SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Hell in a Cell and 2 More Matches Added to WWE Bad Blood

    Hell in a Cell and 2 More Matches Added to WWE Bad Blood

    On October 5, WWE will host its first Bad Blood PLE in over 20 years from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Surprises have been teased for the show, and on this week’s RAW, the card for the highly-anticipated event started coming together.

    Hell in a Cell: CM Punk Vs. Drew McIntyre

    The feud between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre has been one of the hottest angles of 2024 and will come to a head at WWE Bad Blood. Not only will the pair settle the score in a rubber match, but it will be contested inside Hell in a Cell. The iconic structure has been used at all WWE Bad Blood PLEs so far and that tradition will continue on October 5.

    Rhea Ripley Vs. Liv Morgan

    Liv Morgan has been at odds with Rhea Ripley ever since Mami’s return to WWE programming from her injury in July of this year. After trading victories at WWE SummerSlam and WWE Bash in Berlin, the two will face off at Bad Blood with Morgan’s Women’s World Championship on the line.

    Damian Priest Vs. Finn Balor

    At WWE SummerSlam, Damian Priest (alongside Rhea Ripley) was betrayed by The Judgment Day, as Finn Balor aided GUNTHER against the Archer of Infamy. On this week’s Raw, Balor challenged Priest to a match at WWE Bad Blood which the former World Champion was quick to accept.

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE Bad Blood including breaking news and live results from WWE’s next Premium Live Event.

  • CM Punk Set to Return to WWE Raw Following Attack by Drew McIntyre

    CM Punk Set to Return to WWE Raw Following Attack by Drew McIntyre

    CM Punk is set to make his WWE Raw return on September 16 in Portland, Oregon, just two weeks after being viciously attacked by Drew McIntyre. This announcement was made during this week’s WWE Raw “season premiere” from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

    During the show, WWE official Adam Pearce provided an update, stating that he had spoken with Punk, who confirmed he’s far from finished. Punk’s return on Raw will serve as the lead-up to his third match against McIntyre at WWE Bad Blood 2024, where the two will face off inside Hell in a Cell.

    This will be the final bout in their trilogy. The rivalry between Punk and McIntyre has been intense, with each competitor holding one victory. McIntyre claimed the first win at SummerSlam, while Punk evened the score at Payback. The Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood promises to be the decisive battle.

    In addition to Punk’s return, the September 16 episode of Raw will also feature a WWE Tag Team Championship match. The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are set to challenge The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh.

    With Punk’s comeback and these high-stakes matches, next week’s Raw is set to be a can’t-miss event as WWE heads toward Bad Blood 2024.

  • WWE Raw Returning to Two-Hour Format Starting October 7

    WWE Raw Returning to Two-Hour Format Starting October 7

    WWE Raw is set to revert to a two-hour format starting Monday, October 7, 2024, bringing the show’s runtime back in line with its Attitude Era days. This change, announced during this week’s “season premiere” episode will continue through December 30, 2024, marking the final episode of Raw on cable after a 32-year run. Beginning January 6, 2024, WWE Raw will officially move to Netflix.

    This marks a significant shift for WWE’s flagship program, which has aired for three hours for over a decade. The extended runtime has been a point of contention among fans, with many arguing that the show’s quality has suffered due to its length.

    WWE has benefited financially from the additional ad revenue, but critics have pointed out that the longer format often led to pacing issues and filler segments. In contrast, SmackDown has maintained a tighter, two-hour format, even during its successful run on Fox.

    Speaking of SmackDown, the blue brand is set to debut on USA Network this Friday after concluding its contract with Fox. WWE has loaded the card for the occasion, featuring a WWE Undisputed Championship steel cage match where Solo Sikoa will challenge Cody Rhodes for the title.

  • Kiana James Update Amid WWE Hiatus

    Kiana James Update Amid WWE Hiatus

    During the 2024 WWE Draft, several names were selected from WWE NXT to move to the main roster. While some draftees have already done big things on the main roster, one Superstar has now been pulled from the company’s active roster. Kiana James has been moved from the internal active roster to the ‘misc’ roster, Pwinsider reports. This roster typically includes talents out due to long-term injuries, such as Big E, or those who only make rare appearances.

    James was the final pick of the televised portion of Night One of the Draft and moved from WWE NXT to Monday Night Raw. Since then though, James has only competed twice on the red brand, with her most recent match being a Money in the Bank qualifier loss on the June 17, edition of Raw. She had also been involved in a storyline as an assistant to RAW General Manager Adam Pearce, but that angle quickly fizzled out.

    James is the latest name to be removed from WWE’s active roster, and she’ll likely be hoping to avoid a similar fate to her predecessors. MVP was reportedly removed from the internal roster in July of this year, and he has since left the promotion. Last week, Odyssey Jones’ push came to an abrupt end and he was removed from WWE’s roster on the website, and it’s been reported that he has been cut from the company.

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Kiana James and her future as a WWE Superstar after reportedly being removed from the active roster.

  • JoJo Offerman Hopeful For Potential WWE Return As A Manager

    JoJo Offerman Hopeful For Potential WWE Return As A Manager

    From 2013 to 2021, JoJo Offerman was part of WWE, first as a part of Total Divas, and later competed in a handful of matches. After working as a ring announcer, she quietly left in 2021, but fans could see her on WWE programming in the future.

    Speaking to Southern Wrestling Autographs, JoJo shared that the idea of a WWE return is “always in the back of my mind” and that she misses the ‘family’ she made there. While best known for her work as an announcer, JoJo said she’s eager to step into a managerial role.

    “I would love that! There’s no one in particular that I can think of right now [to manage.] I would love to say Wyatt Sicks, but at the same time, I feel like that’d be a lot, and they have so much going on, I wouldn’t want to disturb that.”

    – JoJo Offerman

    Though she’s yet to be publicly associated with The Wyatt Sicks, JoJo has an obvious connection to the group, as she was engaged to Windham ‘Bray Wyatt’ Rotunda. After his passing in August 2023, WWE revealed that proceeds from Wyatt-related merchandise would benefit JoJo and Rotunda’s four children. In June of this year, JoJo shared details of a ‘visit’ from Rotunda that had a profound effect on her.

    Offerman hasn’t appeared for WWE in years, but maintains a loyal fanbase who can follow her life on social media. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on JoJo Offerman and her potential return to the world of WWE.

  • WWE RAW Schedule: Dates and Venues

    WWE RAW Schedule: Dates and Venues

    WWE RAW has been the flagship program of the company for many years, with the weekly USA Network show heading to a different arena every week for the last few decades. If you’re able to make it to a live RAW event, then it is absolutely worth doing, as nothing compares to being at a pro wrestling show live.

    Read More – WWE PLE Schedule: Bash in Berlin, Bad Blood, SummerSlam and more

    Upcoming WWE RAW Events

    Here is a detailed list of upcoming WWE RAW events, complete with dates and venues as specified by the official WWE site or via ESPN (UPDATED September 9 2024):

    September 2024

    • September 9, 2024: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
    • September 16, 2024: Moda Center, Portland, OR
    • September 23, 2024: Toyota Arena, Ontario, CA
    • September 30, 2024: Ford Center Evansville, Evansville, IN

    October 2024

    • October 7, 2024: St. Louis, MO – 6:30 PM | Enterprise Center
    • October 14, 2024: TBA
    • October 21, 2024: Philadelphia, PA – 7:30 PM | Wells Fargo Center
    • October 28, 2024: Hershey, PA – 7:30 PM | GIANT Center

    November 2024

    • November 4, 2024: TBC
    • November 11, 2024: Grand Rapids, MI – 6:30 PM | Van Andel Arena
    • November 18, 2024: TBC
    • November 25, 2024: Glendale, AZ – 5:30 PM | Desert Diamond Arena

    December 2024

    • December 2, 2024: Everett, WA – 4:30 PM | Angel of the Winds Arena
    • December 9, 2024: Wichita, KS – 6:30 PM | Intrust Bank Arena
    • December 16, 2024: Boston, MA – 6:30 PM | TD Garden
    • December 23, 2024: TBC
    • December 30, 2024: TBC

    Read More – WWE TV Schedule: RAW, SmackDown, NXT and more

  • WWE Rumor Roundup: Legend Says “Never Say Never” About Return

    WWE Rumor Roundup: Legend Says “Never Say Never” About Return

    The WWE Rumor mill is never ending, and in this daily WWE Rumor Roundup, we’re going to address the latest rumors that are out out there on social media to help separate fact from fiction for our readers.

    Always take these rumors with a grain of salt, because although some of these sensationalized headlines can seem more exciting than the usual news cycle, they are just that right now…rumors.

    Here are the rumors that are doing the rounds this week and everything you need to know to keep up with the latest updates.

    WWE Rumor Roundup – w/c September 9th 2024

    • Cedric Alexander has reportedly re-signed with WWE on a multi-year contract, according to Fightful Select.
    • On his podcast, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Matt Hardy shared that both he and Jeff Hardy have creative plans laid out in TNA for the remainder of 2024. He also mentioned that a return to WWE or AEW isn’t off the table, saying: “Never say never.”
    • During an interview with Luke James Chats, Bryan Danielson revealed that WWE sent him “some sort of legal letter” this summer when he attempted to trademark the “YES” chant.
    • According to a spokesperson for Janel Grant, Netflix’s producers for the Mr. McMahon docuseries reached out to her for an interview, but it ultimately never materialized, as reported by Post Wrestling.

    Head over to our WWE News section for more.

  • Cody Rhodes Set To Compete In Bull Rope Match At Upcoming WWE Event In UK

    Cody Rhodes Set To Compete In Bull Rope Match At Upcoming WWE Event In UK

    A Bull Rope match featuring current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has been announced for an upcoming UK Event.

    The company announced the return of the classic stipulation on its website early on Monday morning. The match will be taking place at the upcoming live event from Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on Wednesday, October 16. The American Nightmare will defend his title against Solo Sikoa at the show.

    Other matches currently advertised for the event include Gunther vs. Jey Uso for the World Title and Nia Jax vs. Bayley for the Women’s Championship. Apart from this, names such as LA Knight, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill are also listed for the event.

    Bull Rope Match

    A Bull Rope match sees two opponents being bound by a 14-foot bull rope and a cowbell. The attachments are considered legal during the contest and the first person to score a pinfall or submission wins the match,

    This won’t be the first Bull Rope match Cody Rhodes competes in during his WWE career. He previously defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in a match of the same stipulation during the February 5, 2024 episode of Monday Night Raw.

    Cody’s dad Dusty Rhodes was part of many classic encounters under the stipulation and he played a crucial part in making it popular.

    He defeated the likes of Gary Hart and Terry Funk while competing under the same stipulation in the 70s. Dusty’s match with ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham during a 1977 Madison Square Garden event was one of the very early instances of the bout. It helped establish it as a serious stipulation.

    The late Hall of Famer’s final wrestling match was actually a Bull Rope match. The bout where Randy Orton defeated the wrestling legend took place during the 2007 Great American Bash event. Cody Rhodes made the save for his father after this bout.

  • WWE Week Schedule on the USA Network

    WWE Week Schedule on the USA Network

    WWE Week on the USA Network is upon us. The pro wrestling-themed programming extravaganza runs from September 9 to September 15, 2024.

    It all begins tonight with the WWE Raw Season Premiere from Calgary. The week ahead will include Tuesday’s WWE NXT, movies featuring WWE legends Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, and Friday’s big return of WWE SmackDown after a 5-year run on FOX.

    • September 9, 2024: Blockers with John Cena airs at 6/5c before WWE Raw.
    • September 10, 2024: Bray Wyatt: Becoming immortal airs at 10/9c after WWE NXT
    • September 12, 2024: Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6 with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
    • September 13, 2024: WWE SmackDown premieres on USA at 8/7c

    This week is especially significant, because it begins a limited run that will see Raw, SmackDown and NXT all airing on the same network. This convenience will only last until the end of the month, however.

    Just as WWE SmackDown is settling back in, the other two shows are packing their proverbial bags. WWE NXT moves to The CW Network on Tuesday October 1, 2024, while WWE Raw ends its 32-year run on cable at the end of the year and moves to Netflix starting January 6, 2025.

  • WWE Raw Preview: Bret Hart, Street Fight, Title Match

    WWE Raw Preview: Bret Hart, Street Fight, Title Match

    WWE Week on the USA Network kicks off tonight, when WWE Raw broadcasts live on the USA Network at 8/7c from Calgary, Alberta, Canada at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

    We’re 26 days out from WWE Bad Blood and WWE is keeping the momentum going with a stacked show. You don’t get any bigger in Calgary than an appearance from the city’s finest export, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart. In addition to a special appearance from the Hitman, the show will a Women’s tag title defense from Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair, a street fight and more.

    Confirmed matches and segments:

    • WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart will appear
    • Women’s Tag Title Match: Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill vs. The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn)
    • Street Fight: The Wyatt Sicks vs. American Made
    • Intercontinental Championship #1 Contenders Match: Jey Uso vs. Braun Strowman vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. Pete Dunne
    • Dominik Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee
    • Six-Woman Tag Match: Zelina Vega, Lyra Valkyria and a Mystery Partner vs. Pure Fusion (Shayna Baszler, Sonya Deville and Zoey Stark)

    Check back for more news about this week’s WWE Raw and catch up on the Top 10 moments from last week:

  • Aryna Sabalenka Gifted Custom WWE Championship After U.S. Open Victory

    Aryna Sabalenka Gifted Custom WWE Championship After U.S. Open Victory

    This past weekend, Aryna Sabalenka won the U.S. Open for women’s singles tennis, defeating Jessica Pegula in an emotional final in New York City. Now, the 26-year-old Belarussian is celebrating in style after being gifted a custom WWE Championship.

    Sabalenka was presented with the championship backstage at Arthur Ashe Stadium following her victory. Sabalenka said that the title, which is based off of SmackDown’s Women’s Championship is “so cool” and it’s “crazy” that she now has the gold.

    Sabalenko’s victory in the U.S. Open and her subsequent WWE Women’s Championship are just the latest accolades for the tennis prodigy. She has also won the Australian Open twice, capturing the top spot in 2023 and 2024, and has also won the U.S. and Australian Opens in doubles action.

    Custom Championships

    WWE has given out numerous custom belts to winning sports teams and athletes in recent years, including the Kansas City Chiefs after their Super Bowl victory in 2023. WWE has also created legacy championships celebrating teams in the NFL, NHL, and the NBA, among others.

    After winning the Australian Open men’s doubles last year, Tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis (known affectionately as the Special Ks) were awarded a title with custom side plates. Now, Sabalenka is the latest tennis star with a WWE Championship, and if she keeps her winning ways going on the court, this may not be her last title from the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.

  • Update On Cedric Alexander’s WWE Contract Status

    Update On Cedric Alexander’s WWE Contract Status

    In 2016, Cedric Alexander joined WWE as part of that year’s Cruiserweight Classic and would capture the WWE Cruiserweight title two years later. Now fans can expect to see much more of the 35-year-old wrestler as part of the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.

    Cedric Alexander has re-signed with WWE, Fightful Select reports, on a new multi-year deal. Alexander has been teaming with Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis as of late. Cedric’s most recent match was at NXT Great American Bash 2024: Night One in July of this year, where he defeated Brooks Jensen.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0-tbEslPGk&pp=ygUeY2VkcmljIGFsZXhhbmRlciBicm9va3MgamVuc2Vu

    This report will come as bad news to those who were hoping to see Alexander reunite with his Hurt Business allies outside of WWE. In July, it was reported that MVP and Bobby Lashley intend to reform the popular group outside WWE. The pair left WWE earlier this year and have filed a trademark for ‘Hurt Syndicate.’ Shelton Benjamin, the group’s fourth member, was released from WWE in September 2023.

    WWE’s 2024 Re-Signings

    Alexander is just the latest name that WWE has locked down with a new contract this year. Drew McIntyre signed a new contract with WWE in late April, and was gifted a sword by TKO board member Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The following month, Seth Rollins inked a new deal with WWE. More recently, Randy Orton signed what’s reported to be a five-year deal with WWE, ensuring the Viper’s involvement with the promotion until at least 2029. Shayna Baszler has also re-signed with WWE.

  • Rhea Ripley Fires Back at Stinkface Criticism: “You’re Just Mad I’m Popular”

    Rhea Ripley Fires Back at Stinkface Criticism: “You’re Just Mad I’m Popular”

    Rhea Ripley is one of the most popular women in WWE history who garners attention both in and out of the ring. Earlier this year, Ripley’s in-ring work sparked a debate about women in wrestling and now the Eradicator has weighed in.

    At a March 2024 WWE live event in Springfield, Illinois, Ripley used a stinkface on Nia Jax in a spot that went viral once it hit social media. The following night, Shayna Baszler, who has dated both men and women in the past, pleaded to get up close and personal with Ripley’s posterior.

    While many found the spot fun, there were some critics, including Becky Lynch who felt the spot was a step backwards for women in wrestling. Speaking to Ring the Belle, Ripley had some strong words for her critics.

    “I get criticism for every single little thing I do, but, you see the men doing this and you’re like ‘yeah! that looks cool! amazing’. Tiffany Stratton does this the other week and they’re like ‘oh my god I love you Tiffany, oh, my, god, you’re so sexy please do that to me’, but when I do it there’s a problem? Why? You just mad that I’m popular that’s why.”

    Some may have been opposed to Rhea using the Stinkface but ultimately, what she does in the ring is her choice and has proven popular with countless fans so far. Ripley currently has her sights set on the WWE Women’s World Championship and plans on taking the title from her rival Liv Morgan.

  • WWE Announcer Mike Rome Welcomes Baby Boy, Salem James

    WWE Announcer Mike Rome Welcomes Baby Boy, Salem James

    Mike Rome has been a part of 2016 and has worked across Raw, SmackDown, and WWE NXT as a broadcaster. This week, the former WWE 24/7 Champion shared a huge update from his personal life as he is officially now a father.

    Rome (Austin Michael Romero) dropped a very special photo on Facebook this week, introducing the world to his new son.

    If Rome were at work, an introduction for this new ‘competitor’ would sound something like this: “Weighing in at 7 pounds and 7 ounces, and 20 and a half inches of awesome, Salem James Romero!”

    Congratulations to Mike Rome and his family on this joyous occasion!

    Rome has been absent from WWE NXT as of late, with Alicia Taylor filling in for him on the gold brand. Rome moved back to NXT in May 2024 in order to be closer to his home in Orlando, Florida. He’d previously been announcing on SmackDown but now it’s Taylor’s voice fans can expect to hear every Friday night.

    Wrestling’s Baby Fever

    New father Mike Rome has several peers that he can discuss the joys of parenthood with. Some other recent baby news from the world of wrestling:

  • Giovanni Vinci Comments On Shocking SmackDown Debut Loss

    Giovanni Vinci Comments On Shocking SmackDown Debut Loss

    Former Imperium member Giovanni Vinci made his SmackDown debut last night. However, he shockingly suffered a loss within seconds and feels the referee is at fault.

    Vinci returned to in-ring action against Apollo Crews. After getting in the ring, the Italian wrestler began taunting the crowd. As soon as the referee rang the bell, Crews rolled him up for the three count as Vinci looked shocked. In a SmackDown Exclusive, Giovanni Vinci shared his thoughts on his defeat. He blamed the ref for not checking whether he was ready. He said if Apollo Crews wants to come from behind then ‘we can play that way.’

    “Don’t even ask the question. I got a question for you. When is the last time you’ve seen a match get without the referee checking both competitors if they’re ready. I haven’t seen it either. So Apollo wants to come up behind me, clearly, I still have half my entrance gear on, and roll me up, if he wants to play that way, alright. We can play that way. We can play that way.”

    – Giovanni Vinci on his SmackDown debut loss

    Ahead of last night’s edition of SmackDown, Vinci had wrestled his last match on April 22 episode of Raw. He had teamed up with former Imperium teammate Ludwig Kaiser to face Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods in a losing effort. Kaiser then brutally attacked and ousted Vinci from Imperium.

    After being away from the programming for months, Vinci started teasing his return through various vignettes. The former Imperium member made his comeback last night but things didn’t go in favor of the Italian wrestler as he might have planned.

  • Sheamus In Advanced Talks For New Long-Term WWE Deal

    Sheamus In Advanced Talks For New Long-Term WWE Deal

    Sheamus has reportedly inked a new long-term contract with WWE.

    WWE has been negotiating with the talents regarding their contract renewals and a handful of stars have already inked new deals. There has been a lot of speculation regarding Sheamus’ future earlier this year. But it seems that the multi-time World Champion is the latest star to extend his contract for a few more years.

    PWInsider has reported that the former WWE Champion has committed his future with WWE. He is negotiating a fresh multi-year deal with the company and it’s said to be in the final stages. The report suggests that the deal is “very close to being done or was just completed.”

    It was further added that internally, it is believed that ‘The Celtic Warrior’ will be sticking around with the company for at least another three to five years.

    Sheamus returned to WWE following WrestleMania 40 PLE and has been featured regularly on Raw. He is currently involved in a feud with his former Brawling Brutes teammate Pete Dunne. He has had some great matches against some top stars of the company since his return. Recently, he faced Ludwig Kaiser and Braun Strowman in the Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Tournament.

    Recent WWE contract signings

    In April, Drew McIntyre signed a new contract with WWE. In the next month, Seth Rollins followed suit and inked a new deal. Veteran star Randy Orton also signed a five-year deal. In the women’s division, Shayna Baszler and Asuka both have signed new deals with the company. 

  • MVP: I Never Said Triple H A Racist, Hulk Hogan Is One

    MVP: I Never Said Triple H A Racist, Hulk Hogan Is One

    In June of this year, MVP responded to a handful of social media posts about Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque and his decision not to reunite the Hurt Business when he had the chance. Some fans believed MVP was implying that WWE’s Chief Content Officer was racist, but now MVP has made his views crystal clear on the matter.

    Speaking to K&S WrestleFest, MVP addressed his previous comments regarding Triple H and his decision not to bring back the popular group of black Superstars. While some may have believed MVP was implying Triple H is a racist, that was a term MVP never used.

    “I never said that word [Racist.] I never said that. You show me the quote or the caption where I said that. Somebody made a comment on my social media about how he books black talent. I just said, ‘Ah, you see it.’ I never said he is racist.”

    MVP added that his opinion on how Levesque books black wrestlers is a “different conversation” but reiterated that he never called WWE’s CCO a racist. The former WWE U.S. Champion then acknowledged a different legend of WWE who he does believe to be a racist.

    “Hulk Hogan is racist. He said it himself, ‘I’m a little bit racist.’ He said that. As far as Triple H, I don’t know that he is.”

    Hogan’s racist comments came to light in 2015 and WWE fired him shortly after. This year, Hogan once again came under scrutiny after making a ‘joke’ about the race of Kamala Harris which came after he spoke about bodyslamming the Vice President. Hogan quickly backtracked and blamed his comments on “the beers talking.” Hogan has since inked a new multi-year deal with WWE.

  • Update On The WWE Contract Status Of Shayna Baszler

    Update On The WWE Contract Status Of Shayna Baszler

    WWE boasts a stacked roster of some of the most talented wrestlers in the world who compete each week on TV and at live events. Since 2017, Shayna Baszler has been with WWE and has dominated in NXT and the main roster, and fans can expect to see much more from the Queen of Spades.

    Baszler, a former NXT Women’s Champion and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, has re-signed with WWE, Fightful Select reports. Baszler’s previous contract was set to expire this year, but a new deal was recently finalized which is said to be a multi-year deal.

    Bazler is currently appearing on WWE Monday Night Raw and recently aligned with Sonya Deville and Zoey Stark as part of the Pure Fusion Collective. Baszler was in action during this week’s episode of WWE Raw where she defeated Zelina Vega.

    One longtime WWE staffer told Fightful that Baszler approaches her work with the company without any ego, and is always easy to work with. One WWE higher-up added that Baszler has long been helpful in many ways with newer talent as well.

    WWE’s 2024 Re-Signings

    Baszler is just the latest big name that WWE has locked down with a new contract in 2024. Drew McIntyre signed a new contract with WWE in late April, and was gifted a sword by TKO board member Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The following month, Seth Rollins inked a new deal with WWE. More recently, Randy Orton signed what’s reported to be a five-year deal with WWE, ensuring the Viper’s involvement with the promotion until at least 2029.

  • Giovanni Vinci Loses (9/6) WWE SmackDown Return In Seconds

    Giovanni Vinci Loses (9/6) WWE SmackDown Return In Seconds

    After weeks of build-up, Giovanni Vinci made his return to the ring on this week’s SmackDown. Unfortunately for the Italian Superstar, his first match since the April 22, 2024, edition of Monday Night Raw did not go as he’d hoped.

    Vinci arrived wearing a tracksuit adorned in the colors of the Italian flag for his match with Apollo Crews. As Vinci was removing his entrance attire though, the referee started the match and Crews rolled up the Imperium alum to pin him in seconds.

    Giovanni Vinci Speaks

    Vince was understandably frustrated with this loss which he feels came about unfairly as he wasn’t ready. Speaking in a WWE Digital Exclusive after his surprising defeat, Vinci questioned the validity of the referee’s actions.

    “Don’t even ask the question. I got a question for you. When is the last time you’ve seen a match get without the referee checking both competitors if they’re ready. I haven’t seen it either. So Apollo wants to come up behind me, clearly, I still have half my entrance gear on, and roll me up, if he wants to play that way, alright. We can play that way. We can play that way.”

    Vinci’s return to WWE programming did not go how he wanted and came close to five months after he was ousted from Imperium by Ludwig Kaiser. After being drafted to SmackDown shortly after, Vinci now has a chance to change his fortunes on the blue brand. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Giovanni Vinci after his unfortunate return to TV this week.

  • Cody Rhodes Vs Solo Sikoa Steel Cage Match Set For SmackDown Premiere On USA Network

    Cody Rhodes Vs Solo Sikoa Steel Cage Match Set For SmackDown Premiere On USA Network

    Cody Rhodes will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa in a Steel Cage Match on next week’s SmackDown premiere on USA Network.

    Last night’s SmackDown marked the final edition of the show on FOX. Cody Rhodes is coming off a successful title defense against Kevin Owens at Bash In Berlin PLE. However, his arch-rival Solo Sikoa still has his sights set on the title.

    Sikoa was unsuccessful in challenging Rhodes for the title at last month’s SummerSlam which saw the shocking return of Roman Reigns. Last night on SmackDown, Solo Sikoa once again demanded for a title match against ‘The American Nightmare.’

    However, the champ refused and offered a title shot to The Bloodline member Jacob Fatu. Fatu turned down the opportunity and instead endorsed Sikoa for the shot at gold.

    SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis then confirmed that Cody Rhodes will put his title on the line against Solo Sikoa on the September 13 edition of SmackDown. However, that will be contested in a Steel Cage to ensure The Bloodline members don’t interfere.

    Two more matches added for SmackDown premiere

    WWE is certainly trying to make SmackDown premiere on USA Network star-studded. A couple of more matches have also been added to the show. Andrade and Carmelo Hayes are set to battle in a rubber match for their Best of Five Serie as both men are tied with two wins.

    On the other hand, A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) will face Kevin Owens and a partner of his choosing. Waller challenged KO to this match during a conversation with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis backstage on last night’s show.

  • Possible New SmackDown Logo Shown on USA Network Website

    Possible New SmackDown Logo Shown on USA Network Website

    WWE SmackDown is set to return to the USA Network next week after a five-year stint on FOX, and expectations are high for the blue brand’s future programming. Adding to the excitement, fans have noticed what could be an alternate logo for SmackDown displayed on the USA Network’s website.

    New WWE SmackDown Logo on USA Network Website
    SmackDown returns to USA on September 13, 2024 – part of WWE Week, before NXT moves to The CW

    This alternate WWE SmackDown logo has not appeared on any of WWE’s promotional materials for the September 13 premiere. This most recent SmackDown on USA ad continue to feature the current logo, further suggesting that the new design may not be finalized.

    SmackDown’s return to the USA Network is part of a major $1.4 billion deal with NBCUniversal, set to last five years. In addition to weekly programming, WWE will produce four primetime specials annually for NBC. Reports earlier this week suggest that WWE is preparing to announce its return to NBC primetime within the coming days.

    For the remainder of this year, WWE SmackDown’s commentary team will consist of Michael Cole and Corey Graves. In 2025, Pat McAfee will return to WWE programming and will reunite with Michael Cole.

    WWE NXT makes its live debut on The CW on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET.

    WWE Raw premieres on Netflix on Monday, January 6, 2025, ending its three-decade run on cable television.

  • Roman Reigns Explains How WWE Content Could Change with Raw’s Move to Netflix

    Roman Reigns Explains How WWE Content Could Change with Raw’s Move to Netflix

    Former WWE Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns recently reunited with WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman for a non-WWE appearance. ‘The Tribal Chief’ joined Heyman on-stage for Bloomberg Power Players New York and discussed WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw finding a new home on Netflix, starting January 6th, 2025. Roman Reigns said that Raw airing on Netflix is the biggest deal of all time.

    “I think this is the biggest deal of all-time, to be honest.”

    – Roman Reigns on WWE’s deal with Netflix

    The former WWE Undisputed Champion feels that after leading the live television for decades, the show moving to the streaming network is a huge milestone and a great opportunity to showcase their product. He said:

    “… But the thing that changes the whole landscape for us is that we’ve been on linear television for decades now, and we’ve been the leader of that episodically. So, to take our program and to put it on a streaming network like Netflix, it’s just unheard of.

    To go all the way back through our history to see where we are now and the growth that we’ve had really since 2020, when the world was upside down has just really been amazing. So it’s a big opportunity for us to not only showcase our product, but just what we’ve mastered with live television.”

    – Roman Reigns

    Roman Reigns enjoys challenges of PG content

    Reigns also shared his thoughts on WWE potentially leaning into edgier content on Netflix. The 39-year-old wasn’t in favor of WWE going beyond PG limits with its move to Netflix. He noted that while WWE made a reputation of edgier content back in the day, he enjoys the challenges that comes with PG rating. He said:

    “If we allow Paul to do Hall of Fame speeches non-stop, we’ll definitely push that envelope. But for me, I don’t know. I have always enjoyed the challenges of being PG and no offense to our predecessors and the people who came before us and the ratings that they revolved around, but to me, it’s a, it’s more challenging to be able to tell these stories. It also allows you a broader audience to connect to which I just really feel like. It’s always the goal.”

    – Roman Reigns

    He believes that there will be a room for experimenting but reckoned that WWE should stick to its core values and morals. He added:

    “We want to reach as many people as possible. And I think there’s a fine limit to when you can cross that threshold where you push people off from the product. So I think there’s a nice, there’s going to be a nice little range there that we can play with. And, push the envelope in certain senses. But I think we need to stick to our values and the morals that we’ve set in place in the culture that we have now.”

    – Roman Reigns

    Raw will join Netflix in January next year and the agreement between the two parties spans ten years and exceeds $5 billion. The exclusive hosting of Raw on Netflix will begin in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Latin America, with additional territories to be added eventually.

    Netflix is set to become the home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S., including Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble. WWE’s documentaries, original series, and the forthcoming projects will also be made available on Netflix internationally starting next year.

  • Dr. Carlon Colker Withdraws Petition Against Janel Grant Amid WWE Legal Battle

    Dr. Carlon Colker Withdraws Petition Against Janel Grant Amid WWE Legal Battle

    Dr. Carlon Colker has withdrawn his litigation against Janel Grant, in which he sought evidence from the former WWE employee who is suing the promotion, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis. Last month, Colker filed a potential that appeared to be a precursor to a possible defamation lawsuit against Grant. In July, Grant filed a petition in Connecticut state court in which she sought to obtain her medical records in support of her lawsuit.

    Grant alleges she was directed by McMahon to visit Colker’s clinic, Peak Wellness, in Greenwich where she received treatment without being told what medicines or supplements she was being given. She added that the medical records that have been provided by Colker have been inconsistent and incomplete so far. Colker claimed that Grant had launched a smear campaign against him and that he had suffered damages due to the media spotlight on him and his clinic.

    Now, Colker has withdrawn his petition for information from Grant, POST Wrestling reports, including any potential communication she or her representatives may have had with the media. In a statement to POST Wrestling, Ann Callis, Grant’s attorney, had the following to say:

    “Unsurprisingly, Dr. Colker has withdrawn his baseless motion. In the same vein as Mr. McMahon’s recently struck down motion, this was filed simply as yet another frivolous attempt to intimidate Ms. Grant.

    “Ms. Grant remains steadfast in her right to seeking documents and information relating to her own medical records, meta-data, Dr. Colker’s prescribed treatments, and any communications between Dr. Colker and other parties concerning Ms. Grant or Ms. Grant’s medical treatment.”

    Grant is suing WWE, Laurinaitis, and McMahon, alleging that she was sexually abused and trafficked during her time with the promotion. McMahon has denied that their relationship was not consensual and his representatives have gone as far as to call McMahon Grant’s “best friend” during her time with WWE. This scandal, among others, will be referenced in Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries that will be released later this month.

  • Lawsuit Claims WWE Stole Creative Ideas, Paid Hush Money By AEW Stars

    Lawsuit Claims WWE Stole Creative Ideas, Paid Hush Money By AEW Stars

    As the global juggernaut of professional wrestling, WWE is no stranger to lawsuits ranging from the serious to the downright bizarre. Now, the promotion has been hit with a suit alleging, among other things, that WWE stole ideas without proper compensation.

    Leland Owens filed a lawsuit on September 3 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, alleging that WWE failed to pay him for ideas he submitted for their programming. A portion of the filing reads:

    “I gave the WWE ideas and never got paid. I also told Daniel Bryan (at the time what I was going to do with my earnings with said ideas and the World Wrestling Entertainment tried to get in front of it because Vince thinks of this as competition. We have a verbal agreement in which was supposed to talk about at the time I receive my payment for my ideas.”

    Among the ideas Owens allegedly provided include a unique cage match stipulation as well as the Premium Live Event name ‘Stomping Grounds.’ WWE’s first, and to date, only Stomping Grounds PLE took place in June 2019 in Tacoma, Washington. Owens allegedly pitched ideas over Instagram to WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.

    Hush Money Payment

    In addition to the alleged idea theft, Owens claims in the lawsuit that Daniel Bryan (now AEW star Bryan Danielson) and Mercedes Moné (formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE) sent him a $100,000 check described as “hush money.” This payment was intended to keep Owens quiet after an inappropriate comment about Owens’ daughter was allegedly made by Stephanie McMahon, the filing adds. McMahon stepped down from her WWE role in early 2023 but has made sporadic appearances for the company, including at WWE SummerSlam last month.

    WWE has not publicly responded to the suit at this time. This week has also seen WWE hit by a lawsuit regarding alleged improper use of Cody Rhodes’ ‘American Nightmare’ nickname. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on these lawsuits and other developments in WWE’s legal affairs.

  • Cody Rhodes & WWE Face Lawsuit Over ‘American Nightmare’ Copyright

    Cody Rhodes & WWE Face Lawsuit Over ‘American Nightmare’ Copyright

    Cody Rhodes is the unquestionable top babyface in WWE today and has a legion of fans who have supported him throughout his ‘story.’ Rhodes

    On Wednesday, September 4, Punk rock musician Wesley Eisold filed a lawsuit against Rhodes, WWE, and the promotion’s merchandising partner Fanatics. The complaint, filed in federal court in California, alleges trademark infringement, breach of contract, and intentional interference with contractual relations.

    Eisold is the co-founder and lead singer of the band ‘American Nightmare‘ which has been active off and on since 1998. According to a USPTO filing, Eisold has held a trademark for American Nightmare for use in music, clothing, and entertainment services since 2016. In addition to recovering attorneys fees, Eisold is seeking damages of at least $150,000, as well as treble damages of up to $300,000 related to federal trademark infringement.

    Cody Rhodes & Wesley Eisold 

    In March 2019, Rhodes applied for a trademark on ‘The American Nightmare‘ for the use in wrestling that Eisold opposed. The pair agreed to a settlement in March 2021 which allowed for Rhodes to use the term. Rhodes was with AEW at the time but has since returned to WWE where he continues to go by the nickname.

    Under the settlement, Rhodes was allowed to use “American Nightmare” on merchandise under the condition that Rhodes’ name, likeness, or wrestling-related imager was at least 75% larger than the American Nightmare term, differing it from Eisold’s own merch. Eisold claims that Rhodes, WWE, and Fanatics have violated that agreement by selling merchandise that doesn’t fit that requirement.

    Eisold’s suit claims that WWE is selling several items through Fanatics with the American Nightmare term that doesn’t fit the previously agreed criteria. Eisold specifically references Rhodes’ ‘Crown T-Shirt design’ that does not contain Cody’s name or an image of him. The only wrestling-related image on the shirt is a WWE logo that is on the sleeve and not the main design.

    Eisold’s complaint also alleges that the confusion on social media is evident. m

    “Fans of WWE and wrestling continue to frequently tag [social media accounts for the musical band] the American Nightmare in Facebook and social media posts… Fans attending American Nightmare concerts and other events—including in California and specifically this judicial district—wear both the Runnels [Rhodes] clothes and the Eisold clothes.”

    Eisold’s legal representatives reached out to Rhodes’ lawyer in 2022 about the Crown shirt, but didn’t receive a reply, the suit adds. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this developing story.