Tonight’s WWE SmackDown broadcasts at 8/7c live on the USA Network from Buffalo, NY.
Confirmed Matches and Segments
We’ll update this article throughout the day when more is announced.
Recent reports suggest that WWE superstar Becky Lynch is gearing up for a return to the company, possibly linked to an upcoming partnership with a high-profile apparel brand.
Although Lynch’s WWE contract expired in June 2024, her name has frequently appeared on WWE’s backstage roster, sparking ongoing speculation about her comeback.
Sources have reportedly indicated to WrestleVotes Radio that WWE’s discussions with major athletic and fashion brands include Lynch’s involvement, which could bring new opportunities for her both in and outside the ring.
According to WrestleVotes Radio, WWE is in talks with top athletic apparel brands worth billions, seeking to expand their merchandise offerings. Lynch, along with WWE icons like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Roman Reigns, has reportedly been included in these discussions as a key figure.
This collaboration could see WWE exploring crossover fashion merchandise, with Lynch at the forefront. As a fashion-forward and influential personality, Lynch represents a potentially unique bridge between wrestling and mainstream fashion, making her an ideal face for WWE’s new apparel ventures.
While WWE has not yet confirmed an official return date for Lynch, sources indicate that fans might see her back as soon as the 2025 Royal Rumble or even earlier. Co-host of WrestleVotes Radio TC noted, “Becky Lynch remains one of WWE’s most influential stars, and I think we’ll see her back sooner rather than later.”
Given her popularity and status as a former Women’s Champion, Lynch’s return could have a significant impact on WWE’s women’s division and future storylines leading into major events like WrestleMania 41.
WWE is no longer pursuing the possibility of betting on pre-determined matches, as confirmed by TKO COO Mark Shapiro. Joining CNBC’s Alex Sherman this week to discuss a variety of topics, Shapiro clarified that fans won’t be betting on matches from the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.
“It’s not happening. We’re not doing that. We’re scripted. Years ago, I ran Dick Clark Productions. We had enough of a challenge keeping the American Music Awards and the Golden Globe Award winners under wraps with an auditor that was there.
“We’re not going to be asking Triple H/Paul Levesque, who runs our creative, to keep his scripts so under wraps that we can start sports betting. It just doesn’t jive.”
It was reported back in May that WWE was interested in taking bets on matches, which already happens from third parties like BetOnline. Immediately, there was criticism of the idea, with questions raised about whether it was legal to bet on a result that has been already decided.
Many also questioned how WWE would keep creative plans under wrap to avoid leaks, with concerns that talent wouldn’t know results until too late to make adequate preparations. The Montreal Screwjob was brought up as proof the idea wouldn’t work, given the risk of results changing on the fly in the ring.
WWE allows some wagers on aspects of matches via FanDuel, but for now, betting on results is off the table within the promotion. Instead, fans will have to remain hooked on match results due to the storytelling involved, rather than any financial incentive.
Tiffany Stratton already has a guaranteed title opportunity at her fingertips, but Miss. Money in the Bank has pitched new gold for WWE’s move to Netflix. While speaking to Gorilla Position, Stratton pitched a mid-card championship for the women on the main roster, potentially as part of the new era on the streaming juggernaut.
“I think it would be a great idea to introduce a mid-card title, like a Netflix Championship. I think that’d be amazing. What a great idea—it’d be cool.”
WWE Raw will move to Netflix on January 6, 2025, as part of a lucrative deal reached between the two parties. Fans outside the U.S will also receive SmackDown, WWE NXT, and Premium Live Events on the platform. Despite being a SmackDown Superstar, Stratton has her own plans for Raw’s arrival on Netflix.
“I don’t know, maybe I’ll cash in there. Maybe I won’t even have a match. Maybe… maybe I’ll just cash in and become champion on the premiere. Okay, yeah!”
Stratton is just the latest notable name to advocate for a women’s mid-card championship on WWE’s main roster. Here are some examples of others who back the idea.
New footage has come out of the WWE debut of Rodney ‘Yokozuna’ Aanoa’i, who worked under a much different name from the one fans would come to know for years.
The WWE Vault Youtube channel has shared new footage of an interview with Yokozuna, working under the name ‘The Great Kokina’ and his uncle Afa Sr. of the Wild Samoans. The name was also a nod to the superheavyweight’s time in the AWA in the late 1980s, where he worked as ‘Kokina Maximus.’
The Great Kokina’s debut match came in an untelevised match on September 1, 1992, at a WWF Superstars taping in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The match saw Kokina make short work of Ron Neal and would mark the only time he wrestled under the gimmick.
Yokozuna debuted on the Halloween edition of WWF Superstars with the sumo wrestler fans would come to fear, as well as Mr. Fuji as his manager.
Yokozuna’s brief time as The Great Kokina reflect how a wrestler may work under a variety of names or gimmicks before landing on one that works. Seth Rollins even worked as ‘God’ and Gixx early into his career before settling on the Tyler Black name he used pre-WWE. Whether it was as Yokozuna, The Great Kokina, or Kokina Maximus, Rodney Anoa’i forged a legacy in wrestling that won’t be forgotten by fans new and old anytime soon.
Lance Anoa’i has become the latest member of his family to join WWE after reportedly singing over the summer. Fightful Select reports that Lance signed but is currently sidelined with an injury and won’t be cleared for a while. There are no imminent creative plans for him on either NXT or the main roster at this time.
The son of Samu and nephew of Afa Jr., Lance made his in-ring debut in 2010 and spent many of his early years in Afa Sr’s WXW promotion. He is a former MLW World Tag Team Champion, having held the gold with Jacob Fatu who debuted for WWE earlier this year. In October 2023, Lance announced on X that he’d been granted his release from MLW.
Lance Anoa’i In WWE
Though he only signed this year, Lance is no stranger to appearing for WWE. In January 2015, he teamed with Rhett Titus to serve as enhancement talent to The Ascension on SmackDown. Two years later, he was on the losing end of a tag team match against The Authors of Pain in WWE NXT.
Lance’s most notable WWE role to date came on the May 27, 2019 edition of WWE Raw, where he faced Shane McMahon. WWE’s Prodigal Son was feuding with Roman Reigns at the time and defeated Lance after Drew McIntyre attacked him. After the match he was beat down by McMahon and McIntyre, before Roman Reigns made the save.
Now a part of WWE, all eyes are on whether Lance will be factored into the Bloodline saga, and if so, whether it’ll be Roman Reigns or Solo Sikoa he acknowledges as his Tribal Chief. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Lance Anoa’i as the family’s role in WWE continues to grow.
MSNBC political host Joy Reid blames Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory on Generation X voters who grew up watching Hulk Hogan and WWE. This group is aged 44-59, born between 1965 and 1980. Reid argues that this generation’s familiarity with wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan shaped a cultural mindset that is sending Trump back to the White House. During MSNBC’s 2024 election special coverage, Reid stated:
“My generation, Generation X, the people who grew up on WWE and Hulk Hogan and Donald Trump, did this. They did this. They are the ones who looked in the face of somebody who looked them in the face and said, ‘I want to be a dictator on day one.’ We did this.”
Reid’s comments highlight the longstanding ties between Trump and wrestling culture. Several WWE legends have publicly supported him over the years, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, Kane (Glenn Jacobs), and Ric Flair—all longtime fans of Trump who actively campaigned for him during his latest presidential run.
Linda McMahon, former WWE president, she served in Trump’s cabinet as the head of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 during his first term before transitioning to lead a PAC supporting his reelection. She’s now co-chair of his transition team.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is expected to score a major hit with Disney’s animated film Moana 2, which could set new records upon release. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie is tracking for a substantial $125 million to $135 million opening over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday week. Originally conceived as a television series, Moana 2 was later developed into a feature film.
The original Moana also premiered on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, earning $82.1 million in its five-day domestic debut, including $56 million over the traditional three-day weekend. It went on to gross over $687 million worldwide.
Moana 2 will be released in the United States on November 27, 2024. Johnson is also involved in a live-action adaptation of Moana, currently in production and scheduled for a July 2026 release.
The sequel is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, with production led by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino. The film stars Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as Moana and Maui, along with returning cast members Rachel House (Moana’s grandmother, Tala), Temuera Morrison (Moana’s father, Chief Tui), and Nicole Scherzinger (Moana’s mother, Sina). New characters will be voiced by Hual?lai Chung, David Fane, and Rose Matafeo, playing Moni, Kele, and Loto.
Wrestling Legend Bill Goldberg was recently inducted into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame, and spoke with Scott Johnson of News 4 Jacksonville about the experience.
Goldberg is among several legendary wrestlers who achieved dual success in football and professional wrestling, along with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and the late Steve “Mongo” McMichel. When asked which sport is more physically demanding, Goldberg said there’s no comparison.
“Wrestling 100%… because you’re a professional athlete mixed with a rock star. You’re on the road every two days. I was on the road 210 days my first year. It’s no comparison.”
Goldberg says he’s proud to be a role model for Jewish children, and encourages people to break free of any stereotypes that may be placed on them.
Even though he was inducted into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame, he remains a proud University of Georgia ‘Bulldog,’ and jokes that he gets nauseated by their rival Florida Gator’s team colors, orange and blue.
He didn’t give any clues about who he’ll wrestle in his retirement match next year, but shared a quote that exemplifies how difficult it is for wrestlers to retire from the ring.
“You’re not retired until you’re dead in the wrestling business… that’s how it works.”
Check out Bill Goldberg’s full interview with Going Ringside:
Vince McMahon is very pleased with the direction of WWE since he’s departure, but TKO Group COO Mark Shapiro says the disgraced former WWE Chairman and CEO is “out of the business entirely.” Shapiro spoke with CNBC to discuss this week’s TKO Group Q3 financial results, and revealed details of a recent meeting they had together.
Shapiro tells Alex Sherman that he had breakfast with McMahon a few weeks ago, and wanted to see how he’s doing. It had been a long time since he’d spoken with McMahon, and a lot has transpired since then.
“He couldn’t have been nicer,” Shapiro said of McMahon. “I mean, he was a total pro at breakfast, if you will. It’s a one-on-one get-together, but he’s out of the business entirely. He doesn’t make decisions. He’s not on the board. He doesn’t opine. We don’t consult him.
He’s got some litigation that he’s working through, and frankly, he wants the privacy and the time to work through it which is great, because in the meantime, we’re going to keep building TKO and WWE, and expanding the horizon, expanding the opportunities.”
McMahon remains a minority shareholder of TKO Group, but his position has been significantly reduced. When asked how McMahon feels about WWE’s direction, Shaprio replied, “Couldn’t have been more positive, but I wasn’t asking for his opinion.”
Just three and a half years after making his main-roster WWE television debut, Austin Theory has already worked with some of the biggest names in wrestling history.
The 27-year-old grappler from Atlanta, GA is the latest guest on Chris Van Vliet’s Insights podcast. Theory has been “obsessed” with WWE from a young age. He didn’t give himself a fallback plan, despite skepticism from his friends. His first break into the industry came when he met former WWE trainer Bill DeMott at an MMA gym.
Here are highlights of what he shared with CVV about working with legends including Stone Cold Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar, The Rock and John Cena.
His WrestleMania Feud with John Cena
Theory worked closely with Cena, who pushed him to be more authentic during their promo battles. He recalls it being a challenge to incorporate Cena’s feedback while staying true to his character and his instincts.
Taking a Stunner from Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania
He was honored to take a Stunner from Stone Cold at WrestleMania, and jokes that he envisioned sharing a beer with Austin backstage afterwards (didn’t happen).
Ring Moment with The Rock:
Theory says it was an unforgettable experience when he had a segment with The Rock on WWE SmackDown. He was notified about the segment at the last minute, but says he felt an almost ‘telepathic’ connection with the Final Boss, who “signaled” to him when to speak during their interaction.
Brock Lesnar F-5’ing him Off An Elimination Chamber Pod
Theory took an absolutely crazy bump at Elimination Chamber 2024, when Brock Lesnar hoisted him onto his shoulders and flung him off the top of one of the pods. He says Vince McMahon hand-picked him for the spot, and Lesnar was ‘intense and unpredictable.’
NXT Champion Trick Williams recently received some words of wisdom from WWE legends Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley following NXT 2300.
NXT held its November 6th edition of show at the famous 2300 Arena and fans witnessed some epic moments with the return of several ECW originals.
WWE dropped a video clip on YouTube in which Trick Williams was speaking with Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley after their team lost. Trick Williams said that he was angry with the outcome and that he was better than that. D-Von Dudley then told the NXT Champion Williams that he needed to learn from the loss. D-Von further told him that he would see a lot of success in the future and advised him to keep his head up despite the loss.
“Listen, we all lose. We’ve lost many a times. We’ve been successful at it, and when I mean success, even though we’ve lost, we’ve had a lot of successful matches after that. You’re young, you’re hungry and you’re a hell of a talent, so keep your head up and don’t you dare look down.”
Bubba Ray Dudley had teamed up with Trick Williams to face Ridge Holland and “All Ego” Ethan Page. The final moments of the match saw Ridge Holland winning by rolling up Trick Williams. Following the match, Ridge and Ethan attacked Trick, but Bubba helped fight them off. The duo then hit some classic Dudley Boyz offense with D-Von Dudley returning after the match as well.
In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, few topics generate as much interest and debate as the salaries of WWE superstars.
Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash shed light on this subject, offering a fascinating comparison between the reported earnings of today’s wrestlers and those from the New Generation Era of the 1990s.
Kevin Nash, a prominent figure in wrestling history, began his journey in the industry during the New Generation Era. He recently revealed that his initial contract with WWE (then WWF) in 1993 guaranteed him $75,000 per year.
This base salary, while substantial for the time, pales in comparison to the figures we hear about today.
During Nash’s early years, wrestlers heavily relied on house show earnings to supplement their income. Nash explained that these non-televised events were crucial for boosting a wrestler’s paycheck, with top performers potentially earning an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per show.
Fast forward to the present day, and the financial landscape of WWE has transformed dramatically. Nash pointed out recent reports suggesting that current WWE stars like Roman Reigns are earning around $15 million annually:
“I saw a list, and I don’t know how accurate it is or not, but it had the salaries of the top 10 salaries in the WWE, and Roman was at 15 million dollars. I was talking to Hurricane we were going back and forth. I said, ‘F**k, Roman made more than the entire crew in ’93.'”
The substantial growth in wrestler salaries can be attributed to WWE’s expanded revenue streams. Today, the company benefits from lucrative television deals, streaming rights, and global merchandise sales, allowing for higher guaranteed contracts.
Liv Morgan is closing in on the greatest year in WWE history if she and Raquel Rodriguez can capture the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Morgan was asked if the only thing keeping 2024 from being the greatest year of her career is winning tag-team gold.
“For sure, for sure, 100% and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
On this week’s WWE Raw from Riyadh, Morgan and Raquel came face-to-face with Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. A challenge for a title match was made and Morgan is immensely confident in her chances of becoming a double champion.
“If you think I’m annoying now, if you think you hate hearing me laugh and the sound of my voice now, then wooo. Let me tell you, I’m never, ever, ever gonna shut up.”
Later on Raw, Morgan and Rodriguez interfered in a battle royal to determine Liv’s next challenger and eliminated Belair and Cargill. In the interview, the 30-year-old Superstar isn’t surprised she’s run afoul of the EST and the Storm.
“Everyone wants a piece of Liv Morgan. Lucky enough, there’s enough of me to go around. And lucky enough for me, I have the most dominant group in WWE watching my back, the Judgement Day, and I also have Raquel Rodriguez.”
Should Morgan win the tag titles with Rodriguez, she’ll become the fourth double-champion in WWE’s history of women, behind Asuka, Sasha Banks, and Bayley. Morgan is already a two-time Tag Team Champion with 55 days with the gold to her name.
Liv Morgan’s 2024
With or without a Women’s Tag Title win, 2024 has been a huge year for Morgan. After making it to the final two of the Women’s Royal Rumble match, Morgan won the Women’s World Title in June at King And Queen of the Ring. Morgan’s ‘Revenge Tour’ has also seen her take the Judgment Day and Dominik Mysterio from Rhea Ripley and win the Crown Jewel Women’s Title earlier this month.
Tiffany Stratton has certainly earned her place on WWE TV since her main roster call-up, but don’t expect to see her alongside real-life partner Ludwig Kaiser. While several real-life romances have played out on WWE screens, that hasn’t been the case for these two Superstars. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Stratton was asked for her opinion on possibly being aligned on TV with her German boyfriend.
“I don’t know, if it happens, sure, if the timing and storyline is right then yeah, why not? We are not in a rush to be together on screen, we are on separate brands but, if the time comes, I am down, we don’t see each other too often. We have like two days together, but we make those days count.”
Though not on WWE TV, the pair can be regularly spotted together on Tiffany Stratton’s TikTok which highlights the pair’s respective lives as Superstars and workout routines. Like Miss. Money in the Bank herself, the channel has proven exceptionally popular and is closing in on half a million followers.
As for TV, Stratton appears poised for a breakout moment soon enough, with the ‘Buff Barbie’ still in possession of the Women’s Money in the Bank contract. Recently, Stratton teased cashing in on her ‘friend’ Nia Jax at Crown Jewel, but Stratton didn’t leave Riyadh with the WWE Women’s Championship.
As for Kaiser, he remains the loyal ally of GUNTHER though has fallen short of his efforts to eliminate Sheamus, much to the chagrin of the World Heavyweight Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Kaiser and Stratton and their roles both on and off TV.
WWE has officially announced the details for this year’s NXT Deadline premium live event, including the date, location, and the return of a fan-favorite match format. On this week’s episode of WWE NXT, General Manager Ava revealed that the Iron Survivor Challenge will return at NXT Deadline, which will take place on Saturday, December 7, at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tickets are set to go on sale on November 13.
Last year’s Deadline event was held at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and featured a main event where Ilja Dragunov defeated Baron Corbin to retain the NXT Championship. Dragon Lee, accompanied by Rey Mysterio, also claimed the NXT North American Championship by defeating “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio.
The Iron Survivor Challenge matches made its return at last year’s Deadline, bringing a unique 25-minute format where participants competed to determine the #1 contenders. In the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge, Blair Davenport triumphed over Tiffany Stratton, Lash Legend, Kelani Jordan, and Fallon Henley to secure a title opportunity at New Year’s Evil. In the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge, Trick Williams emerged victorious over Dijak, Josh Briggs, Bron Breakker, and Tyler Bate, paving his way to the NXT title picture.
Fans can look forward to the return of these intense, multi-participant challenges, which are set to bring even more excitement to this year’s NXT Deadline.
TKO Group reported its Q3 2024 results today, highlighting a 14% year-over-year increase in WWE revenue, UFC sponsorship growth, and raised full-year guidance, alongside a focus on international expansion and new media partnerships. TKO Group Third Quarter 2024 Earnings can be viewed in their entirety at investor.tkogrp.com.
WWE reported strong growth with Q3 revenue reaching $326.3 million, up 14% year-over-year, largely due to increased media rights, live events, and sponsorships.
Sponsorship revenue was a notable success, with TKO emphasizing its potential as an underappreciated revenue stream. The upcoming Netflix deal is expected to further boost WWE’s sponsorship and site fees.
WWE expanded its international presence, holding 18 events outside the U.S., including the successful “Bash in Berlin” event in Germany.
UFC’s Q3 revenue totaled $354.9 million, contributing significantly to TKO’s overall revenue. This marked an 11% decline year-over-year, driven by fewer marquee events, though sponsorship revenue increased by $10.2 million.
Synergies: TKO reported progress in achieving cost synergies post-merger, which was a focal point in the earnings call.
Future Guidance: TKO raised its 2024 revenue guidance to $2.745 billion.
Acquisitions: The company is preparing to integrate Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and other Endeavor sports assets.
UFC TV Rights: Mark Shapiro noted that TKO is looking to maximize UFC’s TV rights value, with ESPN+ subscriptions and ratings performing well.
PPV Model: Shapiro emphasized the strength of UFC’s PPV model both domestically and internationally, stating that many networks are interested.
Boxing Expansion: Shapiro downplayed Dana White’s comments about entering boxing, clarifying that any potential entry would be through partnerships rather than acquisitions, with a goal to modernize boxing’s business model.
UFC Fight Pass: TKO is seeing international growth in UFC Fight Pass subscriptions and plans to keep it separate from other media deals.
Netflix Sponsorships: TKO is exploring new WWE sponsorships globally, including a partnership involving Netflix and Minute Maid.
Talent Retention: Shapiro expressed confidence in talent retention, stating that WWE and UFC are seen as prime destinations, with cost control remaining a priority.
Endeavor Assets: TKO does not plan to pursue further acquisitions beyond recent additions like PBR, focusing instead on optimizing current assets.
Carmelo Hayes says he’s felt “survivor’s guilt” after Baron Corbin’s recent release from WWE. The two worked together closely in NXT last year.
Corbin marked his return to the developmental brand in May 2023 by ambushing Hayes, who was the NXT Champion at the time. They had an intense feud, with Hayes emerging victorious. They wrestled once again on SmackDown during this year’s King of the Ring tournament. Hayes tells Metro that Corbin’s firing hit him especially hard.
“It’s kinda like a survivor’s guilt, you know what I mean? After a day or two, you’re like, “Man!” You just hate to see that for them.”
– Carmelo Hayes on Baron Corbin’s WWE release
Hayes says Corbin took a liking to him, and helped him tremendously by offering all sorts of advice – about wrestling, personal finances and life in general. Those lessons will serve him for years to come, and he’ll always hold a special place for his one-time onscreen rival.
“I’m forever indebted to Baron Corbin, he adds. “Super talented, and I hate to see him go. That was one of those ones that really kinda hurt.”
– Carmelo Hayes on Baron Corbin’s inflence
Earlier this year, QT Marshall met with WWE, exploring the possibility of joining the rival promotion after several years with AEW. Though he left AEW in November, he returned to the company in an executive role as announced on February 14, 2024.
In addition to his AEW duties, he co-runs the Nightmare Factory in McDonough, Georgia alongside Cody Rhodes. During an interview with SI Wrestling, Marshall reflected on his brief period as a free agent, and his brief talks with WWE.
“I had one conversation with somebody that doesn’t even work there anymore,” Marshall said about the WWE meeting.
“I just got rubbed the wrong way during the conversation. It was like, ‘Hey, yeah, oh yeah, that’s great. All right.’ And I told him, ‘Yeah, all right, we’ll stay in touch.’ But to me, it was like, ‘I’m not staying in touch.’”
The Nightmare Factory, which opened in 2020, was recently recognized as an official member of the new WWE’s ID program, joining five other training schools. However, Marshall clarified that he is unaware of WWE’s specific arrangements with the school, as he chose to step back from coaching a few months ago.
Marshall has a big match against MJF coming on December 15 for Boca Raton Championship Wrestling.
Linda McMahon will have a key role in helping Donald Trump prepare for his second term as Untied States President. The former President & CEO of WWE was recently named as one of the co-chairs of Donald Trump’s presidential transition team, along with Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald.
As co-chair of the transition team, McMahon will help with identifying and vetting potential political appointees, drafting executive orders, formulating strategies to implement Trump’s policy initiatives and overseeing the policy side of the transition.
Linda McMahon held a significant role in President Trump’s first administration as a member of his cabinet and head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) during Trump’s first term.
After stepping down from her role as head of the SBA in April 2019, she became chair the conservative America First Action PAC. McMahon has been a significant financial supporter of Trump’s campaigns, contributing more than $10 million to help elect him in 2024.
Can President Trump Pardon Vince McMahon?
She spoke at the Republican National Convention back in July 2024:
Following Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. President in 2024, former WWE star Trevor Lee (formerly Cameron Grimes) expressed dismay in a tweet, writing, “Extremely disappointed in our country.”
Lee joined the chorus of public figures and citizens reacting to the outcome, where Trump narrowly defeated Kamala Harris by securing key battleground states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Trump’s victory marked his historic second term, edging out Harris after winning states that swung Republican in the final count. In his victory speech, Trump promised a “golden age for America,” addressing supporters alongside running mate JD Vance. The results, which brought control of the Senate to Republicans, left many Americans polarized, with reactions ranging from celebratory to deeply critical.
Grimes’ tweet reflects widespread concerns, as issues like reproductive rights, climate policies, and social justice are likely to shift under the new administration.
Grimes’ tweet quickly garnered attention online, sparking discussion among wrestling fans on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Supporters praised his willingness to speak up, while others criticized his statement, emphasizing that athletes should focus on their professions rather than political issues.
This debate highlights the divided response to Trump’s return to office and the complex role public figures play in today’s political conversations.
In a recent appearance on Logan Paul’s podcast, Impaulsive, WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan opened up about the December 2023 arrest that led to her now-infamous mugshot going viral online.
Morgan explained the circumstances that led to her arrest, clarifying details around the incident and reflecting on the effects of her viral mugshot.
According to Morgan, the arrest stemmed from a misunderstanding. She was stopped by authorities and subsequently detained for drug possession. As Morgan revealed on Impaulsive, “There were some things in my car that I was unaware of, and one of those things was a felony.”
Despite the initial charges, Morgan noted that they were later dropped, which allowed her to move forward. She took full accountability, however, acknowledging the impact this had on her career and reputation.
Morgan’s mugshot quickly spread across the internet after her arrest, and she admitted feeling shocked by its rapid circulation. She mentioned that even the officer taking the photo commented on its potential to go viral.
This image, along with footage from the traffic stop, sparked a wave of public interest, adding to her distress over the incident. Morgan shared that while the experience was difficult, she felt it was necessary to take responsibility and remain professional, continuing her wrestling commitments without letting this event overshadow her career.
A new lawsuit has emerged, bringing Vince McMahon and WWE into legal focus over allegations of intellectual property theft. Leland Owens claims that McMahon, representing WWE, took advantage of his creative contributions under a verbal agreement. Owens asserts that he was never compensated for these ideas and is seeking substantial damages in court.
Leland Owens’ complaint, filed on November 4th, follows a previous suit that was dismissed due to incomplete financial documentation. In this revised lawsuit, Owens claims that he entered into a verbal agreement with WWE to provide creative ideas, which he alleges were used without his authorization or remuneration.
According to Owens, both WWE executives and agents, including Stephanie McMahon and Daniel Bryan (named as such in the suit), were directly involved in the alleged misappropriation. Owens further claims that he was offered “hush money” to stay silent on the issue, heightening the controversy surrounding WWE’s handling of his creative work.
The lawsuit includes several unusual allegations, including comments made by Stephanie McMahon and involvement from other high-profile WWE names.
Owens is pursuing $500 million in damages, underscoring the gravity of the accusations. The suit also mentions that Mercedes Moné (formerly Sasha Banks) acted in a representative role for WWE during the alleged offer of hush money.
As of now, WWE has not issued a public response to the lawsuit. If Owens’ claims hold up in court, this case could lead to a significant payout and potentially influence WWE’s approach to handling creative contributions from independent creators.
Given WWE’s vast influence and reach, the resolution of this case may also prompt other creators to come forward if they feel similarly wronged.
Ivy Nile has proven to be a force to be reckoned with since arriving on WWE’s main roster, and now the American Made has been spotlighted in Hers Magazine. On Instagram, Nile shared the exciting news and spoke of her passion for fitness, both physical and mental.
Nile saw plenty of support from her fellow WWE Superstars in the comments. The Final Testament’s Scarlett said the magazine had an “amazing shot” while Tiffany Stratton called Nile a “FIT QUEEN.” Lash Legend is eager to get five copies of the magazine while Natalya said it was “awesome” to see the American Made star be featured.
Ivy Nile’s Fitness Prowess
Nile’s commitment to fitness was a huge part of her life long before she signed with WWE in January 2020. The year prior, Nile, under real name Emily Andzulis, competed on NBC’s Titan Games, hosted by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Nile also competed in MMA in the Women’s Flyweight division before her WWE arrival.
Now a part of WWE’s main roster, Nile continues to show her strength and conditioning as part of Chad Gable’s intense American Made faction. As part of the group, Nile has picked up wins against the likes of Alba Fyre, Maxxine Dupri, and most recently, the LWO’s Zelina Vega. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Ivy Nile who is continuing to make a name for herself in and outside the squared circle.
WWE ID hopes to give independent wrestlers a clear path to a future in the company, and Gabe Sapolsky will take a leading role in the new program. On X, Sapolsky changed his bio, which reflects his position as WWE Creative Consultant & Domestic Talent Scout. Sapolsky also changed his cover image to the WWE ID logo.
Sapolsky being a part of WWE ID makes a lot of sense given his history in various independent promotions. From origins in ECW writing a newsletter, Sapolsky co-founded Ring of Honor in 2002 before launching Dragon Gate USA seven years later. In 2010, EVOLVE Wrestling became the latest promotion launched by Sapolsky. Sapolsky was
Now part of WWE ID, Sapolsky will continue to demonstrate his talents for recognizing talent in independent wrestling. In his memoir Yes: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania, Bryan Danielson recalls being valued by Sapolsky.
“It was the first time anybody had chosen me to be “the Man” – the only time, really- and I can’t thank Gabe, ROH, and the ROH fans enough for giving me the opportunity to be the guy to carry the promotion.”
Sapolsky’s role with WWE will likely see him work with a team in WWE ID as the promotion further expands its reach into the independent wrestling scene. On X, the official WWE ID account confirmed that the first member of the program will be revealed this weekend at the latest event for Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling promotion.
Reality of Wrestling is just one company that is tied to WWE ID, as Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory and Seth Rollins’ Black & Brave Academy are also linked. ROW is led by World Champion Zilla Fatu, who Booker has endorsed as a future WWE Superstar. The son of Umaga, Fatu was at this year’s SummerSlam in Cleveland, which again fueled speculation that a WWE move is coming. Fatu even teased that he was the signing to be announced this weekend, though his post has since been deleted. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on WWE ID and the future Superstars who join WWE through the innovative new program.