SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Latest on Vince McMahon\’s Role with WWE Creative After Shock Return

    Is Vince McMahon secretly overseeing WWE\’s Creative department now that he is back with the promotion?

    Following the billionaire\’s retirement last July over misconduct allegations and \’hush-money\’ payouts, Paul \’Triple H\’ Levesque was appointed the new Head of Creative.

    It was days later that the Game was appointed WWE\’s Head of Talent Relations, replacing John Lauriniatis who was dismissed from the company for his alleged role in the McMahon scandal.

    Creative Return

    Upon his return to WWE in January 2023, the company frequently told a concerned roster that McMahon was back solely to find a new owner of the promotion.

    It was stressed that McMahon would not be resuming his role as part of WWE\’s creative team, though a WWE talent who spoke to Sean Ross Sapp has said they believe McMahon is back in creative.

    Sapp later shared his own belief that McMahon is not back in charge of Creative, nor does he have a role in the department, stating:

    \”There are a lot of people that believe that Vince can\’t help himself but that\’s a lot different than saying well he\’s back in creative and he\’s definitely guiding this creative. I don\’t believe he\’s guiding this creative.

    \”people say \’Oh, what makes you think that?\’ Cause we\’re not seeing the same match every week. I don\’t think Vince would be able to help himself but to do the same matches every week. That was the most identifying booking point of Vince.\”

    Sean Ross Sapp.

    The Update

    In an update from Fightful Select, it was noted that when Sapp reached out to several members of Creative they hadn\’t heard anything about Vince being back on the team.

    Some of the sources asked for Sapp to inform them if he learns that McMahon is back with the creative team, but nothing has been confirmed so far.

    Sapp added that McMahon does have \”input\” on creative, something Triple H has informed talent, but it is not in any official capacity with the promotion.

    Speaking about the initial source, who remains nameless at this time, Sapp said that this member of talent said that they were told Vince is back and there is another power struggle, but nobody would confirm it.

    WWE did not respond when Sapp asked for a comment, but a higher-up in the company told him that the tweet above was \”absolutely false.\”

    Sean Ross Sapp added that the source who has claimed McMahon is back in Creative has been honest in the past.

    In an update, Wade Keller of PW Torch flat-out refuted the claim that McMahon has a role with WWE\’s Creative team.

    WWE Makes Hidden Reference to Vince McMahon on Monday Night Raw

  • WWE Superstar Sonya Deville Announces Engagement

    Sonya Deville may not have had the best of luck on WWE TV as of late, but the Superstar\’s personal life has never been better.

    Last year saw Deville\’s tenure as an authority figure come to an end, and the former MMA fighter has resumed her role as a full-time member of the WWE roster.

    Recently, Deville tried (in vain) to dethrone Charlotte Flair and capture the SmackDown Women\’s Championship, which would have been Deville\’s first taste of WWE gold if successful.

    Engagement

    Speaking to People, Deville broke the news of her engagement to girlfriend Toni Cassano, as the wrestler popped the question on February 15, at a wine cellar cave in Towaco, New Jersey.

    Deville with understandably excited to speak about the proposal, and add that Cassano had been waiting for the right moment herself.

    \”I proposed, then Toni\’s like: \’Grab my purse.\’ And she pulls out a freaking ring box, and she\’s like: \’I\’ve been carrying this around in my purse for four months. So whenever you proposed, I could give you a ring immediately back.\’\”

    Sonya Deville.

    Deville began dating Cassano last April, and the pair first met at a WWE event.

    \”I got her a front-row ticket to my show, and I was going to take her out to dinner after. But I didn\’t have time to meet her before the show, so the first time I ever saw Toni was when I was coming out doing my entrance ready to wrestle and I looked into the crowd.\”

    Sonya Deville.

    While the pair first locked eyes at a WWE event in April, Cassano wouldn\’t see her future bride emerge victorious, as Deville was winless at WWE shows for the entire month.

    Deville went on to say that Cassano\’s two daughters also played a role in the proposal.

     \”I wanted to make it something that they were super involved in,\” she says. \”But I also wanted them to be surprised because I wanted them to have a memorable moment too.\”

    Sonya Deville.

    Coming Out

    It was during 2015\’s edition of WWE Tough Enough that Deville was asked if she had a boyfriend, and publicly came out as lesbian.

    The first and to date only openly lesbian WWE Superstar, Deville told People about how much has changed for her since she came out.

    \”It\’s so cool to me to be in this position right now, to be engaged as a gay female in the WWE, and to have proposed to my fiancée.

    \”I look back at seven years ago, eight years ago when I wasn\’t even openly out yet, and I was hiding relationships, and I was still trying to figure out my comfortability with being gay and who I was.\”

    Sonya Deville.
    Sonya Deville Suffers Facial Injury at WWE Pensacola Live Event

    We here at SEScoops would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sonya and Toni at this joyous time.

  • Rumor Killer on Trish Stratus\’ Nixed Segment on WWE Monday Night Raw

    Trish Stratus did not appear on this week\’s episode of Monday Night Raw, but some reports regarding what happened backstage have been greatly exaggerated.

    The seven-time WWE Women\’s Champion was scheduled to be on this week\’s Raw as part of an edition of Bayley\’s talk show Ding Dong Hello, with Damage CTRL.

    Instead, that segment saw Becky Lynch and WWE Hall of Famer Lita appear and lay out the challenge for a WWE Women\’s Tag Team Championship match.

    Rumor Killer

    As previously reported, \”creative changes\” led to Stratus\’ segment on Raw being nixed, and the Hall of Famer left the show before Ding Dong Hello with Lynch and Lita.

    Given that she left Raw early, a rumor has spread that Trish walked out of the taping over creative differences, unhappy with her segment being cut.

    In an update, Fightful clarified that Stratus did not walk out because of frustrations over her segment being cut, but reiterated that it was a \”creative change\” that was made, and then she chose to leave as she was no longer needed at the event.

    There is no evidence to suggest that Trish\’s exit from this week\’s Raw was anything but amicable.

    What\’s Next?

    While Trish Stratus was not on Raw in Ottawa this week, her return to programming may just be a matter of days away.

    The aforementioned WWE Women\’s Tag Title match will take place on next week\’s Raw, despite the match seemingly being big enough for the WrestleMania 39 card.

    Many believe that Stratus will make her return on Raw next week, coming to the aid of Lynch and Lita against Damage CTRL, setting up a six-woman tag for WrestleMania.

    While a six-woman tag match looks likely, it has been reported that WWE plans on ITO SKY and Dakota Kai defending their titles this April against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.

    Trish Stratus Calls for Former WWE Star to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame

  • Former WWE/ECW Star Stevie Richards Dealing with Health Issues

    Former WWE Superstar Stevie Richards has shared that he is dealing with some severe health issues.

    On Instagram, Richards shared an image from a medical facility where he is wearing a hospital gown and is using a walker.

    In the post, the former wrestler shared the following message:

    “The last 4 weeks, especially the last one, have really been something else. We aren’t quite at the finish line yet, but hopefully the road to recovery starts asap. I will be explaining what has happened and documenting my road to recovery on the YouTube channel as well as here. Speaking of the YouTube channel, we have plenty of videos to edit/publish- so there will still be new content as we work through this. Please subscribe to stay updated and for the normal fitness reviews.”

    Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com added that spinal issues are just part of the problems Richards has been dealing with.

     \”The word making the rounds is that Richards has been facing a number of issues related to his back/spine that have gotten more and more pronounced in recent weeks.”

    Mike Johnson.

    Stevie Richards

    Best known for his time in the original ECW, Richards is a founding member of the Blue World Order, a parody of WCW\’s New World Order.

    Ironically, Richards would briefly join WCW in 1997, feuding with fellow ECW alum Raven, before returning to the Extreme promotion that same year.

    Joining the WWF in 1999, Richards would form the Right to Censor the following year, a take on the Parents Television Council that were trying to get WWF TV off the air.

    Following the WWF\’s legal win over the PTC, Richards\’ group was disbanded, and he would remain with the promotion until 2008.

    Post-WWE, Richards has appeared for various indie promotions, as well as Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling.

    Stevie Richards Comments On His Favorite Run In Wrestling, Talks About The Undertaker Vs Goldberg

    We at SEScoops would like to send Richards our very best at this time.

  • Latest On The Rock\’s WWE Relationship After Turning Down WrestleMania 39

    The Rock won\’t be competing at WrestleMania 39, but there isn\’t any bad blood between the Brahma Bull and WWE.

    For months, it was rumored that The Rock would be competing at WrestleMania to have the long-awaited dream match with his cousin Roman Reigns.

    In January, the Great One informed WWE that he did not believe there was time for him to get into sufficient ring shape for a match in April.

    Animosity?

    While WWE was actively pursuing The Rock for one more match, there isn\’t any animosity between the two sides.

    While speaking to Louis Dangoor of GiveMeSport.com, Twitter account @WrestleVotes, who has broken stories in the past, said there is no animosity, and added:

    \”Like with Stone Cold Steve Austin, that door is always open. Maybe he said let’s do it next year? When those guys say yes, WWE is going to say okay.”

    WrestleVotes.

    Instead of his cousin, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will defend against Cody Rhodes at WWE\’s biggest two-night event of the year.

    Never Confirmed

    While WWE wanted the Brahma Bull in Los Angeles, a match between The Rock and Reigns was never on the card, as WrestleVotes explained:

    \”There were obviously talks, but I don’t believe any point in Triple H’s tenure that the match was set in stone. How do you plan for something that you don’t think it’s gonna happen? The internet thought it was going to happen, but it was never really alluded to on TV.\”

    WrestleVotes.

    Last weekend, the XFL, which The Rock co-owns with business partner Dany Garcia, kicked off their latest season.

    Roman Reigns Addresses The Rock Not Being Ready for WWE WrestleMania 39

  • Roman Reigns Set to Make Rare WWE Live Event Appearance

    Fans in Canada will be treated to a rare appearance by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns next month.

    Last year, Reigns signed a new deal with WWE, one that has seen him make fewer appearances on TV and even fewer matches on WWE\’s weekly programming.

    Reigns appearances at WWE live events have almost dried up entirely, but the Head of the Table will be at next month\’s show in Toronto.

    The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will compete on March 4, at The Coca-Cola Coliseum but his opponent is yet to be named.

    Both local advertising and WWE\’s website has Reigns confirmed for the show.

    This will mark Reigns’ first house show match since September 24, 2022, when he beat AJ Styles at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

    Whoever Reigns faces in March, it will mark the Champion\’s fourth untelevised match since signing his new contract with WWE last year.

    Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Title against Men\’s 2023 Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39 in April. 

    WWE Toronto

    Roman Reigns will unquestionably be the biggest name on the upcoming show in Toronto, but he isn\’t the only Superstar confirmed for in-ring action.

    WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER will defend against Drew McIntyre, while WWE SmackDown Women\’s Champion Charlotte Flair will put her title on the line against Sonya Deville.

    Bray Wyatt will face his nemesis LA Knight in what is being promoted as a \’Lights Out\’ Street Fight.

    Bray Wyatt Reacts to Roman Reigns’ Latest Undisputed WWE Universal Title Defense

  • WWE Makes Hidden Reference to Vince McMahon on Monday Night Raw

    Vince McMahon may not have returned to WWE TV (so far!) but eagle-eyed fans spotted a subtle reference to the Executive Chairman on this week\’s Raw.

    The post-Elimination Chamber of Monday Night Raw saw appearances by the likes of Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes, as well as Hall of Famers Edge and Lita.

    In the show\’s main event, Edge lost to United States Champion Austin Theory thanks to interference by Finn Balor, continuing the Rated-R Superstar\’s feud with the Judgment Day.

    Vince McMahon

    Since his shocking return to WWE less than two months ago, Vince McMahon has been huddled away in his office, trying to find a new owner for the company.

    With this year\’s WrestleMania airing from Los Angeles, WWE has gone all-in with a Hollywood aesthetic for the show, as reflected in the advertising.

    WWE aired an advertisement for Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title during Raw, and fans noticed that at the bottom of Reigns’ poster read the words “Directed by Vince McMahon.”

    \"\"

    McMahon has reportedly not attended any WWE tapings since his return from retirement and has also kept away from creative meetings.

    WrestleMania 39

    This year\’s WrestleMania will be the first (in theory) without McMahon making creative decisions behind the scenes.

    In addition to Reigns Vs. Rhodes, SmackDown Women\’s Champion Charlotte Flair will face 2023 Women\’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley.

    Asuka hopes to regain the Raw Women\’s Championship and score her first win at WrestleMania when she takes on Champion Bianca Belair.

    Matches rumored for the show include U.S. Champion Austin Theory Vs. John Cena and Seth Rollins Vs. Logan Paul.

    Rumored Big Match Not Locked In For WrestleMania

  • \’Hangman\’ Adam Page Shares How He Deals With Harassing Fans

    AEW\’s \’Hangman\’ Adam Page appreciates having a large and loyal fanbase but has spoken about fans who cross the line to invade his privacy.

    Page signed with AEW at the start of the promotion in January 2019, and the company planned from the get-go for a World Title run for the Cowboy.

    That reign came at Full Gear 2021, when Page dethroned Kenny Omega to win the gold, and would hold the Championship until AEW Double or Nothing 2022.

    Dealing with Fans

    As various wrestlers have experienced, there are some fans who cross the line when they meet wrestlers, often tracking them down at airports or at a hotel.

    During a recent Highspots virtual signing, Page talked about his response to fans who disturb him, including giving them a less-than-stellar autograph.

    \”I’ll tell you a little secret — if you ever buy one that doesn’t have the Hangman underneath, it’s because someone harassed me in the hotel lobby and I give them the halfway, house show signature… Don’t come in my hotel lobby. That’s my front door, you know what I mean? Leave me alone.\”

    \’Hangman\’ Adam Page.

    Recently, Rey Mysterio was confronted by \’fans\’ who arrived with a large sheet of card covered with merchandise packaging for him to sign.

    Mysterio signed one item but refused to sign any others, believing that these fans were looking for autographs to sell online.

    Days after the Mysterio situation, fellow WWE Superstar Zelina Vega shared a similar interaction with fans who wanted her autograph to sell on eBay for a profit.

    \"\"

    h/t – eWrestlingNews

  • Jeff Hardy Set For Court Appearance This Week Over DUI Arrest

    Jeff Hardy is scheduled to appear in court this week, stemming from his arrest in June of last year.

    Within months of making his AEW debut, Hardy was arrested and charged with his third DUI within a decade.

    The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion has been suspended from AEW ever since, and will not be allowed to appear until he can prove his sobriety.

    Court Date

    In August of last year, Hardy waived his right to a speedy trial, and his case has faced some delays.

    PW Insider reports that the Charismatic Enigma\’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, February 23rd at 1:30 PM EST in Florida.

    Hardy submitted a written plea of “not guilty” on June 28, 2022 and it had been reported that the two sides could come to a plea deal, though that has not been confirmed.

    Hardy has been charged with DUI (Alcohol or Drugs), third offense within ten years, driving while license canceled/suspended/revoked, and violation of restrictions placed on a driver’s license.

    Punishment

    While most of the charges Hardy is facing are misdemeanors, the DUI charge to his name is a felony offense.

    Under Florida law, Hardy would face a minimum 30 days behind bars and could face up to five years in prison if convicted of the DUI.

    Other potential punishments include a minimum 10-year driver’s license revocation and up to $5,000 in fines.

    Tony Khan has said he supports Hardy\’s choice to try and seek help for his substance-abuse issues, but has said that this will be Jeff\’s one and only chance to improve in AEW.

    Jeff Hardy’s AEW Future Uncertain – “Maybe he Comes Back, Maybe he Doesn’t”

  • Mercedes Moné Reveals Details of New Japan Pro Wrestling Contract

    IWGP Women\’s Champion Mercedes Moné is enjoying much more freedom as part of her contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling than she was afforded in WWE.

    The former Sasha Banks made her NJPW debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January, over six months after walking out of WWE Raw in May 2022.

    Last weekend, Moné dethroned KAIRI to win the IWGP Women\’s Champion, in her first match since parting ways with WWE.

    Free Agent

    Even while in WWE, Moné was able to stretch her muscles outside of the ring, and appeared as Koska Reeves in Disney+ hit The Mandalorian.

    Speaking to TV Insider, Moné spoke about being allowed much more freedom away from WWE and as part of New Japan.

    \”I’m a free agent. It doesn’t matter with New Japan. I can go anywhere. I can go to New Japan, Impact, Mexico, Germany, Europe. The potential matchups are endless. The same for New Japan. I know they have partnerships with CMLL, Impact, AEW.

    \”I can go anywhere. I can go to New Japan, Impact, Mexico, Germany, Europe.\”

    Mercedes Moné.

    \”To be a fan and watch all these matchups from all parts of the world is amazing. I know there is a little woman in Impact I would love to face one day, Mickie James! We’ll see what is in the stars.\”

    Support

    Moné debuting at Wrestle Kingdom 17 was a huge moment for her, and several friends were in Japan to see it happen.

    WWE Raw Superstar Bayley attended NJPW Wrestle Kingdom in person to support her best friend, while Naomi (whose WWE future remains unclear) also attended.

    In the interview, Moné shared her appreciation to those who have continued to support her.

    \”That meant everything to me. Wrestling is such a small, tight-knit circle of friends you would call your friends and family. For those girls and my best friend Manny [Samuray Del Sol] to fly all the way over to Japan from the United States to just cut a little promo. They did that because they knew how much it meant to me.\”

    Mercedes Mone.

    Bayley was also at NJPW Battle in the Valley (though donned a mask for much of the show to avoid detection) to watch her best friend\’s title victory.

    Mercedes Moné Comments on Possible WWE Return

  • WWE Facing Fan\’s Lawsuit Over WrestleMania 38 Injury

    WWE\’s biggest two nights of 2022 was far from the grandest spectacle of them all for one fan in attendance.

    WrestleMania 38 took place from April 2 to April 3 in Dallas, Texas last year, and saw the return of Cody Rhodes to WWE.

    Other highlights of the show include \’Stone Cold\’ Steve Austin winning his first match in 19 years, and Roman Reigns unifying the WWE and Universal Championships with a victory over Brock Lesnar.

    Lawsuit

    Across both days, WWE claimed that a total 156,352 fans came to AT&T Stadium, but Marvin Jackson didn\’t enjoy the show.

    PW Insider has learned that Jackson filed a lawsuit last month in Texas, alleging that he has damaged hearing in his left ear due to his time as an \”invitee\” to WrestleMania 38.

    The suit claims that the loud blast of pyrotechnics caused Jackson to \”lose almost all hearing\” in his left ear.

    It is also claimed that the defendant, WWE, \”failed to notify anyone or place any warnings to warn of the existence of the dangers associated with pyrotechnics.\”

    Jackson\’s legal representative is requesting a jury trial and seeking monetary relief of more than $1,000,000, including damages of any kind, penalties, costs, expenses, prejudgment interest, and attorney’s fees.

    WWE filed a request on February 17, to have the lawsuit moved to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.

    More Legal Trouble

    This is by no means the only legal matter that the top names in WWE are having to deal with.

    In addition to the various legal challenges that have stemmed from Vince McMahon\’s return to WWE, the promotion is set to go to trial next week over a lawsuit filed in June 2021.

    That lawsuit from Jackson Parsons alleges that he was struck by a WWE van, driven by employee Gaitan Thomas, in July 2019, while Parsons was riding his bicycle.

    In the lawsuit, Parsons claimed he suffered permanent issues, namely “physical injuries, pain-and-suffering, disability and the inability and loss of the capacity to lead and enjoy a normal life.\”

    Third Lawsuit Filed Against Vince McMahon Since Return

  • WWE Hall of Famer Cut from Appearing on Monday Night Raw

    Fans in Ottawa, Canada were left very \’unstratusfied\’ during last night\’s edition of Monday Night Raw, which didn\’t see an appearance by Trish Stratus.

    The post-Elimination Chamber 2023 edition of the red brand saw appearances by Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, and Paul Heyman, among others.

    The main event saw Canada\’s own Edge make a rare in-ring appearance on Raw, coming up short against U.S. Champion Austin Theory thanks to interference by Finn Balor.

    Trish Stratus

    In the run-up to Raw, fans were excited to see the return of seven-time WWE Women\’s Champion Trish Stratus, who had been reported to be appearing on the show.

    Raw\’s three hours came and went without Trish, but Fightful Select reports that she was supposed to be on the show.

    In fact, Trish was present at the event in Ottawa, and was scheduled to be on the card for the night\’s events.

    A source within WWE said that a \”creative change\” led to Trish being cut, and her spot with Bayley during an episode of Ding Dong Hello! not making it to air.

    While Ding Dong Hello! did take place, the segment saw Lita and Becky Lynch appear, and lay out the challenge for the WWE Women\’s Tag Team Championships.

    It is reported that Trish had already left the arena by the time that segment took place.

    What\’s Next?

    In the run-up to WWE Elimination Chamber, it had been rumored that Trish would appearing on the go-home Raw before the PLE, setting up a six-woman tag match for the Montreal-based event.

    That did not happen, and there is speculation that this rumored six-woman tag could happen at WrestleMania 39.

    This would explain why Lynch and Lita challenging for the WWE Women\’s Tag Team Championships, a match that would fit right in on the WrestleMania card, is happening on Raw.

    With that said, it has been reported that WWE\’s plan for WrestleMania 39 is for Kai and SKY to defend their tag titles against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.

    Trish Stratus has not been confirmed for any future appearances on Raw.

    Trish Stratus Calls for Former WWE Star to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame

  • X-Pac: The Bloodline is \”Right Up There\” With the New World Order

    Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Sean \’X-Pac\’ Waltman has praised the Bloodline, calling Roman Reigns\’ faction \”up there\” with the New World Order.

    The influence of the NWO continues to be felt to this day, with groups including D-Generation X and the Bullet Club borrowing the iconic staple of \’cool\’ heels.

    Coming together in late 2020, The Bloodline has been heralded as one of the best angles in wrestling today, thanks in part to the spectacular heel work of leader Roman Reigns.

    \”Right Up There\”

    Sean Waltman is no stranger to impressive groups, having been part of both DX and the NWO.

    Speaking to TMZ, Waltman said that there are some comparisons between the NWO and Roman Reigns\’ dominant faction.

    \”The Bloodline thing, I mean, it\’s right up there [with the New World Order] as far as I am concerned quality-wise.\”

    Sean \’X-Pac\’ Waltman.

    Waltman is hardly the first Hall of Famer to compare the two groups, with Eric Bischoff saying that the Bloodline is a better storyline than the New World Order.

    Cracks in the Group

    While the Bloodline may indeed be a force to be reckoned with, the group has shown serious cracks over the past month.

    At WWE Royal Rumble 2023, Sami Zayn\’s tenure with the group came to an end when he refused to attack Kevin Owens with a chair, and instead struck Reigns.

    Jey Uso, who had been suspicious of Zayn for months before he was won over in late 2022, refused to attack Sami in response and has said he is out of the Bloodline as well.

    At WWE Elimination Chamber, Jey again refused to attack the former Honorary Uce.

    The Undertaker on Sami Zayn’s Storyline With Bloodline: “It’s Perfect”

  • Bray Wyatt Reacts to Roman Reigns\’ Latest Undisputed WWE Universal Title Defense

    It\’s been years since Bray Wyatt last held World Championship gold in WWE, but the cryptic Superstar hasn\’t finished with Roman Reigns.

    At Summerslam 2020, Wyatt, as the Fiend, captured his second Universal Championship, but his post-match celebration was cut short by Reigns.

    Reigns, who had spent months away due to Covid-19 precautions, won the title a week later at the Payback event, starting his current reign as Champion.

    Responding to a tweet showing the names Reigns has defeated as Champion, Wyatt asked if fans remember how the Tribal Chief won the title.

    While Reigns ended Wyatt\’s second reign as Universal Champion, he did so by pinning Braun Strowman in a triple-threat match.

    At this time, Wyatt is yet to have a rematch for the Universal Championship that he lost without being pinned or submitted.

    This is hardly the first time Wyatt has brought this fact up, as he corrected Louis Dangoor when it was claimed that Reigns had defeated every former Universal Champion.

    Future Plans

    Wyatt is, according to an internal roster listing, the top babyface on SmackDown, but has been kept away from Reigns, the top heel of both the brand and the company as a whole.

    Bray\’s sole televised match since returning to WWE last October saw the former Universal Champion defeat LA Knight in the first Pitch Black match.

    At WrestleMania 39, Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Cody Rhodes, the winner of the 2023 Men\’s Royal Rumble match.

    As for Wyatt, he issued a WrestleMania challenge to the winner of last Saturday\’s Brock Lesnar Vs. Bobby Lashley match, but given the DQ finish, many expect Lesnar and Lashley to face off one-on-one at WrestleMania.

    Undertaker Rumor Killer: “100% NOT What I Said to Bray!”

  • WWE The Favorites to Sign Top Free Agent Jay White

    Jay White may not have appeared at WWE\’s Royal Rumble as some had predicted, but the Switchblade may indeed be Stamford-bound.

    At NJPW Battle In The Valley, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion lost to Eddie Kingston in a Loser Leaves NJPW match.

    This is the latest setback for White, after coming up short in a Loser Leaves Japan match to Hikuleo the prior week.

    WWE Future

    As soon as reports of White\’s NJPW exit sprang up, rumors grew that he would be heading to WWE.

    Prior to last month\’s Royal Rumble event, the official WWE on BT Sport account teased White\’s debut in the Men\’s Rumble match.

    According to Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer, WWE is the favorite to sign the Bullet Club leader.

    “Nobody in WWE has confirmed Jay White coming in, but they are certainly the favorite. One would think if White was going to AEW, he’d be able to work big shows with New Japan and would continue to do so, but they wouldn’t do the loser leaves for good stipulation.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    AEW Interest

    While WWE is the favorite, they aren\’t the only promotion that would benefit from White\’s talents.

    During a recent interview with the In the Kliq, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan said that he \”loved\” having White compete as part of last year\’s AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door event.

    Khan added that he would also love to have White compete for AEW again, or either against AEW in another crossover Supershow.

    Jay White on His Next Move: “Impact, AEW, WWE – We’ll See”

    h/t – Wrestle Talk

  • Potential Spoiler on Huge AEW Announcement from Tony Khan

    Is AEW President Tony Khan on the cusp of announcing another show to the promotion\’s catalog of content?

    In 2019, AEW launched their flagship weekly show AEW Dynamite, and on TV, fans can tune in to AEW Rampage each Friday night.

    Online, AEW hosts their YouTube shows, Dark and Dark: Elevation each week, giving less experienced talent the chance to hone their skills off of TV.

    AEW Collision

    AEW could be on the verge of announcing a fifth show to its programming, according to a recent trademark filing.

    In the filing made last week, AEW seeks ownership for the term \’AEW Collision,\’ with the filing reading as follows.

    “Mark For: AEW COLLISON™ trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of educational and entertainment services, namely, a continuing program about wrestling accessible by radio, television, satellite, audio, video and computer networks; Entertainment services in the nature of live wrestling performances; Entertainment services in the nature of production of wrestling programs and events; Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing multimedia program featuring wrestling distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; Entertainment services, namely, an ongoing series featuring wrestling provided through television and the internet; Entertainment services, namely, production and distribution of ongoing television programs in the field of wrestling.”

    AEW has enjoyed a positive relationship with their broadcast partners at Warner Bros. Discovery, with AEW content often being among the highest-rated shows they own.

    Kathleen Finch, the CCO of Warner Bros Discovery said that the company has \”huge respect for [the AEW] audience,\” and the company had been trying to capitalize on AEW\’s popularity on their network.

    AEW’s Tony and Shad Khan Are Among The List of Interested Buyers for WWE

  • Latest on Triple H Being Underwhelmed by Rehired WWE Superstars

    Reports of Triple H being underwhelmed with recent signings have been greatly exaggerated, Fightful Select report.

    In July 2022, the Game was appointed WWE\’s Head of Talent Relations, replacing John Lauriniatis after his unceremonial dismissal from the promotion.

    The Triple H era has seen multiple names be rehired to WWE, including Karrion Kross, Bray Wyatt, Johnny Gargano, Dakota Kai, and Hit Row, among others.

    Underwhelmed?

    In December 2022, a report came out stating that Triple H had been \”underwhelmed\” by some of the performances of some rehired talent.

    That report stopped short of naming who had allegedly disappointed the former World Heavyweight Champion, leading to speculation among fans.

    A source from WWE told Fightful that within WWE, reports of Triple H being disappointed have been downplayed.

    That source added that even if Triple H had been underwhelmed by rehired talent, it would not be something that the Game said out loud.

    Expectations and Depth

    When a member of WWE\’s creative team spoke to Fightful, they said that nobody who has been rehired was expected to immediately ascend to the top.

    It was added that WWE\’s plans on the road to WrestleMania had already been planned out during the rehiring frenzy of late 2022, so WWE is far from worried about returning names not standing out right now.

    A different source familiar to the situation said that Triple H\’s rehiring stars was about bringing \”depth\” to Raw and SmackDown, and the rehired talent were told as much.

    The depth issue was one that was immediately brought up to creative when Triple H made it into power in July 2022, as the consensus was that Raw and SmackDown were largely the same shows each week.

    One source pointed to the performances of Johnny Gargano and Bronson Reed at WWE Elimination Chamber, saying they were \”showing their value when given an opportunity.\”

    Triple H Would Rather “Stay Out” Of Potential WWE Sale Talks

  • Former WWE Superstar Spotted at Elimination Chamber 2023

    Last weekend\’s Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event proved to be a hit with fans, and one member of the crowd knew all about being in a WWE ring.

    The February 18, event saw WWE return to Montreal, the host of the infamous Montreal Screwjob, in WWE\’s first PLE in the city since Breaking Point in September 2009.

    The main event saw Montreal\’s own Sami Zayn face Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, but the Canadian became the latest victim of the Tribal Chief.

    JTG

    An estimated 17,271 fans filled Montreal\’s Bell Centre in the hopes of Sami winning the big one, including former WWE Superstar JTG.

    On Twitter, the Cryme Tyme alum shared a selfie during Zayn\’s entrance, adding that watching WWE live made him feel like a kid again.

    Debuting on WWE\’s main roster in 2006 alongside the late Shad Gaspard, Cryme Tyme proved to be a hit with fans, though never won Tag Team Gold.

    After a surprise release in September 2007, the pair were rehired in March 2008 and feuded with each other briefly upon Shad\’s heel turn in 2010.

    JTG After WWE

    For years, an ongoing joke among wrestling fans was that JTG avoided being released, but the rarely-seen Superstar\’s luck ran out on June 12, 2014.

    After his release, JTG would reunite with Shad (who had been released years earlier) as Crime Time, changing the name slightly to be legally distinct from WWE.

    Following Shad\’s tragic passing in 2020, JTG would make appearances for Game Changer Wrestling and VxS Wrestling, before making his NWA debut in June 2021.

    In April 2022, JTG made a one-night return to WWE as part of Shad\’s posthumous induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as a Warrior Award recipient.

    WWE Elimination Chamber and a Look Ahead to WrestleMania 39

  • Ric Flair Explains Hopes for Third WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    16-time World Champion Ric Flair is hoping to add a third Hall of Fame ring to his collection as part of his role with Evolution.

    In 2008, Flair took his rightful place in the Hall of Fame the night before his retirement match at WrestleMania 24 against Shawn Michaels.

    With this induction, Flair became the first active WWE Superstar to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

    In 2012, Flair made history again as the first-ever two-time inductee, receiving the nod for the second time for his role with the Four Horsemen.

    While Flair would have his son Reid buried with one of his Hall of Fame rings upon the latter\’s passing in 2013, Triple H would gift Ric a replica ring with Reid\’s name engraved inside.

    Third Induction

    Since Flair\’s induction in 2012, other legends have become two-time WWE Hall of Famers, including Booker T, Bret \’Hitman\’ Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Sean \’X-Pac\’ Waltman.

    In 2020, Flair\’s Evolution ally Batista was announced for that year\’s Hall of Fame, but later opted to postpone his induction.

    The reasoning at the time was that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Batista\’s legendary career would not have received the proper response.

    Speaking on his To Be The Man podcast, Flair said he is excited for the day that Batista will be inducted, and said that Evolution should be inducted not long after the Animal.

    While not confirmed, some believe that this year will see Batista be inducted as the headlining act, which went to The Undertaker at last year\’s ceremony.

    Evolution

    Coming together in 2003, Evolution represented the past (Flair,) present (Triple H,) and the future (Randy Orton and Batista,) of WWE\’s World Championship picture.

    By December of that year, all members of the group held gold, meaning every male championship on Raw was in Evolution\’s clutches.

    After capturing the World Heavyweight Championship in 2004, Orton was kicked out by a jealous Triple H, and it would be in February 2005 that Batista chose to leave and feud with the Game over the title.

    Ric Flair Shares Fun Road Stories During His WWE Run With Evolution

  • Asuka Makes WWE History with Elimination Chamber 2023 Victory

    The Empress of Tomorrow Asuka is heading back to the Raw Women\’s Championship picture after a historic victory inside the Elimination Chamber.

    Asuka bested Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Nikki Cross, Carmella, and Natalya to earn a shot at Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 39.

    The Japanese Superstar had been considered a favorite to win by many entering the match, following her return to action at last month\’s Royal Rumble, where she was the penultimate woman eliminated from the Women\’s Rumble match.

    History Maker

    Asuka\’s seven-year career with WWE has seen her accomplish many historic feats, including surpassing Bill Goldberg\’s undefeated steak with a streak of her own from 2015 to 2018.

    With her win inside the Chamber, Asuka has now become the first woman to win an Elimination Chamber, a Royal Rumble match, and a Money in the Bank ladder match.

    The Empress of Tomorrow won the very first Women\’s Royal Rumble match in 2018, entering at #25 and scoring three eliminations.

    In 2020, Asuka added the Money in the Bank briefcase to her collection of accolades, winning the cinematic match at Titan Towers.

    Asuka would not cash in a contract though, as on the post-MITB Raw, it was revealed that the match had been for the Raw Women\’s Championship, which had been vacated by the pregnant Becky Lynch.

    Asuka at WrestleMania

    While Asuka made an impact for the first three years of her career by remaining undefeated, WrestleMania has not been kind to the Empress.

    Asuka\’s first loss in WWE would come via submission to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34, and Asuka would be eliminated from the Women\’s Battle Royal the following year.

    At WrestleMania 36, the Kabuki Warriors lost the WWE Women\’s Tag Titles to Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, and Asuka\’s reign with the Raw Women\’s title ended at WrestleMania 37.

    Asuka was not used for WrestleMania 38, and remains winless at WWE\’s biggest event of the year.

    Lady Frost on Wrestling Asuka with No Experience and Why Other Talent Weren’t Happy About This

  • Triple H Would Rather \”Stay Out\” Of Potential WWE Sale Talks

    Triple H may be one of the most influential names in WWE today, but the promotion\’s Chief Content Officer would rather stay clear of talks of a potential sale.

    Last month, Vince McMahon made his shocking return to WWE after retiring in July 2022 over allegations of misconduct which resulted in millions of dollars paid out in NDAs.

    McMahon has returned to oversee a sale of the promotion, with names including Saudi Arabia, Amazon, Endeavor, and Tony Khan being listed as interested names.

    Staying Out of It

    The sale of WWE would be the biggest thing to happen to the promotion ever, but it is hardly the focus of Head of Talent/Head of Creative Triple H.

    Speaking at the WWE Elimination Chamber post-show press conference, the Game said his concern is on producing quality programming and giving talent opportunities to shine.

    \”Depends on who is buying, I suppose. What the offer is, what the outcome is. Stay out of it, to me. That’s not a cop-out answer. I have the greatest gig in the world. I helped tonight, in some small way, create the magic we did here tonight. To me, it’s the best gig on the planet.

    \”As long we get to do this, as long as we get to create the way we get to create it, as long as we get to do our jobs and we get to go out there and put our passion on display, as long as our talent are allowed to put their passion on display and do what we do, I’m good. It is what it is.\”

    Triple H.

    WWE CEO Nick Khan has previously said he expects a sale to be complete within the next three months.

    Vince McMahon, Executive Chairman of WWE, is reportedly seeking $9 billion for the company, above the initially projected sale price of between $7.5 to $8.2 billion.

    J.P. Morgan Hired to Advise on WWE Sale Talks – List of Possible Buyers

    h/t – Fightful

  • Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins Channel Batman & The Joker for WWE WrestleMania 39 Trailer

    Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins have shown off their acting chops for the first movie parody trailer to promote WrestleMania 39.

    This year\’s two-night event will take place in Los Angeles, which previously hosted WrestleMania in 2005 and 1991, and was one of three host cities in 1986.

    For WrestleMania 21 in 2005, the show\’s tagline \’WrestleMania Goes Hollywood\’ resulted in the stars of the time parodying films including Braveheart, Taxi Driver, and Forrest Gump.

    Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins

    With WWE returning to Hollywood, this year\’s WrestleMania has leaned heavily into the glitz and glamor of the silver screen.

    During last night\’s WWE Elimination Chamber event, a parody of Joker (2019) was aired, featuring Seth Rollins in the titular role.

    Recreating one of the most iconic scenes in the film, Rollins could be seen dancing down steps to a remix of his WWE entrance theme.

    Unfortunately for Seth, his dance is cut short by Lynch, doing her best impression of the gravelly voice used by Christian Bale for the Dark Knight trilogy by director Christopher Nolan.

    Lynch confirmed that she is parodying Batman by speaking about going to her \’Man-Cave.\’

    WrestleMania Plans

    As two of WWE\’s biggest stars in years, it should come as no surprise that Rollins and Lynch are expected to compete at WrestleMania 39.

    For Rollins, it has been reported that he will face Logan Paul this April, who eliminated Seth from last month\’s Men\’s Rumble match and helped eliminate the Architect during last night\’s Men\’s Elimination Chamber match.

    As for Lynch, her WrestleMania future is far less certain, though her current feud with Damage CTRL has led to rumors of a six-woman tag in which Lynch would team with Lita and Trish Stratus.

    Original Plans For Scrapped Raw XXX Match

  • CM Punk Attends NJPW Battle in the Valley 2023 Amid AEW Suspension

    Speculation has grown that CM Punk\’s wrestling future may be with New Japan Pro Wrestling after the former World Champion was spotted at Battle in the Valley this week.

    Punk a two-time former AEW World Champion, has been suspended from the promotion since September\’s All Out Pay-Per-View over his post-show comments and backstage fight.

    CM Punk is now the only person suspended following All Out to remain suspended as his trainer Ace Steel was fired, and everyone else was brought back to TV.

    Battle in the Valley

    All attempts to get an answer about Punk\’s future from Tony Khan have come up fruitless, with the AEW President refusing to provide an update.

    On Twitter, a fan shared photos of Punk attending Battle in the Valley, which happened this week in San Jose, California.

    https://twitter.com/madrigrober/status/1627146142692818944

    No details are currently known as to whether Punk is interested in signing with New Japan Pro Wrestling, or merely attended the event as a fan.

    Punk\’s Future

    We can\’t say for sure where Punk will wrestle next (if he wrestles again at all,) but if an AEW return is in the cards, then he shouldn\’t expect a warm welcome.

    Multiple top stars have said they will refuse to work with Punk if he is brought back, believing his comments at All Out were entirely inappropriate.

    Chris Jericho reportedly called Punk a \”cancer\” after the All Out backstage fight, and the inaugural AEW World Champion is said to be part of a group trying to block a return.

    There are some in WWE who have made their views clear that a Punk return would only bring problems as seen with what happened last September.

    Latest on When CM Punk Will be Cleared to Wrestle for AEW

  • Bayley Makes Vow After Not Competing At Past Two WrestleManias

    Bayley will go through anything to make her presence felt at WrestleMania 39, after missing out on a match at the previous two events.

    The Damage CTRL member took to Twitter this week to make her promise and reminded fans of her recent bad luck with WWE\’s biggest show of the year.

    On this week\’s Raw, Bayley faced Becky Lynch and Raw Women\’s Champion Bianca Belair in a match with potential WrestleMania stakes.

    Had either Lynch or Bayley won, they would have been added to tomorrow night\’s Elimination Chamber match, in which the winner will face Belair for the title at WrestleMania.

    Unfortunately for Lynch and Bayley, it was the EST who emerged victorious on Raw.

    Bayley-Mania

    Bayley hasn\’t competed at the last two WrestleManias, though last year\’s event WrestleMania 38 wasn\’t down to WWE\’s creative plans.

    In July 2021, days before the return of live fans, Bayley suffered a serious ACL injury that led to her being out of action for over a year.

    For WrestleMania 37, Bayley was simply not booked for a match, which angered fans who appreciated what she had done during the crowd-less Pandemic era.

    Instead, Bayley was used for a few skits involving The Bella Twins, Hulk Hogan, and Titus O\’Neil.

    What\’s Next for Bayley?

    With the Role Model being blocked from entering the Women\’s Elimination Chamber match, any bout for Bayley at WrestleMania is unlikely to be for a championship.

    Earlier this month, WWE Hall of Famer Lita appeared on Raw to cost Bayley her steel cage match with Lynch, seemingly setting up a feud between them.

    While it had been rumored that Elimination Chamber 2023 would see Damage CTRL face Lynch, Lita, and Trish Stratus, no match has been announced, but could be saved for WrestleMania.

    With that said, it has been reported that WWE is planning for Dakota Kai and IYO SKY to defend the WWE Women\’s Tag Titles at WrestleMania against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.

    Bayley Celebrating Ten-Year Milestone in Her WWE Career

  • Chris Jericho Teases WWE Tag-Team Reunion With Trademark Filing

    Could Chris Jericho be reuniting with an old WWE ally and former Tag Team Champion?

    Despite being best known for his work as a singles star, Jericho is no stranger to tag team competition, having held tag gold in the WWE on seven occasions.

    In AEW, Jericho has aligned himself with others as part of the Jericho Appreciation Society, and before this group was a founding member of the Inner Circle.

    A Giant Reunion

    Chris Jericho may be the namesake for the Jericho Appreciation Society, but may soon be reuniting with Paul Wight.

    This week, Jericho filed a trademark for \’Jeri-Show\’ the WWE team consisting of himself and Wight (then The Big Show,) that dominated from 2009 to 2010.

    The full description of the filing can be read below.

    Mark For: JERI-SHOW trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainers; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainers; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainers; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring professional wrestling and sports entertainers in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes.

    Jeri-Show

    After failing to recapture the Intercontinental Championship from Rey Mysterio in 2009, Jericho entered the tag-team division, winning the Unified WWE Tag Titles with Edge at \’The Bash.\’

    After Edge went down with an injury, Jericho introduced the Big Show as his new tag-team partner, and the pair enjoyed a 140-day reign as champions.

    That reign ended at WWE: TLC 2009, when the pair lost a TLC match to D-Generation X, kicking off Shawn Michaels\’ final championship reign.

    While Wight has only had a handful of matches in AEW, the Giant has said he plans to be back in the ring very soon after healing up from surgery.

    Chris Jericho Explains What Would Make Him Retire From Wrestling