SEScoops

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Saraya Opens Up About AEW Debut and Potential WWE Return: \’I Still Have Stuff Left in the Tank\’

    Saraya reflects on her emotional AEW debut, candidly admits she wasn’t fully prepared for her first match back after five years, and shares plans to train for a stronger return.

    Saraya is far from finished with professional wrestling—and she wants the world to know it. In a recent interview with MuscleManMalcolm for Muscle Memory, the multi-time women’s world champion opened up about her AEW debut and the overwhelming reaction she received that night (AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam, September 21, 2022).

    “I was really nervous before walking out,” Saraya recalled. “I thought people might not care, but when I got out there, it was one of the loudest pops I\’ve ever heard—not just for me, but in general. It was magical. That moment reminded me why I love wrestling so much.”

    Despite the emotional high, Saraya admitted her return match wasn’t everything she hoped it would be. After five years away from the ring, the preparation didn’t fully match the pressure.

    “I’ll be honest—I wasn’t fully prepared for my first match back,” she said. “Even though I trained a little, it wasn’t enough to feel 100% confident. But I gave it everything I had because I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I could still do it.”

    Now, with more experience under her belt and a better understanding of her physical limits, she’s eyeing the next chapter—one that could include a more serious return to the ring.

    “If I wrestle again, I\’ll take this year to train properly and come back stronger,” Saraya said. “I know what my body can handle now, and I want to make sure I\’m in the best shape possible.”

    As speculation grows about potential dream matches against current stars like Liv Morgan or Rhea Ripley, Saraya isn’t closing any doors—especially when it comes to WWE.

    “I haven’t spoken to WWE about coming back, but I love that place—it’s where I grew up,” she shared. “They supported me through everything when they could have fired me. Now that I\’m a free agent, I feel comfortable showing my love for everyone—AEW, WWE—I’ve had the best wrestling career I could ask for.”

    Whether her next match happens in AEW, WWE, or elsewhere, Saraya makes one thing clear: her journey isn’t over.

    “I still have stuff left in the tank,” she said. And fans everywhere are watching to see where that energy takes her next.

  • Chris Pratt Congrats Paul Walter Hauser’s ’Progress’ in Pro Wrestling

    Paul Walter Hauser is set to make his PROGRESS Wrestling debut, and he\’s got a big name going to bat for him.

    PROGRESS Wrestling shared the following video of actor Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy, Parks and Recreation) sending a message to Hauser, who has been slowly building up his resume as a pro wrestler.

    Chris Pratt MARVELS at Paul Walter Hauser\’s PROGRESS.

    See the Golden Globe winner try and win the Proteus Championship in Las Vegas on the 17th April.

    ?? https://t.co/BYhzbztNCp pic.twitter.com/YQzc1MBB5A

    — PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) April 10, 2025

    Hauser has competed for MLW, Defy and Wrestling Revolver, among other promotions. Now, he is set to make his PROGRESS Wrestling debut this month, and Pratt had some fun with the delivery of his message:

    \”Paul, it\’s Pratt. Hey dude! I just wanted to say I was watching your most recent wrestling match and dude, you\’ve made such incredible progress! And I just want to commend you on that.

    Gamesmanship, your technique, you\’re in amazing shape right now. And you know, when one friend notices the PROGRESS of another friend, they need to reach out.

    so here I am, buddy, reaching out and saying that as our friendship PROGRESSes, I hope that you would do the same for me if you saw something that I did that you liked,\” Chris Pratt said. \”I just wanted to tell you that I commend your PROGRESS.\”

    Paul Walter Hauser will compete for the PROGRESS Proteus Championship in Las Vegas on April 17. Hauser will be in action against Charles Crowley, Effy, Adam Priest and reigning Proteus champion Simon Miller. The event is being held under GCW\’s The Collective banner.

    Chris Pratt is just the latest Hollywood star to cheer on Paul Walter Hauser\’s wrestling career.

    Almost as awesome as the announcement video pic.twitter.com/ILAHZ1Ru2N

    — PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) March 30, 2025

  • Drew McIntyre Discusses the Eye Injury That May Keep Him Off WrestleMania 41

    WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre appeared on It’s Called Soccer this week to discuss his current eye injury, his fight to make it to WrestleMania, why CM Punk’s name still gets him riled up.

    McIntyre has been sporting an eye patch over the past few weeks since being thrown through a car windshield by Damian Priest on WWE SmackDown. While wrestling has its share of scripted injuries, this particular incident was very real and nearly cost him his sight.

    “Part of the glass, where I landed on the windshield, bounced up and landed directly in my eyeball,” McIntyre shared. “I’m currently sporting the patch, hoping I can figure this thing out and get myself on WrestleMania.

    It’s a fight against time right now. It didn’t feel that bad. I’ve never landed on a windshield in my life. He probably should’ve thrown me on top of the car or the concrete to hurt more”.

    No Love Lost

    McIntyre has been involved in a long-standing feud with CM Punk, one of the most heated rivalries of recent years. They’ve mixed it up a few times already, but the Scottish star still holds animosity. When asked about Punk returning to WWE, he couldn’t help but get a few digs in.

    “Yeah, if I take myself out of my own shoes, step back. Even in my own shoes, if you told me that prior to November, I would say there’s no way he’s ever gonna be back in WWE, never mind him and I in a match together… He was a piece of crap and is a piece of crap especially back then. So yeah, I could never have imagined it happening, and I also probably knew I’m gonna rough him up the first chance I get”.

    McIntyre also shared his passion for football, particularly his love for Glasgow Rangers. He noted the decline in passion and physicality in modern football compared to the past. However, specific extended quotes on this topic are not available from the search results. McIntyre observed that WWE fans in the U.S. share a similar passion to football fans in Europe.

  • CM Punk: Without Wrestling, \’I’d be Dead or in Jail Right Now, 100%\’

    After decades in the wrestling business, CM Punk is finally set to headline WrestleMania for the first time in his career, sharing the spotlight with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in Las Vegas on April 19. Now 46, Punk is taking time to reflect on the personal and professional journey that brought him to this milestone.

    For Punk, wrestling was more than a career—it was a lifeline.

    \”I’d be dead or in jail right now, 100%,\” he admitted to Metro UK. \”I’ve narrowly avoided jail multiple times. I really don’t know… it’s hard for me to say, ‘I was interested in this’ or ‘maybe I would’ve done that.’”

    While his early dream was to play ice hockey, that path wasn’t financially viable. Wrestling, however, gave the Chicago native purpose.

    “I wanted to be a wrestler,” Punk emphasized. “I never said I wanted to be a millionaire. I never said I wanted to be a WWE superstar. I got a pair of boots and I started wrestling.”

    After leaving WWE in 2014 and stepping away from wrestling, Punk explored other avenues including UFC and film. He returned to the ring in 2021 with AEW before making his surprise WWE comeback in November 2023.

    Now, with WWE’s new partnership with Netflix, Punk is embracing the opportunity to expand into acting. He’s already involved in upcoming projects including Revival and Night Patrol, and he\’s open to more.

    “The Netflix thing is interesting, because I think they want to specifically find projects not only for me, but other superstars that they feel can cross over,” he said. “I would love to do stuff with Cena. I would love to do stuff with anybody, really. I’m in it to learn. And in that respect, I’m an artist. I want to do stuff that’s fulfilling.”

    With his WrestleMania main event approaching, Punk is focused on staying healthy, especially after an injury kept him out of last year’s show. Punk joked that he\’s tempted to \”wrap himself in bubble wrap\” until his big match against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. However, he really tries to not think about the risks, live in the moment and focus on what he does best.

  • PAC Injury Update Following AEW Dynamite

    PAC may be facing another injury setback following his match against Swerve Strickland on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. The bout ended after PAC appeared to suffer a legitimate injury to his right ankle or foot.

    The incident occurred after Strickland delivered a buckle bomb in the corner, prompting PAC to immediately clutch his lower leg. As PAC exited the ring in visible discomfort, AEW medical staff, including Doc Sampson, checked on him while Strickland remained in character in the ring.

    PAC eventually returned to the ring but was noticeably unable to put weight on his injured foot. Strickland followed up with a superkick and his top-rope Swerve Stomp to close the match.

    Update

    After the show, PAC was reportedly seen leaving the arena on crutches, according to PWInsider. This could signal another hiatus for PAC, who only recently returned in March after an extended absence dating back to July 2023.

  • Kevin Owens Recalls Bloodying Vince McMahon and Stephanie\’s Backstage Recation

    Kevin Owens has revisited one of the most controversial moments of his WWE career — the infamous headbutt to Vince McMahon on the September 12, 2017, episode of SmackDown Live. The shocking segment, which also included a superkick and frog splash, left the then-72-year-old WWE Chairman bloodied and helped solidify Owens’ position as a top heel ahead of his Hell in a Cell match against Shane McMahon.

    Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Owens confirmed the headbutt was delivered legitimately at Vince’s insistence.

    “He just talked all kinds of sh*t,” Owens recalled. “He’s shaking my hand and trying to provoke me because he wanted to make sure I was going to lay it in. Little did he know, I already planned on doing that. I had worked for him for two years at that point — I wasn’t going to miss that chance.”

    Owens described the surreal nature of seeing Vince rise up bloodied after the headbutt, calling the entire moment “pretty insane.” However, his most memorable moment came after the cameras stopped rolling.

    “As I’m walking to the back, I hear a rumble in the crowd,” he said. “I turn around and Stephanie [McMahon] is right in my face. She looks furious and just goes, ‘Get the f*ck to the back!’ And I go, okay, and turn around.”

    Despite the intensity of the moment, Owens praised Stephanie for her long-standing support of the NXT generation, including himself, Sami Zayn, Finn Bálor, Bayley, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair. He reflected fondly on the developmental years, crediting the culture fostered by Triple H, Dusty Rhodes, and Stephanie for shaping their careers.

    “They really felt like we were kind of their kids, and they were trying to get us out into the world,” Owens said. “That was really special to be around that kind of energy.”

    The 2017 segment remains one of WWE’s most talked-about moments of the modern era — a rare instance where fiction met reality in a way that captivated audiences and highlighted the extremes of WWE storytelling.

  • Bryan Danielson Defends Nikki Bella and WWE\’s Divas Era: \’You Worked So Hard\’

    In a recent appearance on The Nikki & Brie Show, Bryan Danielson offered candid praise for sister-in-law Nikki Bella, directly addressing the criticisms often aimed at her WWE career. The former WWE and AEW World Champion rejected the notion that her success was undeserved, emphasizing the work ethic he personally witnessed.

    “You worked so hard,” Danielson told Nikki. “There are people who say, ‘Oh, you were only here because you were pretty,’ or whatever… but I was there. I watched how hard you worked, I watched how hard Brie worked.”

    Danielson’s remarks come amid ongoing debate about the legacy of WWE’s Divas era, a time when women wrestlers were rarely given opportunities to showcase in-ring skill on the same level as their male counterparts.

    Recognition Beyond Stereotypes

    Danielson challenged long-standing narratives that undermined the Divas era as lacking wrestling credibility. He acknowledged the pressure women faced at the time and the dedication it took to thrive within those constraints.

    “That was such a tough time to be a woman in wrestling, and you guys just crushed it,” he said.

    His words positioned Nikki and Brie not just as performers who succeeded despite the system—but as contributors who helped lay the groundwork for change.

    A Firsthand View of the Struggle

    Reflecting on his proximity to the Bella Twins’ careers, Danielson spoke with clear admiration for their resilience. As Brie Bella’s husband, he had firsthand knowledge of their behind-the-scenes efforts to improve the role of women in the industry.

    “People don’t see that,” he noted. “The dedication, the hours, the effort — and how much you all cared.”

    Danielson emphasized that much of their impact happened away from the spotlight, in a period where women’s wrestling had limited creative support and fewer opportunities for serious in-ring storytelling.

    Reframing the Divas Era Legacy

    Rather than dismiss the Divas era, Danielson urges a reevaluation of its significance. He portrays it as a difficult but formative chapter—one where success demanded persistence, and where the Bella Twins played a central role in shifting perceptions of what women could do in WWE.

  • Bret Hart on WWE Fumbling His Legacy, What Impresses Him About Roman Reigns

    WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart joined Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg to reflect on his career, the state of modern wrestling, and CM Punk\’s latest return. In a wide-ranging discussion, Hart expressed frustration over how WWE remembers his legacy and highlighted concerns with the industry\’s current storytelling approach.

    “I think they kind of try to erase a lot of what I contributed,” Hart said. “They talk about WrestleMania 13, but they never really give me credit for what that match with Steve Austin did. It changed wrestling.”

    Bret Hart vs Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13

    Bret Hart and \”Stone Cold\” Steve Austin\’s iconic submission match from WrestleMania 13 in 1997 will make history as the first match ever inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. It will receive the inaugural \”WWE Immortal Moment\” award at the 2025 ceremony on April 18 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

    Hart points to that 1997 match as a turning point in wrestling history, emphasizing how it helped redefine characters and storytelling in the industry.

    “That match flipped the whole script. It was about storytelling, character shift — and people still talk about it because it was real… When I watch that match back, I can tell you that I think there\’s not one move that\’s out of place. You know, everything fits where it is… you can\’t take anything out of it. Everything is perfect the way it is.\”

    Hart and Austin are two of the greatest to ever step foot in the ring, and brought out the best in one another.

    \”Wrestling is all about kind of give and take, and Steve and I just had this beautiful balance of him giving to me and me giving back to him. It\’s just kind of like a tennis game, like we\’re just keep batting the ball back and forth, and at the same time just this flow that started to build throughout the match..

    Steve Austin credits his Bret Hart feud with \’making\’ his Stone Cold persona, and firmly establishing him as a WWE main event star. The \”Hitman\” has fond memories of helping Austin refine his act.

    \”I think I did a lot in the matches that I had with Steve, like in the first six months before WrestleMania 13 and even the Survivor Series, I think I steadied him and calmed him down and kind of got him to focus more.

    I really do think I helped him a lot, and by the time I fought him even at Survivor Series, he was becoming a different worker and a better worker.\”

    Today\’s Wrestling

    Shifting to today’s WWE product, Hart critiqued the lack of emotional investment in modern matches.

    “The matches now are too choreographed. They don’t grab you anymore. You don’t care who wins or loses, and that’s the problem,” he said.

    “You can do a moonsault off the top rope, but if the story’s not there, it means nothing.”

    He added, “I don’t watch it much — just highlights now and then.”

    Praise for CM Punk and Roman Reigns

    When asked about CM Punk, Hart spoke highly of the star’s in-ring skill and ability to connect with fans.

    “I like Punk. I think he’s a good wrestler, and I think he brings a lot to the table,” he said.

    He also strongly endorsed Roman Reigns. Without explicitly saying it, it sounds like he sees a bit of himself in the Tribal Chief.

    \”When I see Roman Reigns wrestle, he\’s always in control, he\’s always very calm, he\’s always kind of already got it figured out what the next sequence of moves are going to be and how he\’s going to do them and how he\’s going to execute them. He just never seems to panic.\”

    Peak Wrestling

    Hart closed by reiterating his belief that wrestling works best when it’s grounded in realism and emotional stakes.

    “That’s what made guys like me, Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels great. We made people believe. That’s what wrestling’s supposed to be.”

  • TNA Impact Preview (April 10, 2025)

    Tonight\’s TNA Impact continues the road to TNA Unbreakable on April 17 and Rebellion on April 27.

    Matches and Segments:

    • Steve Maclin vs. Eddie Edwards – This match pits two formidable opponents against each other, with Eddie Edwards being accompanied by Alisha. Maclin\’s path away from Eric Young and The Northern Armory collides with Edwards\’ push against The System, making this a must-win for both wrestlers.
    • Mustafa Ali vs. Ace Austin – In the X-Division, Mustafa Ali continues his revolutionary momentum, backed by The Great Hands and Tasha Steelz. He faces Ace Austin, a former X-Division Champion looking to regain his form.
    • Cody Deaner vs. Moose – Cody Deaner seeks to upset Moose, who is gearing up for the Ultimate X match at Rebellion. This bout could significantly impact both wrestlers\’ standings and momentum.
    • TNA International Title Qualifier: Mance Warner vs. AJ Francis vs. Sami Callihan – This triple threat match is part of the tournament for the new TNA International Championship, with the winner advancing to Unbreakable.
    • The Rascalz vs. JDC & Brian Myers – The Rascalz aim to reestablish themselves in the tag team division by taking down The System\’s JDC and Brian Myers, who are dealing with internal strife.

    TNA Impact airs Thursdays at 8/7c on AXS TV, Sportsnet 360, and is available worldwide on TNA+.

    Upcoming TNA Events

    ?TNA Unbreakable 2025 is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Cox Pavilion in Paradise, Nevada. The event will stream live on TNA+ starting at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. ?

    TNA Rebellion 2025 will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. The pay-per-view event is set to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and will be available on TNA+.

  • AEW Dynamite Results and Takeaways (April 9, 2025)

    AEW continued the post-Dynasty fallout with the April 9, 2025 episode of Dynamite, broadcast live from Baltimore’s Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena. The night featured hard-hitting matchups, evolving rivalries, and major storyline developments ahead of Double or Nothing.

    Moxley Overpowers Shibata

    Jon Moxley defeated Katsuyori Shibata in a physical non-title contest. Despite Shibata’s technical prowess, Moxley resorted to underhanded tactics, including an eye gouge, before forcing a submission with a rear naked choke.

    Swerve Strickland Shuts Down PAC

    Swerve Strickland scored a decisive win over PAC, who appeared to suffer an injury during the match. The bout ended sooner than expected, with Strickland landing a top-rope stomp to close it out. Afterward, he declared it was “buck hunting season,” targeting The Young Bucks.

    Statlander Advances in Owen Hart Cup

    Kris Statlander defeated Thunder Rosa to move forward in the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament. Toni Storm provided commentary throughout, observing her potential challengers closely.

    Eight-Man Tag Delivers

    In a high-stakes $400,000 tag match, Will Ospreay, “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Mark Briscoe, and Kevin Knight defeated Ricochet, Lio Rush, Action Andretti, and The Beast Mortos. Ospreay sealed the victory with a Hidden Blade on Mortos.

    Joe and HOOK Submit The Death Riders

    Samoa Joe and HOOK picked up a key win over Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta. HOOK forced Yuta to tap, while Joe neutralized Claudio outside the ring.

    Backstage and In-Ring Segments Stir Rivalries

    • Jon Moxley, speaking backstage, blasted the AEW roster for its lack of hunger and issued a warning to The Young Bucks, vowing that The Death Riders would “scorch the earth.”
    • The Young Bucks addressed their controversial actions at AEW Dynasty, defending their interference as an effort to protect Hangman Page and prevent Swerve from regaining gold. Kenny Omega confronted them, but the segment was interrupted by Kazuchika Okada and Swerve Strickland, hinting at shifting alliances.

    Meanwhile, The Hurt Syndicate—Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP—celebrated their successful AEW Tag Team Title defense with an in-ring toast. MJF joined the party, a vote was held to see if he’d be welcomed into the group. The result was NO.

    Looking Ahead to Double or Nothing

    With shifting dynamics among AEW’s top stars, the road to Double or Nothing intensified. Feuds involving The Young Bucks, Swerve Strickland, and The Death Riders are expected to headline AEW’s next major event in May.

  • Tiffany Stratton Acknowledges Charlotte Flair: She Paved The Way

    As WrestleMania approaches, Tiffany Stratton is not just preparing for a title defense. She’s also reflecting on the journey that brought her to WWE’s biggest stage. Speaking on The Babyfaces Podcast, the 25-year-old champion shared her thoughts on the magnitude of her upcoming match against Charlotte Flair and what it means to compete against someone she once looked up to.

    “She not only paved the way for me in my story, but she paved the way for women in general in the business,” Stratton said. “She’s a needle mover and she’s one of the best women we have on the roster.”

    This will be Stratton’s first WrestleMania as a champion — a high-profile moment that highlights her rapid rise in WWE. Still relatively new to the business, she acknowledged how quickly everything has come together.

    “I’m only 25, I’m three and a half years into the business, and I have a title,” she said. “I’m not chasing a title — I’m the one being chased, and it’s by Charlotte Flair. That in itself is a lot of pressure.”

    The emotional weight of the rivalry has grown in recent weeks, especially given the personal connection Stratton has to Flair’s legacy. Yet, she made it clear that she won’t be intimidated when the bell rings.

    “I don’t think she expected me to stand up to her,” Stratton noted. “I’m gonna pull out every stop that I can.”

    Despite the mounting pressure, Stratton said she’s working to stay focused and grounded.

    “I’m trying to bask in this being my WrestleMania prep,” she added. “I’m gonna have the biggest match of my career, and I’m just trying to stay calm with everything.”

    With WrestleMania on the horizon and the spotlight on Stratton, her match against Flair stands as a defining moment — not just for her personal career, but for the evolution of WWE’s women’s division.

  • Tiffany Stratton Talks WrestleMania Pressure

    At just 25 years old, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton is preparing to step into the biggest match of her young career — a title defense against Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. The high-stakes showdown will see WWE’s rising star face off against one of the most decorated female competitors in the company\’s history.

    Speaking on The Babyfaces Podcast, Stratton reflected on the magnitude of the moment and the rapid pace of her rise in WWE.

    “I\’m only 25, I\’m three and a half years into the business, and I not only have a title — I\’m actually the one being chased, and it\’s by Charlotte Flair,” she said. “That in itself is a lot of pressure.”

    Stratton’s journey from NXT standout to SmackDown champion has been marked by quick growth and resilience. Now, she\’s not just competing at WrestleMania — she\’s entering as champion, looking to solidify her place among WWE’s elite.

    “I feel like right now I am just trying to be in the moment,” she shared. “I\’m trying to bask in this being my WrestleMania prep… I\’m gonna have the biggest match of my career in two weeks and I\’m just trying to stay calm with everything.”

    The match holds special weight for Stratton, not just professionally, but personally. She openly acknowledged the influence Flair has had on her career, saying,

    “She not only paved the way for me in my story, but she paved the way for women in general in the business. She’s a needle mover and one of the best women we have on the roster.”

    Despite the admiration, Stratton emphasized she’s not backing down.

    “I don\’t think she expected me to stand up to her,” she said. “We\’re going into WrestleMania — I have the title, I want to keep the title, and I\’m gonna pull out every stop that I can.”

    As WWE heads toward its biggest event of the year, all eyes will be on this clash between past and present — a potential passing of the torch moment that could define the future of the women’s division.

  • 4 Key Takeaways from Dark Side of the Ring: The Story of Vader

    The latest episode of Dark Side of the Ring offered a powerful look at the man behind the Vader persona—Leon White. Known for his imposing presence in the ring, Vader’s journey was deeply shaped by early trauma, physical injuries, and addiction.

    Here are four key moments from the episode.

    1. A Violent Childhood

    Leon White grew up in a home marked by alcohol-fueled violence. Forced to become the man of the house at an early age, he got into frequent fights at school and dealt with threats at home. At just 12 years old, after a break-in at their house, his grandfather gave him a shotgun and told him he would know what to do if it happened again.

    2. The Joe Thurman Incident

    During a WCW handicap match in 1992, Vader delivered a chokeslam and a reckless powerbomb to Joe Thurman, resulting in a broken back and a near-severed spinal cord. The injury ended Thurman’s career and left a lasting emotional impact on Vader, who was seen crying backstage.

    3. The Eye Injury in Japan

    In a match against Stan Hansen in Japan, Vader suffered a gruesome injury when his eye was dislodged from its socket. Displaying extraordinary toughness, he pushed the eye back in and continued wrestling, adding to his mythos as one of the sport’s most durable performers.

    4. Struggles with Painkiller Addiction

    Years of in-ring punishment led to an addiction to pain medication. The dependency changed Vader’s behavior, creating emotional instability that contributed to the decline of both his personal and professional life.

    Through these revelations, Dark Side of the Ring portrayed Vader as a complex figure shaped as much by trauma and pain as by physical dominance—offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the mask.

  • AEW Dynamite Preview (April 9, 2025)

    It\’s Wednesday and you know what that means: AEW Dynamite returns to TBS and MAX live from Baltimore, MD at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.

    Dynamite will feature fallout from this past weekend\’s AEW Dynasty 2025 pay-per-view, including the Young Bucks\’ surprise return and their attack on Swerve Strickland, FTR turning on Cope, and the initial build to next month\’s AEW Double or Nothing 2025 event.

    Confirmed Matches and Segments:

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"
    • Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament: Thunder Rosa vs. Kris Statlander (first round match) with AEW Women’s World Champion Timeless Toni Storm on commentary
    • Tag Team Match: The Opps (Samoa Joe & HOOK) vs. The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta)
    • Singles Match: Swerve Strickland vs. PAC

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest AEW news and coverage of tonight\’s AEW Dynamite.

    What Happened at AEW Dynasty 2025

    Ahead of Dynamite, here\’s a quick recap of the major happenings from Dynasty:

    • Jon Moxley retained the AEW World Championship against Swerve Strickland in the main event with help from The Young Bucks, who made their surprise return after a hiatus since October 2024
    • Kenny Omega successfully defended the AEW International Championship in a three-way match against Ricochet and Mike Bailey
    • Adam Cole defeated Daniel Garcia to win the AEW TNT Championship in a No Time Limit, No Outside Interference match
    • Toni Storm retained the AEW Women\’s World Championship against challenger Megan Bayne
    • Death Riders (PAC, Wheeler Yuta, & Claudio Castagnoli) retained the AEW World Trios Championship against Rated FTR (Cope, Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
    • The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) successfully defended the AEW World Tag Team Championship against The Learning Tree (Big Bill & Bryan Keith)
    • Bandido defeated Chris Jericho in a Title vs. Mask match to win the ROH World Championship
    • Owen Hart Cup Tournament First Round matches: Will Ospreay defeated Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher defeated Mark Briscoe, and Mercedes Moné defeated Julia Hart
    • During the Moxley vs. Strickland match, \”Hangman\” Adam Page appeared but was attacked by the Death Riders, leading to a brawl that went to the back

  • Candice Michelle Calls Charlotte-Tiffany Real-Life Drama ‘Brilliant’ for WWE Storytelling

    Candice Michelle believes WWE’s use of real-life tension between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton adds authenticity to the product, praising the approach as a powerful storytelling tool. Speaking on Ten Count Wrestling, the former Women’s Champion reflected on how personal elements can elevate wrestling rivalries beyond scripted feuds.

    \”It\’s kind of genius because it really brings out the fire in you,\” Michelle said. \”It brings out a side of you that\’s not choreographed, it\’s not planned, and these two women are just really great athletes.\”

    The segment in question, which aired on SmackDown, involved emotionally charged promos touching on Flair’s past divorce and Stratton’s personal relationships—content that was later partially removed from WWE’s digital platforms due to backstage concern.

    Michelle emphasized that emotional realism, when used thoughtfully, can lead to some of the most memorable wrestling moments.

    \”When it really boils down to it, it\’s about that performance meaning more than anything,\” she added. \”And then when the fire is added on top of it, that\’s when you get those really incredible moments—those times where you just really connect with these people because so many people in the world go through stuff like that.\”

    Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton will settle their differences in the ring once and for all next weekend at WrestleMania 41.

    Ludwig Kaiser Denies Sliding into Charlotte Flair’s DM’s

  • Former WWE Divas Champion Candice Michelle ‘Waiting for the Call’ for Evolution 2

    Candice Michelle is eyeing a potential return to WWE, specifically at the rumored revival of Evolution, the company’s all-women’s pay-per-view. The former WWE Women’s Champion revealed she was not invited to the 2018 edition but hopes that changes this time.

    \”Anytime the women are doing great in the business you know I\’m just always applauding them,\” Michelle said during an interview on Ten Count Wrestling.

    \”I\’ve always had that kind of mentality—if the door doesn\’t open for me, I\’m just not meant to go in it in that season. So hopefully if it is returning, that this time the door will be open.\”

    Evolution 2 Dream Opponent

    Asked about a dream opponent, Michelle named Charlotte Flair, noting their shared larger-than-life personas would make for a compelling clash.

    \”She’s just an incredible heel,\” Michelle said. \”So I think that combination—both of us being a little over-the-top, queenlike—kind of battling that royalty out… where she\’s wrestling royalty, I don’t come from any kind of royalty but my own beingness.\”

    Michelle, who won the Women’s Championship in 2007, made a brief WWE return in 2019 during the Raw Reunion episode. Her comments come amid growing speculation that WWE may bring back Evolution as part of its broader effort to spotlight women’s wrestling.

    A potential return would place Michelle among several former stars revisiting the ring, blending WWE’s current talent roster with legacy performers. With Charlotte Flair continuing to dominate the women\’s division, a showdown between the two would be both symbolic and storyline-rich.

    Charlotte Flair: If It Happens, I Look Forward To Creating More Magic At WWE Evolution 2

  • Kevin Knight Felt \’Validated\’ After Wrestling Will Ospreay at AEW Dynasty

    Kevin Knight has described his recent match with Will Ospreay at AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view as a major moment in his professional journey, calling it “validating” despite the outcome.

    “It was another validating moment for me in my career. And I just kept telling myself this is what we asked for. This is what we prayed for, this is what we prepared for,” Knight said during a podcast interview on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez.

    Although he didn’t secure the win, Knight said the performance showed he could stand toe-to-toe with one of the best.

    “I stacked up great against one of the best, if not the best in the world,” he added.

    Known for his athleticism and signature dropkick, Knight emphasized the intricacies behind the move:

    “People think the dropkick is such a simple move but man, there’s so many things that go into it… the biggest thing is just the timing.”

    He also touched on his evolving style and presentation, including his tag team with Kushida, the Intergalactic Jet Setters.

    “We tried to go with some other names but they wouldn’t let us trademark it. So we went with something that was a little unique and gave off the futuristic vibe.”

    Looking ahead, Knight promised fans more surprises in AEW.

    “They can expect the unexpected out the Jet… I’m here to shake some things up and bring a little different flavor.”

  • Kevin Knight Opens Up on WWE Tryout, Signing With AEW & NJPW

    Kevin Knight has confirmed that he is officially signed to both All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), continuing a rare dual affiliation in the industry.

    “I inked the deal with New Japan as well. So New Japan got a deal with me for another year or so and so does AEW. So I’m doing both. Best of both worlds,” Knight shared during his appearance on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez.

    Calling himself “intergalactic, interdimensional, interpromotional,” Knight emphasized his goal of staying true to his evolving identity in wrestling. Knight also addressed his past WWE tryout, describing it as a valuable experience rather than a setback.

    “I understand how the business works… I didn’t take it as disrespect. If anything I took it as a challenge just to show what I’m about,” he said. “It was a great learning experience… seeing how they work, what they\’re looking for, and just the environment.”

    On choosing AEW over other paths, Knight cited the promotion’s creative flexibility.

    “It was really just a matter of where I felt I fit in the scope of the company,” he explained. “Tony’s a great person, great boss, and AEW allows you to have a little bit of freedom to find yourself.”

    Knight also reflected on his training background, including time under Katsuyori Shibata at the LA Dojo and later with Natalya and TJ Wilson at The Dungeon.

    “The biggest thing I learned from the dojo is just your fundamentals… and using your voice,” he said, noting that both training environments emphasized energy and heart.

  • Triple H Appearing on The Tonight Show

    WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque is set to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon tonight, April 8, 2025, at 11:35 PM ET on NBC. During the show, Triple H will discuss his upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and the highly anticipated WrestleMania 41, scheduled for April 19 and 20 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. 

    Triple H’s Hall of Fame induction was announced earlier this year, marking his second induction; he was previously honored as part of D-Generation X in 2019. This individual recognition celebrates his illustrious career, including multiple world championships and significant contributions to the wrestling industry. 

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

    WrestleMania 41 promises to be a landmark event, drawing fans from around the world to Las Vegas for a weekend of wrestling entertainment.

    In addition to the main event at Allegiant Stadium, WWE has planned various activities throughout the city, including the Hall of Fame ceremony at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on April 18. 

    Fans can tune in to The Tonight Show to hear Triple H share insights on his Hall of Fame induction, the preparations for WrestleMania 41, and other exciting developments in WWE.

  • Ric Flair Reacts to Charlotte & Tiffany Stratton Heated SmackDown Promo

    Ric Flair has shared his thoughts on the heated live promo segment between Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton that aired during the April 4 episode of WWE SmackDown. Speaking on Busted Open Radio today, Flair addressed the unscripted nature of the exchange and voiced concern over the personal topics brought into the storyline.

    “I have an opinion, but I don’t really want to voice it. I can say this, it’s very sensitive. I didn’t like it, but wrestling is wrestling,” Flair said. “I hate when they use me, but Charlotte said it right, you think that’s the first time hearing my name?”

    The 16-time world champion also took the opportunity to praise Charlotte’s in-ring ability.

    “She is ten times the athlete that I am. So much better of a worker than I ever was. I can’t do half the things that she does. It’s not like she’s 5’2’’ and 103 pounds. She’s 5’11 and weighs 145 pounds. She works so hard,” Flair added. “Undertaker said it best, ‘The Queen came back and regained her crown.’ She deserves it.”

    The controversial segment saw Stratton target Charlotte with personal insults, including references to her family legacy and real-life relationships. Stratton accused Flair of being emotionally unstable and claimed she would always be in her father’s shadow, before making a pointed remark about her romantic history. Flair responded with a retort referencing Stratton’s boyfriend, Ludwig Kaiser.

    When asked whether the personal jabs were discussed backstage beforehand, Ric Flair admitted he wasn’t sure.

    “I don’t know the answer to that. I would assume there was no discussion of that before, but I don’t have any idea. I’m not privy to know that. I would imagine they probably didn’t discuss it. They are certainly talking about it now, at the expense of Ashley’s personal feelings,” Flair concluded. “Wrestling is a strange animal.”

    The segment has generated considerable attention ahead of Charlotte Flair’s upcoming WrestleMania match against Tiffany Stratton, where the storyline tension now mirrors real-life emotion.

    Charlotte Flair Gets Love from Andrade After Tiffany Stratton’s Personal Jab

  • AEW\’s Peter Avalon Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

    Peter Avalon Recovering After Shoulder Surgery Amid AEW and ROH Absence

    Injury setbacks remain a part of professional wrestling, and one AEW and ROH talent has been off television due to recovery. Peter Avalon recently underwent shoulder surgery, according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, and is currently in the healing process.

    Avalon is an All Elite original, signing in April 2019 before the company\’s official kickoff at Double or Nothing the following month. He made his in-ring debut at Fyter Fest that June as part of the “Librarian” act alongside Leva Bates. Since 2023, Avalon has also appeared regularly in Ring of Honor programming.

    His most recent ROH appearance came on the October 26, 2024, episode, where he challenged Atlantis Jr. for the ROH World Television Championship but came up short.

    SEScoops wishes Peter Avalon a speedy recovery.

  • Will Ospreay Eyes Josh Alexander Rematch in AEW

    Will Ospreay is open to rekindling his rivalry with Josh Alexander—this time on an AEW stage.

    The two are tied 1-1 from their previous encounters in TNA Wrestling, with matches taking place in 2023 and 2024. With Alexander now a free agent, speculation has emerged about his potential involvement in AEW’s Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament.

    Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Ospreay said he’s unsure whether Alexander has signed with AEW, but praised the former TNA World Champion.

    “It’s not been confirmed that he’s signed anything yet,” Ospreay said. “But I mean, look, I had two epic matches with him in TNA…

    When we wrestled that first time, I had no problem telling him, like, I didn’t really know much about him, but I was a fan the moment, like, that first five minutes I started wrestling with him.”

    Ospreay noted their rematch ended with Alexander getting the win, and said he’d love to settle the score—potentially in the tournament finals. While not confirming Alexander’s AEW status, Ospreay remains hopeful.

    The mystery wildcard entrant in the Owen Hart Foundation tournament is set to face Hangman Page in the first round. Ospreay, on the opposite side of the bracket, has already advanced to the semifinals after defeating Kevin Knight.

    The tournament finals are scheduled for AEW’s Double or Nothing in May, with the winner earning an AEW World Championship shot at All In Texas.

    Ospreay also named NJPW’s Gabe Kidd as another possible wildcard pick.

    Alexander became a free agent in February following the end of his TNA contract. He recently appeared for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling and is scheduled for another appearance in May.

  • Tammy Sytch Ordered to Pay $5 Million in Civil Case Over Fatal DUI Crash

    Tammy Sytch has been ordered to pay $5 million to the estate of Julian Lasseter following a civil judgment in Volusia County, Florida. The ruling officially closes the lawsuit related to the 2022 DUI crash that resulted in Lasseter’s death and Sytch’s subsequent imprisonment.

    The consent judgment obtained by PWInsider was issued on April 3, 2025 by Circuit Judge Mary G. Jolley, and stems from a settlement reached in February. Sytch is required to pay the sum with interest and complete a financial disclosure under oath within 45 days unless the judgment is satisfied or discovery stayed.

    Lasseter was killed in March 2022 when Sytch, driving under the influence with a suspended license, rear-ended his vehicle. At the time, she had an open bottle of vodka and cannabis in her system.

    The civil suit accused Sytch of negligence and sought damages exceeding $30,000 for medical costs, funeral expenses, and emotional loss suffered by Lasseter’s adult daughter.

    Sytch was sentenced in November 2023 to 17 years in prison for DUI manslaughter and related charges, with an additional eight years of probation. Her request to serve concurrent sentences was denied.

    She is currently incarcerated and is expected to remain in prison until at least 2039.

  • William Regal Contacted About In-Ring Return for WrestleMania 41 Week

    GCW’s Josh Barnett has confirmed he has spoken with WWE\’s William Regal about the possibility of returning to the ring during WrestleMania 41 week.

    The WWE Vice President of Global Talent Development last competed in November 2013, when he faced Antonio Cesaro (Claudio Castagnoli) in NXT.

    During a recent appearance on Ringsiders Wrestling, Barnett revealed he reached out to Regal for a potential match at GCW’s Bloodsport XIII, part of The Collective series in April 2025.

    “You think I haven’t had some conversations with William Regal about, ‘If you should feel spry…’” Barnett said. “The ball is in his court. If he says it’s time, done. If he prefers spectating, that’s also done. Whatever he wants—he’s right.”

    Regal has made appearances at GCW events in the past, while his son, Charlie Dempsey, competed at three Bloodsportshows in 2024.

    GCW will host Bloodsport XIII on April 17, featuring Natalya’s debut GCW match and Pete Dunne’s first appearance with the promotion.

    Additionally, the GCW Presents ID Championship Tournament is scheduled for April 16, with new information revealed about WWE’s involvement in the tournament

  • Ricky Saints Chasing Fulfillment in WWE: \’I Want the Ball Fully\’

    After nearly a year out of the spotlight, Ricky Saints has quickly become one of WWE’s most impactful additions of 2025. Debuting in NXT just 24 hours after his AEW contract ended, Saints has already captured the North American Championship.

    He\’s quickly established himself as a star to watch in WWE\’s developmental brand, but his leap to WWE wasn’t carefully orchestrated. According to Saints, the move came together at breakneck speed. During a conversation with The Ringer\’s Cameron Hawkins, Saints reveals just how quickly it all came together:

    “People think that was days in advance,” he said. “I had never spoken to WWE at all before any of that. So when I say it happened so fast, it happened so fast—and it never let up off the gas.”

    Chasing Fulfillment

    Just one year earlier, Saints seemed poised for a breakout in AEW. He had gone toe-to-toe with MJF, teamed and feuded with CM Punk, and won the Owen Hart Cup. But behind the scenes, momentum slipped away.

    Following an early 2024 match, he was largely absent from AEW television, despite his strong in-ring performances and fan support. In the months that followed, Saints remained mostly sidelined.

    He chose to limit independent appearances and traveled frequently, both to stay grounded and to reflect on his next steps. Still, the absence took a toll.

    “Fulfillment comes from actually making art, doing art, and actually being the person that makes something and then puts it out there,” Saints explained. “When you don’t have that opportunity… my fulfillment is stalled out.”

    An Important Reminder

    The turning point came after his House of Glory appearance, when fan support reminded him of what was possible beyond the noise of online speculation. Less than a month later, he debuted as Ricky Saints in WWE.

    His arrival didn’t go unnoticed by NXT’s roster. Saints quickly found himself in a competitive, often cold environment, where his past accolades were acknowledged—but not embraced. Nonetheless, the brand has become a proving ground for his skill set, combining his promo chops with his in-ring versatility and presentation.

    Saints soon defeated Shawn Spears—another AEW alum—to win the North American Championship. That win may lead to a title defense against Ethan Page at NXT Stand & Deliver during WrestleMania weekend.

    Looking ahead, Saints isn’t shy about his goals.

    “My aspirations in AEW were to just be given a chance and given the ball fully. I want that in WWE, obviously,” he said.

    “I want the WWE Championship, but along the way, the Intercontinental Title would be great.”

    Whether on the mic or in the ring, Ricky Saints is making every moment count.