SEScoops

Author: Bishal Roy

  • AEW Still Unable To Secure Madison Square Garden Events

    AEW Still Unable To Secure Madison Square Garden Events

    AEW has never held an event at the iconic Madison Square Garden, and reports suggest that the iconic venue remains unwilling to host the promotion.

    The report suggests resistance from WWE may be a factor, though MSG and WWE have not officially confirmed any such arrangement.

    WWE Blocking AEW From Holding Events At MSG

    Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported in a recent Q&A that current Madison Square Garden management has not been willing to let AEW use the facility. The report added that it remains unclear whether that stance could change in the future.

    AEW President Tony Khan has previously hinted at WWE’s involvement in blocking the promotion from MSG. During the December 24 taping of Dynamite at the Hammerstein Ballroom last year, Khan told the crowd that Madison Square Garden had originally shown interest in hosting AEW’s debut episode of Dynamite in 2019.

    Khan claimed the offer was pulled as it would have upset “someone,” strongly implying WWE. AEW then held its first Dynamite episode at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on October 2, 2019.

    Despite being shut out of MSG, AEW has established Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens as its marquee New York City venue. The promotion has run its annual Grand Slam events there since 2021, drawing strong crowds to the tennis facility.

    WWE maintains a long-standing relationship with Madison Square Garden and continues to book the venue for live events and premium live events. No legal filings or official statements have confirmed that WWE is actively preventing AEW from securing MSG dates.

  • WWE Legend Threatens To Sue Rey Mysterio After AAA GM Reveal

    WWE Legend Threatens To Sue Rey Mysterio After AAA GM Reveal

    WWE legend John Bradshaw Layfield recently jokingly threatened to sue after WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio was announced as the new General Manager of AAA Lucha Libre.

    The former WWE Champion took to social media to express his mock outrage over the appointment.

    “I was robbed! I’m calling David Otunga and we are suing,” JBL posted on Twitter in response to the announcement. The post referenced fellow WWE personality David Otunga, playing up the comedic nature of the complaint.

    Dominik Mysterio Weighs In

    AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio reposted JBL’s complaint on social media. The younger Mysterio has been involved in an ongoing storyline feud with his father Rey on WWE programming for years.

    JBL had previously claimed he was confident about being appointed to the General Manager role. The Texan stated he is universally loved in Mexico ahead of the reveal.

    What’s Next For Rey Mysterio

    It remains unclear how the AAA General Manager role will affect Rey Mysterio’s in-ring career with WWE. After the announcement, Rey promised to take AAA to new heights in the position.

    Rey Mysterio continues to perform regularly on WWE while taking on this new responsibility with the Mexican promotion.

  • Triple H Reached Out To Top WWE Star After Embarrassing Botch

    Triple H Reached Out To Top WWE Star After Embarrassing Botch

    Sol Ruca recently revealed that Triple H personally reached out to reassure her after she slipped on the ropes during a Sol Snatcher attempt in a segment with Becky Lynch on WWE Raw.

    The former NXT Women’s North American Champion opened up about the incident and the mental toll of social media criticism during an appearance on The Ringer Wrestling Show.

    Ruca discussed how online reactions can heavily affect wrestlers mentally, even when most feedback is positive. She admitted that negative comments tend to stick with performers despite overwhelming support.

    “Social media is tough, especially with the trolls and people hating,” Ruca said. “I feel like a lot of us just want to know what people think. We want to know if people like our matches. We want to know if they’re invested and whatnot. But I feel like it doesn’t matter how many good comments we see, if we see one of those bad ones that strikes a nerve, we’re just like ‘Oh my God, I’m the worst. I did terribly.’”

    She acknowledged that handling criticism is an ongoing battle for wrestlers.

    “Yeah it’s just something you have to learn to work through, I think it’s going to be an ongoing thing. I don’t think any of us are ever going to completely get over that.”

    Triple H Reaches Out After Botched Spot

    Ruca reflected on the widely discussed moment where she tripped on the ropes while attempting her Sol Snatcher finisher during the Raw segment. Triple H contacted her afterward and immediately tried to calm any concerns she had.

    “I did have Triple H call me after my debut with Becky and the promo and stuff and he was like, ‘I just want you to know you did a great job.’ I was like ‘Yeah, I’m just gonna stay off social media, not 100% happy with how it turned out.’ But he was like ‘We think you did amazing, don’t worry about it, don’t go on social media.’”

    The support from WWE’s Chief Content Officer clearly meant a lot to Ruca, who said the conversation helped her tune out the negativity surrounding the moment.

    “He really just gave me that ok of like ‘You’re fine, don’t care what people say, we think you did amazing and just keep doing what you’re doing.’”

    WWE later edited the segment clips before posting them across social media platforms.

    Sol Ruca is set to face WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch at Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 23.

  • Former WWE Champion Possibly Returning On SmackDown Tonight

    Former WWE Champion Possibly Returning On SmackDown Tonight

    Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is possibly returning to WWE programming ending his hiatus.

    ‘The Scottish Warrior’ has been advertised for tonight’s edition of SmackDown in Lexington, KY, according to promotional material on WWE.com.

    McIntyre is also prominently featured on promotional material for the May 29 edition of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain. That show serves as WWE’s final stop before the Clash in Italy premium live event on May 31 at Inalpi Arena in Turin.

    What’s Next For Drew McIntyre

    McIntyre’s last WWE appearance came at WrestleMania 42, where he competed in an unsanctioned match against Jacob Fatu.

    WWE’s use of McIntyre in advertising for upcoming international SmackDown events has naturally sparked speculation that he could return in time for the Italy premium live event weekend. Jacob Fatu is currently set to face Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Italy later this month.

    For now, WWE has not officially confirmed McIntyre’s return. As always with WWE promotional material, appearances remain subject to change.

  • Top WWE Tag Team Split Idea Pitched

    Top WWE Tag Team Split Idea Pitched

    Speculation is mounting about a potential breakup of The Street Profits, with wrestling analysts suggesting that Montez Ford should transition to a singles run. The discussion comes after the tag team’s recent return to WWE programming.

    Tommy Carlucci recently addressed the possibility on the Behind The Turnbuckle podcast. Carlucci argued that Ford’s athleticism and crowd reactions warrant a solo push from WWE management.

    “Speaking of tag teams, I’m starting to see a little crack in the armour with the Street Profits, and I’m wondering, by the way, folks, we’ve said this before and we’ve said this a million times. Montez Ford needs to be on his own,” Carlucci said.

    “Did you see how he came in the ring tonight? The pop, his athleticism, in the ring jumping over the corner of the ring over onto Logan Paul and Theory. Freak Stuff.”

    The Street Profits, consisting of Ford and Angelo Dawkins, have been a fixture in WWE’s tag team division. The duo has competed across Raw and SmackDown throughout their tenure with the company. They have also held the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, Raw Tag Team Championship and The NXT Tag Team Championship.

  • Real Reason CM Punk Was Removed From WWE European Tour

    Real Reason CM Punk Was Removed From WWE European Tour

    Former WWE World Champion CM Punk was recently removed from WWE European tour advertisement, and the reported reason has now emerged.

    ‘The Second City Saint’ has been away from WWE programming since the episode of Monday Night Raw following WrestleMania 42, with the company pulling him from several advertised live events including the upcoming European tour.

    As per Fightful Select, Punk himself cited “some schedule changes” as the reason for his current absence.

    The extended time away comes as a surprise to fans, as Punk stated on Raw that he did not plan on taking a lengthy vacation following WrestleMania 42. WWE initially attributed the removal from live event appearances to “schedule changes,” though the exact reason behind the absence remains unclear.

    Recent Appearances Outside WWE

    While away from WWE television, Punk was spotted attending the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano MMA fight last weekend. The appearance marked one of his few public sightings during the current hiatus from WWE programming.

  • Drew McIntyre WWE Return Timeline Revealed

    Drew McIntyre WWE Return Timeline Revealed

    Drew McIntyre is likely to return soon.

    ‘The Scottish Warrior’ has been advertised to return to WWE programming on the May 29 episode of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain at Olympic Arena. The former WWE Champion has been absent from television for several weeks following WrestleMania 42.

    According to WWE’s official event listing, McIntyre is scheduled to appear on the international SmackDown taping. The company has not yet confirmed what role he will play on the show or whether he will be involved in an active storyline.

    McIntyre’s last WWE appearance came at WrestleMania 42, where he competed in an unsanctioned match against Jacob Fatu. The violent bout effectively wrote him off television programming.

    Reports have indicated that McIntyre’s absence was not due to injury or storyline issues. Instead, the Scottish wrestler was reportedly overseas completing filming commitments for the Highlander reboot, an Amazon MGM Studios project directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Henry Cavill.

    McIntyre is said to be playing Angus MacLeod in the film, though official casting announcements have not been widely confirmed through major entertainment trade publications.

  • Details On Ludwig Kaiser Arrest On Battery Charge In Florida

    Details On Ludwig Kaiser Arrest On Battery Charge In Florida

    Ludwig Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, was arrested on May 20 on a charge of battery in Orange County, Florida. The WWE Superstar posted $1,000 bond and was released from custody.

    As per an arrest warrant from the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Court in Orange County, Kaiser entered a not-guilty plea through written filing and waived his in-person arraignment appearance. The case has been assigned to Judge Jeramy C. Beasley, with future court dates pending.

    Details Of The Alleged Incident

    Officer Victor Cortes provided a sworn affidavit detailing the misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an incident on April 23. The alleged altercation occurred at Paramount on Lake Eola in Orlando.

    According to the affidavit, Richard Reap entered an elevator at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET and was followed by a male suspect, believed to be Kaiser, and an unknown female.

    Reap claimed the couple began acting in an “uncontrollably intimate” manner, described as aggressively kissing.

    After reaching the 12th floor, Reap said he told the couple to “please have some manners.” Reap alleged that the male suspect then assaulted him, punching him multiple times and shoving him to the ground while making additional threats of violence.

    Officer Cortes observed a large, fresh scratch on the back of Reap’s head along with redness, which he believed was consistent with a physical altercation.

    Officer Benavides reviewed surveillance footage from the 12th floor, observing a white male punching and pushing Reap outside the elevator at the reported time.

    Officers identified Kaiser as the possible suspect matching the description from the surveillance footage. Kaiser is a current resident of the apartment complex. Reap later identified Kaiser from a photo lineup as the person who battered him.

    Travel Motion Filed

    Kaiser filed a motion to allow out-of-state and international travel. The motion stated that Kaiser only became aware of the warrant while in Mexico on work and traveled to Orlando to address it by posting bond.

    The motion highlighted that Kaiser is an international performer who needs to travel outside of Florida and has no criminal record. Defense filings confirm Kaiser has no prior criminal history.

  • John Cena Explains How He Knew It Was Time For Retirement

    John Cena Explains How He Knew It Was Time For Retirement

    17-time World Champion John Cena recently revealed the data-driven approach behind his decision to retire from in-ring competition. ‘The Leader of Cenation’ explained the specific tests and metrics he used to know it was time to hang up the boots.

    In an interview with The Takedown on SI, Cena discussed how he relied on measurable performance indicators rather than emotion alone to make the retirement call.

    The WWE legend highlighted that his decision was based on concrete data points that signaled his body could no longer perform at the level he demands of himself.

    “As much as I love feel and I love passion, I also love data. I’m a strength athlete, so I consistently test one-rep max. I test vertical jump, all of these metrics, whatever they tested at the combine.

    When these numbers start to go down, you look at it like, ‘Okay, why? I’m getting plenty of rest. I’m training on a regular schedule. I’m not eating like garbage. I’m hydrated. My caffeine intake is monitored. All the data lines up. You should be strong.’ And then you look at the age graphic, and you’re like, ‘Oh, man.’”

    John Cena Saw Early Signs

    Cena made it clear that he saw the signs as early as age 45. He explained:

    “The game just looks too fast for me, because it is. I could change my style at the risk of ruining that energy that WWE invested in me. And that’s tough, because from an ego standpoint, you’ve got to step away from the audience. I love it. It’s great, but that’s not respectful to the fans and it’s not respectful to the company.”

    Post-Retirement Focus

    Cena said that he is now focused on leaving the wrestling business better than he found it. Brand partnerships represent one of the new platforms he wants to leverage in his post-retirement role with WWE.

    The transition marks a shift for one of WWE’s most decorated superstars, who has been appearing as a special attraction rather than a full-time roster member in recent programming.

  • WWE Hall of Famer Reveals Doctors Monitoring For Dementia

    WWE Hall of Famer Reveals Doctors Monitoring For Dementia

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently revealed that doctors are monitoring him for potential dementia or Alzheimer’s disease following recent neurological testing.

    The veteran AEW commentator discussed the medical concerns during the latest episode of his podcast, Grilling JR.

    Ross explained that his neurologist raised concerns after reviewing test results, prompting additional evaluations and ongoing monitoring. While no formal diagnosis has been publicly confirmed, Good Ol’ JR acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

    “Gives me a chance to get my ailments addressed. I had a positive doctor’s appointment with my neurologist—everyone’s getting in on it, man. They took a bunch of blood, ran some tests.”

    “They’re worried about dementia or Alzheimer’s, and I’m like, ‘What the hell are you gonna do about it? There’s not a cure,’” Ross stated on the podcast.

    Jim Ross Reports Feeling Physically Well

    Despite expressing skepticism about available treatments, Ross made clear he would follow medical recommendations if preventative options exist. He highlighted his willingness to take any medications or therapies his doctors suggest.

    “If there’s any medicine I should be taking preventatively, tell me what they are and I’ll do it,” Ross said. “But you know, we’ll see how it works out. I’m going through a lot of tests. I don’t feel bad at all—I feel great, actually. But you know, getting old is a b****.”

    The comments came after Ross shared positive news from a recent physical examination. He reported excellent results for blood pressure, blood sugar, and other major vitals, though doctors noted some kidney concerns related to medication.

    Ross has been open about various health challenges in recent years, including previous battles with Bell’s palsy and skin cancer. The longtime broadcaster continues his work with AEW while undergoing medical monitoring.

  • Former WWE Star Addresses Rumors About Imminent Return

    Former WWE Star Addresses Rumors About Imminent Return

    Former WWE star Baron Corbin recently responded to speculation regarding a potential WWE return, taking to social media to mock reports claiming he had wrapped up commitments with outside promotions.

    It was recently reported that Corbin could be heading back to WWE after allegedly finishing obligations with promotions he had been working for since his 2024 departure.

    Fightful reported that Corbin had completed commitments with several companies, including Major League Wrestling where he teamed with Donovan Dijak as The Skyscrapers.

    Taking to X, the former WWE star used sarcasm to address the rumors while revealing he still has multiple bookings scheduled. He suggested someone else must be controlling his schedule without his knowledge.

    “I accepted 8 shows in Europe. My eye is still swollen from Australia. I also didn’t know i was done with some of these companies. Who ever is making my schedule needs to let me know this sh*t. I thought it was me but apparently it’s not.”

    The response neither confirmed nor denied the WWE speculation, instead poking fun at how quickly reports about his future spread throughout wrestling media.

    Corbin parted ways with WWE in November 2024 after more than a decade with the promotion, during which he worked under several personas including King Corbin and Happy Corbin.

    Despite Corbin’s sarcastic response, the belief within wrestling circles appears to be that a WWE return remains possible in the near future, though nothing has been officially confirmed by either party.

  • Ludwig Kaiser Arrested On Battery Charge In Florida

    Ludwig Kaiser Arrested On Battery Charge In Florida

    Reports have emerged that WWE superstar Ludwig Kaiser, real name Marcel Barthel, was arrested in Orange County, Florida on a battery charge.

    His arrest was noted on the Orange County Mugshots 2.0 Facebook page and on Recently Booked. The reports alleged Kaiser, who currently goes by El Grande Americano in WWE, was booked on May 20 at 2:37 PM with a bond set at $1,000.

    The charge stemmed from an altercation with a male rather than a domestic situation. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported:

    “Ludwig Kaiser is listed online as being arrested in Florida this week.

    We’ve asked WWE for comment and will update with additional info.

    The arrest is accurate. We’re told the battery charge was against a male after an altercation. Not a domestic situation as some are speculating”

    Kaiser is scheduled for a Mask vs. Mask match against Original El Grande Americano at a Lucha Libre AAA event called “Noches de Los Grandes” on May 31.

    WWE has not issued any statement regarding the arrest.

  • MJF Accuses TKO Of Leaking Negative AEW TV Deal Rumors

    MJF Accuses TKO Of Leaking Negative AEW TV Deal Rumors

    Former AEW World Champion MJF believes TKO is behind online rumors designed to hurt the perception of AEW. The AEW star addressed speculation about the company’s TV future

    During a recent interview with CBS Sports’ SHAK Wrestling, MJF said he believes negative stories about AEW’s television negotiations are being intentionally leaked by someone at TKO to make AEW look bad. He specifically referenced recent rumors claiming AEW is struggling to secure a new TV deal.

    “TKO, WWE, what have you, their job is to make themselves look great and to make us look bad. So there’s a leak. Oh, ‘AEW is struggling to get a TV deal.’ That’s f—ing news to me, bro,” MJF said.

    “Like that’s news to me. That’s news to everybody on the roster. It’s damn sure news to Tony Khan because last time I checked, they’re f—ing over the moon with us right now.”

    MJF then pointed to AEW’s strong cable ratings as evidence the rumors are unfounded.

    “You know, we do better numbers than f—ing almost everything that’s going on on a weekly basis on cable because right now, as I was saying, the things that draw on cable are news and live sport,” he stated.

    MJF Compares WWE and AEW Dynamic to Coke vs. Pepsi

    ‘The Salt of The Earth’ then used a Coke and Pepsi analogy to illustrate his point about the competitive nature of the wrestling business. He suggested fans should consider the source when evaluating negative stories about AEW.

    “I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a million times, Shak, I love Jolly Old Saint Nick (Khan) and I love the tricks he’s pulling out. I f—ing get it. It’s smart, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t use our brains, right?” MJF said.

    “It doesn’t mean that we can’t go, ‘Oh, this is being leaked intentionally to hurt the company that is the alternative.’”

    “It’d be like if Coke out of the blue was like, ‘Hey, I don’t know if you guys knew about this, but Pepsi has a– water in it.’ Everybody be like, ‘Well, I mean, where is that source coming from? It’s coming from Coke.’ Okay, I’m not really going to give much thought to this, right?” he explained.

    MJF is set to challenge Darby Allin in the main event of Double or Nothing for the AEW World title in a Hair vs Title match at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens this Sunday.

  • WWE Has Three Secret Signings Waiting To Be Announced

    WWE Has Three Secret Signings Waiting To Be Announced

    Recent reports suggest that WWE signed Nikki Blackheart along with two other unannounced talents.

    Bryan Alvarez reported to subscribers on X that Nikki Blackheart is a former Florida Panthers NHL cheerleader who trained under Gangrel and came onto WWE’s radar after WrestleMania 41 in 2025. The report also claimed Bayley strongly endorsed her before a tryout.

    Additionally, WWE’s Performance Center recruit announcements have not listed any signee matching that description or background.

    Blackheart recently made her WWE debut in a dark match taped at the WWE Performance Center on Tuesday. Her signing had been building over the past several months.

    Per Bryan Alvarez’s update on X:

    “Update on Nikki Blackheart and WWE: She is no longer an indie wrestler. She is a former cheerleader for the NHL Florida Panthers who trained under Gangrel. Right after Mania 2025 she ended up HEAVILY on WWE’s radar, said to be top five.

    She was heavily praised by Bayley, so her tryout was basically a guarantee. That was this past February. She very recently moved to Orlando and is one of the few that have still yet to be officially announced by WWE, but all are officially in Orlando and under the typical starting PC/NXT contracts which are usually about three years.”

    Alvarez further reported that Blackheart is not the only recent signing WWE has yet to announce publicly.

    “There are also three other names besides Nikki that have been signed but haven’t been announced by WWE yet.”

  • Backstage Plans To Rebuild Tag-Team Division After WWE Releases

    Backstage Plans To Rebuild Tag-Team Division After WWE Releases

    Reports have emerged that WWE is making moves to strengthen its tag team scene following a wave of roster departures after WrestleMania 42.

    The company is focusing on rebuilding the division through internal development and potential outside acquisitions.

    WWE released multiple tag teams and talents as part of its post-Mania roster cuts, leaving noticeable gaps across the division. Among those let go were the Wyatt Sicks, Motor City Machine Guns members Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, as well as Tonga Loa and Jeff Cobb from The MFTs.

    In another major blow to the tag ranks, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston of The New Day also exited WWE after reportedly being asked to accept pay reductions. That represents a significant amount of experience and established chemistry gone in a short period of time.

    WWE’s Rebuilding Strategy

    As per False Finish HQ sources, WWE is now actively working to rebuild the division internally by developing teams already on the roster.

    The company is also believed to be exploring the possibility of bringing in established tag teams from outside promotions in the near future.

    The latest reports suggest there is renewed plan on rebuilding depth and credibility across the division moving ahead.

  • MJF Thinks Mick Foley Is ‘Fat and Ugly’

    MJF Thinks Mick Foley Is ‘Fat and Ugly’

    Former AEW World Champion MJF stayed fully in character when asked about the possibility of WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley appearing in AEW. The Long Island native didn’t hold back when addressing the speculation.

    Reports suggest that Foley’s WWE Legends contract is set to expire next month. The Hardcore Legend has decided to let the deal lapse after taking issue with WWE’s relationship with President Donald Trump.

    Speaking with SNY ahead of Double or Nothing, MJF was asked about recent reports that AEW has expressed interest in working with the WWE Hall of Famer. Rather than snubbing the rumors, MJF took the opportunity to insult Foley.

    “I think Mick Foley is fat and he’s ugly,” MJF said. “I think he was the blueprint of what Darby Allin is now, which makes me hate him even more. That’s what I think of Mick Foley.”

    MJF faces Darby Allin in the main event of Double or Nothing at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens this Sunday. The match is for Allin’s AEW World Championship, with MJF’s hair also on the line after he agreed to the stipulation to secure the rematch.

    Meanwhile, Foley has made appearances for independent promotions including OVW and GCW. It’s possible he could appear in AEW before his WWE deal expires.

  • Hulk Hogan Anticipated Negative Reaction During WWE Raw On Netflix Debut

    Hulk Hogan Anticipated Negative Reaction During WWE Raw On Netflix Debut

    WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan had anticipated the possibility of a negative crowd reaction before his appearance during WWE Raw’s Netflix debut episode in January last year.

    The two-time WWE Hall of Famer made a brief return during the historic broadcast from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

    Longtime friend and manager Jimmy Hart discussed the backstage dynamics surrounding Hogan’s appearance in a recent interview on the “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast, revealing that Hogan was aware the crowd could turn against him before they walked through the curtain.

    According to Hart, the situation began when Hogan wore a Trump-Vance shirt during pre-taped material filmed in California.

    Hart admitted he immediately felt uncomfortable about the decision and warned Hogan about potential backlash.

    “Here’s what happened, though—and I told Hulk before we went. And you know, I love you, Hulkster, but I’m going to tell the truth on this,” Hart explained.

    “He wore a Trump–Vance T-shirt when we did some pre-tape stuff. I said, ‘You know where we’re going—we’re going to California.’ And like I said before, I’m not a Democrat or Republican—I’m a jabroni. But here’s the deal—I said, ‘I don’t like this.’ He said, ‘Jimmy, don’t worry about it.’”

    Confrontation Outside the Arena

    The tension escalated before the segment even aired, according to Hart. He revealed that fans confronted Hogan directly outside the building upon their arrival at the Honda Center.

    “We get out of the van—the nice Town Car pulls up—and some fans go, ‘Hulk, we loved you, but we don’t like you anymore because you’re…’ Oh my God,” Hart recalled. “I said, ‘Hulk…’ And he goes, ‘I don’t feel good about this, Jimmy.’”

    Despite sensing the hostile atmosphere, Hogan insisted on moving forward with the appearance. Hart remained nervous throughout rehearsals and could feel the crowd reaction intensifying once they walked out in front of the live audience.

    Hogan Accepted the Consequences

    Hart explained that Hogan focused on the business side of the reaction after returning backstage, noting that the segment drew strong ratings despite the negative response.

    “Hulk comes in like, ‘Hey, the ratings were good on that segment we did.’ And I said, ‘Well, I guess they should be—with all the commotion that happened,’” Hart said.

    Hogan openly acknowledged he understood why the backlash occurred and accepted the consequences tied to his political stance.

    “And he goes, ‘Jimmy, look—sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.’ He said, ‘I’ve made my bed, and I’ve got to lie in it. That’s who I wanted to vote for—that’s what I wanted to do.’ He said, ‘I knew in my heart going in there it might be a catchy situation,’ but he knew it,” Hart revealed.

    Hart also recalled Pat McAfee parodying the situation on his show the following day, with a skit featuring someone dressed as Hogan.

    “They had a guy dressed up like Hulk going, ‘I told Jimmy Hart not to wear that silly jacket! I told Jimmy Hart not to have that hairstyle!’ But it turned out great, you know?” Hart said.

  • WWE Confirms Saudi Arabia Events Moving Forward Amid Tensions

    WWE Confirms Saudi Arabia Events Moving Forward Amid Tensions

    WWE recently confirmed its scheduled Saudi Arabia premium live events will move forward as planned despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The decision was communicated during internal meetings with talent and staff this week.

    During a Town Hall meeting, Triple H and Nick Khan addressed several business topics, including the company’s international schedule. WWE leadership informed attendees that upcoming trips to Saudi Arabia remain on track with no current concerns about traveling to the region.

    TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro previously addressed the situation during a Q1 2024 earnings call. Shapiro stated that all scheduled WWE and UFC events in Saudi Arabia would proceed despite what he described as a challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic environment in the Middle East.

    As per a new report from PWInsider, one of the big announcements from the Town Hall was that WWE will still be heading to Saudi Arabia in June. Initially, there was concern about going over to the Middle East with the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. It appears now, though, that the company will still be heading to Riyadh:

    “Regarding Saudi Arabia, we are told they said the June event is still on (as are other events down the line) and that they are not concerned about going there. – PWInsider”

    Partnership Remains Strong

    Shapiro noted that TKO’s long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority remains strong. As per the executive, there has been no indication from Saudi partners of any desire to scale back events or spending moving forward into 2026 and beyond.

    The comments come after speculation about whether WWE and UFC events connected to Saudi Arabia could be impacted by regional conflicts. TKO executives have credited both the company and its international partners for maintaining their commitment to scheduled shows.

  • John Cena Discusses Post-Retirement Role With WWE

    John Cena Discusses Post-Retirement Role With WWE

    17-time World Champion John Cena recently discussed his future with WWE.

    During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown, Cena, who retired from pro wrestling last year, shared his thoughts on staying involved with the company and his goals for contributing to the wrestling business.

    Cena expressed enthusiasm about his current relationship with WWE. He mentioned enjoying watching the product and having fun during his recent appearances.

    “It’s great, physically, I feel great,” Cena said. “Gosh, I love watching the product. As you saw, I was having a bunch of fun at WrestleMania. Really looking forward to the future and my future role in WWE.”

    John Cena’s Vision For Contributing

    The longtime WWE superstar highlighted his desire to give back to the industry that shaped his career. Cena explained that his focus centers on finding ways to provide value to WWE beyond in-ring competition.

    “I just want to try to develop a way to pay it back and pay it forward for all the moments I was able to have,” Cena said. “My goal is to leave the business better than I found it and there has to be some acumen behind it. (This is) a chance for the business to continue to get energy from me, because they’ve given me so much energy.”

    Cena has remained connected to WWE through various appearances this year. The veteran performer continues to explore opportunities to contribute to the company in different capacities.

  • Former WWE Star Reveals How Asking For Raise Led To Release

    Former WWE Star Reveals How Asking For Raise Led To Release

    Former WWE star Rico Constantino started professional wrestling at 38 years old — and from his first day in WWE, Vince McMahon made clear he wasn’t sold on the idea.

    In a wide-ranging conversation on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, Rico opened up about the cold reception he received from McMahon throughout his entire WWE tenure, the gimmick he was handed with zero direction, and the raise request that ended it all.

    “Vince didn’t like me because of my age in the beginning. He was forced to put me there,” Rico said. “He hardly said any words to me the whole time I was there. Just hello, Mr. McMahon. Good night, Mr. McMahon. And no response. I got that.”

    The skepticism started even before WWE. When Rico attended a tryout run by Dory Funk, Jim Cornette discovered his age mid-camp.

    “Jim Cornette comes out and he’s all red-faced,” Rico recalled. “‘I just heard you were 38 years old.’ I said, ‘Yeah, I thought you were 25.’ He stormed off.”

    According to Rico, Dr. Tom Prichard read the room immediately: “He says, ‘He’s probably going to sign you.’ And that’s what happened.”

    Cornette ran a similarly no-nonsense ship at OVW, where Rico trained alongside future stars.

    “Could you tell he was going to be something?” Rico said of Brock Lesnar. “Oh, yeah. He picked up on things so fast. So did Shelton.”

    Despite the age concerns, WWE called Rico up and assigned him to the Billy and Chuck tag team as their flamboyant stylist — with almost no guidance.

    “I meet with Vince and he goes, ‘You’re going to be Billy and Chuck’s stylist.’ I said, ‘Okay, hair stylist, foot stylist? What kind of stylist?’ He goes, ‘Flesh it out.’ And he turned around and walked away on me. And it was that night.”

    Rico credits that sink-or-swim moment for forcing him to build something memorable. He sought out Adrian Street for permission to use a flamboyant character, called Kenny Bolin for advice, and adopted the now-iconic Wolverine sideburns.

    “Think maybe hoping I fail,” Rico said of McMahon’s motives. “Well, I turned it around.”

    Even after holding the tag titles twice and appearing on nearly every show, McMahon’s assessment of Rico never changed. When Rico approached him asking for a $1,000-a-week raise — a $52,000 annual increase on top of his base — McMahon’s answer was blunt. “He told me I wasn’t popular.”

    Rico didn’t dispute the decision, but the moment stung.

    “I held the tag titles twice. I was going to almost every show and on TV. I said, ‘I want $1,000 a week.’ I thought I was worth it.”

    No, I wanted a $52,000 raise on top of the $75k. I thought I was worth it, and Charlie and I and Jackie were about to come out on the SmackDown magazine front cover, and he told me I wasn’t popular.”

    He has carried the lesson with him ever since.

    “What your mind can conceive, your heart can achieve,” Rico said. “Age is just a number, and it’s how bad you want it.”

  • WWE Hall of Famer Pitches Cody Rhodes Loss at WWE Clash in Italy

    WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray believes Cody Rhodes should lose the Undisputed WWE Championship to Gunther at Clash in Italy.

    ‘The American Nightmare’ is set to put his Undisputed WWE title on the line against ‘The Ring General’ at the PLE in Turin, Italy. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Ray shared his pitch for the match.

    He argued that Cody Rhodes should be placed in a “no hope” situation heading into the match. He wants to see the champion struggle in a way that creates genuine doubt about his ability to retain.

    “I want Cody to be in a situation that he’s not used to being in where there is no hope,” Ray said. “Want Cody to go to sleep this week on SmackDown, I want Cody to go to sleep next week on SmackDown. And I want Cody to go to sleep in the match in Turin, and I want Gunther to win.”

    The Reason Behind the Pitch

    Ray explained that taking the title from Rhodes would create stronger heel heat for Gunther. He believes WWE should rely on traditional storytelling methods that have worked in wrestling for decades.

    “I want to take the hope from Cody away,” Ray continued. “Would love to see WWE rely on things that have been working in pro wrestling for hundreds of years, and that is going with some heel heat and steam in which the babyface has no hope, and now we see Cody put in a situation where he might have to question himself.”

    The veteran doesn’t believe a loss would hurt Rhodes long-term. He argued that Rhodes’ fanbase would rally behind him and support his eventual comeback.

    “I believe he should defeat Cody. Will the loss affect Cody? Absolutely not, because Cody’s fanbase will rally behind him, because Cody’s fanbase has hope in Cody and they believe in Cody and they will will Cody back to his next victory,” Ray said.

    Whether WWE follows Bully Ray’s booking idea remains to be seen, but the suggestion adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming showdown between Cody Rhodes and Gunther.

    With Clash in Italy shaping up as one of WWE’s biggest international events of the year, a title change would instantly shock fans and potentially elevate Gunther to an even higher level as a dominant heel champion.

  • Nic Nemeth Reveals What Influenced Him For WWE Return

    Nic Nemeth Reveals What Influenced Him For WWE Return

    Nic Nemeth recently revealed the real reason behind his surprise WWE return at Madison Square Garden last November, and it all came down to John Cena.

    Nemeth made a one-night return during the November 17 last year during the episode of Raw at Madison Square Garden as part of Cena’s “Last Time Is Now” tournament. The appearance shocked fans, especially since Nemeth had spent nearly two years outside WWE following his release.

    Speaking on the Pro Wrestling Podcast, Nemeth revealed he had already turned down multiple WWE return discussions before agreeing to come back specifically for Cena.

    “They had asked me to come back a couple different times for some other things, and I was like, ‘Uh, I don’t know. It’s been two years. I don’t really want to,’” Nemeth said.

    John Cena Changed Everything

    Nemeth noted that everything changed when WWE explained the return would directly involve Cena and their long history together.

    “And then they said, ‘This is for Cena.’ They said, ‘We’ve had a million matches together. Incredible guy. We’ve done so much. We have a story. We have a history,’” Nemeth explained.

    Nemeth then showered praise on John Cena for everything he has done behind the scenes throughout his career.

    “And I know all the good that he’s done. You could roll down a Santa Claus list of everything he’s done—what he’s done for us in the back, what he’s done to help the guys and girls, what he’s done granting wishes—everything. Come on—he’s the greatest of all time,” Nemeth said.

    Once WWE framed the appearance around helping Cena’s farewell run, Nemeth said agreeing to the comeback became an easy decision. Even then, Nemeth admitted part of him also wanted to prove something by walking back into WWE after succeeding outside the company.

    “So now, come back for this tournament? Yeah—hell yeah, I’ll come back. I really wanted to go, ‘I want you to see how good I am still,’” Nemeth stated.

    No Plans for Full-Time Return

    The former TNA World Champion then compared returning backstage to showing up at a party where your ex is present.

    “It’s like going to a party and you know your ex is there. You’re like, ‘Oh, I’m getting my hair done, I’m getting a nice new shirt, make sure I’ve got a tan, get a workout in.’ And then you walk in like, ‘Oh hey, what’s going on?’ Just for that one moment of walking by—to let them know you’re doing great,” Nemeth said.

    However, Nemeth made it clear he has no interest in returning to WWE full-time despite enjoying the experience.

    “I don’t want to come back full-time, but if you want me to come back down the line and work something out once in a while for special moments—to help my friends—in a heartbeat.”

    Nemeth further said that he has been focusing on the past several months to help TNA Wrestling secure a stronger television future. He admitted the comeeback felt easier because most of the WWE locker room remained familiar to him.

  • Brock Lesnar Suffers Embarrassing Wardrobe Malfunction During WWE Raw

    Brock Lesnar Suffers Embarrassing Wardrobe Malfunction During WWE Raw

    Brock Lesnar recently made a shocking return to WWE programming on the May 18 edition of Raw, but he suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

    The former WWE Champion had been away from television following his loss to Femi at WrestleMania 42. The post-match presentation, including an emotional crowd reaction and Paul Heyman standing alongside Lesnar, fueled speculation that his in-ring career was over.

    Following his return on Raw, ‘The Beast Incarnate’ attacked Oba Femi in a brutal segment. During Femi’s scheduled open challenge, Lesnar rushed to the ring and assaulted ‘The Ruler’ and took him out with multiple F5s.

    Wardrobe Malfunction Incident

    During the attack, Lesnar’s pants ripped open mid-segment. Fans online were quick to point out that a similar incident happened to Lesnar during a September 2025 episode of SmackDown.

    Rematch at WWE Clash in Italy

    With Lesnar now back in the picture and targeting Femi once again, all signs point toward a rematch between the two. Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi II is expected to take place at WWE Clash in Italy on May 31.

  • Former WWE Star Teases ‘Full Circle Moment’ With Clash In Italy 2026 Appearance

    Former WWE Star Teases ‘Full Circle Moment’ With Clash In Italy 2026 Appearance

    Former WWE star Santino Marella recently teased the possibility of appearing at WWE Clash in Italy on May 31.

    TNA Director of Authority responded to a fan-made poster that features him at the Premium Live Event, calling it a potential full circle moment.

    Marella posted on his X account in response to the fan artwork.

    “It would be a full circle moment for sure,” he wrote.

    The comment has fueled speculation about a possible appearance at the event, though WWE has not officially announced Marella for the show. Clash in Italy marks WWE’s first Premium Live Event in the country and takes place at Inalpi Arena in Turin.

    Marella’s WWE and TNA History

    Marella debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2007 and remained with the company until 2016. Since his WWE departure, he has been signed with TNA and competed in the promotion’s crossover storyline with NXT.

    He recently teamed with Arianna Grace in TNA’s first ever father-daughter tag team match. His Italian heritage and connection to the country make the speculation about a Clash in Italy appearance particularly notable to fans.

  • AJ Styles Reflects On Failed WWE Title Chase Against Cody Rhodes

    AJ Styles Reflects On Failed WWE Title Chase Against Cody Rhodes

    WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles recently reflected on his 2024 WWE Championship storyline with Cody Rhodes.

    The feud played out across two Premium Live Events last year. ‘The Phenomenal One’ challenged Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at both Backlash France in May and Clash at the Castle in June.

    Rhodes defeated Styles at Backlash France on May 4, 2024, in his first PLE title defense after winning the championship from Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. The rematch took place at Clash at the Castle in Glasgow, Scotland, where Rhodes again retained the title.

    Speaking on his Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles reflected on the booking reality.

    “I remember when Cody won the World Championship and AJ Styles was going through his dark time. The pitch was for AJ Styles to wrestle Cody Rhodes. I was like, ‘Well, freak. I just tried to get this character over being just a vicious heel, and I’m gonna have to lose if I’m wrestling Cody because we can’t flip flop the title. That’s not the way it’s gonna work.’ So it was nice being back in the main event on the PLEs and whatnot.”

    The program marked a significant chapter in Rhodes’ championship reign, coming immediately after his historic WrestleMania victory. Styles, a two-time WWE Champion himself, served as Rhodes’ first major challenger during this run.

    AJ Styles remains active behind the scenes and has been a part of NXT scouting team following his retirement.