SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Paul Heyman: The Bloodline Propelled Roman Reigns Beyond WrestleMania Status

    Roman Reigns is far more than just a WrestleMania headliner, says Paul Heyman, crediting the Bloodline saga as the catalyst for Reigns\’ meteoric rise. Since aligning with Heyman in 2020, Reigns has transformed from an often-criticized face into WWE\’s most dominant figure, compelling even his harshest detractors to \”acknowledge him.\”

    In an interview with SHAK Wrestling, Heyman reflected on Reigns\’ evolution. The 2024 WWE Hall of Famer highlighted how Reigns’ career, while already significant before The Bloodline storyline, has reached unprecedented heights over the last four years.

    \”Before the Bloodline, Roman was a WrestleMania main eventer. Now, he\’s the guy, the top star in the industry, and the centerpiece of WWE\’s resurgence into its Platinum era.\”

    Reigns\’ rise is not the only success of the Bloodline saga. Heyman also discussed how the storyline has elevated others, most notably Sami Zayn. He explained how Zayn’s career trajectory changed dramatically once he became part of the narrative.

    \”Six weeks after being the foil for Johnny Knoxville at WrestleMania, Sami Zayn was in the locker room with the Bloodline, and less than a year later, people debated whether he or Cody Rhodes should main event WrestleMania against Roman Reigns.\”

    This Saturday, Reigns and Zayn will team up with The Usos and CM Punk to face Solo Sikoa\’s faction in WarGames at Survivor Series. For Zayn and The Usos, this marks another milestone in their main event careers—an achievement that seemed unimaginable before their integration into WWE\’s most compelling and dominant faction. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on the Bloodline and Survivor Series: WarGames, including breaking news and live results.

    Paul Heyman Believes Bloodline Story Ranks Above nWo, McMahon vs. Austin

  • Dwayne Johnson Makes Movie History With Red One/Moana 2 Success

    WWE\’s Final Boss Dwayne \’The Rock\’ Johnson continues to be a force on the big screen by reaching an incredible movie milestone this week. As confirmed by Deadline, Johnson saw not one, but two movies reach #1 in their theatrical openings in November 2024 with Red One and Moana 2. Red One, an Amazon MGM Studios production, opened with a $32.1 million gross, while Moana 2 has the potential to hit $200 million over five days.

    Having two films reach #1 in the same month is certainly a massive accolade for the Brahma Bull, whose success doesn\’t stop there. Moana 2, a sequel to the 2016 film, has delivered the best Thanksgiving opening of all time, Deadline adds.

    No other star has pulled off two #1 films in the same month, the report adds, though some did come close, including:

    • Chris Pratt (Super Mario Bros. Movie/Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)
    • Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers/Snow White & The Huntsman)
    • Tom Hanks (Toy Story 2/The Green Mile)

    These A-List talents came close, but only Johnson has been able to deliver two #1 films in the same calendar month. The Brahma Bull is also working on a live-action adaptation of the first Moana film, with fans recently catching their first glimpse of the WWE icon as Maui.

    Amid Johnson\’s Hollywood dominance, wrestling fans continue to await his return to WWE following his return in the closing moments of Bad Blood. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on The Rock who continues to be a leading man in Hollywood and WWE.

  • First Look At Adam Copeland In Percy Jackson Season 2 Amid AEW Injury

    Fans have gotten their first glimpse of Adam Copeland in the next season of Percy Jackson, amid the AEW wrestler\’s ongoing injury. On Instagram, footage was shared of Copeland as Ares, the God of War, explaining his messed-up family history.

    Percy Jackson & The Olympians is based off the hit book series by Rick Riordan, who serves as one of the show\’s executive producers. Copeland was part of the show\’s first season and fans can expect to see the WWE Hall of Famer and former World Champion back. The second season of the show is set for a 2025 release on Disney+ though an exact date isn\’t known at this time.

    Adam Copeland\’s Injury

    Copeland\’s work on the show comes amid recovery from a fractured tibia that he suffered at Double or Nothing in May of this year. While Copeland retained the TNT Championship in the barbed wire steel cage match, the injury would result in him having to vacate the gold.

    This week, it was reported that Copeland has been medically cleared for physicality, though fans shouldn\’t expect him on Dynamite or Collision just yet. It\’s reported that Copeland isn\’t expected to appear for AEW until filming is completed for the season season of Percy Jackson & The Olympians. Hollywood sources suggest production will wrap in January.

    Adam Copeland On Being ‘Really Close’ To Signing With AEW In Late 2019

  • Triple H, Tony Khan And More Share Their Thanksgiving Celebrations

    Another Thanksgiving is in the books as people around the United States have shared what they\’re grateful for, all while digesting copious amounts of food. For the stars of wrestling, there\’s plenty to be thankful for, and some names in the industry took to social media to share how they celebrated.

    On X, WWE CCO Pal \’Triple H\’ Levesque gave a rare look at his personal life by sharing a Thanksgiving workout with his daughters.

    WWE NXT Superstar Nikkita Lyons celebrated Thanksgiving in a unique way by showing off her twerking skills.

    Lyons may have twerked one too many times, as later in the day, she shared that she wasn\’t thankful for the sickness she was dealing with. The Lioness said that someone had gotten her sick at an NXT live event last Friday in Lakeland, Florida.

    Braun Strowman enjoyed Thanksgiving, which is more than can be said for the 8 deer he killed and later shared on his Instagram Stories.

    NXT Superstar Lexis King was able to celebrate the day with his \’Queen.\’ The second-generation wrestler has been trying to become a better person as of late in the silver brand and avoid his usual heel tactics.

    Chad Gable showed that there are no off days when it comes to training to be the best, and that includes Thanksgiving.

    And AEW President Tony Khan celebrated Thanksgiving by sharing how thankful he is that there\’s plenty more matches to go in the Continental Classic. The tournament has new rules this year, and its winner will be crowned at AEW Worlds End next month.

    The LWO took their Thanksgiving celebration to Arizona by delivering over 50,000 meals as part of community outreach. We at SEScoops would like to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving as wrestling fans have plenty to be thankful for.

  • WWE\’s LWO Serves 50,000 Meals In Thanksgiving Community Outreach

    WWE and the LWO celebrated Thanksgiving in a unique way this year by ensuring that people in Arizona received a hot meal on the special day. Rey Mysterio, Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde, and WWE Speed Champion Dragon Lee attended the Food Donation Drive in Arizona and delivered 50,000 meals according to Mysterio. The line for food had been miles long since 6:30 in the morning at St Mary\’s Food Bank, the Hall of Famer added.

    It wasn\’t just meals that the trio of WWE Superstars were handing out as the group presented the St. Mary’s crew with a replica Undisputed WWE Championship belt.

    The event demonstrated WWE\’s commitment to making a difference and was part of WWE\’s community outreach program. The program sees WWE commit to various philanthropic endeavors, with WWE Warrior Award recipient Titus O\’Neil playing a role in the program.

    On WWE programming, the LWO has been feuding with Chad Gable\’s American Made faction, with Mysterio and Lee facing Brutus and Julius Creed during the latest episode of WWE Monday Night Raw. Despite this setback, the pair, alongside Zelina Vega, were all smiles as they used this year\’s Thanksgiving to make a massive difference to the people of Arizona.

    WWE’s Rey Mysterio & Braun Strowman Shine At Nascar’s South Point 400

  • Xavier Woods Was Warned To Stay Away From Kofi Kingston in WWE

    The New Day\’s decade of dominance in WWE may never have happened had Xavier Woods followed backstage advice to avoid Kofi Kingston. Today marks ten years since the New Day\’s first match with WWE which saw them win a six-man-tag on SmackDown.

    On WWE\’s YouTube channel, Woods, Kofi, and Big E reflected on their time together and how The New Day got started. Despite becoming one of the most popular groups, Woods shared that he was warned to keep his distance from Kofi Kingston.

    \”My entire WWE career, I\’d been told to stay away from Kofi. Not because he\’s bad, but because we\’re very similar.

    \”in wrestling, you\’ve got to carve out your own spot and they say, \’If Kofi\’s doing this and we automatically see you and imagine that you\’re kinda a secondary Kofi, that\’s not going to be good for you.\’ And so I always stayed away from him.\”

    Woods shared that he doesn\’t see himself and Kofi as similar and that it was a choice by he and Big E to bring Kingston into the New Day. The decision clearly worked as the group has become a staple of WWE TV, with Kingston and Big E both holding the WWE Championship.

    A ten-year celebration of The New Day will take place on Raw, though comes amid growing tensions between Kingston and Woods. The pair have been unable to get on the same page for months now, leaving fans to speculate that tensions will boil over in a matter of days.

    Fans are hopeful that Big E, who remains out of action due to his neck injury, will be able to smooth things over during the coming celebration. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on The New Day and whether the group can get back on the same page, or if the damage to the friendship between Kofi and Woods proves to be irreparable.

  • Jake Roberts On Sobriety: I\’d Have Died Years Ago If Not For DDP

    Jake \’The Snake\’ Roberts would not be living right now if not for the immense effort from him and others to combat his substance abuse issues. For years, Roberts battled an addiction to alcohol and other substances and would spend 14 weeks in a WWE-endorsed rehab clinic in 2007. Despite this, it wouldn\’t be until Page moved in with \’Diamond\’ Dallas Page in 2012 that Roberts was able to turn his life around.

    Speaking on the Insight podcast, Roberts was asked if he still struggles with his sobriety and shared that alcohol no longer is able to coax him.

    \”The smell of alcohol turns my stomach. I can walk through an airport blindfolded and tell you where the bars are at. Because of the smell. That\’s my stomach now and I\’m glad.\”

    Roberts\’ time with DDP and battle with substance abuse was documented in the documentary The Resurrection of Jake the Snake. When asked how he was able to overcome his demons, Jake made clear it wasn\’t a solitary venture.

    \”A lot of damn work, it took a lot of work. It took a lot of patience and some good friends.

    Roberts is just one of several wrestlers helped by DDP, who also aided Scott Hall with his battles with substances. Had Page not stepped in, Roberts would not have been alive for the interview according to the WWE legend.

    \”Nope. No doubt in my mind. I\’d have been dead several years ago. That\’s where I was going.\”

    Roberts is not just surviving, but thriving at the age of 69 as the manager of La Facción Ingobernable. Roberts also serves as an advisor for the community outreach program AEW Together where he uses his experience to help others make the right choices.

  • NXT\’s Tony D’Angelo Weds Wife Isabella with Pet Dogs as Groomsmen

    Congratulations are in order for WWE NXT\’s Tony D\’Angelo, as The Don of the Silver brand is now a married man. On both X and Instagram, D\’Angelo shared that he had tied the knot to his now-wife Isabella Borini. Several wrestlers shared their congrats to the happy couple including Lash Legend, Izzi Dame, Ivy Nile, and Lexis King.

    The couple tied the knot in Orlando, Florida with an intimate dinner party at the Fresco Cucina Italiana. The couple\’s two pet dogs, Charles and Cooper, served as The Don\’s groomsmen, according to a Zola website detailing the couple\’s joyous day.

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    The Don In WWE NXT

    It\’s not just in his personal life where D\’Angelo is reaching new heights. The Don is the reigning NXT North American Champion, after ending the record-long reign of Oba Femi on the October 8, show in St. Louis. D\’Angelo retained the gold against Femi at NXT Halloween Havoc in a Tables, Ladders, and Scares Match.

    D\’Angelo\’s most recent defense took place on this week\’s WWE NXT where he defended the gold against Shawn Spears. We here at SEScoops would like to extend our congratulations on D\’Angelo and Isabella as they embark on their future together as newlyweds.

  • WWE ID Prospects Detail Their Unique Wrestling Beginnings

    The WWE ID program will give a spotlight to some of the exciting talent on the independent scene. Jack Cartwheel and Cappucino Jones will prove to be two names to watch as part of WWE ID and have now shared their first experiences from their journies in wrestling.

    Living up to his caffeinated name, Jones drank two cups of coffee before stepping into the ring for the first time to calm his nerves. While those two cups did come back to haunt him later on in training, Jones immediately felt like he belonged in the squared circle.

    \”When I got into the ring for the first time, it was like a shot of Espresso. Everything I did was just different.\”

    Cartwheel almost missed his first day of training, something he was excited about after seeing his first SPW show. A mix-up meant that Cartwheel arrived at where he thought the training session would be, only to find a locked gate and no ring in sight.

    \”I went to the wrong place and felt that self-doubt that maybe I wasn\’t cut out for this.\”

    Overcoming this self-imposed anxiety, Cartwheel fought to build up his confidence and is now poised for a major role in wrestling as part of the WWE ID program.

    WWE ID Prospects will receive training at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, a venue that Cartwheel should have no trouble finding. Click here to check out our WWE ID tracker to learn all about which independent wrestlers are attached to the program.

  • AEW Bringing \’Christmas Collision\’ & \’Dynamite On 34th Street\’ To NYC

    AEW will be delivering some festive action next month with a pair of shows from the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom. AEW will kick-off with the December 21, edition of AEW Collision, dubbed \’Christmas Collision\’. On December 25, AEW will host its \’Dynamite on 34th Street,\’ a fun nod to the beloved film about a girl who doesn\’t believe in Santa Claus.

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    The two shows will mark AEW\’s debut in the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, which hosted several ECW events, including the first two One Night Stand pay-per-views from 2005 to 2006. News of the two shows come after AEW filed trademarks for Christmas Collision and Dynamite on 34th Street earlier this month.

    At this time, no matches have been confirmed for either show though the posters above promise some of the very top names on the All-Elite roster. It\’s also not been confirmed if the Dynamite show will be pre-taped, allowing the roster Christmas Day to spend with families and loved ones. The fact that both shows are being filmed from the Hammerstein Ballroom has led many to believe Dynamite will be filmed on the same day as the live Collision.

    2024 has been a huge year for AEW, with the arrival of Mercedes Mone, Kazuchika Okada, and others. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on AEW and its festive shows set to take place next month.

  • Becky Lynch: Vince McMahon Never ‘Got’ the Four Horsewomen

    Becky Lynch may be a part of the most iconic quartet of women in wrestling history, but there\’s a reason fans never saw a fully-fledged faction. Lynch was part of the \’Four Horsewomen\’ of WWE, a group acknowledged by WWE of consisting of four of the company\’s most talented women at a time when the company was improving its handling of female talent. In addition to Lynch, the group includes Bayley, Charlotte Flair, and Sasha Banks (now AEW\’s Mercedes Mone.)

    Though members of the group often teamed and often feuded, fans never saw the Four Horsewomen work together as a faction. Speaking at Vulture Festival, Lynch shared that the idea was considered, but that WWE missed its window of opportunity.

    \”It was always something bubbling under the surface, one of those ‘break in case of emergency’ ideas. But sometimes, when you leave something for too long, it just fades.\”

    Lynch chalked up WWE never committing to a Four Horsewomen faction to the idea of the group never being fully established on TV, and instead only alluded to. It didn\’t help that Vince McMahon was the ultimate decider at the time as to what made it to TV and was hardly on board with the group.

    \”I don’t think Vince ever really got it. He didn’t understand. He’d say, ‘What is this Four Horsewomen thing? They’ve never even had a match together.\’\”

    Notable Highlights

    Lynch had plenty to say during her time at Vulture Festival and discussed a variety of topics. They include:

    • She and Charlotte Flair are \”fine\” though they\’re not calling each other every night to hang out. Lynch chalked up the real-life issues that stemmed between the two on just how much love the pair once had for each other.
    • Lynch was asked if Vince McMahon’s resignation from WWE and TKO Holdings affected her memoir. She said that the book was pretty-much finished when he stepped down and it would\’ve been hard to edit and navigate the book without referencing her former boss.
    Becky Lynch Confirms We Haven’t Seen The Last Of Her

  • New Rules For How AEW Continental Classic Winner Will Be Crowned

    AEW is on the road to crown the next Continental Classic winner, but how the next AEW Continental Champion will be crowned has changed. On the November 27 episode of AEW Dynamite, it was confirmed that the winner will be crowned at AEW Worlds End, just like last year\’s tournament.

    Unlike last year though, the semi-finals will also take place at AEW Worlds End, meaning three Continental Classic matches at the pay-per-view. In addition to this change, the tournament will see the winner of the Gold League will face the runner-up of the Blue League, and the winner of the Blue League will face the runner-up of the Gold League. Last year, it was the winners and runners-up of the same league who faced each other to earn a spot in the finals.

    This week\’s Dynamite saw the tournament get underway, with Shelton Benjamin defeating Mark Briscoe in the Blue League to earn three points. Claudio Castagnoli and Brody King both earned three points in the Gold League with wins over Ricochet and Darby Allin respectively.

    The winner of this year\’s AEW Continental Classic will be crowned the Continental Champion, a title currently held by Kazuchika Okada. The Elite member was automatically selected for the tournament, where the odds aren\’t in his favor. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from the AEW Continental Classic, as fans are in for some exciting action in this round-robin tournament.

  • TNA World Tag Team Champions The Hardys Re-Sign With Promotion

    Fans can expect to see plenty more of Matt and Jeff Hardy in TNA Wrestling as the legendary duo has re-signed with the promotion. News of the pair\’s new deals with TNA was broken by SI, who spoke with Matt about this latest run with the company.

    \”It\’s like we turned back time. Everything\’s clicking. We\’re very happy with what we\’re doing there, and we want to do what we can to help build TNA back into one of the top brands in pro wrestling.\”

    Re-signing The Hardys is certainly a boon for TNA, which relaunched in January of this year to much fanfare after years as Impact Wrestling. Since then, TNA has maintained momentum thanks to popular talents including World Champions Nic Nemeth, Jordynne Grace, and Joe Hendry, as well as its popular partnership with WWE NXT.

    Matt and Jeff both returned to TNA after AEW runs many fans believed fell short of what could\’ve been for one of wrestling\’s most popular tag-teams. The Hardys captured the TNA World Tag Team Championships at Bound for Glory in October, ending the 43-day reign of The System (Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards.)

    As for how long The Hardys\’ time with the gold, that remains to be seen, but fans can expect plenty more of the brothers in the iMPACT Zone. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Matt and Jeff Hardy and their plans as part of the TNA roster.

    Jeff Hardy: ‘I Don’t Want Solo Hall of Fame Spot, Just To Go In With Matt’

  • WWE Stock Hits All-Time High As TKO Expands Portfolio

    WWE’s stock has demonstrated remarkable growth, mirroring the company’s dynamic in-ring performances. Trading under TKO Group Holdings since its merger with UFC, WWE’s stock reached an all-time high of $139.15 per share this week, marking a 77.23% increase over the past year.

    This surge underscores WWE’s robust momentum in both its entertainment offerings and corporate strategies. Over the past month, TKO stock delivered a 19.11% price return and a 27.71% return over six months.

    Analyst Perspectives

    The stock’s ascent has garnered positive attention from financial analysts. Firms such as Citi, Guggenheim, and Goldman Sachs have issued ‘Buy’ ratings for TKO, reflecting confidence in the company’s long-term financial prospects.

    Conversely, Benchmark Capital downgraded TKO shares from ‘Buy’ to ‘Hold,’ citing concerns over potential dilution of growth due to recent acquisitions and corporate activities.

    Strategic Developments

    This financial milestone coincides with WWE’s strategic expansion into streaming platforms. Starting January 2025, WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw, will transition to Netflix as part of a 10-year deal valued at over $5 billion.

    Additionally, TKO Group Holdings secured a $2.75 billion term loan to fund acquisitions, including Professional Bull Riders (PBR), On Location, and IMG. These additions aim to diversify TKO’s portfolio and enhance its revenue streams.

    On the legal front, TKO agreed to a $375 million settlement in an antitrust lawsuit filed by UFC fighters. The lawsuit alleged that the UFC restricted fighters’ pay and leveraged its dominant market position to disadvantage other promotions.

    WWE has certainly been on a role as of late, with massive deals including SmackDown\’s move to the USA Network and WWE NXT\’s arrival on The CW.

  • AEW Grand Slam: Australia Shifts to Smaller Venue In Brisbane

    AEW Grand Slam: Australia, the promotion\’s first-ever event in the country, will now take place from the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Feb 15. In an email shared by ticket provider TICKETEK, the move was made official.

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    Grand Slam: Australia was announced during All In: London 2024 and was originally set to take place at Brisbane\’s Suncorp Stadium. At this time, no matches have been confirmed for the pay-per-view.

    While no official word has been given for the change, reports have come out that ticket sakes for Grand Slam: Australia have underperformed. In September, Dave Meltzer shared on Wrestling Observer Radio that sales were \”not good\” while Bryan Alvarez said that he\’s heard similarly from \”everyone\” he\’s spoken with from Australia.

    Suncorp Stadium has a capacity of 52,500, while the Brisbane Entertainment Centre has a much smaller capacity of 13,601. This should make filling the arena a much easier task for AEW and lower the risk of embarrassing photos of throngs of empty seats, which have been shared on social media following multiple AEW TV events.

    While AEW moving to the smaller venue is clearly not a step Tony Khan and his allies wanted to make, this is what all involved believe is the right course of action. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on AEW Grand Slam: Australia including breaking news and live results.

  • Roman Reigns Weighs In On Cody Rhodes Replacing The Rock

    Cody Rhodes may have finished the story at WrestleMania 40, but Roman Reigns wasn\’t concerned about seeing Rhodes replace The Rock in Philadelphia.

    Shortly after his second Royal Rumble win, Rhodes suggested that, despite his mission since returning to WWE, he wouldn\’t challenge Reigns at WrestleMania. Not only that, but Rhodes stepped aside to allow The Rock the chance, infuriating fans who felt like the popular babyface was being cast aside for the part-timer. The hostile reaction from fans would see WWE correct course and Cody choose to challenge Reigns in Philadelphia.

    Reigns Vs. Rock is an unquestionable dream match but this was not the right time for such a contest. Speaking to SI Media, Roman admitted to not being concerned about whether it was his cousin or the American Nightmare who he faced.

    \”It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event… I am the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out.\”

    Instead of The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns, the two were allies on WrestleMania 40: Saturday where the pair defeated Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The match saw Rock abuse his power as a member of TKO\’s Board of Directors, ensuring that the official did exactly what was ordered by the \’Final Boss.\’

    With WrestleMania 41 set to take place in April 2025, speculation continues to grow as to what role The Rock will play at the PLE. The Final Boss has already dismissed \”bull***\” reports that he won\’t be at the event, with speculation growing of a potential triple threat with Rhodes and Reigns. Whatever comes in Las Vegas, fans can expect Roman Reigns in the main event, a spot that the OTC feels is rightfully his.

  • Gigi Dolin Returns To WWE NXT With Attack On Fatal Influence

    Gigi Dolin made her long-awaited return during the latest episode of WWE NXT, and is back to war with former ally Jacy Jayne. In the show\’s main event, Fatal Influence\’s Fallon Henley defended her NXT Women\’s North American Championship against Tatum Paxley. After the match, Dolin returned and attacked the faction that consists fo Henley, Jayne, and Jazmyn Nyx.

    Dolin had been out of action since March with a knee injury and made her return to action last weekend at a NXT live event. She and Jayne competed as part of Toxic Attraction for years before Jayne turned on Dolin in February 2023.

    Dolin\’s return adds a new layer of intrigue to the NXT women\’s division, which has gone from strength to strength in recent months. We\’ve seen the arrival of top-tier talent including Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, and most recently Zaria, all of whom have made an impact since debuting. Dolin isn\’t the only recent return as Nikkita Lyons also made her return following an injury, exciting fans of the Lionness.

    Now, Dolin is back and is ready to carve her own place in the stacked NXT women\’s division. With Fatal Influence holding the NXT Women\’s North American Champion, it may be just a matter of time before Gigi Dolin finds herself in a match with championship implications.

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  • Joe Hendry and Big Boom A.J. Trade Praise as Wrestling\’s Viral Stars of 2024

    Joe Hendry and Big Boom A.J. of the Costco Guys have shared their mutual respect after both went viral in pro wrestling in 2024. On X, it was shared that the pair had taken the #1 and #3 most-viewed wrestling clips on the platform this year. In response, Hendry pondered how he could top his surprise debut in NXT, which earned 18.7 million viewers, in 2025.

    Big Boom A.J. and Big Justice\’s debut on AEW Dynamite reached an impressive 10.8 million views and saw the pair appear ahead of A.J.\’s match at the Full Gear kick-off show. In response, A.J. was honored to be a part of the list alongside the viral Scottish wrestler.

    A.J.\’s victory over QT Marshall marked his first match in years, but may not be his last on a major stage. A.J. has spoken to AEW higher-ups and is open to returning for a future match. Unfortunately for fans eager to see the Costco Guy bring the \’boom,\’ A.J. will first have to recover from a broken foot suffered last Saturday night.

    As for Hendry, he remains one to watch, especially with reports that his TNA contract is set to expire in 2025. Hendry has also yet to capture the TNA World Championship, and most recently came up short at Bound for Glory thanks to the efforts of John Layfield. Many fans believe TNA needs to \’pull the trigger\’ on Hendry before it\’s too late for all involved.

  • Dead Meat’s James A. Janisse Eyes \’Bucket List\’ Pro Wrestling Match

    James A. Janisse, star of the popular YouTube channel Dead Meat, could be trading in Kill Counts and horror movies for suplexes and headlocks. Speaking during Dead Meat\’s weekly livestream, Janisse gushed about his recent first visit to an independent wrestling show.

    \”I watched James Angel a.k.a James Willems perform, it was f***ing awesome!\”

    Willems, like Janisse, is known for his online content and spent years as part of the popular Rooster Teeth gaming subdivision FunHaus. After the show, Willems introduced Janisse to his trainer which may have lit a fire in the horror movie reviewer.

    \”I might do a little bit of wrestling training because my bucket list item is to have a wrestling match… I still got a little bit of time left at my age to get in there and do it once or twice.\”

    Dead Meat And Pro Wrestling

    While Janisse has yet to step in the ring himself, he has interviewed several wrestlers about their favorite horror movies, including Liv Morgan, Chris Jericho, and Xavier Woods. Janisse and channel co-host Chelsea Rebecca also host an annual Royal Rumble in a WWE 2K video game, filling the ring with various fan-made recreations of iconic horror characters.

    With over 6.5 million subscribers to the main Dead Meat channel, Janisse has a huge audience that\’d support him if a match or two is in his future. With stars like Logan Paul, Bad Bunny, and Paul Walter Hauser impressing in the ring, don\’t count out Janisse trying his hand in the ring, and attempting to make his opponents dead meat.

  • Jason Kelce Defends Pro Wrestling: \’As Real as Any TV Show\’

    NFL legend Jason Kelce has defended pro wrestling from detractors who dismiss those who risk their bodies in the ring as \’fake.\’ Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, Kelce pointed at the fallacy of those who criticize wrestling but still enjoy other scripted entertainment.

    \”People say wrestling is fake. So is the TV show you\’re watching. You can still have a level of respect for the amazing physical specimens doing outrageous things.\”

    Kelce grew up watching both WWE and WCW, though never really got into WrestleMania until he was invited to participate. At this year\’s event, Kelce and Lane Johnson helped Rey Mysterio and Andrade defeat Santos Escobar and Dominik Mysterio. Although Kelce didn\’t take any bumps at WrestleMania 40, it was important to him to gain a painful education about what wrestlers put themselves through.

    \”I learned how to bump, how to clothesline, how to get slapped in the chest and act like it doesn\’t hurt. It actually does hurt.\”

    While some still put down wrestling as fake, many are wise to the fact that while pre-determined, those who step into the ring take genuine risks in the name of entertainment. Kelce has yet to make an appearance for WWE since WrestleMania, but if he does, the former offensive lineman will return to the squared circle with a genuine respect and appreciation for the Superstars.

  • The Young Bucks Set Sights On IWGP Tag Titles For Wrestle Dynasty

    The Young Bucks have set their sights on capturing the IWGP Tag Team Championships at the first-ever Wrestle Dynasty pay-per-view in January. In a video segment from their home, the brothers opened things up by telling someone on the phone to \”cry me a river,\” a nod to Jack Perry\’s infamous line from All In: London aimed at CM Punk.

    After hanging up the phone, the Bucks shared that they\’re tired of working from home and plan to return to the ring at the January 5, show. The pair described regaining the IWGP Tag Titles as an accolade they need to reach before they retire and warned Toyko that their \”rich God-fearing uncles\” are coming back.

    The Bucks won the titles at Dominion 6.9 in June 2018, and would hold the gold for 113 days. Their time with the gold ended at Fighting Spirit Unleashed in September at the hands of the Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa.)

    The titles are currently held by the United Empire (Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb). The duo won the gold from TMDK at Power Struggle earlier this month.

    Wrestle Dynasty 2025

    Wrestle Dynasty will emanate from the legendary Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, just one day after NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19. The show will feature talent from AEW, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor, STARDOM, and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre.

    The match card for the show so far is as follows:

    • Kenny Omega Vs. Gabe Kidd
    • Yota Tsuji vs. Jack Perry
    • Shingo Takagi (c) or Konosuke Takeshita vs. Tomohiro Ishii (NEVER Openweight Championship)
    • Zack Sabre Jr. Vs. Ricochet
    • Shota Umino Vs. Claudio Castagnoli
    • International Women’s Cup Four-Way
    • Possible: The Young Bucks Vs. United Empire (Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb) (c) (IWGP Tag Team Championships)

    With the long-awaited return of Kenny Omega to the ring, as well as Mercedes Mone teasing a role, Wrestle Dynasty will see plenty of AEW representation. Now, fans can look forward to seeing the Young Bucks back in the ring, should the AEW EVPs get their wish and a shot at United Empire.

  • Ricky Starks On AEW Hiatus: \’I Have Speculation On Why I\’m Not Used\’

    Ricky Starks isn\’t short of theories as to why he\’s not being used in AEW, but is optimistic that things will work out for him in the end. Starks hasn\’t competed since March, when he and Big Bill lost to Top Flight on an episode of AEW Collision.

    On the Insight podcast, Starks shared that he did receive a \’stinger\’ in the match, but made sure to get checked out and given the all-clear afterwards. Instead of an injury, Starks is simply sitting at home waiting to be used by AEW, a hiatus he\’s no fan of.

    \”It\’s a mindf*** because I\’m in my prime, and it sucks when you\’re on such a momentum, riding the wave and doing stuff, and then to just be at home for so long… it throws you off.\”

    Starks is not meant to be at home, the AEW star added and confirmed that despite his break, he is still under contract with the promotion. When asked what\’s really going on, Starks pleaded ignorance of any backstage reasons for his absence.

    \”Beats me, beats me. I could have a thousand theories about what\’s really going on… Do I have speculations about why [I\’m not being used?] Absolutely.\”

    Starks couldn\’t pinpoint an exact time when he noticed the pattern where he wasn\’t being used and has remained active in the ring in training despite his break from TV. Despite this setback, Starks is sticking by a mantra that he employs for more than just his career.

    \”The belief that I always have is that things will work out. Every time. Every time. Every time. Every time. Every time.\”

    Starks recently vented his frustrations at a GCW show, giving fans another layer of intrigue as to what\’s to come in his future. It\’s no secret that Starks is close friends with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, and the talented young star has caught the attention of those in WWE NXT.

    Tony Khan has commended Starks as a fantastic talent, though that hasn\’t been enough to earn Starks a spot on any AEW show in close to eight months. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Ricky Starks as fans await to see what his future holds, and where, in the ring.

    Ricky Starks Defends CM Punk Amid Hiatus From AEW Television

  • Cody Rhodes & LA Knight In Action After (11/25) WWE Raw

    Fans at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale were in for a treat after this week\’s episode of WWE Monday Night Raw went off the air. The show served as the go-home show for Survivor Series: WarGames, as well as the introduction of the Women\’s Intercontinental Championship. In the main event, Bianca Belair defeated Nia Jax to give the EST\’s team the entry-order advantage this weekend inside WarGames.

    The post-show antics at this week\’s Raw saw not one but two championships on the line. First up, LA Knight retained the United States Championship against Santos Escobar. Knight will defend the title against Shinsuke Nakamura at Survivor Series: WarGames, a match made official during Raw.

    Up next, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes put his title on the line against Solo Sikoa in a Street Fight. Once again, Rhodes stood tall over the leader of The Bloodline and sent the crowd home happy.

    Rhodes\’ attention will now turn towards Kevin Owens, who will challenge Cody for the title at Saturday Night\’s Main Event on December 14. Stay tuned to SEScoops from all the latest from WWE Raw, both on and off the air.

  • Watch Bret Hart Appear In Latest Episode Of American Dad on TBS

    WWE Hall of Famer Bret \’Hitman\’ Hart is heading to Langley Falls as part of an episode of the hit animated series American Dad. On X, Hart shared a clip of himself on the latest episode of the show. Not only does Bret\’s appearance include his iconic WWE theme song, but show-regular Klaus makes reference to Hart being Pro Wrestling Illustrated\’s Most Hated Wrestler of the Year in 1997.

    The Hitman is no stranger to being recreated in animated form, as he appeared in The Simpsons in 1997. That episode sees Hart purchase the mansion of Mr. Burns after the evil billionaire falls on hard times. Not only does Hart voice himself in the episode (though was reportedly originally going to play a Russian,) but he is delighted that the \’Shrieking Sheik,\’ a nod to the Iron Sheik, lives in the same neighborhood.

    The two-time WWE Hall of Famer also provided the voice of the pro wrestler character \”The Hooded Fang\” in Jacob Two-Two. Now, Hart has added American Dad to his animated repertoire, as the legendary wrestler continues to be celebrated decades after the end of his in-ring career.

  • United States Title Match Confirmed for WWE Survivor Series: WarGames

    Fans at this weekend\’s Survivor Series: WarGames PLE will see plenty of title match action when WWE comes to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

    On the latest episode of Monday Night Raw, Wade Barrett shared that he had some \’bad news\’ to deliver to the WWE Universe. The Brit\’s bad news was that LA Knight would defend his United States Title at Survivor Series: WarGames against Shinsuke Nakamura.

    The King of Strong Style returned a few weeks ago on SmackDown by attacking Knight and has repeatedly had the upper hand on the Megastar. Knight has held the gold since SummerSlam in August, where he ended the lengthy reign of Logan Paul.

    Nakamura is already a former two-time United States Champion but last held the gold in January of 2019. This week\’s Raw also saw an Intercontinental Championship match confirmed for Survivor Series: WarGames.

    Updated Match Card

    • Men’s WarGames Match
      Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso), Sami Zayn, and CM Punk
      vs.
      The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa) and Bronson Reed
    • Women’s WarGames Match
      Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Bayley, Naomi, and Iyo Sky
      vs.
      The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez), Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae
    • WWE World Heavyweight Championship
      GUNTHER (c) vs. Damian Priest
    • WWE Intercontinental Championship
      Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser
    • WWE United States Championship
      LA Knight (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura.