SEScoops

Author: Andrew Ravens

  • Seth Rollins Gets Physical With CM Punk On WWE Raw

    Monday’s episode of WWE Raw kicked off with high drama as CM Punk and Seth Rollins collided in a fiery verbal and physical confrontation.

    Punk opened the show with a passionate promo, addressing his path to WrestleMania. He pointed to the stands, referencing where the iconic WrestleMania sign would soon hang, and laid out the potential routes to the grand stage—through the Royal Rumble, the Elimination Chamber, or perhaps by cashing in on a favor to secure his spot.

    The tension escalated when Rollins entered the ring. He declared he should have taken Punk out the moment he returned to WWE and admitted regretting his hesitation. Rollins said seeing Punk aligned with Roman Reigns only fueled his resolve to correct his mistake by knocking Punk down.

    Punk responded dismissively, stating he was done competing with people he wasn’t even aware were racing him. He reminded Rollins that, without a title, he wasn’t a priority for Punk’s future plans. He also warned Rollins to steer clear of his business.

    The exchange boiled over into a chaotic brawl, with Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and others rushing in to separate the two superstars. Before leaving, Rollins taunted Jey Uso, telling him to \”run back to Reigns.\”

    The confrontation set the tone for what promises to be an explosive road to WrestleMania.

  • The Rock Shatters Several Records With \’Moana 2\’ Box Office Success 

    Disney’s Moana 2, featuring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, has made waves at the box office since its release on November 27th.

    The family-friendly adventure scored an incredible $225 million over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday, including $139.7 million during the three-day weekend. Its global debut tallied an impressive $389 million, with a $165.8 million international opening. The film claimed the top spot in every market except China.

    A Record-Breaking Release

    Moana 2 shattered numerous records in its opening week. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the highlights include:

    • Biggest 5-Day Debut of All Time
    • Biggest 5-Day Thanksgiving Earner of All Time
    • Biggest 5-Day Thanksgiving Nationwide Opening
    • Biggest Global Opening of All Time for an Animated Film
    • Biggest Walt Disney Animation Three-Day Debut of All Time
    • Biggest Black Friday Gross of All Time
    • Biggest Thanksgiving Day Gross of All Time
    • Biggest Opening Day for a Walt Disney Animation Title

    A Historic Moment for Dwayne Johnson

    Dwayne Johnson made history by simultaneously topping the box office with Moana 2 and Red One. This marks the first time an actor has had two #1 films in the same month, further solidifying his dominance in Hollywood.

    Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, the animated sequel brings back Auli‘i Cravalho and Johnson as Moana and Maui. Returning cast members Rachel House (Tala), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui), and Nicole Scherzinger (Sina) are joined by newcomers Hual?lai Chung, David Fane, and Rose Matafeo as Moni, Kele, and Loto.

  • Elimination Chamber 2025: WWE Returns to Rogers Centre with CM Punk

    WWE has officially announced that the 2025 Elimination Chamber premium live event (PLE) will take place at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The announcement includes confirmation of several marquee names set to appear, such as CM Punk and John Cena.

    Punk is fresh off a victory at Survivor Series 2024, where he teamed with Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso), and Sami Zayn to defeat The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa) alongside Bronson Reed in a thrilling WarGames match. Cena, who recently revealed his plans to retire in 2025, is embarking on a packed farewell schedule.

    CM Punk Comments On Potential Match With John Cena On His Retirement Tour

    With tickets set to go on sale this Friday, WWE has released promotional materials for the event. Featured stars include CM Punk, Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, John Cena, Jey Uso, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley.

    The upcoming Elimination Chamber 2025 will mark WWE\’s first return to Rogers Centre in over two decades. The last time WWE held an event at Rogers Centre (formerly known as SkyDome) was WrestleMania 18 in 2002, which featured the iconic \”Icon vs. Icon\” match between Dwayne \”The Rock\” Johnson and Hulk Hogan. Before that, the venue had also hosted WrestleMania VI in 1990, which showcased a historic match between Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior.

  • AEW Star Injured During Collision Match

    AEW will be without one of its standout performers for the foreseeable future, as Juice Robinson sustained an injury during the taping of the November 30th episode of AEW Collision. The incident occurred on November 27th during a Gold League match in the AEW Continental Classic, where Robinson faced off against Will Ospreay. While Ospreay emerged victorious, Robinson suffered an injury that now sidelines him indefinitely.

    Further details regarding Robinson\’s injury or his potential return timeline have not been disclosed. However, fans spotted him on crutches during WrestleCade weekend, raising concerns about the severity of the issue. This setback comes not long after Robinson’s return to action in May at Double or Nothing, following back surgery to address a previous injury.

    Robinson originally debuted for All Elite Wrestling in September 2022 in a hard-fought match against Jon Moxley. He officially signed with the promotion three months later and has been a prominent figure ever since, frequently appearing alongside his Bang Bang Gang stablemates.

    We extend our best wishes to Juice Robinson for a speedy and full recovery.

  • WWE’s Plans For Raw\’s Length On Netflix Still Being Discussed

    The state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Los Angeles is set to host the historic debut of WWE Raw on Netflix on January 6, 2025. The premiere episode will feature a star-studded lineup, including John Cena, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Bianca Belair, and more.

    Fans are buzzing with anticipation about how WWE will adapt Raw’s format for its new streaming platform. Netflix’s lack of fixed time slots offers the opportunity for a fresh take on the iconic program. This flexibility could lead to significant changes in pacing, structure, and overall presentation, providing a unique viewing experience for subscribers.

    For months, Raw has operated with a two-hour runtime following USA Network\’s decision not to fund a third hour under their previous broadcast deal. This transitional phase has positioned WWE to experiment with new formats as the show shifts to Netflix.

    According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is still finalizing key details about Raw\’s runtime and its approach to advertising. The company must balance the flexibility of streaming with the constraints of international broadcast deals, which adhere to traditional time limits. WWE is exploring options for a consistent runtime and innovative ways to integrate advertisements into the streaming format.

    In preparation for this groundbreaking debut, WWE will send Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, and other top talent to a promotional event at Netflix headquarters on December 3, 2024. This gathering is expected to build excitement and generate buzz leading up to the January 6 premiere on Netflix.

  • WWE Opposed Christian Cage\’s Trademark Attempt (Report)

    Christian Cage has reinvented himself while competing in AEW after joining the promotion a few years ago. However, he recently tried to bring back a nickname that he got over and used in WWE for years.

    In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Cage tried to trademark the term ‘Captain Charisma’ and was opposed by WWE.

    It’s unclear whether Cage will appeal the filing as of this writing. Some fans could argue that he doesn’t need the name, considering his placement in AEW since joining the rival promotion in 2021 after returning to in-ring action after years of being in retirement.

    Cage was hyped as Tony Khan’s Hall of Fame-worthy talent signing at the time. Since then, he has been used in a top position, challenging for the World Heavyweight Title and holding the TNT Title multiple times. He currently holds the right to a World Title shot of his choosing, something he attempted to cash in on at Full Gear last Saturday on AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley only to be stopped.

    After opting to sign with AEW over WWE, he filed to regain the trademark rights to the Christian Cage name. Cage was last in action on the November 13th episode of Dynamite when he teamed with Hangman Page to beat Bang Bang Gang (Jay White & Juice Robinson) in a tag team match.

  • John Cena Featured On New WWE Elimination Chamber Promotional Material

    Earlier this month, WWE confirmed that the 2025 Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event (PLE) will take place at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Among the highlights of the event will be the presence of one of WWE’s biggest legends, John Cena, as part of his farewell tour.

    Cena, who recently announced his retirement plans for 2025, has outlined a packed schedule leading up to his official sendoff. His appearances include the debut episode of Raw on Netflix in January, the Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania 41. In addition, Cena plans to work over 30 WWE dates, ensuring fans across the globe get the chance to say goodbye to the 16-time World Champion as he prepares to hang up his iconic jorts.

    Promotional material for the Toronto event prominently features Cena, emphasizing the significance of his last appearance in the city. An email announcement sent to fans stated:

    “Elimination Chamber is headed to Rogers Centre in Toronto on Saturday, March 1, 2025! This marks the second consecutive year that Elimination Chamber will be held in an international stadium, following this year\’s record-setting event at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia. Be there live to witness John Cena\’s last time ever in Toronto.”

    On a parallel note, Cena’s Hollywood endeavors continue to thrive. Filming for James Gunn’s “Peacemaker” Season 2 wrapped up last week, with the series slated for a 2025 premiere on HBO Max. Cena first brought the character to life in 2021’s The Suicide Squad, further cementing his status as a versatile entertainer across both wrestling and film.

  • AEW Pulls Ricky Starks From GCW Appearances

    Ricky Starks will no longer be making appearances for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), despite a recent setup for future involvement with the promotion.

    Starks made a surprise appearance at a GCW event on Saturday, just hours before being backstage at AEW\’s Full Gear. During the GCW show, he cut a promo referencing his frustrations with AEW, claiming he had been \”frozen out\” by the company. He interrupted GCW regular Jimmy Lloyd, who had mentioned Full Gear, and the two exchanged heated words. The segment ended with Starks laying Lloyd out with a DDT after being insulted, setting up a future match.

    Starks has not been featured on AEW programming for months, despite repeatedly asserting that he is healthy and ready to wrestle. This led to speculation about his status within the company.

    However, on Monday evening, GCW announced that Starks would no longer appear at several upcoming events, including the December 14 show in Los Angeles, an unannounced match on December 28 in Seattle, and another on January 19 at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

    The announcement followed an interview Starks did with Chris Van Vliet earlier in the day, where he addressed his absence from AEW television. According to Fightful Select, sources within GCW confirmed that AEW made the decision to pull Starks from these appearances. The decision appears to be tied to recent comments made by GCW\’s Effy regarding AEW President Tony Khan\’s father, Shad Khan.

    While some within AEW speculated that Starks was working his GCW appearance into a storyline, sources have confirmed that this was not the case.

  • Intercontinental Match Announced For WWE Survivor Series: WarGames

    WWE has officially announced that the Intercontinental Championship will be defended at the upcoming Survivor Series: WarGames Premium Live Event.

    On this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw, Bron Breakker faced Ludwig Kaiser in a singles match. However, the bout ended in controversy when Sheamus rushed to the ring and blindsided Kaiser, causing a disqualification. The chaos escalated as Breakker joined the fray, prompting security to intervene and separate the brawling Superstars. Amid the turmoil, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce declared that Breakker would defend his Intercontinental Championship against both Kaiser and Sheamus in a Triple Threat Match at Survivor Series: WarGames.

    Event Details

    The Survivor Series: WarGames Premium Live Event will take place on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The event will stream live on Peacock, with the pre-show beginning at 4 PM ET and the main card starting at 6 PM ET.

    Updated Match Card

    • Men\’s WarGames Match
      Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso), Sami Zayn, and CM Punk
      vs.
      The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa) and Bronson Reed
    • Women’s WarGames Match
      Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Iyo Sky
      vs.
      The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez), Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae
    • WWE World Heavyweight Championship
      GUNTHER (c) vs. Damian Priest
    • WWE Intercontinental Championship
      Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser

  • Despite Being Medically Cleared, Adam Copeland’s AEW In-Ring Return Is Still Delayed

    Adam Copeland is on the road to returning to in-ring action after recovering from a significant injury.

    During the Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match at AEW’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view event in Las Vegas, Nevada, Copeland successfully retained his AEW TNT Title. However, the intense match came at a cost. The brutal encounter featured chairs, tables, barbed wire, and other weapons, pushing both competitors to their limits.

    Copeland sustained his injury while performing a high-risk elbow drop from the top of the cage. He landed awkwardly on his legs after crashing onto Black, who was positioned on a table. This mishap resulted in a fractured tibia, requiring a grueling 12-hour surgery.

    According to PWInsider.com, Copeland has been medically cleared for physicality but is not expected to resume regular appearances with AEW until after completing filming for the second season of Disney’s Percy Jackson. Hollywood sources suggest production will wrap in January.

    As of now, it remains unclear what AEW has planned for the WWE Hall of Famer upon his return.

  • WWE Planning To Introduce Women\’s Intercontinental Title

    Earlier this month, WWE launched a tournament to crown the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion, an exclusive title for SmackDown. Now, another major milestone is in the works for the Raw brand: the introduction of a Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

    The Women’s United States Championship marks a historic addition to WWE’s main roster, becoming the first secondary women’s title alongside the previously established Women’s North American Championship in NXT. This progression highlights WWE\’s commitment to expanding opportunities within the women’s division.

    According to PWInsider.com, WWE plans to introduce the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, making it exclusive to Raw, mirroring the men’s title structure. While no official launch date has been announced, the move promises to bring further prestige and depth to the Raw women’s roster.

    Meanwhile, the Women’s United States Championship tournament on SmackDown has progressed to the semifinals after an exciting series of opening-round triple-threat matches. The winners will face off in the finals at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14, where the first-ever champion will be crowned.

    Fans eagerly await both the culmination of the tournament and further details about the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, which could mark another game-changing moment for WWE’s women’s division.

  • AEW Grand Slam: Australia Expected To Move To Different Venue After Poor Ticket Sales

    AEW will host Grand Slam: Australia on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The event was officially announced during the All In: London 2024 pay-per-view, following an earlier report by The Sporting News that the promotion planned a stadium show in Australia for 2025. However, ticket sales for the event have reportedly been underwhelming.

    Suncorp Stadium, which has a listed capacity of 52,000 for football, may no longer be the venue for the event. Since tickets went on sale, reports of low demand have raised concerns. AEW has faced challenges throughout the year, including declining ticket sales and lower television ratings, potentially contributing to the poor turnout.

    According to Fightful Select, a venue change is likely, with an official announcement expected soon. As of now, it remains unclear which venue might host the show instead. AEW will run All In 2025 on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, which marks AEW\’s first PPV event to be held in an American baseball stadium and in Texas.

    This development comes shortly after AEW\’s successful Full Gear pay-per-view, which drew over 10,000 fans. The promotion returns to Chicago this Wednesday for Dynamite and Collision.

  • Paul Heyman Returns, CM Punk Joins The OG Bloodline’s WarGames Team

    Paul Heyman made a shocking return on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, revealing the fifth member of The OG Bloodline for the upcoming WarGames Match at Survivor Series. The OG Bloodline, consisting of Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso), and Sami Zayn, will take on The Bloodline—Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa—and Bronson Reed.

    Reed’s inclusion in the match comes amidst his ongoing feud with Seth Rollins on Raw over the past few months. Speculation had been growing that Rollins might join the OG Bloodline, as the group made one last attempt to convince him to reconcile with Reigns.

    As Reigns began addressing the audience in a promo segment at the end of SmackDown, he was interrupted by Paul Heyman, who delivered his iconic \”Ladies and gentlemen\” line. Heyman humorously acknowledged his “math error,” referencing the time he was put through a table at Madison Square Garden, and pointed out the obvious: WarGames cannot be a 4-on-5 match. To even the odds, Heyman announced that he had found the OG Bloodline’s fifth member: CM Punk.

    Punk’s return electrified the arena as he stormed to the ring to assist the OG Bloodline in taking down The Bloodline faction. The show closed with the babyfaces standing tall in the ring, leaving fans buzzing about the showdown set for next Saturday at Survivor Series: WarGames.

    \"\"

  • Jade Cargill Brutally Attacked On WWE SmackDown

    This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown opened with The Bloodline, but an unexpected twist involving Jade Cargill quickly became the show’s focal point.

    During a Women’s United States Championship Triple Threat qualifying match featuring Bianca Belair, Chelsea Green, and Blair Davenport, a shocking moment unfolded. Midway through the match, the arena’s video screen revealed that Belair’s tag team partner, Jade Cargill, had been attacked backstage. The footage showed Cargill’s head slammed into a car windshield, leaving it visibly shattered.

    Mystery Surrounds Cargill’s Attacker

    The identity of the attacker remains a mystery, though speculation suggests it could involve someone linked to the ongoing match. Shortly before the footage aired, Davenport extended the match by kicking out of a pin attempt from Belair. Distracted by her partner’s condition, Belair rushed backstage, leaving an opening for Green to secure a pinfall victory over Davenport. This win advanced Green to the next round of the tournament, where she is set to face Bayley. The tournament finals are scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14, 2024.

    Many fans suspect Piper Niven, Green’s tag team partner, may be involved in the attack, but no confirmation has been provided.

    Survivor Series: WarGames Heats Up

    The attack on Cargill adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming Survivor Series: WarGames Premium Live Event. A blockbuster Women’s WarGames Match is set for November 30, 2024, at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. The match features Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Iyo Sky against The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez), Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae.

    With tensions escalating, all eyes are on SmackDown’s next episode for answers about Jade Cargill’s mysterious attack and the potential fallout heading into Survivor Series.

  • CM Punk Joins Syfy’s “Revival” Series

    CM Punk is gearing up for his next Hollywood venture, as Variety reported today that the wrestling icon will join the cast of Revival, a televised horror series set to air on Syfy. The series, currently filming in New Brunswick, Canada, is an adaptation of the acclaimed Image Comics series of the same name.

    Details about Punk’s character and the show’s release date remain under wraps. This announcement follows news from last month that Punk has secured a key role in the horror film Night Patrol.

    The official description of Revival teases an intriguing storyline:

    \”On one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin, the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves. But this is no zombie story as the ‘revived’ appear and act just like they once were. When local officer and single mother Dana Cypress (Scrofano) is unexpectedly thrown into the center of a brutal murder mystery of her own, she’s left to make sense of the chaos amidst a town gripped by fear and confusion where everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect.\”

    This marks another significant step in Punk’s acting career. Earlier this year, he appeared in the film Let’s Start a Cult and had a recurring role in the wrestling drama series Heels, which is now streaming on Netflix.

    In the summer, Punk signed with Paradigm Talent Agency to expand his presence in the entertainment industry. His growing Hollywood portfolio suggests he’s making good on that commitment.

    While Punk’s wrestling future remains uncertain following his win over Drew McIntyre in October’s Bad Blood Hell in a Cell match, his focus on acting has taken center stage.

  • Ricky Starks Books Another Indie Appearance Amid AEW Hiatus

    As speculation mounts about Ricky Starks’ future in AEW, the former Tag Team Champion has added another independent wrestling date to his calendar.

    Starks is slated to debut for House of Glory on Friday, January 17, in Chicago. The event, set to stream live on Triller, has yet to announce Starks’ opponent. This follows his surprise appearance for Glory Pro Wrestling in St. Louis, Missouri, which set up a match against indie standout Kody Lane this Saturday.

    This appearance will mark Starks’ first in-ring action since May, when he faced QT Marshall at a Big Time Wrestling show in California. Notably, his last AEW match took place in March, sparking questions about his absence from the promotion.

    Despite being vocal about his readiness to compete, Starks has expressed frustration over his lack of utilization in AEW. In August, AEW President Tony Khan praised Starks in public comments but offered no explanation for his continued absence from programming.

    Many fans and insiders believe that once Starks’ contract expires, he could be WWE-bound. The rival promotion reportedly has an interest in signing the AEW star, who has been with the promotion for the last several years.

  • Nikki Garcia & Artem Chigvintsev Have Agreed To Divorce Settlement

    Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev have resolved their divorce through mediation, avoiding a trial that was set to begin in two weeks. According to TMZ, the former couple reached an agreement earlier this month, though the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed.

    Previously, Chigvintsev, a former Dancing with the Stars performer, sought spousal support, while Garcia, a former WWE star, moved to block the court’s ability to award it. Whether this issue was resolved in the mediation remains unclear.

    Earlier this year, the pair also dropped mutual restraining orders and agreed to shared custody of their four-year-old son. The divorce filing followed a series of turbulent events, including Chigvintsev’s late-August arrest on domestic violence charges at their Napa County home. However, the charges were dropped in September after the district attorney cited insufficient evidence to proceed.

    Chigvintsev’s legal troubles also affected his professional life. Following his arrest, he was not invited back to compete on Dancing with the Stars. However, his attorney expressed optimism that he might rejoin the show in the future. Last week, Chigvintsev made an appearance as a guest in the studio audience for the show’s 500th episode, at the invitation of an executive producer.

  • Bobby Lashley Made AEW In-Ring Debut On Dynamite

    Bobby Lashley made a significant impact on AEW Dynamite this Wednesday by making his in-ring debut, just days ahead of his scheduled match against former AEW World Heavyweight Champion Swerve Strickland at the Full Gear pay-per-view event this Saturday.

    Since his AEW debut, Lashley has been embroiled in a feud with Strickland. Earlier in the evening, The Hurt Syndicate arrived in an SUV atop a parking garage. As MVP announced Lashley\’s in-ring debut for the night, Strickland ambushed Lashley with a steel chain before fleeing the scene.

    In his debut match, Lashley faced Joe Keys and Cheeseburger in a one-on-two handicap bout. Lashley swiftly defeated both opponents, demonstrating his dominance, with Keys passing out in the Hurt Lock. Post-match, Prince Nana appeared on the stage, distracting MVP and Shelton Benjamin long enough for Strickland to launch a surprise attack on Lashley.

    As the Full Gear event approaches, Lashley is considered a heavy-betting favorite for defeating Strickland.

  • Toni Storm Retiring? \’AEW is Just Fine Without Me\’

    Toni Storm has revealed her decision to step away from professional wrestling, signaling the end of her celebrated career. This announcement follows a series of setbacks, including her recent loss of the AEW Women’s Championship to Mariah May at AEW All In. Storm has also competed in promotions like CMLL and STARDOM but failed to secure victories during her tenure.

    In an interview with James Dator of SBNation, Storm confirmed her retirement and expressed no intention of making future public appearances. “I’m not used to being a loser,” Storm admitted. “I’ve failed at everything. I lost in AEW, I lost in Japan, I lost in Mexico.\”

    \”This is the last you’ll hear from me again. Enjoy Mariah May as your champion. You can all enjoy that. AEW is just fine without me. Everything is going well for AEW. They don’t need Toni Storm.”

    – Toni Storm

    Storm concluded her statement with the enigmatic remark, “Chin down. Tits in. Don’t bother watching for the shoe.” The announcement comes shortly after the release of a cinematic video titled, \’“\’Where in the World is Toni Storm?\’\’ on October 30.

    Despite her declaration, speculation is rife that Storm could make a surprise appearance at AEW Full Gear this Saturday, where Mariah May is set to host a championship celebration alongside Mina Shirakawa. For more, check out the full interview at SBNation.

    AEW Full Gear 2024 Predictions: Jon Moxley vs Orange Cassidy and more

    Is This Real or Storyline?

    The tone of the interview and Toni Storm\’s exaggerated remarks suggest this is likely part of an ongoing storyline rather than a genuine retirement announcement.

    The dramatic, almost satirical comments, and the offbeat remarks about rhino-sized hamsters—fit her current over-the-top persona in AEW. Her statement that she hasn’t spoken to Tony Khan about her decision further implies this is a \’work.\’

  • CM Punk: I Feel Like I Wasted Matches On Some AEW Wrestlers

    CM Punk’s tenure in AEW elevated the company to unprecedented heights, achieving milestones it has struggled to replicate since his departure. During his time, Punk delivered unforgettable moments, including feuds with top stars like MJF and “Hangman” Adam Page. However, his legacy in AEW is equally defined by the notable backstage controversies that plagued his run.

    The most infamous incident was the AEW All Out brawl, stemming from tensions between Punk, Ace Steel, and The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson). This altercation followed Punk’s scathing remarks at the post-event press conference, where he criticized several wrestlers. Another notable controversy involved Jack Perry during All In 2023, which ultimately led to Punk’s departure from the company.

    In an interview with Peter Rosenberg, Punk reflected on his time in AEW. When asked if there were any stories he wished he had the chance to tell, Punk replied:

    “No. I feel like I wasted some matches on some people, for sure. That is what it is. Some people understand the business, and some people don’t. I think everybody here [in WWE] understands the business.”

    Punk’s remarks highlight his candid perspective on his AEW stint, suggesting both professional regrets and a sense of closure. His departure left a significant void in AEW, underscoring the profound impact of his turbulent but memorable run.

  • AEW’s Hammerstein Ballroom Debut, Revolution Location Confirmed

    AEW has revealed its Winter 2025 live event schedule, spanning from December 18, 2024, to March 12, 2025. The lineup features several notable debuts, including AEW’s first-ever event at New York City’s historic Hammerstein Ballroom and the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

    The winter tour kicks off on December 18 with Dynamite at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., and culminates with a special Dynamite and Collision taping at Fresno’s Save Mart Center on March 12. Notably, the schedule includes a special Fight for the Fallen edition of Dynamite on January 1 in Asheville, N.C., marking AEW’s debut broadcast on the Max streaming platform. Proceeds from this event will benefit victims of Hurricane Helene.

    AEW’s Hammerstein Ballroom debut is slated for three consecutive nights, starting with the Ring of Honor Final Battle on December 20, followed by Collision on December 21, and a special Dynamite taping on December 22. The Crypto.com Arena will host the AEW Revolution pay-per-view on March 9, marking another milestone for the company.

    Winter 2025 Event Highlights

    • Hammerstein Ballroom Debut: December 20–22 in New York City.
    • Fight for the Fallen: January 1 in Asheville, N.C., benefiting hurricane victims.
    • AEW Revolution Pay-Per-View: March 9 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

    Full Winter 2025 Schedule

    • Wednesday, December 18: Dynamite – Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, D.C.
    • Friday, December 20: Ring of Honor Final Battle – Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC.
    • Saturday, December 21: Collision – Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC.
    • Sunday, December 22: Special Dynamite taping – Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC.
    • Wednesday, January 1: Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen – Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Asheville, N.C.
    • Saturday, January 4: Collision – Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, N.C.
    • Wednesday, January 8: Dynamite – F&M Bank Arena, Clarksville, Tenn.
    • Saturday, January 11: Collision – Akins Ford Arena, Athens, Ga.
    • Thursday, January 16: Special Collision taping – Broadbent Arena, Louisville, Ky.
    • Wednesday, January 22: Dynamite – Knoxville Coliseum, Knoxville, Tenn.
    • Wednesday, January 29: Dynamite and special Collision taping – Probst Arena, Huntsville, Ala.
    • Saturday, February 8: Collision – Fort Bend County Epicenter, Houston, Texas.
    • Tuesday, February 11: Special Dynamite taping – H-E-B Center, Cedar Park, Texas.
    • Wednesday, February 19: Dynamite and special Collision taping – Arizona Financial Theater, Phoenix, Ariz.
    • Wednesday, February 26: Dynamite and special Collision taping – Frontwave Arena, Oceanside, Calif.
    • Sunday, March 9: AEW Revolution – Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Calif.
    • Wednesday, March 12: Dynamite and special Collision taping – Save Mart Center, Fresno, Calif.

    AEW Adjusts Venue Strategy

    With recent reports of lower attendance figures, there have been rumors that AEW may shift towards hosting shows in smaller venues. The 2025 schedule reflects this shift, with several events booked at intimate locations such as the Hammerstein Ballroom and regional arenas across the Southeast and Southwest.

  • Rhea Ripley Returns On WWE Raw, Sets Up Women’s WarGames Match

    Rhea Ripley made her highly anticipated return on this week’s episode of Raw, which was taped last week at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI.

    Ripley had been sidelined due to a fractured right orbital socket, an injury that forced her off television. The storyline injury was depicted earlier this month on NXT when Women’s World Champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez attacked Ripley with baseball bats.

    The segment showed Ripley lying next to her car, with a cut on her head and fake blood pouring out. Reports suggest the injury stemmed from a headbutt spot during the October 21st episode of Raw.

    As a result of Ripley’s absence, WWE had to make adjustments to the Crown Jewel premium live event, where she was originally scheduled to face Rodriguez in a singles match.

    Ripley made a dramatic comeback at the start of Raw, targeting Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan. The confrontation escalated into a chaotic brawl involving Ripley, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and IYO SKY, who stood tall over Morgan, Rodriguez, Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax.

    While not yet confirmed, the events appear to be setting up a women’s WarGames match at Survivor Series next Saturday, adding to the excitement for the highly anticipated event.

  • Cathy Kelley Says Kevin Owens Saved Her Life During Traumatizing Accident

    Cathy Kelley and Kevin Owens experienced a dune buggy accident ahead of WWE’s Crown Jewel event from Saudi Arabia. As part of the pre-show festivities, WWE talent and staff participated in various activities, including dune buggy rides. During the Crown Jewel pre-show broadcast, it was revealed that Kelley and Owens had been involved in the accident.

    Owens was originally scheduled to compete in a match against Randy Orton. However, the match took a dramatic turn as the two brawled outside the ring, leading to Orton being stretchered out of the venue. Speaking on B4TheBell, Cathy Kelley provided more details about the incident and reflected on her long-standing friendship with Owens. She shared:

    \”He\’s been one of my friends for years. I\’ve had many conversations with him off camera. We just got into a kind of traumatizing accident when we were in Saudi Arabia in a dune buggy. I kind of credit him for saving my life in that moment.

    We rolled three and a half times in a dune buggy. He said his initial instinct was to protect me. I was holding onto a safety rail, he was right behind me. We could have gotten much more banged up than we did. We were really lucky that we walked out of it relatively unscathed.”

    – Cathy Kelley on B4theBell

    Kelley added that she came away with just a minor scratch on her hand, while Owens’ quick instincts potentially prevented more serious injuries.

    Despite the harrowing experience, Owens is set to appear in a face-to-face segment with the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on this Friday’s episode of SmackDown.

  • Britt Baker Featured In Netflix’s “Cobra Kai’  Season Six Part Two

    AEW star Britt Baker is stepping into a new arena as part of Netflix’s Cobra Kai. Baker plays a fighter on the Tiger Strike team in the show’s final planned season, which continues the story of The Karate Kid film series. Fans can catch her in multiple episodes, featuring intense fight sequences filmed prior to her AEW return over the summer.

    Baker’s AEW comeback was intentionally delayed to accommodate her work on the series. Notably, Cobra Kai star Martin Kove (John Kreese) has previously made appearances alongside Baker on AEW television, further solidifying the crossover appeal.

    Netflix has split the final season into two parts. The first batch of episodes sets the stage for an epic tournament, and the second batch premieres on Friday.

    Britt Baker’s AEW Return

    On this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Baker returned to action after being sidelined for a month due to strep throat. She secured a victory over Penelope Ford in a singles match. Post-match, Serena Deeb confronted Baker, hinting at a potential rivalry brewing between the two.

    For fans of both AEW and Cobra Kai, Baker’s dual appearances on TV promise a thrilling mix of action and drama.

  • Full Bracket For WWE Women\’s US Championship Tournament

    WWE has officially launched a tournament to crown the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion. The competition began on this week’s episode of SmackDown and will culminate at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14, where the first-ever champion will be crowned.

    Ahead of SmackDown, Triple H unveiled the tournament bracket, which features an innovative format: four triple-threat matches in the opening round. The winners of these matches will advance to the semifinals, with the final two competitors battling for the championship at SNME.

    \"Women\'s
    The new WWE Women’s United States Championship

    Tournament Brackets

    Bracket 1

    • Bayley vs. Candice LeRae vs. B-Fab: This match took place on SmackDown, with the winner set to face the victor of the second triple-threat bout:
    • Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green vs. Blair Davenport

    Bracket 2

    • Jade Cargill vs. Michin vs. Piper Niven: The winner will move on to face the winner of:
    • Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Elektra Lopez

    The Women’s United States Championship represents a significant milestone, marking the first secondary women’s title on WWE’s main roster. It follows the introduction of the Women’s North American Championship on NXT. WWE formally announced the new championship during last week’s SmackDown, with anticipation building for the groundbreaking tournament.