Author: Mike Reichlin

  • AEW Announces 4-Hour Fyter Fest Special Featuring Dynamite and Collision

    AEW has announced a four-hour special episode combining Dynamite and Collision, set to air on Wednesday, June 4. The extended broadcast will serve as part of AEW Fyter Fest and will take place live from Denver, Colorado.

    The dual-show format marks a unique presentation for AEW, bringing together its flagship Wednesday night programming and its Saturday show into one extended broadcast.

    AEW Fyter Fest has traditionally served as a themed special within the promotion’s calendar. This year’s edition expands its scope with a marathon format.

    The June 4 event will air in prime time, offering fans four full hours of AEW content in one night from the Ball Arena in Denver.

  • PENTA Dreams of Mask vs. Mask Match Against Brother Rey Fenix

    In a recent interview with WWE Deutschland, PENTA discussed his iconic mask and potential future plans.

    When asked about removing his mask, PENTA confirmed he has no intention of unmasking in the near term. However, looking toward the future, he revealed an intriguing career aspiration.

    “My dream match would be a mask versus mask contest against my brother, Rey Fenix,” PENTA shared.

    He suggested such a high-stakes encounter might be possible in “10 or 15 years,” emphasizing it would need to be “something special.”

    This revelation comes as Rey Fenix made his WWE in-ring debut on SmackDown, defeating Nathan Frazer. The brothers previously competed against each other in a singles match during their time with AEW.

  • Kevin Owens Responds to Matt Riddle Calling Him & Sami Zayn ‘Very Difficult’ to Work With

    Kevin Owens has responded to recent comments by former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle calling him and Sami Zayn “very difficult” to work with. KO says he doesn’t have any personal issues with Riddle, but isn’t surprised that his attitude and poor decision making led him out of WWE.

    “It’s funny coming from him, I have nothing against him at all but you know, to me, he’s a guy who had really amazing opportunities handed to him like being Randy’s tag partner, and basically getting to ride the coattails of a legend & he managed to screw it all up.

    not because of his abilities, but because of his own attitude and poor choices, so for him to say we’re hard to work with and he couldn’t get a word in…there is a pretty good reason for that. You look at our track record and his track record, I think that speaks for itself.”

    Riddle made comments about Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn being difficult during an appearance on the Going Ringside podcast.

    The “King of Bros” named Sheamus as one of the physically toughest opponents he worked with, but mentioned that working with Owens and Zayn presented unique challenges. He noted that it was tough to communicate effectively with them, saying, \”It’s hard to put a complete sentence together with those guys, if you know what I’m saying\”.

    Riddle currently wrestles for Major League Wrestling, where he’s the reigning MLW World Heavyweight Champion.

  • Kevin Owens on How He Injured His Neck, His Future in Wrestling

    Kevin Owens confirmed on last night’s WWE SmackDown that he will soon undergo neck surgery, forcing him to miss WrestleMania 41 and putting his wrestling career in jeopardy. Speaking to Robbie Fox on My Mom’s Basement podcast, Owens revealed that the injury stemmed from a match in January. He noted the issue arose despite receiving a clean MRI just a month earlier.

    “I have to go have neck surgery which, you know, 25 years in with the stuff I\’ve done, I feel like it was bound to happen,” Owens said. “But it sucks man, the timing sucks for sure.”

    The former Universal Champion expressed particular frustration about missing a planned singles match against Randy Orton at WWE\’s biggest annual event. “Not getting to wrestle Randy Orton at WrestleMania really sucks, that\’s the part that bugs me the most,” he added.

    \”In December, I did a full body MRI just on my own for curiosity… at the time the report came back that my knees were [messed up]… but your spine and your neck and everything looks good. But then in January I had a match, and in the match two things happened that really jarred my neck, and that\’s when the issues started.\”

    Owens estimated a recovery period of six to twelve months, based on cases involving similar injuries.

    Beyond the injury itself, Owens criticized how the news of his condition surfaced before he had a chance to announce it publicly.

    “It really annoys me actually… whoever leaked it is some office employee that shouldn\’t know this stuff in the first place,” he said. “Now they took away my right to tell people because now everybody knows already.”

    The injury not only affects his immediate WrestleMania plans but also puts other dream matches in jeopardy. Owens shared his disappointment about likely missing a final chance to face John Cena, reflecting on the ten-year anniversary of their first encounter. “I was really hoping I\’d get to do that before he\’s done,” Owens said.

  • Jacob Fatu to Challenge for U.S. Championship at WrestleMania

    Jacob Fatu is officially heading to WrestleMania 41 to challenge LA Knight for the WWE United States Championship, following a brutal showdown with Braun Strowman on SmackDown.

    The high-stakes match saw both superstars deliver heavy-hitting offense, including a massive spot where Strowman launched both men through the security barricade. The action soon spilled into the crowd, culminating in a dangerous fall from stacked road cases through a table.

    Despite the chaos, the match returned to the ring, where Fatu sealed the win by driving Strowman through a table in the corner with a devastating hip attack. Though both competitors were nearly counted out, Fatu beat the referee’s count, while Strowman remained down.

    With the victory, Jacob Fatu now moves on to face LA Knight for the United States Championship at WrestleMania 41.

  • Jade Cargill vs. Naomi Official for WrestleMania 41 

    Jade Cargill and Naomi are officially set to face off at WrestleMania 41, bringing their long-running feud to the grand stage. The announcement came during the April 4 episode of WWE SmackDown, where SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis confirmed the match following a chaotic night.

    Cargill attacked Naomi twice during the show—first backstage before Naomi’s match with B-Fab, and again post-match—escalating tensions between the two competitors.

    Their rivalry dates back to November, when Naomi sidelined Cargill by shoving her off a loading dock onto a vehicle. Cargill returned at WWE Elimination Chamber, targeting Naomi immediately after revealing her as the cause of her injury.

    WWE later made the match official on social media, declaring that Cargill and Naomi will finally settle their score at WrestleMania 41.

  • Kevin Owens Needs Neck Surgery

    Kevin Owens delivered a heartfelt announcement on tonight\’s WWE SmackDown, revealing that he requires neck surgery and expressing uncertainty about his future in the ring.

    Addressing the crowd in a somber tone, Owens reflected on his 25-year career, highlighting his journey from independent wrestling circuits to becoming one of WWE’s most celebrated performers.

    His announcement comes amid speculation regarding his health. He last competed at Elimination Chamber on March 1 in a brutal Unsanctioned Match against Sami Zayn.

    Owens expressed deep frustration that he won’t get to wrestle Randy Orton at WrestleMania, and gratitude for the support of fans.

    SEScoops wishes Kevin Owens all the best in his road ahead.

  • Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton Get Heated in SmackDown Promo

    On the April 4, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, tensions escalated during a live in-ring promo between WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair. The segment went off script quite a bit, leading to an unscripted exchange that drew strong reactions from the live audience.

    The segment began with Wade Barrett introducing both women ahead of their WrestleMania clash, with Flair—the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner—explaining her choice to challenge Stratton by claiming the champion had been “begging” for the spotlight.

    Things quickly turned personal. Stratton fired back, accusing Flair of feigning confidence while “crying on some boo-hoo talk show.” She continued, claiming that despite Flair’s accolades, she would always live in the shadow of her father, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair.

    Stratton escalated further, contrasting their careers at age 25, saying she was already champion while Flair had been “trying to be a volleyball player, drinking in her daddy’s basement.”

    The most pointed moment came when Stratton referenced Flair’s real-life relationship history, stating: “When it’s all said and done, you’re going to be just like you are outside of the ring—alone! What is that record, like 0-3?” Flair quickly countered with a sharp retort of her own, alleging that Stratton’s real-life boyfriend, Ludwig Kaiser, was “in her DMs.”

    The segment concluded with Stratton raising her championship belt high, leaving Flair in the ring as their WrestleMania showdown looms.

    Sources say the unscripted nature of the promo caught even some backstage off guard, creating an intense atmosphere that blurred the line between storyline and reality.

  • Nia Jax Sets The Record Straight About Medical Clearance Rumors

    WWE Superstar Nia Jax has firmly denied rumors regarding her medical status following her absence from WWE programming since the Elimination Chamber premium live event on March 1, 2025. The former WWE Women\’s Champion took to social media to address claims that she has not been medically cleared to compete.

    Responding directly to the reports circulating online, Jax posted: \”lol where is this info coming from? I love that medical info is being shared with randoms. And No\” before simply adding \”False\” in a follow-up tweet, clearly refuting the rumors about her status.

    The speculation began after WWE insider WrestleVotes had claimed that Jax was not medically cleared, leading to concerns about her availability for WrestleMania 41, which is now less than three weeks away.

    Jax has had an eventful 2025 so far, beginning with losing her WWE Women\’s Championship to Tiffany Stratton on January 3 after a 153-day reign when Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank contract.

    She went on to set a record with nine eliminations in the Women\’s Royal Rumble before finishing third. Her ongoing feud with Stratton led to a tag team match at Elimination Chamber where Jax and Candice LeRae faced Stratton and Trish Stratus, though they were unsuccessful in securing a victory.

    While Jax has not confirmed her WrestleMania status, her denial of these medical rumors suggests she may still be in contention for WWE\’s biggest event of the year. Despite recent setbacks, including a failed attempt against Rhea Ripley for the Women\’s World Championship at Saturday Night\’s Main Event, Jax remains one of WWE\’s most dominant competitors.

    As more information becomes available regarding Nia Jax\’s status heading into WrestleMania 41, SEScoops will provide updates.

  • WWE Enters Designer Toy Market with Limited-Edition Cody Rhodes x Tracy Tubera Collab

    WWE is making a significant move into the designer toy market with their first limited-edition collectible featuring \”The American Nightmare\” Cody Rhodes. This premium figure, created in collaboration with renowned artist Tracy Tubera, celebrates Rhodes\’ iconic WrestleMania 38 entrance and signature pose.

    Fans can secure this limited-edition collectible exclusively through WWE Shop pre-order.

    Premium Designer Collectible Debuts

    The collectible showcases incredible artistic detail, featuring Rhodes in his iconic WrestleMania 38 \”American Nightmare\” robe and attire. Standing at approximately 8.5\” tall, this figure captures Rhodes in his signature \”WHOA OHH! pose.

    This release marks WWE\’s first venture into the high-end designer toy market, partnering with Stance to create a premium collectible that blends artistic design with wrestling fandom. The collaboration with Tracy Tubera, an artist known for his stylized approach to collectibles, brings a fresh perspective to WWE merchandise.

    Product Details and Availability

    The official product description highlights the collectible\’s premium features: \”Take your WWE accessory collection from unremarkable to undeniable by adding this Cody Rhodes American Nightmare Limited Edition Model from Stance to it.\”

    The figure comes complete with a display stand, allowing collectors to showcase this piece prominently.

    Pre-orders are now live on WWE Shop, with shipping expected in June 2025. This limited-edition release is likely to sell quickly given Rhodes\’ current status as one of WWE\’s top stars and the unique nature of this designer collectible.

    Rhodes is preparing to defend his championship against John Cena at the upcoming WrestleMania 41, with just 18 days remaining until the event.

  • Kairi Sane Nearing WWE Return

    Kairi Sane is reportedly on the verge of making her WWE comeback following a months-long absence due to an arm injury. According to PWInsider, multiple WWE sources have confirmed that \”The Pirate Princess\” is \”very close to being cleared to compete,\” with her return expected in the coming weeks.

    The Japanese star has been sidelined since December 2024 when she suffered a right arm injury while performing with the Damage CTRL faction. The injury was serious enough that Sane shared hospital photos on social media, hinting at surgical intervention and vowing to return with an \”arm of iron.\”

    Signs of progress have been evident since early 2025. Sane was spotted without a sling or medical bracelet during the Royal Rumble Fanatics Meet and Greet, where she interacted positively with fans. By February, she had already resumed in-ring training activities, including running ropes, taking bumps, and performing athletic drills.

    While WWE hasn\’t officially confirmed Sane\’s next storyline direction, internal discussions reportedly involve either reuniting her with Asuka in the tag team division or positioning her for individual championship opportunities like the Women\’s Intercontinental or United States titles.

    As WrestleMania season continues, the imminent return of the former WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champion adds another dynamic element to WWE\’s women\’s division.

  • Rhodes\’ Redemption: WWE Champion Admits to Past Arrogance Before Career Resurgence

    WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has acknowledged a significant personal transformation since his return to WWE, admitting he was once \”arrogant\” and \”angry\” before his career resurgence.

    Speaking on Barstool Sports\’ Mostly Sports podcast, Rhodes offered a candid self-assessment of his evolution as both a performer and person.

    \”I\’m a product of everyone who\’s around me. I think the first time I was on your show, I was not a product of everyone who was around me. I was arrogant, I was angry, and that\’s all in there still, but I feel like when I came to WWE they literally gave me every weapon in the book,\” Rhodes confessed during the interview.

    This transformation marks a striking contrast to Rhodes\’ demeanor during previous public appearances, notably from his time outside WWE. The current champion\’s journey has been remarkable – from his surprising return at WrestleMania in Dallas against Seth Rollins, to consecutive main events against Roman Reigns, culminating in his championship victory.

    The Pivotal Moment

    Rhodes reflected on the pivotal moment when he left his previous wrestling promotion, describing the internal conflict he experienced.

    \”I said you people are not going to believe the Move I Make next… I was torn. One thing was my baby and something that I very much loved and was part of its inception and the origin, but then the others kind of your destiny calling you fate and what you do next.\”

    He credits his wife Brandy for a prescient warning before his WWE return: \”Brandy told me that, and I almost get choked up thinking about it, but she just said be careful what you wish for. And then what I wish for plus a million came true.\”

    The champion\’s reflective nature extends to his appreciation for his current position. When discussing his upcoming WrestleMania 41 match against John Cena, Rhodes expressed profound gratitude for his career trajectory: \”If it ended tomorrow, if the story was truly finished, I\’ve had an incredibly lucky, lucky, lucky career.\”

    Rhodes\’ personal growth coincides with his professional success, with his championship reign representing not just an athletic achievement but the culmination of a personal journey. His willingness to acknowledge past flaws while embracing his current role demonstrates the maturity that has endeared him to fans.

    As Rhodes prepares for his championship defense against John Cena at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, his growth mindset and gratitude highlight the evolution of a performer who has found both professional and personal success in his WWE return. The champion now approaches his matches with a blend of confidence and humility that was perhaps missing in earlier stages of his career.

    WWE officials have reportedly been impressed not only with Rhodes\’ in-ring performances but with his professionalism and leadership backstage – further evidence of the personal transformation he\’s described here.

    Whether facing a wrestling legend like Cena or mentoring younger talent, Rhodes brings the perspective of someone who understands both sides of the business.

    \”I\’m happy about my family being there, I\’m happy it\’s Vegas and wrestling fans who experience Vegas,\” Rhodes said about the upcoming WrestleMania, demonstrating his focus on the collective experience rather than just his individual achievement.

    For a performer who once declared that fans \”would not believe\” his next move, Cody Rhodes has transformed into a champion who fully understands and embraces his role in WWE\’s broader narrative – a redemption story both in and out of the ring.

    Check out Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes\’ full interview with Mostly Sports:

  • Bittersweet Battle: Rhodes Reveals Complex Emotions Facing Mentor John Cena at WrestleMania

    WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has revealed the emotional complexity behind his upcoming WrestleMania 41 match against John Cena, describing the encounter as \”bittersweet\” due to their personal history.

    During an appearance on Barstool Sports\’ Mostly Sports podcast, Rhodes opened up about the unique dynamic of facing someone who once served as his mentor.

    \”It\’s bittersweet because John Cena was legitimately at one point the dude I drove around for two years and learned everything I possibly could from, and I did it my way. I did it very differently than John might have thought that I would do it,\” Rhodes explained, providing rare insight into his early career development alongside the 16-time world champion.

    Student vs. Teacher

    This student-versus-teacher narrative adds significant emotional stakes to what Rhodes confirmed will be Cena\’s final WrestleMania appearance. The championship match now carries historical significance beyond the title itself, as Cena has one last opportunity to break Ric Flair\’s record of 16 world championships.

    \”It\’s bittersweet because I have to do what Jon did during that super Cena run, which is just win,\” Rhodes continued, acknowledging his conflicted position as the potential roadblock to Cena\’s record-breaking achievement. \”As much as John Cena has made a lot of enemies as of recent… there\’s still an excitement over the fact that he could break Ric Flair\’s record, that he could get 17, and you\’re looking at the guy who stops him from doing that.\”

    Wrestling historians note that this type of mentor-mentee championship match carries significant storytelling weight in the industry. The added dimension of potentially ending Cena\’s quest for a record-breaking championship creates a compelling narrative that transcends typical title defenses.

    When discussing the broader implications of the match, Rhodes adopted a somewhat ominous tone:

    \”For those of you who don\’t know how history goes, sometimes there\’s not always a happy ending… if anything I\’d say you\’re going to watch your hero unfortunately not [break the record].\”

    Industry insiders suggest that this match could represent a symbolic \”passing of the torch\” moment in WWE, regardless of the outcome. Rhodes, now firmly established as a top-tier champion, finds himself in the position of his former mentor – carrying the company as its standard-bearer.

    The juxtaposition of Rhodes\’ gratitude toward Cena alongside his determination to retain his championship creates a compelling psychological dimension to their upcoming clash.

    \”John Cena is the type that when he says something he means it, so you are watching history,\” Rhodes emphasized.

    WWE\’s creative direction has increasingly incorporated real-life elements and relationships into its storytelling, and the Rhodes-Cena dynamic represents a perfect example of this approach. Their shared history provides natural emotional stakes that resonate with longtime viewers.

    For the WrestleMania 41 audience in Las Vegas, the match offers more than athletic competition – it represents a poignant career moment that bridges wrestling generations. As Rhodes prepares to defend his championship, he balances respect for Cena\’s legacy with his responsibility as champion to \”just win,\” setting the stage for a match filled with emotional depth beyond the in-ring competition.

  • Rusev Headed to Las Vegas for WrestleMania 41 Weekend

    WWE Superstar Rusev (Miro in AEW) is headed to Las Vegas for WrestleMania 41 weekend.

    The Bulgarian Brute is slated to make a special guest appearance at the KnokX Pro event

    KnokX Pro, founded by Rikishi and Reno Anoa’i, expressed their enthusiasm:

    \”KPE is proud to welcome home our highly esteemed special guest Miro! KnokX Pro’s very own alumni from the graduating first class of 2009! We are very honored to be in the presence of God’s Favorite Champion, The Redeemer, The Best Man, The Bulgarian Brute as he celebrates with us during Mania Week in Downtown Las Vegas on Rusev Day no less! Join us as at @dlvec as we give him a warm welcome! Buy your tickets now.\”?

    Ultimate Guide to WrestleMania 41 Week in Las Vegas

  • Kiana James Reveals Injury Status and Recovery Efforts

    Kiana James has confirmed she is recovering from a leg injury that has kept her off WWE television in recent months. In a recent video shared on social media, James offered a glimpse into her rehabilitation process, emphasizing personal strength with the caption, “No one’s got you like you got you.”

    Her most recent match took place on the June 17 episode of WWE RAW, where she competed in a triple threat bout. James has not returned to in-ring action since, and WWE has not announced a timeline for her comeback.

    The nature and extent of the injury remain undisclosed, but her update signals active progress in recovery.

  • First International Champion to be Crowned at TNA Unbreakable

    TNA Wrestling has confirmed the structure of the TNA International Championship tournament, which will culminate in the finals at TNA Unbreakable. The new title succeeds the retired Digital Media Championship, which was originally introduced in 2021.

    In tribute to a classic 2005 TNA encounter, the tournament will consist of triple threat matches. The first two bouts have been announced, featuring a mix of top-tier names and breakout stars.

    The opening match will see Eddie Edwards, Ace Austin, and Steve Maclin battle for a spot in the finals. The second triple threat features Zachary Wentz, JDC, and Eric Young, with the winner also advancing to the championship bout.

    The tournament finals will take place live at Unbreakable on April 17 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, where the inaugural TNA International Champion will be crowned.

  • Charlotte Flair Redefines Strength After Divorce and Injury: \’My Biggest Comeback Yet\’

    When Charlotte Flair made her electrifying return to WWE and clinched a Royal Rumble victory, fans saw a wrestler reclaiming her spot at the top. What they didn’t see was the personal transformation happening behind the scenes.

    During her time away from the ring, Flair was navigating a deeply personal chapter—one that included a public divorce, a knee injury, and a challenging path toward emotional recovery. Her return was more than a physical comeback; it was a turning point in her journey of self-discovery.

    “It’s okay not to be okay,” she said in a recent interview. “That’s what I learned. It’s okay to take a moment, take a breather to start over.”

    Known for her strength in the ring, Flair revealed the emotional toll of constantly feeling the need to fight—both professionally and personally.

    “I was like the fight’s over. I have nothing to fight. This is me. This is who I am. I’m standing in my worth, and people can have their opinions.”

    Flair also reflected on the impact of public scrutiny, acknowledging the emotional weight of living in the spotlight.

    “For me, it’s a redemption story… everything that I have feared or been scared of or embarrassed of publicly—because everyone has an opinion, even though they don’t know the facts.”

    Now, she sees that phase of her life as a breakthrough rather than a breakdown. While her wrestling accomplishments remain a key part of her legacy, Flair believes her greatest triumph came outside the ring—embracing her identity and letting go of the pressure to constantly prove herself.

    What fans celebrated as a professional return, Flair considers a deeply personal victory: “My biggest comeback yet.”

  • Tony Khan Corroborates AEW-Max Report, Dynasty 2025 Media Call Recap

    AEW President Tony Khan held a media call this afternoon to promote this weekend\’s AEW Dynasty 2025 PPV. Here are the highlights:

    • Max Viewership Confirmation: Tony Khan addressed our exclusive report from veteran journalist B.J. Bethel on AEW’s viewership on the Max streaming platform, confirming that the numbers align with what he’s heard internally. He noted that AEW is among the top sports-centric programs on Max, though he doesn’t receive detailed weekly viewership data from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), unlike Nielsen ratings for cable TV.
    • Sting and Lex Luger’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction: Khan discussed the possibility of Sting inducting Lex Luger into the WWE Hall of Fame. He mentioned speaking with Sting around AEW Revolution last month but said the topic didn’t come up. Khan emphasized his focus on AEW and stated he’d need to have a conversation with Sting if approached about it.
    • Jon Moxley’s Spike/Nail Spot: Khan highlighted the risk of a spiked bat spot involving Jon Moxley in a match, which he and Adam Copeland (Cope) decided to take. He believes it paid off, praising the toughness of Moxley, Copeland, and Swerve Strickland, with Moxley able to wrestle the following night.
    • AEW’s Hardcore Wrestling: Khan asserted that AEW has delivered the best hardcore wrestling globally over the past few years and plans to continue doing so, referencing their recent successes.
    • Bandido vs. Chris Jericho Match: Regarding a potential mask vs. title match at AEW Dynasty, Khan said there’s still time for Bandido to respond to Chris Jericho’s challenge. He noted the match hasn’t been confirmed for “good reasons” and emphasized prioritizing wrestlers’ well-being, stating Bandido will answer when the time is right.
    • Athena’s AEW TV Presence: Khan indicated that Athena’s increased appearances on AEW TV hinge on the outcome of an upcoming tournament.
    • AEW Collision’s Timeslot: Khan expressed satisfaction with Collision’s current Saturday night slot, citing beneficial lead-in opportunities. However, when asked about potentially moving Collision if the NBA/WBD contract expires, he said he’s open to adjustments based on WBD’s preferences.
    • Fan Feedback and Death Riders Angle: Addressing fan reactions, including “tarping off” angles like the Death Riders, Khan explained that he tracks viewership, engagement patterns, and sentiment. He values fan feedback, recognizing it can be fair or polarizing, and balances it with data from WBD and Nielsen to make decisions, noting that AEW’s sentiment is currently at its best in a while.
    • Intergender Wrestling: Khan commented on a recent mixed tag segment on AEW Dynamite, stating that mixed tags occur when they make sense story-wise, like the mixed tornado tag from the previous night. Historically, Khan has been opposed to intergender wrestling, but he’s open to it in specific contexts.
    • International TV Deals and Growth: When asked by Dave Meltzer about imminent TV deals, Khan revealed he’s working on “big international TV deals” but couldn’t announce specifics yet. He highlighted AEW’s growth in 2025, noting double-digit year-over-year increases for Dynamite and Collision in England.
  • Charlotte Flair Addresses Accusations of \’Burying\’ Tiffany Stratton Ahead of WrestleMania

    Charlotte Flair has responded to accusations that she attempted to \”bury\” WWE Women\’s Champion Tiffany Stratton during their recent split-screen promo on SmackDown.

    The segment, which aired on March 21, 2025, sparked controversy when Flair appeared to improvise lines that Stratton wasn\’t prepared to respond to, creating an awkward exchange that left the champion looking outmatched.

    In a recent interview with Alex McCarthy for Daily Mail, Flair rejected the notion that she was trying to teach Stratton a lesson, instead framing the interaction as her simply performing at the level expected of someone of her caliber.

    \”It\’s great that you said \’teach her a lesson\’ – I did not look at it as a lesson. I looked at it as I am Charlotte Flair. Do you want me to be less than? This is what you wanted, right? This is who you want to be like, this is your idol,\” Flair explained.

    Looking Toward WrestleMania 41

    Flair, who earned her championship opportunity by winning the 2025 Women\’s Royal Rumble in her return from injury, expressed confidence heading into her WrestleMania match against Stratton.

    \”This is a similar situation. I am going to be as good as everyone thinks I am, and now I feel like I\’m even that much better because 2024 did kick my ass and it did give me the clarity and it did light the spark, like no, my career is on my time and I\’m coming for everything. I\’ve done my homework,\” Flair stated.

    The second-generation superstar concluded with a confident declaration about the upcoming event:

    \”WrestleMania is the easy part for me. WrestleMania is my domain.\”

    Charlotte Flair will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women\’s Championship at WrestleMania 41 this weekend, though which night the match will take place has not yet been confirmed.

  • Bella Twins Take Over Vegas: Inside Their Busy WrestleMania Weekend Plans

    The Bella Twins are headed to Vegas later this month and they\’ve got a lot lined up for wrestling\’s biggest weekend of the year.

    On their latest podcast episode, Nikki and Brie Garcia revealed their extensive plans for the upcoming WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas from April 18-21, 2025.

    WrestleMania Weekend Plans

    • Nikki and Brie will attend WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas (April 18-21, 2025)
    • They\’ll record their podcast from SiriusXM studios at the Wynn Hotel on Friday (10am-12pm PST)
    • WWE star Natalya \”Nattie\” Neidhart will join as a guest to discuss her new book
    • Their first-ever live YouTube show will stream Saturday at 11am PST in partnership with Xfinity

    Bonita Bonita Wine Appearances

    • Their wine brand will be available at multiple Las Vegas venues:
      • Old Red (Friday night)
      • Hooters (Saturday late afternoon)
      • Flankers at Mandalay Bay (throughout the weekend)

    Wrestling Career Mentions

    • Brie joked she\’s \”out here grappling the grapes while Nikki\’s looking grappling the girls\”
    • Nikki referenced a potential \”comeback\” as Nikki Bella among her career aspirations
    • They reminisced about earning only $500 a week before taxes in their early wrestling days

    Total Divas & Total Bellas

    • They\’re creating a \”busted brackets\” Instagram game for fans to vote on favorite unscripted TV shows
    • The twins expressed interest in a potential reunion special with the original Total Divas cast
    • Former castmate Naomi (Trinity Fatu) will join them in Las Vegas along with Natalya
  • Jay White\’s Legitimate Injury Forces Withdrawal from Owen Hart Tournament

    AEW star Jay White has sustained a legitimate injury that necessitated his withdrawal from the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, as confirmed by Fightful Select. White is expected to undergo surgery.

    This development is a significant setback for \”Switchblade,\” who has been a prominent figure in professional wrestling.

    Fans and colleagues alike are extending their support and well-wishes for his swift recovery.?

  • AEW Unveils Men’s and Women’s 2025 Owen Hart Tournament Brackets

    AEW has officially unveiled the brackets for the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Men’s and Women’s Tournaments, featuring high-stakes matchups across both divisions.

    Women’s Bracket

    In the women’s bracket, Jamie Hayter will face Billie Starkz, while Thunder Rosa takes on Kris Statlander on one side. The other half features AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné vs. Julia Hart and ROH Women’s Champion Athena vs. Harley Cameron. The tournament finals are scheduled for AEW Double or Nothing on May 25, with the winner earning a shot at the AEW Women’s Championship at AEW All In.

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

    Men’s Bracket

    The men’s bracket also includes several major names. Will Ospreay faces Kevin Knight, while Brody King battles Konosuke Takeshita in the opening round. On the other side, Mark Briscoe will square off with Kyle Fletcher, and Adam Page is set to meet a mystery opponent. Winners will advance through the semifinals, leading to the finals at Double or Nothing.

    Also on the April 2 edition of AEW Dynamite, Willow Nightingale scored a pinfall win over Marina Shafir in a mixed tag team match, delivering a powerbomb for the finish. The celebration was cut short when Jon Moxley attacked Nightingale with a DDT post-match, escaping before Swerve Strickland could intervene.

  • GCW Tag Champions Backstage at AEW Dynamite (Report)

    Violence is Forever, the acclaimed independent tag team of Dominic Garrini and Kevin Ku, are reportedly backstage ahead of tonight\’s AEW Dynamite in Peoria, Illinois, according to Fightful Select.

    Known for their hard-hitting style and technical prowess, the duo has established themselves as one of the most decorated teams on the independent circuit, recently reclaiming the GCW Tag Team Championships in a four-way match at GCW No Compadre.

    Violence is Forever has previously worked AEW events, including AEW Dark: Elevation, and their return could signal a strategic addition to AEW’s evolving tag team division.

    With a reputation for blending technical wrestling and brutality, Garrini and Ku have held titles across promotions like GCW, DPW, and SUP.

    Their storied career includes a 442-day reign as GCW Tag Team Champions and matches against top-tier teams like FTR.

  • Miro (Rusev) Signs with WWE, Visits Company Headquarters

    Miro, formerly known as Rusev in WWE, has officially re-signed with the company, according to PWInsider. The former United States Champion was reportedly at WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut for most of the day.

    Multiple sources confirmed his presence at the facility, with indications that the visit was part of setting up his return to WWE programming.

    Although the timeline for his on-screen comeback remains unclear, his re-entry into the WWE fold appears to be underway.

    Micro’s wife CJ Perry, best known to WWE fans as Lana, did not accompany him during the visit.

    Rejoice – it’s Rusev Day once again!

  • Starrcast Returns with 2-Day Convention During AEW’s All In: Texas Weekend

    Starrcast is set to return to the United States for the first time in two years, scheduled to coincide with AEW’s All In: Texas weekend. The wrestling convention will take place Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel, near Globe Life Field.

    Starrcast organizer Conrad Thompson tells the Dallas Morning News, “This will be the first one that we’ve done in America in two years, and I’m looking forward to it.\”

    Originally created to support the inaugural All In in 2018, Starrcast now rejoins the event as it returns stateside.

    “The idea that Starrcast was created to support the very first ‘All In,’ and now, seven years later, ‘All In’ is back in America, I jumped at a chance to have Starrcast make it an even bigger week,” Thompson said.

    The two-day convention will feature meet-and-greets with AEW stars, appearances from wrestling legends, panel discussions, and exclusive fan experiences. According to Thompson, the event will offer “really unique autograph opportunities and photo op opportunities that we’ve never really been able to offer before.”

    Thompson also hinted at special moments honoring legendary careers.

    “I think my calendar shows that JR has been involved in wrestling for 50 years this year, so maybe we’ll celebrate that, too. It’s going to be a fun week.”

    Tickets for Starrcast go on sale April 21 at 10:00 a.m. through Starrcast.com.