Archive for the ‘WWE’ Category

WWE Considering A Change To Hall Of Fame Ceremony (Report)

WWE may be considering a change to the format of the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

While the event was never officially announced along with the other WrestleMania activities, it was widely believed to be scheduled for April 18, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas—the night before WrestleMania 41. Traditionally, the ceremony airs immediately after SmackDown in the same arena, streaming on Peacock and other platforms.

However, WrestleVotes reported today that WWE officials are reconsidering this format, as some within the company are unhappy with the event following SmackDown.

“After speaking with sources, we’ve heard varying speculation about when and where the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place. Some within the company strongly dislike the recent format of the ceremony following SmackDown. We’re told WWE is considering a change, with no mention of the time or place in any WM promotional material so far.”

Paul “Triple H” Levesque is set to headline the 2025 Hall of Fame class, with Michelle McCool as the only other announced inductee so far. Additional names are expected to be revealed soon.

The Hall of Fame ceremony will be part of a packed WrestleMania weekend, including NXT Stand & Deliver on the afternoon of April 19, followed by WrestleMania 41 – Night 1 that evening.

The Rock Joins Scorsese-Directed Crime Drama With Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Blunt

A major pitch is in development for an untitled drama directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Dwayne Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emily Blunt.

According to Deadline, the film is inspired by a real-life Hawaiian crime boss, described as a ruthless figure who fought off encroaching rivals to control organized crime in Hawaii. The character is likened to Robert De Niro’s Jimmy the Gent from Goodfellas

Nick Bilton is set to write the screenplay, with Scorsese, Johnson, Blunt, DiCaprio, Bilton, Dany Garcia, Lisa Frechette, and Rick Yorn attached as producers. The project is particularly meaningful to Johnson, who has deep ties to Hawaii and has long aspired to make a film set there.

Synopsis: The article notes the film is about, “a turbulent time on the island paradise when an aspiring mob boss battled rival crime factions to wrest control of the underworld of the Hawaiian islands. It was a bloody battle, the kind of terrain Scorsese covered in both Goodfellas and The Departed. In 1960s and 70s Hawaii, this formidable and charismatic mob boss rises to build the islands’ most powerful criminal empire, waging a brutal war against mainland corporations and rival syndicates while fighting to preserve his ancestral land. It’s based on the untold true story of a man who fought to preserve his homeland through a ruthless quest for absolute power — igniting the last great American mob saga, where the war for cultural survival takes place in the unlikeliest of places: paradise.”

This marks another collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese, following their recent work on the Best Picture-nominated Killers of the Flower Moon. Their past films together include The Aviator, The Departed, Gangs of New York, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Meanwhile, Johnson and Blunt, who previously co-starred in Disney’s Jungle Cruise, are also set to reunite in A24’s Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie and slated for release later this year.

Johnson and Blunt initially brought the idea to Scorsese and DiCaprio, who quickly joined the project. With Bilton now onboard to write, the film is moving toward development.

Sonya Deville: ‘I Thought We Were Finalizing My New WWE Contract, Not Ending It’

After a decade with WWE, Sonya Deville (real name Daria Rae) was blindsided by the company’s decision not to renew her contract. Speaking candidly for the first time on her YouTube channel, Deville detailed the emotional rollercoaster of receiving the news and why she ultimately sees it as a blessing in disguise.

Deville revealed that she was in the middle of contract negotiations with WWE when she received the unexpected phone call.

“I was in Washington, D.C., for a cheer tournament with our little one, running on the treadmill, when I got the call,” she shared. “We were in the middle of negotiations, so I thought it was going to be the middle ground we met on. Instead, they said, ‘We are not renewing your contract.’”

The news came as a complete shock to Deville, who had spent ten years building her career within the company. She had developed strong relationships backstage and was deeply invested in her role.

“I had a great relationship with almost everybody—from backstage to talent. It felt like family,” she explained. “You work somewhere for 10 years, you don’t expect that kind of call.”

“I Have No Choice But to Listen to the Universe”

Despite the initial shock, Deville quickly found peace with the decision. She believes fate had a bigger plan for her—one that aligns with her lifelong dream of acting.

“You can’t fight fate,” she said. “That chapter was meant to close, and all these new beautiful blessings were meant to come. The irony of it all is that the same week they didn’t renew my contract, I booked my first big film project.”

Deville admitted that while wrestling became an unexpected passion, acting had always been her first love.

“The way people turn to music for comfort is how I turned to television and film. Acting was my dream since I was 12,” she shared. “I fell in love with wrestling along the way, but this is what I always wanted.”

No Bitterness, Only Gratitude

Unlike some former WWE stars who leave the company with resentment, Deville holds no ill will. She remains grateful for the opportunities WWE gave her and sees her release as a new beginning.

“I see people leave and talk bad about the company, but I cannot relate,” she stated. “I loved every minute of it. I loved everybody there. I loved everything I got to do. But that was a chapter, and now it’s time for the next.”

With a major acting role already lined up and a positive mindset about the future, Deville is ready to embrace what comes next.

“I have no choice but to listen to the universe. That was good, but here’s what’s next,” she said. “And I’m excited.”

Donovan Dijak Reflects on WWE Release: “It’s a Business Decision”

Donovan Dijak was disappointed to be released from WWE in 2024, but isn’t going to hold too big of a grudge over what was ultimately a business decision. Speaking to The A2TheK Wrestling Show, Dijak reflected on his abrupt exit in June of last year.

“At the end of the day it’s a business decision, right? Of course I wanted to say. I made that very clear in in the the letter that I wrote and things like that.”

While Dijak’s days as a WWE Superstar are a thing of the past, his time with the company continues to prove beneficial. Not only did Dijak’s name in wrestling circles grow considerably thanks to his WWE run, but his time as a Superstar allowed for immense growth as a character.

“There was a ton of things that happen in WWE that are helping me to this day, right? Whether it be the the the picture of me in the jacket and the glasses with that character… all of that wouldn’t exist without the opportunity that I was given.”

Since his WWE exit, Dijak has wasted no time in re-establishing himself outside the Sports Entertainment juggernaut. With matches for Rev Pro, Beyond, House of Glory, MLW, Limitless, DPW, and more, Dijak is ready to prove his value in the ring, but will never forget how WWE helped him, and continues to help him to this day.

Goldberg Says Retirement Match Will Happen This Summer: ‘I Feel Like a Trillion Bucks’

Goldberg is preparing for his final match in 2025, prioritizing health and recovery in the process. He previously stated on ESPN’s College GameDay last year that his retirement match would take place in WWE.

The WWE Hall of Famer recently underwent stem cell treatment, a procedure he prepared for by making significant lifestyle changes. On his CarCast podcast, Goldberg revealed that he had to eliminate bad habits, such as tobacco use and poor dietary choices.

While the treatment was successful, he is currently in a three-week recovery period during which he cannot lift weights. The date and opponent for his farewell match remain unknown.

“I feel like a trillion bucks. Whether it’s from the stuff that I altered in my life prior or the stem cell treatment after a day, I feel like a million bucks, comparatively,” Goldberg shared.

“You have to be logical, but it’s like you’re a racehorse again, and you’re being held in a stall, and you can’t come out for a period of time. I have a match sometime this summer. I don’t know exactly when it is, but I know it’s coming up, and I know at 58 years old, I have to be in my underwear in front of everybody, and I hold a very high standard for myself.

I need to get to work yesterday. The long-term benefit and the benefit for me in the ring will be much more if I just calm my ass down.”

Goldberg had a confrontation with World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER at Bad Blood this past October. His last match took place in 2022 at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event, where he faced Roman Reigns.

Liv Morgan Explains How She Hijacked The Judgment Day from Rhea Ripley

Liv Morgan’s return to WWE wasn’t just about getting back in the ring—it was personal. After being sidelined for six months due to an injury inflicted by Rhea Ripley, Morgan came back with a mission: to take everything from the woman who took everything from her.

“I was going to take away everything she loved because she took everything that I ever loved,” Morgan said on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast.

That mission led to the creation of the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour, a ruthless campaign that has seen Morgan align with The Judgment Day and even stake a claim to Dominik Mysterio.

Morgan’s transformation from fan-favorite underdog to a cunning, dominant force has been one of WWE’s most surprising turns in recent years. While her methods have drawn boos from some fans, she remains unapologetic.

“I felt so justified in every single fiber of my being. I knew that I was right and that I was in the right.”

Her comeback was fueled by months of frustration and reflection.

“All I ever loved was WWE, and she took six months from me—not knowing if I’d make a full recovery, if I’d come back the same, or if my career was even over.”

That realization only strengthened her resolve to dismantle Ripley’s world piece by piece. Now, with WWE Elimination Chamber on the horizon, Morgan’s focus remains locked on championship gold. As the last person to defeat Ripley, she may be the biggest threat to the Women’s World Champion yet.

Liv Morgan Mocks “Obsessed” Rhea Ripley After Controversial Raw Win

WWE Hall Of Famer Signs New Legends Deal (Exclusive)

WWE has ‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes donning the red, white and blue, but have a Hall of Famer returning to the company to hoist up ‘Ol’ Glory,’ tough guy! I can report exclusively for SEScoops that ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan has put pen to paper in signing a new Legends deal with WWE. Duggan has not been under a legends deal for several years so him signing a new contract opens him up for the obvious possibilities that come with it.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan

Duggan became a household name for WWE in the company’s ‘Golden Era’ and was ultimately inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2011. On an upcoming episode of ‘The Hacksaw Hour’ Duggan expressed his excitement for being on WWE games and apart of the their Mattel action figure line.

One man who will be excited to hear the news of Jim Duggan rejoining WWE is actor Matthew McConaughey. The Hollywood megastar has previously expressed that his favorite wrestler of all time is Hacksaw and McConaughey was at ringside recently for SmackDown at the behest of Kevin Owens.

WWE has kept busy in signing legacy talent under legends contracts. Most recently, the company finally got Demolition under deals which nearly felt impossible as the tag team was in a previous lawsuit dispute with the company. However, Demolition Ax (Bill Eadie) and Demolition Smash (Barry Darsow) are now back with the company and their odds of finally getting inducted into the WWE went up exponentially.

‘He Hugged Me’ – Road Dogg Clears the Air on CM Punk Feud

For years, Brian James believed he and CM Punk had a deep-seated rivalry—until Punk’s recent WWE return changed everything. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, James revealed the unexpected moment that made him realize the supposed feud was all in his head.

“For 10 years, I thought we hated each other. Turns out, he hadn’t thought a damn thing about me!” James laughed.

The tension stemmed from James’ perception of past backstage clashes, particularly during Punk’s early WWE run. However, when the two reunited, Punk greeted him with a hug, immediately breaking the ice.

James admitted that the moment taught him a valuable lesson about letting go of grudges and overthinking past conflicts. He even praised Punk’s new attitude, saying,

“He’s a different dude today. I told him, ‘Hey man, I really appreciate your attitude,’ and he said, ‘That’s the first time anybody’s ever said that to me.’”

The revelation highlights how wrestling’s backstage politics can sometimes be more about perception than reality. Now, James sees Punk as a valuable part of WWE’s locker room, proving that time can change even the most stubborn perspectives.

These remarks from Road Dogg echo what we’ve heard about CM Punk from several people who have worked closely with him, most recently The Undertaker:

Road Dogg Clarifies His Current WWE Creative Role

WWE Hall of Famer Brian James is opening up about his backstage role with WWE. Admit reports that he just returned to SmackDown as a co-lead writer along with John Swikata, the former DX member addressed his job during a recent conversation on Insight with Chris Van Vliet.

“Honestly, dude, I’m a creative consultant, and that goes across the board when it comes to wrestling.

I don’t think I could be a creative consultant for IBM, but I can do it for WWE,” he joked.

James was previously SmackDown’s head writer, overseeing some of the brand’s most memorable moments. While WWE has scaled back its domestic live events, he remains in charge of creative direction for house shows and continues to work closely with Triple H and WWE’s writing team. He reportedly just

One of his favorite aspects of the job is crafting superstar entrances, working with production to make each performer stand out.

“Me and Hunter love to create together. We look at new talent and say, ‘What can we do with that entrance? What lights? What smoke?’”

James also praised WWE’s new era of creative freedom, describing it as a major improvement over past regimes.

“The old regime sometimes stifled creativity. Now, nobody gets shut down—it’s a free-flowing environment.”

With WWE continuing to evolve, James remains a key figure in shaping its future, proving that his contributions extend far beyond his in-ring career.

Road Dogg Opens Up on Sobriety: ‘I Was Trying to Die’

Brian James, better known as Road Dogg, has opened up about his battle with addiction and how sobriety saved his life. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the WWE Hall of Famer reflected on his darkest moments and the journey that led him to recovery.

“I was on a vicious cycle—wake up and do drugs, wake up and do drugs. I didn’t want to live like that anymore,” James admitted. “I wanted to die, but I was scared my kids would find me that way. Sobriety saved my life.”

James has now been sober for 15 years, but getting to this point wasn’t easy. He revealed that at one stage, he contemplated taking his own life, feeling trapped in a cycle he couldn’t escape. His turning point came when his brother confronted him after a show, leading James to seek help through WWE’s rehab program.

Looking back, James recognizes how much time he wasted on self-destructive habits.

“One of my biggest fears today is not being self-aware. I wasted so much time trying to die, and now I just want to live.”

Today, James is a key figure behind the scenes in WWE, helping shape the next generation of talent. His story serves as an inspiring reminder that change is possible, even in the darkest moments.

Road Dogg Praises Triple H’s Leadership in WWE: ‘The New Regime is Like Google’

Brian James has seen WWE’s creative process from all angles, and under Triple H’s leadership, he says it has reached new heights. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, James compared the current WWE regime to the past and praised Triple H’s vision for the future.

“The New regime is like Google—we’ve got ping pong tables in the production meeting room! Creativity flows, and no one gets shut down,” James joked, highlighting the new environment.

James noted that under previous leadership, creative ideas were often stifled, making it harder to innovate. However, Triple H has created an atmosphere where all ideas are considered, leading to a more engaging product for fans.

Road Dogg and Triple H

Beyond creative freedom, James credited Triple H’s ability to think both short-term and long-term.

“He has such a vision—right now and five years from now at the same time. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

With WWE’s storytelling at an all-time high and its production value continually evolving, James believes the company is in the best hands possible.

“He’s taken this industry into a stratosphere that wasn’t even thought about.”

Liv Morgan Fuels Speculation About Jade Cargill’s Attacker

Is Liv Morgan responsible for the vicious attack that put Jade Cargill out of action for months? If you ask her directly, you won’t get a clear answer.

“In the history of Liv Morgan, there’s not been one time when I didn’t scream and brag about whatever I had just done,” Morgan teased on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast.

She backed up her position by asking, how much has she bragged about stealing Daddy Dom and retiring Becky Lynch? A lot.

Her response has only fueled speculation. While WWE cameras didn’t catch the culprit, Cargill was blindsided, leading to a brutal beatdown of Morgan on Raw.

 “I think that that beat down was highly, highly unwarranted, but I was there she was there and that’s all you get.”

If Morgan wasn’t responsible, she certainly paid the price for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

img 8365 1
Naomi and Bianca Belair are shown footage indicating Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were responsible for Jade Cargill’s attack

The potential rivalry between the two could set up a major WrestleMania showdown. Morgan has already shown she isn’t afraid to take what she wants—could Cargill be her next target?

Morgan and Rodriguez challenge Belair and Naomi for the WWE Women’s tag team championship this coming Monday on Raw.

How 3MB Paved the Way for Raj Dhesi’s WWE Title Glory

At Monopoly Events’ For The Love of Wrestling, Raj Dhesi spoke about his WWE run as Jinder Mahal and how his role in 3MB led to his unlikely WWE Championship victory. Dhesi shared that when he first heard about Heath Slater getting a band, he speculated who’d be cast. While he saw names like Johnny ‘Fandango’ Curtis and Jon Moxley as potential band members, the idea was not for him.

“I jokingly said watch all be in the band complete joke and lo and behold I found out that I was going to be a member of the band.”

Dhesi was distraught at the idea of being part of the comedy group, equating the idea to “career s*icide.” After this initial shock, however, Dhesi decided to embrace the role, for better and worse.

“You just have to embrace it and we actually embraced it too much where we thought we were legit rock stars which led to the downfall.”

The downfall in question saw Dhesi released in 2014, a setback that forced the wrestler to re-evaluate his life. After focusing himself on getting in better shape, Dhesi was rehired in 2016 and became WWE Champion the following year.

“Without 3MB, there would be no Maharaja, there would be no WWE Champion.”

Dhesi’s story highlights the importance of wrestlers embracing what they are given as even the most unlikely characters can rise up to become World Champion. With all three members of the band seeing success after the group’s split, Dhesi’s unlikely journey to the WWE Champion is a story that should inspire wrestlers on all rungs of the proverbial ladder.

JBL Praises Jacob Fatu, Wants To Work With “Unbelievable” WWE Star

Jacob Fatu has caught the attention of many since his arrival in WWE in 2024, and John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield would love the chance to work with him. Speaking to Monopoly Events at For The Love of Wrestling 2025, the WWE Hall of Famer shared his amazement at Fatu’s work.

“Jacob Fatu to me is, just that kid is, a kid, I’m almost 60 so everybody’s a kid to me. [Fatu] is unbelievable. He’s unreal, how good he is. I’d love to work with Jacob Fatu.”

Fatu isn’t the only member of the extended Bloodline that has caught the eye of the former WWE Champion. In the interview, JBL also praised the rise of Jey Uso and shared that he hopes Jey becomes World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania 41. JBL has “loved him and his brother since they came in” and will no-doubt be YEETing along with countless others should Jey dethrone GUNTHER this April.

As for Fatu, his WrestleMania debut could see a showdown with Solo Sikoa in a match that could prove to be another pivotal turning point for the Bloodline. Time will tell whether JBL ever gets to work with Fatu, but with such a bright future, anything seems possible for the Samoan Werewolf.

Jacqueline Calls Out Charlotte Flair For WWE Retirement Match

WWE Hall of Famer Jacqueline is ready to get back in the ring one more time and has set her sights on WWE’s ‘Queen’ Charlotte Flair. Appearing at Monopoly Events’ For The Love of Wrestling, Jacqueline made her case to WWE’s most decorated female Superstar of all time.

“Charlotte, please give me my retirement match! Please give me my [retirement match.] Please bring it! I’m begging you, I’m begging you!”

Jacqueline, a former WWE Women’s and Cruiserweight Champion, last competed as part of the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble in 2018. The 21st entry in the match, Jacqueline lasted 1:52 and scored no eliminations before being eliminated by Nia Jax.

As for Flair, her return from a career-threatening injury has seen her once again thrust into the main event, a source of contention among fans believing she has hogged the spotlight. After becoming the first-ever two-time Women’s Royal Rumble winner, Flair, a 14-time Women’s Champion, will challenge reigning Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton at WrestleMania 41.

Whether Jacqueline gets her retirement match with Flair or not, the WWE Hall of Famer forged a legacy in wrestling as a trailblazer, including being the first African American woman to win gold in WWE. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Jacqueline, and whether a showdown with Flair is in her future.

Big E Talks Current WWE Role: “I Get To Be A Fan Again”

After suffering a broken neck in 2022, Big E has remained a part of WWE’s product by serving as a correspondent on pre-shows and post-shows for Premium Live Events. Speaking to Kevin Iole, the former WWE Champion was able to focus on the positive side of things despite his injury.

“The cool thing now for me in this role is I do the pre-shows and post shows for all the PLEs… I get to be a fan again. I get to cover the card and I have a lot of fun with that. So I really enjoy it.”

Like many fans as well as those in WWE, Big E is looking ahead to WrestleMania 41, set to take place this April in Las Vegas. Big E shared that he’s “really excited” about the upcoming two-night mega-show, and discussed The Rock’s potential involvement.

“The Rock was heavily involved last year at WrestleMania. We’ll see if he’s involved at all [this year.]”

Rock or no Rock, WrestleMania 41 is shaping up to be another huge event with two title matches confirmed, and two more set to be finalized at Elimination Chamber on March 1 (which will also mark Big E’s 39th birthday.) Whatever comes this April, Big E will have a blast covering the event, both as a member of WWE’s on-screen team, and also as a diehard fan of pro wrestling.

Logan Paul Banned By Egyptian Government: ‘You Can’t Come’

The Egyptian government has barred Logan Paul from visiting the country.

YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as Mr. Beast recently published a video exploring the great pyramids of Giza in collaboration with the Egypt Film Commission.

Talking about the video in his latest vlog, the ever-controversial WWE star revealed that he had actually requested to be a part of this trip. The Egyptian government however, made it clear that he was not welcomed in the country:

“Mr. Beast just uploaded a new video exploring the pyramids or something. And I love the pyramids. So I was like ‘Jimmy, can I come?’ And he was like ‘For sure dude.’  Then a week later he called me and was like ‘Dude, unfortunately, the Egyptian government said that you can’t come, otherwise we can’t come.’

And I was like ‘Wait what? I know I pissed people off at the Egyptian government, I’ve never even been to Egypt, why can’t I come to the pyramid Jimmy?’ He said ‘I don’t know the government specifically said you are the only person that cannot come on this trip.'”

Logan Paul was previously involved in a controversy relating to his trip to Japan. He received wide criticism for uploading footage of a corpse of a suicide victim on his YouTube channel.

In an interview with Dominik Mysterio last year, Paul had claimed that he was not officially banned by the Japanese government but he wanted to be invited back if he ever were to visit the country again.

Penta Discloses Longstanding Bicep Injury

Penta recently appeared on Celtic Warrior Workouts with Sheamus, where he disclosed that he has been wrestling with a “broken bicep” for the past three years.

During a workout session featuring bicep curls, Sheamus asked if the injury was a tear, to which Penta confirmed, “Yeah,” adding that it remains torn.

He revealed that the injury occurred when another wrestler kicked him, breaking his bicep. Despite never undergoing surgery, Penta stated he is still able to train and compete.

Despite the injury, Penta has remained active in the ring and recently competed on WWE Raw against Pete Dunne. Notably, he remains undefeated in singles competition within WWE.

Check out Penta’s “arm blast” workout with Sheamus for a unique look at the dangerous luchador outside the ring:

Penta Shares the Secret Technique Behind His Devastating Chops

If you think there’s some audible pops behind Penta’s chops, there’s a unique reason why and Sheamus sees it first hand, fella.

Penta and Pete Dunne went toe-to-toe on WWE Raw this past Monday and both stars used their unorthodox styles against one another in what became a highlight match of the evening. Penta, however, proved that he would continue to be hard to stop when he ultimately gained the victory against ‘The Brusierweight,’ but not before Ludwig Kaiser showed his face.

Penta actually showed his face on the latest “Celtic Warrior Workouts” with Sheamus. A partial reason that Penta gets such a reaction is his ability to lay in on the chops. While his striking may be nowhere near that devastation that Gunther possesses, the luchador told and showed Sheamus the extremely unique way that he gets himself ready to for such a strike fest in the ring. When he can, Penta plays handball for a full one hour before a workout and gave his reasoning as to why such an unexpected routine helps.

“You become faster, more dynamic, you know?”

Penta ended up whooping Sheamus in a game of handball 10 to 3 during the video, but also Sheamus gets made aware that Penta only has half a bicep in his left arm. However, Penta manages to make the adjustments and does an “arm blast” workout that becomes the feature focus for the episode. Penta shows Sheamus the several workouts he does to help not just his biceps but his triceps as well.

As it stands right now, there’s no surefire opponent for Penta at WrestleMania 41 but he did express a desire to face Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship.

Seth Rollins Questions If ‘Fragile Phil’ CM Punk Can Make It to WrestleMania

WWE Superstar Seth Rollins hasn’t grown tired talking trash about his old pal, CM Punk. During an appearance on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, Rollins took a sharp jab at his longtime rival, casting doubt on whether Punk can stay healthy enough to make it to WrestleMania 41.

“CM Punk’s gotta make it to WrestleMania this year. Last year, he didn’t. Last year, he didn’t make it to WrestleMania. Fragile Phil got hurt.”

The animosity between Rollins and Punk has been brewing for years, with Rollins previously calling Punk a “cancer” to the locker room.

With rumors swirling about a potential Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 41 featuring Rollins, Punk, and Roman Reigns, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion made it clear who the real workhorse is.

“I am healthy and prime. I am there every single week. I’m the only 100% guarantee of the three of us for WrestleMania.”

With Punk sidelined since January due to a torn triceps, his WrestleMania status remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Rollins is gearing up for Elimination Chamber, a match he admits is brutal but one he’s prepared to endure.

Whether or not Punk makes it to the grandest stage of them all, Rollins has already set the tone—there’s no love lost between these two, and if they do meet at WrestleMania, it’s going to get personal.

Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk

Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk was arguably one of WWE’s hottest feuds of 2024, but due to injuries, the two didn’t get a chance to settle their score in the ring until January 6, 2025 on the WWE Raw Netflix premiere.

The long-awaited showdown, emanating from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, lived up to its immense hype, featuring a brutal display of one-upmanship as both superstars appropriated each other’s finishing moves – Rollins attempting Punk’s GTS while Punk mockingly delivered Rollins’ signature Stomp.

After the action spilled into the crowd and saw Rollins execute two devastating Pedigrees, including one through the announce table, it was ultimately CM Punk who emerged victorious, sealing his first Raw victory in over 4,000 days with back-to-back GTS finishers.

The bout marked only their second-ever singles encounter, with their previous match taking place over a decade earlier in December 2013, making this high-stakes Netflix premiere even more historic.

Former WWE Announcer Samantha Irvin: ‘You’d Have to be Dead Inside’ to Not Feel the Magic

Samantha Irvin’s journey has taken her from the high-energy world of wrestling to the creative freedom of music, but her connection to wrestling remains profoundly emotional and genuine.

In recent appearances on Busted Open, she opened up about both her love for the business and a particularly moving moment at WrestleMania 41. Reflecting on her time as a WWE ring announcer, she shared:

“You would have to be dead inside to hear [The Rock’s music] sitting in my chair with my background and my past and not be excited.”

During another recent appearance on Busted Open, Irvin revealed a deeply personal moment from WrestleMania 41, where she announced Cody Rhodes’ capture the Undisputed WWE Championship. “I was not there for work. I was literally there, like, just as me, just Sammie,” she explained.

“I started crying before the finish. I started crying when The Undertaker came out. And then Cody winning… it all just came crashing down. Every sad thing, every crazy thing, all the stuff in wrestling that you can’t talk about. It just all came out in that moment.”

As someone who has lived and breathed wrestling, Samantha continues to maintain her connection to the industry while pursuing her other passions. Her genuine emotional investment in the business shows through in every appearance, demonstrating that her bond with wrestling extends far beyond her professional role.

Seth Rollins Explains Why He Was Not Upset About Not Making Final Cut Of ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ 

Seth Rollins filmed scenes for Captain America: Brave New World, which is set for release this month. However, his role was ultimately cut from the final version of the film.

The movie stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Shira Haas, Harrison Ford, and Liv Tyler. Written by Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson and directed by Julius Onah, the film originally included Rollins, who was spotted on set in 2023.

Rollins recently explained why he wasn’t upset about being cut from the film during an appearance on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.

“I wasn’t gonna talk about it too much because I never know what I can say. But I saw the director had an interview this week, Julius Onah, who’s a phenomenal dude. He did an interview, and they asked him about my role and what happened with it and stuff like that, so I feel like I can talk about it a little bit more.

Basically, I got repurposed for Giancarlo Esposito, who is a hell of an actor, special cat. So to lose out to him doesn’t hurt my feelings. The bottom line is, the movie went through a lot of adjustments. The original script is not the script that they ended up with. My character itself, I don’t know if it got repurposed or if it just got scrapped and a whole new thing went in there. But I had a great time filming with those guys. We did some really cool stuff that’s on the cutting room floor. I hope that somehow it lives in Easter egg form somewhere. I’d love to see some of the shots of that.

I won’t give away too much, but it was a great experience. But yeah, they cut me. They cut me from the role. They’ve cut the family. My wife [Becky Lynch] had a role in Eternals. She did a post-credit scene for the original Eternals film. The Eternals franchise was intended to be multiple films, and she was supposed to be involved in that, and they cut her too. They cut the whole family, man.”

Despite the cut, Rollins remains focused on his wrestling career. He is expected to face CM Punk and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 41 in mid-April.

Chelsea Green Declares WWE’s Most ‘Diva’ Male Superstar

Chelsea Green, WWE Women’s United States Champion, recently ranked WWE’s most “Diva-coded” male superstars, evaluating who best embodies Diva qualities like confidence, style, and presence.

In an interview with Ring the Belle host DS, she judged fan-submitted nominees, narrowing the field down to top contenders like Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler, and Pretty Deadly.

Rollins was an early favorite, with Green noting,

“Because of longevity, we’re going with Seth, because we have seen it time and time again, and he slays—serves Diva drag.”

However, in the final round, she ultimately chose Pretty Deadly as WWE’s most Diva-coded male stars.

“To put a swerve on it, I’m going to say Pretty Deadly wins. They’re giving Diva in other aspects, not just their gear.”

WWE Pretty Deadly
Pretty Deadly (Photo: WWE)

Green further praised the duo, adding,

“I actually use their gear girl now because their gear is so good. So Diva, so girly pop!”

She stood by her decision, stating,

“If you had asked me that question without showing me the bracket, I still would have said Pretty Deadly.”

At the conclusion of the segment, Green also addressed her fans and her role as the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion, saying, “Pledge your allegiance, honey, because it’s up from here!”

Check out Chelsea Green’s appearance on Ring the Belle:

Paul Heyman Leads WWE 2K25’s Bloodline Showcase: An Interactive Documentary

2K has officially unveiled WWE 2K25’s highly anticipated 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty, offering players an immersive, first-of-its-kind retelling of The Bloodline’s historic rise in WWE.

Narrated by Paul Heyman, this interactive documentary-style mode allows fans to relive iconic matches, rewrite key moments, and even create fantasy showdowns featuring legends from the Anoa’i, Fatu, and Maivia wrestling families.

An Interactive Bloodline Documentary Led by Paul Heyman

In the newly released trailer, Heyman takes center stage as the voice of the first-ever playable Bloodline documentary, guiding players through the triumphs, setbacks, and defining battles of the dynasty.

The mode is divided into three key experiences:

  • Relive History: Play through legendary matchups such as Yokozuna vs. Hulk Hogan at King of the Ring 1993 and Rocky Maivia vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley on RAW in 1997.
  • Change History: Rewrite the past by avenging major Bloodline defeats, including Rikishi vs. Stone Cold at No Mercy 2000 and Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins at Royal Rumble 2022.
  • Create History: Explore fantasy dream matches that never happened, like The Wild Samoans vs. The Dudley Boyz and High Chief Peter Maivia vs. George “The Animal” Steele.

Unlike previous WWE 2K Showcase modes, all cutscenes will now feature in-game cinematics instead of historical live-action footage, enhancing immersion and authenticity.

A Massive WWE 2K25 Roster with New Additions

Earlier this week, 2K also revealed WWE 2K25 will feature the biggest roster in franchise history, with over 300 playable Superstars. New Bloodline additions include Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa, alongside returning legends like The Wild Samoans, The Islanders, and The Headshrinkers. Other first-time additions include Oba Femi, Ethan Page, Sol Ruca, Kelani Jordan, and Alundra Blayze.

WWE 2K25 Release Dates & Editions

  • Standard Edition – Releases worldwide on March 14, 2025
  • Deadman Edition & The Bloodline Edition – Available digitally on March 7, 2025

Pre-orders for any edition include the Wyatt Sicks Pack, featuring Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan. Digital pre-orders also grant access to WWE 2K24 Standard Edition.

For more details, visit the official WWE 2K25 website and follow on social media using #WWE2K25 and #RuleBeyondTheRing.

Rumor: WWE Considering Jacob Fatu vs. Solo Sikoa at WrestleMania 41

Jacob Fatu has been a dominant force since his WWE debut last year, and a reliable WWE insider says the company is discussing a prominent match for the “Samoan Warewolf” at WrestleMania.

According to WrestleVotes on Backstage Pass, WWE has had serious discussions about a high-stakes clash between Jacob Fatu and his cousin, Solo Sikoa, at WrestleMania 41.

Initially, there was speculation that Solo Sikoa might face Roman Reigns, but it now appears the focus has shifted toward a family rivalry between Solo and Fatu.

“I do know they’re gearing up towards Jacob versus Solo. fter months of speculation that Solo was going to wrestle Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, they shift that to Jacob Fatu, and we’ll see how it plays out. But I do believe that’s the direction,” WrestleVotes reported.

This development follows Fatu’s failure to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match on SmackDown, despite interference from Sikoa. The two also had a tense backstage confrontation, signaling growing tensions within The Bloodline.

While Fatu has long been loyal to Sikoa as part of the revamped Bloodline faction, their dynamic is changing. Fans have noticed the shift, and WWE appears to be leaning into this evolving storyline.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news on Road to WrestleMania 41, set for April 19-20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.