SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Roman Reigns Reacts to Reaching Another Milestone as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion

    Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is on the roll of his career after reaching yet another milestone as the promotion\’s top star.

    Reigns returned from a hiatus (stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic) at Summerslam 2020 and captured the WWE Universal Champion a week later.

    Since then, the Tribal Chief has maintained an iron grip on the title, and this week, reached 900 days with the gold.

    At WrestleMania 38, Reigns unified the title with the WWE Championship (won from Brock Lesnar) and is on day-320 as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

    Roman Reigns Reacts

    For Roman Reigns, reaching milestones such as these has become a common occurrence, and the Tribal Chief often reacts to his accolades on social media.

    In a tweet, Reigns said that fans were given plenty of notice that such an impressive reign was coming for him.

    In addition to this record, Reigns has not been pinned in 1,160 days, with the last time his shoulders were on the mat for the three-count coming at WWE: TLC 2019.

    What\’s Next for Roman Reigns?

    Tomorrow night, Reigns will make his latest title defense, this one being against Sami Zayn in the latter\’s hometown of Montreal.

    Despite Sami having the home-field advantage, Reigns remains the firm favorite, and if victorious, will go on to defend his title at WrestleMania 39 against Cody Rhodes.

    There has been speculation that Zayn\’s popularity with fans could force WWE to make a triple-threat match at WrestleMania 39, an idea 16-time World Champion Ric Flair recently spoke out against.

    Roman Reigns Responds To Emotional Cody Rhodes – Sami Zayn Segment

  • Ex-NJPW Star Karl Fredericks Receives WWE NXT Name & In-Ring Debut Date

    Former New Japan Pro Wrestling star Karl Fredericks is ready to take WWE NXT by storm, albeit under a new name.

    Fredericks signed with WWE in January of this year, after previously spending the past four years of his career with New Japan.

    Karl\’s highest accomplishment with the Bushiroad promotion was winning the 2019 Young Lion\’s Cup.

    WWE NXT

    Fredericks has only been under contract with WWE for a matter of weeks, but his TV debut is already on the horizon.

    WWE has announced that Fredericks will be making his in-ring debut on NXT Level Up, and will be working under the name Eddie Thorpe to face Dante Chen.

    Other matches include Ivy Nile taking on Valentina Feroz in singles competition while Xyon Quinn will square off against Oba Femi.

    Fredericks has previously appeared for WWE NXT during a house show in Fort Pierce, where he confronted Axiom.

    The former New Japan star teased that he was going to say something, but left the ring without saying a word.

    Huge Signings

    Eddie Thorpe is a notable signing by WWE, but he is hardly the only interesting name that Vince McMahon\’s promotion recently acquired.

    In December 2022, Dragon Lee announced that he was joining WWE after he and Dralistico captured the AAA World Tag Team Championships from FTR.

    WWE had been interested in Dragon Lee after they saw him compete in AEW, as he worked the House of the Dragon edition of AEW Dynamite in August 2022.

    AAA reportedly believed that Dragon Lee\’s announcement of his AAA exit was a joke at first, but of course, later learned that it was true.

  • Mark Briscoe Signs Contract With All Elite Wrestling

    2023 has been a difficult year so far for Mark Briscoe, but the Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champion is now All-Elite.

    Last month, Mark\’s tag partner and brother Jay Briscoe was killed in a car crash minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware.

    Jay\’s daughters, Kayleigh and Grace were both severely injured in the crash, which also killed the driver of the other vehicle.

    All-Elite

    On this week\’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Mark Briscoe defeated Josh Woods, a former ROH Pure Champion in his own right.

    After the match, AEW President Tony Khan took to Twitter to confirm that Mark is under contract with AEW.

    Lifting the Ban

    It was only a few months ago that Briscoe being under contract with AEW seemed impossible.

    Due to comments made a decade ago by Jay, both men had been essentially blacklisted from AEW programming by WarnerMedia.

    Jay apologized multiple times for his homophobic comments, which he stated were as part of his heel character and not reflective of his personal beliefs.

    It has been said that by the time of his passing, Jay\’s apology was considered 100% legitimate by the wrestling world, and he had the support of many LGBTQ+ wrestlers in the industry.

    Even after Jay\’s passing, it was reported that Mark would not be allowed to appear, though Tony Khan \”pushed and pushed\” to lift the ban.

    Briscoe\’s one and only other AEW match saw him defeat Jay Lethal on the Jay Briscoe tribute edition of Dynamite on January 25, 2023.

    Mark Briscoe’s AEW Debut Wasn’t Approved Until Late in the Plans

  • Vince McMahon Once Called an FTR Match the Worst Thing He\’s Ever Seen

    FTR may have impressed fans for years with their skills in the ring, but Vince McMahon was far from pleased with their performance in 2018.

    After an impressive run in NXT, FTR (then The Revival) was called up to WWE\’s main roster as part of the post-WrestleMania 33 Raw in April 2017.

    Despite reigns as both Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions (making the team the first triple-crown tag Champions in WWE) the duo couldn\’t match their NXT success on the main roster and were granted their releases in April 2020.

    The Worst Match

    By the 2018 Royal Rumble, The Revival had been feuding with the Good Brothers and had traded wins on TV and at live events with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.

    Speaking with Matt Koon on his FTR podcast, Dax Harwood recalled the less than favorable feedback to the match on the Royal Rumble kick-off show.

    \”We come to the back and Vince (McMahon) is waiting for us, all four of us. We thought the match was good. it was like an eight-minute match. We came to the back and he said, ‘Welp, that was absolutely the worst wrestling match I’ve ever seen in my entire life.\”

    Dax Harwood.

    Given that McMahon was closing in on fifty years in the wrestling industry at the time, Harwood joked that he takes having the worst match as a \”badge of pride.\”

    Harwood added that McMahon was likely unaware that he and Cash Wheeler were employed by WWE for eight years.

    WWE Return

    While McMahon was far from pleased with FTR, WWE today is much different to the one the tag team left nearly three years ago.

    Following McMahon\’s retirement last July, Triple H has been appointed Head of Creative and Head of Talent, and FTR thrived under the Game\’s watch in WWE NXT.

    McMahon has (so far) kept away from creative meetings and WWE programming since his return to WWE last month.

    It has been reported that FTR\’s deals with AEW expire this May, but Harwood claimed in a previous episode of his podcast that McMahon\’s return has made them question coming back.

    FTR Was Speaking to Tony Khan The Day WWE Released Them

    h/t – Fightful

  • Cody Rhodes Planning Indie Wrestling Tribute at Future WWE Premium Live Event

    Cody Rhodes could be just 45 days away from becoming the next Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, but the American Nightmare hasn\’t forgotten where he\’s come from.

    After choosing to part ways with WWE in 2016, Rhodes took his talents to various independent promotions and increased his star power outside WWE.

    It was as a much bigger star that Rhodes founded AEW, and the person once considered mid-card for life returned to WWE as a main eventer in April 2022.

    Tribute

    As we\’ve seen in his promos about his father and his exceptional segment earlier this month with Paul Heyman, history means everything to Cody Rhodes.

    While speaking to Peter Rosenberg on Hot 97, Cody stated that he hopes to honor all the independent promotions during his WWE absence.

    “Small spoiler, I guess, I was trying to come up with this idea for a weight belt for a very specific P.L.E. or pay-per-view, whatever you wanna call it where I wrote everybody independent promotion I worked at on it, because that was the most important thing I did was this connection with these fans and getting to know them and grassroots and that became really my bread and butter.”

    Cody Rhodes.

    WrestleMania

    While Rhodes didn\’t specify which event he planned this tribute on, the most likely guess would be WrestleMania 39.

    On the show, Rhodes will face Roman Reigns and looks to dethrone the Tribal Chief, who is now in his 900th day as WWE Universal Champion.

    If Cody goes ahead with this tribute, it will be interesting to see what WWE allows, as Cody has worked for some pretty big names (and competition to WWE) including AEW and Impact Wrestling.

    Roman Reigns Responds To Emotional Cody Rhodes – Sami Zayn Segment

    h/t – BodySlam

  • Spoiler: Former Champion Makes Return at Latest AEW Rampage Tapings

    This week\’s tapings of AEW Rampage saw a huge return from a former AEW World Tag Team Champion who has been out of action for weeks.

    Friday\’s Ramapge was taped immediately after the latest AEW Dynamite in Laredo, Texas, and saw names including Jon Moxley, \’Hangman\’ Adam Page, Britt Baker, and Mark Briscoe in action.

    This week\’s Dynamite saw AEW continue on the road to Revolution 2023, which will be headlined by AEW World Champion MJF vs. Bryan Danielson in AEW\’s first Iron Man match.

    Rampage Return

    In the main event of the AEW Rampage taping, Dustin Rhodes defeated Swerve Strickland by disqualification when Parker Bordeaux got involved.

    A post-match beatdown continued until Keith Lee made his return to AEW programming to even the odds.

    Lee had been out of action for over a month after being attacked by Swerve, his former friend and tag partner, and the Mogul Affiliates.

    The Limitless One was written off of TV with Swerve double-stomping a cinder block onto his former tag partner.

    AEW Rampage

    Keith Lee\’s return to TV was just part of a stacked AEW Rampage this week, which we will be keeping spoiler free.

    The show will feature AEW Trios Champions The Elite defending one more time against AR Fox and Top Flight.

    Jericho Appreciation Society member Daniel Garcia will take on Ricky Starks as part of the latter\’s feud with Chris Jericho.

    AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill will put her title and her undefeated streak on the line against Vertvixen.

    Keith Lee On His Immediate Reaction To WWE Release

  • Former Tag Champion Teases WWE Return Amid AEW Hiatus

    Dax Harwood\’s future with AEW remains uncertain at this time, and the FTR member sure wants fans to think that a WWE return is coming.

    Harwood joined AEW in 2020 alongside tag partner Cash Wheeler, after exiting WWE just a month earlier.

    The Revival signed over their downside guarantees to WWE in order to be released without the standard 90-day non-compete clause.

    WWE Return

    December 2022 was hardly a great month for FTR, who lost the ROH World Tag Team Championships to the Briscoes, and the AAA Tag Gold to Dragon Lee and Dralistico.

    At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17, FTR lost the IWGP World Tag Team Titles, and are currently taking a break from all wrestling ventures.

    On Instagram, Harwood shared an image from his home, and eagle-eyed followers spotted what appeared to be some WWE paperwork in the bottom-left corner.

    \"\"

    On Twitter, Harwood shared the same image but cropped the WWE logo out.

    FTR has stated that their AEW deals will expire this April, but it remains unclear whether this current hiatus will add time to their contracts.

    The pairing of Harwood and Cash Wheeler certainly benefited under Triple H\’s tenure as Head of NXT, leaving some to speculate on a return to WWE\’s main roster now that the Game is Head of Talent and Creative.

    What\’s next for FTR?

    While a return to AEW or even a return to WWE are two options, FTR\’s future may take them outside of the ring, or at least off camera.

    Both Harwood and Wheeler have expressed interest in possibly returning to the indies for a limited run away from TV.

    Harwood has also said that he and Cash are looking at potential locations for a wrestling school, and they are considering a coffee shop project, as well as real estate ventures.

    FTR Was Speaking to Tony Khan The Day WWE Released Them

  • Cody Rhodes Is Open to Possible Triple Threat Match at WWE WrestleMania 39

    Cody Rhodes vs. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

    Cody Rhodes Vs. Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Sami Zayn.

    Why not both?

    Since winning the Men\’s Royal Rumble match last month, it has been known that the American Nightmare will challenge for WWE\’s richest prize at WrestleMania 39, but who he\’ll face remains uncertain.

    Elimination Chamber

    At this time, the WrestleMania 39 main event will see Rhodes attempt to dethrone Reigns and end his historic reign as WWE\’s sole World Champion.

    Before that though, Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Sami Zayn at this weekend\’s Elimination Chamber event.

    During last week\’s Raw, Rhodes said he believes Zayn can defeat Reigns in Montreal, and reiterated that point this week in a face-to-face segment with Sami.

    Triple Threat

    While the Royal Rumble winner has traditionally competed in singles action at WrestleMania, Rhodes is open to the idea of facing both Zayn and Reigns in Los Angeles.

    Speaking on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Rhodes was asked about the possibility of a triple-threat match.

    “I don’t really have a preference [between Reigns and Zayn.] Solely because I want to wrestle the best. People wanted a contender forever. So if two show up, don’t be mad. Don’t make it about A or B, or B or A, or one or two. Enjoy it all. That’s really been kind of the challenge. I can’t begrudge a dude getting super hot. I have no preference in terms of the direction it goes.

    \”I have no preference in terms of the direction it goes.\”

    Cody Rhodes.

    \”I really look forward to the moments when I’m in there, if they happen, Sami, whether that’s just on the road to WrestleMania. I think it’s different than people think. I think he’s doing amazing.\”

    Rhodes remained aware that what happens this Saturday at WWE Elimination Chamber could significantly affect his WrestleMania future.

    \”I feel like I’ve been able to really do some great stuff too. So bring it all together. Who knows what happens in Montreal? Who knows what happens at WrestleMania?\”

    Cody Rhodes.

    If WWE does have a triple-threat match at WrestleMania, it will be the eighth time the stipulation will be used at a WrestleMania for a World Championship (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015-albeit thanks to Seth Rollins, and 2021.)

    Matt Hardy Comments on Cody Rhodes Winning the Royal Rumble

    h/t – Fightful

  • AEW\’s Ricky Starks Announces Non-Wrestling Business Venture

    Ricky Starks has made a name for himself as part of All Elite Wrestling, and now the wrestler is looking to leave his mark in the world of fashion.

    Starks made his AEW debut in June 2020 answering Cody Rhodes\’ TNT Championship open challenge and was signed after coming up short to the American Nightmare.

    Starks has one reign as FTW Champion to his name, a win in the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royale, and won last year\’s AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament.

    Fashion

    Starks is always dressed to impress when he appears on AEW programming, and now has plans to launch his own clothing line.

    On Twitter, Starks announced his clothing brand \’Dream Palace\’ and said it will be coming soon.

    The former FTW Champion\’s tweet got a response from Mark Henry, who expressed his support for the endeavor.

    This is hardly the first time Starks has shown interest in the fashion world, as during a 2021 appearance on The Sessions with Renee Paquette, he cited Tom Ford, Alexander Wang and Gucci as his primary designers.

    Wrestling with Fashion

    Ricky Starks is by no means the only wrestler to set his sights on the fashion world.

    In 2018, WWE Superstar Finn Balor began his own apparel line PE&K, while Chris Jericho launched his Painmaker line in 2020.

    Impact Wrestling\’s Al Snow also remains the co-founder of the popular \”Collar X Elbow\” clothing brand while Randy Orton announced the launch of his SLTHR apparel line on Instagram in 2020.

    Ricky Starks’ 2023 Goals: Championships & TV/Movie Stardom

  • Latest on Jay White\’s NJPW Situation After Loser Leaves Japan Match – WWE Interest

    Jay White came up short in the recent Loser Leaves Japan match, and the New Zealand-born wrestler is keeping true to his word.

    At NJPW New Beginning in Osaka, White lost to Hikuleo, taking a pinfall defeat to his opponent following a chokeslam.

    White had agreed to the stipulation at New Japan\’s New Year Sash event the previous month.

    Moving Day

    According to the latest report from Fightful Select, White is looking to make a \”move back\” over to the United States.

    White joined the NJPW dojo in 2015 and has been with the company ever since, and has held both the IWGP and IWGP World Heavyweight Championships.

    While the stipulation said he must leave Japan, there has been speculation that he could remain with New Japan as part of the America-based New Japan Strong.

    White will compete for New Japan this weekend at Battle in the Valley, where he will take on AEW\’s Eddie Kingston.

    WWE Interest

    White has proven himself in New Japan for years, so it is hardly surprising that WWE has shown interest in the wrestler.

    Fightful\’s report adds that WWE felt confident that they could get White to join the company, but now \”that hardly is guaranteed at this point\” in time.

    Different sources in WWE have stated that everything related to the possibility of him coming to WWE is \”being kept very quiet.\”

    Contrary to what some may believe, White\’s name was never discussed for the WWE Men\’s Royal Rumble match, despite an official WWE tweet teasing his involvement.

    NJPW told Fightful that they believe White\’s contract will expire sometime between Battle in the Valley (February 18) and WrestleMania 39 (April 1.)

    Top NJPW Star Expected to Be Done With Company Soon (Report)

  • Kansas City Chiefs Celebrate Super Bowl Victory with Custom WWE Championship

    The Kansas City Chiefs are once again back on top of the world of Football with their third Super Bowl Championship win.

    In a close-fought game, the Chiefs bested the Philadelphia Eagles 35 to 38 to win another Championship ring, following Super Bowl victories in 2020 and 1970.

    The two teams tied in the first quarter, before the Eagles pulled ahead in the second, and the Chiefs were able to pull back in the second half of the all-important game.

    After the game, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes received a custom WWE Championship which was waiting for the team in their locker room.

    The Championship belt was not the only wrestling-themed part of this year\’s Super Bowl, as Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce celebrated early into the game with John Cena\’s iconic \’You Can\’t See Me\’ hand gesture.

    Custom Championships

    WWE has given out numerous custom belts to winning sports teams in recent years, including the Super Bowl 2022 winners the Los Angeles Rams last year.

    WWE\’s efforts extend far beyond the gridiron, as the team gifted a championship to Chelsea FC for their Premier League win in 2017.

    In 2021, Drew McIntyre personally gifted a WWE Championship to Rangers F.C. following their victory in the Scottish Premiership.

    After winning the Australian Open men’s doubles last year, Tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis (known affectionately as the Special Ks) were awarded a title with custom side plates.

    WWE has also produced custom titles for victors in golf, the WNBA, various motorsports, and more.

    WWE Sending Bianca Belair & Montez Ford to the NFL Playoffs This Weekend

  • Latest on the Status of The Usos for WWE Elimination Chamber 2023

    The Usos may be making an appearance at WWE Elimination Chamber after all, despite previous travel restrictions due to legal issues.

    This weekend\’s event will be WWE\’s first Premium Live Event in the Great White North since Breaking Point 2009 and will be headlined by Roman Reigns Vs. Sami Zayn.

    The event will take place in Zayn\’s hometown of Montreal, Quebec, and will also feature two Elimination Chamber matches for the U.S. title, and for a shot at the Raw Women\’s Championship.

    The Usos

    During the latest episode of SmackDown, Paul Heyman said that the Usos will be watching next week\’s SmackDown and Elimination Chamber from home.

    Many saw this as WWE\’s way to write off the brothers, who have faced travel restrictions for years due to a series of DUIs.

    During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that the pair will be allowed to travel to Canada.

    \”I was told they’re okay. I will check again, but when it first came up, I asked if they’re cleared for Canada, and I was told they’re both cleared. I’m not sure if it’s a swerve, or a storyline, but they’re cleared to show up.\”

    Dave Meltzer.

    It remains unclear if The Usos will appear at WWE Elimination Chamber, only that they are able to.

    Legal Troubles

    The Usos have both experienced legal issues over DUIs which have affected their wrestling careers.

    In September 2011, Jimmy was arrested and charged with a DUI after he blew twice the legal limit in the state of Florida.

    In March 2013, he was arrested again for arrested for violating his probation by driving with a suspended license.

    It was in January 2018 that Jey was arrested for DWI in Texas, after driving from a WWE live event, and was released the same day after posting a $500 personal recognizance bond.

    In February 2019, Jimmy was arrested in Detroit after a dispute with police officers, who claimed they could smell alcohol from the inside.

    In July 2019, Jimmy was arrested yet again near Pensacola, Florida and was charged with a DUI, but found not guilty by an Escambia country judge that December.

    Two years later, Jimmy was arrested again in July 2021, blew close to triple the legal limit, and was booked on a misdemeanor DUI charge.

    The Usos Wins PWI Tag Team 100 for the First Time

    h/t – NoDQ.com

  • Tony Khan: AEW Wrestlers Tell Me They\’ve Been Approached by WWE

    AEW President Tony Khan has claimed that WWE is partaking in contract tampering by speaking to several stars under All-Elite deals.

    Since being founded in 2019, AEW and WWE have been at odds, as seen with the Wednesday Night Wars which saw Khan\’s promotion emerge victorious.

    The two promotions have occasionally aligned, with Khan allowing AEW talent to appear via video to celebrate John Cena\’s 20th anniversary on WWE\’s main roster last June.

    Contract Tampering

    Multiple names from AEW once called WWE home, though Vince McMahon was able to bring back AEW EVP Cody Rhodes in April 2022.

    Speaking on the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Tony Khan said he\’s consistently approached by talent who claim WWE are speaking to them. Here\’s what he said, courtesy of POST Wrestling:

    \”I can’t really comment on what their (WWE) internal struggles, internal strife’s are because I don’t work there and I’m not there. I can only speak to the challenges we’ve had.

    \”I got a lot of wrestlers come to me and allege that WWE reached out to them to tamper with their contracts and ask them to break their contracts. I can’t confirm that specifically. I can only tell you what the wrestlers have come to me and said.\”

    Tony Khan.

    Khan didn\’t name who WWE has allegedly contacted, but called the action \”very disturbing.\”

    On WWE\’s Radar

    There\’s no shortage of prominent names that WWE would love to snatch away from AEW and use to draw viewers to their own product.

    In January 2022, it was reported that WWE had shown interest in Wardlow, and have also reportedly shown interest in Brian Cage.

    The biggest name WWE has reportedly shown interest in is AEW World Champion MJF, who has teased leaving to join WWE when his AEW deal expires on January 1, 2024.

    WWE Targeting AEW Allies For Partnership Deals (Report)

  • CM Punk Shares Forgiveness Message Amid AEW Suspension

    Is CM Punk ready to forgive The Elite over what happened at AEW All Out 2022, or is Punk hoping to be forgiven?

    Once AEW\’s top star, Punk has been suspended from AEW for his comments and actions after the now-infamous September 2022 Pay-Per-View.

    Out of all the names suspended from AEW following All Out, Punk is the only person whose future with AEW remains unclear.

    Forgiveness

    As Punk made abundantly clear during his All Out post-show media scrum tirade, he has had issues with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks.

    The two-time former AEW World Champion has accused the three (currently in their second reign as AEW Trios Champions) of spreading false stories about him.

    On Instagram Stories, Punk shared a video about forgiveness in which it is said that forgiveness does not excuse someone to hurt you again.

    Though the video has since expired, a fan shared a clip on Twitter.

    What\’s Next for CM Punk?

    Tony Khan has refused to speak about Punk in all interviews since his suspension, which also resulted in the Chicago-Made star being stripped of the AEW World Championship.

    It has been reported that Punk is seeking a buyout of his AEW contract, something that Tony Khan is in no hurry to grant, believing he could jump to WWE.

    Chris Jericho called Punk a “cancer” following his actions at All Out, and WWE’s Seth Rollins used similar verbiage last month when asked about the controversial star.

    It has also been reported that people from both WWE and AEW are under the impression that Punk returning to either company is a bad idea and that he will only cause more trouble.

    Punk himself has yet to publicly comment on his AEW status.

    Seth Rollins: It Pains Me To Have To Say Negative Things About CM Punk

  • JBL-Baron Corbin Split \”Wasn\’t the Plan\” for WWE (Report)

    WWE made the call to end the pairing of Baron Corbin and John \’Bradshaw\’ Layfield this week, but that wasn\’t always the plan.

    In late 2022, the former WWE Champion was introduced as Corbin\’s manager, something that Layfield had openly spoken in favor of doing for years.

    Despite a four-match winning streak with JBL in his corner, Corbin has been win-less on TV and at WWE live events since the November 21, 2022, edition of Raw.

    Wasn\’t The Plan

    During this week\’s Raw, the pairing of JBL and Corbin ended via backstage segment, after the latter suffered another loss, this time to Dexter Lumis.

    During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio show, Dave Meltzer said that this wasn\’t what WWE intended when they began the pairing.

    \”They gave up on it… this wasn\’t the plan. The guy in charge, that\’s Paul (Levesque), felt it wasn\’t working and that was it.\”

    Dave Meltzer.

    The End of Corbin\’s Push

    It was in 2016 that Corbin made an impactful main roster debut, winning the Andre the Giant WrestleMania battle royal.

    A year later, Corbin was seemingly on the cusp of a World Championship reign when he captured the Money in the Bank briefcase, but his cash-in was unsuccessful.

    On his show, Meltzer stated that despite multiple opportunities, the Lone Wolf just hasn\’t reached the status WWE hoped for him.

    \”There\’s nothing wrong or right with him but in the pantheon of stars, he\’s just not at that top star level. I think they wanted him to be at that level and they gave him every chance to be at that level. He\’s just a guy. A tall guy but he\’s just a guy.\”

    Baron Corbin: ‘Braun Strowman is Full Of Crap for Calling Himself The Greatest Big Man’

    h/t – Wrestling News

  • WWE Referring to Two Current Superstars As \”All-Time Greats\” in Triple H Edict

    Two WWE Superstars are to be referred to as some of the \”all-time greats\” in an edict from WWE\’s Head of Creative and Head of Talent Paul \’Triple H\’ Levesque.

    The Game entered both roles in July 2022, replacing his father-in-law Vince McMahon in Creative, and WWE veteran John Lauriniatis in the Talent Relations department.

    Triple H\’s work thus far has been widely praised by fans, who have appreciated the rehiring of big names and talent being given more opportunities to showcase their characters.

    All-Time Greats

    WWE\’s current roster is home to legends in the making, but two names have already reached the status of being \’all-time greats.\’

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Becky Lynch and Bayley will be referred to by the monikers going forward.

    The Man and the Role Model have been feuding ever since the Raw after Summerslam 2022, when Damage CTRL attacked Lynch.

    Returning to in-ring competition at Survivor Series: WarGames, the pair have continued feuding for months.

    After Bayley and Damage CTRL once again got the upper hand at Raw is 30, Lynch bested her nemesis in a Steel Cage match this week, with an assist by the returning Lita.

    Great Careers

    Though some may find the label as \’all-time great\’ a tad premature for talent still wrestling today, Bayley and Lynch have some impressive claims to the moniker.

    Lynch is a six-time Women\’s Champion (two Raw, four SmackDown,) the winner of the 2019 Women\’s Rumble match, and won the first-ever Women\’s main event at WrestleMania.

    Bayley is a four-time Women\’s Champion (one Raw, one NXT, two SmackDown,) a two-time WWE Women\’s Tag Champion, a Miss Money in the Bank winner, and was the first-ever WWE Women\’s Triple Crown winner and WWE Women\’s Grand Slam.

    WWE RAW Results (2/6/23): Becky Lynch Defeats Bayley In A Steel Cage Match with Help From WWE Hall of Famer

  • Randy Orton Taking Steps Toward WWE In-Ring Return

    Randy Orton remains optimistic about a possible return to the ring, despite the injury that has cost him nearly a year of his career.

    Orton hasn\’t wrestled since May of 2022 due to a debilitating back injury and there have been questions as to whether he\’ll ever wrestle again.

    The Viper\’s most recent match saw himself and Matt Riddle lose the Raw Tag Team Championships to SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos, who unified the two titles.

    Taking Steps

    This ongoing hiatus is the longest injury in Orton\’s 20+ year career as part of the main roster.

    Pro wrestling bootmaker Jose G Sanz posted an Instagram story where he stated that Orton recently contacted him about making boots for his return.

    \”I haven’t made them yet but Randy Orton contacted me via email for his return. Currently, Drew McIntyre and Bray Wyatt are some of the biggest superstars. Today I received an order for boots for Cody for Wrestlemania.”

    Before knowing the severity of Orton\’s condition, WWE had planned on the Viper challenging Roman Reigns at SummerSlam 2022.

    Feud with Riddle

    There\’s still no confirmed date for Orton\’s in-ring return (if it ever happens,) but WWE may already have a plan.

    When RK-Bro formed in 2021, the initial plan was for Orton to betray Riddle and have a match at SummerSlam 2021.

    Given the team\’s popularity with fans, WWE held off on the turn, with the match postponed until WrestleMania 38, but the break up was again postponed.

    Riddle hasn\’t appeared for WWE since last December after suspending the promotion\’s wellness policy.

    WWE’s Original Plans For Randy Orton Injury Return (Report)

  • WWE Bringing Back Movie Parody Trailers for WrestleMania 39 (Rumor)

    WrestleMania is going Hollywood once again, and the WWE is bringing back one of its most popular promotional ideas from years gone by.

    WrestleMania 39 will be the first event of its name hosted in Los Angeles since WrestleMania 21 in 2005, which leaned heavily into the fact that the show was airing from Hollywood.

    In the lead-up to the 2005 event, WWE aired several parody trailers featuring WWE talent don roles from some of Hollywood\’s biggest blockbusters.

    According to Wrestle Votes, WWE is in the process of filming similar parody trailers for this year\’s event, with names like The Miz, Drew McIntyre, the Street Profits, and others attached.

    There\’s no word on which movies WWE plans on parodying as part of their latest promotional campaign for WrestleMania 39.

    WrestleMania 39

    The card for WWE\’s biggest two nights of the year is coming together, and will be headlined by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes.

    Rhodes earned the title match by winning the Men\’s Royal Rumble match, while Women\’s Rumble winner Rhea Ripley will challenge SmackDown Women\’s Champion Charlotte Flair.

    Raw Women\’s Champion Bianca Belair will take on the winner of next week\’s Women\’s Elimination Chamber match.

    Matches rumored for WrestleMania 39 include Logan Paul Vs. Seth Rollins and United States Champion Austin Theory Vs. John Cena.

    WWE WrestleMania 39 will take place on April 1 and April 2, making the fourth WrestleMania in a row to take place over two nights.

    WWE Had Plans for New World Championship at WrestleMania 39 (Report)

  • Mercedes Moné Earning Far Less in NJPW than First Believed (Report)

    Mercedes Moné may be one of New Japan Pro Wrestling\’s highest-paid attractions, but she isn\’t close to earning what was initially believed.

    The former Sasha Banks debuted for the promotion at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January of this year and confronted KAIRI.

    Moné\’s appearance at Wrestle Kingdom was the ex-Superstar\’s first wrestling appearance after walking out of Monday Night Raw in May 2022.

    Payment

    As one of the biggest names of WWE\’s women\’s division, it should come as no surprise that Moné is being paid well by NJPW\’s parent company Bushiroad.

    Upon her arrival, it was reported that Moné was the highest-paid wrestler per appearance, earning more than Chris Jericho in 2018.

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that Moné is not making more than Jericho did, adding that \”it\’s not even close.\”

    Meltzer added that \”the money is not at the level she could get with WWE or AEW.\”

    Instead of the money, Meltzer suggested that Moné opting to work with Bushiroad is a \’bucket list\’ item being fulfilled: to work with the top Japanese female wrestlers in her prime.

    Meltzer added that Moné does have \”far more freedom to explore acting or other businesses\” than if she\’d stayed with WWE.

    The Future for Mercedes Moné

    Moné\’s first match for New Japan will come next week when she challenges KAIRI for the IWGP Women\’s Championship at NJPW Battle in the Valley.

    It has been reported that NJPW is already planning a second match between the two, one that is likely to take place at the famed Sumo Hall in Japan.

    Some in WWE reportedly believe that Moné will be back in the company within a year or two, once she gets this run out of her system.

    Mercedes Mone Addresses Her WWE Departure, Why She Signed With NJPW

  • Next Hell in a Cell Match to feature Two Former WWE World Champions

    WWE\’s next Hell in a Cell match may be a matter of weeks away according to the latest report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

    In late 2022, it was reported that WWE was planning a Cell match between Edge and Finn Balor, that was scheduled to take place at the Royal Rumble PLE.

    That match didn\’t happen, and both men competed in the Men\’s Royal Rumble match which was won by Cody Rhodes.

    In the Observer, it is explained that WWE did plan on the Hell in a Cell match last month, but Edge\’s acting commitments kept it from happening.

    It is added that the match is a \”possibility\” for WWE WrestleMania 39 in April.

    Edge and Balor will be on opposite teams for next week\’s Elimination Chamber event, where they will team with Beth Phoenix and Rhea Ripley respectively.

    Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania

    \"Finn

    While the Hell in a Cell match has been a WWE staple for over 25 years, the match has only happened three times at WrestleMania.

    At WrestleMania 15, The Undertaker defeated the Big Boss Man, extending the Phenom\’s WrestleMania winning streak to 8-0.

    It wouldn\’t be until WrestleMania 28 that the Cell returned to WWE\’s biggest event, when The Undertaker defeated Triple H.

    At WrestleMania 32 in 2016, The Undertaker once again emerged victorious inside the Cell, this time against Shane McMahon.

    The Future of Hell in a Cell

    The Hell in a Cell match is one of the more graphic stipulations WWE uses, though matches over the past decade have been somewhat lacking.

    Fans have taken issue with the Hell in a Cell match having a PLE, believing it has lessened the significance of the structure.

    Last year, it was reported that the Hell in a Cell PLE is \”completely dead\” in an edict by WWE\’s Head of Creative Triple H.

    A veteran of nine Cell matches, the Game believes that match should be used when it makes sense, rather than WWE forcing a Cell match \”just because it\’s October.\”

    WWE Superstar Busted Open Badly at Hell in a Cell (Video)

  • Bronson Reed Opens Up About \”Heartwrenching\” but \”Beneficial\” WWE Release

    Bronson Reed is back with WWE after being released in 2021, but for a long time accepted that he would never be a WWE Superstar.

    The Australian\’s exit from the promotion in August of that year was certainly a shock to fans, given how he had been pushed as a future top star of the brand.

    Reed had even received a couple of WWE Main Event appearances, which traditionally is how WWE tests the waters for a main roster call-up.

    The Release

    Reed was one of many WWE Superstars released by the company that year, all of which were explained at the time as down to \’budget cuts.\’

    Speaking on After the Bell, Reed said he had mixed emotions over his release.

    \”To be honest, I think everyone that\’s been through something like that takes it differently. I was surprised in the way that I did take it. I was more angry than anything. I wasn\’t so much sad or anything like that. I just thought that I had so much potential because things were going my way.

    I was the North American Champion, only just lost that championship [before my release] so to me I was just angry that I didn\’t get to do more with the WWE, which then put a chip on my shoulder and I went out there and did whatever I could to be the best that I could be which obviously got me seen to come back. So in the end, I think it was a little gutwrenching at the time but it might have been beneficial for my career.\”

    Outside of WWE, Reed would work as JONAH in New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he\’d hold his own against established stars, including getting a victory over Kazuchika Okada.

    Making it to WWE

    For Reed, the journey to WWE would take him across the globe from his native Australia, where he gold as part of Melbourne Championship Wrestling.

    On the show, Reed said that he came to terms with the idea that he would never make it to WWE not long into his wrestling career.

    \”I never even dreamt I could be in WWE. When I started training in Australia in 2007, there was no one from Australia in WWE. So my intention was to be as good a pro wrestler as I could be in my home country. In my hometown, then travel around the country, then hopefully get to Japan.\”

    \”I never even dreamt I could be in WWE.\”

    Bronson Reed.

    Not only is Reed in WWE, but he could be the next United States Champion, as he will be part of the U.S. Title Elimination Chamber match next week.

    Triple H Viewed Bronson Reed as a Priority Hire

    For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

  • Potential Spoilers on Plans for WWE U.S. Title at Elimination Chamber 2023 (Report)

    Fans eager to see a new United States Champion crowned at WWE Elimination Chamber 2023 may be in for a disappointing night in Montreal.

    WWE Elimination Chamber will be the promotion\’s next stop on the road to WrestleMania 39, and the first Montreal PLE since Breaking Point 2009.

    The show will be headlined by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defending against Sami Zayn.

    United States Championship

    For the first time in history, the WWE U.S. Title will be decided inside an Elimination Chamber match.

    Current and two-time champion Austin Theory will defend against Seth Rollins, Johnny Gargano, Montez Ford, Damian Priest and Bronson Reed.

    In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Theory has filmed content for WWE that is due to air in March and is holding the U.S. Title in the footage, making a title change unlikely.

    Meltzer said that while the footage does not rule out a title change entirely, the line-up in the chamber does not suggest a title change will happen. He adds:

    \”Gargano and Ford are unlikely to win unless the plan is to split up the Street Profits, which has been talked about but unless they have a major plan for Ford there is no reason to do so. Reed is a longshot but they could and probably will try to portray him in a manner to become a bigger star. Priest could win at this stage and would probably be the favorite aside from Theory.\”

    WrestleMania 39

    Theory may be leaving the Elimination Chamber as United States Champion, but there will be no rest for the wicked.

    Current plans for WrestleMania will see Theory face John Cena, in a match that was teased throughout 2022.

    Meltzer noted in his report that Cena Vs. Theory does not need the United States title, though it was John\’s first title he won in 2004.

    Austin Theory Explains Why MITB Briefcase Was An ‘Anchor’ For Him

  • How Much Money Will Vince McMahon Make if WWE is Sold? (Report)

    WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon will be an incredibly wealthy (or rather, wealthier) man in the event of the promotion being sold.

    The billionaire’s return to WWE in January 2023, came less than six months after his shocking retirement in July of last year in the hush-money

    McMahon reportedly strong-armed his way back into WWE, threatening to vote down any sales offers of negotiated TV deals if he was not brought back to the company.

    Show Me the Money!

    McMahon has made it clear that his sole reason for returning to WWE is to facilitate a sale of the promotion.

    While WWE is optimistic that the promotion will be sold for $8.5 billion, it has been estimated that the company will go for $8 billion.

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer broke down how much key players will make in the event of a sale based on their current financial interests and investment.

    • Vince McMahon $2,552,969,558
    • Stephanie McMahon $170,842,415
    • Linda McMahon $50,320,030
    • Kevin Dunn $24,205,410
    • Nick Khan $13,837,200
    • Frank Riddick $10,931,948
    • Paul \’Triple H\’ Levesque $8,323,822

    Finding a Buyer

    For McMahon to add over $2.5 billion to his account, a sale first needs to take place.

    Companies reported as interested include FOX, Disney, Amazon, and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, among others.

    Comcast, considered by many to be the favorite to buy, is reportedly not interested, though that claim has been disputed by WWE CEO Nick Khan.

    Khan has said that he estimates that the process will take approximately three months, meaning a deal should be finalized by the end of Spring this year.

    Vince McMahon has “Declared” he Will Step Down Again If In WWE’s Best Interest

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

    CM Punk could be back on our screens within a matter of months if AEW wants him back that is.

    The two-time former AEW World Champion has been suspended since September\’s All Out Pay-Per-View, following his comments on the post-show media scrum and the fight.

    Punk is now the only person suspended to remain suspended, with everyone else being brought back, or in the case of his trainer Ace Steel, fired from AEW.

    Getting Medically Cleared

    During his AEW World Championship victory over Jon Moxley, Punk suffered a torn triceps, which made the decision to strip him of the title much easier for Tony Khan.

    On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Punk is mere months away from being cleared to return.

    A torn triceps usually takes eight months to fully recover from (unless your name is John Cena) which would put Punk\’s return in early May 2023.

    Not Wanted

    Of course, it\’s not the injury that has had fans believing Punk\’s time in AEW, and possibly in wrestling, is over.

    It has been reported that Punk is seeking a buyout of his AEW deal, something that Tony Khan is in no hurry to grant, believing he could jump to WWE.

    Chris Jericho called Punk a \”cancer\” following his actions at All Out, and WWE\’s Seth Rollins used similar verbiage last month when asked about the controversial star.

    It has also been reported that people from both companies believe Punk returning to AEW or WWE is a bad idea and that he will only cause more trouble.

    CM Punk Was Not “Correct” With All Out 2022 Actions Claims AEW Star

  • Concerned Fans Called Police After MJF\’s Gruesome Dynamite Promo

    AEW World Champion MJF\’s promo went a little too far in the minds of some fans, who believed his comments were real.

    On this week\’s Dynamite, the holder of the Big Burberry Belt defeated Konsuke Takeshita in the Champion\’s first match in two months.

    In a backstage promo, MJF spoke about crashing a car years ago when he was being pleasured by a woman who \”for legal purposes\” he called Liv.

    MJF recalled being covered in the woman\’s blood and switching their seats to make it look like she was the one behind the wheel at the time of the accident.

    Police Involvement

    MJF\’s promo was certainly a shocking one, even by his standards, and it blurred the lines of reality and kayfabe for some fans.

    On Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez reported that local law enforcement received \”a lot\” of calls from fans who watched the promo.

    \”100% they got a bunch of phone calls. That’s not a joke. A bunch of fans legitimately called the Nassau Police Department to report MJF.”

    Bryan Alvarez.

    ESPN’s Marc Raimondi also “heard from several people\” who said there is truth to the reports of police being called.

    It is unclear if these calls were genuine, or tongue-in-cheek by fans enjoying the Salt of the Earth\’s promo.

    To clarify, there is no factual evidence to back up the idea that MJF was responsible for a woman\’s death.

    What\’s Next?

    This week\’s edition of AEW Dynamite also saw Bryan Danielson defeat RUSH in the latest victory for the American Dragon.

    With this win, Danielson has completed MJF\’s task of remaining undefeated until February 8 and has therefore earned a shot at the AEW World Championship.

    Not only will the pair face off at AEW Revolution on March 5, but it will be a sixty-minute Iron Man match, the first in AEW\’s history.

    After his win over RUSH, Danielson was attacked by MJF, who vowed that the former WWE Champion wasn\’t going to make it to Revolution.

    MJF References Popular WWE Superstar on Latest AEW Dynamite