SEScoops

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • WWE Raw Preview & Spoilers For Oct. 14, 2024

    Tonight\’s WWE Raw broadcasts on the USA Network at 8/7c. The show was taped last Monday from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO, due to WWE\’s ongoing European tour.

    Matches and Segments:

    • The Miz vs. R-Truth
    • Bron Breakker vs. Kofi Kingston
    • Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair defend the women\’s tag titles against IYO SKY & Kairi Sane of Damage CTRL

    Plus:

    • Rhea Ripley opens the show
    • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Gunther will have a face-to-face segment ahead of their match at WWE Crown Jewel.

    Raw Spoilers for Tonight

    Here are the full results, taped before last week\’s WWE Raw went live on the air:

    • Rhea Ripley calls out Raquel Rodriguez but Tiffany Stratton interrupts, delivering a message from Nia Jax. This distraction allows Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez to attack both Ripley and Stratton.
    • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill defeat the team of Kairi Sane & IYO SKY in a tag match.
    • The War Raiders make their return and score a victory over Alpha Academy.
    • R-Truth pins The Miz after interference from Karrion Kross and his crew, who distracted Miz and then tossed Truth back into the ring for a post-match attack.
    • Bron Breakker scores a win by pinning Kofi Kingston.
    • The match between Tiffany Stratton & Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez ends in a disqualification/no contest when Nia Jax attacks, causing chaos.

  • Cody Rhodes Wins Steel Cage Match Against Solo Sikoa at WWE Cardiff Event

    Here are the full results from today’s WWE live event in Cardiff, Wales:

    • Jey Uso defeated Bron Breakker
    • Naomi defeated Tiffany Stratton
    • Andrade defeated Santos Escobar
    • Nia Jax defeated Bayley (Street Fight)
    • GUNTHER defeated Chad Gable
    • Randy Orton & DIY defeated Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa
    • LA Knight defeated Shinsuke Nakamura
    • Cody Rhodes defeated Solo Sikoa (Steel Cage Match)

    Highlights

    Here are some social media highlights from #WWECardiff (October 13, 2024)

    https://twitter.com/therealjcdc/status/1845571058122002940?s=46

  • Bryan Danielson Ready for AEW WrestleDream Despite Health Concerns

    Bryan Danielson says he feels healthy enough to face Jon Moxley at Saturday’s AEW WrestleDream PPV. However, the reigning AEW World Champion admits that he’s on borrowed time, with concerns about his long-term health persisting.

    The American Dragon is preparing for what could be the fight of his life. Speaking with Justin Barrasso, Danielson expressed confidence in his readiness for the match, but acknowledged the seriousness of his health issues.

    “Our trainer is concerned to some extent, and so am I,” Danielson said. “My wife is very worried. But there have been times in my career where I’ve been more concerned than I am now.”

    – Bryan Danielson ahead of AEW WrestleDream (Undisputed)

    Danielson highlighted the balance between his current abilities and his long-term health.

    “The biggest issue is my overall health in the long run. Right now, everything is fixable. In the short term, it’s about whether I can perform at the level I expect from myself—and I know I can. I’m exactly where I want to be, fighting someone I want to fight. So, the answer is yes.”

  • Update on Kenny Omega’s Return to AEW

    Kenny Omega could be back in action before the end of the year, but injuries are starting to catch up with the former AEW World Champion.

    His longtime friend and tag team partner, Kota Ibushi, recently provided an update on Omega’s in-ring future.

    During a conversation with wrestling legend Yuji Nagata, Ibushi shared that Omega is expected to be healthy enough to return in 2-3 months. However, his recovery has been very difficult, and he continues to deal with significant pain and lingering issues.

    Ibushi also revealed that they plan to reunite as the Golden Lovers very soon. He has mentioned in various interviews that he remains committed to AEW and is eagerly awaiting another run alongside the Best Bout Machine.

    Omega has spoken openly about the increasing difficulty of recovering from injuries and has publicly questioned how many more times he’ll have the drive to return after long layoffs. While his days as a full-time performer may be winding down, fans hope to see him compete at a high level—at least on a part-time basis—for a few more years.

    Health Update and Future Outlook

    Kenny Omega has been out of action for approximately five months. Back in May, he addressed his health status on AEW Dynamite, and then later during a live stream on Twitch.

    Omega is preparing for an upcoming major surgery with a top specialist, which has given him confidence despite the seriousness of the procedure. He has acknowledged that this will require him to take additional time off, including a break from streaming.

    The former AEW Champion has been battling multiple health issues, including diverticulitis, a hernia, and other injuries that date back to his early AEW days and his appearances for Triple A. Initially, Omega misattributed some of the pain to a hernia, but later discovered it was diverticulitis, a condition he has been dealing with for over four years.

    At times, Omega admits he considered retirement due to the severity of his injuries. However, he is now optimistic about returning to the ring, potentially at the same level as his early AEW performances. He views this recovery period as an opportunity for a “repackaging,” aiming to come back better, even if his prime years are behind him. He hopes to bring a fresh approach to his character and in-ring style moving forward.

  • AEW WrestleDream: Betting Odds, Bobby Lashley Expected

    Here are the latest betting odds for Saturday’s AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view, courtesy of BetOnline:

    • Jon Moxley is favored (-150) to defeat AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson (+120).
    • Will Ospreay (-400) is favored to retain the AEW International Championship against Konosuke Takeshita (+200) and Ricochet (+800).
    • AEW TNT Champion Jack Perry (-2500) is heavily favored to defeat Katsuyori Shibata (+800).
    • Mariah May (-5000) is strongly favored to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship over Willow Nightingale (+1200).
    • AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks (-2000) are favored to beat Private Party (+700).
    • Mark Briscoe (-250) is favored to retain the ROH World Championship against Chris Jericho (+170).
    • Brian Cage (-220) is slightly favored over ROH World Television Champion Atlantis Jr. (+165).
    • Darby Allin (-1500) is favored in his Open Challenge match against Brody King (+600).
    • Jay White (-180) is favored to win his singles match against Adam Page (+140).
    • The Acclaimed (-450) are favored to defeat MxM Collection (+275) in a tag team match.
    • Hologram (-1000) is favored in the Two Out of Three Falls match against The Beast Mortos (+550).

    Prop bets:

    \"\"
    People who are betting on AEW WrestleDream expect former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley to debut
    • Bryan Danielson is not expected to retire, with odds at Yes (+700).
    • Bobby Lashley (-250) is favored to appear first on the show over MJF (+200), Adam Cole (+550), and Ricky Starks (+1800).
    • Christian Cage is not expected to cash in his contract for a title shot (+500).

  • Details on MJF’s Next Movie, Stranglehold

    Maxwell Jacob Friedman’s plan to transition from pro wrestling to Hollywood is steadily unfolding.

    After a minor role (and an Executive Producer credit) in the acclaimed Von Erich family movie The Iron Claw, the former AEW World Champion has landed a significant role in the upcoming Adam Sandler comedy, Happy Gilmore 2.

    On Wednesday, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported that MJF is also attached to another project co-starring Justin Long and Ron Perlman. SEScoops has confirmed that this project is Stranglehold, an action-comedy directed by Clark Duke.

    Stranglehold follows the story of an exotic dancer and her Army veteran husband as they plan to rob the strip club where she works.

    The film will also feature former WWE broadcaster Kayla Braxton (Kayla Becker), former AEW star Ryan Nemeth, Jake Lacy, and Ashley Benson.

    MJF last competed at AEW All Out in September, where he defeated Daniel Garcia. He’s expected to return to AEW television soon.

    Exclusive: MJF reveals advice he received from John Cena

  • Jesse Ventura Signs WWE Legends Deal

    WWE Hall of Famer Jesse Ventura is officially back with the company. The former Governor of Minnesota has signed a WWE Legends contract and is looking ahead to some fun projects in the near future. Ventura posted a video on his Substack page explaining why he\’s back with WWE after two decades.

    \”Hell has frozen over. Yes, hell has frozen over. I\’m back in the WWE as a legend, I\’ve gone through negotiations, we\’ve reached agreements and I feel very good about. I\’m 73 years old now and my life has gone full circle.\”

    – Jesse Ventura on finishing his career with WWE

    Ventura says he earned his first fame and fortune in the wrestling industry, and although he achieved success in Hollywood and in politics, he likes the idea of coming back to wrestling in the twilight of his life and finishing things off as a pro wrestler.

    The Body Has Come Home! by Jesse & Tyrel Ventura

    Gov. Jesse Ventura Returns To The WWE

    Read on Substack

    Jesse Ventura\’s WWE Career

    Jesse Ventura was an active wrestler for WWE (then known as the World Wrestling Federation) from 1984 to 1986, but was forced to retire from the ring due to health issues. He served as an announcer from 1985 through 1990.

    WWE Legends Contracts

    WWE Legends contracts honor former wrestlers who have made significant contributions to the company. These contracts ensuring post-retirement income for alumni and Hall of Famers, while also allowing WWE to utilize their likenesses for merchandise and promotional activities.

  • Chris Jericho Dunks On \’Experts\’ Who Doubted AEW\’s Media Rights Deal

    Chris Jericho is taking a big fat victory lap after All Elite Wrestling (AEW) secured a new multi-year media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. After several months of wrestling pundits spewing doom and gloom about AEW’s long-term prospects, Jericho says they’ve made those “experts” look like idiots.

    The Learning Tree appeared on Busted Open Radio on Wednesday and touted the importance of there being more than one thriving major wrestling promotion.

    “I think we proved a lot of so-called ‘experts,’ and we made them look like idiots. We knew what was going on with this. The landscape changes constantly. numbers go up and numbers go down, but the overall demo of what AEW brings to the table as a live sporting event is invaluable.

    We knew it was something that people would want to be involved with. Warner Brothers Discovery didn’t want us to go anywhere, and you can see, $185 million a year for a company that has only been going five years. That’s never happened before. Ever.”

    – Chris Jericho

    Jericho’s comments come amid growing speculation about AEW’s future, particularly in light of their new lucrative deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. He emphasized that AEW’s rapid growth and success have proven the naysayers wrong, while setting the stage for an exciting new chapter.

    “Obviously, WWE is the gold standard. They didn’t have a deal like that five years in. With all the growing pains, good and bad, that AEW has, we’re still such a young company. That showed we have a real commitment.

    We’re not going anywhere. Tony Khan is not going anywhere. I’m not going anywhere, much to people’s chagrin. Neither is the rest of the company. It’s going to be a really great next three to five years.”

    – Chris Jericho

    Chris Jericho, formerly known as \”The Ocho\” to signify his eight World Title reigns, looks be become The Nueve this Saturday night when he challenges Mark Briscoe for the Ring of Honor Worlds Championship at AEW WrestleDream.

  • Booker T Backs Triple H’s Take on WWE Diversity: “It’s About Talent, Not Race”

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is defending Paul \”Triple H\” Levesque\’s comments at Saturday\’s Bad Blood post-show press conference about representation in WWE.

    In response to a question about the lack of black wrestlers competing at the event, Triple H stated that he doesn\’t see color, nationality, or gender, only talent. WWE aims to tell stories with those talents and provide opportunities for everyone, but he\’s not keeping score.

    Booker T addressed this issue directly on the latest episode of his Hall of Fame podcast with Brad Gilmore. He acknowledged wrestling\’s historical \’bias\’ against black wrestlers, and admitted he\’s been involved in “touchy” storylines himself during his in-ring career.. However, he refutes the idea that race is factor in Triple H’s creative process.


    “Has there been bias in the wrestling business, in the wrestling company before? Yes, there has. … But do I think it’s race-related or anything like that, or someone being belittled on purpose? I don’t.”

    – Booker T

    Booker T points out that wrestling has always had more white wrestlers than black wrestlers, which affects representation. He believes talent and storyline relevance should determine who appears on the shows, and questions whether any black wrestlers were involved in significant angles that would warrant their inclusion.


    \”Then I’m gonna say, okay, what guys are we talking about that we saying that should be on the pay-per-view? Are they in any angles to warrant a reason for being on the pay-per-view? \”

    – Booker T

    Booker T compares the wrestling business to a “merry-go-round.” Sometimes you’re featured, and sometimes you’re not. He reiterates that he does not believe Triple H has any racial bias.

    “I don’t think it’s a black and white thing, I don’t think it’s a race thing at this stage of the game. I think if you’re talented enough, if you’re good, cream is gonna rise to the top every time.”

    – Booker T

    To further demonstrate his point, Booker T said Superstars like Jey Uso, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill have earned theirspots through hard work, not because WWE needed to push a certain number of non-white wrestlers. He believes the most talented performers, regardless of race, will succeed.

  • Killer Mike Talks Pro Wrestling and Hip-Hop\’s Deep Connection

    3-time Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike had a killer time at WWE Bad Blood over the weekend, and says the bond between pro wrestling and hip-hop runs deep.

    Mike was ringside for the action this past weekend, along with other celebrities including Quavo, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, and more. He sat directly next to WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg, and touted the former WWE & WCW Champion as someone who was just \”perfect\” for wrestling.

    Mike spoke to Variety about his experience attending the show, and delved into the deep connection between pro wrestling and Hip-Hop.

    He describes them both as forms of theater for working-class people, a comparison we\’ve heard before from other longtime fans of both genres. He also reflected on how growing up, kids who weren’t into mainstream sports often gravitated toward wrestling, comic books, or Hip-Hop.

    “It’s working-class people’s theater. It gives us an opportunity to get our sh*t off, whether it’s our highest ambitions or lowest of the lows. These characters represent that for us.”

    – Killer Mike on the Pro Wrestling & Hip-Hop connection

    Mike added that WWE has consistently produced a great product and expressed his lifelong love for wrestling:

    “WWE put together some dope product. I’ve enjoyed it my entire life — shout-out to my wrestling heads.”

    Killer Mike is recognized as one of several popular rappers who incorporate pro wrestling references into their lyrics alongside artists like Wale, Action Bronson and Westside Gun. His song \”Ric Flair\” off his 2011 album Pledge uses wrestling imagery to convey a positive message about overcoming life\’s obstacles.

    He spoke with Peter Rosenberg ahead of WWE Bad Blood and He equated winning a Grammy Award earlier this year to Dusty Rhodes winning his first World Championship.

  • WWE-NHL Legacy Title Belts Now Available For All 32 Teams

    The National Hockey League (NHL) is the latest professional sports league to team up with WWE for a line of team-specific replica championship belts.

    On Tuesday, WWE sent in word that officially licensed NHL Legacy Title Belts are available for all 32 teams ahead of the 2024-2025 season. The WWE legacy title belts feature custom side plates emblazoned with the logo and official markings of each team.  

    NHL Legacy Title Belts for all 32 teams are available for purchase at WWEShop.

    The collection is part of a new multi-year licensing agreement between WWE and the NHL. Back in June, WWE and the NHL launched a WWE 2024 Stanley Cup champions legacy title belt featuring the official markings of the Florida Panthers and showcasing the Stanley Cup.

    \"\"
    WWE\’s Florida Panthers NHL Stanley Cup Championship Belt

    In addition to the NHL, WWE has similar licensing deals with Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

  • WWE NXT Preview: Randy Orton, 2 Championship Matches

    WWE NXT broadcasts live tonight on The CW from St. Louis, Missouri.

    This week\’s show will feature special appearances from WWE legend Randy Orton, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair, and two championship matches.

    Confirmed matches for 10/8:

    • Randy Orton vs. Je’Von Evans
    • North American Championship: Oba Demi (c) vs. Tony D’Angelo
    • NXT Tag Team Championships: Fraxiom (c) vs. A-Town Down Under
    • Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, & Kelani Jordan vs. Fatal Influence

    Plus, we\’ll see appearances from new NXT Champion Trick Williams, NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade and rapper Sexy Red.

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for more NXT news on the road to NXT Halloween Havoc 2024 on Tuesday, October 29.

    What Happened Last Week on NXT

    Catch up on the \’Top 10 Moments\’ from last week\’s NXT on The CW premiere:

  • Cody Rhodes Expects More \’Cinematic\’ WWE Productions and Storylines

    Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes says wrestling fans can expect more “cinematic” productions in the future.

    During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rhodes discussed his critically acclaimed mini-movie with Roman Reigns, filmed at Georgia Tech, the alma mater of the OTC. This segment has garnered praise for its innovative approach.

    WWE’s storytelling has seen a significant evolution since Paul “Triple H” Levesque took over creative direction from Vince McMahon. Fans have appreciated the depth and nuance in ongoing storylines like The Bloodline and The Judgment Day.

    The phrase “this is cinema” has become a popular meme in wrestling circles, and Rhodes believes the company is heading even further in that direction.

    “RAW being two hours again, the content perhaps being tailored a little differently… What you saw with Roman and me in that [Georgia Tech] package might be the direction the industry is moving,” Rhodes said.

    \"Roman
    Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns on the 50-yard-line at Georgia Tech University\’s football field

    As an old-school wrestling fan, Rhodes noted his fondness for the more theatrical elements from his father’s work in WCW. He referenced the infamous White Castle of Fear segment, in which Sting ventured into the snowy mountains to confront Vader.

    “There were little people and turkey legs, and it was just this crazy scene. Heavily criticized by the audience, to the point where I thought, ‘Maybe that’s never going to be our world. We’re never going to have that kind of cinema,’” Rhodes recalled.

    WCW\’s White Castle of Fear was quintessential \”Wrestle-crap\”

    \”This Is Cinema\”

    However, Rhodes credits \”Mr. Heyman\” and WWE Vice President of Domestic Television Adam Pennucci for the success of the Georgia Tech segment. He praised the company’s leadership and creative team’s willingness to experiment.

    “I thought, ‘Wow, this might be more of the direction we’re going.’ We didn’t make it silly; it wasn’t spooky or anything like that. It was two guys with real emotions having a conversation, and we captured it.”

    Cody Rhodes has held the Undisputed WWE Championship for six months. His next major challenge will be against World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER at Crown Jewel on Saturday, November 2, where the winner will receive a special Crown Jewel Championship.

    Roman Reigns Explains How WWE Content Could Change with Raw’s Move to Netflix

  • WWE Raw Returns to 2-Hours, GUNTHER & Jey Uso Defend Titles

    This week’s WWE Raw broadcasts live on the USA Network at 8/7c from St. Louis, Missouri at the Enterprise Center.

    Programming Note: WWE Raw reverts to a 2-hour format this week through the remainder of the year.

    Following Saturday’s Bad Blood event, WWE presents a stacked card including the World Heavyweight and Intercontinental championships on the line.

    Confirmed Matches for 10/7 Episode:

    • GUNTHER (c) vs. Sami Zayn: GUNTHER will defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
    • Jey Uso (c) vs. Xavier Woods: Jey Uso will defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
    • Pete Dunne vs. Sheamus: The two will face off in a “Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook.”

    Plus, Seth “Freakin’” Rollins will appear. Rollins made a surprise return during last week’s Last Monster Standing main event.

    We’ll update this article if any additional matches are announced.

  • AEW WrestleDream: 6 Matches, Updated Card for 10/12

    Here’s the updated match card for next weekend’s second annual AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view event:

    1. AEW World Championship: Bryan Danielson (c) vs. Jon Moxley.

    2. AEW International Championship: Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita.

    3. TNT Championship: Jack Perry (c) vs. Katsuyori Shibata.

    4. Open Challenge by Darby Allin.

    5. ROH World Championship: Mark Briscoe (c) vs. Chris Jericho.

    6. ROH World TV Championship: Atlantis (c) vs. Brian Cage.

    AEW Wrestledream 2024 will be held on Saturday, October 12, and broadcast live on pay-per-view.

    \"\"

  • AEW Talent Misclassification Lawsuit Reveals $60MM in Talent Payments and Potential Reclassification Costs

    New reporting from POST Wrestling’s John Pollack and Brandon Thurston (Wrestlenomics) on the independent contractor misclassification lawsuit against AEW provide a rare look into AEW’s talent expenditures and the significant financial implications of potentially reclassifying their wrestling and non-wrestling talent as employees.

    The Lawsuit

    Former AEW announcer Kevin Kelly and The Tate Twins have filed a lawsuit against All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and others, alleging defamation and breach of contract following their departures from the company. Central to the case is a challenge to AEW’s classification of its talent as independent contractors rather than employees. The plaintiffs aim to void the arbitration clauses in their contracts and seek class-action certification for the lawsuit. Kevin Kelly’s attorney, Stephen P. New, has been outspoken in advocating for reform in the pro wrestling industry regarding talent classification.

    AEW\’s Response and Legal Maneuvers

    AEW is actively working to move the case to federal court. As the legal battle unfolds, the lawsuit brings to light previously undisclosed details about AEW’s talent compensation and the financial burdens the company would face if forced to reclassify its talent as employees.

    Talent Compensation and Financial Insights

    Over a two-year period, AEW paid 290 individuals, including both wrestlers and non-wrestling talent, more than $60 million under independent contractor agreements. This breaks down to an average of $207,000 per individual, though compensation likely varies widely, with top stars commanding multi-million-dollar contracts.

    If AEW were required to reclassify its talent as employees, the company would face significant financial obligations beyond current payouts. AEW would be liable for a 9.95% tax, totaling over $5.97 million, and would incur additional employee benefits costs of $18,125 per individual annually—resulting in approximately $5.26 million in yearly expenses.

    Legal and Financial Implications

    Beyond taxes and benefits, AEW would also need to cover legal fees, estimated at about 30%, leading to projected expenses of $14.59 million. This sum substantially exceeds the $5 million threshold established by the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA), which allows for federal jurisdiction, which may be perceived as more favorable to defendants.

    For further analysis of the AEW misclassification lawsuit:

  • AJ Styles Returns on SmackDown, ‘Hospitalized’ With Ankle Injury

    AJ Styles returns to WWE SmackDown, his first appearance since saying the words “I Quit” in his match against Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle back in June. Styles said that we may never see him again if he quit, but he’s back and received a warm reception from the crowd.

    The multi-time World Champion said he missed the fans so much, and it’s only fitting that he returned in Nashville, where it all started for him in the business. He regrets a lot of his conduct, but he’s here to rebuild his legacy. Styles declared that SmackDown is still “The house that AJ Styles Built” and was interrupted by Carmelo Hayes.

    Hayes said he’s a big fan of old-timers like Styles, but said he’s better suited for a Legends contract at this stage in his career. Hayes continued talking himself up and said he deserves a shot at the United States Championship, held by one LA Knight. Styles said he’s familiar with the champ. Styles challenged Hayes, but it wasn’t accepted. They continued talking trash back-and-forth until LA Knight’s music hit and he hit the stage.

    Knight acknowledged his history with Styles, and said he made a liar of himself by teasing a retirement and then showing up in Nashville. Knight will grant MELO a shot at the title if he can get through AJ Styles on SmackDown.

    AJ Styles vs. Carmelo Hayes

    Styles and Hayes had a competitive match that was stopped due to injury after Styles appeared to land awkwardly on his leg after a backflip off the ropes. Styles sold the injury as he left the ringside area. While Carmelo Hayes was in the ring watching his opponent hobble off, he was blindsided and laid out by LA Knight.

    AJ Styles Injury Update

    Later in the show, AJ Styles was shown in a pre-recorded segment getting checked out by a doctor. Michael Cole said that Styes has been transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation. We’ll provide an update when it becomes clear if this is a legitimate injury or not.

  • AEW TV Deal Announced: First Details, PPV’s on Max

    All Elite Wrestling\’s new TV deal is official. On Wednesday, Variety\’s Joe Otterson broke the news that AEW has signed a multi-year rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Financial terms weren’t officially disclosed, but sources estimate the deal to be worth over $150 million per year when all aspects are considered.

    Broadcast and streaming details:

    • Dynamite and Collision: AEW’s shows, Dynamite and Collision, will continue to air on TBS and TNT, respectively.
    • Max: For the first time, AEW programming will also stream live on Max (WBD’s streaming platform) for U.S. subscribers starting January 2025, with on-demand access available. Pay-per-view events will be offered on Max at a discounted price starting in January.
    https://x.com/aewontv/status/1841570099565642232?s=46
    • Additional rights and new programming: The deal includes broader distribution rights on social media and potential new AEW shows on linear and digital platforms. Starting in late 2025, AEW pay-per-view events will also stream on Max at a discounted rate.

    Here\’s the official word from AEW President Tony Khan:

    “We are honored to announce the extension of our incredible partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. This extension continues the tradition of iconic wrestling events broadcast on TBS and TNT, while also establishing a new legacy for AEW through weekly live streams on Max for years to come. We thank David Zaslav, Kathleen Finch and everyone at WBD for their tireless support of All Elite Wrestling since its inception, as well as the AEW fans, talent and staff that helped make this possible.”

    Kathleen Finch, WBD’s chairman and CEO of US Networks, praised the AEW partnership and stressed their commitment to delivering fresh and engaging content to AEW’s passionate fanbase.

    Bernie Cahill, a founding partner of Activist Artists Management, highlighted the deal as a validation of Tony Khan’s vision, positioning AEW as a valuable media and live entertainment enterprise.

  • Adam Pearce on Wrestling Again: \”Brother, I Will Get My Hands Dirty\”

    WWE Raw General Manger Adam Peace teases that we haven\’t seen the last of him as an in-ring competitor.

    Pearce, a former NWA World Champion, retired from full-time active competition in 2014. Since then, he\’s only wrestled twice – two televised matches for WWE in early 2021.

    During an interview with Chaotic Good Sports, \”the man once known as \’Scrap Daddy\’ \’Scrap Daddy\’ shares that he \”had the time of his life\” as a wrestler and is grateful that he developed skills during that time that allowed him to continue thriving in the business long after he slammed his final opponent.

    \”I like to say, walk your path with passion, and when you get to the end, redefine that path and walk it again,\” said Pearce. \”I’ve had multiple paths in pro wrestling, and I’m walking them all. I love every single one of them.\”

    He loves his current role. He\’s a \”hell no\” on wrestling again on a full-time basis. However, he\’s ready to unleash a Rackbomb or two (his old finisher)

    \”Listen, if the time comes and they say, ‘Hey, we need you to have a match,’ brother, I will get my hands dirty. I got my hands dirty with Bronson Reed a little bit. I am certainly capable, but am I looking to do that, particularly on a full-time basis? Hell no. I am good.\”

    For Pearce to come out of retirement, it would need to under the right circumstances. If one were to fantasy book such a scenario, there is another WWE General Manager who is also a former NWA World Champion:

  • Cody Rhodes\’ Bad Blood Spoiler: \”Big Title Implications for Crown Jewel\”

    WWE presents Bad Blood this Saturday, but Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is already looking ahead.

    The American Nightmare appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday to hype this weekend\’s event, and dropped a few clues for some big things in the pipeline.

    Rhodes teams with former rival Roman Reigns at Bad Blood against The Bloodline\’s Jacob Fatu and the new Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa. The richest prize in wrestling won\’t be on the line, but Rhodes says there will be \”big title implications\” for Crown Jewel in November.

    \”[The WWE Championship is] not on the line this weekend, but there is something that happens at Bad Blood, a, I guess, a video package or vignette, that\’s going to play in the show. I\’ve got to keep it vague, but there are big title implications for Crown Jewel, moving and moving past. Sorry for being so vague.\”

    – Cody Rhodes drops a spoiler

    Keep Those Expectations High

    Cody Rhodes sets a high bar for himself and isn\’t afraid to share his big plans. Six months after \’Finishing His Story\’ at WrestleMania 40, Cody says there\’s something in the works for next year\’s \’Mania main event that, \”is perhaps bigger than anyone anticipated.\”

    \”The little spoiler there, in addition to that, WrestleMania 41… I am looking to do what I\’ve done three times now and enter the main event, but I think it will be something that perhaps is bigger than anyone anticipated.\”

    – Cody Rhodes

    WWE Bad Blood takes place this Saturday, October 5, 2024 from Atlanta, GA at the State Farm Arena.

    WWE Crown Jewel is scheduled for November 2, 2024 from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at Mohammed Abdo Arena.

  • Pentagon Jr. Dismisses WWE Rumors

    Pentagon Jr. has confirmed that he remains under contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and is fully focused on his current role in the promotion. Speaking with Mas Lucha, he stated that he has not yet considered his future beyond AEW.

    \”Everyone defends their interests,\” Pentagon said. \”Tony [Khan] is defending his interests, and we are defending ours.\”

    He continued, \”I\’ll tell you about my situation at present: I\’m still under contract with AEW. That is my current focus. As for the future, I haven\’t even started thinking about it because I prefer to live in the here and now, and my \’now\’ is AEW.\”

    These remarks come in response to rumors circulating about The Lucha Bros. potentially moving to WWE. However, regardless of what may happen in the future, Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix remain committed to AEW for the foreseeable future.

  • WWE Creative Team Watched AEW Dynamite’s Debut Live at Titan Towers

    Wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett is a valued member of the All Elite Wrestling roster as AEW Dynamite celebrates its 5th Anniversary this Wednesday night on TBS. Five years ago, Double J was a WWE employee – and watched the premiere episode of AEW Dynamite at the old Titan Towers with his co-workers.

    On the latest episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett recalls his first impressions of AEW, and the surreal sight of WWE power brokers getting their first glimpse at their new competition.

    The first episode of AEW Dynamite took place Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. About 250 miles north up I-95, a late-night creative meeting was being held at WWE HQ. Jarrett recalls them taking a break to see what Tony Khan was serving up. The first thing he remembers was how fresh the product felt.

    “The freshness… it brought back so many memories since a non-WWE program had been on cable television in prime time.”

    Jeff Jarrett on his first impressions of AEW Dynamite when it launched in 2019

    AEW\’s first primetime broadcast had him reminiscing about TNA Wrestling’s early days on Spike TV in the mid-2000s. Jarrett had worked with a lot of people in AEW previously, including Cody Rhodes, Keith Mitchell and a lot folks on the production side.

    Drawing parallels to past moments in wrestling history, Jarrett likened the excitement to the debut of WCW Nitro, which competed against WWE’s Monday Night Raw.

    Potential From Day 1

    Jeff Jarrett is a third-generation wrestling promoter and knows quality when he sees it. Nobody was expecting \”perfect,\” but AEW accomplished what it set out to do. For all the hype up until that point, the first Dynamite delivered and it\’s no accident that the company is still going strong to this day.

    “You knew from day one that man, this thing’s got some juice behind it,” Jarrett said. He explained that AEW had all the pieces in place: the talent, the financial backing, and equally important, a television partner that believed in the product.

    More: My World with Jeff Jarrett Podcast

    Results from the first AEW Dynamite

    Here are the results from the first-ever AEW Dynamite episode that aired on October 2, 2019:

    • Cody defeated Sammy Guevara
    • MJF defeated Brandon Cutler
    • PAC defeated \”Hangman\” Adam Page
    • Riho defeated Nyla Rose to become the first AEW Women\’s World Champion
    • Chris Jericho, Santana and Ortiz defeated The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and Kenny Omega

  • Tony Khan on Vince McMahon Doc: Haven\’t Seen It, Never Met Him

    Tony Khan appeared on the Quinn & Cantara podcast to promote Wednesday\’s AEW Dynamite\’s 5-year Anniversary special.

    During the conversation, the AEW & ROH President was asked if he\’s had a chance to check out the Netflix \”Mr. McMahon\” docu-series that\’s been dominating the news cycle since its release last week. Khan says he\’s been too busy to see what all the fuss is about, and was quick to point out he\’s never met him or worked with him.

    “No, I’ve been so busy with football and wrestling that I have not seen that documentary.\”

    – Tony Khan on the Netflix \”Mr. McMahon\” docuseries

    Khan was quick to distance himself from the former WWE boss, stating:

    \”I’ve never met him and have never really worked with him.”

    – Tony Khan on Vince McMahon

    AEW As the Challenger Brand

    Khan has long prided himself in All Elite Wrestling being the \”challenger\” brand to the decades-long industry leader, WWE. Ahead of Wednesday\’s big event, Khan took a moment to reflect on the journey thus far.

    “I have grown up as a wrestling fan and historian of the pro wrestling business, so absolutely, we love being the challenger promotion and trying to grow and build AEW from the ground up.

    It’s only been five years and we’ve done a lot in that time.”

    – Tony Khan on AEW being the \”Challenger Brand\” to WWE

  • WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Tickets, Pre-Sale, Start Time

    WWE has announced ticket information for next year\’s Royal Rumble event, scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025 from Indianapolis, IN at Lucas Oil Stadium. Additionally, WWE has confirmed the Rumble is scheduled to begin at 6pm ET/3 pm PT.

    Here\’s the official press release sent in to SEScoops:

    TICKETS FOR ROYAL RUMBLE® 2025 IN INDIANAPOLIS ON SALE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
    Royal Rumble Ticket Presale Begins Wednesday, November 13 at 10am ET/7am PT

    September 30, 2024 – WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today announced tickets for Royal Rumble® 2025, which takes place Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, will go on sale Friday, November 15 at 10am ET/7am PT via ticketmaster.com.

    Presale for Royal Rumble tickets will begin Wednesday, November 13 at 10am ET/7am PT. Fans can register now to receive an exclusive presale offer by visiting wwe.com/royalrumble-2025-presale.

    Additionally, Royal Rumble Priority Pass ticket packages will soon be available from On Location, offering fans the chance to be ringside for every exhilarating moment including premium seating, pre-show hospitality with WWE Superstar appearances, ringside photo opportunities and more. To place a deposit or sign up for exclusive presale access, please visit onlocationexp.com/royalrumble.

    Kicking off with Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025, Indianapolis will host WWE’s three largest stadium events at Lucas Oil Stadium, includingWrestleMania and a two-night SummerSlam, in future years as part of a first-of-its-kind partnership struck between WWE and Indiana Sports Corp earlier this year.

    Additionally, Raw, SmackDown, NXT and WWE live events will emanate from arenas across Indiana, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville throughout the partnership.

    The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble streams live in the U.S. exclusively on Peacock beginning at 6pm ET/3 pm PT.

  • WWE Raw Preview: Last Monster Standing, Mysterio vs. Woods

    Tonight\’s WWE Raw broadcasts live on the USA Network from Evansville, Indiana. It\’s the final stop before WWE Bad Blood and the show will feature the final hype for Saturday\’s premium live event.

    This will be the final 3-hour Raw for the remainder of the year. Next week begins a new era Starting next week, Monday Night Raw reverts to a 2-hour format until the move to Netflix on January 6.

    The September 30, 2024 edition of Raw will feature a Last Monster Standing match between two of WWE\’s largest competitors, Xavier Woods and Rey Mysterio wrestling for the first-time ever, and more.

    Confirmed Matches and Segments

    • Last Monster Standing: Braun Strowman vs. Bronson Reed
    • Xavier Woods vs. Rey Mysterio
    • Kofi Kingston vs. Chad Gable
    • Six-Man Tag Match: The Judgment Day vs. LWO
    • Lyra Vakkyria vs. Zoey Stark

    Plus, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre will be on-hand just five days before they step foot inside Hell in a Cell to end their 9-month feud.

    Finally, what\’s next for Jey Uso after winning the Intercontinental Championship last week?

    Watch: Jey Uso Gets Emotional After Winning His First WWE Singles Title

    What Happened Last Week on Raw

    Catch up on the Top 10 moments from last week\’s WWE Raw: