SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • How Did AEW Subtly Reference Adam Copeland\’s Pre-WWE Days on Rampage?

    Adam Copeland wasn\’t at this week\’s episode of AEW Rampage, but the company did give a nod to the Rated R Superstar\’s days before joining WWE. 

    Copeland joined AEW at WrestleDream in October 2023 and has been feuding with Christian Cage ever since. The two competed over the TNT Championship during a December episode of Dynamite which saw Cage retain the title. At AEW Worlds End, Copeland won the title, marking his first championship win in nearly 13 years. Unfortunately, his reign would be short-lived as thanks to Killswitch, Cage was able to reclaim the title moments later. 

    AEW\’s Tribute to Sexton Hardcastle

    Before he was known as Edge in WWE, Adam Copeland worked under the infamous name of Sexton Hardcastle on the independent scene in his native Canada. While fans didn\’t see Sexton Hardcastle on Rampage, they did see Kennedi Hardcastle compete in a tag-team match. 

    While some may have seen this as a mere coincidence, further investigation shows that this was a deliberate reference by AEW. Kennedi Hardcastle\’s real name is Kennedi Copeland, and though she shares the same last name as the former World Champion, the two aren\’t related. On Twitter, Kennedi confirmed this wasn\’t a coincidence and admitted to being a huge fangirl of the WWE Hall of Famer. 

    AEW Rampage Results: January 5, 2024

    Here are the results for the January 5, 2024, edition of AEW Rampage: 

    • The Hardys and Mark Briscoe defeated The Butcher, Blade, and Kip Sabian.
    • Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale defeated Kennedi Hardcastle and Notorious Mimi
    • Hikaru Shida defeated Anna Jay
    • Wheeler Yuta (c) defeated Komander (Ring of Honor PURE Championship)

  • Look At This Photograph! Nickelback\’s Chad Kroeger At This Week\’s WWE SmackDown

    The first SmackDown of 2024 saw some of WWE\’s top names on the broadcast and also saw quite a notable name behind the scenes. 

    The January 5, 2024, SmackDown saw a fatal four-way be confirmed for the Royal Rumble event, as Roman Reigns will defend against AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and LA Knight. In the finals of the U.S. Championship Contenders Tournament, Kevin Owens defeated Santos Escobar. The Prizefighter will challenge U.S. Champion Logan Paul at the Royal Rumble PLE. 

    Nickelback at SmackDown

    For all the Superstars at SmackDown, one of the biggest names in entertainment at the show remained backstage. On Twitter, Triple H shared a photo with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger and made reference to their popular track \’Photograph\’. 

    Nickelback and Professional Wrestling

    While Kroeger and his bandmates haven\’t competed in the ring, Nickelback has close ties to the world of professional wrestling. In 2009, their song \’Burn it to the Ground\’ became the official theme of Monday Night Raw. The theme would be used until Raw 1,000 in July 2012. 

    Music from Nickelback has been used for several WWE Premium Live Events. Their track \’This Means War\’ was used for the Elimination Chamber 2012 event, while \’Edge of a Revolution\’ was used for Survivor Series 2014. The group also performed live for the Tribute to the Troops event in 2011 with a rendition of \’Burn it to the Ground\’. 

    One of WWE\’s most promising young Superstars competed before SmackDown went on the air. Click here to find out more. 

  • \”I Think It\’s About Time\” – Kota Ibushi Teases Retirement After Latest Injury Setback

    The career of Kota Ibushi may be coming to an end sooner than later judging by a tweet from the Japanese wrestler. 

    At the Pro Wrestling NOAH event on January 1, Ibushi was transported to a hospital after injuring his ankles. The Japanese star, who signed with AEW last year, reportedly walked into the match with a broken ankle but still wrestled the 30-minute main event against Naomichi Marufuji. This match understandably made his injury situation worse and itsbeen confirmed that Ibushi will undergo surgery. 

    Kota Ibushi Teases Retirement

    In a tweet translated from Japanese, Ibushi teased that his days in the ring may be numbered. 

    I came here with the goal of being able to do it for 20 years, and I think it\’s about time. There are still a lot of things left on my contract, but I want to complete them!

    \”I try not to talk too darkly or think about the future, but I have to take care of my mother and other things, so I\’ll talk about it when the time comes! Don\’t miss a match. 

    Is Kota Ibushi\’s Career Ending? 

    This isn\’t the first time that Ibushi has addressed leaving the wrestling ring behind. Last month, Ibushi said that he\’d considered retirement after suffering a shoulder injury during the NJPW G1 Climax in 2021. In the interview, Ibushi said that he doesn\’t know when he\’ll be finished, saying it could be tomorrow, next year, or ten years from now. 

    As of this writing, there is no word on when Ibushi will return to the ring. We at SE Scoops are continuing to wish him the best in his recovery. 

  • Watch: Roman Reigns\’ Furious Reaction After Royal Rumble 2024 Scheme Backfires

    Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is far from thrilled after his efforts to prevent a challenger for his title backfired immensely on SmackDown. 

    The January 5, edition of the blue brand was the \’New Year\’s Revolution\’ episode of SmackDown and concluded WWE\’s stacked first week of programming in 2024. In the main event, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight competed with the winner earning an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship opportunity. 

    Roman Reigns Reacts

    Before the match could reach a decisive finish, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline interfered and attacked all three potential challengers. Unhappy with this, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis informed Paul Heyman that Reigns would defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at the Royal Rumble in a fatal four-way match. 

    Backstage, Heyman was given the daunting task of informing Reigns about the upcoming title match. The Special Counsel was clearly terrified when telling Reigns of what Aldis had told them. Reigns was infuriated but refrained from shouting and simply demanded that Heyman \”fix this.\”

    This match will be the first time in over two years that Reigns has not defended his title in a singles contest. Reigns\’ most recent match which saw multiple challengers was at WrestleMania 37 where the Tribal Chief bested Edge and Daniel Bryan. This will be Reigns\’ first time defending his title in a fatal four-way match. 

    WWE Royal Rumble 2024

    Reigns\’ fatal four-way match will be part of a stacked event on January 27. The show will also feature the two titular Rumble matches. So far, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Bobby Lashley have been announced for the Men\’s Match. Bayley, Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, and Bianca Belair have been announced for the Women\’s Match. U.S. Champion Logan Paul will defend against Kevin Owens at the event. 

    What happened after the New Year\’s Revolution edition of SmackDown went off the air? Click here to find out. 

  • Asia-Pacific Federation of Wrestling Announced, 5 Nations to Share Resources

    The Asia Pacific Federation of Wrestling, a collective effort of promotions and countries, seeks to ensure the future of Asian wrestling worldwide. 

    At a press conference held this week, the APFW was formally announced, with the following names representing the group: 

    • Japan: NJPW (Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi, Yuji Nagata), STARDOM (CEO Taro Okada, Mina Shirakawa)
    • China: DFW (Wang Bin)
    • Taiwan: PUZZLE (Touyu)
    • Thailand: Setup (Pumi)
    • Singapore: GrappleMax (Gregory Ho)

    The Goals of APFW

    The Asia Pacific Federation of Wrestling has three main goals that it hopes to achieve. With Japanese promotions leading the way in terms of talent, the first goal will see Japanese promotions loan talent to various Asian countries. The next goal will be for all promotions to have more showcase matches, thanks in part to the sharing of talent. The third goal is for an improvement in wrestling training, with the Federation aiming to send wrestlers to Japan for further training.

    The APFW Comments

    Representatives from all six promotions would speak at the press conference. You can check out their comments (courtesy of NJPW1972.com) below: 

    \”Over the last ten years, we’ve been able to hold events in Singapore and Taiwan, twice in each country. In all the venues, the reactions from the fans were huge and our wrestlers absolutely want to be back there very soon. We’ll be giving all we have to make this project successful.\” – Naoki Sugabayashi

    \”There are a lot of people in Asia, a lot of them English-speaking, but in recent years NJPW has been focused on America when it comes to international expansion. I think we’ve been looking past a great opportunity in Asia, and I’m happy for us to take that opportunity.\” – Yuji Nagata

     \”We [STARDOM] recently passed one million YouTube subscribers with a lot of those views coming from Asian countries. Just as NJPW has built familiarity through TV, we’ve built a presence through videos and shorts. I hope we can continue to broaden the appeal of pro-wrestling and STARDOM in particular.\” – Taro Okada.

    \”We at STARDOM aren’t really able to fly out rings to these countries, so to have the help of SETUP in Thailand and GrappleMax in Singapore was so important and made everything possible. I hope this alliance can help us bring women’s pro-wrestling onto a bigger global stage.\” – Mina Shirakawa

    \”Thank you for the invitation to this alliance. PUZZLE has a history of wrestler exchange with other countries and companies, but I think in particular to have NJPW’s guidance to lean on is a massive step up for us. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, and to work with NJPW on this first step of an event in April.\” – Touyu

    \”Antonio Inoki taught the Chinese people about Japanese wrestling culture. That inspired me to bring that culture to Japan. I feel we’ve been able to grow the population of wrestling fans in China from 200,000 to 10 million. I think there are 2 million NJPW fans in China, but that’s out of a population of 1.4 billion. This alliance will, I feel bring the pro-wrestling audience in China to the tens of millions, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Thank you.\” – Wang Bin

    \”This partnership is not just about talent exchange, but the chance to share and learn from the best wrestling promotions in this world. Thai pro-wrestling has more than 15 years of history, so I think this is important for us. As you know with Muay Thai, Thai wrestling has a long history in combat sports, so I want to grow the culture of pro-wrestling in Thailand.\”  – Pumi. 

    Thank you to Bushiroad, NJPW and STARDOM for this invitation. I’m very happy to represent Singapore. We’ve always been very close to Japanese wrestling… As part of this Federation, I look forward to working with the members, learning from NJPW and STARDOM and working with the amazing partners here to really grow the wrestling culture.\”  -Gregory Ho.

    This news comes after the announcement of the United Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. Click here to find out more. 

  • Gable Steveson Competes Before 1/5 Episode of WWE SmackDown

    WWE\’s second-ever Olympic Gold Medalist was in action before this week\’s episode of SmackDown went on the air. 

    The January 5, edition of the blue brand was the \’New Year\’s Revolution\’ episode of SmackDown and concluded WWE\’s stacked first week of programming in 2024. In the main event, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight competed with the winner earning an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship opportunity. After Roman Reigns and The Bloodline interfered, Nick Aldis announced a fatal four-way at the Royal Rumble on January 27. 

    Gable Steveson at SmackDown

    Before the show went on the air, the fans in Vancouver were able to see Gable Steveson in action. The Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics Gold Medalist faced Cedric Alexander and got the win over the Hurt Business alum. You can check out Steveson\’s entrance in the video below. 

    This was Steveson\’s 13th match since signing with WWE in 2021. Steveson currently boasts a 12-0-1 record, with the only blemish on his record being a count-out draw against Baron Corbin in July 2023. 

    Another WWE NXT Appearance

    Gable Steveson wasn\’t the only name associated with WWE NT to be at this week\’s SmackDown in Vancouver. For his tag-team match with Pretty Deadly, Butch had to find a tag-team partner, which turned out to be Tyler Bate. The Big Strong Boi and his fellow NXT UK Champion would get the win over Elton Prince and Kit Wilson. 

    Why is it unfair to compare Gable Steveson to Kurt Angle? Click here to check out what the WWE Hall of Famer has to say. 

  • The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns Could Happen Outside WrestleMania (Report)

    Will The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns, the most anticipated dream match of a generation, take place on a show other than WrestleMania 40? 

    The Brahma Bull returned to WWE programming during this week\’s Day 1 edition of Monday Night Raw to an eclectic response from the crowd. WWE had been teasing the return of a former WWE Champion in the days before the show, and after a fakeout with Jinder Mahal, The Rock returned. During his promo, The Rock asked the fans if they\’d like to see him as Head of the Table, alluding to taking the spot held by Roman Reigns. Reigns had quite the reaction to his cousin\’s threat on social media.

    Not Happening at WrestleMania? 

    With the tease on this week\’s Raw, many have predicted that The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns will at long last take place at this year\’s WrestleMania. This has come as bad news to fans of Cody Rhodes who hope that his story will be finished this April with a victory over Reigns, something Rhodes failed to do at WrestleMania 39. 

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is made clear that everyone in WWE is \”tight-lipped\” about the possible Rock-Roman showdown. Dave Meltzer noted that the match could happen as soon as WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth. The local government has reportedly requested the Brahma Bull for the February 24 event. 

    There\’s also the possibility that the match could happen at one of WWE\’s high-profile events in Saudi Arabia. While no dates have been announced, two Saudi events are expected this year. Meltzer noted that the Saudi government pays \”ridiculous money\” to have high-profile shows. It was added that bringing The Rock in \”could possibly negotiate a bonus that would make it the biggest money event in company history.\”

  • Matt Riddle Arrives in New Japan to Challenge Hiroshi Tanahashi

    Former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle could be poised to make his New Japan Pro Wrestling debut very soon as part of the upcoming New Year Dash event. 

    In a video shared on social media, Riddle can be seen donned in a gi and training intensely. The video also features clips of Riddle arriving in an expensive car in his signature flip-flops. In a promo at the end of the video, Riddle made his challenge to Hiroshi Tanahashi. 

    \”Konichiwa New Japan! Let me introduce myself. My name is Matthew Riddle, the King of Bros. And I\’ve got my sights set on Tanahashi-san, the Ace of New Japan. I\’ll see you soon, bro.\” 

    In the clip below, you can see Tanahashi\’s response to the challenge. The NJPW President said he\’s ready to wrestle anytime, but has no idea who Riddle is. 

    Matt Riddle 

    Riddle was released from WWE in September 2023 as part of the first wave of talent releases following the launch of TKO Group Holdings. Riddle, a former U.S. Champion, Raw Tag Team Champion, and NXT Tag Team Champion, was one of the biggest names cut. 

    Since being released, Riddle has signed with Major League Wrestling and will compete at their event this week. The former Superstar recently spoke about changing up his style and wants to showcase his serious skills in the ring in contrast to his WWE \’goofball\’ persona. 

    Riddle isn\’t the only ex-Superstar coming to NJPW. Nic Nemeth made his debut at Wrestle Kingdom 18. Click here to find out more about the rebrand of the Show-Off. 

  • TNA Sacrifice & iMPACT Taping Coming to Ontario, Canada this March

    TNA Sacrifice will take place on March 8, from Ontario Canada, the promotion confirmed this week. 

    In a statement, it was confirmed that Sacrifice 2024 will take place at the campus of St. Clair College in Windsor and that there will be a taping of TNA Impact! the next night. Tickets for the show will go on sale on January 13 at 10 AM ET. Names announced for the Windsor shows include IMPACT/TNA World Champion Alex Shelley, Brian Myers, KUSHIDA, Chris Sabin, Moose, Tommy Dreamer, and Jordynne Grace.

    TNA Wrestling in Windsor, Ontario

    Windsor, Ontario is no stranger to TNA Wrestling. The city is the home of several TNA stars including Josh Alexander, Gisele Shaw, Bhuphinder Gujjar, and TNA Wrestling President Scott D\’Amore. The city is also home to Petey Williams whose name is synonymous with TNA and is a two-time X-Division Champion. 

    Last year, IMPACT Wrestling hosted its Slammiversary event at the St. Clair College Campus. The show saw Alex Shelley retain the IMPACT World Championship from Nick Aldis while Trinity kicked off her Knockouts World Championship reign by dethroning Deonna Purrazzo. 

    The Return of TNA Wrestling

    Next week, IMPACT Wrestling will officially relaunch as TNA Wrestling in a blockbuster move from the promotion. The change was announced at Bound for Glory last October. Speaking exclusively to SE Scoops, Alex Shelley said that the response from fans has blown the expectations within the company out of the water. 

    TNA Wrestling just signed two former WWE Superstars. Click here to find out more. 

  • Watch: Jade Cargill Trains for WWE In-Ring Debut with WWE & AEW Stars

    It remains unclear when Jade Cargill will make her in-ring debut for WWE, but the ex-AEW star will be ready for when it happens. 

    Cargill signed with WWE in September 2023, shortly after her tenure with AEW came to an end. The former & inaugural AEW TBS Champion made her WWE TV debut on the Fastlane kick-off show and would make appearances on WWE Raw, SmackDown, and WWE NXT. 

    Jade Cargill Trains for WWE Debut

    Jade Cargill has yet to wrestle for WWE, but speculation continues to grow about what\’s next for her. Despite her absence from TV, Cargill remains active in the ring. On her Instagram Stories this week, WWE Superstar Natalya shared a video of Jade training for her much-anticipated debut match.

    Cargill wasn\’t the only notable name training with Natalya. AEW\’s Ricky Starks was also spotted training. Starks has friends in WWE and was infamously spotted backstage at the 2023 Royal Rumble event. WWE\’s B-Fab and Ashante \’Thee\’ Adonis were also at the training session. On Twitter, Natalya expressed her delight at the training session. 

    What\’s Next for Jade Cargill?

    As Triple H made clear during the Survivor Series post-show press conference, WWE will not be rushing plans with Jade Cargill. While Cargill knows what brand she\’ll be working with going forward, the former TBS Champion has not confirmed publicly where she\’ll be heading. 

    Whatever\’s next for Jade Cargill, it likely won\’t involve Charlotte Flair. It had been rumored for some time that Flair would be Cargill\’s first WWE opponent, especially after an interaction between the two on SmackDown. Unfortunately, Flair suffered an injury last month that will keep her out for much of 2024. The Queen recently thanked fans for their support after undergoing surgery. 

  • WWE Schedule 2024: PPV Dates, Locations and Venues

    WWE will also have international events in Saudi Arabia as part of the promotion\’s decade-long agreement with the nation. The dates of these events have yet to be announced, but two will take place in the year ahead.

    2024 is shaping up to be a big a year for the world\’s premiere pro wrestling promotion, but they\’ve got their work cut out for them if they want to make it their biggest year ever. WWE executive Paul \’Triple H\’ Levesque recently touted last year\’s record-shattering success:

  • CM Punk: Seth Rollins Wouldn\’t Have Gotten The Chance if it Wasn\’t For Guys Like Me

    CM Punk is ready for the upcoming Royal Rumble event and hopes a win in the Men\’s Rumble match will set him on course for WrestleMania and Seth Rollins. 

    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 on the Royal Rumble

    After competing on WWE\’s record-breaking Holiday Tour, Punk will make his televised return to the ring as part of the Men\’s Royal Rumble match on January 27. Speaking on the WWE 2023 Preview Special, Punk shared his mindset going into the match. 

    \”It\’s just gonna be just like walking out in front of the Chicago audience for Survivor Series. I think there\’s a lot of ghosts I\’m trying to put to bed, and it\’s almost Kismat. You couldn\’t write a better story ten years after walking out, my last match was at Royal Rumble. I\’m walking back in ten years later, and my good buddy Cody likes to say he\’s gonna finish his story. To me, this is finishing what I started, this is picking back up where I left off.

    \”Ten years wiser and still all that experience that I have inside the Royal Rumble and inside the wrestling ring is gonna come in handy, and I\’m gonna get to win the Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania. At least that\’s the plan, I know there\’s 29 other guys that are gonna do their best to stop me, but I\’m supremely confident.\”

    CM Punk on Seth Rollins

    Punk\’s most recent televised match for WWE was as part of the 2014 Royal Rumble match. Punk was the #1 entrant in the match while reigning World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins entered at #2. On the show, Punk was asked about his take on Rollins at the time. 

    \”I viewed Seth as somebody who was following in my footsteps, I think there\’s a lot of people in wrestling as a whole that are in the WWE now that for better or for worse, I think looked up to a guy like me. I always like to thank the legends that helped pave the way for the roads that I travel now. Guys like Terry Funk, Eddie Guerrero, Brett Hart, Tracy Smothers, Chris Candido.

    \”There\’s a litany of guys that I always feel that I wouldn\’t have gotten the opportunities that I got if it weren\’t for them, I don\’t know. I guess I\’m in a position where it feels maybe strange, me vocalizing it, but I think Seth is a guy at least I definitely thought it ten years ago that he\’s a dude that I don\’t think would have gotten the opportunities that he has gotten if it wasn\’t for me.\”

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

  • Mick Foley Never Saw His WWE Title Win Coming, WCW Made a \”Tactical Error\”

    Mick Foley\’s first time capturing a World Championship felt all the sweeter as he never dreamed he\’d be put in such an elevated position. 

    Foley would win his first WWF Championship 25 years ago on January 4, 1999. The win would see Foley (as Mankind) best The Rock in a No-Disqualifcation match. With DX and the Corporation brawling at ringside, \’Stone Cold\’ Steve Austin would ultimately aid Foley with a chair shot to the skull of The Rock. Post-match, Foley dedicated the win to his family. 

    Mick Foley Wins the \’Big One\’

    Speaking in a recent video for WWE, Foley reflected on his WWF Championship win on the January 4, episode of Raw. The Hardcore Legend admitted that while he knew he\’d be winning the gold, it didn\’t feel quite real until after the pinfall. 

    \”It set in for me the moment I held the title. Because I had never seen that coming for me, so I never made that my goal. I wanted to have memorable feuds, I wanted to try to move people up the ladder, I wanted to try to create great moments. But never once did I think one of those moments would be holding the WWE title. So because I never let it define success for me, I never felt bad when I did not have it. But I have to tell you, when they handed it to me, it felt more like a lifetime achievement award than it did a WWE title.\”

    Foley\’s title win would prove to be historic for far more than just his win. On WCW Monday Nitro, Tony Schiavone was directed to spoil the result, as Raw had been taped the week prior. This strategy backfired as fans tuned into Raw in their droves to see Foley finally win the big one. 

    \”They made a tactical error in giving away the results of the Mankind Rock match. And so I believe within seconds, up to 500,000 homes or fans switch channels, and the rest is history.

    \”What should have been a solid victory for WCW turned into a route by WWE, almost specifically, almost exclusively, because they made so many people wanna watch our show to see history being made.

    \”Even among the WCW fans, there was a feeling that I had been a hardworking guy who had never quite gotten to the top. And there were a lot of fans, even their fans, who wanted to witness it.\”

    Working With The Rock

    Foley\’s victory over The Rock wouldn\’t be their first time facing off and it would not be his last time sharing the ring with the Great One. In the video, Foley recalled feuding with the Hollywood star and later teaming for segments such as \’This is Your Life\’.

    \”The Rock and I had this great rivalry and a great chemistry. We\’d later see it play itself out as tag team partners but we wouldn\’t have been those great tag team partners without the rivalry and the chemistry as opponents.

    \”There\’s a phrase I use, it\’s called embracing the ridiculous. And some people, they\’re just a little short of being able or willing to do that. I think it\’s those who embrace the ridiculous, who sink their teeth into every opportunity they are given, that really make a difference.\”

    Foley would become a three-time WWF Champion. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BahE2IpVptw

    Mick Foley recently took his love of Santa Claus and Christmas to the world of indie wrestling. Click here to find out more. 

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

  • ‘Scared of the Unknown’ – Charlotte Flair emotional following knee surgery

    WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair has shared her gratitude to those wishing her well after her recent injury. 

    During the latter part of her December 9 match with Asuka, Flair was hurt and was seen being tended to by WWE\’s medical crew after the match. The injury happened when Flair came off the top rope at an awkward angle and her legs bounced off the ropes. Despite this, Flair was able to finish the match that saw Asuka get the victory. 

    Charlotte Flair is Thankful

    In a tweet, Flair gave an update to her fans. The former Women\’s Champion was dressed in a hospital gown, suggesting she has had her surgery. 

    Family, Friends & Fans,

    THANK YOU for all the positive, beautiful messages & flowers I feel supported in every way. It has taken me a few days and many MANY tears to wrap my head around everything. I happen to be an expert in overthinking and this is the first time I’ve ever been truly scared. Scared of the unknown but also feeling like I’m losing what I’m most proud of and that’s being an athlete. I don’t like showing physical weakness and this has left me feeling exposed. A process I know I will grow from but a very new one to me. This was a huge blow to me mentally and obviously physically going into 2024. 2023 was a rollercoaster and I am trying to stay positive and maybe this was the only way to stop, refocus, rebuild & eventually conquer again.

    I can’t thank this year’s Smackdown locker-room enough. I enjoyed every second and will be rooting from the sidelines

    I have been a bad guy for most of my career but this year was different for me. I CHERISHED every hug, high-five and fist pump this year at live events and for the first time in my career felt comfortable in my own boots being the good guy I learned so much as a performer and plan on starting right where I left off.

    I promise I am going to work 24/7 over the next nine months to come back the best version of the Queen you’ve ever seen.

    \”Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”

    Climbing my own mountain will be my greatest test yet.

    Thank you for all the love

    Here is to 2024.

    Love, Ashley

    Aka Charlotte 

    Charlotte wasn\’t going to let her injury stop her from supporting her husband at a non-WWE event. Click here to find out more. 

  • Jon Moxley Teases Bringing In Female BCC Member to Represent in Japan

    The Blackpool Combat Club is yet to formally announce a female member, but Marina Shafir may soon be representing the faction overseas.

    The BCC came together in March of 2022, with Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson and William Regal as the founding members. Later that year, the group would welcome Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta into the fold.
    While Regal has since left AEW for WWE, the British veteran remains in touch with his BCC allies.

    Marina Shafir in the Blackpool Combat Club?

    At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, Jon Moxley represented the BCC when he competed to be the first NJPW Global Champion. Unfortunately for Moxley, both he and Will Ospreay lost to David Finlay, who brawled with Nic Nemeth after the match. Speaking at his post-match press conference, Moxley spoke about his plans for 2024.

    \”The Blackpool Combat Club has plans in Japan for 2024 and beyond. I want to comeback with Bryan Danielson, with Claudio Castagnoli, I want to get Wheeler Yuta, our young rookie out here and have him test himself.\”

    Moxley then addressed the women\’s division in New Japan and teased bringing in Shafir as a BCC member.

    \”Marina Shafir, she wants a shot in Japan. Bring the best women you\’ve got because that\’s one of the baddest b*tches walking the planet and she\’ll come over here representing the Blackpool Combat Club.\”

    Shafir has proven her toughness in the ring countless times, and teamed with Ronda Rousey during the latter\’s appearances outside of WWE last year. Moxley\’s BCC ally Bryan Danielson fared no better at Wrestle Kingdom 18. The American Dragon lost to Kazuchika Okada in a rematch from AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door II.

    H/T – Fightful

  • Tama Tonga Wins NEVER Openweight Title, Plans to Finish With NJPW This Month

    Tama Tonga is once again the NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, but it appears that his reign will be a very short one. 

    At Wrestle Kingdom 18, Tonga dethroned Shingo Takagi to regain the gold. Takagi, a three-time NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, had held the title since October\’s Fighting Spirit Unleashed event, where he beat Tonga. Tama\’s victory this week makes him a four-time champion. This also makes Tonga the wrestler to have held the title for the third most amount of reigns, behind Hirooki Goto (five reigns) and Tomohiro Ishii (six reigns. 

    You can check out some of the highlights from Tonga\’s title win below. 

    Finishing with New Japan Pro Wrestling

    While Tonga is once again the champion, it appears that a lengthy title run isn\’t in the cards. In a post-match press conference, Tonga announced that January will be his final month with the promotion. In his comments (courtesy of PWI Contributor Issa) Tonga said he wants to find work closer to home. He added that he misses his family and doesn\’t want to keep leaving them behind, as this was the case in his childhood. 

    Tonga made it clear that he loves Japan, NJPW, and every wrestler who works for the promotion. He is also elated at the current state of his career but realizes it is now time for him to go home to his family. Tonga is the nephew and adoptive son of legendary tough-man wrestler Haku. 

    NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 saw the arrival of a former WWE World Champion. Click here to find out more. 

  • Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler) Brawls With Second Generation Champion at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18

    Former WWE Superstar Nic Nemeth caused quite a stir when he made his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 18. 

    Nemeth, best known to wrestling fans as Dolph Ziggler, was dressed to impress as he appeared in front of the crowd in the Tokyo Dome. The former Superstar was accompanied by his brother and AEW star Ryan Nemeth. 

    Nemeth\’s Appearance Kept A Surprise

    According to Cassidy Haynes of BodySlam.net, Nemeth\’s presence was kept a secret from virtually everybody. Two sources who were backstage at the Tokyo Dome relayed that Nemeth was not in public view before he appeared on the broadcast and most of the wrestlers on the card found out along with the fans watching at home around the world.

    Nemeth and Finlay brawled backstage, all but guaranteeing that this was more than just a cameo:

    Nemeth\’s arrival in New Japan comes months after his surprising release from WWE in September of 2023. The first wave of releases after the launch of TKO Group Holdings, Nemeth was cut alongside Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, Matt Riddle, Emma, Riddick Moss, Aliyah, and other Superstars. 

    What\’s Next? 

    Nemeth watched on as David Finlay faced Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay to crown the first IWGP Global Champion. After the match, Finlay got in the face of Nemeth, who had some choice words for the new champion. The two would brawl at ringside. 

    This post-match incident is seemingly setting Nemeth up as a future challenger for the IWGP Global Championship. It\’s possible that the match could come as soon as NJPW Battle in the Valley which will take place on January 13. 

    NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 also saw the crowning of the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion. Click here to find out more. 

  • NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi Wins World TV Title at Wrestle Kingdom 18

    Hiroshi Tanahashi has ended the historic reign of Zack Sabre Jr. to become the second-ever NJPW World Television Champion. 

    Tanahashi and Sabre met on the second match of the main card of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18. The two held nothing back in their efforts to leave the Tokyo Dome with the gold. 

    Tanahashi won the gold following a series of pinfalls that were countered by both men. The Ace earned a huge response from the crowd in Tokyo. 

    After the match, Tanahashi shared his delight about the win and wished those watching a Happy New Year. 

    This win makes Tanahashi the second-ever NJPW World Television Champion. Sabre held the gold for exactly one year after becoming the first champion at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January 2023. Sabre defeated Ren Narita in the finals of a tournament to capture the gold. 

    President Champion

    This win comes mere weeks after it was announced that Tanahashi is NJPW\’s new President. The wrestler will also serve as the company\’s Representative Director. This appointment came following a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders.

    Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production for TV Asahi) and Taro Okada (President & CEO of Bushiroad Fight) have been named Directors of the company. Tanahashi has been with New Japan for years and is an eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a record number.  

    What does Hiroshi Tanahashi have planned now that he is New Japan\’s new President? Click here to find out. 

  • Alex Hammerstone to debut at TNA Hard to Kill on January 13

    Former IMPACT World Champion Josh Alexander is looking for a fight at TNA Hard to Kill and Alex Hammerstone will give him exactly that. 

    Hammerstone, a former MLW World Champion, is currently a free agent after finishing his time with the promotion. Earlier this week, Hammerstone issued an open challenge to anybody in wrestling to come and face him. 

    Impact/TNA has since confirmed the match has been signed for this historic event.

    Josh Alexander Wants Alex Hammerstone

    Taking to Twitter, Josh Alexander spoke about his difficult 2023, and what\’s to come in 2024. 

    \”Today is a good day. And it feels good to say that because 2023 was not kind to me. I suffered injury after injury. I lost that thing that I fought so hard to earn and keep in that IMPACT World Championship. More than all that, I lost a piece of myself somewhere along the way. That thing that makes me special.

    \”But it\’s a good day. It\’s 2024, it\’s a new year. People are settling resolutions and goals and me? I\’m no different. See, I intend on getting that piece back in 2024. And I\’m going to do that on January 14th at TNA Snake Eyes when I right a wrong and face, once again, Will Ospreay one-on-one.

    The Walking Weapon was happy to accept Hammerstone\’s open challenge and wants the match to take place at TNA Hard to Kill later this month. 

    \”TNA is returning on January 13th, one day before that. Live on pay-per-view for the world to see. From the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. TNA presents Hard to Kill. I picked up my phone this morning, scrolling through social media and I stumble upon one of these free agents in the pro-wrestling world. This one\’s different from the rest. Rather than asking or demanding an opportunity, this one\’s offering one in the form of an open challenge.

    \”Let me get it out of the way. Alex Hammerstone, I would like to accept your open challenge. I spoke to TNA management already so this match is made, if you choose to accept. And I will give you the opportunity by opening the door here at TNA Wrestling. I will roll the welcome mat all the way down to the ring. You say you\’re a shark in open waters? Well come face the standard, the Iron Man, the Walking Weapon and let\’s find out. Because 2024, I\’m going to get that piece back that I lost along the way and I am going to be the best pro-wrestler on Earth once again and it starts at Hard to Kill and it starts with you Hammerstone.\”

    TNA Hard to Kill will take place on January 13. The show will mark the official relaunch of TNA after years of being IMPACT Wrestling. Morale within IMPACT/TNA is said to be very high ahead of this monumental relaunch. 

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

  • Cody Rhodes Makes Dreams Come True, Buys WrestleMania 40 Tickets for School Fan Club

    Cody Rhodes has ensured that a club of young wrestling fans will be at WrestleMania 40 when the Showcase of the Immortals comes to Philadelphia this August. 

    The Wrestling Club is a group organized by Victor Taylor Perry at KIPP AMP Middle School In Brooklyn, New York. The kids gather to watch wrestling from various promotions, discuss the matches they\’ve seen and share their collective love for the industry. The Wrestling Club has proven to be quite popular online and has been visited by the likes of Kenny Omega, FTR, Big E, Shelton Benjamin, Titus O\’Neil, and AJ Styles.  

    Going to WrestleMania 40

    Like any WWE fan, the Wrestling Club dreams of one day attending a WrestleMania. In November, Perry set up a fund that people could donate to that would go towards making this dream a reality. This week, Cody Rhodes decided to make those dreams come true and revealed that he has paid for the tickets and hotels for the club. 

    Responding, Perry was overwhelmed by the immensely generous offer by WWE\’s popular Superstar. 

    WrestleMania 40

    WWE WrestleMania 40 will take place on April 6, and April 7, marking the fifth two-night WrestleMania; a format that debuted during the Covid-19 pandemic. This will be the second WrestleMania to be hosted in the city of Brotherly Love, following on from WrestleMania 15 in 1999. 

    No matches have been confirmed for the show, and questions remain as to Cody Rhodes\’ involvement with the event. While many predicted that Cody would challenge Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns once more, that may no longer be the case. On this week\’s Raw, The Rock teased coming for Reigns\’ spot as Head of the Table. 

     WWE has reportedly been considering Jimmy Uso Vs. Jey Uso for WrestleMania 40 though that match has yet to be announced. 

  • Deonna Purrazzo is All-Elite: Ex-Knockouts Champ Makes AEW Debut on Dynamite

    Deonna Purrazzo has become the newest member of the AEW roster and has wasted no time in making her championship aspirations very clear. 

    On this week\’s Dynamite, Mariah May made her in-ring debut for AEW with a victory over Queen Aminata. After her win, May was disappointed that her debut match had to take place in New Jersey. This jibe brought out the debuting Purrazzo, a New Jersey native who took issue with this insult. 

    Purrazzo confronted May and made it clear she is coming for her and May\’s idol, AEW Women\’s World Champion \’Timeless\’ Toni Storm. 

    In a tweet, AEW President Toni Khan confirmed the arrival of Purrazzo to the roster. 

    Support from the Crowd

    Purrazzo had a ton of support from her fellow New Jersey residents in the crowd, and one person of note was there as well. IMPACT Wrestling\’s Steve Maclin was spotted at the show watching Purrazzo\’s debut. Maclin and Purrazzo began dating in 2020 and married in November 2022. 

    WWE Talks

    Purrazzo is a huge get for AEW as there had been speculation that the Virtuosa would end up returning to WWE. Fightful Select reports that Purrazzo and WWE had had talks but obviously did not come to terms. WWE sources indicated that not, if not all of their free-agent discussions had been tabled until the new year started. While Purrazzo won\’t be a WWE Superstar, her best friend Chelsea Green was very happy to see her AEW debut. 

    Deonna Purrazzo reached a huge personal milestone in August of last year. Click here to find out more. 

  • Hulk Hogan’s status for WWE’s Hulkamania 40th Anniversary plans

    The spirit of Hulkamania is set to be celebrated by WWE, but it\’s uncertain whether Hulk Hogan will be making a televised appearance. 

    Hogan captured the WWF Championship for the first time on January 23, 1984, which is widely recognized as the day that \’Hulkamania\’ was born. Hogan would capture the title from The Iron Sheik, who proved to be a transitional champion after dethroning seven-year champion Bob Backlund. The Iron Sheik won the title due to Vince McMahon wanting the gold on Hogan but didn\’t want the Hulkster to dethrone his fellow babyface. 

    A Celebration of Hulkamania

    Wrestle Votes reports that WWE is planning quite the celebration to mark 40 years of Hulkamania\’s birth. New pieces of merchandise and collectibles about Hogan\’s win are in store. The report adds that an appearance by Hogan isn\’t out of the question, but is not being planned as of right now. Hogan\’s most recent appearance for WWE came as part of the Raw is XXX episode in January 2023. 

    Hulk Hogan: Superhero and Sinner

    Hogan is considered by many to be one of, if not the single most influential professional wrestler the industry has ever seen. Hogan\’s clean-cut babyface would enamor fans for years during the appropriately named Hulkamania Era, while his transformation into Hollywood Hogan and formation of the NWO would usher in the era of \’cool heels.\’

    The Hulkster is also considered one of wrestling\’s most controversial names. In 2015, Hogan was fired from WWE after racist comments he\’d made years earlier came to light. Hogan was also removed from WWE\’s Hall of Fame but was reappointed and welcomed back into the company in 2018. While WWE has forgiven Hogan (and given him a second HOF induction) fans have been less accepting of the Hulkster, who has often faced claims of politicking at the expense of other wrestlers. Hogan\’s controversies are set to be covered in a new series coming to VICE TV. 

    Hulk Hogan recently shared how difficult it has been for his body after having so many surgeries. Click here to find out more. 

  • How Did Zac Efron\’s Time in High School Musical Prepare Him for The Iron Claw?

    It may have been years since Zac Efron donned the basketball jersey of Troy Bolton, but his time with High School Musical would help him prep for The Iron Claw. 

    The A24 biopic delves into the lives, careers, and many tragedies of the Von Erich family. Efron plays Kevin Von Erich alongside Jeremy Allen White (Kerry) and Harris Dickinson (David). Several wrestlers appear in the film including MJF (as Lance Von Erich), Chavo Guerrero Jr. (Ed \’The Sheik\’ Farhat), and Ryan Nemeth (Gino Hernandez). 

    Zac Efron on Dancing & Wrestling

    Speaking to W Magazine, Efron spoke about how his background in dance, such as those seen in High School Musical, helped prepare him for the world of professional wrestling. 

    \”Dancing and wrestling are surprisingly similar. There\’s a choreographed element to both, and the more you do it, the better you get. Also, just the sense of moving with a partner: Sometimes you lead, and sometimes you\’re holding on to the other guy. The learning curve for wrestling is you just go for it. For stuff like climbing up on the ropes and jumping off, you’ve just got to nut up and go for it. There\’s no real practicing.\”

    Efron admitted to not being a wrestling fan growing up but chalked this up to him and his brother being banned from watching the sport. In the interview, Efron added that people often sing songs from High School Musical to mess with him, and The Iron Claw proved to be no exception. 

    \”We had a scene where we show up to a party where Stanley, I think, is singing a song. He performed it live, and then they just continued to move on to another song, and it was something from High School Musical. I had to stay in character while that was going on, and everybody else was just losing it.\”

    Could Zac Efron one day step into the ring for real at an event for AEW? Don\’t count it out! Click here to find out more. 

  • Adam Cole to Explain Himself on 1/3 Episode of AEW Dynamite

    Adam Cole will (hopefully) explain his actions at Worlds End during tonight\’s edition of AEW Dynamite on TBS. 

    At AEW Worlds End, MJF lost the AEW World Championship to Samoa Joe. In the closing moments of the show, Adam Cole revealed himself as The Devil while Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, Roderick Strong, and Wardlow were his henchmen. In his first remarks after Worlds End, Cole tweeted that it was a new year and fans were seeing the real him. On Twitter, it was confirmed that Cole will speak on tonight\’s show. 

    MJF is Missing

    One name fans shouldn\’t expect to hear from tonight is MJF himself. The former AEW World Champion is reportedly taking time off to heal up from injuries. MJF acquired several injuries throughout his run as champion but reportedly insisted on seeing his reign to the end. MJF\’s profile has been removed from AEW\’s roster website, seemingly referencing MJF\’s contract expiring on January 1. However, it is believed that MJF signed a lengthy new deal with AEW months ago. 

    AEW Dynamite – January 3

    Tonight\’s show will see the triumphant return of Samoa Joe, fresh off his victory at Worlds End. The show will also see the AEW International Championship on the line as record-breaking champion Orange Cassidy will defend against Dante Martin. 

    Mariah May will also make her AEW in-ring debut during tonight\’s edition of Dynamite. The British wrestler will face Queen Aminata. Swerve Strickland will take on Daniel Garcia while fans will hear from the two-time and new AEW TNT Champion Christian Cage. 

  • Bryan Danielson Vows to Break Kazuchika Okada’s Arm at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18

    AEW\’s Bryan Danielson will walk into this week\’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom with one goal in mind: to break the arm of Kazuchika Okada. 

    Okada and Danielson last faced off at AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door II in June 2023. While Danielson would win the match, he\’d suffer a fractured forearm in the process. The injury would keep Danielson out for months and force the American Dragon to miss AEW\’s biggest-ever show, All In. 

    Bryan Danielson\’s Vow to Okada

    Appearing at the Wrestle Kingdom 18 press conference, Danielson spoke about his previous showdown with Okada and the effect his broken arm had on his life. 

    \”That led to me not being able to carry my son, it led to a tag match where he broke my orbital bone, led me to not being able to drive my kids to school and now to here. So am I angry, yes. Am I hungry for revenge, yes.\”

    Danielson then made his threat to Okada ahead of their much-anticipated match tomorrow. 

    \”I’ve said I was going to break Okada’s arm for two reasons. I want revenge. But I also want to see if breaking his arm will break him, or make him better. And after I break his arm, I’ll kick his f**king head in.”

    NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18

    NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 will take place on January 4, from the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. The show will feature talent from NJPW, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and AEW. Wrestle Kingdom 18 will also be the first event to feature Hiroshi Tanahashi as the new president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.