SEScoops

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Jerry Lawler Recalls Vince McMahon Not Wanting To Miss Lana-Lashley Wedding On RAW

    Vince McMahon really wanted to see the wedding angle that the company presented, according to the story that Jerry Lawler recalled. 

    The legendary pro wrestler told the story on the latest episode of his podcast about the WWE Chairman and CEO this past Monday. 

    WWE held the wedding segment featuring Lana and Bobby Lashley on Monday Night RAW. Although McMahon left the XL Center in Hartford, CT on Monday afternoon before RAW went on the air, he came back around 5:30pm ET because he didn\’t want to miss the ceremony.

    \”This thing was so good, it was gonna be so highly anticipated by everybody backstage. Vince had some very important meetings.”

    Lawler noted how McMahon doesn’t miss show often but lately, he has due to all of the XFL commitments and decisions that need to be made. He called McMahon being torn in many different directions these days. 

    \”He actually left Hartford, CT at 2 o\’clock in the afternoon, and everybody thought he was gone. Vince has his own office there, and he told everybody he had to leave. He left, the limousines took him out.”

    Lawler recalled how he dressed in the Talent Relations office with Mark Carrano and they moved it into McMahon’s office because it’s a bigger and nicer room. They unpacked and sitting around until someone came in there to tell them the boss was back. 

    “Somebody comes in and says, \’Hey, Vince is on his way back, he doesn\’t want to miss the wedding!\’\”

    Lawler continued by noting that they were scrambling in the room trying to get their stuff together and his office back to how it was so McMahon wouldn’t notice. 

    “Vince came back just to make sure he was there for the wedding. So, it was great.\”

    The wedding segment was hyped throughout the entire broadcast. Even though the overall rating of the show saw a big increase from last week, the third hour was the lowest viewed out of the three-hour show. 

    Jerry Lawler Talks Online ‘Hate’ For Lana/Rusev Storyline

    H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcription

  • Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev Get Engaged

    Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev shared some happy news to the world this week through the power of social media. 

    The former WWE Divas Champion took to her official Instagram account where she announced that she is now engaged to Chigvintsev.

    Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev Engaged

    Nikki and Artem went public with their relationship in March 2019. She wrote the following: 

    “Excited for 2020 and the next decade with you @theartemc. I said yes in France in November! We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!”

    Artem also shared the news on his Instagram account when he wrote, \”You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. So excited for what\’s to come I love you more then anything and thank you for saying Yes.\”

    Congratulations to the happy couple. As of this writing, there’s no word yet on when the wedding will take place. 

    Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev met in 2017 when they were partners on ABC\’s hit dancing show, Dancing With The Stars, where they were eliminated on the seventh episode. 

    Nikki had been a longterm relationship with John Cena. The couple announced their separation in 2018 after dating since 2012 and being engaged for a year. Prior to their split, John Cena and Nikki were scheduled to get married in May 2018.

    Nikki was last seen in action on WWE programming in September 2018 where she challenged Ronda Rousey for the WWE RAW Women’s Title at the Evolution pay-per-view.

  • Kane Appearing On ‘Steve Austin: The Broken Skull Sessions’

    The guest for the third episode of WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s WWE Network show is set and it’s Kane who will be appearing. 

    The guest for the show, “Steve Austin: The Broken Skull Sessions,” was recently announced. 

    It\’s Gotta Be Kane Appearing

    On Friday, WWE confirmed via a post on Twitter that Austin’s third guest will be none other than the future WWE Hall of Famer. The episode premieres on WWE’s streaming service immediately following the NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool special next Sunday. 

    WWE Reportedly Wants Steve Austin To Interview CM Punk

    The first episode featured a 90-minute interview with The Undertaker that was largely praised by fans. WWE also aired this episode after a main roster pay-per-view event, which was Survivor Series in November. 

    Last month, Austin had the chance to interview WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg, which marked the second episode. Now, the third installment will see Kane appearing.

    Austin has stated in previous interviews that he has already filmed a few episodes of the show. So far, WWE has aired one episode with one interview featuring a legend each month. 

    NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II goes down on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the Empress Ballroom and will air on their streaming service, the WWE Network. 

    NXT UK Champion WALTER will make his next title defense against Joe Coffey in the main event of the show. 

  • WWE Friday Night SmackDown Preview: Women’s Match, Royal Rumble Build

    A new episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown is here, so let’s take a look at a preview for the show. 

    With just hours until bell time, it’s time to look ahead to the show, which doesn’t have much announced to get fans excited about it. The company has yet to release the official preview article for the show on their website. 

    There are also no dark matches locally advertised for the show either. What we do know is a match that was confirmed this morning by the promotion. 

    WWE Friday Night SmackDown Preview

    A Women’s Triple Threat Tag Team Match will see Sasha Banks and Bayley team up against Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross and Lacey Evans & Dana Brooke. No other matches or segments have been announced thus far for this show.

    WWE holds this show from Memphis, TN at the FedExForum on FOX. Here’s what fans should expect to see on tonight’s broadcast in the form of a WWE Friday Night SmackDown preview:

    • Sasha Banks and Bayley team up against Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross and Lacey Evans & Dana Brooke in a Women’s Triple Threat Tag Team Match
    • More build for the Daniel Bryan-Bray Wyatt feud
    • Announcing more matches for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view 

    As usual, fans should expect more matches and segments to be revealed this afternoon for SmackDown. 

    WWE will also be announcing matches for existing feuds that will take place heading into the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event Sunday, January 26, 2020 Houston, Texas at the Minute Maid Park and airs on the WWE Network. 

    Join us here later tonight for WWE SmackDown Results and our post-show SmackDown Takeaways feature.

  • WWE Backstage Viewership Drops For New Year’s Eve Episode

    The viewership numbers are in for the latest and final episode of WWE Backstage, a weekly talk show, in 2019. 

    The show that aired on FS1 at 11pm ET drew 97,000 viewers. This is down from last week’s 153,000 viewers, according to Showbuzz Daily. 

    In the 18-49 demographic, WWE Backstage drew a .03 rating this week, which is down as the previous rating last week of .05. Regarding the Cable Top 150, the episode ranked #124, the same ranking as last week. 

    WWE Backstage drew a total of 1.060 million viewers after nine episodes had aired. The show averaged 117,777 viewers per episode.

    It’s an interesting number as the show aired on New Year’s Eve and last week’s show aired on Christmas Eve. Many people thought both the shows would drop in viewership as a result.

    It should be noted that former WWE Champion CM Punk didn’t make an appearance on the show. He confirmed earlier this year that his next appearance on the television show will be on January 21st. 

    Instead, Renee Young, Christian and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T were featured on the show. 

    WWE Backstage Viewership Numbers In 2019

    WWE only has one more show of the weekly television series as it will air next Tuesday, which is New Year’s Eve. Here is how the viewership numbers look like since its premiere: 

    • November 5: 49,000 viewers
    • November 12: 100,000 viewers
    • November 19: 180,000 viewers
    • November 26: 121,000 viewers
    • December 3: 138,000 viewers
    • December 10: 127,000 viewers 
    • December 17: 95,000 viewers 
    • December 24: 153,000 viewers
    • December 21: 97,000 viewers  

    AJ Lee Not Interested In Appearing On WWE Backstage

  • Chris Jericho Addresses If He Joined AEW Over Promise Of World Title Run

    Chris Jericho addressed some interesting questions in a recent interview with The Aquarian. 

    One of the questions was his decision to join AEW (All Elite Wrestling) and whether there was a condition that they’d make him AEW World Heavyweight Champion. Jericho ruled out this theory. 

    “It doesn’t work that way. I would never say that. The belt is just a prop anyway. The important thing is how you conduct yourself, how you work in the ring, and how you connect with the audience. That’s much more important than having a title.”

    Jericho became the inaugural AEW World Heavyweight Champion when he beat Hangman Page in the headliner of the All Out pay-per-view event back in August.

    Chris Jericho Addresses WWE Question

    Jericho had previously stated that he wouldn’t work for another promotion in the United States. However, things changed and he left the company that he had a relationship which was WWE after two decades of working for them and being a top star for the promotion.

    Chris Jericho also addressed his decision to leave the WWE, which he stated that he did all he could in WWE and that he’s in a company (AEW) that he’s bringing up from scratch.

    “That appeals to me. I could go back to WWE tomorrow and I know exactly where I’d stand. I prefer being here. There’s no limits. It’s uncharted waters. We don’t even know what’s going to happen from day to day at AEW. Also I think the fans like an alternative. Wednesday nights on TV rock now.”

    Jericho is expected to make his next title defense on pay-per-view against Jon Moxley on Saturday, February 29, 2020 in Chicago, IL from the Sears Center. As of this writing, the promotion has yet to confirm this match.

  • Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic 2020 Competitors Revealed

    The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic is back as the tournament will take place in 2020. 

    This will be the fifth installment of WWE NXT’s tag team tournament honoring the late American Dream.

    The winners will be awarded the Dusty Rhodes Classic Cup trophy, which is modeled after Dusty’s signature cowboy wrestling boots. 

    The tournament was established in 2015 as a tribute to the legendary pro wrestler, who was also a key figure behind the scenes at the WWE Performance Center that serves a training facility to develop athletes into WWE Superstars.

    WWE announced the tag teams that will be competing in the tournament on Wednesday’s episode of NXT on the USA Network as the tournament will be playing out on the television program. 

    2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Stars

    The eight teams in this year’s tournament include:

    • Undisputed Era
    • Forgotten Sons
    • Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne
    • Kushida & surprise partner
    • Grizzled Young Veterans
    • Gallus
    • Imperium
    • Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster

    Finn Balor and Samoa Joe won the inaugural tournament in 2015 at NXT TakeOver: Respect by beating The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson). In 2016, The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) won by beating at NXT TakeOver: Toronto and the following year, AOP won as they beat TM-61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne). 

    In 2018, The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole and Kyle O\’Reilly) defeated The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) and Pete Dunne and Roderick Strong while last year featured Aleister Black and Ricochet getting the win. 

    Check out: The Rhodes Family unveils the Dusty Rhodes Classic Cup

    Cody Rhodes On If They Pay Attention To NXT Programming

  • Ric Flair Reacts To Charlotte & Andrade Getting Engaged

    WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has given his reaction to the big news over the last 24 hours, which is Charlotte Flair and WWE United States Champion Andrade getting engaged as they are set to be married. 

    The happy couple has yet to announce when they plan to get married but it was Andrade who asked the big question on New Year\’s Eve and The Queen said yes.

    Ric Flair Reacts To Their Engagement

    The legendary pro wrestler took to his official Twitter account where he reacted and congratulated the happy couple by writing the following: 

    \”Congratulations To My Beautiful Daughter @MsCharlotteWWE And An Awesome Young Man @AndradeCienWWE On Their Engagement! So Happy, So Proud! What A Way To Start 2020!\”

    Flair has since noted in a post on Twitter that back in 2018 during a dinner on New Year\’s Eve she and Andrade had to use Google Translate to interact. She also called Andrade the love of her life in a hashtag.

    Inside of the ring, Andrade has been in a feud with Rey Mysterio on television. In fact, Andrade beat Mysterio to win the United States Title last Thursday night at a house show at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    WWE has already confirmed that Andrade will make his next title defense against Mysterio on next week’s episode of RAW in Oklahoma City, OK at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on the USA Network.

    Charlotte just finished up a feud with WWE Women’s Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane as she teamed up with RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. 

    WWE is moving away from that feud as Flair doesn\’t have her next program lined up yet. What we do know is that she\’ll be competing in the Women\’s Royal Rumble Match at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event.

  • Sami Callihan Shows Off Re-Designed Impact Wrestling World Title

    Sami Callihan has shown off the new design of the Impact Wrestling World Title. 

    Callihan defeated Brian Cage in a steel cage match to win the Impact World Championship back on the October 29th episode of Impact television. This marked an important night for the promotion as it was the premiere of the promotion’s flagship weekly 2-hour show on AXS TV.

    Callihan will make his next title defense against Tessa Blanchard at the Hard to Kill pay-per-view event. 

    Sami Callihan Shows Off

    He did so this week on his official Twitter account by sharing photos. By looking at the photos, the title belt features Impact’s new red color scheme following the move to AXS TV.

    Impact Wrestling’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view event will take place on Sunday, January 12th from The Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas.

    The building has a maximum capacity of approximately 4,300 people. This will be the first PPV event of the year for Impact. The promotion could announce more matches for the show in the coming days but it looks nearly complete. Here is the updated card: 

    Hard To Kill Pay-Per-View Lineup

    • Impact World Champion Sami Callihan vs. Tessa Blanchard
    • X-Division Champion Ace Austin vs. Trey
    • Impact Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie vs. Jordynne Grace vs. ODB – Triple Threat Match
    • Impact Tag Team Champions The North vs. Willie Mack and Rich Swann
    • Michael Elgin vs. Eddie Edwards
    • Rob Van Dam vs. Brian Cage
    • Moose vs. Rhino
    • Madman Fulton vs. Ken Shamrock

    The three-hour event begins January 12th at 8 p.m. ET and will be available on all major PPV distributors, including DISH, DirecTV, iN Demand, Vubiquity, Rogers, Bell, Shaw, Sasktel.

    7 Takeaways From Impact Wrestling 12/28

  • Cody Rhodes On AEW: “Our Concern Is Not NXT”

    Cody Rhodes spoke on AEW while doing an interview with Yahoo Sports where he gave some interesting comments. 

    Since the news of AEW getting a television deal with TNT to air their weekly television show, Dynamite, the comparison between AEW and WWE NXT, started. 

    AEW Dynamite goes head-to-head with NXT on the USA Network on the same night at the same time. Instead of paying attention to what the competition is doing, Rhodes explained why AEW is focused on themselves. 

    Rhodes talked about how they don’t have any of the template that WWE currently has but rather they’re open to everything and their bridges are open. He talked about how a company ran by wrestlers must cut out a lot of the bureaucracy. 

    Cody Rhodes On AEW

    “We don’t think about it being different, our focus is fun, and something like that was really fun.”

    Rhodes was asked about if they’re worried about NXT as they have beaten WWE’s show in the ratings while also suffering defeats.

    “There’s a romantic way to look at the ratings and say ‘Here we are, it’s the late 1990s again. Every Thursday let’s check ‘em.’ It’s fun to look at the ratings but I know internally we’re not having any pep rally speeches. Our concern is not NXT and I believe NXT’s concern is not us.”

    Cody Rhodes On AEW vs. NXT

    Rhodes continued by noting that if anyone is going to succeed then they cannot be a reactionary brand. He does think a positive takeaway that the ratings war doesn’t show is that there is a lot less crossover between the fan bases. 

    This means fans aren’t going back and forth between the two shows. Thus, it means there’s a lot of people just watching wrestling on Wednesday nights and he thinks making wrestling destination programming again is cool.

  • AEW Dynamite Preview: Stacked Card, Legend To Appear

    Another episode of AEW Dynamite on TNT is upon us and expected to be a great show, so let’s take a look at the preview. 

    All Elite Wrestling is hyping this show as its Homecoming edition of the weekly television show. 

    The show is expected to start with Jon Moxley vs. Trent. Although not confirmed, the belief is that Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Bros. and PAC will serve as the headliner. 

    Earlier this week, AEW announced that Cody Rhodes would introduce Arn Anderson as his manager on this show. Rhodes will also be in action when he takes on Darby Allin. 

    AEW Dynamite Preview

    AEW holds this show in Jacksonville, FL at the Daily\’s Place on TNT at 8 p.m. ET. AEW is advertising the following items for tonight’s broadcast:

    • Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Bros. and PAC
    • AEW Women’s Champion Riho vs. Nyla Rose vs. Britt Baker vs. Hikaru Shida – Fatal 4-Way Match
    • Cody Rhodes vs. Darby Allin
    • Dustin Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara
    • MJF to announce his stipulation for the match with Cody Rhodes
    • Jon Moxley vs. Trent
    • Jon Moxley to reveal whether he will accept Chris Jericho’s invitation to join The Inner Circle?
    • Taz to be a special guest color commentator

    AEW will also be creating new programs and building on the hype for existing feuds. This will be the first episode of the new year. Last week, the promotion took the night off for its talent to spend time with their families as the show fell on Christmas night. 

    The viewership numbers for this episode will be delayed due to the New Year\’s Day holiday. AEW will be going up against NXT, which is a best of 2019 episode and not live. 

    Join us here later tonight for our weekly AEW Dynamite Takeaways recap.