SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Tony Khan: AEW Takes Accusations of Sexual Harassment Very Seriously

    AEW is the safest place for professional wrestlers, according to AEW President Tony Khan, as the allegations against Chris Jericho continue to make headlines.

    While AEW Worlds End was a historic night for the promotion and saw the crowning of a new World Champion, much of the show was overshadowed by the allegations about Chris Jericho. The veteran is alleged to have acted inappropriately with Kylie Rae, which is said to have been a factor in her AEW exit in 2019. 

    Tony Khan on Harassment 

    Jericho faced NDA and Kylie Rae chants during AEW Worlds End, and a hashtag movement calling for him to be fired trended on Twitter. Speaking on the post-Worlds End Media Scrum, Tony Khan was asked about the allegations and the protocol to keep wrestlers safe from unwanted advances. 

    \”We\’re very serious about [that] and we\’ve had a policy in place. Certainly I think any time there\’s anything like that, we would make sure we do everything we can to prevent it. AEW has the best safety record I believe of any pro wrestling company in the world. I believe we have the most safe environment. I believe we have the best safety record of any pro wrestling company and I would hold the record of AEW on safety against any wrestling company in the world. I think we, AEW is the safest place for pro wrestling and if any of our wrestlers ever have a concern they always have an open line to talk to me and I you know I believe anybody would sit here and tell you they always can talk to me anytime they are concerned about anything.\”

    When asked for details about the steps wrestlers can take if they feel they are being harassed, Khan outlined what happens to a wrestler if they are found to have violated company policy. 

    \”If there was anything that came to light to me, I would take it to the disciplinary committee. That\’s how we\’ve been doing it and I think our disciplinary committee has been doing a great job. Everybody knows they have an open line to me or anybody on that committee.\”

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

  • Samoa Joe Wins AEW World Championship, Adam Cole Revealed as The Devil

    AEW Worlds End will go down as one of the worst nights in the career of MJF, who lost his AEW World Championship and his best friend in one fell swoop. 

    For months, MJF has been targeted by somebody in his \’Devil\’ mask, who has been attacking anyone close to the scarf-wearing wrestler. Suspicion had been running rampant within AEW, with several wrestlers and even MJF himself being accused of being behind the attacks. 

    A New AEW World Champion

    With his tag-team partner Adam Cole injured, MJF was until recently in an unlikely team with Samoa Joe. On this week\’s Dynamite though, Joe betrayed MJF, who would lose the ROH World Tag Team Championships to two of the Devil\’s henchmen. It was revealed on Dynamite that MJF had done \’business\’ with the Devil. 

    At Worlds End, MJF defended his AEW World Championship against Joe and a title change took place. The finish saw Samoa Joe lock MJF in the Coquina Clutch, and his arm fell three times, resulting in the submission victory and a title change. 

    The Devil is Unmasked

    Following the match, the Devil\’s goons attacked MJF and Cole, who was at ringside for the match to \’support\’ his \’friend.\’ When one of the masked men was about to hit Cole with a chair, the lights went out. When they came back on, CVole was revealed as the Devil. 

    The masked men were also revealed as Roderick Strong, Wardlow, Mike Bennett, and Matt Taven. The four men beat down MJF and left him out cold to close the show.

  • Adam Copeland Wins & Loses TNT Championship at AEW Worlds End

    Adam Copeland captured the AEW TNT Championship at Worlds End, in his first title win in over a decade, but the Canadian\’s run with the gold was very short-lived. 

    Since joining AEW at WrestleDream, Copeland has been feuding with his former friend and ex-tag team partner Christian Cage. The two faced off for the TNT title in Montreal earlier this month on an episode of Dynamite in a match that Cage would win. 

    Adam Copeland Wins (and Loses)

    In a No-Disqualification match at AEW Worlds End, Cage and Copeland held nothing back in their efforts to leave Long Island with the TNT Championship. As the winners of the first two TLC matches, it was fitting that the bout featured Tables, Ladders, and Chairs. In the end, Copeland hit Cage with Christian\’s own Killswitch finisher to get the win and become the new TNT Champion. 

    This was an emotional win for Copeland, as it was his first time winning a championship since he captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship from Dolph Ziggler in early 2011. Unfortunately for the Hall of Famer, his time on top was short-lived. After the match, Killswitch (formerly Luchasaurus) hit the ring with a guaranteed TNT Championship match contract Killswitch had won the opportunity during the Zero-Hour pre-show battle royal. 

    Rather than challenge Copeland, Killswitch surrendered that contract to Christian who had the match restarted. Cage then used Copeland\’s finisher, a spear, to win the title back. 

    This makes Copeland a history maker in AEW, but not in a good way. The Canadian legend now holds the record for the shortest title reign in the history of the company. 

  • Chris Jericho Hit with \”NDA\” & \”Kylie Rae\” Chants at AEW Worlds End PPV

    AEW Worlds End 2023 proved to be a tough night at the office for Chris Jericho who was on the receiving end of some choice chants from the Long Island crowd. 

    In the fifth match of the show (and eighth match if you include the pre-show) Jericho was victorious in an eight-man tag-team match. The bout saw Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Sting and Darby Allin defeat AEW World Tag Team Champions Big Bill and Ricky Starks, and Konosuke Takeshita and Powerhouse Hobbs. 

    Chris Jericho Faces Chants

    Jericho\’s appearance at the show was something of a surprise, as some fans expected him to be pulled from AEW Worlds End. In the hours before the show, Jericho faced allegations of misconduct with wrestler Kylie Rae. Nick Hausman made mention of Jericho having skeletons in his closet, and Rae herself reacted with a heart to a post saying that Jericho is not a safe person to be around for young women in wrestling. 

    While Jericho competed at Worlds End, the fans made it clear they are aware of the allegations against him. Jericho was on the receiving end of \”NDA\” chants from the crowd in Long Island. Ironically, Jericho recently dismissed the notion that he is tied to an NDA relating to last year\’s Brawl Out situation. 

    There were also chants for Kylie Rae during the match, as seen in the clip below. 

    There were also audible boos for the wrestling veteran at the event. 

    At this time, AEW President Tony Khan has yet to address the allegations against Jericho, who was the first-ever AEW World Champion. It is likely he will be asked about the matter during the post-Worlds End media scrum. 

  • Watch: Seth Rollins Rages at CM Punk at WWE Toronto Live Event

    WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth \’Freakin\’ Rollins put CM Punk on notice at a recent live event, declaring that the Chicago-Made star only cares for himself. 

    Although many have been pleased to see Punk back in WWE, Seth Rollins is not among them. Rollins had an explosive reaction to Punk\’s return at Survivor Series, and has made it clear on WWE programming that he takes issue with Punk\’s comeback. This week, Rollins explained his beef with Punk, citing the many negative comments Punk made about Seth and WWE during his near-decade-long absence.

    Seth Rollins Takes Aim at CM Punk

    At a recent WWE live event in Toronto, Canada, Seth Rollins retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre in the show\’s main event. After the match, Rollins couldn\’t help but notice the CM Punk chants from the crowd and had some choice words about the \’Best in the World\’.

    \”What do y\’all think, he\’s going to pop through that curtain tonight? Na. He ain\’t going to come tonight because, you know what, he doesn\’t give a da*n about y\’all. Hey, I\’ve been honest, I\’ve said this about CM Punk from day one. CM Punk only gives a damn about CM Punk. But hey, you know what? You\’ve all paid your hard-earned money.\” 

    The show ended with the crowd singing Rollins\’ theme song. The reigning World Heavyweight Champion wished the fans the best and told them to travel safely to close out the night. While Rollins made it clear that Punk wasn\’t at the show, the Best in the World will face \’Dirty\’ Dominik Mysterio at tonight\’s event in California. 

    This isn\’t Rollins\’ first time taking a swing at CM Punk at a live event. Click here to see how the World Champion brutally shut down a Punk chant at a previous event. 

  • Maven: WWE Was Ready to Rehire Me in 2020. Then COVID Happened

    Former WWE Superstar Maven Huffman would likely be working for WWE today, if not for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    Maven joined WWE in 2001 after co-winning that year\’s Tough Enough with Nidia Guenard. During his four years with the promotion, Maven would become a three-time Hardcore Champion and is well-remembered for eliminating The Undertaker from the 2002 Royal Rumble match.

    A Return Ruined by COVID

    A few years after his release, WWE offered him a chance to return, but Maven declined, citing that he had a steady job with the Home Shopping Network. On a recent video from his YouTube channel, Maven recalled a time years later when he was ready to come back. 

    \”I reached out to D-Von and knowing D-Von still had a great relationship with the WWE, I reached out and I said \’D-Von, I see a path forward I see an opportunity and I know I know I could work with the company.\’ The company that I love the company that brought me into this business and I see my opportunity not as a wrestler, age wins but I see my opportunity with maybe announcing, maybe backstage interview segments.\”

    D-Von was able to put a good word in with WWE, who brought Maven to the Performance Center in Florida. The former Superstar went on to explain how his audition for the role went. 

    \”Tom [Phillips] took me back into a room where they had several monitors set up. What they do with these monitors is they practice, they get themselves ready for live television and they get themselves ready by calling old matches. And that\’s what we were going to do that day… He knew I was buddies with Matt Cardona so he actually pulled one of Matt\’s and Brian\’s old tag matches out just to help aid me with my comfort level. So we then spend the next few hours just calling different matches and he\’s guiding me.\”

    Maven felt the audition went very well and was pleased to bump into some old colleagues, including WWE\’s current Head of Talent, Triple H. 

    \”I happened to bump into Hunter and it was good catching up with Hunter. He and I probably talked for a good two to three minutes, caught up… We didn\’t talk even talk to business. We talked family and just how we\’ve been, just on a personal level so it was good catching up with him.\”

    After Phillips gave his seal of approval, Maven was contacted with an offer, which the former Tough Enough alum was excited to accept. 

    \”They say \’Maven if you were given the opportunity to accept a job but we told you you had to move here and it would take you 6 to 12 months coming to this facility and just working by the monitors and just learning different matches is that\’s something that you\’re willing to do at this level and at this age? And I said \’Absolutely! I\’ll start packing tonight! Tell me when I\’ll move here as soon as possible!\’\”

    Maven felt on top of the world for about four hours as he envisioned his future as a WWE commentator. That was until he turned on the TV that night, and saw how the COVID-19 pandemic was changing sports and entertainment. 

    \”I get to the hotel and then I see it. Flashing up on the TV screen and every hope that I had was dashed in a second and what did I see? Flashed up on the TV screen was \’NBA to cancel their regular season.\’

    \”March 11th 2020 the day that the entire world shut down… That job, it took second place because obviously, we started hearing about just what was going on obviously you heard about people getting sick and family members being lost my goal immediately turned into making it back to New York.

    \”Within a month the entire world was on lockdown. WWE programming would stop. Live Events, they would only do studio shows in that location. Studio shows that only required a few announcers. Announcers they already had.\”

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

     

  • Andrade El Idolo Expected to Return to WWE After AEW Run (Report)

    Andrade El Idolo will be returning to WWE once his current contract with AEW expires, at least according to those within the Stamford promotion. 

    El Idolo joined AEW in June of 2021 and would make his in-ring debut for the promotion the following month. His debut for AEW came months after his release from WWE in March of that year. While WWE had initially declined Andrade\’s request for a release, it was later granted. 

    Andrade Returning to WWE? 

    Some in WWE expect Andrade to return when the time is right, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported this week. Those close to Andrade have also said that he may very well go back to WWE, but is also open to staying if Tony Khan makes a better offer than WWE. Some have criticized AEW for underutilizing Andrade, who is yet to hold gold in the promotion. 

    Andrade would also like to work with New Japan Pro Wrestling if the possibility comes up. He would have wanted to do the FantasticaMania show in February but it conflicts with his schedule. 

    Andrade in WWE

    Andrade joined AEW in November 2015 and made his in-ring debut the following January at a Tampa, Florida live event. In November 2017, Andrade defeated Drew McIntyre to capture the NXT Championship. After being called up to the main roster, Andrade captured the United States Championship in late 2019 from Rey Mysterio. 

    If Andrade does return to WWE, he will be able to spend more time with his wife Charlotte Flair. Andrade\’s father-in-law Ric Flair recently said that he will be staying with AEW for years to come after Sting retires next year. 

    Andrade El Idolo may not have much time left in AEW. Click here to find out more. 

  • Every AEW Departure of 2023

    Here is a list of every name to part ways with AEW in 2023

    CM Punk

    The biggest name to leave AEW this year, Punk was released following the backstage altercation at All In. He has since returned to WWE.

    Ace Steel

    Steel was brought back to AEW to work with CM Punk ahead of the launch of Collision. With Punk\’s exit in September, he was released. 

    Jade Cargill

    The inaugural AEW TBS Champion lost her rematch for the gold in what would be her last match. She, like Punk, has joined WWE. 

    Brian Pillman Jr. 

    Pillman debuted for AEW in 2019, but parted ways with the company in July 2023 when his deal expired. He has since joined WWE NXT as Lexis King.

     QT Marshall

    The Nightmare Factory head left AEW recently. He was reportedly frustrated by not being treated as a star in the company. 

    Sonny Kiss

    Kiss\’ profile was quietly removed from AEW\’s roster page in September. Tony Khan confirmed at the post-All Out media scrum that Kiss had not been re-signed. 

    Fuego Del Sol

    The masked wrestler announced his departure from AEW in June. He made his debut for the company in May 2020.

    AQA

    AQA was the first wrestler to be cut from AEW this year when her deal expired. She competed seven times. 

    Trench

    Trench had been part of Swerve Strickland’s Mogul Affiliates faction but did not compete in any matches before his exit on July 3. 

    Zack Clayton

    Zack Clayton’s departure from AEW was announced in October 2023. He is also known for his time on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation. 

    Brock Anderson

    Anderson is the son of AEW producer and wrestling legend Arn Anderson and started with the promotion in 2021. His exit was confirmed in October. 

    The Bunny

    The Bunny made her AEW debut at the Fyter Fest pay-per-view in June 2019, defeating Leva Bates in a dark match. 

    Vickie Guerrero

    Guerrero announced that she was exiting AEW earlier this year. She had managed Nyla Rose and Marina Shafir. 

    Dana Massie

    Massie was AEW\’s Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer and is the wife of AEW EVP and Young Buck Matt Jackson. 

    Rafael Morffi

    Morffi was the Vice President of Live Events/Touring since the establishment of AEW. He previously worked for TNA Wrestling. 

    While not gone just yet, Shawn Spears announced recently that he will be leaving AEW at the end of this year. 

  • Every Superstar Released By WWE in 2023

    Here is a list of every WWE Superstar who has been released this year.

    Dolph Ziggler

    Final match: Against JD McDonagh – Raw 05/29/23

    Dolph\’s 19-year tenure saw him become a two-time World Champion, NXT Champion, and Triple-Crown Champion. 

    Shelton Benjamin

    Final match: Against The Viking Raiders – Main Event 09/11/2023

    The Gold Standard spent much of this latest run in WWE as part of the Hurt Business and tagging with Cedric Alexander

    Elias

    Final Match: #1 Contender Battle Royal – Raw 05/15/2023

    Elias has sung his last tune in WWE. There\’s no word yet on what this means for his brother Ezekiel, who remains in a coma. 

    Emma

    Final Match: Against Shayna Baszler – Raw 07/10/2023

    Emma\’s release came mere hours after she expressed her delight about WWE heading to Perth, Australia for next year\’s Elimination Chamber show.

    Mustafa Ali 

    Final Match: Against Dragon Lee – NXT 09/05/2023

    Ali\’s release came during his program with Wes Lee and Dominik Mysterio. There had reportedly been plans for Ali to win the NXT North American title. 

    Rick Boogs 

    Final Match: Slim Jim Battle Royal – SummerSlam 2023

    Boogs has claimed that forces working backstage were behind his release though has yet to name anybody who deliberately made sure he got cut.

    Aliyah

    Final Match: Against Damage CTRL – Raw 09/12/2022

    Aliyah holds the record for the fastest-ever win in a Women\’s match and the longest tenure of any woman in WWE NXT. 

    Top Dolla 

    Final Match: Against LA Knight – SmackDown 08/11/2023 

    Top Dolla\’s return to WWE may be best remembered for his botched dive, that actually helped save the wrestler\’s life. 

    Mace 

    Final Match: #1 Contender Battle Royal – Raw 05/15/2023

    At one point in his career, a feud between Mace (Dio Madden at the time) and Brock Lesnar was teased, but it never transpired. 

    Mansoor

    Final Match: #1 Contender Battle Royal – Raw 05/15/2023

    Mansoor recently spoke about his time in WWE and when he got major backstage heat at the Super ShowDown 2019 event.

    Matt Riddle 

    Final Match: Against the Viking Raiders – 09/04/2023

    Riddle leaves WWE as a former U.S. Champion, two-time Raw Tag Team Champion, and former NXT Tag Team Champion.

    Alicia Fox

    Final Match: Women\’s Royal Rumble – Royal Rumble 2022

    While not publicly stated by WWE, Fox confirmed earlier this year that she was no longer working for the company.

    Riddick Moss

    Final Match: Against \’Big\’ Bronson Reed – Main Event 09/11/2023

    Moss, like his fiancee Emma, was released in September. He leaves as a winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

    Dabba-Kato

    Final Match: Against Tyler Bate – NXT 09/05/2023

    Before his release, WWE had tested Dabba-Kato as an enforcer for Cora Jade at NXT live events, but the idea didn\’t get to TV. 

    Dana Brooke

    Final Match: Against Lyra Valkyria – NXT 09/12/2023

    Brooke had her career revitalized as part of WWE NXT. She leaves WWE as a multiple-time 24/7 Champion.

    Ikemen Jiro

    Final Match: Against Luca Crusifino – NXT Level Up 09/19/2023

    Since leaving WWE, Jiro has been competing for AJPW in his native Japan. He has been teaming with Seigo Tachibana.

    Quincy Elliot

    Final Match: Against Ikemen Jiro – NXT Tampa Live 08/19/2023

    Elliot reportedly had significant heat backstage in WWE and reportedly didn\’t show the progress WWE had hoped from them. 

    Shanky

    Final Match: Against GUNTHER – WWE Superstar Spectacle 2023

    Shanky holds the distinction of being released after challenging for the Intercontinental Championship in his native India.

    Yulisa Leon

    Final Match: Against Elektra Lopez & Lola Vice – NXT 08/01/2023

    Leon is a second-generation wrestler. Since her release, she has worked for the Crash Lucha Libre promotion and is a former Crash Women\’s Champion. 

    Kevin Ventura-Cortes

    Final Match: Against Sanga & Veer – Raw 05/29/2023

    Ventura-Cortes had just one match during his WWE run. He previously played college football and was signed in 2022.

    Brooklyn Barlow

    Final Match: Against Dani Palmer – NXT Level Up 08/08/2023

    Barlow made her in-ring debut in March of last year. She competed 10 times for WWE and has a 0-10 record. 

    Bryson Montana

    Final Match: Against Hank Walker & Tank Ledger – NXT Largo Live 07/07/2023

    Montana debuted for WWE in May of last year. His sole win came on a July episode of NXT Level Up. 

    WWE also released developmental recruits Alexis Lete, Daniel McArthur, and Melanie Bzezinski this year. More recently, on-screen personality McKenzie Mitchell was released but is excited for what\’s to come. 

  • Alex Shelley is IMPACT\’s Male Wrestler of the Year: Full List of 2023 IMPACT Awards

    Reigning IMPACT World Champion Alex Shelley has another accolade to his impressive career after winning the promotion\’s Male Wrestler of the Year award. 

    Shelley has had a massive year, including winning a number-one-contenders match at Under Seige in May. The following month, Shelley dethroned Steve Maclin as IMPACT Wrestling World Champion at Against All Odds, winning the title for the first time. He has since retained the title against the likes of Nick Aldis, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Josh Alexander, and Jonathan Gresham.

    The Best of IMPACT Wrestling 2023 Awards

    Shelley was one of several wrestlers to take home an award after an impressive 2023. The Bound for Glory 2023 match between \’Speedball\’ Mike Bailey and Will Ospreay was named the promotion\’s Match of the Year. 

    Bailey also took home the promotion\’s X Division Star of the Year, despite not holding the X Division Championship this year. 

    The full awards as as follows: 

    IMPACT Wrestling\’s Male Wrestler of the Year: Alex Shelley

    IMPACT Wresting\’s Knockout of the Year: Trinity

    IMPACT Wrestling\’s Male Tag Team of the Year: ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey)

    IMPACT Wrestling\’s One to Watch in 2024: KiLynn King

    IMPACT Wrestling\’s Moment of the Year (as voted for by fans): The announcement of TNA Wrestling\’s return

    IMPACT Wrestling\’s Knockouts Tag Team of the Year: MK Ultra (Killer Kelly & Masha Slamovich)

    IMPACT Wrestling\’s Match of the Year: \”Speedball\” Mike Bailey vs. Will Ospreay (IMPACT Bound For Glory 2023)

    IMPACT Wrestling\’s X Division Star of the Year: \”Speedball\” Mike Bailey

    What did Alex Shelley have to say about the reaction to IMPACT\’s upcoming relaunch as TNA Wrestling? Check out his exclusive comments to SE Scoops by clicking here. 

  • Scotty 2 Hotty Calls AEW In-Ring Debut a \”Personal Career Highlight\”

    Former WWE Superstar Scotty 2 Hotty is pleased to have reached a \”personal career highlight\” after competing this week for AEW. 

    Scotty, real name Scott Garland, competed in a dark match this past Wednesday at AEW Dynamite: New Year\’s Smash. The match saw the former WWE Tag Team Champion team with The Acclaimed & \’Daddy Ass\’ Billy Gunn to defeat Matt Menard, Jake Hager, and The Gunns. Taking to Twitter, Scotty reflected on being able to compete at the show. 

    Scotty 2 Hotty Behind the Scenes 

    After being released from WWE as a talent in 2007, Garland returned to the promotion in 2016 as a trainer in the Performance Center. Garland remained in the role until November 2021 when he was granted his requested release from the promotion. While he enjoyed his time with WWE, Garland was reportedly at odds with the direction of talent development following the launch of WWE NXT 2.0. He has been working backstage for AEW as a producer since having a tryout in July. 

    A Return to the Ring? 

    While this match was Garland\’s AEW debut, Garland has remained semi-active in the ring outside of the All-Elite promotion. Garland\’s most recent match before this week\’s Dynamite was in June and saw him defeat \’Florida Man\’ at a DREAMWAVE Wrestling event. Garland has been open to the possibility of competing more for AEW and has been discussed for matches in the past. Garland was able to use his WWE \’Too Cool\’ theme as AEW acquired the license for it when obtaining the rights to use the Hardy Boyz theme. 

  • McIntyre Mocks CM Punk, Undertaker\’s Mt. Rushmore, Dijak Takes Credit & More

    Drew McIntyre Mocks CM Punk

    CM Punk made his WWE in-ring return earlier this week with a win over Dominik Mysterio, but his ring attire was underwhelming. Since his planned trunks didn\’t fit, Punk wore plain black trunks he brought as a spare. In a video on social media, Drew McIntyre mocked the Best in the World for this awkward wardrobe malfunction. 

    “He seems to have forgotten his gear, he was wrestling in under tights, so looked pretty stupid.”

    Dijak Takes Credit

    This week\’s WWE NXT saw the gold brand continue to build towards the upcoming New Year\’s Evil show. The show pulled in an impressive 670,000 viewers, which is respectable considering it happened on Boxing Day when viewerships across TV take a dive. On Twitter, Dijak, who competed in the main event against Eddy Thorpe, was pleased to take credit for the impressive number. 

    Changes to NXT Broadcasting

    Next year, WWE NXT will begin airing on the CW Network and leave its current home on the USA Network. This week, it was announced that the gold brand has been axed from TNT Sports, which is how it is broadcasted in the UK. The show began airing on Sky Sports and later BT Sports (now TNT Sports) in January 2020. 

    The Undertaker\’s Mount Rushmore

    The Undertaker is on many people\’s Mt. Rushmore of wrestlers, but who is on the Phenom\’s rankings of the greatest stars of all time? On his Six Feet Under podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer named Arn Anderson, The Rock, Ric Flair, and Dusty Rhodes as his Mt. Rushmore. 

  • Mansoor Had Massive Backstage Heat After Mixed Signals About Wrestling Etiquette

    Mansoor experienced significant heat backstage following an event in Saudi Arabia, the former WWE Superstar has revealed. 

    Mansoor was among many Superstars released from WWE in September, alongside his tag-team partner Mace, Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Matt Riddle, and others. His release marked the end of Mansoor\’s five-year tenure with the promotion. Mansoor joined WWE after being scouted during a 2018 tryout ahead of that year\’s Greatest Royal Rumble event. 

    Mansoor\’s Backstage Heat

    After being signed by WWE, Mansoor would work a handful of NXT live events to hone his skills and adapt to WWE\’s style. Speaking to Instinct Culture, Mansoor recalled committing to a tradition in wrestling in which you shake hands with all those you meet. 

    \”I show up at my first NXT show, and I’m shaking everybody’s hands. And who of all people, Mace, pulls me aside and says, ‘We don’t do that here, okay. That’s an indie thing, all right. You don’t have to do that.\”

    With this in mind, Mansoor decided against shaking hands when he traveled back to Saudi Arabia for 2019\’s Super ShowDown event, though this would be the wrong call. 

    “I end up going to the Saudi show being like, ‘I’m not gonna bother anybody. I’m not gonna shake anybody’s hand. Huge mistake. Huge mistake. Who pulls me aside but my future wrestling dad, Mustafa Ali. He said, ‘Hey brother, I’m looking out for you because you and me, you know, we’re brothers. You got major heat. You got major heat because not only did you not say hi to everybody, you’re winning the damn Battle Royal that everybody got dragged over here for. And you’re not being gracious about it.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, I was freaking out.’ I was like, ‘Oh my God!\’” 

    Mansoor\’s victory in the 51-man battle royal would mark his biggest victory in WWE. With his non-compete clause over, Mansoor has already been making appearances at independent events. Mansoor and Mace will be part of Effy\’s Big Gay Brunch event in January. 

  • AEW Continental Classic: Watch Every Single Tournament Match Here

    Fans of the AEW Continental Classic are delighted as the All-Elite promotion has made the tournament easily accessible on YouTube. 

    During the November 11, edition of AEW Collision, AEW President Tony Khan announced the Continental Classic, a round-robin tournament that would feature 12 AEW wrestlers. The 12 wrestlers were split into the Gold and Blue Leagues with each wrestler facing everyone from their respective leagues.

    All AEW Continental Classic Matches

    With the round-robin format, there have been plenty of matches from the AEW Continental Classic, which fans will have no trouble finding. On YouTube, the AEW account has created a playlist of every match from the tournament in the order they took place. The playlist starts with the kick-off match between Swerve Strickland and Jay Lethal. 

    The final two videos are from this week\’s Dynamite and see Jon Moxley Vs. Swerve Strickland Vs. Jay White in the Gold League finals and Eddie Kingston Vs. Bryan Danielson in the Blue League finals. The playlist also features weekly updates of the rankings as well as promos and segments connected to the Continental Classic. 

    The playlist can be found by clicking here. 

    What\’s Next? 

    With their respective victories this week, Gold League winner Jon Moxley will face Blue League winner Eddie Kingston in the finals at this weekend\’s Worlds End event. The winner will be the new AEW Continental Champion, the holder of the ROH World Championship and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion. They will also become the first Triple Crown Champion by holding three titles from the three different promotions. 

  • Sonya Deville\’s Gun Charge Settled After Completing Intervention Program

    WWE Superstar Sonya Deville has resolved the gun charge against her and will enter the new year without the legal issue over her head. 

    Deville was arrested in February for unlawful possession of a weapon after the gun was found in her vehicle by an Atlantic City casino hotel valet. The gun had been lawfully purchased and registered in another state, but Deville lacked a permit for its possession in New Jersey.

    Sonya Deville\’s Gun Charge Dealt With

    In an update, Courier Post Online reports that Deville resolved the charge by completing six months in a pre-trial intervention program. The matter was completed in late November, according to Atlantic County\’s Prosecutor\’s Office. Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury Jr. approved her entry into the program in May. This sort of handling of the situation was said to be \”routine in cases with this fact pattern\”. 

    At the time of her arrest, it was reported that there was no heat on Deville for the arrest as they understand why she\’d wish to protect herself. Deville was the victim of an attempted kidnapping in 2020 by Phillip A. Thomas. Thomas arrived at Deville\’s home with zip ties, tape, rope, and other equipment that would be vital in the kidnapping. Thomas also taunted Deville with messages including \”Look outside, baby, by your pool. I\’m here.\” In police interviews, Thomas claimed he would make Deville heterosexual.  In May 2023, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. 

    Sonya Deville Today

    Deville captured her first championship in WWE earlier this year by winning the WWE Women\’s Tag Team Titles with Chelsea Green. Her time as champion would be short-lived as she would suffer a knee injury that would require surgery. She is expected to return to action at some point in 2024. 

  • Logan Paul is Ready to Take Over WWE, Shares Biggest Accomplishment of 2023

    2023 has been a banner year for the reigning United States Champion Logan Paul, who is ready to \’take over\’ and dominate WWE.

    This year has seen Paul compete five times for WWE and boasts a 2-3 win/loss record for the year. Highlights of Paul\’s 2023 including capturing the U.S. Championship at WWE Crown Jewel last month, and defeating Ricochet at SummerSlam in August. 

    Logan Paul\’s Reflects on His 2023

    With Paul holding the U.S. title to this day, you\’d be forgiven for thinking that winning the gold was his highlight of the year. Instead, Paul explained in his latest YouTube video that keeping injury-free is a personal highlight and how that nearly wasn\’t the case due to Money in the Bank. 

    \”Some of the moments I\’ve had this year in wrestling, I will remember for the rest of my life. This is actually my greatest accomplishment this year. I went injury-free, but I did get close to almost breaking my neck at Money in the Bank. Accidents happen.\” 

    Paul also recalled protecting Rey Mysterio during their U.S. title match at Crown Jewel and shared his plans for the future. 

    \”If you\’ve followed my journey for ten years now on the internet, I don\’t just do things to take part, I do them to take over, and I fully plan on doing that with WWE.\”

    What\’s Next? 

    Logan Paul\’s next title defense will be against the winner of the ongoing U.S. Championship Contenders Tournament. Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar have advanced to the finals. While not confirmed, the U.S. title match is expected to take place at next month\’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Paul has also announced that he will be part of the Elimination Chamber: Perth event in February of next year. 

    Could Tag Team gold be in Logan Paul\’s future? Jake Paul is open to teaming up with his brother. Click here to find out more. 

    H/T – Fightful

  • Sammy Guevara Will Be More Selective of \”Crazy\” Spots Now He\’s a Dad

    AEW\’s Sammy Guevara will be more cautious with his high-flying spots in the ring now that he and Tay Melo are parents. 

    The couple welcomed their first child last month, a baby girl by the name of Luna. Guevara and Melo announced that they were expecting at Double or Nothing 2023 before the main event four-way match which saw Guevara challenge for the AEW World Championship. 

    Sammy Guevara Will be More Selective

    Guevara could not be happier to be a dad, but his new role will affect his role in the ring. Speaking on the Insight podcast, Guevara spoke about how becoming a dad will likely change his wrestling. 

    It\’s pretty cool for sure and now it\’s got me thinking differently just in wrestling. Because I\’m used to doing all the \’I\’m Crazy \’ stuff but now I\’m like, yeah, I guess I can\’t be that crazy anymore… I don\’t know if we\’re going to dial it back but I think we\’ll be more selective with how and when we do the crazy stuff.\”

    Guevara recalled some of his \’crazy\’ spots, including a spot from Lucha Underground that the new father will be in no hurry to replicate. 

    \”There was stuff in Lucha Underground, doing a moonsault 14 feet in the air to Jake Hager. Who bless his heart, tried to catch me, but there\’s only so much you can do.\”

    Guevara on Melo\’s Scary Situation

    While becoming parents was a joy for Guevara and Tay Melo, it did have a very scary incident. On the podcast, Guevara recalled Melo dealing with health issues immediately following the birth. 

    \”When she gave birth, they had to stitch her up, because she had a tear. And then, they almost had to send her to the OR because she was having a reaction from the epidural. So it was a scary moment. She\’s holding the kid and then all of a sudden, she\’s shaking like crazy. Her skin turns a different color, really pale.  Then she started throwing up… It was scary for a minute.

    \”We were there for 25 hours. Crazy. The lead up to it too. Everything at the hospital and the whole pregnancy. I always joked that we\’re going to have seven kids. But man, after that first one, it\’s whatever she wants to do.\” 

    Guevara returned to AEW TV on this week\’s Dynamite and turned face against the Don Callis Family. He will compete in an eight-man tag-team match at this weekend\’s Worlds End event. 

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

  • The Undertaker On Sgt. Slaughter Getting Death Threats Over Iraqi Sympathizer Character

    Sgt. Slaughter did a complete 180 when he betrayed the U.S. to side with Iraq during the Gulf War, and reportedly received death threats for his character.

    The April 1991 event saw Hulk Hogan dethrone Sgt. Slaughter to regain the WWF Championship, kicking off the Hulkster\’s third reign with the gold. The show was originally supposed to take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before being moved to the adjacent, albeit smaller, Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. 

    The Undertaker on WrestleMania 7

    Much of the main event was built around Slaughter\’s heel turn which had seen the so-called U.S. Marine become an Iraqi sympathizer during the Gulf War. Speaking on his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker addressed using the real-life conflict overseas for the wrestling storyline.

    \”Obviously, the more personal you can make a wrestling angle, the better it\’s gonna be. And if you throw championships on top of all that, it really makes it even more compelling. But I mean, personal rivalries were always the best. And this is…we\’re at war. So that was a bold move.\”

    The Undertaker also addressed the claim that Slaughter received death threats for his Iraqi supporting character but admitted he didn\’t see anything firsthand. 

    \”Not that anything that I witnessed, like as far as physical aggression, but yeah, he was always talking about getting death threats. People threatening him and how could you do that to our country? It\’s just like, c\’mon man. It was pretty good man you have to say. Honestly, it took for… at that time period for someone of Sgt. Slaughter\’s [character] his career and his gimmick and everything else to do that. It was a bold move. It was a real bold move.\”

    WWE has always claimed that WrestleMania 7 was moved to the smaller venue due to \’security risks\’. Many have cast doubt on that claim though, and believe the show was moved due to poor ticket sales at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 

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

  • Carmelo Hayes is Open to Talking \”Business\” with Bobby Lashley & His Faction

    WWE NXT Superstar Carmelo Hayes isn\’t actively seeking a role in Bobby Lashley\’s faction, but that doesn\’t mean he\’ll never join. 

    Earlier this 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. 

    Carmelo Hayes On Possibly Joining Lashley

    With Lashley and the Profits making waves, many have been speculating on who could join the group. Odyssey Jones had been considered for the group, though all plans for him to join have seemingly been dropped. 

    Carmelo Hayes is another name that fans have discussed as a possible addition. It was in March that Hayes shared a photo with the Profits and Lashley\’s old Hurt Business ally MVP. Speaking to Vibe, Hayes discussed possibly joining the All Mighty and the Profits. 

    “Shoot, that’d be cool. Right now I’m so focused on what I got going on here in NXT. It’s going to take a lot more than just showing up and dapping me up to get me over there. I’m not thirsty for any membership. If they want me, they can holler at me and we can talk business. Respect to them, because they’re my brothers for real.”

    Hayes also spoke about the importance of black Superstars and learning from people of color who have become major players. 

    “I feel like every Black wrestler that I’ve met has just shown so much love. Like Booker T, even Big E, just from top to bottom. It’s just like an unspoken camaraderie in a lot of ways. Booker for example, he wants the best for all talent, but Black talent as well. Booker T’s has been a huge advocate for helping with my progress.”

    Earlier this year, Lashley shared a segment with Hayes and Trick Williams on SmackDown, as seen in the clip below. 

    Did AEW steal a catchphrase of Carmelo Hayes when creating a new piece of merchandise? Click here to find out more. 

  • Watch: CM Punk Receives Special MSG Gift to Celebrate WWE Return Match

    This year\’s Boxing Day WWE live event was an extra special event for CM Punk, who left Madison Square Garden with more than just a win. 

    At the December 26, WWE live event in MSG, Punk defeated Dominik Mysterio in his first match for WWE since January 2014. This match was Punk\’s first bout of any promotion since AEW All In 2023 as he was fired just days after that show. Punk will face \’Dirty Dom\’ again at the upcoming WWE live event in Inglewood, California on December 30. 

    CM Punk\’s Special Gift

    With the show taking place just one day after Christmas, the staff inside the World\’s Most Famous Arena had a special gift for CM Punk. In a backstage video, Punk can be seen receiving a plaque commemorating his first WWE match in close to a decade. The plaque also highlights this year\’s event being a sold-out show, and Punk was moved by the gesture. Punk joked that he was hoping for the key to a \’secret bathroom\’ in the Garden, but the plaque is even better. 

    What\’s Next for CM Punk? 

    CM Punk will compete in the Men\’s Royal Rumble match on January 27. The former WWE & AEW World Champion is already considered a favorite to win the match, as is this year\’s winner Cody Rhodes. Punk\’s next appearances have already been confirmed by WWE, as he will appear twice on Raw ahead of next month\’s Premium Live Event. 

    CM Punk recreated a spot from his AEW in-ring debut during the WWE MSG event. Click here to find out more. 

  • Jon Moxley Vs. Eddie Kingston in AEW Continental Classic Finals Set for Worlds End

    Either Jon Moxley or Eddie Kingston will be crowned the Triple Crown Champion at AEW Worlds End in the finals of the inaugural AEW Continental Classic. 

    On this week\’s AEW Dynamite: New Year\’s Smash. Moxley defeated Jay White and Swerve Strickland in the finals of the Gold League. All three men had earned 12 points in the tournament, leading to a triple-threat match. On the same show, Kingston, the reigning ROH World Champion and NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, defeated Bryan Danielson. Kingston amassed nine points in the tournament to Danielson\’s ten. 

    The winner of the match at Worlds End will become the inaugural Triple Crown Champion. This accolade will come about as the victor will be the AEW Continental Champion, the ROH World Champion, and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion. 

    The Road to the Finals

    Jon Moxley has perhaps been the most impressive performer in the AEW Continental Classic from either league. In week one, Moxley defeated Mark Briscoe to earn three points and defeated Jay Lethal the following week. Moxley defeated Rush via technical submission in week three and earned a hard-fought win over Swerve Strickland in week four. In week five, Moxley took his only first-round loss of the entire tournament when he was defeated by Jay White on the AEW Dynamite: Holiday Bash episode. 

    Eddie Kingston\’s road to AEW Worlds End was far less smooth. In his first two matches in the tournament, he lost to Brody King and Bryan Danielson respectively. It wouldn\’t be until his third match against rival Claudio Castagnoli that Kingston earned his first win. Kingston would go on to defeat Daniel Garcia and Andrade El Idolo to earn enough points to advance to this week\’s Blue League Finals.

  • Watch: CM Punk Recreates AEW Debut Spot In WWE MSG Match Against Dominik Mysterio

    CM Punk\’s successful return to the ring saw the WWE Raw Superstar recapture some of the magic from his in-ring debut for AEW. 

    At last night\’s WWE live event in Madison Square Gareden, Punk defeated Dominik Mysterio in his first match for WWE since January 2014. This match was Punk\’s first bout of any promotion since AEW All In 2023 as he was fired just days after that show. Punk will face \’Dirty Dom\’ again at the upcoming WWE live event in Inglewood, California on December 30. 

    CM Punk Recreates AEW Spot

    Punk held nothing back during his match with the Judgment Day member, and even made reference to his AEW in-ring debut at All Out 2021. During one section of the match, Mysterio took to the turnbuckle and Punk sat up and laughed, replicating a spot from Punk\’s match with Darby Allin three years ago. You can check out the spot in question below. 

    CM Punk\’s Wardrobe Malfunction

    While CM Punk made an impactful return to the ring at the WWE MSG event, his ring attire for the show was somewhat underwhelming. Rather than his typical Chicago-inspired trunks, Punk wore plain back trunks for the match. As Wrestle Purists noted before the show, the trunks Punk had planned to wear did not fit, meaning he had to don his back-up trunks which were the plain black ones fans saw at this show. 

  • Seth Rollins Gives Touching Tribute to Brodie Lee & Bray Wyatt at WWE MSG Event

    Seth Rollins paid tribute to Brodie Lee and Windham \’Bray Wyatt\’ Rotunda in an emotional tribute in the closing moments of this week\’s live event in Madison Square Garden. 

    The December 26 event in the World\’s Most Famous Arena has been a staple of WWE for years now and typically features a much bigger card compare to other untelevised shows. This year\’s event proved to be no different, with CM Punk defeating Dominik Mysterio in his firstn WWE match since 2014. The show also saw Cody Rhodes defeat Shinsuke Nakamura in the first Bull Rope match in WWE since 2009. The match was Cody\’s first Bull Rope match in WWE and the second of his entire career. 

    Seth Rollins\’ Touching Tribute

    In the main event of the show, Rollins retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre in a No-DQ, No Count Outs match. Adressing the fans after the match, Rollins reflected on the death of Brodie Lee, who died on Boxing Day in 2020. Rollins also spoke about Rotunda, who died in August of this year. 

    \”On the 26th of December, a few years back, my good friend, our good friend Brodie Lee passed away. I miss him [fans chant Brodie]. And just a few months ago we lost Windham Rotunda as well. But earlier tonight when the lights were down, that\’s right, I saw some fireflies out there in the Garden. 

    \”Yeah, yeah, yeah man. So look, here\’s the deal. They\’re kicking me out of here. We\’ve got a curfew but I\’m not leaving this building until you guys light this place up with those fireflies and you sing my damn song so loud Brodie and Windham can hear you! Let\’s go New York! [fans sing Rollins\’ theme song] I love you forever, get home safe. 

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi Has Big Plans As New Japan Pro Wrestling\’s New President

    New Japan\’s Hiroshi Tanahashi has always desired a management role with the promotion and now he has the chance to make big things happen as President. 

    The former IWGP World Champion was announced as NJPW\’s new President last week in a move that took many by surprise. The promotion\’s longest-tenured talent, Tanahashi made his debut in October 1999 after graduating from the NJPW Dojo. In addition to his new role as NJPW President, Tanahashi is one-third of the current NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions.

    President Tanahashi On his Appointment

    On their official website, New Japan shared a transcription of a press conference in which Tanahashi discussed his new role. First, he spoke about how happy he is to accept the position of President. 

    \”I always carried a dream and ambition to be President as well as an active wrestler. I’m happy to be able to make that happen, and I’m grateful for all the kind words of support that I’ve gotten since my appointment.\”

    When asked when the decision was made for him to become the new president, Tanahashi said the matter was discussed during a dinner with Bushiroad president Takaaki Kidani in November.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi Has Big Plans

    Tanahashi then shared some big goals that he has planned now that he is in a position of considerable influence. 

    \”I have some key goals that I would like to meet in my time as the President. First of all, I want to sell out the Tokyo Dome. This has always been the goal for me. For a wrestler to walk down the ramp in front of a sold-out Tokyo Dome crowd is something to be proud of forever.\”

    Tanahashi added that having more title matches outside of major cities is a major goal of his to strengthen connections across Japan.

    \”I want to unite all of Japan’s wrestling fans in their passion and carry that to the Tokyo Dome. I also want to further increase our work with sponsors. Our sponsors are the best tag partners that we have, and as an active wrestler as well as President, I’m in a completely unique position to strengthen that relationship.\”

    Tanahashi\’s first test as New Japan\’s President will come next week with Wrestle Kingdom 18. In addition to NJPW talent, the show will feature stars from AEW and Pro Wrestling NOAH.   

  • Ric Flair: MJF Could Be the Next Randy Orton, He Should Stay with AEW

    MJF could have a career as impactful as Randy Orton if two-time WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is to be believed. 

    Speaking in a recent interview with The Wrestling Classic, Flair praised the efforts of MJF and compared the AEW World Champion to WWE\’s Apex Predator. 

    \”He’s got a great interview, he’s got a great look, he’s worked hard. I think he has the confidence in real life that he portrays on TV and I think the future is unlimited for him. He’s really good. He could be the next Randy Orton. That’s about as high of praise as I can give him.”

    Flair also recalled meeting MJF and sharing his positive take on the young wrestler face-to-face, not that the AEW World Champion needed to hear it. 

    \”He’s pretty confident in himself. He doesn’t need a pat on the back and that’s what makes him a little bit different.\”

    Flair added that he hopes MJF sticks with AEW for the long run. While the Salt of the Earth has teased leaving for WWE multiple times, it is believed he has already signed a multi-year deal to remain with AEW. Despite this, MJF has continued to insist that he has not re-signed with AEW despite his deal being days away from expiring. 

    What\’s Next? 

    MJF\’s next high-profile match will take place this week on AEW Dynamite. During the New Year\’s Smash show, MJF and unlikely ally Samoa Joe will defend MJF & Adam Cole\’s ROH World Tag Team Championships against two of the Devil\’s minions. MJF and Joe will face off at AEW Worlds End with MJF\’s AEW World Championship on the line. Current betting odds from Bet Online state that MJF is the favorite to retain in his native Long Island, New York. 

    H/T – Fightful