SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • LA Knight Wishes He Wasn\’t Bray Wyatt\’s Last Match

    LA Knight\’s Pitch Black match with Bray Wyatt was the Megastar\’s biggest match in WWE at the time, but he wishes it wasn\’t Wyatt\’s final match on TV. 

    At the 2023 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, Wyatt defeated Knight in the Mountain Dew-sponsored match. The bout featured neon weapons and face paint. After the match, Wyatt would continue his attack on Knight, who was also attacked by Uncle Howdy. 

    LA Knight on the Pitch Black Match

    Unfortunately, this would be Bray\’s final wrestling match on WWE TV. A serious illness would see him pulled from TV weeks later and Wyatt would pass away in August at the age of 36. During a recent interview with \”In The Kliq\” podcast, Knight spoke about the match which he doesn\’t try to dwell on given what came after. 

    \”I don\’t really think about it too, too much just because it\’s a weird thing to consider and celebrate I guess, in a weird way. I wish I wasn\’t his last match, so I think that\’s really more the way I think about it.\”

    Despite the dark cloud that now surrounds the match, Knight was grateful that he had the chance to work with the late wrestler. 

    \”That was an experience for me where that was an opportunity, and I don\’t know that it was looked at as an opportunity in a lot of ways. I think it was just thought of as here\’s a guy who can handle himself in this situation and help to put the spotlight on Bray and bring him back, as I did.

    \”But at the same time, man did I shine a light on myself as much as I could. If they gave me 30 seconds, if they gave me two minutes, no matter how much time I had on that TV screen, my God was I gonna make a splash.\”

    What Came Next? 

    Knight and Wyatt would continue their feud off TV. Their final match, which would be Bray\’s last match ever, took place in a Lights Out Street Fight at an untelevised event in Rockford, Illinois, on February 26, 2023. 

    H/T – Wrestling Inc

  • Wrestlers React to Super Bowl LVIII As Kansas City Chiefs Win With Overtime Touchdown

    The climactic finish to Super Bowl LVIII that saw the Kansas City Chiefs emerge supreme once again has had the wrestling world talking.

    At the end of the fourth quarter, the Chiefs were tied 19-19 with the San Fransisco 49ers. In overtime, it looked like the 49ers were going to win. That was until the last second when the Chiefs scored, earning them the lead and their latest Super Bowl championship. 

    The Wrestling World Reacts

    On Twitter, Baron Corbin shared his delight that the Chiefs are now back-to-back champions. The Lone Wolf, who had been backing the Chiefs from the start, couldn\’t celebrate two loudly as his children were sleeping. 

    Naomi attended the game with Mercedes Mone and Bayley and the three had been backing the 49ers. Safe to say, the Glow was not pleased with the result. 

    WWE and TNA Wrestling Hall of Famer Bully Ray joked that the result was illegitimate with some wrestling terminology. 

    Former AEW Women\’s World Champion Nyla Rose didn\’t watch the game live but felt it would\’ve been better had it taken place in the legendary Tokyo Dome used for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom. 

    Rose would also use an image of Travis Kelce at the game to tease Mercedes Mone\’s expected arrival in AEW. The Boss will reportedly debut at the upcoming Big Business event in her hometown of Boston next month. 

    Music icon Taylor Swift was at the big game, rooting for her boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Chiefs. In a tweet, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus drew comparisons between herself and the Shake It Off star. 

    The United Football League owned by Dwayne \’The Rock\’ Johnson, also reminded fans that their season kicks off next month. 

    Usher performed at the Big Game\’s half time show, in a performance that left Chelsea Green deceased. 

    Corey Graves also had his own unique reaction to the Super Bowl half-time show. 

    https://twitter.com/WWEGraves/status/1756854416827715959

    And WWE themselves congratulated the Chiefs with the introduction of the new limited edition Super Bowl LVIII Champions Legacy title. 

  • WWE & AEW Stars Shine at Super Bowl LVIII In Las Vegas, Nevada

    The WWE Superstars shined bright at Super Bowl LVIII which saw the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers face off in the Big Game.

    Super Bowl LVIII is taking place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, which WWE fans will recognize as the host of SummerSlam 2021. The game went into overtime after the four quarters resulted in a 19-19 tie. 

    WWE Superstars at the Super Bowl

    Allegiant Stadium was packed with football fans and there were several WWE Superstars who made their presence felt. WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio had a great view of the game in support of the 49ers. 

    The 49ers also had Bayley and Naomi on their side. The pair were also joined by Mercedes Mone, who\’s expected to debut for AEW very soon. 

    The trio was also joined by Mone\’s husband Jimmy Uso. 

    Mone also shared her own excitement outside Allegiant Stadium. 

    It wasn\’t just WWE Superstars who were at the Big Game. On social media, AEW\’s Britt Baker was able to share a selfie with Bayley. 

    Wrestling & the Super Bowl

    Several names from the world of wrestling competed in the Super Bowl. Monty Brown played in the Big Game before he\’d make his mark in WWE as Marcus Cor Von. Raw commentator, Pat McAfee played in Super Bowl XLIV in his rookie year but was unsuccessful. Rob Gronkowski is better known for his NFL success but was briefly a WWE Superstar and former 24/7 Champion. 

    Years before his days as a wrestling World Champion, Big Van Vader played for the LA Rams but lost to the Steelers. Steve \’Mongo\’ McMichael, who was recently announced for Football\’s Hall of Fame, both won in the Super Bowl and is a former WCW United States Champion. 

  • 49ers Vs. Chiefs: WWE Superstars Give Their Picks for Super Bowl LVIII

    The Superstars of WWE have weighed in as to whether it\’ll be the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs who stand tall at Super Bowl LVIII. 

    The Big Game is mere hours away with excitement for the Super Bowl at a fever pitch. The match will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, which WWE fans will recognize as the host of SummerSlam 2021. 

    WWE Stars Give Their Picks for Super Bowl LVIII: 49ers or Chiefs?

    Football fans have their picks for who\’ll be winning Super Bowl LVIII, as do the WWE Superstars. In a recent video, the Superstars were asked for their predictions for the Big Game. 

    In the 49ers\’ corner, the team has Jey Uso, who made it clear he\’s red and gold \’til he\’s dead and cold and threw in a YEET for good measure. San Francisco\’s own \’Dirty\’ Dominik Mysterio is unsurprisingly backing the 49ers, as is the 2024 Women\’s Royal Rumble match winner Bayley and Alpha Academy\’s Otis. 

    The Kansas City Chiefs have some considerable star power of their own, in addition to Taylor Swift. R-Truth is backing the Chiefs, while Baron Corbin was practically offended anyone thought he wouldn\’t be rooting for the team. Carlito is also backing the 49ers, as is WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. WWE Raw announcer Samantha Irvin is also backing the 49ers. 

    Not everyone had a clear-cut favorite, as Byron Saxton said that Taylor Swift was going to win the game herself. WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane simply laughed off the question. When the pair were asked the question in 2020 (which again featured the 49ers and the Chiefs), the Kabuki Warriors made it clear that they didn\’t care. 

    There\’s some WWE involvement happening right now at Super Bowl LVIII… 

  • Justin Bieber, Khloe Kardashian & More Spotted With WWE Golden Title At Super Bowl LVIII

    Snoop Dogg\’s custom WWE Championship has been making the rounds at Super Bowel LVIII and has ended up on the shoulders and waists of many celebrities. 

    Snoop, a WWE Hall of Famer, was presented with the title during a WWE event in August 2022 to promote WrestleMania 39 tickets going on sale. The unique championship features a gold strap with green gemstones. The title also features custom Snoop Dogg-inspired side plates. 

    Snoop\’s Championship at the Super Bowl

    With Super Bowl LVIII mere hours away, the stars have descended upon Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Snoop Dogg\’s custom WWE Championship has also made it to the Big Game. On Twitter, WWE shared that music star Justin Bieber was able to spend some quality time with the title. 

    The \’Baby\’ and \’Sorry\’ star isn\’t the only celebrity to get a snapshot with the custom title, which now a blue color scheme and side plates promoting WrestleMania 40. French Montana, Diplo, Nina Dobrev and recent WWE gues Jelly Roll were also spotted with the gold. 

    QuavoYRN, TPain, Tiffany Haddish, and Josh Richards also got an opportunity with the coveted rare piece of WWE memorabilia. 

    Khloe Kardashain was also spotted with the title, along with The Chainsmokers, Neyo, JB Smoove, Sebastian Maniscalco:

    Super Bowl LVIII

    This year\’s Super Bowl will see the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers face off in the Big Game. Allegiant Stadium does have a connection to wrestling, as the venue hosted the SummerSlam 2021 Premium Live Event. In the main event, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made sure John Cena didn\’t become a 17-time World Champion before being confronted by the returning Brock Lesnar after the match. 

  • Watch: \’Stone Cold\’ Steve Austin Rocks Mullet In Kawasaki\’s Super Bowl LVIII Commercial

    It\’s been decades since \’Stone Cold\’ Steve Austin had a head of hair, but the Rattlesnake was rocking a mullet in a new commercial for the Super Bowl. 

    The commercial from Kawasaki promotes the all-new Kawasaki Ridge vehicle. The Ridge, much like the infamous hairstyle, is business in the front and party in the back according to a voiceover in the commercial. 

    To hammer this point home, two mulleted men ride the Ridge around, with mullets sprouting wherever they go. That includes on the beautiful bald head of the Texas Rattlesnake, who appreciated his new head of hair.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpg2xfdbP8E

    Austin and his Hair

    Fans of Steve Austin who have seen him in WCW will know of the Rattlesnake\’s luscious locks during his time as part of the Hollywood Blonds. \’Stunning\’ Steve Austin teamed with \’Flying\’ Brian Pillman and their past would be alluded to in their WWF feud in 1997. Speaking on his podcast, Austin recalled losing his hair early into his career. 

    “I had that long blonde hair but it was kind of thin and I was starting to get those widows peeks, starting to creep up and I had that little crown in the middle — I knew my days with long hair were numbered.”

    Austin added that Bruce Willis\’ role in Pulp Fiction inspired him to go bald and believes the bold move was for the best. 

    “It didn’t deter me from success and was probably one of the biggest reasons why I had success, because it was the best look for me.”

    Stone Cold was recently feeling pretty chilly in a hilarious video… 

  • Portland PD Gives Statement on Billy Jack Haynes, Wife Janette Confirmed Victim of Shooting

    There has been an update on former WWE star Billy Jack Haynes following a fatal shooting that took place earlier this week. 

    Haynes was arrested on Thursday after police were called to his home in the Lents neighborhood. Authorities were called after gunfire was heard. After a tense standoff with offices, Haynes \”eventually came out\” of the home and was detained. There is no ongoing threat to the community according to police. Upon inspection, the authorities found the body of Janette Becraft on the premises. 

    In an update, the Portland Police in Oregan issued the following statement: 

    \”The suspect in the Thursday Lents Neighborhood homicide investigation is identified as William Albert Haynes, Jr, 70, of Portland. Haynes is Janette Becraft’s husband.

    \”He is in police custody at a local hospital while he is being treated for a medical condition unrelated to the homicide or his contact with law enforcement. Once he is released from the hospital, which may be days from now, he is expected to be booked into jail. Haynes’ charges will be released once he is booked.

    Billy Jack Haynes in Wrestling

    Trained by Stu Hart, Haynes broke into the wrestling business in 1982 and would join the World Wrestling Federation in 1986. Haynes would feud with Randy Savage over the Intercontinental Championship and later with Hercules Hernandez over who was stronger. Haynes and Hernandez fought in the \’Battle of the Full Nelsons\’ at WrestleMania 3, as both men used this move as a signature hold. The match went to a double count-out. 

    Haynes left the WWF in early 1988 under some controversy. In one version of his exit, Haynes quit the WWF after refusing to do a job in his hometown of Portland, Oregon. Another telling of his exit said that he wrestled the match and the finish and was fired afterward.

  • Kazuchika Okada Ends NJPW Career Triumphant With Win at New Beginning in Osaka

    Kazuchika Okada is ending his lofty New Japan Pro Wrestling career on a high with a victory over Hiroshi Tanahashi at New Beginning in Osaka 2024.

    Before the match began, the crowd delivered a thunderous \”Okada\” chant inside the EDION arena. Okada got the early advantage by sending Tanahashi to the floor with a drop-kick. Some dirty tactics from Okada, including using the barricade, elicited boos from the crowd. 

    Back in the ring, Okada landed Tanahashi\’s signature dragon screw, drawing more boos from the Osaka crowd. Tanahashi took control with a senton and his own dragon screws. Okada caught Tanahashi mid-run and followed up with an air raid crash and elbow drop before hitting his Rainmaker pose. 

    Okada\’s first attempt at the Rainmaker was reversed into Tanahashi\’s sling blade. Tanahashi later climbed to the ropes for High Fly Flow but Okada blocked by extending his knees. Okada used a dropkick and a piledriver to gain wrist control. Seeing the writing on the wall, Tanahashi tried to escape, but Okada landed the Rainmaker. Okada then pinned Tanahashi to win the match.

    Post-match, the two men embraced. Okada took a moment to soak up the response from fans before bowing to the lion mark.

    You can check out some of the highlights from the match below. 

    What\’s Next for Kazuchika Okada? 

    A highly talented individual, it\’s no surprise that both AEW and WWE are hopeful to sign Okada when the time is right. Of the two, it has been reported that Okada is believed to be WWE-bound. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has reportedly always dreamed of competing at WrestleMania, something those in WWE are well aware of. WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER recently stated that Okada would be more than welcome in WWE. 

  • Reason Why AEW Collision Won\’t Be Airing Next Week (February 17)

    AEW Collision is going off the air for one week only next week due to the impact that NBA programming would have on the Saturday night show. 

    During this week\’s AEW Collision, Tony Schiavone shared that there will not be an episode of the show next week. AEW\’s third weekly wrestling show is being preempted by TNT network’s coverage of the NBA All-Star weekend. In the past, the NBA has caused havoc to AEW\’s programming. Typically, shows will be moved to another night of the week or to a worse time slot on the same night. 

    Instead, AEW Collision will not be airing whatsoever next week. The show will return on February 24, with a live episode from the Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Missouri.

    AEW\’s Other Shows

    While Collision will not be airing next week, AEW\’s other shows will be on TV, albeit with a slight change. TNT\’s schedule lists the Friday, February 16, episode of AEW Rampage with an early start time of 7 PM ET. There will also be a replay at 11:30 PM ET. AEW has yet to announce the change. There has so far been no change made to AEW Dynamite. 

    AEW Collision

    AEW Collision launched in June of last year, becoming the promotion\’s third weekly televised program, following the launch of Dynamite in 2019 and Rampage two years ago. Much of AEW Collision\’s early focus was on CM Punk. The former AEW World Champion returned to TV after a lengthy hiatus during the show\’s first episode but his time with Collision ended after his release from AEW in September 2023. Punk has since returned to WWE. 

  • Kenny Omega Is Doing Better But AEW Still ‘Very Worried’ About Him

    AEW\’s Kenny Omega is doing better, but the former World Champion isn\’t out of the woods just yet according to Tony Khan. 

    In December 2023, Omega revealed that he\’d be out of action indefinitely due to a battle with diverticulitis. At first, it was believed Omega\’s abdominal pain was a hernia, but that was not the case. His situation has led to an outpouring of support, with even Don Callis dropping his on-screen animosity to Omega to share his best wishes. 

    Kenny Omega has battled a series of career threatening injuries

    Tony Khan Speaks On Kenny Omega

    In the latest update on his condition, it was said that Omega was doing a lot better and that it\’s hopeful he will make a full recovery. In a recent interview with Sports Grid, Tony Khan spoke about Omega and what lies ahead. 

    “We were all very worried about him. He’s doing better but you know, he was seriously sick and his life could have been threatened had he not gotten to the Doctors when he had.

    \”He was really sick and he’s thankfully doing much better and you know, we’re always wishing Kenny the best, and hoping and looking forward to seeing Kenny Omega back in AEW as soon as he’s healthy.\”

    Diverticulitis: The Facts

    Diverticulitis affects the large intestine and causes abdominal pain, which is why Omega mistook his situation for a hernia at first. It can be caused by diverticula, which are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system. 

    Brock Lesnar and Shane McMahon have both suffered from diverticulitis in the past. Lesnar\’s situation would result in surgery and UFC fights being postponed. He would go under the knife in November 2009 and would return to action in July 2010. 

    We here at SE Scoops are continuing to wish Omega a full and speedy recovery. 

  • Tony Khan Confirms Forbidden Door 3, Wants CMLL Involved in Practically All AEW Plans

    AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door will return for a third show, which could also feature talent from CMLL judging by recent comments from Tony Khan. 

    AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling hosted their first Forbidden Door event in 2022. The show proved to be a massive success and a second show was hosted last year. AEW and New Japan have also worked together outside of these Forbidden Door events, with several AEW stars appearing at NJPW\’s annual Wrestle Kingdom event. 

    Forbidden Door III Confirmed

    With the success of the Forbidden Door shows thus far, fans are eager to see AEW and NJPW talent lock horns again. Speaking recently to Sportsgrid, Tony Khan confirmed that a third show is in the works. Khan also praised the efforts of Hiroshi Tanahashi, who was recently appointed NJPW President. 

    \”There will be a Forbidden Door III. The AEW/New Japan partnership is 100% here to stay. Shota [Umino]\’s tremendous. NJPW\’s got a great young roster right now. President Tanahashi is a perfect leader for the organization at the right time.\”

    Tony Khan on CMLL

    New Japan isn\’t the only company AEW has worked with. Recently, CMLL talent began competing on AEW shows, and there was a faceoff between AEW and CMLL rosters on this week\’s Dynamite. In the interview, Khan was delighted to be working with CMLL and is hopeful for more involvement between the two sides. 

    \”It\’s great working with New Japan and CMLL. I definitely want CMLL involved in practically anything we do, they’re such a great partner already. It’s been great.\”

    Tony Khan has taken note of WWE\’s lucrative new agreement with Netflix… 

  • Bruce Prichard: I\’m Not At Liberty To Discuss The Vince McMahon Lawsuit, It\’s A Legal Matter

    WWE Executive Director Bruce Prichard will not be discussing the lawsuit against Vince McMahon filed last month by ex-employee Janel Grant. 

    McMahon re-signed from TKO and WWE last month, following a lawsuit filed by ex-employee Janel Grant. Miss Grant claims that McMahon was sexually abusive to her and that he trafficked her to others in the company, including a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. McMahon has denied the allegations against him and, via a spokesperson, has claimed the lawsuit is rife with \”obscene made-up instances that never occurred.\”

    Bruce Prichard Will Not Comment

    Some in WWE have spoken about the allegations in question, with Cody Rhodes calling the situation a \”dark cloud\” over WWE during the Royal Rumble press conference. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins hopes everyone who knew about what happened gets what they deserve, if the allegations are proven to be true. 

    On his Something to Wrestle With podcast, Bruce Prichard was asked about the lawsuit against McMahon and WWE. While a long-time ally of McMahon, Prichard made it clear he would not comment on the matter. 

    \”I’m not at liberty to discuss any legal matters of the company whatsoever. To that, there is nothing that I can say. There can’t be a response from the legal standpoint. You can ask until you’re blue in the face, and that’s going to be your answer. I’m not involved, I’m not being sued, I’m not being accused of anything. It’s a legal matter.\”

    Prichard added that there will be some who believe the claims and there will be some who won\’t no matter what. 

    \”Sometimes, it is as simple as, for those who believe, no explanation is needed; for those that don’t, no explanation will do. That’s kind of where we are. Let the rest of it sit in the hands of the fine legal system we have here in the United States of America.\”

    Prichard made clear that nobody in WWE instructed him to not address the matter on his podcast. Instead, Prichard is wisely choosing to not discuss the lawsuit against his former boss and the company he currently works at. 

    Bruce Prichard recently found himself named by Ronda Rousey as part of the Vince McMahon controversy… 

    H/T – Jeremy Lambert of Fightful

  • Raychell Rose Claims Booker T Fired Her From Reality Of Wrestling Over Being Victim of Stalking

    Reality of Wrestling owner Booker T fired Raychell Rose from the promotion because she was being stalked, the young wrestler has claimed this week. 

    Fightful reports that trainee Shawn Reed was asked to stay away from ROW\’s training facility after several instances of his behavior making Rose and others uncomfortable. Despite this, he would make himself present numerous times. Rose attempted to file stalking and harassment charges but they were denied on the grounds the pair had never been in a relationship. 

    Early Problems

    In conversations obtained by Fightful dating as far back as August 2021, it is made clear to Reed that his behavior was an issue. Reed claimed that Rose had \”manipulated him into thinking she was single\” despite it being widely known in ROW that she was in a long-term relationship. A ROW official, who Rose said was Kevin Bernhardt, urged Reed to train at Premier, as his attendance at ROW had been sparse as is. Rose told Fightful that Bernhardt knew she performed at Premier. Bernhardt was supposed to inform Booker T but did not do so. 

    After an incident in March 2022, Reed was ejected from the Houston Premier Arena, where Rose had been wrestling. On March 10, Bernhardt instructed Reed not to come to an upcoming event that Rose would be featured on. Reed contacted Bernhardt again in June for permission to attend an upcoming show, but Bernhardt denied him. It\’s reported that this exchange was amicable. 

    Police Involvement

    In September, Reed messaged Rose in an alleged attempt to make amends, despite being instructed multiple times not to contact her, including by police. That December, a situation at a ROW show saw multiple arrests, with Reed being among them. Students said at the time that this situation could have been prevented. 

    Reed would once again appear at a ROW show Rose was competing at. Rose claimed that she was told to notify police immediately if Reed was around her.

    Booker T Involved

    Booker T encountered Reed in the parking lot of that event. Talent claim that Reed had made threats on himself and implied to Booker that he was considering attacking the students, with some claiming he threatened to shoot up the venue. Booker reportedly walked Reed back into the venue after he\’d been ejected in an effort to calm him doing and stop him doing anything \”crazy.\”

    Arrests Made

    After that event, Reed went to a bar that the ROW performers visted after every show as a tradition. Many claimed that Reed knew of this tradition and deliberately went to the bar to see Rose. She approached him at the bar and told him to stay away from her and that she was calling the police. Before they arrived, ROH talent confronted Reed. Rose claims Reed hit a ROW wrestler with a glass mug and attempted to hit her. 

    Reed and a ROW talent were arrested due to the incident at the bar. Booker T claimed the talent\’s charges were expunged and he was quickly bonded out. Those we spoke to said that the attacked ROW talent\’s medical expenses weren\’t covered, though Rose thought they should be.

    Rose added that she was told ROW would have armed security to deal with Reed at future events. She says this did not end up happening. 

    Raychell Rose is Fired

    Rose said that upon speaking with Booker T after the incident, that she was fired from Reality of Wrestling, which she felt wasn\’t justified. She believes she lost her role due to having a stalker she\’d warned the company about. Those familiar with the situation said she was blamed for causing the problematic Reed to be around. 

    When Fightful asked Booker T, he confirmed Rose was fired from ROW. Booked cited internal reasons he wouldn\’t elaborate upon as the reason for her exit. Booker called the issue a \”nonstory\” and pointed to Reality of Wrestling\’s track record of not having similar stories emerge from their company.

    Rose claimed that Booker was angry at her over the December incident which resulted in multiple arrests. 

    \”Booker screamed and cursed at me when he arrived on the scene while I was talking to police at the December incident that this was my fault and I’m the reason people got hurt and arrested.\”

    ROW Departures

    Fightful can confirm that multiple wrestlers left ROW in protest after the situation. One said that they left because the situation left them feeling unsafe and not protected at the venue after the situation unfolded, in light of the threats they heard Reed had spoken of.

    Raychell Rose Comments

    In her discussion with Fightful, Rose added the following: 

    \”My safety has not been secure for years due to Shawn Reed and the lack of support I received from the people in charge at Reality of Wrestling which allowed Shawn\’s actions to escalate the way they did unchecked. This issue being allowed to fester for so long has resulted in many hours of speaking in person to and on the phone with police officers, district attorneys, and lawyers because of this situation.

    \”I’ve spent and continue to spend a great deal of time in therapy sessions to process trauma related to this incident in hopes of one day fully overcoming the effects of it. That itself comes with a stigma, but it’s all a part of the healing process which I am learning to navigate and fully embrace.

    \”Overall I hope what comes out of this is Booker, along with the people placed in charge at his school, implement procedures and protections to ensure all threats are taken seriously in the future.

    \”Should they continue to not make students\’ safety their priority, I hope that at the very least any women who train there or are looking for a place to train see this and are able to make an educated decision before they to put their safety into the hands of Reality of Wrestling.\”

    Rose added that she was thankful for the start ROW gave her and was grateful to the original trainers that she worked with who protected her and created a culture where people looked out for each other. She added: 

    \”Despite these positive feelings about how things used to be, it doesn’t absolve the actions taken by Booker T and Kevin Bernhardt that were geared towards protecting their reputation and downplaying the events that led up to and followed the events of that night.\”

  • The Rock Breaks Character In Response to Troll Using Maui Wildfire Tragedy in Factless Attack

    The Rock felt it necessary to break kayfabe to respond to a troll who is trying to use the heel heat he had this week for their own political motivations. 

    The Brahma Bull\’s return to WWE during last week\’s SmackDown was met with heavy criticism by fans who believe Cody Rhodes is more deserving of a shot at Roman Reigns at WrestleMania instead. Videos of The Rock have been booed at WWE live events and chants of \”Rocky sucks\” were acknowledged during this week\’s Raw. 

    Fake Claim Made Against The Rock

    WWE, to their credit, has leaned into the negative reaction to The Rock\’s return. The Brahma Bull cut a heel promo on \”Cody crybabies\” during a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee show. The Rock also played up his heel persona during the recent WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference. 

    At the event, The Rock once again faced a hostile response from the fans, as well as more pro-Cody Rhodes chants. One troll on Twitter, Nick Sortor, tried to claim that the fans were booing The Rock due to reasons outside of wrestling. Sortor claims that the fans were chanting \”Maui\” in response to the backlash to The Rock and Oprah setting up a fund where people could donate to help victims of the Maui wildfires. At the time, many took issue with the two multi-millionaires asking for donations to the fund. 

    The Rock Responds

    Of course, Sortor is being completely inaccurate, and the fans were not chanting \”Maui\” but instead chanting for Cody. Sortor\’s fake claim was \’Community Noted\’ by Twitter which made clear he was being dishonest. 

    The Rock also felt the need to respond. In a tweet of his own, the Great One pointed out that over $50,000,000 has been raised to help those affected by the fires. In a character-breaking move, The Rock also made clear that he was playing a heel and was trying to elicit boos from the fans. 

    The Rock also spoke about his love for Hawaii and the Maui area. He encouraged Nick to post something positive about Hawaii \”instead of posting bullsh*t.\”

    I typically refrain from responding to toxic, false clickbait garbage like this because I hate dignifying bullshit with a response, but when you use Hawaii’s tragic events to draw attention to yourself I won’t stay quiet.

    This moment you’re referring to is from our @WWE press conference this past Thursday where I turned “heel” – wrestling parlance for bad guy. I’m playing it up with our crowd as they boo. It’s what we do in our WWE universe, and we all love every second of it.

    For the record: Our People’s Fund of Maui has already DELIVERED over $50 MILLION DOLLARS to over 8,000 survivors who were affected by the fires, and I’m grateful to the bone that we’ve been the primary funders.

    Hawaii is where I grew up, where I raise my children throughout the year and where my ancestors are buried. These are my Polynesian people and these are OUR American people. You can’t imagine how much they are still struggling daily to put their lives back together and take care of each other. Our Poly American people are as resilient as people come, and they will raise and get back on their feet.

    Nick, instead of posting bullshit like this that you know is false – I encourage you to post something positive for Hawaii, for our Polynesian American people. Or actually take positive action and come to Hawaii to help out in an uplifting way. I’m in Hawaii now, and I guarantee you, you’ll get great content that can actually make a difference in people’s lives. Genuinely.

    Let’s put our energy and our online platforms into lifting people up. Acknowledging the good things that people do. Raising awareness for the suffering in ways that can effectively help. It takes so much effort to be negative, and create and spread bullshit – but when you spread positivity, kindness, and lead by example you can really impact lives.

    I’m sorry to all our Poly/Hawaiian ohana of Maui, for shining light on this toxicity as you struggle through tough times – I always try to be Na’au Pono. Love U. Aloha, DJ

    Who Is Nick Sortor?

    This is far from Sortor\’s only example of dishonesty. In his tweet immediately before his lies about The Rock, he claims that a pro-Donald Trump song was being played on the radio. After several people questioned this claim, he admitted that he was \”kidding\” about it being on the radio. Sortor is vocally pro-Trump. The Rock endorsed Joe Biden for President in the run-up to the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. 

    Sortor has appeared for Tucker Carlson Tonight, FOX News, and Newsmax among other right-wing leaning media sources. Each of these would spread the false claim that Donald Trump won the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. A defamation lawsuit by voting machine producer Dominion against FOX would result in FOX paying $787 million in a settlement. Carlson would be cut from FOX shortly after. Newsmax and other right-wing leaning channels have since admitted they have found no evidence backing up the claims of mass voter fraud they had previously reported. 

  • Seth Rollins Calls Out Roman Reigns\’ \”Vacation\” Time In Latest Shot At The Tribal Chief

    WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins has taken aim at the \”vacation\” time taken by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. 

    The Tribal Chief certainly enjoys a much more relaxed schedule compared to other WWE Superstars. In 2022, Reigns signed a lucrative contract that allows him to wrestle far less. Last year, Reigns competed in just eleven matches, a considerable drop from the previous year. For comparison, Rollins competed in 99 matches for WWE in 2023. 

    Seth Rollins Takes a Shot at Roman Reigns

    Seth Rollins has been vocally opposed to Reigns\’ strangle-hold on the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, which played a part in Rollins becoming World Heavyweight Champion last May. Rollins is very much of the belief that a World Championship should be a regular on TV and represent the company. 

    Roman Reigns isn\’t the only person that the Architect has set his sights on though. Rollins has had an issue with CM Punk ever since the latter\’s return to WWE, and the issues between them go back far further than that. Recently, Rollins poked fun at CM Punk\’s torn triceps injury, saying the \’Best in the World\’ will be back in a year or two. When a fan found the comment a tad rich given Rollins\’ current injury, the World Heavyweight Champion argued that he\’s had less time off in 12 years than Roman Reigns has had in two. 

    What\’s Next? 

    Roman Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. That is despite Reigns making clear he intends to face The Rock at the two-night megashow. 

    As for Seth Rollins, he has vowed that his injury won\’t keep him from competing at WrestleMania. Rollins\’ opponent for Philly will be decided in this month\’s Men\’s Elimination Chamber match. 

    You can add The Rock to the list of Superstars Seth Rollins has an issue with… 

  • Update on Women\’s Elimination Chamber Match After WWE Seemingly Spoils Entrants

    More has come to light about WWE\’s upcoming Women\’s Elimination Chamber match which will determine who challenges for the Women\’s World Title at WrestleMania. 

    The match will take place at the Elimination Chamber: Perth Premium Live Event that will take place from Optus Stadium on February 24. The show will be WWE\’s first PLE in Australia since 2018. It will also serve as WWE\’s final main-roster Premium Live Event ahead of WrestleMania 40 which will kick off on April 6, in Philadelphia, PA. 

    Spoiled Entrants

    Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch have already qualified for the match, but thanks to WWE sharing an image early, fans know who will be joining the former champions. It is now known that Naomi, Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, and Jade Cargill are set to compete in the match. This will mark the second Chamber match for Naomi and Belair, and the fifth for Liv Morgan. It will mark the first time entering the Elimination Chamber for Becky Lynch, Tiffany Stratton, and Jade Cargill, the latter of whom will be competing in her second WWE match ever at the event. 

    Latest News

    Mike Johnson of PW Insider has since confirmed that the plan is for Lynch, Belair, Naomi, Stratton, Morgan, and Cargill to be part of the upcoming match.  Morgan, Stratton, and Naomi all have qualifying matches in the coming week. At this time, it is not confirmed how Cargill will earn her spot in the Women\’s Elimination Chamber match. 

    Becky Lynch is immensely confident of earning a shot at the Women\’s World Championship at WrestleMania… 

  • Sonya Deville Marries Toni Cassano in WWE Guestlist Wedding, Maria Menounos Officiates

    WWE Raw Superstar Sonya Deville is celebrating after marrying Toni Cassano in a ceremony officiated by Maria Menounos. 

    Deville and Cassano, a fitness model, tied the knot on February 10, at The Legacy Castle in New Jersey surrounded by friends, family, and WWE Superstars. Charlotte Flair, Andrade, Bayley, Montez Ford, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Matt Cardona, Chelsea Green, Mandy Rose, Vic Joseph, and McKenzie Mitchell. 

    Special Roles 

    Belair served as the couple\’s flower girl. Cassano\’s daughters, aged 8 and 12, also had special roles during the celebration as Deville told PEOPLE:

    \”Our older daughter, Giovanna, she\’s very good at playing the piano, so she\’s [playing] Toni\’s walk down the aisle song. And then our little one, Valentina, is in charge of the rings.” 

    The ceremony was officiated by Maria Menounos, an entertainment personality, WWE fan, and longtime friend of Deville. The Raw Superstar was thrilled that Menounos could be a part of the big day. 

    \”Maria and her husband Keven [Undergaro] have been a huge part of my life. They\’re the reason I\’m in the WWE — they introduced me to that whole world,\” Berenato says. \”They were my mentors back when I was 20 years old bartending in Los Angeles, so they\’ve been with me the entire ride.”

    Sonya Deville On Her Wife

    Deville could not be happier to be a married woman. In her statement to PEOPLE, she expressed her love for Cassano. 

    \”She really is just my ride or die. She\’s by my side no matter what.\”

    Deville and Cassano had their first dance to Etta James\’ \’At Last\’. Guests were served a wife variety of food options with Cannalonis for dessert. The two brides also served their own signature drinks: a spicy margarita for Cassano and a Moscow Mule for Berenato.

    We here at SE Scoops would like to wish our very best to the happy couple at this time! 

  • Tony Khan Says WWE\’s Netflix Deal is \”Great to See for Everybody\”

    WWE is set to embark on a new era when Monday Night Raw begins streaming on Netflix, which AEW\’s Tony Khan believes is great for everyone. 

    Last month, it was announced that Raw will move to Netflix as part of a $5 billion deal with the streaming giant. Fans in the U.S. will have access to Monday Night Raw each week, while those outside of the States will receive Raw, SmackDown, WWE NXT, and Premium Live Events. Netflix will not cover monthly PLEs in areas where deals are already in place with other distributors, such as India. 

    Tony Khan On WWE And Netflix 

    WWE\’s deal with Netflix has raised questions over the broadcast future of other shows, and whether other promotions could follow WWE\’s example into the world of streaming. Speaking to Payne and Pendergast, AEW President Tony Khan was asked for his thoughts on the Netflix deal.

    \”We’re excited to get big media rights renewals in the wrestling business. That’s great to see for everybody. We’re in a big contract year, too, and I think AEW is going to get big media rights.\”

    Khan then addressed AEW\’s own future broadcast rights and foresees a bright future for his first wrestling promotion.

    \”We have a great partnership on TBS and TNT that I want to continue for a long time. We’ve been on since 2019, it’s five years now we’re going on TBS and TNT, and it’s been great and I want to keep it going because there is a great tradition of wrestling on those channels.”

    Netflix and WWE are allies but the streaming giant wants no part of WWE\’s former Chairman… 

  • Becky Lynch Opens Up On Battle With Post-Partum Depression Last Year

    WWE Superstar Becky Lynch has spoken candidly about her battle with post-partum depression that dominated her life for a significant portion of 2023. 

    In December 2020, Lynch and her husband WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins became parents to a daughter they named Roux. This marked the first time becoming a parent for either Superstar. Lynch and Rollins have tried hard to keep Roux out of the public spotlight with the youngster occasionally appearing backstage at WWE events. 

    Becky Lynch Opens Up

    While Lynch does plenty of fighting in the ring, The Man also had a battle with post-partum depression last year. Speaking to Adam\’s Apple, Lynch said that she had an incredible support group that was able to help her out. 

    \”I had a pretty severe postpartum depression last year for the first half of the year. I actually didn\’t really know what was going on… But I had such a great support system that was able to help me and guide me through and yeah. I\’m just very lucky.\”

    What\’s Next for Becky Lynch? 

    Lynch recently qualified for the Women\’s Elimination Chamber match that will take place later this month in Perth, Australia. The winner of this match will challenge for the WWE Women\’s World Championship at WrestleMania 40, which is currently held by Rhea Ripley. At this week\’s WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference, Lynch vowed that Ripley would learn to \”be a bottom\” should they face off at the two-night show in April. 

    WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth will see Ripley defend her title against Nia Jax. 

    For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.

  • Logan Paul Wears Apple Vision Pro for WWE SmackDown, Demands \”The Rock Treatment\”

    WWE U.S. Champion Logan Paul is ready to take on the virtual world, judging by his arrival to last night\’s episode of WWE SmackDown. 

    The February 9, 2024, episode of WWE SmackDown saw the blue brand deal with the  WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference fallout and build toward WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth. The Men\’s Elimination Chamber match will determine Seth Rollins\’ WrestleMania opponent, as confirmed on SmackDown.

    One name who could compete in the Men\’s Elimination Chamber match is Logan Paul, who will face The Miz in a qualifying match next week. At SmackDown, Paul arrived wearing the Apple Vision Pro headset. As he dabbled in the virtual world, Paul spoke about a \”member of TKO\’s board assault an employee\”, a nod to The Rock slapping Cody Rhodes at the WrestleMania kick-off press conference. 

    Logan Paul Wants The Rock Treatment

    During the show, Paul confronted SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, and made clear that he wanted a challenger for his U.S. title, not a qualifying match. These kind of matches are for unqualified people, as Paul argued, which he is not.  

    The Maverick was also unhappy that his qualifying match will take place in Utah and said that he should be receiving \”The Rock treatment\”: walking in and doing whatever he wants, including \”smack somebody across the face [and be] back on the jet.\” Despite these frustrations, Paul agreed to face The Miz and vowed he\’ll win, win inside the Elimination Chamber, and beat Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Champion. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvTsXDEuFyM

    What happened after this week\’s episode of WWE SmackDown… 

  • Watch: Unlikely Contender Steps Up To GUNTHER After WWE SmackDown

    The dominant reign of Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER continued this week after the Austrian retained against an unlikely opponent after SmackDown. 

    The February 9, 2024, episode of WWE SmackDown saw the blue brand deal with the fallout from the WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference, and build toward WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth. The Men\’s Elimination Chamber match will determine Seth Rollins\’ WrestleMania opponent, as confirmed on SmackDown. Triple H was also on SmackDown and took several shots at The Rock given the Great One\’s involvement with the WrestleMania kick-off press conference. 

    GUNTHER After SmackDown

    In a post-show dark match, GUNTHER was ready to defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship. In an unlikely course of action, the Imperium leader faced R-Truth. At one point in the match, as seen in the video below, Truth used the signature \’Five-Knuckle Shuffle\’ from his childhood hero, John Cena. 

    Despite the popularity of the former WWE 24/7 Champion, it was GUNTHER who retained. 

    This wasn\’t Truth\’s only appearance of the night. During a backstage segment, Truth spoke with Kevin Owens, who he mistook for The Miz. Given that Miz is a Raw Superstar, Truth warned Owens to not let \’Nick\’ catch him. Owens thought Truth was referring to the non-existent Nick Mysterio, but the veteran was more sensible than that and said he was referring to Nick Aldis. 

    What\’s Next for GUNTHER? 

    Today marks day 610 of GUNTHER\’s dominant reign as Intercontinental Champion. Should he hold on to the title for the rest of this month, he will break the record for the most combined days of anyone with the title. He already holds the record for the longest individual title run. 

    GUNTHER\’s win wasn\’t the only dark match at SmackDown… 

  • Ex-WWE Star Billy Jack Haynes Arrested After Fatal Shooting Leaves Woman Dead

    Former wrestler Billy Jack Haynes was arrested at his home in Portland this week following the fatal shooting of a woman believed to be his wife. 

    Local news reports that the incident unfolded on Thursday morning with police receiving a call at around 9:52 AM. Upon arrival, they found a woman\’s lifeless body inside the home of the former wrestler. Hanes had \”not cooperated with officers\” and with fears that he was armed, a tactical team was brought in. 

    After a tense standoff, Haynes \”eventually came out\” of the home and was detained. There is no ongoing threat to the community according to police. Neighbor Steve Odry said the following: 

    “I decided to go for a walk when I saw all the cops down by my house. And I just then noticed all the blocks taped off and I just came down here.”

    Police at the scene did not identify the woman found in the house. It was noted by neighbors that Haynes lived in the home with his wife. 

    Billy Jack Haynes in Wrestling

    Trained by Stu Hart, Haynes broke into the wrestling business in 1982 and would join the World Wrestling Federation in 1986. Haynes would feud with Randy Savage over the Intercontinental Championship and later with Hercules Hernandez over who was stronger. Haynes and Hernandez fought in the \’Battle of the Full Nelsons\’ at WrestleMania 3, as both men used this move as a signature hold. The match went to a double count-out. 

    Haynes left the WWF in early 1988 under some controversy. In one version of his exit, Haynes q
    uit the WWF after refusing to do a job in his hometown of Portland, Oregon. Another telling of his exit said that he wrestled the match and the finish and was fired afterward.

  • Ashley Massaro Says Vince McMahon Sexually Preyed On Women in Previously Unreleased Statement

    Ashley Massaro saw Vince McMahon act inappropriate with women and made her uncomfortable, a previously unreleased statement from the late wrestler claims.

    Before her death in 2019, Massaro claimed that she had been sexually assaulted during an overseas tour for WWE, but that the company pressured her to keep quiet. WWE management has always denied any knowledge of Massaro\’s claim. This month, a representative for former WWE executive John Lauriniatis has claimed that higher-ups were aware of the alleged incident.

    Ashley Massaro\’s Statement

    The Massaro allegations have received new attention given the ongoing lawsuit against Vince McMahon by former WWE employee Janel Grant. In a previously unreleased statement now shared by Vice, Massaro alleges that McMahon was inappropriate with women, including herself following her Playboy magazine release.

    \”During my time with the WWE, I had observed Vince McMahon making-out with other divas in the locker room, but he never paid attention to me, and I assumed I was not his type. This changed after my Playboy cover was released. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to fly on the company jet and stay at the same hotels as the executives for a period of time so that I could get home faster to spend more time with my daughter.

    \”On one of these occasions, Vince was attempting to get me alone with him in his hotel room late at night and I felt extraordinarily uncomfortable. He began calling the hotel room phone and my cell phone nonstop. I called Kevin Dunn to explain the situation and he said I should tell Vince I was not feeling well and would see him on TV the next day, so I did.\”

    Massaro claims that her attempts to rebuff the Chairman led to McMahon making efforts to sabotage her career. 

    \”Immediately after that night, Vince started writing my promos for me. Vince does not write promos for female wrestlers—that is the job of the creative department—and he certainly wouldn’t have, under any normal circumstances, written a promo for me. But he did, and the promos were written with the clear intention of ruining my career.

    \”I brought the first script Vince wrote for me to the WWE employee in charge of Creative at the time, Michael Hayes, and he said, ‘you’re not saying this, who the [expletive] wrote this?’ and I told him that Vince did. He said, ‘Well kid, these are the breaks,’ meaning that Vince wanted to end my career and destroy my reputation on my way out.

    McMahon wasn\’t just satisfied with trying to sabotage Massaro\’s career, as the late wrestler claims he would also be inappropriate when passing. 

    \”He is known for this type of behavior and also did this to [REDACTED] upon her departure from WWE. In addition, after that night, each time I walk by him he would make vulgar sexual comments that were clearly designed to make me uncomfortable.\”

    McMahon has denied all allegations against him made in Janel Grant\’s lawsuit. John Lauriniatis has claimed that he is a victim, not a predator, in this situation.

  • WWE 2K24\’s WrestleMania Showcase Features 21 Matches, Greater Female Representation

    Gamers will be able to enjoy the 40 years of WrestleMania across 21 matches in the upcoming WWE 2K24 video game. 

    WWE 2K24 will be the latest game in the 2K series of games that began with the release of WWE 2K14 a decade ago. The Standard Edition of WWE 2K24 will be released on March 8, while the Deluxe and 40 Years of WrestleMania Editions will be released three days earlier on March 5. Earlier this week, fans caught their first glimpse of gameplay footage from WWE 2K24. 

    40 Years of WrestleMania Showcase

    Much of the buzz around WWE 2K24 surrounds the 40 Years of WrestleMania Showcase mode. Similar to WWE 2K14, this mode will see players work their way through WrestleMania history by reliving some of the show\’s most iconic matches. 

    In a Q&A session with WCCFTech, WWE 2K gameplay producer Bryan Williams shared some details about the 40 Years of WrestleMania Showcase.

    \”There are 21 matches from the 80s, the 90s, the 2000s, 2010s, up to the 2020s… the current day. So we have a wide selection, every era is represented.

    Williams also spoke about the female representation in the WrestleMania showcase and how, unlike WWE 2K14, this year\’s Showcase will feature women\’s matches. 

    \”I will say one of the cool things about this year for Showcase of the Immortals is that there\’s a lot more female representation than there was ten years ago when 2K14 hit the shelves. So very excited and happy about that.

    \”One of the matches there is Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair from WrestleMania 39. That is one of the matches that players will be able to experience in this year\’s Showcase.\”

    Don\’t expect to see Brock Lesnar as part of WWE 2K24\’s promotional build… 

  • Seth Rollins: If the Vince McMahon Allegations Are True, I Hope Everyone Involved Gets What They Deserve

    Seth Rollins hoping that anyone in WWE who knew about Vince McMahon\’s activities gets their just desserts if the allegations against the former chairman are accurate. 

    McMahon re-signed from TKO and WWE last month, following a lawsuit filed by ex-employee Janel Grant. Miss Grant claims that McMahon was sexually abusive to her and that he trafficked her to others in the company, including a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. McMahon has denied the allegations against him and, via a spokesperson, has claimed the lawsuit is rife with \”obscene made-up instances that never occurred.\”

    Seth Rollins on Vince McMahon

    In a recent interview, Rollins described the scandal as a \”disgusting situation.\” In a more recent interview with Fightful, Rollins referenced his previous comments and argued that if Janel Grant\’s claims are true, then anybody who knew should get what they deserve. 

    \”It\’s a crap situation. I said it in that interview on radio row. It sucks. It\’s horrible. It\’s disgusting. I don\’t like hearing about it, reading about it, it\’s abhorent.

    \”I hope, if the allegations are accurate, I hope anybody involved with it gets what\’s coming to them. It sucks.

    \”For me, it\’s very difficult because I didn\’t see that side of him. I didn\’t experience that. When you see stuff like that, it\’s jarring and it\’s painful. It sucks all around. There is just no other way to say it. It sucks. It really sucks.\”

    What\’s Next? 

    While McMahon has resigned from WWE, it is believed he still may have some power in the company. Comments from Grant\’s legal representative Ann Callis have indicated that Miss Grant has no intention on settling this matter out of court, and it has been suggested that other women may come forward. 

    Both Seth Rollins & CM Punk are currently out with injuries, but that won\’t stop the World Heavyweight Champion from taking shots…