SEScoops

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Je’Von Evans Appears to Be Okay Following WWE Raw Injury Scare

    Je’Von Evans is reportedly okay following an injury scare that stopped his match on Monday’s WWE Raw in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

    The 21-year-old’s bout against El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) came to an abrupt halt during a commercial break. When Raw returned, Evans was being evaluated at ringside by WWE’s medical team while visibly favoring his right shoulder area. Referee Jessika Carr called for the bell, and ring announcer Mark Nash confirmed Evans was unable to continue. El Grande Americano was declared the winner via referee stoppage.

    However, according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the medical staff’s primary concern was a possible concussion rather than a shoulder or upper body injury. Evans was further evaluated backstage and left the venue traveling with the rest of the roster.

    Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select also reported that Evans appeared to be okay after his match. While a concussion has not been 100% ruled out, early indications are positive.

    The timing of the scare was particularly nerve-wracking for fans of “The Young OG.” Evans officially signed with the Raw brand just two weeks ago at the Raw on Netflix Anniversary Show on January 5, and this was only his second official match on the main roster. He had been riding a winning streak with victories over The Miz, Pete Dunne (Rayo Americano), and Tyler Bate (Bravo Americano).

    WWE had reportedly planned for Evans to compete in the 2026 Royal Rumble match on January 31. Just days ago, Logan Paul called him “the future of WWE.”

    WWE has not released an official statement on Evans’ status.

  • Deonna Purrazzo and Steve Maclin to Present Battle For The Brave Charity Wrestling Event

    AEW/ROH star Deonna Purrazzo and former TNA World Champion Steve Maclin will present \”Battle For The Brave,\” a charity wrestling showcase benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation on June 6, 2026.

    The event takes place at the Rahway Rec Center in Rahway, New Jersey, with doors opening at 5:30 PM and bell time at 7:00 PM. The Wrestling Showcase for Heroes will feature independent wrestling talent competing to raise funds for the nonprofit organization that supports fallen first responders and military veterans.

    Purrazzo, the current ROH Women\’s Pure Champion, and Maclin, a former TNA World Champion and two-time TNA International Champion, are lending their star power to bring attention to the charitable cause.

    The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established after September 11, 2001, provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families, as well as specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

    Both presenters are New Jersey natives, with Purrazzo hailing from Livingston and the event taking place in their home state.

    Tickets and additional match announcements for Battle For The Brave are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The Rahway Rec Center is located at 275 E Milton Ave, Rahway, NJ 07065.

  • Natalya Turns Heel on WWE Raw, Attacks Maxxine Dupri in Belfast

    Natalya Shocks Maxxine with Belfast Betrayal

    Natalya turned heel during the January 19 episode of WWE Raw from Belfast, Northern Ireland, shocking fans by attacking her protégé Maxxine Dupri after costing her the Women\’s Intercontinental Championship.

    The betrayal unfolded during Dupri\’s title rematch against Becky Lynch at the SSE Arena. Natalya had accompanied Dupri to ringside, ostensibly to prevent any underhanded tactics from Lynch. However, when Dupri appeared poised to secure a pinfall victory, Natalya placed Lynch\’s foot on the bottom rope, breaking up the count and allowing \”The Man\” to retain her championship.

    Following the match, Natalya repeatedly attacked Dupri in the ring despite the referee\’s attempts to restrain her, cementing a full heel turn in the process.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"

    Nattie Neidhart Finally Arrives on WWE Television

    The turn represents the long-awaited main roster debut of Natalya\’s \”Nattie Neidhart\” persona. Over the past year, the veteran has been showcasing a more aggressive, shoot-style character on the independent circuit, competing for promotions including GCW, NWA, AAA, and Josh Barnett\’s Bloodsport.

    Fans had been clamoring for WWE to bring this harder-edged version of Natalya to television, particularly after vignettes showed her training Dupri in the \”Hart Family Dungeon 2.0\” throughout late 2025.

    From Mentor to Menace

    Natalya had been serving as Dupri\’s mentor since late 2025, helping prepare her for championship-level competition. The relationship appeared solid even after Dupri lost the Women\’s Intercontinental Championship to Lynch on the January 5 episode of Raw in Brooklyn.

    The Belfast betrayal adds another layer to the Women\’s Intercontinental Championship picture, with Natalya\’s motivations and future targets remaining unclear following the shocking attack on her former student.

  • Trey Miguel Breaks Silence Following AEW Release: “I’m A Different Man Today”

    Trey Miguel has issued his first public statement addressing the circumstances surrounding his abrupt AEW departure, acknowledging past mistakes while emphasizing personal growth.

    “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my time,” Miguel wrote on social media. “I’ve always apologized and did my best to put a better foot forward after. I don’t preach hate and I don’t take any pride in being hateful. I’m a man of faith, I believe in forgiveness and only ever preach that. I’m a different man today.”

    The statement comes days after he was quietly released from his AEW contract, just over a week after signing a multi-year deal alongside his Rascalz stablemates Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, and Myron Reed. Miguel was notably absent from the group’s debut on the January 17 episode of AEW Collision and was not backstage when the segment was filmed.

    While AEW has not provided an official reason for the release, sources told Fightful Select that both parties remain on amicable terms. Miguel’s statement appears to reference his documented history of controversial remarks, most notably a 2020 incident involving homophobic language on Facebook for which he publicly apologized at the time.

    The two-time TNA X-Division Champion initially asked fans to respect his space when announcing his break from wrestling. His latest message suggests he is now ready to address the situation more directly while maintaining his focus on moving forward.

  • Gunther Challenges AJ Styles to Put His Career on the Line at Royal Rumble

    Gunther has issued a stunning ultimatum to AJ Styles, demanding The Phenomenal One put his career on the line for a match at the 2026 Royal Rumble.

    The dramatic confrontation unfolded on Monday Night Raw from Belfast, Ireland, after Gunther opened the show by declaring his entry into the men’s Royal Rumble match.

    Styles interrupted and challenged the World Heavyweight Champion to a singles match at the premium live event, but Gunther initially declined.

    Styles pressed the issue, claiming Gunther “tapped out like a little bitch” during their match last week—a submission the referee failed to see. The Belfast crowd enthusiastically chanted the phrase at Gunther, but the champion remained unfazed.

    As Gunther appeared to leave the ring, he turned back with a counter-proposal that stunned the WWE Universe. There’s an incentive he could offer to accept the match, Gunther said. Styles must put his career on the line.

    Gunther gave Styles until the end of Monday Night Raw to make his decision, ending with a pointed challenge: He has until the end of the night to decide, unless he’s scared.

  • Daria Rae Reveals She Signed 6-Month Deal With TNA

    Daria Berenato, known as Sonya Deville during her WWE tenure and now performing as Daria Rae in TNA Wrestling, has revealed the specifics of her contract with the promotion.

    Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Berenato confirmed she signed a six-month deal with TNA but expressed openness to extending her stay with the company.

    \”I signed a six month deal, I\’ll tell you guys that. But I plan on seeing it through,\” Berenato said. \”I\’m having a lot of fun. Everything\’s going great so far, and as long as it\’s a continuously mutually beneficial situation, meaning I\’m adding value and I feel good about what I\’m getting in return, then I don\’t see why it wouldn\’t continue long term.\”

    The former WWE Superstar\’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the business side of wrestling contracts, with talent typically keeping such details private. The approach suggests she\’s testing the waters in TNA without a fixed commitment.

  • Good Brothers Say AJ Styles\’ WWE Story \’Not Complete\’ Without Them

    The Good Brothers have made it clear they want to be part of AJ Styles\’ retirement in 2026.

    Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows addressed a potential WWE return on their Talk N\’ Shop podcast, with Anderson stating that The O.C. must be involved in Styles\’ final chapter.

    \”It\’s easy and it\’s safe to say—AJ Styles\’s story inside WWE is obviously not complete without the Good Brothers,\” Anderson said.

    Anderson went further, suggesting that if Styles\’ retirement happens without them, the story isn\’t truly finished.

    \”If AJ goes to his final match, one-two-three, or his final appearance, and he leaves and takes his boots off, tells the fans worldwide that he\’s leaving… and there\’s zero Good Brother involvement? That would mean if that happens inside that WWE ring, I would say AJ Styles is not finished.\”

    The former two-time Raw Tag Team Champions were released from WWE on February 8, 2025. Since then, they\’ve returned to NJPW, debuted for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, and made their Pro Wrestling NOAH debut on January 1, 2026.

    Anderson indicated he\’s open to negotiating with WWE for involvement in Styles\’ farewell. \”If there is some kind of deal struck and some kind of Good Brother involvement — there\’s always a deal to be struck,\” he said.

    Styles confirmed on The Undertaker\’s Six Feet Under podcast that his WWE contract expires at the end of 2026 and he does not plan to re-sign, making this his final year as an active competitor.

    The three men shared a long history together as founding members of Bullet Club in NJPW before reuniting in WWE as The Club and later The O.C.

  • Matt Riddle Teases RAF Wrestling Debut, In Talks With Eric Bischoff

    Matt Riddle has hinted that he could soon be competing for Real American Freestyle wrestling.

    The former WWE Superstar was backstage at RAF05 in Sunrise, Florida on January 10, where Colby Covington defeated Luke Rockhold in the main event. Speaking with The Schmo, Riddle revealed he\’s been in discussions with RAF leadership about a potential appearance.

    \”Hopefully soon. I\’ve been talking to some of the brass, the upper echelon,\” Riddle said. \”It looks promising, but at the same time, I think they\’re just starting to break into the MMA world, realizing how they can sell tickets.\”

    Riddle, who competed in the UFC from 2008 to 2014 before transitioning to professional wrestling, has been vocal about wanting to compete for RAF since attending their inaugural event in August 2025. At that time, he confirmed speaking with Chief Media Officer Eric Bischoff about future involvement.

    The 40-year-old also shared his observations on what draws crowds to RAF events, noting the star power of UFC fighters like Covington and Rockhold.

    \”Everybody came here to see Luke Rockhold and Colby Covington,\” Riddle explained. \”Not saying Bo Nickal isn\’t great or all the other wrestlers aren\’t great, but there\’s a certain level of charisma, being a star, and that takes time.\”

    RAF Wrestling was founded in 2025 by Chad Bronstein, the late Hulk Hogan, and Eric Bischoff. The promotion features freestyle wrestling competitions between Olympic wrestlers, NCAA champions, and MMA fighters, broadcasting exclusively on Fox Nation.

    RAF06 is scheduled for February 28, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona, featuring Henry Cejudo vs. Urijah Faber in the main event.

  • WWE 2K26 Island Mode Returns With Roman Reigns Power Struggle Story

    The Island mode is making its return in WWE 2K26 with a new storyline centered around a faction power struggle following Roman Reigns\’ departure as Tribal Chief.

    According to Insider Gaming, sources close to the game have confirmed the popular mode will continue the story from WWE 2K25\’s ending. The new narrative focuses on three factions battling for control of the Island of Relevancy in the absence of Reigns\’ leadership. One of these factions has been revealed as the Order of Anarchy.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"WWE
    2K

    The Island mode debuted in WWE 2K25 exclusively on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The mode featured exclusive cosmetics, wrestlers, and content added throughout the year. However, it remains unclear whether the mode will expand to PC for WWE 2K26.

    Insider Gaming also reports that select creators have been invited to a preview event, with information expected in mid-February. WWE 2K26 is scheduled to launch in March and will include at least four new match types.

    The continuation of the Island mode\’s storyline demonstrates 2K\’s commitment to the narrative-driven experience that resonated with players in the previous installment.

    WWE 2K26 Special Editions

    Three special editions have been announced for WWE 2K26:

    For a complete breakdown of everything announced so far, visit our WWE 2K26 Roster Tracker.

  • AEW Announces 4 Dates for March 2026 in California, Midwest

    All Elite Wrestling has announced four new live events for March 2026, bringing Dynamite and Collision to California and the Midwest.

    The schedule includes back-to-back Wednesday tapings in California, with San Jose hosting AEW Dynamite and Collision on March 11, followed by Fresno on March 18. AEW then heads to the Midwest, with Dynamite in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 25 and a standalone Collision taping in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday, March 28.

    Early access premium seating begins today, with general tickets going on sale tomorrow, January 20. Fans can sign up as AEW Insiders at AEWTix.com for presale access.

    AEW March 2026 Live Event Schedule:

    • Wednesday, March 11 – AEW Dynamite & Collision – San Jose, CA
    • Wednesday, March 18 – AEW Dynamite & Collision – Fresno, CA
    • Wednesday, March 25 – AEW Dynamite – St. Paul, MN
    • Saturday, March 28 – AEW Collision – Cedar Rapids, IA

    For a complete listing of upcoming pro wrestling events and ticket information, visit our pro wrestling live events schedule.

  • Execs Offer Conflicting Explanations for R-Truth\’s 2025 WWE Release

    Two of WWE\’s most influential employees have provided contradictory accounts regarding R-Truth\’s contract situation in newly released footage from WWE Unreal Season 2.

    Road Dogg, WWE\’s Senior Vice President of Live Events, addressed the decision not to renew R-Truth\’s contract when it expired.

    \”While it broke my heart, it made perfect business sense to not renew his contract. At his age, you might not get that reward back,\” Road Dogg explained in the sneak peek footage.

    However, Triple H offered a starkly different version of events.

    \”He immediately went out on social and said he was fired, but he was never fired. Contrary to prior belief, he was never not under contract with us,\” WWE\’s Chief Content Officer claimed.

    Miscommunication

    The conflicting statements have created confusion among fans regarding the 54-year-old superstar\’s actual status with the company. Road Dogg\’s comments suggest a deliberate business decision not to renew an expiring contract based on age considerations, while Triple H maintains R-Truth was never released and remained under WWE contract throughout.

    R-Truth had posted on social media claiming he was fired, which Triple H has now disputed as inaccurate.

    The contradictory executive statements leave questions about whether this represents a legitimate contract technicality, miscommunication, or potential storyline development.

    The footage appears in promotional material for WWE Unreal Season 2, premiering Tuesday, January 20 on Netflix.

  • WWE Rumor: Elon Musk Interested in Buying TKO Group

    Social media has been buzzing over the past few days with claims that Elon Musk is \”heavily rumored\” to be interested in purchasing WWE from TKO Group Holdings. However, there is currently no credible evidence supporting these claims.

    What the Rumor Claims

    Posts circulating on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit allege that Musk is in \”very early stage talks\” to acquire WWE, often citing the company\’s approximately $9.3 billion enterprise value. Some speculation has centered on potential integration between WWE content and Musk\’s X platform.

    However, none of these posts point to verifiable SEC filings, board actions, or on-the-record sources.

    Why Skepticism Is Warranted

    No credible media outlets have confirmed any bid or formal interest from Musk, and neither WWE, TKO Group, nor Endeavor have issued any statements on the matter. Even some of the viral accounts that helped spread the rumor have acknowledged there are no credible reports backing it up. Wrestling outlets amplifying the story have largely labeled it as unsubstantiated social media chatter, with some calling it \”completely untrue.\”

    It\’s worth noting that TKO denied similar sale rumors as recently as earlier this year.

    WWE\’s Current Ownership

    WWE is currently part of TKO Group Holdings, the Endeavor-controlled company formed through the 2023 merger of UFC and WWE. The deal valued the combined entity at roughly $9.3 billion.

    Musk\’s only verified business connection to WWE involves content partnerships—his platform X has secured deals for exclusive short-form WWE content. While this demonstrates a working relationship between the companies, it falls far short of any ownership discussions.

    Bottom Line

    Until an SEC filing emerges, TKO or WWE issues an official statement, or a reputable financial outlet reports on an actual bid, the Musk-WWE acquisition talk should be treated as nothing more than rumor mill speculation.

  • Aleister Black Suffers Broken Tailbone in Ambulance Match

    Aleister Black suffered a minor broken tailbone during his Ambulance Match against Damian Priest on the first WWE SmackDown of 2026. According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, the injury won\’t alter Black\’s planned hiatus.

    Black is currently feuding with Damian Priest, with Zelina Vega aiding her husband on-screen. The tailbone injury happened during the Ambulance Match stipulation.

    Speaking on The Babyfaces Podcast, Black discussed subtle character tweaks for himself and Zelina Vega. \”I think a lot of times when you alter things slightly about your character… the narrative has to change as to how you speak in regards to the topics that you utilize as your character,\” he said. Black emphasized keeping Vega\’s core personality while adapting to their dark alliance dynamic.

    The minor injury likely extends Black\’s planned hiatus without major long-term impact. Black and Vega\’s character work continues to evolve, potentially setting up future rivalries with Priest upon his return. Expect storyline developments involving Priest\’s response during Black\’s absence.

  • What Time Is WWE Raw Tonight? Start Time, Full Card (January 19)

    WWE Raw airs tonight (January 19, 2026) at a special start time of 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT on Netflix. The show broadcasts live from SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, featuring two championship matches.

    WWE Raw Start Time Tonight

    Due to the international location in Belfast, tonight\’s Raw airs earlier than usual. Here are the start times across time zones:

    3:00 PM ET – Eastern Time
    2:00 PM CT – Central Time
    1:00 PM MT – Mountain Time
    12:00 PM PT – Pacific Time
    8:00 PM GMT – United Kingdom

    WWE Raw streams exclusively on Netflix in the United States. International viewers can check local listings for broadcast information.

    #WWERaw GM @scrapdaddyap previews Raw from Belfast!! ??
    ?
    ?: SPECIAL START TIME 3e/12p on netflix in the US pic.twitter.com/PIMRxIxZZW

    — WWE (@WWE) January 18, 2026

    WWE Raw Match Card Tonight

    CM Punk vs. Finn Bálor – World Heavyweight Championship

    CM Punk defends his World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor, giving the Irish-born star a title opportunity in front of his home country crowd. Bálor earned the match after confronting Punk on last week\’s episode in Düsseldorf.

    Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri – Women\’s Intercontinental Championship

    Becky Lynch puts her Women\’s Intercontinental Championship on the line against Maxxine Dupri, continuing their recent rivalry after Lynch reclaimed the belt from Dupri.

    Rey Mysterio, Penta & Dragon Lee vs. Austin Theory, Bronson Reed & Logan Paul

    A six-man tag team match pits the legendary Rey Mysterio alongside Penta and Dragon Lee against the unlikely trio of Austin Theory, Bronson Reed, and Logan Paul.

    Je\’Von Evans vs. El Grande Americano

    Je\’Von Evans faces El Grande Americano in singles action as the high-flying NXT call-up continues to make his mark on Monday nights.

    Segments & Notes

    The show opens with a Gunther segment. Meanwhile, Bron Breakker will be notably absent after being suspended for attacking Adam Pearce last week. Pearce addressed the situation on social media, writing, \”Hey Bron, hope you enjoy the show, from home.\”

    What to Watch For

    What does Gunther have planned heading into Saturday Night\’s Main Event? Can Finn Bálor capture gold in front of his home country? What\’s next for Bron Breakker after his suspension?

    WWE Raw airs tonight at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT on Netflix.

  • Trey Miguel\’s AEW Release Reportedly Came From \’Above\’ Tony Khan

    Trey Miguel\’s whiplash AEW signing and release reportedly originated from a corporate level above Tony Khan, according to Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Radio.

    Miguel was released from his multi-year AEW contract just days after signing, ending his tenure before it officially began. The 31-year-old was notably absent when The Rascalz made their on-screen debut on January 17\’s Collision, despite being backstage with the group at the January 14 Dynamite taping.

    What happened with Trey Miguel\’s AEW release?

    Alvarez addressed the situation on WOR, stating that the decision came from outside AEW\’s internal structure.

    \”No one\’s really saying much. Well, some people are saying certain things, but my understanding is whatever it is, it came from up above,\” Alvarez said. \”I know there\’s a lot of rumours but it had nothing to do with anybody in AEW talent, anything like that, or Tony. Something happened from way up and he was released.\”

    The reference to a decision coming from \”above\” Tony Khan has sparked speculation about Warner Bros. Discovery\’s involvement, as WBD serves as AEW\’s broadcast partner through TBS, TNT, and HBO Max. AEW\’s current media rights deal runs through 2027 with an option extending to 2028.

    A Timeline of Incidents Before His Abrupt AEW Exit

    Trey Miguel\’s sudden release from AEW just days after signing has left fans searching for answers. While no official reason has been given for his departure, the 31-year-old carries a documented history of controversial statements that have followed him throughout his career.

    The 2019 David Starr Incident

    Miguel first drew significant backlash in July 2019 following a heated Twitter exchange with wrestler David Starr.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"Trey

    Wrestling podcasts at the time, including \”Pod Van Dam,\” discussed the incident extensively, with hosts asking whether anyone had \”taken Trey\’s phone away.\” Fan accounts characterized Miguel\’s comments as including offensive language, though the original tweets are no longer available.

    The 2020 Facebook Controversy

    The most well-documented incident occurred in March 2020 when Miguel engaged in a Facebook exchange using explicitly homophobic language. Screenshots captured Miguel writing that people \”become gay out of fear of rejection from the opposite sex.\”

    The following day, Miguel issued a public apology, stating he had made \”very mean comments\” to an LGBTQ community member that were \”not right or tasteful.\” He acknowledged his wrongdoing, writing that \”this world needs more love than hate.\”

    Important Context

    No credible reporting has linked Miguel\’s past controversies to his AEW release. Fightful confirmed he was released on amicable terms with no reason provided.

    What\’s next for Trey Miguel?

    Miguel announced he was \”taking a break from wrestling\” via Instagram on January 18, asking fans to respect his privacy while continuing to support The Rascalz.

    The two-time TNA X-Division Champion spent over seven years with TNA before signing with AEW alongside Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, and Myron Reed. The Rascalz will continue as a trio, having already appeared in a backstage segment on Collision.

  • Trey Miguel Taking a Break From Pro Wrestling

    Trey Miguel has announced he is stepping away from professional wrestling, explaining his absence from The Rascalz\’ AEW television debut this past weekend.

    \”Taking a break from wrestling. Please respect my space and don\’t tag me in any posts or comments. Go support the Rascalz still,\” Miguel wrote on social media.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"Trey

    Miguel was noticeably missing when Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, and Myron Reed made their first AEW appearance on Saturday\’s Collision in Phoenix. While all four members of The Rascalz signed multi-year deals with AEW earlier this month, only three appeared in the backstage segment that officially introduced the group to All Elite audiences.

    The announcement comes after fans noticed Miguel had deleted all AEW-related content from his social media accounts, including a \”Coming soon\” post he shared when the signing was first reported on January 14. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Miguel was backstage in Phoenix for both Dynamite and Collision but did not appear on either broadcast.

    The Rascalz departed TNA just hours before the company\’s premiere on AMC on January 15. Fightful Select reported that AEW presented a better offer than TNA\’s retention attempt, with all four members signing multi-year contracts. Miguel and Wentz\’s TNA deals had expired at the end of 2025, while Reed and Xavier were working without formal contracts.

    Miguel, a two-time TNA X-Division Champion, returned from hernia surgery in late 2025 after being forced to miss Slammiversary. No reason was given for his decision to step away, and no timeline has been provided for his return.

  • Zayda Steel Signs Multi-Year AEW Contract After Collision Debut

    Zayda Steel is officially All Elite.

    AEW President Tony Khan announced on Saturday night that the 22-year-old has signed a multi-year contract with All Elite Wrestling following her in-ring debut on last night\’s AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage special.

    Steel faced Marina Shafir in her first AEW match, losing to \”The Problem\” in a hard-fought contest. Despite the defeat, the former WWE ID talent impressed enough to secure her spot on the roster.

    \”She put up a great fight in her AEW debut match on #AEWCollision tonight, and now it\’s official: @ZaydaSteel is All Elite!\” Khan wrote on X.

    Steel responded with a confident declaration of her own: \”Y\’all saw the fight. Now you\’re gonna see the rise. All Elite.\”

    The Virginia native made her first AEW appearance on January 10, joining the SkyFlight faction alongside Scorpio Sky, Christopher Daniels, and the Martin Brothers. She replaces Leila Grey, who is currently sidelined with an injury.

    Steel was part of WWE\’s ID program from November 2024 until October 2025, competing on the Evolve brand. She opted not to renew her contract and debuted for Ring of Honor in December before making the jump to AEW\’s main roster.

  • Elayna Black Signs One-Year Contract With TNA Wrestling

    Elayna Black, formerly known as Cora Jade in WWE, has officially signed a one-year contract with TNA Wrestling, according to Fightful Select.

    The 24-year-old debuted on TNA iMPACT! on January 16 as the company\’s newest Knockout, and is expected to be a full-time member of the roster moving forward.

    Black\’s arrival marks a full-circle moment for the young talent. She previously competed in TNA in October 2019 before signing with WWE, and returned for a one-off appearance in January 2025 while still under WWE contract as part of the working relationship between the two companies.

    Following her WWE release in May 2025, Black took time away from wrestling to focus on her mental health before accepting independent bookings. She challenged Masha Slamovich for the TNA Knockouts World Championship at Sacrifice but came up short in the title match.

    With her one-year deal now in place, Black joins a Knockouts division that continues to add depth heading into 2026.

  • Santos Escobar Speaks Out After Surprise AAA Return

    Santos Escobar has broken his silence following his shocking return to AAA on Friday during the promotion\’s premiere broadcast on FOX Latin America.

    The WWE star appeared wearing the mask of his father, El Fantasma, interrupting AAA Latin American Champion El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.\’s in-ring promo in Mexico City. After shaking the champion\’s hand and whispering something in his ear, Escobar dropped Wagner Jr. with a punch, grabbed the championship, and placed it on his shoulder before unmasking to reveal his identity.

    Following the attack, WWE released a backstage video where Escobar addressed his six-month absence from television.

    \”What do you want? You want to know something about me now? Six months I was away, not one question,\” Escobar said. \”Nah, it doesn\’t work like that. You want to know something about me? Now it\’s on my time.\”

    This marked Escobar\’s first televised appearance since June 2025 at Worlds Collide: Los Angeles, and his first match-related activity since a WWE live event in Mexico on July 27, 2025. His WWE contract expired in early October, but he quickly re-signed with the company for what was reported to be a \”very big money deal with a lot of perks.\”

    Escobar competed in AAA from 2013 to 2019 before signing with WWE, where he leads Legado Del Fantasma. His return now sets the stage for a potential collision course with Wagner Jr. for the Latin American Championship.

  • Masha Slamovich Returns Post-Abuse Claims

    Masha Slamovich returned to the ring on January 16 at Circle 6, defeating Haley J in a cage match in what marked her first bout since September 2025.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFC0NqWxaYa

    The former TNA Knockouts competitor had been absent from wrestling following domestic abuse allegations made by her ex-partner AKIRA in September. Slamovich was subsequently removed from the TNA roster in December 2025.

    Slamovich\’s return signals the beginning of an indie circuit rebuild. She already has several bookings announced for the coming months, including a return to Circle 6 in February, an MCW appearance in March, and a date with Japanese promotion Marvelous in May.

    Haley J, an independent wrestling veteran who has worked with NWA and OVW, shared highlights from the cage match on Instagram via Fightful.

    Slamovich had established herself as a prominent figure in TNA\’s Knockouts division before her departure. Her path forward now runs through the independent scene as she looks to rebuild her career across multiple promotions.

  • WWE Tryout Recap: Cena Coaches Promos, Concussion Concerns Emerge

    WWE\’s first tryout camp of 2026 wrapped this week at the Performance Center in Orlando, delivering a mix of star power, controversy, and strategic shifts in talent recruitment.

    The multi-day camp featured a surprise appearance from John Cena, who served as coach for the promo class portion of the tryout. Undefeated MMA fighter Regina Tarin documented Cena\’s involvement on Instagram, sharing a photo with the caption, \”Coach: John Cena.\”

    The tryout drew a diverse class including indie standout Starboy Charlie, basketball player James Karnik, and strength athletes Bruss Hamilton and Joshua Hillen.

    However, safety concerns emerged after social media influencer Sallie Grace publicly quit the camp following a concussion. Grace alleged that \”everyone\’s getting concussed left and right\” during drills, claiming coaches pushed participants to take bumps \”harder and harder.\” She announced her departure by telling a coach directly that she \”can\’t ruin my brain.\”

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTn31ABgdq0/

    According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the tryout was strategically structured to spotlight Black male athletes and bodybuilder-type prospects. Dave Meltzer reported this emphasis was a direct response to criticism that Triple H \”doesn\’t push black males\” on the main roster, with WWE leadership \”aware of the optics.\”

    The camp also signals a broader recruitment pivot away from college/NIL athletes toward in-shape indie wrestlers who can already work and cut promos.

  • Jordan Oliver and Alec Price Have Signed with AEW

    Jordan Oliver and Alec Price are officially All Elite.

    MJF made the surprise announcement at Limitless Wrestling\’s Limitless Rumble event in Lewiston, Maine, revealing that both independent standouts have signed contracts with AEW.

    The reveal came after MJF successfully defended the AEW World Championship against Price in a rare independent appearance for the title.

    Following the match, MJF cut a promo asking fans whether they wanted Oliver and Price to be \”pro wrestlers\” or \”sports entertainers\” before declaring them All Elite.

    Price, 27, is an eight-year veteran from the Boston area who has been a fixture on the New England independent scene and a regular for Game Changer Wrestling. He made multiple appearances on AEW Rampage throughout 2024 and recently worked Ring of Honor tapings.

    Oliver, 26, is a nine-year pro from Newburgh, New York, best known for his work in GCW where he held the JCW World Championship and multiple GCW World Tag Team Championship reigns. He has also wrestled extensively for MLW and CZW.

    The duo work together as the tag team Bustah & The Brain, bringing a fast-paced, high-energy style to AEW\’s tag division. Their signings follow recent AEW additions like the former Rascalz trio as the company continues adding young, television-ready indie talent to its roster.

  • Ricochet Headlines MLP/ROH Mega Event Weekend in Canada

    Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor have announced a two-day mega event weekend in Windsor, Ontario, featuring international wrestling talent from multiple promotions.

    GLOBAL WARS takes place Friday, March 27 at St. Clair College, headlined by current AEW National Champion Ricochet in his first GLOBAL WARS main event appearance in Canada. The event showcases competitors from MLP and ROH alongside international stars from AEW, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT Pro-Wrestling, and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"

    The weekend continues Saturday, March 28 with MLP UPRISING, headlined by The Good Brothers—Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows—fresh off their return to Pro Wrestling NOAH.

    Additional confirmed talent includes Kaito Kiyomiya (Pro Wrestling NOAH), Daisuke Sasaki (DDT Pro), Máscara Dorada (CMLL), Bárbaro Cavernario (CMLL), and Bishop Dyer (formerly Baron Corbin).

    Both events will stream live worldwide on TrillerTV, with on-demand access available exclusively on ROH Honor Club following the broadcasts.

    \”We are thrilled to partner Ring of Honor with MAPLE LEAF PRO Wrestling for GLOBAL WARS and MLP UPRISING on March 27 and 28,\” said AEW CEO Tony Khan. \”Both events will spotlight incredible stars from around the world and deliver amazing wrestling action to fans over the course of two exciting nights.\”

    MAPLE LEAF PRO President Scott D\’Amore added, \”This Mega Event weekend showcases MAPLE LEAF PRO on the world stage while celebrating the global partnerships that define professional wrestling today.\”

    Tickets start at $30 and go on sale Monday, January 26 at 10:00 AM EST at MLPWRESTLING.COM.

  • WWE 2K26 Match Types: 4 New, Intergender, more

    WWE 2K26 is set to expand its match variety with four new match types when the game launches in approximately two months:

    • I Quit Match
    • Inferno Match
    • 3 Stages of Hell match
    • Dumpster Match

    According to insider Mike Straw of Insider Gaming, sources have revealed that three classic match types are making their return after lengthy absences from the franchise.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2026/01/\"WWE

    The I Quit Match and Inferno Match are both returning after 13 years, last appearing in WWE 2K14. In the Inferno Match, players can win by setting their opponent on fire, with flames growing larger as heavier moves are performed.

    The 3 Stages of Hell match is also making a comeback after disappearing since the Smackdown vs. Raw era. This stipulation features a 2-out-of-3 falls format where players select three different match types.

    The fourth addition is the Dumpster Match, making its WWE 2K series debut. While exact mechanics haven\’t been confirmed, it\’s speculated to function similarly to the Casket Match. More details are expected in the coming weeks.

    Additionally, Intergender Matches are returning from WWE 2K25 and will be featured in the MyFACTION mode.

    WWE 2K26 will feature CM Punk in the game\’s Showcase mode when it releases in March 2026.

    EXCLUSIVE: I've learned of the new match types coming to WWE 2K26, including a highly requested one.

    Full story at Insider Gaming and in the Insider Gaming App.https://t.co/sugIUJUEDf

    — Mike Straw ? DICE Summit (@MikeStrawMedia) January 16, 2026

    WWE 2K26 Special Editions

    Three special editions have been announced for WWE 2K26:

    For a complete breakdown of everything announced so far, visit our WWE 2K26 Roster Tracker.

  • Daria Rae Debuts on TNA Impact

    Former WWE star Sonya Deville made her TNA debut on January 15, 2026, during Impact\’s historic premiere on AMC, now wrestling under the name Daria Rae.

    Director of Authority Santino Marella introduced Deville as his new assistant, explaining that the TNA Board of Directors decided he needed help running the company on AMC. However, what started as a warm introduction quickly turned into a hostile takeover attempt.

    After initially complimenting Marella, Deville turned heel and declared \”the company doesn\’t need him.\” She ripped into Santino as \”a joke that can\’t even keep his own family together\” and positioned herself as someone who brings \”structure, discipline, and professionalism.\” When Marella attempted to respond, Deville cut him off with a sharp \”shut up\” while she was talking.

    Branding herself as \”The Suit\” with the acronym S.U.I.T. (implied to mean \”Shut Up [When] I\’m Talking\”), Deville made it clear she believes she can run TNA better than Marella. She told Santino to \”stay out of her way\” after claiming she has \”run locker rooms and dealt with TV.\”

    Deville\’s debut included a major announcement as she introduced Elayna Black (formerly Cora Jade in WWE) as the newest signing to the TNA Knockouts division. Black appeared on stage to a positive crowd reaction.

    The appearance marks a surprising return to professional wrestling for Deville, who announced her retirement from the sport in July 2025 during an interview with Chris Van Vliet. At the time, she stated she was \”at peace\” with stepping away from wrestling and focusing on acting opportunities. She departed WWE in February 2025 when the company chose not to renew her contract.