SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Tony Schiavone On Samantha Irvin: AEW Already Has The Best Announcer

    When Samantha Irvin announced her exit from WWE earlier this week, fans quickly speculated on a move to AEW, where her fiancé Ricochet is currently competing. Given that part of Irvin’s decision to leave stemmed from her family life, it makes sense for her to at least consider an AEW role, but Tony Schiavone doesn’t see it happening.

    On his What Happened When podcast, Schiavone gave his thoughts on Irvin possibly being All Elite and argued that the popular announcer isn’t needed in the company.

    “We already got the best ring announcer in the world with Justin Roberts. And Arkady Aura is a great ring announcer, who’s a great person and is doing a great job. [Samantha Irvin] ain’t coming here. I wouldn’t think. And of course, I’ve been wrong so many times, but why would we?”

    Later on, though, Schiavone did acknowledge that wrestling is unpredictable and seemingly didn’t count out Irvin making a surprise debut for the promotion.

    “I could show up tonight in Salt Lake City and there she could be.”

    For what it’s worth, Ricochet has said that his fiancée doesn’t intend to join, and it’s been reported that Samantha wants to explore her opportunities outside of pro wrestling. While AEW could make a move to sign Irvin, it appears that an All-Elite arrival isn’t on the cards, though we know to never say never in the world of pro wrestling. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Samantha Irvin, and her moves both in and outside of wrestling.

  • First Match Announced Of Hiroshi Tanahashi\’s Retirement Tour

    The retirement tour of Hiroshi Tanahashi will kick off this coming January at Wrestle Kingdom 19, New Japan has announced.

    At New Japan Pro Wrestling’s King Of Pro Wrestling event in October 2024, Tanahashi announced that he would end his career on January 4, 2026, after competing for the promotion since 1999. Now, New Japan has confirmed that exactly one year before he hangs up his boots for good, Tananashi will start his farewell tour at Wrestle Kingdom 19 against Evil

    From NJPW:

    Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4 in the Tokyo Dome has gained its first official matchup, as Hiroshi Tanahashi will be battling EVIL.

    At King of Pro-Wrestling on October 14, Tanahashi made the earth shattering announcement that he would be retiring on January 4 2026. That drew the ire of EVIL, who barked that he would be putting an end to the Ace much earlier. The King of Darkness interrupted Tanahashi’s retirement press conference to issue a challenge that has now been accepted for the Tokyo Dome. Will the retirement road for one of the greatest of all time be put to an end before it properly begins, or will Tanahashi’s last year in pro-wrestling begin with a high?

    At a press conference earlier this month, Evil vowed to retire Tananahshi when they face off one year earlier than when the Japanese legend plans to retire from in-ring competition. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from Hiroshi Tanahashi\’s retirement tour and plans and matches for Wrestle Kingdom 19.

  • Damian Priest Teams With New York Yankees For World Series Hype Video

    Damian Priest is one of the top WWE Superstars on Monday Night Raw, and 2024 has been a huge year for the former World Heavyweight Champion. Now, the Archer of Infamy has made a splash outside the squared circle by teaming up with the New York Yankees.

    The New York Yankees released a hype video ahead of their World Series showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Priest, who is a longtime fan of the team and has been an active supporter throughout the season, narrates the video.

    Priest has been more open to projects outside WWE this year and signed with the Paradigm Talent Agency in April, mere days after his World Heavyweight Title win at WrestleMania 40. Other WWE names who have signed with the agency include Liv Morgan, Drew McIntyre, and Tiffany Stratton.

    In September, Priest claimed he\’d landed a major role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which was rumored to be that of the film\’s antagonist Namor. Priest would explain that the role \”got taken away from me, but not from Marvel\” implying that WWE higher-ups had blocked this huge opportunity. Priest added that \”the regime was a little bit different at the time\” as the film was in the works during Vince McMahon\’s era.

    The role with the New York Yankees is a huge showcase for Priest who continues to be a force to be reckoned with on TV. Stay tuned for the latest from Damian Priest both in and out of the ring.

  • WWE\’s Natalya Opens Up On Her Fight With Legal Blindness For Years

    Since her debut on WWE\’s main roster in 2008, Natalya has been a consistent performer in WWE\’s women\’s division, with singles and tag title reigns to her name. Now, the Hart Dungeon graduate has revealed that she spent much of her career legally blind in one eye, and how she overcame this disability.

    Natalya was born with astigmatism and was legally blind in her left eye. The Canadian even discussed the issue during a 2015 taping of Total Divas, though her reveal was cut from the show\’s broadcast. For years, Natalya tried to do what she could to correct her left eye, but to no avail.

    \”They didn\’t have the technology to fix it,” she tells SI. “Didn\’t qualify for LASIK because of how my eye was shaped. At that time, the procedure that they had for [a] lens implant, because of the shape of my eye, I didn\’t qualify for it.\”

    The use of a contact lens in her eye left the veteran \”see double\” and she ultimately decided to take it out and \”let my right eye do all the work.\” This would be the case for years until this past summer when hope for her condition finally came about.

    \”I had a little time off this summer in between my contract re-signing. And I was like, if I had this time off, I\’m going to ask WWE if I can get this fixed because I went and found an eye doctor.\”

    Natalya visited Newsom Eye in Tampa, which had cutting-edge technology that hadn\’t been available previously. The procedure included an implant surgery which proved to be perfect for her damaged vision.

    “They even strengthened my right eye. I had surgery in my right eye to get (it) even stronger so that my right eye (and) my left eye are totally in sync with each other.”

    Three months after her previous match, Natalya returned to action on the September 9, Raw, fittingly in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. While the future remains unclear for the Queen of Harts, who has wrestled just twice since her emotional comeback, it\’s a future that Natalya will see coming with perfect vision.

  • TKO Grows Portfolio With Professional Bull Riders & Other Acquisitions

    It\’s been 13 months since WWE and UFC came together under TKO Group Holdings, which aims to bring the very best events in the world of combat sports. Now, TKO has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Professional Bull Riders, On Location, and IMG from Endeavor.

    In a statement, Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO and Endeavor said:

    \”Today\’s announcements reflect the continued strength of our underlying business and our commitment to deploying capital through a balanced capital allocation strategy, including through our share repurchase program and quarterly cash dividend program. This underscores our continued focus on delivering sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.\”

    Professional Bull Riders

    Professional Bull Riders is a bull riding league that holds over 200 events annually. The company was launched in 1992 and has hosted events in the U.S. Canada, Brazil, and Australia. Over 800 bull riders from said countries, as well as others hold PBR memberships.

    On Location

    On Location is a hospitality company that has worked with WWE in recent years to provide luxury packages for premium live events. In addition to WWE, On Location provides packages for the NFL Super Bowl, the NCAA Final Four, the Rose Bowl, and several music events.

    IMG

    IMG packages and sells media rights and brand partnerships and like On Location, has worked with WWE over the years. IMG has also partnered with the NFL, the English Premier League, and the NHL.

    TKO has already seen its influence play out on WWE and UFC, with stars from each side appearing on the other\’s programming. Time will tell if we start seeing bull riders on Monday Night Raw, but TKO Group Holdings is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the live entertainment market.

  • WrestleMania 41 Tickets Skyrocket Under Ticketmaster\’s Dynamic Pricing

    Tickets for WWE WrestleMania 41 are now on sale and the two-night, April 2025 event is already proving to be a hit. Fans will flock to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada for the show, but the astronomical prices for tickets are certainly causing issues with fans.

    Prices for WrestleMania 41 have already become much more expensive than they were when they initially went on sale. One person who spoke to PW Insider noted that their two-day combo ticket, purchased at $700, was selling for upwards of $2,000 on Wednesday, October 23. Tickets were also being sold for as much as $1,600 on Tuesday via Ticketmaster.

    This huge increase in ticket prices is due to Ticketmaster\’s dynamic pricing, which makes tickets more expensive depending on the demand for an event. Dynamic pricing has been under scrutiny for years by consumers. In September 2024, prices for the reunion tour of music legends Oasis skyrocketed in the United Kingdom due to the demand. The UK Competition and Markets Authority has since launched an investigation into the practice.

    For many fans, attending a WrestleMania would mark the pinnacle of their WWE fandom, but for many, these fluctuating prices make attending the Showcase of the Immortals an impossibility. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WrestleMania 41 in the months of build ahead of next year\’s spectacle.

  • Laid Series Featuring WWE\’s Big E Coming To Peacock On December 19

    Laid, a brand new series that will feature former WWE Champion Big E will premiere next month as part of Peacock. The platform has announced that the show\’s entire eight episodes will be available for streaming from Thursday, December 19.

    A description for the show from Peacock states:

    A woman finds out her former lovers are dying in unusual ways and must go back through her sex timeline to confront her past in order to move forward – \”Laid\” is a f*cked up rom-com where the answer to \”why can\’t I find love, is there something wrong with me?\” is a resounding \”Yes. There is. The problem is definitely you.\”

    Based on the trailer which released this week, Big E will portray one of our protagonist\’s exes. The black line through an image of the New Day star hardly bodes well for his fate on the show.

    Latest On Big E

    Big E\’s role on Laid presents the popular Superstar with an opportunity to entertain outside of the ring, as his future in the squared circle remains uncertain. Since suffering a broken neck during a March 2022, edition of SmackDown, Big E has been unable to compete but remains hopeful that he will lace up his boots and don his singlet once more. While Big E hasn\’t been wrestling, he has been a part of WWE\’s panel at PLEs, and got in the ring at Money in the Bank 2024 in what proved to be an emotional moment for him. Nevertheless, the decision to get back in the ring is a risk for Big E, one that the former World Champion will not take lightly.

  • McMahon Attorney Responds To Latest Lawsuit Against Ex-WWE CEO

    A new lawsuit has been filed against WWE, TKO, and Vince & Linda McMahon, alleging that the McMahons were well aware of the infamous \’Ring Boy Scandal\’ of the early 1990s. The lawsuit has been brought on by five individuals who, according to the suit, feel empowered to come forward in the wake of regime changes in WWE and McMahon\’s exit from the wrestling promotion earlier this year.

     In a statement to Brandon Thurston on Fightful Select, Rosenberg said:

    “More than 30 years ago, the columnist Phil Mushnick tried to make headlines with these same false claims. Those allegations were never proven and ultimately became the subject of a defamation lawsuit against Mr. Mushnick. The negligence claims against Mr. McMahon that were asserted today rely on these same absurd, defamatory and utterly meritless statements by Mr. Mushnick. We will vigorously defend Mr. McMahon and are confident the court will find that these claims are untrue and unfounded.”

    The Ring Boy Scandal came to light in 1992 when allegations against Mel Phillips, Terry Garvin, and Pat Patterson led to their firings from WWE. While Garvin and Phillips were permanently removed, Patterson was later rehired and remained with the company until his death in 2020.

    The lawsuit alleges that Phillips exploited and sexually abused underage boys who had been underage boys who had been hired to perform tasks at WWE events. The abuse allegedly occurred in various locations, including wrestling venues and hotel rooms, where Phillips would transport the boys under the pretense of work-related errands. This is an ongoing situation and we aim to provide updates as and when they become publicly available.  

  • Alex Shelley Reflects on WWE SmackDown Debut: \”A Dream Come True\”

    After weeks of teases, the Motor City Machine Guns arrived in WWE on the October 18, episode of SmackDown. The pair won their debut match, one with championship implications, and Alex Shelley is feeling grateful for what has happened in his career.

    On X, Shelley admitted that it\’s been a \”busy week\” and shared gratitude to everyone who has supported him.

    \”We did it. What I was able to accomplish last Friday night on SmackDown was a dream come true.\”

    Later on, Shelley spoke of his new role and how blessed he is to have made it to the largest and most recognized wrestling promotion on the planet.

    \”Now I\’m a WWE Superstar. And to be able to verbalize that has a very very deep and profound sense of power here… I have to be one of the most blessed people out there.\”

    Shelley ended his video with another message of thanks and declared that the work begins now. That is indeed the case as he and Chris Sabin will take on DIY this Friday night on SmackDown, with the victors earning a title shot against The Bloodline. Shelley and Sabin defeated A-Town Down Under & Los Garza to earn their spot in this match while DIY bested Pretty Deadly and the Street Profits. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Alex Shelley and the Motor City Machine Guns now that the pair have officially arrived in WWE.

  • Chris Jericho Wins ROH World Title on Dynamite, New Challenger Emerges

    Chris Jericho and Mark Briscoe went to war at WrestleDream 2024 in a match that saw Briscoe retain the ROH World Championship. This week, the pair once again did battle for the richest prize in Ring of Honor, but it was Jericho who\’d leave the October 23, edition of AEW Dynamite with the gold.

    In a ladder match, Briscoe and Jericho held nothing back and used the titular item to full effect as a weapon. The closing moments of the match saw Mark hit a Jay Driller on the Learning Tree and climb the ladder, seemingly poised to retain the title. That was until Big Bill interfered and chokeslammed him through a table. Bill then propped Jericho on his shoulders, allowing the veteran to capture the gold.

    After the match, Jericho and Bill\’s celebration was cut short by Tomohiro Ishii. The Japanese legend had previously been taken out by Jericho and now has his sights set on the new Ring of Honor World Champion.

    In a backstage segment, Mark Briscoe was at a loss for words after his brutal defeat at the hands of Jericho (and Big Bill.)

    This win marks Jericho\’s second time holding the Ring of Honor World Championship and his ninth World title overall in his career. He previously held the gold from September to December 2022, both winning from and losing the gold to Claudio Castagnoli.

  • Lawsuit Alleges WWE & McMahons Knew Of Systemic Ring Boy Sexual Abuse

    WWE has a long history of controversies, many of which have received a spotlight this year thanks to Netflix\’s Mr. McMahon docuseries. Now, a new lawsuit has been filed against both Vince and Linda McMahon over the Ring Boy scandal of the early 1990s.

    Law firms DiCello Levitt and Murphy, Falcon & Murphy have initiated a lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Vincent K. McMahon, Linda McMahon, and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. The lawsuit is being brought on behalf of five survivors of sexual abuse, identified as John Does 1-5, who allege they were subjected to systemic abuse while working as “Ring Boys” for WWE during their youth.

    The lawsuit centers on allegations against WWE’s former ringside announcer and ring crew chief, Melvin Phillips Jr. According to the plaintiffs, Phillips exploited and sexually abused underage boys who had been hired to perform tasks during WWE events. The abuse allegedly occurred in various locations, including wrestling venues and hotel rooms, where Phillips would transport the boys under the pretense of work-related errands. The lawsuit claims that WWE management, including Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon, were aware of this abuse but took no action to stop it.

    The survivors, now adults, have only recently become aware of how much WWE executives, including the McMahons, knew of the abuse, the lawsuit states. The filing suggests that recent corporate changes, including the WWE’s acquisition by TKO Group Holdings and Vince McMahon’s departure as CEO, have empowered these survivors to come forward without fear of retaliation. Additionally, changes in sex abuse laws, particularly in Maryland, have paved the way for this legal action.

    Greg Gutzler, a partner at DiCello Levitt and lead attorney for the plaintiffs, stated:

    “Thanks to the bravery of our clients, we now have a chance to hold accountable those who allowed and enabled the rampant sexual abuse of these young boys. That so many knew about the abuse and did nothing to prevent or stop it is simply unconscionable.”

    Mark DiCello, founding partner of DiCello Levitt, emphasized the significance of this case, stating:

    “The WWE and McMahon had a responsibility to these underaged boys, and they failed them in the worst way possible. We will vigorously fight to uncover the truth about this systemic, insidious, and life-altering abuse. We commend our clients for their bravery in coming forward and promise to relentlessly seek justice for them.”

    Professor Marci Hamilton, founder and CEO of CHILD USA, a nonprofit advocating for children’s rights, praised the survivors for coming forward:

    \”These survivors are profiles in courage. One-third of child sex abuse victims never come forward, silenced by shame, humiliation, and trauma.\”

    Hamilton stressed on the importance of statute of limitations reform, pointing out that “due to the Maryland window we fought for, these brave survivors can now seek justice.”

    DiCello Levitt has a history of representing survivors in high-profile abuse cases, including the civil suit against disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard. This is a developing story and we seek to provide updates as and when they are available.

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi Commits To Full-Time Office Role After 2026 Retirement

    On January 4, 2026, Hiroshi Tanahashi will end his legendary in-ring career, mere days after John Cena ends his in-ring career at the end of 2025. After first joining New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1999, Tanahashi is ready to say goodbye to competition, but he won\’t be parting ways with the company.

    At a press conference, Tanahashi addressed his retirement plans and what will come after January 4. Tanahashi confirmed that he will remain with New Japan in an office role and that this will be a full-time commitment.

    \”This time I have left as a wrestler and executive will give me a lot of valuable experience so I can transition into full-time office life with confidence. The people we have now are definitely more than capable to bring NJPW into its best era ever, and I have no concerns whatsoever.\”

    Tanahashi was appointed President of New Japan in December of last year, replacing Takami Ohbari who had been in the role since 2020. At the time of his appointment, Tanahashi said he had always dreamed of being President. Tanahashi also shared goals as President including selling out the Tokyo Dome and hosting more title matches outside of major cities.

    With decades of experience in New Japan, including as one of the company\’s very top performers, Tanahashi is well-equipped for a full-time life in the company\’s offices after his wrestling career ends. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Hiroshi Tanahashi and his farewell tour from the ring.

  • NASCAR Champion Cole Custer Can\’t Wait To Return To NXT After (10/22) Appearance

    At this week\’s WWE NXT, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Cole Custer did more than just appear, as he helped Hank Walker and Tank Ledger defeat OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price. After the match, he joined Lola Vice for a dance in the ring, in a fun moment for the racing star.

    In a WWE NXT Digital Exclusive, Custer spoke about his NXT experience and had praise for Walker and Ledger\’s work in the squared circle.

    \”Getting to know Hank and Tank and everything involved here, I mean, those guys are so incredible, how they’re flying around the ring. Learning everything today was just absolutely insane. So it was awesome to have this collaboration.\”

    When asked about his dancing skills with Vice, Custer said someone joked that he\’d end up on Dancing With The Stars, though he didn\’t see it happening. Custer concluded by discussing his upcoming race in Homestead for which his car receive an NXT design.

    \”We race in Homestead, Miami, this weekend, and we have NXT on the car, got Trick Williams on the hood, so it’s really cool. Really cool collaboration with CW and NXT.\”

    Custer is \”looking forward to coming back\” to WWE NXT after his \”unreal experience\” at this week\’s show. While it\’s unclear when he\’ll be back, his presence at this week\’s show only highlights NXT\’s growing mainstream appeal as part of the CW.

    Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE NXT, including live results and breaking news from this weekend\’s Halloween Havoc event.

  • Nikkita Lyons & Oba Femi Tease Alliance (And More?) On WWE NXT

    Earlier this month, Oba Femi\’s record-long reign as WWE NXT North American Champion came to an end at the hands of \’The Don\’ Tony D\’Angelo. The Ruler aims to regain the gold this weekend at WWE NXT Halloween Havoc, and Femi may have found himself an unlikely ally along the way.

    During the October 22 WWE NXT, Adriana Rizzo suffered a beatdown backstage. Later on in the night, Nikkita Lyons was revealed to be the attacker and Femi approached her in the middle of her conversation. The pair shared a look, before Femi handed Lyons her coat, and made clear he was thankful to know her. The pop from the NXT crowd certainly suggested that those in attendance believe something is going on between The Ruler and the Lioness.

    On social media, fans quickly suggested that there is something going on between the two:

    Lyons only recently returned to WWE NXT after being out of action for the majority of this year with an injury she suffered mere weeks after returning from a previous injury. Early in her career, she had to be removed from the NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament of 2022 after suffering a partial MCL tear and an MCL sprain.

    Now, the Lioness, once considered a potential top female Superstar in WWE NXT, is back, and her teased involvement with Oba Femi has raised a lot of eyebrows. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on these two Superstars and how their alliance could affect the NXT North American Title match this weekend at Halloween Havoc.

  • Indie Wrestler, NWA Alum Liger Rivera Dies Aged 37

    The wrestling world is mourning as independent wrestler Liger Rivera has passed away at the age of 37. This sad news was announced on Tuesday, October 22, by the Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF), where Rivera competed for years. During his time in the EWF, Rivera held both the American Championship and the Cruiserweight Championship twice. He also secured the EWF Tag Team Championship in 2008 alongside future WWE Superstar TJ Perkins.

    Trained by Jesse Hernandez, Rivera primarily competed in the EWF but would also compete for other companies. From 2006 to 2012, Rivera competed in the NWA, where he worked with the likes of Lance Cade, Trevor Murdoch, and future NXT prospect Taylor Rust.

    On X, WWE Monday Night Raw General Manager Adam Pearce shared his tribute to the late wrestler.

    \"\"

    Rivera\’s last match came in 2018, as he wrestled Fidel Bravo at a Hoodslam event in Oakland, California. A GoFundMe has been created to help with end-of-life expenses by former WWE Tough Enough contestant AJ Kirsch, who worked alongside Rivera in the California-based independent promotion Hoodslam Wrestling. With the promotion, Rivera competed under a mask under the name Bat Manuel.

    We here at SEScoops would like to extend our condolences to those who knew Rivera at this sad time.

  • Bobby Lashley: Fans Will See Something Big In The Next Few Weeks

    Bobby Lashley is no longer under contract with WWE but the All Mighty is far from finished in the ring. During a virtual signing with K&S WrestleFest, Lashley spoke about being off recently with an injury and teased something major within a matter of weeks.

    “I had a little boo-boo, so I took some time off to fix myself. I’ve been working out hard, and I think the next few weeks you should see something pop off. It’s time to put pen to paper and get back to these fans.”

    Speaking about AEW, where Shelton Benjamin recently had his debut match with Lio Rush, Lashley teased reconnecting with his former WWE allies.

    \”Lio is my dude. I saw Shelton fight Lio last week, and I wasn’t too happy about that. That’s always a good opportunity to jump back in.”

    When asked about a possible return to TNA, where Lashley once dominated during its time as Impact, the former World Champion said it\’d be \”cool\” to feud with Nic Nemeth. Lashley also spoke of a feud with Moose; someone who has been compared to Lashley over the years.

    \”That’s a feud I haven’t really had a chance to jump into. So there are all kinds of different matchups that would look great.”

    It’s clear that Lashley is keeping all his options open—and fans couldn’t be more excited. Whether it\’s debuting in AEW, a return to TNA and MMA, or something entirely different, it\’s clear that the All Mighty isn\’t done yet in the squared circle.

  • How Tyson Kidd Proved Crucial To Bret Hart & Shawn Michaels Reconciling

    On the January 4, 2010, edition of WWE Raw, Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels reconciled in the ring, over a dozen years after the events of Survivor Series 1997. The pair had been at odds both before, and long after the events of that fateful November night in Montreal, and TJ Wilson played a role in the reconciliation, according to WWE veteran Natalya.

    Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Natalya shared that it was Wilson who helped bridge the gap between Michaels and Hart years after the Montreal Screwjob.

    \”TJ had said something to Bret like, \’I had a really great talk with Shawn and he was awesome and he was so nice to me and he was so nice to Nattie and he was just such a cool guy. He was giving me advice and being really helpful.\”

    Shawn disclosed that he felt \”so bad\” about his past issues with Bret, Natalya added, and that it was Wilson who \”opened up the conversation\” between the two WWE legends.

    \”We can all thank TJ for being the person that opened up that door because TJ is somebody that Bret really respects, and (he) trusts his word.\”

    During the interview, Natalya spoke about Michaels in his current role as WWE SVP of Talent Development and head of NXT. The Showstopper has been praised by many for his work with the silver brand and the former Divas Champion is no exception.

    \”Shawn is so encouraging to everyone. He makes you feel so good after you get back, so happy and so good about yourself. I honestly just had the best experience at NXT. And I\’m always excited about the opportunity of going back.\”

    As for Hart, he appeared on Monday Night Raw last month in his native Calgary, where he unsurprisingly got a hero\’s welcome from the Canadian crowd. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from Bret and Shawn as the two icons of the ring have been able to put their differences aside and move forward with their lives.

  • Samantha Irvin Clarifies False Report About Her WWE Exit

    Samantha Irvin shared this week that she has left WWE in a lengthy statement by the former Raw ring announcer posted on social media. Since then, a lot has been said about Irvin\’s exit from WWE and the 35-year-old has clarified one false statement about her exit.

    One report that has come out is that Irvin informed WWE mere hours before this week\’s Monday Night Raw that she was leaving the promotion. On X, Irvin clarified that she informed WWE months ago, rather than hours before this week\’s edition of the red brand.

    Irvin joined WWE in 2021 on the recommendation of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry and was praised for her passionate, enthusiastic calls on TV and at PLEs. Following this year\’s WrestleMania, where she announced every match, Irvin was praised by Michael Buffer, arguably the most recognized ring announcer in the history of combat sports.

    With months of notice, WWE brought in Lilian Garcia to replace Irvin as the ring announcer of this week\’s episode of Raw. After the show, Garcia confirmed that she is back with WWE full-time and wished Irvin the very best in her future outside of the promotion.

    Before arriving in WWE, Irvin was an accomplished flutist and singer and made a name for herself with an appearance on America\’s Got Talent. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Samantha Irvin both in the world of wrestling and beyond the squared circle.

  • Drew Gulak References Ronda Rousey Allegations At Beyond Wrestling Event

    In May, Drew Gulak parted ways with WWE, following claims by Ronda Rousey that he had acted inappropriately during her tenure with the company. Now, Gulak is re-establishing himself outside of the promotion, and a recent angle with Beyond Wrestling made reference to his controversial actions and WWE departure.

    At the latest Beyond show, Gulak was in the ring with Masha Slamovich. In his promo, Gulak made references to the female star potentially being uncomfortable in the locker room with him, in a clear reference to the Rousey situation.

    \”Anytime we’ve been in Beyond Wrestling, did I ever make you feel uncomfortable? At any time, did you feel like I was a danger in the locker room? Well, you should have.”

    Gulak then attacked Slamovich as part of the show. On social media, many criticized Gulak and Beyond Wrestling for making the controversy from earlier this year into an angle.

    Rousey alleged that Gulak pulled on the drawstring of her sweatpants in an action that made the former UFC fighter feel very uncomfortable. While Gulak admitted that an incident took place, he claims that he accidentally caught the drawstring and apologized after the fact. When pressed on the matter, Paul Levesque stated that Gulak\’s WWE contract expired and downplayed that he was fired from the company.

    While Beyond Wrestling has the right to book its shows how they see fit, many fans feel that referencing Gulak\’s situation with Rousey is a step too far, especially amid the ongoing Vince McMahon scandal and Janel Grant\’s lawsuit. With the topic of female safety in wrestling being as relevant as ever, it remains to be seen if Beyond will continue to make reference to Gulak\’s departure from the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.

  • Toni\’s Tacos: Storm Ready For New Venture In Mexico, Leave AEW Behind

    The last time fans saw Toni Storm in an AEW ring, the Timeless one lost the AEW Women\’s World Championship to Mariah May at AEW All In: London back in August. More recently, Storm has found herself in Mexico with CMLL and is teasing starting a new life in the country.

    Appearing for AEW\’s new All Elite Show on Fox Sports Mexico, Storm was asked about the current situation regarding a return to AEW. Instead, the former champion said she\’s thinking about settling down in Mexico to fulfill a culinary dream.

    \”There is no situation. Life just is what it is right now. I\’m thinking of moving here permanently. I\’m thinking of setting up my own taco stand and living a happy, peaceful life here in Mexico. I think it will be best.\”

    Storm even shared a name for her new venture, which if successful could mark the end of her days in the ring.

    \”Everybody will come to Toni\’s Tacos! That\’s my business, that\’s my next venture. Maybe I\’ll never go back to AEW. I think Toni\’s Tacos is it!\”

    Storm signed off with a variation of her beloved catchphrase, telling viewers \”Chin up, tits out, and watch for the taco!\” While fans can expect Storm back in an AEW ring eventually, possibly at AEW Grand Slam 2025 in Australia, don\’t be surprised if you find the Timeless star selling dishes like \’Taco-rita Hayworth\’ and \’Charlton Ques-ton\’ the next time you\’re in Mexico.

  • Deonna Purrazzo Details WWE Rejection: They Had Too Many of Me

    Deonna Purrazzo\’s efforts to make it in WWE saw the Virtuosa end up in debt, just to be informed that she didn\’t stand out enough. Purrazzo first appeared for WWE in 2014 as one of Adam Rose\’s \’Rosebuds\’ in 2014 before making her in-ring debut the following year. On a recent edition of the Insight podcast, Purrazzo spoke about trying to make it in WWE, which proved to be a costly endeavor at the time.

    \”Late 2015, early 2016, I was in NXT at the tapings every other week. I was there 24/7 flying myself, actively going into debt so I could be in Orlando, Florida, to wrestle for NXT.\”

    Despite Purrazzo\’s best efforts, she wouldn\’t be signed at the time and would have to wait until 2018 before finally securing a contract. When asked why WWE didn\’t pick her up three years earlier, the Virtuosa was somewhat flummoxed.

    \”That\’s a really great question. I don\’t know. Kind of always the answer was that I was a five-foot-two brunette, and there was a ton of us on the Indies.

    \”February 2016 they were just like \’we have too many of you right now and go out there and keep making a name for yourself, and maybe it\’ll come full circle.\’\”

    Purrazzo would sign with WWE in April 2018 while backstage at a Shimmer Women Athletes event. Her signing resulted in her pulling out of that year\’s All In, a precursor to AEW. Unfortunately, Purrazzo\’s time under contract would see her wrestle just 16 times on TV before her release in April 2020.

    Undeterred, Purrazzo reinvented herself after her release and would become a premier star in Impact Wrestling before joining AEW earlier this year. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Purrazzo as she looks to capture the AEW Women\’s World Championship.

  • Lilian Garcia Comments On WWE Return, Samantha Irvin\’s Exit

    Lilian Garcia is excited to be back as part of WWE\’s programming after making her return during the October 21, 2024, edition of WWE Raw. Garcia returned as the red brand\’s ring announcer, replacing Samantha Irvin who has since left the role. Irvin announced her exit with a lengthy statement shared on social media in which she expressed her gratitude to the WWE and her fans.

    On Instagram, Garcia shared her excitement to be back in WWE after years away and spoke of her nerves surrounding her first night back on the job.

    ”Well, now you know. Oh my gosh, guys did just happen? Did I just really go back to the WWE, after being gone for like 8 years? I mean, I’ve popped in every now and then but it’s been 8 years since I’ve been a full-time announcer there. My goodness, when my music hit and I got introduced, the cheers and applause that you gave me tonight, thank you for that.

    \”Because I was nervous, I could even tell I was nervous when I was announcing. But it is all worth, all worth taking a risk and a gamble and just coming back. Just seeing everyone, like the WWE Superstars, my friends, the crew and I’m excited and I’m strapping on my seatbelt for that.

    Lilian also had a message for Samantha Irvin, and sees huge things in the future for the announcer she has replaced.

    \”Sam, I do wanna tell you, I think you’re an extraordinary talent and you’re unbelievable and I know it wasn’t easy to walk away from here and I wish you all the success in your music career, I know you’re gonna kill it. Okay WWE Universe I look forward to seeing you, signing your autographs, giving you high fives and all of that, I love you. I’m back home!”

    Irvin and Garcia have often been compared, much to the delight of the former WWE Raw ring announcer who is now ready to spread her wings outside the company. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Lilian Garcia now that she\’s home in WWE once more.

  • Backstage Response To Samantha Irvin\’s WWE Exit, AEW Future

    Samantha Irvin\’s time as a WWE Raw ring announcer has come to an end, with Lilian Garcia filling her shoes during this week\’s episode. Irvin\’s exit comes three years after she joined the promotion in 2021 and now more has come to light about her departure.

    Irvin was not released from WWE but chose to resign, PW Insider reports. WWE was reportedly made aware of her decision earlier in the day before she shared her statement to social media.

    Fightful Select reports that those in WWE had high praise for Irvin, both before and after her announcement. One source described the 35-year-old as a “presence that made the work day better.” Those in WWE shared their surprise at the news, adding that she couldn’t have possibly informed everyone before leaving.

    An AEW Future?

    With her fiancé Ricochet debuting for AEW at All In: London in August, fans have naturally speculated as to whether Irvin could make the jump to reunite with her One and Only. Those in WWE and AEW said that they would be shocked if an attempt wasn’t made by AEW to bring her on board, considering Ricochet\’s arrival in recent months. Many people in WWE expected her to leave the company after Ricochet did, pointing out the easier schedule for their family. Responding to a fan on X, Ricochet said Irvin is not joining AEW, and Irvin herself rejected the idea days before sharing that she was leaving WWE.

    \"\"

    The wrestling world has shared its best wishes to Irvin now that she has ended her time in WWE. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Samantha Irvin as she prepares to start a new chapter of her career.

  • Wrestling World Reacts To Samantha Irvin\’s Exit As WWE Raw Announcer

    This week, Samantha Irvin surprised fans with her departure as WWE Raw\’s ring announcer, and Lilian Garcia filled the role during this week\’s episode. Irvin\’s exit has had the wrestling world talking with many sharing their fond memories of the 35-year-old announcer.

    On X, several wrestlers and names in the wrestling world reacted to Irvin\’s statement. You can check out some of the reactions below:

    It isn\’t just those from the world of wrestling who are sad to see the back of Samantha Irvin as Michael Buffer also shared his reaction. The legendary boxing announcer praised Irvin after her work at this year\’s WrestleMania 40 PLE.

    Irvin joined WWE in 2021, at the recommendation of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Initially part of WWE 205 Live, Irvin rose quickly to the main roster and has announced on both Raw and SmackDown. Her enthusiastic calls for the likes of GUNTHER, Chelsea Green, and others quickly endeared her with fans who will miss her work each week.

    We at SEScoops would like to wish Samantha the very best in whatever comes next for her in her career.

  • Lilian Garcia Returns On (10/21) WWE Raw as Replacement for Samantha Irvin

    This week, Samantha Irvin surprised everyone when she announced her abrupt exit from WWE Raw as the ring announcer of the show. Irvin\’s departure came mere hours before the latest edition of the red brand, but a replacement was found in time for the broadcast.

    Before the October 21, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw went on the air, commentator Joe Tessitore shared that Lilian Garica is back in WWE and will be announcing for the red brand moving forward.

    Unfortunately, Garcia showed a bit of rust on the show, as her first announcement of the evening saw an error. Ahead of a tag-team match, Garcia said the match was part of a tournament to determine the \”Number one containers\” for the World Tag Team Championships.

    Garcia had been seen in Philadelphia before this week\’s Raw, which led many to speculate that she would be replacing Samantha Irvin as the show\’s ring announcer. Garcia was a part of WWE from 1999 to 2009 and had a second run from 2011 to 2019. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Lillian Garcia now that she has once again returned to WWE.