SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • What Was Bret Hart Told Going into Survivor Series 1997 and the Montreal Screwjob?

    What was Bret Hart told prior to his infamous Survivor Series 1997 WWF Championship match with Shawn Michaels?

    The match, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, saw Hart lose via submission despite never tapping out to the Sharpshooter.

    Hart had informed WWE higher-ups that he was leaving for WCW, but had creative control that meant he could refuse to lose to Shawn Michaels, his real-life rival at the time.

    The Match

    Clocking in at under 20 minutes, the match is one of the shorter bouts Hart and Michaels had especially compared to their WrestleMania 12 Iron-Man classic.

    Speaking to Sports Illustrated this week, Hart explained how the match had only just gotten started when Vince McMahon called for the bell.

    \”We had another 25 minutes. The match was already good, and we hadn’t even hit our stride… Even when we didn’t get along, Shawn and I always had great chemistry together in the ring.

    \”That match was just starting. All the brawling was done just to set up the actual match. It was going to really get going after I reversed his sharpshooter. We pictured the crowd standing up and going crazy. That was going to be the moment when it took off.”

    Bret would leave the WWE immediately after the show, but not before laying out McMahon with a black eye backstage.

    After a 2006 WWE Hall of Fame induction, Hart would return to WWE fully in 2010 and has made appearances since.

    Bret Today

    Despite being deeply hurt for years over the Screwjob, Hart has said he is in a much better place these days.

    Looking back at his career, the Hitman is proud of what he did despite the Screwjob.

    \”I’m proud that people still appreciate what I did. When I wrestled, I wanted to have the best match I could every night. I never believed in going to a certain city and taking it easy. I gave 100% every night.\”

    Hart is one of a select few to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, first in 2006 and then in 2019 as part of the Hart Foundation.

    What WWE Originally Planned for Bret Hart’s Return after Montreal Screwjob

  • WWE Superstar Calls Austin Theory\’s Failed Money in the Bank Cash-In \”Bizarre\”

    Austin Theory\’s attempt to cash in his Money in the Bank contract was frankly \’bizarre\’ according to Elias.

    On Raw, Theory made history as the first man to cash in the contract not for a World Championship, as he challenged United States Champion Seth Rollins.

    Thanks to an attack by Bobby Lashley, Theory was unsuccessful in cashing in on Rollins, who retained his title after a curb stomp.

    Bizarre

    WWE\’s booking of Theory\’s cash-in has received mixed reviews from fans, who have questioned why he\’d not challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title.

    Speaking on The Bump, Elias gave his two cents on the matter, and found the events on Raw strange.

    \”I thought the whole thing was a little bit bizarre. First off, it’s an open challenge. So what are you doing in the first place? Secondly, then he wants to use it on a random Monday Night RAW.

    \”If I was Austin Theory and I had the Money in the Bank, I would have waited for a way bigger moment, and maybe somebody like Roman Reigns when they were vulnerable. So hey I get it. Seth, he’s resilient, he did it again, he came out on top. But as for Austin Theory, I think the whole thing’s bizarre all around.”

    Responding to his loss on social media, Theory said he\’ll \”never stop\” and remained optimistic despite the defeat this week.

    Behind the Scenes

    Many have questioned if Theory\’s loss this week is down to WWE\’s change of management backstage.

    When Vince McMahon was running WWE, Theory seemed poised to be the company\’s next big star.

    Since Triple H was appointed Head of Creative and Talent, Theory has suffered a three-month-long losing streak, as well as his failed cash-in attempt.

    Theory\’s cash-in was produced by Jason Jordan, who produced all segments related to Seth Rollins on this week\’s Raw.

    3 Reasons Austin Theory Losing His MITB Cash-In was the Right Call

  • What Happened with Sammy Guevara After AEW Dynamite Went Off the Air?

    Sammy Guevara was in no mood for sportsmanship after this week\’s AEW Dynamite wrapped up filming.

    This week\’s Dynamite took place from the Aggannis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts, and saw the promotion continue on the road to Full Gear.

    Guevara and Danielson

    In the main event of this week\’s AEW Dynamite, Sammy Guevara faced off against Bryan Danielson in a two-out-of-three falls match.

    The first fall saw Danielson get a DQ victory after being hit in the face with a steel chair by Guevara.

    A rising knee strike to a bloodied Danielson quickly tied the score, with one victory each.

    The tiebreaker fall saw Danielson win the match via submission, locking in the former three-time AEW TNT Champion into a double arm-bar submission.

    After the show, Danielson offered his hand in a sign of respect, but Guevara did not shake back.

    Instead, the Spanish God flipped off Danielson and stormed off to bring the show to an end.

    Facing off Again

    Guevara didn\’t get the win this week, but will get another shot at Danielson at next week\’s AEW Full Gear 2022 Pay-Per-View.

    The pair will be joined by Claudio Castagnoli and Ring of Honor World Champion Chris Jericho in a four-way match for the Wizard\’s title.

    This week\’s Dynamite also saw Saraya confirm that she is medically cleared and will also compete at Full Gear where she\’ll face Britt Baker DDS.

    AEW Full Gear will be headlined by AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defending against MJF, who earned a title match by winning the Casino Ladder Match at All Out.

    Sammy Guevara Is ‘Exhausted’ Of All The Drama In Wrestling

  • Dustin Rhodes Gives Update on AEW Status After Retirement Tease

    Dustin Rhodes will be staying with AEW for at least the next year despite recently teasing an exit from wrestling.

    The former Goldust has been one of AEW\’s longest-tenured stars, joining in early 2019 but has made fewer appearances in the ring in recent years.

    Rhodes\’ most recent match for AEW saw him challenge then-ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli on the August 24, episode of Rampage.

    Rhodes\’ Contract

    Last month, Rhodes seemingly teased his retirement, saying he will have to do \”heavy thinking\” about his future and that \”time comes for us all.\”

    Speaking this week on the Sports Guys Talk Wrestling podcast, Rhodes gave an update on his status with the promotion.

    \”I still have a year under contract, a little less than a year, and I’m gonna try to do the best I can and entertain as much as I can because I still love it and am pretty passionate about it.\”

    Dustin Rhodes.

    In addition to being an on-screen performer, Rhodes also works as a trainer and coach for the company and has been praised for his efforts.

    Retirement?

    The former WWE Superstar had a lot of people believing his time was up with his post last month.

    Addressing his health issues and possible retirement, Rhodes said he is doing much better now but realizes his time in the ring will be over soon.

    \”Knee is great. I’m feeling good. I’m ready to go back. I’ll be back very very soon, probably two weeks. Right now, I feel good.

    \”I am getting older and that kind of weighs on my mind a little bit… I’m getting older, they’re getting younger and faster. I know my time is short.\”

    Dustin Rhodes has had it With Wrestlers Being Unhappy in AEW

    h/t – NoDQ.com

  • \”Forever Grateful for That\”: Ex-WWE Star Credits Triple H For Creating Her Character

    CJ Perry\’s time with WWE may be over, but the former Lana will always be grateful to Triple H.

    After a career in music and acting, Perry signed with WWE in 2013, initially the manager of real-life husband Rusev (now Miro in AEW.)

    In 2016, Perry would transition into a wrestling role which would continue until her release in June 2021.

    Forever Grateful

    Perry has been absent from WWE for over a year, but has kept a close eye on the product in this time.

    In July, Triple H was appointed WWE\’s Head of Creative, replacing his father-in-law Vince McMahon after the latter\’s retirement.

    During a recent interview with Fightful, the former Total Divas star praised The Game as a genius for his work behind the scenes.

    \”Triple H is a genius. He hired me. He was at my tryouts in the beginning of 2013. He paired me with Miro. He guided me so much in the approach of creating, essentially, the character of the Ravishing Russian with the suit, the hair.

    \”He was really hands-on with that, very hands-on with Miro and I. So I will always be grateful for that because people still talk about the tank, still talk about the Ravishing Russian and her accent and her look. So I’m forever grateful for that.”

    Miro and Perry would be split on-screen in 2015 but reunited later that same year after TMZ broke the news of the couple\’s real-life engagement.

    What\’s Next?

    Perry hasn\’t competed since her WWE exit last year, which was said to have been partly due to her high-dollar contract.

    Speaking last month, the Ravishing Russian told Busted Open Radio that she would \”love\” to go to AEW, as it is where the \”hardcore\” fans are.

    Perry added that she misses seeing close friends who now call AEW home, including Saraya, Renee Paquette and Dustin Rhodes.

    C.J. Perry (Lana) Joins “The Surreal Life” Reboot
    h/t eWrestlingNews

  • Who Produced Austin Theory\’s Failed Money in the Bank Cash-in On WWE Raw?

    Austin Theory made history on this week\’s episode of Monday Night Raw, but not in the way he would have wanted.

    After U.S. Champion Seth Rollins issued an open challenge, it appeared that Mustafa Ali was going to answer, before Bobby Lashley assaulted the ex-Retribution leader.

    Lashley also assaulted Rollins before a title match could begin, and Theory became the first man to cash-in Money in the Bank, not for a World Championship.

    Producing a Cash In

    Theory\’s cash-in has divided fans, many of whom believe that WWE has wasted the Money in the Bank contract and buried Theory.

    Jason Jordan was the one who produced Theory\’s failed cash-in attempt, in one of many segments created by the American Alpha alum, according to Fightful.

    Jordan was also responsible for all Seth Rollins segments this week, including his in-ring segment with The Judgment Day.

    The son of Kurt Angle also produced Rollins\’ segment issuing the open challenge, as well as Lashley\’s assault on the United States Champion.

    Theory\’s cash-in attempt wasn\’t listed backstage in WWE to avoid spoilers of what was going to happen being leaked.

    Welcome to the Club

    In failing to cash in successfully, Theory joins a select club of unfortunate WWE Superstars.

    In 2007, Mr. Kennedy became the first person to win Money in the Bank and not win a title, but he lost his briefcase to Edge before he could even cash in.

    John Cena would be the first person to cash in and not win a title, when he cashed in on WWE Champion CM Punk for Raw\’s 1,000th episode in July 2012.

    A year later, Damien Sandow would cash in on Cena but lose to the then-World Heavyweight Champion, and Baron Corbin failed to dethrone AJ Styles as WWE Champion in 2017.

    In 2018, Braun Strowman\’s cash-in attempt against Roman Reigns would be interrupted by a returning Brock Lesnar, and Otis would lose his briefcase to The Miz in 2020.

    3 Reasons Austin Theory Losing His MITB Cash-In was the Right Call

  • Torrie Wilson Recalls Turning Down X-Rated WWE Angle

    WWE Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson has said she turned down an x-rated segment during her time with the company which made her feel uncomfortable.

    Wilson joined the WWE in 2001 following the demise of WCW and would pose for Playboy twice, once on her own and a second time with Sable.

    In 2019, Wilson returned to WWE to be inducted into the Hall of Fame by her real-life friend and fellow WWE Superstar Stacey Kiebler.

    Saying No

    Wilson\’s beauty was the focal point for much of her wrestling career, but one idea proved to be too much for the Hall of Famer.

    Speaking with the Generation Iron Fitness & Bodybuilding Network, Torrie recalled turning down the idea to be fully nude on TV, but for her privates to be covered in paint.

    “They wanted me, like what Sable did, paint my boobs and walk out there naked, and I said no. There are certain things that I turned down that I could’ve gotten ahead with. But it just didn’t feel right.”

    Torrie Wilson.

    A similar spot was done by Sable in 1998, when the future Mrs. Lesnar appeared on Raw with her privates covered in handprints.

    Torrie Today

    Wilson\’s days in the ring as a full-time Superstar may be over, but she hasn\’t left wrestling entirely.

    Less than a year after her 2008 release, Wilson returned to compete in a Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25 but was unsuccessful.

    Wilson also competed in the first Women\’s Royal Rumble in 2018, where she eliminated Dana Brooke before being thrown out by Sonya Deville.

    Torrie also competed in this year\’s Women\’s Rumble, where she was again eliminated by an ex-MMA fighter (Shayna Baszler) and was the only Hall of Famer in the match.

    Torrie Wilson Responds To Negative Backlash Over Hall Of Fame Inclusion
    h/t – eWrestlingNews

  • WWE has \”Craziness\” Planned for Survivor Series WarGames Matches

    Things are going to get \’crazy\’ during the upcoming Men\’s and Women\’s WarGames matches scheduled for later this month.

    WarGames, a staple of the NWA and later WCW, was first used by WWE in 2017 as part of the NXT brand.

    Ths year\’s Survivor Series will mark the first time the match type has been used as part of the main roster.

    WarGames

    With this being the first usage of WarGames on the main roster, there is (unsurprisingly) a lot of excitement around this year\’s Survivor Series. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alverez reported that WWE is planning for some \”craziness\” as part of both matches.

    It was added that WWE wants exciting footage that they can use for future video packages of the match.

    While WWE already has footage from NXT, many of the Superstars in those matches have since been released.

    The only WarGames matches which were filled with still-employed Superstars took place at last year\’s NXT WarGames event.

    Filling the Cage

    At this time, no men have been announced for their WarGames match, but the women\’s match is nearly full. Its been confirmed that Damage CTRL, Nikki Cross, and a mystery partner will face Raw Women\’s Champion Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, and two partners.

    On this week\’s Raw, a backstage segment teased that Rhea Ripley could feud with Belair next, and it\’s likely she will be added to the heel team.

    If so, then fans can expect Mia Yim to enter the match, who returned on this week\’s Raw and attacked Ripley.

    Candice LeRae is also a likely candidate to fill out the babyface team, given that she too has had issues with Damage CTRL in recent weeks.

  • Latest on WWE Royal Rumble 2023 Ticket Sales

    WWE\’s upcoming Royal Rumble Premium Live Event is likely to be another sell-out show judging by the ticket sales.

    The 2023 Royal Rumble will take place on January 28, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

    The show will be the 36th Royal Rumble event, and the sixth to feature both a men\’s and women\’s Rumble match.

    Tickets

    So far, no matches (other than the two titular matches) have been announced for the show, and no participants have been named for either Rumble match.

    That hasn\’t stopped fans from purchasing tickets however as WrestleTix noted on Patreon the show has sold 30,157 tickets.

    The venue will reportedly be set to a capacity of 33,874 seats, meaning there are 3,717 seats left to purchase.

    WWE initially planned a smaller capacity, but added more rows of seats last week.

    Favorites

    Even with the show still 80 days away, there has been plenty of speculation about the Men\’s Rumble match.

    The winner will earn a guaranteed title shot against the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania 39, which is expected to be current-champion Roman Reigns.

    One popular name being considered a favorite by fans is Cody Rhodes, who returned to WWE in April and vowed to become a WWE World Champion.

    Bray Wyatt, who returned to WWE last month at Hell in a Cell 2022, is also being considered a favorite by fans.

    It has been reported that WWE is planning Reigns vs. The Rock at WrestleMania 39, which will take place in Los Angeles.

    The Rock won the 2000 Rumble match, and if victorious this year, would break the record for the longest gap between Rumble victories.

    Watch: What Happened After Royal Rumble Went Off Air

  • Will Ospreay Has Been Contacted by WWE – Has Dream Opponents in Mind

    Could Will Ospreay step through the Forbidden Door and compete against some of WWE\’s biggest stars?

    Ospreay is currently signed to New Japan Pro Wrestling and is in his first reign as IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion.

    In June this year, Ospreay made his debut for AEW and defended his title against Orange Cassidy at the AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door event.

    Stepping Through the Forbidden Door

    In addition to New Japan and AEW, Ospreay has competed for Progress Wrestling, Rev Pro, and Ring of Honor, among other promotions.

    Ospreay has yet to compete in a WWE ring, but as he told Tokyo Sports, it is something he\’s considering.

    \”I\’ve been approached by them, so I have a lot to think about.\”

    Will Ospreay.

    This year has seen WWE work more with other promotions, including having Impact\’s Mickie James at the Women\’s Royal Rumble match in January.

    AEW stars were allowed to appear on Raw in June to mark the 20th anniversary of John Cena\’s debut, and it is reported that the Good Brothers will compete for NJPW up until Wrestle Kingdom in January.

    Opponents

    If Ospreay does compete for WWE, there\’s no shortage of potential Superstars for him to face.

    In the interview, Ospreay discussed possible opponents, including a first-ever match and reuniting with an old foe.

    \”I\’ve mentioned Seth Rollins\’ name many times… Also, considering my history, it would be a dream to fight Ricochet again. I think that because I think we have become completely different wrestlers than when we fought in the past.”

    Ricochet and Ospreay have faced off a total of 13 times according to Cagematch, which their most recent bout being in August 2017.

    Will Ospreay To WWE Stars: ‘You Guys Aren’t Wrestlers’

    Translation for interview provided by Google Translate

  • John Cena \’Should be Wrestling\’ at WWE WrestleMania 39 (Report)

    John Cena will be donning his jorts and sneakers for next year\’s WrestleMania according to a recent report.

    Cena, a 16-time WWE World Champion, was once the face of the promotion but has appeared less in recent years due to his thriving Hollywood career.

    John hasn\’t competed in WWE in over a year, with his most recent televised match seeing him lose to Universal Champion Roman Reigns at Summerslam 2021.

    WrestleMania

    Cena appearances are becoming increasingly rare, and the former World Champion has missed the past two WrestleManias.

    Speaking to Louis Dangoor this week, WrestleVotes gave an update on Cena\’s plans for WrestleMania 39.

    \”Cena should be there and Cena should be wrestling.\”

    WrestleVotes.

    WrestleVotes also refuted the idea that Vince McMahon\’s retirement from WWE in July this year would hurt Cena\’s chances of a high-profile match on the card.

    \”Vince is out of the picture, Cena still has a love for this place. John Cena and Triple H have a respect for each other.\”

    WrestleVotes.

    WrestleVotes added that Cena competing next year makes sense if John wants to be \’the next Rock,\’ as WrestleMania 39 will take place in Los Angeles, California.

    Cena Vs. Theory?

    With WrestleMania still months away, there\’s no confirmation on who John Cena will face at WrestleMania 39.

    Earlier this year, a feud was teased between Cena and Austin Theory, who like John held the United States Championship early into his career.

    While many expected a match between the two at Summerslam, that did not take place, and Theory instead faced Bobby Lashley on July 30.

    Despite this, Theory has said he expects to face Cena at next year\’s WrestleMania.

    John Cena Shares Heartwarming Story About Record-Breaking WWE Fan

  • Top AEW Star Leaves Twitter After Elon Musk Takeover

    AEW\’s \’Hangman\’ Adam Page has become the latest prominent name to leave Twitter following the Elon Musk takeover. 

    Musk began his acquisition of the social media giant in April 2022 and concluded his purchase last month. 

    Page told his fans that he would be deleting Twitter from his phone, and joins WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley in removing himself from the platform. 

    The former AEW World Champion is still available on Instagram, where he has over 227,000 followers.

    Musk and Twitter

    Musk\’s time running the site has been mired in controversy, as he has faced backlash for his \’Twitter Blue\’ idea, which will charge users to have their accounts verified. 

    Others have criticized the reinstatement of several banned accounts which many fear will open up the risk of misinformation being spread.

    Despite previously claiming that Twitter should be politically neutral, Musk has encouraged U.S. voters to vote a particular way in the 2022 mid-term elections. 

    The billionaire has also begun permanently suspending accounts parodying him, despite advocating for \’free speech.\’

    While Musk has claimed that accounts that impersonate others but make it clear they are parody accounts are safe, accounts that follow this rule when parodying him have been banned.

    Hangman\’s Injury

    Fans won\’t be hearing from the former AEW World Champion on Twitter, and they won\’t be seeing him in the ring either.

    During the October 18, Dynamite, Page was left motionless after taking a lariat clothesline by AEW World Champion Jon Moxley.

    The match was quickly called off and it was later confirmed that Page suffered a concussion.

    The Cowboy was inundated with a ton of positive messages after the injury, including from WWE\’s Big E, who is still recovering from a broken neck suffered earlier this year.

    There is no timetable for when Page will be back in the ring.

    WWE Legend Thinks Hangman Page’s AEW World Title Run Deserved Better

  • Colt Cabana Allegedly Feared He\’d Lose AEW Job After CM Punk Joined

    Colt Cabana was reportedly afraid that CM Punk\’s arrival to AEW would result in him losing his job.

    Punk joined AEW in August 2021 after over seven years away from wrestling following his WWE walkout in January 2014.

    The Chicago-Made wrestler has captured two AEW World Championships in the company, the first at Double or Nothing 2022 and the second at September\’s infamous AEW All Out event.

    Losing a Job

    Not long after Punk\’s arrival in AEW, appearances by Cabana on TV dried up, and some have said that this was something Punk had orchestrated.

    During the latest episode of his Keepin it 100 podcast, Konnan recalled meeting with Cabana at an AEW event and asking about Punk.

    “When I saw Colt Cabana backstage, I remember asking him, ‘So what’s up with you now that Punk is back?’ He was like, ‘Yeah, man. We’re not really talking.’ I go, ‘Come on, dude. After all these years, you guys were boys’ He said, ‘Yeah, man. He just won’t talk to me.’ He would kind of look around, like, he knew [he was going to be fired.]\”

    Konnan added that looking back, it was clear that Colt thought he was \”going to get the ax\” and said that Khan would have done so to make Punk happy.

    Cabana has not been fired from AEW, but has been moved to the Ring of Honor roster, which some have suggested was done to keep the former friends apart.

    No Going Back

    Punk and Cabana were once the closest of friends, but that changed due to a legal dispute regarding WWE.

    When WWE physician Dr. Chris Amann sued the pair for defamation (over comments made by Punk on Colt\’s podcast) Punk allegedly offered to pay Cabana\’s legal fees.

    Punk has claimed that this wasn\’t the case, which led to the fallout between the two, something that Colt believes can\’t be fixed, according to Konnan.

    \”I remember telling him ‘Bro, you can’t even sit down and just say, Hey, let’s reset our relationship.’ He said, ‘Nah, man. He won’t even talk to me.’\”

    Konnan recalls a conversation with Colt Cabana about CM Punk.

    Konnan added that he was pleased to see Colt make his AEW TV return recently, challenging ROH World Champion Chris Jericho on the November 2, AEW Dynamite.

    This marked Cabana\’s first AEW TV match in close to a year, which Konnan summed as down to \”chicanery\” and \”politics.\”

    Colt Cabana’s AEW Return was “For the Locker Room” (Report)

    h/t – WrestlingNews

  • AJ Styles Says Top WWE Star \”Surprised\” Him with In-Ring Skills

    John Cena has often been labeled as Mr. Five Moves of Doom, but that couldn\’t be further from the truth according to AJ Styles.

    Styles debuted for WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble as the #3 entrant after a lengthy career in TNA/Impact Wrestling.

    The Phenomenal One has since gone on to become a two-time WWE Champion and captured WWE\’s Grand Slam in 2021.

    Surprised

    After Chris Jericho and Roman Reigns, Styles\’ third major feud in WWE came at the expense of John Cena.

    After defeating Cena at Money in the Bank (thanks to interference by the O.C.) Styles would get a rare clean win over the Hollywood star at that year\’s Summerslam.

    Speaking on The Halftime Show, Styles reflected on his experience working with Cena and how the 16-time WWE World Champion surprised him.

    \”A guy that surprised me with how good he was in the ring would be John Cena. John is not known for being a technical mastermind in the ring, but he’s pretty good. I had some of my better matches against this guy.

    \”His mind for how everything needs to work and transition-wise. He’s just good. He knows what he’s doing. It’s one of those things were you thought, ‘I’m the superior wrestler in the ring,’ but once you get in there with John Cena, you realize, ‘Well, okay, I didn’t know that. Let’s keep going.’\”

    Styles would capture his first WWE Championship after the Cena feud, which he\’d lose to Big Match John at the 2017 Royal Rumble.

    Cena: Will he Wrestle Again?

    Once considered the face of WWE, Cena\’s appearances for the company have grown rarer as his career in films and on TV continues to grow.

    Cena\’s most recent match came at the Summerslam 2021 event in a losing effort to Roman Reigns, and some have questioned if he is done in the ring.

    Earlier this year, a feud with Austin Theory was teased, but this did not lead to a match.

    Despite this, Cena has remained adamant that his in-ring career isn\’t over yet, and Theory has teased facing the former WWE World Champion at WrestleMania 39.

    AJ Styles Talks Learning from John Cena in WWE

    h/t – Fightful

  • Watch: WWE Star Meets Family After 14 Years Away

    WWE Superstar Omos recently enjoyed a family reunion over close to a decade-and-a-half away from his loved ones.

    The Nigerian Giant signed with WWE in 2019 and was called up to the main roster in 2020 as the henchman of AJ Styles.

    A former WWE Raw Tag Team Champion, Omos\’ most recent match saw him lose to Braun Strowman at last week\’s Crown Jewel event.

    Reunion

    As a WWE Superstar (and previously a college Basketball star) Omos has spent much of his life in the United States and away from his native Nigeria.

    This week, Omos traveled back home and was able to reunite with his family in person for the first time in 14 years.

    TMZ was able to catch the emotional reunion and it is reported that Omos\’ family had no idea he was going to be there.

    It is also reported that Omos will be making an announcement in Nigeria at some point soon, believed to be related to WWE\’s upcoming talent scouting in Africa.

    Omos said earlier this year that he is confident WWE could fill a 100,000-seat arena if they held a Premium Live Event in Africa.

    The Future for Omos

    Omos came up short against Braun Strowman at WWE Crown Jewel 2022, but the future looks bright for the Nigerian Giant.

    It was recently reported that WWE\’s higher-ups were pleased with the match in Riyadh, especially Omos\’ performance.

    The feeling backstage is that the former Raw Tag Team Champion is improving quickly the more time he spends in the ring.

    Omos has had 106 matches in WWE so far (including his run at NXT Live events) and boasts a 70-36 win-loss record.

    MVP Thinks It’s “Foolish” to Compare Omos to The Great Khali

  • Nick Aldis-NWA Relationship Soured Quickly After Billy Corgan \’Disrespected\’ Mickie James (Report)

    Nick Aldis\’ relationship with the NWA reportedly soured quickly after the \’disrespect\’ shown to his wife Mickie James by Billy Corgan.

    Within the last week, Aldis has confirmed that he intends to leave the NWA when his contract expires in January 2023.

    Aldis, a two-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, has been a top star of the promotion since its revival in 2017.

    He has since been suspended and pulled from the upcoming NWA Hard Times Pay-Per-View.

    Disrespect

    Aldis was once the prized star of the NWA, even taking a pay-cut during the Pandemic, but the relationship between the two sides has soured quickly.

    According to a report from Fightful Select, this hostility is partly due to what Aldis perceived as disrespect at his wife shown by Corgan.

    It\’s reported that Corgan was disrespectful towards Mickie James in the lead-up and following NWA Empowerrr, the promotion\’s first all-female event which James did a lot of work for.

    Aldis and the NWA chose not to speak about the matter publicly due to the British wrestler\’s spot as a top name in the NWA.

    Other Complaints

    Aldis feels that Corgan has been disrespectful to the women of the NWA, and he\’s hardly alone.

    Fightful\’s report added that \”several women who have regularly appeared in NWA\” have felt disrespected.

    Corgan, as well as reigning NWA World Champion Trevor Murdoch, have questioned whether the NWA\’s women\’s division has enough depth to warrant a second Empowerrr show.

    Aldis is expected to make media appearances later this week to address the matter further.

    A source who spoke to Fightful confirmed that this situation is not a work and \”has been brewing for quite some time.\”

    Nick Aldis: I Did More For The NWA Title Than Anybody In Recent History

  • WWE Memo Confirms Crown Jewel 2022 Smashed Internal Record

    WWE\’s relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may be controversial, but the success of the shows speaks for itself.

    Last week, WWE held their annual Crown Jewel Premium Live Event, their eighth show as part of their lucrative deal with the nation.

    WWE\’s decade-long deal is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 project, the nation\’s social and economic reform program.

    Record Breaker

    WWE Crown Jewel 2022 saw a stacked card and the show culminated with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns retaining against Logan Paul.

    Fightful Select reports that after the show, a memo was shared internally, informing WWE staff that Crown Jewel 2022 is now the most-viewed international PLE in company history.

    The record had previously been held by WWE Clash at the Castle which took place in September in Cardiff, Wales.

    WWE also noted that the show did a seven-figure viewership on Peacock in the United States.

    In an update, it was said that WWE\’s next Saudi show will take place in May 2023.

    WWE\’s Saudi Shows

    Fans may question WWE working with the controversial Middle East kingdom, but the shows in Saudi Arabia have proven to be popular in terms of viewers.

    In their report, it was said that the Crown Jewel 2022 is the most-viewed Saudia Arabia event, followed by the first Saudi PLE, 2018\’s Greatest Royal Rumble.

    This year\’s Elimination Chamber event takes third place, while Crown Jewel 2021, which saw Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in the main event, was fourth.

    Super ShowDown 2019, which fans will recall for the infamous Goldberg Vs. The Undertaker match, is the company\’s fifth most-watched Saudi Arabia event.

    How WWE Felt about Omos’ Crown Jewel Performance

  • Billy Corgan Assumes CM Punk Will Return to AEW Despite All Out Fight

    Is CM Punk\’s time with AEW as over as many people believe? Billy Corgan doesn\’t think so.

    Punk has been missing from AEW program since All Out and is serving a suspension for his role in the backstage fight.

    An investigation into the matter recently concluded and it is believed that the results have condemned the two-time former AEW World Champion.

    A Return to AEW?

    With reports that AEW is seeking to buy out the remainder of Punk\’s contract, all signs are pointing to an early exit for the Chicago wrestler.

    Speaking to SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall NWA President Billy Corgan said he expects things between the two parties to improve.

    \”I’d be surprised if he leaves AEW. I’ve heard those rumors too, but I just imagined that it would be worked out.\”

    Billy Corgan.

    \”Until it\’s official official, I would just assume he is going to stay and they\’re going to figure it out. He\’s a benefit and a bonus to them, and I think it\’s the same in reverse. I think they\’ve done a good thing of bringing him back to professional wrestling because he is an immensely talented guy.\”

    Both Punk and Tony Khan have kept silent on the matter since All Out, where it is believed Punk instigated the fight.

    CM Punk in the NWA

    With reports that CM Punk has caught the wrestling \’bug\’, a departure from AEW may not mark the end of his wrestling career.

    When asked if Punk could become an NWA star, Corgan said he seriously doubts that will be the case.

    “I know him personally, and I haven’t talked wrestling with him for years, so I would be hard-pressed to imagine he’d want to come to the NWA given his other opportunities. Certainly, there are other companies that are bigger and can offer him a bigger payday.\”

    Despite appearing in multiple promotions, including AEW, WWE, TNA/Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor, Punk has yet to compete in an NWA-sanctioned match.

    Talks with Triple H

    Last month, Corgan said that he would be open to working with WWE, possibly as a developmental show for the company.

    When asked if the WWE and the NWA could team up again, Corgan called it a possibility, but not one he\’s actively pursuing.

    \”I have not had any recent discussions [with Triple H about a potential deal between WWE and the NWA.] I have channels through there and of course, I have friends in the company. I only want the best for that company, as I want the best for everybody in the business. So you know if they call I’m interested, but no, it’s nothing active for sure.”

    The NWA and WWE have crossed over in the past, and older fans may recall the NWA \’invasion\’ of 1998.

    Billy Corgan On WWE Declining The Offer To Buy NWA

  • \”Always\” – Wade Barrett Says he has the \’Itch\’ to Return to the Ring

    Could WWE SmackDown commentator Wade Barrett have one last Bullhammer elbow up his sleeve?

    Barrett debuted on WWE\’s main roster in 2010 as part of NXT and later the leader of the Nexus, but left in 2016.

    A five-time Intercontinental Champion, Barrett returned to WWE in 2020 as an NXT commentator and was recently moved to SmackDown.

    Always

    At 42-years-old, Barrett is younger than some of WWE\’s top stars today, including Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles (both 45) and Bobby Lashley (46.)

    Speaking on the Out of Character podcast, Barrett was asked whether he has the itch to step back in the ring as a Superstar one day (via eWrestlingNews.)

    \”Always. You know what, I’ve never ruled out getting back in the ring one day. I won’t say it’s high on my list of priorities… I think my body could hold up, I’m still in very good shape.\”

    Wade Barett.

    While Barrett is on-board with a return, he added that he does not believe he is \’mentally\’ capable of a full-time in-ring return.

    The British wrestler added that he would not want to give up his role as a commentator either.

    Bruising

    Barrett may have the itch to return, but that doesn\’t mean he\’s ready to jump back in the ring tomorrow.

    Speaking about his first night as a SmackDown commentator, Barrett said he had mixed feelings after watching that night\’s main event between Sheamus and GUNTHER.

    \”I’m seeing these two for three segments of the show beating the hell out of each other. I’m seeing it up close and personal, I’m seeing the bruising. Suddenly I’m like, ‘You know what? Two hours ago, I felt like I wanted to get back maybe.’ Now, I’m watching these two, I’m like, ‘Hell no!’ Because I know that if I come back, they aren’t putting me with the light guys.\”

    Barrett also named Drew McIntyre as another likely name WWE would put him in the ring with.

    Wade Barrett Won’t be a WWE SmackDown Commentator for Long

  • The Young Bucks to Make First Public Appearance Since AEW All Out Brawl

    The Young Bucks will attend an online virtual signing next month, in what will likely be their first public appearance since AEW All Out 2022.

    HighspotsAuctions.com confirmed that the Bucks will be participating in a virtual signing on December 1, and fans can either purchase items or send their own to get signed.

    Items available to purchase include trading cards, action figures, turnbuckle pads, Funko POP! Vinyls as well as posters for both Being the Elite and AEW\’s predecessor event ALL IN.

    The Bucks\’ Absence

    Unless they return to AEW programming very soon, this will be the first public appearance by The Bucks since All Out.

    After the now infamous event, a fight broke out backstage following explosive comments made by then-AEW World Champion CM Punk.

    It is believed that Punk threw the first punch that hit Matt Jackson, though Punk\’s camp has claimed that he felt threatened that a fight was going to break out.

    During the fight, it is alleged that Punk\’s trainer and then-AEW producer Ace Steel threw a chair that hit Nick Jackson in the eye.

    All participants in the fight were suspended due to a third-party investigation into the matter which has since concluded.

    Future Plans

    While Tony Khan has not commented publicly on the results, it is believed that the investigation cleared the Bucks and Kenny Omega.

    In recent weeks, the trio have been featured in vignettes on Dynamite, which has seen the group be replaced by Death Triangle.

    Death Triangle, AEW\’s second Trios Champions after the Elite was stripped of the titles, are expected to feud with The Bucks and Omega once they return.

    The Elite Were Backstage at AEW Dynamite (Report)

  • Triple H Has Big Plans for WWE\’s Women\’s Division (Report)

    Triple H has big plans for the women\’s division of WWE now that he is running both the Creative and Talent Relations departments.

    The Game was appointed head of both roles in July, replacing his father-in-law Vince McMahon as Head of Creative and John Laurinaitis as Head of Talent.

    Both men have since left the promotion following allegations McMahon paid millions in NDAs to female talent he had extramarital affairs with.

    The Game\’s Plans

    Triple H\’s first 100 days running things have been marked by the many returns to the company, with Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, Karrion Kross, and others all returning.

    On the women\’s side of things, Candice LeRae, B-Fab, Dakota Kai, Emma, and Scarlett have all returned, and that is expected to continue.

    Fightful Select reports that WWE plans on bringing back more female talent to \”restock the women\’s division with several TV-ready, experienced women\’s wrestlers.\”

    It was reported last month that WWE has shown interest in bringing back Tegan Nox, who was released on November 18, 2021.

    Who\’s Next?

    Nox may soon be the latest released WWE Superstar to return to WWE, but WWE has plenty of possible female stars they could bring back.

    Fightful\’s report adds that WWE has discussed bringing back Chelsea Green, who suffered a wrist injury during her November 2020 call-up to SmackDown.

    Green was released in 2021 but was allowed to continue attending WWE\’s Performance Center during her recovery process.

    When Fightful spoke to Green, she confirmed that WWE has not contacted her for a return.

    She added that she has commitments with the NWA, Wrestlecade and other independent bookings scheduled well into March 2023.

    Rhea Ripley Says Tegan Nox Helped Saved Her WWE Career

  • NXT Star Is On \’Fast Track To Becoming the Next Sasha Banks\’

    Fans haven\’t seen Sasha Banks on WWE programming in close to half a year, but WWE may have found the next generation\’s answer to \’The Boss.\’

    Banks, alongside Naomi, was suspended following their walkout during the May 16, episode of Monday Night Raw over creative differences.

    In recent months, it has been rumored that both will return to WWE now that Vince McMahon has retired.

    The Next Sasha Banks

    Before coming to WWE\’s main roster, Banks made a name for herself in NXT, and Cora Jade is doing just that today.

    Jade signed with NXT last year and was initially pushed as a babyface, before turning heel on her former-friend Roxanne Perez.

    Speaking with Give Me Sport, Wrestle Votes stated that many in WWE believe Jade could be the next Banks.

    \”She has the same thing Sasha has, she’s talented she’s got this unique look about her, she’s super young, and she’s pretty decent in the ring, right? The potential of her becoming a big deal is high and WWE sees that.”

    It was added that \”everybody loves Cora\” and that WWE\’s Head of Creative and Head of Talent Triple H is of the opinion that she could be the next Sasha Banks.

    The Future of Cora Jade

    Jade\’s brief NXT Women\’s Tag Team Championship reign with Perez marks her only title held in WWE so far.

    There has been no word on when WWE plans on bringing her up permanently to the main roster, as she is still at the beginning of her wrestling career.

    Jade has already appeared on Raw, as she was featured in a backstage segment with The Judgment Day last month.

    Two WWE NXT 2.0 Superstars are Now a Couple

    H/T: WrestlingNews

  • MVP Thinks It\’s \”Foolish\” to Compare Omos to The Great Khali

    Omos is a far different kind of WWE Superstar to The Great Khali, at least according to his manager MVP.

    At over seven-foot-three and weighing over 400lbs, it\’s hardly surprising that fans have compared Omos to Khali, who was also seven-foot-three and tipped the scales at 420lbs.

    Fans have often been critical of Khali\’s wrestling ability, and on Twitter, MVP made the clear distinction between Omos, Khali and Giant Gonzalez, who was also limited in the ring due to his size.

    Omos So Far

    In January 2019, Omos was signed to a contract and was part of a class of seven athletes to train at the Performance Center.

    The former basketball player made his NXT debut at a July 2019 Live event, and would debut on the main roster in June 2020.

    Aligning with AJ Styles in October that same year, the two would capture the Raw Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania 37, in Omos\’ first televised match and his seventh match ever.

    After losing to Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania 38, Omos would enlist the services of MVP, who manages him to this day.

    What\’s next for Omos?

    Despite a loss to Braun Strowman at WWE Crown Jewel, the future looks very bright for Omos.

    At last year\’s Survivor Series, the Nigerian Giant won The Rock 25th Anniversary Battle Royal, a celebration of the silver anniversary of the Brahma Bull\’s WWE debut.

    WWE higher-ups are said to be pleased with the improvements Omos has made since coming to the main roster, and it is believed that he is getting better the more matches he has.

    MVP Could have Faced the Death Penalty for Attending WWE Crown Jewel 2022

  • Is The Rock Head of the Table? Not According to Solo Sikoa

    Who is the real \’Head of the Table?\’ The Rock or Roman Reigns?

    Both men come from the esteemed Anoa\’I wrestling family and are arguably the two most successful wrestlers from the dynasty.

    The Head of The Table

    Roman Reigns has spent the past two years claiming to be Head of the Table, but The Rock recently laid claim to that moniker.

    Speaking to The Rundown last month, The Rock made it clear who he considered the be the pinnacle member of their family.

    \”Who is head of the table? Without saying any names, you’re looking into his eyes right now

    Dwayne Johnson.

    WWE Superstar Solo Sikoa isn\’t impressed by the Brahma Bull\’s comments, and made it clear to Republic World who he feels is in charge (via eWrestlingNews.)

    \”He is not here in WWE so I don’t know what table he is talking about, there are other tables in the family. I don’t know if he got a pick specifically on which table he is talking about.

    \”I know Roman is head of our table, that’s the table I said. But you know when the time presents itself man, rock and roll, that’ll be something cool to see down the road.”

    Solo Sikoa.

    The Rock Vs. Roman Reigns – Will it Happen?

    With both The Rock and Reigns claiming to be Head of the Table, many assume a match between the two will happen.

    It is believed that The Rock could challenge his cousin at WrestleMania 39 given that the show will take place in Los Angeles.

    The Rock is one of the busiest stars in Hollywood, but his filming schedule is suspiciously free for the first quarter of 2023.

    With that said, Brian Gewirtz recently reminded fans that The Rock is kicking off his XFL league in early 2023, which will also keep him busy.

    Black Adam is The Rock’s Biggest Opening as a Leading Man

  • Who Produced Roman Reigns vs Logan Paul At WWE Crown Jewel 2022?

    Roman Reigns and Logan Paul put on an epic in the main event of last night\’s WWE Crown Jewel 2022 Premium Live Event.

    In what is Paul\’s third professional wrestling match, the YouTuber proved he could hold his own against the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

    The near-25-minute match saw appearances by the Bloodline and Jake Paul before Reigns retained after a Superman punch and a Spear.

    Producers

    The Reigns Vs. Paul match was a bout worthy of the main event, and saw some of WWE\’s veterans working behind the scenes.

    Michael P.S. Hayes was a producer for the match, alongside \’Hurricane\’ Shane Helms.

    Helms had been training with Paul ahead of the match, and both he and Drew Gulak (another trainer for the Maverick) appeared in an interview on the WWE Crown Jewel kick-off show.

    Other Matches

    PW Insider also reports that Hayes produced the Brock Lesnar Vs. Bobby Lashley opener, alongside Jason Jordan.

    The WWE Women\’s Tag Titles match which pitted Alexa Bliss and Asuka against Dakota Kai was produced by Petey Williams.

    Williams was also on hand to produce the Raw Women\’s Championship Last Woman Standing match which saw Bianca Belair retain her title against Bayley.

    Drew McIntyre\’s steel cage match victory over Karrion Kross was produced by Chris Park, aka Abyss from Impact Wrestling, who also produced the Tag Title match between the Usos and the Brawling Brutes.

    Braun Strowman Vs. Omos was produced by Adam Pearce.

    • The 9 Best Moments from WWE Crown Jewel 2022
    MVP Could have Faced the Death Penalty for Attending WWE Crown Jewel 2022

    H/T: PWInsider