SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • 5 WWE Santas Who Are Definitely on the Naughty List

    The days are getting darker. The winds are getting colder and that can only mean one thing.

    The Holidays are coming!

    Each year, WWE makes sure to air a Holiday episode, complete with Christmas trees and other sights associated with the most wonderful time of the year.

    Countless Superstars and personalities have donned the iconic red and white suit of Santa Claus himself, but not all did so with the best of intentions.

    Here are five Santas from wrestling who will be getting coal in their stocking this Christmas.

    5: Damien Sandow

    \"\"
    Damian Sandow\’s 2013 ended with him on the naughty list after losing to the World\’s Strongest Santa Mick Foley.

    For Damien Sandow, 2013 could be best described as a \’mixed year.\’ 

    After winning the SmackDown Money in the Bank contract, Sandow seemed on the cusp of becoming World Heavyweight Champion, but failed in his cash-in attempt on John Cena.

    By December, Sandow had fallen down the card dramatically and played the role of \’evil Santa\’ on the December 23, Raw.

    Facing off against the World\’s Strongest Santa Mark Henry, Sandow had little chance, and what started as a promising year for the intellectual ended on a dud.

    4: Bubba Ray Dudley

    \"\"
    Tajiri used a festive red mist to defeat Bubba Ray Dudley in a Santa Vs. Santa match in 2001.

    For much of the Invasion storyline, Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley were key players in the Alliance and would hold the WWF and WCW World Tag Team Titles.

    Even after the Alliance was defeated, the Dudleys remained, and Bubba would don the iconic red suit for the Christmas Eve Raw.

    Facing off against SanTa-jiri, Bubba earned himself on the naughty list with his heel antics throughout the match.

    To their credit, both men would put on an entertaining match despite their costumes, and Bubba even used some Santa-themed taunts to rile the crowd. 

    In the end, Tajiri\’s mist (festive red of course!) would give the Japanese Buzzsaw the win in a highly-entertaining match.

    3: Bobby Heenan

    \"\"
    Bobby Heenan tried to reveal s hocking secret while dressed as Santa Claus.

    Rightly considered one of the greatest heel managers in wrestling history, Bobby Heenan earned himself a spot on the naughty list countless times with his actions.

    On Christmas Day in 1989, Heenan took to Prime Time Wrestling for what he called his \’Santa Claus Shoot,\’ in which he declared to the world that Kris Kringle isn\’t real.

    No doubt breaking the hearts of children watching, Heenan\’s rant was cut short by Roddy Piper, who told the kids Santas is real, and pushed and prodded the famed manager.

    Heenan, in typical fashion, tried to talk his way out of being beaten up by Piper, and we imagine that The Brain got coal in his stocking the next year.

    Of course, this Santa suit wouldn\’t be the only costume Heenan would don on-screen, but his other, more iconic outfit, would be that of a weasel.

    2: Xanta Claus

    \"\"
    Xanta Claus, played by Balls Mahoney, showed that everybody has a price for the Million Dollar Man.

    For In Your House 5: Seasons Beatings, Santa Claus took a break from a busy December to appear for the World Wrestling Federation, handing out presents with Savio Vega.

    Confronting Million Dollar Men Ted DiBiase in the ring, it seemed the numbers were in the good guys\’ favor until the unthinkable happened.

    Santa Claus sold out!

    Attacking Vega and aligning with DiBiase, the man was now Xanta Claus (hailing from the South Pole,) a pretender to the role who had been paid off by DiBiase.

    Xanta\’s one and only match would come on the Superstars of Wrestling show on December 19, defeating Scott Taylor, but the character would last a few weeks after Christmas.

    Years later, Xanta would return to WWE, but under his more recognizable name as Balls Mahoney, and his actions showed that everyone has a price for the Million Dollar Man.

    1: John \’Bradshaw\’ Layfield

    Like Damien Sandow at the start of this list, 2005 was not the best year for John \’Bradshaw\’ Layfield.

    In April, his ten-month-long reign as WWE Champion ended at the hands of John Cena, ushering in Cena\’s rise to the top of wrestling, and the Texan would fail to regain the gold.

    That December, JBL donned a camouflaged Santa outfit for that year\’s Tribute to the Troops in Baghdad, and berated the troops for the

    Complaining about having to use a porta-potty for his rosy backside and the lack of Dom Perignon for his reindeer, and even threatened to cancel Christmas.

    JBL\’s Santa didn\’t stop there, threatening to cancel all holidays (even Bastille Day!) but his plans were thwarted by WWE\’s resident Santa, Mick Foley.

    Facing off in a match to determine the true Santa of WWE, Foley got the win with a literal bag of tricks and Mr. Socko.

    JBL\’s berating of the troops was certainly not becoming of Jolly Ol\’ St. Nick, and when you consider his actions as a character (and his history of hazing and bullying) JBL has a lifetime spot on the naughty list.

  • AEW Dark Tapings Returning to Universal Studios in Orlando

    AEW Dark is coming back to Orlando after spending the past few months on the road, Fightful Select has learned.

    It is reported that the \”working plan\” is for Dark tapings to return to Orlando\’s Universal Studios on December 17, marking the first taping at the center since August.

    From September 2021 to August of this year, AEW was at Universal Studios every four to six weeks to tape content for Dark.

    Since August, has been taping Dark on the road in front of live audiences, allowing wrestlers more experience traveling and working in front of different crowds.

    Several AEW Dark regulars who spoke to Fightful said they are hoping to pop back up on the tapings when they returned to the Orlando area.

    Fightful said they have not been told whether tapings for Dark will stay in Orlando, or go back on the road in the new year.

    When AEW films Dark on the road, it allows the promotion to get a better look at local wrestlers wherever they are at.

    AEW Dark

    Launching in October 2019, AEW Dark marks the second weekly show for All Elite Wrestling, after AEW Dynamite.

    The show airs each week on AEW\’s official YouTube channel, with 173 episodes having aired to date.

    Justin Roberts and Dasha Gonzalez (both former WWE talent) share roles as ring announcers, while Excalibur and Taz call the action on commentary.

    In March 2021, Dark got its own sister show AEW Dark: Elevation, which showcases the younger talent that may not quite be ready for Dark, Dynamite or AEW Rampage.

    What Was Said to Athena After Hard-Hitting AEW Dark: Elevation Match?

  • Matt Hardy Wants the Hardy Boyz\’s Last Match with Legendary Tag-Team

    Matt Hardy has big plans for his final-ever match, including facing a WWE Hall of Famer.

    Hardy\’s wrestling career began in 1992 and has seen Matt hold gold in WWE, TNA/Impact Wrestling, and Ring of Honor.

    In April 2020, Hardy made his debut for All Elite Wrestling where he competes to this day.

    Retirement

    With 30 years in the wrestling business, Matt is fully aware that his days as an active competitor are coming to an end.

    Speaking on his \’Extreme Life\’ podcast, Hardy revealed that he wants The Hardy Boyz’ final match to be against Edge & Christian.

    “Our rivalry is just so iconic. I feel like that would be a pretty amazing way to end it, having one last match with those guys.”

    Matt Hardy.

    No Mercy 1999

    The Hardys and Edge & Christian faced off countless times in WWE, but perhaps their best-known match took place at No Mercy 1999.

    In the finals of the Terri Invitation Tournament (or T.I.T as Jerry Lawler reminded fans on commentary), the two teams faced off in the first tag-team ladder match in WWE history.

    With their win, the Hardyz (then known as the New Brood) won $100,000 and the managerial services of Terri Runnels.

    In their memoirs, \’Exist 2 Inspire\’ the Hardyz wrote that the four celebrated the match backstage with beers, the first time either Matt or Jeff drank alcohol.

    The death-defying spots would cement both teams as \’legitimate\’ in the eyes of fans, with John Powell of SLAM! Wrestling writing at the time that the match overshadowed the Triple H Vs. Steve Austin WWF Title main event.

    Matt Hardy Says The Elite Were ‘Victims’ in All Out Brawl

    h/t – Sportskeeda

  • William Regal\’s Return has been Discussed for Months in WWE NXT (Report)

    William Regal is expected to return to WWE in the near future, but this is something that the NXT roster has been waiting on.

    Regal was released in January of this year from his role with the gold brand, as part of sweeping cuts to the backstage crew in NXT.

    The former WWE Intercontinental, European, and Tag Team Champion would debut for AEW at the Revolution Pay-Per-View in March 2023.

    Discussion

    After being written off AEW TV last week with an attack by MJF, it has been reported that Regal will be finishing up with the promotion this month.

    One popular theory among fans is that Tony Khan had an agreement with Regal, stating that if Triple H took control of the company, then he\’d be allowed to return.

    Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez said that this idea has been discussed for months among the NXT roster.

    \”This is a story that goes back in NXT months, and months ago. They believed that story whenever it first happened. Some don’t believe it, but it’s a story that’s been going around NXT for MONTHS.\”

    Bryan Alverez.

    Neither WWE, Khan, nor Regal have publicly confirmed reports that he is set to leave All Elite Wrestling and return to WWE.

    Departure

    Regal\’s departure from AEW has come as a shock to fans, as the British legend has been featured prominently since arriving as part of the Blackpool Combat Club.

    Speaking to Sportskeeda last week, EC3 claimed that what he was told is that Regal \”immediately\” regretted joining the promotion earlier this year.

    It is claimed that Regal took issue with the \”maturity issue\” with management, though sources have labeled the rumor of AEW\’s roster not listening to Regal as \’completely inaccurate.\’

    AEW Talent Questioning Recent Tony Khan Booking Decision (Report)

  • WWE Expected to Struggle with Plans for Global Expansion (Report)

    WWE\’s new regime may have big plans internationally, but don\’t count on seeing a promotion be acquired anytime soon.

    Last month, WWE co-CEOs Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan appeared at the Wells Fargo TMT Summit to address plans in the post-Vince McMahon era.

    At the event, Stephanie McMahon spoke about plans for WWE to branch out \”international is the focus for us.\”

    Problems

    WWE\’s plans to stretch its reach even further across the world is nothing new, but the company has yet to establish its brand with a promotion outside of the U.S. and the UK.

    Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained why WWE will continue to struggle.

    \”The key is that they have a lot of money right now, and so they want to do mergers and acquisitions and stuff like that. Their business is wrestling so they\’re looking at buying some wrestling companies. Them trying to run something in Mexico is probably a bad idea.

    Japanese companies do not want to sell to Americans.

    Dave Meltzer on one of WWE\’s potential struggles for global expansion.

    \”Them buying a Japanese company [is a bad idea] if they can because it\’s already so hard. Japanese companies do not want to sell to Americans. It\’s hard to do. They tried to buy Stardom, but Stardom sold to Bushiroad. They tried to buy NOAH, but NOAH sold to [CyberFight.] There are a million companies in Japan they could buy. I suppose they could run them, but there\’s not really a lot of money to be made. I think they would screw up in Mexico. I don\’t think they would understand the culture, and Japan has an even more difficult culture to understand than Mexico.\”

    Boxing

    WWE\’s talk of branching out internationally is nothing new, but talk about boxing took everyone by surprise.

    At the event, McMahon said that WWE is interested in getting into the world of professional boxing, saying it would need to line up with WWE\’s standards.

    On his show, Meltzer explained that boxing is an industry WWE would be wise to avoid.

    Boxing would be the one that would surprise me. Dana White is a big Boxing fan and for years he\’s talked about doing something in boxing. And when push came to shove [he didn\’t.] If you want to get into boxing, you have two choices. You either work at such a small level and make no money, or you try and do something at the big level. And the problem is at the big level there\’s high risk because the guarantees for the big-name fighters are so high. They\’re way higher than UFC guys are used to paying their fighters. And they are WAY higher than WWE is used to paying.

    \”I don\’t know if that\’s a business they want to get into. Especially right now.\”

    Dave Meltzer.

    \”I don\’t know if that\’s a business they want to get into. Especially right now, because boxing\’s not really that popular. They have a few names that are big. If they go into the gimmick side, they are late in the game. We\’ve already seen the Anderson Silva Vs. Jake Paul Pay-Per-View didn\’t do well.\”

    Meltzer concluded that he expects WWE to back off the idea of getting into boxing once they have a closer look at the financials of the matter.

    Stephanie McMahon Discusses Potential WWE Stadium Show in Australia

  • Kevin Nash Claims Larry Zbyszko Got Stoned for WWE Hall of Fame Induction

    Larry Zbyszko\’s contributions to the wrestling world earned him a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2015, but the \’living legend\’ was reportedly high throughout the ceremony.

    On the night before WrestleMania 31, Zbyszko was inducted by his good friend Bruno Sammartino, who had been inducted two years earlier.

    Zbyszko\’s induction was part of a stacked class, which included the late \’Macho Man\’ Randy Savage, Rikishi, Alundra Blayze, The Bushwhackers, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

    Stoned

    That year\’s WWE Hall of Fame also saw the singles induction of Kevin Nash for his work in WWE as Big Daddy Cool Diesel.

    Speaking on his Kliq This podcast, Nash recalled Zbyszko mellowing out for his induction speech.

    \”I went into the Hall of Fame. So it\’s 2015 and [Mean] Gene\’s next to me, and Zbyszko had gotten stoned before [the show began.] Larry had gotten stoned before he went out and did the Hall of Fame. Of course, you think in your mind \’I\’ll get stoned and I\’ll be really entertaining.\’\”

    While Zbyszko believed that being high would help, Nash gave Mean Gene\’s scathing review when the three were on a plane to leave San Francisco.

    \”I\’m in [Row] C. Gene is D and Larry is on the other side of Gene in the aisle. And he says \’how did I do Gene?\’ And he replies \’it was the absolute drizzling sh*ts. The worst thing I\’ve ever seen in my life Larry.\’ And Larry was waiting [for Gene to say something good about the speech] and he just turned back to me and was talking.\”

    \”It was the absolute drizzling sh*ts!\”

    Mean Gene Okerlund\’s review of Larry Zybszko\’s WWE Hall of Fame induction.

    WWE and Marijuana

    WWE has always had an interesting relationship with marijuana and has both allowed and banned the substance multiple times.

    Speaking about his own experiences, Nash recalled being able to use it during his first run, and not being allowed when he returned in 2002.

    \”The first three years we could smoke. The three years after that we couldn\’t smoke. WWE had the \’no steroid, no marijuana\’ policy.\”

    Kevin Nash.

    Nash also named his favorite person to smoke with, and picked someone fans wouldn\’t have expected.

    \”One of my favorite people to hang out with on the road that I never got a chance to do much with is Chris Masters. The Masterlock. We were at a signing somewhere in Jersey. He made a pipe out of an apple and he and I got whacked! We ended up in lookers drinking Coronas. It was a good signing, a couple of hours. We went up the room and got baked.\”

    In April 20, of this year, it was reported that WWE would no longer be penalizing talent for the use of marijuana.

    Jake Roberts Says Vince McMahon Banning Marijuana Led to Wrestlers Using Hard Drugs

  • Kurt Angle is Willing to Wrestle Shane McMahon Again… For the Right Price

    Kurt Angle is ready to don his singlet and wrestling boots for a rematch with Shane McMahon, but the match won\’t come cheap.

    At the 2001 King of the Ring Pay-Per-View, Angle wrestled three times, defeating Christian in the titular tournament semi-finals, before losing to Edge in the finals.

    Angle\’s third match of the night saw him defeat Shane McMahon in a Street Fight which continues to be considered one of the best matches of both men\’s respective careers.

    Shane McMahon

    Shane McMahon did not spend years honing his craft on the independents before wrestling for his father\’s company, but he made up for any lack of experience in the ring.

    McMahon\’s death-defying stunts would not look out of place in any hardcore indie promotion, and on his podcast, Angle had nothing but praise for Shane O\’Mac.

    \”Shane was great. I always loved working with him. Whether we were wrestling or cutting promos. We’ll never live down the match at King of the Ring. No matter how many times I wrestle Shane we will never duplicate that match, ever.”

    Kurt Angle.

    The King of the Ring match is perhaps best remembered for Shane being thrown through the show\’s glass staging, twice.

    The Rematch

    In total, Kurt Angle wrestled for 45 minutes and 9 seconds at King of the Ring 2001, an impressive feat considering he\’d been a WWF Superstar for little over a year.

    Speaking about facing Shane in a rematch, Kurt said that to do so would cost a lot of money.

    \”man, that’s tough. Well, that would have to be a lot of money, I’m talking ten million.\”

    Kurt Angle.

    Angle hasn\’t competed since his WWE WrestleMania 35 loss to Baron Corbin in April 2019.

    New Details on Shane McMahon’s Controversial Conduct at the Royal Rumble

    h/t – eWrestlingNews

  • Tyson Fury Wants WWE Tag Team Match With Jake & Logan Paul

    Boxing star Tyson Fury is ready to get back in a WWE ring if it means getting his hands on Jake and Logan Paul.

    In 2019, Fury competed in his first (and to date, only) WWE match, defeating Braun Strowman at that year\’s Crown Jewel Premium Live Event via count out.

    Fury\’s most recent appearance came at WWE Clash at the Castle in September of this year, preventing then-Mr. Money in the Bank Austin Theory from cashing in.

    The Paul Brothers

    In the years since Crown Jewel 2019, Fury has teased a return to WWE, something the promotion\’s management would love to see.

    Speaking to Boxing Social this past week, Fury again expressed his excitement at a return to the WWE ring.

    “I can’t wait, smashing a chair on somebody’s head.\”

    Tyson Fury.

    When asked about a tag-team match, pitting the Pauls against Tyson and his father, the former boxer John Fury, the \’Gypsy King\’ was on board.

    \”Yeah that sounds good, let’s do it!\”

    Tyson Fury.

    This past weekend, Fury retained the WBC World Heavyweight Championship and dominated Derek Chisora before the referee stopped the fight in the tenth round.

    Fury\’s Other Match

    Tyson Fury may have his sights set on the Paul brothers, but Drew McIntyre is also a potential opponent for the Boxing megastar.

    Over the years, both McIntyre and Fury have teased a match that would take place at a WWE Premium Live Event in the United Kingdom.

    While both men appeared at Clash at the Castle, they didn\’t come to blows but instead serenaded the crowd in Cardiff, Wales to close out the show.

    Drew McIntyre Believes Tyson Fury is “Custom Fit” for WWE

  • Triple H\’s Creative Team \”Almost Never Mentioned\” the WWE 24/7 Championship

    The WWE 24/7 Champion is officially retired as part of Triple H\’s new regime as Head of Creative and Head of Talent Relations.

    The championship debuted in 2019 and despite initial hostility by fans over the design, became popular for providing comedy segments during WWE programming.

    After winning the title last month, Nikki Cross dumped the title in the trash, signifying the end of the championship.

    The End of the WWE 24/7 Championship

    After Triple H took the creative reins from his father-in-law Vince McMahon in July, the 24/7 Championship was immediately featured less and less on TV.

    The green-and-gold title played no part in the Game\’s plans for WWE in the post-McMahon era, Fightful Select reports.

    A source who spoke to Fightful said that the title \”was almost never mentioned in a creative sense\” backstage in production meetings, but allowed for some fun moments at live events.\”

    The source added that \”the future of the title seemed to be up in the air and it wasn\’t something that we heard Triple H ever talked about.\”

    Despite the title appearing on TV during the Triple H era, no championship matches were held until Dana Brooke lost the title to Nikki Cross.

    The WWE 24/7 Championship

    After being introduced by Mick Foley, Titus O\’Neil became the first 24/7 Champion by winning a battle royal but quickly lost the title moments later.

    R-Truth holds the records for both the most reigns (53) and the most combined days as champion (415 days.)

    Pat Patterson\’s win at Raw Reunion in July 2019 aged 78 made him the oldest champion in WWE, while Kelly Kelly would become the first woman to hold the gold, also winning at Raw Reunion.

    The Revival (now AEW\’s FTR) was the only tag team to win the title together, while Maria Kanellis-Bennett\’s reign made her the first pregnant champion in WWE.

    Jeff Hardy Felt “Ashamed” Chasing the WWE 24/7 Championship

  • Triple H was \”Very Unhappy\” with William Regal\’s WWE NXT Release

    William Regal is expected to return to WWE soon, after his release in January of this year left Triple H \”very unhappy.\”

    This week, Regal was written off of TV with an attack by AEW World Champion MJF, who chastised the British veteran for making a deal with \’the Devil.\’

    It was reported not long after that Regal is expected to finish with the company and return to WWE when he is able to.

    Done

    Sources in AEW all are operating on the assumption that he\’s leaving the company, Fightful Select has reported.

    On the other side, sources from WWE who spoke to Fightful are all under the impression that Regal is rejoining their promotion.

    One AEW source said that after the MJF angle that ran last week, William Regal was \”done\” with the company, and will not be appearing on-screen again.

    Unhappy

    Regal\’s imminent return to WWE comes after the former King of the Ring was released in January of this year.

    A WWE source said that it does not come as any surprise that William Regal is likely headed back, given how close he was to Triple H.

    Working as a tag team in WCW in 1994, Regal would serve as one of the Game\’s groomsmen in 2003, and the pair worked together in NXT until Regal\’s release.

    That same WWE source added that Triple H was \”very unhappy\” when Regal was let go, and those in NXT said they believed the Gentleman Villain would be a \”lifer\” with the brand.

    Those in WWE expect him to resume an advanced role similar to the one he had before, but that wasn\’t confirmed.

    AEW Talent Questioning Recent Tony Khan Booking Decision (Report)

  • William Regal Returning to WWE for \”Behind the Scenes\” Role (Report)

    William Regal\’s impending return to WWE will see the British star work behind the scenes in an unspecified role.

    On this week\’s episode of AEW Dynamite Regal was betrayed by AEW World Champion MJF, who laid out the Brit with some brass knuckles.

    It has been reported that this is AEW\’s way of writing Regal off of TV and marks his final appearance for the wrestling legend for the promotion.

    Gone

    There has been some speculation that Regal could still stay with AEW, but all signs are pointing to him both leaving, and to him returning to WWE.

    On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that there will be some reference to Regal on next week\’s Dynamite.

    \”Regal\’s gone. It\’s not like \’maybe he\’s gone, maybe he\’s not.\’ Regal\’s gone. I believe that was his farewell. There\’s going to be something on Wednesday\’s show, there will be something addressing certain things.\”

    Next week\’s Dynamite will air from the H-E-B Arena in Cedar Park, Texas.

    Conflicting Stories

    Regal\’s departure from AEW has come out of nowhere, given that he has been prominently featured since signing earlier this year.

    On his show, Meltzer explained how WWE\’s version of events differs from what others have been saying.

    \”He is going back to WWE. That\’s just the deal. I\’ve had so many different people tell me so many different stories. The primary source story is that his contract was short-term. The WWE side says he had an out. Did he sign a nine-month deal [with AEW?] Doesn\’t sound right.

    \”The closest thing to what I would say is official is that he signed a short-term deal. Others say he had an out or Tony [Khan] gave him an out.\”

    Behind the Scenes

    Regal was an on-screen presence throughout his AEW run, and it is unconfirmed if he had any official role backstage.

    When he returns to WWE, the former Intercontinental Champion is set to resume a role behind the scenes, but it is unclear if he will also have an on-screen presence.

    \”When he signed it was a three-year deal, supposedly and nine months now it\’s over. Sounds weird? But if he had an out, he had an out. Or maybe Tony just said to him \’hey look. He [WWE\’s Head of Creative and Talent Triple H] is your buddy. You can go [to WWE] with the restrictions that maybe you\’re not going to be on TV.

    \”He\’s going there to work behind the scenes.\”

    Dave Meltzer.


    \”I know he\’s going there to work behind the scenes but I don\’t know if he\’s going over there to be a TV character.\”

    Regal\’s departure has yet to be confirmed by Tony Khan in an official capacity.

    AEW Talent Questioning Recent Tony Khan Booking Decision (Report)

  • \”Internal Error\” Caused WWE SmackDown Superstars to Miss Dark Match

    WWE Superstar Scarlett was close to having her first match in over a year for the company this week, before being pulled from the SmackDown post-show dark match.

    Scarlett was released from WWE in November 2021 along with her husband Karrion Kross but both returned in August of this year.

    Since then, Kross has been prominently featured on TV but Scarlett is yet to have a televised match in a WWE ring.

    Dark Match

    After this week\’s SmackDown went off the air, Braun Strowman, Madcap Moss, Matt Riddle, and Liv Morgan defeated Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro, Damian Priest, and Zelina Vega.

    Sources who spoke to 411 Mania have said that the original plan was for a six-person tag, pitting Riddle, Strowman, and Morgan against Priest, Kross, and Scarlett.

    Plans for Kross and Scarlett were set \”long before Friday’s taping\” but the Smokeshow was never told about her match.

    A source said that if Scarlett was told about the match at the taping, it would have been \”news to her.\”

    It is believed that there was an internal error or the match was just pitched and shot down before Friday\’s taping.

    Scarlett in the Ring

    Despite being a trained wrestler in her own right, Scarlett has had just a handful of matches in WWE.

    During the Boxing Day 2016 episode of Raw, Bordeaux was used as enhancement talent and was quickly squashed by Nia Jax.

    Last year, Scarlett, now with her own character, competed in a dark match for the June 25, 2021, SmackDown taping, in a losing effort to Shotzi.

    WWE SmackDown Results, Takeaways (12/2/22): Survivor Series Fallout, World Cup Finals, Tegan Nox

  • Jade Cargill Lands Role in \”Huge\” Animated Show

    AEW\’s TBS Champion Jade Cargill is ready to showcase her talents outside the world of professional wrestling with a \”huge\” animated show.

    Taking to Twitter, Cargill shared the news of her upcoming voice-over role.

    Cargill did not name the show or when fans will get to hear her in the unnamed role.

    Voice Over Work

    \"\"
    Bret Hart berates Mr. Burns in a 1997 episode of The Simpsons after the evil billionaire loses his fortune.

    Cargill is the latest wrestler to provide voice-over work for a non-wrestling project but is far from the first.

    Bret \’Hitman\’ Hart voiced an animated version of himself in The Simpsons episode \’The Old Man and the Lisa,\’ buying the home of Mr. Burns and picking a fight with neighbor \’The Shrieking Sheik.

    Fellow WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley lent his voice to his role as \’The Boulder\’ in Avatar: The Last Airbender, playing an earth-bending wrestler who competes in tournaments.

    Even WWE\’s Tribal Chief Roman Reigns has done voice-over work, playing the Kizin, the antagonist of one episode of the Disney show, Elena of Avalor.

    Reigning AEW TNT Champion and Ring of Honor World Television Champion will voice King Shark in the upcoming DC Comics video game \’Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.\’

    Jade Outside of Wrestling

    This voice-over role is a big score for Cargill, who is continuing to make her name outside of wrestling.

    In recent weeks, Cargill has had a (mostly online) feud with rapper Bow Wow, and the Baddies confronted him during a fan event.

    Some believe that this will culminate in a match between Cargill and Bow Wow, given that the latter has expressed an interest in wrestling in the past.

    Ex-WWE Writer Calls AEW’s Jade Cargill a “Unicorn” of Pro-Wrestling

  • Dustin Rhodes Announces 2023 Will be His Final Year in Wrestling

    AEW\’s Dustin Rhodes is ready to call it a career after announcing that next year will be his last as a wrestler.

    Rhodes joined the wrestling industry in 1998 as part of Championship Wrestling from Florida but would debut for WCW in December of that same year.

    Rhodes has also competed for WWE, where is best known for his envelope-pushing role as Goldust, and currently competes for All Elite Wrestling.

    Retirement

    At the recent Blizzard Brawl tapings, Rhodes announced that 2023 will be his last year in wrestling.

    This news comes after Rhodes teased his retirement in October, saying that time comes for all of us.

    Last month, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion stated that he has about a year left on his contract with AEW.

    Dustin Rhodes: A Retrospective

    Years before becoming Goldust in the WWF, Rhodes worked for the promotion under his real name from 1990 to 1991, where he was aligned on-screen with his father Dusty.

    It wouldn\’t be until 1995 that Rhodes would don his iconic face paint, wig, and bodysuit, but would occasionally ditch the persona in the promotion.

    In 1999, Rhodes would return to WCW, this time as \’Seven\’ but would immediately break character to bash the character.

    Returning to the WWF in 2002, Rhodes would remain for a few more years before joining TNA Wrestling as \’Black Reign.\’

    It was Rhodes\’ final return to WWE in 2013 that would see him team with his brother Cody, winning the WWE Tag Team Championships from The Shield in October of that year.

    In addition to competing for AEW, Rhodes also works as a coach backstage for the promotion.

    Dustin Rhodes Vows To Never Wrestle Cody Rhodes Again

  • WWE Repackaging Lacey Evans With New Gimmick Again

    Lacey Evans is set to have her character revamped yet again as fans saw on this week\’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

    During SmackDown, a vignette aired hyping Evans\’ return to the ring, which saw the Superstar reconnect with her Marine roots as she performed multiple drills.

    Evans has competed just once since October 2022, competing in a six-pack challenge that was won by Shotzi.

    Change of Character

    While Evans hasn\’t been featured much on WWE programming this year, she\’s had plenty of changes in her character.

    On the April 8, 2022, episode of WWE SmackDown, Evans appeared in a vignette as a babyface, speaking about her life as a mother.

    Not long after, Evans was moved to Raw and her character became a heel once again.

    Weeks later, Evans was moved back to SmackDown, but as a heel, without ever competing on Raw.

    On the June 10, SmackDown, Evans turned face yet again, defeating Xia Li and qualifying for the Women\’s Money in the Bank Ladder match.

    During the post-Money in the Bank SmackDown, Evans turned heel again by attacking her tag-team partner Aliyah.

    Lacey Evans

    Signing with WWE in April 2016, Evans competed in the inaugural Mae Young Classic the following year but was eliminated in the second round by Toni Storm.

    In January 2019, the Sassy Southern Belle was called up to WWE\’s main roster and was drafted to Raw after WrestleMania 35.

    On the red brand, Evans repeatedly challenged then-Raw Women\’s Champion Becky Lynch but was unsuccessful in winning the title.

    Evans had reportedly been set to win the title from Asuka in early 2021 before her real-life pregnancy nixed those plans, as well as an on-screen romance with Ric Flair.

    WWE SmackDown Results, Takeaways (12/2/22): Survivor Series Fallout, World Cup Finals, Tegan Nox

  • Kevin Owens is \”Ashamed\” to Admit Why He Couldn\’t Enjoy WWE Universal Title Run

    Kevin Owens will go down in history as the second-ever WWE Universal Champion, but the Prizefighter did not enjoy his time on top.

    Owens won the vacated title on the August 29, 2016, episode of Monday Night Raw, defeating Seth Rollins, Big Cass, and Roman Reigns, albeit with help from Triple H.

    The title, which was won by Finn Balor at that year\’s Summerslam, had been vacated due to a shoulder injury the Irish Superstar suffered during his title match.

    Biggest Lesson

    Owens has been with WWE since 2014, but established his name on the independent scene years prior to signing.

    Speaking on After the Bell, Owens was asked about what advice he\’d give his younger self, and encouraged them to stop and smell the proverbial roses.

    \”I used to always want more and more and more. What\’s next? What\’s next? What\’s next? There are so many moments over the past eight years that I didn\’t properly enjoy because I was always worried about what was the next thing.\”

    Owens also expressed an interest in a return to the indies, believing it is possible now as part of WWE\’s new regime.

    Universal Champion.

    Kevin Owens\’ Universal title win marked the first (and to-date only) World Championship for the Canadian on the main roster.

    Unfortunately, Owens couldn\’t stop and smell the proverbial roses as he was frustrated during his run on top.

    On the podcast, the Canadian Superstar explained why he could not enjoy his reign.

    \”When I was Universal Champion, I had this incredible run with Chris Jericho and so many great moments, so many fun moments that people still talk about today. I\’m ashamed to say that I really did not enjoy that as much as I should have.

    \”I\’m ashamed to say that I really did not enjoy that as much as I should have.\”

    Kevin Owens.

    \”I enjoy it now looking back. When I watch the stuff we were doing together, it\’s so fun, it\’s so good. But in that moment, I wouldn\’t take the time to appreciate what I was doing because I was worried. \’Okay next week, what are we doing?\’\”

    Owens\’ reign would end at Fastlane 2017 when he was squashed by Bill Goldberg, after being distracted by his former friend Chris Jericho.

    Brock Lesnar Refused to Wrestle Kevin Owens

  • What Happened with the House of Black After AEW Rampage?

    The House of Black proved that they are back and better than ever after this week\’s AEW Rampage went off the air.

    In September, both Malakai Black and Buddy Matthews announced they were taking separate breaks from AEW, which some believed at the time was a sign of a WWE return.

    Instead, both men returned on the November 23, 2022, episode of AEW Dynamite, realigning with Julia Hart and Brody King.

    After Rampage

    In the main event of last night\’s Rampage, AEW All-Atlantic Champion Orange Cassidy retained his title in a Lumberjack match against QT Marshall.

    A huge brawl broke between the lumberjacks after the match and when the lights went out, the House of Black emerged and cleared the ring of the performers.

    After the show, the beatdown continued, with Brandon Cutler, who was taping the action on his Cutler Cam being singled out by the stable.

    Brody King attacked Cutler from behind and put him through the table with a huge powerbomb.

    Black told the fallen Cutley that while he has no problem with him, he has problems with those he associates with.

    The trio walked away with Excalibur noting on commentary that the House of Black has declared war on AEW.

    The House of Black Vs. The Elite

    Black\’s reference to those Culter associates with is a clear nod to the Elite, and the tease of a potential feud between the two stables.

    Like the House of Black, the Elite only returned to AEW programming recently after being suspended for their roles in the All Out backstage fight.

    Right now, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks are 2-1 down in a best-of-seven series with AEW Trios Tag Champions Death Triangle.

    AEW Rampage Results, Takeaways (12/2/22): Orange Cassidy Defends Title, The Acclaimed & FTR, Saraya

  • AEW Talent Questioning Recent Tony Khan Booking Decision (Report)

    AEW talent have reportedly been left scratching their heads over a recent booking decision made by Tony Khan.

    At AEW Full Gear, William Regal turned on Jon Moxley and the Blackpool Combat Club to help MJF become the new AEW World Champion.

    During this week\’s Dynamite, MJF turned on Regal, and mocked the British wrestling veteran for making a deal with \’the Devil.\’

    Questions

    This week\’s attack on Regal is being seen by many as the way he\’ll be written off of TV, and the former King of the Ring is not expected to return.

    It has been reported that Regal\’s contract is expected to expire soon, which is something those high up in the company have known for some time.

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer questioned why Tony Khan put so much emphasis on Regal\’s turn and alliance with MJF, knowing he would be leaving soon.

    According to Meltzer, several others in AEW have also questioned the decision of making a big deal about Regal and not having a big payoff.

    \”I can’t understand putting so much heel steam to the point of being the point man in stealing the title on Regal, when it was known by the key people by this point he was gone in a few weeks. I mean, story or not, the guy was leaving. A lot of talent has questioned that in the same way now that everyone knows he’s leaving.\”

    Dave Meltzer.

    Regal is expected to return to WWE when the time is right after being released in January of this year.

    MJF\’s Title Win

    MJF\’s AEW World Championship victory at Full Gear was a long-time coming in the eyes of fans, as the Devil has been a highlight of the promotion for years.

    In the Observer, it was reported that there were other pitches for his title win, with some not involving Regal as much, though there was always the need to write him out.

    Meltzer writes that the core plan that has remains the same was for MJF to be champion, Bryan Danielson to be challenging and for Regal to be out of the picture.

    William Regal’s Return to WWE Said to be “Still in Play” (Report)

  • CM Punk Ready to \”Move to His Next Project\” After AEW

    CM Punk is ready and willing to move on to his \”next project\” and part ways with All Elite Wrestling.

    Punk joined the promotion in August 2021 after over a seven-year hiatus from wrestling.

    The two-time former AEW World Champion hasn\’t been seen on TV since All Out due to his role in the backstage fight.

    Moving On

    Last month, it was reported that CM Punk is the one seeking a buyout of his contract, something that AEW is in no rush to grant.

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Punk remains under contract with Tony Khan at this time, and is still being paid.

    Sources close to Punk reiterated that delays in his being released are all down to AEW\’s side of things.

    Those same sources added that CM Punk is \”ready and willing to move to his next project.\”

    Outside of wrestling, Punk provides commentary for Cage Fury Fighting Championships and has previously written comics for Marvel.

    Punk also has appeared in multiple films, and was critically acclaimed for his role in 2019\’s \’Girl on the Third Floor.\’

    Going Back…

    CM Punk may have options outside of wrestling, but moving on from AEW may lead to going back to WWE.

    Punk walked out of the promotion in 2014 and was sent his termination papers on his wedding day, an unfortunate coincidence according to former WWE CEO Vince McMahon.

    It has been reported that Triple H is open to working with Punk, realizing the huge deal that having arguably AEW\’s biggest star on his roster would be.

    While the Game is open to discussing a Punk return, others in WWE absolutely do not want him back.

    CM Punk Seemingly Confirms Report About his Dog Being Hurt in AEW All Out Brawl

  • Huge Name Rumored Backstage for WWE Men\’s Royal Rumble Match Return (Report)

    Dwayne \’The Rock\’ Johnson could be mere weeks away from his return to WWE as part of the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event.

    The 2023 Royal Rumble will take place on January 28, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and will kickstart the road to WrestleMania 39.

    The 36th Rumble Premium Live Event, next year will be the sixth year that the show has featured a men\’s and women\’s Rumble match.

    If You Can Smell…

    For months, rumors of The Rock\’s return to WWE have circulated, with many believing he will challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.

    Both men have teased the highly-anticipated collision, which has also been referenced on NBC\’s Young Rock.

    In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that discussions within WWE have called for The Rock to not only compete in the Men\’s Rumble match but to also win.

    Meltzer stressed that rumors exist within WWE, and while this could be the plan, as \”far as those who would be in a position to know,\” nothing has been confirmed as the plan.

    A win would see The Rock earn an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match against Reigns at WrestleMania, but it\’s noted that WWE would make a Mania match happen even if The Rock doesn\’t make the Rumble.

    Sources who spoke to the Observer said that plans for the WrestleMania main event will need to be locked down by mid-January so a decision from Johnson will be needed by then.

    The report adds that a \”pie-in-the-sky\” idea is for The Rock to be a surprise as the #30 entrant.

    Last Match

    The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns, whether for a championship or not, is worthy of the WrestleMania main event, but could also mark Johnson\’s final match.

    Meltzer reports that the belief in the past has been that The Rock wants Reigns to be his last opponent, given they are related.

    This is a match that has been talked about for years, and it\’s reported that The Rock has hoped for his last match to be in Los Angeles, the home of WrestleMania 39.

    The Rock Claims He Is The ‘Head Of The Table’

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

    Kevin Owens could soon be tearing it up on the independent scene once more, despite being a WWE Superstar.

    Prior to signing with WWE in 2014, Owens competed as Kevin Steen in various promotions, including CZW, PWG and Ring of Honor.

    The Prizefighter is one of several indie names to make it big in WWE, including El Generico (Sami Zayn,) Tyler Black (Seth Rollins,) and Matt Riddle.

    Nakamura Vs. Muta

    On January 1, Shinsuke Nakamura will face the Great Muta for Pro Wrestling NOAH, as part of Muta\’s retirement tour.

    Speaking about the match on WWE After the Bell, Owens expressed his excitement as a fan of both men to see the match.

    \”When I saw the announcement for the match, they had it when Shinsuke\’s music hit in the video, it gave me absolute goosebumps. Knowing how incredible that is for the fans, it\’s such a treat, it\’s such a surprise. You never would have thought that it was something that could happen. Not only is it happening but it\’s something I\’m sure means a lot for Shinsuke.\”

    Muta Vs. Nakamura will take place as part of NOAH\’s The New Year 2023 event at Budokan Hall.

    Return to the Indies

    The idea of a WWE-contracted Superstar working for Pro Wrestling NOAH would have seemed unfeasible during the Vince McMahon era of the company.

    Since McMahon\’s retirement, Stephanie McMahon, Nick Khan, and Triple H have made several changes to a WWE that feels much different.

    When asked if he hopes to see more crossover between WWE and other promotions, Owens expressed a desire to return to the independent scene while still working for WWE.

    \”Yeah, for sure [I\’d like to have matches on the indies.] I\’m very deeply rooted in the independent scene. That\’s where I came up. I still have so many friends there. There are a few wrestling companies, independent companies that I still hold very near and dear to my heart that I\’d love to maybe one day show back up on just for fun whether it\’s a promo or maybe it\’s a match.

    \”Now it feels like more of a possibility than ever.\”

    Kevin Owens on return to the Indpendents whilst working for WWE.

    \”That\’s stuff that over the years I\’ve always thought \’hey man, it\’d be really cool if I get to do that one day.\’ Now it feels like more of a possibility than ever. And that doesn\’t mean it\’s going to happen but it feels that it could now. And that\’s very exciting. The fans and the wrestlers.\”

    Owens concluded by highlighting how there is incredible talent on the independents, as people have dedicated themselves to an industry where it is difficult to make a living.

    \”If you get someone from the independent scene, most of the time, you\’ll get someone who is very passionate.\”

    Brock Lesnar Refused to Wrestle Kevin Owens

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

  • Kevin Dunn was Missing Backstage at WWE Survivor Series WarGames

    WWE\’s Executive Vice President of Television Production was nowhere to be found last weekend at Survivor Series WarGames.

    Survivor Series Wargames, the 36th Survivor Series Premium Live Event, saw the iconic double-ring cage stipulation be used on the main roster for the first time ever.

    In the show\’s opener, Team Bianca defeated Team Damage in the Women\’s WarGames match, while The Bloodline stood tall at the end of the night over Team Brutes.

    Kevin Dunn

    Despite being in such an important role, Dunn wasn\’t backstage at last weekend\’s Premium Live Event, Fightful Select has confirmed.

    The report specified that Dunn remains with WWE, and that there have not been any plans for him to not be working there anytime soon.

    After Vince McMahon\’s retirement earlier this year, questions arose about what role Dunn would have under the new regime led by Nick Khan, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H.

    Here to Stay

    Earlier this year, it was reported that Dunn was expected to leave WWE within the coming 12 months, either of his own accord or by being forced out.

    It has been said that Stephanie McMahon is no fan of Dunn, and that he is not a Triple H \’guy\’ either.

    Speaking to the media ahead of Summerslam this year, Triple H namedropped Dunn as someone who will be a key part of the new vision for the company.

    To take it [WWE] beyond where it is now, the only way we’re gonna do that is with a team. That’s with Steph [McMahon.] That’s with Nick Khan. That’s with myself. That’s with Kevin Dunn

    Triple H.
    Jon Moxley Goes Off On WWE Executive Kevin Dunn

  • WWE Considering Huge Stipulation Match for Royal Rumble 2023 PLE

    WWE Royal Rumble 2023 will see two Rumble matches as expected, but another high-profile stipulation match could be in the works.

    With WWE scrapping its Day 1 event, the Royal Rumble will be the first Premium Live Event of 2023 and the starting point on the road to WrestleMania.

    A Cold Day in Hell

    In addition to the two Royal Rumble matches, WWE is considering bringing the Hell in a Cell match to next month\’s event.

    That\’s according to Wrestling News, which reports that there has been \”talk\” about a match on the card.

    If it goes ahead, this will be the first Hell in a Cell match in the history of the Royal Rumble, and the earliest in the year a Hell in a Cell match has ever happened.

    Hell in a Cell

    Since 2009, the Hell in a Cell match has had its own Premium Live Event, and has rarely been used outside of that show.

    Earlier this year, it was reported that the Hell in a Cell PLE was \”completely dead,\” thanks to decisions made by Triple H.

    The Game has been vocal about using stipulation matches when the storyline calls for it, instead of when it\’s the right time of the year.

    At the Survivor Series WarGames post-show press conference, the WWE Head of Creative and Talent Relations described Hell in a Cell as a \”blow-off match\” which should mark the end of a feud.

    Triple H\’s career saw him enter Hell in a Cell nine times, and won six of his matches in the structure.

    What Happened After WWE Hell in a Cell Went Off The Air

  • Teddy Long Wants Randy Orton to Make \”the Right Decision\” Amid Ongoing Injury

    Has Randy Orton\’s incredible professional wrestling career come to an unfortunate end?

    That\’s certainly what some people believe, with the Viper spending most of this year out with a back injury suffered in May.

    Orton\’s most recent match saw him and Riddle lose the Raw Tag Team Championships to The Usos in the title-unification match with the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

    Listen to the Experts

    When Orton was moved to SmackDown in 2005, he worked with Teddy Long, the on-screen general manager of the blue brand.

    Orton would work with Long again when he was redrafted to SmackDown in 2011.

    Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling, Long discussed Orton\’s future, calling the former WWE World Champion a good friend of his.

    \”Randy Orton, a great friend of mine, too, had a lot of great times with him there. I just hope Randy makes the right decision, you know. There are people like Edge, Kurt Angle, that said [sic] they wouldn’t come back once they found out they had injuries and the doctors told them it’d be dangerous for them to return to the ring.”

    Later in the interview, Long again expressed the importance of listening to medical experts.

    \”I just hope Randy does the right thing. If the doctors tell you to stay out of the ring, I suggest you stay out of the ring.\”

    Teddy Long.

    Original Plans

    Orton\’s injury is much worse than what WWE had first feared, and there had been plans for the Legend Killer to have returned by now.

    In June, it was reported that the company\’s plan for Summerslam would have seen Orton challenge Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

    Of course, that didn\’t happen, and Reigns instead faced Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match, promoted as the final collision between the two.

    Randy Orton Undergoes Back Surgery, WWE Future in Question

    h/t – eWrestlingNews

  • Update on \’Hangman\’ Adam Page\’s Health Status after AEW Dynamite Return (Report)

    \’Hangman\’ Adam Page is back on AEW programming, and the Cowboy is raring to go!

    Page returned to Dynamite on last night\’s episode, confronting Jon Moxley in the opening segment of the show.

    The Cowboy\’s appearance marked his first time on AEW TV since the October 18, episode of Dynamite, where he faced Moxley in an AEW World Championship match.

    Cleared to Wrestle

    During Page\’s return, it was stated that the former AEW World Champion was in town to get medically tested.

    The line certainly implies that Page has yet to be cleared, but as Dave Meltzer explained on Wrestling Observer Radio, that this is far from the case.

    \”He was (cleared to compete.) 100%.\”

    Dave Meltzer.

    After an intense face-off with Moxley, the pair fought around the arena before wrestlers came in to break them up.

    Page\’s Injury

    During the AEW World Championship match between the two, a lariat clothesline by Moxley left Page motionless in the ring.

    The match was quickly called off, and it has been reported that there was an extra ten minutes of the match scheduled which didn\’t take place.

    It was later confirmed that the former World Champion had suffered a concussion during the match.

    AEW\’s medical team was widely praised for their immediate action, including by former WWE Superstar Chris Nowinski.

    Nowinski was one of WWE\’s promising Superstars in the early 2000s before a concussion derailed his career, and he has spent the years since doing research on CTE.

    AEW Issues Statement on Hangman Page Injury & Provides Health Update