Author: Bishal Roy

WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes has yet again shared a heartwarming moment with a fan.

\’The American Nightmare\’ has earned a reputation for his genuine kindness and memorable interactions with fans throughout his career. Despite being a larger-than-life figure in the world of pro wrestling, he has always made an effort to connect with his fans on a personal level.

Cody Rhodes often takes time to meet fans, sign autographs, and take photos at events. Whether it\’s a major wrestling show or a small indie event, Cody\’s humble nature has left a lasting impression on fans. He certainly goes out of his way to make each encounter special and ensures that fans feel appreciated and valued.

Cody Rhodes interacts with an impaired fan

At a Saturday\’s live event at Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, TN. Cody Rhodes spotted a fan who was impaired. In a video clip that surfaced on Twitter, \’The American Nightmare\’ read out the fan sign saying: 

\”Legally blind but trying to see Cody Rhodes\”

Cody then left the ring, went over the barricade, and hugged the fan before signing an autograph as the fans cheered on.

The quarterback. The guy. The face.

The best, @CodyRhodes #WWEKnoxville pic.twitter.com/rR1rv7S0Zs

— Gunnar Mathis (@GunnarMathis) February 4, 2024

Cody Rhodes recently won the 2024 Men\’s Royal Rumble match. While everybody though that he would challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion,The Rock entered the fray. 

\’The Great One\’ made his huge return on Friday\’s episode of SmackDown and it stirred new controversy. The Rock took Cody Rhodes\’ WrestleMania main event spot against Roman Reigns.

We previously reported how WWE fans have spoken out against The Rock taking Cody Rhodes\’ spot and they have even started a trend of Justice for Cody on social media as well as bombarding WWE\’s posts on the matter.

Former NXT North American Champion Trick Williams is grateful for the positive reaction from the WWE Universe when he made his first main roster appearance.

Trick Williams, who comes from a football background has made quite an impact in the pro wrestling landscape. Williams has gained massive popularity over the last few months and fans start \”WHOOP THAT TRICK\” chants whenever he shows up. He has certainly become a breakout star of WWE\’s developmental brand. Williams has been associated with the former NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes and they are currently thriving as a tag team. 

Ahead of the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, the WWE SmackDown go-home edition on January 26 emanated from Miami, Florida. A rematch between Carmelo Hayes and Austin Theory saw the latter securing the win. However, following the match, Theory and Grayson Waller attacked Hayes. 

Trick Williams would come out to a massive ovation from the fans and rescue his tag-team partner Hayes from the assault.

Trick Williams says it\’s a dream come true moment

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Trick Williams recalled the positive reception from the crowd when he showed up on SmackDown. He said that it was a ‘dream come true’ for him.

”Honestly, it’s a dream come true (reaction he received at 1/26 WWE SmackDown). I think that’s the feeling that every wrestler wants to feel. Running out when you hear your music being played. So, beyond my imagination. Who thinks their first debut is gonna sound like that? So, I’m grateful for.’

Williams will have to pull off double duty this Sunday at NXT Vengeance Day. He is set to team up with Carmelo Hayes and take on Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Finals. Later in the main event, Williams will challenge Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Championship.

There are chances that Williams could walk out a double champ. We will have to wait and see what the future holds for him.

WWE Women\’s World Heavyweight Champion Rhea Ripley has expressed her interest in facing Becky Lynch in a dream match at WrestleMania 40.

Last month, Lynch interrupted \’Mami,\’ and vowed to script history by becoming the first two-time winner of the Women\’s Royal Rumble match. Lynch also made her intentions know that when she wins, she would challenge Ripley at WrestleMania 40. However, the Women\’s Royal Rumble match was ultimately won by Damage CTRL leader, Bayley.

Ever since that confrontation, fans have been clamoring to witness a clash between Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch and they might get what they want.

Rhea Ripley to Becky Lynch: \”Are you scared?\”

Ahead of the 2024 Royal Rumble PLE, Denise Salcedo spoke with Rhea Ripley and asked her what she makes of a potential match against \’The Man.\’ It seems that \’Mami\’ loves the idea of the clash but also forewarned Becky Lynch. She said:

\”I mean, obviously, it would mean the world, Becky\’s one that I watched before I made it to WWE, and then even when I was in WWE. She\’s one that I\’ve paid close attention to, and she\’s made so much history herself. I would love to step in the ring with her. But also, on the other hand, Becky, how does it feel stepping in the ring with Rhea Ripley? Are you excited? Are you nervous? Are you scared? Are you doubting yourself? Because maybe you should.\”

Previously as well, \’The Man\’ let her thoughts known and said that she was sick and tired of Rhea Ripley\’s prolonged championship reign. 

We are closing in on WWE\’s first Premium Live Event in Australia in over five years, Elimination Chamber: Perth on February 24. The show will emanate from The Optus Stadium. There have been reports that Ripley would defend her title inside the steel structure and the superstar herself addressed the possibility.

TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace recently shocked the fans when she made an appearance during the WWE Women\’s Royal Rumble match. 

\’Juggernaut\’ is sitting at the top of the TNA Knockouts division as the first Knockouts world champion of the new era of TNA Wrestling. Grace made her WWE in-ring debut as the #5 entrant in the high-stakes match. 

After entering the match, Grace came across Naomi (formerly Trinity in TNA Wrestling/IMPACT Wrestling). They shared a hug before exchanging fists during the Royal Rumble event. TNA Knockout lasted more than 19 minutes in the match and was eliminated by 2021 Rumble winner Bianca Belair.

Jordynne Grace: I want people to see what we’re really all about 

After pulling off a shocking appearance, she recently outlined her goals for her career and eagerness to represent TNA Wrestling in WWE. Grace spoke with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful and said that she is hopeful of becoming the longest-reigning champion of all time.

 In addition to this, Grace said that she would love to continue representing TNA Wrestling on WWE if the relationship helps in getting more exposure to TNA Wrestling. She said:

\”I would love to be the longest reigning Knockouts (champion) of all time, that would be an incredible honor. Another thing that has just come within the past week, I just want to get more eyes on the product. I want people to see what we’re really all about and if a relationship with WWE is going to help us do that, I would love to represent TNA more on WWE,\” she said.

Grace certainly impressed the fans by showcasing her talent and strength inside the squared circle. It is needless to say fans would certainly crave to see her back inside the WWE ring.

Damage CTRL member Dakota Kai recently explained why she was without the knee brace on this week\’s Monday Night Raw. 

Kai has been recovering from a torn ACL since last May. On the May 12, 2023 episode of SmackDown, Dakota Kai and Bayley squared off against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez in their Women\’s Tag Team Championship match. During the match, Kai tore her ACL and has been away from in-ring action ever since. 

Kai made her non-wrestling appearance for the first time after injury at SummerSlam and celebrated IYO SKY\’s WWE Women\’s Championship victory. Kai not only serves as the manager for Damage CTRL but she also pulls some strings for the Damage CTRL members. 

Currently, Dakota Kai is only cleared to stand at ringside during matches. Some fans had the belief that she was already cleared for in-ring action.

This week on Raw, Damage CTRL made an appearance and celebrated the Kabuki Warrior’s win in the tag match and Bayley‘s Royal Rumble victory. The fans noted that Dakota Kai wasn’t wearing knee braces as she used to. This led to the fans speculating that she might have been finally cleared to return to the ring.

Dakota no longer has her knee brace on OMG. #WWERAW pic.twitter.com/QPBsBCQOIR

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 30, 2024

Dakota Kai: I forgot my brace

During her Twitch stream, Dakota Kai said that she is getting closer to her anticipated return to the squared circle. When asked about being spotted without a brace on Raw, she said:

\”I actually forgot my brace. That\’s why I didn\’t have it on on Monday. That doesn\’t mean anything because I… you\’ve probably seen like someone like Zoey, she still wears her brace. I will have to be wearing it when I wrestle, but I forgot it. Don\’t read into it you guys. I literally just forgot it.\”

Dakota Kai says she is not cleared yet but is getting closer and she wasn't wearing a knee brace on Raw because she forgot it pic.twitter.com/ubHw6tYtZ1

— CrispyWrestling (@CrispyWrestlin) February 1, 2024

WWE has been consistently teasing Damage CTRL turning on Bayley. \’The Role Model\’ won this year\’s Women\’s Royal Rumble match, adding a new layer to the storyline. As we are officially on the Road to WrestleMania, it will be interesting to see when Kai makes her in-ring return.

Damage CTRL leader Bayley recently gave a cheeky response as she was not included in WWE\’s promotional banner.

\’The Role Model\’ is heading to WrestleMania 40 after a historic win in Saturday\’s 30-Woman Royal Rumble match.

Bayley, a multi-time Women\’s Champion in WWE, has an opportunity to showcase that she\’s still a champion material. She is eyeing to cement her legacy in WWE after winning the Royal Rumble, an achievement that has eluded her for a long time.

Bayley\’s performance this past Saturday set a new record for the longest time spent a Women\’s Royal Rumble at one hour and three minutes.

She entered at #3 following Natalya and the returning Naomi. After receiving some help from Damage CTRL teammates, Asuka and Kairi Sane, she eliminated Candice LaRae, Indi Hartwell, Maxxine Dupri and finally Liv Morgan to win the 7th Women\’s Royal Rumble.

On January 30, WWE dropped the posters for their upcoming Road To WrestleMania tour with 2023 and 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes and 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair gracing them. It seems that didn\’t set well with Bayley.

Bayley\’s response

She quote-tweeted and gave a hilarious reply as she asked why the female superstar didn\’t look like her. She wrote:

\”Waiiiitttttt why do I look like……..\”

Waiiiitttttt why do I look like…….. https://t.co/ggxpVQvOcb

— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) January 30, 2024

Bayley has secured a championship match at WrestleMania 40 with her victory. Bayley, the self-proclaimed \’Mami-Slayer\’ is eyeing to go up against Rhea Ripley for the Women\’s World Championship at WrestleMania. 

Having said that, a lot of people doubt that a Bayley-Rhea bout is in the works. Some have conjectured that the \’Role Model\’ might battle WWE Women\’s Champion IYO SKY at the two-night mega event in April, given the tensions within Damage CTRL. 

Who will Bayley face at WrestleMania 40?

By winning the 2024 Women\’s Royal Rumble, Bayley earns the right to challenge for any championship at WrestleMania 40. 

The two top women\’s champions in WWE are Rhea Ripley (Women\’s World Champion) and her Damage CTRL partner, Iyo Sky (WWE Women\’s Champion).

Bayley announced that she will make her decision on who she will challenge at WrestleMania 40 on this Friday’s February 2 episode of SmackDown.

Drew McIntyre has his sights set on CM Punk. But, the plans of thei feud remains up in the air. 

Ever since CM Punk returned last year, fans had been anticipating his comeback to the ring. The former WWE Champion competed in his first televised WWE match in almost ten years at the 2024 Royal Rumble. Unfortunately, he sustained torn tricep during the high stakes match.

This week on Raw, Punk addressed the fans and said he will miss this year\’s WrestleMania. Eventually, Drew McIntyre interrupted him and said that \”I\’m not a spiritual person, but I prayed for this to happen.\” Then Punk said that he would be coming back for McIntyre when he returns.

It\’s worth noting that McIntyre\’s future in WWE is uncertain. His contract is not confirmed beyond April. Meanwhile, Punk’s return from injury is likely to be around in September. Now, the question stands what will be the future of the feud. 

Uncertainty looms over CM Punk-Drew McIntyre feud

Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio reported that a reasonable timeline for CM to return is in September. Given Drew McIntyre’s contract status, doubt remains what the future holds for the storyline.

I’d say September is a reasonable return (for CM Punk). Which is interesting, really interesting, because they set up the big angle with Drew McIntyre tonight to be his opponent when he returns, and Drew McIntyre\’s not under contract past April. And that has not changed. Which really surprised me when I watched it.”

This is not the first time Punk has suffered this injury. He has sustained a triceps tear at All Out in Chicago in 2022 during the main event against Jon Moxley. After immediate surgery, he remained inactive for over nine months and made his return for the debut of AEW Collision show. We will have to wait and see when he is able to return this time around.

We at SEScoops wish speedy recovery to CM Punk.

WWE legend The Rock is \’honored\’ after he was appointed to TKO Board of Directors.

\’The Great One\’ is certainly one of the biggest superstars of WWE and has tasted success outside the company as well. Whether as an actor in Hollywood or in his business ventures, The Rock has excelled in every aspect. 

The former WWE Champion has a diverse business background that includes Seven Bucks Productions, Teremana Tequila, ZOA Energy, Project Rock, and the United Football League (UFL), a recently merged spring football league. He has also involved himself in revenue-generating opportunities in live events, media rights, sponsorship, licensing, and social media. In addition, he is among the most popular men on the planet with massive social media followers.

The Rock: I have the privilege now to sit at the table 

Taking to Twitter/ X, The Rock once again cherished the huge opportunity that has come in his path. He posted a video capturing the moments from his TKO Board of Directors appointment and in the caption, he said that it was his \”honor to join\” TKO Board of Directors.

He believes that it was \”an historic day of big business.\” The Rock noted that the achievement holds “life comes full circle” significance for him. He added: 

\”I have the privilege now to sit at the table, that my grandfather and my dad helped to build. Now the fun part – we go to work. We build. Thanks to all you guys out there for your support and hype.\”

He finally thanked TKO/WWE partners- Ari Emmanuel, Mark Shapiro, Nick Khan and Paul “Triple H” Levesque. 

My honor to join @TKOGrp Board of Directors
(parent co who owns @WWE @UFC)

An historic day of big business with deep and personal “life comes full circle” significance for me.

I have the privilege now to sit at the table, that my grandfather and my dad helped to build.

Now… pic.twitter.com/R77vK3Ctck

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 30, 2024

The Rock recently returned to WWE during the Day 1 edition of Raw on January 1 and dropped hints about Roman Reigns vs. The Rock clash which could take place as this year’s WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia. During an episode of ESPN\’s First Take, The Rock admitted there is a chance of a match with Reigns at WrestleMania.

Damage CTRL leader Bayley is headed to WrestleMania 40 after a thrilling victory in Saturday\’s 30-Woman Royal Rumble match. 

Bayley, a multi-time Women\’s Champion in WWE, has earned an opportunity to show the world that she\’s still a championship-caliber competitor. She\’s also looking to build a legacy on par with her peers Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Mercedes Mone/Sasha Banks, which is no small task.

WWE regularly plans out big matches months in advance, but the company also makes changes to plans at the last minute on a pretty regular basis. The Royal Rumble winners set the course for the top matches at WrestleMania, so late changes to the winners would indicate that situation is still in flux.

According to PWInsider, WWE had Bayley booked to win the 2024 Women\’s Royal Rumble for quite some time and this was not a late decision. 

Bayley made history at the Royal Rumble

Bayley\’s performance this past Saturday set a new record for the longest time spent a Women\’s Royal Rumble  at one hour and three minutes.

After entering at #3 following Natalya and the returning Naomi, Bayley (with some help from Damage CTRL allies Asuka and Kairi Sane) eliminated  Candice LaRae, Indi Hartwell, Maxxine Dupri and finally Liv Morgan to win the 7th Women\’s Royal Rumble.

Who was backstage at the Royal Rumble?

In other Royal Rumble news, several pro wrestling legends were backstage visiting.

Based on speaking with people at the event, as well as photos posted on social media, the list of special guests included Mike Rotunda, Brian Blair, Steve Keirn, Dory Funk Jr. & Marti Funk and Gerald Brisco.

WWE Superstar Otis recently made a tragic announcement stating that his mother has passed away. 

The Alpha Academy member is certainly one of the most loved superstars in the company. His jovial character, and comedic antics, especially the \’Caterpillar,\’ has endeared him to the fans. He is currently a part of the tag team with Chad Gable and Maxxine Dupri, performing on Raw.

Otis remembers his mother

Otis took to his Instagram account and posted a slew of pictures featuring himself and his mother, who recently passed away. It included moments from his childhood as well. The former Mr. Money In The Bank, penned an emotional note in the caption. 

Otis stated that he is grateful for his mother’s role in his life. He is thankful to her for introducing him to the world of John Candy movies, for rocking out to the music of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and Stevie Nicks together. He also recalled moments watching horror classics with his sister, KARI. 

Check it out below.

\”Rest Now Forever Where Now there is no more Pain Because of you growing up I\’ve Memorized every John Candy Movie Introduced and Jam to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and Stevie Nicks Know all the Horror Classics watching with KARI (Sissy) I know you were weirded out me pursuing My Dream as a Wrestler but I said to you \”Just something I have to Do Gaisan, Sorry I am You SON SON Tell Great Grandma \”Kattle Kate Pallas\” I\’ll give her a run for her money in the ring up in Heaven See You down the Road, with you picking me up jaming to Tracy Chapman Fast Car – Niko.\”

One of Otis\’s most notable moments in WWE took place when he secured the Men\’s Money in the Bank ladder match in 2020. This victory earned him a guaranteed WWE Universal Championship match. However, his run as Mr. Money in the Bank ended at Hell in a Cell as he lost the contract to The Miz.

We at SEScoops send condolences to Otis.

The Street Profits member Montez Ford is delighted with WWE legend The Rock been appointed to the TKO Group Holdings\’ board of directors.

In a press release on January 23, a massive announcement was made that \’The Great One\’ will take up the new role.

The Rock has been one of the most accomplished superstars of WWE and has excelled in his career outside the company as well, whether as an actor in Hollywood or in his business ventures.

Apart from these, Dwayne Johnson is involved in TV and film company Seven Bucks Productions, Teremana Tequila, Zoa Energy, Project Rock or the Under Armour clothing line that has an agreement with the UFC. The former WWE Champion also has a partnership with the newly merged United Football League.

The former WWE superstar has also maintained his connection with TKO’s holdings. It has come to light that in a future film, he will play UFC veteran and MMA great Mark Kerr.

His fans and WWE superstars are thrilled with The Rock\’s new role in the company. It includes Montez Ford as well, who draws inspirataion from the Hollywood megastar. 

Montez Ford opens up on The Rock

Speaking on HOT 97, Ford revealed that The Rock has been his inspiration since he was a child. He revealed that he idolizes \’The Great One\’ and lauded the legend for his endeavours outside WWE as well. He said:

\”The Rock has always been my inspiration since I was a tadpole, just as long as I can remember. To see someone I watched and idolized growing up and then now like you said, shift out into these other avenues. Take ownership of his name, being part of the board of directors and just expanding his self outside of the ring is motivating and inspiring. Like you said, the trajectory of where we can go with ourselves. He\’s always continuing to raise the bar. At this point, he shouldn\’t even be called The Rock no more should be called the damn Boulder\”

The Rock recently made a comeback to WWE during the Day 1 edition of Raw on January 1 and dropped a tease about Roman Reigns vs. The Rock which could potentially take place as soon as this year’s WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia. During an episode of ESPN\’s First Take, The Rock admitted there is a chance of a match with Reigns at WrestleMania.

Royal Rumble Premium Live Event takes place on Saturday, January 27 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

As WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes gears up for Saturday\’s Royal Rumble match, he made an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. 

\’The American Nightmare\’ participated in the amusing Phone Booth game where he joined the host of ‘I Can See Your Voice’, Ken Jeong. 

The rules of the game stated that if either Ken Jeong or his phone booth counterpart, Dwyane Wade, fails to correctly answer a question, a stranger from the mystery bench will be shoved into their respective booths.

Cody Rhodes enjoys a fun time

First, it was Dwyane’s turn and he answered the question correctly. After that, Jeong was delighted to see Cody Rhodes showing up to join him in the booth and Jeong also gave a correct answer.

Wade had to welcome a guest into his booth this time and it was Teresa Guidice, which came as a blessing in disguise. He got the next question wrong as Guidice and Dwyane were then joined by professional snake handler Blaise Matthew and his python Henry.

Ken and Cody got the next one wrong and had a welcome three stressed-out cooks from The Bear. Dwyane Wade got another question incorrect and everyone out there was shoved into his booth to conclude the game and the segment.

Check it out below:

.@kenjeong & @DwyaneWade go head-to-head in Phone Booth ft. @CodyRhodes, @Teresa_Giudice, @GrittyNHL, and more! #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/6Dyc9UFzPB

— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) January 27, 2024

Cody Rhodes certainly had some fun on the show, but on Saturday he has a serious task at hand. He will be participating in the Men\’s Royal Rumble match as he aims to outlast 29 other men on his quest to finish his story at WrestleMania 40. 

WWE legend The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) has once again left his fans in awe when he gave an ESPN host his prized wrestling ring during a live interview. 

The heartwarming moment transpired on January 24, 2024 and the gesture has received massive praise from his fans and won over people\’s hearts. 

The Rock gifts his ring to the reporter

\’The Great One\’ recently made an appearance on a segment of the First Take talk series. During the segment, the host Molly Qerim revealed how much she loved The Rock’s ring, which he wore at the time.

“That pinky ring, I don’t know if that’s vintage, but I’m obsessed with rings, if you can tell I’ve been staring at it the entire show. It’s amazing.”

The Rock, who has often proved he\’s a gentleman, took off the ring and handed it to Molly Qerim and told her, “There you go”.

Molly was astonished with the former WWE Champion\’s gesture and asked if he was sure. She then said that she was going to text Nick Khan’s sister-in-law, who is her stylist, and tell her they needed something similar.

“So [WWE President] Nick Khan’s sister-in-law Lisette Mora is one of my dear friends, and she’s my stylist, and I was literally going to text her, like, we need something like this vintage,” shared the host. 

The Rock went on to state that the ring meant a lot to him but it meant more that she mentioned it on air. Molly further if the ring was a gift to which The Great One replied, “Absolutely, 100%. Yes.”

After the episode aired, Molly took to her Instagram and made a collaborative post, lauding the Hollywood star for being an amazing person.

“I’ve been very blessed to interview some amazing people over the yrs, but there is a special energy & light to The Rock,” she wrote in the post’s caption. “Tough guy, but you can feel his heart. He’s humble & sees people. No accident he’s so successful. Grateful!”

The Rock was recently appointed to the TKO Group Holdings\’ Board of Directors. Read more about it below:

Former Bloodline member Jey Uso has nothing but high praise for his cousin and the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

\’The Trible Chief\’ has become one of the most recognizable and unstoppable characters in WWE history. His journey to superstardom dates back to his early days at Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), which was then WWE\’s developmental territory. It was there that Reigns developed his skills and started laying the groundwork for his future success.

His history-making WWE Universal Championship reign for 1,243 days and counting remains to be one of the greatest chapters in WWE and Reigns has established himself as the \’Tribal Chief.\’ 

He has demonstrated unmatched skills in the ring and has become the face of WWE SmackDown brand. His phenomenal development as a performer and a character highlights his commitment to the business which cements his place among the greatest of all time in the WWE.

Jey Uso lauds Roman Reigns\’ meteoric rise

Just like any other WWE fan, Jey Uso is also thrilled about the idea of Roman Reigns vs. The Rock. Regarding the dream match potentially materializing as soon as this year’s WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, Jey is excited while highlighting how far Reigns has come. 

During a recent interview with Chamatkar Sandhu of TNT Sports, “Main Event” Jey Uso said:

“Yeah, I’m so excited because, like I said, people want to see that match, and it’s a big W for my family still,” Jey stated. “Like that makes me joyful. It’s breathtaking. I look at my cousin now, Roman, and I’m just happy on how far he’s come. From the day he walked into FCW, developmental, which I was there, to present. Inspiring, man.

“He’s the blueprint of what hard work does and you can never knock that. He has great work ethic. He deserves all the time off that he has, he earned it. But I really fell like The Rock is stepping back into a place where he don’t know what’s gonna hit him, let alone The Great One. We The Ones, or we used to be The Ones, but that’s The Great One.”

Roman Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against LA Knight, Randy Orton and AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event on Saturday, January 27.

This weekend\’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event will be a massive show but ahead of the event, WWE has announced a blockbuster clash for Royal Rumble\’s go-home SmackDown show. LA Knight is set to take on the Bloodline\’s Solo Sikoa on this week\’s Friday Night SmackDown lineup. 

LA Knight and Solo Sikoa clash in a rematch

Knight vs. Sikoa is a rematch from the October 13 SmackDown where Knight secured a win over Sikoa in the build up to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal title at Crown Jewel in November.

Knight has a huge opportunity at hands as he participates in a four-way Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match with title holder Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, and Randy Orton. 

Apart from LA Knight vs Solo Sikoa, WWE announced a Women\’s Tag Team title match as Katana Chance & Kayden Carter put their titles on the line against Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane). On the other hand, Carlito will square off against Santos Escobar, while Austin Theory faces  Carmelo Hayes. A face-to-face segment with The Pride and The Final Testament factions has also been announced.

Lineup for the Friday, January 26 SmackDown:

• LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa
• Women\’s Tag Team Champions Katana Chance & Kayden Carter defend against Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
• Carmelo Hayes vs. Austin Theory
• The Pride (Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits) & The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Authors of Pain, Scarlett & Paul Ellering) face-to-face
• Carlito vs. Santos Escobar

Is the former Women\’s Champion Bianca Belair looking for a heel turn? 

Well, \’The EST of WWE\’  has been one of the most popular superstars. She was called up from NXT and joined the main roster during the pandemic era of WWE. Bianca Belair won the 2021 Royal Rumble and at WrestleMania 37, she headlined the WrestleMania Saturday with Sasha Banks. That night Belair became the Smackdown Women’s Champion for the first time. 

It can be said that Bianca Belair has shone on the main roster as a babyface. She has inspired several women off the screen with her character and continues to portray a heroic role. However, Belair\’s heel run in NXT years ago was undeniable as well. It seems that we could see Bianca Belair as a heel in the near future.

Bianca Belair shares her plan for her possible heel run

Speaking to Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Belair was asked if she prefers being a babyface or heel, to which she replied: 

\”I love being a good guy, I love being a babyface because it puts purpose to what I do. I feel like it has a bigger impact and I’m able to do stuff with the community and it’s very purposeful and inspirational and impactful. That being said, when I was a heel in NXT, it was so much fun. I feel like being a heel is a lot easier. It’s a lot easier to get people to not like you than to get people to like you and keep liking you and keeping it fresh.\”

In addition to this, she also discussed what she would want out of a heel run if she turned now:

\”At NXT, I was a heel, but if I ever turned heel now, I want to be the right type of heel. I was the cool heel in NXT, which I don’t feel like benefitted anyone but myself. I got myself over. If I’m in there with a babyface that’s not as established, it’s very hard for them. I learned when I got to the main roster how great it is to work with an amazing heel like Bayley when I first came in. The reason why I think I hit the ground running, as a good guy, was I had this amazing heel who was established and over. She helped introduce me to the audience and helped people get to know me and care about me. That’s what I want to do if I ever turn heel, so I won’t be the heel you like and cheer for,\” she said.

Recently, Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley were featured on the cover of WWE 2K24: Deluxe Edition. A video clip was also released where Triple H surprised them.

WWE superstar Cody Rhodes recently named two AEW stars who he believes should join WWE.

\’The American Nightmare\’ has been on the top of his game ever since he left AEW and decided to return to WWE in 2022. He went on to win the Royal Rumble and main-event last year\’s WrestleMania. 

Cody is one of the examples who came back years later as a huge star. While the WWE roster is stacked with a plethora of talents, Cody has picked some names that he would like to see join WWE in the future.

Cody Rhodes names Ricky Starks and Wardlow

Rhodes and Starks have a good friendship outside the ring and Starks has been spotted backstage in WWE supporting Rhodes.

During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Cody Rhodes revealed that he wants \’The Absolute One\’ to jump ship to WWE.

“My buddy Ricky Starks. I know he’s under contract so that’s not happening – but it’d be cool to see.”

In addition to this, the former AEW star named Wardlow, who had been speculated to join WWE in the past. Rhodes believes that Wardlow will fit well in the heavyweight-dominated WWE locker room. 

“Wardlow is one I’d like to see cross over if he ever wanted to.” Rhodes continues. “There’s a lot of beef in the WWE locker room; it’s a heavyweight locker room. It’s hard when you think you’re big and jacked, then you stand across the ring from Drew McIntyre and you find out ‘Oh, maybe not’. Wardlow is somebody I feel could fit into that role really well.

“It seems like we’re in this day where we’re doing so well everyone wants to be part of it, and the more the merrier. I’m happy with anyone who wants to make the leap and be part of this team.”

2K recently announced that Cody Rhodes will be the cover Superstar for the regular version of the upcoming WWE 2K24 game. \’The American Nightmare\’ recently went face to face with CM Punk in an epic promo battle on this week\’s Monday Night Raw. Cody and Punk are among the several talented superstars who are aiming to win the coveted Royal Rumble match and earn a title shot at WrestleMania 40.

WWE Women\’s World Champion Rhea Ripley has got a new ink.

Rhea Ripley has become a formidable superstar in WWE and experienced a meteoric rise in WWE after joining The Judgment Day. Her affinity towards body ink is no secret. In addition to her in-ring prowess, \’Mami\’ is recognized for her distinctive canvas of tattoos and they are very personal representations of her identity and her journey in life. With a variety of tattoos, Ripley has created a distinct look that is fitting for her character.

Rhe Ripley reveals her new ink

That being said, Rhea Ripley recently took to Twitter and flaunted her new tattoo on the back of her neck. It seems that it is a set of wings.

Judgment Day – Mami ??? pic.twitter.com/Gk26g6X2yb

— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) January 22, 2024

As we approach the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event this weekend, it\’s worth noting that she has fond memories of the event. \’The Eradicator\’ had won last year\’s Women\’s Royal Rumble match and earned a title shot. She defeated Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 to capture the gold. This year\’s Women\’s Royal Rumble match will see a new winner and her reign could be at jeopardy at WrestleMania 40.

On the most recent edition of SmackDown, Bayley was ringside for the women\’s tag team match. She called out Rhea Ripley and referred to herself as the \’Mami Slayer.\’ Bayley has been considered to be a favorite to win this year\’s high-stakes match. On the other hand, Ripley and Becky Lynch recently had a confrontation which could to WrestleMania 40 as well. It is to be seen who steps up to Rhea Ripley next. 

Royal Rumble 2024 WWE Premium Live Event which will emanate live from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 27.