Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Jeff Jarrett Criticizes MJF Feud in AEW: ‘A Massive Mistake on Many Levels’

    Jeff Jarrett did not enjoy working with MJF in AEW. On the latest episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett reflected on his return to AEW Collision last week and took the opportunity to address his brief feud with MJF earlier in the year.

    Double J described the experience in blunt terms, calling it detrimental both creatively and professionally.

    “Ever since [MJF] got involved in anything that had to do with myself, it’s turned to absolute shit,” Jarrett said.

    He noted that he had warned MJF about avoiding lowbrow material and expressed frustration that the direction of their program didn’t align with his vision or values.

    Jarrett also suggested MJF resented his aspirations for AEW gold and implied that interactions with the former world champion tend to negatively affect other talent.

    “He always leaves everyone worse than when he started being associated on any level,” Jarrett added.

    While acknowledging MJF’s talent, he labeled him “toxic” and “selfish,” and admitted the experience harmed his own momentum in AEW. Looking more broadly at his AEW tenure, Jarrett admitted to listening to the wrong people and losing creative focus.

    “I think us as a group in a lot of ways lost our way, and I’m the veteran—I should take more responsibility for that.”

    As he considers the next phase of his run and a potential final contract, Jarrett made clear that some internal matters remain private. However, he firmly concluded that the storyline with MJF was a misstep.

    “The MJF situation was a massive, massive, massive mistake on so many levels. That goes without saying. We’ll see.”

    Quotes – Fightful

  • Liv Morgan Secures Major Movie Role: What We Know So Far

    WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan is making a significant career move beyond the wrestling ring as reports confirm her involvement in a major Hollywood film project. The crossover opportunity represents another milestone for the 30-year-old star, who has been steadily building her entertainment resume alongside her wrestling accomplishments.

    Official Announcement and Timeline

    Liv Morgan herself announced on WWE Raw that she will be taking time away from television to film what she described as a \”big Hollywood movie.\” Following this revelation, WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis confirmed on-air that her request for time off has been approved, with all necessary paperwork filed.

    According to PWInsider, which broke the original story, Morgan\’s role in the film is substantial, with the site characterizing it as a \”major role\” in a project that \”will be officially unveiled next week.\” This development comes shortly after Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez captured the Women\’s Tag Team Championships for a record fourth time on last week\’s episode of Raw.

    Film Details and Production Schedule

    While specific details about the film remain tightly guarded, several key pieces of information have emerged:

    • According to additional reporting from PWInsider, sources within Hollywood have confirmed that Morgan\’s project is not a superhero film, but rather a major dramatic role. The significance of the opportunity has been emphasized by industry insiders, with one source describing Morgan landing the role as \”one of the most impressive \’gets\’ imaginable.\”
    • PWInsider\’s Hollywood contacts further noted that when the studio and talent involved—both on screen and behind the scenes—are revealed, the prestigious nature of the project will become evident. Another source told PWInsider that this opportunity \”could cement\” Morgan as the next \”it girl\” in Hollywood if she and the project perform as internally projected.
    • Fightful has corroborated these reports, adding that people with knowledge of Morgan\’s upcoming film project claim that \”a lot of people\’s jaws will drop\” when the full details are revealed.

    Production appears to be imminent, explaining Morgan\’s immediate hiatus from WWE programming. This timing aligns with reports from Fightful that \”cameras roll imminently,\” necessitating her absence from television commitments.

    Morgan\’s Growing Entertainment Portfolio

    This upcoming film role adds to Morgan\’s expanding entertainment credentials beyond professional wrestling:

    The New Jersey native has already established herself in the acting world with previous screen appearances. In 2022, Morgan made a guest appearance on the second season of the horror television series \”Chucky.\” In 2023, she made her feature film debut in \”The Kill Room,\” where she appeared alongside an impressive cast including Maya Hawke, Samuel L. Jackson, and Uma Thurman.

    Morgan\’s rise in WWE has been equally impressive. After beginning as part of The Riott Squad, she has distinguished herself as a singles competitor, capturing the SmackDown Women\’s Championship in 2022 by successfully cashing in her Money in the Bank contract against Ronda Rousey. More recently, she has been involved in a high-profile storyline with Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley as part of The Judgment Day stable.

    Industry Context

    Morgan\’s Hollywood opportunity comes during a period of increased crossover between WWE and mainstream entertainment, particularly as the company has entered its partnership with Netflix. Wrestling analysts have positioned her film role as part of WWE\’s broader strategy to expand its talent\’s visibility across entertainment platforms.

    Looking Ahead

    Wrestling fans can expect more details about Morgan\’s film project next week when it will be officially unveiled. Additionally, the May 5th episode of Raw on Netflix may address her on-screen absence and potentially provide storyline context for her temporary departure.

    With her combination of in-ring credentials and growing acting experience, Morgan appears well-positioned to capitalize on this significant opportunity while maintaining her status as one of WWE\’s most prominent female performers.

  • Former WWE Superstar Carmella and Corey Graves Expecting Second Child

    Leah Van Dale, known to WWE fans as Carmella, and Corey Graves are expanding their family with the announcement of Van Dale’s second pregnancy. The couple shared the news on Instagram, revealing they are expecting their newest addition this fall.

    Their son, Dimitri, was born in November 2023. Van Dale is also stepmother to Graves’ three children from a previous marriage.

    “All in perfect time,” they wrote alongside the announcement. “Our new chapter begins this fall.”

    It has been over two years since Van Dale last competed in the ring. Following Dimitri’s birth, she has been managing drop foot, a post-pregnancy complication that affects mobility. Although she\’s spoken about difficulties with activities like running, Van Dale has maintained a positive outlook and remains hopeful for an eventual in-ring return.

  • Joshi Legend Meiko Satomura Concludes 30-Year Career with Emotional Farewell

    The wrestling world bid farewell to a true pioneer on Tuesday as Meiko Satomura officially hung up her boots after an illustrious 30-year career. The Sendai Girls founder wrestled her final match at Tokyo\’s historic Korakuen Hall in an event aptly titled \”Meiko Satomura The Final.\”

    Career-Defining Final Victory

    In her retirement match, Satomura teamed with her 20-year-old protégé Manami to defeat Aja Kong and current Sendai Girls Champion Chihiro Hashimoto. The finish came when Satomura delivered her signature Scorpio Rising kick to Kong, securing the victory in a match loaded with emotion and historical significance.

    The celebration took an unexpected turn when Kong, Satomura\’s longtime rival, requested an impromptu exhibition match where the two legends would team together.

    This five-minute handicap contest saw Satomura and Kong face the formidable lineup of Hashimoto, Mika Iwata, Takumi Iroha, Senka Akatsuki, and YUNA, providing fans with one final memory of these joshi icons sharing the ring.

    Stars Pay Tribute

    The retirement ceremony featured a parade of wrestling royalty. WWE stars Kairi Sane, IYO SKY, Asuka, and Shinsuke Nakamura sent video messages honoring Satomura, while NJPW\’s Hiroshi Tanahashi and joshi legend Devil Masami also contributed tributes.

    The in-person attendance was equally impressive, with Japanese wrestling icons including The Crush Gals, Bull Nakano, Akira Hokuto, and Kenta Kobashi present to pay their respects.

    In traditional Japanese wrestling fashion, fans showered Satomura with colorful streamers following the ceremonial ten bell salute, creating a visually stunning backdrop as the 45-year-old star addressed the audience one final time as an active competitor.

    A Legacy Continues

    Despite retiring from in-ring competition, Satomura made it clear she remains committed to professional wrestling\’s future, promising to continue her work with Sendai Girls. In her emotional speech, she vowed to help make the next era of wrestling \”even more amazing\” while expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to her legendary career.

    Satomura\’s remarkable journey took her from Japan to wrestling rings across the globe. Her career highlights include appearances for WCW in the 1990s, becoming a fixture on the European independent scene, and eventually joining WWE where she captured the NXT UK Women\’s Championship and worked as both a performer and coach.

    As one of the most technically gifted wrestlers of her generation, Satomura leaves behind a legacy of excellence that helped shape women\’s wrestling worldwide. While fans will no longer see her competing in the ring, her influence will continue through the next generation of talent she has mentored throughout her distinguished career.

  • Rusev\’s WWE Return Match Set for Monday\’s Raw

    Rusev\’s WWE return match is set for next week\’s edition of Monday Night Raw. This match marks Rusev\’s first WWE in-ring appearance since February 17, 2020, when he teamed with Humberto Carrillo in a losing effort against Angel Garza and Bobby Lashley on Raw.

    On the April 28 episode of Raw, WWE confirmed that Rusev will face Otis in his first match back, scheduled for May 5.

    The Bulgarian Brute made his surprise return to the company on Raw the night after WrestleMania 41. He viciously attacked Otis and Akira Tozawa, laying the groundwork for his comeback.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"

    A vignette aired during the show, with Rusev reflecting on his time away from WWE. He described his absence as \”falling into an abyss\” before redeeming himself and issued a stern warning to the Raw roster.

  • Gunther is Not Taking His WWE Backlash Match Against Pat McAfee Seriously

    Gunther may be absent from WWE television, but he is well aware of the upcoming challenge awaiting him at WWE Backlash.

    Following his storyline suspension for attacking Pat McAfee on the April 21 episode of Raw, Gunther has remained off-screen. On the April 28 broadcast, McAfee officially challenged the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion to a match at Backlash on May 10, 2025. As he put it, \”If I die, I die.\” SmackDown General Manger Nick Aldis, who was filling in for the injured Raw GM Adam Pearce (also Gunther), reluctantly made the match.

    Gunther, who did not appear live, thoroughly enjoyed watching the scene unfold. In response to McAfee being his next opponent, he wrote on Twitter: “??”.

    https://twitter.com/Gunther_AUT/status/1917163245716246563

    Gunther vs. Pat McAfee

    The match comes just weeks after Gunther 259-day reign as WWE World Heavyweight Champion ended with a loss to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41. Since his suspension, Gunther has reportedly been seen in London, indicating he may be spending time in Europe during his hiatus.

    Pat McAfee, who transitioned to wrestling in 2020, brings experience from his matches at NXT TakeOver 30 and WarGames, as well as his main roster appearances. Notably, McAfee holds singles victories at WrestleMania 38, SummerSlam 2022, and WrestleMania 39, with his only premium live event loss coming against Vince McMahon.

    Gunther, meanwhile, remains one of WWE\’s most decorated competitors, having previously held the WWE Intercontinental Championship, WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and NXT United Kingdom Championship.

  • WWE NXT Preview (April 29, 2025)

    Tonight\’s WWE NXT airs on The CW at 8/7c live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

    Last week\’s action-packed fallout from NXT Stand & Deliver saw Stephanie Vaquer retain the NXT Women’s Title against Roxanne Perez, Noam Dar reclaimed the Heritage Cup, and Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez successfully defended the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles-the April 29 episode of WWE NXT promises more high-stakes competition and unresolved tensions.

    Tonight, the spotlight shifts to two major title defenses: Ricky Saints puts the NXT North American Championship on the line against a determined Lexis King, who is eager to rebound after losing the Heritage Cup, while the new NXT Tag Team Champions Hank & Tank face their first challenge from Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura.

    The show will also feature a heated face-to-face confrontation between Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, and an appearance by Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky, who is expected to address the aftermath of her recent Raw attack and possibly confront Roxanne Perez and Giulia.

    Matches and Segments

    • Ricky Saints vs. Lexis King for the NXT North American Championship – Ricky Saints defends his title against Lexis King, a match that could shift the landscape of the North American division.
    • Hank and Tank vs. Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura for the NXT Tag Team Championships – Hank Walker and Tank Ledger will put their tag team titles on the line against challengers Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura.
    • Tony D\’Angelo and Stacks Face-to-Face – A confrontation between Tony D\’Angelo and Stacks is scheduled, potentially escalating their ongoing feud.
    • IYO SKY Appearance – IYO SKY is confirmed to appear, bringing anticipation for her involvement in NXT storylines.

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for coverage of tonight\’s WWE NXT on the road to NXT Battleground, scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida

  • Pat McAfee Set to Battle Gunther at WWE Backlash

    Pat McAfee is officially set to face Gunther at WWE Backlash following a fiery confrontation on WWE Raw.

    During the show, McAfee delivered an emotional promo reflecting on his rise through the ranks, emphasizing his hard work and determination to be a good person.

    He spoke passionately about his loyalty, especially highlighting his close friendship with Michael Cole, stating that anyone who has an issue with Cole would have an issue with him as well.

    McAfee then shifted his focus to Gunther, acknowledging warnings from friends and family about challenging ‘The Ring General’. Dismissing the concerns with defiance, McAfee declared, “If I die, I die,” before calling out General Manager Nick Aldis.

    Although Aldis initially hesitated to lift Gunther’s suspension, he ultimately announced that Gunther would be cleared to face McAfee at WWE Backlash. McAfee immediately accepted, setting the stage for a high-profile clash at the upcoming event.

  • Rusev Vows to Hunt, Forgive, and Fix

    A new vignette introduced Rusev’s latest chapter during the April 28th episode of WWE Raw. Reflecting on his past, Rusev shared that he once had it all, including a tank entrance at WrestleMania, before falling into the abyss following his WWE departure.

    Within that abyss, Rusev said he rediscovered, redeemed, and repaired himself. Now free, he declared his intent to crush opponents not out of obligation but by choice.

    “I will hunt the flawed, the arrogant, and those who waste their talent like I did,” he threatened, promising to hunt, forgive, and fix his adversaries just as he did himself.

    Rusev made his physical return last Monday, attacking Otis and Akira Tozawa during WWE Raw.

  • Naomi Opens Up About Family Planning, Marriage, and Career Philosophy

    In a candid and revealing interview on the Nikki and Brie podcast, WWE Superstar Naomi shared intimate thoughts about her potential family plans, her marriage to fellow wrestler Jimmy Uso (Jonathan Fatu), and her resilient approach to career challenges.

    She spoke openly about facing personal crossroads while balancing her wrestling career with her desire to start a family.

    During the heartfelt conversation with the Bella Twins, Naomi addressed the difficult reality of considering stepping away from the ring to focus on family planning.

    \”I definitely won\’t… you know, I have to step away and take care of my health, take care of myself. And if we\’re going to have kids, I have to start that process like very soon. I never thought I\’d be here struggling with this decision. I always wanted kids young. I always wanted a lot. But now I\’m like, \’Oh my gosh,\’ your girl is getting up there. I\’m 37 and my biological clock… I can\’t continue wrestling forever. I\’ve had health issues, I only have one ovary. Even if I wanted to continue longer, I can\’t ignore it anymore.\”

    The multi-time World Champion also reflected on her relationship with husband Jimmy Uso, particularly how their time apart during her stint in WWE while he was working elsewhere provided unexpected personal growth for both of them.

    \”I thought I liked it at first — being apart — and I thought it was a good break and I needed it because I\’m so clingy to John. I rely on him for everything. So it was good growth for me to be more confident in myself, trust myself in the ring, not ask him a million questions about my matches, traveling and seeing the world by myself. It was big growth for me. And for him too, not having me there to keep that knucklehead out of trouble. After almost a year, though, I was like, \’Okay, Mama\’s coming home.\’ We just missed traveling and working together.\”

    Despite the challenges she\’s faced both personally and professionally, Naomi shared the motivational philosophy that has guided her through her WWE journey and beyond.

    \”My favorite quote is, \’Don\’t follow your dreams, chase them.\’ And I feel like that\’s kind of what has happened through my career. I\’m still chasing. And things are still happening for me.

    Doors closed on me, and it could have been so easy to fall into a negative place, but by trusting the path — even when it looked different — it opened up five other doors I never even saw coming.\”

    Elsewhere in the interview, she spoke about embracing her role as a veteran in the WWE locker room, and a recent event that reignited her passion for WWE.

  • Naomi Embracing Being a Locker Room Leader, What Reignited Her Passion

    WWE superstar Naomi opened up on the Nikki and Brie Show, revealing how a tough career moment eventually reignited her passion for wrestling — and how she\’s stepped into a leadership role within WWE’s women’s division.

    During her appearance, Naomi discussed the pivotal role acting in the film Queen of the Ring played in lifting her out of a low point.

    \”It was during the time cuz it was when I was gone and I was in TNA at the time. Just going through like that very weird and difficult transition in my career, and not sure of what my future in wrestling was going to be,\” she said.

    \”That opportunity came and it just completely reignited everything in me — especially when I got to dive into Ethel Johnson, her history as one of the pioneers of Black women in wrestling, what they went through, the doors they broke down.\”

    Naomi emphasized how connecting with Johnson’s story gave her the strength to persevere.

    \”Seeing their story, I was like, \’Man, I gotta keep going.\’ Like, if they can get through all of that, I can certainly handle what I got going on right now.\”

    Locker Room Veteran

    The conversation also turned to Naomi’s evolving role backstage. With veterans like the Bella Twins now retired, Naomi finds herself a mentor to the next generation.

    \”I kind of never really looked at it that way or thought of it that way because I’ve just always been here, doing me, doing my thing,\” she shared.

    \”But I do see now, especially with my Bellas not being there, and a lot of our vets that are gone now, that the younger girls are coming in, asking questions, wanting help with things.

    So I do find myself giving input and advice — it feels weird sometimes — but I definitely am now. Whatever I can do to elevate and keep this division moving forward.\”

    With a renewed passion and a growing leadership role, Naomi continues to cement her place as both a trailblazer and mentor in professional wrestling.

  • Rey Mysterio Set for Surgery Following Torn Abductor Muscle Injury

    Rey Mysterio has officially confirmed he will undergo surgery to repair a torn abductor muscle, the injury that forced him out of WrestleMania 41.

    Sharing the news through Instagram stories, Mysterio addressed fans directly, revealing the full extent of the injury sustained during a six-man tag team match on WWE SmackDown. During the match, Mysterio teamed with Dragon Lee and Rey Fenix against American Made’s Brutus Creed, Chad Gable, and Julius Creed.

    Originally, Mysterio was scheduled to face El Grande Americano at WrestleMania 41. Following his injury, Rey Fenix stepped in as his replacement, though El Grande Americano ultimately claimed victory at the event.

    Despite his legendary resilience, this latest setback serves as a reminder of the physical toll Mysterio has endured throughout his career. With surgery now ahead, the future Hall of Famer turns his focus to recovery, aiming for yet another comeback when the time is right.

  • WWE Files Trademark for Potential New Ring Name \’Jamar Hampton\’

    WWE has officially filed a new trademark for the name \”Jamar Hampton,\” suggesting plans for a future in-ring persona. The trademark application was submitted on April 27, with no immediate details on how or when the name will debut.

    The filing outlines the trademark\’s use across various entertainment services, including wrestling exhibitions, televised and online performances, fan club events, newsletters, and online blogs within the sports entertainment field.

    As of now, WWE has not confirmed any storyline or performer associated with \”Jamar Hampton,\” leaving the potential debut timeline unknown.

  • Leon Slater Still The \’Moment Maka\’ Following 450 Crash Out at TNA Rebellion

    Leon Slater is in good spirits after a frightening dive during TNA Rebellion left fans worried about his safety.

    Slater competed alongside Moose, KC Navarro, Matt Cardona, El Hijo del Vikingo, and Sidney Akeem in the Ultimate X match for the X Division Championship. During the contest, Slater climbed the X structure and attempted a senton 450º splash onto the group below. Typically, competitors position themselves to catch the diving wrestler, but this time, a miscommunication or poor placement resulted in Slater crashing directly onto the floor.

    Following the hard landing, AJ Francis and Moose were seen immediately checking on Slater. The young star later addressed the incident on Twitter/X, thanking everyone for their support:

    \”Thank you everyone that has showed concern or sent a message I appreciate it more than you know,\” Slater wrote. \”I LIVE TO TELL THA TALE ? MOMENT MAKA.\”

    TNA Rebellion 2025 Quick Results

    Here are the results from last night\’s TNA Rebellion PPV from the Galen Center, Los Angeles, California:

    Ultimate X Match – TNA X-Division Championship:
    Moose (c) def. Matt Cardona, KC Navarro, Leon Slater, Sidney Akeem & El Hijo del Vikingo to retain.

    Four-Way Tag Team Match – TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship:
    Ash By Elegance & Heather By Elegance (c) def. The Meta-Four (Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend), Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley, and Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) to retain.

    Six-Man Tag Team Match:
    Ace Austin & The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) (with Sean Waltman) def. The System (Brian Myers, Eddie Edwards & Moose).

    Singles Match – TNA International Championship:
    Steve Maclin (c) def. Eric Young to retain.

    Falls Count Anywhere Match:
    Mike Santana def. Mustafa Ali.

    Singles Match – TNA Knockouts World Championship:
    Masha Slamovich (c) def. Tessa Blanchard by submission to retain.

    TNA World Tag Team Championship:
    The Nemeths (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) def. The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) (c) – NEW Champions.

    TNA World Championship – Triple Threat:
    Joe Hendry (c) def. Ethan Page & Frankie Kazarian to retain.

    Post-match: Trick Williams attacked Joe Hendry to close the show.

  • What Charlotte Flair Told Tiffany Stratton After Their WrestleMania Match and Heated Feud

    Tiffany Stratton has clarified the state of her relationship with Charlotte Flair following their intense feud that culminated with her retaining the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 41.

    Speaking with Alfred Konuwa, Stratton reveals that after the match, both competitors exchanged a moment of sportsmanship, with Flair expressing pride in her performance.

    \”Yeah, me and Charlotte, after the match, it was kind of like a sportsmanship thing, you know. We said ‘good game,’ and she said she’s proud of me. But yeah, everything’s good,\” Stratton stated.

    When asked whether their heated rivalry ever made her feel like she should \”never meet her heroes,\” Stratton admitted there were times when things felt personal. However, she acknowledged the unpredictable nature of live television and emphasized that everything unfolded as it was meant to.

    \”Yeah, of course. I felt like things got personal, and it’s live TV — things happen. But I feel like everything happened for a reason, and this is how things were supposed to pan out,\” she explained.

    Despite the friction that marked their road to WrestleMania 41, Stratton and Flair have moved forward with professionalism and mutual respect. Here\’s more from the champ immediately following the hard-fought battle:

  • Nick Aldis Takes Over Tonight\’ WWE Raw, Subbing for Adam Pearce

    A major shift will take place tonight on WWE Raw from Kansas City, as SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis steps in to run the show. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce posted a video on Sunday running down plans for the episode:

    • Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman, and Bron Breakker. Fans are anticipating answers after Breakker\’s surprising alliance with Heyman, marked by a brutal attack on Roman Reigns.
    • Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley, who recently assisted IYO SKY and Stephanie Vaquer against Roxanne Perez and Giulia, is scheduled for a singles match against Perez.
    • Becky Lynch is also set to address her betrayal of Lyra Valkyria following their loss of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship just one night after capturing the titles at WrestleMania 41.

    However, the biggest change comes with Nick Aldis taking over Raw for the night. Adam Pearce revealed he will miss the show under \”doctor’s orders\” due to Gunther\’s attack on him and Pat McAfee last week. He did not provide further details on his condition or clarify if his absence would extend beyond this episode.

  • Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff Reunite with New Wrestling Project, and a Mystery Partner

    Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are back, but what are they up to this time?

    On Monday, Hogan and Bischoff dropped a trailer on social media alongside Hulk Hogan. The black-and-white video is reminiscent of their iconic nWo days. The longtime collaborators have declared their return, promising to \”slice and dice\” the world of professional wrestling once again.

    Throughout the teaser, Hogan and Bischoff echoed the rebellious tone that made them famous in the late 90s. Hogan remarked, \”Why so serious? Because you know who I am,\” while Bischoff added, \”You people know who we are. You have no idea what we’re about. We’re back.\”

    The pair emphasized that they once changed the wrestling industry and hinted they intend to do it again—this time with a \”third man.\” However, they stopped short of revealing the mystery figure\’s identity, or the exact nature of this project.

    Bischoff teased the newcomer\’s accomplishments, noting, \”Should we talk about all of his championships? Should we talk about the world-class athletes that he has brought to the very top? No. Not yet.\”

    Hogan called the mystery partner a \”real badass,\” adding to the intrigue surrounding the announcement.

    This marks their first major reunion since working together in TNA Wrestling over a decade ago.

  • WWE Raw Preview (April 28, 2025)

    Tonight\’s WWE Raw airs live from Kansas City on Netflix at 8/7c.

    Matches and Segments

    • Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman Address the WWE Universe
    • After forming a new alliance and attacking Roman Reigns and CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman will address the WWE Universe on Raw. With Backlash approaching, all eyes are on what they’ll reveal next.
    • Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez
    • Rhea Ripley, rebounding from her WrestleMania loss to IYO SKY, faces rising star Roxanne Perez in a key singles match as both aim to climb the championship ranks.
    • Becky Lynch Explains Her Attack on Lyra Valkyria
    • After losing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles just a day after winning them, Becky Lynch stunned fans by attacking partner Lyra Valkyria. Lynch will appear live to explain her shocking betrayal.
    • Logan Paul Returns
    • Following his WrestleMania 41 win over AJ Styles, Logan Paul returns to Raw. His next move remains unknown, but his appearances are always unpredictable.
    • Pat McAfee Responds to Gunther’s Attack
    • After being choked out by Gunther, a now-suspended former World Heavyweight Champion, Pat McAfee will address the WWE Universe live on Raw.

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for coverage of tonight\’s WWE Raw on the road to WWE Backlash 2025.

  • Aleister Black’s Return to WWE: What to Know

    Aleister Black\’s WWE return is set for tonight\’s episode of WWE SmackDown (April 25, 2025), marking his first appearance since his 2021 release. Known as Malakai Black during his AEW tenure, his comeback has been quietly building through weeks of cryptic teases.

    Build-Up and Teasers

    Over the past several weeks, WWE has aired unsettling vignettes featuring dark, symbolic imagery tied to Black’s former WWE persona. Visuals like a lone chair encircled by candles directly reference the “Dark Father” character from his previous run.

    The vignettes escalated in detail, incorporating the numbers “4” and “25” — subtly signaling the April 25 return date. Zelina Vega, Black’s real-life wife, has also appeared in these segments and was recently moved to SmackDown, reinforcing speculation about his comeback.

    Details on the Return

    Multiple outlets have confirmed that Black’s return is locked for the April 25 edition of SmackDown, the first show following WrestleMania 41. The episode will be held in Fort Worth, Texas.

    His re-debut was reportedly delayed until after WrestleMania to ensure maximum exposure and creative momentum. He was also spotted at WWE Headquarters in recent weeks, adding to internal buzz.

    Creative Direction and Potential Storylines

    Early reports suggest Black’s return could intersect with ongoing supernatural-themed storylines. He may align with or challenge the Wyatt Sicks faction, or possibly engage with Uncle Howdy, hinting at a deeper horror-inspired angle.

    Despite a strong run in NXT, Black struggled to find consistent direction on the main roster before his departure. Now, with Triple H guiding WWE’s creative, there’s renewed hope that Black will finally receive a sustained push and a defined role.

    Still, some analysts caution that the success of his return could hinge on how audiences receive the darker character elements — particularly if paired with less conventional storytelling.

  • Bianca Belair Reveals WrestleMania 41 Injury

    • Bianca Belair confirmed she suffered a possible broken finger during her triple threat match at WrestleMania 41.
    • Despite the injury and the end of her WrestleMania streak, Belair praised IYO SKY and vowed to continue her rivalry with Rhea Ripley.

    Bianca Belair has revealed that she suffered an injury during her triple threat match at WrestleMania 41 against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley.

    The high-profile bout opened night two of the event, where IYO successfully defended the WWE Women’s Championship in a match that received widespread acclaim from fans and peers alike.

    The Injury

    A behind-the-scenes video released by WWE showcased Steve Austin congratulating IYO on her performance, while also capturing a candid moment with Belair, who disclosed she had hurt one of her fingers during the match.

    “I think I broke a finger. My fingers hurt, my feelings hurt, but nah, I’m so happy right now. That was amazing. Win or lose, it’s WrestleMania,” Belair told WWE Digital.

    Despite the physical setback and the end of her WrestleMania winning streak, she praised IYO’s performance, calling her one of the best in the world.

    Her Message for Rhea Ripley

    Belair also sent a message to Rhea Ripley, stating,

    “Rhea, I’m still comin’ for that ass! This ain’t over, because it’s your fault.”

    The match marked a significant turning point for Belair, both in terms of storyline and personal resilience, as she looked ahead to future rivalries.

  • Joe Hendry Defends His WrestleMania Moment: \’Exactly How It Should Have Gone\’

    • Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 41 as Randy Orton\’s opponent, bringing his TNA World Championship to WWE\’s biggest stage
    • Despite the quick match ending with Orton\’s RKO, Hendry views the experience as a positive career milestone that will boost TNA\’s visibility

    TNA World Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry appeared as a guest on Busted Open Radio during WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas to discuss his surprise appearance and match against Randy Orton at WWE\’s biggest event of the year.

    The interview revealed Hendry\’s mindset about the moment, his journey, and what it means for his future.

    The Surprise Appearance and Match Experience

    Hendry described the feeling of being revealed as Randy Orton\’s mystery opponent at WrestleMania as \”unfathomable.\” Unlike his Royal Rumble appearance, where he simply walked out, this moment featured a special entrance with his signature spin as the doors opened.

    \”I was chill the entire time until we got close to the venue… I\’m watching the video package and I\’m going \’Holy smokes,\’\” Hendry shared about his pre-match emotions. \”The doors open, the music hits, spin around, I\’m thinking \’What is going on?\’ That\’s what I love about this business now, it\’s just anything can happen.\”

    When discussing the match itself, which ended quickly with Orton delivering his signature RKO, Hendry pushed back on characterizations of it as a \”squash match.\”

    \”The offense was back and forth… My job as TNA champion and what defines this reign is getting as many eyeballs on TNA wrestling as possible,\” Hendry explained. \”You know who else lost quickly in WrestleMania in similar fashion? John Cena. Am I going to all of a sudden say I\’m too good to do that? That was, to me, exactly how it should have gone.\”

    Confidence Boost and Future Outlook

    Busted Open host Dave LaGreca noticed a change in Hendry\’s demeanor during the interview, noting a new level of confidence. Hendry confirmed this transformation, attributing it to conversations with WWE legend John Cena.

    \”John Cena said it this morning. He was on Pat McAfee\’s show and he said \’I think Joe Hendry is going to be a major player,\’\” Hendry revealed. \”John Cena and I had another conversation last night that reinforced that for me. When John Cena won the championship, I was walking through back to the little room that I had, and John Cena—the camera crew is filming him, he\’s just won the championship—and he comes over to me.\”

    Reflecting on his remarkable rise over the past year, Hendry expressed amazement at how quickly his career has accelerated.

    \”I never thought it\’d be possible at this speed. Last year, that\’s when the song started to gain traction… I released the song on April 29th. We\’re not even a calendar year forward, and all these things have happened—WrestleMania match with Randy Orton, main event No Mercy, TNA World Champion.\”

    Focus on TNA\’s Future

    Despite experiencing WWE\’s grandest stage, Hendry emphasized his commitment to TNA Wrestling and leveraging his increased exposure to benefit the company.

    \”The challenge for me is not when can I get another moment, it\’s about how can I take this and make money for TNA,\” Hendry stated firmly. He also hinted at potential crossover appearances, mentioning that a \”WWE mega star who has a tour bus\” had expressed interest in appearing at TNA\’s upcoming Rebellion pay-per-view.

    Hendry\’s WrestleMania moment represents not just a personal milestone, but potentially a new chapter in the relationship between WWE and TNA Wrestling, with the confident champion right at the center of it all.

  • Chelsea Green on Missing WrestleMania: \’Proud of the Girls\’ But Disappointed

    Despite fan campaigns calling for the Women\’s United States Championship to be featured at WWE\’s biggest event of the year, champion Chelsea Green found herself without a match on the WrestleMania 41 card. Speaking with Adrian Hernandez for Unlikely during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, Green addressed the situation with remarkable professionalism while reflecting on her journey to WWE success.

    \”I felt the want and the need for these titles to be on the show. I wanted them to be on the show, but at the end of the day, you know, we only have so many hours and so many spots on the card,\” Green explained, acknowledging the reality of WWE\’s premier event\’s time constraints.

    While clearly disappointed about missing wrestling\’s biggest stage, Green showed solidarity with her colleagues who did make the card.

    \”I think that the women that were on the show did an amazing job of representing all of us. So, although I\’m upset and I wish I could have been on it, I\’m really proud of the girls.\”

    From NWA to WWE: A Decade-Long Journey

    The interview also provided Green an opportunity to reflect on her remarkable career journey, which included a stint in NWA in 2017 alongside several wrestlers who have since become major stars, including LA Knight, Eddie Kingston, and Thunder Rosa.

    \”I honestly reflect on this whole journey like once a week because I\’m so grateful to be here, have this championship, be a part of WWE,\” Green shared. \”It\’s everything I ever wanted when I got into wrestling.\”

    What makes Green\’s perspective particularly compelling is her appreciation for the indirect path that ultimately led to her current championship status.

    \”I wanted so badly 10 years ago to be here, but now it makes it special that I\’m here because I went through all those companies and opponents and you know, the journey was just hard and I love that for me.\”

    Championship Status and Fan Connection

    As the first-ever Women\’s United States Champion, Green\’s absence from WrestleMania 41 has raised questions about the championship\’s positioning within WWE\’s hierarchy. However, her positive outlook and team-first attitude demonstrate why she\’s become a fan favorite beyond her in-ring capabilities.

    Green concluded the interview with a message to her fanbase, whom she affectionately refers to as her \”harvest\”:

    \”If you want to be a part of my secret harvest, we do not discriminate. Honey, you are in. You are hired. As long as you are secretary of slaying, you\’re in. We love you all.\”

    While her championship wasn\’t defended on wrestling\’s grandest stage this year, Green\’s journey and perspective offer an inspiring reminder about perseverance in professional wrestling\’s increasingly competitive landscape.

  • Saraya Prefers to Revive \’Paige\’ for Potential WWE Return

    Former WWE and AEW star Saraya (Saraya-Jade Bevis) recently spoke about the lasting impact of her “Paige” character and the potential for bringing that persona back if she returns to the ring.

    “I would take Paige again. Yeah. I love that character. I love Paige. I love the music. I love that she was a badass,” Saraya said in an interview with Andro Mammo.

    Best known for her time in WWE, Paige became a standout figure with her anti-diva image, unique presentation, and aggressive style. She held the NXT Women’s Championship and captured the WWE Divas Championship twice, becoming a fan favorite during her run.

    Comparing that version of herself to her time in AEW, Saraya noted the contrast in character styles.

    “Saraya was a different character in AEW. It’s more like a chicken sh*t heel, which was fun, but I preferred Paige, for sure,” she admitted.

    Looking to the future, Saraya hinted that a return could feature a mix of both personas.

    “And if I was to be Saraya, it would be a Paige version of Saraya,” she added.

    The influence of Saraya’s Paige character extended beyond the ring, inspiring the 2019 biographical film Fighting with My Family, produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The movie chronicled her journey to WWE and introduced her story to a global audience.

    Saraya has spoken openly about her respect for both WWE and AEW, crediting WWE for helping shape her career while acknowledging the support and creative freedom she experienced in AEW. She also praised WWE’s current women’s division for its depth and talent, naming Rhea Ripley as a dream opponent should she step back into the ring.

    In addition to her wrestling legacy, Saraya is focusing on new creative ventures. She recently released her memoir, Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives, and has expressed interest in acting. She’s also set to host a new show titled Rule Breakers.

  • Tonight: First TLC Match Since 2020 on WWE SmackDown

    WWE SmackDown airs live tonight from Fort Worth, Texas, at the Dickies Arena, delivering a high-stakes episode centered around a rare Tables, Ladders & Chairs (TLC) Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships.

    In the main event, The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) will defend their titles against Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa).

    All three teams have recently held the gold, and after weeks of rising tension and last week’s chaotic title match interference, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis made the decision to settle the score in a TLC match—WWE’s first on television since 2020.

    The match is expected to deliver a fast-paced, high-impact spectacle as the teams compete to retrieve the titles suspended above the ring.

    Also Advertised

    Also advertised for tonight’s show are several top WWE Superstars, including WWE Champion John Cena, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Cody Rhodes, and Bianca Belair, adding further star power to an already stacked lineup.

    We\’ll also see fallout from WrestleMania 41, as we begin the road to WWE Backlash 2025 on Saturday, May 10.

    SmackDown broadcasts live at 8/7c on USA Network, with the spotlight firmly on the explosive TLC main event in Fort Worth.

  • John Cena Tells Logan Paul: \’Now That’s How a Bad Guy Works\’

    Logan Paul may have solidified his status as WWE’s next marquee heel — and John Cena seems to agree. On a post-WrestleMania episode of Impaulsive, Paul revealed a pair of striking compliments from the 16-time world champion that hint at a shift in WWE’s internal hierarchy. The most direct came after Logan’s match at WrestleMania 41, where he defeated AJ Styles.

    “Now that’s how a bad guy works,” Cena reportedly told him backstage. “He looked me in the eyes, pointed at me, and said that,” Logan recalled. “I was like, damn.”

    Earlier in the day, Cena offered an even more cryptic statement:

    “There’s going to come a time where we all wake up to Logan Paul.” Paul wasn’t entirely sure what Cena meant. “I thought the opposite — like I was going to be waking people up,” he laughed. “Time to wake up.”

    But Cena’s words come amid a larger context: Logan’s increasingly dominant presence in WWE, both in the ring and in cultural buzz. Fresh off his third WrestleMania win, Paul quipped that the toll on his body wasn\’t from the match — it was from doing too much.

    “My lower back — it hurts from carrying this whole entire f***ing company on my back,” he said, half-joking. “WWE and this show too.”

    With Cena preparing to retire at the end of the year, Paul’s trajectory feels less like a cameo and more like succession.