SEScoops

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Roxanne Perez Makes It Known She\’s In Town For Raw

    Roxanne Perez is making it known —she’s in Nashville, the host city for tonight’s WWE Raw. With her ongoing feud against Bayley, her presence has fans wondering if she’ll make an appearance on the show.

    The former NXT Women’s Champion shared her location on Instagram, hinting that she could be involved in Bayley’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Lyra Valkyria.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"Roxanne

    Given their recent confrontations on the main roster, interference from Perez wouldn’t be a shock.

    Perez is also set for her own Elimination Chamber qualifying match on the February 17 episode of Raw, where she’ll face Raquel Rodriguez. Additionally, she and Bayley will challenge Giulia for the NXT Women’s Championship in a Triple Threat match at Vengeance Day on February 15.

    With major matchups ahead, Perez could make a statement tonight on Raw.

  • WWE Raw Preview (2/10): Elimination Chamber Qualifiers, CM Punk, AJ Styles

    WWE Raw airs tonight at 8 PM ET, live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on Netflix.

    Here are the confirmed matches and appearances:

    Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matches

    • Rey Mysterio vs. Logan Paul
    • Lyra Valkyria vs. Bayley

    Lyra Valkyria’s Full Circle Showdown: From Bayley Fan to Opponent

    Also Scheduled

    • AJ Styles makes his Raw debut after being transferred to the brand.
    • CM Punk to address the WWE Universe
    • Damage CTRL (IYO SKY & Dakota Kai) vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez

    The show continues the build toward WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, with winners joining John Cena and CM Punk (men\’s division) and Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, and Alexa Bliss (women\’s division) in their respective Chamber matches.

  • Lyra Valkyria\’s Full Circle Showdown: From Bayley Fan to Opponent

    For Lyra Valkyria, this Monday’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match against Bayley on tonight\’s WWE Raw isn’t just about securing a spot in one of WWE’s most brutal matches—it’s the realization of a dream years in the making.

    During her appearance on the Battleground Podcast, Valkyria was reminded of a tweet she wrote in 2017, long before she became the first-ever WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion. \”Imagine one day being able to make someone feel how I felt meeting Bayley. Now that would be amazing,\” she wrote.

    Now, seven years later, she’s facing Bayley in a match that could shape the next chapter of her career. The inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion battles a childhood hero

    \”It’s so crazy when these tweets resurface. I don’t even remember them at this point,\” she admitted. “But I remember that moment. I had just wrestled a match that didn’t go my way, and Bayley took the time to give me advice, to pick me up. Now I’m stepping into the ring with her—it’s surreal.”

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"Lyra
    Lyra Valkyria and friends meet WWE Superstar Bayley (2017)

    Layra Valkyria\’s Surreal Match Against Bayley

    Bayley, a Grand Slam Champion and one of WWE’s most accomplished superstars, stands between Lyra and her first Elimination Chamber appearance. But the rising star isn’t backing down from the challenge.

    \”I keep saying, ‘This is my biggest match ever.’ But this one really is,\” Valkyria said. “Bayley is one of the best, but I’m ready to prove I belong at this level.”

    With a chance to punch her ticket to the Elimination Chamber and potentially WrestleMania, this match isn’t just about competition—it’s about proving that Lyra Valkyria isn’t the future of WWE’s women’s division. She’s the present.

  • How Jordynne Grace \’Took a Pay Cut\’ to Sign with WWE

    Jordynne Grace recently achieved a lifelong dream by signing with WWE, a move so significant that she was willing to forfeit an extremely lucrative side business to make it happen.

    The former TNA Knockouts Champion shut down her independent revenue streams to facilitate the transition. While her long-term WWE contract is undoubtedly worth more than her earnings in TNA, she voluntarily closed her OnlyFans subscription page—a platform that had generated millions of dollars in recent years.

    According to Sean Ross Sapp (Fightful Select Q&A), Grace effectively \”took a pay cut\” to sign with WWE.

    “If you mean her OnlyFans, she shut that down several months ago. She effectively took a pay cut in order to join WWE. She’d become a millionaire at one point outside of WWE.”

    Earning substantial money from running your own business is one thing, but living out a lifelong dream is priceless. Additionally, Grace could very well earn far more with WWE in the long run. Now that she has arrived in the big leagues, she joins WWE’s stacked women’s division, which includes Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton, Alexa Bliss, and many more.

    Subscribe to Fightful Select for more insider pro wrestling news

  • Update on WWE\’s Plans for Trish Stratus After Surprise Royal Rumble Return

    Trish Stratus shocked fans with her return at the 2025 Royal Rumble, entering the women\’s match at No. 25 and lasting over 13 minutes before being eliminated by Nia Jax. However, her return may not be a one-time event.

    According to Fightful Select, Stratus is a “constant piece of discussion” within WWE, with officials actively considering ways to involve her. The Hall of Famer has even pitched ideas for her role, a sign that she\’s eager to get back in the ring and show a new generation of WWE fans what Stratisfaction is all about.

    With Elimination Chamber set for March in her hometown of Toronto, Stratus is expected to play a part in the event. WWE has also released new merchandise to commemorate the 25th anniversary of her debut, adding to speculation that she will be involved in more storylines moving forward.

    Trish Stratus’ First Match Since 2023

    Stratus’ Royal Rumble appearance marked her first WWE match since facing Becky Lynch in a critically acclaimed steel cage match at Payback 2023. Her return adds another layer of excitement to WWE’s current landscape, as Charlotte Flair, the Royal Rumble winner, prepares to challenge for a championship at WrestleMania 41.

    With Stratus celebrating a major career milestone in 2025, fans may see even more of the legendary superstar in the months ahead.

    Follow Trish Stratus on X and subscribe to Fightful Select for insider professional wrestling news.

  • Vince McMahon, Tony Khan, WWE and AEW Stars Attend Super Bowl LIX

    Several high-profile figures from the world of professional wrestling were present at Super Bowl LIX, held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

    WWE Hall of Famer and U.S. President Donald Trump attended the game, making history as the first sitting president to do so. Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, and The Undertaker were also spotted at the event, adding to the strong wrestling presence at the Super Bowl.

    WWE legends The Bella Twins watched the big game live, and mingled with All Elite Wrestling star Britt Baker.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"Bella

    AEW CEO Tony Khan was in attendance as well, arriving on the Kismet, a 400-foot, $360 million yacht owned by his father, Shad Khan. AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone and former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland were on hand, with Swerve joking that they were just there to see Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"Swerve

    Outside the stadium, WWE’s influence extended to the commercial breaks. Appliance maker Bosch aired its first-ever Super Bowl ad, featuring an actor portraying Macho Man Randy Savage alongside Antonio Banderas.

    Beyond the wrestling world, Super Bowl LIX attracted a host of other celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd, and Lionel Messi. The game saw the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles.

  • Watch the Macho Man Randy Savage Super Bowl Commercial for Bosch

    Bosch has debuted its first-ever Super Bowl commercial, featuring Antonio Banderas and a tribute to the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage. The 30-second spot, “The More You Bosch, The More You Feel Like a Bosch,” showcases Banderas transforming into “Antonio Bosch-deras” while using a refrigerator. Meanwhile, a contractor wielding Bosch power tools morphs into a character resembling Savage, complete with his signature deep voice and over-the-top persona.

    The commercial, set to air during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIX, was created with permission from Savage’s estate. Bosch executives say the late wrestler’s bold personality perfectly aligns with their power tools division, making him an ideal inspiration for the ad.

    Randy Savage’s influence extends beyond wrestling, with his unforgettable voice and high-energy delivery making him an advertising icon—most notably as the longtime face of Slim Jim. The Bosch ad serves as both a playful homage and a reminder of the Macho Man’s lasting impact on pop culture.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"
    Antonio Banderas and an actor portraying the late Macho Man Randy Savage for Bosch

  • Elektra Lopez Released From WWE

    SmackDown Superstar Elektra Lopez has been released by WWE. Her wrestler profile was moved to the Alumni section of the WWE website over the weekend, and we\’ve since confirmed she was part of the latest round of cuts that also included Sonya Deville, AOP and several others.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"Elektra

    Lopez began her WWE journey in NXT in June 2021, where she quickly aligned herself with Legado Del Fantasma as their enforcer. After Legado Del Fantasma moved to SmackDown without her in 2022, \”La Madrina\” remained in NXT and formed a partnership with Lola Vice. Their alliance ended in January 2024 when Vice eliminated Lopez from a battle royal, leading to a final confrontation match on NXT.

    Lopez made her SmackDown debut later that month by interfering in Santos Escobar\’s match against Carlito, helping Escobar secure the victory and officially rejoining Legado del Fantasma on the main roster.

  • AEW Star Bear Bronson Addresses Former Tag Team Partner’s Domestic Battery Arrest

    All Elite Wrestling star Bear Bronson has released a candid statement addressing the recent controversy surrounding his former tag team partner, Bear Boulder\’s recent domestic violence arrest.

    Taking to social media, Bronson expressed his shock and heartbreak over the situation, emphasizing how blindsided he felt by the news. Having traveled and worked alongside Bolder for eight years, Bronson shared that his former partner was even a groomsman at his wedding this past October. He admitted the details of the police report made him feel \”sick, depressed, and angry.\”

    Acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation, Bronson noted that his phone had been blowing up since the news broke, prompting him to step away momentarily to process everything with his wife. He apologized for initially including the victim’s first name in his statement, recognizing that it was a mistake made in the heat of the moment. Bronson stated he has been advised to fully step back from the situation, allowing professionals to handle it moving forward.

    Further clarifying his stance, Bronson made it clear that he does not condone domestic violence under any circumstances, calling it \”disgusting and vile.\” He urged fans to be cautious when reading headlines, reiterating his firm stance against abusive behavior. Bronson also took the opportunity to offer advice to those who may be experiencing domestic violence, urging them to seek help and not make excuses for abusive relationships.

    TheHotline.org: The National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Bear Bronson Statement on Bear Bolder\’s Arrest

    Here is Bear Bronson’s full statement:

    February 9, 2025, at 4:09 AM

    Hey guys, this is one of the hardest weeks of my life.

    I’m heartbroken at the news about my former tag partner. To say I feel blindsided by the horrific details of the incident is an understatement. This is someone I traveled the world with as a team for 8 years, full of matches and memories I held close to me. Someone I trusted around my family. He was a groomsman at my wedding this past October with his fiancé. The arrest report provided by the police has made me sick, depressed, and angry.

    My phone has been blowing up nonstop since the news broke—I put out a quick statement yesterday so I could put my phone down, spend quality time in the city with my wife, and process everything.

    I’ve been made aware that I was wrong for using the victim’s first name in my statement, and I apologize. I wasn’t thinking clearly & just wanted everyone to know she was okay.

    As of now, I have been advised to fully step back from the entire situation and can only pray nothing worse happens. Only professionals can help the situation any further & I am not one. The only thing I can do now is move on and focus on my life.

    If there is any confusion, I will clear it up now:

    My wrestling name is Bear Bronson. I live in NY, not FL, and I do NOT condone domestic violence under any circumstances whatsoever. Zero tolerance. Causing physical harm to your partner is disgusting & vile. People who love each other don’t do that—plain & simple. Don’t let anyone make you believe there are shades of gray or “yeah but” exceptions to that garbage. It’s not shades of gray, it’s very black & white. I don’t care how you spin it, that’s not love.

    I’m in a very happy marriage with my wife Gabby. We shower each other with love & support every single day. Her happiness & safety will be my main priority for the rest of my life. So if you come across the headlines that broke, please read them very carefully.

    If you are a victim of domestic violence and feel stuck in a violent relationship—one that you feel could turn violent—please call out for help before it\’s too late.

    No “but what about the good times.” No “but every relationship has problems.” It doesn’t get better, it only gets worse. Put your health & well-being first above everything else.

  • Chris Jericho Scoffs at a Big Retirement Sendoff: My Ego Isn\’t That Big

    Chris Jericho has never been one to follow the traditional path, and when it comes to retirement, he’s making it clear he won’t be taking a page out of John Cena’s playbook. During his recent conversation with Chris Van Vliet for Insight, Jericho took a subtle jab at Cena’s farewell tour, questioning the need for such a spectacle.

    “I do not have the ego that would demand an official retirement tour or retirement match,” Jericho stated.

    He compared it to rock bands that announce farewell tours, only to return later. “Why put that sort of stamp on it? This is the retirement tour, and then you decide to come back?”

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"Chris

    Jericho, 53, acknowledged that he doesn’t plan to wrestle forever, but he also isn’t setting a definitive end date. “I will not be wrestling at 81 years old… I might not want to wrestle tomorrow, but right now I enjoy it,” he explained. His decision-making process is simple: as long as he believes he’s putting on great matches and compelling storylines, he’ll keep going.

    While Cena’s retirement tour has been a major WWE storyline, Jericho prefers a more low-key approach. He admires the unpredictability of simply wrestling one last match without making it a grand farewell. “I’ve always liked being the opposite of what people expect,” he said, referencing rock legends like the Sex Pistols and Axl Rose, who famously rejected their Hall of Fame inductions.

    This philosophy extends to his stance on the WWE Hall of Fame. Unlike many legends who view induction as a crowning career achievement, Jericho remains indifferent. Instead, he joked about starting his own version.

    “In my mind, I\’m already in the Hall of Fame. What do I need the plaque for?” he mused. “Maybe I\’ll have my own Chris Jericho Hall of Fame and put myself in it.”

    While Cena’s farewell is being celebrated on WWE’s biggest stage, Jericho seems content defining his legacy on his own terms—without the pomp and circumstance.

  • Chris Jericho: Wrestling Today is More Profitable Than the Attitude Era—And Critics Don’t Get It

    Chris Jericho has seen it all in professional wrestling—from the peak of the Attitude Era to today’s modern landscape. And in his recent interview with Chris Van Vliet for Insight, the veteran wrestler made one thing clear: while the Attitude Era may have been more widely watched, today’s wrestling business is far more lucrative.

    \”Maybe from an overall popularity standpoint the Attitude Era was bigger, but you weren’t making the money that you are now—as both a wrestler and as a wrestling company,\” Jericho stated.

    \”I know the difference in salaries of what a top guy made then versus now—because I was one then, and I am one now.\”

    During the late 1990s and early 2000s, wrestling’s biggest stars were drawing massive TV ratings, sometimes exceeding 8 million viewers per episode. But Jericho pointed out that viewing habits have drastically changed. Fans now consume wrestling differently, whether through streaming, social media, or highlights on YouTube—metrics that weren’t available during the industry’s previous boom period.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"Chris
    Chris Jericho has been a top star in the business since the late 1990\’s

    Beyond financial growth, Jericho also addressed how modern fans and critics perceive wrestling. He believes that today’s audience places too much emphasis on match quality in a way that can be misleading.

    \”25 years ago, you could do a lot less and have people think it\’s an amazing match. Now, you can do the exact same thing, have the crowd react the same way, but critics will say it was terrible.\”

    Chris Jericho Quits Twitter

    That increased scrutiny, amplified by social media, is something Jericho has largely tuned out. He admitted that while he used to engage with online criticism, he now avoids platforms like Twitter altogether.

    \”I’m done with Twitter. It’s just so negative—why waste your time?\”

    Despite criticisms from online fans, Jericho remains one of AEW’s biggest draws, consistently appearing in high-rated segments. He also pushed back on claims that working with him “drags people down” in AEW, arguing that many wrestlers he’s feuded with—like MJF, Daniel Garcia, and Sammy Guevara—have only elevated their careers.

    Jericho’s insight sheds light on the evolution of wrestling’s business model. While nostalgia may keep the Attitude Era on a pedestal, today’s industry is more financially successful than ever—whether fans and critics want to admit it or not.

  • Chelsea Green Wants to Host Saturday Night Live

    Chelsea Green isn’t just making waves in WWE—she’s making fans laugh along the way. The inaugural WWE United States Women’s Champion has embraced a comedic approach to her in-ring persona, and now she’s eyeing a new goal: hosting Saturday Night Live.

    In an interview with Scott Fishman for TVInsider, Green laid out her dream to host the iconic live sketch comedy series:

    “That’s definitely on the bucket list—hosting SNL,” Green said in a recent interview. “I love it. I know I’m very self-deprecating, and that is where the humor comes from. It’s so fun to put that into verbiage and action in the ring to make people laugh on the biggest stage of them all.”

    Green’s mix of quick wit, improv skills, and over-the-top antics have made her a fan favorite, despite her often underhanded tactics in the ring. Her ability to entertain has even caught the attention of Hollywood, with stars like Vanessa Hudgens sliding into her DMs.

    “It’s crazy, like what is life? I’m here with you talking about being the first United States Women’s Champion. And I have Vanessa Hudgens in my DMs. What is life?”

    Green’s charisma and comedic timing make her a natural fit for SNL. If WWE stars like The Rock and John Cena can seamlessly transition to hosting and acting, why not Green?

    As her championship reign continues to elevate her profile, perhaps a late-night comedy gig is the next step in her ever-evolving career.

    With SNL always looking for fresh, dynamic hosts, Chelsea Green might just be the perfect fit. So, Lorne Michaels—what are you waiting for?

  • WWE Releases Sonya Deville, AOP, Giovanni Vinci & More

    WWE has reportedly released several talents over the past 48 hours, with most of the news coming from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select. The latest wave of departures includes wrestlers who have held championships in NXT and on the main roster.

    • Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows have been cut.
    • Sonya Deville, who has been out of action due to injury, is also among the names departing.

    With WWE trimming its roster, we’ll be tracking where these talents land next in the wrestling landscape.

  • Isla Dawn Leaving WWE: “See You in 90”

    WWE Superstar Isla Dawn has announced her departure from the company in a cryptic Instagram story. The post features a photo of Dawn in her wrestling gear, accompanied by the caption, “Here for a good time, not a long time,” followed by another message stating, “See you in 90,” with a calendar emoji.

    Isla Dawn moving on from WWE

    The mention of “90” strongly implies that WWE has informed Dawn of her release and that she will remain under contract and paid for the next 90 days before becoming a free agent. This is standard procedure for main roster talent, meaning she will not be able to sign elsewhere until that period expires.

    Her departure adds to a growing list of WWE talent exits this week.

    Isla Dawn in WWE

    Isla Dawn first appeared in WWE as Stacy Coates back in 2017, when she competed against Asuka in a match on Monday Night Raw. She joined NXT UK in 2018 after competing in the Mae Young Classic.

    She developed a “modern-day witch” character and transitioned to NXT in late 2022. Things came together when she formed The Unholy Union with Alba Fyre. The duo won the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship in April 2023, and after being drafted to SmackDown, they captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at Clash at the Castle 2024 in Glasgow.

  • Gallows and Anderson Released from WWE

    Gallows and Anderson has been released from WWE, according to Fightful Select.

    Prior to this release, the duo had been relatively inactive, with Anderson sidelined due to shoulder surgery, while Gallows was relegated to dark matches. Their last notable in-ring appearance came at NXT Battleground, where they unsuccessfully challenged Nathan Frazier and Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships.

    This marks their second WWE departure, following their previous release in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic budget cuts.

    After that release, they had stints in TNA and NJPW before returning to WWE in October 2022, despite being offered significant contract raises by TNA at the time.

    During their most recent WWE run, they primarily aligned with AJ Styles on SmackDown and made appearances on NXT, though they failed to capture any championships during this period.

    Subscribe to Fightful Select for insider breaking wrestling news

  • Giovanni Vinci Released from WWE

    Giovanni Vinci (Fabian Aichner) has been released from WWE, according to Fightful Select.

    The Italian Superstar joined WWE in 2017 and initially found success in NXT, where he became a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion with Marcel Barthel (later known as Ludwig Kaiser).

    He later joined the Imperium faction alongside Gunther and Kaiser, moving to the main roster where they dominated until April 2024, when Kaiser turned on Vinci and expelled him from the group..

    Since being drafted to SmackDown in 2024, Vinci\’s career has faced significant challenges. After returning with new character vignettes in August 2024, he suffered embarrassing losses to Apollo Crews, including a three-second defeat. His television appearances became limited to WWE Speed matches and dark matches, where he continued to lose to various opponents.

    Subscribe to Fightful Select for insider breaking wrestling news

  • Tony Khan Rejects AEW IPO, Hopes to Work With His Kids

    All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will remain a privately held company, as CEO and co-owner Tony Khan has no interest in taking the promotion public.

    Speaking with Alex Sherman for CNBC Sport, Khan explained that he envisions AEW as a long-term family business that he hopes to pass down to his future children.

    “I want to build,” Khan said. “I’m still a relatively young executive, and someday, I’d like to have a family. Hopefully, they can work in the business. It’s a family business.”

    At 42, Khan has positioned AEW as WWE’s biggest competitor in the wrestling industry since its launch in 2019. Keeping AEW private allows the company to maintain creative and financial control without external shareholder influence.

  • Did Kevin Owens Just Reveal His New WWE Contract?

    Former WWE Winged Eagle Champion Kevin Owens may have just revealed his future in the company in a unique way—through a Girl Scout cookie fundraiser.

    In a tweet posted on Friday, Owens encouraged fans to support his daughter’s Girl Scout troop by purchasing cookies. Owens\’ daughter Élodie, a Junior Girl Scout, sells cookies to fund troop activities and community projects while learning communication, money management, and build confidence.

    In return, he jokingly promised to continue wrestling for “at least 4 years, 11 months, and 22 days more.” The oddly specific timeframe sounds like Owens is hinting he\’s signed a new five-year contract with WWE running through February 2030.

    Owens, a former Universal Champion and one of WWE’s most reliable performers, has been with the company since 2014. His current contract was reportedly set to expire in 2024, making a renewal at this time plausible. While WWE has not officially announced an extension, Owens’ tweet strongly suggests that he’ll be staying with the company for the foreseeable future.

    If true, this would be a major commitment from both sides, keeping Owens as a key figure in WWE’s plans for the next half-decade. Whether he continues his main-event run or helps elevate the next generation, fans can seemingly count on five more years of \”The Prizefighter\” in WWE.

  • Lyra Valkyria on Her Royal Rumble Wardrobe Malfunction: \”I’ve Never Been So Happy to Be Hit in the Face\”

    Lyra Valkyria had a standout moment at the WWE Royal Rumble, but not for the reason she expected. During the match, the first-ever WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion faced an unexpected wardrobe malfunction, leading to a split-second moment of panic. Thankfully, Liv Morgan was there to lend a helping hand—literally.

    Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Lyra addressed the viral incident with humor and composure.

    \”Of course, it would be in the Royal Rumble—my biggest show ever. Why not? My top just had to fall off,” she joked. “I’ve never been so happy to be hit in the face.”

    Here\’s a look at the champion\’s gear in question:

    \”It was completely out of my control, so I just handled it the best way I could,\” she said. “You can’t let stuff like that throw you off. At the end of the day, I got to run that ramp as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion—pretty cool moment.”

    Morgan’s quick thinking helped defuse the situation, knocking Lyra down just long enough for her to adjust her gear. Despite the hiccup, Lyra remained focused, making the most of her first Rumble appearance as champion.

    With WrestleMania season in full swing, Lyra has bigger things to focus on, including a crucial Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Bayley this coming Monday on WWE Raw. But if one thing is clear, it’s that she’s proven she can handle any challenge—wardrobe malfunctions included.

    Lyra Valkyria’s Full Circle Showdown: From Bayley Fan to Opponent

  • WWE\’s Elias Signs with Ring of Honor

    Former WWE Superstar Jeffrey Sciullo, formerly known as Elias, has signed with Ring of Honor (ROH), according to the Wrestling Observer. Now competing under the name Elijah, he has aligned himself with Vincent and Dutch, forming a new faction under the banner of The Righteous.

    Elijah recently shared a video on social media, hinting at his new direction. The clip features him, Vincent, and Dutch dressed in white, walking through a field as Elijah strums a guitar. A narrator delivers an ominous monologue, ending with the question:

    “Who wants to run with The Righteous Ones?”

    The video’s narration suggests a rebirth theme, portraying the trio as men of one mind and one spirit, spreading a message in a world of wicked lies.

    The faction has been active in ROH, recently competing in a double bullrope match against Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara at Final Battle. While The Righteous last appeared on AEW television during September’s Casino Gauntlet match, they have remained active on the independent scene.

    Since his WWE release in 2023, Elijah has competed for Wrestling REVOLVER, IWC, The Crash in Mexico, and completed a tour with World Series Wrestling in Australia. This past weekend, Elijah, Vincent, and Dutch appeared together on Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea, further solidifying their bond as a unit.

    With his official signing to Ring of Honor, Elijah embarks on a new chapter in his career. His association with The Righteous signals a fresh creative direction, and fans will be eager to see how this faction evolves in the ROH landscape.

  • Joe Hendry Hints at Potential TNA DLC Pack for WWE 2K25

    TNA World Champion Joe Hendry has sparked speculation about a possible TNA Wrestling DLC pack for WWE 2K25. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hendry suggested that such an addition could be beneficial for both companies and, most importantly, the fans.

    “Something that would be wonderful for both companies and most importantly the fans—can you imagine if we had TNA DLC? That would be huge,” Hendry said.

    “That’s not just the modern roster like myself. That could be classic AJ Styles. That would be exciting.”

    While WWE 2K25 is set to feature five DLC packs, only one has been revealed – the Wyatt Sicks Pack featuring Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan, available to gamers who pre-order.

    Pre-order WWE 2K25 now at Amazon.com 

    Historically, WWE Games’ DLC offerings have been met with mixed reactions. The WWE 2K20 DLC, which included alternate universe arenas and reimagined wrestlers, faced criticism from fans. More recently, the Pat McAfee and Friends pack in WWE 2K24 also drew controversy, with some arguing that McAfee’s associates took spots that could have gone to NXT talent.

    WWE 2K25 is scheduled for release on March 14, with early access available on March 7 for those who pre-order premium editions.

  • WWE 2K25: First Official Gameplay Trailer

    WWE 2K25\’s gameplay trailer gives a first look at many of the new additions, including the Bloodline showcase mode, Intergender gameplay, Bloodline Rules, and Underground matches.

    Pre-order WWE 2K25 now at Amazon.com to get the Wyatt Sicks Pack featuring Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan.

    The gameplay trailer showcases new features including:

    • Enhanced brawl environments like NXT Parking Lot and WWE Archives
    • Intergender matches and new high-flying moves
    • 2K Showcase: The Bloodline\’s Dynasty, featuring matches with Roman Reigns, The Rock, Yokozuna, and Jacob Fatu
    • New match types: Underground and Bloodline Rules
    • MyRISE Mutiny with unified male/female storylines
    • MyGM online and MyFACTION World Tour
    • The Island – a new game environment (PS5® and Xbox Series X|S only)

  • Penta’s WWE Hit List: John Cena, CM Punk & Cody Rhodes

    Now that Penta El Zero Miedo has arrived in WWE, the question on every fan’s mind is: Who’s next?

    In an interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta revealed a stacked list of dream opponents—including some of WWE’s biggest names. While he’s ready to take on anyone, two matches stand out as personal goals: a showdown with John Cena and a rematch with CM Punk.

    “I had one match with CM Punk. He won. I need revenge,” Penta declared. “The rematch with him, with Cody [Rhodes] too. But for me, a special dream match is Penta versus John Cena or Penta versus Finn Balor.”

    The luchador also named Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, and Bron Breakker as potential opponents, proving he has his sights set on WWE’s top stars. But beyond individual matchups, Penta has one goal above all else: championship gold.

    “No matter who is in the ring, no matter what he won—I want to win everything in WWE,” he said.

    With Cero Miedo as his battle cry, Penta is ready to take on the best WWE has to offer. Now, it’s just a matter of who steps up first.

    https://podcast.chrisvanvliet.com/penta-on-his-wwe-debut-rey-mysterio-dream-opponents-cero-miedo

  • Cero Miedo: How Penta’s Catchphrase Became a Wrestling Phenomenon

    Penta El Zero Miedo’s signature catchphrase, “Cero Miedo” (Zero Fear), has become one of the most recognizable phrases in professional wrestling. But according to Penta, its origins are rooted not in wrestling, but in Mexican music.

    In his recent interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta shared that the phrase comes from corridos, a popular Mexican music genre known for its storytelling. Specifically, he credits the band Los Buitres De Culiacan Sinaloa, whose songs frequently use the phrase “Cero miedo, mi compa”—which translates to “No fear, my friend.”

    “The truth is, I love the Corridos,” Penta explained. “In my first interview in Triple A in Mexico, I needed to do a promo, and I was like, how do I finish it? Cero Miedo! Just like that. It was my reaction. And after that, everyone started saying it to me.”

    Since then, Cero Miedo has become more than just a wrestling taunt—it’s a mindset. Fans around the world throw up Penta’s signature hand gesture and chant it in unison, while others have told him that the phrase has helped them overcome personal struggles.

    “To be honest, Cero Miedo isn’t just a lucha thing anymore—it’s a lifestyle,” Penta said. “People have told me, ‘Penta, thanks for Cero Miedo. I conquered cancer.’ That’s when I realized the responsibility on my shoulders.”

    With Penta now in WWE, Cero Miedo is poised to reach an even wider audience. And as the luchador himself puts it,

    “I need to improve every day—my body, my mind, my soul—because I know I inspire a lot of people.”

  • Kurt Angle Defends Hulk Hogan: \”He\’s An Incredible Human Being!\”

    The WWE Raw Netflix premiere on January 6, 2025, was a historic night for the company, marking the beginning of its partnership with the streaming giant. However, one of the biggest talking points from the event was the unexpected reaction Hulk Hogan received from the Los Angeles crowd. When the WWE Hall of Famer made his appearance, he was met with a chorus of boos, a stark contrast to the hero\’s welcome he typically received in decades past.

    Wrestling legend Kurt Angle weighed in on the incident during an interview with legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter for WrestleBinge. Angle, a former Olympic gold medalist and WWE Champion, acknowledged Hogan’s legacy while addressing the crowd’s reaction.

    Kurt Angle’s Perspective

    Angle didn\’t seem surprised by the reaction but made it clear that Hogan’s status in the industry remains undisputed. He stated:

    “Let the fans do what they want to do. I mean, Hulk Hogan is a legend. You can’t take that away from him. He’s probably the most popular pro wrestler of all time. He’s an incredible human being, but sometimes politics gets in the way. That’s what happened.”

    Angle’s comments suggest that Hogan’s reception may have been influenced by factors outside of wrestling, possibly referring to past controversies that continue to affect the way fans perceive him.

    Wrestlers React to Hogan Getting Booed

    Kurt Angle isn’t the only one who has spoken about the incident. Several prominent wrestlers have shared their thoughts on why the Los Angeles crowd reacted the way they did.

    Seth Rollins’ Response

    Seth Rollins didn’t hold back when discussing the reaction to Hogan’s appearance. He expressed satisfaction with the crowd’s response, stating that people ultimately get the reaction they deserve when facing a live audience. While he acknowledged Hogan’s contributions to wrestling, Rollins emphasized that past actions have consequences and that Hogan has yet to fully take responsibility for some of the controversies surrounding him.

    The Undertaker Reacts

    Former The Undertaker joked about the backlash against Hogan, stating \”things come back\” and implying that karmic justice may be at play.

    Kevin Nash’s Perspective

    Kevin Nash, a long-time friend of Hogan, was surprised by the intensity of the boos. He noted that Hogan’s approach to the event may not have resonated with the Los Angeles audience. Nash also pointed out that Hogan’s physical condition made the appearance more challenging, as he has been dealing with severe back pain in recent years.

    Rob Van Dam’s Analysis

    Rob Van Dam took a different approach, questioning why the reaction became such a major talking point. He suggested that the situation gained traction because it seemed unplanned and went against WWE’s expectations. Van Dam also noted that Hogan has experienced multiple cycles of popularity and controversy throughout his career, indicating that this is just another phase in his storied legacy.

    Final Thoughts

    Hulk Hogan’s appearance at the WWE Raw Netflix premiere was meant to be a celebratory moment, but the reaction from the crowd highlighted the complicated relationship he has with today’s wrestling audience.

    While legends like Kurt Angle continue to respect his legacy, the strong reaction from fans and the varied responses from fellow wrestlers indicate that Hogan remains a polarizing figure in the industry.

    More from Kurt Angle about the Hulkster: