Posts Tagged ‘WrestleMania’

Backstage Notes on Vince McMahon Deciding to Wrestle at WrestleMania

One of the biggest surprises from WrestleMania 38 this past weekend was the in-ring return of Vince McMahon.

McMahon took to the ring after Pat McAfee defeated Austin Theory in their one-on-one match, which “The Chairman” was sitting ringside for. After getting inside the ring, McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell, starting a new match between himself and McAfee. An already beat down and exhausted McAfee eventually fell to McMahon for the three-count. However, WWE Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin’s music then hit, as “The Rattlesnake” came down the ramp to hit McMahon with a stunner and close the segment out.

According to a report from Fightful Select, many people backstage weren’t too keen on the idea of McMahon wrestling at WrestleMania this year. However, McMahon made the decision a few months ago and stuck to it despite many being vocal that they thought it was a horrible idea. Of course, after the match McMahon made a few botches; first reacting to Austin Theory’s music as if it were Stone Cold’s, before Stone Cold came out. Also, when he did take the stunner from Austin, it was one of the worst sells of a stunner in history.

However, the report adds that McMahon took it all is stride, laughing about it with everyone backstage. McMahon is of the belief that “as long as people were laughing and entertained, it’s OK.” It’s highly unlikely that Vince McMahon wrestles again anytime soon at 76-years-old, making WrestleMania 38, likely, his last match.

Posted April 8th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , .

AJ Styles Wants to Face Rey Mysterio At WrestleMania

If there’s anyone on the WWE roster who knows a thing or two about getting their desired WrestleMania opponent when it’s all said and done, it’s AJ Styles. Styles named both The Undertaker and Edge as opponents he’d like to face at “The Show Of Shows,” before ultimately landing each of those respective matches.

Of course, Styles ended up losing both of those matches, most recently to “The Rated-R Superstar” at WrestleMania 38 this past weekend, thanks to a distraction from Damian Priest. However, speaking to WrestleZone recently, Styles was asked who else is on his list of desired WrestleMania opponents. “The Phenomenal One” seems to be more interested in facing opponents who have been around in WWE longer than him. However, that list is growing shorter by the day.

With that being said, Styles named former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio as a potential opponent at WrestleMania down the line.

“It’s hard to say. I mean, who are those guys that when you think back, is it Rey Mysterio? I’ve never really had a long program or anything with him,” Styles said. “I’ve wrestled him once or twice but I never had a story with him.

“But, I don’t know, Edge [is this year]… I’ve tried to get Triple H in the ring but it looks like that’s not gonna happen. We’re running out of these guys who’ve been around longer than me.”

As AJ Styles mentioned, he and Mysterio have shared the ring numerous times before, but it wasn’t in a long storyline. Their last meeting was an Elimination Chamber qualifying match on Monday Night RAW back in January.

As for Mysterio, he’s currently wrapping up a storyline alongside his son, Dominik, where the pair fell to the team of The Miz and Logan Paul at WrestleMania 38 in Dallas this past weekend. Now the pair seem to be angling towards a feud with Veer on Monday Night RAW.

  • Rey Mysterio Marks 20 Years with WWE

Posted April 6th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , , .

Reason The Miz Attacked Logan Paul At WrestleMania

Logan Paul was betrayed by The Miz at the end of their WrestleMania match. Though latest report suggest that it was something the YouTuber himself wanted.

Dave Meltzer talked about the Show Of Shows on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio. He also discussed the celebrity guest’s in-ring debut at the PPV.

Meltzer revealed that the reason The Miz turned on him after the Mania match was because Paul had negotiated to become a babyface at the end of his WWE run.

The YouTube star also worked as a face during his involvement in the Kevin Owens – Sami Zayn storyline leading to their WrestleMania 37 match.

However, fans didn’t buy Logan Paul as a babyface and he was booed even in his hometown of Cleveland. This is why he aligned himself with The Miz this time around.

Paul and The A-Lister defeated The Mysterios during WrestleMania Saturday. The Miz turned on his partner after the match, giving him a Skull Crushing Finale.

Logan Paul has said that he would be interested in wrestling full-time if it made sense with his schedule. Though he did not appear on this week’s Raw. There is no word yet on if WWE has any immediate plan to follow up on his storyline with The Miz.

Posted April 5th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , , .

WWE WrestleMania 38 Night 2 Results: Lesnar vs. Reigns, Austin & McMahon, Edge vs. AJ Styles

WWE WrestleMania 38 Night 2 aired live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar battled in the main event to determine the Undisputed WWE Champion. The RAW & Women’s Tag Team Championships were defended tonight and AJ Styles squared off against Edge for the first time ever.

WrestleMania Night 2 Results

  1. RK-Bro def. Street Profits & Alpha Academy in a Triple Threat match to retain the RAW Tag Team Championships
  2. Lashley def. Omos
  3. Johnny Knoxville def. Sami Zayn in an Anything Goes match
  4. Sasha Banks & Naomi def. Queen Zelina & Carmella, Baszler & Natalya, Ripley & Morgan in a Fatal 4-Way to become the new Women’s Tag Team Champions
  5. Edge def. AJ Styles
  6. Sheamus & Ridge Holland def. Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston
  7. Pat McAfee def. Austin Theory
  8. Vince McMahon def. Pat McAfee
  9. Roman Reigns def. Brock Lesnar to become the Undisputed Universal WWE Champion

Here are the takeaways from Night 2 of WrestleMania 38:

Triple H Kicked Off The Show

Triple H kicked off Night 2 of WrestleMania and made his way to the ring. Triple H got a tremendous reaction for the crowd and soaked it in. Triple H had his wrestling boots in hand as the crowd chanted “thank you Hunter!”. He dropped his boots in the ring and said he just wanted to come out here and say thank you. Triple H welcomed everyone to WrestleMania and the pyro went off. The camera then cut to the microphone and Triple H’s wrestling boots left in the ring.

RK-Bro Retained The RAW Tag Titles, Gable Steveson

RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) defended the RAW Tag Team Championships against Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) and Alpha Academy (Otis & Chad Gable) in a Triple Threat match. Riddle booted Gable in the face to start off the match but turned around into a Clothesline from Ford.

Gable hit a German Suplex and went for the cover but it was broken up. The match turned into a brawl with everyone being thrown out of the ring until Otis was the final superstar in the ring. Otis flexed to a chorus of boos before everyone got back into the ring again.

Montez hit Gable with an Enziguri and then flipped over the ring post onto everyone outside the ring. Gable then climbed to the top rope and connected with a Moonsault onto everyone outside the ring again. Alpha Academy took control of the match and hit a German Suplex/ Clothesline combo on Riddle.

Otis hit Riddle with a Body Slam and Gable tagged in. Chad hit a Northern Lights Suplex and went for a cover but Riddle kicked out at two. Gable then locked in a submission hold while taunting the crowd by shouted “a thank you!”. Riddle escaped but Gable took him down with a Dragon Screw.

Ford leveled Gable with a Dropkick but he responded by catapulting him across the ring for a two count. Angelo Dawkins tagged in and delivered some Exploder Suplexes to Gable and Riddle. Dawkins hit the Silencer on Riddle and went for the cover but Otis broke it up with a Splash.

Otis wound up running himself into the ring post after Riddle got out of the way. Riddle hit Gable with an Enziguri and then a GTR on Dawkins. Orton and Ford tagged in and Randy unloaded some Clotheslines. Orton hit his Powerslam and the crowd was going bananas. Ford escaped the DDT in the ropes but got the slam on the announce table instead. Orton slammed Gable on the announce table and continued to fire up the crowd.

Riddle hit Dawkins with a knee to the face and then hit DDTs in stereo with Orton on the Street Profits. The crowd was heavily behind RK-Bro but Alpha Academy dragged them out of the ring. Otis and Gable sent RK-Bro into the barricade. Alpha Academy hit a Bulldog from the top rope on Ford but he kicked out at two.

Otis climbed to the middle turnbuckle but got shoved to the outside. Street Profits hit a Blockbuster (Ford off the top rope as Dawkins had Gable in the Electric Chair) but somehow Chad kicked out. The crowd chanted “this is awesome!” as Riddle booted Otis in the face. Orton went for an RKO but Dawkins countered with a Spinebuster. Dawkins flipped onto Otis as Montez climbed to the top rope. Riddle came out of nowhere and hit Ford with an RKO off the top rope. Gable then went for a Splash but Orton countered into an RKO for the pinfall victory. RK-Bro are still the RAW Tag Team Champions.

Street Profits got into the ring with some solo cups and shared a drink with RK-Bro. They invited Gable Steveson into the ring and he celebrated with the two teams. Chad Gable slapped the cup out of Steveson’s hand and grabbed a microphone. Steven ripped the microphone away but Chad told him to shoosh. Steveson hit a Belly to Belly throw on Gable that sent him across the ring.

Lashley def. Omos

Omos battled Bobby Lashley tonight at WrestleMania 38. The crowd chanted “Bobby!” as the two superstars circled each other to begin the match. Omos clubbed Lashley down to the mat right away but Bobby got back up. Lashley ducked under a kick and went for a Suplex but Omos blocked it. Omos grabbed Lashley and clubbed him down to the mat.

Lashley got right up and slapped Omos in the face. Omos booted Lashley in the face and then beat him down in the corner of the ring. Omos went for another Splash but Lashley avoided it and beat him down in the corner. Lashley went for the Hurt Lock but Omos escaped and hit another Clothesline. Omos then shoved Lashley out of the ring and the ref started counting.

Bobby hopped on the ring apron and bashed Omos in the face. Lashley leaped off the turnbuckle but Omos caught him and slammed him down to the canvas. Omos then got Lashley in a Bear Hug in the middle of the ring. Lashley eventually escaped and unloaded some strikes to Omos’ face.

Lashley booted Omos in the midsection and went for a Suplex but Omos escaped again. Lashley then was able to hit the a Suplex on Omos and then a Spear while he was looking the other way. Bobby followed it up with another Spear for the pinfall victory.

Johnny Knoxville def. Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn faced Johnny Knoxville in an Anything Goes match tonight at WrestleMania. Knoxville came to the ring in a ridiculous outfit and the Jackass theme. Zayn hit Knoxville with a Helluva Kick right away and booted him out of the ring. Sami slammed Knoxville into the barricade and started taunting the Jackass crew that was ringside. Knoxville capitalized on the distraction and sprayed Sami with a fire extinguisher.

Knoxville brought a stop sign, a trash can and a pair of crutches into the ring. Zayn booted him in the midsection and grabbed metal tray. Sami bashed Knoxville over the back with it and then grabbed the crutch. Sami hit Knoxville across the back with the crutch before bashing him with the trash can. Zayn went for the cover but Knoxville kicked out at two.

Sami brought a table into the ring and put his hand under the ring again and grabbed his finger in pain. It was revealed that it was a table with mouse traps on it and Sami set it up outside the ring. Sami got back into the ring and Knoxville bashed his head with trash can lids and then the stop sign. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex through a table in the corner for a two count.

Johnny sprayed something in Sami’s face but he shrugged it off and booted him in the midsection. Chris Pontius (Jackass star) got in the ring and started dancing around (Party Boy) as Sami laughed at him. Pontius then stripped down to a thong and started aggressively dancing towards Sami. Zayn beat him down and threw him out of the ring. Knoxville went for a roll-up but Sami kicked out at two.

Sami bashed Knoxville to the mat and got out of the ring to beat Pontius down some more. Wee Man emerged from under the ring and started attacking Sami. Zayn scampered into the ring and Wee Man hit him with a Body Slam. Knoxville followed it up with a Tornado DDT but Sami kicked out at two. Sami booted Wee Man in the face and knocked him out of the ring.

Zayn climbed to the top rope but Knoxville clicked a button and pyro went off the in the corner. Knoxville then bowled a ball into Sami’s balls and then used a device to boot him in the balls again. Knoxville brought out a taser and Sami started running away. Zayn walked right into a giant hand slap and fell to the floor.

Back in the ring, Sami stomped on Knoxville and planted him with a Suplex. Sami climbed to the top rope and Knoxville tasered him in the nuts. Knoxville then hurled Sami off the top rope and he crashed through the mouse trap table below. The Jackass crew then brought in a gigantic mouse trap and rolled Sami in the ring. Knoxville closed the trap on Sami for the pinfall victory. Zayn couldn’t kick out because the trap had his shoulders pinned down.

https://twitter.com/WWEAustralia/status/1510788163551494144?s=20&t=CaSSBnijHf5tzMUAcreImw

Sasha Banks & Naomi Are The New Women’s Tag Champs

Queen Zelina & Carmella defended the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Sasha Banks & Naomi, Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan, and Shayna Baszler & Natalya in a Fatal 4-way tag team match.

Carmella got out of the ring right away and Banks and Ripley squared off in the ring. Sasha went for the Bank Statement but Ripley blocked it. Rhea set up for the Riptide but Sasha escaped and the two had a stare down. Banks and Liv Morgan hit a Suicide Dive onto everyone outside the ring before battling in the ring. Sasha tripped Liv up and posed in the ring before rolling her up for a two count. Natalya booted Liv in the face and Baszler tagged in.

Shayna stomped on Liv’s ankle and then applied a submission hold. Carmella tagged in and brought Liv over the their corner of the ring. Zelina tagged in and continued to beat Liv down. Vega hit Code Red but Rhea broke up the cover. Naomi hit Natalya with the Rear View but turned around into a kick from Baszler. Sasha sent Baszler to the outside but Carmella sent her to the floor. Carmella hit Rhea with a Hurricanrana that sent her to the outside. Vega followed it up with a Moonsault off the apron.

Naomi and Banks sent Carmella out of the ring and isolated Liv Morgan again. The climbed up to opposite turnbuckles with Liv in the middle of the ring but it was broken up. Rhea and Liv connected with simultaneous Tower of Doom spots in opposite corners of the ring.

Naomi rolled Liv up for a near fall before Ripley tagged in. Ripley hit Naomi with a headbutt and followed it up with Riptide as Liv hit a Backstabber at the same time. Rhea went for the cover but Banks broke it up before being sent out of the ring again. Baszler and Natalya then hit a double team move on Naomi but Liv broke up the cover.

Natalya tagged in but got dragged out of the ring after Carmella made a blind tag. Carmella knocked Banks to the floor again and Vega hit Naomi with a cheap shot. Carmella followed it up with a Superkick for a near fall and Corey Graves was despondent on commentary. Naomi booted Carmella in the face and Banks tagged in. Sasha hit Carmella with a Frog Splash and went for the cover but Carmella kicked out at two. Sasha went for the Bank Statement but Vega dragged Carmella out of the ring and the match continued.

Banks hit Vega with a Meteora off the apron and returned to the ring with Carmella. Naomi tagged in and booted Carmella in the face. Banks tagged back in hit a double team move (Glam Slam/ Codebreaker) on Carmella for the pinfall victory. Sasha Banks & Naomi are the new Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Damian Priest Helped Edge def. AJ Styles

AJ Styles battled Edge for the first time ever tonight at WrestleMania.

Styles controlled the action early and hit Edge with a Dropkick and a series of Arm Drags. Edge retreated to the ropes and held onto them until the referee backed Styles away. Edge went for the Spear but AJ got out of the way and the two superstars had a stare down.

Styles hit Edge with a knee to the face and knocked him into the steel steps outside the ring. Styles went for a springboard 450 Splash but Edge got his knees up at the last moment. Edge capitalized and beat Styles down by focusing his attack on the injured ribs. The Rated R Superstar sent the Phenomenal One into the turnbuckle for a two count.

Edge continued to focus on Styles’ midsection and locked in an Abdominal Stretch in the middle of the ring with scattered elbow strikes to the ribs. Styles broke free with some elbow strikes of his own and an Arm Drag. AJ followed it up with a Dragon Screw to buy himself some time to recover.

AJ walked right into a Shoulder Breaker from Edge and both men fell to the mat. Edge stomped AJ down in the corner until the referee backed him away. AJ capitalized with a massive right hand and both superstars fell down. Styles charged but Edge got out of the way and sent AJ flying into the middle turnbuckle.

Edge went for a Suplex but AJ countered into one of his own and Edge crashed into the turnbuckle. AJ went for a Pele Kick but Edge dodged it. AJ went for the Styles Clash but Edge escaped and applied a Crossface. Styles was able to get to the ropes to break the hold and the match continued.

Styles hit a slingshot DDT and brought Edge to the corner. AJ went for a Powerbomb but Edge held onto the ropes. Styles got Edge in the Torture Rack and transitioned into a Powerbomb for a near fall. Edge hit the Edgecution and went for the cover but AJ was able to kick out at two. Styles ducked under a lariat and planted Edge with a release German Suplex.

AJ hit the Pele Kick and went for the Calf Crusher but Edge countered into another Crossface. Styles escaped but Edge hit the Edge-o-Matic for a two count. Edge followed it up with a Powerbomb and went for the cover but Styles wouldn’t stay down.

Edge and Styles battled on the turnbuckle and AJ hit a Suplex onto the ring apron. Styles brought Edge back into the ring and hit the Springboard 450 Splash for a near fall. AJ went for the Phenomenal Forearm but Edge dodged it. Styles leapfrogged a Spear attempt and planted Edge with the Styles Clash but Edge somehow kicked out at two. Damian Priest showed up ringside and provided a distraction as Styles set up for the Phenomenal Forearm. Styles then went for it but Edge caught him with a Spear in midair for the pinfall victory. After the match, Damian Priest posed with Edge as the crowd booed.

Sheamus & Ridge Holland Picked Up A Win

Ridge Holland & Sheamus faced Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods tonight. The match was scheduled for Night 1 but was cut for time. Butch accompanied Sheamus & Holland to the ring. Sheamus and Ridge Holland attacked during their entrance but New Day battled back once the bell rang. Kingston hit Ridge with Trouble in Paradise right away and went for the cover but Sheamus broke it up. Butch wanted to get in on the action but Sheamus had to hold him back.

Woods and Kingston beat Ridge Holland down in the ring. Sheamus leveled Kofi with a Brogue Kick as Woods hit Holland with a Superkick. Butch got on the apron and Sheamus capitalized on the distraction with a Brogue Kick to Woods. Ridge followed it up with Northern Grit for the pinfall victory. Butch unloaded some strikes on Woods and grabbed his ear until Sheamus & Holland held him back.

Pat McAfee def. Austin Theory, Mr. McMahon def. Pat McAfee, Stone Cold Steve Austin Hit Everyone With The Stunner

Pat McAfee faced Austin Theory tonight. Before the match, Vince McMahon strutted his way down the entrance ramp and got into the ring. Vince introduced Austin Theory as a future Universal Champion. Austin Theory took a selfie with Mr. McMahon in the ring before Vince exited.

McAfee unloaded some strikes to Theory’s face to start off the match as Vince took a seat ringside. Theory battled back with a headbutt but McAfee hit an elbow to the face. McAfee connected with a Hurricanrana for a two count and took a moment to acknowledge the crowd. It quickly backfired and Theory connected with a Backbreaker and followed it up with a Suplex.

Theory asked McMahon if he wanted another Suplex and Vince nodded. Theory flexed and planted McAfee with another Suplex before casually jogging around the ring. Austin went for a Suplex but McAfee countered into one of his own. Theory crawled to the apron and McAfee hit a shoulder tackle that sent Austin flying onto the announce table.

McAfee put on the headset and poured some water on Theory’s head before bashing his face onto the table a few times. Back in the ring, McAfee climbed to the top rope and went for a Swanton but Theory got out of the way. McMahon smirked as Theory hit a slam for a two count.

Austin climbed to the top turnbuckle but McAfee caught him with a jab to the face. McAfee joined him on the top rope and went for a Superplex but Theory blocked it. Austin shoved Pat off the turnbuckle but McAfee somehow landed on his feet. Pat jumped to the top turnbuckle and hit a Superplex for a near fall as the crowd went crazy.

Pat went for the Punt but Theory dodged it. Theory hit McAfee with a Dropkick to the knees and took a look at Mr. McMahon. Theory unloaded several punches to the face and set up for the ATL. McAfee countered into a cradle and grabbed Theory’s tights for leverage for the pinfall victory. Vince McMahon wasn’t pleased with Austin Theory and scolded him after the match.

Mr. McMahon then got into the ring for a match against McAfee and Theory hit Pat from behind. McMahon hit a Clothesline and bounced Pat’s face into the turnbuckle.

McAfee got pissed off and Vince backed away. Theory dragged Pat to the mat and pulled him groin-first into the ring post. Austin handed Vince McMahon a football and he pretended to punt it a couple times. McMahon then punted the football into McAfee’s ribs for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Stone Cold Steve Austin made his way to the ring to an absurd reaction from the crowd. Austin Theory tried to attack Stone Cold but he hit him with a Stunner. Austin Theory sold it incredibly and flew out of the ring. Steve Austin then suggested they drink a beer together. Vince took a sip of Austin’s beer and approved. They chugged the beer together before Austin hit the most awkward Stunner of all time (it was hilarious though). Austin and McAfee then celebrated in the ring after the match and drank some beers. Stone Cold then hit McAfee with a Stunner and posed for the crowd.

Roman Reigns def. Brock Lesnar To Become The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion

Universal Champion Roman Reigns battled WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in a Winner Takes All Championship Unification match. Paul Heyman and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos accompanied the 581-day reigning Universal Champion to the ring. Lesnar made his way to the ring to a tremendous reaction. Paul Heyman ripped the microphone away from Mike Rome and introduced Reigns as the man who was about to slay The Beast. Lesnar then took the microphone away from Mike Rome and introduced himself as the cowboy country ass kicker that is going to kick Reigns’ ass tonight.

Brock Lesnar removed his gloves after the bell rang. Lesnar dominated the action early and sent Roman across the ring with a Belly to Belly throw. Brock followed it up with two more throws and scared the hell out of Paul Heyman before Clotheslining Roman out of the ring. Lesnar approached Paul Heyman and Reigns capitalized with a Spear through the barricade.

Lesnar made it back into the ring and Roman greeted him with another Spear for a near fall. Reigns set up for the Superman Punch and hit it once Lesnar got to his feet. Reigns taunted for the crowd as Lesnar slowly got back up. Roman geared up again and hit another Superman Punch. Reigns shouted that he is the greatest of all time as Paul Heyman held up the Universal Championship.

Roman noticed that Lesnar was laughing and went for another one but Brock countered with a German Suplex. Lesnar planted Reigns with a few more German Suplexes and lifted him up for the F5 but Reigns escaped. Roman shoved Lesnar into the turnbuckle and connected with a third Superman Punch.

Reigns once again posed for the crowd and allowed Lesnar to get up. Roman went for a Spear but Lesnar caught him and hit the F5 for a near fall. Brock went for another F5 but Roman escaped. Reigns followed it up with a Spear in the corner that sent the referee into the turnbuckle. Roman capitalized and hit Brock with a low blow. Paul Heyman handed Reigns the Universal Championship and Roman bashed Lesnar over the head with it. Roman went for the cover but Lesnar somehow kicked out at two.

Roman then hit a Spear to Lesnar’s back and went for the cover but Lesnar grabbed the ropes and the match continued. Reigns went for another Spear but Brock countered into the Kimura Lock in the middle of the ring. Paul Heyman pushed the bottom rope toward Roman he was able to grab it to break the hold. Roman Reigns then connected with another Spear for the pinfall victory. Roman Reigns is the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

Posted April 4th, 2022 in Results. Tagged: , .

Cody Rhodes Gets Emotional Over WrestleMania Moment: “I’m Ready To Play The Game”

Getting a hero’s welcome at WrestleMania 38 was the biggest moment of Cody Rhodes’ wrestling career. As much as Cody did it for his late great father Dusty Rhodes, he did it for his own daughter and wife as well.  The second-generation star reacted to his huge moment at the Show Of Shows in a couple of backstage videos after his match against Seth Rollins.

Rhodes mentioned how he has been running away from the specter of Dusty for his whole career. After everything he has done in 16 years, he finally felt like he could do it for himself. He is now ready to play the game:

“Everyone keeps saying the same two words. They say ‘welcome home’, and as flattering as that is and as much as I appreciated it, reciprocate the feeling. For the entire career of 16 years, I’ve run away from the specter of Dusty Rhodes, the shadow because it’s so big and so great,”

And I finally felt like ‘You know, I don’t have to do it for him anymore. Maybe I could do it for me, and that will be doing it for him’. I got the chance to go out there and do it in Texas.” ” said Cody Rhodes, “The last WrestleMania I was here as Stardust and to come back and to be me [is the] ultimate vindication. I’m very happy. They say welcome home, I say ‘I’m ready to play the game, let’s go.'”

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1510482658056409088

Cody talked about the welcome he got from the crowd. He mentioned how Texas has seen people such as Steve Austin and The Undertaker. So you have to earn that reaction. He said that he worked for 16 solid years to earn the same. He thinks he is the best wrestler in the entire world and the only way to prove it is to win the big one.

Posted April 3rd, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , .

WWE WrestleMania 38 Night 1 Results: Austin vs. Owens, Cody Rhodes Returns, Title Matches

WWE WrestleMania 38 Night 1 aired live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Stone Cold Steve Austin made his return for an edition of the Kevin Owens Show. Becky Lynch defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair put her title on the line against Ronda Rousey. Seth Rollins squared off against a mystery opponent handpicked by Mr. McMahon.

WrestleMania Night 1 Results

  1. The Usos def. Rick Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships
  2. Drew McIntyre def. Happy Corbin
  3. The Miz & Logan Paul def. The Mysterios
  4. Bianca Belair def. Becky Lynch to become the new RAW Women’s Champion
  5. Cody Rhodes def. Seth Rollins
  6. Charlotte Flair def. Ronda Rousey to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship
  7. Stone Cold Steve Austin def. Kevin Owens in a No Holds Barred match

Here are the takeaways from Night 1 of WrestleMania 38.

The Usos Retained The SmackDown Tag Titles

The Usos defended the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Rick Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura in the first match of the night.

Nakamura and Jimmy Uso started off the match. Shinsuke sent Jimmy to the corner and hit him with Good Vibrations. Nakamura hung up Jimmy across the top rope and delivered a running knee to the midsection for a near fall. Jimmy hit a Backbreaker and tagged in Jey Uso.

Jey connected with a Suplex and posed in the ring. Nakamura hit an elbow to the face but Jey shrugged it off and decked him with an uppercut. Jimmy tagged back in and The Usos kept Nakamura isolated in their corner of the ring.

Jimmy hit an Enziguri and went for the cover but Shinsuke kicked out at two. Shinsuke hit an Enziguri of his own and tagged in Boogs as Jey tagged in at the same time. Boogs beat both of The Usos down before Jey hit a Superkick. Boogs responded with a big vertical Suplex for a two count.

Boogs tried to lift both The Usos but his knee gave out and he crawled to the corner. This may have been a legit injury for Boogs. Nakamura tagged in and leveled The Usos with a Crossbody outside the ring. Back in the ring, Nakamura hit Jey Uso with a boot to the back of the head. Shinsuke hung up Jey in the ropes and planted him with the sliding German Suplex.

Nakamura geared up in the corner of the ring and waited for Jey to get up. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa but Jey countered with a Superkick. Jimmy tagged in and connected with a Frog Splash but Shinsuke somehow kicked out and the title match continued. Jey tagged in and grabbed Nakamura’s hair. Jimmy hit him with a Superkick and The Usos followed it up with the 3D for the pinfall victory. The Usos are still the SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

Drew McIntyre def. Happy Corbin

Drew McIntyre faced Happy Corbin tonight at WrestleMania. Madcap Moss was ringside for the match and McIntyre brought Angela the sword to the ring with him. McIntyre unloaded on Corbin right away with some strikes but Happy battled back. Happy sent McIntyre to the corner but Drew exploded off the turnbuckle with a lariat.

McIntyre followed it up with a Clothesline that sent Corbin to the floor and he followed him out there. McIntyre slammed Corbin into the barricade before rolling him back into the ring. Corbin booted McIntyre while he was in the ropes and slammed him into the ring post. McIntyre crashed to the floor below as Happy celebrated in the ring.

Happy Corbin rolled McIntyre back in the ring and took a moment to high five Madcap Moss. Corbin beat McIntyre down in the corner but Drew battled back. Corbin put a stop to that by hurling McIntyre into the turnbuckle for a one count. Happy followed it up with a Suplex and taunted the crowd.

Corbin got another one count and started barking at the referee. Happy kept getting distracted with the crowd booing him but kept Drew grounded with punches to the face. Madcap Moss hopped on the ring apron to celebrate but Corbin got distracted by him. McIntyre capitalized with a Spinebuster as Madcap Moss got worried outside the ring.

McIntyre fired himself up and leveled Corbin with a couple Clotheslines. Drew followed it up with an overhead throw and a Neckbreaker. McIntyre hopped to his feet and went for the Future Shock DDT but Corbin blocked it. McIntyre went for the Claymore but Corbin countered with Deep Six for a two count.

Happy grabbed McIntyre by the throat and went for a Chokeslam but Drew escaped. McIntyre hit a flying Clothesline off the top rope and geared up in the corner. McIntyre counted down but Corbin rolled out of the ring to avoid the Claymore. Drew bounced off the ropes and flipped onto Corbin & Moss outside the ring as the crowd cheered.

Drew rolled Happy Corbin back into the ring and planted Moss with a Suplex on the floor. McIntyre climbed to the top rope as Corbin slowly got up in the ring. Drew missed with a Clothesline but hit a Glasgow kiss. Corbin dodged a Claymore and connected with End of Days for a near fall.

Corbin flipped out after McIntyre kicked out and started yelling at the referee before sulking in the corner of the ring. Drew connected with the Future Shock DDT and hopped to his feet. McIntyre counted down and connected with the Claymore this time for the pinfall victory. Madcap Moss went to get in the ring after the match but McIntyre approached him with Angela the sword. Drew swung and broke the ring ropes as Madcap Moss cowered against the barricade.

The Miz Attacked Logan Paul After Their Victory

Dominik & Rey Mysterio battled The Miz & Logan Paul in the third match of Night 1. The Miz and Rey Mysterio started off the match. Miz sent Rey to the corner and stomped the hell out of him as Logan Paul grinned on the apron. Logan tagged in as the crowd and booed and unloaded some punches to Rey’s midsection.

Logan did a split to avoid Rey but Mysterio booted him in the face. Miz tagged in and Rey hit him with a Splash before tagging in Dominik. Dom hit a Splash of his own for a near fall and followed it up with a springboard Moonsault. Logan Paul jumped into the ring and Dominik hit him with a Hurricanrana. Dominik followed it up with a corkscrew Splash on Miz outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Logan Paul hit Dominik with a cheap shot as Miz distracted the referee. The Miz capitalized and beat Dominik down in the corner. Logan tagged back in and connected with a Powerslam on Dominik for a two count. Logan taunted Rey in the corner before booting Dominik in the face.

The Miz tagged in and the two took turns booting Dominik in the chest. Miz went for the cover but Dominik kicked out at two. Dominik battled out of a headlock and rolled up Miz for a near fall. Miz brought Dominik back to the corner and tagged Logan Paul in. Logan stomped Dominik down to the canvas and climbed to the middle turnbuckle for a Blockbuster. Logan Paul went for the cover but Dominik kicked out at two.

Miz and Paul stomped Dominik down to the canvas and kept him trapped in their corner of the ring. Logan choked Dominik against the ropes as the referee was distracted. Dominik booted Logan off the apron and planted Miz with a DDT as Rey pleaded for a tag on the apron.

The crowd got behind Dom as he crawled to the corner and tagged in Rey. Mysterio hit Miz with a Hurricanrana and climbed to the top rope. Rey hit a Senton and followed it up with a boot to the face for a two count. Mysterio hit a Moonsault and went for the cover but Logan broke it up at the last moment.

Logan and Miz lifted Rey up for a Suplex but Dominik broke it up with a Superkick. Rey capitalized and rolled up Miz for a near fall. Rey set Miz up for the 619 but Miz escaped. Rey caught him with a DDT for a close two count. Mysterio went for Three Amigos but Miz broke up the third Suplex and sent Rey into the ring post.

Logan Paul tagged in and booted Rey in the face before grinning into the camera. Paul said “watch this” and went for Three Amigos on Rey. Logan connected with the third Suplex and hopped up to a chorus of boos from the WWE Universe. Logan basked in the hate and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Paul danced around like Eddie and hit a Frog Splash for a very close two count. Dominik launched Logan out of the ring and hit Miz with a Suicide Dive.

Dominik chased Logan Paul around until he got back into the ring. The Mysterios hit him with a double 619. Dominik followed it up with a Frog Splash off the top and Rey hit one of his one. Miz broke it up and planted Rey Mysterio with the Skull Crushing Finale for the pinfall victory. The Miz and Logan Paul shared a hug and celebrated their victory as the crowd booed. Miz then planted Logan Paul with the Skull Crushing Finale out of nowhere. The Miz celebrated on the entrance ramp as Logan Paul was enraged in the ring.

Bianca Belair Captured The RAW Women’s Championship

Stephanie McMahon came to the introduced and introduced Gable Steveson.

Becky Lynch defended her RAW Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair tonight at WrestleMania. Lynch was driven to the entrance ramp and hopped out of the vehicle to raise the title. Bianca Belair had a marching band for her WrestleMania entrance.

Becky went for the Manhandle Slam right away but Belair blocked it. Bianca went for the KOD but Lynch landed on her feet. Lynch hit the Manhandle Slam and went for the cover but Belair kicked out at two. Becky went for the Dis-Arm-Her but Bianca got to the ropes. Lynch stomped away on Bianca and hit a Leg Drop for a near fall.

Bianca hit a Suplex and went for another one but Lynch countered into a Suplex of her own for another two count. Becky dragged Bianca to the corner and made her way to the top turnbuckle. Lynch went for a Moonsault but Bianca got out of the way. Belair quickly locked in the Dis-Arm-Her but Lynch got her boot on the ropes.

Lynch kicked Belair in the midsection and dragged her out of the ring by her hair. Becky shoved Belair into the steel steps and got back into the ring as the referee started counting. Belair made it back in time but walked into a couple Exploder Suplexes from the champ. Lynch went for the pin but Belair wouldn’t stay down.

Becky slammed Bianca’s throat into the middle rope and sent her to the corner. Belair hopped to the apron but Becky hit her with a kick to the face. Lynch climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit a Leg Drop for another two count. Lynch went for the Dis-Arm-Her but Bianca was able to block it.

Bianca lifted Lynch up for a Powerbomb but both superstars wound up tumbling out of the ring and to the floor below. Belair charged and Becky lifted her for a Suplex. Bianca incredibly bounced off the ropes and countered into a Suplex of her own on the floor outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Lynch connected with a jab but Bianca shrugged it off. Belair beat Lynch down in the corner until the referee backed her away. Lynch went for a spin kick but Belair countered into a Backbreaker for a two count. Belair went for a Powerbomb but Lynch countered into a cradle for a near fall.

Belair slammed Lynch to the mat and followed it up with a standing Moonsault for a two count. Bianca dragged Becky to the corner and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Lynch caught her with an uppercut and joined Belair on the top rope. Lynch went for a Superplex but Belair blocked it and dropped Becky across the top rope. Belair climbed to the middle turnbuckle and hit a 450 Splash but Lynch kicked out at two.

Lynch caught Belair with a kick to the face and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Becky went for a Senton move but booted Belair directly in the face during her rotation. Belair battled back and hit a Spinebuster. Bianca went for a springboard Moonsault but Lynch got her knees up. Lynch sent Belair into the turnbuckle and went for a kick but Bianca caught her. Bianca hit a KOD that launched Lynch over the top rope and out of the ring. Bianca rolled her back into the ring for a cover but Becky rolled to the other side.

Belair chased after her and Becky grabbed her by the hair. Lynch slammed Bianca into the ring post and delivered a Uranage onto the steel steps. Belair rolled into the ring at 9 to break the ref’s count. Becky unloaded a flurry of punches out of frustration before grabbling Belair by the hair again. Lynch tried to lift Belair up and drag her to the corner. Bianca bounced up and flipped off the middle turnbuckle to avoid Lynch. Belair hit the KOD for the pinfall victory as the crowd erupted. Bianca Belair is the new RAW Women’s Champion.

Cody Rhodes def. Seth Rollins In His Return To WWE

Seth Rollins faced a mystery opponent of Vince McMahon’s choosing tonight at WrestleMania. Rollins stood in the ring and stared at the entrance ramp for a bit. Seth paced around the ring before throwing his jacket to the outside. Some pyro went off and the lights went out. Cody Rhodes’ theme hit and Rollins laughed in the ring.

The crowd loudly chanted “Cody” as he paced around the ring. Cody locked up with Rollins to begin the action. Rhodes did a cartwheel and the Stardust pose to pop the crowd as Graves pointed out that was Cody “shedding his skin” for a fresh start. Rollins leveled Cody with a shoulder tackle and followed it up with a punch to the face.

Rollins went for the Pedigree but Cody blocked it. Rollins escaped Cross Rhodes and went for the Stomp but Cody dodged it. The two went for a Suplex and wound up tumbling over the top rope. Rhodes bashed Rollins into the ring post and the action returned to the ring.

Cody brought Rollins to the mat and applied a submission hold in the middle of the ring. Rhodes booted Rollins in the midsection as he tried to escape. Rollins responded with an Enziguri that dropped Cody to the canvas. Rhodes climbed to the top turnbuckle and jumped but Rollins caught him with a Dropkick to the midsection.

Seth lifted Cody up in the Fireman’s Carry and dropped him across his knee for a one count. Rollins launched Cody into the turnbuckle and then applied a waist lock. Cody broke free and Rollins hit him with some chops to the chest. Rhodes hit a forearm to the face and followed it up with a Powerslam on Rollins. Cody delivered a Clothesline that knocked Seth to the outside and delivered a Suicide Dive through the ropes that knocked Seth over the announce table.

Rhodes hit a rough looking Crossbody but got enough of it for a near fall. Rollins rolled out of the ring to regroup and Rhodes rushed after him. Cody went for a Disaster Kick but Seth countered into a Powerbomb against the barricade. Back in the ring, Rollins delivered a kick to the face and then the Falcon Arrow for a two count.

Rollins went for the Stomp but Cody dodged it. Cody went for Cross Rhodes but Seth countered into a roll-up for a near fall. Cody then planted Seth with the Cross Rhodes and went for the pin but Rollins kicked out at two. Rhodes climbed to the top turnbuckle but Rollins tripped him up.

Seth climbed up to the top rope and Cody hit him with an elbow to the face. Rollins hopped back up and hit a reverse Superplex into a dragon sleeper Suplex for a two count. Rollins climbed back up to the top turnbuckle and went for a Moonsault but Cody got out of the way. Seth landed on his feet and Rhodes booted him in the midsection.

Rhodes set up for a Pedigree as the crowd went crazy but Rollins broke free. Cody set up for the Pedigree again but transitioned it into a Powerbomb. Rhodes hit the Cody Cutter but Rollins still kicked out at two. Rollins then planted Cody with the Pedigree and went for the cover but Rhodes kicked out at two.

Cody and Seth traded punches in the middle of the ring. Rhodes got the better of the exchange but Rollins halted his momentum with a kick to the injured ribs. Rollins hit an elbow to the face and another one to the back of his head. Cody responded with two Cross Rhodes and a Bionic Elbow like the American Dream. Cody hit a third Cross Rhodes for the pinfall victory. Cody kissed the ring and celebrated with the fans after the match.

Charlotte Flair Retained The SmackDown Women’s Title

Charlotte Flair defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey tonight. Rousey went after Charlotte right away and the champ retreated to the ropes. Flair tackled Rousey to the mat but Ronda countered with an Arm Drag. Rousey kneed Flair in the face and started choking her against the ropes until the referee broke it up.

Flair and Rousey battled on the ring apron and Flair connected with a slam. Ronda went for an Ankle Lock as Flair got back into the ring but the champion sent Rousey tumbling to the floor. Charlotte bashed Ronda’s head into the ring post before rolling her back into the ring. Flair went for a cover but Ronda kicked out at two.

Flair leveled Rousey with a forearm to the face for another near fall. Rousey battled back with another Arm Drag and a big boot to the face for a two count. Ronda leaped off the middle turnbuckle into a slam for a two count. Rousey hit Charlotte with some punches and a series of Arm Drags.

Rousey bounced around in the corner and posed for the crowd. Charlotte ambushed Rousey with a Spear and went for the cover but Ronda kicked out just in time. Flair went for the missed Moonsault into a standing Moonsault sequence but it didn’t go well. Flair barely hit the Moonsault for a two count and then tied Ronda up in the Tree of Woe. Rousey escaped and hit an Arm Drag off the top rope for a two count.

Ronda lifted Flair up for a Samoan Drop and connected. Flair hit a big boot and both superstars fell to the canvas. Charlotte went for the Figure Four but Rousey escaped and hit a Powerslam for a two count. Charlotte then got Rousey in an Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring but Ronda escaped and sent Flair face first into the turnbuckle.

Rousey bounced around and paced as she waited for Flair to get up. Flair planted Rousey with a Powerbomb out of nowhere for a two count. Rousey then applied an Ankle Lock but Flair escaped with some kicks to the head. Charlotte went for the Figure Four and bridged into the Figure Eight in the middle of the ring. The action spilled to the outside and Flair sent Rousey into the barricade with an Exploder Suplex.

Back in the ring, Rousey hit the Rowdy Buster and went for the cover but Flair got her foot on the ropes. Charlotte went for the Figure Four but Ronda booted her away. Charlotte knocked the referee over and Rousey applied a submission. Charlotte tapped out but there was no referee. Ronda got the referee back up and Flair hit her with a big boot for the pinfall victory. Charlotte Flair is still the SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Stone Cold Steve Austin def. Kevin Owens In A No Holds Barred Match To Close Night 1

Kevin Owens welcomed Stone Cold Steve Austin as his guest on the KO Show in the final segment of the night. Ridge Holland & Sheamus versus Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods was apparently cut for time.

Owens cracked some jokes about Texas being the ass of North America as the crowd gave him the “what?!”. Kevin apologized for “telling the truth” about Texas and claimed the state is actually worse than he remembered. Owens said he will bring out his guest whenever he wants because this is his show.

Kevin stated that he used to look up to Stone Cold but tonight he is going to tell him how much he sucks. Owens claimed that Stone Cold will not do a damn thing besides sit in the chair and take it. Kevin added that if Austin doesn’t show him the respect he deserves he will hit him with a Stunner.

Stone Cold’s theme hit and the crowd erupted. Austin posed for the crowd for a bit before walking backstage. Austin drove an ATV down the entrance ramp and around the ring as Owens watched on. Austin eventually got into the ring and Owens shouted to cut the music.

The crowd loudly chanted “Austin!” as Owens demanded that Stone Cold take a seat. Austin looked into the camera before staring at Owens. Kevin said he wasn’t here for a fight and wanted a nice chat. Owens welcomed Austin to the KO Show and Stone Cold and called Owens a jackass.

Steve Austin called Owens a stupid son of a bitch and the crowd broke out in another “Austin!” chant. Owens wondered what was so great about Texas and mocked the weather, the land, and the people for wearing dumb hats and cowboy boots. Kevin suggested that everyone should move somewhere else and Austin asked the crowd to chant “asshole!” at Owens. The crowd obliged and Austin held up the microphone.

Owens told Stone Cold that he was being rude and he should be more like Owens, a “distinguished French Canadian”. Kevin told Austin that he doesn’t want to talk anymore and wants a fight. Owens challenged Stone Cold to a match and noted that has been 19 years.

Kevin noted that Austin’s knees, back, and his neck are probably worse than ever. Owens upped the stakes and challenged Austin to a No Holds Barred match. The crowd broke out in a “yes!” chant and Owens joked that Austin can’t even talk right now. Kevin claimed that Stone Cold can’t beat him anyways and told him to get back on his stupid golf card and go back to his ranch. Stone Cold looked around as the crowd was cheering before staring at Owens one more time. Austin said he had his first match in Dallas and he could have his last match right here in Dallas, Texas. Stone Cold asked the crowd if they wanted him to compete in a match tonight against “this sack of shit” give him a hell yeah. Austin asked for a referee and he ran into the ring.

Owens and Austin threw the compute chairs out of the ring as a “holy sh*t!” chant broke out. The bell rang and the crowd went insane again. Austin and Owens got in each other’s faces and traded words. They started trading punches in the middle of the ring. Austin got the better of the exchange and beat Owens down in the corner.

Stone Cold stomped on Owens several times and flipped him the bird. Austin whipped Owens to the corner and he took a big bump to the canvas. Austin stomped Owens down again before launching him out of the ring. Stone Cold hit Owens with a Clothesline outside the ring and shoved his face into the barricade.

Owens battled back and sent Stone Cold into the ring post before unloading several punches to the face. Kevin set up a table against the barricade but Stone Cold wound up sending him through it. Austin threw Owens over the barricade and battled with him through the crowd. Austin went for a Suplex but Owens countered with one of his own on the concrete floor.

They battled through the crowd some more and to the ringside area. Owens climbed up on the barricade and Austin slammed him onto the announce table. Austin opened up a couple beers and chugged them before unloading some punches to Owens’ face. Austin spit some beer in Owens’ face and rolled him back into the ring. Owens made his way to the ATV on the entrance ramp and couldn’t figure out how to start it.

Austin rushed him from behind and bashed Owens in the back of the head a few times. Stone Cold got on the ATV and drove them to the top of the entrance ramp. Austin connected with a Suplex on the entrance ramp before bouncing Owens’ head off the ATV. Stone Cold hit Owens with another Suplex on the entrance ramp. Stone Cold continued to beat Owens down until they made their way back to the ring.

Stone Cold brought a couple more beers into the ring and cracked them open. Austin took a swig but walked into a Stunner from Kevin Owens. Kevin went for the cover but Stone Cold kicked out at two. Owens brought a steel chair into the ring and swung but Austin ducked. Owens hit the rope and the chair bounced into his face. Austin then delivered a Stunner for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Austin hit Owens with another Stunner before saying “that is the bottom line because Stone Cold said so”. Austin offered Byron Saxton a beer and the commentator foolishly entered the ring. Austin hit him with a Stunner before sharing a beer with his brother in the ring.

Posted April 3rd, 2022 in Results. Tagged: .

Top Matches for First WWE House Show After WrestleMania

WrestleMania 38 goes down live this weekend from AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas in an epic two-night event from Saturday April 2 to Sunday April 3. There are several titles up for grabs at “The Show Of Shows,” but it appears that some of these titles already have matches being advertised for post-WrestleMania 38 house shows.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the April 16 show from Erie, Pennsylvania is advertising a Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins Triple Threat match for the Universal Championship. Also, Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley for the RAW Women’s Title is being advertised. And lastly, Charlotte Flair vs. Aliyah for the SmackDown Women’s Championship is being promoted.

The report stressed that this doesn’t mean Flair and Reigns are a lock for wins this weekend at Mania, but it’s still an interesting note nonetheless. You can check out the full lineup for this weekend’s two-night WrestleMania here below.

WrestleMania 38 Card

(Night One) Saturday – APRIL 2:

  • SmackDown Women’s Title Match
    Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair (c)
  • RAW Women’s Title Match
    Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch (c)
  • SmackDown Tag Team Titles Match
    Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs vs. The Usos (c)
  • Logan Paul and The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Baron Corbin
  • Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs. Sheamus and Ridge Holland
  • Seth Rollins vs. TBA
  • Kevin Owens presents “The KO Show” with special guest – WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

(Night Two) Sunday – APRIL 3:

  • Winner Takes All Title Match
    WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns
  • Triple Threat for the RAW Tag Team Titles
    The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy vs. Randy Orton and Riddle (c)
  • Fatal 4 Way for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles
    Shayna Baszler and Natalya vs. Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley vs. Naomi and Sasha Banks vs. Carmella and Queen Zelina Vega (c)
  • Anything Goes Match
    Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn
  • Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
  • Edge vs. AJ Styles
  • Omos vs. Bobby Lashley

Posted April 1st, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

WrestleMania 38 Stage: First Look Photos

We have some first look photos at the WrestleMania 38 stage and production setup.

WrestleMania 38 takes place this weekend from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Twitter user @ImTheBossLegit has provided an exclusive look at how things are coming together.

As you’ll see below, WWE is once again utilizing huge stars as the focal point of the set design. This is a nod to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, who play at the stadium.

Join us here at SEScoops all weekend for our ongoing news coverage of WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania.

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Posted March 31st, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Kevin Owens Can’t Wait For WrestleMania Moment with Steve Austin

Kevin Owens has shared when he found out that he’ll be working with Stone Cold Steve Austin for Wrestlemania 38 on Apr 2.

Since the Feb. 7 episode of Monday Night Raw, WWE and Owens had begun their tease for a confrontation with Austin. During the show, Owens made it a point to talk about Texas in his promos. Fightful Select reported on Feb. 14 that WWE made a “significant overture” for the WWE Hall of Famer to have a match at Wrestlemania 38. Owens has now confirmed that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon told him about the plans in January.

In an interview with TVA Sports’ Patrick LaPrade, Owens shared how he found out he’d be having a feud with Austin. LaPrade transcribed the following quotes.

“Usually, in November, I start asking questions to try to find ideas and see if they have ideas,” said Owens. He explained, “But this year, I took a different approach. I had just signed my contract, I had my history with Seth Rollins, so I thought to myself that I was in a good position.” 

Owens say she was “super happy” when he learned that he’d be working with the one and only Stone Cold Steve Austin at WWE’s biggest show of the year.

“So, I started asking questions in January, and when I spoke to Vince, he was the one who told me that his plan was to bring Austin back for a night and that would be with me. I was super happy. When it’s not 100% announced, things can always change. But one week before the event, I fully realize it, and I can’t wait.”

Kevin Owens Steve Austin WrestleMania 38

Will Kevin Owens and Stone Cold Have a Match?

It has remained unclear whether Owens and Austin will have a match at Wrestlemania 38. The company wanted a match, but it’s unclear if Austin agreed to wrestle. WWE has promoted Owen and Austin’s confrontation as a segment on Wrestlemania 38: Night One. However, that could also change the day of the event.

Austin and Owens’s promo also points out that it could just be a fight. The active WWE superstar pointed out on the recent Raw episode that he would harm Austin if he felt he disrespected him. It seems that an actual match between the two may not happen.

If Austin were to have a match on Apr. 2, it would be his first match at Wrestlemania in 19 years. While Owens is excited to be in a program with the “Texas Rattlesnake,” a segment may disappoint wrestling fans. Although Austin’s return in front of a live WWE crowd could make a great Wrestlemania moment.

Posted March 31st, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , , .

WWE WrestleMania 38 Predictions

We are just days out from WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania, and we’ve got our WrestleMania 38 predictions right here.

SEScoops staff members Jaychele Nicole, Andrew Ravens and I got together to discuss our picks for each match on the card.

On the latest episode of our Women’s Wrestling Focus YouTube series, SEScoops correspondents Ella Jay and Samira run down the women’s matches at the event. They also look at potential NXT call-ups and surprises that may be in store.

WrestleMania Saturday Predictions

Here are our WrestleMania 38 predictions for Night 1:

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs

Jaychele Nicole: The Usos have been on a hot streak since being paired with Roman Reigns. They are currently the longest reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions. I don’t really think that Shinsuke Nakamura deserves to be in a better position than where he currently is, however there is no way that this match can be bad. (Prediction: The Usos)

Michael Reichlin: Alexa, show me filler. Nakamura and Boogs get a spot on the big show, and The Usos get another win under their belts. (Prediction: The Usos)

Andrew Ravens: The Usos should win here as it looks like just another match on the card to get these four wrestlers featured. If they wanted to do a title change just for the sake of it, I wouldn’t be shocked, but there’s no real reason to do it. (Prediction: The Usos)

Consensus: The Usos

Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair

Andrew Ravens: This is all Belair here. A redemption story on the biggest stage of them all. She gets her revenge on Lynch for her SummerSlam loss and they work one more match next month. The story writes itself unless WWE just wants to do a swerve for the purpose of a swerve. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)

Jaychele Nicole: I have Bianca here, partially because of the immense amount of love I have for her. Seeing that Becky Lynch was laid out on the go-home show does make me a bit fearful that the WrestleMania match won’t end in Belair’s favor. However, I have to have some hope that WWE will be making it up to Bianca with this win after everything that happened at SummerSlam last year. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)

Michael Reichlin: WWE did Bianca Belair dirty last year at SummerSlam. She won last year’s Rumble, had her crowning achievement at WrestleMania, then got brought down to size at SummerSlam when the ‘real’ star returned and squashed her. WWE is rehabbing Belair and a win over the woman who embarrassed her last summer is essential to that effort. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)

Consensus: Bianca Belair wins the Raw Women’s Championship

Logan Paul and The Miz vs. Rey and Dominik Mysterio

Andrew Ravens: For whatever reason and perhaps I am just missing it, but two heels – Paul and Miz – are the favorites to win this match. I don’t understand why the babyfaces aren’t favored to win. Them going over is the right move and the history of wrestling backs that theory up. Paul will give them publicity and Miz can eat the pinfall. (Prediction: Rey and Dominik Mysterio)

Jaychele Nicole: I am actually very excited to see what Logan Paul can do in the ring. His training video looked pretty good and he is a natural athlete. The development of the story hasn’t been super interesting to me, but I am excited to see what Rey pulls out of his hat. I think there has to be a heel victory every now and then and The Miz with Logan would make sense to me. (Prediction: Logan Paul and The Miz)

Michael Reichlin: I’ve got high expectations for this one. Miz and Mysterio are total pros, and they’ll be able to carry Paul and Dominik to a good match. Say what you want about Logan Paul, but he’s not in the business of embarrassing himself. He’s said that diving off the top rope is a “bucket list” dream of his, and he’s represented himself pretty well on WWE TV in recent months. However, I still think the Mysterios get the feel-good win (Prediction: Rey and Dominik Mysterio).

Consensus: Rey ad Dominik Mysterio

Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin

Andrew Ravens: McIntyre is a massive favorite at -850 and just like the oddsmakers, there is no way that McIntyre loses here. McIntyre has been feuding with Corbin since January. It’s time to move on to something else. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)

Michael Reichlin: Drew McIntyre has been cycled out of the main event picture, which is just how it goes sometimes. McIntyre has been dealing with a neck injury, and has acknowledged that the Corbin feud is a step down for him. I think McIntyre gets a decisive win and hopefully moves on to bigger and better things.

Jaychele Nicole: This story has dragged on WAY TOO LONG. This is the match I am least excited for out of the whole two-night show. This match will be decent. This needs to be a win for Drew after the booking decline he has seemingly been on. I hope that this match will lead to a break up of Baron Corbin or Madcap Moss. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)

Consensus: Drew McIntyre

Edge vs. AJ Styles

Michael Reichlin: This is the match I’m most looking forward to on the first night of WrestleMania. Two seasoned pros putting it all on the line. You know they both want to steal the show. Expectations will be high, but nobody is more qualified than Styles and Edge. I don’t think there’s an obvious pick, but with Edge in this later stage of his career, I think WWE gives him the W. (Prediction: Edge)

Andrew Ravens: History would say AJ should go over in the match, but it’s a real coin flip. While AJ as the babyface going over would make sense as he would get his revenge, Edge has undergone a complete character makeover so it’s not a shocker if he does win. I’ll side with AJ getting his revenge. (Prediction: AJ Styles)

Jaychele Nicole: This has the extreme possibility to steal the whole weekend. While Edge’s blue heel turn hasn’t been for me, at the end of the day, he is still one of the best of all time. I can’t wait to see the arrangement of spots and match psychology. Both of these guys could use a win, but due to Edge’s recent heel turn, he is my predicted winner. (Prediction: Edge)

Consensus: Edge

SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey

Jaychele Nicole: I think this match is Rousey’s because of her comeback story. Although the crowd may not fully view her as a face like WWE may, she is still a star in the division. The build has of this match has not been what I like in my wrestling, I am still interested in the outcome. In all honesty, I wouldn’t be mad if Charlotte won either because I am a bigger fan of hers than most. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

Michael Reichlin: Make no mistake about it, WWE sees Ronda Rousey as a bigger star than Charlotte Flair. Charlotte may be the greatest female talent on the WWE roster, but Rousey is the special attraction who will get the company mainstream attention. Plus, I don’t see WWE bringing Rousey back to win the Royal Rumble and fall flat at Mania. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

Andrew Ravens: Ronda Rousey should win the match and become the next champion although when it comes to the booking of Flair, anything is on the table especially if they want a shocking finish. I don’t see it happening. Honestly, a long-term storyline could work with them meeting again at SummerSlam. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)

Consensus: Ronda Rousey wins the SmackDown Women’s Title

WrestleMania Sunday Predictions

Here are our WrestleMania 38 predictions for Night 2:

Bobby Lashley vs. Omos

Jaychele Nicole: Honestly, I’m tired of the Omos reign of terror. I think that coming off of a botched title run, which was not his fault, Lashley could use a win. However, if Omos goes over, I hope they use him to make a big star out of someone like a Bron Breakker for example. (Prediction: Bobby Lashley)

Michael Reichlin: I have a feeling that Bobby Lashley is not entirely healthy yet, and WWE is going to keep this match quick by feeding Lashley to Omos. It would be a questionable booking decision, but there’s no chance they’re having Omos take his first loss in a match with less than one week’s build.

Consensus: Split

Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
(Anything Goes Match)

Andrew Ravens: Expect a lot of smoke and mirrors in this one as that is the only reason why the match was given a gimmick. Knoxville should go over as he is a babyface celebrity and let this feud be gone after this show. (Prediction: Johnny Knoxville)

Jaychele Nicole: This match is literally just going to pop me. The spots will hopefully be unpredictable and fresh. The ‘Anything Goes’ stipulation got me even more interested. I love when storylines and matches are built using social media and this feud/match has captivated that. Sami taking a loss to Knoxville won’t hurt him too much, and I bet the crowd would be cheer for a Knoxville win. (Prediction: Johnny Knoxville)

Michael Reichlin: This will be the most “entertaining” match of WrestleMania Sunday. I give Knoxville a lot of credit for going “all in” on this WWE run. He’s taken it seriously and has been actively building this match against Zayn with shenanigans that have gotten WWE mainstream attention from outlets like TMZ. Zayn, a classic heel, is at his best when he’s being outsmarted and complaining. Expect some involvement with the Jackass crew. (Prediction: Johnny Knoxville)

Consensus: Johnny Knoxville

Women’s Tag Team Champions Zelina Vega & Carmella vs. Sasha Banks & Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan vs. Natalya & Shayna Baszler

Andrew Ravens: Banks and Naomi should go over here as they’re the only team that can make these titles mean anything again. Once Banks and Bayley lost the titles as the inaugural champions, the titles went downhill. That could change briefly if Banks and Naomi become the champions. (Prediction: Sasha Banks and Naomi)

Michael Reichlin: One thing is for sure, in my eyes: we’re getting a title change. So, who wins? Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan have spoken about wanting to elevate the women’s tag titles. However, Sasha Bans and Naomi have the star power to truly elevate the underutilized championships. (Prediction: Sasha Banks and Naomi)

Jaychele Nicole: I can’t wait to see Sasha Banks & Naomi’s crowning moment in this match. I would’ve preferred to see Sasha in a singles match, but I am excited to see her partner back up with Naomi again. I am excited to see that a lot of my favorite women make it to the card, but I do have complaints about stuffing them all into one match. (Prediction: Sasha Banks & Naomi)

Consensus: Sasha Banks and Naomi win the Women’s Tag Titles

Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy

Michael Reichlin: Orton and Riddle are really good together. They’ve developed a fun dynamic. I think the Street Profits are more ‘due’ for the titles, which would bring them up to that next level in the eyes of fans. (Predictions: Street Profits)

Jaychele Nicole: In my opinion, this is the perfect opportunity to turn RK-Bro. I am really hopeful that they have big plans for the Street Profits. I have always been a fan of them, and their last title run proved they are more than capable of leading the division. This is another match that I feel like could end up being a banger. (Prediction: Street Profits)

Andrew Ravens: WWE recently put the titles on RK-Bro and while I can see how The Street Profits would be good champions if WWE wanted to split Orton and Riddle up, it’s not likely as they could’ve worked together at this show in a singles match if that was the case. The champions should retain. (Prediction: RK-Bro)

Consensus: Street Profits win the Raw Tag Titles

Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory

Andrew Ravens: Even with the help or no help from Vince McMahon, it doesn’t make sense for McAfee to drop a loss here unless WWE has more plans for him to wrestle. Let the babyface go over and get his win. Plus, this was a big spotlight for Theory, a heel, so he doesn’t lose any momentum. (Prediction: Pat McAfee)

Michael Reichlin: I’m really looking forward to this one, almost entirely because of Pat McAfee. Theory is a fun proxy for Vince McMahon and he’s a very skilled wrestler. He’ll be able to bump around and make Pat McAfee’s offense look like a million bucks. Let’s not forget the classic match McAfee had with Adam Cole in NXT. He’s no slouch himself. There are possible downsides to having an announcer defeat a member of the main roster, but McAfee is a big star and will get his WrestleMania moment to shine. (Prediction: Pat McAfee)

Jaychele Nicole: I am a bigger fan than most of Pat’s in-ring work. I am super excited to see what he pulls out for WrestleMania. Theory is definitely capable of giving Pat a good match like he deserves. As much as I love McAfee, this seems like an opportunity for Austin Theory to get a big win on a big stage. (Prediction: Austin Theory)

Consensus: Pat McAfee

Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar
(Winner Takes All Championship Unification Match)

Jaychele Nicole: My prediction is not who I want to win. I’m actually rooting for Brock here since I feel like Reigns’ “Tribal Chief” character has gotten stale quickly due to the lack of character progression. Since I believe this will be Roman’s match, I hope that they are saving his eventual defeat for a young star who could be sent to the moon by their victory. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Michael Reichlin: This one is for all the marbles. It’s the biggest match that WWE can present, so I’m glad to see the company went with Lesnar vs. Reigns as the WrestleMania main event. Brock Lesnar is the most dominant athlete in WWE history. He’s doing some of the best work of his career, with this latest incarnation of his evolving character. All that said, Lesnar is here to ‘do business’ and give the rub to guys like Roman Reigns. Reigns is “the guy” and the company will never stop hammering that home. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Andrew Ravens: Roman Reigns wins here. I know Lesnar lost their previous encounter and while he is the babyface, Reigns is the guy in the company. Just because Lesnar is the babyface here doesn’t mean that he needs to win. Reigns can hold onto the title a bit longer and WWE will need to build up someone else to finally beat him. Reigns goes over clear to further signify him as the top guy. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)

Consensus: Roman Reigns is the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion

There you have it, our WrestleMania 38 predictions. Hit up the comments section and let us know what you think!

Posted March 31st, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

WrestleMania Music Acts Announced, Watch at Dave & Busters

WWE has announced the music acts who will perform America The Beautiful this weekend at WrestleMania. Brantley Gilbert will do the honors on WrestleMania Saturday, while Jessie James Decker will kick off the action for WrestleMania Sunday.

“Brantley and Jessie are the latest in a long line of renowned artists who have opened WWE’s biggest event of the year and we look forward to them continuing this great tradition across consecutive nights at WrestleMania 38,” said Neil Lawi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, WWE Music Group.

“It’s such a pleasure to be invited to perform at WrestleMania 38,” said Gilbert. “I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday night, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. See you there!”

“It is always an honor to sing America the Beautiful,” said Decker. “It is a song that means so much to me, celebrating the country I love. Thank you WWE for having me. I can’t wait to be a part of WrestleMania 38.”

WWE has already announced DJ Valentino Khan will perform at the event.

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WWE Partners with Dave & Busters

WWE is bringing its monthly premium live events to Dave & Busters locations across the United States, starting with WrestleMania 38.

“Dave & Buster’s is a staple of fun and entertainment in the United States and that matches the energy of WWE Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania,” said Emilio Revelo, WWE Vice President. “We are excited about this year-round partnership and meeting new and existing fans at a place they truly enjoy.”

Dave & Buster’s has over 140 locations nationwide. To locate a Dave & Buster’s showing WrestleMania, JoeHandPromotions.com.

WrestleMania 38 is also being shown in select movie theaters across the United States, presented by Fathom Events.

Posted March 28th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

WWE WrestleMania 38 Betting Odds Predict Multiple Title Changes

We’ve got updated WrestleMania 38 betting odds courtesy of Bet Online.

Sports betting odds have a strong track record predicting the winners of WWE pay-per-view events. They are usually not 100% accurate, but consider these to be “spoilers” if you want to enjoy the show without anything revealed.

These odds will shift throughout the week, based on continued betting. We will update this article on Saturday to reflect any late changes in the betting activity.

WrestleMania Saturday Betting Odds

On the first night of WrestleMania 38, betters predict we will see both Women’s Championships change hands, along with the women’s tag titles.

  • Drew McIntyre is favored (-1,000) to defeat Happy Corbin (+500).
  • Rey and Dominik Mysterio are slight favorites (-140) to defeat The Miz and Logan Paul.
  • RKBro are favored (-200) to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships against The Street Profits (+250) and Alpha Academy (+350).
  • Bianca Belair is the favorite (-550) to capture the Raw Women’s Championship from Becky Lynch (+325).
  • SmackDown tag team champions The Usos are favored (-200) to retain against Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs (+150).
  • Ronda Rousey is favored (-600) to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Charlotte Flair (+350).
  • Sasha Banks and Naomi are slight favorites (-200) to win the Women’s Tag Team championships from Carmela and Zelina Vega (+500). Liv Morgan & Rhea Ripley (+185) and Shayna Baszler and Natalya (+750).

WrestleMania Sunday Betting Odds

  • Universal Champion Roman Reigns is the favorite (-350) to defeat WWE Champion Brock Lesnar (+225) in the Winner Takes All Unification match.
  • Sami Zayn is an underdog (+200) against Jackass star Johnny Knoxville (-300).
  • AJ Styles is the favorite (-160) against the Rated R Superstar, Edge (+120).
  • Austin Theory is a slight favorite (-150) against SmackDown commentator Pat McAfee (+110).

Posted March 28th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

WWE Programming Schedule for WrestleMania Week

WrestleMania week is upon us. WWE’s biggest event of the year takes place this weekend, but there’s plenty of action in store before WrestleMania 38 kicks off Saturday night.

The following is a list of WWE programming scheduled for the coming week:

Monday:

  • WWE Raw, USA Network (8pm ET, 5pm PT)

Tuesday:

  • NXT 2.0, USA Network (8pm ET, 5pm PT)

Friday:

  • WWE SmackDown, FOX (8pm ET, 5pm PT)
  • WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Peacock (10pm ET, 7pm PT)

Saturday:

  • NXT Stand & Deliver, Peacock (1pm ET, 10am PT)
  • WrestleMania Kickoff Show, USA Network, Peacock (6pm ET, 3pm PT)
  • WrestleMania Saturday, Peacock (8pm ET, 5pm PT)

Sunday:

  • WrestleMania Kickoff Show, Peacock (6pm ET, 3pm PT)
  • WrestleMania Sunday (8pm ET, 5pm PT)

Posted March 28th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Photos: WrestleMania 38 Artwork Goes Up on AT&T Stadium

We are less than one week out from WrestleMania 38 kicking off in Arlington, Texas, and the stadium is starting to transform into the face of wrestling’s biggest event.

This is the second time that the massive stadium has been transformed for WrestleMania, having hosted WrestleMania 32 back in 2016 as well. With six years of technological development, we’d expect this year’s event to surpass what we saw that year, visually-speaking.

Check out some of the photos of the outside of the venue below as it prepares to host WWE’s Super Bowl.

Per Austin Kellerman, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram also featured a front pay overlay ad for WrestleMania on Sunday. Interestingly, Stone Cold Steve Austin was the only talent featured in the advertisement.

The full card for WrestleMania 38 so far is as follows:

Night One

  • WWE RAW Women’s Championship Match
    Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bianca Belair
  • The Miz and Logan Paul vs. Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
  • WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match
    The Usos (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs
  • WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship Match
    Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
  • KO Show Featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin

Night Two

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
    Queen Zelina and Carmella (c) vs. Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan vs. Natalya and Shayna Baszler
  • Anything Goes Match
    Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn
  • Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
  • WWE RAW Tag Team Championship Match
    RK-Bro (c) vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy
  • Edge vs. AJ Styles
  • WWE Championship vs. WWE Universal Championship – Winner Take All
    Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns (c)

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Charlotte Flair On Ronda Rousey Stealing Spotlight From Regular Talents

Posted March 28th, 2022 in WWE. Tagged: .

WrestleMania News: Time Length, Ticket Sales & More

We are just a week out from WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania. Once again, the event will be a 2-night affair, a trend that’s expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

WWE’s decision to hold WrestleMania over two nights is based on several factors, most importantly, ticket sales and merchandise revenue. By splitting up the match card over two nights, WWE avoids a 7+ hour marathon show, which many fans found to be excessive.

The current plan is for each night of WrestleMania to run for five hours, according to the Wrestling Observer. This includes a 2-hour kickoff show (6-8pm ET) and a 3-hour main show (8-11pm ET). There’s a strong likelihood the main cards run over 3 hours.

WrestleMania Saturday and Sunday will be shown in movie theaters across the United States and Canada. Fathom Events, the company bringing WrestleMania to theaters, lists a 4-hour run time for the main shows.

The WrestleMania Saturday pre-show will air on the USA Network, in addition to it streaming on Peacock. As of this writing, we haven’t seen anything about the WrestleMania Sunday pre-show airing on television.

We’ve received a few questions about whether or not there will be a battle royal at WrestleMania. WWE has featured these in the past, as a way to get more talent on the card. As of this writing, there are no plans for a men’s or women’s battle royal. There has been talk of holding an Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal on WWE TV in the weeks ahead.

WWE continues to move tickets for WrestleMania, with approximately 60,800 and 58,500 tickets sold for Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The stadium will be configured for 65,000 fans, but WWE will almost certainly announce an attendance above 70,000.

For what it’s worth, the secondary market for WrestleMania tickets has been softer than usual. That is likely a function of there still being thousands of seats still available, starting at around $35.

Do not read too much into the fact that there are still a lot of tickets available for WrestleMania. This will be the most profitable WWE event by a long shot, in terms of ticket sales and merchandise revenue.

H/T to the Wrestling Observer for information used in this report. Visit f4wonline.com for subscription information.

Posted March 25th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Bobby Lashley Still Not Medically Cleared, Despite WrestleMania Plans

WrestleMania 38 is just one week away, but Bobby Lashley’s status for the event remains unclear.

Lashley has been out of action since January’s Royal Rumble. The Almighty captured the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar (with help from Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns), but he suffered a shoulder injury during the match and hasn’t wrestled since.

The shoulder injury was so bad that it was feared that Lashley would require major surgery. That procedure never took place. WWE officials have been making plans for Lashley at WrestleMania. He’s slated to face Omos at the event, if he’s healthy.

The fact that WWE has yet to announce Lashley vs. Omos this late in the game says a lot about where things stand. As of this week, Lashley is not medically cleared to wrestle, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

In the event that Bobby Lashley is not cleared over the next several days, WWE will have to act on contingency plans for Omos.

Check out the link below for the current match card for WrestleMania, as well as start times and how to watch the event depending on your region.

Posted March 25th, 2022 in News. Tagged: , .

Ronda Rousey Suffers Minor Injury Ahead Of WrestleMania 38

Ronda Rousey recently suffered an injury, but fear not, because it won’t impact her role at WrestleMania 38.

The “Baddest Woman on the Planet” is set for a marquee match against SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.

During a live stream on her Facebook page earlier this week, Rousey revealed that she tore her labial frenulum.

“Oh, I’m totally fantastic, fine,” said Rousey. “I tore my labial frenulum apparently, which is that little piece of skin that connects your lip to your jaw or whatever, my top jaw. I’m like so sick and not feeling good right now. Sorry guys if I sound like crap. I’ve literally sounded like this all day.”

Rousey noted that it’s difficult flying around the country with her young daughter, Po. She added, “I’m sore, I’m sick, I’m tired.”

WrestleMania 38 takes place next weekend from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Ronda Rousey’s match against Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania Saturday, the same night as Stone Cold Steve Austin’s special appearance on the KO Show.

H/T to POST Wrestling for the transcribed quote

Posted March 23rd, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , .

Spoiler: Omos To Face Former WWE Champion At WrestleMania 38

WWE has some big plans for Omos at WrestleMania 38 next month as WrestleVotes initially reported that Omos will face an opponent that might “surprise” people at the event in Dallas, Texas at AT&T Stadium. 

The current plan calls for Omos to face Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania (via Fightful). Lashley has been out of action since WWE Elimination Chamber where he suffered a storyline concussion, which was done to cover up his shoulder injury with the expectation that he would need surgery. 

He dropped the WWE Title in the Elimination Chamber match. Initial reports estimated that Lashley would require four months to recover from the surgery, but it looks like he is coming back sooner than expected.  As of this writing, it has yet to be confirmed that Lashley is cleared to compete. 

WWE has been pushing him since he made his main roster arrival as he had a successful run as a tag team with AJ Styles and since the split, he has been picking up squash wins on Monday Night Raw in recent weeks.

Posted March 21st, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , .

WWE WrestleMania 38 Match Card, Date & Time, How To Watch

This year’s WrestleMania premium live event will take place place over two nights. Breaking from the previous format of Night 1 and Night 2, WWE has dubbed the two nights WrestleMania Saturday and WrestleMania Sunday.

The following is an updated look at the lineups for WrestleMania 38 weekend:

WrestleMania Saturday

  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey
  • WWE Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair
  • The Miz & Logan Paul vs. Rey & Dominik Mysterio
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
  • The KO Show with special guest Stone Cold Steve Austin
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs

WrestleMania Sunday

  • Winner Take All Unification Match: Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar
  • Edge vs. AJ Styles
  • Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
  • Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
  • Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy
  • Women’s Tag Team Champions Carmella & Queen Zelina vs Sasha Banks & Naomi vs Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan

Date, Time & How to Watch

WWE WrestleMania 38 is scheduled to take place over two nights at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

WrestleMania Saturday takes place Saturday, April 2nd. WrestleMania Sunday takes place Sunday, April 3rd.

You can watch WWE WrestleMania 38 on Peacock in the United States and on the WWE Network internationally.

Posted March 21st, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Gable Steveson Says He’ll Be At WrestleMania 38

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson is headed to WrestleMania.

Steveson won his second NCAA wrestling championship for the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday. He left his boots on the mat after the match, indicating the end of his storied amateur wrestling career.

Gable Steveson

Steveson has confirmed to Sports Illustrated that he’ll be in attendance for WrestleMania 38.

“I plan on going to WrestleMania,” he said. “That’s the first time WWE fans will see me and what I’m about. I’m going to put my heart out there.”

Steveson says there are a few people in WWE who reach out to check in on him, including Paul Heyman, Triple H and Brock Lesnar.

“Paul Heyman is always like the first one to text, and that means a lot. He always reaches out and makes sure I’m good. Paul “Triple H” Levesque checks up on me, and so does Brock Lesnar. They’ve shown me a lot of love and respect.”

Gable Steveson in WWE

The 21-year-old wrestling machine will be joining WWE as a full-time Superstar very soon. He signed with WWE in September 2021 and was drafted to the Raw brand a few months ago in the 2021 WWE Draft.

Expect to see Gable Steveson’s latest NCAA tournament win mentioned on tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw.

Steveson has already made several appearances on WWE television, including SummerSlam 2021 and an episode of WWE Raw December 13th.

Posted March 21st, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , .

Latest on Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, “Dusty Would Be Beaming”

Cody Rhodes is reportedly signed with WWE and will face Seth Rollins in less than two weeks at WrestleMania 38.

WWE has been teasing Cody’s arrival on recent episodes of Raw. The American Nightmare could reappear on WWE television as soon as tonight’s Raw from Chicago’s Allstate Arena.

Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins hasn’t been announced just yet, but we know when it will take place. Reddit user u/kerrmit125, a verified insider, has provided new information regarding WWE’s scheduling for the biggest 2-night event of the year.

Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins is scheduled to take place at WrestleMania Sunday (“Night 2”).

It was also revealed that Becky Lynch vs Bianca Belair is booked to open WrestleMania Saturday. The ‘main event’ of WrestleMania Saturday won’t be Ronda Rousey challenging Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. In fact, it won’t be a match at all. Steve Austin’s appearance on the KO Show is slated to close WrestleMania Saturday.

WrestleMania 38 takes place April 2nd & 3rd from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

‘Dusty Would be So Proud’

Cody Rhodes’ sister Teil says their late father Dusty Rhodes would be “beaming with pride” over what’s about to happen.

She shared a photo over the weekend of Dusty and Cody together. She wrote, “I knew my old man best and I know he would be beaming with pride if he could see what’s next.”

WrestleMania is jam-packed with special attractions, but Cody Rhodes’ triumphant return has the potential to steal the spotlight from Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Steve Austin, Ronda Rousey, Jake Paul and Johnny Knoxville.

Posted March 21st, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , .

Rhea Ripley Wants To Elevate WWE’s Women’s Tag Titles


Rhea Ripley understands why WWE fans do not respect the Women’s tag team titles. She says most women’s tag team matches are “very very quick” and the champions are not featured prominently on television.

However, she wants to change that. She loves the tag titles, she loves tag team wrestling and she wants to elevate the WWE women’s tag team titles.

Ripley and Liv Morgan will challenge Carmela and Zelina for the gold at WrestleMania in a 3-team match that also includes Sasha Banks and Naomi.

Just a few weeks ahead of that match, Rhea Ripley spoke with the Under The Ring podcast and shared her vision for elevating those belts. It all starts with having a great match at WrestleMania.

Rhea Ripley’s Plan

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“The Women’s Tag Team Championships, they sort of get looked down upon by a lot of people, I see it on social media all the time,” said Ripley. “I get it, we don’t really get good positions on the show and a lot of matches are very very quick, so it’s important to put it on WrestleMania and remind everyone exactly what we can do and how much these titles do truly mean.”

She added, “I love the tag titles, I love tag wrestling, I love everything about it. We just have to remind everyone how much they love it as well. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Ripley is a former WWE Women’s tag team champion. She and Nikki A.S.H. held the titles for 63 days before losing them to the current champions, Carmel and Zelina.

Listen to Rhea Ripley on the Under The Ring podcast:

Posted March 14th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , .

The Undertaker’s WrestleMania 38 Prediction: Lesnar or Reigns?

The Undertaker is sharing his pick for the WrestleMania 38 main event between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar.

The Dead Man racked up an incredible 21 wins at WWE’s grandest event before that streak was broken by Lesnar (2014). He retired with a WrestleMania record of 25–2, with the other loss dealt to him by Reigns (2017).

The only two men to defeat The Undertaker at WrestleMania will clash once again on April 3rd at WrestleMania Sunday. Ahead of this epic encounter, The Undertaker spoke with WWE to share his prediction for the Winner Take All Championship Unification match.

The Undertaker thinks it could go either way, but feels The Tribal Chief will be victorious.

“I’m going to go out on a limb, I say, Roman, what possibly would be an upset.”

– The Undertaker’s WrestleMania 38 Prediction

The Phenom says Roman Reigns was on the rise when they wrestled. He was still ascending to where he is now. Today, Reigns has a calmer demeanor, but still possesses lots of energy and charisma, as well.

“It’s really entertaining to see guys that size be able to move the way they can and be able to do the things that they can—physical, brutal, especially on Brock’s end,” said The Undertaker. “Roman, much more calculated, but again, explosive athleticism, really athletic big man.”

Posted March 14th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , , , .

Johnny Knoxville Trolls Sami Zayn With Epic Prank

Johnny Knoxville is stepping up his psychological warfare against WrestleMania 38 opponent Sami Zayn.

Knoxville, who is celebrating his 51st birthday on Friday, reveals that Sami Zayn got a hold of his personal phone number and was “stalking him” with text messages.

The Jackass star isn’t one to be bullied, so he took matters into his own hands.

Knoxville reveals that he rented a plane to fly a banner over Los Angeles displaying Sami Zayn’s phone number.

“So today, for my birthday, I am flying his phone number over Los Angeles,” says Knoxville. “407-574-1532. See ya at WrestleMania, Shnookums.”

Here’s video of the stunt, courtesy of TMZ Sports:

The prank worked. Sami Zayn’s phone is blowing up with random people texting and calling his soon-to-be-changed mobile number.

Well played, Knoxville. Well played.

Sami Zayn and Johnny Knoxville will finally get their hands on one another at WrestleMania Sunday on April 3rd.

Posted March 11th, 2022 in News. Tagged: , , .

Original Plans for Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 38

Austin Theory will battle SmackDown announcer Pat McAfee at WrestleMania 38. It should be an entertaining match, but it’s not what WWE originally had planned.

At one point, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was rumored to be competing against McAfee at the company’s biggest show of the year.

When McMahon was announced as a guest on the Pat McAfee’s Show, it seemed this would be the forum to set up the special attraction. McMahon offered McAfee a chance to compete at WrestleMania, which he accepted. On a subsequent episode of WWE SmackDown, Austin Theory revealed himself to be McAfee’s opponent.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer shed some light on how McAfee vs. Theory came to be and what the original plan was for Vince McMahon’s involvement.

Vince McMahon’s Role at WrestleMania 38

“Obviously, from the 2/28 Raw, where Theory talked about McAfee perhaps attacking Vince McMahon and he’ll be there to help McMahon if that happened him on the 3/3 episode of McAfee’s show,” wrote Meltzer. “Then nothing at all transpired and Theory wasn’t even there, indicating a major change in plans.”

WWE sources confirmed there was a significant change from the original plans. While Vince McMahon won’t be wrestling, he’s still slated to be a big part of the match and will help get heat on Austin Theory.

Meltzer added, “What appears to be the idea is that there will be an angle to get McMahon into the match, likely overseeing the match and being at ringside rather than it being a handicap match, although that has been talked of as well.”

Had the Vince McMahon vs. Pat McAfee match taken place, Austin theory would have been heavily involved and taking all the bumps on McMahon’s behalf.

It’s speculative, but perhaps McMahon soured on the idea because he did not feel it was right to advertise himself in a match while ‘outsourcing’ his bumps to Austin Theory.

WrestleMania 38 takes place over two nights on Saturday, April 2nd and Sunday, April 3rd from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Posted March 11th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: , , , .

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