SmackDown Superstar Grayson Waller thinks WWE ticket prices should be far higher, especially when he’s on the card. 

Speaking to CW39, Waller was asked about his plans for the Holidays. The Australian admitted that he isn’t too bothered with this year’s festivities, but hopes to see prices for WWE tickets rise. 

“I haven’t got my family here. I am not really doing Christmas this year so I wanna go out and I wanna fight. But I’m a little upset to be honest, I was looking and it’s 20 dollars to get a ticket. 20 dollars to see Grayson Waller. I’m a little bit offended. I feel that’s not much money. I think the prices need to go up. 20 dollars to see Grayson Waller, that’s a bit of a steal. I’m gonna have to make a call to Santa. I know some kids are gonna be asking for these tickets for Christmas.”

What’s Next for Grayson Waller? 

Waller recently competed in the U.S. Championship Contenders Tournament but was eliminated in the first round by Carmelo Hayes. Despite this, Waller is expected to have quite the 2024. In February, WWE will travel to Waller’s native Australia for the Elimination Chamber: Perth PLE. Waller’s tag team with Austin Theory is also expected to continue. The duo has impressed WWE officials who initially saw the pair has a short-term idea. Both Waller and Theory are expected to be ‘elevated’ ahead of WrestleMania 40. 

Could Grayson Waller’s 2024 see the Australian Superstar feud with CM Punk? Click here to find out more. 

Grayson Waller is ready to test himself against former World Champion CM Punk, both in the ring and in a battle on the mic. 

Punk appeared on last week’s episode of SmackDown, in his first appearance on the blue brand in close to a decade. The former World Champion held nothing back in his promo and referenced Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and teased a confrontation with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. CM Punk also gave a nod to his firing from AEW All In this past September.

Grayson Waller on CM Punk

CM Punk has had the wrestling world hooked on his every word and move, and Grayson Waller is also taking notice of the Best in the World. Speaking with Justin LaBar of Busted Open Radio, Waller was asked about the arrival of the ex-AEW star. 

“It’s great to have Punk back because obviously he’s a big name, he’s a big star. I got to sit backstage at SmackDown last Friday and sit in the Gorilla position and watch him go out and talk. It’s a different vibe. For me personally, I’m not going to go and ask for advice and kiss his ar*e. That’s not who I am. But I am going to sit back and watch him do it and I’m going to take some notes in my head. That promo he did on Friday, especially hearing the live crowd and everything, was cool.” 

Waller added that he met with Punk at SmackDown and also saw the Best in the World backstage at this week’s WWE NXT. 

“I saw Punk backstage at SmackDown Friday and I’m going to leave it there. I don’t think anyone needs to know what that interaction was. Let’s just say, we talked.

“I was at NXT last night doing some stuff and he was there talking to all the young guys, giving them feedback, giving them advice. So he’s coming back and he’s doing everything he can to help. But Grayson Waller’s not that guy. I don’t wanna sit back and hear his advice. I don’t want to wear his merch shirt. I don’t want to put up a video of me at 12 years old telling Punk he’s the best. That’s not who I am.

Like Punk, Waller has impressed many on the mic, and would love to test his skills against Punk when the time is right. 

“I want to test myself against him. Not just in the ring, but on the mic because that guy’s one of the best of all time… So I appreciate what you’ve done for the business, but I’m not here to be your fanboy, I’m here to be a competitor.”

I asked @GraysonWWE about CM Punk back in #WWE:
"I saw Punk backstage at SmackDown Friday and I'm going to leave it there. I don't think anyone needs to know what that interaction was. Let's just say, we talked."
He goes on to talk about Punk's abilities! pic.twitter.com/zBmoDXvHC2

— Justin LaBar (@JustinLaBar) December 14, 2023

More Backstage Talk

While we don’t know what Waller and Punk discussed, the Aussie wasn’t the only one Punk chatted with backstage. It has been reported that Punk was approached about appearing at NXT Deadline while attending SmackDown. The former AEW World Champion (donned in a Bret Hart hoodie) shared a segment with Shawn Michaels during the opening moments of the show.

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

Seth Rollins in Captain America: Brave New World

Captain America: Brave New World will feature Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins and the film is going to be bigger than originally planned. Deadline reports that additional scenes have been filmed for the project, which is slated for a February 2025 release. Marvel has hired Michael Orton (no relation) to pen additional scenes and material. The film had been scheduled for a May 2024 release before it was pushed back due to the now-settled WGA strike. 

John Cena’s New Poster

Speaking of movies, John Cena is set to appear in Argylle, a new spy thriller in which a fiction writer learns that the stories she writes are actually happening. On Twitter, Cena spoke about the project and shared the newest poster. 

The greater the spy, the better the lie! Matthew Vaughn has brought together an incredible cast (of characters ?)  for #ArgylleMovie! In theaters February 2nd! pic.twitter.com/zTgv3ArxAf

— John Cena (@JohnCena) December 13, 2023

Which Superstars Are Swifties? 

Taylor Swift may not be a WWE Superstar but it seems that the music sensation has been quite the talking point in wrestling as of late. Backstage at Monday Night Raw, Jackie Redmond wanted to learn which Superstars are ‘Swifties.’ Chelsea Green, Becky Lynch, The Miz, Nikki Cross, Dominik Mysterio, R-Truth, Cody Rhodes, Piper Niven all gave their favorite Taylor Swift songs, while Damian Priest and Nia Jax were annoyed to be asked. Jey Uso didn’t give a track but said he finds the Cruel Summer artist “beautiful.”

Introducing: WWE SWIFTIES ???

In honor of Taylor Swifts birthday, I went on the hunt to find out which WWE Superstars are true Swifties!

Just call me The People’s Reporter. ?@wwe #wweraw #TaylorSwift #tarlorswiftbirthday @taylorswift #wwe pic.twitter.com/nWcM3DFTDn

— Jackie Redmond (@Jackie_Redmond) December 13, 2023

Grayson Waller ‘Reunites’ with Carmelo Hayes

Carmelo Hayes is set to compete in the U.S. Championship Contenders Tournament and will face Grayson Waller in the first round. At a recent WWE photoshoot, Waller confronted Hayes and insinuated that Melo was the one to attack Trick Williams. 

Ran into an old mate backstage at @WWENXT last night pic.twitter.com/Yf3XSHJKQd

— Grayson Waller (@GraysonWWE) December 13, 2023

Could a rivalry be reignited for Carmelo Hayes? The former NXT Champion is preparing himself for tough competition as he is the lone NXT member competing in the upcoming US Title contender’s tournament on SmackDown. He’s no stranger to his first round opponent either as he’s going one-on-one with Grayson Waller.

In light of that clash occurring, Waller decided to confront Carmelo during a photo shoot. Just this week on WWE NXT, Hayes accused the current NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov of attacking him at the beginning of this week’s episode and also believes that it was Dragunov who attacked Trick Williams backstage months ago. The latter two are set to face one another at NXT New Year’s Evil, but it was Waller who decided to throw some salt into fresh wounds.

Ran into an old mate backstage at @WWENXT last night pic.twitter.com/Yf3XSHJKQd

— Grayson Waller (@GraysonWWE) December 13, 2023

Waller decided to push some buttons, putting the blame on Hayes for Williams getting attacked and Carmelo took exception to Waller walking in during his shoot.

Waller challenged Hayes for the NXT Championship earlier this year at Spring Breakin’, but the Aussie lost in his efforts. Since then, Waller was drafted to the SmackDown roster, but spent a good deal of time on the shelf due to injury.

However, Waller has still made the most of his call-up, having a memorable confrontation with John Cena this past July at WWE Money In The Bank.

Big expectations are ahead for Hayes as many fans and Hall Of Famers have been anticipating a main roster call-up for the rising star. While there is no indication that his participation in the tournament means he’ll be moving up, it’s certainly a positive sign.

Grayson Waller embodies the role of a heel on and off screen in WWE. Not only does Kevin Owens want to knock him out, but Lexis King may want to hit him as well.

Grayson Waller’s inclination towards trolling extends to fans and peers, with Lexis King being the recent target of his focus. The fact that his last name is King, and he has a mullet, set Waller up for a slam dunk troll.

Brian Pillman Jr., left AEW earlier this year, after his contract expired. He transitioned to the WWE Performance Center. He recently entered NXT, gradually carving out a presence and working towards stardom as Lexis King. 

Lexis King is now a notable figure in NXT, as he adopted a brand-new heel attitude. This transformation, particularly in the way he groomed his beard, has become a subject of mockery. 

Garyson Waller responded to a question on his Instagram story about which NXT Superstar would receive the “Grayson Waller rub” next, with Lexis King being his choice, illustrated with a photo of Tiger King star Joe Exotic.

Lexis King wrestled in an unsuccessful match against Carmelo Hayes at the NXT Deadline Premium Live Event. The upcoming weeks will reveal WWE’s plans for Lexis King and his trajectory in the promotion, but odds are they have big things in store for him.

Although Lexis King didn’t win at NXT Deadline, he still thanked Carmelo Hayes for the premium live event rub. He also admitted that he wasn’t the man who attacked Trick Williams, adding even more intrigue to that story.

What’s your take on Lexis King making his way up NXT’s ladder? Let us know what you think about his push by engaging with us on social media! 

WWE paired up Grayson Waller and Austin Theory to form A-Town Down Under, and that heel team is making a lot of noise. They are also responsible for Kevin Owens’ recent injury, and they are not afraid to rub salt in the wound.

Kevin Owens will take on Austin Theory on the December 15th episode of WWE SmackDown in the current United States Title #1 contender tournament. That match could be a rough one for Theory, but he’s not making it any better for himself.

Grayson Waller and Austin Theory appeared in a backstage promo that was released online after the December 9th episode of SmackDown. 

During the video, Austin Theory broke out his uncanny “Stone Cold” Steve Austin impression, as he cut a promo on Kevin Owens while showing off a t-shirt that said “Grayson 3:16” on the front and “I Just Broke Your Hand” on the back.

“Grayson 3:16 son, why don’t you turn around and show ’em! Look at that, ‘I just broke your hand,’ son! Kevin Owens, we broke ya hand, ya ain’t got one no more! WHAT?! Grayson Waller’s gonna beat ya? WHAT?!  Austin Theory’s gonna beat ya? WHAT?! We broke ya hand! WHAT?!”

Austin Theory walked off as he busted out in a Steve Austin laugh, which caused Grayson Waller to shout, “What?!” as his partner exited the frame. The two are certainly taking digs at Kevin Owens, but they might need to be careful about invoking Steve Austin’s name like that.

What’s next for Steve Austin in WWE

WWE is not currently talking about bringing Steve Austin in for a CM Punk dream match at this time. Although that rumor hit the Internet Wrestling Community in a big way, it’s not being discussed. Although fans may not see Steve Austin actually return at this time, it’s still good to hear his voice via Austin Theory’s spot-on impression.

You can watch Austin Theory and Grayson Waller’s little backstage promo in the video below. 

Theory with the Stone Cold impression
#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/C39cpRqj3T

— Roman Reigns SZN ? (@reigns_era) December 9, 2023

Kevin Owens might not be able to utilize his KO punch right now due to his affliction, but there are still other ways that he is a very dangerous opponent. It will be interesting to see how Owens does in the United States Title tournament, as he has already teased having beef with Logan Paul.

You may check out the card for the December 15th episode of WWE SmackDown below. Keep checking back with SE Scoops for more!

December 15th, 2023 WWE SmackDown Card

Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown

Kevin Owens vs Austin Theory – 1st Round United States Title #1 Contender Tournament Match

Grayson Waller vs NXT Superstar – 1st Round United States Title #1 Contender Tournament Match

Will Kevin Owens beat Logan Paul for the United States Title after winning this tournament? Are you impressed by Austin Theory’s Steve Austin impression? Let us know what you think by engaging with us on social media! 

The December 8th episode of WWE SmackDown was loaded with matches and promos. There were also some notable moments worth highlighting.

CM Punk cut a bit of a pipe bomb promo during SmackDown this week. During his time on the microphone, he called out Roman Reigns and also made reference to the backstage incident at All In that caused his AEW firing.

Charlotte Flair also needed to be helped out of the ring following her loss to Asuka. We’re hoping that The Queen isn’t seriously injured.

WWE’s Plan For December 15th SmackDown

Before the show closed this week, they confirmed a few things for the December 15th episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX. Roman Reigns will be back on the blue brand next week, so that will be a big draw. Only time will tell if he answers CM Punk’s call-out from this week. 

Roman Reigns returns to #SmackDown next week in Green Bay, WI. pic.twitter.com/xN9q7d7GZ1

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) December 9, 2023

Fans will also see Grayson Waller face off against an unnamed NXT Superstar in the 1st round of the United States Championship tournament. It was said that Shawn Michaels will hand-pick that Superstar. Also, Kevin Owens will battle Austin Theory in another 1st round match.

Kevin Owens has a broken hand, which they mentioned on commentary. That should add another layer to his match, because it nixes his infamous KO punch.

We will have to see who comes out on top when SmackDown goes live on FOX next week. For more updates, keep checking back with SE Scoops.

December 15th, 2023 WWE SmackDown Card

Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown

Kevin Owens vs Austin Theory – 1st Round United States Title Tournament Match

Grayson Waller vs NXT Superstar – 1st Round United States Title Tournament Match

What are you looking forward to most on SmackDown next week? Let us know what you think by engaging with us on social media! 

The Superstars of WWE could be heading down under in due time for a stadium event in Australia.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that the state government of Western Australia is “negotiating” with WWE to run a major stadium show.

Dave Meltzer writes that if successful, the likely city for the event would be Perth, which recently hosted a UFC show.

UFC shows outside the U.S. are, in essence, local governments bringing in UFC for tourism or other reasons, and WWE would bring a ton of attraction to Perth.

WWE in Australia

While Sydney may be approximately 10,000 miles from WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, the promotion has a solid history with Australia.

In 2002, over 56,000 fans filled Colonial Stadium for WWE’s Global Warning event, which saw The Rock defeat Triple H and Brock Lesnar to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event.

It would be over 14 years later that WWE would have taped content in Australia, filming matches for NXT in December 2016 that would air the next month.

70,000 fans packed the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2018 for Super ShowDown, and WWE has done several untelevised tours of Australia, the most recent being in 2019.

Homecoming

If this show goes ahead, it will be a homecoming for many of the Superstars in NXT and on the main roster.

On the main roster, recently returned Superstars Emma and Bronson Reed call Australia home, as does 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley.

NXT is also home to some exceptional Australian talent, including Duke Hudson, Xyon Quinn, Indi Hartwell, and Grayson Waller.

Grayson Waller’s issues with NXT Head Shawn Michaels are likely to reach a boiling point at the upcoming NXT Roadblock event.

Waller has proven to be a thorn in the side of the two-time WWE Hall of Famer for some time, after failing to dethrone NXT Champion Bronn Breakker.

On the post-NXT Vengeance Day Conference Call last month, Waller confronted Michaels and asked what he needs to do to have the support of HBK.

Grayson Waller Effect

Waller’s actions have earned him a suspension from WWE NXT, but the Australian Superstar will be around for NXT Roadblock.

On Twitter, Michaels confirmed with a statement that Waller will appear at NXT Roadblock, which will take place next week on March 7, and that he will be the guest on the Grayson Waller Effect.

“Every day I focus on the development of the young men and women of NXT. I had my time in the spotlight. Now that attention should be directed on these incredible Superstars.

“However, knowing Grayson’s behavior will only get worse, and against my better judgment, l accept the invitation to be on the Grayson Waller Effect next week at Roadblock and promise to be as professional as I can be.”

Shawn Michaels.

Other confirmed plans for NXT Roadblock include NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez defending against Meiko Satomura.

Indus Sher will face the Creed Brothers and NXT Champion Bron Breakker in six-man tag-team action, while Dijak looks to settle things with Tony D’Angelo in a Jailhouse Street Fight.

Waller Vs. Michaels?

Many believe that this could set up a match between Waller and Michaels at a future NXT event.

Michaels retired from in-ring competition following his loss to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26 in 2010.

In 2018, Michaels would have one more match, teaming with Triple H to defeat the Brothers of Destruction at that year’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia.

Since his arrival to WWE, Grayson Waller quickly emerged as one of the top names in NXT.

Amidst his ascent, Waller acquired a new, more conceited, attitude. In August 2022, he even debuted a new talk show: “The Grayson Waller Effect.” Added with his previous stint on the reality television show of Australian Survivor, the promising star often draws comparisons to main roster star, The Miz.

Former Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews once deemed Waller as a “low budget” version of The Miz, but the comparisons don’t seem to faze Waller. In fact, Waller sought out advice from the two-time Grand Slam Champion during his time backstage at Raw.

“I had the opportunity to talk to him at Raw. His main thing is to just keep doing what I’m doing,” Waller revealed during an interview with TV Insider. “There are a lot of good wrestlers in this company, but I don’t think there are as many good entertainers. When I get a microphone in my hand I get people talking after. He said that was the most beautiful thing to have. It’s something that he can see and wants me to continue to do. And I got no plans on stopping, mate.”

Mutual Praise

On the September 28 edition of The Bump, Waller and The Miz appeared to celebrate 25 years of Goldberg. During their time there, the two exchanged mutual praise.

“When I got to properly interact with him on The Bump, he said some really positive things,” Waller revealed. “That is rare for The Miz. It’s rare for me to give that positive back, but I think there is that mutual respect because we both have the same mindset about what wrestling is and what it can be.”

Will NXT’s Grayson Waller win this month’s Men’s Royal Rumble match? It’s certainly a possibility according to the man himself.

Waller made his WWE TV debut in June 2021 and was one of the top names in WWE NXT 2.0.

His prominent position on the card continued following the end of NXT 2.0 and the revamp back to WWE NXT.

Royal Rumble

Waller has had a handful of appearances outside of NXT on WWE Main Event, but he is optimistic about his chances on one of WWE’s biggest shows of the year.

Speaking to Steve Fall of Ten Count, the Australian Superstar was asked about possibly entering the Royal Rumble.

“You’re trying to get me in trouble with Roman right now. I can feel it. I know what you’re doing, but that’s okay. Because if I get the opportunity in the Royal Rumble, I have confidence. I know I could go on and win that thing.”

Grayson Waller.

Waller mentioned that he has experience defeating Bloodline members, as he holds a victory over Solo Sikoa, which came “pretty easily” according to the NXT star.

Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns has been virtually untouchable since his return in August 2020, and is closing in on 900 days as WWE Universal Champion.

Calling the Tribal Chief the toughest challenge in wrestling today, Waller was optimistic about facing the Champion, if he has plenty of time to prepare.

“if I get in there with Roman, and I have time, and I can come up with a strategy, and I can get some backup [I can beat him.] …Who knows? Imagine me doing a shoey with three championships in my hand? That’s pretty impressive.”

Grayson Waller.

The third title Waller is referring to is the NXT Championship, which Waller will challenge for as a result of winning the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline.

h/t – 411 Mania

Former WWE Superstar Mandy Rose was one of the four pillars of the NXT brand, according to Grayson Waller.

Rose was released this week from her WWE NXT contract after the promotion learned of the content she has been sharing with subscribers on her website.

Her departure from WWE comes just one day after losing the NXT Women’s Championship to Roxanne Perez, ending Rose’s reign at 413 days.

Pillar

After returning to NXT in the summer of 2021, Rose would become one of the brand’s most popular stars and one of the most dominant champions.

Speaking during the latest episode of WWE After the Bell, Grayson Waller was asked about the four pillars of NXT, and namedropped the former Superstar.

“I’m 100% one of those four pillars. I think it’s me, Carmelo [Hayes], Mandy [Rose], and right on the end is Bron Breakker and it’s a little bit shaky, it’s barely standing up but if that pillar breaks, the other three are just as strong.”

Grayson Waller.

Based on how Waller spoke during the show, it is likely that this interview was recorded prior to Rose’s firing.

Grayson Waller

Waller has become a mainstay in WWE NXT, but has yet to hold gold in the promotion.

Speaking about his career so far, the Australian Superstar explained his slow rise, saying others needed a push from the get-go, more than him.

“I think from day one I was[ready for the top spot,] but I just hadn’t [been] given the platform or the opportunity yet. I think other people were given that straight away because they needed it and I took that opportunity.”

Grayson Waller.

Waller, the winner of the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge, has a guaranteed title match with NXT Champion Bron Breakker.

In the first-ever Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge match, WWE loaded up the match by booking Carmelo Hayes vs. JD McDonagh vs. Grayson Waller vs. Joe Gacy vs. Axiom.

The match’s regulations stated that after the first two competitors, a new competitor would enter the match every five minutes until all five were there. In 25 minutes, the individual who has the most falls will win. A pinfall awards one point to the winner, and the loser is forced to spend 90 seconds in the penalty box.

The entrant list be Axiom, JD, Hayes, Gacy, and Waller. 

Hayes picked up the first fall on Axiom. Waller hit his finisher to Axiom and JD for double pinfalls. Waller with a back suplex to Hayes on the announce table. Axiom rolled up Waller for a pinfall. Axiom with a canadian destroyer then hit his finisher for another fall on JD.

Gacy with a clothesline to Axiom for a near fall then put him in a submission hold for the submission fall. Gacy picked up a pinfall on Hayes.  Hayes with the crossface to Waller for the submission fall.  Waller pinned Axiom after Axiom received a leg drop from Hayes and that was the final fall.  

As a result of winning the match, Waller has earned the right to challenge NXT Champion Bron Breakker for the championship at a later date.