Archive for the ‘WWE’ Category

Linda McMahon to Lead Trump’s Department of Commerce (Report)

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January 2025, speculation is mounting about who will fill key positions in his administration. Among the names being floated for high-level roles is Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and previous member of Trump’s first-term cabinet.

McMahon is a frontrunner to lead the Department of Commerce as Secretary in Trump’s second administration, according to Charles Gasparino, Senior Correspondent at Fox Business. The Department of Commerce plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and opportunity, making it a key position in any administration.

Linda McMahon’s Political Background

Linda McMahon, 76, is no stranger to Trump’s inner circle. She served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 during Trump’s first term. After resigning from this position, McMahon went on to chair America First Action, a super PAC supporting Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.

Qualifications and Experience

McMahon’s background in business and her previous experience in the Trump administration make her a fairly logical choice for a cabinet position:

  • Co-founder and former CEO of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
  • Previous service as Administrator of the Small Business Administration
  • Experience in fundraising and political operations

Campaign Contributions and Support

McMahon has been a significant financial supporter of Trump’s political ambitions:

  • 2016: She donated $6 million to Rebuilding America Now, a pro-Trump super PAC
  • 2020: She reportedly raised approximately $83 million for Trump’s (unsuccessful) 2020 campaign.
  • 2024: McMahon is said to have contributed over $10 million to Trump’s campaign effort through the America First Action super PAC.

Other Key Appointments in the Trump Administration

As Trump assembles his team for a second term, several other appointments have been announced or are being considered:

Confirmed Appointments

  • Susie Wiles: Named as White House Chief of Staff, making her the first woman to hold this position
  • Tom Homan: Designated as “border czar,” overseeing immigration and border security initiatives
  • Elise Stefanik: Selected as the ambassador to the United Nations

Potential Cabinet Members

While many positions remain to be filled, some names being discussed include:

  • Bill Hagerty: Under consideration for Secretary of State
  • Marco Rubio: Reportedly being considered for a high-level position, possibly Secretary of State
  • Mike Waltz: Mentioned as a potential candidate for Secretary of Defense

The Confirmation Process

With Republicans now in control of the Senate, many of Trump’s cabinet nominees are expected to face a smoother confirmation process compared to his first term. However, some controversial picks may still face scrutiny and potential challenges during hearings.

Taz Says WWE Fan is ‘Dead Wrong’ About His Career

Pro wrestling veteran Taz recently refuted a belief as a fan claimed that the AEW star held resentment towards his former employer.

On social media, ‘The Human Suplex Machine’ shut down the belief and explained that it wasn’t true. He further said that WWE gave him a new career as a color commentator which he still enjoys.

Taz made his impactful debut in WWE during the 2000 Royal Rumble. He faced Kurt Angle in his debut and emerged victorious. But his run with WWE was short-lived. Mounting injuries cut short his in-ring career and he went on to become a color commentator for WWE shows. He eventually decided to hang up his boots and embrace the new role. In 2019, he joined All Elite Wrestling as a commentator and he is enjoying his run with the promotion.

Taz has been on the sidelines. Before the fifth anniversary of AEW Dynamite, he announced that that he’d be stepping from his role as an announcer as he was set to undergo total knee replacement surgery. After his surgery, the former ECW star also provided an update on his health. His last appearance before hiatus took place at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam when Hook officially retired the FTW Championship.

This is not the first time the legend has responded to a fan on social media. Previously, he fired back at a fan who claimed WWE saved his career.

Dakota Kai’s Returns Gives Damage CTRL New Championship Goals

Damage CTRL are back in full swing as Dakota Kai returned from injury on last night’s WWE Raw.

During the November 11th edition of WWE Raw, Dakota Kai made her surprise return in a backstage segment to reunite with Damage CTRL. The faction comprising – IYO SKY, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai has now set their sights on the gold.

Damage CTRL joined in for an interview with Byron Saxton in a Raw Exclusive. Kai said that it was very difficult for her to watch SKY and Sane from home during her injury hiatus. She then revealed that they have their sights set on the women’s tag team titles which is held by Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. Kai said:

“It was so difficult watching from home, you guys held it down for sure, but we’re here to show everyone Damage CTRL, we won our match tonight — Now, we have our eyes on gold, potentially those tag team titles, right?”

Dakota Kai’s comeback took place at a time when SKY is the Number 1 contender for the Women’s World Title, currently held by Liv Morgan. They are set to lock horns with the title on the line soon.

IYO SKY also vowed to become the Women’s World Champion and feels confident that every member of Damage CTRL will be a champion. She said:

“Yes and I need the Women’s World Championship. We will be all the champions.”

Dakota Kai had been away from the programming for several months due to an injury. Kai’s last match before her return was on July 27th at a live event in Tokyo, Japan, where she faced Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. Following that she was written of the shows as she suffered a torn meniscus injury.

Last night, Kai also competed inside the squared circle when she teamed up with IYO SKY and Kairi Sane to face the Pure Fusion Collective (Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville). In the final moments of the match, SKY performed a moonsault on Baszler to earn the pinfall victory.

How Australia’s Female Stars Paved The Way For Grayson Waller

Grayson Waller’s WWE career may have never been a reality had it not been for the success of the women from his native Australia. Speaking this week to Insight, Waller explained how, as a fan, there was very little representation of Australian talent to inspire a future in the ring.

“Nathan Jones fell over at WrestleMania! That’s who I wanted to be.”

Jones’ sole year on WWE’s main roster saw him win no titles and often play second-fiddle to talent like The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, and A-Train. Waller later explained that it wasn’t until The IIconics gave a seminar post-joining WWE that he started to realize that he could make it.

“It didn’t seem like a possibility. But then, when I saw Peyton [Royce] and Billie [Kay] get on NXT, they’re from the same school as me. Then I was like ‘Oh wow.’ Then they come back to do a seminar, I think ‘It’s possible.'”

The IIconics may have shown Waller that a future in WWE was possible, but it was the work of Rhea Ripley who showed Grayson that his dreams could come true.

“Rhea’s the one who really cemented it. I’d met her just before she left [Australia.] And then she was doing such big things. I think she showed the rest of Australia ‘Hey, this is possible.’ And that opened the door. And then you’ve got Bronson [Reed.] You’ve got Indi [Hartwell.]”

Nowadays, Waller has cemented himself among WWE’s crop of Australian talent, which recently welcomed Zaria to WWE NXT. With the success of Elimination Chamber: Perth this past February, WWE clearly has a huge following ‘down under’ and don’t count out future Superstars coming from the country.

The Rock Reflects on WWE’s Evolution, WrestleMania 40, and Family Legacy

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is honored to remain a fixture of WWE today, and is proud that his family still has a place at the table of Sports Entertainment. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote Red One and Moana 2, WWE’s resident Final Boss addressed how WWE has changed since he got his start.

“My grandfather and my dad used to wrestle up here at [Madison Square Garden] in the ‘70s, and here I come along, not trying to screw anything up with their legacy. Then all of a sudden, the business has grown into what it’s grown into. TKO now owns WWE, and I have the honor of sitting on the board of TKO. What a full-circle moment.”

Johnson also reflected on his return to WWE in 2024 and his leading role in WrestleMania 40 and the shows preceding the two-night spectacle.

“I had such a great time. Cody and Seth and Roman, it was just wild. I grew up in that world of pro wrestling. There’s nothing like when that music hits and the crowd goes crazy.”

When Fallon suggested that Johnson feels at home when he’s performing, the A-lister said it was a “good way to put it.”

It’s unclear when The Rock will return to WWE screens after his most recent appearance in the closing moments of Bad Blood 2024. That segment did make clear that The Rock is far from finished with Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns, who aligned on the night to defeat Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from The Rock and his career both inside and outside the world of wrestling.

Spoilers: Full WWE Raw Results For Nov. 18 – Injured Star Returns

The results are in for the November 18, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, which was filmed after the November 11, show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The show was filmed in advance to allow the WWE roster and crew to have longer off next week so they can spend time with their family, friends, and loved ones over Thanksgiving week.

WWE Raw (11/18) Spoilers

Bronson Reed defeated Seth Rollins, thanks to interference from Solo Sikoa, who raised Reed’s hand in triumph. It appears Reed has aligned with the New Bloodline as the faction’s fifth member for WarGames.

Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker Vs. Sheamus ended in a disqualification when Ludwig Kaiser attacked both men.

The LWO (Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega) defeated American Made (Chad Gable and Ivy Nile) in mixed-tag team action.

The War Raiders (Erik and Ivar) defeated The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio and Carlito)

Rhea Ripley made her return to WWE TV after being laid out by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez during a recent episode of WWE NXT. Ripley sported a new mask and attacked Morgan, triggering a massive brawl in the women’s roster.

Ripley, joined by Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and IYO SKY, dominated Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax.

The Miz Returns on Raw, The Final Testament Lay Out The Wyatt Sicks

The Miz made an impactful return during the latest episode of Monday Night Raw, and was able to orchestrate a beatdown on The Wyatt Sicks. Recently, The Miz was kidnapped by the faction and was being questioned during last week’s show by Bo Dallas. The segment made reference to Bo’s time in the ‘Miztourage’ and Karrion Kross was confident that the A-Lister was “dead for sure.”

During this week’s Raw, Miz told Karrion Kross that he’d apologized and promised to change his ways and that was enough for the Wyatt Sicks to let him go. Kross did not believe him, and was going to have AOP break his legs in the ring before The Wyatt Sicks arrived.

Miz snuck up on Rowan, hitting him with a chair in the back, and revealing that this had been an ambush all along. Final Testament laid out Wyatt Sicks, but Uncle Howdy laughed through the pain.

The Final Testament and The Wyatt Sicks have been at odds for some time now, though Bo Dallas told The Miz that he was his group’s only target. Now, expect to see plenty more from these two factions on WWE TV, with The Miz firmly on the side of Karrion Kross, AOP, Paul Ellering, and Scarlett.

WWE Star Rejects Sami Zayn’s Offer To Be Fifth Member In WarGames Match

WWE has added a twist to the upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series, where The OG Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn) will face off against The Bloodline (Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa) inside the WarGames cage.

Originally, fans expected this match to be a traditional four-on-four, based on the number of members in each faction. However, Monday’s WWE Raw confirmed that the match will be a five-on-five bout. In a backstage segment, Sami Zayn hinted to the Usos that he might know someone willing to join their team, though the identity of this potential fifth member remains a mystery.

This WarGames showdown comes on the heels of an intense rivalry. At the Crown Jewel event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Solo Sikoa led his team to victory over Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso by landing two powerful Samoan Spikes on Reigns. Since then, Sami Zayn has aligned himself with Reigns and the Usos, further intensifying the feud.

Meanwhile, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has also been associated with Reigns in recent events. The two stars teamed up to defeat Sikoa and Fatu at Bad Blood, with The Rock making a surprise appearance after the match.

There was a backstage segment on Raw, where Zayn told Seth Rollins that he thinks he is their fifth man. Rollins said that Zayn was out of his mind due to their history and said the answer was no.

Dakota Kai Returns To Action On WWE Raw

Dakota Kai made her highly anticipated return on this week’s WWE Raw after being sidelined for over four months due to injury. Kai joined forces with IYO SKY and Kairi Sane to face the Pure Fusion Collective (Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville). In a key moment, Kai broke up Baszler’s submission on SKY in the closing moments, allowing SKY to execute her signature moonsault on Baszler and secure the victory for her team.

This return also comes at a pivotal time, as SKY recently became the #1 contender for the Women’s World Title and will soon challenge Liv Morgan for the championship.

Kai last competed on July 27 at a live event in Tokyo, Japan, where she faced Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. Shortly afterward, she was written off WWE television following an on-screen attack from the Pure Fusion Collective. Kai suffered a meniscus tear in August, with an estimated recovery timeline of eight to ten weeks. Backstage, there was reportedly significant sympathy for her, as she is highly respected and well-liked within WWE.

This latest injury follows an ACL tear in May 2023 that kept Kai out of action for nearly a year.

GUNTHER vs. Damian Priest Set For WWE Survivor Series

One of the key matches has been confirmed for WWE Survivor Series, which will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

On this week’s Raw episode, the WWE announced that GUNTHER will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Damian Priest. GUNTHER has held the title since defeating Priest at SummerSlam 2024 and has been on an impressive winning streak since.

After claiming the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, GUNTHER entered into a feud with Randy Orton, ultimately prevailing at Bash in Berlin. His next title defense saw him retain against Sami Zayn on the October 7 episode of Raw. However, he later fell short in a tag team match where he and Ludwig Kaiser lost to Orton and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. GUNTHER also lost to Rhodes in a title match at Crown Jewel.

Last week on Raw, WWE held a Fatal Four-Way match to determine GUNTHER’s next challenger. The competitors included Priest, Dominik Mysterio, Seth Rollins, and Sheamus, with Priest securing the victory and earning his shot at Survivor Series.

The only other match currently confirmed for Survivor Series is the OG Bloodline vs. Bloodline in a WarGames match. The event will air live on Peacock.

The Undertaker Says WWE is On Par With NFL, NBA & MLB

The Undertaker says, “WWE is on par now with the NFL, NBA, MLB, you name it. We’re no longer just some wrestling show on the fringe. WWE has become a massive global entity with influence far beyond the ring.”

The Dead Man spoke about WWE’s incredible growth on his Six Feet Under podcast. He credited this evolution to WWE’s leadership, talent, professionalized training facilities, and a recruitment process akin to major sports leagues.

“The Performance Center is like our own draft, our way of finding and developing top-tier talent, just like any other major league,” he said.

WWE’s Merchandising Machine

Taker’s “hot take” is echoed by many, including Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. Earlier this year, Rubin spoke about pro wrestling’s popularity in comparison to major sports leagues. Fanatics is the official merchandise partner for the NFL, NBA, MLB, UFC, NASCAR and more, but he wasn’t prepared for WWE’s merchandising muscle.

“The biggest growth sport in my mind Well, are we looking at percents, dollars? What’s wild, I’ll tell you honestly, what’s going on with WWE is insane,” Rubin said at SBJ’s CAA World Congress of Sports. “If I look at the growth in our WWE business, and it’s a big business already, it’s absolutely insane.”

WWE News: Lack Of Heels, Who is Missing WWE Raw, Milestones & More

Here are some WWE news and notes for Monday, November 11, 2024:

Gunther, Nia Jax and LA Knight have each hit 100 days in their respective title reigns. Gunther won the World Heavyweight championship from Damian Priest at SummerSlam, while Jax beat Bayley for the Women’s World Championship and Knight captured the United States title from Logan Paul at the event.

Liv Morgan hopes to make history tonight on WWE Raw, when she and Raquel Rodriguez challenge Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair for the Women’s tag titles. Should they win, Morgan and Rodriguez would be 3-time champions, a feat that no other team has accomplished.

Samantha Irvin has completely scrubbed her Instagram account of all references to WWE.

Jackie Redmond has confirmed she won’t be at tonight’s WWE Raw from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Kevin Nash announced on his podcast that he probably needs shoulder surgery. “Something popped in my shoulder training on Tuesday,” he said on his podcast. “It never stops, man.”

Nash also dealing with a back injury that caused him to withdraw from two appearances over the weekend. “We’re dealing with the back. It’s two separate issues. I mean, it’s easily compartmentalized. One of them is my nerve is pinched, and it’s making my quad not fire; the other one is when I wipe my ass, I scream.”

Finally, Seth Rollins feels like WWE is lacking strong villains. “I’m looking around, and I’m kind of thinking, ‘Oh man, we’re missing some good heels around here,’ he said on the Pivot podcast. “We’re missing some good ones.”

MVP On Leaving WWE: ‘New Management Just Wasn’t For Me’

MVP says he knew it was time to leave WWE when “new management” took over following Vince McMahon’s departure in January 2024.

The leader of AEW’s Hurt Syndicate faction chose not to renew his WWE contract earlier this year. MVP noticed a significant shift in leadership under Triple H and quickly realized the company’s new direction did not align with his own vision. A major point of contention was Triple H’s reported lack of interest in reviving The Hurt Business.

“This time, I didn’t want to re-sign and I let it be known that I wasn’t going to re-sign because the new management in place.

anytime, I don’t care where you work, when new management comes in, it’s good for some people and not for other people. New people come in, old people go. So I just felt that it was definitely time to go because the new management just wasn’t for me and I ain’t for him.”

MVP on his decision to leave WWE (Drop The Heat)

The Hurt Business currently has their sights set on former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland. Lashley is scheduled to make his AEW in-ring debut against Swerve later this month at Full Gear.

WWE Raw Preview: Gunther-Priest, Women’s Tag Title Match

Tonight’s WWE Raw broadcasts live on the USA Network at 8/7c from Grand Rapids, Michigan, at Van Andel Arena. We’re on the road to Survivor Series: War Games, which takes place in less than three weeks on Saturday, November 30.

Confirmed Matches and Segments:

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair (c) vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez
  • Gunther Confronts Damian Priest after Priest becme the #1 contender to the World Heavyweight championship last week.
  • Bronson Reed to Appear

See what happened after last week’s WWE Raw ended:

After last week’s WWE Raw went off the air

Rikishi Feels Solo Sikoa Will Dethrone Cody Rhodes

WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently reckoned that his son, Solo Sikoa could be the one to dethrone WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes.

Solo Sikoa recently pinned Roman Reigns to earn the victory for his team comprising Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga in the 6-man tag team match at WWE Crown Jewel PLE. It seems that bigger things are in store for his future, given that he pinned ‘OTC.’

On his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi reflected on Solo Sikoa’s massive moment. He believes WWE is pushing him to the next level and he could be the one to defeat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. He said:

“Like I mentioned [on] the last podcast we had, Solo’s a made man. For that to happen, there’s definitely, we see plans within this kid [of] what can be the next level for him. We talked about, does he need a belt? Well, after this [pin] on Roman, I can see maybe Solo being the one to take it off of Cody.”

Rikishi feels now that Solo has defeated the GOAT, he could be considered the GOAT-slayer. He said:

“I talked about maybe Roman will come back and take it off of Cody. But after seeing that, you beat the GOAT. I believe it was two or three spikes, but now, it’s like okay, you beat the GOAT, now you’re considered the GOAT. The GOAT-slayer. So who knows?”

At the upcoming WWE Survivor Series: WarGames, The Original Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos & Sami Zayn) will face The New Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & Jacob Fatu) in a WarGames match.

JBL Reveals Commentary’s NSFW Reaction to The Undertaker’s Streak Ending

WWE’s commentary team was just as shocked as the fans when Brock Lesnar conquered The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak in April 2014. Speaking to Sportskeeda’s Backstage Pass, John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield shared just how in the dark everybody was on that fateful night in New Orleans.

“I just assumed the Undertaker was going to win, and so did Michael [Cole.] When Brock pins the Undertaker, Michael Cole says something to the effect of, ‘And the streak…’ He was going to say continues, is what he was going to say. Then we saw the three and Michael said, ‘has ended.’ He just looked at me, ‘What the f***.”

Layfield, who battled The Undertaker over the WWE Championship in 2004, admitted that while he was surprised, that only made his performance on the night better.

“All of a sudden we realize the streak has ended, then we saw the reaction and the crowd. Sometimes your reaction is so much better when you don’t know what’s out there.” 

The match itself was an unfortunate send-off to The Undertaker’s streak with the Phenom suffering a concussion early into the contest that hampered his performance. Vince McMahon infamously left WrestleMania early after the match as the Deadman was taken to a nearby hospital to be checked out. Many backstage were angry to see The Streak end the way it did, The Undertaker revealed a one-man-show last December.

Fans have debated for years as to whether The Streak should have ended, with some believing it never should’ve been broken. Others, however, believe that Lesnar’s legitimate fighting skills made him the perfect choice to end The Undertaker’s series of wins. Whichever way fans may feel, the end of The Streak was certainly a shock, both to the fans and those within WWE at the time.

Reality of Wrestling’s Ice Williams Joins WWE ID Program

Ice Williams is the newest signing to the WWE ID program and was personally delivered his contract by two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. Williams was offered his deal at the latest event from Reality of Wrestling, one of the official partners of the WWE ID recruitment program.

Williams, known for his charismatic style and standout performances, has built a career in promotions including ROW, Future Stars of Wrestling, and West Coast Pro. In February 2023, Williams was on the losing episode of a six-man tag-team match that aired on AEW Dark: Elevation. This past February saw Williams in action on ROH Honor Club where he suffered a tag team loss to the Outrunners.

Like his fellow signings, Williams will have access to WWE’s resources, including the state-of-the-art Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Ring of Honor and Dragon Gate USA founder Gabe Sapolsky will be working closely with the WWE ID Prospects, 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.

Peacemaker Season 2 Set for 2025 Release on Max, New Teaser Unveiled

The second season of Peacemaker, the HBO Max series starring John Cena as the title character, is set to release in 2025. The show’s creator, James Gunn and Cena announced the news on social media, accompanying the update with a brief teaser.

While fans have eagerly awaited the return of this Suicide Squad spinoff since its first season concluded in early 2022, the new season faced delays, partially due to Gunn’s commitments to other projects.

Cena, who reprises his role as the antihero Peacemaker, had previously commented on the extended wait, noting scheduling conflicts. The upcoming release also coincides with Cena’s recently announced retirement tour in WWE, adding to his high-profile appearances in 2025.

Further details on the plot and exact premiere date for Peacemaker Season 2 remain under wraps.

Damian Priest Shares How The Undertaker’s Mentorship Shaped His WWE Career

Damian Priest recently spoke about the impact of The Undertaker’s mentorship on his WWE career. Priest noted that whenever The Undertaker is present, he seeks out his advice, explaining, “If he’s there at an event, I’ll sit down next to him… and just, you know, like, ‘You have anything for me?’ Then, he’ll give it to me straight.”

Priest values The Undertaker’s honesty and constructive criticism, saying, “I don’t need pats on the back. I need, ‘Okay, it’s fine. But if you would have did this this way, or think about it like this.’” This direct feedback has, according to Priest, helped him grow as a performer.

One of the most significant lessons from The Undertaker was about authenticity. “The most important piece of advice is basically, ‘Be yourself, turn up the volume,’” Priest said. “You don’t have to beg the crowd for acceptance. Just be you, and they’ll either follow or they won’t, but don’t beg for it.”

Expressing gratitude, Priest added, “I’m very appreciative that I have The Undertaker giving me advice… explaining to me how I should carry myself and how to be a WWE Superstar, leader, and all of it.”

Check out The Wrestling Classic’s interview with the “Archer of Infamy” Damian Priest.

Bronson Reed on His MF DOOM-Inspired Gear, Teases Royal Rumble Plans

Bronson Reed, reflecting on his MF DOOM-inspired gear at WWE Crown Jewel, explained the influence behind the look, saying, “I’m a big hip-hop fan… and MF DOOM is someone I always looked up to.”

Reed collaborated with an Australian artist for the design, noting, “I wanted to bring something to WWE that fans haven’t really seen.”

https://x.com/chiefsriptxde/status/1852777985226498362?s=46

Looking ahead to upcoming events, Reed hinted at fresh ideas for his gear at Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, though he kept details under wraps to build excitement “I already have some ideas in mind… I want fans to be surprised when they see it.”

Montez Ford: It’s ‘Championship or Bust’ for the Street Profits

Montez Ford has openly addressed speculation about the Street Profits’ partnership ahead of a pivotal WWE Tag Team Championship match against the Motor City Machine Guns scheduled for next week’s SmackDown.

During an emotional appearance on SmackDown Lowdown, Ford discussed the team’s recent struggles, particularly highlighting their challenging transition following Bobby Lashley’s departure to AEW. The Street Profits, along with B-FAB, have been working to redefine their identity in the aftermath.

“Four years of drought. No WWE Tag Team Championship, not in the conversation with everybody,” Ford emphasized, acknowledging that the team’s trademark optimistic demeanor often masked deeper frustrations within the group.

Ford made it clear that next week’s championship opportunity represents a crucial moment for the Street Profits, declaring it “WWE Tag Team Championship or bust” and emphasizing there is no backup plan. This statement comes at a time when rumors have circulated about potential singles opportunities, particularly after comments from Ford’s wife, Bianca Belair.

The upcoming match against the Motor City Machine Guns will not only determine the fate of the Tag Team Championships but could also signal a defining moment in the Street Profits’ trajectory as a team.

WWE ID Prospect It’s Gal Joins Talent Development Program

It’s Gal is the latest recruit to the WWE ID program which aims to give independent talent a clear path to a future in Sports Entertainment. On X, the WWE ID account shared footage of Gal receiving the coveted invitation and a graphic confirming he has joined the program.

It’s Gal has been competing since 2020 and puts opponents away with his signature Striations Bomb. With his impressive physique, the Israeli wrestler has dubbed himself ‘The Real Life Action Figure’ and has worked in Beyond Wrestling, Limitless Wrestling, and Blitzkrieg! Pro, among other promotions.

Like his fellow signings, Gal will have access to WWE’s resources, including the state-of-the-art Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Ring of Honor and Dragon Gate USA founder Gabe Sapolsky will be working closely with the WWE ID Prospects, 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.

Belair, Cargill & Stratton on the Hardest Parts of WWE Stardom

Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Tiffany Stratton have shared what they consider to be the toughest issues when it comes to being a WWE Superstar. Speaking with Jazzy’s World TV, Cargill shared how being away from her family is her biggest issue with life as a wrestler.

“The travel, being away from home. Just being tired and being okay with being tired. I would say that’s one of the toughest things.”

Bianca Belair agreed that family is a key thing to balance when on the road, but there are other matters a WWE Superstar has to contend with.

“Just trying to be everything. We’re trying to be a mom, and a step-mom and a wife and a Superstar all at the same time. And we’re trying to go out there and put on a show.”

While Belair knows firsthand that life as a Superstar isn’t easy, she is pleased that WWE has come a long way with the positions that women are able to aspire toward.

“WWE is in an amazing place right now where we are showing up and we’re showing out and we’re winning titles and main eventing and doing everything. We can do it all.”

While WWE has certainly made strides in its handling of female talent, Tiffany Stratton shared that her biggest gripe is that women continue to be overlooked.

“Being a female WWE superstar, a lot of times you get overlooked. A lot of times the men are kind of the main focal point and you know, a lot of times it can be hard for the women to get time for their matches.”

This trio of women are certainly kept busy in WWE, with Belair and Cargill currently in their second reign as Women’s Tag Team Champions. As Miss. Money in the Bank, Stratton is poised to have a title match down the line, potentially with her ally WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax.

While all three are doing big things in WWE, no role is perfect and there are clear pitfalls to being a Superstar, especially a woman, in the company. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on these three and their futures as WWE Superstars.

Related: Rhea Ripley Talks Women Going From Bathroom Breaks to Main Eventers

Brock Lesnar Spotted at Wade Davis Concert Amid WWE Hiatus

Former WWE and UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar made a rare public appearance on Friday night, attending country music star Wade Davis’s concert in Tsuut’ina, Canada. The typically private superstar was spotted backstage at the November 8 show, where he posed for photographs with Davis.

brock davis
Brock Lesnar spotted in the wild (November 8, 2024)

The appearance marks one of Lesnar’s first public sightings since his departure from WWE programming following his high-profile match at SummerSlam 2023, where he was defeated by Cody Rhodes in what would become his last WWE appearance to date.

Lesnar, known for his intensely private lifestyle and preference for spending time at his farm in Saskatchewan, has maintained a low profile in recent months. His pro wrestling career has been ‘on hold’ since last summer.

Lesnar’s absence from WWE coincides with him being indirectly referenced in the Janel Grant lawsuit filed against WWE. These developments have reportedly complicated any potential plans for his return to the wrestling ring. Despite his name being name occasionally referenced on WWE programming in recent weeks, there are no plans for him to return any time soon.

Solo Sikoa Threatens the Original Bloodline: ‘WarGames, See You Soon’

Solo Sikoa issued an ominous warning to the original Bloodline members after Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Sami Zayn reunited to confront his new faction on the November 8 episode of WWE SmackDown. In footage released by WWE following the encounter, an incensed Sikoa addressed his former associates.

“You messed up,” he declared. “I know everything about all four of you.

I was in that Bloodline, there’s a reason why I got out and created my own Bloodline. War Games, see you soon.”

Solo Sikoa threatens the Original Bloodline

The confrontation signals a significant escalation in the ongoing Bloodline saga, with both Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa expressing their readiness for war in the aftermath of the encounter.

WWE Survivor Series: WarGames is scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2024 from Vancouver, BC at Rogers Arena.