SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • WWE Raw Results (7/29)

    WWE Raw Results (7/29)

    Here are WWE Raw results for July 29, 2024, five days out from SummerSlam:

    Opening Segment: Seth Rollins addresses CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, laying out strict rules for their upcoming match at SummerSlam. Seth warns that if either man touches him or each other before the match, it will be called off. CM Punk removes himself from the situation, fearing his own actions.

    Seth insists on control over the match and emphasizes his authority as the special referee. Drew McIntyre labels CM Punk as the real enemy, sparking tension. Seth declares his disdain for both men equally and outlines that he alone will dictate the match’s rules, threatening severe consequences for non-compliance. Punk and Drew McIntyre WWE Raw Ring 2024, with Punk highlighting Drew’s self-destructive tendencies and Drew retaliating with personal jabs. The segment ends with a tense stare down.

    Backstage Segment: Liv Morgan is seen trashing the Judgment Day’s clubhouse. Rhea Ripley assures they will rebuild and needs to handle some business. Carlito agrees to talk to Adam Pearce about getting a match with Sami Zayn.

    Match #1:The Creed Brothers (w/ Chad Gable) def. Otis & Akira Tozawa.

    Wyatt Sicks: Maxxine Dupri slaps Chad Gable while trying to save Otis. Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis unmask and attack The Creed Brothers. Nikki Cross joins the attack but remains masked. Uncle Howdy appears, causing Chad Gable to flee.

    Match #2: Bronson Reed def. Seamus with an assist from Pete Dunne’s shillelagh.

    Match #3: Jey Uso def. Carlito.

    Interview: Zelina Vega’s interview is interrupted by Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark, leading to an attack that officials break up.

    SummerSlam Host: The Miz announces he will host SummerSlam, with R-Truth questioning if he will provide food. The Miz agrees to bring hors d’oeuvres after being called a bad host.

    Pre-Match Segment: Karrion Kross addresses Kofi Kingston’s absence, challenging Xavier Woods to join the Final Testament and denounce the “Power Of Positivity” as a lie. Kross demands Woods tell Kofi Kingston he should have retired after losing the WWE Championship in six seconds.

    Match #4: Karrion Kross def. Xavier Woods.

    The Body and The Game: WWE shows Triple H meeting up with Jesse Ventura, who has not been seen on WWE television since being a guest host in 2009.

    Vignette: Liv Morgan is seen crying and burning pictures of herself with Dominik, declaring she will make his life a living hell and complete her revenge tour by beating Rhea Ripley at SummerSlam.

    Match #5: Sami Zayn def. Dominik Mysterio by disqualification. The Judgment Day attacked Sami Zayn to cause the DQ. Jey Uso makes the save. Bron Breakker appears and spears Zayn, but the Intercontinental Champion fires back and holds the ring. Dexter Lumis asks what to do when the buzzards start circling: Run!

    Next Week: Chad Gable gets a match confirmed with Adam Pearce for next week: Him and The Creed Brothers versus The Wyatt Sicks.

    Ridley Promo: Rhea Ripley declares Liv Morgan’s revenge tour will end at SummerSlam, emphasizing the reality over Morgan’s fantasy.

    Match #6: Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark def. Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance. Damage CTRL returns to take out Deville, Baszler, and Stark, making a statement.

    Gunther Promo: Gunther announces that at SummerSlam, everyone will remember when he saved this great sport and the World Championship.

    Match #7: Gunther def. Finn Balor by submission. Damian Priest shows up to make the save. They fight all around the ring, ending the show in a brawl.

    Check out our WWE News section for more.

  • Seth Rollins Will Enforce Any Rules He Wants for Punk-McIntyre at SummerSlam

    Seth Rollins Will Enforce Any Rules He Wants for Punk-McIntyre at SummerSlam

    Seth Rollins has revealed the official rules for the WWE SummerSlam showdown between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. Rollins opens the July 29th episode of WWE Raw by explaining his role as the special guest referee for the highly anticipated matchup, which has been building up since the Royal Rumble.

    The Visionary invited Punk and McIntyre into the ring, then broke down exactly how he will be calling the action at the premium live event this Saturday in Cleveland. Rollins states that there is only one rule: both men must listen to everything that he says.

    There is only one regulation. You two will listen to EVERYTHING I have to say. I call the shots. I’m the boss. I’m the law. I count to three when I want to count to three. You tap out, when I say you tap out. If there’s a count-out to be had, maybe there won’t be any count-outs I don’t know. I might count to ten, I might count to twenty, I might count to a million. Disqualifications? Referee’s discretion.

    Rollins continued, telling his rivals that if either man disputes what he says, or gets in his way, there will be consequences.

    I’m not some little referee you can just push around. I’m a spiteful little bastard and I will put your head in the dirt.

    Punk was the first person to respond, telling Rollins that he better stay out of his way and let him finish his business with McIntyre. The segment ended with the Scottish Warrior holding Punk’s bracelet that has AJ Lee and his dog Larry’s name on it, a taunt that Punk was unable to do anything about.

    Rollins officially got tangled up in this heated feud between McIntyre and Punk after Punk cost him the world heavyweight championship at Money In The Bank. He was initially supposed to defend the title against Punk at WrestleMania XL before the Second City Saint tore his triceps during the 2024 Royal Rumble, an injury that McIntyre proudly takes credit for.

  • Triple H On Brock Lesnar’s WWE Future: “If and When He Decides…”

    Triple H On Brock Lesnar’s WWE Future: “If and When He Decides…”

    Brock Lesnar’s last match for WWE was a loss to Cody Rhodes at last year’s SummerSlam on August 5, 2023. Unsurprisingly, Lesnar’s name was thrown around a potential surprise entrant this year’s Royal Rumble event. However, when WWE former employee Janel Grant’s lawsuit against the company and former Chairman Vince McMahon became public on January 25, Lesnar was heavily implied to have been involved with her. In a new interview, WWE executive Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque provided a new update on a potential Lesnar return.

    Will Brock Lesnar Return to WWE?

    Triple H tells Daily Mail that Brock Lesnar is enjoying life up in Canada with his family and the ball is in his court.

    “…Brock does his own things, so he’s up in Canada, I’m sure, watching his kids play hockey and enjoying life. If and when he decides to do something we’d be open to the conversation, but we’ll see.”


    – Paul Levesque on Brock Lesnar’s future with WWE

    While he was not named in the lawsuit, Grant shared that McMahon made her send personalized sexual content to “a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and WWE talent” in March 2020. She claims that McMahon wanted her to get involved with Lesnar to negotiate for Lesnar to reach a new deal with WWE.

    Grant also alleged that the former WWE Chairman wanted Lesnar to have a sexual encounter with her as a way to reach an agreement, but it didn’t end up happening. The implication of Lesnar’s involvement in the lawsuit quickly led to many believing that he was the WWE talent she was referencing, and he has been off TV since.

    The lawsuit is currently on hold as the Department of Justice launched a federal investigation on McMahon on May 30.

    During the WrestleMania 40 post-media conference on April 6, Levesque shared that Lesnar was still in the company but was at home. Since then, the former WWE Champion has been mentioned on TV but hasn’t shown signs of a comeback.

    Triple H and Brock Lesnar’s History


    Brock Lesnar and Triple H are both legendary WWE Superstars, but Lesnar has a dominant 3-1 record over Triple H in their head-to-head matches, which have mostly been high-stakes and extreme stipulation encounters.?

    • June 2022: Brock Lesnar successfully defended the WWE Heavyweight Title against Triple H in a non-televised match at the WWE RAW House Show in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
    • August 2012: Brock Lesnar defeated Triple H in a No Disqualification match at WWE SummerSlam.
    • April 2013: Triple H defeated Brock Lesnar in a No Holds Barred match where his career was on the line at WrestleMania XXIX.
    • May 2013: Brock Lesnar beat Triple H in a Steel Cage match at Extreme Rules 2013.

    Full Match: Watch the Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar No Holds Barred Match from WrestleMania XXIX from April 2013:

  • What You Need To Know About Cody Rhodes’ New $8,000 Sneakers

    What You Need To Know About Cody Rhodes’ New $8,000 Sneakers

    Cody Rhodes’ impeccable style is most easily associated with his signature fancy suits, but the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion is also a dedicated sneaker-head who has no problem dropping thousands on the right pair of kicks.

    Recently, Rhodes went Sneaker Shopping with Complex at Stadium Goods in Manhattan and took home quite a haul. Among his acquisitions, the most eye-catching pair was the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low, a shoe that blends luxury with streetwear.

    Cody’s New Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Lows

    Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low (White Royal)
    Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low (White Royal)

    Designed by the late Virgil Abloh, these sneakers represent a significant collaboration between luxury fashion and streetwear. Released on July 19, 2022, they feature premium materials and intricate detailing, showcasing a blend of Nike’s athletic heritage with Louis Vuitton’s luxury craftsmanship. The sneakers come in various colorways, including an all-white version, the White Royal, black metallic, silver and more, each incorporating Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram and Damier patterns.

    Originally retailing for $2,750, these sneakers have quickly become highly-sought-after in the resale market. In New York City, where the sales tax is 8.875%, these sneakers would cost approximately $8,095.66.

    Cody’s Other Sneaker Picks

    Cody Rhodes goes Sneaker Shopping with Complex

    In addition to the Louis Vuitton x Nike pair, Cody also picked up:

    • Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Promo “Girl Dad”
    • Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low “Canary”
    • Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low TD “Canary”
    • Powerpuff Girls x Nike Dunk Low TD “Buttercup”

    H/T to our friends at WrestlePurists, who spotted that Rhodes wore the Kobe 4 Promo Girl Dad’s on an episode of WWE SmackDown earlier this month.

    Cody Rhodes wearing the Nike Air Max 1 “Girl Dad” sneaker on WWE SmackDown

    Cody Rhodes has been a fighting champion since winning the Undisputed WWE title at WrestleMania 40. He ‘does the work’ in and out of the ring. He’s earns the moniker of being this generation’s Face of WWE, and this sneaker spree is just the latest example of him dressing like a champion.

  • Cody Rhodes Has NSFW Response For Haters Intimidated By His Suit Game

    Cody Rhodes Has NSFW Response For Haters Intimidated By His Suit Game

    Cody Rhodes has a very strong yet unique notion about people who are intimidated by suits.

    The Undisputed WWE Champion recently went sneaker shopping with Complex. In the video, he discussed topics such as the perfect shoes for a Cody cutter, which WWE superstar deserves his own sneakers, and more.

    Rhodes is someone who is meticulous with every aspect of his presentation to stand out from the crowd. This includes not only his matches or promos but also the attire he wears. When he’s not in the ring doing something physical, the SmackDown star is always neatly dressed in a suit.

    When asked if he’s going to continue wearing suits forever, Cody replied positively while also saying some choice words for people who feel uneasy with his preferences:

    “I think I will probably be a suit guy in the industry forever and this—I don’t know if this is appropriate for this show or not—but I’ll say it. I’ve said it in interviews prior. Anyone who I’ve ever worked with in business who’s intimidated by the fact that you wear a suit, I feel like they have a little dick…”

    I Wanna Be Something: Cody Rhodes

    Cody Rhodes discussed how he is known to make very polarizing choices such as his neck tattoo. He then claimed that his aim is to do whatever it takes to be something:

    “Like Clearly, I mean, I don’t know if that’s a thing we can say on the show but clearly like…come on, man—everyone does what they do. I don’t want to wear shorts with you; give me a break.

    Maybe you can’t use any of that but just the energy that comes from people who are like ‘Ugh, I don’t know man, he’s in that suit. He’s trying to be something’ I am not trying to be something, I wanna be something. That’s the whole thing.”

    The American Nightmare is currently scheduled to defend his championship against Solo Sikoa at the upcoming SummerSlam PPV on August 5. The event still has tickets available and you can check out details of it here.

  • CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre Timeline: Everything you need to know before WWE SummerSlam

    CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre Timeline: Everything you need to know before WWE SummerSlam

    CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre is an unlikely feud that has turned into one of the most engaging elements of WWE RAW over 2024, with both men blurring the lines of kayfabe and reality to build to their massive match at SummerSlam.

    If you haven’t had a chance to watch every second of this big feud, then we’ve got you covered with this guide on the timeline of events that has led to SummerSlam 2024.

    The Beginning: CM Punk’s Injury

    CM Punk’s Return and Injury

    CM Punk made a triumphant return to WWE in late November 2023, sparking excitement among fans as it felt like that something that would never come to pass, especially after his backstage issues in AEW.

    However, during the Royal Rumble in January 2024, Drew McIntyre hit a Futureshock DDT that resulted in Punk suffering a torn triceps. This injury sidelined Punk but also sowed the seeds for the feud, which had somewhat started in December 2023 when McIntyre alluded to there being potential backstage upset at RAW if Punk signed with the show, saying that he should go to SmackDown instead.

    Drew McIntyre’s Reaction

    Following Punk’s injury, McIntyre didn’t hold back his disdain. On RAW, McIntyre infamously stated, “I prayed for this and it happened,” adding fuel to the fire of the feud that many weren’t expecting to see as part of Punk’s return.

    His then attack on Punk’s injured arm solidified him as a top heel on RAW and gave Punk a reason to be off television to rehab his injury.

    WrestleMania 40: The Turning Point

    The rivalry reached new heights at WrestleMania 40. With Punk unable to compete due to his injury, McIntyre took the “opportunity” to step into the World Heavyweight Championship match against Seth Rollins, which many expected to be Punk’s role before his injury in January.

    Despite his injury, Punk somewhat inserted himself into the match by taking up a position at the commentary table. As McIntyre celebrated after taking the win against Seth Rollins, Punk struck.

    Punk’s interference caused enough of a distraction to McIntyre to allow Damian Priest to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, who then beat Drew and robbed him of his World Championship moment in front of fans at a WrestleMania for the very first time.

    McIntyre, who had walked the line between hero and villain up to that point, began a descent into a darker, more obsessive character.

    Clash at the Castle: A Homecoming Spoiled

    The next chapter in their saga unfolded at Clash at the Castle in Scotland, the Premium Live Event that took place in McIntyre’s home country.

    With the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the line, McIntyre seemed destined to claim victory in front of his countrymen against Damian Priest, the man who cashed in on him at WrestleMania 40.

    However, Punk once again proved to be McIntyre’s nemesis, interfering in the match and costing the Scottish Warrior his chance at glory.

    This moment was particularly poignant in the feud, as it not only denied McIntyre a championship victory but also robbed him of a career-defining moment in front of his home crowd, much like how he was screwed against Roman Reigns at the Clash at the Castle event in Wales.

    Money in the Bank: Dreams Denied AGAIN

    The Money in the Bank event provided yet another moment for Punk and McIntyre’s ongoing war.

    McIntyre, having earned the coveted Money in the Bank briefcase, attempted to cash in for a championship opportunity earlier in the night cashed in during the match between Damian Priest and Seth Rollins.

    However, Punk emerged to ensure that McIntyre’s efforts would be in vain, and his interference meant that Damian Priest would win the now triple threat match. It wasn’t just McIntyre that was scorned though, Rollins was visibly livid at Punk costing him the match, and it would lead on to the next beat of the storyline.

    What else happened in this feud?

    RAW Promo Segments

    Throughout Punk’s recovery period, the rivalry between the two superstars continued to simmer, largely played out through social media exchanges and sporadic appearances by Punk.

    These interactions served to keep the feud fresh in the minds of fans, even in the absence of physical confrontations.

    Punk used every opportunity to needle McIntyre, taunting him about his failed championship attempts and questioning his ability to succeed at the highest level of WWE.

    McIntyre, in turn, became increasingly unhinged in his responses, his character evolving into that of a man consumed by his hatred for Punk.

    The Blurred Lines of Reality

    One of the most intriguing aspects of the CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre rivalry has been its ability to blur the lines between scripted storyline and genuine animosity.

    Both men have a reputation for being outspoken and unafraid to voice their true feelings, leading to speculation among fans about how much of their feud is performance and how much is rooted in actual real-life tension.

    This ambiguity has added an extra layer of intrigue to their interactions, with fans scrutinizing every word and action for hints of genuine emotion.

    One of the most recent moments on X/Twitter that caused a huge stir online was the involvement of Jack Perry, the man that CM Punk fought backstage at AEW All In, with McIntyre posting an image of he and Perry stood together. McIntyre would later delete the tweet, adding further to fan speculation ahead of SummerSlam.

    Read More – Drew McIntyre Deletes Photo With AEW’s Jack Perry

    The SummerSlam Match: CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre with Seth Rollins in the middle

    It was revealed on the July 22 2024 episode of RAW that Seth Rollins, the man who has had issues with both men over the past year, will be the official for the contest.

    Rivalry History Video

    You can watch a full CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre rivalry history video below from WWE:

  • WWE Road to SummerSlam 2024 Video Playlists (Updated)

    WWE Road to SummerSlam 2024 Video Playlists (Updated)

    WWE SummerSlam is one of the biggest wrestling shows of the year. 2024’s installment is shaping up to be memorable, thanks to WWE’s many red-hot long-term storylines.

    If you haven’t been able to keep up with every storyline development, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of time to catch up on each rivalry and maximize your enjoyment of the show.

    Check back throughout the week, as we’ll be updating this article with the latest Road to WWE SummerSlam playlists as they’re released.

    Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa

    CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre

    Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley

    Logan Paul vs. LA Knight

    Nia Jax vs. Bayley

    Sami Zayn vs. Bronn Breaker

  • WWE SummerSlam 2024 Tickets: Availability, price and more

    WWE SummerSlam 2024 Tickets: Availability, price and more

    WWE SummerSlam 2024 is set to be an unforgettable event as it heads to Cleveland Browns Stadium on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

    This marks the first time since 1996 that SummerSlam will be hosted in Cleveland, home to WWE superstars Logan Paul, The Miz, and Johnny Gargano.

    If you’re planning to attend the Premium Live Event, here’s everything you need to know about ticket availability, prices, and more.

    Read More – Check out the latest WWE Rumors ahead of SummerSlam this weekend!

    WWE SummerSlam 2024 Ticket Availability

    Tickets for WWE SummerSlam 2024 are now on sale. Fans eager to witness the event from the stadium can purchase their tickets through Ticketmaster or directly via the Cleveland Browns Stadium event page.

    Group Tickets and Suites

    For those interested in group tickets or suite options, the Cleveland Browns Ticket Office provides tailored packages.

    You can reach them at 440-891-5050 for more information and to secure group seating, ensuring an exceptional experience for larger parties or corporate outings.

    Ticket Prices

    Ticket prices for WWE SummerSlam 2024 vary based on seating location and package type. Prices generally range from affordable options for the general public to premium seating for fans looking for an enhanced experience. Here’s a breakdown:

    • Standard Seating: These tickets offer great views at reasonable prices, ensuring fans can enjoy all the action without breaking the bank.
    • Premium Seating: For those wanting to be closer to the ring, premium seating options are available at a higher price point, offering an up-close and personal view of the event.

    On Location Packages

    On top of getting Standard or Premium tickets, you can also get tailored packages with extra perks from On Location:

    Silver Level Tickets

    Silver level packages include:

    •  Upper Level Seating
    •  Pre-Show Out of Venue Hospitality with Superstar Appearances
    •  Official WWE Priority Pass Gift
    •  Dedicated Stadium Entrance
    •  WWE Credential & Lanyard

    Champion Level Tickets

    Champion level packages include:

    •  Premium Ringside Seating
    •  Ringside Photo Op
    •  Photo Op Fast Lane in Hospitality
    •  In-Venue Pre-Show Hospitality with Kane & WWE Superstars
    •  Official SummerSlam Ring Mat Plaque
    • Commemorative Chair
    • +All Silver & Gold Inclusions

    Undertaker Suite

    The Undertaker suite package includes:

    • Enjoy SummerSlam from the comfort of a comfortable chair in a premium luxury suite at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
    • Category: Premium Seat
    • Section: Suite
    • All Inclusive Food & Beverages: No need to wait in line at the concession stand as your suite will be stocked with a variety of all-inclusive food and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
    • In-Suite Undertaker Appearance
    • Meet & greet with the Undertaker WWE Superstar.
    • Undertaker Themed Souvenir Gift: Receive an exclusive Undertaker themed souvenir gift upon arrival at your suite.
    • Exclusive Elite Event: Enjoy F&B and Superstar appearances at the exclusive Elite event.

    WWE SummerSlam Event Details

    Event Schedule

    • Gates Open: 4:30 PM
    • Event Starts: 6:30 PM

    Parking Information

    Parking details will be updated closer to the event date, and we will update this page as and when they are confirmed!

  • WWE Raw on Syfy Preview for Tonight: SummerSlam Week

    WWE Raw on Syfy Preview for Tonight: SummerSlam Week

    Tonight’s WWE Raw broadcasts live on the Syfy Network 8 PM ET from the XCEL Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. It’s WWE SummerSlam week and we’re now full-speed ahead to Saturday’s big event from Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, OH.

    Programming Note: WWE Raw is pre-empted for the next two weeks due to the USA Network airing events from the 2024 Olympic Games. As a result, Raw airs on Syfy this week and next week (Monday, August 5, 2024). Raw returns to USA in two weeks Monday, August 12, 2024.

    Raw Preview for Tonight

    Here are the matches and segments announced for Raw:

    • Special Segment: Special Guest Referee Seth ‘Frekin’ Rollins presents the official match instructions to Drew McIntyre & CM Punk ahead of their Summerslam clash.
    • Singles Match: Gunther vs. Finn Balor
    • Singles Match: Xavier Woods vs. Karrion Kross
    • Six-Woman Tag Team Match: Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter, & Katana Chance vs. Sonya Deville, Zoey Stark, & Shayna Baszler
    • Singles Match: Sheamus vs. Bronson Reed
    • Tag Team Match: The Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed) vs. Akira Tozawa & Otis

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for our continued coverage of WWE Raw and check out our WWE News section for more.

    What Happened Last Week

    Last week’s WWE Raw from Green Bay, Wisconsin saw several big developments in the top storylines headed into SummerSlam. Gunther’s confrontation with Damian Priest led to a brawl, increasing the temperature for their match. Bron Breakker continues to show he’s on the rise, beating fellow badass-killer Ilja Dragunov to earn a rematch for the Intercontinental title at SummerSlam.

    CM Punk also called out Drew McIntyre, leading to their singles showdown FINALLY being made official for SummerSlam. Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio’s storyline with Liv Morgan took its latest turn and more.

    Here is WWE’s Top 10 Raw Moments video for July 22, 2024:

  • Gillberg Reflects On His Wrestling Career: ‘I’m A Happy Man’

    Gillberg Reflects On His Wrestling Career: ‘I’m A Happy Man’

    Gillberg is very happy and satisfied with his career because he got to wrestle some of the best in the business and be part of many memorable moments.

    The former WWE star recently spoke to Attitude Era podcast where he discussed topics such as imitating other WWE stars, the current era of wrestling and more.

    During the interview, Gillberg who made his debut in 1990 and retired in February 2020 reflected on his 3 decade long wrestling career. He said that he is a happy man because he got to live his dream:

    “I loved it, man. I’m a fan who got to become a wrestler, and got to go up WWF and WWE and wrestle the biggest names in the business. I’m a happy man. My dreams were fulfilled. It’s like the kid who plays baseball his whole life and wants to win the World Series. I did.”

    I Was That Emotional: Gillberg

    Gillberg also talked about winning the WWE Light Heavyweight Championship in November 1998. The 65-year-old revealed that he went to Vince McMahon’s office after the title win and cried:

    “I ain’t gonna lie to you the night I won the belt I went to Vince’s office to thank him and I cried. I was that emotional over it man. Wrestling’s my life man. Always has been.”

    The former WWE star started working as a jobber for the company in 1991, only a year after his debut. During this time he got to wrestle the likes of Undertaker, Sgt. Slaughter and Jim Duggan.

    The famous Gillberg character was introduced by the company in December 1998 as a parody of WCW’s Goldberg. The gimmick ended up being the biggest hit of his career and fans still remember many moments from that run to this day.

  • WWE Seeking New Vice President Of Business & Legal Affairs, Talent Relations

    WWE Seeking New Vice President Of Business & Legal Affairs, Talent Relations

    WWE is on the hunt for a new Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs in the latest change to the promotion’s behind-the-scenes dynamic. The promotion recently posted an opening for a ‘Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs – Talent Relations & Talent Development’ in an on-site role in Stamford, CT. A role summary reads as follows:

    “Attorney position involved in all legal aspects of Talent Relations and Talent Development for World Wrestling Entertainment, LLC (“WWE”), primarily responsible for negotiation, contract drafting, risk management, legal strategies and policies relating to all talent agreements.”

    The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience as a lawyer with experience in matters relating to media, sports, talent agency, TV production and/or live events. A law degree from a U.S.-based law school is also a must, and they must be admitted to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction 

    The role of VP of Talent Relations was previously held by John Laurinaitis, who replaced Jim Ross in the role in June 2004. Laurinaitis himself was replaced in the role by Paul ‘Triple’ Levesque in 2012 but returned in March 2021. He was removed from his post in June 2022 due to the investigation into the Vince McMahon ‘hush money’ scandal and was let go by the company on August 8.

    WWE seeking a new Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs – Talent Relations & Talent Development marks just the latest shift to the company’s corporate offices. In April 2024, four names exited the company, including Sue Aitchison who had been with the promotion since 1986. These changes came shortly after the departure of Kevin Dunn who has since been replaced by Lee Fitting as Head of Production.

  • UFC’s Oban Elliot Teases Bash In Berlin Role, CM Punk Walkout Entrance

    UFC’s Oban Elliot Teases Bash In Berlin Role, CM Punk Walkout Entrance

    Welsh fighter Oban Elliott, who competes in the UFC, has teased appearing at WWE’s first-ever PLE in Germany ‘Bash In Berlin.’ Appearing at the UFC 304 post-show press conference in London, Elliot was asked about a recent visit to WWE. The fighter was coy and said that he has some “Business in Berlin under the TKO banner.”

    When another reporter asked Elliott about potentially fighting at UFC’s November 2024 in Madison Square Garden, the conversation once again turned to WWE. The fighter said he’d love to walk out to either Hulk Hogan or The Rock’s music, and possibly have CM Punk walk out with him inside WWE’s old stomping ground.

    WWE Bash In Berlin

    The first-ever PLE in Germany, Bash in Berlin will take place on August 31, from the Uber Arena. The previous night will see a taping of WWE SmackDown from the same venue. At this time, no matches have been confirmed for the show. The show is the latest in a trend of WWE PLE’s in Europe and will follow Clash at the Castle events in Wales, and Glasgow, Money in the Bank 2023 in London, and WWE Backlash: France in Lyon.

    TKO Group Holdings

    Whether Elliott appears at Bash in Berlin or not, the relationship between WWE and UFC has been growing ever since TKO Group Holdings launched in September 2023. The two companies have merged their live events teams, a decision that has led to some layoffs in WWE. Earlier this year, WWE and UFC held its first weekend events with back-to-back shows in the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

    WWE Superstars can often be spotted at UFC events in another example of cross-promotion branding. WWE NXT Battleground took place at the UFC Apex in Nevada, though there were some criticisms of the venue as an area to host wrestling shows. WWE’s Rezar threw out the challenge to fight some UFC heavyweights so fans may be seeing the former Tag Team Champion in the Octagon soon enough. 

  • Carmelo Hayes Names Eddie Guerrero As Dream SummerSlam Opponent

    Carmelo Hayes Names Eddie Guerrero As Dream SummerSlam Opponent

    Carmelo Hayes says he would have loved to get in the ring with Eddie Guerrero and learn from the legend if he was still around.

    IGN published a new video asking a number of WWE superstars who would be their dream SummerSlam opponent ahead of the WWE PLE on August 4.

    One of the names participating in the video was none other than Carmelo Hayes. When asked about his dream opponent, the former NXT champion said that Eddie would have loved to work with the younger generation if he was still around:

    “I think Eddie Guerrero man. He’s one of those guys like I truly believe if he was still around, he’d be helping coach the younger generation.”

    https://youtu.be/IJyjZsmiWa0

    So Much Knowledge: Carmelo Hayes

    The SmackDown star mentioned how anyone who worked with Eddie Guerrero has great memories of the late star and he would have liked to experience that firsthand:

    “I just think he had so much knowledge to give and I love talking to guys that got work with Eddie. Finding out like ‘Oh what he was like? What did you learn from Eddie?’ and they’ll all tell you something that’s really good, really knowledgeable. That’s a guy that I’d love to get in the ring with for sure.”

    Eddie Guerrero unfortunately passed away back in 2005 at the age of 38. His memory is kept alive by fans and the many talents who chose to pursue a career in wrestling because of the Latino Heat.

    Carmelo Hayes was involved in the Money In The Bank ladder match at the namesake PPV earlier this month. So far, he has not been booked for any match at the SummerSlam event.

  • MVP Appears at Bloodsport XI, Gives Update On WWE Future

    MVP Appears at Bloodsport XI, Gives Update On WWE Future

    MVP surprised fans with his appearance at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XI where he spoke about his plans for WWE and outside the company. At the show, MVP, a former U.S. Champion made a surprise appearance following Barnett’s fight with Bad Dude Tito.

    MVP spoke of his friendship with Barnett and how his start in submission wrestling training began with Josh eleven years ago. MVP then confirmed that the contract “with the company who I won’t mention” [WWE] is about to expire and shared that “I’m not going back.”

    Though his WWE career is ending, MVP isn’t ready to retire and challenged Barnett to a fight at a future Bloodsport event. Barnett was in favor of the idea and shared that Bloodsport is “the land where the Hurt Business cashes the most checks.”

    WWE & Bloodsport

    MVP wasn’t the only WWE name at Bloodsport XI. Both Creed Brothers were victorious in their Bloodsport debuts with Brutus and Julius defeating Tom Lawlor and Matt Makowski respectively. Charlie Dempsey came up short against Royce Isaacs while Shayna Baszelr defeated Miyu Yamashita in the show’s main event.

    Now, fans can expect MVP at a future event against Barnett, and his comment about the Hurt Business shouldn’t be ignored. In addition to MVP, it’s been reported that Bobby Lashley’s WWE deal is set to expire soon. WWE is reportedly under the belief that both men are gone with speculation regarding a potential move to AEW.

  • Cody Rhodes: ‘Dominik Mysterio Is a Future World Champion’

    Cody Rhodes: ‘Dominik Mysterio Is a Future World Champion’

    Championship gold is in the future for Dominik Mysterio, at least according to the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. On social media, Rhodes shared a photo of himself alongside Mysterio and World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest. In the caption, Rhodes made reference to himself and Priest both being world title holders and branded Dominik a future champion.

    Mysterio is already a former SmackDown Tag Team Champion with his father Rey. The pair won the titles in 2021 in a historic victory that made them the first father-son duo to win tag team gold in WWE. The pair would hold the titles until July 2021 when they lost them to The Usos, kicking off the pair’s record-breaking lengthy reign with the gold.

    Mysterio is also a former two-time NXT North American Champion, having won the gold in 2023. Mysterio’s first victory marked the end of Wes Lee’s record-breaking run with the gold, while his second saw him dethrone future NXT Champion Trick Williams. It was during this run that Dominik again made history by headlining RAW, SmackDown and WWE NXT in the same week.

    Since arriving in WWE, Dominik has consistently proven himself as an in-ring performer and as one of the more charismatic members of the roster. Will ‘Dirty Dom’ hold title gold again, perhaps joining his ‘deadbeat dad’ as a WWE World Champion? Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on the career of Dominik Mysterio.

  • CM Punk Proposes Unique Idea for John Cena’s 2025 WWE Retirement Tour

    CM Punk Proposes Unique Idea for John Cena’s 2025 WWE Retirement Tour

    CM Punk has expressed interest in joining John Cena’s WWE retirement tour next year but isn’t looking to reignite their storied rivalry.

    Pro wrestling had a major presence at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 over the weekend, with stars from WWE and AEW participating in various stage panels.

    During the ‘Mattel WWE’ panel at Comic-Con, Punk was asked about potential tag team partners. In a lighthearted moment, he jokingly named his dog Larry, who recently got his first merchandise at WWE Shop. Punk then shared a more serious answer:

    “If I had to tag up with somebody to beat some people up, it would probably be Larry. Everybody’s asking me because John Cena has announced his retirement, and they obviously want to see us fight each other. I think there’s something to me and him tagging. I think that could be pretty interesting.”

    Punk also likened his dynamic with Cena to that of Batman and Superman, highlighting the unique chemistry between the two wrestling icons.

    CM Punk was one of John Cena’s greatest rivals, so it’s only fitting that he’s involved in the retirement tour in some capacity. Fans can look forward to seeing how this collaboration unfolds as Cena bids farewell to the WWE ring. The contrast between Cena’s prototypical superhero and Punk’s anti-hero persona created a compelling dynamic that captivated audiences. Their matches were often critically acclaimed, showcasing both men’s in-ring and storytelling abilities. Their rivalry produced several iconic moments, including Punk’s infamous pipebomb promo and their Money in the Bank 2011 match, often hailed as one of the greatest matches of this century.

    Punk returns to action this weekend at WWE SummerSlam when he wrestles Drew McInture (with Seth Rollins as guest referee) in his first match since the Royal Rumble in January 2024.

    John Cena has already declared that he’ll be at the first episode of WWE Raw when it moves to Netflix in January 2025, and intends to wrestle in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble later that month.

  • Jeff Hardy: ‘I Don’t Want Solo Hall of Fame Spot, Just To Go In With Matt’

    Jeff Hardy: ‘I Don’t Want Solo Hall of Fame Spot, Just To Go In With Matt’

    Jeff Hardy is in no hurry to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame after the company’s previous offer “didn’t feel right at all” to the legend.

    In late 2021, Hardy’s actions during a WWE live event led the company to suspect that he was using substances and released him after he refused to go to rehab. A drugs test would later reveal that Hardy had not been under the influence of substances. WWE would try and coax Jeff back in early 2022 (an act that’d keep him from joining) AEW but to no avail.

    Part of WWE’s efforts to win Hardy back after his release was the promise of a Hall of Fame induction. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Jeff made clear that going in without his brother Matt (who was with AEW at the time) did not feel right.

    “I cried after that phone call. I was just thinking about all the really cool moments I’ve given to the pro-wrestling world. I’m so proud of it, but it didn’t feel right at all. So, I just wanted to wait. If I did do this, I’m definitely doing that with Matt.”

    Despite his lofty achievements on his own, include three reigns as a WWE World Champion, Jeff is not interested in a solo induction. In the interview, Hardy made clear that if he is inducted, it’ll be as one-half of the Hardy Boyz, adding “I just want one ring.”

    Although Hardy has done more than enough to warrant two inductions, his dedication to his brother Matt trumps any accolade WWE may bestow on the Charismatic Enigma. These days, fans can find Jeff and Matt teaming once more in TNA Wrestling, though Jeff was recently written off TV with an attack by The System.

    Related: Jeff Hardy Has “So Much Guilt” & Shame Over Past Mistakes

  • CM Punk Interested in Teaming With John Cena on Farewell Tour

    CM Punk Interested in Teaming With John Cena on Farewell Tour

    CM Punk and John Cena may have been fierce rivals, but the Best in the World is more interested in teaming with the 16-time World Champion soon.

    Speaking at a San Diego Comic-Con panel, Punk was asked about who he’d like to team with now that he’s back in WWE. While Punk’s first choice was Larry, his dog who now has official merch, John Cena was his second pick.

    “Everybody’s asking me because (John) Cena has announced his retirement that, you know, obviously they wanna see us fight each other. I think there’s something to me and him tagging. I think that can be pretty interesting.”

    Cena and Punk feuded in 2011 as part of the acclaimed ‘Summer of Punk’ that included Punk’s scathing Pipebomb on the June 27, 2011, edition of Monday Night RAW. Punk would ‘leave’ WWE as WWE Champion at Money in the Bank that year only to return eight days later and continue his feud with John.

    Teaming with Cena was one of the last acts Punk would perform during his first WWE run before walking out of the company in January 2014. The pair last teamed during the December 18, 2013, edition of WWE SmackDown and earned a (DQ) victory over the Shield.

    John Cena’s Retirement Tour

    Cena shared at Money in the Bank 2024 that 2025 will be his final year wrestling, ending what will be a legendary 23-year career on WWE’s main roster. Already, several names have put themselves forward as potential opponents. Cena’s WrestleMania 27 adversary The Miz has said he’d love to be part of John’s farewell tour, as does ex-WWE Superstar Matt Cardona. Cena has said he does not have (or wish to use) the backstage sway to pick matches for his tour.

    Related: 5 Things We Want From John Cena’s WWE Retirement Tour

  • WWE SmackDown Video Highlights: July 26th 2024

    WWE SmackDown Video Highlights: July 26th 2024

    The penultimate episode of WWE SmackDown ahead of SummerSlam had some intriguing moments, which were pre-taped following last week’s episode of the show. The Bloodline managed to secure a big Tag Team Championship match at the PLE and LA Knight managed to get one up on Logan Paul ahead of their US Title match before Santos Escobar got involved, among other highlights.

    WWE has now uploaded all of the video highlights for the show to their official YouTube channel, which we have compiled in an easy to view format on one page below.

    WWE SmackDown Full Highlights This Week

    If you didn’t get the chance to watch the show in full, you can see a Full Recap of WWE SmackDown this week via the video below:

    WWE SmackDown Segments This Week

    Here are all of the individual Video Highlights that WWE has released this week after SmackDown:

    LA Knight addresses the WWE Universe en route to his imminent Santos Escobar match and his SummerSlam title showdown against United States Champion Logan Paul.

    LA Knight takes out an interfering Logan Paul before overcoming Santos Escobar en route to the highly anticipated United States Championship Match at SummerSlam.

    Seconds after LA Knight thwarts Logan Paul’s interference attempt during his match against Santos Escobar, the United States Champion and The Emperor of Lucha Libre execute a post-match attack on the outspoken Superstar.

    Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill turn the tables on a sneak attack by WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn and throw them out of the ring.

    Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews take on Angel and Berto and The Street Profits in back-to-back matchups during the first part of the WWE Tag Team Title No. 1 Contenders Gauntlet Match.

    Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins overcome Kit Wilson and Elton Prince as well as Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in a WWE Tag Team Title No. 1 Contenders Gauntlet Match.

    The Bloodline vs The Street Profits

    Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga conquer Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins to win the WWE Tag Team Title No. 1 Contenders Gauntlet Match.

    With Randy Orton and Kevin Owens taken out of action by The Bloodline, The American Nightmare prepares to battle the self-appointed Tribal Chief without backup at The Biggest Event of the Summer.

    Grayson Waller demands an apology from undefeated two-time undisputed boxing champion Terence Crawford and ends up getting his partner Austin Theory knocked out.

    Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax vs Michin and Bayley

    Prior to their tag team match against Bayley and Michin, Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax launch an attack on the partner of the WWE Women’s Champion.

    Nia Jax joins Ms. Money in the Bank in a controversial win over Bayley and Michin en route to The Role Model’s WWE Women’s Title Match against The Irresistible Force at SummerSlam.

  • Meiko Satomura To Retire in April 2025, Will Compete Outside WWE

    Meiko Satomura To Retire in April 2025, Will Compete Outside WWE

    WWE Superstar Meiko Satomura will hang up her boots for good in April 2025 in a journey that will see her compete outside the promotion.

    In a press conference, Satomura confirmed her retirement plans, which will mark the 30th anniversary of her professional debut. Satomura’s final match will take place at the historic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

    Despite being a WWE-contracted performer, Satomura said at the press event that she will compete in a number of Sendai Girls matches, starting this September. Sendai Girls, also known as Senjo, is a Joshi puroresu promotion founded in 2005 by Satomura and Kensuke Shinzaki, also known to WWE fans as Hakushi.

    Satomura’s career in the ring has seen her work with some of wrestling’s biggest promotions including New Japan Pro Wrestling, WCW, STARDOM and others. In 2020, the ‘Final Boss’ joined WWE and competed in NXT UK and would win the NXT UK Women’s Championship. She would hold the title until WWE NXT UK’s demise in September 2022 and lost the title to Mandy Rose at that year’s Worlds Collide. After a lengthy hiatus, Satomura has returned to action as part of WWE’s tour of Japan.

    WWE allowing Meiko Satomura the chance to compete for Senjo not only shows the company’s respect for her, but is the latest example of WWE working with another promotion. 2024 has already seen WWE work with TNA, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, Marigold Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH. Hopefully, the 44-year-old Satomura receives a fitting send-off to mark the end of a legendary career in the ring.

  • Latest On Beth Phoenix: WWE Status, Potential AEW Involvement

    Latest On Beth Phoenix: WWE Status, Potential AEW Involvement

    More has come to light about Beth Phoenix’s status with WWE after her profile was changed on the company’s official website. Fans noticed this week that Beth’s profile was removed from the ‘active’ talent section and now is exclusive to the ‘Hall of Fame’ portion of the site.

    The Glamazon’s time with WWE has come to an end, PW Insider reports. Despite only recently being pulled from the ‘active’ portion of WWE.com, Phoenix hadn’t wrestled for WWE since February 2023. At the Elimination Chamber PLE in Montreal, Beth and her husband Edge (now AEW’s Adam Copeland) defeated The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley.

    Phoenix parted ways with WWE in 2012 but returned in 2017 to be inducted into that year’s Hall of Fame. The induction marked the shortest period of time for a female wrestler to be inducted after her retirement. It’s not just WWE’s Hall of Fame that recognizes the Glamazon’s achievements as in 2019, she became the first woman to be inducted in the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. In addition to being a wrestler, Phoenix was a commentator for WWE NXT from May 2019 to December 2021.

    Beth Phoenix And AEW

    Beth has been backstage at several AEW shows ever since her husband joined the promotion in October 2023. The topic of Phoenix appearing for the company has been broached backstage, Fightful Select reports. Sources indicated that Phoenix is in amazing condition and could likely compete in an AEW ring if she chose to. Phoenix has already made a cameo for AEW, as the ‘You Think You Know Him?’ lyric from Copeland’s entrance theme is provided by his wife.

    Signing Beth Phoenix would be a huge score for Tony Khan who has brought in Mercedes Mone, Kamille, and Mariah May in 2024 alone. Keep tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on Beth Phoenix’s future in the world of professional wrestling.

  • CM Punk On AJ Lee’s Wrestling Return: She Knows There’s Options

    CM Punk On AJ Lee’s Wrestling Return: She Knows There’s Options

    CM Punk says AJ Lee is well aware of the options she has in terms of a potential wrestling return but it’s not something he is pushing her to do.

    The potential return of the former Divas Champion continues to be a topic of discussion among fans as WWE has incorporated her name in Punk’s ongoing storyline with Drew McIntyre. NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez most recently said that the former World Champion himself is also trying to convince AJ to make a return.

    When asked about it during a recent interview with Ringside Collectibles at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, Punk said that he is not pushing AJ in any way. According to him if a discussion was to take place about Lee returning under a legends deal or even signing up for a new action figure, he would like to stay out of that conversation:

    “I’m the wrong guy to ask those questions about. My stance—I know there’s a lot out there of that—but I certainly am not pushing her to do anything. I think she knows that there’s options. I think she sees how happy I am and how things are different.

    But if the right situation presented itself, it would have to be a discussion between her and certain people. I don’t necessarily want to be in the middle of that; just because it could get kind of weird. Selfishly, yes, I would love to make out with my wife on television again.”

    While fans are hoping to see AJ Lee return to the ring as an active competitor, the chances of that are slim considering all the other projects the former wrestling star is involved in.

    Though you can never say never in wrestling and the ongoing intense personal rivalry between Punk and McIntyre seems to be the perfect opportunity to reintroduce the former champion on WWE TV.

    Apart from this, CM Punk also reflected on the Straight Edge Society faction and commented on potentially leading a new group with NXT stars. You can check out his full interview below:

  • Blair Davenport & Chase U’s Riley Osborne Get Married

    Blair Davenport & Chase U’s Riley Osborne Get Married

    SmackDown Superstar Blair Davenport and Chase U’s Riley Osborne have tied the knot after two years of dating, the couple confirmed this week. On Instagram, Davenport shared some photos from the couple’s special day. Several names from the world of wrestling took to the comments to share their excitement about the news.

    Davenport and Osborne began dating in 2022 and in August, Davenport would comment on an Instagram post of her future husband, saying she’d “Met the love of my life.” Davenport announced on her Instagram page in December 2023 that she and Osborne were engaged.

    The wedding of Osborne and Davenport comes during a landmark week for Riley’s allies in Chase U. At the ongoing San Diego Comic-Con, fans have caught their first glimpse of Chase U action figures from Mattel. The three figures include faction leader Andre Chase as well as Thea Hail.

    Wrestling Couples

    Love has certainly been in the air in 2024, with several wrestling couples taking massive leaps in their respective relationships. In May, AEW’s Ruby Soho and Angelo Parker tied the knot. Soho is currently out of action after sharing at an AEW event that she is pregnant. The following month, WWE and AEW collided as Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews in a black wedding. This month, Angelo Dawkins married his wife Grace in a ceremony officiated by none other than Montez Ford.

    We here at SE Scoops would like to offer our congratulations to the happy couple.

  • The Bloodline Become #1 Contenders After Winning Tag Team Gauntlet On SmackDown

    The Bloodline Become #1 Contenders After Winning Tag Team Gauntlet On SmackDown

    The next challengers for the WWE tag team titles have been determined.

    Tonight’s WWE SmackDown included a massive tag team gauntlet, a matchup that featured Apollo Crews & Baron Corbin, Legado del Fantasma, The Street Profits, Pretty Deadly, The OC, and The Bloodline. Whoever emerged victorious would earn a shot at DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) at a future date, perhaps even at SummerSlam on August 3rd.

    The action began with Corbin & Crews scoring a victory over Legado De Fantasma. Unfortunately, the unlikely duo’s run didn’t last long as The Street Profits would knock them off, with the former tag champs then running through Pretty Deadly and The OC. However, The Bloodline, represented by Tama Tonga and the Samoan Werewolf Jacob Fatu, was the final team in the gauntlet and put on a dominant display on their way to victory. Fatu scored the win after hitting a pop-up Samoan drop, followed by his signature top rope moonsault.

    Fatu has quickly risen as one of the WWE’s biggest threats ever since he debuted on the June 21st episode of SmackDown. He led The Bloodline to victory over Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens at Money In The Bank, and now has a change to capture his first gold since signing with the company earlier this year.

    WWE later confirmed The Bloodline will get their opportunity at the tag team on the August 2nd SmackDown.

    WWE released this video of the champions reacting to the news that The Bloodline will be their opponents next week.

    Meanwhile, The Bloodline’s new leader, Solo Sikoa, has his own chance for glory when he challenges Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam next weekend.

  • Cody Rhodes Gifted His Father’s Robe At WWE Live Event in Tokyo

    Cody Rhodes Gifted His Father’s Robe At WWE Live Event in Tokyo

    Cody Rhodes’ connection to his father is no secret, and the Undisputed WWE Champion was given a heartwarming gift at a recent event in Japan. On WWE’s second night of their ongoing tour, their first in Japan since 2019, Rhodes defeated AJ Styles in the show’s main event. Not only did Cody get the win, but he was gifted a robe and hat worn by his legendary father Dusty.

    The robe had previously been on display at the ‘Super Inoki Exhibition‘ a public exhibition celebrating the life and career of Antonio Inoki. Dusty and Inoki met NJPW Toukon Series 1979 in a match for the NWF Heavyweight Championship that Inoki retained by disqualification.

    This robe has great sentimental value to Cody, whose relationship with his father has proven to be pivotal to his WWE run. It was Cody’s desire to win a WWE World Championship (an accolade his father got close to but never achieved) that resulted in Rhodes returning to WWE at WrestleMania 38.

    Cody’s ‘story’ would finish with his victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. Following his victory, Rhodes received a different, but equally sentimental gift: the watch his father had sold to help pay for Rhodes to take acting lessons.

    Though Cody’s story may have finished, his late father remains a driving force in his role as WWE’s leading man. Last month, Rhodes celebrated his father after an episode of SmackDown by holding the WWWF Championship in MSG, the same title that Dusty nearly won in the very same arena.

    Rhodes will be part of tomorrow’s live event, also in Tokyo, where he will defend against LA Knight, AJ Styles, and Shinsuke Nakamura. With a title match set for SummerSlam against Solo Sikoa, the American Nightmare continues to keep the spirit of his father alive as WWE’s very top Superstar.

    Related: More from WWE in Japan, Meiko Satomura Returns to Action