WWE is looking to create a retro vibe for the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend and their efforts include bringing in a number of legends for the show.
The company previously confirmed that legendary wrestler and broadcast personality Jesse Ventura will be returning to commentary for the upcoming event.
Now PWInsider is reporting that the former Minnesota governor is not the only big name booked for the night. According to them, names such as Ted Dibiase, Jimmy Hart, Tito Santana, Greg Valentine, and Koko B. Ware will also be in attendance at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The inclusion of legendary names is a tradition the company has re-established in recent times. Many WWE veterans attended the recent SmackDown 25th anniversary special while a number of hardcore legends were brought in when NXT emanated from the 2300 Arena.
The upcoming show is not only expected to feature talents from the past but Triple H and Cody Rhodes have also teased bringing back a classic title belt for one night only during the show.
The return of Saturday Night’s Main Event will be headlined by Cody defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against former friend Kevin Owens. You can check out our predictions for the show here.
There’s no shortage of celebrities wanting to be a part of WWE WrestleMania 41 in April of next year, according to WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque. On The Roommates Show, Levesque shared that the 2025 two-night event has caught the attention of those outside of the world of pro wrestling.
“I have a celebrity list a mile long for people that want to do something for WrestleMania in Vegas. We just don’t have the real estate to do it with them, so we’ll pick the biggest ones.”
Using celebrities that “make sense storyline-wise” will also factor into Levesque’s decision-making process and it’s “incredible” just how many stars want to be involved. Next year’s show will be Levesque’s second time having full control over WWE’s most significant show of the years. WrestleMania 40 was the Game’s first time having full control of the show, following Vince McMahon’s resignation from WWE in January 2024.
Celebrity involvement in WrestleMania has been the case since the first event in 1985, which saw megastars including Liberace and Muhammad Ali participate on the show. At this year’s event, Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson got involved with the show, while Lil Wayne performed ahead of the Jey Uso Vs. Jimmy Uso showdown.
It remains to be seen which celebrities have a role to play at WrestleMania 41, but the show won’t be lacking in star power. WWE WrestleMania 41 will take place on April 19, and April 20, from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be WWE’s first WrestleMania to stream on Netflix for fans outside the United States.
WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley has fired back at an ongoing meme about careers in McDonald’s, asking “Who’s the joke really on?” The meme sees AI-created images of notable names dressed as employees of the fast-food chain. On X, Ripley argued that the idea of making people look bad for working at McDonald’s didn’t hold much weight.
Are we supposed to be offended by these AI McDonald’s memes? McDonald’s workers just out there trying to make a honest living, while you all scream jobless. So who’s the “joke” really on? ?
The response to this latest viral social media trend has been mixed. While some find it funny, others, such as Ripley, see it as an attempt to mock working people. In the comments several fans agreed with Ripley’s response, appreciating those who work in a job to earn an honest living.
On WWE TV, Ripley has been continuing her feud with Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, though won’t be the Judgment Day star’s next challenger. Instead, Morgan will defend her title at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend against IYO SKY. This week’s Raw went off the air with both Morgan and SKY clutching the Women’s World Championship, as both women have their sights on the Women’s World Title.
It’ll be up to the fans to decide when Rey Mysterio will retire from the ring, according to the WWE Hall of Famer/former World Heavyweight Champion. This week, Mysterio reunited with Kurt Angle to watch their Saturday Night’s Main Event match from 2006, where the WrestleMania 22 opponents teamed with Randy Orton to face Triple H and John Cena. When Angle asked Kurt about his retirement plans, Mysterio shared that the final decision wasn’t up to him.
“Well, I’ll let the fans decide.”
Mysterio turned 50 years old this week and has spoken multiple times about retirement in the past. These include:
While Rey has spoken a lot about retiring, the masked legend signed a new five-year deal with WWE in late 2023, which should keep him with the promotion until the end of 2028. When that contract does expire, Mysterio will be 54, far past his previously planned retirement age.
Stau tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Rey Mysterio, as the Hall of Famer continues to carve his legacy in the ring before he hands up his boots and mask for good.
Paul Heyman sees Cody Rhodes for the star that he is and thinks he has paved a new road for the Rhodes family.
Heyman spoke with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports and gave some very interesting comments regarding one of pro wrestling’s royal families. Dusty Rhodes broke the mold of how one envisioned a top star in pro wrestling. He redefined how the business operated and how talent used a microphone to draw crowds. Now his son Cody has his own story to tell, hearkening back to the classic Boy Scout babyface and fans have latched onto him, both from a star power standpoint and a merchandising standpoint.
Heyman believes that Cody’s past three years of work as a top talent has allowed ‘The American Nightmare’ to surpass ‘The American Dream.’
“When Cody Rhodes first came back here, we all had the same sentence we gave in the press conferences. ‘How can you look at Cody and not think of Dusty? To Cody’s indescribably massive credit, I think now is the point in history that we’re realizing that Dusty Rhodes is Cody Rhodes’ father.
“Cody Rhodes is the bearer of the family name that drives the most interest and is now the most famous. If you would have told someone that three years ago, they would have thought you were nuts.”
Some older fans may take exception to such claims, but Rhodes’ merchandise sales could really make the case for Heyman’s viewpoint. Paul also said he has yet to see Cody have a ‘lackluster’ performance in WWE, further perpetuating Cody’s ‘Do The Work’ mantra.
Paul Heyman Calls Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 40 Win The Right Move
Heyman’s beliefs regarding Cody and his daddy Dusty weren’t the only validation he gave the current WWE Undisputed Champion. He firmly believes that pitting Roman Reigns against Rhodes for the WrestleMania 40 main event was the right move, moreso against the expected battle between Reigns and The Rock.
“That was the rightful main event of WrestleMania 40 because the audience had a two-year investment in that story and lived it… They lived it not only by witnessing and experiencing it, but they lived it many times through the eyes of the protagonist and the struggles he had to endure and survive and thrive through all with his chin up and a progressive move forward attitude.”
That’s a good deal of babyface talk from the former ECW proprietor and Heyman finds himself currently in a fresh babyface role on WWE programming.
The WWE Universe may have seen the last of Logan Paul in the ring now that the former United States Champion is a father. On the ImPaulsive podcast, Paul shared his excitement for WrestleMania 41 in April 2025.
“That s*** is crazy. WrestleMania in Allegiant Stadium, 100,000 people? Yeah, it’s going to go crazy.”
When asked if he’ll be back in time in the ring in time for the show though, Paul suggested that his days in the ring were done.
“I’m retired. I’m a dad bro.”
Paul became a father back in September when he and Nina Agdal welcomed their daughter. Fittingly, the pair of social media influencers shared their news on Instagram, sharing that ‘”Esme Agdal Paul has entered the chat.” The couple shared in April 2024 that they were expecting.
While Paul is teasing being done in the ring, he’s not ready to leave WWE entirely behind. On the podcast, Paul described working with WWE as “fun as f***” and encouraged his guest Fanum to do something with the promotion. With four million subscribers across YouTube and Twitch, Fanum certainly has a following that could be introduced to the world of WWE if a deal can be reached.
Paul has competed three times at WrestleMania, where he boasts an impressive 2-1 record. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Logan Paul, and whether The Maverick is indeed ‘retired’ from the ring.
WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event is set to make a triumphant return to NBC on December 14, 2024, live from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
This event promises high-stakes matches and a night of nostalgia. Let’s dive into the predictions for the night’s biggest showdowns.
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs Kevin Owens
The main event features a clash between former allies as Cody Rhodes defends his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens. This feud has been brewing since Rhodes’ controversial decision to team up with Roman Reigns at WWE Bad Blood. Owens felt betrayed, leading to a vicious attack on Rhodes and putting Randy Orton out of action with a piledriver.
Despite Owens’ impressive performances and the potential for a shocking title change, it’s likely that Rhodes will retain his championship. The American Nightmare has been on a dominant run, reaching 250 days as champion by the time of this match.
While a victory for Owens would add an element of surprise, WWE has generally favored stability in their booking decisions.
Prediction: Cody Rhodes retains the Undisputed WWE Championship
Drew McIntyre vs Sami Zayn
In another highly anticipated match, Drew McIntyre faces off against Sami Zayn. McIntyre, fresh off his feud with CM Punk, is looking to reassert himself as a main event player. Zayn, ever-popular with the crowd, steps up to defend the honor of his fallen comrade Jey Uso.
While Zayn’s popularity keeps him in major storylines, McIntyre needs this win to maintain his momentum and continue his war against The Bloodline.
Prediction: Drew McIntyre defeats Sami Zayn
Women’s U.S. Championship Tournament Final
The event will also feature the crowning of the inaugural Women’s United States Champion. While the finalists are yet to be determined, speculation suggests a match between Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton.
Green has been excelling in the midcard, drawing comparisons from some to The Miz in terms of her career trajectory. A title win for her would solidify her status and potentially lead to a memorable championship run.
Prediction: Chelsea Green becomes the first Women’s U.S. Champion
Women’s World Championship Match: Liv Morgan vs. IYO SKY
Liv Morgan will defend her Women’s World Championship against IYO SKY at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Morgan has been on an impressive run, recently surpassing 200 days as champion.
Despite SKY’s undeniable talent and former championship pedigree, this match seems more like a showcase for Morgan rather than a legitimate threat to her title reign.
The lack of a substantial storyline build-up for SKY suggests that this match is primarily to give Morgan a high-profile defense on this special event. Additionally, with Morgan’s ongoing feud with Rhea Ripley likely building towards a WrestleMania showdown, it’s unlikely we’ll see a title change here.
Prediction: Liv Morgan retains the Women’s World Championship
World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat: Gunther vs. Finn Bálor vs. Damian Priest
This triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship promises to be an exciting clash. Gunther has been a dominant champion, while both Bálor and Priest have recent history with the title and each other.
Finn Bálor has been interfering in Gunther’s matches against Damian Priest, leading to this three-way collision. The dynamic between Bálor and Priest, both members of The Judgment Day, adds an intriguing layer to the match.
While triple threats are unpredictable due to the champion not needing to be pinned to lose the title, Gunther’s reign has been too impactful to end here. The match is more likely to further the story between these three competitors, possibly setting up future encounters.
Prediction: Gunther retains the World Heavyweight Championship
Kevin Owens’ Universal Championship victory was the culmination of years of hard work, but the Canadian has serious regrets over his reign. Owens won the gold on the August 29, 2016, edition of WWE Raw, one week after Finn Balor was forced to vacate the title due to an injury suffered at SummerSlam 2016.
Owens’ 188-day reign with the gold would see him retain against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns before losing the title in seconds to Goldberg at Fastlane 2017. While fans to this day still criticize the way Owens lost the gold, the Canadian’s biggest regret about his reign came months before his reign ended.
“As far as what I wish I could change or appreciate more is basically every single night after that [title victory].”
As champion, Owens constantly worried about making the newly-introduced title as important as possible, leaving little room to enjoy being one of WWE’s top Superstars.
“I just got so into my own head… I really didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have, and that’s a real regret.”
Becky Lynch has revealed that her daughter finds the colorful world of wrestling to be too loud for her taste. The power couple of WWE in Lynch and Seth Rollins welcomed their first daughter Roux back in December 2020. The little one celebrated her fourth birthday just last week.
The Man, who has been taking a break from wrestling after her WWE contract expired in June, recently joined Cobra Kai actor Xolo Mariduena for a game of Magic: The Gathering. While talking about motherhood, Lynch was asked if Roux is into wrestling. The former champion revealed that she finds it to be too loud:
“No. God no. She hates it. It’s too loud for her. She’s been around wrestling since she was like a little baby, a tiny little thing. The Pyro’s always going on.
She loves playing around in the ring but she’s no interest in watching. No interest. She told me the other day that dancing makes her inside sparkle.”
She’s Just Wonderful: Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch also discussed the challenges of motherhood. She noted that as a first-time parent, she’s always wondering if what she is doing is right:
“She’s just wonderful. She’s just amazing. She’s three. I think more than anything you’re just always, as a parent just wondering if you’re doing it right but she’s fine. She’s loved. I think the most important thing is she’s loved. I think that’s the most important thing. I think that’s what gives you confidence.”
The former Women’s Champion has been stepping back into the limelight recently after her break. Just this month she made an appearance on WWE’s Netflix media event and the latest reports suggest that she’ll be back in the company soon enough.
WWE has seen unprecedented growth in its audience in the last couple of years, and Kevin Owens believes Vince McMahon’s exit is a reason for it.
The former WWE Universal Champion recently spoke to Collider to promote the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC. He discussed things such as the history of the event, which names from the past he would have loved to face at the show and more.
Talking about the recent growth of WWE, Owens said that it’s the result of all the hard work everyone has been putting in for the last few years. He also believes that the mainstream attention they’ve gotten due to recent management changes helped rejuvenate general public’s interest in sports entertainment:
“That change in direction made a lot of noise outside of WWE, I think that probably turned a few eyes toward us. Everybody started watching again and realized, like, hey, this is really good stuff now.”
KO later discussed his WWE journey noting that in NXT he was told that he might never make it to the main roster. While he has achieved a lot more than many expected him to since then, Owens still has goals left in WWE:
“I’d love to be world champion again. I’d love to Main Event WrestleMania night two, since I’ve done night one already. I’d love to have a match with Rey Mysterio. But if my career ends tomorrow, I’d still be happy with what I’ve done.”
Kevin Owens will be challenging his former friend Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Title at Saturday Night’s Main Event. You can check out the full card for the show here.
Corey Graves has reflected on the 10-year anniversary of his retirement from active competition and thanked the fans for their support.
The WWE personality was a rising star of the early NXT, feuding with the likes of The Shield and The Wyatt family during his time with the brand. After suffering two close concussions in late 2013 and early 2014 however, Graves was forced to retire from active competition.
While The Iron City Superstar had not wrestled a match since April 2014, he officially announced his retirement on December 11. Looking back at the date, Corey Graves said that he misses being in the ring every day:
10 years.
I still miss it every day.
There was no “backup plan.”
Not bad for an audible.
Thanks to everyone for taking the ride with me. ?@WWE
After being forced to retire from wrestling, Graves transitioned to a broadcasting role. He started off as a color commentator for NXT, later being added to pre-show panel for main roster shows.
Graves has become one of the leading broadcast personalities of WWE TV after being called up to the main roster in 2016. He currently does color commentary on SmackDown alongside Michael Cole.
The 40-year-old revealed last year that he has actually been cleared to compete again if he chooses to, though he has no immediate plans for the same. Graves has since started helping out with the production of the shows, suggesting that he is more interested in that aspect of the industry rather than an in-ring return.
Zelina Vega, currently in her second stint with WWE, continues to be a fan favorite despite her recent elimination from the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament on Monday Night Raw. Vega, a former Queen of the Ring and member of the LWO, competed in a Triple Threat Match where Lyra Valkyria pinned Ivy Nile to advance. However, fans in the arena and online took note of Vega appearing to wave goodbye after her loss, sparking speculation about her future with the company.
According to PWInsider.com, there is no truth to the rumors of Vega leaving WWE. She remains under contract for several more years, and her post-match wave was not an indication of a departure. In fact, Vega received the loudest reaction during her entrance, underscoring her popularity with the live crowd.
The elimination of Vega so early in the tournament did not sit well with many fans, overshadowing Valkyria’s victory to some extent. On social media, the #PushZelina trend resurfaced, with fans voicing their disappointment over her early exit. Negative comments about Vega’s elimination also appeared on WWE’s YouTube video for the match, although much of the discussion was centered around Valkyria’s win.
As one of WWE’s most consistently supported talents, Vega’s fan base continues to advocate for her to receive more prominent opportunities in the company.
Trish Stratus is a WWE Hall of Famer both in title and in merit, but coulld we see Stratusfaction “stratusfy” outside of the WWE umbrella?
Stratus recently discussed the possibility of squaring of against an undeniable future Hall of Famer in AEW’s Mercedes Mone, formerly Sasha Banks in WWE. The two fighters briefly crossed back nearly six years ago at the 2018 Royal Rumble, but outside of that, they have never faced one another in singles action.
However, since then Stratus has made multiple returns in WWE, actually facing Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam 2019. She then returned to the company in 2022 for a very memorable heel run against Becky Lynch, with the program culminating in a cage match at Payback.
During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Stratus looked back on that 2022 run.
“People never thought I’d ever come back for another match… But then, you know, (Banks) left.”
Would she venture outside of the WWE to have that long desired match against Mone?
“I really am a WWE girl all the way.You never know. Who knows? There’s still so much more life to be had.”
Mone ultimately walked out on WWE in May of 2022, only to return to the ring under the NJPW banner before she got injured which shelved her for nearly a year. However, Mone did end up going to AEW where she is currently the TBS Champion.
As unlikely as it may seem in the late stages of 2024, New Day is suddenly one of the most buzzworthy acts in wrestling once again. Indeed, a decade in, the team far surpassed what anyone could have expected when Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E first assembled under an ill-defined gospel gimmick Vince McMahon tried to foist upon them.
New Day went on to enjoy a meteoric rise before struggling over most of the last four years as injuries, bad luck, and sheer duration all caught up to them.
The prevailing belief was that the team was going to split up for good as Kingston and Woods arguing with one another paved the road to their advertised ten-year celebration on Raw. The two men rallying and collectively turning on Big E was a sharp turn, officially marking the start of a new chapter. At this inflection point, it’s worth looking back on some of the unit’s greatest accomplishments in its first ten years together.
New Day Facilitated KofiMania And Big E’s Cash In
(WWE)
With two out of three members of New Day winning the WWE Championship, they have a valid claim to be in the conversation among the most successful factions ever in WWE. Kofi Kingston’s surge of popularity in 2019 that carried him to WrestleMania 35 was very much linked to New Day—the team that had kept him relevant and working featured matches. Indeed, while Kingston earned his moment, it’s telling that Xavier Woods and Big E winning a tag team gauntlet was the angle chosen to finally get their partner to his ‘Mania title shot.
Two and half years later, Big E would have his crowning moment as he, too, won the WWE Championship, arriving at the big win via Money in the Bank cash-in. New Day was less involved in this triumph given E had been separated from his teammates via a brand draft, only to briefly reunite when he won the title. Just the same, there’s reason to believe E may not have been in this position—or perhaps even under WWE contract anymore—without the successes he’d enjoyed with New Day protecting him from getting lost in the shuffle.
New Day Had The Longest WWE Tag Team Championship Reign Of All Time
New Day win SmackDown Tag Team Titles at WWE Battleground 2017 (Photo Credit: WWE.com)
While world title glory was the high-water mark for New Day in its first decade, the team also enjoyed the single longest WWE Tag Team Championship reign of all time at 483 days, surpassing a record Demolition had established twenty-eight years earlier.
More than reigning by default when there wasn’t a strong division around them, New Day elevated their titles, putting on excellent matches and entertaining fans with their antics. While reigns to follow shored up their spot as an all-time great team, this was the one that immediately put Big E, Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston in the conversation among WWE’s greatest tag teams ever.
New Day Was Part Of The Best Non-Singles Hell In A Cell Match Of All Time
(Photo: WWE)
Hell in a Cell has an uneven history. For every classic like Mankind facing Shawn Michaels or The Undertaker, there are throwaway encounters in the Cell like The Undertaker vs. The Big Boss Man at WrestleMania 15, Triple H’s slog with Kevin Nash, or CM Punk trying to pull a decent Cell match out of Ryback.
There have been good tag team Hell in a Cell bouts like DX vs. Legacy and good multi-man affairs like the main event of Armageddon 2000. The best of the best of these non-one-on-one matches, though, has to go to New Day vs. The Usos in 2017. The two teams were creative, brutal, and had a long, compelling feud to pay off.
New Day Hosted WrestleMania 33
The New Day hosts WrestleMania 33 (Photo: WWE)
At WrestleMania 31, New Day was a new tag team, and the component members filled totally forgettable spots in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. It’s telling that just two years later, they were tasked with hosting WrestleMania 33.
The record of WrestleMania hosts has grown a bit checkered and increasingly random, but at that point, it was an honor that had only previously been bestowed upon The Rock at WrestleMania 27 and Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 30.
New Day hadn’t achieved the legendary status of their predecessors, but trusting them with this role bespoke that they were one of the most popular acts in the company and WWE trusted their abilities as entertainers on the mic enough to make them the recurring stars of the show. Needless to say, they delivered.
New Day Turning On Big E Was An Instant Classic Moment
(Photo: WWE)
While there’s a bit of recency bias in ranking such a new moment in the top five, there’s little question Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston turning on Big E represented one of the greatest things the New Day crew has ever pulled off.
The trio tapped into all the emotional investment they’d built up from fans during the preceding ten years to create an incredible emotional charge. Fans watching one of wrestling’s most special bonds crumble before their eyes was truly one of the most heartbreaking scenes in WWE history and has charted a new course for Kingston and Woods as a genuinely special heel act.
Becky Lynch has proven herself for years in the ring, but now ‘The Man’ is taking a bold leap into the popular world of Magic The Gathering. Lynch is joining actor Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai) for her very first game. The game’s latest expansion, Foundations, hit retailers last month.
While Lynch is prepared to bring the fight to her first Magic The Gathering game, wrestling fans are eagerly awaiting Lynch’s return to the ring. The Man parted ways with WWE in June of this year with her most recent match to date being a steel cage defeat to Liv Morgan, thanks in part to the interference of Dominik Mysterio.
Whether a return comes next month or not, Lynch’s Magic the Gathering debut, which will be part of the Deck Chair channel, will introduce the popular wrestler to fans of the iconic table-top card game. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Becky Lynch, as the former Women’s World Champion continues to make an impression outside of the ring.
WWE star Bronson Reed has confirmed that he’ll be undergoing surgery today after suffering an injury during the Survivor Series 2024 event.
The heavyweight star teamed up with Solo Sikoa and his cousins to take on the OG Bloodline and CM Punk in a WarGames match on the show. He suffered the injury while attempting a daring dive from the top of the cage on Roman Reigns through a table.
Reed went through the table alone after Punk saved Reigns at the last minute. WWE previously confirmed that the Australian star suffered a broken foot from the fall. The 36-year-old then took to Twitter on Tuesday to reveal that he’ll be undergoing surgery this week. He has since confirmed that the surgery was successful and he is officially on the road to recovery:
Bronson Reed wasn’t the only one who suffered real damage during the brutal PPV match. Both Jimmy Uso and Tonga Loa also suffered injuries during the bout.
Uso, who broke his toe is expected to be out of action for only a few weeks. He’ll likely be back in the ring in late December or early January. Tonga Loa on the other hand suffered a torn biceps and like Bronson Reed, he’ll have to undergo surgery.
A concrete timetable for both Loa and Reed’s return will only become clear after their surgeries. Though they are expected to be out of action for a few months and both the stars are likely to miss WrestleMania 41.
Bayley is no stranger to competing at WrestleMania, and the Role Model is hoping her next match at the show of shows is against one of NXT’s top stars. Speaking to Going Ringside, Bayley shared that she’s eager to be the first WrestleMania adversary of NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez.
“She’s killing it as the NXT Women’s Champion… I know everybody wants to work with her, but I’m selfish, so I want to get her first Mania match.”
Perez and Bayley are “really tight friends,” the Role Model added, which would make a potential WrestleMania showdown even more special. Bayley knows all about facing friends at the Show of Shows, including her former ally IYO SKY at this year’s event in Philadelphia.
Perez has certainly impressed during her three years in WWE NXT. Already a two-time NXT Women’s Champion, The Prodigy has quickly established herself as a top-name with fans speculating that a main roster call-up will come in 2025. Whether that’s the case or not, Bayley is waiting for the 23-year-old, and ready to lock horns at WrestleMania 40.
Other Highlights
Bayley discussed more than her dream match with Roxanne Perez in the interviews. She covered a number of topics, including:
Speaking about WWE’s Holiday Tour, Bayley shared that travel has been easier this year thanks to several events being hosted in Florida in a row.
On the topic of fans becoming wrestlers, Bayley said it’s a beautiful full-circle moment and singled out her own superfan Izzy Moreno, who is now a wrestler.
Bayley shared that when she joined, Natalya, Tamina, and Naomi treated her with respect and helped her feel welcome. Now as a locker room leader herself, Bayley strives to be as supportive to newcomers, including NXT signings and those who’ve joined from other promotions.
Bayley is recovering after being part of the Women’s WarGames Match at Survivor Series and is currently enjoying some downtime before returning to action.
Bayley has revealed the things that have helped her develop leadership skills and become a locker-room leader in WWE.
The former Women’s Champion is one of the longest-tenured female talents in the history of the company. She is the only one of the Four Horsewomen currently active on the roster. With over a decade of experience in WWE, it’s not a surprise that a lot of up-and-coming talent look up to her.
The wrestling veteran was asked about her role as a locker room leader by WWE alumni Alicia Fox during an interview with Going Ringside podcast. Bayley recalled how the other three Horsewomen were called up to the main roster a year before her. She explained that being the most senior member of the women’s NXT locker room at the time helped her develop her leadership skills:
“I really think that year of me not being on Raw and SmackDown helped introduce the NXT girls without me having to do it. Like they did the hard part kind of where now when NXT girls were coming in it was like the locker room…. not that you guys weren’t welcoming but it was like ‘Oh we know that they’re here for the same reasons we are.’ They kind of like fluffed the feathers for me in that way.”
I Try To Pay That Forward: Bayley
When it comes to being a locker room leader on the main roster, Bayley models her conduct after the women who took care of her when she was first called up:
“But I always give credit to Natalya, to Tamina, and to Naomi. My first UK tour was with those girls. I was still in NXT but the way that they treated me with such respect, they treated me on the same level as them. They took care of me making sure like ‘Oh you put your bags here’ or ‘You could sit here on the bus’ or ‘We go to catering after this.’
Little things like that really stuck with me. I just try to do those little things for any of the new women in our locker room. Whether they come from NXT or whether you’re Jade Cargill and come from another company. I always remember how I was treated and try to pay that forward.”
Apart from this, Bayley was also asked about her WrestleMania 41 dream match. The former Champion said that she would love to face NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez in her first WrestleMania match.
Posted December 11th, 2024 in WWE. Tagged: Bayley.
NXT is set to kick off the new year with a special event from the City of Angels.
With 2025 marking the start of WWE’s blockbuster partnership with Netflix, the company will host a series of special events in Los Angeles leading up to the WWE Raw Netflix debut on Monday, January 6. According to a press release sent to SEScoops, WWE plans to keep the festivities going even after Raw on Netflix goes off the air.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, WWE New Year’s Evil will emanate from The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles. This special edition of NXT programming will air live on The CW, beginning at 8/7c, ushering in the new year for NXT content.
Notably, this marks another NXT premium live event that incorporates WWE’s main roster branding, following the recent WWE Deadline show, which featured exclusively NXT matches.
Tickets for WWE New Year’s Evil will go on sale Wednesday, December 18, at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET via AXS.com. Fans can register now at WWE.com for an exclusive presale opportunity.
WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley recently addressed the possibility of stepping foot inside the squared circle for one more match.
During an appearance on The Wrestling Life podcast, D-Von Dudley revealed whether he wanted to make an in-ring return. The ECW legend said that fans continue to demand ‘one more match’ from him when he does one match. He highlighted the fact that the fans would want him to compete for a long time.
However, D-Von Dudley said that he is not ruling out the idea of returning but didn’t want to say “never.” He also dropped hints about some future opportunities in the United States or abroad in Japan. He said:
“Here’s what I’m gonna tell you: every time you do one match, you say ‘one more match,’ and then the fans are going ‘one more match’ after that. Listen, they’re not gonna stop until you’re in the grave. You know, but I don’t know, I’m not gonna say never. There are some talks about things happening, whether it’s here in the states or even abroad in Japan. So, nothing, it’s just talks, that’s it. Nothing is being set in stone or anything like that. I’m saying that there were rumblings and talks about it.”
D-Von Dudley’s return could take place soon but no plans have been locked in yet. He had competed at the Impact 1000 show last year and his last match took place at IWC Superstar Showdown V back in April this year.
D-Von Dudley also recently made an appearance on NXT 2300 which was held on November 6th at the famous 2300 Arena and the night featured return of several ECW originals. He reunited with Dudley Boyz teammate Bubba Ray Dudley, who had teamed up with Trick Williams to face Ridge Holland and “All Ego” Ethan Page. Following the match, Ridge and Ethan attacked Trick, but Bubba helped fight them off. The duo then hit some classic Dudley Boyz moves with D-Von Dudley returning with a table.
In an unexpected twist of television history, the iconic sitcom Seinfeld owes part of its existence to an unlikely source: WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. This revelation, shared by Jerry Seinfeld himself, sheds new light on the origins of one of the most beloved comedy series of all time.
The Unlikely Connection Between Wrestling and Comedy
Jerry Seinfeld disclosed on The Rich Eisen Show back in May 2024 that WWE played a crucial role in the creation of Seinfeld. The connection stems from a decision made by NBC executive Rick Ludwin, who saw potential in the fledgling “show about nothing” when others were skeptical.
“Ludwin said, You know what, I think this show isn’t that bad. Everyone disliked it. And Rick Ludwin said I’m gonna take some moeny from Saturday Night Wrestling [sic]. In those days professional wrestling replaced Saturday Night Live once a month. And he took the money from one of those, and it was enough money for us to make four episodes. We made four episodes, they still didn’t like it…”
NBC’s Gamble: From Ringside to Primetime
Ludwin made a bold move by reallocating funds from the once-a-month wrestling show, Saturday Night’s Main Event, to finance the production of four episodes of “Seinfeld”.
This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in television history, giving the sitcom the opportunity it needed to prove its worth.
The Birth of a Comedy Legend
Despite initial doubts from network executives, the four episodes produced with the wrestling show’s budget were enough to secure “Seinfeld” a place in NBC’s lineup.
This unconventional funding strategy allowed Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David to showcase their unique brand of humor and launch what would become a cultural phenomenon.
From Underdog to Television Icon
Seinfeld went on to become one of the most successful sitcoms in television history. The show’s characters – Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer – became household names, and their misadventures captivated audiences for nine seasons.
The Legacy of Seinfeld and WWE’s Indirect Contribution
The success of Seinfeld not only revolutionized the sitcom genre but also demonstrated the potential for unconventional programming decisions.
The show’s journey from a struggling pilot to a ratings juggernaut is a testament to the power of taking risks in television production.
Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) was a revolutionary program that brought WWE’s biggest stars and most exciting matches to network television. From 1985 to 1992, and again briefly in 2006-2007 before its return in 2024, SNME showcased some memorable bouts in WWE history. Let’s take a look at the cream of the crop – the absolute best matches to ever grace this groundbreaking show.
This match stands out as perhaps the greatest in SNME history. Two of WWE’s most technically gifted performers faced off in a bout that was almost flawlessly executed. Savage and Hart delivered a masterclass in in-ring storytelling, with Hart working over Savage’s ankle, forcing the Macho Man to remove his boot and finish the match on one foot.
The back-and-forth action, coupled with interference from Jimmy Hart and Jim Neidhart, created a dramatic atmosphere that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Savage ultimately secured the victory with a quick small package, capping off what many consider the best match of 1987.
Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant – February 5, 1988
While not a technical masterpiece and on a show called ‘The Main Event’ rather than Saturday Night’s, this match was a pivotal moment in one of wrestling’s most iconic feuds. The bout served as a prelude to their historic WrestleMania III encounter and showcased the immense star power of both Hogan and Andre. The clash of these titans epitomized the larger-than-life appeal that made SNME must-see TV.
Hart Foundation vs. The Rockers – April 28, 1990
In a year when WWE’s in-ring product was somewhat lacking, this tag team classic stood out as a beacon of excellence. The match featured four future Hall of Famers – Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, Shawn Michaels, and Marty Jannetty – at the peak of their abilities.
The bout was a masterful display of tag team wrestling, filled with crisp chain wrestling and high-flying action. Although it ended in a no-contest due to interference from Demolition, this match remains a highlight of SNME’s later years.
Underrated Gems
Hercules vs. Virgil – “Ted DiBiase’s Slaves” Match
This unique stipulation match doesn’t often make “best of” lists, but it deserves recognition for its compelling storytelling and the satisfying conclusion to Virgil’s quest for freedom from DiBiase.
Triple H & John Cena vs. Kurt Angle, Randy Orton & Rey Mysterio – 2006
From SNME’s brief revival in the mid-2000s, this star-studded match showcased some of the top talent of the era. While it may not have the nostalgia factor of earlier SNME bouts, the in-ring action was quality.
Kevin Owens says he has tried many times to bring Shawn Michaels out of retirement but the Heartbreak Kid continues to turn him down.
The former Universal Champion was the name chosen to face Stone Cold Steve Austin when the wrestling veteran came out of retirement after 19 years for a match at WrestleMania 38. Austin won the No Holds Barred match and KO received a lot of praise for his work with the wrestling legend.
During a recent interview with MuscleManMalcolm, Owens was asked which legend he would pick to bring out of retirement after the Austin match if he could. Kevin immediately took the name of Shawn Michaels, revealing that he reaches out to the current NXT head every year:
“Well, the answer is always Shawn Michaels. I really try pretty much every year. I think I’m done trying now, though, I think he’s pretty much…it’s three years running where he’s politely said no to me. I think the next time I ask, he’ll probably just tell me to F off, to say it nicely.
I think last year he literally had triceps surgery just to avoid the question. But, yeah, if I could wrestle, if there’s anyone I’d love to wrestle [it’s] Shawn Michaels. I’m sure he would still be able to put in a performance like no other. I have no doubt. But he’s done with it. He’s done. Trust me, I’ve tried.”
After initially calling it a career following his loss at WrestleMania XXVI, Michaels did come out of retirement for one more match in 2018. He teamed up with DX partner Triple H for a match against The Brothers of Destruction at the Crown Jewel special.
Apart from this, Kevin Owens also talked about his upcoming WWE title match with Cody Rhodes, what he doesn’t like about the American Nightmare and more. You can check out his full interview below:
WWE Superstar Logan Paul could find himself back in the world of boxing soon after being challenged by Tyson Fury’s father John Fury. On Instagram, the elder Fury threw out the challenge for next year, when his son Tommy Fury faces Jake Paul.
“Tommy will fight Jake by January or February, and I’ll fight you. You’re younger and heavier, but I’ll let my punches go. Critics can say what they like, but I’ll prove them wrong.”
This post caught the attention of Paul, who responded in the comments by saying “Start training.” While neither man has set a date, it appears that a showdown could be in the future for the pair.
Paul hasn’t competed in WWE since SummerSlam 2024, where his lengthy reign as United States Champion was ended by LA Knight. Paul has impressed even his fiercest of critics since making his WWE in-ring debut in 2022, and currently has a win/loss record of 7-8. In boxing, Paul has competed in two professional fights, and boasts a 1-1 record, and fought Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather in June 2021 in an exhibition match.
The Fury family are no strangers to pro wrestling, with Tyson Fury defeating Braun Strowman via count-out at WWE Crown Jewel 2019. In 2022, Fury once again showed the impact of his devastating punches, as he KO’d Austin Theory at Clash At The Castle, preventing A-Town Down from cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.
With Paul being busy with WWE, his YouTube channel, and PRIME (as well as a series of lawsuits) it remains to be seen whether he can fit in a fight with John Fury. If so, then the match would no-doubt receive major coverage, as Logan Paul continues to drum up interest wherever he goes.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes aims to prove that he’s the workhorse of WWE by reaching a milestone number of matches this year. On X, a fan shared the number of matches some of WWE’s top Superstars have competed in in 2024, and Rhodes shared that he’s eager to hit triple digits.
Rhodes will add another match to his record this Saturday when he faces Kevin Owens at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. Their deeply personal feud has been brewing since Bad Blood, where Owens attacked Rhodes following the show. Owens has justified his actions, claiming Rhodes betrayed him by teaming with Roman Reigns at the PLE despite all that the Tribal Chief has done to both men.
Last year, Rhodes competed in 102 matches across WWE TV and live events, including his first WrestleMania main event. In 2022, Rhodes competed 23 times for WWE, though spent much of that year on the shelf due to his torn pectoral injury. Rhodes’ first match of 2023 would see him win the Men’s Royal Rumble match, his first of back-to-back wins in the contest.
Highlights of Rhodes’ 2024 so far include headlining both nights of WrestleMania 40, as well as several other PLE main event matches. Mere days ahead of his win in Philadelphia, Rhodes inked a new contract with WWE that’ll keep him competing for the company for years to come.
Rhodes’ impressive numbers come in stark contrast to his predecessor Roman Reigns, who competed just a handful of times during his final years as champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Cody Rhodes as the American Nightmare continues to set the standard as WWE’s top Superstar.
