SEScoops

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery

    Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal announced he has undergone successful knee surgery to address lingering mobility issues that have impacted his physical condition in recent years. The procedure involved removing two loose bodies from his knee joint and trimming his meniscus, targeting chronic pain and joint instability that had plagued the veteran performer.

    Mahal, whose real name is Raj Dhesi, shared the update directly with fans through his official Instagram account, posting video documentation of the procedure and his first day of rehabilitation.

    The surgery comes years after Mahal\’s memorable 2017 WWE Championship reign, which established him as a prominent international wrestling ambassador. Now competing outside of WWE, Mahal remains focused on recovery and long-term health. While he has not indicated whether an in-ring return is planned, the successful operation marks a positive step in his rehabilitation journey.

  • House of Glory Wrestling Announces Los Angeles Debut at Historic Globe Theatre

    House of Glory Wrestling is set to make its highly anticipated Los Angeles debut at the renowned Globe Theatre on January 30, 2026. This milestone event marks a new chapter for the independent wrestling promotion, as the iconic LA landmark reopens its doors following years of silence.

    The return of the Globe Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, will see HOG Wrestling become the first major event staged at the venue since its revival. Known for hosting premiere entertainment events, the theatre’s reopening is generating significant buzz among wrestling fans and the local community.

    Tickets for the event go on sale tomorrow at 10 AM Pacific, and fans are encouraged to act quickly.

    House of Glory’s Los Angeles debut at the Globe Theatre promises to deliver an unforgettable night of wrestling action while celebrating the rich history of one of LA’s most storied venues.

  • Ridge Holland Shares Update After Foot Surgery Following TNA Injury

    Former WWE Superstar Ridge Holland is recovering from foot surgery and has begun physical therapy. Holland shared the update recently on his Instagram account, providing a glimpse into his recovery process.

    Holland sustained the injury earlier this month during TNA tapings. This setback comes shortly after his departure from WWE, as the company opted not to renew his contract.

    Holland posted a photo with the caption, \”First day of PT! #recovery #surgery.\” The post indicates a positive attitude as he begins the rehabilitation process, as reported by eWrestlingNews.com.

    Holland\’s exit from WWE marks the end of his run with the company. He is now focused on recovering from his injury and potentially exploring future opportunities in professional wrestling once he is fully healed.

  • Blood and Guts Match Announced for November 12 AEW Dynamite

    A Blood and Guts match pitting The Death Riders against a team of Kyle O\’Reilly, Darby Allin, Mark Briscoe, and Roderick Strong will take place on the November 12, 2025, episode of AEW Dynamite. The announcement came during the October 29, 2025, broadcast of AEW Dynamite on TBS and HBO Max.

    The match was proposed by Orange Cassidy following a wild brawl between The Death Riders and O\’Reilly, Allin, Briscoe, and Strong. Cassidy\’s suggestion was met with a roar of approval from the crowd.

    \”A Blood & Guts match as the solution,\” Cassidy stated, seemingly unfazed by the violent implications of the stipulation.

    The team consisting of Kyle O\’Reilly, Darby Allin, Mark Briscoe, and Roderick Strong has been referred to as The Conglomeration in promotional materials. The history between these two factions has been escalating for weeks, leading to the chaotic confrontation on Dynamite that prompted Cassidy\’s proposal. The match on November 12 promises to be a brutal culmination of their animosity.

    Blood and Guts matches feature two rings enclosed by a large steel cage, with the only way to win being by submission or surrender. With the bad blood already boiling between these two teams, the November 12 edition of Dynamite is set to be a can\’t-miss event.

  • TNA\’s Steph De Lander and Mance Warner Get Married

    TNA Wrestling\’s Steph De Lander and Mance Warner celebrated their wedding on Wednesday, October 30, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. The couple, who announced their engagement earlier this year, were joined by fellow wrestling personalities to commemorate their special day.

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

    According to Steph De Lander\’s Instagram, the wedding was a joyous occasion attended by several notable names in the wrestling world. Guests included Bronson Reed, Steve Maclin, Deonna Purrazzo, Ash By Elegance, Priscilla Kelly, and Matt Cardona.

    De Lander and Warner\’s relationship extends beyond the personal realm, as they are also paired on TNA Wrestling. De Lander currently manages Warner while she is out of in-ring action due to a neck injury. The couple announced their engagement in April.

    We at SEScoops extend our congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple as they embark on this new chapter together.

  • Marigold Stars Sidelined: Hayashishita, Sakurai & Minami Out Indefinitely

    Marigold announced that Utami Hayashishita, Mai Sakurai, and Komomo Minami will be sidelined indefinitely due to injuries sustained at the promotion\’s Grand Destiny event.

    The promotion has not disclosed specific details regarding the nature or severity of the injuries suffered by the three wrestlers. All three have missed scheduled appearances following the event due to medical concerns, and no timeline has been provided for their potential return.

    The loss of three prominent roster members creates significant challenges for Marigold\’s immediate booking plans. Utami Hayashishita is widely recognized as one of the promotion\’s top stars, while both Sakurai and Minami have played important roles in recent storylines and events.

    Grand Destiny is one of Marigold\’s marquee events, featuring high-stakes matches and top talent. The physical toll from the show has now forced the promotion to adjust future cards and potentially reconsider championship plans.

    The absence of these performers may create opportunities for younger or less-established wrestlers to step into more prominent roles.

  • Marina Shafir Replaces Injured Penelope Ford in AEW Tournament

    Penelope Ford has been forced to withdraw from the AEW Women\’s World Tag Team Title Tournament due to injury. The announcement was made on AEW Dynamite. Ford suffered a torn UCL and is out of action indefinitely.

    Megan Bayne was given the option to choose a replacement partner. She has selected Marina Shafir to take Ford\’s place in the tournament. Shafir will now team with Bayne as they continue their quest for the titles.

    The news of Ford\’s injury and Shafir\’s addition was first reported by All Elite Wrestling via Twitter on October 30, 2025. The nature of the injury and its impact on Ford\’s future were also confirmed. Fans are eager to see how Shafir and Bayne will perform as a team in the tournament.

    Shafir\’s addition presents a new dynamic to the tournament. It remains to be seen how this change will affect the overall landscape of the competition. Bayne and Shafir are scheduled to compete next week.

  • WWE Signs Mike Cunningham, Jha\’Quan McNair & Eli Knight

    WWE has signed three new recruits to its ID program. The announcement was made on October 29 via the Evolve stream on Tubi.

    Mike Cunningham, Jha\’Quan McNair, and Eli Knight all participated in WWE tryouts during SummerSlam week in New Jersey. Each brings a unique wrestling background to WWE.

    • Cunningham trained at the Nightmare Factory, where he impressed Cody Rhodes. Rhodes referred to Cunningham as \”one of the school\’s top students.\”

    • McNair honed his skills at Team Fearless Training Academy, run by former WCW star \’Lodi\’ Brad Cain.

    • Knight trained at Booker T\’s Reality of Wrestling, Ace Steel\’s Harley Race Foundation School of Wrestling, and The Dungeon, overseen by Natalya and TJ Wilson.

    The WWE ID program focuses on identifying and developing the next generation of WWE Superstars. The program has seen recent departures, but consistently adds new talent on an annual cycle.

  • Killer Kross vs. Matt Riddle Set for MLW’s November 20 Charleston Event

    Major League Wrestling has announced a match between former training partners Killer Kross and Matt Riddle for the MLW x Don Gato Tequila Live Special on Thursday, November 20 at the Charleston Music Hall in Charleston, South Carolina.

    The bout marks Kross’ first MLW appearance in three years. The imposing fighter enters with significant momentum in 2025, having released a critically acclaimed book while becoming one of wrestling’s top merchandise sellers and most sought-after free agents. Kross will be accompanied by Scarlett Bordeaux.

    His opponent, current MLW World Heavyweight Champion Matt Riddle, has undergone a dramatic transformation this year. Despite capturing the title early in 2025, Riddle’s year has been marked by controversy and a complete character shift. The once easygoing fighter has rebranded himself as the “Rude Dude,” embracing a darker, more unpredictable persona as his popularity has declined.

    Both competitors share a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background from their training days together in Orlando gyms, setting up a technical showcase between two of the sport’s most dangerous fighters.

    MLW President Cesar Duran called it “a fight that blurs the line between respect and rivalry. Once friends, will they still be after Charleston? Not that I care!”

    The event will air live on MLW\’s YouTube channel and beIN SPORTS at 7:30 PM ET, marking professional wrestling’s return to downtown Charleston for the first time in 32 years. Tickets start at $15 at Ticketmaster.

  • Chris Bey Marks One-Year Anniversary of Career-Threatening Neck Injury

    Chris Bey is reflecting on one of the darkest periods of his professional wrestling career as he marks the one-year anniversary of his broken neck.

    On January 19, 2024, Bey suffered fractured C1 and C6 vertebrae during a match against Ace Austin at TNA Hard To Kill. The injury threatened to end his career and launched him into a grueling recovery process that tested him both physically and mentally.

    Taking to social media on the anniversary, Bey opened up about the emotional toll of his recovery journey.

    \”A year ago today, I broke my neck in what was supposed to be one of the biggest matches of my career. What followed was one of the hardest times of my life,\” Bey wrote. \”I thought about giving up. I thought about walking away. But I didn\’t. Because quitting isn\’t in my DNA.\”

    The TNA star expressed gratitude to those who supported him through his rehabilitation.

    \”To everyone who checked on me, prayed for me, and believed in me when I couldn\’t believe in myself… thank you. You reminded me why I do this,\” he continued.

    Bey concluded his message with an optimistic declaration about his future: \”The Liger Bomb is back. I\’m back. And I\’m just getting started.\”

  • WWE Releases Fourth Cryptic Vignette Ahead Of Monday\’s Raw

    WWE continued its mysterious weekend campaign blitz Monday morning with the release of a fourth cryptic vignette, seemingly hyping the arrival or return of a mysterious figure ahead of tonight\’s Raw.

    The latest WWE teaser once again features silent footage of an unidentified figure\’s shoes walking through an empty room. However, the mystery deepens as the person is wearing different shoes and pants than those shown in the previous three vignettes, keeping fans guessing about the identity behind the campaign.

    Google Trends data reveals \”WWE cryptic vignette\” and \”Chris Jericho WWE return\” are now top wrestling-related searches, with fans believing Jericho may be employing a familiar tactic ahead of a comeback and retirement tour. Searches for \”chris jericho wwe return\” have spiked by 350% as speculation mounts about the former AEW star potentially returning to WWE.

    Adding to tonight\’s intrigue, Santos Escobar is also expected back on television after his contract lapsed but was quickly re-signed, leading some to speculate he could be connected to the vignette campaign.

    The WWE cryptic vignette series is building toward tonight\’s WWE Raw, which airs live on Netflix at 8/7c from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The episode features a stacked card including a CM Punk and Jey Uso face-to-face confrontation, Roxanne Perez vs. Nikki Bella, a WWE Women\’s Tag Team Championship match with Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair defending against Bayley & Lyra Valkyria, and a WWE Intercontinental Championship Number One Contenders Match between Penta and Rusev.

    Whether tonight\’s show will reveal Chris Jericho, Santos Escobar, or another surprise remains to be seen, but WWE has successfully generated massive buzz with the multi-day rollout.

  • Blake Monroe Wins NXT Women\’s North American Championship at Halloween Havoc 2025

    Blake Monroe won the NXT Women\’s North American Championship at WWE Halloween Havoc 2025 Monroe captured her first NXT title in a hard-fought battle against Zaria at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Zaria competed in place of champion Sol Ruca, who was sidelined due to injury.

    Monroe systematically targeted Zaria\’s left arm throughout the match. After taking down both Zaria and Ruca at ringside, Monroe delivered her finisher on the arena floor before rolling Zaria back into the ring for a second finishing move and the pinfall victory.

    Halloween Havoc 2025 aired live on Peacock and Netflix internationally. The show also featured Ricky Saints vs. Trick Williams for the NXT Championship and Jacy Jayne vs. Tatum Paxley for the NXT Women\’s Championship.

    Looking Ahead

    Monroe\’s championship victory caps a meteoric rise since her NXT debut in June 2025. The former AEW Women\’s World Champion (previously known as Mariah May) has quickly established herself as one of the brand\’s top heels, systematically targeting Sol Ruca\’s title while attempting to create friction between the close friends Ruca and Zaria.

    The win raises questions about the future of the women\’s division storyline. With Ruca sidelined indefinitely due to injury, the dynamic between the new champion and the ZaRuca duo promises to evolve in the coming weeks.

    Whether Ruca\’s injury is legitimate or part of a larger storyline remains to be seen, but Monroe\’s reign as NXT Women\’s North American Champion signals a new era for the title and potentially sets up compelling confrontations when Ruca returns to action.

  • NXT Gold Rush Returns with Multi-Promotion Championship Showcase

    WWE announced during Halloween Havoc that NXT Gold Rush will return as a two-week special event on November 18 and November 25, 2025, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    The groundbreaking event will feature championships from multiple wrestling promotions, including WWE NXT titles, TNA Wrestling championships, AAA Lucha Libre Worldwide titles, and WWE EVOLVE championships. This cross-promotional approach marks a significant collaboration between WWE and partner organizations, creating an unprecedented championship showcase under the NXT brand.

    No specific matches have been announced for the event, though details are expected to emerge on this Tuesday\’s episode of NXT. The two-week format at Madison Square Garden\’s theater venue adds prestige to the Gold Rush branding, which returns after previous successful iterations.

    The announcement has generated significant anticipation among wrestling fans, who are speculating about which specific titles from each promotion will be defended and potential cross-promotional matchups. The Madison Square Garden location and involvement of multiple wrestling organizations position NXT Gold Rush as one of the developmental brand\’s most ambitious events.

    Fans interested in the event are encouraged to stay tuned to NXT programming for match announcements and ticket information for both November dates at the iconic New York City venue.

  • Champion vs. Champion: Kris Statlander vs. Mercedes Moné Official For AEW Full Gear

    The first marquee match for AEW\’s next pay-per-view is set, and it\’s a massive Champion vs. Champion showdown.

    On the October 22nd episode of AEW Dynamite, AEW Women\’s World Champion Kris Statlander officially accepted a challenge from TBS Champion Mercedes \”12 Belts\” Moné. The two will now face each other at AEW Full Gear.

    The challenge was first issued by Moné following the recent WrestleDream PPV. Tonight on Dynamite, during a segment celebrating her collection of 12 championship titles, Moné was confronted by Statlander, who made the match official with her acceptance.

    This high-stakes bout pits the company\’s two top women\’s singles champions against one another. It\’s a match with significant history, as Moné already holds two victories over Statlander from 2024 in bouts for the TBS Championship. However, this will be Moné\’s new attempt to capture the one title that has eluded her in the company: the AEW Women\’s World Championship.

    AEW Full Gear takes place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • HBO Max Price Hike Hits AEW Fans\’ Wallets as Warner Bros. Discovery Explores Sale

    HBO Max has announced its third price increase in three years, and for wrestling fans following All Elite Wrestling, that means higher costs to watch their favorite programming.

    Effective immediately, HBO Max prices have increased across all tiers. The ad-supported plan now costs $10.99 monthly (up $1), the Standard ad-free plan jumps to $18.49 monthly (up $1.50), and the Premium 4K plan reaches $22.99 monthly (up $2). Annual plans see similar increases of $10 to $20 depending on the tier.

    What this means for AEW fans

    For AEW fans, the timing adds another layer of uncertainty. Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns HBO Max and holds AEW\’s broadcast rights, announced this week that the company is exploring a potential sale after receiving \”unsolicited interest\” from multiple parties. That development raises questions about the long-term home of AEW programming, even as fans are being asked to pay more for access.

    The price hikes are particularly notable for AEW fans given that HBO Max recently became the streaming home for AEW pay-per-views starting in September 2025. Subscribers can purchase live PPV events for $39.99 on top of their base subscription – a $10 discount from the $49.99 price on other platforms. The service also carries weekly episodes of AEW Dynamite and Collision as live simulcasts and on-demand replays.

    New subscribers face the higher prices immediately, while existing monthly subscribers will see increases starting November 20, 2025. Annual subscribers won\’t be affected until their next renewal period.

    The price hikes mirror industry-wide trends, with Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, Apple TV, and Netflix all raising rates this year as streaming services push for profitability. For wrestling fans who subscribe specifically for AEW content, the value calculation now includes both the higher base subscription costs and the additional PPV purchase prices for major events.

  • The Good Brothers Set for MLW Debut November 20 in Charleston

    Major League Wrestling has announced that legendary tag team The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows) will make their MLW debut at the MLW x Don Gato Tequila Live Special on November 20 at Charleston Music Hall/Thunder Studios Arena in Charleston, South Carolina.

    The event will air live on the MLW YouTube channel and beIN SPORTS, with tickets starting at $15 at Ticketmaster.

    The announcement follows a video released by Anderson and Gallows recounting a night of partying and chaos with Don Gato, culminating in the question: \”Why don\’t we do it again in Charleston?\” MLW President Cesar Duran and Don Gato approved, making the debut official.

    Their opponents for the debut match have not yet been announced.

    Anderson and Gallows are three-time IWGP Tag Team Champions and World Tag League tournament winners. Anderson reached the finals of New Japan Pro Wrestling\’s prestigious G1 Climax tournament. The duo also hosts the Talk\’n Shop podcast, which originated on the MLW Radio Network.

    The November 20 event marks the first professional wrestling show in downtown Charleston in 32 years. The card also features Killer Kross with Scarlett, Matt Riddle, Shotzi, Mistico, MLW World Heavyweight Champion Mads Krule Krugger, Donovan Dijak, Arn Anderson, and others.

    The show begins at 7:30 PM ET, with pre-show meet and greets scheduled from 6:00-6:30 PM.

    For more formation, visit Major League Wrestling\’s official website at MLW.com.

  • Louvre Heist Dethrones Seth Rollins’ WrestleMania 31 Cash-In as “Heist of the Century”

    In the grand arena of audacity, the Louvre’s jewel thieves have now claimed the top spot, bumping Seth Rollins off his long-held throne as the mastermind behind “The Heist of the Century.”

    For nearly a decade, Rollins proudly wore that crown, cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania 31 to snatch the WWE World Heavyweight Championship right from under Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns’ noses. But this weekend, a crew in Paris pulled off a caper so slick that even Mr. Monday Night Messiah himself might be taking notes.

    According to French officials, Sunday’s Louvre robbery was a four-minute sprint of chaos and precision. Masked thieves posing as construction workers rolled up with a basket lift, sliced through a window with gas-powered tools, smashed display cases, and vanished down the Seine with Napoleonic jewels before most visitors had finished their morning espresso. No ref bump required, no run-ins from J&J Security. Just pure tactical execution with a getaway plan that would make Danny Ocean blush.

    To put it in wrestling terms, these culprits executed the perfect “cash-in.” The Louvre hadn’t even rung the opening bell when the challengers hit the gallery, blindsided security, and left as undisputed champions of larceny. Witnesses described the thieves as “calm, professional,” which in pro wrestling psychology means they no-sold the chaos and walked out with heat hotter than Rollins’ 2015 pyro.

    Rollins’ heist changed wrestling history, but even he will have to figure out the four-minute spectacle that will be analyzed for years to come.

  • What a WBD Sale Could Mean for AEW and WWE

    Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is actively considering strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, following significant and widespread acquisition interest from major media conglomerates as its stock price jumped 9% in Tuesday morning trading. Paramount Skydance has emerged as a prominent bidder, and this development poses immediate uncertainty for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), WBD\’s signature wrestling partner whose TV and streaming deals run through 2028.

    WBD\’s Sale Exploration and Industry Impact

    WBD\’s announcement of a strategic review—including evaluating sale offers—is a response to the fast-changing media landscape and repeated unsolicited interest from other companies, most notably Paramount Skydance. The proposed split of WBD into \”Streaming & Studios\” and \”Global Networks\” by mid-2026 is designed to improve clarity for investors and unlock asset value for potential buyers. Paramount Skydance, having a recent multi-billion dollar partnership with TKO\’s UFC (WWE’s parent company), is widely believed to be the frontrunner.

    What Does This Mean for AEW?

    AEW relies on WBD networks (TBS, TNT, and Max) for national TV exposure and pay-per-view streaming, with media rights secured until 2028. If Paramount Skydance acquires WBD, AEW’s future on those platforms comes into question. Paramount\’s close relationship with TKO (owner of WWE and UFC) could create a conflict of interest, possibly deprioritizing or even phasing out AEW content to favor TKO’s brands. The risk is compounded by the uncertainty about new executive priorities, programming strategies, and potential exclusivity agreements for combat sports with TKO.

    Looming TKO Threat: Concerns and Outcomes

    The possibility of a buyer strongly allied with WWE/TKO looms large for AEW. While industry experts note that personnel changes and buyouts frequently create disruption, they also believe AEW will be judged on its viewership and profitability; \”Dynamite\” consistently ranks among the top cable programs on TBS and HBO Max. Regardless, the prospect of TKO-affiliated ownership could restrict AEW’s visibility or even force renegotiation of its valuable television and streaming rights—putting AEW\’s business model and fanbase reach at considerable risk over the next several years.

    What Tony Khan Has Said About AEW-WBD

    Tony Khan has recently told Yahoo! Finance that AEW maintains \”great relationships with everybody at the top\” of Warner Bros. Discovery, including both sides of the company\’s planned split into Streaming & Studios and Global Networks. He emphasized that AEW’s existing media rights deal, which runs through 2028, was personally negotiated with senior leaders David Zaslav (CEO) and Gunnar Wiedenfels (CFO).

    Khan reassured fans and media that both divisions remain enthusiastic partners, highlighting AEW’s strong presence across TBS/TNT and the growing success of AEW Dynamite’s simulcast on Max streaming.

    ?The Bottom Line

    WBD’s sale saga is developing rapidly, and AEW’s leadership will be closely watching for any signs of shifting priorities or reduced commitment from their media partner. The fate of AEW programming, and potentially the competitive dynamics between AEW and WWE, will hinge on who ultimately acquires WBD and how they structure combat sports content.?

  • WWE Raw Preview: 3 Title Matches, Heyman, Breakker & Reed, Rollins\’ Fate

    Tonight’s WWE Raw (October 20, 2025) emanates live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, featuring three championship matches and major storyline fallout from last week’s betrayal of Seth Rollins by The Vision. The show begins at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT and streams live on Netflix.? Raw keeps the hype train rolling for WWE\’s next premium live event, Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1.

    In just a matter of hours, General Manager Adam Pearce will address Seth Rollins’ medical condition and championship status following his injury at Crown Jewel.? Rollins was left for dead by The Vision last week and is expected to undergo shoulder surgery soon, making the title being vacated a matter of \’when,\’ not \’if.\’

    Matches and Appearances

    Wrestling fans will see the following tonight on Raw:

    • Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Paul Heyman are set to speak for the first time since turning on Rollins last week. Is this the new incarnation of The Vision, or something else entirely?
    • Maxxine Dupri challenges Becky Lynch in her hometown for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
    • Dominik Mysterio defends the Intercontinental championship against Rusev.
    • Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh of The Judgment Day put their WWE World Tag Team Championships on the line against the duo of AJ Styles & Dragon.
    • Stephanie Vaquer vs. Roxanne Perez

    Plus, CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, and Penta are all advertised to appear, continuing several ongoing rivalries ahead of November’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.

  • ECW Founder Tod Gordon Hospitalized, Family Requests Prayers

    Tod Gordon, the visionary founder of Extreme Championship Wrestling, is currently hospitalized and focusing on his recovery, his family announced Saturday via his Instagram account.

    \”If you\’ve reached out and haven\’t heard back, please know he\’s not ignoring anyone — he\’s just focusing on his health right now,\” the family\’s statement read. \”While he is unable to receive visitors, we appreciate all your love, support, and prayers during this time.\”

    The family revealed Gordon has been hospitalized \”for some time\” but did not disclose specific details about his condition or prognosis. They requested the wrestling community keep him in their thoughts during this difficult period.

    Gordon founded Eastern Championship Wrestling in 1992, which became an NWA affiliate the following year. After hiring Paul Heyman as booker in 1993, the promotion controversially split from the NWA in 1994 and rebranded as Extreme Championship Wrestling, revolutionizing professional wrestling with its hardcore style and counterculture appeal.

    In 2009, Gordon was inducted into the 2300 Arena\’s Hardcore Hall of Fame alongside Sabu, with posthumous inductions for original ECW booker Eddie Gilbert and Chris Candido. Most recently, Gordon co-authored \”Tod is God: The Authorized Story of How I Created Extreme Championship Wrestling\” with Sean Oliver in 2023.

    The wrestling community continues to send well-wishes to the ECW legend during his hospitalization.

  • Ilja Dragunov Returns to WWE SmackDown, Captures United States Championship

    On the October 17, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, Ilja Dragunov made a dramatic return after more than a year away recovering from injury. Dragunov answered Sami Zayn\’s open challenge for the United States Championship in San Jose, California, shocking the crowd as his entrance theme hit.

    The match saw Dragunov deliver a hard-hitting performance reminiscent of his NXT days, culminating in him defeating Sami Zayn to capture the United States Title in his first match back. His comeback ended a 404-day absence from WWE television caused by a knee injury suffered in late 2024.

    This victory marks Dragunov\’s first championship win on the main roster, continuing his reputation as one of WWE\’s most intense competitors.

  • WWE Announces Holiday Tour Dates Including 7 Raw and SmackDown Tapings

    WWE has revealed its annual Holiday Tour schedule, featuring seven televised Raw and SmackDown episodes alongside 10 live events spanning from early December through early January.

    The tour kicks off December 5 with SmackDown in Austin, Texas at the Moody Center and concludes January 5, 2026 with Raw in Buffalo, New York at KeyBank Center. Notable television tapings include Raw from Hershey\’s GIANT Center on December 15 and SmackDown from Brooklyn\’s Barclays Center on January 2.

    The live event circuit features multiple shows on December 27 and 28, with WWE running split tours across Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York markets. Orlando\’s Kia Center will host Raw on December 29, while the traditional New Year\’s Day show returns to Syracuse at Upstate Medical Arena on January 1, 2026.

    Presale tickets become available Wednesday, October 22 at 10 a.m. local time using code WWETIX on Ticketmaster.com. The presale window runs through Thursday, October 23 at 11:59 p.m. local. General ticket sales begin Friday, October 24 at 10 a.m. local time.

    The 17-event tour represents WWE\’s largest holiday schedule in recent years, with a concentrated focus on the Northeast and Florida markets during the final week of December.

    Complete Schedule:

    • Friday, December 5 – SmackDown at Moody Center in Austin, Texas
    • Friday, December 12 – SmackDown at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
    • Monday, December 15 – Raw at GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania
    • Friday, December 19 – SmackDown at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan
    • Friday, December 26 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland
    • Saturday, December 27 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida
    • Saturday, December 27 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    • Sunday, December 28 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida
    • Sunday, December 28 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York
    • Monday, December 29 – Raw at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida
    • Tuesday, December 30 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at Hertz Arena in Ft. Myers, Florida
    • Tuesday, December 30 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan
    • Thursday, January 1, 2026 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at Upstate Medical Arena in Syracuse, New York
    • Friday, January 2, 2026 – SmackDown at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
    • Saturday, January 3, 2026 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts
    • Sunday, January 4, 2026 – WWE Live Holiday Tour at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut
    • Monday, January 5, 2026 – Raw at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York

  • AEW WrestleDream 2025 Preview: Matches, How to Watch

    AEW WrestleDream 2025 airs live this Saturday, October 18, from the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri. This third-annual pay-per-view pays tribute to Antonio Inoki, NJPW founder, and brings together AEW\’s biggest stars for an action-packed night.

    High Stakes, Major Matches

    This year\’s WrestleDream is stacked with must-see title bouts and heated rivalries. \”Hangman\” Adam Page puts his AEW World Championship on the line against Samoa Joe in a high drama main event. In a grudge-filled \”I Quit\” match, Jon Moxley and Darby Allin look to settle a dangerous score. For the Women\’s World Title, Kris Statlander defends against \”Timeless\” Toni Storm in a rematch of their All Out showdown. The tag team and TNT titles are also up for grabs, alongside grudge matches and big-money incentives.

    Full Match Card

    MatchStipulation/Championship
    \”Hangman\” Adam Page (c) vs. Samoa JoeAEW World Championship
    Jon Moxley vs. Darby AllinI Quit match
    Kris Statlander (c) vs. \”Timeless\” Toni StormAEW Women\’s World Championship
    Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Mark BriscoeAEW TNT Championship
    Brodido (Bandido & Brody King) (c) vs. Okada & TakeshitaAEW World Tag Team Championship
    Jurassic Express vs. The Young Bucks$500,000 Cash Tag Team Match
    Jamie Hayter vs. TheklaSingles Match
    The Demand vs. The Hurt SyndicateTornado Trios Match

    Match Previews

    \”Hangman\” Adam Page (c) vs. Samoa Joe
    World title clash as Page tries for his fifth defense. Tensions boiled after Page\’s show of sportsmanship was met with a sucker punch. Samoa Joe looks to expose what he calls \”a pretender\” in the champion.

    Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin, \”I Quit\” Match
    Their feud escalates with AEW\’s second-ever \”I Quit\” bout. Darby\’s fire and Moxley\’s ruthlessness collide after months of wild attacks and epic stunts on both sides.

    Kris Statlander (c) vs. \”Timeless\” Toni Storm
    Statlander ended Storm\’s 217-day reign at All Out. Both competitors have mutual respect, but neither will hold back as Statlander\’s new era faces Storm\’s relentless challenge.

    Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Mark Briscoe
    Experience meets youth—the agile Fletcher defends the TNT title against a crafty Briscoe fresh off a big win over MJF at All Out.

    Brodido (Bandido & Brody King) (c) vs. Okada & Takeshita
    Tag team gold is up for grabs as the hard-hitting Brodido duo face Okada and Takeshita of the Don Callis Family. A replay of their intense ROH encounters, with Bandido working through injury.

    Jurassic Express vs. The Young Bucks
    Luchasaurus and \”Jungle\” Jack Perry reunite against the Bucks, with a hefty cash prize on the line. The Bucks seek redemption after recent casino woes and championship setbacks.

    Jamie Hayter vs. Thekla
    Personal animosity spills over as both seek to rebound from Women\’s four-way disappointment and recent violent backstage brawls.

    The Demand vs. The Hurt Syndicate
    Tornado Trios rules—a tie-breaking bout after both sides exchanged pinfall wins in previous chaotic encounters.

    How to Watch

    • Date/Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.
    • Venue: Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis, Missouri.
    • Platforms: PPV.com, HBO Max, Sling, YouTube, and Amazon Prime in the US. Internationally, available on TrillerTV and selected streaming partners.

    Don\’t Miss SEScoops Coverage

    Stay tuned to SEScoops.com for wall-to-wall AEW WrestleDream 2025 coverage: live results, match recaps, exclusive backstage news, and post-event fallout all weekend long.

  • Nick Khan Calls Saudi Arabia WrestleMania a “Natural Next Step” in WWE’s Global Evolution

    World Wrestling Entertainment is making history by taking its flagship event, WrestleMania, to Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking the first time WrestleMania 43 will be held outside of the United States or Canada. WWE President Nick Khan discussed the landmark decision at the JOY Forum 2025 in Riyadh, emphasizing the company’s commitment to becoming a truly global brand.

    A Natural Evolution for WWE

    Speaking at the forum, Khan described the Saudi Arabia partnership as an organic progression for the company’s international strategy. “It was a natural next step for us,” Khan stated. “In WWE, we realized a number of years ago that we can’t simply pipe American product out globally and hope to be a global product. You actually have to have boots on the ground.”

    This philosophy has already transformed WWE’s event calendar. According to Khan, approximately half of the company’s Premium Live Events now take place outside of the United States, reflecting a deliberate shift toward international engagement rather than simply broadcasting American content worldwide.

    The move to Saudi Arabia follows another historic milestone: the Royal Rumble in January 2026 will also be held in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time that event has taken place outside North America.

    Building on Strong Relationships

    Khan emphasized that WWE’s decision-making process is fundamentally relationship-driven, particularly highlighting the company’s long-term partnership with Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.

    “WWE had received a number of different offers from entities outside of the US, and to me, as I try to help lead the company, it’s all about relationships,” he explained. Khan praised the partnership with Al-Sheikh as one built on mutual trust and direct collaboration.

    The negotiations proved remarkably smooth. “When Turki expressed interest in having it here, we got together for a couple of different meetings, worked out the deal in short order, and had the good fortune of announcing it the day before Canelo-Crawford, our first fight together in Las Vegas,” Khan revealed. He described the process as respectful and productive, with both sides quickly finalizing the agreement.

    A Star-Studded Spectacle in the Making

    WWE is approaching this historic WrestleMania with significant confidence and ambition. “We’re excited. We think viewership is going to be strong. We think people will come to the Kingdom to see our show and we’re going to put on a spectacle,” Khan said, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering a spectacle-level show that will attract global fans to Saudi Arabia.

    The Saudi partners are reportedly pushing for the “most star-studded show ever,” with speculation about potential appearances or matches from legendary figures. Reports suggest that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is being heavily pursued for a main event role, potentially facing either Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns. Other legendary names like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin have also been discussed for the historic event.

    Why 2027?

    The timing of WrestleMania 43 holds special significance for Saudi Arabia. According to reports, WWE originally wanted to host the event in 2028, but Saudi Arabia pushed for 2027 to celebrate the 300-year anniversary of the founding of the first Saudi state, making the event part of a broader national celebration.

    Nick Khan’s Leadership Vision

    Under Khan’s leadership, WWE has experienced unprecedented global expansion and financial success. Since joining the company in 2020, Khan has been instrumental in negotiating major media deals and expanding WWE’s international footprint. His philosophy of prioritizing relationships and maintaining “boots on the ground” in key markets has proven successful, with the company regularly breaking attendance and revenue records.

    The company’s optimism appears well-founded, given Saudi Arabia’s demonstrated enthusiasm for major sporting and entertainment events. The Kingdom has been actively pursuing high-profile international events as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global entertainment destination.

    Looking Ahead

    WrestleMania 43’s expansion to Saudi Arabia represents more than just a business deal—it signals WWE’s evolution from an American wrestling promotion to a global entertainment powerhouse. By prioritizing on-the-ground presence over simple content distribution, WWE is betting that authentic international engagement will build lasting connections with fans worldwide.

    As the 2027 event approaches, all eyes will be on whether this bold move sets a new standard for how major entertainment properties expand their global footprint. With the Royal Rumble 2026 serving as a precursor to this historic WrestleMania, WWE and Saudi Arabia are poised to reshape the landscape of professional wrestling’s biggest stages.

  • Kendal Grey Captures WWE Evolve Women\’s Championship

    Kendal Grey defeated Kali Armstrong to win the WWE Evolve Women\’s Championship on October 15, 2025, during the WWE Evolve: Succession special on Tubi. The rematch victory marks a significant redemption for Grey, who fell short in the inaugural championship match at the same event five months prior.

    Armstrong\’s 139-day reign came to an end when Grey secured the pinfall victory in the event\’s second match. Armstrong had claimed the title on May 28 as the inaugural champion, defeating Grey, Wendy Choo, and Kylie Rae in a four-way bout. With this reversal, Grey becomes only the second WWE Evolve Women\’s Champion in the division\’s brief history.

    Rising Through WWE\’s NIL Program

    Grey, whose real name is Peyton Prussin, brings substantial credentials to her championship run. The Life University standout earned three NAIA wrestling championships and was a 2023 finalist for USA Wrestling\’s Women\’s Wrestler of the Year. She joined WWE through its Name, Image and Likeness program in early 2024 and has been making an impression on NXT, reaching the final four in a recent NXT Women\’s Championship #1 Contender Battle Royal.

    The Kendal Grey era is upon us.