SEScoops

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Edge Wants To Write a Children\’s Book With Beth Phoenix

    Edge says he wants to write a children\’s book with his wife, Beth Phoenix.

    The Rated R Superstar recently appeared on the Steven\’s Wrestling Journey podcast and revealed the \”bucket list\” project he wants to undertake.

    \”I love to draw,\” he began. \”I love illustrating and I love writing. At some point, I wanna do a children’s book and… yeah, I wanna release a children’s book and Beth wants to as well so we might… we might partner up.\”

    Edge says they\’ve already written some material for the book, which is still in its very early stages. They\’re working on

    “I think we got an idea.. Yeah, it’ll definitely be a kid’s book,\” said Edge. \”That’s always kind of been a bucket list thing of mine too so, and I know it has been for Beth as well. So, that’s one thing I think I’d like to do that maybe a lot of people don’t know.”

    Edge and Beth Phoenix have been married since 2016. The couple have two daughters together, Lyric Rose and Ruby Ever. They are the only married couple comprised of two WWE Hall of Famers (until next Friday).

    Edge is scheduled to face AJ Styles next weekend at WrestleMania 38.

    Check out Edge\’s appearance on Steven\’s Wrestling Journey:

  • Thunder Rosa Says Brock Lesnar Has Disrespected Her Culture

    Thunder Rosa says Brock Lesnar disrespected Mexican culture during his 2004 feud with Eddie Guerrero.

    The veteran from Tijuana, Mexico scored the biggest victory of her career last week when she won the AEW Women\’s World Championship from Britt Baker.

    Rosa had a very special entrance for the steel cage match against Baker. An all-female mariachi band played her to the ring.

    The festive ring entrance meant a lot to Thunder Rosa, but it also reminded her of the time WWE and Brock Lesnar mocked Mexican culture on a 2004 episode of SmackDown.

    In early 2004, then-WWE Champion Brock Lesnar was feuding with Mexican star Eddie Guerrero. In the build-up to their match, Lesnar came to the ring wearing a sombrero and orchestrated a mariachi band in the ring.

    During a recent interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Ten Count, Rosa says that segment sticks with her to this day.

    “I can tell you, I read about me bringing the Mariachi and I remember Brock Lesnar making fun of Eddie Guerrero with that,\” she said. \”And that hurts because they were making fun of my culture before. And on Wednesday, I represented our culture properly. With honor and with respect.\”

    She was especially hurt because she felt WWE was giving fans a license to make fun of Mexican people.

    Brock went on to lose the WWE Championship to Eddie Guerrero at No Way Out 2004 in one of the more memorable title changes of the past 20 years.

  • The Hardys Recall Working With Scott Hall Early in Their Careers

    The wrestling world lost an icon last week with the tragic passing of Scott Hall.

    The Hardys, Matt and Jeff, shared memories of working with Hall on the latest episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast.

    Matt Hardy began by saying it\’s extremely sad how Scott Hall\’s death seemingly came out of left field. It is difficult to make sense of things when somebody passes away unexpectedly, but Matt feels that it\’s important to make the most of each day. The Hardys have always \”lived for the moment\” but Hall\’s passing is a reminder that you never really know how much time you have left in life.

    Matt told host Jon Alba that Scott Hall was good to the Hardys when they worked together in the early days of their WWE careers.

    “Scott was very cool to us,\” he said. \”We had a lot of good fun stories with him. I’ll never forget the second day I was with WWE, obviously the first day Jeff wrestled him, he was 16 years old and it was under very strange circumstances where the match was very frustrating with Scott Hall because the guy he was supposed to wrestle said he couldn’t take his finish. He was a little frustrated wrestling with Jeff and that ended up working in Jeff’s favor because he formed a little bond with him after that.\”

    Matt continued, \”The next night, I was wrestling with him and I remember he said, ‘When I’m in the corner, poke me in the eyes, give me three or four chops, I’ll turn around and give you some,’ and I got two really good ones in that rang out loud in the arena. I hit a second one and he stopped me right then and there and turned me around and said, ‘Easy kid, you had two really good ones, I couldn’t let you outshine me out there though.’”

    Jeff Hardy Remembers Scott Hall

    Jeff Hardy says Razor Ramon was a huge inspiration on their careers. However, that match against Hall had him reconsidering his love for pro wrestling.

    Not only were the WWE rings \”terrible\” back then (very stiff to take bumps on), but Scott Hall also roughed him up a bit.

    \”Even that first match, and that hard-ass WWE ring back in the day, you had to be like Andre the Giant to make it move, it was terrible,\” said Jeff. \”Him being real stiff and roughing me up, I totally second-guessed my love for pro wrestling. ‘I don’t know if I’m cut out to do this.’ I didn’t like it, I didn’t like that match at all, it really hurt. It wasn’t fun.\”

    That first match against Razor was tough, but he remembers Scott Hall took him under his wing and looked out for him behind the scenes.

    “Then moving forward Scott Hall was so kind because he thought I looked like Vanilla Ice, and the Kliq started calling me Ice and I’ll never forget one time he told Pat Patterson, I was like 16 or 17 too, ‘Let’s get this kid on the road, get him seasoned.’ I’m not even legal yet. There’s something very special to what he saw, he saw my future through whatever it was and he believed in us every step of the way, and that’s rare, man.\”

    Listen to Matt and Jeff Hardy on the latest episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy:

  • William Regal Recalls His Time In NXT & Scouting Talent for WWE

    William Regal had a lot to share with Chris Jericho during his recent appearance on the Talk Is Jericho podcast.

    Last week, we covered Regal\’s revelation that doctors gave him 24 hours to live at one point, as well as him being partially blind in his left eye.

    The former NXT General Manager also spoke in-depth about his time in WWE\’s developmental brand. In addition to being NXT\’s on-screen authority figure, Regal reveals he also had a lot to do with developing the NXT brand to be the success it once was.

    “NXT had started, I was the first person, as far as I know, that [Triple H] pulled in and said, ‘What’s your vision for this?\’\” he recalls. \”We did what we did and it was a great thing for a lot of people. It was a great success, and I have no ill will at all for anyone. I am really happy. Because it needed some kind of change because things had changed. This place had come along and different things, so it needed [change].\”

    Scouting Talent for WWE & NXT

    William Regal worked closely with former WWE executive Canyon Ceman to make NXT a legitimate third brand for the company. He says he had the eye for scouting and developing talent, while Ceman managed the logistics like contracts.

    \”Canyon Ceman, who I worked for and with, is a hell of a fella, a wonderful fella, said Regal. \”When he came onboard, Triple H said, ‘Can you just look after him?’ I said, ‘Right.’ And I said, ‘Let’s start off on the right foot, let me take care of the wrestling and you take care of everything else. You take care of the athletes and the contracts and that. I don’t need to know anything else.\”

    Regal and Ceman worked together to scout talent and hold WWE tryouts across the world. He added, \”I was looking at everybody, everywhere. That’s what I did. I studied everybody from everywhere, paid attention to everything. I would just turn up at whatever country, do this tryout.”

    Listen to William Regal on Talk Is Jericho:

  • WWE Smackadillas Virtual Restaurant Launches

    WWE fans in the Dallas area have a chance to experience the first-ever \”WWE-themed virtual restaurant.\”

    WWE Smackadillas is a delivery-only virtual restaurant featuring a unique menu of quesadillas. The limited-edition virtual restaurant is presented in partnership with Nextbite.

    Hungry fans can order the WWE Smackadillas now through April 11th via Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash.

    In a press release issued via Business Wire, Nextbite Chief Growth Officer Geoff Madding spoke about the unique offering.

    “WWE is one of the premier sports and entertainment organizations in the world and is known for giving their passionate fan base exactly what they want,” said Madding.

    “Whether you order WWE Smackadillas from the comfort of your couch or on your way home from WrestleMania, we look forward to amping up the total WWE experience with these delicious quesadillas for all the hungry fans in the Dallas area.”

    In addition to serving up WWE-themed quesadillas, WWE Smackadillas is also doing a bunch of promotions in the Dallas area during WrestleMania week, including ticket giveaways and WWE merchandise.

    For more information on WWE Smackadillas, visit WWESmackadillas.com.

  • Injury Updates on Two Top Stars Headed into WrestleMania

    We have injury updates for two top WWE Superstars less than two weeks out from WrestleMania 38.

    Former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley has been dealing with a legitimate shoulder injury since January. Bianca Belair has been off television following a recent attack by her WrestleMania opponent, Becky Lynch.

    Bianca Belair Injury Update

    Bianca Belair is scheduled to challenge Becky Lynch for the Raw Women\’s Championship at WrestleMania Saturday.

    Last week on Raw, Lynch viciously attacked Belair by wrapping a chair around her head and ramming her into a ring post.

    WWE.com ran an article stating that Belair would be out of action for an unspecified amoutn of time after suffering a \”fractured hyoid bone\” in her throat.

    Belair did not appear at this week\’s Raw, but fans can rest assured that she will be \”healthy\” in time for WrestleMania. The injury is purely a storyline. She was kept off Raw to sell the injury. She will be back in time for WrestleMania, where she hopes to avenge a stunning loss to Big Time Becks last year at SummerSlam.

    Bobby Lashley Injury Update

    The Almighty Bobby Lashley\’s injury is legitimate. He\’s been dealing with a shoulder injury since January when he wrestled Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble.

    Lashley was in Dallas at AT&T Stadium last week (according to Pwinsider) and WWE officials are hopeful that he\’ll be healthy in time for WrestleMania. Lashley does not have a match booked for the show, but it\’s rumored that he\’ll be facing Omos.

  • Final WWE Raw Before WrestleMania 38 is Looking Stacked

    WWE wants fans to know that next week\’s edition of Monday Night Raw is a can\’t miss show. The company has announced several big matches and segments for the \”go home\” edition of Raw before WrestleMania 38.

    Here\’s a look at what\’s in store when WWE Raw rolls into the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburg, PA:

    WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and Universal Champion Roman Reigns will go face to face ahead of their Winner Takes All Championship Unification match at WrestleMania.

    There are three matches signed for the show. The card serves as a true preview for WrestleMania, since each match involves competitors who will be opponents at AT&T Stadium just 6 days later:

    • The Miz (with Logan Paul) vs. Rey Mysterio (with Dominik)
    • The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy
    • 8-Woman Tag Match: Sasha Banks, Naomi, Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley vs. Shayna Baszler, Natalya, Carmella and Zelina Vega

    Plus, Seth Rollins still has nothing to do at WWE\’s biggest show of the year. Next week, we\’ll find out what WWE has in store for him. Will Rollins have a match at WrestleMania, some sort of interview segment, or will he be left off the card entirely?

  • WWE WrestleMania 38 Match Card, Date & Time, How To Watch

    This year\’s WrestleMania premium live event will take place place over two nights. Breaking from the previous format of Night 1 and Night 2, WWE has dubbed the two nights WrestleMania Saturday and WrestleMania Sunday.

    The following is an updated look at the lineups for WrestleMania 38 weekend:

    WrestleMania Saturday

    • SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey
    • WWE Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair
    • The Miz & Logan Paul vs. Rey & Dominik Mysterio
    • Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
    • The KO Show with special guest Stone Cold Steve Austin
    • SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs

    WrestleMania Sunday

    • Winner Take All Unification Match: Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar
    • Edge vs. AJ Styles
    • Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
    • Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
    • Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy
    • Women\’s Tag Team Champions Carmella & Queen Zelina vs Sasha Banks & Naomi vs Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan

    Date, Time & How to Watch

    WWE WrestleMania 38 is scheduled to take place over two nights at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

    WrestleMania Saturday takes place Saturday, April 2nd. WrestleMania Sunday takes place Sunday, April 3rd.

    You can watch WWE WrestleMania 38 on Peacock in the United States and on the WWE Network internationally.

  • Big E Speaks Candidly About His Battle With Depression

    Big E is speaking out about his battle with depression.

    The former WWE Champion is one of the most beloved figures in all of professional wrestling. He\’s known for projecting a positive attitude on television, but he has contemplated suicide in the past.

    On Monday, Ohio State University football star Harry Miller appeared on the Today to discuss his decision to step away from football to focus on mental health. Big E saw a clip of Miller\’s appearance and felt compelled to share his own experience with depression.

    On Monday afternoon, Big E wrote on Twitter:

    \”In my early 20s, I wanted to be famous so that when I committed suicide, someone would care. I never thought I could be free of the sheer weight of my depression but here I am—alive and truly happy.\”

    You might look at Big E and ask, what does he have to be depressed about? Unfortunately, depression is like addiction: It can affect people no matter your age, gender, race or socioeconomic status. If it comes for you, it can be deadly.

    Get Help If You Need It

    If you or someone you know is battling depression, seek help. Suicide is never the answer. Below are some resources for coping with depression and suicide prevention:

  • Gable Steveson Says He\’ll Be At WrestleMania 38

    Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson is headed to WrestleMania.

    Steveson won his second NCAA wrestling championship for the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday. He left his boots on the mat after the match, indicating the end of his storied amateur wrestling career.

    \"Gable

    Steveson has confirmed to Sports Illustrated that he\’ll be in attendance for WrestleMania 38.

    \”I plan on going to WrestleMania,” he said. \”That’s the first time WWE fans will see me and what I’m about. I’m going to put my heart out there.\”

    Steveson says there are a few people in WWE who reach out to check in on him, including Paul Heyman, Triple H and Brock Lesnar.

    \”Paul Heyman is always like the first one to text, and that means a lot. He always reaches out and makes sure I’m good. Paul \”Triple H\” Levesque checks up on me, and so does Brock Lesnar. They’ve shown me a lot of love and respect.\”

    Gable Steveson in WWE

    The 21-year-old wrestling machine will be joining WWE as a full-time Superstar very soon. He signed with WWE in September 2021 and was drafted to the Raw brand a few months ago in the 2021 WWE Draft.

    Expect to see Gable Steveson\’s latest NCAA tournament win mentioned on tonight\’s episode of Monday Night Raw.

    Steveson has already made several appearances on WWE television, including SummerSlam 2021 and an episode of WWE Raw December 13th.

  • Two-Night WrestleManias Are Probably Here To Stay

    Wrestling fans should expect WrestleMania to be held over two nights for the foreseeable future.

    WWE expanded WrestleMania to two nights at WrestleMania 36 back in 2020. The trend has continued since then with no signs of slowing down.

    Over the weekend, Dave Meltzer addressed the future of WrestleMania on the Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast.

    “I talked to people [in WWE] and they certainly gave me the impression that the idea is 2 days going forward,\” said Meltzer. \”They always can change their mind based on what happens. I think that they all thought that 7-hour show just doesn’t work. That’s more tiring than the 2 days.\”

    WrestleMania 36 was held without fans at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Last year\’s WrestleMania from Tampa Bay had a limited capacity, also due to the pandemic.

    The Future of WrestleMania

    \"WrestleMania
    (Photo: SEScoops)

    WWE has used WrestleMania 38 as a barometer to determine if a two-night event was viable. Ticket sales have been strong thus far.

    According to WrestleTix, approximately 58,000 tickets have been distributed for each night. The stadium will be set up to accommodate 63,438. This is a far cry from 101,763, the attendance figure WWE boasted for WrestleMania 32 from the same venue. However, the event will still be incredibly profitable.

    Next year\’s WrestleMania 39 will take place from the new SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. WWE has yet to announce if the two-night trend will continue, but that\’s a safe bet.

    \”It’s just the nature of what WrestleMania has become,\” said Meltzer. \”There’s more money to be made and it’s better for the shows.\”

  • Latest on Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, \”Dusty Would Be Beaming\”

    Cody Rhodes is reportedly signed with WWE and will face Seth Rollins in less than two weeks at WrestleMania 38.

    WWE has been teasing Cody\’s arrival on recent episodes of Raw. The American Nightmare could reappear on WWE television as soon as tonight\’s Raw from Chicago\’s Allstate Arena.

    Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins hasn\’t been announced just yet, but we know when it will take place. Reddit user u/kerrmit125, a verified insider, has provided new information regarding WWE\’s scheduling for the biggest 2-night event of the year.

    Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins is scheduled to take place at WrestleMania Sunday (\”Night 2\”).

    It was also revealed that Becky Lynch vs Bianca Belair is booked to open WrestleMania Saturday. The \’main event\’ of WrestleMania Saturday won\’t be Ronda Rousey challenging Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. In fact, it won\’t be a match at all. Steve Austin\’s appearance on the KO Show is slated to close WrestleMania Saturday.

    WrestleMania 38 takes place April 2nd & 3rd from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

    \’Dusty Would be So Proud\’

    Cody Rhodes\’ sister Teil says their late father Dusty Rhodes would be \”beaming with pride\” over what\’s about to happen.

    She shared a photo over the weekend of Dusty and Cody together. She wrote, \”I knew my old man best and I know he would be beaming with pride if he could see what\’s next.\”

    WrestleMania is jam-packed with special attractions, but Cody Rhodes\’ triumphant return has the potential to steal the spotlight from Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Steve Austin, Ronda Rousey, Jake Paul and Johnny Knoxville.

  • Bron Breakker Will Face Robert Roode at Tuesday\’s NXT

    As we covered last week, WWE plans to send more main roster talent to NXT 2.0. The company wants to spike viewership on the developmental brand, while also giving the younger talent the experience of working television matches agains veterans.

    WWE has announced Robert Roode will compete against Bron Breakker this Tuesday night in a battle of former NXT Champions.

    Roode is directly responsible for Breakker being a former champion. As the tag team partner of Dolph Ziggler, Roode interfered in the match that saw Ziggler capture the gold just weeks ago.

    Breakker has a rematch against Ziggler scheduled for NXT Stand & Deliver on April 2nd. First, he\’ll have to go through Ziggler\’s Dirty Dawg partner.

    The following is an updated preview for Tuesday\’s NXT 2.0 on the USA Network:

    • Bron Breakker vs Robert Roode
    • Grizzled Young Veterans vs Creed Brothers
    • North American Fatal 5-Way Qualifier: A-Kid vs Grayson Waller
    • North American Fatal 5-Way Qualifier: Roderick Strong vs Solo Sikoa
    • Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Final: Dakota Kai & Wendy Choo vs Kay Lee Ray & Io Shirai

  • Jonathan Gresham Won Another World Title Over The Weekend

    Jonathan Gresham captured the Progress World Championship on Sunday.

    Gresham\’s ROH Championship was on the line when he ended Cara Noir\’s 2-year reign at Progress Chapter 130: Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive, Dodge from London, England.

    This is a big win for Gresham. He now holds the title prize for multiple promotions as he looks ahead to his next big match ROH Supercard of Honor during WrestleMania 38 weekend from Dallas, Texas.

    The Supercard of Honor main event will see Gresham and Bandido clash in a \”Winner Take All\” match to determine an Undisputed ROH World Champion. The event begins a new era for ROH under the ownership of AEW President Tony Khan.

    PROGRESS Wrestling sent in the following press release detailing Gresham\’s victory:

    Jonathan Gresham Crowned PROGRESS Wrestling World Champion at Chapter 130: Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive, Dodge

    Sunday 20th March 2022, London, England: After a titanic title vs. title bout with two of the most prestigious titles in wrestling on the line, Jonathan Gresham defeated Cara Noir to add the PROGRESS Wrestling World Championship to his Ring Of Honor Championship at Progress Chapter 130: Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive, Dodge.

    The finish of the match saw Cara Noir’s record-setting 26-month reign come to an end after interference from Spike Trivet who nailed Noir with a vicious chair shot. Gresham immediately capitalized on the situation by hitting Noir with an illegal low blow before pinning the champion to end his reign at the 791-day mark. Immediately following the bout, PROGRESS fans surrounded the ring, hammering on the apron en masse to pay tribute to the now-former titleholder.

    The win means that Gresham may now make the first defense of his newly won title in his scheduled bout with Malik at Wednesday’s Everything Patterned: London event.

    Gresham’s win means that for the first time in history, the PROGRESS Wrestling World Championship is in the hands of an American wrestler.

    Chapter 130 was the start of a monumental Anniversary Week for PROGRESS Wrestling who will also promote their first-ever all women’s event, Who Run The World?, on Tuesday 22nd March at The Dome, Tufnell Park, London as well as their landmark, sold out 10th Anniversary Show from The Garage in London. This show will see Cara Noir face NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov.

  • Bret Hart Looks To Be In Great Shape Amid Return Rumors

    WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart looks to be in excellent physical shape these days.

    The Hitman posted a photo on Sunday with members of the NHL\’s Calgary Flames. The photo was posted on March 20th, which happens to be the 28th anniversary of his legendary match with Owen and WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania X.

    The Excellence of Execution has dealt with various health setbacks in recent years, but you\’d never know that based on the way he looks today.

    Bret Hart & FTR

    At 64 years old, Hart\’s days in the ring are long behind him. However, he still has a lot to offer as an on-screen personality.

    Wrestling fans are on high alert that he could be appearing for All Elite Wrestling in the months ahead.

    AEW tag team FTR recently fired Tully Blanchard on their manager. Since then, there have been several hints that Bret Hart will be filling that role.

    Dax Harwood of FTR considers Bret Hart to be his role model and mentor. \”Without Bret, there is no FTR, no Revival, no Scott Dawson, no Dax Harwood. I am what I am, because he was what he was.\” After FTR dumped Tully, Dax publicly reached out to Bret to see if he\’s available.

    Last week on AEW Dynamite, we saw another reference to Bret Hart filling in as FTR\’s new manager. During a backstage segment with FTR and the Young Bucks, the Bucks said it doesn\’t matter if FTR\’s new manager is \”the best there is,” a not-so-subtle reference to The Best There Is, The Best There Was and the Best There Ever Will Be.

    Bret Hart & AEW

    AEW\’s Owen Hart Foundation Men\’s & Women\’s Tournaments will begin in early May. Bret Hart has yet not been linked to AEW\’s work with the Owen Hart Foundation, but there\’s no question his involvement, in any capacity, would be a tremendous asset.

    Bret Hart has appeared for AEW once before. He attended the AEW Double or Nothing 2019 pay-per-view to unveil the AEW World Championship, which was won later that night by fellow Canadian, Chris Jericho.

    \"Bret
    (AEW)

    If Bret Hart does decide to join AEW as FTR\’s manager, this would be a surprise turn of events. As recently as December, he expressed reluctancy to managing anybody on television. You can read more on that story below:

  • Nia Jax Trolled at Wrestling Show Over Her Anti-Vaccine Views

    Nia Jax (Lina Fanene) got trolled over the weekend at an independent wrestling event.

    The former WWE Superstar champion has been vocal about her opposition to COVID-19 vaccine, as well as masks that are worn to stop the spread of the virus. She feels very strongly about these views.

    Last month, she wrote on Twitter that many of \’your favorites\’ agree with her. She went as far as to say, \”I know a lot of people in many professional sports that just paid & got a real card from a doctor..soooo\”

    Independent promotion WWR+ (Women’s Wrestling Revolution Plus) ribbed Nia Jax at latest show. The WWR+ ring announcer announced that Nia Jax would be heading to the ring, but then corrected himself and said she would not be able to appear due to the venue\’s vaccination policy.

    The gag got a mild reaction from the audience, as seen below:

    Jax has said she\’s almost certainly done with wrestling. She is scheduled to make a rare appearance at WrestleCon during WrestleMania weekend in Dallas, TX.

  • Rok-C, Bianca Carelli & More Begin Training at WWE Performance Center

    The next generation of recruits have arrived at the WWE Performance Center.

    The group of 14 trainees includes several wrestlers who have competed on the independent scene, collegiate athletes and more.

    Here\’s the list:

    • Theresa Schuessler (Fallon Henley in NXT 2.0)
    • Kayla Inlay (NXT 2.0 and NXT Level Up)
    • Joseph Sculthorpe (State wrestling champion in high school, NCAA All-Conference Offensive Lineman at NC State)
    • Maddie Knisley (formerly Nikita Knight on the independent scene)
    • Calyx Hampton (former gymnast)
    • Mitchell Lavalley (formerly \”Motherlover” Jake Tucker on the independent scene)
    • Bianca Carelli (daughter of WWE Superstar Santino Marella)
    • Cole McKinney (formerly Cole Karter on the independent scene)
    • David Bostian (wrestler and powerlifter)
    • Gabe Wai (rugby player)
    • Carla Gonzalez (formerly Rok-C on the independent scene)
    • Nnamdi Oguayo (college football player)
    • Edwin Grande (college football player)
    • Amelia Herr (formerly Notorious Mimi on the independent scene)

    For more information on the WWE’s talent recruitment, including how to apply for a tryout, visit Recruit.WWE.com.

  • Update on a WWE UK PPV Happening Later This Year

    WWE fans in the United Kingdom have waited a long time for the region to host another pay-per-view (\”premium live\”) event. As it turns out, they might not have to wait much longer.

    According to WrestleVotes, a WWE source says plans are underway to bring a major WWE show to Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales later this year.

    The yet-to-be-named show would take place over Labor Day Weekend on Saturday, September 3rd. This is the same weekend that All Elite Wrestling typically holds the annual AEW All Out pay-per-view.

    Principality Stadium is home to the Wales National Rugby Union team has a max capacity of approximately 78,000 people for boxing events.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbDRZiskIj8

    A WWE UK PPV in September would mark the company\’s 5th stadium show of the year following:

    • Royal Rumble (The Dome at America\’s Center in St. Louis)
    • Elimination Chamber (Jeddah Superdome, Saudi Arabia)
    • WrestleMania (AT&T Stadium, Dallas, TX)
    • Money in the Bank (Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada)

    WWE has been talking about holding another PPV from the UK for many years. Here\’s some of our previous coverage about this topic:

  • The Hardys to Face Private Party Tonight on AEW Dynamite

    The Hardys will make their AEW in-ring debut as a team on tonight\’s St. Patrick\’s Slam edition of AEW Dynamite. They\’ll battle Private Party\’s Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen.

    This will be Matt and Jeff\’s first time teaming together on national television in three years. AEW President Tony Khan booked the match after Private Party\’s shocking betrayal of Matt last week.

    In a press release sent in to SEScoops, Khan was quoted saying:

    “It was incredible to hear the huge pop from the crowd when the Hardys’ music hit, and to see Jeff Hardy reunited with Matt at AEW: Dynamite last week was an amazing moment for fans around the world.\”

    “Jeff Hardy transcends time and is associated with some of wrestling’s most iconic moments. Reuniting the Hardys and bringing their encyclopedia of experience to AEW will give fans another exciting chapter in Matt and Jeff’s storied legacy in wrestling. Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen turning on Matt Hardy, a wrestler they grew up idolizing, is a betrayal that cuts deep, and now Isiah and Marq will face the brothers who inspired their careers. This will be a battle of two of the most innovative tag teams today – Private Party vs. Matt and Jeff Hardy tonight on AEW: Dynamite.”

    AEW St. Patrick\’s Day Slam 2022 Preview

    \"\"/

    AEW is advertising the following items for AEW Dynamite:

    • Steel Cage Match: Britt Baker defends the AEW Women\’s World Championship against Thunder Rosa
    • Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley vs. Chuck Taylor and Wheeler Yuta.
    • Hangman Page & Jurassic Express vs. Adam Cole and reDRagon
    • Wardlow challenges new TNT Champion Scorpio Sky
    • The Jericho Appreciation Society has their official \”commencement\”

    Check out the latest AEW Control Center for an exclusive look at the two big title matches scheduled for St. Patrick\’s Day Slam:

  • NXT Stand and Deliver 2022 Shaping Up To Be A Strong Card

    NXT Stand and Deliver is the next premium live event from WWE\’s developmental brand. The main event is set and the card is taking shape. Following this week\’s NXT 2.0, we now have six matches confirmed for the show.

    \"Dolph

    NXT Stand and Deliver 2022 Card

    • NXT Championship: Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Bron Breakker
    • NXT Women’s Championship: Mandy Rose (c) vs. Cora Jade
    • North American Championship Ladder match: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Santos Escobar vs. TBA vs. TBA vs. TBA
    • NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship: Toxic Attraction (c) vs. Dusty Classic Winners
    • NXT Tag Team Championship: Imperium (c) vs. The Creed Brother vs. MSK
    • Tommaso Ciampa vs. Tony D’Angelo

    NXT Stand and Deliver 2022 takes place Saturday, April 2nd from Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center. The show streams live on Peacock just hours before WrestleMania Saturday kicks off.

    \"NXT

  • Big E Returns Home, Expresses Gratitude For Everyone\’s Support

    WWE Superstar Big E is on the road to recovery after breaking his neck last Friday night during a freak accident on WWE SmackDown.

    The following day, Big E provided an update on his condition. Doctors told him his C1 and C6 vertebrae are fractured. Thankfully, he is able to move his extremities, his spinal cord did not sustain any damage, the neck fracture was not displaced and he probably will not require surgery.

    His longtime friend and New Day partner Kofi Kingston was among several WWE Superstars who visited Big E in the hospital Friday night. Kingston said Big E was in good spirits.

    Big E returned home earlier this week, another encouraging sign.

    Latest Update from Big E

    On Wednesday, Big E posted a message on social media updating fans once again. The former WWE Champion says he used to feel alone when dealing with life\’s hardships.

    He\’s heard from so many people since his accident and says he feels \”immeasurably loved\” and supported from so many people reaching out to check on him.

    Prior to his injury, Big E was scheduled to compete at WrestleMania 38. Sources say that WWE planned for The New Day to battle Sheamus, Ridge Holland and Butch in a 6-man tag match.

    SEScoops wishes Big E a quick and speedy recovery.

  • Fozzy\’s \’Judas\’ Album Certified Gold by the RIAA

    Judas, the seventh studio album by Chris Jericho\’s band FOZZY has been awarded gold status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

    The album has been certified Gold after surpassing 500,000 units sold.

    Judas, the lead single from the 2017 album, serves as Chris Jericho\’s entrance music in All Elite Wrestling.

    Jericho took to social media on Wednesday to announce the milestone. Jericho calls this a \”HUGE\” honor and a dream come true for himself and the band.

    Judas Music Video

    Judas Lyrics

    You are beautiful on the inside
    You are innocence personified
    And I will drag you down and sell you out
    Run away

    I am cold like December snow
    I have carved out this soul made of stone
    And I will drag you down and sell you out
    Embraced by the darkness, I\’m losing the light
    Encircled by demons, I fight

    What have I become, now that I\’ve betrayed
    Everyone I\’ve ever loved, I pushed them all away
    And I have been a slave to the Judas in my mind
    Is there something left for me to save
    In the wreckage of my life, my life

    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    Judas in, Judas in my mind

    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    Judas in, Judas in my mind
    Judas in my mind

    Oh, this guilt is a heavy cross
    There is blood on the path I walk
    And each step I take is haunting me
    Embraced by the darkness, I\’m losing the light
    Encircled by demons, I fight

    What have I become, now that I\’ve betrayed
    Everyone I\’ve ever loved, I pushed them all away
    And I have been a slave to the Judas in my mind
    Is there something left of me to save
    In the wreckage of my life, my life

    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    Judas in, Judas in my mind
    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    Judas in, Judas in my mind
    Judas in my mind
    Judas in my mind

    What have I become, now that I\’ve betrayed
    Everyone I\’ve ever loved, I pushed them all away
    And I have been a slave to the Judas in my mind
    Is there something left of me to save
    In the wreckage of my life, my life

    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    Judas in, Judas in my mind
    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    I\’m becom-, I\’m becom-, I\’m becoming
    Judas in, Judas in my mind
    Judas in my mind

  • Expect To See More WWE Main Roster Talent On NXT 2.0

    Expect to see WWE utilize more main roster performers in NXT.

    NXT is the company\’s developmental brand, where fans can see the next generation of WWE Superstars learning their craft.

    WWE previously relied solely on developmental talent to carry the show, but that is no longer the case. On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that there\’s a new initiative to send wrestlers from the Raw brand to NXT most weeks.

    There are certainly benefits to developmental wrestlers working with and learning from veterans. However, the primary motivation behind this campaign is to improve viewership for the NXT 2.0 TV show.

    WWE can announce a Raw Superstar will be on NXT TV the following night, as is the case this week with The Miz holding a special edition of Miz TV on NXT. Both shows air on the USA Network and the hope is that Raw superstars will bring star power (and viewers) to Tuesday nights.

    \"Dolph

    AJ Styles also visited NXT recently, as part of this trend.

    NXT\’s top champions are both WWE Superstars who have been sent to NXT for this very reason. Back in October, Mandy Rose defeated Raquel Gonzales to win the NXT Women\’s Championship. Last week, Dolph Ziggler ended Bron Breakker\’s 63-day reign as NXT Champion.

    NXT 2.0 Preview (3/15/22)

    In addition to The Miz interviewing Dolph Ziggler, the following items are scheduled for tonight\’s NXT broadcast:

    • North American Championship Qualifying Match: Cameron Grimes vs. Santos Escobar
    • Indi Hartwell vs. Persia Pirotta
    • Sarray vs. Tiffany Stratton
    • Plus, A-Kid debuts against KUSHIDA

  • WWE Dropped a Bunch of Cody Rhodes Hints During Raw

    Monday\’s edition WWE Raw from Jacksonville, FL came and went with no sign of Cody Rhodes. The show was built around Seth Rollins needing something to do at WrestleMania. As the show went off the air, Rollins remained without an opponent for WWE\’s biggest event of the year.

    So, is Cody Rhodes really coming to WWE? If so, when?

    WWE fans can rest assured, there is still an exceedingly high possibility that the American Nightmare will be back on WWE programming within the next month.

    Cody Rhodes Hints During WWE Raw

    WWE dropped several hints about Cody Rhodes throughout the Raw broadcast, both on camera and on social media.

    • During a backstage segment with Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens, Rollins complained about having nothing to do at WrestleMania. A loud, \”Cody\” chant broke out from the live crowd. WWE did not censor the chant, which speaks volumes. The company is not shy about piping in crowd noise to drown out chants they don\’t want heard on television. WWE knows fans are expecting Cody Rhodes to be Seth Rollins\’ WrestleMania opponent and are allowing this anticipating to continue building.
    • The WWE on BT Sport Twitter account tweeted a photo of Seth Rollins during Raw with the caption, \”The adrenaline is pumping tonight, who\’s Seth Rollins going to face at WrestleMania?\” One could say, the adrenaline is pumping in Rollins soul.
    • After Seth Rollins lost to Kevin Owens in the main event, broadcaster Corey Graves noted, \”His dreams were dashed. This must be a nightmare. These are clear references to Cody Rhodes\’ nicknames, \”Dashing\” Cody Rhodes and \”The American Nightmare.\”

    Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins

    The impression within WWE is that Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins is locked in for WrestleMania. On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer spoke confidently about Cody\’s imminent arrival.

    “He’s coming. I mean, that’s it,\” said Meltzer. \”He’s coming. He’s wrestling Seth at Wrestlemania, unless something changes & I don’t expect.. I sure watched [Raw] not thinking anything’s changing.\”

    WWE has made Seth Rollins\’ role at WrestleMania a focal storyline over the past couple weeks. If WWE truly had nothing for Rollins, they would downplay him and he would be cycled off television in the final weeks of hype. They\’ve done the opposite.

  • Rhea Ripley Wants To Elevate WWE\’s Women\’s Tag Titles


    Rhea Ripley understands why WWE fans do not respect the Women\’s tag team titles. She says most women\’s tag team matches are \”very very quick\” and the champions are not featured prominently on television.

    However, she wants to change that. She loves the tag titles, she loves tag team wrestling and she wants to elevate the WWE women\’s tag team titles.

    Ripley and Liv Morgan will challenge Carmela and Zelina for the gold at WrestleMania in a 3-team match that also includes Sasha Banks and Naomi.

    Just a few weeks ahead of that match, Rhea Ripley spoke with the Under The Ring podcast and shared her vision for elevating those belts. It all starts with having a great match at WrestleMania.

    Rhea Ripley\’s Plan

    \"\"/

    \”The Women’s Tag Team Championships, they sort of get looked down upon by a lot of people, I see it on social media all the time,\” said Ripley. \”I get it, we don’t really get good positions on the show and a lot of matches are very very quick, so it’s important to put it on WrestleMania and remind everyone exactly what we can do and how much these titles do truly mean.\”

    She added, \”I love the tag titles, I love tag wrestling, I love everything about it. We just have to remind everyone how much they love it as well. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

    Ripley is a former WWE Women\’s tag team champion. She and Nikki A.S.H. held the titles for 63 days before losing them to the current champions, Carmel and Zelina.

    Listen to Rhea Ripley on the Under The Ring podcast: