over as Senior Vice President of Live Events, a position held by Jeff Jarrett until this week, per Wrestlevotes.

    There is said to be another key hire in the works.

    Triple H’s Team Continues To Expand

    Triple H

    According to Fightful, WWE has had an interest in bringing Katz back into the fold after he was let go this past January. While with the company, he was an integral figure creatively for the NXT brand for almost seven years. 

    The report noted they’ve “heard that Katz is expected back if he isn’t already, and had remained close with several in NXT. There were some rumors last month that he could already have been back in the fold, but if not, the interest was already there on WWE’s end.”

    Katz has been hosting a podcast with Road Dogg since being let go by WWE. He appeared in Wrestling Society X as Fabian Kaelin, and in TNA as Minion. He was also part of Kane and Daniel Bryan’s anger management skits. 

    Road Dogg had been working as the head of creative for SmackDown until he resigned from that role because, in his words, Vince McMahon’s work ethic “tapped me out.” Road Dogg then went to NXT, where he worked under Triple H before being let go this past January.

  • Kevin Nash Tried To Get The Undertaker To Join the nWo

    Kevin Nash Tried To Get The Undertaker To Join the nWo

    Kevin Nash reveals what WWE legend he wanted to jump ship to WCW, and join the now deceased company’s top faction, the New World Order (nWo).

    The Hall of Famer was a guest on his old boss Eric Bischoff’s 83 Weeks podcast to discuss all things WCW, which is where the former world champion revealed how he had talks with the Undertaker about changing sides during the height of the Monday Night Wars.

    Nash states that his pitch to Taker was that he had no bargaining power in WWE as long as he remained under the Deadman gimmick.

    “The Undertaker was the one that I was trying to get. That was the one and I’m not saying – I just told him ‘You gotta switch up your gimmick man.’ I said ‘You’ve got no bargaining power whatsoever as long as you stay in that Undertaker gimmick.”

    After a temporary hiatus Undertaker would return to WWE as the iconic American Badass character, a completely different tase from the Phenom. Nash says he doesn’t credit himself for Taker’s gimmick change, but does acknowledge that the character was more likely to succeed outside of WWE.

    “I’m not saying that made him turn into the American Badass, I’m just saying that American Badass you can take pretty much wherever you wanna go. They had to pay those guys money, if they wanted to keep them they had to pay them.”

    On the same episode Bischoff revealed his fantasy booking plans for Undertaker had he joined WCW, which would have seen him oppose the nWo rather than join it. You can read about that here.

    Nash also discussed this topic on the latest edition of his Kliq This podcast. The big man was asked about Shawn Michaels potentially being the third-man, an idea that Nash couldn’t even really wrap his head around due to Shawn being the world champion in WWE at the time.

    “Shawn just got the world title in the WWE so he’s not coming f***ing anywhere. Two years in after he had dropped it I made a push to get him in but by then they were giving guaranteed money. I thought Taker was a great one. I tried to get Mark to come over.”

    He then explained how Bischoff wanted it to look like WWE was invading WCW, so Hulk Hogan being the third-man was the perfect option.

    “The thing with Hulk was that Eric’s idea was that he wanted it to look like the WWE was invading Turner. We’re going back and forth with the skits and all this other sh*t…there was nobody that was more branded as WWF (WWE) than the yellow and red Hulk Hogan. “

    You can check out Nash’s full quotes below.

    (Please credit Sescoops if any quotes are used)

  • Spoiler on a Big Angle Planned for Tonight’s WWE Raw

    Spoiler on a Big Angle Planned for Tonight’s WWE Raw

    Triple H has a notable angle planned for tonight’s episode of WWE Raw as Fightful Select has learned of some additional early plans for the event.

    It was said that WWE has brought in several extras for an angle that will feature riot police. This is believed to be something for Dexter Lumis as he continues to invade Raw. It was said the angle is for the police to keep him out. 

    Dexter Lumis’ Push

    Dexter Lumis on Raw

    Since returning to WWE a few weeks ago, Lumis tried to jump the barricade and attack AJ Styles but was stopped by security. There was also a car wreck backstage at the arena. 

    Riddle, Lashley, Theory, Miz, Street Profits, MVP, Omos, and Alpha Academy are all set to at least be in town for the show but haven’t been announced yet.

    WWE has previously announced Damian Priest vs. Edge, WWE Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus appearing, and YO Sky & Dakota Kai vs. Alexa Bliss & Asuka in the semifinal match of the Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament.

    It should be noted Bryan Alvarez of F4Wonline.com reports WWE is making another change to the Women’s Tag Team Title tournament.

    PWInsider reports that Beth Phoenix is in town for Raw so she could make an appearance to aid her husband, Edge, in his match if there is outside interference by Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley. 

  • Hip-Hop Superstar Cardi B Tweets About Her Love For Edge and Lita

    Hip-Hop Superstar Cardi B Tweets About Her Love For Edge and Lita

    Cardi B is a big fan of WWE, and an even bigger fan of two WWE Hall of Famers.

    The 29-year-old rap sensation took to Twitter to shout out two of the company’s greatest superstars, Edge and Lita. The duo’s relationship was covered on the A&E biography about Edge that recently aired over the weekend.

    Cardi writes, “I used to love them….they was such a sexy ass couple …This was truly my wwe era …even tho I was a Trish Stratus girl I used to love this couple.”

    Edge and Lita’s relationship on-screen included a live-sex celebration that scored WWE one of their biggest television ratings of the year. However, the relationship quietly ended as their on-screen appearances together eventually faded away.

    As for Cardi, this isn’t the first time she has tweeted about her love of pro-wrestling, specifically WWE. Her recent hit “Hot Sh*t” pays homage to the late Jimmy Superfly Snuka, and got her conversing online with Snuka’s daughter Tamina, as well as Natalya. Another of Cardi’s hit songs, “Up,” was used as the theme for SummerSlam 2021 from Las Vegas.

  • WWE Hall Of Famer Backstage at RAW Tonight

    WWE Hall Of Famer Backstage at RAW Tonight

    Another WWE Hall Of Famer is backstage for tonight’s Monday Night RAW.

    Beth Phoenix is in Toronto and backstage for Monday Night RAW tonight, according to PWInsider. Phoenix’s husband, fellow WWE Hall Of Famer Edge, is set to compete against Damian Priest tonight in singles action.

    It remains to be seen if Phoenix will actually be a part of the show. She could simply be ringside for Edge’s match tonight, or she could get physically involved. Rhea Ripley could certainly play a factor in the match tonight, prompting Phoenix to get involved on her husband’s behalf.

    Beth Phoenix at RAW in Toronto

    Edge Beth Phoenix

    Regardless, the match between Priest and Edge has been weeks in the making after Priest led an assault on “The Rated-R Superstar” to kick him out of The Judgement Day. They’ll finally settle their differences in Edge’s hometown tonight.

    Phoenix isn’t the only Hall Of Famer slated for RAW tonight. As previously reported, former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus is also set to appear on RAW tonight. Her appearance was confirmed on last week’s episode of SmackDown Live.

    Stratus retired from professional wrestling back in 2006, but has made sporadic appearances for WWE over the years since. She did return to the ring in 2019 for a match with Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam in a losing effort.

  • Nikkita Lyons Shuts Down Rumor About Missing SmackDown

    Nikkita Lyons Shuts Down Rumor About Missing SmackDown

    Nikkita Lyons has shut down a rumor about her recent removal from SmackDown Live.

    Initially, Lyons and Zoey Stark vs. Natalya & Sonya Deville was advertised for last week’s SmackDown in a Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament bout. However, that bout did not happen, as Natalya and Deville instead took on the NTX duo of Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne).

    Dolin and Jayne actually won the match, advancing in the tournament. They’ll now compete in a semi-finals bout next week. It should be noted that Stark suffered an injury during her match against NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose last week at NXT Heatwave.

    Nikkita Lyons
    (via WWE)

    A subsequent report suggested that Lyons was actually pulled from SmackDown after she wasn’t allowed into Canada for the show. Canada has strict immigration policies on those traveling to the country, and Lyons is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

    Canada requires proof of vaccination upon entrance to the country. However, Lyons has since denied that her vaccination status had anything to do with her removal from the show, responding to a fan on Twitter.

    Lyons assured fans her removal had nothing to do with COVID-19, but seemed reluctant to give the true reason at this current point in time. However, she did tease potentially revealing the real reason behind her removal soon.

  • Ex-WWE Star Hospitalized in Puerto Rico

    Ex-WWE Star Hospitalized in Puerto Rico

    A former WWE star has reportedly been hospitalized in Puerto Rico.

    IWA Puerto Rico announced on their Twitter page that ex-WWE star Savio Vega was rushed to the hospital on Saturday. The veteran is said to be in stable condition at the moment and is still undergoing various tests.

    There’s no exact indication as to what Vega is being hospitalized for, but he appears to be conscious and alert in photos.

    Savio Vega Hospitalized

    Savio Vega Hospitalized

    Here’s the news from IWA Puerto Rico (translated):

    “Yesterday, Saturday, Savio Vega had to be transferred to a hospital in an emergency. He is still under treatment. You need to rest to recover as soon as possible. He has his phone at hand to communicate only with his relatives.

    “We request space. Thanks. In an update for our fans, Savio Vega is still in the hospital and undergoing a series of treatments. We wish him a speedy recovery. http://iwapuertorico.com.”

    The 58-year-old Vega began his professional wrestling career back in 1987. He was with WWE from 1994 to 1999. Although he was a member of The Nation Of Domination during his run with WWE, he never was able to record a title victory with the promotion.

    Since, Vega has competed all around the independent circuit, as well as a brief run with IMPACT Wrestling.

  • WWE Legend: Wrestling is Littered With Meaningless Titles

    WWE Legend: Wrestling is Littered With Meaningless Titles

    Championships are meant to signify greatness in pro wrestling. In a sport focused around in-ring exhibitions, title belts are the ultimate goal of every competitor. When used effectively, they can draw huge money and spark business. When a company has too many championships, their value diminishes.

    Wrestling legend Bully Ray knows a thing or two about having gold around his waist. As one half of the Dudley Boyz, he’s one of the most decorated tag team wrestlers in history. He’s seen championships booked correctly and he’s seen opportunities squandered due to poor planning.

    Bully Ray recently spoke with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston. During a discussion about whether or not the NWA should add a secondary Women’s Championship, Bully Ray spoke about the broader topic of championships in wrestling.

    Make Them Matter

    WWE and AEW, the top wrestling promotions in the United States, feature so many sanctioned titles that it’s difficult to keep track of them all.

    Does WWE need two world champions, two sets of tag champions, two mid-card titles, a comedy title, in addition to all the belts in NXT and NXT UK?

    Does AEW need two mid-card men’s titles (TNT and All-Atlantic), an unsanctioned FTW title and new Trios titles?

    According to Bully Ray, we’ve got a problem on our hands.

    “I think the wrestling industry is littered with championships that don’t mean a damn thing.”

    – Bully Ray

    Thankfully, there are some glimmers of hope. Bully Ray pointed out that WWE has done a phenomenal job re-establishing the Intercontinental and United States Championships in recent weeks. Those belts had been watered down to be nothing more than props, but Triple H has given fans a reason to understand and appreciate their lineage.

    Bully Ray said it would be great for the NWA to create a Women’s TV Championship, as a ‘workhorse’ title, and would be open to the idea of Women’s Tag titles, if they have enough women to warrant them.

    Watch Bully Ray’s interview with Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston:

  • Watch Roman Reigns Break Character For Young WWE Fan

    Watch Roman Reigns Break Character For Young WWE Fan

    Roman Reigns portrays the most dominant villain in WWE, but the Tribal Chief still goes out of his way to create special moments for young fans.

    Reigns was back in action this past weekend during WWE’s weekend tour of Canada. He does not appear at many non-televised live events these days. However, he did compete at Saturday Night’s Main Event from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Canada.

    Reigns successfully retained the Undisputed Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus in a triple threat match.

    After the match, he was making his way backstage when a fan got his attention.

    Reigns Breaks Character for a Good Cause

    As seen below, a father told Roman Reigns that his son loves him and it’s his birthday. Reigns stopped in his tracks, embraced the child, shook his hand and wished him a happy birthday. The father couldn’t contain himself and screamed, “holy sh*t” in excitement.

    The Reigns vs. McIntyre vs. Sheamus bout was a tune-up for Reigns’ upcoming showdown with McIntyre at WWE Clash at the Castle.

    The heavyweight Superstars are scheduled to headline the upcoming Clash At The Castle premium live event from Cardiff, Wales on September 3rd. This will be WWE’s first UK stadium show in thirty years.

    WWE Saturday Night Slam Results

    August 20, 2022, Ottawa, Canada, Canadian Tire Centre

    • Los Lotharios defeated Butch & Ridge Holland
    • Natalya defeated Shotzi
    • Gunther retained the Intercontinental championship against Shinsuke Nakamura
    • Ricochet defeated Happy Corbin in a No DQ Match
    • Sami Zayn defeated Madcap Moss
    • Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler defeated Smackdown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan & Aliyah
    • Roman Reigns defended the Undisputed Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre and Sheamus
  • Big E Health Update 5 Months After Breaking His Neck

    Big E Health Update 5 Months After Breaking His Neck

    Big E has provided an update on his health five months after breaking his neck.

    The former WWE Champion was Ryan Satin’s latest guest on the Out of Character podcast for Fox Sports. During their discussion, he spoke about his health over the last few months and what the road to recovery looks like.

    At this stage, he’s feeling good. More than anything, he’s grateful. When he fractured the C1 and C4 vertebrae in his neck, he could have been paralyzed. He could have died. He’s not experiencing any pain or weakness, which is nothing short of a miracle.

    He’s unsure if he’ll ever be cleared to wrestle again. The next big update will come in March 2023, one year after the injury. His C1 is not completely ossifying (the bone is not reforming), which could prevent him from getting back in the ring.

    Big E Injury Update

    Big E is says his neck is ‘good enough’ that doctors aren’t worried about his ability to live a normal life. Here’s the word straight from Big E:

    “For right now, I’m cleared to live a normal life and I do live a normal life. But, I’m not cleared to be taking off and hitting suicide spears and be to be taking back bumps. The nature of what we do is very physical, it involves your neck and your spine, and I’d like to keep that as in tact as possible.

    So, for me right now, kind of the next step, is they want to take a look at it again after a year, get some more scans, so we’re talking about March 2023 to see whats doing. We might also along the way, at the 6 and 9 month mark, look it again. But, the upside is that right now, I have no nerve issues, there’s no tingling, no weakness.”

    I’ve been in the gym since 2 weeks after breaking my neck. They told me, ‘As long as your neck is in the brace, as long as you stay in the brace, you’re good for that.’

    So, yeah i’ve been working out, I feel great, I’m just really grateful. Honestly, it feels like a bullet whizzed by my face. I felt the wind of the bullet go by my head and I’m very grateful to still be here, to have use of my limbs, to still feel good. That’s really my biggest takeaway, is just gratitude. I try to be grateful that I’m still here. I’m still kicking.”

    Being an Introvert, Dating

    Elsewhere in the conversation, Big E spoke about being introverted. On television, he’s gyrating his hips and riling up the crowd. Some fans might be surprised to learn that when the cameras stop rolling, he likes to relax and have quiet time.

    Big E was asked about his dating life. He joked, “It’s a mess out here” and said, “It’s a mine field, don’t do it man!” He tends to be interested in women that don’t live anywhere near him. “I don’t know what I’m doing,” he said. “I don’t have it figured out.”

    He’s open to sharing his life with someone, but never felt the drive to settle down and start a family. He loves working, loves traveling and fears a partner would have a problem with his lifestyle.

    Catch Big E’s chat with Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast:

  • Superstars & Referee Win 24/7 Championship at WWE Live Event

    Superstars & Referee Win 24/7 Championship at WWE Live Event

    In WWE, title changes are usually reserved for Premium Live Events and TV shows but that’s not always the case.

    On rare occasions, WWE will have titles change hands at untelevised live events to give the fans in attendance an extra special moment.

    Title Changes

    At a WWE Live event in London, Ontario, Canada, the 24/7 Championship changed hands several times.

    Dana Brooke walked into the event as Champion but lost the title to Tamina Snuka.

    Snuka’s reign, her fifth reign overall, ended in seconds when she was pinned by Nikki A.S.H, marking the Scottish wrestler’s third reign as champion.

    WWE referee Shawn Bennett had his own brief moment of glory, pinning Nikki to win the title, marking the first time an active referee had become champion in WWE.

    Bennett’s history-making victory was also short-lived, as he lost the title an estimated ten seconds later to Snuka.

    Snuka’s sixth reign ended shortly after, being pinned by Brooke, who left the show with the 24/7 Title, now an eight-time holder of the gold.

    The 24/7 Championship

    Introduced by Mick Foley in 2019, the 24/7 Championship is WWE’s answer to the Hardcore Championship of the Attitude Era.

    Unlike its predecessor, the 24/7 title focuses on comedy rather than violent wrestling.

    While the title faced criticism from fans at first, thanks in part to its design, the championship would later win over audiences due who appreciated the comedic aspect of the title changes.

    Jeff Hardy Felt “Ashamed” Chasing the WWE 24/7 Championship
  • Alexa Bliss is Confident She is WWE Hall of Famer Material

    Alexa Bliss is Confident She is WWE Hall of Famer Material

    For the past two years, Alexa Bliss has been one of WWE’s most prominently featured Superstars.

    In mid-2020, Bliss became part of Bray Wyatt’s ‘The Fiend’ storyline, which she kept going after the former Universal Champion’s release in July 2021.

    Before being involved with The Fiend, Bliss saw success in both singles and tag-team action.

    The first woman to hold both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships, Bliss is a former Women’s Tag Team Champion and captured the 24/7 Championship earlier this year.

    Hall of Famer

    With her memorable storylines and championship reigns, it’s easy for Bliss to be considered a future WWE Hall of Famer.

    Speaking on the MackMania podcast, Alexa was asked whether she thinks she deserves to join the likes of Chyna, Mae Young, Trish Stratus, and Lita (via Sportskeeda.)

    “I think on paper, yes. On paper, I could be a Hall of Famer, 100%. You know, I’ve been very fortunate with the opportunities I’ve had in WWE, especially in my first couple of years on the roster.”

    Bliss gave no indication as to who could induct her when she becomes a WWE Hall of Famer.

    An Entire Class

    Alexa Bliss sees herself as a future WWE Hall of Famer, but she’s not the only current Superstar worthy of the honor.

    In that same interview, the former Women’s Champion also praised WWE’s current women’s roster.

    “On paper our whole women’s division technically yes, could be Hall of Famers.”

    Alexa Bliss on the current WWE’s Women’s division.

    WWE boasts an impressive women’s roster, including Charlotte Flair, who holds the record for the most Women’s Title reigns ever, as well as Becky Lynch, the first (and to-date only) woman to hold the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships simultaneously.

    Alexa Bliss Just Won her First Championship in Over Two Years
  • Edge on his Wrestling Career: “The End is in Sight”

    Edge on his Wrestling Career: “The End is in Sight”

    At the 2020 Royal Rumble Pay Per View, Edge made his in-ring return, almost nine years after his last match.

    It was on the post-WrestleMania 27 Raw in 2011 that Edge announced his in-ring retirement due to neck issues, and it was believed he’d never wrestle again.

    Since returning, Edge has feuded with some of WWE’s biggest stars including AJ Styles, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton and Seth Rollins.

    The End is Near

    Edge’s return to wrestling is nothing short of a miracle, but the WWE Hall of Famer will one-day have to retire all over again.

    Speaking with Bleacher Report for a new interview, Edge made it clear he’s well aware that he is on borrowed time.

    “I am enjoying and soaking in every moment with the complete realization that it’s going to end soon. I know the end is in sight and I can see it, and because of that, it makes me enjoy it more.”

    “I know the end is in sight and I can see it.”

    Edge on his return to pro-wrestling.

    What’s Left for Edge?

    Edge has accomplished plenty throughout his wrestling career, but there are some accolades left for the Rated-R Superstar to tick off his proverbial bucket list.

    The WWE Hall of Famer has headlined WrestleMania twice (24 and 37) but is yet to win the final match on WWE’s biggest event of the year.

    Edge is also yet to become Universal Champion, something he tried to do in 2021.

    More immediately, Edge will compete on tonight’s Raw in his native Toronto, facing Damian Priest.

    It is expected that he will compete at next month’s Clash at the Castle.

    Edge Confirms Reports About Judgement Day
  • Jeff Jarrett Departs From WWE (Report)

    Jeff Jarrett Departs From WWE (Report)

    Jeff Jarrett has finished up with WWE.

    PWInsider reports that the WWE Hall Of Famer departed from his position as Senior Vice President of Live Events. The belief is that he finished up this past Friday but that is not confirmed yet. 

    Jeff Jarrett’s Latest Stint

    WWE brought him back to work in 2019 as a producer and he was later part of the creative team before moving up to an executive role. 

    Jeff Jarrett

    Jarrett was one of many employees furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was brought back in May to run the live events department. Earlier this week WWE touted record ticket sales for WrestleMania 39 and live event attendance has also seen an uptick in recent months. 

    Jarrett hosts the “My World” podcast with Conrad Thompson on AdFreeShows.com. He will stay busy with that as well as being the part owner of The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Minor League Baseball team. 

    Jarrett worked Ric Flair’s Last Match with tag team partner Jay Lethal against Flair and Andrade El Idolo in the main event. The night before this event, Jarrett was the special referee at SummerSlam for the Tag Team Title match between The Usos and The Street Profits.

  • Top Dolla Addresses Swerve Strickland’s Absence from Hit Row

    Top Dolla Addresses Swerve Strickland’s Absence from Hit Row

    Hit Row made a “smash return” to WWE on the August 12th edition of Friday Night SmackDown. However, they are missing a key component of the original act.

    The group, which was comprised of Swerve Strickland, Top Dolla, Ashante “Thee” Adonis and B-Fab, were broken up and released from WWE at different points throughout 2021.

    Strickland later signed with All Elite Wrestling. Along with Keith Lee, he’s one half of the reigning AEW World tag team champions.

    The three remaining members now look to reestablish themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the SmackDown brand.

    During a recent appearance on the Jobbing Out podcast, Top Dolla spoke about how their WWE return came about and his thoughts about the group continuing without Swerve.

    Hit Row’s Road Back to WWE

    Hit Row member Top Dolla appeared on the Jobbing Out podcast this week and spoke about their road back to WWE. He never stopped talking to Triple H after his release. They kept in regular touch and said they have a strong relationship.

    He kept in touch with other members of WWE management, as well. The day after he was released from WWE, John Laurinaitis (former head of talent relations) called him and said Hit Row would be waned back in WW when the company resumes hiring.

    Top Dolla said the group knows they created something special. They never stopped plotting their return and were eager to get back to work. When Triple H came into power at WWE, Top Dolla was waiting for “the call” to return. That call came and he told Triple H the crew is ready to come back. Within a week or so, they were back on television.

    Hit Row

    Hit Row Without Swerve Strickland

    Of course, Top Dolla was asked about the absence of Swerve Strickland, the group’s breakout star during their initial run in NXT.

    The former NFL star said it’s not really a big deal, because the three remaining members have been working together for over two years and were a unit before Swerve was added to the group.

    “Swerve was added to the crew two weeks before we debuted. And – when we got released, he told us he wanted to do his own thing. We didn’t tell him he couldn’t be in Hit Row… He said he wanted to do his own thing. So, he’s doing his own thing.”

    – Top Dolla

    Top Dolla said he, Ashante “Thee” Adonis and B-Fab are the “OG-3.” The group was his creation and were just fine before Swerve was added. The three original members feed off of each other creatively and will be just fine on SmackDown.

    Listen to Top Dola’s appearance on the Jobbing Out podcast:

  • Karrion Kross & Scarlett to Appear at Indie Events Despite WWE Return

    Karrion Kross & Scarlett to Appear at Indie Events Despite WWE Return

    On the post-Summerslam 2022 edition of SmackDown, Karrion Kross and Scarlett returned to WWE.

    The pair had been released in November 2021 as part of ‘budget cuts’ mere months after WWE had promoted the two-time former NXT Champion to the main roster.

    Kross made an impact upon his return to WWE, attacking Drew McIntyre and facing off with Roman Reigns.

    Making Appearances

    Prior to his return to WWE, Kross (under the name Killer Kross) appeared for several promotions, including Chikara, CYN, MLW and NJPW Strong.

    On Twitter, Kross confirmed that from now on, he will only be competing in WWE rings and on WWE TV.

    However, the company is allowing both Kross and Scarlett to appear at independent events that had already been booked prior to the duo’s return to WWE.

    Kross made it clear these appearances will be for meet-and-greets only and that fans should not expect either of them to wrestle.

    The SmackDown Superstar added that he will only appear if the event does not overlap with his WWE schedule which takes precedence.

    The Main Event

    While Kross’ first stint on WWE’s main roster, his return has been an incredible sight to behold.

    Upon returning, Kross has been thrust into the main event scene, involving himself in the storyline between WWE’s arguable two biggest stars (Reigns and McIntyre.)

    It is believed that Kross and McIntyre will feud after WWE Clash at the Castle next month.

    There have been reports that WWE is planning for Reigns to face Kross at Survivor Series 2022 this coming November.

    Karrion Kross Reveals His Reaction To WWE Return
  • WWE Star Deactivates Twitter (Again) After Heated Exchange

    WWE Star Deactivates Twitter (Again) After Heated Exchange

    Social media can be a toxic place. This rings especially true for female celebrities, who are often the subject of targeted harassment.

    This weekend, WWE Superstar Shotzi deactivated her Twitter account (again) to get away from online negativity.

    The controversy began when Shotzi had a tense exchange with on-screen rival, SmackDown Women’s champion Liv Morgan. Morgan referenced Shotzi deactivating her Twitter account earlier this year, which led to the green-haired grappler firing back with an allegation that caused a lot of commotion on Wrestling Twitter.

    Shotzi Claims Liv Morgan Got Ruby Soho Fired

    Shotzi claims that Morgan is responsible for getting Ruby Soho released by WWE in June 2011.She told Morgan that she won’t be the next “green haired tattooed girl” to get run over. In fact, she’s the one that typically does the running over.

    Shotzi Deactivates Twitter Again

    Shotzi was attempting to stand up for her friend, but was inundated with messages calling her a bully towards Morgan.

    Things spiraled out of control when some fans sent death threats. Shotzi saw this as the right time to unplug.

    She said “Bye!” to her followers and sarcastically wrote that she’ll be back when she’s in the mood to “bully another one of her coworkers” again.

    As noted, this is the second time this year that Shotzi decided Twitter wasn’t for her. Just last month, she took a break from social media after fans mocked her for botching spots during the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

    After this latest exchange, it will be interesting to watch how Liv Morgan and Shotzi interact on WWE television. The two wrestled just days ago, on Friday’s episode of SmackDown. You can see footage from that match below.

    Morgan defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship against #1 contender Shayna Baszler at the upcoming Clash at the Castle premium live event on September 3.

  • Edge Confirms Reports About Judgement Day

    Edge Confirms Reports About Judgement Day

    WWE star Edge has confirmed the reports that him getting kicked out of The Judgement Day wasn’t the original plan for the group.

    The Rated R Superstar recently had an interview with Bleacher Report. He talked about things such as Triple H taking over the creative in the company and more.

    Speaking about The Judgment Day, the wrestling veteran claimed that he is having a blast working with the group. He also confirmed that they have had to make some changes into the original plans for the faction.

    A Fun Direction, Adapting

    Edge Backstage

    “So far, I’ve had a blast going to work and getting to do a storyline with Priest and Balor and Rhea [Ripley],” he said. “It was kind of floating there for a little while.

    Now, it’s getting a direction and that’s really, really fun.” said Edge, “We had to make some changes due to injuries and stuff like that, and you just have to adapt.”

    The Hall of Famer was kicked out of The Judgement Day during the June 6 episode of Raw. It was later reported that some creative differences about the presentation of the group led to this change.

    Edge has since started a feud with his former protégés. He is currently set to face Damian Priest in a one-on-one match on Monday’s Raw from Toronto.

    Edge is the subject of the latest episode of Biography: WWE Legends series on A&E, premiering Sunday night at 8/7c.

  • Charlotte Flair Claims Becky Lynch Title Exchange Controversy was an Accident

    Charlotte Flair Claims Becky Lynch Title Exchange Controversy was an Accident

    In October 2021, then-Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair was drafted to SmackDown on FOX.

    Mere months earlier, Raw Superstar Becky Lynch had captured the SmackDown Women’s Title after over a year away due to pregnancy.

    On the October 22, 2021, episode of SmackDown, a segment saw the two switch titles, to correspond with their respective brands.

    Going Off-Script

    During the segment, the two former friends took digs at each other, and Flair was said to have gone off-script.

    Instead of handing the title to Lynch as planned, Flair dropped the Raw Women’s Title on the floor, which is said to have left Lynch furious.

    Once backstage the pair got into a heated argument which led to Flair being escorted from the building.

    An Accident

    Flair dropping the title was the latest issue between the two former friends and was widely reported at the time.

    The second-generation wrestler was condemned for her going off-script, but that’s not what happened according to Charlotte.

    While speaking on Steve Austin’s “The Broken Skull Sessions,” Charlotte said that what happened was just an accident (via The Sportster.)

    “I wish I could sit here and tell you that I did it on purpose but if people need me to be that bad guy, I’ll be that bad guy. Things happen on screen. I would never go on a scripted television show and purposely do something on purpose…It was accidental.”

    “If people need me to be that bad guy, I’ll be that bad guy.”

    Charlotte Flair denying that her title-belt dropping was deliberate.

    Lynch would later lose the Raw Women’s Championship to Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 38.

    While Flair would retain her SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania, she’d lose the gold to Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania Backlash.

    Becky Lynch Provides Injury Recovery Update
  • WWE TV Has More Wrestling Since Triple H Took Over Creative

    WWE TV Has More Wrestling Since Triple H Took Over Creative

    Triple H is putting the “wrestling” back in WWE.

    When Vince McMahon retired from WWE in July, his son-in-law Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque replaced the ex-Chairman as Head of Creative.

    As both the Head of Creative and Head of Talent Creative, Triple H has implemented several changes, bringing back several Superstars released under the previous regime.

    The change in WWE management has also had an impact on the in-ring action, as the wrestling in ‘World Wrestling Entertainment’ has become more prominent.

    More Wrestling

    Since the “King of Kings” took over as head of WWE’s Creative department, there has been a notable uptake in the amount of wrestling, fans get to see.

    Data from Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reveals that in the four weeks of Raw’s since Triple H took over, there has been an increase in the number of minutes dedicated to wrestling per hour.

    The most action-packed Raw was the August 1, 2022, episode of the red brand, which saw 26 minutes of wrestling per hour, totaling one hour and 18 minutes of in-ring work over the three hours.

    In the data, the show with the lowest amount of wrestling as the April 4, Raw, the night after WWE WrestleMania 38, which averaged 12 minutes of in-ring action per hour, or 36 minutes in total.

    For SmackDown, the most action-packed episode was the July 29, 2022, show, the go-home event before Summerslam, which had 25 minutes of wrestling per hour, or 50 minutes in total.

    The worst offender was the July 8 episode, the first SmackDown after Money in the Bank 2022, which saw seven minutes of wresting per hour, 14 minutes across the entire show.

    WWE fans have been eager to see what this “new era” brings. With Triple H serving as the new head of talent relations, he’s already brought back several performers including Dakota Kai, Io Sky, Hit Row, Karrion Kross and Scarlett. As the head of creative, it’s encouraging that we’re already seeing more in-ring wrestling per week.

  • Charlotte Flair on Becky Lynch Feud: “Two Alphas Who Don’t See Eye-To-Eye”

    Charlotte Flair on Becky Lynch Feud: “Two Alphas Who Don’t See Eye-To-Eye”

    One of the most publicly known off-screen stories in WWE over the last year has been the heated feud between Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, two of the company’s top superstars and staples in their competitive women’s division.

    The Queen recently joined WWE Hall of Fame Steve Austin on his Broken Skull Sessions podcast to discuss her ongoing irritation with Big Time Becks, where she remind fans that the rivalry comes from two performers who want to be the best of the best.

    “You have two women who want to be the best. There’s no other way to put it. I want to be the best. She wants to be the best. Natural courses of life.”

    Flair and Lynch both found love outside of the sport, so the need for them to be a crutch for one another after coming up together on television slowly disappeared.

    “She got married and had a baby. I met Manny [Andrade El Idolo] on the road. Maybe we were each other’s crutches at one point.”

    It was at this part in the interview that Flair opened up regarding each woman’s desire to be better than the other, which has left them on opposite sides.

    “But now, she wants to be the best. I want to be the best. You have two alphas who don’t see eye-to-eye. We grew up together on TV, and you see that. People didn’t know how close we were.”

    The two have had numerous in-ring encounters over the last several years, some that many fans would call some of the best matches WWE has put on in that time. A title exchange gone wrong prior to last year’s Survivor Series seems to be all anyone remembers at this point, with the story of Flair vs. Lynch continuing on.

    H/T WrestlingNews.Co for the transcribed quotes