SEScoops

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Paul Heyman Had No Idea Brock Lesnar Was Retiring at WrestleMania

    Paul Heyman Had No Idea Brock Lesnar Was Retiring at WrestleMania

    Paul Heyman is finally on the record about Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 farewell, and he is sticking to the same line he has held for weeks. He swears he had no idea his guy was about to walk away.

    The Hall of Famer addressed the retirement directly in a new interview with TMZ Sports in New York City, telling cameras the moment in Las Vegas caught him completely off guard.

    “If I knew he was gonna retire, would I have gone on record saying he was gonna dominate for the next 15 years?” Heyman said, getting another jab at TMZ founder Harvey Levin in for good measure.

    “I was crying. Am I that good of an actor that I can cry on cue?? Not I.”

    The 15-Year Comment Becomes Heyman’s Receipt

    That 15-year line points back to Heyman’s pre-WrestleMania interview with TMZ, where he flatly rejected retirement chatter and predicted Lesnar still had over a decade of dominance left in him. The clip resurfaced the morning after Night 2, leading many fans to believe Heyman had been blindsided in real time.

    Heyman publicly called out TMZ at the time for not making the timing clear, noting the footage was filmed in NYC weeks before the event. He is now using that same denial as proof he was not in on the spot.

    The Vision Becomes Heyman’s Next Chapter

    With Lesnar gone, Heyman immediately steered the conversation to his current WWE clients and laid out the lineup he believes will define the next era of the company.

    “Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory. The Vision taking over WWE.”

    The four-man unit has been Heyman’s primary focus since Austin Theory was unmasked as the faction’s mystery man back in December, with Logan Paul, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed rounding out the group.

    Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 Night 2 farewell came in four minutes and 42 seconds against Oba Femi. He sat in the middle of the ring, removed his gloves and boots, embraced Heyman, and walked up the ramp to “Thank you, Brock” chants. WWE has not officially announced a retirement.

    For now, Heyman’s TMZ comments are the closest thing to a public confirmation that the moment everyone watched at Allegiant Stadium was real.

  • John Cena Hypes Foundation-Shocking News at Backlash

    John Cena Hypes Foundation-Shocking News at Backlash

    John Cena will make a major announcement at WWE Backlash 2026 that he promises will have a massive impact across the company.

    In a post on social media, Cena hyped that the announcement will affect everyone in WWE – the news will “shock the very foundation of WWE, from its fans to its superstars, from its champions down to its rookies.”

    The 16-time world champion confirmed he will be in Tampa for Backlash 2026 in partnership with Club WWE.

    Cena last appeared during both nights of WrestleMania 42. That marked his first WWE appearance since his retirement match against GUNTHER on December 13.

    WWE has not revealed any details about what Cena plans to announce at Backlash 2026. The Premium Live Event takes place in Tampa in just a few days.

    What do you think Cena will announce at Backlash this weekend? Let us know in the comments.

  • Jacob Fatu Fires Back at Online Critics Ahead of WWE Backlash

    Jacob Fatu Fires Back at Online Critics Ahead of WWE Backlash

    Jacob Fatu fired back at online critics ahead of his World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns at WWE Backlash 2026. The Samoan Werewolf challenged his detractors to step into the ring if they want to criticize the wrestling product.

    Fatu appeared on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast to discuss his upcoming title opportunity. During the interview, the former WWE United States Champion addressed fans who criticize wrestlers without understanding what it takes to perform.

    “Oh, no. Hey, set up a ring. Have them come in the ring. All right. They don’t even deserve to take a bump. Just see if they could take a punch to the face from us,” Fatu said.

    The WWE superstar continued his message to online critics, making it clear he doesn’t believe they deserve to share the ring with professional wrestlers.

    “They don’t deserve to—they don’t even deserve to step in the ring. All right. These cats don’t deserve to be nowhere in the ring. None of these cats.”

    Fatu’s Advice on Handling Online Negativity

    Fatu shared his approach to dealing with negative comments on social media. He advised others in the business to stay away from internet criticism and focus on their work.

    “I didn’t go online like the rest of these cats, put in their feelings. Hey man, if I want to give some advice to anybody, stay off of the internet. It’s fake,” Fatu stated. “Kill everything with a smile, man. And just do the right thing when nobody’s looking. I read bad comments about me every day. All right, brother. Don’t let it get in your head because, bro, my check still clears every week.”

    World Heavyweight Championship Opportunity at Backlash

    In a recent interview with ESPN, Fatu reflected on what his championship match against Roman Reigns means to him. The match represents the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.

    “Man, man, man, this (means) more than anything. I prayed, and I cried for days like this. I’m not only at Backlash, fresh out of WrestleMania, I’m going toe-to-toe, head-to-head, bangin’ with the best,” Fatu said. “And, we’re not just talking about professional wrestling, we’re talking about the greatest of all time in sports entertainment, and it’s Roman Reigns, and I wouldn’t have it no other way besides this Saturday at Backlash.”

    Fatu described what holding the World Heavyweight Championship would mean for his journey. He emphasized that the title represents everything he’s worked for throughout his career.

    “It will look like exactly what it’s supposed to look like with that title on me. It’s everything that I grinded for, everything I went through the struggle for. I’m not saying I had the worst life, I just made bad decisions. But it ain’t how you start, it’s how you finish, so I gotta’ finish on top. I gotta’ finish and do what’s right by my family,” he stated.

    The Samoan Werewolf also reflected on his path to WWE while other family members were already part of the Bloodline storyline.

    “When they was up here in WWE running the Bloodline, and I was broke foaming out the mouth, grinding on the frontline, this is exactly the moment I was grinding for. I was the cousin that wasn’t supposed to be here, but we on First Take ESPN, I think we’re doing pretty great right now.”

    Fatu challenges Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Backlash 2026 this Saturday.

  • Paul Heyman: Millions at Stake in REIGNS vs FATU at Backlash

    Paul Heyman: Millions at Stake in REIGNS vs FATU at Backlash

    Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu is Money

    Paul Heyman says tens of millions of dollars are at stake when Roman Reigns defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu at WWE Backlash this weekend. The Wise Man explained why the match goes far beyond the title, and is the most consequential in-ring contest in a long time.

    Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Heyman connected the rivalry to family status, power, and money inside WWE. He framed the match as a battle for leadership within the Anoa’i-Fatu dynasty.

    “Well, what’s at stake is a lot of family honor here. Roman Reigns is the head of the table, and Roman Reigns is a multi, multi-millionaire, being the absolute number one top star in the entire industry, thanks to his Wise Man, Paul Heyman,” Heyman said.

    Fatu Wants Top Star Status

    Heyman explained Fatu’s motivation stems from wanting the same financial success Reigns enjoys. He painted a picture of family tension over who deserves the top spot.

    “Now, here’s Jacob Fatu, who makes a nice living, but it’s not the living of the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. And Jacob Fatu sits there and says, ‘Hey, why are my kids wearing hand-me-downs from Roman Reigns’ kids? Why shouldn’t my kids have all the new toys, the jet planes, the high life, and we will give our hand-me-downs to Roman’s kids?’” Heyman said.

    He added that the rivalry centers on who leads the family and who becomes WWE’s top earner. “So, what’s at stake? Who’s the head of the table in the Anoa’i-Fatu dynasty? Who’s the top star in WWE? And tens of millions of dollars are at stake. And no matter what you think of sports entertainment or professional wrestling or WWE, the top star makes the most money. And Jacob Fatu wants to be the top star.”

    Rivalry Escalates Before Backlash

    The feud between the two family members has intensified in recent weeks. Fatu attacked Reigns with a Tongan Death Grip, then put him through a table during their contract signing on RAW.

    Reigns will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Fatu at WWE Backlash this weekend.

  • WWE Announces 16 New Raw & SmackDown Live Dates This Summer

    WWE Announces 16 New Raw & SmackDown Live Dates This Summer

    WWE has officially announced 16 new live event dates for Raw and SmackDown this summer, spanning cities across the United States from late June through Labor Day weekend.

    Tickets for all events go on sale Friday, May 15 at 10am local time in each market. Fans can get early access through an exclusive presale starting Thursday, May 14 at 10am local. Full event information and tickets are available at WWE.com/Events.

    Full Schedule of Dates

    • Monday, June 29 – Atlantic City, NJ | RAW/SmackDown | Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
    • Monday, July 6 – Chicago, IL | RAW | Allstate Arena
    • Friday, July 10 – Oklahoma City, OK | SmackDown | Paycom Center
    • Monday, July 13 – Dallas, TX | RAW | American Airlines Center
    • Friday, July 17 – Albany, NY | SmackDown | MVP Arena
    • Monday, July 20 – Detroit, MI | RAW | Little Caesars Arena
    • Friday, July 24 – Oakland, CA | SmackDown | Oakland Arena
    • Monday, July 27 – Inglewood, CA | RAW | Intuit Dome
    • Friday, July 31 – Green Bay, WI | SmackDown | Resch Center
    • Monday, August 3 – Des Moines, IA | RAW | Casey’s Center
    • Monday, August 10 – Norfolk, VA | RAW | Scope Arena
    • Monday, August 17 – Buffalo, NY | RAW | KeyBank Center
    • Friday, August 28 – Cleveland, OH | SmackDown | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
    • Monday, August 31 – Charlotte, NC | RAW | Spectrum Center
    • Friday, September 4 – Cincinnati, OH | SmackDown | Heritage Bank Center
    • Monday, September 7 – Birmingham, AL | RAW | Legacy Center at BJCC

    The run kicks off with a rare combined Raw/SmackDown event in Atlantic City on June 29 before splitting into separate brand tours through the summer. Notable stops include Inglewood’s Intuit Dome (July 27), the Allstate Arena in Chicago (July 6), and a Labor Day weekend doubleheader in Charlotte and Cincinnati.

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news and updates.

  • NXT Great American Bash 2026 Set For Late July

    NXT Great American Bash 2026 Set For Late July

    The 2026 NXT Great American Bash has a date and a venue, and the timing carries more weight than any Bash in recent memory.

    According to a report from Bodyslam.net, NXT Great American Bash 2026 is scheduled for the final week of July at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. The exact date has not yet been confirmed.

    The CW Broadcast Debut

    The reported date matters because of what just happened around it. WWE and The CW announced on April 28 that all NXT Premium Live Events are moving to The CW under a new multi-year exclusive deal, with The Great American Bash positioned as the first show under the new agreement.

    The deal covers 20 NXT PLEs over the next several years, including future editions of Stand and Deliver, Deadline, and Vengeance Day. It marks the first time NXT premium specials will air on broadcast television, a major shift from the Peacock and Netflix livestream model that hosted last year’s event.

    NXT’s PLEs will also stream on the ESPN App as part of a separate CW Sports partnership announced shortly after, putting the developmental brand inside the same streaming ecosystem as WrestleMania and SummerSlam.

    Back To The Performance Center

    The reported venue is the second part of the story. Last year’s Great American Bash ran from Center Stage in Atlanta and went head to head with AEW All In Texas, drawing under 1,000 fans in a tight theater setup.

    Returning to the Performance Center brings the event back to NXT’s home base for the first time since the 2024 two-night television special. Vengeance Day already ran from the building this past March, the first NXT PLE inside the Performance Center in more than three years.

    What’s On The Line

    Tony D’Angelo and Lola Vice are the current NXT Champion and NXT Women’s Champion, and both were highlighted as the faces of the brand in the WWE-CW announcement. Shawn Michaels continues to oversee the creative direction as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative.

    WWE has not officially announced the date or venue. Bodyslam.net previously reported Vengeance Day’s date and Performance Center booking ahead of WWE confirmation, lending credibility to the latest report.

  • Ireland Positions Itself as a Serious Contender to Host a Future WrestleMania

    Ireland Positions Itself as a Serious Contender to Host a Future WrestleMania

    Could the Emerald Isle be the next landmark destination for WWE’s biggest event of the year?

    A local Irish government official has gone on record stating that Ireland is “well placed” to mount a credible bid for a future WrestleMania — and he’s prepared to take the pitch all the way to the Irish government.

    Kilkenny Councillor Maurice Shortall spoke with the Irish Mirror this week, making a passionate case for why Ireland should throw its hat in the ring to host sports entertainment’s grandest stage.

    “Ireland is well placed to present a credible and competitive bid for WrestleMania, given our strong international tourism brand, proven track record in hosting major events, and global reputation as a welcoming destination,” Shortall said.

    WWE Already Looking Abroad

    The timing of Shortall’s comments is no coincidence. WWE recently confirmed that WrestleMania will go international for the first time in 2027, with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia becoming the first non-North American city to host the event. That announcement has opened the floodgates of interest from countries and cities around the world eager to land what is widely considered one of the most lucrative live events on the global calendar.

    Ireland isn’t alone in the hunt. Nashville, Tennessee has also been reported as a city expressing serious interest in hosting a future WrestleMania, meaning competition for the coveted slot will be stiff.

    Why Ireland Could Make Sense

    Shortall’s pitch leans heavily on Ireland’s established credentials as a world-class event host. The country has successfully organized major international sporting events and boasts a globally recognized tourism brand — factors that WWE and its parent company TKO Group have increasingly emphasized when evaluating potential WrestleMania destinations.

    The economic upside would be significant. WrestleMania weekend routinely generates hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism revenue for host cities, with multiple days of events, fan festivals, and television tapings bringing wrestling fans from across the globe.

    Ireland also carries a passionate wrestling fanbase — WWE’s tours of the UK and Ireland consistently sell out arenas, with Irish crowds among the most vocal on the European circuit.

    What Comes Next

    Shortall’s next step is bringing the proposal formally to the Irish government, though no official bid process has been announced by WWE at this stage. WrestleMania 43 and beyond remain unconfirmed in terms of location, leaving the door open for international contenders to make their case.

    Whether Ireland can translate enthusiasm into a formal, government-backed bid — and whether WWE is ready to bring the Showcase of the Immortals to European soil — remains to be seen. But as WWE continues to expand its global footprint, the idea of WrestleMania in Ireland no longer sounds like a pipe dream.

  • TNA iMPACT Tonight (5/7/26): Start Time, Card & How to Watch

    TNA iMPACT Tonight (5/7/26): Start Time, Card & How to Watch

    TNA iMPACT airs tonight (Thursday, May 7, 2026) from Upstate Medical University Arena in Syracuse, New York, live on AMC starting at 9 PM ET.

    TNA Wrestling continues its weekly programming with tonight’s episode. The show features two championship matches, a No Disqualification grudge match between EC3 and Eric Young, and a scheduled address from TNA World Champion Mike Santana on the future of the company. Here’s everything you need to know including start times, how to watch, and the full card.

    How to Watch TNA iMPACT Tonight

    Date Thursday, May 7, 2026
    Venue Upstate Medical University Arena, Syracuse, New York
    Channel/Stream AMC / AMC+ / TNA+ (worldwide)
    US Start Time 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT / 6 PM PT
    UK Start Time 2 AM BST (Friday) on DAZN and TNA+
    India Start Time 6:30 AM IST (Friday) on Euro Sports Network and TNA+
    Duration 2 hours

    TNA iMPACT Match Card for May 7, 2026

    Here are the matches and segments announced for tonight’s show:

    Arianna Grace (c) vs. Léi Y?ng Lee (TNA Knockouts World Championship)

    Arianna Grace puts the TNA Knockouts World Championship on the line against Léi Y?ng Lee, who returns to singles competition after Xia Brookside’s betrayal cost her the title at TNA Rebellion in Cleveland. Tommy Dreamer called Lee a warrior on last week’s episode, and the challenger looks to channel that momentum into a second Knockouts title reign.

    The System (c) vs. Nic Nemeth and KC Navarro (TNA World Tag Team Championship)

    Bear Bronson and Brian Myers of The System defend the TNA World Tag Team Championship against Nic Nemeth and KC Navarro. Director of Authority Santino Marella signed the match after Nemeth’s recent confrontation with TNA World Champion Mike Santana, with the Call Your Shot winner now eyeing tag team gold alongside Navarro.

    EC3 vs. Eric Young (No Disqualification Match)

    EC3 and Eric Young settle their reignited rivalry under No Disqualification rules, picking up where their TNA Rebellion collision left off. Young issued the no-rules challenge on the May 1 episode of iMPACT, and tonight’s bout strips both veterans of any safety net. The pair last clashed when EC3 returned to iMPACT television last month.

    Moose and Leon Slater vs. Eddie Edwards and Cedric Alexander

    X-Division Champion Leon Slater teams with Moose to face Eddie Edwards and Cedric Alexander of The System in a sanctioned tag team match. Marella made the bout official after last week’s two-on-four melee saw the babyface duo come up short on the numbers, evening the playing field for tonight’s rematch.

    Mike Santana Addresses the Future of TNA

    TNA World Champion Mike Santana takes center stage to outline what comes next for his title reign. Santana’s appearance follows his recent face-off with Nic Nemeth, with speculation building over the champion’s first defense at Slammiversary in Boston.

    Elayna Black Speaks

    Elayna Black gets the floor for an in-ring segment after rebounding from her TNA Sacrifice loss to Mara Sade with three straight wins across iMPACT and Xplosion. Specific details about her appearance have not been revealed.

    Road to TNA Slammiversary 2026

    Slammiversary 2026 takes place Sunday, June 28 at Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts, marking TNA’s first Slammiversary in Boston in over a decade.

    Tonight’s two title matches and the Mike Santana address are positioned to set the table for TNA’s biggest spring event. Live iMPACT episodes resume on May 14 from Sacramento as TNA builds toward Boston, with the revived Lockdown PPV waiting later in the summer.

    Follow SEScoops for any news developments from tonight’s TNA iMPACT.

  • Dark Side Of The Ring Season 7 Premieres July 7 With TNA Trilogy

    Dark Side Of The Ring Season 7 Premieres July 7 With TNA Trilogy

    Dark Side of the Ring is coming back this summer, and the new season is leading with its most ambitious project to date.

    Vice TV has set a Tuesday, July 7 premiere date for the seventh season of the acclaimed wrestling docu-series, with two back-to-back episodes airing at 9 p.m. ET, according to a Variety exclusive. New episodes will follow weekly.

    The season opens with a three-part deep dive into Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and co-founder Jeff Jarrett, the longest single-subject arc the show has produced.

    Dark Side of the Ring season 7 episode subjects:

    • TNA Wrestling & Jeff Jarrett (Trilogy)
    • “Mr” Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff
    • Big Boss Man
    • Missy Hyatt
    • Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe
    • Zach Gowen
    • The Renegade

    The TNA Trilogy

    The choice of subject is significant. Jarrett and his late father Jerry founded TNA in May 2002 in Nashville, launching the promotion as a weekly pay-per-view alternative to a wrestling industry that had just seen WCW and ECW collapse. The early years that the trilogy is set to cover include the original “TNA Asylum” venue, the X-Division revolution, the six-sided ring, and the messy 2002 sale of a controlling stake to Panda Energy after HealthSouth’s funding fell apart.

    Jarrett’s own arc carries the season, from co-founding the company to being pushed out of his own promotion in 2013, the brief Global Force Wrestling era, and his eventual return to WWE in 2019. TNA itself, now under Anthem Sports & Entertainment, is in the middle of an active partnership with WWE, which gives the timing of this docuseries an added layer.

    The Rest Of The Season

    Beyond the Jarrett trilogy, season 7 will profile the late Paul Orndorff, Ray Traylor (The Big Boss Man), and longtime manager Missy Hyatt.

    There is also an episode dedicated to the infamous 2005 IWA Mid-South match between Samoa Joe and Necro Butcher at the old ECW Arena in Philadelphia, a brawl that has been mythologized in independent wrestling circles for two decades.

    Other episodes will tell the stories of one-legged wrestler Zach Gowen and Rick Wilson, the exotic dancer who briefly became WCW’s Ultimate Warrior knockoff The Renegade.

    What Vice And The Creators Are Saying

    Vice TV president Pete Gaffney pitched the series as a fixture of the network’s slate. “Dark Side of the Ring is one of our strongest franchises that speaks to our audience with its gritty exposition of the real emotional and physical costs behind professional wrestling,” Gaffney said in the Variety announcement.

    Co-creators and executive producers Evan Husney and Jason Eisener framed season 7 as their most ambitious yet. “That’s especially true with our three-part exploration of TNA Wrestling, where Jeff Jarrett’s journey of redemption and resilience gives us a unique lens into the highs, struggles, and lasting impact of the foundational years of the company,” they said.

    Dark Side of the Ring is produced by Vice Studios in partnership with Bell Media’s Crave, and distributed worldwide by VICE Distribution. The show has spawned the broader Dark Side franchise that now includes Dark Side of Football, Dark Side of the 90s, Dark Side of the 2000s, Dark Side of Reality TV, and Dark Side of the Cage.

  • WWE Adds London SmackDown, Sheffield Show to UK Tour

    WWE Adds London SmackDown, Sheffield Show to UK Tour

    London SmackDown

    WWE has added two more UK stops to its 2026 European Summer Tour, announcing a SmackDown taping at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday, June 23, and a live event at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on Wednesday, June 24.

    The London SmackDown gives the O2 Arena back-to-back nights of WWE television, with Monday Night Raw already booked for the same venue on June 22. It also becomes the second SmackDown taping of the European run, joining the previously announced Barcelona date on May 29 and Bologna date on June 5.

    WWE is still listing the show as Friday Night SmackDown despite the Tuesday taping, leaving open whether it will air live on Netflix internationally or be tape-delayed for the regular Friday window. Past international SmackDowns, including last year’s Bash in Berlin and Clash in Paris weeks, have aired live on Netflix outside the U.S.

    The taping carries added weight as the final television stop before Night of Champions, which takes place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, June 27. WWE has previously stated it does not run Raw or SmackDown out of Saudi Arabia, effectively making the O2 Arena episode the go-home show for the Premium Live Event in Riyadh.

    The Sheffield date closes out the UK leg of the tour as a non-televised live event. It marks WWE’s third Utilita Arena stop of the run, following Cardiff on June 20 and Birmingham on June 21.

    Ticket Information

    An exclusive presale for both the London SmackDown and the Sheffield event begins Tuesday, May 12, at 10am BST. General sale tickets become available on Thursday, May 14, at 10am BST through WWE.com/events.

    Champions Advertised For European Tour

    WWE has confirmed a stacked roster for the European Summer Tour, including Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes (c), Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan (c), WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley (c), United States Champion Trick Williams (c), and Intercontinental Champion Penta (c). The Usos, GUNTHER, Drew McIntyre, and Jacob Fatu are also advertised across the run.

    The two new dates expand the tour to 16 stops across the UK, Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal. The schedule features WWE’s first-ever Premium Live Event in Italy at Turin’s Inalpi Arena on May 31, and the previously added Liverpool, Cardiff, and Birmingham dates remain on sale now.

  • Raja Jackson Cuts Plea Deal in Pro Wrestler Attack Case

    Raja Jackson Cuts Plea Deal in Pro Wrestler Attack Case

    Raja Jackson, the 26-year-old son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, has reached a plea deal to resolve his criminal case stemming from a violent attack on professional wrestler Stuart Smith at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event last August.

    According to the New York Post, Raja pleaded no contest to one felony count of battery with serious bodily injury at a preliminary hearing setting on Wednesday. He also admitted to two special allegations, including personal infliction of great bodily injury and engaging in violent conduct.

    A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office told the outlet that Raja’s anticipated sentence is 90 days in county jail, $81,703.38 in restitution, and two years of formal probation. The restitution must be paid before his sentencing, which is scheduled for late June.

    From Seven Years to 90 Days

    The plea deal represents a dramatic reduction from the potential seven-year prison sentence Raja originally faced. When he was arrested in September 2025 and subsequently charged with felony battery and misdemeanor battery, prosecutors had pursued sentencing enhancements that could have added three extra years on top of the standard two-to-four-year term for felony battery under California law.

    Raja initially pleaded not guilty at his October 2025 arraignment. His reversal to a no-contest plea effectively closes the criminal case without a trial.

    The Attack That Shocked Combat Sports

    The incident occurred on August 23, 2025, during a KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy show in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles. Raja, who holds a 4-0 amateur MMA record, was scheduled for a scripted run-in during Smith’s match. Instead, he slammed Smith to the canvas and delivered over 20 unanswered punches to his head while he lay unconscious. Other wrestlers eventually pulled Raja off before he fled the venue.

    The entire attack was livestreamed on Kick, and the footage spread rapidly across social media. Smith, a military veteran who performs under the ring name Syko Stu, spent several days in intensive care. He later revealed he suffered a severe head injury, trauma to both jaws, a lacerated upper lip, and lost several teeth.

    The attack was preceded by a backstage altercation earlier that day. Smith had struck Raja with a beer can in what was described as a promotional bit, and the two appeared to reconcile with an apology. However, Raja’s livestream audience and others at the event seemingly encouraged him to escalate the situation.

    Rampage Jackson’s Response

    The elder Jackson publicly condemned his son’s actions multiple times in the aftermath, calling them dishonorable and saying Raja had “dishonored my name” and put his family in danger. Rampage also revealed he had stopped speaking to Raja following the incident and suggested his son should face consequences including jail time and anger management treatment.

    While the criminal case appears near its conclusion, Smith could still pursue a separate civil lawsuit for medical costs, lost wages, and damages. His GoFundMe campaign raised over $223,000 in the months following the attack.

  • Ted Turner, WCW Founder Who Battled Vince McMahon, Dies At 87

    Ted Turner, WCW Founder Who Battled Vince McMahon, Dies At 87

    Ted Turner, the broadcasting billionaire who acquired Jim Crockett Promotions in 1988 and rebranded it as World Championship Wrestling, has died at the age of 87. Turner Enterprises confirmed his passing in a statement on Wednesday.

    Turner had been hospitalized in early 2025 with a mild case of pneumonia and recovered at a rehabilitation facility. In 2018, he revealed he was living with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder.

    His broader legacy includes founding CNN, owning the Atlanta Braves, and creating the United Nations Foundation. But his fingerprints remain all over modern professional wrestling. WCW under Turner’s ownership became the only company in the modern era to consistently beat Vince McMahon’s WWF in the ratings, topping Raw for 83 straight weeks at the peak of the Monday Night Wars.

    The Sentence That Changed Wrestling Forever

    The single most consequential moment in WCW history did not happen in a ring. It happened in a 1995 corporate meeting, when Turner pulled Eric Bischoff aside and asked a simple question.

    “Ted Turner asked me, ‘Eric, what have we got to do to compete with WWE?’” Bischoff has recalled in subsequent interviews. “I wasn’t prepared for that. ‘Give me prime time.’ I thought it was safe that he wouldn’t do it. And Ted looks at me, looks at Scott Sasser, and goes, ‘Scott, give Eric two hours, Monday night, on TNT.’”

    That decision birthed WCW Monday Nitro, which debuted on September 4, 1995 opposite WWF Monday Night Raw. The ratings war that followed delivered the New World Order, Hulk Hogan’s heel turn, the cruiserweight revolution, and the closest the wrestling industry has ever come to two national companies operating at competitive parity.

    Billionaire Ted

    WWF’s response came in 1996 with a series of parody sketches called “Billionaire Ted’s Wrasslin’ Warroom.” The skits portrayed Turner as a bumbling Southern hillbilly, alongside parodies of Hogan (“The Huckster”), Randy Savage (“The Nacho Man”), and Gene Okerlund (“Scheme Gene”).

    According to Bischoff, Turner found the bits funny and laughed at the parodies of himself. McMahon’s animosity at the time was real. Turner’s amusement at being mocked, by all accounts, was genuine.

    The End Of Turner’s Wrestling Era

    Turner’s grip on WCW began to slip after Time Warner’s 1996 acquisition of Turner Broadcasting. The 2001 AOL Time Warner merger pushed him further from daily operations, and new Turner Broadcasting head Jamie Kellner cancelled all WCW programming that March.

    The cancellation collapsed Bischoff’s Fusient Media bid to buy WCW and cleared the path for McMahon to acquire the company’s assets at a fraction of their previous value. The deal ended the Monday Night Wars and Turner’s wrestling era in a single transaction.

    Turner is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

  • Aleister Black in Active AEW Negotiations, Despite Reports

    Aleister Black in Active AEW Negotiations, Despite Reports

    Recently released WWE Superstar Aleister Black, known outside the ring Tom Budgen, is in active negotiations with All Elite Wrestling, SEScoops has learned. The development directly contradicts a wave of reporting over the past two weeks that suggested AEW had no interest in welcoming the former House of Black leader back to the company.

    According to a source with direct knowledge of the discussions, those conversations are happening regardless of the public framing. Terms have not been finalized, and no agreement is in place.

    What Public Reporting Had Said

    Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that some inside AEW were unhappy with Black’s previous booking arrangement, pointing to his low loss column and the fact that his desire to leave for WWE had become obvious once Triple H assumed creative control. Meltzer added that AEW’s locker room morale is the strongest it has been in years, and that some talents are uneasy about welcoming back a star whose heart was clearly elsewhere.

    Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select softened that picture but stopped well short of confirming talks. Sapp told subscribers “the bridge is not considered burned there,” while AEW sources he spoke to did not expect a near-term return.

    AEW talent coordinator Shawn Dean publicly answered “No” on social media when a fan floated reuniting the House of Black with Zelina Vega added to the mix. Jim Ross, speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, did not say bridges were burned but cautioned that Black’s “chances are running out,” questioning his reliability outside the ring.

    From WWE to AEW, Then Back, Then Back Again

    Black was among roughly 25 talents released by WWE on April 24 in a sweeping post-WrestleMania 42 roster reduction. The cuts also took out his wife Zelina Vega, the entire Wyatt Sicks faction, Kairi Sane, the Motor City Machine Guns, and Apollo Crews.

    His exit followed speculation, reported by PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, that a power player inside TKO Group Holdings was uncomfortable with horror-inflected character work. That theory has been disputed by other reporting placing the April cuts at the feet of Triple H and Nick Khan for budget reasons.

    If a deal closes, it would mark Black’s third direct jump between WWE and AEW since 2021, putting him in rare company among talent who have moved between the two promotions multiple times. He left WWE for AEW in 2021, returned to WWE on the SmackDown after WrestleMania 41 in April 2025, and would now head back to AEW barely a year later.

    Black led the House of Black during his prior AEW run, holding the AEW World Trios Championship with Brody King and Buddy Matthews. Whether Tony Khan ultimately green-lights the reunion is another question. Resistance from within AEW remains real per the public reporting, and any agreement will require his sign-off. As of this writing, talks are active.

  • AEW Dynamite & Collision Previews (5/6/26): Start Times, Matches

    AEW Dynamite & Collision Previews (5/6/26): Start Times, Matches

    AEW Dynamite airs tonight (Wednesday, May 6, 2026) from North Charleston Coliseum in North Charleston, South Carolina, live on TBS and HBO Max starting at 8 PM ET.

    AEW continues its weekly programming with tonight’s episode, headlined by a champion vs. champion main event as Darby Allin defends the AEW World Championship against TNT Champion Kevin Knight.

    Jon Moxley puts his AEW Continental Championship on the line in an Eliminator match against Juice Robinson, and Orange Cassidy meets Dax Harwood in a Double Jeopardy match with tag and trios title implications.

    Programming Alert: Tonight’s broadcast is part of a special three-hour TBS wrestling block, with the first hour of AEW Collision airing live immediately after Dynamite.

    Here’s everything you need to know including start times, how to watch, and the full card.

    How to Watch AEW Dynamite Tonight

    DateWednesday, May 6, 2026
    VenueNorth Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, South Carolina
    Channel/StreamTBS / HBO Max (simulcast)
    US Start Time8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
    UK Start Time1 AM BST (Thursday)
    India Start Time5:30 AM IST (Thursday)
    Duration2 hours

    AEW Dynamite Match Card for May 6, 2026

    Here are the matches and segments announced for tonight’s show:

    Darby Allin (c) vs. Kevin Knight (AEW World Championship, Champion vs. Champion)

    Allin walks in off a successful World Title defense over Brody King last week and runs straight into a hot challenger. Knight is fresh off pinning MJF on Dynamite to retain the TNT Championship, then defending that title against Hook on Collision two days later. The wrinkle: the last singles loss on Allin’s record came at Knight’s hands during the 2025 Continental Classic.

    MJF is the elephant in the room. He’s still hunting a rematch with Allin and has reasons to keep Knight from beating him to it.

    Jon Moxley (c) vs. Juice Robinson (AEW Continental Championship Eliminator)

    Robinson earned his way in after he and Ace Austin beat Wheeler Yuta and Daniel Garcia of the Death Riders on Collision. With Moxley at ringside, Robinson pinned Yuta and pointed at the title. A win tonight guarantees Robinson a future Continental Championship shot.

    Moxley has yet to lose an Eliminator defense, sitting at 8-0 in the format.

    Orange Cassidy vs. Dax Harwood (Double Jeopardy Match)

    The stipulation cuts both ways. If Cassidy wins, he picks a Conglomeration partner and challenges FTR for the AEW World Tag Team Championship. If Harwood wins, he and Cash Wheeler add Tommaso Ciampa to a future AEW World Trios Championship match against The Conglomeration.

    FTR’s I Quit Match against Cage and Copeland at Double or Nothing is looming, which gives Harwood every reason to steal momentum here.

    Mina Shirakawa and Harley Cameron vs. Hikaru Shida and Kris Statlander (Tag Team Match)

    Shida and Statlander are on the brink of a split. They came up short against Divine Dominion last week with the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Titles on the line, and Statlander, who would have completed the company’s first Women’s Triple Crown with a win, blamed Shida directly. A backstage confrontation followed, and Shida promised to right the ship tonight.

    Road to AEW Double or Nothing 2026

    AEW Double or Nothing 2026 takes place Sunday, May 24 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.

    Tonight sets a heavy chunk of the PPV picture in motion: the World Title scene runs through Allin vs. Knight, the Tag and Trios pictures both bend on the Cassidy vs. Harwood Double Jeopardy result, and the women’s tag fallout points straight at a Shida vs. Statlander program for the show.

    Follow SEScoops for any news developments from tonight’s AEW Dynamite.

  • New WWE Hire Signals Changes Are Coming

    New WWE Hire Signals Changes Are Coming

    WWE has hired Hunter Selby as its new Director of Show Production and Design. Selby confirmed the appointment on LinkedIn, expressing excitement about the role.

    “I’m excited to share that I’ve accepted a new position as Director of Show Production and Design at WWE,” Selby wrote. “I’m looking forward to this new chapter, and to working on some designs that will hopefully be debuting on screens soon!”

    Selby brings significant television production experience to WWE. He earned three Emmy Award nominations for his work on variety series, including American Idol in 2023 and 2025, as well as SNL50: The Homecoming Concert.

    Production Updates Across WWE Programming

    The hiring continues WWE’s ongoing focus on refining its visual presentation. The company has implemented several production and structural changes in recent years across its programming.

    SmackDown recently updated its promotional graphics ahead of last week’s episode. The changes signal that visual updates remain a priority for the company’s broadcast presentation.

    WWE’s next Premium Live Event, Backlash, takes place May 9 in Tampa. John Cena has confirmed his appearance for the show, teasing a major announcement expected to impact the WWE experience for fans.

  • WWE Canada Live Events Scheduled for August 20-24

    WWE Canada Live Events Scheduled for August 20-24

    WWE announced three live events taking place throughout Canada from Thursday, Aug. 20, through Monday, Aug. 24.

    The tour includes a Summer Tour event in London, Ontario at Canada Life Place on Aug. 20, Friday Night SmackDown in Toronto at Scotiabank Arena on Aug. 21, and Monday Night Raw in Ottawa at Canadian Tire Centre on Aug. 24.

    An exclusive presale for fans will begin Thursday, May 7, at 10 a.m. ET. General ticket sales open Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.ca. Additional details are available at WWE.com/Events.

    WWE will partner with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) ahead of the Toronto show as part of a long-term strategic partnership established in November 2025. Scotiabank Arena is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.

  • Dave Meltzer Questions Quick Cena Return At WWE Backlash 2026

    Dave Meltzer Questions Quick Cena Return At WWE Backlash 2026

    John Cena’s surprise booking for WWE Backlash 2026 is not a one-off ask from the company, but a contractual obligation, according to Dave Meltzer.

    Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer addressed the buzz around Cena being advertised for the May 9 premium live event in Tampa, just three weeks after he served as host of WrestleMania 42.

    “The situation there is that he’s on Backlash. I’m not sure what the role will be because he said he’s never gonna wrestle again,” Meltzer said. “They signed him to a contract which called for a number of appearances, so this is one of those appearances. His deal called for these things.”

    Meltzer Skeptical Of The Quick Turnaround

    While the booking itself does not surprise Meltzer, the timing did. The Wrestling Observer founder argued that WWE may be diluting the value of Cena’s post-retirement appearances by trotting him out so quickly after the Las Vegas hosting gig.

    “I mean, to me it’s kinda weird because he just did WrestleMania and it was supposed to be something special. And here we are a couple of weeks after WrestleMania and he’s doing it again,” Meltzer continued. “So it feels like for a big guest like that coming back so quick and having him again, kinda seems like why would you do it?”

    Meltzer added that WWE’s mentality appears straightforward. The company views Cena’s TV presence as a needle-mover, and his deal grants them the right to deploy it. “He’s signed for a number of dates, so that’s one of them. That’s it,” he said.

    Cena Already Teased “Something Epic” In Tampa

    Cena hinted at the Backlash appearance back on his 49th birthday, replying to a Complex post that mistakenly aged him at 45. The 17-time world champion pointed to a planned moment for Club WWE members in his adopted hometown.

    The Tampa resident retired from in-ring competition on December 13, 2025, tapping out clean to Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII in Washington, DC, his first submission loss in more than two decades. Days before that match, WWE confirmed Cena had signed a five-year extension to remain with the company as a brand ambassador, which is the deal Meltzer is referencing.

    What’s Already Set For Backlash 2026

    Backlash 2026 takes place Saturday, May 9 from Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. The show will be the first WWE premium live event to stream on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service in the United States, with a first-hour simulcast on ESPN2. International viewers can watch on Netflix.

    The announced card so far:

    What Cena’s role looks like remains the open question. He has not signaled any retreat from his retirement vow, so fans should expect a non-wrestling appearance, likely tied to the Club WWE membership rollout that he has been fronting on WWE television.

  • Is Ric Flair’s Erratic Behavior All Part of the Plan?

    Is Ric Flair’s Erratic Behavior All Part of the Plan?

    Ric Flair has spent a lifetime demanding your attention. The sparkly robes. The limousines. The “WOOO.” The Nature Boy built an entire career — a legend — on being impossible to ignore. And now, years after his last match, he’s still at it.

    The latest chapter: Flair publicly threatening WWE Superstar Ludwig Kaiser on social media, claiming it got him banned from WrestleMania 42. He later issued an apology, but not before the internet spent a full news cycle talking about him. Mission accomplished?

    According to WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long — who worked alongside Flair for years — that’s exactly the point.

    “That’s How You Stay Relevant”

    Speaking on the Road Trip After Hours podcast, Long didn’t mince words when asked about Flair’s latest blow-up.

    “What has he done now,” Long said with a knowing laugh. “That’s how you stay relevant.”

    It’s a short quote, but it speaks volumes coming from someone who knows the Nature Boy as well as Long does. This isn’t a man losing his grip on reality. This is a calculated peacock spreading his feathers — the same way he always has.

    The Nature Boy Has Always Been This Way

    Think about what made Ric Flair, Ric Flair. It wasn’t just the in-ring brilliance — it was the show. The sequined robes that cost more than most people’s cars. The jet-flying, limousine-riding lifestyle that he broadcast to every wrestling fan in America. The promos where he’d scream about being the stylin’, profilin’, kissin’-stealing, wheelin’-n-dealin’ son of a gun.

    Flair understood something most wrestlers never do: the character doesn’t clock out when the camera turns off. The Nature Boy is a 24/7 performance, and the controversy, the drama, the outbursts — they’re all part of the act.

    He’s been doing this his entire career. The only difference now is that the ring has been replaced by X.

    A Man Who Won’t Leave the Spotlight

    The backstory to the Kaiser incident traces back to 2025, when Tiffany Stratton made comments during a program involving Charlotte Flair that the Nature Boy took personally. Flair went after Kaiser publicly, WWE reportedly pulled his WrestleMania invitation, and the whole saga played out online in real time — with millions of wrestling fans watching every post.

    Whether you find it entertaining or exhausting, one thing is undeniable: you knew about it. You’re reading about it right now.

    Teddy Long — a man who spent decades in the business and watched legends come and go — sees it for exactly what it is. Ric Flair isn’t unraveling. He’s working. He’s always been working.

    The Nature Boy isn’t done commanding attention. He’s just doing it from a different stage.

  • Roman Reigns Dropping Title to Jacob Fatu & Leaving WWE? Future Revealed

    Roman Reigns Dropping Title to Jacob Fatu & Leaving WWE? Future Revealed

    Roman Reigns made a promise when he captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 42, defeating CM Punk in the main event of the biggest show of the year. He made the media rounds and delivered a clear message: he would not be an absentee champion. He was here, and he was staying.

    For a while, his post-WrestleMania schedule backed that up. Reigns showed up. He was present. He carried the title the way a champion should.

    Then this weekend, something changed.

    Reigns Pulled From Night Of Champions

    According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, Roman Reigns will not be traveling to Saudi Arabia for WWE Night of Champions. That’s a significant premium live event — and the current World Heavyweight Champion won’t be there.

    WWE’s internal reasoning, per reports, is straightforward enough on the surface: if Reigns isn’t going to be a focal point of the next major show, there’s no need to feature him heavily on weekly television in the build-up to it. Logical. Clean. Routine roster management.

    But fans aren’t buying it — and honestly, they might be right not to.

    Something Has Clearly Changed

    When a champion who promised to be present suddenly disappears from the schedule, it raises questions. It’s not just about one missed event. It’s about the contrast between what Reigns said on the media tour and what’s happening right now.

    He specifically positioned himself against the “part-time champion” label. He said the right things. And then, weeks later, he’s off the Saudi card without explanation.

    Fans have been here before. They know what this looks like.

    The Jacob Fatu Factor

    Here’s where it gets interesting. Reigns is already scheduled to defend his title against Jacob Fatu at Backlash 2026 in Tampa — a match that was booked with the tone of a coronation in waiting.

    Fatu has been positioned as a generational talent. His physicality, his family bloodline, his connection to the Anoa’i dynasty — everything points to a superstar WWE has been building deliberately. Natalya and TJ Wilson have been vocal about his work ethic. The training footage circulating this week paints a picture of someone hungry and ready.

    The question being asked in wrestling circles now: is Backlash the moment?

    A Hot-Shot Title Change?

    With Reigns absent from Night of Champions and questions swirling about his future availability, there is now a very real — and growing — possibility that WWE pulls the trigger early. A title change at Backlash, rather than a longer reign for Reigns, would allow the company to pivot quickly.

    Elevating Fatu into the summer as World Heavyweight Champion would solve multiple problems at once: it gives WWE a red-hot new main event star heading into SummerSlam season, and it removes the awkward optics of a champion who isn’t consistently showing up.

    It would also be a massive moment. Jacob Fatu, champion. That’s a future you can build around.

    What We Know — And What We Don’t

    To be clear: nothing has been officially confirmed. Reigns may have a legitimate scheduling conflict. WWE may have this mapped out exactly the way they want it. Creative plans change, and what looks like a red flag from the outside can sometimes be nothing more than standard practice.

    But the pattern is there. The timing is suspicious. And WWE doesn’t always let the truth get in the way of a good story.

    SEScoops will continue to follow this story closely. The contract signing between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu is set for tonight’s Monday Night Raw go-home show from Omaha — and if there’s any hint of where this is heading, we may get it there.

  • Report: John Cena Signs New WWE Deal Ahead of Backlash 2026

    Report: John Cena Signs New WWE Deal Ahead of Backlash 2026

    John Cena is officially heading to WWE Backlash 2026 — and now we know why.

    According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, Cena has signed a new WWE contract that includes a number of appearance dates, with Backlash 2026 in Tampa being one of them.

    “So the John Cena thing, the situation there is that he’s on Backlash. I’m not sure what the role will be, because he said he’s never gonna wrestle again. They signed him to a contract which called for a number of appearances, so this is one of those appearances.” — Dave Meltzer

    Cena had previously teased the appearance on social media, writing: “Man, if only it were 2023 again!! I might have different business at @WWE #Backlash. Alas, the years pass. I am still gonna try to do something.”

    What Will Cena Do at Backlash?

    That remains the big question. Cena has been emphatic that his in-ring career is over, but WWE clearly sees value in having him involved at one of their bigger premium live events of the year. Whether that means a promo segment, a confrontation with an active talent, or something else entirely is unclear at this point.

    Backlash 2026 takes place on May 9th from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, and will air on ESPN2 (first hour) and ESPN Unlimited in the United States, with international viewers watching on Netflix.

    The confirmed main event sees Roman Reigns defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu.

  • WWE Raw Tonight (5/4/26): Match Card Preview, How to Watch

    WWE Raw Tonight (5/4/26): Match Card Preview, How to Watch

    WWE Raw airs (Monday, May 4, 2026) live on Netflix starting at 8 PM ET.

    The go-home show for WWE Backlash 2026 (May 9, Tampa) is packed with major segments and in-ring action. Here’s everything you need to know — start times, how to watch, and the full announced card.

    How to Watch WWE Raw

    DateMonday, May 4, 2026
    Channel/StreamNetflix (US and Worldwide)
    US Start Time8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
    UK Start Time1 AM GMT (Tuesday)
    India Start Time6:30 AM IST (Tuesday)
    Duration2 hours

    WWE Raw Card for May 4, 2026

    Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu Contract Signing

    The biggest segment of the night. Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu will stand across the table from each other for the official contract signing ahead of their clash at Backlash 2026 this Saturday. These segments rarely go smoothly, and with the bad blood between Reigns and The Bloodline running as deep as it does, expect fireworks before the ink dries. Backlash is five days away — this could set the final tone for their feud.

    Asuka and IYO SKY Sit-Down Discussion

    Ahead of their match at Backlash on Saturday, Asuka and IYO SKY sit down face-to-face in what is sure to be an emotionally charged exchange. The two were former tag team partners and allies, making this rivalry one of the most personal on the Raw roster. Expect this segment to provide the final emotional chapter before their in-ring collision in Tampa.

    Je’Von Evans & Penta vs. Rusev & Ethan Page

    A high-energy tag team match pitting the explosive combination of Je’Von Evans and Penta against the powerhouse duo of Rusev and Ethan Page. Evans has been one of Raw’s most electrifying young stars in recent months, and Penta brings an unpredictable edge. Rusev and Page are a dangerous pairing — this one should deliver in a big way.

    Finn Balor vs. JD McDonagh

    The former Judgment Day partners finally collide one-on-one. Finn Balor takes on JD McDonagh in what promises to be a technically sharp, hard-hitting bout between two men who know each other’s games inside and out. The history between them adds a compelling layer — expect a physical, personal match.

    Sol Ruca Signs Her Raw Contract

    Sol Ruca makes it official, signing her Raw contract and officially joining the main roster. The former NXT standout is one of the most athletic performers in all of WWE, known for her incredible agility and crowd-pleasing Sol Snatcher finisher. Her arrival on Raw is a significant moment — watch for a statement following the signing.

    Oba Femi’s Open Challenge Begins

    Oba Femi kicks off what could be a long-running open challenge segment series on Raw. The dominant big man is looking to make a statement and put the locker room on notice. Who answers the call? This is the kind of segment that could launch a new rivalry or deliver an unexpected surprise.

    Road to WWE Backlash 2026

    WWE Backlash 2026 takes place this Saturday, May 9, live from Tampa, Florida, streaming on Netflix. The card is headlined by Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, with Asuka vs. IYO SKY also confirmed.

    On the final WWE Raw before Backlash — every segment counts.

    Follow SEScoops for live results and updates from WWE Raw.

  • John Cena Advertised for WWE Backlash in Tampa

    John Cena Advertised for WWE Backlash in Tampa

    WWE Backlash Tampa

    John Cena is now being advertised for WWE Backlash on May 9 in Tampa. The official event listing on the Benchmark International Arena page confirms Cena’s appearance.

    The arena website’s WWE Backlash event page reads, “WWE RETURNS TAMPA WITH THE FIRST PREMIUM LIVE EVENT AFTER WRESTLEMANIA 42! JOHN CENA RETURNS TO TAMPA AT BACKLASH!” alongside the rest of the advertised card.

    WWE Backlash 2026 will stream live in the U.S. on ESPN starting at 6 p.m. ET.

    Confirmed Match Card

    • World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
    • United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
    • Singles Match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (with Paul Heyman)
    • Singles Match: Asuka vs. IYO SKY
    • Tag Team Match: Danhausen & A Mystery Partner vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson

    The “Never Seen 17” hosted WrestleMania 42 last month.

  • Hulk Hogan’s Wrestling Boots Sell for $146,803 at Auction

    Hulk Hogan’s Wrestling Boots Sell for $146,803 at Auction

    A pair of Hulk Hogan’s ring-worn boots have sold for $146,803 at Iconic Auctions, making them the second most expensive wrestling boots ever sold at auction.

    The boots were photomatched to two iconic events — the 1989 Survivor Series and the 1990 Royal Rumble — cementing their historical significance for collectors.

    The winning bid puts these boots just behind the record set earlier this year when Hogan’s WrestleMania I boots sold for over $1 million in March — the first professional wrestling collectible ever to cross that threshold.

    The back-to-back high-profile sales signal a surging market for WWE memorabilia, particularly items tied to Hogan’s legendary career from wrestling’s boom era of the late 1980s.

  • WWE TV Production Director Gavin O’Shea Released After 25 Years

    WWE TV Production Director Gavin O’Shea Released After 25 Years

    Gavin O’Shea, a longtime television production director at WWE, has announced via LinkedIn that he has been let go from the company after an impressive 25-year tenure. O’Shea joined WWE back in 2001 and spent the entirety of his career there, describing it as a place where he “grew up,” made lifelong friends, and learned his craft.

    In his post, O’Shea reflected candidly on the emotional weight of the unexpected departure:

    “After 25 years, losing my job wasn’t part of the plan. For those memorable 25 years at WWE, I’ve seen, heard and experienced it all. After all, I grew up there, made friends and learned by doing. Like many people, I tied a piece of my identity to what I do every day. So when that suddenly changed, it felt unsettling, humbling… and honestly, a little scary.”

    Despite the shock of the situation, O’Shea shared that he is using the moment as an opportunity for personal reflection and growth, noting three key takeaways he’s processing in real time:

    • Your job is something you do — not who you are
    • Setbacks can create space for better opportunities
    • Resilience isn’t a buzzword — it’s a skill you build through moments like this

    O’Shea concluded his post on a forward-looking note, expressing gratitude for his colleagues and the experiences gained during his time with WWE, while signaling that he is open to new opportunities.

    This is just the latest in a string of behind-the-scenes departures from WWE in recent years as the company continues to evolve under TKO Group Holdings.

  • Big E Reacts to Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods WWE Exits

    Big E Reacts to Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods WWE Exits

    Big E has reacted to the surprising WWE exits of his New Day stablemates Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Fans discovered earlier today that both Kingston and Woods were removed from WWE’s official roster page, marking an unexpected end to their tenures with the company.

    Big E’s Response to the Departures

    Big E addressed the situation on social media following the news breaking, posting the following artwork on his Instagram stories by artist Jonathan Davenport, designer of ring gear worn by New Day, Cody Rhodes and more.

    The former WWE Champion’s reaction comes as fans process the sudden nature of both departures happening simultaneously.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DX2ddiEAYe0

    What’s Next for The New Day

    The trio formed one of the most successful factions in modern WWE history, with The New Day becoming multi-time tag team champions and cultural icons within the wrestling industry. Big E has been sidelined from in-ring competition since suffering a broken neck in March 2022.

    Kingston and Woods have been integral parts of WWE programming for over a decade each. Kingston is a former WWE Champion and multiple-time tag team champion, while Woods has held tag team gold on numerous occasions alongside his New Day brothers.

    The future of The New Day as a faction remains uncertain with two-thirds of the group now departed from WWE. Big E continues his recovery from his career-threatening neck injury, though no timeline has been announced for a potential return to action.

    Both Kingston and Woods’ contracts and the circumstances surrounding their exits have not been officially confirmed by WWE at this time.