Author: Mike Reichlin

CM Punk, who has long been open about his straight edge lifestyle, recently reflected on WWE’s overseas tour, describing the electric energy of live performance as irreplaceable. As WWE traveled through Germany, the UK, Belgium, and other European countries ahead of WrestleMania 41, Punk was a featured part of the lineup, including competing for the World Heavyweight Championship.

In a Build Up To WrestleMania video, Punk explained why he made it a point to be included on every stop of the tour.

“These tours are so few and far between now that I made sure that I requested to be on all of them,” he said.

“Because there’s nothing like this. The connection I have with the audience—and over here in Europe, they haven’t seen me in 10-plus years. There’s not a drug in the world that can replicate just the feeling of doing what I do.”

Despite abstaining from drugs and alcohol, Punk echoed a sentiment many performers have expressed: nothing compares to the high of stepping in front of a live crowd. His return to Europe after more than a decade added an emotional layer to an already charged atmosphere.

With WrestleMania 41 on the horizon, Punk’s remarks highlight the enduring appeal of live wrestling and the performer-audience connection that drives the industry forward.

The grand stage for WrestleMania 41 is coming to life inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. A new behind-the-scenes photo sent in to SEScoops reveals the early stages of production, with massive LED screens, elaborate lighting rigs, and ring placement already taking shape.

Crews can be seen working across the stadium floor as WWE prepares for its biggest show of the year. The towering vertical LED columns hint at an immersive entrance experience, while heavy machinery and staging materials are scattered throughout the venue.

WrestleMania 41 takes place this weekend over two nights, promising a spectacle worthy of the “Show of Shows.” Stay tuned as the setup continues to evolve ahead of the highly anticipated event.

First Look at WrestleMania 41 Set Construction Inside Allegiant Stadium

The grand stage for WrestleMania 41 is coming to life inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. A new behind-the-scenes photo reveals the early stages of production, with massive LED screens, elaborate lighting rigs, and ring placement already taking shape.

Crews can be seen working across the stadium floor as WWE prepares for its biggest show of the year. The towering vertical LED columns hint at an immersive entrance experience, while heavy machinery and staging materials are scattered throughout the venue.

WrestleMania 41 takes place this weekend over two nights, promising a spectacle worthy of the “Show of Shows.” Stay tuned as the setup continues to evolve ahead of the highly anticipated event.

First Look at WrestleMania 41 Set Construction Inside Allegiant Stadium

The grand stage for WrestleMania 41 is coming to life inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. A new behind-the-scenes photo reveals the early stages of production, with massive LED screens, elaborate lighting rigs, and ring placement already taking shape.

Crews can be seen working across the stadium floor as WWE prepares for its biggest show of the year. The towering vertical LED columns hint at an immersive entrance experience, while heavy machinery and staging materials are scattered throughout the venue.

WrestleMania 41 takes place this weekend over two nights, promising a spectacle worthy of the “Show of Shows.” Stay tuned as the setup continues to evolve ahead of the highly anticipated event.

We’ll post a the official WrestleMania 41 Set Reveal video when it’s released on Friday.

WWE and Topps have announced two new match-used memorabilia programs as part of their ongoing trading card collaboration: the WrestleMania Patch and Main Roster Debut Patch.

Beginning with WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, each participating superstar will wear a commemorative patch during the event. These patches will later be featured as one-of-one cards in a future Topps WWE set. Starting April 21 on WWE Raw, debuting talents will wear a Main Roster Debut Patch, also included in upcoming trading card releases.

According to Fanatics SVP of product Clay Luraschi, the initiative is designed to deepen storytelling within WWE collectibles. “WrestleMania is the pinnacle. It should be celebrated, archived in time. If we can be a part of that storytelling, it just feeds the passion of the fan,” he said.

Each card will feature an autograph and be authenticated by Fanatics, following the model used in Topps’ successful MLB and MLS debut patch programs. While MLB and soccer patches are worn on jerseys, WWE patches will primarily appear on boots.

The WrestleMania and debut patch programs follow the massive success of the MLB Rookie Debut Patch Autos, including Paul Skenes’ card, which sold for $1.1 million—making it the most valuable modern baseball card sold in the last three years.

While WrestleMania patches will likely be more abundant, debut patches carry long-term potential depending on a wrestler’s future trajectory. “If that superstar turns out to be the next Rock or Cena, then that card can be one of the most high-profile in all of WWE trading cards,” Luraschi noted.

After over a year away from the ring, Randy Orton has opened up about the intense physical and emotional journey that led to his return at WWE Survivor Series 2023. In a recent interview with Complex, the 14-time world champion shared how close he came to retirement and how critical the support of family and friends was in helping him make a comeback.

Told He Might Never Wrestle Again

Orton revealed the true extent of his back injury, noting that several doctors advised him to walk away from wrestling altogether.

“There was a point where I was being told, ‘You might not be able to do this again,’” Orton said. “When you hear that after doing something for over 20 years, it hits you hard. I didn’t know what my future looked like.”

He admitted that the uncertainty took a toll mentally, but stepping away gave him a new appreciation for the career he’s built.

“Being away reminded me how much I love this. I don’t take it for granted anymore.”

A New Perspective and Style

Having returned to WWE with a new outlook, Orton acknowledged that his in-ring style has evolved out of necessity. He now focuses on longevity over spectacle.

“I’ve changed how I work. I’m not taking unnecessary risks. I want to be here for a while. I want to be able to walk when I’m 50. I’m smarter now.”

This approach reflects not just physical adjustments but a broader shift in mindset shaped by his time away.

Emotional Support from Family and Kevin Owens

Throughout his recovery, Orton credited his wife for keeping him grounded and focused.

“My wife was my rock. She told me to focus on healing and not worry about anything else. That gave me the space I needed to recover fully.”

He also highlighted the consistent support from fellow WWE star Kevin Owens.

“Kevin Owens was texting me weekly—sometimes more. Just checking in. That meant the world to me. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this, and that helped more than he knows.”

Cody Rhodes was another peer who reached out regularly, offering encouragement that helped keep Orton mentally connected to the business.

Now back in the spotlight and competing on his own terms, Randy Orton is embracing this chapter with gratitude, resilience, and a renewed focus on his legacy in WWE.

Ridge Holland has spoken out following renewed backlash over the 2022 accident that left Big E with a serious neck injury. During a recent response on social media, Holland dismissed a fan’s demand for his firing, saying continued criticism only proves he’s “living rent-free” in the fan’s head.

The incident occurred on the March 11, 2022 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, when Big E and Kofi Kingston faced Ridge Holland and Sheamus. While brawling outside the ring, Holland attempted a belly-to-belly suplex, resulting in Big E landing on his head and suffering a broken neck. The former WWE Champion has not returned to in-ring competition since.

Holland previously acknowledged the emotional aftermath of the accident, telling Metro that it affected his confidence and his standing with peers. Despite the criticism, he has continued working to regain trust and move forward.

Big E’s Stance on the Incident

Big E, for his part, has made it clear that he doesn’t blame Holland for the injury. He’s emphasized in multiple interviews that accidents are a part of wrestling and that Holland has expressed sincere remorse multiple times. Big E added that he’s had to endure enough since the incident, and doesn’t want it incident to become an “albatross” hanging over Holland’s career.

Shortly after the injury occurred, Big E stated on the MMA Hour podcast,

“We’re good, man. Things happen. It’s a part of what we sign up for. It’s not something I ever would have wanted, but it happened. Me hating him or holding a grudge doesn’t help me at all.”

In an interview with ESPN, Big E confirmed that Holland reached out to him after the incident:

“I have no issue whatsoever with Ridge. He’s reached out and said some very kind things. What we do is dangerous, and there are inherent dangers. And to that degree, we all kind of know what we sign up for, and it was unfortunate that it went down that way.”

WWE and Fanatics have announced a new podcast, What Do You Wanna Talk About, hosted by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The show, sponsored by Wheatley American Vodka, will premiere later this month with new episodes released biweekly across all audio platforms and WWE’s YouTube channel.

The podcast will feature Rhodes in one-on-one conversations with WWE Superstars and Legends, offering behind-the-scenes insights, personal stories, and pivotal career moments—all while enjoying cocktails made with Wheatley Vodka. The brand, produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, is the Official Vodka of WWE.

What Do You Wanna Talk About expands on Rhodes’ original digital series, which debuted in July 2024 and included appearances by stars such as Randy Orton and Bianca Belair. That project saw Rhodes traveling in a Wheatley-branded tour bus, conducting interviews along the way.

This new launch comes as part of WWE’s broader podcast initiative under its growing partnership with Fanatics. In March, Fanatics was confirmed as the producer and distributor for all WWE podcasts. The collaboration has already led to the rollout of The Raw Recap Show, hosted by Megan Morant and Sam Roberts, and will soon include a post-Premium Live Event reaction show debuting after WrestleMania 41.

The WWE-Fanatics partnership, which began in 2022, continues to expand beyond digital content. It includes e-commerce, live event merchandise, and major fan experiences such as WWE World, set to return during WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas from April 17 to April 21.

Randy Orton has no plans to slow down after making his in-ring return at WrestleMania 40. In a recent interview with Complex, the 14-time world champion revealed that he hopes to sign another five-year deal with WWE, showing his long-term commitment to the company following a career-threatening back injury.

“I just had back fusion about a year and a half ago. A lot of people were thinking I was done,” Orton said. “Now that I’m back, I feel better than I have in a decade.”

Orton returned to action in November 2023 at Survivor Series: WarGames and has since re-established himself on WWE programming. Discussing his current mindset, he emphasized his determination to stay active as long as his body allows.

“I want to do another five years,” Orton added. “I just turned 44, and I’d love to sign that next contract and keep it going until I can’t anymore.”

In addition to his own return, Orton commented on the recent injury to Kevin Owens, stating that the situation is still unfolding and there’s hope Owens won’t be out for long.

The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here’s what to know about tuning in to the ceremony.

Streaming Options

In the United States

• Peacock: The ceremony will stream live on Peacock, WWE’s official U.S. streaming partner. Fans can watch by subscribing to either Peacock Premium ($7.99/month) or Peacock Premium Plus ($13.99/month, ad-free).
• WWE Social Channels: The event will also be available through WWE’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

International Viewers

• WWE Social Channels: Fans outside the U.S. can watch via WWE’s Facebook and X accounts.
• Netflix: While not officially confirmed for this event, WWE programming on Netflix may include the Hall of Fame ceremony for international viewers.
• WWE Network: In regions where WWE Network is still available, the ceremony may be accessible there due to ongoing streaming agreements.

Timing Details

The ceremony begins at 10:00 PM Pacific Time on Friday, April 18, 2025. Start times by region include:

• Pacific Time (PT): Friday, April 18, at 10:00 PM
• Mountain Time (MT): Friday, April 18, at 11:00 PM
• Central Time (CT): Saturday, April 19, at 12:00 AM
• Eastern Time (ET): Saturday, April 19, at 1:00 AM
• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): Saturday, April 19, at 5:00 AM
• Central European Time (CET): Saturday, April 19, at 6:00 AM
• India Standard Time (IST): Saturday, April 19, at 10:30 AM
• Japan/Korea Standard Time: Saturday, April 19, at 2:00 PM
• Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): Saturday, April 19, at 3:00 PM

Venue Information

The ceremony will be held at the BleauLive Theater inside the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The Fontainebleau has also been named the official host hotel for WrestleMania 41 and is offering up to 30% off on room rates for Fontainebleau Rewards Members.

Mattel and WWE have announced a multi-year extension of their global licensing partnership, continuing their collaboration on a wide range of WWE-branded products including action figures, playsets, roleplay items, vehicles, and accessories.

The partnership, which began in 2010, has seen WWE action figures become a mainstay in the U.S. toy market and beyond, with products now available in over 50 countries. Mattel’s WWE Main Event Action Figure Series remains the longest-running continuous action figure line in history.

The renewed agreement comes as WWE accelerates its global footprint, highlighted by its recent partnership with Netflix. As of January 2025, Monday Night Raw began streaming in the U.S., with other WWE programming and Premium Live Events reaching international audiences through the platform.

“Our longstanding partnership with WWE has resulted in some of the most celebrated action figures in the industry,” said Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer at Mattel. “As we extend this agreement, we are committed to delivering authentic, high-quality products that capture the energy and larger-than-life personalities of WWE for fans across the globe.”

Alex Varga, Co-Head of Revenue at WWE, added, “WWE’s relationship with Mattel has been a cornerstone of our consumer products strategy for 15 years. Extending this collaboration will allow us to continue offering products that bring our WWE Superstars and their stories to life for our global fanbase.”

Mattel’s WWE products are available online and in select retailers worldwide.

WWE has officially announced the summer 2025 schedule for its RAW and SmackDown live shows, confirming dates across 10 major cities in the United States and Canada.

The tour begins on Monday, July 7, with RAW in Providence, Rhode Island at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. SmackDown follows on July 11 in Nashville, Tennessee at Bridgestone Arena. Additional stops include Birmingham, San Antonio, Houston, Cleveland, Detroit, Montreal, Quebec City, and Boston.

Here is the full schedule of announced dates:

• July 7 – RAW in Providence, RI at Amica Mutual Pavilion
• July 11 – SmackDown in Nashville, TN at Bridgestone Arena
• July 14 – RAW in Birmingham, AL at Legacy Arena
• July 18 – SmackDown in San Antonio, TX at Frost Bank Center
• July 21 – RAW in Houston, TX at Toyota Center
• July 25 – SmackDown in Cleveland, OH at Rocket Arena
• July 28 – RAW in Detroit, MI at Little Caesars Arena
• August 8 – SmackDown in Montreal, QC at Bell Centre
• August 11 – RAW in Quebec City, QC at Centre Videotron
• August 15 – SmackDown in Boston, MA at TD Garden

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, AXS, and SeatGeek, depending on the venue.

Jim Johnston, the composer behind some of WWE’s most iconic entrance themes, has criticized the way he was released from the company after over three decades of service. In a new interview, Johnston described his exit as “disrespectful” and voiced strong concerns about the current direction of WWE\’s music.

\”It\’s absolutely politics. [There] was a guy there who was trying to kill me and get his people in the door, which he eventually successfully did. I slowly got just sort of pushed out because I wasn\’t getting the full information about characters and what was needed. And so it eventually worked, and Vince eventually fired me at the end of 2017.\”

Unceremonial Departure

Towards the end of his run, he grew indifferent about his standing with WWE. His days of having fun on the job, and that inspiring great work, had long passed.

\”By the time that Vince finally fired me, I think I was kind of so burned out on it. I was fine… because this stopped being fun a while ago. Early on it was really fun, I really enjoyed it, and when things become not fun, you\’re never going to do your best work.\”

Most business relationships have a \’life cycle\’ and parties eventually go their separate ways. Unfortunately, Johnston felt a bit disappointed with how little fanfare he received after making such a contribution to the company.

\”I know from people who were still there that I disappeared. I didn\’t even get the classic corporate email to everyone saying \’Jim Johnston no longer is an employee of WWE\’… It was just like boom, that\’s it. And I never heard from anyone there, still.\”

The Creative Process, and Today\’s WWE Music

Known for creating legendary themes for stars like The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and D-Generation X, Johnston emphasized the emotional storytelling that once defined WWE music. “To me, music in wrestling is about character. It’s not just about making a cool-sounding song. It’s about telling the audience who this person is before they even speak or step in the ring,” he said.

Johnston expressed disappointment with WWE’s current musical direction, noting a lack of individuality in the themes. “I don’t hear the characters in the music anymore,” he explained. “When you heard The Undertaker’s theme, you instantly understood that this guy was something ominous and different. Today, a lot of the themes sound interchangeable.”

He also reflected on the creative process that helped elevate talent. “My job was to help make someone a star through music. Not to just fill time,” Johnston added. “When Stone Cold’s glass broke, people jumped. That was intentional. That was part of the art.”

Since Johnston’s departure, WWE has moved toward working with outside music producers, including CFO$ and more recently def rebel, marking a significant shift in how the company approaches entrance music.

Johnston’s comments underscore a broader sentiment among longtime fans who feel the current themes lack the distinctiveness and emotional punch of earlier eras. For Johnston, the exit wasn’t just personal — it represented a shift in how WWE values the role of music in shaping its performers.

Tonight\’s WWE Raw airs live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California on Netflix at 8/7c.

This episode serves as the go-home show for WrestleMania 41, setting the stage for an historic weekend of wrestling. Here’s what’s scheduled for the final Raw before WWE’s biggest event of the year.

Matches and Segments

• AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross – AJ Styles is set to face Karrion Kross in a singles match, with Kross determined to see Styles unleash his more aggressive side ahead of his WrestleMania bout against Logan Paul.
• Bayley vs. Liv Morgan – Bayley takes on Liv Morgan in a singles match, building momentum for Bayley and Lyra Valkyria\’s upcoming title challenge for the Women\’s Tag Team Championships.
• Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Paul Heyman Segment – These four superstars will appear on the show, with tensions running high ahead of their Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 41.
• Gunther Segment – WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther is scheduled to confront Jey Uso ahead of their clash for the World Heavyweight title.
• Logan Paul Appearance – Logan Paul will appear on the show, further hyping his match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for coverage of tonight\’s WWE Raw.

Layla is stepping back into the wrestling spotlight with Lay Talk, a new visual podcast dedicated to honoring and preserving the legacy of WWE’s Divas era—a period she believes has been unfairly criticized.

The podcast will focus on the overlooked accomplishments and backstage experiences of women who were central to that chapter of WWE history. As a former Diva Search winner and champion, Layla makes it clear:

“I am a diva, and I’m proud of it.”

Throughout Lay Talk, she plans to spotlight the challenges and triumphs faced by her peers, many of whom, she says, haven’t received the credit they deserve.

“I want to celebrate the Diva era… these women had great careers. We accomplished so many things that nobody knows about,” she shared.

Layla also pointed out the era’s foundational role in today’s women’s wrestling scene.

“We were the beginning… we endured so that women now can fly,” she said, urging fans to “put some respect to their names.”

As the podcast prepares for its debut, Layla’s mission goes beyond storytelling—she’s seeking to reframe public perception and ensure the contributions of Divas-era performers are properly recognized and appreciated.

Kairi Sane has shared a positive update on her recovery, three months after suffering an arm injury that has kept her out of WWE action since December.

The WWE Superstar revealed she had torn a ligament in her thumb, which initially left her unable to perform basic tasks. In a recent post on social media, Sane confirmed that she has now fully regained her grip strength and feels stronger than before.

“Three months ago, I tore a ligament in my thumb and couldn’t even open a bottle cap,” she wrote. “Now, I’ve fully regained my grip strength—and I’m even stronger than before. I’m truly grateful from the bottom of my heart to Dr. Hirsch, who performed my surgery. He was such a kind and wonderful doctor. I wish I had taken a photo with him to remember that moment.”

Sane last wrestled on the December 2nd episode of WWE RAW. While her recovery appears to be progressing well, there is no official word on when she will return to WWE programming.