SEScoops

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Vince McMahon Sells Millions Worth Of TKO Stock To Endeavor

    Vince McMahon has further reduced his stake in TKO Group Holdings, selling approximately $250 million worth of stock directly to Endeavor, TKO\’s majority owner. A new SEC filing revealed McMahon offloaded 1,579,080 shares of TKO stock at a per-share price of $158.32.

    This latest transaction means McMahon has now sold more than $2 billion worth of TKO shares since the company was formed from the merger of WWE and UFC in September 2023. This includes a previous significant sale valued at $311.2 million in April 2024 to both TKO and Endeavor.

    Following this most recent sale, McMahon reportedly still holds 6,442,325 TKO shares, which constitutes roughly 3% of TKO.McMahon resigned from his positions at TKO and WWE in January 2024.

    His resignation came after former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against him, WWE, and former executive John Laurinaitis, accusing McMahon of sexual assault and sex trafficking, allegations which McMahon has denied. This sale of stock is another step in McMahon distancing himself financially from WWE.

  • Karrion Kross\’ WWE Future Uncertain As Contract End Date Looms

    WWE Superstar Karrion Kross is reportedly in his contract year, with his current deal set to expire this summer (2025). There has been little movement regarding a new agreement.

    According to an update from Fightful Select\’s Sean Ross Sapp at the start of June, WWE \”has not yet approached Kross about a contract extension or renewal.\”

    Furthermore, Fightful \”haven\’t heard if they\’ve indicated interest in doing so\” at this point. This comes after an earlier report from Sapp noted Kross was in a contract year. WWE typically notifies talent about non-renewals approximately a month before their deals expire.

    However, the company has recently kept talent on television closer to their contract end dates before making decisions on extensions or communicating non-renewals.

    Currently, Kross reportedly has \”a few months remaining on Kross\’ deal.\” He has been a consistent presence on SmackDown, often alongside Scarlett, and recently had a notable interaction with Logan Paul.

    Karrion Kross On Logan Paul: ‘It’s About the System, Not You’

  • CM Punk Reveals True Meaning Behind Iconic Pepsi Tattoo

    CM Punk has finally set the record straight on the origin and significance of his iconic Pepsi logo tattoo. He shared the story on the June 4, 2025, episode of WWE Tattooed, revealing it runs much deeper than a simple beverage preference.

    Punk acknowledged the tattoo has \”gotten the most attention\” over time. He explained its roots trace back to hardcore punk band Minor Threat and guitarist Brian Baker.

    “The story with the Pepsi Tattoo is there is a band called Minor Threat… that’s widely known to have started the straight edge subculture,\” Punk stated. \”And the guitarist Brian Baker was asked in an interview I read while I was in detention, ‘Do you have a Coca-Cola tattoo? Why do you have a Coca-Cola tattoo?’ And his response is, ‘I like Coca-Cola.’”

    This straightforward, anti-establishment answer resonated deeply with a young Punk. “And I was that’s just punk rock right there… I don’t like Coke. I like Pepsi. I’m a Midwest kid at heart. So I got a Pepsi tattoo.\”

    Punk made it clear that the logo symbolizes his identity. “That tattoo represents me being straight edge, and that’s really it,\” he said. \”It seems silly to put a corporate logo on yourself, but it really has a deeper meaning and it means so much more to me than just soft drink.”

  • Injury Forces Superstar Off WWE x AAA Worlds Collide

    Due to injury, LWO member Joaquin Wilde has been removed from his scheduled six-man tag team match at this Saturday\’s WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event.  It was revealed on the June 3rd episode of WWE NXT that former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Lince Dorado will replace Wilde in the bout.

    The updated match will now see Dorado teaming with Cruz Del Toro and Dragon Lee to take on Aero Star, Octagon Jr., and Mr. Iguana from AAA. Wilde was unfortunately knocked out during a WWE Speed match against Lexis King that was taped just prior to WWE Raw on June 2nd. While Wilde posted on social media that he was “good no worries” after being “knocked out cold before,” WWE has made the change for the upcoming Los Angeles show.

    The updated card for Saturday’s Worlds Collide on Peacock and Netflix is as follows:

    • AAA Mega Championship: El Hijo del Vikingo (c) vs. Chad Gable
    • NXT North American Champion Ethan Page (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Rey Fenix vs. Laredo Kid
    • Stephanie Vaquer & Lola Vice vs. Dalys & Chik Tormenta
    • Legado del Fantasma vs. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., Psycho Clown & Pagano
    • LWO (Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Lince Dorado) vs. Aero Star, Octagon Jr. & Mr. Iguana

  • Alleged Stalker Targeting WWE\’s Liv Morgan Arrested

    An individual allegedly stalking WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan was arrested outside the WWE Performance Center in Orlando on Tuesday night, June 3, 2025, during the live NXT event. The unsettling incident was witnessed by fans at the event.

    A fan present at the Performance Center described the scene on X: “A legit Stalker was arrested outside of the PC tonight. Multiple bags of evidence taken in by police officers… I wish I was making this up y’all… Y’ALL NEED HELP SERIOUSLY SMH”.

    Shortly after this eyewitness account gained traction, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp corroborated the report. Sapp stated, “Liv Morgan’s stalker was arrested. WWE had been made aware of the situation and called in authorities.”

    The identity of the arrested individual has not been made public. Thankfully, no one was harmed during the incident.

    WWE has dealt with serious stalking incidents involving talent in the past, including those targeting Paige and Sonya Deville, and an individual trespassing at the Performance Center who was later shot by police in 2015.

    https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1930130246579171801

  • Update On Wardlow\’s Extended AEW Absence

    The reasons behind AEW star Wardlow\’s prolonged absence from television, stretching back to March 2024, have come out.

    A combination of injury, a car accident, and a significant television role is due to his absence from TV. According to a Fightful Select report, Wardlow first suffered what is believed to be a labrum injury in the Spring of 2024.

    During his hiatus, he was also involved in a car accident, which, while it \”didn’t cause the injury made it worse.\” Despite these setbacks, Wardlow landed what sources described as a \”very appropriate and special\” television role in early 2025 and has since been medically cleared to return to the ring.

    However, his AEW comeback is being strategically timed. After Wardlow met with AEW President Tony Khan, \”all parties agreed that it wouldn’t serve anyone well to just bring him back briefly and take him off again for the TV role.\”

    Wardlow’s last AEW TV appearance was a World Title match against Samoa Joe in March 2024. Fightful Select also confirmed Wardlow has a \”significant amount of time left on his AEW contract and will not be leaving any time soon.\”

  • Roxanne Perez Thinks WWE Evolution 2 Will Be Bigger Than 2018 Event

    Roxanne Perez is looking forward to WWE\’s second-ever all-women\’s premium live event, Evolution 2, expected to take place on July 5, 2025, in Uncasville, Connecticut. Perez, a former NXT Women\’s Champion, shared her excitement for the show in a recent interview with Joseph Staszewski of the New York Post.

    “It’s so amazing. I remember watching the first Evolution when I was probably like 14, 15 and thinking about how one day I want to be a part of that, and to now actually be a part of Evolution 2,\” Perez stated.

    She acknowledged past doubts about a second event: \”So many people thought that maybe it would never happen again. I honestly thought that maybe it wouldn’t. But I had hope, because I feel right now, the women’s division is on fire.\”

    Perez believes the current strength across all WWE brands will make the upcoming event historic. \”I don’t think it’s ever been better across the board. The NXT women’s division, Raw roster, SmackDown roster. So I think that this Evolution is gonna be even bigger than the first one. And I think everybody should definitely tune in,” she added.

    Backstage Response to WWE Evolution 2 Event

  • Backstage Update On Chris Jericho’s AEW Status

    Despite his latest Fozzy tour having ended, fans hoping for Chris Jericho’s quick return to AEW television will need to wait longer. According to Dave Meltzer on the June 2, 2025, episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, there are currently no plans in motion for Jericho’s return to AEW programming.

    Jericho recently made a public appearance at CrusherFest in Milwaukee, an annual event honoring AWA legend The Crusher, a childhood hero of his. While this appearance was noted, Meltzer stated that Jericho\’s AEW status remains inactive, as there is nothing new about Jericho’s status.

    Meltzer clarified that while the former AEW World Champion is technically free to appear on AEW anytime, especially on Wednesdays, there has been no movement from either side. The primary reason for his continued absence is reportedly Jericho’s own desire for time off, as it was indicated that Jericho felt he needed time off from the promotion.

    Jericho has been used on weekly TV since AEW launched in 2019 and has been used as a top star. He has gone through several factions and multiple title reigns, including being the AEW World Heavyweight Champion and ROH World Champion.

  • Rumor Killer On The Miz\’s WWE Status

    Despite recent online speculation about The Miz’s WWE status, fueled by observations that he had \”unfollowed WWE\” on social media, a new report from Fightful Select suggests he is currently not leaving the company. This comes amidst a period where the contract statuses of several WWE veterans have been discussed.

    Fightful Select reports that \”Though there has been much speculation about The Miz\’s status after people noticed him \’unfollowing WWE,\’ we have not been told whatsoever that he\’s been informed of his contract not being renewed.\”

    The act of a WWE superstar unfollowing the company or its officials on social media often triggers rumors among WWE fans about potential  departure. However, according to this report, The Miz has not been notified by WWE of any plans not to renew his current contract.

    His future with the promotion appears stable for now. He has also yet to publicly comment on the rumors. So far, only three stars have been let know that their contracts will not be renewed.

    Sarah Logan (Valhalla) Announces WWE Departure as Contract Won’t Be Renewed

  • Roxanne Perez Emotional On Cora Jade\’s WWE Release: \”I Absolutely Love Cora So Much\”

    WWE Raw Superstar Roxanne Perez recently shared her heartfelt thoughts on the WWE release of her longtime friend and former tag team partner, Elayna Black (formerly Cora Jade). She reflected on her own journey to the main roster.

    Black was released in early May 2025 and is nearing free agency. Speaking to Joseph Staszewski of the New York Post, Perez got emotional discussing Black\’s departure.

    \”I absolutely love Cora so much… we definitely talked about making it to the WWE together before we even made it,\” Perez stated. \”When I look back at my NXT career… I just see Cora and how much she helped me, how much she helped me with my character work, and to be comfortable with who I am.\”

    Despite her sadness, Perez is optimistic about Black\’s future. “It’s hard to do it without her now, but I know she’s gonna absolutely kill it in whatever she decides to do. I think everybody should definitely keep an eye on Elayna Black because she’s gonna do some really cool things.”

  • AEW\’s Deonna Purrazzo Reveals Lifelong Battle With Scoliosis, Dealing With Bulging Discs

    AEW star \”The Virtuosa\” Deonna Purrazzo recently opened up about the physical toll of professional wrestling, revealing she has dealt with scoliosis and bulging discs since childhood. Speaking on the Lightweights Podcast with Joe Vulpis, Purrazzo also identified some of the in-ring moves she finds most painful.

    When asked about difficult bumps, Purrazzo stated, \”Body slam… Number one, two and three… I just don’t like it. I think it’s the worst bump to take. Spinebuster. My neck doesn’t have the strength. My neck always slams back and it hurts. I hate it and a fallaway slam is coming to mind of it’s just uncomfortable.\”

    She then explained her pre-existing conditions: \”So I have scoliosis. My neck has a slight curve to it and I just, from childhood, have bulging discs and stuff that I’ve just had to work through my whole life.\” Purrazzo noted traditional wrestler neck training methods like bridges or hanging her neck off the ring apron \”doesn’t feel good to me\” or are \”very uncomfortable.\”

    Instead, she relies on \”chiropractic work, I do a lot of range of motion stuff with him, and that helps manage scoliosis and potential injuries.\”

    She added, \”Knock on wood, I’m so blessed that the scoliosis hasn’t ever played an issue into my wrestling but, there’s so much room for error… it can be very scary.\”

  • Thunder Rosa Issues Hair vs. Hair Challenge To Britt Baker

    AEW star Thunder Rosa is aiming to escalate her memorable feud with Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., to a deeply personal level. She\’s done so by issuing a \”hair vs. hair\” match challenge. Rosa, a former AEW Women\’s World Champion, laid down the gauntlet on her recent vlog.

    \”I threw a challenge, just a little challenge, hair vs. hair against my nemesis Britt Baker,\” Rosa stated directly. She explained her motivation: \”The reason why I\’m doing it is, one, I know there is money on the table. Two, she\’s bonded by blood with me. She cannot get rid of my name, no matter what happens [laughs]. Ever. That gives me a lot of pleasure.\”

    Rosa\’s and Baker\’s rivalry is one of AEW\’s most notable due to their matches. It features brutal battles such as their historic Unsanctioned Lights Out match, which saw both women bleed all over the place, and multiple AEW Women\’s World Championship changes between them. This new challenge adds another intense chapter to their story should AEW go through with it, which is a big question.

    Currently, Baker has not wrestled on AEW television since November 2024, and her return date is unknown. Should she accept Rosa\’s challenge, it would undoubtedly be a highly expected and dramatic confrontation.

  • AEW Double Or Nothing 2025 Early PPV Estimate Revealed

    According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, early estimates for AEW Double or Nothing 2025 pay-per-view buys are reportedly in the range of 122,000 to 130,000. The event featured several marquee matchups on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

    The card was headlined by \”Hangman\” Adam Page defeating Will Ospreay in the Men\’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament final to earn an AEW World Championship shot at All In: Texas. It also saw Mercedes Moné win the Women\’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament over Jamie Hayter, a chaotic 12-person Anarchy in the Arena match, and Toni Storm defending her AEW Women\’s World Championship.

    These initial buyrate figures place Double or Nothing 2025 in a range consistent with several of AEW\’s past pay-per-view performances. While not reaching the heights of their biggest stadium shows such as All In, a number within this estimate would generally be considered a solid result for the promotion.

    As noted, these are early estimates, and more definitive numbers may change over time. The figures include buys from various platforms, including Bleacher Report in the US and TrillerTV internationally.

  • Cedric Alexander Calls For WWE Cruiserweight Title Return: \”Should Have Never Got Rid Of It\”

    Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander believes WWE made a mistake by discontinuing the Cruiserweight Championship and the 205 Live brand and advocates for it to return. Speaking on Knockouts and 3 Counts, Alexander, who WWE released in February 2025, detailed why a dedicated division for smaller wrestlers is essential.

    \”Oh! God, yes. 100 percent (WWE should bring back the Cruiserweight Title). They should have never got rid of it to begin with,\” Alexander stated. He feels WWE \”kind of just gave up on 205 Live as a whole… after me, Buddy (Matthews) and (Mustafa) Ali left.\”

    Alexander argued that such a division provides opportunities for wrestlers that they may not get otherwise.

    \”I think the cruiserweight division or light heavyweight… should have never left because it gives more guys that opportunity to succeed because no matter who’s in charge at WWE… it’s always gonna be a big man’s game.\” He added, \”Not everyone can be a Rey Mysterio where they can be a smaller guy and still get the same kind of respect, and having that cruiserweight, junior heavyweight-style exclusive to more of those kinds of guys, it really helps.\”

    He also compared it to weight classes in combat sports, suggesting it adds realism and allows for matchups like \”a Fénix against Penta… and let ‘em just go crazy.\”

    Cedric Alexander On MJF Joining Hurt Syndicate: “He’s Gonna Screw Everything Up”

  • Harley Cameron Injured At AEW Double or Nothing

    AEW star Harley Cameron is reportedly taking time off from in-ring action due to an injury sustained at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view on Sunday, May 25, 2025. According to a report from Bryan Alvarez of F4Wonline.com, Cameron was injured during the Buy-In pre-show match, where she teamed with Anna Jay against Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford.

    The specific details about the nature of her injury or an exact timeline for her return have not been disclosed. Alvarez also reported on Cameron’s appearance during this week\’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

    He pointed out that the blood during a no-disqualification tag team rematch \”was not real blood and was done to set up an injury angle for her time off.\” Cameron, who made her AEW debut in 2022 and signed a full-time contract in 2023, initially made a name for herself in QTV segments.

    Cameron became a more regular television presence starting in May 2024. She later joined The Outcasts and got along with the fans.

  • Roman Reigns To Have Role In \”The Pickup\” Starring Pete Davidson And Eddie Murphy

    Former WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns will appear in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video heist comedy The Pickup. It is scheduled for release on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

    Amazon MGM officially dropped the first poster for the film on May 29th. It showcases a star-studded cast that includes Eddie Murphy, Keke Palmer, and Pete Davidson, with Reigns listed among the ensemble.

    While Reigns is not headlining, he is expected to to be part of the movie. This role marks another significant Hollywood appearance for the WWE megastar, who previously appeared in \”Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.\”

    Director Tim Story confirmed Reigns’ involvement in \”The Pickup\” earlier this year. This dismissed previous rumors that the wrestler was linked to a different comedy project, \”Good Fortune.\”

    This acting venture aligns with Reigns\’ current reduced WWE schedule and his previously stated ambitions to explore entertainment avenues beyond the wrestling ring as his in-ring career approaches its later stages.

    Roman Reigns in Talks for Live-Action Street Fighter Film (Report)

  • Chelsea Green To Use Face Mask After Suffering Broken Nose

    WWE Superstar Chelsea Green sustained a legitimate broken nose during her United States Title match against Zelina Vega at Saturday Night\’s Main Event. However, she reportedly gained respect backstage for her handling of the situation.

    According to Fightful Select, the injury occurred near the end of the bout following a \”619 gone awry.\” Despite losing the match and suffering the broken nose, Green \”promptly went backstage to film content for WWE.\”

    Sources told Fightful that \”numerous staff backstage said that Green handled the situation well, and had a positive attitude despite the injury.\” Furthermore, she \”was also good with milking the injury for WWE’s social media to capitalize on it, which impressed several in the company.\”

    It is \”suspected that Green suffered a clean break of the nose, which isn’t her first.\” Due to the nature of the break, she is \”expected to be required to use a face mask and to remain on TV,\” indicating she is not slated to miss significant in-ring time.

    Her professionalism through the unfortunate injury was met with positive feedback within WWE. We wish her a speedy recovery. 

  • Cedric Alexander On MJF Joining Hurt Syndicate: \”He’s Gonna Screw Everything Up\”

    Former WWE star and original Hurt Business member Cedric Alexander has voiced his skepticism about Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) recently joining The Hurt Syndicate in AEW.

    After weeks of speculation, former AEW World Champion MJF was officially voted into the group by Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP, and quickly made an impact by helping Lashley and Benjamin retain their AEW World Tag Team Titles at Double or Nothing.

    Speaking on Knockouts and 3 Counts, Alexander, a free agent since his WWE release in February 2025, shared his initial reaction to the formation of the group. “My immediate thought when I… realized MVP showed up (at) AEW and then Shelton (Benjamin), I was like, ‘Ah, man. I shouldn’t have re-signed that last contract, huh?’… and then, oh! I get released. I’m like, ‘Oh! So maybe it is meant to be.\”

    However, his optimism soured with MJF being added to the group. “This is something that I can really look forward to,’ and then I realized that MJF is trying to make his way in there. I was like, ‘Alright, well…’ let it play out,\” Alexander stated.

    He predicted trouble: \”I’m sure they’ll get tired of his shenanigans because he’s MJF. Of course, he’s gonna screw everything up. You know how he works. He’s gonna get the big head, like he always does… MVP trusts him for a little bit so I’m like, alright, cool, whatever… I don’t trust him.”

  • Jakara Jackson Books First-Post WWE Match

    Jakara Jackson, recently released from WWE and now wrestling under the new in-ring name Mara Sadè, is set for the first match in her post-WWE career.

    Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW) announced on Wednesday that Sadè will challenge Masha Slamovich for the JCW World Championship at their Born (Almost) on the Fourth of July event in Asbury Park, New Jersey, on July 6th.

    She quickly published a YouTube video addressing her future, stating her intent to continue wrestling. “Do I wish that I could have shown the world what I can do on my own? Hell yes,\” Sadè declared. \”And the way I see it, I’m still going to get that opportunity, just in a different way… keep your eyes peeled and stay tuned because the transformation is going to be something serious.”

    Initially indicating she might use \”Miss Jackson,\” she has since switched to Mara Sadè on social media. She also mentioned in her video that winning a title is a \”bucket list\” goal.

    This JCW World Championship opportunity comes just over a month after her WWE departure. Sadè, a former Meta-Four talent on NXT TV, was released by WWE on May 2nd. She first signed with them in 2021.

  • Shelton Benjamin Fires Back At Criticism Over WWE Career

    AEW star Shelton Benjamin recently addressed a fan on X who claimed his perceived lack of charisma and inability to \”get over with the crowd\” were reasons he never won a world title during his WWE tenure.

    Benjamin, who had notable runs with WWE (2000-2010, 2017-2023) before joining AEW in late 2024, fired back at this claim. The fan commented that Benjamin “didn’t have charisma and he couldn’t get over with the crowd although he was a great in-ring wrestler,” comparing him to others.

    Benjamin responded, “I don’t think you’re old enough to look back far enough so I’ll cut you some slack but Being over with the fans was the one thing I\’ve never lacked.” When the fan followed up, calling Benjamin one of their \”favorite mid-card wrestlers growing up I just never seen you as a world champion,\” Benjamin further clarified his stance.

    “So again, you were a fan, but also according to you I never got over with the Fans, you being among them,\” he pointed out. \”Being over & being champ are not synonymous. You not seeing me as champ material I can only respect, so can you answer my question now, we are all still waiting.”

    Benjamin, currently an AEW World Tag Team Champion, made it clear he disputed the fan\’s premise about his connection with audiences.

  • John Cena To Stephanie McMahon: “I Flat Out Steal A Lot From You”

    Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena is currently portraying a heel persona during his 2025 retirement tour, recently credited Stephanie McMahon as a key influence on his portrayal of a heel. 

    Cena, who shocked WWE fans by turning heel at Elimination Chamber earlier this year and aligning with The Rock, has historically been WWE\’s ultimate babyface for two decades. Speaking to Stephanie McMahon on her ESPN+ show, Stephanie\’s Places, Cena acknowledged learning from her performances. 

    \”Can I just say I had some really good people to learn from. You are on a very short list of names that falls into [that category],\” Cena stated. He then directly admitted, \”I flat out steal a lot from you. So, thanks for helping me through this.\”

    He is next scheduled to team with United States Champion Logan Paul against Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes at the Money in the Bank premium live event on June 7th in Los Angeles, California.

    John Cena Declares Current 17th World Title Reign His Favorite

    H/T to Fightful

  • Two WWE Main Roster Call-Ups Expected

    Two top stars from WWE’s NXT brand, Stephanie Vaquer and Jordynne Grace, are reportedly expected for WWE main roster call-ups. This news came out following the May 27, 2025, NXT episode where Vaquer shockingly lost the NXT Women’s Championship to Jacy Jayne.

    According to Cory Hays of PW Nexus on X, following Vaquer’s title loss, an update on her future indicates both she and Grace are expected to be called up to WWE’s main roster. The report further specified Vaquer is slated for Raw, with Grace expected for SmackDown.

    It is unclear if these main roster moves will be part of a yet-to-be-announced 2025 WWE Draft. Alternatively, General Managers Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis could directly sign them to their new brands, mirroring the recent arrivals of Roxanne Perez and Giulia.

    Vaquer and Grace previously battled for Vaquer\’s then-NXT Women\’s Title at the NXT Battleground premium live event on May 25th. Vaquer previously appeared on Raw in April, challenging Women’s World Champion IYO SKY, while Grace has made two prior WWE appearances in Women’s Royal Rumble matches.

    Stephanie Vaquer Match And More Announced For Worlds Collide

  • WWE Reportedly Planning More Head-To-Head Battles With AEW

    WWE is reportedly looking to schedule more direct head-to-head programming against All Elite Wrestling later this year, following several recent instances of the two promotions running major shows on the same day or weekend.

    During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez mentioned that sources indicated that this was an intentional strategy.Alvarez stated, \”I was told, at this point – and don\’t ask me for more details because I don\’t have them – but at this point, there are at least, I was told, two other instances coming up this year where they plan on doing head-to-head with AEW battles and these big long weekends.\” 

    This past weekend saw one such battle, with AEW\’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view on Sunday, May 25th, running at the same time as WWE\’s NXT Battleground premium live event. Looking ahead, another significant overlap is already confirmed for Saturday, July 12th, 2025. On this date, AEW will present its All In: Texas stadium show from Arlington in the afternoon, followed by WWE\’s Saturday Night\’s Main Event special airing in the evening.

    WWE\’s all-women\’s premium live event, Evolution 2, will take place on July 13th. AEW President Tony Khan recently commented on the current scheduling, comparing it to the challenges Jim Crockett Promotions faced against WWE in the 1980s.

    Tony Khan Vows Victory In Head-to-Head Battles With WWE

  • AEW Kept Double Or Nothing Match Finish A Closely Guarded Secret

    Many considered \”Hangman\” Adam Page’s victory over Will Ospreay in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament final at AEW Double or Nothing a \”shocker.\” New details from Fightful Select reveal the lengths AEW went to keep the outcome a closely guarded secret.

    The result was reportedly kept \”solidly under wraps\” by AEW and Tony Khan, even from the performers themselves until \”earlier in the weekend\” rather than just the day of the show. There was mutual respect between the competitors; reports indicate \”Hangman Page actually pushed for Will Ospreay to win, while Will Ospreay pushed for Hangman Page to win.\”

    Tony Khan himself was said to be \”noncommittal throughout the process when talent would ask him who won.\” The ultimate decision for Page to go over led to a feeling of \”shock\” backstage, as most had anticipated an Ospreay victory.

    Dources stated there was \”nothing out of the ordinary\” regarding the physicality and both men were fine afterward. It was also heard that Jon Moxley had leaned towards wanting Page to win. The bout was \”received incredibly well backstage,\” furthering adding to an \”overwhelmingly positive\” feeling about the event, aligning with recent reports of high company morale.

  • John Cena And Cody Rhodes Advertised For WWE SmackDown

    This Friday night, WWE SmackDown will air in Knoxville, Tennessee. Two major stars have been announced: Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena and the recently returned Cody Rhodes. Their appearances will precede a tag team match at Money in the Bank on June 7th.

    Rhodes returned to WWE programming at Saturday Night’s Main Event, attacking Cena after Cena interfered in the World Heavyweight Championship match involving Logan Paul and Jey Uso. This set the stage for Money in the Bank, where Cena will team with Logan Paul against Rhodes and Jey Uso. 

    The road to Money in the Bank on Friday\’s SmackDown also continues with two high-stakes qualifying matches. In the men\’s division, a Triple Threat will see former United States Champion Jacob Fatu vs. Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes, with the winner earning a spot in the Men\’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

    The women\’s division will also see a qualifier as three powerhouses collide with Jade Cargill vs. Naomi vs. Nia Jax. The victor will move one step closer to potentially capturing the Women\’s Money in the Bank briefcase.