SEScoops

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Tony Khan Delivers Heartfelt Praise for Chris Jericho, Addresses AEW Future Speculation

    Tony Khan delivered heartfelt praise for Chris Jericho during the pre-ROH Death before Dishonor media call, addressing speculation about the veteran\’s AEW future with deeply personal comments.

    \”I would never be where I am in AEW without Chris Jericho, nor would we be in a position where I could have bought ROH, so I\’m very grateful to Chris,\” Khan stated, crediting Jericho as foundational to both companies\’ success.

    The AEW President revealed a personal connection spanning decades, sharing that he\’s been a Jericho fan since age 12. \”The first time I ever set foot in 2300 Arena was actually Chris\’ last night in ECW and it was very important to me because I\’d been a fan of Chris since I was a very, very young kid.\”

    Khan\’s comments come amid industry speculation that Jericho may be finishing his AEW run and considering a WWE return in early 2026. However, Khan made his position clear: \”So if and when the time presents itself, hopefully, would love to have Chris back.\”

    The nine-time world champion and two-time ROH World Champion has been integral to AEW since its launch, with Khan describing him as \”a great champion, a great ambassador, a great leader and a great friend to all of us.\”

    Khan concluded by emphasizing Jericho\’s standing: \”Chris Jericho\’s always in the highest of standing with me and with AEW and ROH.\”

  • Jim Ross Re-Signs with AEW, Addresses Potential WWE Return

    Legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross has officially confirmed that he has signed a new one-year contract extension with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The announcement came during a recent episode of his popular podcast, \”Grilling JR,\” where Ross addressed ongoing rumors about his future in the wrestling industry and put to rest any speculation about a potential return to WWE.

    JR Remains All Elite

    Ross, who has been a staple of AEW’s broadcast team since the company’s inception, expressed his excitement about continuing his journey with AEW.

    “I’m happy to let everyone know that I’ve signed a new one-year deal with AEW,” Ross said. “I love working with Tony Khan and the entire AEW team. The environment here is positive, creative, and I feel valued. That’s all you can ask for at this stage of my career.”

    Potential WWE Return

    Addressing the persistent rumors about a possible WWE comeback, Ross was candid:

    “There’s always going to be talk about WWE, but I’m not interested in going back. I’ve got nothing but respect for the people there, but my home is with AEW now. I’m having fun, I’m challenged, and I’m working with some of the best young talent in the business.”

    Gratitude

    Ross also took a moment to thank the fans for their continued support.

    “The fans have been incredible to me, both in AEW and throughout my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep doing what I love, and I’m looking forward to another great year with AEW.”

    With this new contract, Jim Ross will remain a key voice on AEW programming, continuing to lend his expertise and legendary commentary to the company’s weekly shows and pay-per-view events.

  • WWE Clash in Paris: Full Match Card, Cena’s Farewell & Title Shake-Up

    WWE returns to France for a blockbuster international event, as Clash in Paris 2025 takes over the electric Paris La Défense Arena on Sunday, August 31.

    This show features farewell moments, massive championship bouts, and the most heated rivalries from both Raw and SmackDown.

    How to Watch

    WWE Clash in Paris Start Time:

    • United States: 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT
    • United Kingdom: 7:00 PM BST
    • France: 8:00 PM CEST
    • India: 11:30 PM IST
    • Australia: 4:00 AM AEST (Monday)

    Broadcast Details:

    • United States: Peacock (final main roster PPV event on this platform)
    • International: Netflix
    • Select cinemas in the United States

    Match Card

    But first – WWE had originally scheduled Stephanie Vaquer (earned her shot by winning the Evolution Battle Royal) for a title match against Naomi in Paris. However, during the August?18, 2025 episode of Raw, Naomi announced she is pregnant (!!) and relinquished the Women’s World Championship, ending her 35?day title reign.

    This forced WWE to cancel the scheduled title match. Raw GM Adam?Pearce confirmed that Vaquer remains the number?one contender, but her championship opportunity has simply been postponed to a later date as WWE figures out how to crown the new champion.

    John Cena vs. Logan Paul

    In a generational showdown, one of the final stops on John Cena\’s farewell tour lead him to a showdown with social media megastar Logan Paul. After a controversial tag team encounter and weeks of escalating physicality, Paul aims to tarnish Cena’s legacy in the Hall of Famer’s first ever Paris match. For Cena, it’s a chance to inspire the French crowd before hanging up his boots for good.

    World Heavyweight Championship

    Seth Rollins (c) vs. CM Punk vs. Jey Uso vs. LA Knight

    Rollins’ title reign is threatened by three of Raw’s top contenders in a battle where alliances shift and chaos is inevitable. CM Punk looks to reclaim old glory, Jey Uso eyes his biggest singles spotlight yet, and LA Knight is out to silence his doubters once and for all.

    Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed

    The Tribal Chief returns to singles action, facing the powerhouse Bronson Reed. With Paul Heyman in Reed’s corner, Reigns must overcome brute strength and cunning strategy, hoping to reassert dominance after split opinions about his recent summer performances.

    Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook Match

    Sheamus vs. Rusev

    Two European heavy-hitters collide in Paris in a bout guaranteed to feature hard-hitting brawling and wild ringside action. With both men known for their toughness and intensity, this match could steal the show.

    Women’s Intercontinental Championship

    Becky Lynch (c) vs. Nikki Bella
    The Man defends against the Hall of Famer in a generational clash. After a heated confrontation on Raw and weeks of bold statements, these two trailblazers write another chapter in the history of WWE’s women’s division.

    What Makes Clash in Paris Special

    • John Cena’s Paris Debut and Farewell: After more than two decades, John Cena finally competes in front of a live French WWE audience.
    • Venue: Paris La Défense Arena brings a festival atmosphere and is expected to be sold out, continuing WWE’s record streak of international sellouts.
    • History: The show will be the last WWE main roster PPV on Peacock in the U.S. before the move to ESPN streaming, marking the end of an era.

    With an enthusiastic international crowd, major championship stakes, and career milestones, WWE Clash in Paris promises unforgettable moments as the road to Wrestlepalooza and the new streaming era begins. Tune in live from the City of Light for a premium wrestling experience unlike any other.

  • Swerve Strickland Recovering from Successful Knee Surgery

    AEW star Swerve Strickland successfully underwent meniscus surgery on Wednesday, finally addressing a knee injury that had plagued him since 2019. The former AEW World Champion confirmed the procedure\’s success with a simple social media post: \”Success.\”

    Strickland\’s legitimate knee issue was cleverly woven into recent AEW storylines, culminating in an injury angle at Sunday\’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view in London. After losing his AEW Unified Championship challenge to Kazuchika Okada, Strickland became the target of a post-match attack focusing on his injured knee.

    The angle also served as the catalyst for Wardlow\’s surprising return to AEW programming, with the powerhouse being revealed as Okada\’s newest ally in the Don Callis Family. This development adds another layer to the ongoing faction storyline while providing storyline justification for Strickland\’s upcoming absence.

    AEW has not announced a timeline for Strickland\’s return to action. The company is already dealing with another significant absence, as Will Ospreay is also sidelined following Forbidden Door with his own upcoming surgery.

    Strickland held the AEW World Championship for four months in 2023, establishing himself as one of the promotion\’s top stars. His recovery will be closely monitored by fans eager to see the dynamic performer return to the ring at full strength.

  • AEW Dynamite: Philly\’s 2300 Arena Hosts Forbidden Door Fallout (8/27)

    Tonight’s AEW Dynamite launches a two-week residency at the legendary 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, the historic former ECW Arena and a landmark in wrestling history. This marks the start of seven AEW and ROH events that will unfold at this venue through September 11, blending AEW’s modern storytelling with the city’s storied wrestling legacy and setting the stage for major fallout after Forbidden Door.

    Confirmed Matches and Segments:

    • Falls Count Anywhere Match: Darby Allin vs. Claudio Castagnoli
    • Jon Moxley vs. Daniel Garcia
    • Women’s Tag Team Match: Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford vs. Haley Cameron & Kris Statlander
    • Additional segments and appearances expected, building on the results and surprises from Forbidden Door

    AEW’s Philadelphia residency begins with high-stakes action and fresh rivalries, spotlighting both established stars and the next wave of contenders. Eyes are on how AEW will make the most of the iconic 2300 Arena as the run continues in coming weeks.

    Looking Ahead:

    The next AEW pay-per-view is AEW All Out, taking place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

    WWE is counter-programming All Out 2025 by running a main roster Premium Live Event called Wrestlepalooza on the same night. It will be the first WWE PLE on the new ESPN app. It also first time a WWE main roster PLE will directly compete, head-to-head, with an AEW pay-per-view, escalating their rivalry beyond previous NXT events and aiming to split the wrestling audience between Indianapolis (WWE) and Toronto (AEW).

  • Jake Hager Slams Tony Khan\’s Leadership, Says He Regrets AEW Run

    Former All Elite Wrestling star Jake Hager offered an unfiltered look at why he walked away from professional wrestling. During his appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, he said:

    “Absolutely. I’m very jaded from my exit at AEW… I wish I would have just stayed in MMA.”

    Hager confirmed he\’s done, and doesn\’t even watch pro wrestling anymore.

    “Retired, baby. Hall of Fame. I think for me, like, I had accomplished everything that I really cared about and wanted to move on.\”

    AEW Backstage Drama and CM Punk Fallout

    Hager offered a unique perspective on AEW\’s backstage environment during the young promotion\’s most tumultuous chapter.

    “After all the Punk [stuff] that went down, the boys got together and we had a meeting… No office, right? …Who comes into the room, storming in, daddy’s little billionaire and he’s like yelling at us… We became his little play things. We had to wait outside his office. His storylines were very good at debuting, but he could never carry anything through. …He couldn’t take criticism.”

    In hindsight, he wishes he would have been more outspoken when he disagreed with Khan\’s booking approach.

    “I still to this day wish I would have stood up and said a lot of things, but you just told Sting you’re putting him in a six-man in 6 minutes, then honor him for his retirement…”

    Hager Declares Chris Jericho as The G.O.A.T.

    Hager\’s AEW run was closely linked to Chris Jericho, and was one of the highlights of his time as an \’All Elite\’ athlete. He loved sitting under The Learning Tree, and marvels at Jericho\’s ability to succeed in this unique field.

    “Chris Jericho is the reason why that purple hat was so over. …He’s number one on my Mount Rushmore.”

    These insights shed a revealing light on AEW’s inner workings from a veteran’s perspective.

  • Legacy and Representation: Mara Sadè\’s Journey from Saudi Arabia to TNA Wrestling

    Mara Sadè has quickly become a name to watch in the world of professional wrestling, not just for her in-ring talent but for the legacy she is building and the representation she brings to the sport.

    Reflecting on her time wrestling in Saudi Arabia, Mara shares, \”I\’m grateful to have been a part of that,\” highlighting the pride she felt performing alongside some of the top female stars in the industry. These moments, she says, are about more than just personal achievement. She\’s the next link in the chain, paving the paving the way for future generations and showing what is possible.

    One of the most meaningful relationships Mara has developed is with Lash Legend. \”I\’m so happy to see my girl doing her thing,\” Mara says, emphasizing the genuine friendship and support that exists between them.

    Mara\’s decision to leave WWE for TNA was driven by her desire for creative freedom. She wanted the opportunity to express herself fully and contribute to the art of wrestling in her own way. Her international debut in Paris marked a significant milestone, expanding her reach and influence on a global scale.

    For Mara, wrestling is more than just a sport.. it\’s an art form. \”Wrestling is art that can\’t be left unfinished,\” she explains. She holds deep respect for the wrestling community at all levels, recognizing the collective effort that goes into making the industry thrive.

    As she looks to the future, Mara\’s philosophy remains clear: \”The marathon continues.\” She\’s on a new path and proving that she\’s committed to this great sport.

  • WWE NXT Preview (8/26): Blindfold Match, Blake Monroe in Action

    Tonight’s WWE NXT airs live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., beginning at 8 p.m. ET on the CW Network and Netflix internationally. This episode is the first following the NXT Heatwave event, which saw major title matches and the emergence of new No. 1 contenders, setting the stage for ongoing rivalries and new storylines throughout the women’s division and tag team ranks.

    Confirmed Matches and Segments:

    • Blindfold Match: Lexis King vs. Myles Borne
    • Tag Team Match: The Culling (Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley) vs. Wren Sinclair & a mystery partner
    • Six-Woman Tag Team Match: Fatal Influence (NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx) vs. Lola Vice, ZARIA & Sol Ruca (NXT Women’s North American & Speed Champion)
    • Singles Match: Blake Monroe vs. Kelani Jordan

    With the fallout from Heatwave still fresh, tonight’s NXT will push new contenders forward and continue building toward No Mercy next month, where championship pursuits and unresolved conflicts will come into sharper focus.

  • AEW Dynamite Celebrates 6 Years: Oct. 1 from Hollywood, FL

    All Elite Wrestling is marking a milestone celebration as AEW Dynamite hits its year anniversary with a special event at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on October 1, 2025.

    The anniversary show will take place at one of Florida\’s premier entertainment venues. \’HOLLYWOOD! All Elite Wrestling brings you an epic night of professional wrestling as AEW Dynamite invades Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock on October 1st!\’ the promotion announced.

    The Hard Rock Live venue, known for hosting major entertainment events, signals AEW\’s positioning of this anniversary as a significant occasion.

    Ticket Info

    Tickets will be available through a tiered release system:

    • Premium Seating Early Access: September 2 (AEW Insiders)
    • General Presales: September 3
    • Public Sales: September 5

    The anniversary positions this as one of AEW\’s most significant Dynamite episodes of the year.

  • First Two Title Matches Officially Set for WWE NXT No Mercy 2025

    WWE has announced two major title matches for the upcoming WWE NXT No Mercy event, set for September 27th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:

    • NXT Women’s Championship: Lola Vice will challenge the reigning champion, Jacy Jayne, after earning her spot by winning a triple threat match against Kelani Jordan and Jaida Parker at the recent NXT Heatwave event.
    • WWE Women’s Speed Championship: Sol Ruca will defend her title against the winner of a tournament that will be determined on the September 2nd episode of NXT. The tournament includes participants from Raw or SmackDown, NXT, TNA, and AAA.

    These matches, as well as the announcement that the WWE Speed Championships are moving to the NXT brand, were all made official at Sunday\’s NXT Heatwave Premium Live Event (PLE)

    How to Watch WWE No Mercy 2025

    Fans in the United States can watch the event live via streaming on Peacock. International audiences can catch the show on Netflix, as WWE\’s NXT premium live events will remain on their established streaming partners.

    Who Are The Other NXT Champions Likely to Defend at No Mercy?

    To get a sense of the champions currently representing NXT:

    • NXT Champion: Oba Femi (recently retained his title at Heatwave)
    • NXT North American Champion: Ethan Page
    • NXT Tag Team Champions: Hank Walker & Tank Ledger
    • NXT Heritage Cup: Super Nova Sessions
    • NXT Women’s Champion: Jacy Jayne (to defend vs. Lola Vice at No Mercy)
    • NXT North American Women’s Champion: Sol Ruca (also the current Women’s Speed Champion)
    • Other Possible Defenses: Don’t rule out titles like the NXT Heritage Cup or North American Championship potentially being on the line, as No Mercy draws nearer.

    What’s Next: Tuesday\’s NXT on the CW

    This Tuesday’s episode of WWE NXT on the CW will be a must-watch, serving as the official fallout show from Heatwave. It’s expected to answer many questions for No Mercy, with reactions from both Lola Vice and Sol Ruca, as well as further developments for other storylines and championship matches. New challengers could emerge, and the match card will begin to take shape as the aftermath of Heatwave is felt throughout the NXT roster.

  • WWE Raw Preview from Birmingham, UK: Special Start Time

    WWE Raw airs tonight from Birmingham, United Kingdom (its first time in the city in over a decade), serving as the final Raw before the highly anticipated Clash in Paris premium live event on August 31. This episode has a special early start time of 3PM ET and will focus on advancing major rivalries and storylines before the Paris show.

    Confirmed matches and segments:

    • Roman Reigns will open the show with an in-ring appearance.
    • Nikki Bella calls out Becky Lynch, seeking a Women’s Intercontinental Championship match.
    • Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez in singles competition—the third meeting between the two.
    • Penta vs. Kofi Kingston, building on their ongoing feud.

    With Clash in Paris just days away, tonight’s Raw is set to spotlight the final build for major matches, including the fatal four-way for the World Heavyweight Championship and high-profile women’s title bouts scheduled for the Paris event.

  • Wardlow Returns to AEW After Year-Long Absence, Joins Don Callis Family at Forbidden Door 2025

    Wardlow made a surprise return to AEW at the Forbidden Door 2025 pay-per-view event held yesterday on August 23, 2025, at The O2 Arena in London, England. This marked his first appearance in over a year, following his last televised match in March 2024 against then-AEW World Champion Samoa Joe.

    During the event, after Kazuchika Okada retained the AEW Unified Championship against Swerve Strickland, Okada continued assaulting Strickland’s injured knee by trapping it in the ring steps and striking it with a steel chair. Prince Nana rushed out with a metal pipe to defend Strickland and chase off Okada.

    That’s when Wardlow, dressed in a black suit, entered the ring behind them. He attacked Nana with a clothesline, followed by ground-and-pound strikes, and then took out multiple AEW security personnel who tried to intervene. Wardlow eventually left the ring, leaving Strickland helpless and in bad shape.

    New Role with the Don Callis Family

    Wardlow officially aligned himself with the Don Callis Family during this segment, embracing Don Callis on the ramp and shaking hands with Okada. The rest of the family members came out to welcome him with handshakes and embraces, solidifying his addition to the group. However, Konosuke Takeshita notably stared him down without a handshake, hinting at potential tension.

    This move positions Wardlow as the newest member of the heel faction, which now includes talents like Kyle Fletcher, Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita, Lance Archer, Hechicero, Josh Alexander, and Rocky Romero. His role appears to be as a powerhouse enforcer, given his actions in the attack.

    Work on American Gladiators

    Wardlow’s extended absence from AEW was partly due to filming commitments for the upcoming reboot of American Gladiators on Amazon Prime Video, hosted by WWE’s The Miz. He participated in two seasons of the show as a competitor or gladiator, with filming now complete.

    This project, along with prior injury recovery, kept him sidelined from wrestling until his recent clearance and return.

  • Rampage Jackson’s Son Hospitalized Wrestler in Shocking Live-Streamed Incident

    Raja Jackson, son of MMA legend Quinton \”Rampage\” Jackson, sparked major controversy after brutally assaulting professional wrestler Stuart \”Syko Stu\” Smith during a live-streamed independent wrestling event in California.

    The incident began when Smith allegedly hit Raja with a can at the Knokx Pro Wrestling venue entrance as part of what was meant to be a wrestling segment. Raja, apparently unaware it was staged, told viewers \”Just wait, I\’m going to get my get back.\”

    https://twitter.com/dahtsick/status/1959467694392324353?s=46

    During Smith\’s match 30 minutes later, Raja entered the ring, lifted the wrestler above his head, slammed him to the mat, and delivered over 20 full-contact punches to Smith\’s head while he appeared unconscious. Smith was \”flatlined\” and hospitalized with serious injuries.

    Former UFC champion Rampage Jackson issued a public apology, revealing his son had recently suffered a concussion and \”should not have been participating.\” He stated: \”I do not condone my son\’s actions at all! As a father, I am deeply concerned with his health AND the well-being of Mr. Smith.\”

    Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer called it \”the worst thing I\’ve ever witnessed in a ring.\” Raja was subsequently banned from the Kick streaming platform.

    Smith, a U.S. Army veteran who uses wrestling as PTSD therapy, is reportedly now awake and stable. The incident has sparked industry-wide debates about performer safety and proper vetting procedures.

  • Killer Kross, Scarlett & Nick Gage Help Shotzi Win Garage Beer Championship at GCW Homecoming

    GCW Homecoming Night 1 delivered major surprises when Killer Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux, and Nick Gage made unexpected appearances to help Shotzi Blackheart defeat Matt Cardona for the Garage Beer Championship.

    The former WWE and Impact Wrestling stars’ interference, alongside GCW legend Gage’s dramatic return after over a year, proved decisive in the chaotic bout, marking a significant cross-promotional moment for Game Changer Wrestling. Cardona’s reign ends following the controversial finish, while Shotzi captures her first GCW championship.

    The appearances add an intriguing dynamic to the independent wrestling landscape and showcase GCW’s ability to attract high-profile talent from across the industry.

    Here are the full results from GCW Homecoming Night 1, which took place on August 23, 2025, at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ:

    1. Garage Beer Championship Match: Shotzi Blackheart defeated Matt Cardona (c) with assistance from Killer Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux, and Nick Gage to win the title.

    2. Singapore Cane Match: Maki Itoh defeated Mike Bailey.

    3. GCW World Championship Match (Three-Way Ladder Match): Mance Warner (c) defeated Blake Christian and Jordan Oliver to retain the title.

    4. GCW Ultraviolent Championship Match: Rina Yamashita (c) defeated Takashi Sasaki to retain the title.

  • SmackDown Preview: John Cena Returns, 4 Matches (August 22, 2025)

    Here’s a preview for tonight’s (August 22, 2025) WWE SmackDown from the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.

    Advertised matches and segments for the show include:

    • John Cena returns: Cena is expected to make a major announcement, possibly related to his feud with Brock Lesnar ahead of \’WWE Wrestlepalooza.\’
    • Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. Melo Don’t Miz (Carmelo Hayes & The Miz)
    • Aleister Black vs. R-Truth
    • Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. The MFT (Talla Tonga, JC Matteo, or Tonga Loa)
    • Charlotte Flair vs. Piper Niven

    Plus, we\’ll see more build to next weekend\’s big WWE Clash in Paris premium live event (Aug 31).

  • WWE\’s Big Move: From Peacock to ESPN (Complete Guide)

    Starting September 20, 2025, all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) will stream in the U.S. exclusively on ESPN\’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service. The first event, Wrestlepalooza, kicks off this partnership.

    How to Access WWE Content on ESPN

    Subscription Requirements

    To watch WWE PLEs, you\’ll need the ESPN Unlimited plan at $29.99/month. This plan includes all ESPN channels and major sports content, including WWE. Sign up for ESPN Unlimited here or through the ESPN app.

    Provider Authentication: If you already subscribe to ESPN through select pay-TV or streaming providers (DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Charter, FuboTV, Verizon Fios), you may authenticate through your provider to access ESPN\’s streaming service—including WWE—at no extra cost. Note that YouTube TV and Xfinity currently do not offer this authentication for WWE PLEs.

    Sign-Up Steps

    1. Visit ESPN.com or open the ESPN app
    2. Create or log into your ESPN account
    3. Select ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/month) for full access to all WWE PLEs
    4. Complete payment and activate your subscription
    5. If you have a qualifying pay-TV subscription, select your provider and follow authentication steps

    What\’s Included

    Your ESPN subscription covers all major WWE events including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank—no additional pay-per-view fees required.

    Bundle Option

    An introductory bundle with ESPN Unlimited, Hulu, and Disney+ is available for $39.99/month.

    Important: WWE PLEs will no longer be available live on Peacock after August 31, 2025.

    Saturday Night\’s Main Event: The Peacock Exception

    While most WWE content moves to ESPN, Saturday Night\’s Main Event (SNME) is heading in a different direction—exclusively to Peacock as a separate deal.

    SNME Details

    Peacock will stream four SNME specials per year, starting with two events in 2025 (November 1 and December 13, with John Cena\’s retirement match on the latter). These events will not air on linear TV or ESPN—Peacock has exclusive live rights.

    WWE\’s Fragmented Streaming Landscape

    Here\’s where to find WWE content across platforms:

    • ESPN Unlimited: All main roster Premium Live Events starting September 2025
    • Peacock: Saturday Night\’s Main Event (4x/year), WWE Network library through 2025, NXT Premium Live Events through March 2026
    • Netflix: WWE Raw (Monday nights) starting January 2025, plus international WWE content
    • USA Network: SmackDown (continues on traditional TV)
    • CW: Weekly NXT programming

    Does This Affect WWE\’s Netflix Deal?

    No. The Netflix deal covers WWE Raw for U.S. audiences and international WWE programming. Peacock\’s SNME exclusivity is separate and doesn\’t interfere with Netflix\’s rights. These deals are complementary, with each platform serving different pieces of WWE\’s content strategy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do WWE events start streaming on ESPN? September 20, 2025, beginning with Wrestlepalooza.

    Do I need to pay extra for WWE on ESPN? Yes, you need an ESPN Unlimited subscription ($29.99/month). Some pay-TV subscribers can authenticate at no extra cost, but YouTube TV and Xfinity are excluded.

    Will WWE still be on Peacock after August 2025? Live WWE Premium Live Events will not be on Peacock after August 31, 2025. However, Peacock retains Saturday Night\’s Main Event and the WWE Network library through the end of 2025.

    Which WWE events are included with ESPN? All major Premium Live Events including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank.

    Can I bundle ESPN with other services? Yes, an introductory bundle with ESPN Unlimited, Hulu, and Disney+ costs $39.99/month.

    Where can I watch different WWE shows?

    • Premium Live Events: ESPN Unlimited
    • Saturday Night\’s Main Event: Peacock
    • Monday Night Raw: Netflix (starting January 2025)
    • Friday Night SmackDown: USA Network
    • Weekly NXT: CW

    The bottom line: WWE fans will need multiple subscriptions to catch all content, as the company has split its programming across several platforms rather than consolidating under one streaming home.

  • \’Cancel Me\’ – Becky Lynch Pushes Back on Cancel Culture

    Becky Lynch’s latest appearance on What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes delivered an in-depth, candid look at wrestling’s evolving meaning, the value of being a heel, and why legacy in WWE is as much about wisdom as it is about championship gold.

    The Power of Being a Heel

    “I really love being a bad guy. I feel like I do more good being bad, you know? … I\’m a better wrestler that way. I\’m better at making people look good. I\’m not a cool wrestler. I don\’t have cool moves… I don\’t like—you don\’t do anything.”
    This wrestling self-assessment isn’t humility—it’s Becky’s way of highlighting the subversive art of being a heel. Instead of seeing “bad guy” as a slur, Lynch embraces it for what it means backstage: someone capable of getting an entire roster over.

    Fame, Family, and the Art of Balance

    Becky’s message on balancing career and motherhood was refreshingly direct:

    “It\’s mind-blowing to me… the fact that I have this family is—it\’s unbelievable. That\’s it. That\’s life, that\’s living.

    When I was gone for that year, I\’d have friends over, we\’d have dinner parties. Because I read about this article where they said the dinner party was dying. And I said, not on my watch.”

    Cancel Culture and Speaking Freely

    The WWE star didn’t shy away from controversy, either:

    “Cancel me. Because I found that you really can\’t be canceled unless you\’re a piece of shit. If you just said something dumb one time, that\’s not enough.”

    Her take on public blowback: 

    “I want enemies… I started to dare. Go ahead, please cancel me.”

    Heel vs. Babyface: Wrestling Politics Unfiltered

    Lynch articulated a distinction most only discuss in private:

    “When you are a babyface, you have to be selfish. Because you have to be liked. Your job is to look the coolest… it becomes political… Whereas when you\’re a heel, my job is to make you look cool… It\’s way less stress.”

    Mentors, Legacy, and Generational Ties

    Cody Rhodes shared a memory of Dusty Rhodes’ last words to him:

    “I got this pitch, Dusty. And he goes, ‘Shut up, Becky.’ And that was it. … I couldn\’t ask for better last words.”

    Lynch, meanwhile, offered her take on wrestling mentorship:

    “If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will.”

    Becky Lynch is currently WWE\’s Women\’s Intercontinental Champion and a central figure on Monday Night Raw. She recently defended her title against Natalya in a high-profile bout, reviving their long-running rivalry with personal jabs both on TV and social media. Lynch has been demanding that Natalya show the same ruthless edge she displayed during past heel runs.

    After successfully retaining her title, the latest Raw episode featured an intense showdown where Nikki Bella intervened post-match, preventing Lynch from inflicting further harm on Natalya – suggesting that Nikki may be next in line for a feud. Lynch, having returned from a year-long absence earlier in 2025, remains one of WWE’s most prominent and influential superstars, driving major storylines as the company heads toward upcoming marquee events.

  • WWE WrestlePalooza Set for 2 Blockbuster Main Events in Indy

    WWE’s upcoming WrestlePalooza event on September 20 in Indianapolis will feature two marquee matches headlining the card, according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider. The planned main events include the highly anticipated clash between Brock Lesnar and John Cena, alongside WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defending his title against Drew McIntyre.

    The Lesnar-Cena showdown has been building since SummerSlam, where “The Beast Incarnate” made his surprise return and launched a vicious assault on the 17-time World Champion following his main event bout. Dave Meltzer confirmed on Wrestling Observer Radio that Lesnar’s recent absence from programming was specifically designed to save his return for this Indianapolis showcase.

    Meanwhile, Rhodes will put his WWE Championship on the line against former champion McIntyre, adding significant stakes to the evening’s proceedings. The Scottish Warrior’s pursuit of championship gold continues as he seeks to reclaim the title he previously held.

    Revival of ECW Legacy

    WrestlePalooza marks WWE’s revival of the classic ECW pay-per-view brand, which originally ran from 1995 to 2000. The event represents a strategic move by WWE, with reports indicating it will air on ESPN as a preview of the company’s upcoming broadcast partnership that officially begins in April 2026.

    Strategic Saturday Night Showdown

    The September 20 date places WrestlePalooza in direct competition with AEW’s All Out pay-per-view in Toronto, marking the first time a WWE main roster premium live event will run head-to-head with a major AEW show. This escalates the ongoing competition between wrestling’s two major promotions, with WWE leveraging star power and nostalgia to counter-program their rival’s marquee event.

  • AEW Dynamite Glasgow Preview: First-Ever Scotland Show & Forbidden Door Go-Home Episode

    Tonight, AEW Dynamite broadcasts live from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, marking a historic first for the promotion as it holds its inaugural show in Scotland. The venue has hosted a few big professional wrestling events, including WWE\’s first premium live event in Scotland: Clash at the Castle on June 15, 2024.

    Airing at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT on TBS and Max, this episode serves as the high-stakes go-home show leading up to the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in London

    Announced Matches & Segmentsappearances

    • Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & JetSpeed (Kevin Knight & “Speedball” Mike Bailey): Six-man tag team action ahead of Forbidden Door.
    • FTR vs. Brodido (Brody King & Bandido): Finals of the AEW World Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament. The winning team will challenge The Hurt Syndicate for the AEW Tag Titles at Forbidden Door.
    • Toni Storm & Alex Windsor vs. Athena & Mercedes Moné: Big tag encounter preparing for Forbidden Door, featuring two reigning champions (Storm and Athena) on opposing sides.
    • Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay face-to-face: A live confrontation, previewing their Lights Out Steel Cage match at Forbidden Door.
    • Cope & Christian Cage interview with Tony Schiavone: Live promo – their first in-ring segment together since reuniting, ahead of their match as a tag team at Forbidden Door.
    • Appearance by AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page: Page addresses MJF, who’ll challenge for the title at Forbidden Door.

    With a milestone debut in Scotland and the anticipation surrounding Forbidden Door, tonight’s AEW Dynamite is set to deliver an action-packed lineup and pivotal moments for fans.

    As stars from AEW and New Japan collide, and major storylines reach a boiling point, this go-home episode gives a glimpse of whats ahead when the Forbidden Door opens once again.

  • Naomi Pregnancy: What To Know About WWE Star\’s Timeline, Family, and Championship Future

    On the August 18 episode of WWE Raw, Women’s World Champion Naomi announced she is pregnant, joined in the ring by her husband, Jimmy Uso. As part of her emotional announcement, Naomi relinquished her championship, vowing to return “in nine months and some change” and promising to pick up right where she left off when she comes back.

    Relationship and Marriage History

    Naomi (Trinity Fatu, 37) and Jimmy Uso (Jonathan Fatu, 39) have been together for over 11 years. The couple began dating after meeting through WWE developmental and tied the knot on January 16, 2014. Their wedding was featured on the reality series Total Divas.

    Previous Marriages or Children

    • This is the first child for Naomi.
    • Jimmy Uso has two children, Jaiden and Jayla Fatu, from a previous relationship. Naomi has been their stepmother since marrying Jimmy Uso in 2014.

    Expected Time Away from WWE

    Naomi will be out of WWE action for the duration of her pregnancy. She indicated on Raw that she plans to return in \”nine months and some change,\” typical of a standard maternity leave in professional sports.

    Naomi and Jimmy Uso, married since 2014, are expecting their first child together. Naomi is stepmother to Jimmy\’s two children from a previous relationship. Naomi is expected to be away from WWE for at least nine months.

  • Philly NXT Preview (8/19): Oba Femi\’s Heatwave Challenger, Street Fight

    Tonight, WWE presents NXT live on The CW, broadcasting directly from The Met in Philadelphia, PA. As the go-home show before NXT Heatwave 2025, this episode will give us the final push of momentum before this Sunday\’s big PLE. The historic venue provides an electric setting for the night’s action.

    Confirmed Matches & Segments

    NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Trick Williams vs. Je’Von Evans
    Winner faces Oba Femi for the title at NXT Heatwave

    Street Fight: Josh Briggs vs. Yoshiki Inamura

    Jasper Troy vs. Ricky Saints

    Six-Woman Tag Team Match: Fatal Instinct (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx) vs. The Elegance Brand (Ash By Elegance, Heather By Elegance & M By Elegance)
    Special Guest Referee: Masha Slamovich

    Jordynne Grace & Blake Monroe – Face-to-face confrontation before their PLE grudge match

    Ethan Page & Chelsea Green seek a Peace Treaty with Tavion Heights & Tyra Mae Steele

    Looking Ahead to NXT Heatwave 2025

    Heading into NXT Heatwave 2025, the stakes are high. The main event of NXT\’s summer spectacular is set to feature Oba Femi defending the NXT Championship against the winner of tonight’s crucial #1 contender’s match.

    Meanwhile, the heated rivalry between Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe culminates in a grudge match, following weeks of betrayals and interference that have kept fans on edge.

    A major theme throughout this build has been the ongoing cross-promotion with TNA, which continues to introduce new alliances and rivalries, adding fresh intrigue and excitement to the NXT landscape.

    NXT Heatwave takes place Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, MA, and will be broadcast live on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix internationally.

  • Dominik Mysterio vs. El Hijo del Vikingo Set for AAA Mega Championship at Worlds Collide

    WWE has officially announced a blockbuster match for the upcoming WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event: “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio will challenge El Hijo del Vikingo for the prestigious AAA Mega Championship on September 12 in Las Vegas. The bout was confirmed following an explosive main event at Triplemanía XXXIII, where Dominik issued a rematch challenge after interference cost him the title last weekend.

    After a controversial four-way match at Triplemanía XXXIII, where Vikingo retained the gold due to AJ Styles’ interference, Dominik Mysterio is determined to right the wrongs and capture AAA’s top prize. The rematch is set to headline what’s quickly become the most anticipated Worlds Collide event yet.

    Dominik Mysterio vs. El Hijo del Vikingo

    Dominik Mysterio enters Worlds Collide with major momentum after recently capturing the WWE Intercontinental Championship and surviving the chaos of Triplemanía XXXIII. Fresh off a major SummerSlam win over AJ Styles, he finds himself at the brink of world title glory. Across the ring stands El Hijo del Vikingo, a two-time and current AAA Mega Champion whose spectacular high-flying style and successful defenses against top challengers (including Chad Gable and Dominik himself) have solidified his reputation as one of AAA’s elite. This clash pits Mysterio’s determination and rising star power against the proven excellence and dynamic offense of Vikingo, promising a world championship showdown at the highest level.

    This match is more than just a title opportunity. It’ represents another milestone in Dominik Mysterio’s career, and a showcase of WWE’s next generation. With the AAA Mega Championship and franchise player status at stake, the \”Dirty\” one is ready to make his biggest statement yet. Positioned at the forefront of WWE’s new brand extension and global strategy, Mysterio’s challenge for the world title cements him as a potential cornerstone for the company’s future heading into the fall season.

    AAA Stars Arrive in Philadelphia for Tonight’s WWE RAW

  • AAA Stars Arrive in Philadelphia for Tonight\’s WWE RAW

    Two of AAA\’s biggest names have made their way to Philadelphia ahead of tonight\’s WWE Monday Night RAW. Mr. Iguana and reigning AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo were confirmed in town by Fightful Español, after both competing at TripleManía XXXIII over the weekend. Their quick turnaround demonstrates the commitment both wrestlers have to this cross-promotional opportunity.

    While Mr. Iguana is expected to make sporadic appearances on WWE programming, Vikingo\’s involvement runs much deeper. After retaining his championship at TripleMania (thanks to a surprise appearance by AJ Styles), his next defense will be against Dominik Mysterio at Worlds Collide 2 from Las Vegas.

    WWE plans to utilize its top platforms to increase AAA\’s profile, with one source revealing to Fightful that \”there will be semi-regular integration of AAA talent across much of WWE programming.\” The company has reportedly been thrilled with Mr. Iguana\’s performances to date.

    This development builds on the momentum from TripleManía, where WWE stars including Dominik Mysterio and Natalya participated in cross-promotional matches. Now, that lucha libre influence is extending to Monday nights.

    Tonight\’s RAW also features Roman Reigns seeking revenge on The Vision, Naomi addressing her missed title opportunity, and Becky Lynch defending the Women\’s Intercontinental Championship against Natalya. With AAA stars now in the mix, Monday Night RAW is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

    Dominik Mysterio at TripleManía XXXIII: Complete Breakdown

  • WWE Raw Preview: Monday, August 18, 2025

    WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce has announced the following matches and segments for Monday’s show from Philadelphia, PA:

    World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and The Vision to Appear

    World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins will join The Vision for a segment on tomorrow\’s show. Rollins recently regained the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2025 through his \”Ruse of the Century,\” cashing in his Money in the Bank contract after CM Punk defeated Gunther. The Vision consists of Rollins, Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed, who have been dominant forces on Raw since forming.

    Women\’s Intercontinental Championship Match

    Becky Lynch will defend the Women\’s Intercontinental Championship against Natalya. Lynch won the title from Lyra Valkyria at Money in the Bank on June 7, 2025, and successfully retained it against Valkyria at SummerSlam 2025 in a brutal No DQ match. This marks another defense of her first Women\’s Intercontinental Championship reign.

    Bron Breakker vs. Jey Uso

    Bron Breakker and Jey Uso are set to face off in singles competition. Breakker is currently a member of Seth Rollins\’ Vision stable and has been involved in the group\’s recent dominance over CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and LA Knight on recent Raw episodes.

    Iyo Sky vs. Raquel Rodriguez

    Iyo Sky will take on Raquel Rodriguez in women\’s division action. Sky was scheduled to challenge Naomi for the Women\’s World Championship on the August 11 episode of Raw, but the match was postponed due to Naomi not being medically cleared to compete.

    Penta vs. Xavier Woods

    Penta is scheduled to face Xavier Woods in singles action. Penta made his WWE debut on the January 13, 2025 episode of Monday Night Raw, defeating Chad Gable in his first match. The former AEW star has been building momentum since his arrival and represents WWE\’s continued integration of international talent.

    Women\’s World Champion Naomi to Speak

    Women\’s World Champion Naomi will address the WWE Universe during tomorrow\’s broadcast. Naomi was not medically cleared to compete on the August 11 episode of Raw, leading to speculation about her status. This segment is expected to provide clarification on her condition and future title defenses.

  • WWE Revives ECW’s Wrestlepalooza for September 20 PLE

    WWE is set to bring back the Wrestlepalooza name for its yet-to-be-announced premium live event on September 20, 2025, according to recent reports from WrestleVotes and PWInsider. The event will mark the revival of the former ECW pay-per-view brand and represents WWE’s latest effort to counter-program AEW’s All Out event scheduled for the same date.

    Direct Competition with AEW All Out

    The Indianapolis-based event will go head-to-head with AEW All Out 2025 at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. This marks the first time a WWE main roster premium live event will air on the same day as an AEW pay-per-view, escalating the competitive landscape between the two wrestling organizations.

    Multiple sources confirmed to POST Wrestling that the event will take place on Saturday, September 20, in Indianapolis, Indiana. While the venue hasn’t been officially announced, Gainbridge Fieldhouse appears to be the likely candidate based on recent WWE events in the area.

    Wrestlepalooza Legacy Returns

    The Wrestlepalooza name carries significant wrestling history, having originated as an ECW event that ran from 1995 to 2000. The most notable iteration aired on pay-per-view in 1998, featuring Shane Douglas defending the ECW World Heavyweight Championship against Al Snow.

    WWE’s ownership of all ECW footage and intellectual property makes the revival legally straightforward, while the nostalgic appeal could help differentiate the event from their regular premium live event schedule.

    Star Power for the Main Event

    Reports indicate the event will feature a marquee matchup between Brock Lesnar and John Cena. Dave Meltzer confirmed this main event on Wrestling Observer Radio, noting that Lesnar’s absence from recent events was specifically to save his return for this Indianapolis show.

    The match stems from Lesnar’s surprise return at SummerSlam, where he launched a vicious assault on Cena following the latter’s main event bout. This encounter is positioned as a crucial component of Cena’s 2025 farewell tour.

    Strategic Counter-Programming Pattern

    This event continues WWE’s 2025 strategy of scheduling shows against major AEW events. Previous instances include:

    • NXT Battleground vs. AEW Double or Nothing in May
    • NXT Great American Bash vs. AEW All In: Texas in July
    • NXT Heatwave vs. AEW Forbidden Door on August 24

    The September 20 event represents the most aggressive move yet, using main roster talent rather than the NXT developmental brand to compete directly with one of AEW’s “big four” annual pay-per-views.

    Potential ESPN Broadcast Partnership Preview

    PWInsider reports that “there has been discussion within the broadcast industry over the last few days that the planned WWE event for Saturday September 20th 2025 could end up airing on ESPN (in the U.S) as a preview of the type of programming the company will bring to that new partnership that officially kicks off in April 2026.”

    This would mark a significant milestone in WWE’s upcoming broadcast transition, offering fans and industry observers an early glimpse of how WWE content will be presented on the ESPN platform.

    WWE has plans to unveil the new PLE and where it will broadcast sometime this week.

    Part of WWE’s Indiana Partnership

    The Indianapolis location aligns with WWE’s partnership with Indiana Sports Corp, which began with this year’s Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium. The deal includes commitments for future WrestleMania and SummerSlam events in the state, along with regular television tapings and live events.

    The revival of Wrestlepalooza for September 20 signals WWE’s commitment to maintaining competitive pressure on AEW while leveraging nostalgic ECW branding to create a unique premium live event experience for wrestling fans.