Daily Drop (2/16): Drew McIntyre Contract Update, Notable WWE Departure & More

Welcome to SEScoops’ Daily Drop – a rundown of the top stories in pro wrestling all in one place.

Our mission is to provide our readers with the most important and interesting news from WWE, AEW and more that’s timely, informative and engaging. The Daily Drop is a destination where you can get a snapshot of the top stories in wrestling.

  • WrestleMania 40 COUNTDOWN: 50 days away

Here’s the Daily Drop news report for Wednesday, February 16, 2024:

WWE News and Notes

– Tonight’s WWE SmackDown from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT is officially SOLD OUT with over 11,000 tickets distributed, per Wrestletix

SmackDown will feature appearances from The Rock and Roman Reigns, as well as Elimination Chamber qualifying matches with:

  • Logan Paul vs. The Miz
  • Kevin Owens vs. Dominik Mysterio
  • Naomi vs. Zelina Vega
  • Tiffany Stratton vs. Alba Fyre

– Drew McIntyre still has yet to sign a new WWE contract, but the Scottish Warrior’s will be on television through WrestleMania 40. Time was added to the back-end of his deal to make up for dates missed due to injuries.

– WWE saw a notable behind-the-scenes departure on February 15th. Jennifer Pepperman has left WWE. She a senior writer and producer who was heavily involved with the Women’s division on SmackDown. 

We’ve updated our WWE Releases tracker to reflect Pepperman’s departure.

– Speaking of WWE releases, former voice of Monday Night Raw Kevin Patrick has already landed his next gig. He’ll be part of the panel for the second season of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. 

– Former WWE executive Stephanie McMahon has been named as part of the alleged cover-up regarding Ashley Massaro being sexually assaulted while in Kuwait on WWE business. A friend of the late WWE superstar alleges that Stephanie McMahon worked with her to brush the incident under the rug.

AEW News and Notes

– Tonight’s AEW Rampage on TNT (taped Wednesday from Cedar Park, TX) will see:

  • No DQ match: Jeff Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara
  • Anna Jay vs. Queen Aminata
  • Bang Bang Scissor Gang in 12-man tag team action

– AEW may have to start watching their language a lot more. It was reported that WBD is nixing their profanities, so the bleeping will take over the regular S-Bombs on every show.

– We’re still waiting on new word regarding Jeff Hardy’s injury during the February 14th Rampage taping. As of this writing, the concern was for his head, and some thought he may have broken his nose. That show will air tonight.

Coming Up

– WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth takes place next Saturday, February 24.

AEW Revolution takes place the following weekend on Sunday, March 3.

SE Scoops will have continued coverage of these stories, and everything else that breaks in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more updates!

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