Triple H has revealed what he likes about the way they’re telling stories in WWE right now.

The WWE Executive recently spoke to Greg & The Morning Buzz. He talked about things such as potential problems when Raw moves to Netflix, his conversation with Vince McMahon after the infamous curtain call incident and more.

The Chief Content officer was also asked about what is something he is looking forward to do with the programming when they move to Netflix. Triple H claimed that he thinks more about how they can continue evolving their storytelling and revealed what he really likes about the current WWE product:

“One of the things that I really like about the product that we’re doing right now is everybody is sort of, to some degree, we’re always going to have crazy characters and things, but to some degree, people are real.

They have real emotions, and they actually have memories of, you know, two years ago, this guy screwed me over, and I’m still, I still have an issue with that. Even if we’re both good guys now, I still have an issue with him over that. We’re not just, we’re not best friends, because we’re coming out the good guy door.

• Watch: Triple H Meets Up With President-Elect Donald Trump At UFC 309

Being A Bit More Real: Triple H

Triple H explained that the basics of storytelling have remained the same since the beginning of time. Tales like David vs Goliath are evergreen and what changes is the way you tell the story and how people consume them:

“It’s just more, it’s a different way of telling the stories and being a bit more real to real life, to people having grudges. Nobody’s perfect, right? Our heroes are flawed. Our villains sometimes are good guys. They’re not just, you know, kicking puppies down the street because they’re bad guys. They have real emotions and things.”

The former World Champion also claimed that the decline happens when you decide things are good the way they are. That’s why at WWE they’re always trying to reinvent themself and finding new ways to do things.

• Triple H Gifts Custom Hardcore Title To Travis Scott At Latest Concert

Triple H says he knew the business was changing even back in 1996.

The Game recently spoke to Greg & The Morning Buzz. He talked about things such as Raw moving to Netflix, his booking philosophy and more.

When the topic of the infamous Curtain Call was brought up, the Chief Content Officer claimed that even then he could see that the business was moving towards a more reality-based programming and he told as much to Vince McMahon:

“When all that went down and I took the brunt of the heat for it, because I was the only one that could. Kevin and Scott were leaving. Shawn was World champ. What were they going to do to him, right? So I took the heat. No problem.

But as I was leaving Vince’s office, after a thorough ass [whooping]. As I was walking out, I looked back at him. I said, let me ask you this, Vince. I said, ‘If this is so wrong, lifting that curtain is so wrong, why was it the loudest thing at Madison Square Garden that night?’ It was sold out. The biggest reaction by far was that.

Watch: Triple H Meets Up With President-Elect Donald Trump At UFC 309

That Was The Truth: Triple H

The infamous moment took place back in May 19, 1996, during a Madison Square Garden taping. Both Scott Hall and Kevin Nash were on their way out of WWE to join WCW. After the main event of the show, both Hall and Nash shared a group hug with fellow Kliq members Shawn Michaels and Triple H to end the night.

This was seen as highly unusual as HBK and Hall were babyfaces at the time. Triple H and Nash on the other hand were heels and the top brass were not happy with them breaking character so publicly.

With the eventual rise of the internet and social media, Triple H proved to be right in his assumptions about the business. Though it didn’t stop Vince McMahon from punishing him at the time:

“The business is changing. It’s passing people by and they’re not seeing it yet. He said, ‘You might be right, but that doesn’t change where we are right now. So the punishment is what it is.’ [laughs] But that was the truth. The business was changing, right?

You go fast forward years from there, the internet comes in. Everybody knows what we do. They know the real stuff. They know who’s married to who, they know who’s in relationship, or at least they think they do right. Half the stuff in the internet is wrong, but it’s all out there, and they know how this works.”

The Game then discussed how things have changed completely now and people are as intrigued by content that shows how they build the storylines as they are by the storylines themself. He named the most recent WrestleMania 40 documentary as an example.

• Triple H Gifts Custom Hardcore Title To Travis Scott At Latest Concert

Former WWE star Maven Huffman has teased a potential return to the company in a new role.

The 47-year-old has become a regularly discussed name in the wrestling circle again after launching his own YouTube channel in July last year.

Instead of going the podcast route that many retired wrestlers have taken, the former Hardcore champion has found success uploading videos in a more entertainment-based style. He has garnered more than 500k followers since the start of his channel.

His increased popularity has got people wondering if Maven could return to the Endeavor-owned promotion in a new role. He addressed the topic in his latest upload. Huffman first claimed that a WWE employee told him the officials quickly shot down the idea when his name was brought up in a conversation:

“I ran into a current WWE employee and no, it’s not any wrestler. This employee informed me that they not only went to bat for me, but tried to encourage and tried to suggest possible ways of utilizing me, utilizing the talents that I may possess now. This person told me that not only was the answer no, they were actually shot down mighty quickly.”

• Maven: WWE Was Ready to Rehire Me in 2020. Then COVID Happened

Sometimes We’re Just Passing Through: Maven

Maven said that he wasn’t upset or disappointed over this conversation. According to him, he has learned to accept his fate in the last 20 years. He no longer wishes to alter or change things that are behind him:

“I have this platform now and I’m able to still provide some value to a business I love so much. I’ve learned to be grateful and accepting of whatever fate comes my way because honestly, sometimes in life, whether good or bad, sometimes we’re just passing through.”

The retired wrestling star was driving as he made these claims, and the video curiously led to him pulling up to the WWE Performance Center. The whole thing then ended abruptly after showing a quick shot of an ‘Employee only’ door in the PC.

Neither the YouTube personality nor the company have officially confirmed anything regarding Maven’s future. We’ll likely have to wait for his next video to find out more.

• Maven Recalls Paul London Getting In Trouble Over His Royal Rumble Spot

British boxing champion Amir Khan would never say no to a potential future in WWE should the Sports Entertainment juggernaut give him a call. Speaking to Prime Casino, Khan spoke of “watching since we were young kids” and shared that his wrestling fandom dated back to the WWF days.

“I’ve been watching for a very long time, even before I got into boxing… It’d be nice and something I would never say no to.”

Khan would hardly be the first boxer to make their presence felt in WWE. In 1998, Mike Tyson spent his suspension from boxing as part of the WWF and played a pivotal role at WrestleMania 14. A decade later, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather worked with WWE and fought The Big Show at WrestleMania 24. Tyson Fury bested Braun Strowman at WWE Crown Jewel 2019 and appeared at WWE Clash At the Castle 2022.

With WWE expanding into the UK in recent years, fans can’t count out the mainstream attention WWE would attract by bringing Khan, a bonafide UK celebrity, on board. Speculation continues to buzz around WWE hosting WrestleMania in the United Kingdom, an idea backed by John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and the UK’s own Wade Barrett.

Khan, who in addition to several boxings, won Silver at the Athens 2004 Olympics, retired from competition in 2022 but is eager to get back in the ring, albeit not a boxing one. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WWE and whether Khan one day calls himself a WWE Superstar.

WWE taped the November 29 episode of SmackDown after the November 22 episode of the show this week from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. They had the Prime-branded canvas for the second taping. Below are the complete spoiler results:

Triple Threat Women’s US Title Tournament Match – Michin def. Piper Niven and Lash Legend: Legend replaced Jade Cargill in the match after the former AEW star was attacked by an unknown assailant this week. Chelsea Green was at the ringside for Niven and she attacked Michin during the bout. B-Fab came out to even the odds, allowing Michin to finally pick up the victory.

Singles Match – Shinsuke Nakamura def. Andrade: Nakamura entered with a new variation of his theme song. He defeated Andrade with a Kinshasa. US Champion LA Knight tried to attack the Japanese star after the bout but Nakamura sprayed black mist into his eyes.

Singles Match – Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes def. Carmelo Hayes: This match was made official after a backstage confrontation between the two at this week’s show. Rhodes beat Melo with a Cross Rhodes.

WarGames Segment: Bianca Belair, Naomi, Bayley, Iyo Sky, and Rhea Ripley all came out to promote the Women’s WarGames match. Bayley was there replacing Cargill into Ripley’s WarGames team. Rhea cut a promo before Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae came out. Morgan said that it was suspicious for Bayley to join the team right after Jade was taken out. The two teams then got into a brawl before the security ran down to break the fight up.

Singles Match For Advantage In Men’s WarGames – Jacob Fatu def. Jey Uso: Fatu won the match with a springboard moonsault to get the advantage for his team.

WWE also taped a Speed match where Zelina Vega beat Chelsea Green in between the two SmackDown episodes. The advance taping will allow the talents to stay home for the Thanksgiving holiday instead of traveling.

• Paul Heyman Returns, CM Punk Joins The OG Bloodline’s WarGames Team

The OG Bloodline, alongside CM Punk, continued to stand tall after this week’s SmackDown went off the air. In the closing moments of the show, Punk returned to programming to align with Sami Zayn, The Usos, and Roman Reigns. The group, accompanied by the also-returning Paul Heyman, brought the fight to Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, putting to rest Solo’s plan for Reigns’ faction to surrender.

After the show, Reigns had a tense face-to-face with Punk, before the OTC, Sami, and The Usos, threw up the iconic Bloodline finger. Punk, beating to his own drum as always, didn’t join in with the gesture and instead hit his own ‘Go To Sleep’ taunt.

EXCLUSIVE: @CMPunk, @WWERomanReigns, The Usos and @SamiZayn continue to stand tall after #SmackDown goes off the air. pic.twitter.com/X2Ru7bhrxc

— WWE (@WWE) November 23, 2024

“CM Punk was not as good or as over as John Cena. [He] wasn’t as good or as over and moved the needle like The Rock.”

Now, Punk and Reigns will have to co-exist to take on Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline inside WarGames. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Bloodline saga ahead of WWE Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30.

WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque won’t be too mad if Monday Night Raw sees buffering issues on Netflix similar to the Mike Tyson Vs. Jake Paul fight. The fight, which was watched by over 60 million households, saw several instances of buffering problems which greatly affected the viewing experience for those watching around the world.

These issues come mere weeks before WWE Raw moves to Netflix on January 6, 2025. Speaking to Greg and The Morning Buzz, Levesque suggested that he’d hardly complain if Raw buffered under the weight of 60 million fans tuning in.

“If our first night buffers and they come and say it was 60-70 million households watching, I’ll be good with the buffering.”

Netflix has ensured WWE that these issues won’t be a problem when Raw arrives on the streaming juggernaut. Currently, WWE’s flagship show does between 1.5 to 2.5 million live viewers, far below the number that affected the Paul Vs. Tyson fight.

Other Interview Highlights

During the interview, Levesque spoke about several topics related to WWE. They include:

• Levesque took issue with older wrestlers who criticize the modern-day style. He said it’s akin to older people saying that they had ‘real music’ back in the day, adding that “you’re just old.”
• He added that nobody texts him when he’s at a WWE TV taping as they know he won’t answer as he’s committed to his work.
• Levesque said that WWE will “die” if the show becomes about what he personally wants, and that its important to think about the “overall big picture.”

Peacock Scrubs Controversial Carlito Line From WWE Raw Episode

Paul Heyman made a shocking return on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, revealing the fifth member of The OG Bloodline for the upcoming WarGames Match at Survivor Series. The OG Bloodline, consisting of Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso), and Sami Zayn, will take on The Bloodline—Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa—and Bronson Reed.

Reed’s inclusion in the match comes amidst his ongoing feud with Seth Rollins on Raw over the past few months. Speculation had been growing that Rollins might join the OG Bloodline, as the group made one last attempt to convince him to reconcile with Reigns.

As Reigns began addressing the audience in a promo segment at the end of SmackDown, he was interrupted by Paul Heyman, who delivered his iconic “Ladies and gentlemen” line. Heyman humorously acknowledged his “math error,” referencing the time he was put through a table at Madison Square Garden, and pointed out the obvious: WarGames cannot be a 4-on-5 match. To even the odds, Heyman announced that he had found the OG Bloodline’s fifth member: CM Punk.

Punk’s return electrified the arena as he stormed to the ring to assist the OG Bloodline in taking down The Bloodline faction. The show closed with the babyfaces standing tall in the ring, leaving fans buzzing about the showdown set for next Saturday at Survivor Series: WarGames.

This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown opened with The Bloodline, but an unexpected twist involving Jade Cargill quickly became the show’s focal point.

During a Women’s United States Championship Triple Threat qualifying match featuring Bianca Belair, Chelsea Green, and Blair Davenport, a shocking moment unfolded. Midway through the match, the arena’s video screen revealed that Belair’s tag team partner, Jade Cargill, had been attacked backstage. The footage showed Cargill’s head slammed into a car windshield, leaving it visibly shattered.

Mystery Surrounds Cargill’s Attacker

The identity of the attacker remains a mystery, though speculation suggests it could involve someone linked to the ongoing match. Shortly before the footage aired, Davenport extended the match by kicking out of a pin attempt from Belair. Distracted by her partner’s condition, Belair rushed backstage, leaving an opening for Green to secure a pinfall victory over Davenport. This win advanced Green to the next round of the tournament, where she is set to face Bayley. The tournament finals are scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14, 2024.

Many fans suspect Piper Niven, Green’s tag team partner, may be involved in the attack, but no confirmation has been provided.

Survivor Series: WarGames Heats Up

The attack on Cargill adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming Survivor Series: WarGames Premium Live Event. A blockbuster Women’s WarGames Match is set for November 30, 2024, at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. The match features Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Iyo Sky against The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez), Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae.

With tensions escalating, all eyes are on SmackDown’s next episode for answers about Jade Cargill’s mysterious attack and the potential fallout heading into Survivor Series.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, along with WWE Raw stars Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, attended the premiere of Moana 2 at the Lanik?honua Cultural Institute in Kapolei, Hawaii on November 21.

The reason behind so many wrestling stars at the premiere? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprised his role as Maui in the film, the shapeshifting demigod who accompanies Moana on her journey.

Moana 2 is set to release in theatres on November 27, but premieres are being held in various locations. In Hawaii, Cody Rhodes attended the event with his wife Brandi and their three-year-old daughter, Liberty. You can check out the family’s photos below:

??The @Disney #Moana2 world premiere??

To quote Gorilla Monsoon

“It’s a happening!” pic.twitter.com/yKl9CnNLsB

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) November 22, 2024

Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins were also there with their four-year-old daughter, Roux. WWE President Nick Khan was in attendance too, and so was Disney CEO Bob Iger. The Rock, who is currently filming the live-action Moana in Hawaii, was present at the screening.

World Premiere Of "Moana 2" In Hawai'i HQ Photos #SethRollins #TeamRollins

Gallery: https://t.co/E02CDYerXo pic.twitter.com/iUi9E0vmPO

— Seth Rollins Fans : Fanpage (@SethRollinsFans) November 22, 2024

The Rock in Moana

During the premiere, Johnson shared a touching moment with his mother, Ata, and showcased a traditional dance that highlighted the cultural and family themes central to the Moana films.

Moana 2 is expected to perform well at the box office, with projections for a massive $125 million to $135 million opening over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Though the live-action Moana film is still years away (set for July 2026), a sneak peek of the live-action version of Maui, played by Johnson, was recently shown.

In related news, Cody Rhodes recently commented on The Rock’s role at WrestleMania 41, suggesting he could play a key part in the event. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins was rumored to appear in the latest trailer for Captain America: Brave New World, though he denied the speculation, saying the masked character who resembled him was not him.

The Great Khali has claimed that he made Big Show cry during a real-life altercation.

The former World Champion recently had a lengthy interview with Indian publication The Lallantop. He talked about things such as his political career, his social media posts, life after wrestling and more.

During the talk, Khali was also asked about his real-life altercation with Big Show. He mentioned that the fight happened after a six-man tag in Puerto Rico. Show was apparently mad at Khali for doing his move where the Giant chopped his opponent after shoving them into the ring corner:

“We had a match in Puerto Rico, we had a six-man tag. The reaction I got for my corner chop; he didn’t get it. So he thought that it was because I did his move. He started arguing with me when we got back into the locker room. I said let it go, it’s not what we’re after. People do each other’s moves every day.”

This fight has also been detailed in Chris Jericho’s Best In The World autobiography. Y2J corroborates most of the details given by Khali, although with a more neutral stance. He even mentions Khali withstanding the first punch thrown by Show that caught the Indian star right in the Jaw.

• The Great Khali Stars in Sci-Fi Sequel ‘Raduaa Returns’ This November

He Started Crying: The Great Khali

The details vary when it comes to the ending of this brawl, however. While Jericho says that Big Show tripped over a chair, Khali claims that he knocked the fellow Giant out and the loss got him crying:

“I started saying things back to him. I took off my shoe, and then he came to punch me. I leaned back. I got up and leaned again for the second punch. When I punched him, he got knocked down and I got on top of him.

After 2-3 punches, all the people in the locker room pulled us apart. Afterward, he started crying. He thought he could impress the young talent by taking me out, but it backfired on him.”

The true account of the backstage altercation will probably never be known as each person telling the story has his own biases. The different perspectives of any backstage incident makes it hard to come up with one coherent narrative that fits all accounts.

It’s still fascinating to know that among the many backstage altercations WWE locker room has witnessed over the years, there was one that included two of the biggest heavyweights the sport has ever seen.

The quotes in this article have been translated from Hindi and edited for clarity

• The Great Khali Gives His Perspective On Debate Of Wrestling Being Fake Or Real

WWE is making significant changes to its content distribution starting January 1, 2025. The WWE Network streaming service will cease operations in international markets, with Netflix becoming the new exclusive home for WWE content outside the United States.

International viewers will have access to WWE’s full programming slate on Netflix, including flagship shows Monday Night RAW, SmackDown, and NXT. The streaming platform will also carry Premium Live Events (PLEs) such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam, along with select historic content.

In the United States, the distribution model will be split. While Peacock remains the exclusive home for WWE PLEs, Monday Night RAW will transition to Netflix, with its first episode scheduled for January 6, 2025.

As this major shift approaches, details regarding the extent of historical content availability on Netflix are still emerging. The move represents one of WWE’s most significant changes in content distribution strategy, with more information expected to be revealed as the launch date nears.

Statement sent to WWE Network Subscribers:

On January 1, 2025, WWE Network will no longer be available in your area. After January 1, Netflix will be the new exclusive home of WWE.

Netflix will bring WWE’s electrifying content all to one place, including weekly shows, Monday Night RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, PLUS Premium Live Events (PLEs) such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam.

Many of WWE’s top moments, along with historic PLEs and select programming, will be available on Netflix beginning January 1.

The premiere live episode of Monday Night RAW on Netflix airing on January 6 will feature some of the biggest names in WWE such as John Cena, Undisputed WWE Champion “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Bianca Belair, in addition to many other Superstars and guests including Travis Scott.

WWE Network Timeline

The Network Era

• Launched February 24, 2014 as a “$9.99/month” streaming service

Early Growth:

• Hit 500,000+ subscribers by March 2014
• Reached 667,000 by April 2014
• Needed 1 million subscribers to break even

Peak Success:

• Achieved approximately 1.5 million subscribers by October 2020
• Faced ongoing subscriber turnover challenges

Peacock Partnership:

• Early 2021: Announced move to NBCUniversal’s Peacock platform
• Began transitioning content and operations

Final Chapter:

• Standalone service ending January 1, 2025
• Full integration into Peacock platform

Charlotte Flair appear to be signaling her imminent WWE return after nearly a year away, and fans couldn’t be more excited.

The multi-time World Champion shared a ten-second video on X depicting a block of ice bursting into the shape of a diamond. It reveals Charlotte’s image, logo, and name. The accompanying caption includes three diamond emojis.

??? pic.twitter.com/YDFcc8tPA5

— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) November 21, 2024

Charlotte Flair’s Injury and Recovery Journey

The Nature Girl hasn’t stepped into a WWE ring since the December 8, 2023 episode of SmackDown, where she faced Asuka. During that match, Charlotte suffered a severe left knee injury, tearing her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. She underwent surgery in January 2024, keeping her on the sidelines ever since.

At the time of writing, Charlotte has not competed in a single match in 2024. Unless she returns next month, this will be the first year of her decade-long WWE career without in-ring activity.

Recovering from injuries of this magnitude typically takes around nine months. That would have been around September, but more recent reports suggest she might not be back until 2025. Charlotte’s teaser, however, is an encouraging sign.

In an October appearance on the Forever Young Podcast, Charlotte spoke candidly about her recovery. She admitted feeling as though her “life was over” after the injury but saw the hiatus as an opportunity to grow. She used the time off to reflect on her career and plan how to evolve her character.

During her recovery, Charlotte has remained active, frequently sharing training updates and footage of her fitness journey.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Charlotte Flair (@charlottewwe)

WWE has begun announcing prospects to its new Independent Development (ID) program. WWE ID seeks to provide a path for independent wrestlers to join the promotion, while strengthening the independent scene.

WWE has partnered with several leading professioal wrestling schools across the United States to help identify top rising prospects. Contracted WWE ID prospects receive assistance with training and mentorship, access to world-class training facilities, athletic trainers and more.

Check Out: Our Picks for Potential WWE ID Prospects

Zayda Steel

Zayda Steel made her in-ring debut in 2022 and has been scouted from Combat Zone Wrestling. She has also worked for MLW and Beyond, and most recently for Marigold Wrestling, who have a partnership with WWE. Her most recent match saw take part in the Gauntlet match that saw the entire Marigold roster take on Giulia in her final match before joining WWE. Learn More about Zayda Steel

#WWEID welcomes @ZaydaSteel

Scouted From: Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW)

Hometown: Washington D.C. pic.twitter.com/GaEIuMy8nJ

— WWE ID (@WWEID) November 7, 2024

Bryce Donovan

With close to a decade in the ring to his name, Bryce Donovan joins WWE ID with a background from CZQ, Ring of Honor, WrestlePro and many more.

From 2021 to 2022, Bryce competed in AEW where he worked with the likes of MJF, Jake Hager, Wheeler Yuta, and The Acclaimed. He served as enhancement talent and left with a far-from Elite 0-5 win/loss record.

#WWEID welcomes @BryceDShook

Scouted From: Wrestling Open

Hometown: Long Beach, NY pic.twitter.com/i0LKpI2PUH

— WWE ID (@WWEID) November 7, 2024

Cappucino Jones

From Coffeyville, Kansas (the same city that gave wrestling Mildred Burke and Trevor Murdoch), Cappucino Jones has been competing since 2022. The ‘Cold Brew’ grappler competed on AEW Rampage in February of this year against The Young Bucks and took on the Cage of Agony in July as part of Ring of Honor.

#WWEID welcomes @coldbrewjones!

Scouted From: This Is Wrestling

Hometown: Coffeyville, KS pic.twitter.com/ZsPgXxHYU8

— WWE ID (@WWEID) November 8, 2024

Jack Summit

Jack Summit (formerly Jack Cartwheel) is known for high-energy performances, an innovative move-set, and his signature cartwheels. The Sacramento native made his wrestling debut in 2019 and has already made his presence felt in Game Changer Wrestling, Ring of Honor, Lucha Libre AAA, PWG, and All Elite Wrestling. Cartwheel unsuccessfully challenged Blake Christian for the GCW World Championship back in February at GCW: Feel No Ways.

#WWEID welcomes @JackCartwheel

Scouted From: Game Changer Wrestling (GCW)

Hometown: Sacramento, CA pic.twitter.com/YceZ3FX62q

— WWE ID (@WWEID) November 8, 2024

Zara Zakher

Zakher has only been wrestling since last year, but has already made an impact on the independent scene competing against both the women and the men. She was recruited from California-based Millenium Pro Wrestling. The ‘Petite Powerhouse’ has also been seen in GCW, Tokyo Joshi Pro Live, and West Coast Pro.

All I’ve needed was an opportunity. #stepitup #WWEID #zarazakher https://t.co/kuCBLcSbIQ

— Zara Zakher ?????? (@zarazakher) November 8, 2024

Sean Legacy

Legacy has been wrestling since 2017 and has worked in promotions including West Coast Pro, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and Pro Wrestling Revolution. AEW Dark fans may remember him from a September 2020 edition of the YouTube series, where he came up short against ‘Powerhouse’ Will Hobbs.

It is an absolute honor and a privilege to be one of the first-ever WWE ID prospects and the only one from Georgia, but l'll be honest – job's not finished yet. ?? #Super #WWEID https://t.co/bb1mj1Kgfe

— Sean Legacy ????????? (@Sean_Legacy1) November 8, 2024

Aaron Rourke

Aaron Rourke is an emerging star in the Northeast independent wrestling scene, recognized for his impactful presence and contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. He is known for his signature moves, including the Bridging Figure-Four Leglock and Cradle DDT.

CONGRATULATIONS to Create A Pro’s own Aaron Rourke for joining #WWEID !

We are so proud of you for being who you are. pic.twitter.com/fnkU9k1NzJ

— Create A Pro NY (@CreateAPro) November 18, 2024

Aaron Rourke has been ID’d .. Congrats ????????#WrestlingOpen pic.twitter.com/kapWRly28Y

— Tim (@PatsFanBE) November 15, 2024

Brad Baylor

Brad Taylor is a is known for his work in various independent wrestling promotions across the Northeast wrestling circuit.

Brad Baylor has been ID’D @WWEID #WrestlingOpen pic.twitter.com/JaPx2IZZIC

— Tim (@PatsFanBE) November 15, 2024

Jackson Drake

Jackson Drake is known as The Reaper and is the reigning Fire Star Pro Wrestling heavyweight champion.

The Reign of the Reaper just got taken to another level.

Congratulations to the reigning @FSPWrestling Heavyweight Champion @JacksonDrake03 on receiving his earned @WWEID tonight at Afterburn, presented by @KozonePro pic.twitter.com/8JSEDI43vR

— Chris Riddle (@ChrisRiddle) November 15, 2024

Ice Williams

“The Coldest Wrestler on the Planet” Ice Williams was scouted by Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling and Future Stars Of Wrestling (FSW).

BREAKING: Someone has been ID’d at @TheOfficialROW!

Check out what @BookerT5x has to say: pic.twitter.com/znA8uDfJxk

— WWE ID (@WWEID) November 12, 2024

It’s Gal

Hailing from ‘Mt. Olympus,’ It’s Gal was scouted from Wrestling Open.

Marcus Mathers

#WWEID welcomes @MarcusMathers1

Scouted From: Game Changer Wrestling (GCW)

Hometown: Philadelphia PA pic.twitter.com/HcxmW5GPuu

— WWE ID (@WWEID) November 9, 2024

Ricky Smokes

Ricky Smokes was ID’d at Chaotic Wrestling! #WWEID pic.twitter.com/Nnp9WU0H90

— MuscleManMalcolm (@MalcolmMuscle) November 16, 2024

Sam Hardway Holloway

Big things ahead. ??? #WWEID pic.twitter.com/3SXmZX6qt4

— Sam “Hardway” Holloway (@SamHHolloway) November 9, 2024

Zoe Sager

Zoe Sager is the first Canadian to be WWE ID’d!!! ?? @_NorthernCrown_ @SagerZoe ???@WWEID pic.twitter.com/9C61uukuSm

— Poisonrana (@PoisonranaPod) November 17, 2024

Aaron Roberts

Aaron Roberts is billed at 6’4″ and 420 pounds from Dyersburg TN. He wrestles for Memphis Wrestling and is known as “The Baddest Mane Walking Both Sites of the Mississippi.”

Your newest @WWEID prospect, the @Mem_Wrestling Heritage Champion, “The Problem” @Aaron_Roberts01!

6’4, 420lbs… The Baddest Mane Walking Both Sides Of The Mississippi! pic.twitter.com/YRAyvAXdWf

— ?????? (@uceynate) November 18, 2024

Kylie Rae

Arguably the biggest name confirmed for the WWE ID program, Kylie Rae has experience competing for AEW, TNA Wrestling, and GCW. In December 2022, Rae competed under her real name Brianna Rae on an episode of WWE Main Event.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life.

But sometimes life gives us another chance.?

Thank you @WWEID , feeling blessed??? https://t.co/NGPW7HmCOi

— KYLIE RAE (@IamKylieRae) November 22, 2024

Kylie Rae is the latest name confirmed for the WWE ID program, a fact revealed at Freelance Wrestling’s Thursday Night Slammasters event. On X, Gabe Sapolosky, who will oversee the WWE ID program, was pleased to have secured the “Best worker on the indies” to WWE’s latest recruitment tactic.

Best worker on the indies now on IWTV pic.twitter.com/X2OwWVyNkM

— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) November 22, 2024

This video of Kylie Rae's reaction to getting the WWEID contract is so wholesome

She legit deserves it. One of the hardest workers in the business.

Love to see itpic.twitter.com/3amVHNkH6n

— Julian Weeks (@JulianWks) November 22, 2024

On X, Rae, who reached three years sober last month, spoke of past mistakes and is blessed to be given another chance.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life.

But sometimes life gives us another chance.?

Thank you @WWEID , feeling blessed??? https://t.co/NGPW7HmCOi

— KYLIE RAE (@IamKylieRae) November 22, 2024

Rae is considered one of the very top independent wrestlers competing today, so her arrival in the WWE ID program is certainly a huge deal. Arguably the best-known name confirmed for WWE ID, Rae is arriving with experience wrestling for AEW, TNA Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling, and many more promotions. The reigning Freelance Champion also wrestles as Briana Ray on WWE Main Event in December 2022, with fans hopeful at the time that she’d be signed.

Like her fellow signings, Rae will have access to WWE’s resources, including the state-of-the-art Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Sapolsky will be just one of the key figures involved in WWE ID, ensuring that the signings get advice and wisdom forged from Sapolsky’s decades in the business.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE ID as the promotion’s hunt for future breakout Superstars continues to influence the independent wrestling world.

Goldberg has provided an update on his physical condition before his final match which is expected to take place sometime in 2025.

The former Universal Champion talked about things such as Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Fight, the cancellation of the TV series Roadkill, and more on the latest episode of his CarCast podcast.

Speaking about his final match, Goldberg claimed that preparation is always much harder than the actual performance. Compared to his other recent matches, he is getting a lot more time to prepare for a showdown this time around:

This time, I’m actually getting some prep time and the ability to get ready. Comparatively, even though I’m at the age that I’m at, I will have five times as much time to prepare than I have for any other match.

If I can’t get ready in that period of time, with what I have to offer, then it’s not going to be enough. I do believe that I’ve set my standards quite high and at the end of the day, I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the outcome and my performance.”

• Triple H Comments On Goldberg’s Future After WWE Bad Blood Appearance

This Is A Huge Change: Goldberg

A date or an opponent has not officially been confirmed for the 57-year-old’s last match. Though after his run-in with World Champion Gunther at Bad Blood in Atlanta, it’s not hard to imagine that the wrestling veteran will love to get his hands on the Ring General before he hangs his boots for good.

The former WCW Champion admitted that he is dealing with plenty of nagging physical issues including neck and knee issues. The worst part of his anatomy according to Goldberg however, is his torn-up shoulder which is still feeling a lot better than it has done in a long time:

“I’m able to do things right now with that torn-up shoulder that I haven’t been able to do in ten years. This is prior to a number of matches that I’ve wrestled. My shoulder is in a better position months before I have to perform than it was days before leading up to matches in the past. That is a huge change.”

Goldberg revealed that he couldn’t even lift his arm properly the last time he entered the ring for a match. Now he feels that he’s way ahead of the curve and he knows that he will be much better prepared for his next match than he has been in the past.

• Goldberg Talks WWE Retirement, Why Wrestling is Tougher Than Football

AEW President Tony Khan is interested in the groundbreaking ‘WWE ID’ program, but is holding off judgment for the time being. The program will see WWE partner with independent promotions and allow signed talent (deemed ‘Prospects’) access to WWE’s training facilities, including the Performance Center in Orlando, Flordia.

Speaking on a media call ahead of this weekend’s AEW Full Gear pay-per-view, Khan said it’ll be “interesting” to see how things work out when AEW attempts to bring in a WWE ID prospect.

“I have some thoughts on it, but I will reserve my judgment until I actually test such a mechanism. I only know what I’ve read about them, but it’s interesting.“

Several names have already been confirmed for the WWE ID program with others yet to be publicly revealed. WWE ID Prospects are still being allowed to compete outside the promotion, though many are wondering if WWE’s openness will extend to allowing talent to work for the promotion’s chief rival.

Other Interview Highlights

Khan was asked about much more than just the WWE ID program. Other topics covered in the media call include:

• Khan believes that reports of Toni Storm’s ‘retirement’ have been exaggerated, and is confident she’ll have a career in wrestling to come.
• While AEW Rampage isn’t included in the new Warner Bros. Discovery package, Khan is looking into other options for where the show and other AEW content could go.
• When asked about AEW running smaller venues, Khan spoke of the recent crowd in Cedar Park, Texas and the “amazing” atmosphere brought on by the smaller setting.
• Khan praised Harley Cameron’s energy, promo skills, and athleticism and called the Australian a prime example of a rising talent.

Linda McMahon has issued her first statement since being named the next US Secretary of Education by President-elect Donald Trump.

The former WWE CEO took to Twitter to repost the statement from President Trump, and wrote that she is looking forward to working with students and educators to strengthen the US education system:

“I look forward to working collaboratively with students – educators – parents and communities to strengthen our educational system; ensuring every child regardless of their demographics is prepared for a bright future.”

Linda’s daughter and former WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon was the first member of their family who congratulated the female politician on her new role:

Thank you Mr. President for your trust in me to serve as Secretary of Education and I am hopeful of Senate confirmation. I am deeply honored and humbled for this opportunity and I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure every student has access to a quality education.

I’ve… pic.twitter.com/Dc7sCiVfyF

— Linda McMahon (@Linda_McMahon) November 20, 2024

Congratulations @Linda_McMahon on being nominated for United States Secretary of Education. Your grandchildren will know you as a two-time cabinet member! What a legacy for us all! I am so proud of you Mom! pic.twitter.com/LuUJbOVnbp

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) November 21, 2024

• Watch: Triple H Meets Up With President-Elect Donald Trump At UFC 309

Linda McMahon’s Political Career

Linda McMahon previously served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration between 2017 and 2019, during Trump’s first term.

She played a crucial role in getting the Businessman-politician re-elected. McMahon was one of the top donors of the 2024 Republican campaign and she was also named the co-chair of Trump’s 2024 transition team.

There has been a lot of chatter about how Linda’s appointment and Trump’s re-election will affect the ongoing federal investigation against former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon over sexual trafficking charges.

Though Linda’s attorney has claimed that she is separated from the billionaire wrestling promoter and our analysis suggests that Trump will not be able to pardon all of Vince’s legal woes away.

• Wrestling and Politics: How Donald Trump Brought WWE to Elections and the White House

WWE Hall of Famer Glenn ‘Kane’ Jacobs has advised Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson from entering politics, especially given the ongoing toxic climate. Sitting down with Going Ringside, Jacobs, the current mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, argued that Johnson would only hurt his brand if he entered the political ring.

“Everybody likes Dwayne, no matter where you are in the political spectrum, because he’s a great entertainer… gotta remember that no matter what you say in politics, 50% of the people are just gonna knee-jerk disagree with you.”

Johnson has yet to enter politics but it is something that WWE’s Final Boss has been mulling over for some time. Examples include:

• The premise of Young Rock was Johnson recapping his life and formative years during a campaign for President.
• During the 2020 presidential election, Johnson endorsed Joe Biden, who defeated Donald Trump in November of that year.
• In 2021, Johnson shared that he would run for office if it is truly “what the people want.”
• The next year, Mark Henry said he was confident that his Nation of Domination alum will be President one day.
• In 2022, Johnson said that running for President is off the table, as his number one priority in life is being a father to his daughters.

While several wrestling names have entered politics, including Jesse Ventura, Matt Morgan and Trump’s pick for Education Secretary Linda McMahon, it remains to be seen if Johnson makes the move. While Jacobs is against the idea, and Johnson himself has said running for the highest office is off the table, we all know that politics, like wrestling, is an unpredictable game.

Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal recently revealed the secrets of how wrestlers hide under the ring, sharing the details during an appearance on fellow WWE alumnus Maven Huffman’s YouTube channel.

According to Mahal, performers slip under the ring during commercial breaks or video packages when the arena goes dark. These moments coincide with routine ring crew maintenance, making the movement less noticeable to the audience.

The space beneath the ring, known as “the bed,” is more accommodating than fans might expect. Mahal described finding a designated mat for comfort, along with WWE technician Nick Daw, who maintains a position there with broadcasting equipment. The area is stocked with refreshments including water, Diet Coke, and Red Bull.

The technician monitors the show via a screen and stays connected to producers through a headset, ensuring precise timing for any spots involving under-ring appearances.

Wrestlers Hiding Under the Ring

Wrestlers hiding under the ring is a classic WWE tactic to create surprise appearances. Notable matches featuring this element include:

• The Undertaker and Kane: Both wrestlers have famously utilized the space under the ring for dramatic entrances.
• Bray Wyatt: Wyatt often used this tactic to enhance his eerie character, appearing unexpectedly during matches.
• Hornswoggle: As the illegitimate son of Vince McMahon, Hornswoggle’s gimmick involved hiding under the ring, popping out unexpectedly, and distracting opponents.

CM Punk is gearing up for his next Hollywood venture, as Variety reported today that the wrestling icon will join the cast of Revival, a televised horror series set to air on Syfy. The series, currently filming in New Brunswick, Canada, is an adaptation of the acclaimed Image Comics series of the same name.

Details about Punk’s character and the show’s release date remain under wraps. This announcement follows news from last month that Punk has secured a key role in the horror film Night Patrol.

The official description of Revival teases an intriguing storyline:

“On one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin, the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves. But this is no zombie story as the ‘revived’ appear and act just like they once were. When local officer and single mother Dana Cypress (Scrofano) is unexpectedly thrown into the center of a brutal murder mystery of her own, she’s left to make sense of the chaos amidst a town gripped by fear and confusion where everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect.”

This marks another significant step in Punk’s acting career. Earlier this year, he appeared in the film Let’s Start a Cult and had a recurring role in the wrestling drama series Heels, which is now streaming on Netflix.

In the summer, Punk signed with Paradigm Talent Agency to expand his presence in the entertainment industry. His growing Hollywood portfolio suggests he’s making good on that commitment.

While Punk’s wrestling future remains uncertain following his win over Drew McIntyre in October’s Bad Blood Hell in a Cell match, his focus on acting has taken center stage.

WWE has unveiled its list of the top merchandise sellers for 2024, highlighting the performers who engaged fans both in the ring and at the merchandise stands. Leading the pack is Cody Rhodes, whose “American Nightmare” branding continues to resonate strongly with WWE’s audience.

Second place belongs to Roman Reigns, the face of the “Bloodline” storyline and a dominant figure in WWE’s programming. Making a splash in third is the returning CM Punk, whose surprise comeback reignited interest from his devoted fanbase.

The Top 10 List

1. Cody Rhodes
2. Roman Reigns
3. CM Punk
4. Jey Uso
5. John Cena
6. Liv Morgan
7. Rhea Ripley
8. LA Knight
9. Randy Orton
10. Damian Priest

Other names rounding out the list include Jey Uso, whose breakout year solidified his status as a solo star, and perennial favorite John Cena, whose limited appearances still drive significant sales. Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley represent the women’s division.

US Champion LA Knight, “The Viper” Randy Orton, and the Judgment Day’s Damian Priest also made the cut, showing a mix of established veterans and surging new talent. This diverse list underscores WWE’s ability to create marketable stars across all divisions.

Cody Rhodes Sued Over ‘American Nightmare’ Trademark Dispute

Jey Uso, in an exclusive interview with Peter Rosenberg for Rosenberg Wrestling at ComplexCon 2024, provided insights into Paul Heyman’s continued importance to the Bloodline storyline, even as Heyman remains absent from WWE television.

Jey reassured fans that Heyman’s influence transcends his on-screen presence, describing the “Wiseman” as an indispensable figure in the family’s WWE journey. “The Wiseman is really the Wiseman to my family. He’s been around my family more than 50 years,” Jey revealed, emphasizing Heyman’s deep-rooted connection to the Anoa’i family.

Heyman’s behind-the-scenes contributions remain vital, according to Jey, who highlighted his mentor’s role in refining promos, strategizing storylines, and advocating for the family’s success.

“Even when he’s not on TV, he’s there. All the backstage stuff—‘Say this. Maybe say it like this. Do this. Do that.’ He’s a big player to vouch for you and push for you. Any problem we have, we go to him. He makes it happen for my family. We love him.”

– Jey Uso on Paul Heyman (via Rosenberg Wrestling)

Heyman’s Absence Fuels Speculation

Paul Heyman’s absence was notably spotlighted during the November 15 episode of SmackDown. In a key segment, Roman Reigns attempted to contact Heyman, only to encounter a “number not in service” message. This led to widespread speculation among fans about Heyman’s status within the Bloodline.

Jey dispelled concerns about Heyman’s position, clarifying that his lack of on-screen appearances does not detract from his crucial behind-the-scenes involvement. “He’s still very much a part of everything we do,” Jey affirmed.

Future Return and Survivor Series

While no definitive timeline for Heyman’s return to television has been provided, Jey’s remarks hint at his continued influence on the ongoing Bloodline narrative. This has only heightened intrigue surrounding the faction’s upcoming Survivor Series WarGames match on November 30.

Jey Uso and the Bloodline are set to face a formidable lineup, including Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Bronson Reed. Whether Heyman will make a surprise appearance remains uncertain, but his behind-the-scenes contributions to the storyline continue to solidify the Bloodline’s dominance in WWE.

Cody Rhodes Compares Paul Heyman To Legendary Director

Netflix has unveiled a first look at WWE RAW as anticipation builds for the wrestling juggernaut’s debut on the streaming platform. The move marks a significant milestone for WWE, with the iconic Monday Night RAW set to air live on Netflix starting January 6, 2025.

The premiere live episode will broadcast from the newly built Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET. As part of the collaboration, Netflix also announced that WWE fans outside the U.S. will gain unprecedented access to weekly shows like RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and major events such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam.

LIVE Drama, LIVE Heroes, LIVE Action.

WWE Raw will be LIVE on Netflix in the US starting January 2025. pic.twitter.com/rg9qcbwNP9

— Netflix (@netflix) November 21, 2024

Netflix will also begin streaming classic RAW episodes and select historical Premium Live Events on January 1, 2025.

In a statement accompanying a promotional “Sneak Peek” video, Netflix emphasized the significance of this partnership.

“This marks a new era for WWE fans,” the announcement read. “With live weekly programming airing 52 weeks a year, viewers can expect non-stop action like never before.”

As January approaches, fans eagerly await how this partnership will reshape the viewing experience for one of wrestling’s most beloved shows.

? WWE is coming to Netflix UK/IE from Jan 2025, including:

? Weekly episodes of RAW, SmackDown and NXT
? All Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania and Royal Rumble
? Select programming and historic PLEs from the archive

Everything in one place, all on your existing plan! pic.twitter.com/Mt1TBFGpqp

— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) November 21, 2024

In a recent interview with Peter Rosenberg for Rosenberg Radio at ComplexCon last weekend, Rey Mysterio addressed why his daughter Aalyah has not pursued a career in professional wrestling. Despite having a notable presence on WWE television in 2020 – including prominent storylines with Buddy Murphy and Seth Rollins – Aalyah’s focus remains on her studies and her aspiration to enter the medical field.

“She also loves it as much as Dom did. We played wrestling a lot, but for some reason, she was more on my wife’s side. She was the one who liked to study and was very dedicated, always getting A’s. To this day, she’s still very focused on her education. On the other hand, she’s now pursuing her medical career,” Mysterio explained.

Currently attending medical school at the University of California in San Diego, Aalyah has chosen a different path than her brother Dominik, who has become one of WWE’s top stars. While Vince McMahon saw potential in her for a full-time wrestling career during her television appearances, Rey expressed pride in her decision to prioritize education. He noted that while he would be willing to train her if she ever decides to step into the ring, he fully supports her dedication to becoming a doctor.

At 48 years old and 35 years into his legendary career, Rey continues to deliver outstanding performances in WWE, proving that the Mysterio legacy in professional wrestling remains strong through both his own contributions and his son Dominik’s rising success.