Wrestling fans and gamers alike have gotten their latest look at the new Call of Duty season which features three of WWE\’s top Superstars. This unlikely collaboration features Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, and Rey Mysterio entering the hit shooting/war game franchise.
In the newest trailer, fans can see the trio of Superstars use guns, as well as some of their signature moves. While Rhodes and Mysterio are available to purchase and play, Ripley is available as part of the Call of Duty Season 5 Battle Pass.
The game\’s fifth season kicked off on July 24 with more than just new playable characters. Slam Deathmatch is a unique twist on traditional Team Deathmatch, focusing on finishing moves. While weapons can down enemies, points are only earned by executing Finishing Moves, which will be randomized WWE Finishing Moves in upcoming matches. This particular mode is exclusively during the in-game WWE SummerSlam event, that started on July 31.
Working with Call of Duty is a huge collaboration for WWE which has allowed three of its Superstars to flex their muscles outside of your standard WWE 2K video game. Even Arn Anderson has been pleased by the crossover, as the WWE Hall of Famer is pleased to see the in-game Cody taking his viral \’pulled out the glock\’ promo to heart.
Want to keep up to date with all the latest from the world of video games? Check out our Gaming channel on SE Scoops so you never miss a story!
Shane McMahon has given a statement on his meeting with Tony Khan after the pair were spotted together in a meeting in Arlington, Texas. It has been reported that the pair met to discuss possibilities moving forward and that Khan has been open to speaking with McMahon for some time.
On Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray delivered a statement from Shane on the meeting:
\”Tony and I were connected through a mutual friend and we had a great meeting. We talked about many things, but mostly about our shared love for the business and the rewards and challenges of working with family. I congratulated him on the five year anniversary of AEW and look forward to how he evolves the business moving forward.\”
A photo of Shane and Khan have been shared online. On Twitter, AEW TBS Champion/NJPW Strong Women\’s Champion Mercedes Mone took credit for the viral image.
It was claimed by Conrad Thompson earlier this year that McMahon had spoken to some in AEW about the possibility of joining Tony Khan\’s first promotion. It was later clarified that Shane was not making a formal pitch to join AEW and was simply stating that it would be an interesting moment in wrestling. Tony Khan has said he has a lot of respect for Shane and appreciates his work as both an in-ring performer and an executive.
McMahon hasn’t been seen on WWE television since WrestleMania 39 when he made a surprise appearance for an impromptu match against The Miz. This was McMahon\’s return match to WWE after being fired the previous year for reportedly causing backstage chaos at the 2022 Royal Rumble event.
Could Shane McMahon be All-Elite after all? Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on this developing story.
Seth Rollins wouldn\’t change a thing about betraying the Shield over a decade ago, as what he did on that June 2, 2014 RAW changed the face of wrestling. After the Shield defeated Evolution at the previous night\’s Payback pay-per-view, Rollins betrayed his brothers with a steel chair and aligned with Triple H.
Since then, all three Shield members have gone on to become huge names in wrestling as well as all holding World Championships. When asked on ESPN SportsCenter if he\’s reflected on the paths his betrayal caused, Rollins admitted that he wouldn\’t change a thing about what he did.
\”I\’ve been asked about it a lot. Obviously, that\’s the one thing if you\’re a fan of Seth Rollins or the Shield or Jon Moxley or Roman Reigns, that\’s the one thing that sits with you. Over the course of the last ten years, essentially. And I get asked about it all the time and I\’ve thought about it. \’Would you go back? Would you change it? Would you do something different?\’ And my answer is unequivocally no, I wouldn\’t.
\”Because where we\’re at now, the business as a whole is healthier than its ever been and that moment of time shifted everything. That\’s what put us all on our separate paths. Our goal in the beginning was to run the show. To run the business, to change it, to make it better. And here we are, a decade later, and I dare say that it was accomplished with the swing of that steel chair.\”
That steel chair shot certainly changed the landscape of WWE and Seth got a taste of his own medicine at WrestleMania 40 this past April when Roman Reigns delivered a chair shot of his own to the Architect. Ironically, this chair shot would cost the Tribal Chief, as picking Rollins over Cody Rhodes gave the latter the opening to hit three Cross Rhodes\’ and end Reigns\’ tenure as Undisputed WWE Champion.
Reigns, Rollins, and Moxley may be on separate paths, but the Shield will live on as one of the greatest factions in WWE. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on Seth Rollins and his Shield brothers as they continue to dominate the wrestling business.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.
WWE\’s latest venture into the world of gaming will see the company produce three themed slot machines with supplier Games Global. Three slot machines will be produced over three years, a statement confirmed this week, with the first, WWE Bonus Rumble: Gold Blitz, being releasedthis August. Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, shared his excitement over the partnership.
\”Games Global is thrilled to step into the wrestling ring with WWE and deliver powerhouse content that will appeal to our audiences around the world. Some of the most iconic WWE® superstars will bring our three titles to life and ensure players are immersed in the exciting world of sports entertainment.\”
Booth added that partnering with WWE is \”monumental\” for Games Global and that he is looking forward to the release of WWE Bonus Rumble: Gold Blitz.
This isn\’t WWE\’s first foray into the world of slot machines. Developer All For One Studios has multiple slot machine games including WWE Legends: Link & Win as well as WWE: Clash of the Wilds. The question now is whether these new slot machines will receive much, if any promotion on WWE programming, as given the company\’s PG rating, it could be considered as advertising of gambling to minor fans.
NXT Women\’s Champion Roxanne Perez has asserted her dominance following an impactful main event victory at Great American Bash (Week One.) At the event, Perez defeated Thea Hail to keep her title reign alive. In a WWE NXT Digital Exclusive, The Prodigy reflected on her victory and named some notable women.
“I’ll give Thea her respect, because she almost had me there, but realistically, everybody needs to stop worrying about everybody else around the world. Not a Thea, not a Giulia, not a Stephanie [Vaquer].
\”NXT is the best women’s division in the world, and this (NXT Women’s Championship) is on my shoulder, which means I am the best woman in the world.”
This promo from Perez is not the first time that the reigning NXT Women\’s Champion has brought up Vaquer and Giulia. Perez namedropped both women, exciting fans eager to see The Prodigy work against these two exceptionally talented athletes. Vaquer has said that she will be joining NXT in the near future, making a showdown with Perez even more likely.
WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair is back in the ring training for her return after being out of action with an injury since last December. On Instagram, Flair shared some footage of her in-ring training which included running the ropes and a series of rolls. In the caption, Flair channeled Tony D\’Amato\’s (Al Pacino) speech from 1999\’s Any Given Sunday.
We CLAW with our finger nails for that inch. Cause we know when we add up all those inches that’s going to make the f***ing difference between WINNING and LOSING between LIVING and DYING.
I’ll tell you this in any fight it is the guy who is willing to die who is going to win that inch. And I know if I am going to have any life anymore it is because, I am still willing to fight, and die for that inch because that is what LIVING is.
Flair has been out of action since December after suffering a leg injury during a match with Asuka, who is also currently out with an injury. Flair\’s setback has forced her to miss several major WWE events, including WrestleMania, a show that she has competed in a title match for seven times in the past.
While Flair has been missing from WWE programming, the Queen of All Eras has kept a close eye on programming. Flair recently said that she\’s sure a match with NXT Women\’s Champion Roxanne Perez will happen when the time is right. Perez named Flair alongside several female Superstars on an episode of NXT before stating none of them compare to The Prodigy.
Maria Kanellis-Bennett will go under the knife later this year to deal with a concerning matter regarding her adrenal gland. Earlier this month, Kanellis-Bennett shared that she had visited a doctor after showing symptoms that had her concerned. The ROH performer learned that a mass had been found on her adrenal gland and urged fans to listen to their bodies if they suspect something is wrong.
In an update, Maria shared that she has had blood work done and is expected to undergo surgery this September. The former WWE 24/7 Champion will undergo a retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy and doctors will biopsy the mass after.
A retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy typically requires the potential to lie face down on the operating table. The surgeon then places a small lighted camera into the back through a series of small incisions so they can view and access the adrenal glands. Small surgical tools are used to remove the entire adrenal gland if it is wholly infected or if possible, only a portion of it.
Maria\’s announcement comes days after she appeared at ROH Death Before Dishonor where Mike Bennett and Matt Taven retained the ROH World Tag Team Championships against The Conglomeration (Kyle O\’Reilly and Tomohiro Ishii.) Maria also appeared at AEW Battle of the Belts XI where the Undisputed Kingdom (Mike, Taven, and Roderick Strong) lost to the Von Erichs and Dustin Rhodes in a match for the vacant ROH World Six-Man Tag-Team Championships.
We here at SE Scoops are continuing to send our very best to Maria at this difficult time.
The United States Army reportedly spent a fortune on Dwayne Johnson\’s UFL, but it didn\’t work out well for the military branch. Military.com reports that the U.S. Army spent $11 million on the UFL with the hope of driving up enlistments. Despite this mammoth effort, the \”high-dollar, high-profile deal likely didn\’t lead to a single new Army recruit. In fact, the partnership was so poor that it \”may possibly have had a negative impact on finding new enlistments\” according to internal documents and emails.
The deal between the UFL and the Army was supposed to feature Johnson as a \”pseudo brand ambassador\” with social media posts by WWE\’s Final Boss valued at $1 million each. It\’s reported that the Army expected five posts, but Johnson only made two posts. The deal also included UFC players wearing Army branding during games.
In a statement, Laura DeFrancisco, a spokesperson for the Army\’s marketing end said \”We are in the process of working with the UFL to determine the final cost.\” The Army is seeking to regain $6 million of its $11 million payment into the partnership.
The UFL was launched in December 2023 following the merger of the XFL and the USFL. Johnson, alongside business partner Dany Garcia, purchased the XFL in 2020 after Vince McMahon\’s attempt to revive the league was snuffed out by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This failed partnership with the Army does not reflect well on Johnson, who has faced a series of business shortfalls in recent years, including Black Adam, a film he\’d been closely tied to for years, bombing at the box office, and the cancellation of NBC\’s Young Rock. It\’s been reported that some in WWE believe Johnson\’s return to WWE has been an effort to break a \’losing streak\’ by returning to an industry he knows he will be successful in.
The stars will be coming out for WWE\’s tryouts this week in Cleveland, Ohio as part of a stacked SummerSlam weekend in the city. Atrilleon \”Trill\” Williams, 24, who played football for the University of Syracuse, will be among the participants in this week\’s WWE tryouts, PW Insider reports. Williams played in 28 games for Syracuse and had 93 tackles and four interceptions over three seasons.
In 2020, Williams put his name forward for the NFL Draft and was signed by both the Miami Dolphins and The New Orleans Saints at different points. With that said, he never officially played for either team.
Williams isn\’t the only notable name expected to attend these tryouts as Elijah Holyfield will also reportedly be a part of the showcase. The 26-year-old has played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers and The Cincinnati Bengals. Elijah is the son of boxing icon Evander Holyfield, who appeared for WWE in 2007 in a boxing match with Matt Hardy. The elder Holyfield also attended a WWE SmackDown taping years later.
For the first time ever, fans will be able to watch these tryouts in person as part of WWE\’s \’On Location\’ experience. In the past, After these tryouts, WWE will host SummerSlam 2024 on August 3, from the Cleveland Browns Stadium. In 2021, tryouts held over SummerSlam weekend in Las Vegas resulted in Nikkita Lyons, Tatum Paxley, Edris Enofe, Javier Bernal, and Monday Night Raw’s Maxxine Dupri being signed.
Will a future WWE World Champion take their first steps into the squared circle as part of the tryouts this weekend in Cleveland? Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest from the SummerSlam tryouts and the Biggest Party of the Summer!
Skye Blue will be out of action for the foreseeable future after the talented AEW and Ring of Honor performer underwent ankle surgery this week. On social media, Blue\’s partner, Kyle Fletcher shared that Blue had gone under the knife and asked fans for their support.
— “The Protostar” Kyle Fletcher (@kylefletcherpro) July 30, 2024
Blue faced Hikaru Shida during an episode of AEW Collision earlier this month but their match was stopped when Blue suffered an injury. This occurred when Shida hit a crossbody to Blue outside of the ring and Skye was seen in pain when she landed. The referee immediately called for medical attention and after a commercial break, it was decided that the match had to be called off.
Blue had to be carried to the back by medical officials as fans chanted her name in a show of respect. On Twitter, Tony Khan confirmed that she had suffered an ankle injury while Fletcher shared a photo of her recovery at home.
we got her home everyone, doctor Kyle on the clock
Thea Hail may never have made a name for herself in the world of wrestling had it not been for a video of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio. Sitting down with the Pittsburgh City Paper, Hail, a native of the city, recalled her start in the squared circle.
“I quit gymnastics, I quit cheer, I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life, and I was just scrolling through Instagram, and I always follow[ed] WWE. I always thought it was amazing, but I never really thought it was a thing you could do. I saw this video of Rey Mysterio, and I just put my phone down, and went, ‘I\’m doing that.’”
Hail added that her dad was able to locate a training school in Pittsburgh which resulted in her receiving an AEW Dark match against Thunder Rosa. While Hail\’s future would be with WWE, Rosa got her in contract with a recruiter from WWE.
Hail has since become one of the most popular women in WWE NXT thanks in no small part to her skills in the ring and infectious personality. Hail will challenge NXT Women\’s Champion Roxanne Perez tonight at WWE NXT Great American Bash (Night One.) Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest from tonight\’s show.
Rey Mysterio: Inspiration
Hail isn\’t the only current WWE Superstar to be inspired by Rey Mysterio. Though they are currently at odds, Dominik Mysterio has said that he was inspired to enter the ring after seeing his \’deadbeat\’ father in action. Dominik\’s \’Mami\’ Rhea Ripley has also admitted that she was inspired by Rey to become a wrestler and had plenty of Mysterio merchandise when she was growing up.
After facing Rey in 2018, Swerve Strickland shared online that he\’d faced his \”hero\” as the AEW World Champion holds Mysterio in high regard. WWE Hall of Famer Lita has also said she was inspired to wrestle by Rey after her boyfriend at the time watched WCW Monday Nitro and the future Women\’s Champion saw Mysterio in action.
Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on Thea Hail as well as the results and surprises from tonight\’s WWE NXT Great American Bash show.
Bryan Danielson\’s days as a WWE Superstar may be a thing of the past, but the American Dragon could be screaming YES! once again soon. A patent for \”YES! YES! YES!\” has been filed by Danielson, records from the U.S. Patent and Trading Office website reveal. The filing also includes an image of Danielson from his WWE days wearing a shirt with the phrase in question amid a sea of \”YES!\” signs.
The YES! Movement
Though originally part of a 2011-2012 heel turn for Bryan in which he\’d over-celebrate every single win, \”YES!\” became a hit with fans. The single-word chant became as associated with Bryan as \’What\’ was with \’Stone Cold\’ Steve Austin and even broke outside the world of pro wrestling. The chant became a fixture of non-wrestling sporting events, in a testament to how popular the chant, and the man behind it, had become.
Danielson will have plenty of reasons to say \”YES! YES! YES!\” should he emerge victorious at AEW All In: London 2024. The August 25, event will see Danielson challenge AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland. Danielson earned the opportunity by winning the 2024 Owen Hart Men\’s Tournament. Danielson recently shared that his current AEW deal will expire on August 1, but it has been reported that he will continue to make appearances for AEW past this expiration date.
Giulia will compete for the final time in Japan within a matter of weeks amid reports that she will soon be appearing for WWE. Last weekend, Giulia shared that she had an important announcement to make which would be made in the historic Korakuen Hall.
At a Dream Star Fighting Marigold show, Giulia teamed with Marigold World Champion Sareee to defeat Victoria Yuzuki and Kizuna Tanaka. After the match, Giulia shared that August 19, will mark her final match in Japan and vowed to challenge the world of professional wrestling.
Giulia\’s announcement comes amid several reports that the former NJPW Strong Women\’s Champion is coming to WWE. In late 2023, it was reported that WWE and Giulia had been in talks and speculation grew after she appeared at NXT Stand & Deliver in April 2024. Giulia was seated alongside William Regal and Marigold founder Rossy Ogawa, and was later seen backstage with Paul \’Triple H\’ Levesque.
Should she compete for WWE, Giulia will be part of something of a renaissance with the hiring of female talent. Stephanie Vaquer, who dethroned Giulia as NJPW Strong Women\’s Champion, has signed with WWE mere days after appearing at AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door. It has also been reported that DELTA has signed with WWE. The Australian wrestler reportedly impressed during tryouts in Perth over Elimination Chamber weekend in February of this year.
WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg recently sat down with Chris Van Vliet of Insight to discuss a variety of topics. Goldberg dominated in WCW with an impressive 173-0 winning streak, a run that would also see him become WCW World Champion. He joined WWE in 2003 and had a much longer run from 2016 to 2022 where he also held World Championship gold.
On Bret Hart
In 1999, a kick from Goldberg (among other issues the Hitman had accumulated) would result in Bret Hart retiring from the ring. In the quarter-century since then, Bret has repeatedly attacked Goldberg\’s character and work as a wrestler. On the podcast, Goldberg admitted that he doesn\’t care what Bret has to say about him anymore.
\”I really don\’t care anymore about Bret, I could care less… I talked Louis into giving Bret Hart a job at Legends of Wrestling. He must forget about stuff like that.\”
Goldberg added that he and Bret have talked a couple of times since the accident, which Goldberg has always maintained was not intentional. He added that him being a relative rookie in the business did not help matters either.
\”I was extremely green in the business and anybody who knows me knows that if I didn\’t intend to hurt him, then it was an accident.\”
On His WWE Debut
After WCW\’s demise, Goldberg waited until the RAW after WrestleMania 19 before he debuted by attacking The Rock, setting up a Backlash 2003 match Goldberg would win. Goldberg said he had a lot of fun working with The Rock.
\”Big kudos to him for having you know, the foresight that it would be something that would go over like that, he\’s very unselfish. And at the end of the day, it\’s a dance man. We all need everyone involved to be a part of it because it\’s a well-oiled machine.\”
On The Undertaker Match in Jeddah
In 2019, The Undertaker faced Goldberg at that year\’s Super Showdown. Given the age and ability of the two, the dream match quickly turned into a nightmare with various botches and mistakes. As Goldberg explained, he was hardly in fighting condition before the match even got started.
\”I knocked myself out before walking to the frickin ring… I gotta headbutt the door. And I headbutted the door right when they played my music to wrestle Taker, which was the most unbelievable opportunity ever. And I knocked myself out.\”
When asked if he remembered anything from the match given that he was knocked out, Goldberg recalled what he could from the unfortunate bout.
\”I remember the referee asking me if I could go on and me saying yes. And then him turning away and then me saying no. And then me saying yes and then me saying no.\”
On a Potential Match with Big E
During a viral episode of the New Day\’s Feel the Power podcast, Big E mentioned Goldberg as his dream opponent, vowing that the fans will see \”Big Meaty Men Slapping Meat!\” While Goldberg said he\’d give Big E the match tomorrow if he could, their clash of styles could prove difficult for the Hall of Famer.
\”We can leave that part out [big meaty men slapping meat] of it… I don\’t do comedy. Like, I never really meshed well with that.\”
On AEW
In 2023, rumors circulated that Goldberg could be heading to AEW, especially after Tony Khan said he had great conversations with the Hall of Famer. When asked why nothing more came of it, Goldberg suggested that he and Khan have a \”different perspective\” on things.
\”I don\’t think I was ever close to making a deal with him. I think it was much more a realistic transition when Sting was involved.\”
Goldberg added that he reached out to Sting because he wanted to be a part of the Icon\’s farewell tour. While Goldberg would\’ve liked to have been a part of things, he\’s pleased the focus remained on Sting.
\”I could never overshadow anything that he does. I don\’t want to convolute the waters. It would have been a nice crescendo but it wasn\’t about me.\”
Drew McIntyre\’s photo with Jack Perry may have been deleted, but that didn\’t stop the meeting of the \’We Hate CM Punk\’ club being referenced on RAW. The viral image was shared by McIntyre earlier this month and is of course in reference to Punk\’s issues with Perry that resulted in Punk\’s termination from AEW last year.
While the image was not featured on this week\’s Raw, Michael Cold did bring it up as he spoke during Drew McIntyre\’s entrance.
“Drew McIntyre was stirring up things this week… bringing up things from CM Punk’s past.”
Michael Cole: “Drew McIntyre was stirring things up on social media this past week…bringing up things from CM Punk’s past.” ? #WWERAWpic.twitter.com/ebjy3xjXkd
On Monday Night RAW, McIntyre met with CM Punk and Seth Rollins, as the former Universal Champion will officiate their upcoming match at SummerSlam. Rollins, fittingly decked in a black and white striped outfit, made clear that his rules will be in effect this Saturday in Cleveland, whatever they may be.
McIntyre and Punk\’s feud has been a hit with fans, and has kept Punk a mainstay of WWE programming in spite of his injury. McIntyre has continued to make reference to Punk\’s family, including his dog Larry who now has WWE merch of his own. Not to be outdone, Punk has had some choices words for Drew, and has repeatedly cost him matches for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Will their issues be resolved at SummerSlam, and what role will Seth Rollins play in the finish? Keep tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest.
Wrestling fans can see generations collide in a new video from WWE\’s vault which sees CM Punk in a tag team match against the Road Warriors. In the latest video from the WWE Vault YouTube channel, Punk speaks of the match that saw himself and Doug Delicious face the legendary tag-team. This match was quite a surprise for Punk at the time, as after using a grapevine hammerlock DDT in a separate dark match, he was deemed unsafe in the ring and effectively \’banned\’ from being used again.
Despite this ban, Punk was brought in alongside Delicious to face the Road Warriors as the originally planned opponents for Hawk and Animal were severely lacking in the skills department. It was Sgt. Slaughter who proposed the match to the \’banned\’ Punk. You can check out Punk\’s comments and the match in the video below.
This match would be Punk\’s second in a WWE ring and holds the unfortunate distinction of being the final WWE match of Road Warrior Hawk. After competing in the Velocity dark match, Hawk died of a heart attack in October that year at the age of 46. He, alongside Animal and Paul Ellering, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
CM Punk may be one of the biggest names in professional wrestling, but as this match shows, even the top stars have to start somewhere. Punk will return to action this weekend at WWE SummerSlam where he will take on Drew McIntyre.
Jesse \’The Body\’ Ventura has acknowledged that many will have been surprised by him attending WWE RAW, given his past issues with the company. The WWE Hall of Famer/former Governor of Minnesota was at the July 29, episode of the Red brand which took place in St. Paul, Minnesota. On Twitter, WWE cameras shared Ventura\’s meeting with WWE CCO Paul \’Triple H\’ Levesque.
Though a wrestler and broadcaster in the WWF for years, Ventura\’s return to WWE is something of a surprise. In 1991, Ventura brought litigation against the promotion after discovering that non-feature performers received royalties on videotape sales but he had not. Four years earlier, Ventura had waived his rights to royalties on videotape sales when he was falsely told that only feature performers received such royalties.
The case entered federal court and Ventura won $801,333 when a jury ruled in his favor. The judge also awarded Ventura $8,625 in back pay for all non-video WWF merchandising featuring Ventura. The suit soured Ventura\’s relationship with WWE, which had consistently been under strain due to Ventura\’s previous attempts to form a union in wrestling.
Despite this, Ventura was welcomed back for SummerSlam 1999 (after his Governor victory) and he officiated the Minnesota pay-per-view\’s main event. Ventura also returned for an \’Old School Raw\’ in 2009 in which he once again donned the headset alongside Vince McMahon on commentary.
Fans will get to see The Wyatt Sicks in action next week as three members of the faction will be in six-man tag-team action. During this week\’s RAW, The Wyatt Sicks once again came face-to-face with Gable and the Creeds. On the ring apron, three members unmasked to reveal they are Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, and Joe Gacy. When Gable tried to leave, he received a crossbody from Nikki Cross. When Gable left to go to the back, he was confronted by Uncle Howdy, who remained masked.
It has been confirmed that the group will take on Chad Gable and the Creed Brothers during the August 5, episode of Monday Night RAW. This will mark the in-ring debut for the faction with these current characters.
The Wyatt Sicks has been targeting Gable ever since making their much-anticipated debut on WWE Monday Night RAW back in June of this year. Gable was seen bleeding from the head when the faction arrived. While the cryptic, mysterious actions of the group so far have won over audiences, there have been questions as to how the faction will work when trading holds and strikes like everyone else on the roster. Fans will get the answer to those questions on next week\’s Monday Night RAW.
WWE RAW – August 5
Next week\’s show will also deal with the fallout from WWE SummerSlam 2024. That show will take place this Saturday, August 3, from the Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, Next week\’s RAW will also see faction warfare as Damage CTRL\’s Dakota Kai will take on the leader of RAW\’s newest women\’s faction Sonya Deville.
All Elite Wrestling has received a substantial tax credit from the state of Ohio, in a move that could see AEW establish itself in the Buckeye State. This week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced over $35 million in state tax credits for film, television, and Broadway projects. Of the 17 entities that will benefit, AEW is the only wrestling promotion listed and will receive $1.275 million in tax credit. In a statement, Governor DeWine shared his excitement for what\’s to come.
\”Ohio is an ideal location for entertainment production; we offer big city backdrops, small town appeal, and everything in between. We\’re happy to welcome these productions – and the economic impact they\’ll bring – to Ohio.\”
This news for AEW comes at an interesting time given that WWE are mere days away from hosting its annual SummerSlam event in Cleveland. Shortly before WWE announced that the Biggest Party of the Summer was coming to the city, the promotion received $1.68 million in tax credits to WWE through the state\’s Motion Picture Tax Credit program.
AEW and Ohio
All Elite Wrestling first arrived in Cleveland, Ohio for its 17th episode of Dynamite that took place in January 2020. The company returned in September 2023 to host its 13th episode of Collision. Several names from AEW call Ohio home include former World Champion Jon Moxley, former TNT Champion Wardlow, and the unfortunately injured Shane Taylor.
AEW has brought a mainstream alternative to WWE across the United States and beyond and Ohio could be the home of a future AEW event soon judging by this tax credit incentive. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on AEW and where its future events will take place.
Pete Sanchez, a wrestler who spent much of his career making others look better, as enhancement talent has passed away, it has been confirmed. This unfortunate news was shared by Bill Apter who had been told that Sanchez had been dealing with an illness for \”quite a while.\” The veteran wrestling reporter spoke highly of Sanchez\’s work as an enhancement talent and added that he was an incredibly \”pleasant\” person to work with.
Known as \’Pistol\’ Pete, Sanchez competed in the NWA, World Wrestling Council, and the WWE back when it was known as the WWWF. It was at a WWWF show in Madison Square Garden on March 1, 1976, that Sanchez did the honors for Ric Flair in what would be the Nature Boy\’s first foray in a McMahon-endorsed ring. This match came mere months after the infamous plane crash from October 1975 after which Flair was told he would never wrestle again.
Flair is not the only notable name associated with Sanchez\’s career. Over his tenure, he also worked with names like Bret Hart, Jake Roberts, the Big Boss Man, the Road Warriors. While he lost the vast majority of his matches, Sanchez picked up some wins including over Johnny Rodz and Kevin Sullivan.
We here at SE Scoops would like to share our deepest condolences to Sanchez\’ family, friends, and fans at this awful time.
Konosuke Takeshita has taken the mantle as a leader of Strong Style Wrestling after being bequeathed the honor by an undisclosed mentor in America. Speaking during the ongoing G1 Climax after his victory over HENARE and Jeff Cobb, the AEW star spoke about being entrusted with the intracicies of Strong Style Wrestling.
“I have a mentor in America. That mentor has entrusted me with leading the wrestling world, entrusted me with Strong Style. Who’s my mentor? Can’t tell you yet. YeaOh!”
Though Takeshita didn\’t name his mentor in America, fans have been led to believe it could be WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura. Not only is Nakamura known as the \’King of Strong Style, but he used \’yeaoh!\’ as a signature phrase during his lengthy time with New Japan. The hand gesture Takeshita used at the end of the promo also appeared remiscient of the former WWE NXT Champion. Earlier this year, Nakamura and Takeshita were seen together with the All-Elite talent sharing a selfie with a \’fan\’ online.
What is Strong Style?
Strong Style Wrestling blends real fighting moves into a pro-wrestling performance to make the various strikes look as legitimately painful as possible. The term dates back to Antonio Inoki who was billed as a strong style fighter in New Japan for matches where he\’d fight kickboxers and martial artists. Inoki used this style for his 1976 fight with Muhammad Ali that was watched by an estimated 1.4 billion people.
NXT Level Up talent will be given a golden opportunity to hone their skills in Booker T\’s Reality of Wrestling, the latter promotion has confirmed. Talent from the NXT secondary show will be part of \’Breakout\’ events from Reality of Wrestling, the Texas-based promotion run by NXT commentator/two-time Hall of Famer Booker T.
Our biggest Sunday #Breakout show to date with 189 fans at the Walker Texas Lawyer Arena!
BREAKING NEWS: Going forward NXT Level Up Talent will be part of our BREAKOUT Events. pic.twitter.com/hPdVa0UI77
— Reality of Wrestling (@TheOfficialROW) July 29, 2024
This is a huge deal reached for WWE NXT Level Up, which features talent at the very start of their wrestling journey. From there, wrestlers \’graduate\’ to WWE NXT and if they continue to improve, eventually make it to the main roster. The show launched in February 2022, as a replacement for 205 Live, and it goes head-to-head with AEW Rampage.
WWE NXT & Reality of Wrestling
Though this new agreement will see more regular involvement by NXT talent, Reality of Wrestling has hosted gold-brand talent in the past. In September 2023, Charlie Dempsey and Axiom appeared at the \’Grand Opening\’ event. Mere months later, Roxanne Perez appeared at ROW One Night Only, the first event for the promotion of 2024. It\’s fitting that \’The Prodigy\’ was at the event given that she was trained by Booker, a fact referenced multiple times on WWE NXT TV.
Competing in Reality of Wrestling presents a golden opportunity to NXT Level Up talent to develop their skills in front of a crowd without the pressure of a TV production. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on their crossover and the latest news from the world of pro wrestling.
WWE is on the hunt for a new Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs in the latest change to the promotion\’s behind-the-scenes dynamic. The promotion recently posted an opening for a \’Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs – Talent Relations & Talent Development\’ in an on-site role in Stamford, CT. A role summary reads as follows:
\”Attorney position involved in all legal aspects of Talent Relations and Talent Development for World Wrestling Entertainment, LLC (“WWE”), primarily responsible for negotiation, contract drafting, risk management, legal strategies and policies relating to all talent agreements.\”
The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience as a lawyer with experience in matters relating to media, sports, talent agency, TV production and/or live events. A law degree from a U.S.-based law school is also a must, and they must be admitted to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
The role of VP of Talent Relations was previously held by John Laurinaitis, who replaced Jim Ross in the role in June 2004. Laurinaitis himself was replaced in the role by Paul \’Triple\’ Levesque in 2012 but returned in March 2021. He was removed from his post in June 2022 due to the investigation into the Vince McMahon \’hush money\’ scandal and was let go by the company on August 8.
WWE seeking a new Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs – Talent Relations & Talent Development marks just the latest shift to the company\’s corporate offices. In April 2024, four names exited the company, including Sue Aitchison who had been with the promotion since 1986. These changes came shortly after the departure of Kevin Dunn who has since been replaced by Lee Fitting as Head of Production.
Welsh fighter Oban Elliott, who competes in the UFC, has teased appearing at WWE\’s first-ever PLE in Germany \’Bash In Berlin.\’ Appearing at the UFC 304 post-show press conference in London, Elliot was asked about a recent visit to WWE. The fighter was coy and said that he has some \”Business in Berlin under the TKO banner.\”
When another reporter asked Elliott about potentially fighting at UFC\’s November 2024 in Madison Square Garden, the conversation once again turned to WWE. The fighter said he\’d love to walk out to either Hulk Hogan or The Rock\’s music, and possibly have CM Punk walk out with him inside WWE\’s old stomping ground.
WWE Bash In Berlin
The first-ever PLE in Germany, Bash in Berlin will take place on August 31, from the Uber Arena. The previous night will see a taping of WWE SmackDown from the same venue. At this time, no matches have been confirmed for the show. The show is the latest in a trend of WWE PLE\’s in Europe and will follow Clash at the Castle events in Wales, and Glasgow, Money in the Bank 2023 in London, and WWE Backlash: France in Lyon.
MVP surprised fans with his appearance at Josh Barnett\’s Bloodsport XI where he spoke about his plans for WWE and outside the company. At the show, MVP, a former U.S. Champion made a surprise appearance following Barnett\’s fight with Bad Dude Tito.
MVP spoke of his friendship with Barnett and how his start in submission wrestling training began with Josh eleven years ago. MVP then confirmed that the contract \”with the company who I won\’t mention\” [WWE] is about to expire and shared that \”I\’m not going back.\”
Though his WWE career is ending, MVP isn\’t ready to retire and challenged Barnett to a fight at a future Bloodsport event. Barnett was in favor of the idea and shared that Bloodsport is \”the land where the Hurt Business cashes the most checks.\”
MVP wasn\’t the only WWE name at Bloodsport XI. Both Creed Brothers were victorious in their Bloodsport debuts with Brutus and Julius defeating Tom Lawlor and Matt Makowski respectively. Charlie Dempsey came up short against Royce Isaacs while Shayna Baszelr defeated Miyu Yamashita in the show\’s main event.
Now, fans can expect MVP at a future event against Barnett, and his comment about the Hurt Business shouldn\’t be ignored. In addition to MVP, it\’s been reported that Bobby Lashley\’s WWE deal is set to expire soon. WWE is reportedly under the belief that both men are gone with speculation regarding a potential move to AEW.
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