SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Hulk Hogan Rescues 17-Year-Old Driver After Car Flips in Terrifying Accident

    Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan proved to be a good samaritan this week after helping a woman whose car had flipped over. 

    Hogan, his wife Sky, and a friend were driving on Sunday evening in Clearwater, Florida when they witnessed the wreck play out in front of them. Sources told TMZ that a car erratically swerved across the lanes to catch an exit it was about to miss. That car would clip another car, which would flip over and tumble. 

    Hogan\’s vehicle pulled over immediately and the three rushed to the aid of the 17-year-old driver who was said to be \”rattled.\” Hogan and his friend Jake, a former marine, helped the young woman out of the car. Jake punctured the woman\’s airbag and he and Hogan were able to lift her out of the vehicle to safety. Hogan, Jake, and Sky watched on as paramedics arrived. 

    The woman appeared to be okay, despite the shock of the ordeal. Hogan, who was wearing a blue bandana and a New World Order shirt, was said to be \”happy to help.\”

    Hulk Hogan\’s Wild Recent Months

    The Hulkster has had quite an interesting time in his life in recent months. In September 2023, Hogan married Sky Daily in a low-key ceremony in Florida. Less than two months into this marriage, however, Hogan\’s name would make headlines after his son Nick was arrested and charged with a DUI. The Hulkster recently underwent a baptism, which he called the greatest day of his life.

    Could Hulk Hogan be working towards a WWE in-ring return? One fellow Hall of Famer believes it could happen…

  • Eric Bischoff is Grateful for Every Day He Doesn\’t Have to Work for Tony Khan

    WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff is relishing in not working for Tony Khan, and is grateful for every day he doesn\’t have to answer to the AEW President. 

    While Bischoff has made a handful of appearances for AEW, it\’s been some time since the WCW magnate was invited to a show. Bischoff has been critical of AEW in recent years, and while he\’s made it clear he wants AEW to succeed, he has been unimpressed by the work of Tony Khan. Last October, Bischoff claimed that Khan is \”beyond help\” and dismissed the AEW President as a Vince McMahon and Paul Heyman wannabee. 

    Bischoff Responds to Dax Harwood

    Bischoff\’s issues with Tony Khan are well-documented and Easy-E only added to the tensions this week. On the latest episode of his 83 Weeks Podcast, Bischoff didn\’t hold back. He first discussed Dax calling him out over his remarks on AEW:

    \”Either my skin has gotten so thick that I just don\’t react to things the way I used to or maybe you just get wiser with age and having kind of been there when I was younger, kinda where Dax is right now, so I kind of get it. Where is Dax in his career? He\’s got to say these things. He\’s out there promoting his company. He\’s defending his company. His boss made a complete Jackass of himself on social media during the week previous to this appearance he made.

    So I get it, because what else is Dax going to do? If he doesn\’t have a gig in AEW? And I don\’t mean that as a shot because I like him. I like the tag team, like you do for the same reasons. But I don\’t know if going back to the WWE is an option. Maybe it is. We\’ve seen crazier things. I don\’t know the situation where Dax left and how he left it and if he had heat or didn\’t have heat or I don\’t know any of that stuff. Maybe there\’s chance he could go back but I think those odds are probably remote at this point. So what\’s he\’s got? He\’s got the gig he\’s got. And I don\’t disagree.

    Tony Khan has put a lot of money in a lot of talent\’s pockets. I know people personally who are making more money who have been in the business for longer than I have and are making more money than they ever have. So you know that I\’m not exaggerating anything here. You don\’t hear anybody in AEW complaining about their paychecks, but the opposite. Sure, that\’s great for talent. That\’s great for those individuals, and I\’m happy for them. Just like I\’m happy for someone who wins a lottery. I don\’t wanna see anybody not get what they can get out there in the marketplace. So let\’s dispel that, I agree with that, it\’s a wonderful thing for humanity.

    But it doesn\’t mean it\’s good for the business. What Tony Khan has been doing and some of the presentations that we\’ve seen out of AEW is not better for the business, because it\’s turning off advertisers. It\’s turning off his own viewers. The audience is deteriorating, it\’s not growing and you can talk about \’Yeah but less people are watching TV\’ and go back to that trope all you want is. Is it a fact? Sure. Is it an excuse? Probably not. WWE is growing in the same environment. Why isn\’t AEW? It\’s because of lack of story, it\’s because of lack of character development. It\’s because of lack of vision, and it\’s because a lot of the chaos that\’s going on behind the scenes.\”

    Eric Bischoff Explains His Financial Troubles

    Bischoff then went into length to explain the financial troubles that led to him filing for bankruptcy in 2017. He explained that he still had to pay off all his debts which he did earlier than expected:

    \”Let\’s just get the elephant out of the room. I wrote a book called grateful. I talked a lot about having to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This isn\’t a financial [podcast] but because that\’s kind of there right? So I want to address it. I\’m not gonna go into detail about the differences between Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 13 Because they\’re all different. Chapter 11 is a business bankruptcy primarily. It doesn\’t allow me to walk away from my debts. I ended up filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in 2017.

    I\’ve talked on this show at length about the reasons that led up to it. Basically me transitioning out of the television business. I went from making close to seven figures a year and I took an about 80% cut in pay over the course of 24 months. And then I had the state of California come knocking on my door and say, \’I know you thought you paid all your taxes, but we realised we can find a different way to tax you on business that took place out of state simply because you have a mailbox in California.\’

    That was kind of a big hit. None of that really matters. To protect my home. This home is my legacy. I built this home in 1998 because I really really wanted to provide a place of stability in any situation for my family, to have a beautiful home in a beautiful part of the country. People from all over the world come here to visit. It\’s that beautiful. I wanted to be able to leave this legacy to my children to enjoy it for the very same reasons. When it got to the point where that legacy, this property, this home was at risk.

    I made a business decision to reorganize my debt. Not walk away from it, not fulfil my obligations to it, simply to reorganize it. That\’s what a chapter 11 is. Now when I filed that chapter 11, this is back in 2017. You go through that process. At the end of it, the court says \’Okay, you\’re going to pay back 100% of this debt. you have, in my case, five years to do it.\’ I did it in three. I have a seven-figure net worth. I have a very healthy credit score. I\’m in really good shape as a result of being able to do some smart things.\”

    Eric Bischoff is Grateful 

    Later in the podcast, the former WCW President explained that his frustrations with AEW have nothing to do with him wanting a job with the promotion. He mentioned he had been very supportive of the promotion since the beginning and explained what changed his stance:

    \”I stayed supportive until I think it was around November two years ago, a little over two years ago. Tony came out and made that completely ignorant in a literal sense of [the word] comment about Ted Turner. Paraphrasing, if Ted Turner knew 1% of professional wrestling as I do maybe WCW would still be around. Completely ignorant. Tony doesn\’t have a fucking clue what went on in WCW and why it\’s not around. The only thing he knows is what Dave Meltzer told him. That\’s it. He wasn\’t there. He has no idea.

    And it was disrespectful. It was ignorant and disrespectful simultaneously. As Tony Khan\’s trying desperately to hang on to his television time on Turner Network Television and Turner Broadcasting System, disrespecting the man that made that opportunity even an option. Once someone disrespects publicly, someone who I respect or have a relationship with, they go on a different list. Doesn\’t mean I don\’t like them. I just don\’t have any respect for them. They\’re just like everybody else.

    I don\’t care if you\’re a trust fund baby that\’s a wrestling fan and has a wrestling company. I no longer have any respect for you. And I\’m going to react to you just like I would anybody else. So that was it, Dax. It wasn\’t because I asked for a job and didn\’t get one. It wasn\’t because I was hoping I would get an job offer and it never came. As I said before that clip. I wake up every day grateful that I don\’t have to work for someone like Tony Khan. Or even if I wanted to work for Tony Khan, I\’m grateful that I don\’t have to jump on a plane every week and do it. As much as anything for sure. Or put up with what has obviously been….the amount of drama that\’s taken place backstage in AEW far surpasses any of the fictional drama that\’s taken place in the ring for the last five years. I don\’t want to be a part of that.

    Now Dax I understand you have to cause you don\’t have opti
    ons, but I do. As I said seven-figure net worth, I live in the most beautiful place in the world. I have almost no consumer debt. Nickels and dimes. I have a beautiful wife. I have great kids, i have a new grandson. Everybody\’s healthy. Everybody\’s successful. I can come and go as I pleae. I can work with who I want, on what projects I want. And I have absolutely no pressure. And I\’m not saying that to brag even though it is, I don\’t mean it to be – but it\’s context. What I\’m really grateful for Dax, is I have the freedom to say whatever I want to say about whoever I want to say it about. I don\’t have to worry about it affecting my income or what I want to do. Can you say the same thing Dax?\”

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

  • Netflix\’s Vince McMahon Project Is a \”Big Deal\”, Will Leave No Stone Unturned

    Nothing will be held back in the upcoming Netflix project about the life, career, and controversies of TKO Group Holdings President Vince McMahon. 

    WWE first announced during the 2020 Q3 earnings call that they were teaming with Netflix to create a docuseries on McMahon. In July 2022, it was reported that the project had been scrapped, and McMahon would infamously retire that same month. Just one month later, however, it was clarified that the project was still in production. 

    Latest on Vince McMahon-Netflix Project

    It shouldn\’t be much longer before fans get to see the much-anticipated project about Vince McMahon. Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer recalled his own ties to the project. 

    \”Today I went to Los Angeles to do a Netflix taping (about) Vince McMahon. I guess what I can say, because I\’m not supposed to say much about it, is the Netflix series is gonna be out sooner than you think. — It\’s a big freakin\’ deal. They\’ve interviewed all kinds of people. I was told the most interesting person they\’ve interviewed is Vince McMahon.\”

    Meltzer added that the project leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the wrestling powerhouse. 

    \”It\’s covering the whole life of Vince McMahon. I\’ve been asked about every single subject that you can think of regarding Vince McMahon, from childhood to last week, practically. Covered everything.\”

    A lot has changed for WWE and Vince McMahon in the three years since the Netflix deal was announced. On his show, Dave Meltzer explained how the project will reflect this. 

    \”The series, when it started and how it\’s ended are completely different. When it started it was just \’Vince McMahon, the owner of the company\’, and now it\’s not the owner of the company, and there\’s all the reasons that he\’s not the owner of the company, the payoffs – all that stuff happened, they were years into this documentary before all that stuff happened.” 

    Vince McMahon may not be thrilled with the final project when it releases on Netflix… 

  • What\’s Next for Will Ospreay & Kazuchika Okada After NJPW Battle in the Valley Classic?

    Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada gave a finale to be proud of with their showdown in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

    Last weekend, New Japan Pro Wrestling held its Battle in the Valley event. The show was headlined by what is likely the final chapter of Okada and Ospreay’s storied rivalry. The pair\’s feud has been the crown jewel of New Japan over the past few years. The match saw Okada get the win, bringing his record against Ospreay to 8-2.

    What\’s Next?

    Ospreay\’s final match for New Japan will take place at the New Beginning in Osaka on Sunday, February 11. The match will see the United Empire face the Bullet Club War Dogs in New Japan\’s first steel cage match since 2004. After this match, Ospreay will begin competing full-time for AEW.

    Okada\’s future is far less certain. His current deal with New Japan is set to expire by the end of this month. There has been renewed interest in Okada from WWE but it is unclear if an offer has been made at this time.

    While WWE would love to sign Okada, his future may remain with New Japan. With Hiroshi Takahashi recently appointed as the promotion\’s new President, there is a belief that Takahashi could resolve Okada\’s strained relationship with management. Okada has also been promoted for New Japan events in February, suggesting that an agreement has already been reached.

    NJPW Battle in the Valley 2024 Results

    Here are the results for NJPW Battle in the Valley 2024: 

    • Pre-Show: Matt Vandagriff defeated Goldy by pinfall (Strong Survivor Match
    • Pre-Show: Stephanie Vaquer defeated Viva Van by pinfall
    • Jacob Fatu, Fred Rosser, and Shota Umino defeated Team Filthy (Tom Lawlor, Jorel Nelson, and Royce Isaacs) by pinfall
    • Máscara Dorada and Volador Jr. defeated Rocky Romero and Soberano Jr. by pinfall
    • David Finlay defeated TJP by pinfall
    • Guerrillas of Destiny (Hikuleo and El Phantasmo) (c) defeated Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors and Alex Coughlin) by pinfall (NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships)
    • Giulia (c) defeated Trish Adora by pinfall (NJPW Strong Women\’s Championship)
    • The Chosen Bros (Matt Riddle and Jeff Cobb) defeated TMDK (Zack Sabre Jr. and Bad Dude Tito) by pinfall
    • Eddie Kingston (c) vs. Gabe Kidd ended in a double count out (American Triple Crown Championship)
    • Jon Moxley defeated Shingo Takagi by pinfall (Steel Cage match)
    • Kazuchika Okada defeated Will Ospreay by pinfall

  • Attitude Era\’s Jason Sensation Recovering After Double Bypass Surgery

    Attitude Era alum Jason Sensation is recovering after recently undergoing a very serious medical procedure. 

    On Instagram, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley shared an update on Jason, stating that he recently underwent a double bypass. Foley encouraged fans to send their prayers, love, and positive thoughts in the direction of the impressionist. Canadian wrestler Kimberly Ford shared last month that Jason would be undergoing surgery.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C2Fu7IoJZE5

    Warm Wishes

    Foley\’s request was quickly answered by fans and those within the industry. Lisa Marie Varon (aka Victoria/Tara) said Jason is \”the best\” and recalled training in Memphis Championship Wrestling with him. Chris Jericho told Jason to \”get well soon dude\” while Scotty Riggs encouraged Jason to \”heal strong.\” At the time of writing, Foley\’s past has amassed over 28 thousand likes and over 740 comments. 

    Jason Sensation

    Jason is best remembered for his time in the World Wrestling Federation during the Attitude Era. The talented impressionist would portray Owen Hart during segments with DX and would deliver a perfect imitation of the Rocket\’s voice. Jason would also do impressions of Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, and other top names in the World Wrestling Federation at the time. You can check out some of Jason\’s talented impressions in the video below. 

    We here at SE Scoops would like to join others in wishing Jason a full and speedy recovery. 

  • TNA Xplosion is Back: Popular Show Taped Before Snake Eyes Event

    TNA Wrestling is back, and so is the popular TNA Xplosion series. 

    TNA officially relaunched last weekend with their Hard to Kill pay-per-view. The show saw several title changes, including Moose dethroning Alex Shelley to become the new TNA World Champion. In the closing moments of the show, Nic Nemeth made his TNA debut. The \’Wanted Man\’ confronted Moose and laid out the new champion with a Superkick and a Zig-Zag before revealing his TNA Wrestling shirt. 

    The Return of TNA Xplosion

    Last night, TNA kept its momentum going with the taping of TNA Snake Eyes. Before that taping, TNA filmed its first episode of Xplosion in years. TNA Xplosion launched in 2002 and ended in 2021. The final episode aired on March 6, 2021. The show was replaced by Before The IMPACT.

    https://twitter.com/JoelPearl/status/1746683903363195214

    TNA Xplosion launched in 2002 and ended in March 2021. After that, the show was replaced with \’Before the Impact.\’ TNA Xplosion provides recaps from TNA\’s flagship program \’Impact!\’ as well as exclusive matches and interviews. 

    What\’s Next for TNA Wrestling?

    The matches taped at TNA Snake Eyes 2024 will be aired on iMPACT! which airs every Thursday night on AXS TV. TNA\’s next major event will be TNA Wrestling: No Surrender. That show will take place on February 23, from the Alario Center in New Orleans, LA. The next night, TNA will host its Bayou Blast event from the same venue. 

    Nic Nemeth wasn\’t the only big name to make his TNA debut at Hard to Kill… 

  • Nic Nemeth Got Chills At TNA Hard to Kill: \”This is a Locker Room That Wants to Be the Best\”

    Nic Nemeth was amazed by the efforts of the TNA Wrestling roster that he was able to watch in person at last weekend\’s Hard to Kill event. 

    The \’Wanted Man\’ made his debut in the closing moments of Hard to Kill, confronting new TNA World Heavyweight Champion Moose. Nemeth was released from WWE in September 2023, ending his nearly two-decade tenure under contract. 

    Nic Nemeth Wowed By TNA\’s Roster

    Speaking on Instagram Live about his arrival in TNA Wrestling, Nemeth said he was blown away by how hard the roster worked to make Hard to Kill such a success. 

    \”Not only did I want to make an impact by making an entrance, showing up, making it seem like \’Man, this is a special moment\’ [but] I was trying to figure out the best possible way to do so. Coming down the entranceway, everyone\’s doing that. I\’m hiding out, watching the show, I got to really, really enjoy the entire card. So I got here secretly and was hiding out, and I was watching on a tiny phone the show all the way through.

    \”I was blown away by, everybody works hard, in this business. Everybody works hard. But to actually see it come through to fruition, while you\’re watching, and you can just see it in the wrestlers\’ eyes. You can see it in their faces and their emotions go \’This is not just a special night. This is a locker room that wants to be the best. Man, it put chills on my arms. 

    \”This is a special thing. In a world where everybody is special, this was standing out to me. I was so grateful that I got a chance to see it and I go \’What is the most exciting moment I could do?\’ The main event of this special night with the new champion crowned. And I go \’This is where I can stand out and say everybody If you don’t know about TNA, hopefully you do, and if you already know, it’s just gotten better right now.\’

    After his debut, Nemeth didn\’t waste time in competing in his first TNA match… 

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

  • Watch: Stone Cold Lives Up To His Name in Hilarious First Cold Plunge Experience

    \’Stone Cold\’ Steve Austin certainly lived up to his moniker by submerging his body in freezing water as part of his first \’Cold plunge\’ experience. 

    On Instagram, Austin shared footage of his first experience of submerging his body into icy-cold water. The WWE Hall of Famer was clearly not a fan of the freezing temperatures and let off the occasional expletive.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:C2D72LZxU1e

    In a second video, Austin said he \’chickened out\’ in the first video after ten seconds. The Texas Rattlesnake was told that the experience was \”Supposed to get your endorphins going or some sh*t.\” Austin added that he was \”freezing my f***ing ass off!\” 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:C2F_PMavbFh

    In the comments, several people shared their own experiences with doing cold plunges. Matt Cardona said that Diamond Dallas Page \”tortured\” him with a cold plunge. WWE\’s Robert Roode called the videos the best thing he\’s seen in a long time. \’Hurricane\’ Shane Helms added that Austin\’s commentary was top-notch. 

    Cold Plunge: The Science & The Risks

    Cold plunges are nothing new in the world of sports, as athletes have been using ice baths for decades. Ice baths are often used to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness and perceptions of fatigue after heavy exercise. 

    Risks include hypothermia, shock, and the possibility of sudden cardiac death. It is with this in mind that those who use cold plunges are advised to not spend more than 15 minutes immersed. People are also advised to use warm clothing on areas of their body that aren\’t submerged, such as their torso. 

    When not doing a cold plunge, \’Stone Cold\’ Steve Austin can be found behind the wheel of his 3:16-inspired vehicle… 

  • Spoilers: Nic Nemeth Makes In-Ring TNA Debut, Cuts Emotional Promo

    Nic Nemeth had plenty to say about his past, his future, and TNA Wrestling in his first promo for the company. 

    In the main event of TNA Hard to Kill, Moose dethroned Alex Shelley to become the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. After the match, Nemeth made his debut by confronting the new champion in the ring. 

    Nic Nemeth\’s First TNA Promo

    Last night, TNA taped their Snake Eyes event, which saw Nemeth in action. During the show, Nemeth cut a promo in front of the fans. The former Superstar reflected on his debut the night prior and how he\’s feeling right now. 

    “Hard to Kill was one hell of a moment, wasn’t it? TNA is back baby. From the opening match to that main event, there was something in the air and damn it, I loved every second.

    \”I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve done 19 years, and a hell of a lot of events. I was very fortunate to rack up a lot of accomplishments in 19 years but I did it all in one world. I got some emotions running through. You said I still got it, I never lost it!

    \”I’m intimidated. I’m scared. I’m nervous. I’m excited. And make no mistake about it, I picked my time and place. I showed up in this ring and I lined up face to face with the TNA world champion. I am going to become TNA world champion. I am going to celebrate with each and every one of you!

    \”I respect the men and the women of this locker room way too much to stroll in here and demand a world title match and get it. This is my day one. This is my first day right here, right now, doing it all over again. It starts here, right now. This time, I earn it all the way to the top.

    \”I promise I will do it again. I’ve done it in the past and I will never stop. It’s the first time in my life that I do it as Nic Nemeth!”

    Nemeth\’s Debut Match

    Nic Nemeth did more than just talk during the TNA Snake Eyes taping. During the show, Nemeth defeated Zachary Wentz in his first match outside of WWE in decades. One fan who attended said the match was good and added that Wentz controlled the action early on. You can check out some photos from the match and Nemeth\’s entrance below. 

    It\’s not just TNA Wrestling where fans can see the \’Wanted Man\’… 

    H/T – No DQ

  • Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup Announced in Tribute to Hero Wrestler

    An eight-man tournament in memory of the late Shad Gaspard will begin later this year, it has been confirmed.

    Gaspard is best known for his time in WWE where he competed as part of the Cryme Tyme faction. In 2020, Gaspard heroically gave his life to save his son when they were caught in a rip current at Venice Beach. After his passing, a petition was made seeking to create more safety features at beaches to avoid similar tragedies. 

    In 2022, Shad was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as that year\’s Warrior Award recipient. Shad was represented by his wife Siliana, his son Aryeh, and long-time tag-team partner JTG. 

    The Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup Tournament 

    In a video shared by the Love Alive Charity, D\’Angelo Dinero spoke about how Shad gave so much to those around him. Dinero also spoke about Shad giving \”the ultimate gift\” as a father to his son.  Dinero added that Shad\’s memory and impact on wrestling and those who knew him best will live on forever. 

    With the permission of Shad\’s wife Siliana Gaspard, D\’Angelo announced the Inaugural Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup Tournament for April 20. The tournament will be hosted by the Love Alive Charity. Dinero said that the tournament will allow those involved to \”let out our inner beast\” for a good cause. 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:C2D-LPhOSR2

    The tournament will take place at the Murray Hill Baptist Church Gymnasium in Jacksonville, Florida. Doors for the show will open at 6 pm local time, with bell time at 7 pm.

     

  • Dax Harwood: AEW Dynamite is the Sports Entertainment Show, Collision is for Sport

    Fans can find a more sports-orientated product on AEW Collision compared to the show\’s Wednesday-night counterpart, according to Dax Harwood. 

    AEW Collision launched in June of last year, becoming the promotion\’s third weekly wrestling show on TV. Collision follows on from Dynamite (launched in 2019) and Rampage (launched in 2021.) 

    Dax Harwood on Collision and Dynamite

    FTR has been a staple of AEW Collision since the beginning. The pair quickly became allies of CM Punk when Punk returned to AEW programming as part of the first Collision. Speaking to WTKR, Dax Harwood compared Collision to Dynamite. 

    \”Dynamite could be more of your sports entertainment based show and I think Collision is more of your sports based show. On Collision, we like to feature that knockdown, drag out hard-hitting style.\”

    Cash Wheeler also had praise for AEW\’s newest weekly TV show. 

    \”They\’re really fun shows, especially on a Saturday night. There\’s plenty of time to come in, have a great time, and get out by 10:00 and still have your Saturday night.\”

    The Ultimate Goal

    For FTR, being one of the top teams in professional wrestling is nothing short of a dream come true. In the interview, Harwood said as a kid, he dreamed of being a wrestler or a power ranger. 

    \”I was allowed to be a professional wrestler. Living that dream on national television every single week, the greatest tag team of all time, ten time world tag team champions, those are the things that you dream about.\”

    Wheeler chimed in about the impact wrestling has had on them and what is the ultimate goal.

    \”Wrestling has legitimately saved our lives. To leave wrestling better than we found is the ultimate goal.\”

    Has FTR figured out the \’real\’ reason for Eric Bischoff\’s criticism of AEW? 

  • TNA Wrestling Announces Partnership with Lucha Libre AAA at Hard to Kill

    The new era of TNA Wrestling will see the promotion work alongside Lucha Libre AAA to bring the most exciting stars of both companies to a greater number of fans. 

    During Hard to Kill, TNA President Scott D\’Amore and Lucha Libra AAA Worldwide CEO Dorian Roldán Peña appeared in front of the fans in Las Vegas, Nevada. D\’Amore said that TNA has already been about collaboration and spoke about the mutually beneficial partnership TNA and Lucha Libre AAA have enjoyed over many years. 

    Roldán Peña thanked Scott for inviting AAA to TNA, and said he has been thinking about how he could bring more luchadors and Lucha Libre to the U.S. He added that with the flair of Lucha Libre AAA stars and the intensity of TNA talent, they will change the landscape of wrestling over the next year. 

    TNA Wrestling & Lucha Libre AAA

    This upcoming partnership will hardly be the first time that the two promotions have teamed up. TNA Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA began a working agreement in 2015, and in 2018, announced a partnership with the AAA-affiliated Lucha Underground. This allowed for AAA wrestlers to appear for TNA (IMPACT Wrestling at the time) on a regular basis. 

    In April 2018, the two promotions held Impact vs Lucha Underground from WrestleCon in New Orleans to a sell-out crowd. The following year, IMPACT and Lucha Libre AAA would co-promote the Ultra Clash supershow in the Monterrey, Mexico area. This event marked IMPACT\’s first show in Mexico since 2019. 

    TNA Hard to Kill went off the air with a massive debut… 

  • WWE’s Dana Brooke Arrives in TNA Wrestling as Ash by Elegance

    Former WWE Superstar Dana Brooke will bring her own sense of elegance to TNA after making her debut at Hard to Kill.

    TNA Hard to Kill took place last night and marked the official relaunch of the promotion. The change from IMPACT to TNA Wrestling was announced at Bound for Glory in October 2023. As Alex Shelley told SE Scoops, the fan response to the change was even better than the high expectations those in TNA/IMPACT had for the move. 

    Ash By Elegance Arrives in TNA Wrestling

    At TNA Hard to Kill, Trinity lost the TNA Knockouts World Championship to Jordynne Grace. Before the match began though, Brooke appeared in the crowd, with a nameplate reading \’Ash by Elegance.\’ The former Superstar was certainly dressed to impress at the show, wearing a bedazzled outfit and white fur coat. 

    In a bold move, the TNA commentary team made reference to her time as Dana Brooke and mentioned both her WWE name and her former employer, by name. 

    Ash By Elegance

    This was Ash\’s first appearance in wrestling since her release from WWE in September 2023. Ash had been part of the NXT roster at the time of her release. During a media call, NXT head Shawn Michaels admitted that her release caught him and the NXT backstage team by surprise. 

    Ash By Elegance competed for WWE from 2015 until last year. During her tenure, she became a 15-time WWE 24/7 Champion. She would also rack up the second-most days with the gold, only behind R-Truth. 

  • Trinity Gets Emotional After Knockouts Title Loss at TNA Hard to Kill, Wants Rematch

    TNA Wrestling\’s Trinity was understandably emotional after losing her Knockouts World Championship at Hard to Kill 2024. 

    In the penultimate match of the evening, Trinity lost the title to Jordynne Grace in 14:30. Grace earned a shot at the gold by winning the Call Your Shot Gauntlet at Bound for Glory in October 2023. She was the first woman to win the Call Your Shot Gauntlet. Last night\’s victory marks Grace\’s third Knockouts World Championship win after previously capturing the gold in January 2020 and at Slammiversary in June 2022. 

    Trinity Reacts 

    Trinity had held the Knockouts World Championship since Slammiversary 2023 when she dethroned Deonna Purrazzo in July of that year. Understandably, the Glow was emotional after her title loss, as seen in clips shared online. 

    What\’s Next for Trinity? 

    Trinity\’s Knockouts World Championship has ended and she\’s hungry to regain the gold. On Twitter, Trinity made it clear she wants a rematch with Jordynne Grace. 

    Leaving TNA Wrestling? 

    Trinity left Hard to Kill without the Knockouts World Championship and could be leaving TNA Wrestling altogether soon enough. Trinity is expected to finish her TNA run at the promotion\’s next set of tapings. She is also expected to make her return to WWE later this month as part of the 2024 Women\’s Royal Rumble match. 

    Trinity, then Naomi, walked out of WWE in May 2022 alongside Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks). The two had different ideas about the creative plans at the time. The then-WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champions felt that their title run was being overlooked as WWE had plans for singles feuds for both women. 

    Trinity isn\’t the only surprising name the WWE Universe should expect to see at the Royal Rumble… 

  • Nic Nemeth Debuts at TNA Hard to Kill, First Match Announced

    The \’Wanted Man\’ of professional wrestling Nic Nemeth has arrived in TNA Wrestling after making his debut for the promotion at the Hard to Kill event. 

    In the main event of TNA Hard to Kill, Moose dethroned Alex Shelley to become the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. After the match, Nemeth made his debut by confronting the new champion in the ring. 

    Watch Nic Nemeth’s TNA Debut

    Things got physical between the two and Nemeth would get the best of Moose. After the brawl, Nemeth went into the crowd and ripped off his shirt to reveal a TNA shirt underneath. 

    Nemeth’s First TNA Match

    Nic Nemeth made quite the \’impact\’ with his TNA Wrestling debut, and it won\’t be long before fans see him in the ring. It has been confirmed that Nemeth will compete at the TNA Snake Eyes event that\’ll take place in Las Vegas today. Nemeth will take on The Rascalz\’ Zachary Wentz. 

    Wrestling\’s ‘Wanted Man’

    Nemeth is best known for his time with WWE as Dolph Ziggler, a run that saw him become a two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Dolph Ziggler was among those released by WWE in September 2023, as part of the first wave of cuts following the launch of TKO Group Holdings. 

    The release of the Show-Off led to several people in the industry sharing tributes to his WWE run, including John Cena. Nemeth has since admitted that he was being paid to sit at home and do nothing during the latter stages of his WWE career. More recently, Nemeth reintroduced himself as wrestling\’s \’Wanted Man\’ with a zombie-apocalypse-themed video. 

    TNA Wrestling isn\’t the only place fans can see Nic Nemeth… 

  • \”Just One More Pay-Off\” – ECW Legend Sabu Hopes to Have Final Match in 2024

    Fans will have one last chance to see wrestling legend Sabu in the ring if everything goes to plan for the ECW staple. 

    Known throughout his career for being homicidal, genocidal, suicidal, and death-defying in the ring, Sabu is synonymous with extreme wrestling. In the original ECW, Sabu would become a two-time World Heavyweight Champion and would hold the World Tag Team Championships three times, twice with RVD and once with Taz. Sabu was also part of the first year of the relaunched ECW when WWE brought the company back as a brand in 2006.

    Last year, Sabu would arrive in AEW as an ally of Adam Cole. The Devil was feuding with Chris Jericho at the time and Sabu proved to be backup for Cole\’s Unsanctioned Match with Jericho at that year\’s Double or Nothing event. 

    Sabu Planning for his Final Match

    During a recent edition of the Brisco and Bradshaw podcast, Sabu admitted that he wants to wrestle again but is only seeking one more match before he calls it a career. 

    “I’m actually hopefully setting up for my final match. I wanna do maybe a final match maybe in July or later. A real final match. Just one more pay-off.” 

    There\’s no word on who Sabu will be facing in this final match if it happens at all. Last June, Sabu said he\’d love to face Brock Lesnar in his final match. Sabu explained that Lesnar does stuff he doesn\’t, and he does stuff Brock doesn\’t, which would make the pair gel in the ring. 

    Could Sabu soon receive one of the highest honors WWE can bestow on a wrestler… 

  • Brandi Rhodes In Us Weekly, Maven\’s Most Painful Finisher, WWE/AEW Lawsuit & More

    Brandi Rhodes\’ Yoga Studio is Featured

    Brandi Rhodes hasn\’t appeared on WWE TV (yet!) since leaving AEW, but she is making waves outside of the ring. Rhodes recently opened up her own Yoga studio after getting certified to teach Yoga. This week, Rhodes was thrilled to see her work featured in Us Weekly. 

    Maven on the Most Painful Finishers

    It\’s been years since Maven Huffman competed in a WWE ring, but the Tough Enough winner will never forget being leveled by Batista. In the latest video from his YouTube channel, Maven recalled the Batista Bomb as one of the most painful finishers to take.

    \”It was one of those moves I felt in general, this was a move I took many times from him, and he always delivered safe. When you’re dealing with gravity, and then on top of that, dealing with gravity, and the force from an extremely strong guy, I’ve had funner nights.\”

    Update on WWE-AEW Lawsuit

    Anthony Duane Wilson has filed a new lawsuit against WWE and AEW,  which is similar to his past attempts at litigation against both companies. Wilson claims that the idea for AEW was essentially stolen from him by the Bullet Club. He has also accused WWE of stealing his ideas. He is seeking $250 million in damages and control over AEW. 

    Royal Rumble Contract Signing

    Roman Reigns is far from happy that he will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble in a fatal four-way match. During this week\’s SmackDown, it was confirmed that a contract signing will happen on next week\’s show. 

  • WWE Legend Afa Hospitalized with Pneumonia, Suffers Multiple Heart Attacks

    WWE Hall of Famer Afa is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia and suffering two heart attacks on the scene. 

    In a message shared on his Facebook page, it was stated that after being taken to hospital with pneumonia, Afa suffered two heart attacks. 

    \”Update on Afa the Wild Samoan, affectionately known as Pops: Afa was admitted to the hospital last night with pneumonia, but had a mild heart attack upon arrival. Today, he had a second small heart attack and was sent for a heart catheterization. He is doing ok, his spirits are high. He isn\’t out of the woods yet, but will be kept in the hospital for a day or two for observation and monitoring. He thanks everyone for their concern, continued love, and prayers.\”

    This is sadly not the first time Afa has dealt with serious medical issues. Last month, Afa had two exploratory heart procedures to check valves. His son Afa Jr. was discharged from hospital in September 2023 after suffering a cardiac incident that left him \”fighting for his life.\” Afa Jr. is best known for his brief WWE tenure as Manu. 

    Afa the Wild Samoan

    Afa would wrestle for decades in various promotions and alongside Sika would hold tag team gold around the world. In WWE, the pair are three-time WWF Tag Team Champions. In 2007, the duo were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. At WWE Hell in a Cell 2020, the Wild Samoans appeared following Roman Reigns\’ victory over Jey Uso and acknowledged Reigns as the Head of the Table. 

  • TKO Group Hires New Chief Legal and Administrative Officer

    TKO Group Holdings has continued to make waves with the hiring of a new Chief Legal and Administrative Officer.

    TKO Group Holdings was launched in September of 2023 and consists of WWE and UFC. In April 2023, it was announced that Endeavor was set to acquire WWE as part of a $9.3 billion deal. Shortly after TKO launched, over 100 employees would be let go from WWE as part of streamlining measures with UFC. It wasn\’t long after that WWE released Superstars with Dolph Ziggler, Matt Riddle, and Mustafa Ali all being let go.

    TKO Group Holding\’s New Hiring

    Seth Krauss has been brought on board as the new Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of TKO Group Holdings, the company revealed in a statement.  Krauss\’ Term Employment Agreement is effective from January 1, 2024 and expires on December 31, 2027. The agreement states that Mr. Krauss may continue to provide services in his role and position at Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC, and their respective subsidiaries. Krauss will report to TKO’s President or Chief Operating Officer Mark Shapiro.

    Krauss will be paid an annual base salary of $2,000,000 for the term.
    Krauss will also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in respect of fiscal year. This annual bonus will be based on the achievement of performance metrics based on TKO performance, as determined by the Governing Body in good faith.

    Krauss will be hoping to have a better start in TKO than WWE\’s replacement for Kevin Dunn…

  • Bayley is Ready for Her First Singles Match at WWE WrestleMania

    WWE Superstar Bayley may be a founding member of Damage CTRL, but the Role Model is eager for a singles match at WrestleMania 40. 

    WrestleMania 40 will take place from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA on April 6, and April 7, 2024. The show will be WWE\’s fifth two-night WrestleMania, a tradition that began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    Bayley Wants WrestleMania 40

    With WrestleMania 40 still months away, no matches have been confirmed for the show. Plans for WrestleMania 40 will be much clearer after the Royal Rumble PLE set to take place this month. Speaking to Cageside Seats, Bayley shared her excitement about the upcoming Women\’s Royal Rumble match and hopes that a win will be the launching point for her first singles match at WWE\’s biggest annual event. 

    “Everybody knows that when you win the Royal Rumble, you get to point at the sign and the fireworks go off. That’s the stuff you dream about. I’m excited to feel that. I wanna feel that and I wanna get that singles match at WrestleMania.”

    While Bayley has competed several times at the Showcase of the Immortals, she has yet to have a singles match at WrestleMania. Instead, she has competed in battle royals, six-pack challenges, tag-team matches and won a four-way in 2017 to retain the Raw Women\’s Championship. 

    Bayley Reacts to Triple H

    Bayley\’s lengthy tenure in WWE (in addition to her exemplary work during the pandemic) has resulted in plenty of praise for the Role Model. During the post-Fastlane press conference, WWE COO Triple H called Bayley the all-star of the Women’s Division, and someone who doesn’t always get the credit she deserves. In the interview, Bayley reflected on the Game\’s comment. 

    \”I hope he really meant it. It’s all over Twitter, so he can never take it back (chuckles)… to hear [Triple H] say that makes me feel like we’re like right there, because everything he said [at Fastlane] is everything I’m trying to be and more.\”

    Bayley has plans to win the Women\’s Royal Rumble match, unless… 

  • NWA\’s Blk Jeez Survives Being Shot & Attempted Carjacking

    NWA wrestler Blk Jeez is lucky to be alive after he was attacked by four assailants this week who tried to steal his car. 

    In a media release, the NWA confirmed that Jeez, real name Darnell Kittrell, was approached by four masked men while in Philadelphia, PA on Thursday night. The men attempted to carjack Kittrell\’s vehicle which the wrestler was set in at the time. During the altercation, Kittrell was shot in the hip. 

    Kittrell, who possesses a permit to carry a gun, used his registered firearm to defend himself and returned fire. The suspects fled the scene and investigators are reviewing surveillance footage.  Kittrell was taken to hospital and treated for what was described as non-life-threatening injuries. 

    In a statement, NWA President Billy Corgan said the following: 

    “We stand by Blk Jeez during this challenging time and wish him a swift recovery. His strength and resilience have inspired us all, and we eagerly await his return to the NWA ring. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”

    Blk Jeez\’s Prior Battle

    This is the latest setback for Darnell Kittrell who recently battled cancer. In the Spring of 2023, Kittrell was diagnosed with a blood cancer that affects plasma cells in bone marrow. Kittrell was scheduled to return to action at the NWA Paranoia that will take place in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

    Kittrell said the following in the statement about the shooting/attempted carjacking: 

    \”I was looking forward to making my return this weekend. I would love to make the trip regardless of the soreness and pain that I\’m in. However, my gut tells me to stay home with my family this weekend. I look forward to making my return at the next NWA event. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.\”

    We here at SE Scoops would like to wish Kittrell a very speedy recovery after this scary incident. 

  • John Cena\’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Film Nominated For Six Awards

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, the animated film that features John Cena, is up for several Annie Award nominations. 

    The Annie Awards honors excellence in the field of animation. The 51st annual awards will take place on February 17, from the Royce Hall in Los Angeles, California. 

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem features Cena as the voice of TMNT staple Rocksteady, a mutant Black rhinoceros who is a henchman for the villainous Baxter Stockman. The film has been nominated for Best Feature, Best Direction, Best Music, Best Production Design, Best Editorial, and Best Writing. On Twitter, Cena reacted to the news of the many nominations. 

    TMNT: Mutant Mayhem\’s Nominations

    The film is facing some stiff competition in the six awards it is nominated for: 

    BEST FEATURE

    “Nimona”
    “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
    “Suzume”
    “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”
    “The Boy and the Heron”

    BEST DIRECTION – FEATURE

    “Nimona”
    “Robot Dreams”
    “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
    “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”
    “The Boy and the Heron”

    BEST MUSIC – FEATURE
    “Elemental”
    “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
    “Suzume”
    “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”
    “The Boy and the Heron”

    BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN – FEATURE
    “Elemental”
    “Nimona”
    “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
    “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”
    “The Boy and the Heron”

    BEST WRITING – FEATURE

    \”Nimona\”
    \”Robot Dreams\”
    \”Suzume\”
    \”Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem\”
    \”The Boy and the Heron\”

    BEST EDITORIAL – FEATURE
    “Elemental”
    “Leo”
    “Nimona”
    “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
    “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”

    John Cena has come a long way from his feature-film debut… 

  • Factions of Bobby Lashley & Karrion Kross Get Confirmed New Names

    Faction warfare is set to unfold on WWE SmackDown with the groups led by Bobby Lashley and Karrion Kross both getting names this week. 

    Last year, Lashley returned to WWE programming and immediately aligned himself with the Street Profits. The faction has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on SmackDown though have so far been unable to capture championship gold so far. The All Mighty is seeking to bring out a new level of aggression from Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins. 

    Bobby Lashley\’s Faction Name

    Before this week\’s SmackDown, it was reported that The Pride was the expected name of Lashley\’s faction. On Twitter, Lashley confirmed this new name for the group, as he stated in his Twitter bio that he was the leader of The Pride. Interestingly though, Lashley would change his bio shortly after to remove all references to The Pride. His bio currently reads as: 

    #SmackDown’s All-Mighty | Former WWE Champion. MMA Fighter | Professional Wrestler | Business Professional | Nutrabolics Athlete

    Karrion Kross\’ New Faction

    Lashley\’s faction didn\’t confirm its new name on this week\’s SmackDown, but Karrion Kross\’ group did. On last week\’s Smackdown, Kross and the returning AOP attacked Lashley, while Scarlett and Paul Ellering watched on. 

    During this week\’s show, Lashley called out AOP and Kross but only received Ellering. The legendary manager pointed to the titantron where a video promo from Kross played. In it, the two-time former WWE NXT Champion confirmed his group\’s name as The Final Testament.

    Things didn\’t go exactly according to plan during this week\’s SmackDown… 

  • CM Punk: I Treat Seth As An Equal, But He Sees Himself As My Little Brother

    Seth Rollins\’s aura is that of a younger sibling to CM Punk, or at least that\’s the vibe that the Best in the World picks up. 

    Since his shocking return to WWE at Survivor Series, Punk has proven to be a thorn in Rollins\’ side. The reigning World Heavyweight Champion has made it clear why he\’s against Punk, who for years would put down WWE in public appearances. Rollins has also been shutting down CM Punk chants at events the Best in the World hasn\’t been present for.

    CM Punk\’s Little Brother

    Rollins and Punk have never been short on words about each other, and this week, Punk tried to delve into what makes Rollins tick. Speaking to The Jackie Redmond Show, Punk said he believes Rollins sees himself as inferior to himself. 

    “We\’re very similar. The difference is, I can talk about my career & not have to mention him. He can’t talk about his career without mentioning me. I understand where he\’s coming from, you know, I understand, I think he\’s always felt like he was the little brother. I\’ve never tried to treat him that way, I\’ve always tried to treat him like a peer but some people you just can\’t reach. He hates me. He hates me, like Colorado Avalanche & Red Wings.”

    What\’s Next? 

    CM Punk will compete in the Men\’s Royal Rumble match, in what will be his first televised match for WWE since the 2014 Royal Rumble match. Punk has made it no secret that if he wins, he will challenge Rollins. 

    For Punk to challenge Rollins at WrestleMania 40, not only does he need to win the Men\’s Rumble match, but Seth will need to remain World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins will defend his title on next week\’s Raw against Jinder Mahal in a match that has gotten under the skin of AEW President Tony Khan. 

  • Bayley is Willing to Be Eliminated If a Certain WWE Icon Returns

    SmackDown Superstar Bayley has her sights set on winning her first Women\’s Royal Rumble match unless a certain former Superstar makes a return.

    The 2024 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event will take place on January 27, from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The show will be the 37th annual Royal Rumble event and the seventh to feature both a Men\’s and Women\’s Royal Rumble match.

    Bayley Hoping For a Return

    The Royal Rumble match is synonymous with surprise entrants and Bayley hopes this year\’s match is no different. While speaking on Gabby AF, Bayley was asked about who she\’d like to see in the Women\’s Rumble.

    \”Whoever wants to do a surprise entrance, just get ready to get thrown out by me. Mickie James is always awesome, I would love to see her again. Her music hits hard.

    \”Trish and Lita are always so fun to get those reactions, although they were just around not too long ago, still a good reaction.”

    While Bayley would be fine throwing out Mickie, Trish, or Lita, a returning AJ Lee could prove to be too much for the Damage CTRL member.

    \”In an interview I just had, they brought up AJ Lee since CM Punk is here. I wouldn’t mind that.
    I might actually let her throw me over the top rope if she came back. That’s how much I respect her.”

    The 2024 Women\’s Royal Rumble Match

    Bayley was the first Superstar to be declared for the Women\’s Royal Rumble Match. She is joined by Nia Jax and former Rumble winners Becky Lynch (2019 winner) and Bianca Belair (2021 winner.)

    Some surprise entrants won\’t entirely be a surprise…