SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Damian Priest Says The Judgment Day Doesn\’t Need Championships in WWE

    Will The Judgment Day one day walk down the ramp on Monday Night Raw glistening with gold? Perhaps, but that\’s not something the group needs.

    The Judgment Day was founded by Edge earlier this year and the Rated-R Superstar recruited Priest and Rhea Ripley.

    After Finn Balor joined, the group turned on Edge and welcomed Dominik Mysterio as a member at WWE Clash at the Castle in Cardiff.

    Championships

    While all four members of The Judgment Day have held gold in the past, none have won a championship as part of the faction.

    Speaking on The Archive of B-Sox show, Priest said that the group\’s success without titles just goes to prove how impressive all four members have been.

    \”How do you become a focal point of the show not being a champion? That makes you just that much more valuable, and I think that’s where we’re at right now. Let’s make this show revolve around us. Let’s be the main thing on this show, without even having championships.\”

    Damian Priest

    While The Judgment Day is yet to hold gold, Rhea Ripley recently teased going after Bianca Belair and the WWE Raw Women\’s Championship.

    The Future

    The Judgment Day has been around for less than a year, but Priest is optimistic about the future.

    Speaking about his tenure with the group so far, the former U.S. Champion said that The Judgment Day is just getting started.

    \”It’s been awesome. It’s been a roller coaster, yes, but we’re ending it at the highest point. We all feel like we’re not even where we need to be yet, which is crazy. The things that we look forward to, the things that we talk about, and what we want to accomplish, we’re just getting started.\”

    In recent weeks, The Judgment Day has been feuding with the O.C. (AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, and Mia Yim.)

    Details on How Triple H Originally Felt About Judgment Day

    h/t – Sportskeeda

  • Snoop Dogg\’s Gold WWE Championship Found – Immediately Goes Missing Again

    It may be a good while yet before Snoop Dogg and his gold WWE Championship are reunited after the title went missing this week.

    On social media, the rap legend and WWE informed fans that the title had been \’stolen\’ during Snoop\’s ongoing \’Holidaze of Blaze\’ tour.

    Snoop, a WWE Hall of Famer as part of the celebrity wing, was presented the title by Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch at the WrestleMania 39 tickets launch party in August of this year.

    Lost and Found

    On Instagram, WWE shared footage of comedian Guillermo Rodriguez with the golden title, saying he won\’t give it back to Snoop.

    After a \’moments later\’ cut, Rodriguez revealed that he has already lost the title, and it is unclear where it is now.

    Rodriguez is best known for his work on Jimmy Kimmel Live as the sidekick of the popular late-night talk show host.

    Expert belt creator Dan Beltzer (@BeltFanDan) senses this developing news story might be seasoned with a hint of show business. Beltzer noticed that more than one belt has been used as part of the news coverage, a sign that this may be part of an angle to generate publicity for Snoop and/or WWE.

    WrestleMania 39

    When asking for the help of fans, Snoop Dogg stressed that he needs to find the gold WWE Championship before WrestleMania 39.

    Many have taken this as a sign that the rap legend will have some involvement with the show which will take place on April 1, and April 2, next year.

    Snoop is no stranger to WrestleMania, having performed his cousin Sasha Banks to the ring for her WrestleMania 32 triple threat match for the WWE Women\’s Championship.

    WWE WrestleMania 39 will take place at SoFi Stadium, in Los Angeles, California and mark the fourth two-night WrestleMania in a row.

    Snoop Dogg & More Attend WWE WrestleMania 39 Tickets Launch Event

  • Ex-WWE Wrestlers Celebrated at First Women\’s Wrestling Hall of Fame

    The lives and careers of three former WWE Superstars have been celebrated at the inaugural Women\’s Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

    The Women\’s Wrestling Hall of Fame was announced in October of this year, with Angel Orsini, Christopher Annino, “Tex” Green, and Gary “Pitbull” Wolf being considered responsible for the idea.

    Slam Wrestling was the first to report that Alundra \’Madusa\’ Blayze, Jazz, and the late Luna Vachon are among the first three inductees.

    Blayze and Jazz collected their awards in person at the ceremony this past weekend, while Vachon, who died in 2010, was represented by her ex-husband David \’Gangrel\’ Heath.

    Other names reported to be inducted include Cora Livingston, Mildred Burke, Beverly Shade, Marva Scott, and Ethel Johnson.

    Babs Wingo, the tag team of Toni Rose & Donna Christanello, Susan Green, ex-WWE referee Rita Chatterton, the entire GLOW promotion, and 2014 Olympic gold medalist Iryna Merleni are also set to be inducted.

    Luna Vachon

    The niece of Maurice \’Mad Dog\’ Vachon, Luna\’s wrestling career began in 1985 and she would join the WWF in 1993.

    Leaving in 1994, Vachon would have stints in ECW and WCW before returning in 1997, and would remain until 2000, when she was released over an outburst backstage.

    Vachon would continue wrestling on the independent scene until 2007, before her death aged 48 in August 2010 due to a drug overdose.

    Jazz

    Inspired by Jaqueline Moore, Jazz set out to become a professional wrestler in the late 1990s, and would join ECW in 1999.

    Joining the WWF after the collapse of the extreme promotion, Jazz would later capture the WWE Women\’s Championship and successfully defended the title at WrestleMania X8.

    Winning the title again the following year, Jazz would leave WWE in 2004 and compete for Chikara, Shine and AEW among other promotions, before her retirement in Impact last year.

    Alundra Blayze

    Alundra Blayze\’s wrestling career may be best remembered not for what she did in the ring, but what she did with a trash-can.

    After leaving the WWF while still the Women\’s Championship, Blayze appeared on WCW programming and threw the title in the trash, saying it is what she thought of the WWF Women\’s Title.

    In actuality, Blayze was very concerned about the spot, but was forced into it by Eric Bischoff.

    Blayze would be blamed for the spot and blacklisted from WWE for 20 years, before her WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2015.

    Madusa (Alundra Blayze) Asks WWE For Retirement Match

  • Velveteen Dream Cusses Out Police In Newly Released Arrest Video

    Former WWE Superstar Velveteen Dream made his views on law enforcement perfectly clear during his arrest earlier this year.

    Dream, real name Patrick Clark, was part of 2015\’s WWE Tough Enough and while he did not win, his impressive performance earned him an NXT contract.

    In 2020, Clark was accused of sexual misconduct with minors, and while WWE claimed their investigation provided no evidence, he was quietly released from the company the next year.

    Earlier this year, Clark was arrested after an incident at a gym, where it was alleged that he attacked and bit an employee at the facility.

    The Video

    In a new video published by TMZ, the former NXT Superstar can be seen being taken into custody by law enforcement.

    Clark tells police that he did not commit battery and that they should allow him to call a lawyer.

    The ex-Superstar can be heard ranting at the officers, before admitting that he is \”a little drunk.\”

    Clark also repeatedly tells the police that he was never told his Miranda Rights and that his lawyer would file a lawsuit, adding that he is a \”WWE wrestler.\”

    After the Arrest

    After the arrest, Clark was officially charged with two misdemeanor counts of assault and trespassing, charges that he would plead not guilty to.

    The former NXT North American Champion was released from jail on September 9, after posting a $1,200 bail.

    The matter was disposed of in September after the claimed victim indicated he did not intend to prosecute.

    Despite the controversy to his name, Clark has shown interest in being rehired by WWE and believes it could happen one day.

    Velveteen Dream Fires Back at EC3 With Cocaine Use Allegation

  • Likely Plans for Cody Rhodes After WWE Return from Injury (Report)

    Cody Rhodes is expected to lock up with an old nemesis once he\’s back from his injury.

    Rhodes returned to WWE in April of this year at WrestleMania 38, mere weeks after announcing his departure from AEW in February.

    The former three-time AEW TNT Champion has been out of action since June after suffering a torn pectoral hours before the WWE Hell in a Cell event.

    Rhodes Plans

    Despite his torn pectoral, Rhodes fought through the pain to defeat Seth Rollins inside the barbaric Hell in a Cell structure.

    This win marked Rhodes\’ third Premium Live Event victory over Rollins, after defeating the Architect at WrestleMania and WrestleMania Backlash.

    During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that there are plans for Rollins and Rhodes to continue their feud and that there will be \”more talk\” about the two soon.

    It is unclear how this will affect Rollins\’ current feud with United States Champion Austin Theory, or if this will result in him turning heel again.

    When his injured happened, WWE announced that Rhodes would miss nine months, which would put his return in March of next year.

    WrestleMania 39

    WWE may want fans to believe Rhodes won\’t be back until March, but nobody is buying this claim.

    Instead, Rhodes is expected to return next month at the Royal Rumble, and is a favorite to win the Men\’s Rumble match.

    Upon his return to WWE, Rhodes told fans on the post-WrestleMania episode of Monday Night Raw that he returned to become WWE Champion.

    Cody Rhodes Talks About AEW Role and Mistakes Made as EVP

  • Road Dogg Names Current WWE Superstar Better than Bret Hart

    Bret \’Hitman\’ Hart may be known as the best there is, was, and ever will be, but does he hold a candle to AJ Styles?

    Hart is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, having been inducted in 2006 and inducted as part of the Hart Foundation in 2019.

    Styles, a two-time WWE Champion, debuted for the promotion at the 2016 Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View, and is also a Grand Slam champion.

    Styles Vs. Hart

    Both Styles and Hart are considered two of the best wrestlers of their respective eras, but which is better?

    During the latest episode of his \’Oh You Didn\’t Know\’ podcast, WWE\’s Senior VP of Live Events \’Road Dogg\’ Jesse James gave his pick.

    \”He [Styles] is a better wrestler. He has been working very hard ever since he showed up at the [Royal] Rumble. He\’s older now and he\’s slower now and he wants to work smarter now, but when he first got here and I think he was very much in his prime, the road puts it on you and that life.\”

    \’Road Dogg\’ Jesse James.

    In recent months, Styles has been feuding with the Judgment Day, and has reunited with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.

    Road Dogg also named AEW\’s Kenny Omega as one of the greats, saying he is currently below the Phenomenal One.

    Road Dogg and Bret Hart

    This week is hardly the first time that \’Road Dogg\’ has spoken about Bret Hart, and while others have respect for the Hitman, James isn\’t among them.

    In November, James told listeners of his podcast that he \”never saw what the big deal was\” in regards to Bret as a performer.

    \”I don\’t think Bret was a great wrestler. He was a wrestler. I think I was a better sports entertainer than Bret was and I think that\’s where the money is.\”

    ‘Road Dogg’ Jesse James to Jeff Jarrett: “Sorry I Took Your Job”

    h/t – WrestlingInc

  • Bobby Fish Says Lack of \”Direction\” Affected AEW Run

    Former WWE and AEW star Bobby Fish has spoken about the lack of \”direction\” in the latter promotion.

    Fish worked for years as part of NXT and the Undisputed Era before his release from the gold brand in August 2021.

    In October of last year, Fish joined AEW where he reunited with Adam Cole and Kyle O\’Reilly, but chose not to re-sign with the company when his deal expired in August of this year.

    Direction

    Fish made a big splash when he arrived in AEW, which made his abrupt departure from the promotion this year all the more surprising.

    Speaking with The Wrestling Perspective\’s Podcast this week, Fish was asked about his AEW run, and said he \”would have liked a little more direction.\”

    Fish was quick to say that AEW, like any other promotion, will never get everything right and that thinking they would is an unfair assumption.

    NXT

    Before coming to AEW, Fish spent four years of his career in WWE NXT, where he is a former NXT Tag Team Champion.

    Speaking about his time in the Undisputed Era, Fish said he and the group worked closely with Triple H and NXT Head Writer Joe Belcastro.

    Fish is especially proud of his work in WarGames, saying he was a huge fan of the iconic structure during his youth and it was an honor to compete inside.

    It was also said that the UE were given bullet points rather than a script to follow, and the group\’s success in promos earned them the nickname \’one-take UE\’ amongst the production team.

    Fish added that the WWE can be criticized for being overproduced and micromanaged, but it was nothing they dealt with much.

    Bobby Fish: CM Punk Was a C*** When We Fought in AEW

  • People in WWE Believe Sasha Banks Will Return in the Future (Report)

    Sasha Banks\’ time with WWE has come to an end, but the former Women\’s Champion may not be gone for good.

    This week, it was reported that Banks reached an agreement in June to leave WWE, on the basis that she would not do anything wrestling-related for the rest of the year.

    Banks will be a free agent come January 1, and has reportedly signed a lucrative per-appearance deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

    Return to WWE

    Banks\’ first appearance for New Japan will come at the Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4.

    During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that some in WWE are confident she will be back.

    \”There\’s no reason at all that she can\’t go back to WWE if she wants to. That door is not shut at all. People in WWE think she\’ll be back, but who knows when? whereas with Mandy, she might. She might not, who knows? There\’s a lot of questions because of the content, whether they would want her back with the sponsors.\”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Mandy Rose\’s departure from WWE was also confirmed this week, after the promotion learned of the content shared on her fan website.

    Money

    For now, Sasha Banks is out of WWE, a decision that comes down to money.

    On his show, Meltzer explained how despite being a \”given\” at one time that she would be returning to WWE, the two sides were never close to a financial agreement

    \”It wasn\’t close on money, but there were points when it was a given that she would be back. It was a question of when not even if. Their feeling from the WWE side is that she was asking too high of a price. From her side [she was not asking too high of a price.] That was the thing. She had how much she thought she was worth. And they were not close.

    \”She\’s making a lot of money per date, and she\’s got a lot of things she can do. Between the acting and things like that. She can market herself in many different ways. She has a better long-term than Mandy Rose, in the sense that she\’s a really outstanding wrestler, and can go to Japan and wrestle. She\’s in a good spot with the partial schedule.\”

    While it is unconfirmed how much Banks will be earning, it is believed she will earn more per appearance in Japan than with WWE.

    Banks will reportedly be the highest-paid name under a contract with Bushiroad, the parent company of NJPW and STARDOM.

    Sasha Banks’ Wrestle Kingdom Appearance was Kept Secret in NJPW (Report)
    For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

  • \’Hacksaw\’ Jim Duggan Subdues Intruder in Home Invasion

    WWE Hall of Famer ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan has shown that he can still handle himself, even without his trust 2×4, now well into his 60s.

    Duggan is best known for his time in WWE as a patriotic star of the Hogan era, but would later work for WCW.

    In 2011, the winner of the very first Royal Rumble match was inducted into the WWE Hall of Famer alongside names including the Road Warriors and Shawn Michaels.

    Home Invasion

    Speaking to Wrestling Inc this week, Duggan explained that his South Carolina home was broken into on December 8, at around 6:45 pm local time.

    A man in his mid-20s entered through the front door, but the wrestling legend tackled him to the ground.

    Duggan later grabbed his .44 caliber pistol and held the intruder at gunpoint until the police arrived.

    Jim and his wife Debra described the introducer as “hysterically frightened” and had claimed that people from a nearby home were coming after him to kill him.

    According to Duggan, the intruder was fleeing individuals related to a burglary in a different home, leading him to seek refuge.

    The man pounded on multiple doors without being answered before entering the Duggan household.

    After the Invasion

    Despite this scary incident, Duggan said he would not be pressing charges when presented with the opportunity.

    Duggan did inform Kershaw’s County Sherriff’s department about the incident that he had apprehended the intruder.

    Speaking at the time, the WWE Hall of Famer was grateful things did not escalate, saying “thank God we didn’t shoot him.”

    Watch: ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan Provides Emotional Update On Cancer Treatment

  • Liv Morgan Shares Big Plans for When she Retires from Wrestling

    Liv Morgan may still have years ahead of her in the wrestling business, but she also has big plans after her time in the ring.

    Morgan signed with WWE in 2014, and this year captured the Women’s Money in the Bank contract and the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

    At WWE Extreme Rules in October, Morgan lost the title to Ronda Rousey and has teased a darker edge to her character.

    Acting

    At just 28 years old, Morgan is still young into her wrestling career, but she has acting plans for when her wrestling career ends.

    Speaking to Twin Talk with Haley & Hanna Cavinder, Morgan spoke about already having some experience under her belt.

    \”Immediately, day after retirement, I’d like to be doing movies. I’ve been lucky enough to have some opportunities within WWE. I was in Chucky season two and I got killed by Chucky, which was a dream and amazing. It was so cool. I never get starstruck over anyone, but when I saw Chucky, I was so starstruck.\”

    Liv Morgan.

    Morgan also revealed that she recently filmed a role for ‘The Kill Room’ a Uma Thurman and Samuel L Jackson project that has yet to be released.

    Other Plans

    Morgan is hoping to do more in the world of acting, but that’s not all she has planned.

    In the interview, the former SmackDown Women’s Champion added that she also plans on expanding her soap business.

    Like many wrestlers, Morgan said that getting into real estate is an option that is “always in the back of my mind.”

    Reason Why Liv Morgan Lost SmackDown Women’s Title at WWE Extreme Rules

    h/t – eWrestlingNews

  • Grayson Waller Calls Mandy Rose a Pillar of WWE NXT

    Former WWE Superstar Mandy Rose was one of the four pillars of the NXT brand, according to Grayson Waller.

    Rose was released this week from her WWE NXT contract after the promotion learned of the content she has been sharing with subscribers on her website.

    Her departure from WWE comes just one day after losing the NXT Women’s Championship to Roxanne Perez, ending Rose’s reign at 413 days.

    Pillar

    After returning to NXT in the summer of 2021, Rose would become one of the brand’s most popular stars and one of the most dominant champions.

    Speaking during the latest episode of WWE After the Bell, Grayson Waller was asked about the four pillars of NXT, and namedropped the former Superstar.

    “I\’m 100% one of those four pillars. I think it\’s me, Carmelo [Hayes], Mandy [Rose], and right on the end is Bron Breakker and it\’s a little bit shaky, it\’s barely standing up but if that pillar breaks, the other three are just as strong.\”

    Grayson Waller.

    Based on how Waller spoke during the show, it is likely that this interview was recorded prior to Rose’s firing.

    Grayson Waller

    Waller has become a mainstay in WWE NXT, but has yet to hold gold in the promotion.

    Speaking about his career so far, the Australian Superstar explained his slow rise, saying others needed a push from the get-go, more than him.

    “I think from day one I was[ready for the top spot,] but I just hadn\’t [been] given the platform or the opportunity yet. I think other people were given that straight away because they needed it and I took that opportunity.”

    Grayson Waller.

    Waller, the winner of the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge, has a guaranteed title match with NXT Champion Bron Breakker.

    Grayson Waller Wins Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge Match at WWE NXT Deadline

  • WWE Believes Sasha Banks has Peaked as a Wrestler (Report)

    Sasha Banks and WWE were nowhere close to reaching a deal as the promotion no longer see potential in her, the Wrestling Observer Newletter reports.

    This month, it was reported that Banks will appear for New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4.

    The former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion hasn’t appeared for WWE since walking out of the May 16, Raw over a creative dispute.

    Negotiations

    For months, it was believed that Banks and WWE would reach an agreement that would facilitate her return to the promotion.

    The Observer reports that the two sides were not close on money and that the only deal reached in the summer was for her to leave.

    Banks did return to the negotiating table after Vince McMahon’s retirement in July, and despite belief of a “done deal” at the time, the two remained far apart on money.

    Horsewomen

    It is unclear how much exactly Banks was seeking from WWE, but the Observer writes that it was a number close to the levels of Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.

    WWE at the time did not see Banks as somebody who would be on top for the next five years, and instead, believe that she has already peaked as a wrestler.

    The company acknowledged that if they did bring her back, there would be a ‘honeymoon’ period of fan support for her, but believed that would not be long-lasting.

    It is believed within WWE that Banks could make a fine singles or tag champion, but she is far from a name WWE can build a women’s division around.

    Dave Meltzer writes that New Japan cannot afford to pay anywhere close to her WWE deal, but that she will earn more per appearance than for WWE.

    Sasha Banks on Filming Her First Movie, Future Projects Outside of WWE

  • Mandy Rose Wasn\’t Given Chance to Delete Photos Before WWE Firing (Report)

    Mandy Rose was released from WWE this week, and the promotion reportedly did not give her a chance to make things right.

    Rose was released on Wednesday, 24 hours after dropping the NXT Women’s Championship to Roxanne Perez on this week’s episode of WWE NXT.

    The Toxic Attraction member was cut over NSFW content she had shared on her personal website with subscribers.

    Mandy Rose

    Rose’s departure came as a shock to fans given how popular she had proven to be as NXT Women’s Champion for the past year.

    The former Superstar was fired without being given the option to take the stuff down and tone down her site, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports.

    Those in the company felt that had no other choice than to fire her because she was an active performer on the roster, and unlike the Saraya situation, these photos had been posted willingly.

    The Observer reports that during one stream, Rose threatened to end the stream if she was not tipped $400 for her performance.

    Despite WWE sources claiming she requested her release two weeks ago, Rose was reportedly blindsided by being fired this week.

    Sympathy

    Rose is gone from WWE, and many both in and out of the company believe this is the wrong decision.

    While nobody has directly mentioned her, WWE talent have been sharing posts of support, in a rare example of going against management.

    Cora Jade posted a heart after news of Rose’s departure was announced, while her Toxic Attraction partners Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne shared images of broken hearts.

    Shawn Michaels Wanted NXT Women’s Title Off Mandy Rose Immediately After Learning of Online Content (Report)

  • Vince McMahon\’s WWE Return Could \”Cripple the Entire Company\” (Report)

    Those in WWE are concerned that Vince McMahon’s return could “cripple the entire company” if it goes ahead.

    This week, it was reported that McMahon is planning a comeback, believing that he was given bad advice to retire in July of this year.

    McMahon believes that the allegations of misconduct leveled against him in June would have blown over if he had stayed in his roles as CEO and Chairman.

    Cripple the Company

    McMahon’s potential return to WWE has been met with universal disdain, both from fans and those within the company.

    The opinion within WWE is that the promotion has been doing very well under the current regime of Nick Khan, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H.

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that one longtime Vince supporter is against the idea, fearing that McMahon could “upend the entire Board.”

    That same source said that removing the entire Board would likely lead to class action shareholder lawsuits that would “cripple the entire company.”

    McMahon Power

    Vince McMahon may have retired in July, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have some power.

    McMahon owns 37.6% of all WWE stock (as of this past summer) but because his stock is determined differently, this gives him 80% of the voting power.

    One source in WWE noted that McMahon stands to make a fortune in stock sales if he allows TV negotiations to go smoothly, which isn’t as likely with rumors of his possible return to the company.

    Jim Cornette on Vince McMahon Trying to Return to WWE: “He Thought It Was Going to Blow Over”

  • WWE Sources Trying to Claim Mandy Rose Requested her Release

    Why was Mandy Rose released from WWE NXT this week? Well, it depends on who you ask.

    Rose was released from the company on Wednesday, a day after losing the NXT Women\’s Championship to Roxanne Perez.

    The former champion was released after WWE learned of the NXFW content she has been sharing with subscribers of her website.

    Request?

    All signs have pointed to Rose being released against her wishes, but that\’s not what some in WWE are trying to claim.

    Some sources in the company are trying to put the story out that Rose requested her release two weeks ago, Fightful Select report.

    Fightful added that they have not been given any indication that this claim is true.

    Those close to Mandy Rose claim she was in good spirits at the NXT show Tuesday night, as well as immediately following the release.

    It is believed that Rose will be just fine from a financial standpoint, given that she is earning more with her online content than as a WWE Superstar.

    Toxic Attraction

    Prior to her release, Rose had spent over a year as the leader of Toxic Attraction, aligning herself with Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne.

    In their report, Fightful adds that the group had been considered several times for the main roster, and had impressed a lot of people of influence.

    With that said, there were no active plans for the group to be called up to the main roster at the time of Rose\’s release from the company.

    Toxic Attraction Reacts to Mandy Rose’s Release from WWE

  • Braun Strowman Says he Still Owns Control Your Narrative

    Braun Strowman may be a WWE Superstar once more, but the former Universal Champion could still control his narrative if the situation arose.

    Strowman was released from WWE in June 2021, and would begin Control Your Narrative with EC3 in February of this year.

    The promotion, heavily inspired by Fight Club, earned mixed reviews from fans, many of whom felt that the company took itself far too seriously.

    Control Your Narrative

    In March, Control Your Narrative hosted its first event, which saw EC3 and Strowman (going by real name Adam Scherr) win the main event tag-team match.

    Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri this week, Strowman spoke about the financial side of Control Your Narrative.

    \”It was all financed by me and EC3. All the money that we ever made which wasn’t much, we put right back into the company. I was a firm believer in making sure if you wrestled on one of our shows that you got paid. Because this industry is so cutthroat.\”

    Strowman added that he is still an owner of the company, and appreciates the time he spent with CYN.

    \”We get to travel around the world and fight with our friends and make money doing it and how could you not? It’s every five-year-old’s dream and it was just an opportunity to try and help others live theirs and unfortunately, like I said — it’s something that I still own, CYN.\”

    The Future of Control Your Narrative

    Control Your Narrative hasn\’t hosted an event since July, and the future of the promotion looks very uncertain.

    After Strowman\’s WWE return in September of this year, EC3 confirmed that a planned tour of Control Your Narrative had been postponed, and no future dates have been announced.

    In the interview, Braun said \”who knows what’s gonna happen\” with CYN, but for now, he is just happy to be \’home\’ in WWE.

    Control Your Narrative React to Braun Strowman’s WWE Return

    h/t: eWrestlingNews

  • Shawn Michaels Wanted NXT Women\’s Title Off Mandy Rose Immediately After Learning of Online Content (Report)

    NXT head Shawn Michaels decided on Mandy Rose\’s title loss this week immediately after learning of her exclusive online content.

    Rose lost the NXT Women\’s Championship to Roxanne Perez on this week\’s NXT, who earned the match by winning the Women\’s Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline.

    A day after her title loss, WWE released Rose over the exclusive photos and videos shared on her website.

    Title Change

    During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio Dave Meltzer reports that this week\’s WWE NXT faced significant rewrites after WWE learned of Rose\’s website.

    \”They switched the whole show around. What happened was, there was a meeting and Matt Bloom brought to Shawn Michaels, told him what some of the stuff that she’s been putting on her subscription service is.\”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Meltzer added that Michaels immediately made the call for Rose to lose the title.

    \”Shawn’s immediate thing was, ‘We’ve got to get the title off of her immediately’. Switched around the whole show, got the title off of.”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Mandy Rose Today

    While Rose is gone from WWE, it is believed that the promotion could welcome her back down the line.

    As a main roster talent (albeit one who spent the last year in NXT) Mandy Rose is subject to a 90-day non-compete clause.

    Rose has given a statement on her website, thanking her subscribers for their support and promising that the site is not going anywhere.

    It has been reported that Rose is earning more with her online content than she did under contract as a WWE Superstar.

    Toxic Attraction Reacts to Mandy Rose’s Release from WWE

  • Brian Myers: There is Far Too Much Entitlement in Wrestling Today

    Impact Wrestling\’s Brian Myers has spoken out against the sense of entitlement he\’s seen in the professional wrestling industry today.

    Myers, perhaps best known for his time as Curt Hawkins in WWE, was with WWE from 2006 to 2014, and later from 2016 to 2020.

    The former Raw Tag Team Champion has since joined Impact Wrestling, where he recently held Impact\’s Digital Media Championship.

    Entitlement

    In addition to wrestling, Myers also runs a wrestling school with Pat Bucks, the Create A Pro Wrestling Academy.

    Speaking during the latest episode of \’The Sessions\’ Myers spoke about the sense of entitlement he has perceived in wrestling.

    \”There\’s too much entitlement. What I had [showing respect] was maybe a little too deep. But what it is now, is too deep the other way. We need something in the middle because the entitlement that people have in the business nowadays is wild to me.

    \”the entitlement that people have in the business nowadays is wild.\”

    Brian Myers.

    \”The story is that when we first got called up, you were not even allowed in the locker room. So Matt and I, changed with extras in every building for at least the first three months. Then we had to go up to Chris Benoit as the locker room leader and say \’Sir. We\’ve been wrestling on TV for a couple of months. We\’d like to know if it\’s okay if we could change with the boys.\’ I don\’t know if it needs to be that extreme, but there\’s got to be some kind of respect.\”

    When host Renee Paquette said that asking for permission to enter the locker room must have been a rite of passage, Myers said it served as a reminder of your place.

    \”It makes you realize just how low on the totem pole you are. That you can\’t change with the boys.\”

    Brian Myers.

    Changes

    Myers is far from impressed by what he\’s seen from young wrestlers today and believes that for things to change, those in charge need to lead by example.

    \”It [Change] has got to come from up top. It\’s got to come from management or top-top locker room guys.\”

    Brian Myers.

    When Paquette suggested that social media and the ability to control what responses you get could be a factor in this entitlement, Myers agreed with the notion.

    \”I think that\’s another big problem in the business. People start blocking everyone who says something bad to them, and before they know it, their timeline is all praise and it messes up your self-impression.\”

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

  • Kevin Owens Has Pitched for Match with Shawn Michaels

    After facing \’Stone Cold\’ Steve Austin at WrestleMania 38 this year, Kevin Owens has set his sights on another legendary Texan: Shawn Michaels.

    In April, Owens faced Austin in the main event of Night One, losing to the Rattlesnake in Austin\’s first match in 19 years.

    Austin and WWE were said to be extremely pleased with how the match went and there have been discussions of another match at WrestleMania 39 next year.

    Owens Vs. Michaels

    Appearing on Kevin Raphael\’s podcast this week, Owens revealed that he recently pitched a match between himself and Shawn Michaels.

    Owens figured that after the Austin match happened, nothing was impossible and he and Michaels discussed the match when Owens came to NXT to host the KO Show in October.

    Michaels told Owens that he\’d be lying if he said he hadn\’t considered getting back in the ring, especially after seeing the match with Austin in April.

    However, he also said that he doesn\’t think he should wrestle again.

    Owens said on the podcast that the goal is to wrestle two of his all-time favorite wrestlers (Austin and Michaels) a goal that he\’s already half-completed.

    Michaels Back in the Ring

    Owens Vs. Michaels would be a huge match, but he\’s hardly the first person to set his sights on Mr. WrestleMania.

    AJ Styles previously pitched a match with Michaels, one that the two-time WWE Hall of Famer turned down.

    Michaels retired from in-ring competition in 2010, but competed at Crown Jewel 2018, teaming with Triple H to defeat the Brothers of Destruction.

    The match was the biggest payday in Michaels\’ career, and it is believed he earned around $3 million, equivalent to $1,800 per second of the nearly 28-minute match.

    Kevin Owens Feels Return to the Indies is Possible Under WWE’s New Regime

  • Saraya Won\’t Confirm or Deny Whether Sasha Banks is her AEW Mystery Partner

    Saraya is neither confirming nor denying the reports that Sasha Banks will make her debut for AEW next month as her mystery partner.

    The former Paige debuted for AEW at September’s Dynamite: Grand Slam and had her first match at Full Gear, defeating Britt Baker.

    This also marked Saraya’s first match since a neck injury suffered at a December 2017 WWE Live event ended her in-ring career.

    Sasha Banks

    During that infamous WWE Live event, Saraya’s injury happened after she took a kick to the back of the head by Sasha Banks.

    It was reported this week that Banks is ‘done’ with WWE, after being suspended in May for walking out of an episode of Raw.

    During an interview with Forbes, Saraya responded to speculation that the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion could team with her in AEW.

    “I feel like anytime there’s a mystery, everyone always goes straight for Mercedes (Sasha Banks). They’re like—straight away—it’s her! There’s plenty of women out there, I’m not going to say yes or no to anybody, but there’s a lot of exciting prospects for a potential tag partner.\”

    Saraya.

    Saraya and a mystery partner will face AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker on the January 11, 2023, episode of AEW Dynamite.

    Banks in Japan

    Banks could be in AEW soon enough, but that’s not the only promotion with an eye on the Boss.

    It has been reported that Banks is set to appear at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4, one week prior to the Saraya tag match.

    Bushiroad, the parent company for both New Japan and STARDOM, have reportedly reached a deal for Banks to have a handful of matches a year for them.

    Banks’ per-appearance contract will make her the highest earner per appearance in Bushiroad history.

    Sasha Banks’ Latest Trademark Covers ‘Performances by an Actor or Musician’

  • WWE Changing Up Several Championship Belts Soon

    The landscape of NXT is set to change dramatically with the changing of the brand\’s championship titles.

    Belt Fan Fan, a reliable source for news on championship titles, revealed this week on Twitter that WWE will be moving away from the rainbow-colored titles.

    Instead of brand new championships, WWE will keep the current belt designs but use the prior color schemes.

    When asked if this change is related at all to Mandy Rose, who was fired this week a day after losing the NXT Women\’s Championship, Dan said this decision was made weeks ago.

    Taste the Rainbow

    WWE introduced the rainbow-colored NXT and NXT Women\’s Championships to coincide with the launch of NXT 2.0 last September.

    The brand\’s bold color scheme was also a point of contention for fans, many of whom saw the change as too far from the original NXT fans had loved.

    Currently, the NXT and NXT Women\’s Championships are held by Bron Breakker and Roxanne Perez, respectively.

    New Tag Titles

    While the only changes to the NXT and NXT Women\’s Championships will be the color scheme, new WWE Tag Team Championships are in the works.

    In November, Dan confirmed reports that new titles were coming to replace the Raw and SmackDown Tag Titles currently held by The Usos.

    The new Championships will feature the current plates but on a black strap instead of red or blue.

    The titles are expected to be presented to the Usos by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns on an upcoming episode of Monday Night Raw.

    Kofi Kingston Says WWE Could Introduce Trios Championships

  • WWE Hasn\’t Closed the Door on Mandy Rose Possibly Returning

     Mandy Rose’s time with WWE has come to an end, but the former NXT Women’s Champion may be back with the promotion soon enough.

    Rose was released this week due to the NSFW content found on her ‘FanTime\’ account, which allows fans to pay for exclusive photos and videos of their favorite celebrities.

    The Toxic Attraction member’s release comes 24 hours after her NXT Women’s Championship loss to Roxanne Perez on this week’s WWE NXT, who ended Rose’s reign at 413 days.

    The Return

    Rose’s release from WWE has come as a shock to fans, many of whom expected her to return to the main roster after losing the NXT Women’s Championship.

    While speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez noted that WWE hasn’t exactly closed the door on a possible return.

    “I was given the impression that it’s not like she can never come back, and there is a possibility down the road she will come back, but for now she is gone.”

    Bryan Alvarez.

    With her departure, many fans have lashed out at WWE over her release, with the hashtags #JuticeForMandy and #ThankYouMandy both trending on Twitter.

    Rose After WWE

    Perhaps Mandy Rose could return to WWE one day, but for now, she’s gone from the company.

    Given that she was a main-roster performer, Rose is subject to a 90-day non-compete clause, despite having worked in NXT, where talent are subject to a 30-day clause.

    On social media, some fans have suggested that Rose sign with All Elite Wrestling when she has the chance.

    Rose\’s FanTime account remains active at this time.

    Toxic Attraction Reacts to Mandy Rose’s Release from WWE

  • Karl Anderson\’s Never Openweight Title Match Confirmed for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

    WWE’s Karl Anderson will step through the Forbidden Door next month to defend his NJPW Never Openweight Champion at Wrestle Kingdom 17.

    Anderson returned to WWE alongside Luke Gallows in October of this year after being released from the promotion in April 2020.

    The Machine Gun had been scheduled to defend his title at NJPW Battle Autumn in November but instead competed at WWE Crown Jewel that same night.

    Tama Tonga

    This week, Anderson made his way to Japan for NJPW’s World Tag/Super Junior Tag League finals.

    Competing against Hikuleo, his planned opponent for Battle Autumn, Anderson retained his title and sent a message to the locker room after the bell.

    “I ain’t coming over here to drop no titles. You think I’m coming back to New Japan Pro-Wrestling to do a jiz-zob?”

    Karl Anderson.

    Tama Tonga came out to confront Anderson but took a Stun Gun from the Never Openweight Champion.

    Anderson told Tonga that he will see him again at Wrestle Kingdom on January 4.

    Wrestle Kingdom 17

    Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be the first time in years that the show will take place on one day, but the event has a stacked card.

    IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI will defend her title against Tam Nakano, while Zack Sabre Jr. and Ren Narita will determine the first NJPW World Television Champion.

    IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay will defend against AEW’s Kenny Omega, and FTR will put their IWGP World Tag Titles on the line against opponents yet to be announced.

    IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori vs. Master Wato vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado has been announced, and IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jay White will take on Kazukchika Okada.

    Sasha Banks Reportedly Appearing at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom

  • \’President Helmsley\’ – Kevin Nash Says Triple H Would Make a Great Leader of the United States

    Washington. Lincoln. Kennedy. Obama. Helmsley?

    Could Triple H  one-day trade in his throne on top of WWE for a seat in the Oval Office? Kevin Nash isn’t against the idea.

    Speaking during the latest Kliq This, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer said he believes Triple H would make a fine President of the United States one day and explained why.

    “You can p*ss him off, but he doesn\’t get p*ssed off like a normal dude. Especially once he got where he was a Senior Vice President, he just couldn\’t. He always had control where the rest of us didn\’t. Paul\’s very level-headed.\”

    Triple H

    Triple H in 2022

    Triple H could make an excellent President (at least according to Nash,) but the former World Heavyweight Champion is kept plenty busy in WWE.

    After losing control of NXT last year and suffering a cardiac event, the Game announced his in-ring retirement earlier this year and left his boots in the ring at WrestleMania 38.

    In July, Triple H was appointed WWE’s Head of Creative, replacing his father-in-law Vince McMahon, and would later replace John Laurinaitis as Head of Talent Relations.

    The McMahon Family and Politics

    While Triple H likely isn’t making plans for the oval office, the McMahon family has never been far from politics.

    In September 2009, Linda McMahon announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate, seeking to be the representative for Connecticut.

    While WWE never publicly endorsed McMahon on-screen, the promotion did launch the political ‘Stand Up for WWE’ campaign, alleging that fans had been turned away from polling centers for wearing wrestling merchandise.

    After earning the Republican nomination, McMahon lost to Democrat Richard Blumenthal in the 2010 election.

    Linda hinted immediately after her loss that she would run again in 2012, and did just that, but lost to Democrat Chris Murphy that year.

    The Rock Leaves The Door Open For Future Presidential Run

    h/t – WrestlingInc

  • \”I Love Vince McMahon\” – Ric Flair Weighs in on Ex-CEO\’s Possible Return to WWE

    Vince McMahon has plans to make his shocking return to WWE, and Ric Flair isn’t against the idea.

    McMahon retired from all roles with the company in July of this year, due to the allegations of misconduct with female employees, and the millions paid in hush money.

    In his absence, Stephanie McMahon has been appointed Chairwoman of WWE and serves as co-CEO with Nick Khan.

    Ric Flair

    This week, it was reported that McMahon is seeking a comeback to the promotion and regrets retiring in July.

    McMahon believes that he was given bad advice to retire at the time and that the allegations against him would have \”blown over” had he stayed in his role as CEO and Chairman.

    Speaking on his To Be the Man podcast, Ric Flair was asked by co-host Conrad Thompson for his thoughts on a possible McMahon return.

    “You\’re not going to get a negative word out of me. I love Vince McMahon. And I think that he should. He is entitled to whatever he wants. I\’m telling you, shame on the people that don\’t think so. He built it. Nobody else built it. Nobody helped him. He fought every war.”

    Ric Flair.

    It remains unclear how exactly McMahon will plan to return to WWE or when he plans on being in the board room once more.

    Not Welcome

    Flair may have nothing but good things to say about McMahon, but this attitude isn’t shared by those in the company.

    It has been reported that the consensus in WWE is that it’d be extremely bad for McMahon to return, with one source saying he’d be “selfish” to do so.

    In the months since McMahon’s retirement, it has been reported that backstage morale has improved significantly among both on-screen talent and staff under the new regime.

    Vince McMahon Facing Fresh Demands Over Alleged Sexual Assault