SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • GUNTHER On If Logan Paul Belongs In WWE

    Since arriving in WWE in 2021, Logan Paul has been riling up fans, though even his fiercest critics can\’t deny his skills in the squared circle. Speaking recently to Ariel Helwani, WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER shared his praise for the Maverick.

    \”I have no bad experience with Logan. I think he’s a great addition for us. Crazy athlete and he picked it up very quick.\”

    GUNTHER acknowledged that Paul may not have \”aspirations to be the best wrestler in the world,\” but said that his \”obvious passion\” for pro wrestling can\’t be denied. And though some may have issues with an \’outsider\’ getting top treatment by WWE, GUNTHER argued it\’s hypocritcal for others to bemoan Paul for accepting such lavish treatment.

    \”When you get offered a private jet and locker room, none of you would turn it down. Let’s be honest.\”

    GUNTHER\’s comments are interesting given that his journey to WWE and Paul\’s couldn\’t be more different. While GUNTHER spent years honing his craft in his native Europe before landing in NXT UK, Paul made his name as a social media influencer who crossed over into Sports Entertainment.

    Both GUNTHER and Logan Paul will be in action at WWE WrestleMania 41 in matches against Jey Uso and AJ Styles respectively. And while GUNTHER\’s declaration that the mat is sacred may seem the antithesis of Paul\’s brash, in-your-face attitude, the Ring General has no issue with the Maverick.

    Logan Paul: AJ Styles Is Another Stepping Stone to Me

    H/T – Fightful

  • Rhea Ripley: The Judgment Day Died When I Was Kicked Out

    At WWE SummerSlam 2024, Rhea Ripley\’s time as part of the Judgment Day came to an end, as did the tenure of the group\’s longest-tenured member Damian Priest. When asked by the Toronto Sun if she still keeps tabs on her former group, Ripley argued that the Judgment Day is hardly the faction it once was.

    \”Judgment Day died when Damian and I got turned on. They died. When we got kicked out, they died. They\’re not the Judgment Day anymore.\”

    Ripley\’s time with the group ended when Dominik Mysterio cost her a Women\’s World Title match with Liv Morgan, and sealed his betrayal with a kiss to the latter. As for Priest, his ousting came when Finn Balor would cost him his World Heavyweight Championship match to GUNTHER.

    Despite Ripley\’s bold claim, the Judgment Day remains a force on WWE TV, with four members of the group set to do action at WrestleMania. While Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez will put their tag titles on the line, Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio will be at odds in the Intercontinental Championship fatal four-way match.

    As for Ripley, her Road to WrestleMania will lead her to potentially regaining the Women\’s World Championship, though IYO SKY and Bianca Belair won\’t make this easy. And just one year after retaining the very same title as a fully-fledged member of the Judgment Day, WWE\’s \’Mami\’ wants no part of the \’dead\’ faction.

    Rhea Ripley Wanted to Throw Her Dream Away After WWE Debut

    H/T – Fightful

  • WWE Will Bring Brock Lesnar Back, Predicts Hall of Famer

    Brock Lesnar hasn\’t appeared for WWE in over a year but fans can expect the Beast to return to TV, at least according to one WWE Hall of Famer.

    On the Something to Wrestle podcast, John \’Bradshaw\’ Layfield predicted that Lesnar\’s return isn\’t a question of if, but when.

    \”There’s gonna be a figure that comes that has two commas in it that they’re gonna offer him to come back, and I think he’ll take it and I hope he does.”

    Layfield said that his fellow former WWE Champion will be tempted by \”the limelight,\” a somewhat ironic belief given Brock is a self-professed misanthrope. Nevertheless, a high-enough figure could convince Lesnar, who for years was WWE\’s highest-paid Superstar to step back in the ring.

    Lesnar\’s WWE future has been in limbo since Janel Grant filed her lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis. In the suit, Grant alleges that she was trafficked to Lesnar in order to convince him to re-sign with WWE.

    The nixing of plans led to Lesnar being removed from the 2024 Men\’s Royal Rumble match, won by Brock\’s most recent opponent, Cody Rhodes. Lesnar was reportedly set to face Dominik Mysterio at Elimination Chamber: Perth, and GUNTHER at WrestleMania 40, though neither match occurred.

    While JBL believes WWE will make an offer alluring enough to bring Lesnar back, the company has outwardly shown no sign of doing just that. And with the inevitable bad PR WWE would face bringing Lesnar back amid Grant\’s legal dispute, it may be a long time before fans ever see him in the ring again.

    Cody Rhodes References Brock Lesnar on WWE SmackDown

  • Reason Why Plans for Joe Hendry on WWE Raw Were Nixed

    Joe Hendry has appeared for WWE several times, but has yet to appear on WWE\’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw. Now, it appears that Hendry came close to appearing on the red brand before one higher-up nixed the idea.

    Fightful Select reports that there was a plan  for Hendry to appear on WWE RAW earlier this year  to set up a feud with The Miz, but Ariel Shnerer shot down the idea. It is believed that Shenrer, who recently was an executive for Anthem, didn\’t like the idea of Hendry taking the loss. Hendry is, after all, the reigning TNA World Champion, and has held the gold since TNA Genesis in January of this year.

    WWE reportedly soured on Shnerer during his tenure with TNA. Following his exit, it was reported that NXT talent had requested that he not be in the locker-room during TNA-NXT collaboration. At the time, it was noted that this wasn\’t anything personal to Shnerer but simply talent believing that ther locker room should be restricted to talent.

    While Hendry didn\’t appear on WWE Raw, the idea was not entirely scrapped. Fightful reports that Ethan Page arriving in TNA to feud with Hendry is very similar in terms of creative to what would have been planned. Page, someone who Hendry battled in 2024 over the NXT Championship, will challenge for the TNA World Title at Rebellion in a triple-threat match that\’ll include Frankie Kazarian.

    Hendry hasn\’t appeared for WWE since the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE and a recent injury has raised questions about his future as TNA World Champion. While it remains to be seen if Hendry ever makes it to Raw, fans know to count jothing out in this WWE-TNA partnership.

    Joe Hendry WWE Role Confirmed For WrestleMania Week

  • Ridge Holland Responds For Calls to be Released Over Big E Injury

    In March 2022, Big E suffered a broken neck during an episode of WWE SmackDown when a move performed by Ridge Holland went horribly wrong. Since then, several \’fans\’ have lambasted Holland, who bit back this week at one fan calling for him to be cut from WWE.

    In a post on X, the fan didn\’t hold back, saying that Holland\’s release from WWE should have come three years ago.

    “Genuinely f*** Ridge Holland. They should’ve released him when he injured Big E and that should’ve been it. Get that walking workplace accident out of WWE and out of sports entertainment.”

    In a video shared on X, Holland fought back, questioning why the fan who seemingly hates him spends so much time thinking about him.

    “That’s not a very nice comment, is it? You’re thinking about me though—I’m in your head, though, living rent-free, though. Oh, and one more thing… you’re a virgin. Sit out, lad.”

    While some fans may loathe Ridge Holland over what happened in 2022, one man who doesn\’t hold a grudge is Big E himself. Mere months after the accident, Big E shared that he and Holland were fine and he holds no ill-will to the Brawling Brutes alum. In Big E\’s own words, \”Me hating him or holding a grudge doesn’t help me at all.\”

    Big E has made peace with the possibility that he may never wrestle again but many still aren\’t ready to move on from what was a terrible accident. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Holland as he continues forward in WWE despite what some may feel.

  • Tommaso Ciampa Makes Wedding Officiant Debut & Has The Gold to Prove It

    WWE SmackDown Superstar Tommaso Ciampa recently traded his \’Blackheart\’ for one full of love by officiating his first wedding ceremony. On Instagram, Ciampa shared that he spent the weekend officiating a wedding in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, for his cousin Paul Wayne Howard. Paul tied the knot to his new bride Jamie Danner and Ciampa was awarded a custom-made Wedding Officiant Championship title.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"

    While Ciampa is making waves outside of the ring, his time with WWE has been hit with a series of obstacles as of late. DIY recently lost the WWE Tag Team Championships to the Street Profits, ending his and Johnny Gargano\’s second reign. As if that wasn\’t bad enough, DIY recently failed to become the number one contenders for the gold. Instead, it\’ll be the Motor City Machine Guns who will challenge the Profits on the go-home SmackDown before WrestleMania 41.

    Ciampa won\’t be holding gold by the end of this week in WWE, but his new Wedding Officiant Championship is quite the sight to behold. Now, the former NXT Champion has a new title, and a new role, to add to his impresive resume.

  • WWE Scrubs Brock Lesnar History Ahead Of WrestleMania 41

    Brock Lesnar has not appeared for WWE since SummerSlam 2023 with questions remaining about what his future, if any, with WWE looks like. Now, the promotion has continued to distance itself from the former World and Universal Champion with a recent video shared to social media.

    The video in question highlights Roman Reigns\’ WrestleMania main events ahead of the OTC\’s record-shattering 10th time headlining the Showcase of the Immortals next week. While three of Reigns\’ main events came against Lesnar (2015, 2018, and 2022) WWE\’s video avoids showing even a brief glimpse of the Beast Incarnate. In comparison, Reigns\’ less controversial opponents, including Triple H, Cody Rhodes, and The Undertaker, are clearly visible in the video.

    Lesnar being snubbed from the video is an interesting call, especially given that he was referenced during this week\’s episode of WWE SmackDown. In a segment, Cody Rhodes recalled his past battles with Brock Lesnar and others ahead of his WrestleMania 41 collision with John Cena.

    Brock Lesnar was once WWE\’s top name but now the company wishes to avoid showing the highly-paid Superstar alltogether. As questions remain about what\’s next for Lesnar, who is tied to Janel Grant\’s lawsuit, fans shouldn\’t expect to see him, either live or in archived footage.

    Drew McIntyre Shares Gruesome Injury After WWE SmackDown Brawl

  • Chelsea Green Files Appeal Against SmackDown Countout Loss

    Women\’s U.S. Champion Chelsea Green isn\’t taking her recent countout loss to Zelina Vega lying down. During the April 11, edition of WWE SmackDown, Green came up short as she did not get back in the ring before the count of ten. The result gave Vega the win, seemingly putting her in line for a future Women\’s United States Championship opportunity.

    Now, Green has filed litigation and intends to nullify or reverse the decision of the match. In her filing, NXT\’s resident lawyer Luca Cruisifino lambasts the \”questionable and competitively unjust\” count from the official. Crusifino also argues that the count was delivered with \”undue haste\” and in \”clear violation\” of a WWE by law demanding that counts \”must be delivered at a steady and impartial tempo.\”

    Interestingly, Green may have a case, as it\’s been reported that her match was not supposed to end this way. It is believed that Green did not realise that throwing Vega in the ring would not break up the count, and instead spent time playing up to the crowd and bickering with commentary. On Instagram, Wade Barrett encouraged Green to look into Joe Tessitore as a distracting factor, adding that his broadcast colleague was \”incredibly unprofessional.\”

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"

    While this match didn\’t go as intended, Green is once again making the most of the opportunity presented to her. Whether Green\’s appeal is successful or not, the Women\’s United States Champion isn\’t making things easy for WWE\’s referees.

  • Jon Moxley Becomes Double-Champion In Unlikely Way on AEW Collision

    Jon Moxley is already one of AEW\’s most decorated competitors, but now he has a new championship to add to his collection. During the April 12, edition of AEW Dynamite, Moxley, already the AEW World Champion, became one-third of the AEW Trios Champions.

    Moxley\’s title acquisition, however, did not come how he would have wanted. During the show, it was confirmed that Pac suffered an injury during his AEW Dynamite showdown with Swerve Strickland. As a result, Moxley has been appointed as Interim AEW Trios Champion and will defend alongside Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta.

    Moxley\’s first title defense as a Trios Champion will come on the April 19, episode of Dynamite, one week after Pac\’s injury. He, Castaganoli, and Yuta, will defend against The Opps (Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and Hook.)

    In addition to his role as an Interim AEW Trios Champion, Moxley will remain dedicate to defending the AEW World Championship against all-comers. At AEW Dynasty, Moxley retained against Swerve Strickland, albeit thanks to an assist by the returning Young Bucks. Now, Moxley\’s attention turns towards his next challenger who will be decided in the Owen Hart Foundation Men\’s Tournament. But with two titles he\’ll have to defend, could this prove too much for the Death Riders leader?

    FTR Blame AEW Dynasty Heel Turn On ‘Selfish’ Adam Copeland

  • FTR Blame AEW Dynasty Heel Turn On \’Selfish\’ Adam Copeland

    During the AEW Dynasty pay-per-view, Rated FTR came to a painful end as FTR betrayed Cope. The shocking act came after the group failed to win the AEW Trios Titles from the Death Riders. After the pair hit a piledriver on Cope, Cash Wheeler flattened the Hall of Famer with a con-chair-to.

    On the April 12, edition of AEW Collision, FTR gave their side of the turn. Wheeler acknowledged that Adam Copeland has been one of his best friend and described Cope as a mentor of 15 years. In the end though, Wheeler argued that it was Cope\’s own actions that doomed his fate.

    \”The more I watched the moves Adam Copeland made backstage, the more I watched the moves Adam Copeland made against FTR, the more I understood. Adam Copeland only cared about Adam Copeland.\”

    The real-life friendship between Cope and FTR is no secret and has been referenced before Rated FTR was a thing. In 2021, the then-Edge was feuding with Seth Rollins, who invaded Edge\’s home during an episode of SmackDown. At the show, a frantic Edge was calling Beth Phoenix and telling her not to go home and that he was calling Dave and Daniel, the real names of the FTR duo, to sort Seth out.

    Now, it remains to be seen how Cope reacts to this heel turn and the pair\’s explanation. Whatever comes next, don\’t expect Rated FTR to be challenging for any titles anytime soon.

  • Rhea Ripley Supports Alexander Volkanovski At UFC 314

    Just days ahead of WrestleMania 41, Rhea Ripley attended UFC 314 in Miami, in a huge move by WWE\’s resident \’Mami.\’ Ripley was at the event to support fellow Australian Alexander Volkanovski who headlined the show against Diego Lopes. Not only did Ripley attend the show, but she met up with Volkanovski backstage and received gifts including a jersey and hoodie.

    WWE & UFC came together in September 2023 as part of TKO Group Holdings. Since then, fans have seen talent from both sides appear for the other. In 2024, Michael Chandler was on Raw and challenged Conor McGregor for a fight. Over in UFC, several WWE Superstars have appeared including Rey Mysterio, Bianca Belair, and Montez Ford.

    As for Ripley, she will challenge for the Women\’s World Championship at WrestleMania 41, her fifth time competing in a title match at the event. While reigning champion IYO SKY and fellow challenger Bianca Belair won\’t make things easy for Ripley, she\’ll certaily have the backing of Volkanovski

  • WWE Great Wants \’Justice For Chad\’ After Gable\’s WrestleMania Snub

    WrestleMania 41 is mere days away but not every Superstar will be competing as part of the two-night supershow. On X, WWE Hall of Famer John \’Bradshaw\’ Layfield took issue that Chad Gable will not be a part of the upcoming Las Vegas spectacle. JBL, who\’s on-screen character often flirted with anti-immigration sentiment, argued that having El Grande Americano on the card instead of Gable was the wrong choice before demanding \’Justice for Chad.\’

    While Gable will be \’missing\’ from WrestleMania, El Grande Americano will battle Rey Mysterio during the event\’s first night. Mysterio has claimed that WWE\’s new masked sensation is actually Gable in disguise, and that the \’character\’ is a mockery of the rich history of lucha libre wrestling. Mysterio is no stranger to WrestleMania, having made his debut at WrestleMania 19 in 2003 and competed most recently at last year\’s event.

    WrestleMania 41 will be a huge event, the culmination of a stacked week in Las Vegas of WWE and non-WWE shows. But for Chad Gable, unless something changes soon, he\’ll have to sit back and watch Mysterio and Americano tear the house down from the sidelines.

  • Liv Morgan Bites Back At Zoey Stark\’s \’Strip Club\’ Jibe

    Zoey Stark is tired of her colleagues oversexualizing professional wrestling and isn\’t holding back against some of WWE\’s top Superstars. Taking to X, fka Twitter, Stark argued that too many wrestlers are dressing too provactively to be considered decent.

    Stark\’s one-woman crusade began at a WWE live event where she took issue with Rhea Ripley smacking her own backside. This caught the attention of the Australian Superstar.

    Up next, Stark too issue with Bianca Belair\’s attire as guest referee during the March 31, edition of Raw. Stark argued that an official should be more covered before censoring the EST.

    Women\’s World Champion IYO SKY is not immune to Stark\’s moral crusade. On X, Stark argued that SKY\’s outfit during a recent episode of Raw was a beg for attention.

    Now, Liv Morgan has been the target of Stark who argued that Liv\’s attire is little more than what one would see from a stripper. In an unabashed response, Morgan joked that she\’d certainly make plenty if she traded in the ring for the stage.

    Stark\’s crusade has left fans speculating on whether this moral crusade could make it to WWE TV, with several comparing Stark to the Right to Censor\’s Ivory. The faction drew immense heat in 2000 and 2001 for their staunch (and often hypocritical) opposition to violence and sexuality.

    Interestingly, Stark\’s comments come after WWE LFG\’s Mickie James took issue with Zena Sterling\’s outfit, calling it akin to lingerie. This comment split fans with some agreeing with James while other argued that the progress James touted means that Sterling should be free to wear what she chooses.

    It remains to be seen if Zoey Stark\’s moral crusade makes it to WWE TV but the former NXT Women\’s Tag Team Champion isn\’t holding back online.

    Liv Morgan: I Am The Best & My Best Is Yet to Come

  • Samantha Irvin Drops Music Video For \’Shawty Wanna\’

    Samantha Irvin is wasting no time building her career in the world of music following the end of her WWE tenure. On April 11, 2025, Irvin took to YouTube to drop the music video for her new track \’Shawty Wanna.\’

    In the comments, several listeners praised the song, with one saying that \”Samantha was born to perform\” and praised her as \”more than a singer.\” Another compared Irvin\’s new track to \”old skill R&B\” while another said that Irvin \”absolutely ate this up.\”

    Irvin parted ways with WWE in October 2024 and explained at the time that she wished to pursue other avenues in entertainment. Shortly after her exit, Irvin explained that she had not wished to remain as a ring announcer, but WWE did not plan for her to have any other role.

    While Irvin has yet to resurface in pro wrestling, some fans believe she will eventually join AEW where her husband Ricochet is receiving regular TV time.

    Whatever Irvin has planned next, in or outside of wrestling, the former ring announcer will be performing in Las Vegas over WWE WrestleMania week. As fans await to see what Irvin does next, it\’s clear that the former ring announcer has a multitude of talents beyond announcing wrestlers to the ring.

    Samantha Irvin Referenced On AEW Dynamite

  • Fans Express Outrage Over WWE Hall of Fame 2025 Induction \’Snub\’

    Michelle McCool will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year, but her choice of inductee has angered several fans of the inaugural Divas Champion. This week, WWE revealed who will be inducting at the April 18, ceremony and it will be The Undertaker who inducts McCool.

    While the Phenom is hardly a surprising choice given that he and McCool have been married since 2010, many fans feel he is the wrong choice. On X, many fans argued that Michelle\’s Lay-Cool partner Layla should be the one inducting her at the ceremony. This resulted in Layla\’s name trending on the platform.

    https://twitter.com/TiffanyLuv24/status/1910885170162344039
    https://twitter.com/wolverpunks/status/1910888231224148082

    The anger of fans comes at an interesting time for McCool\’s career. For WWE LFG\’s second season, McCool will replace Mickie James as one of the show\’s judges. It has been reported that The Undertaker pushed for McCool to be added to the show, though did not state that she should replace James. Nevertheless, this has led to anger from fans and accusations that the couple are using the Phenom\’s sway, resulting in James, a highly-respected name in wrestling, being cut.

    The Undertaker\’s involvement isn\’t the only questionable WWE Hall of Fame inductee. Despite the hopes of many, including Lex Luger, Sting will not be inducting his friend, and the role will instead be performed by DDP. While DDP has done wonders for Luger\’s health, many believe it should be Sting, still under contract with AEW, who should be doing the honor.

    The WWE Hall of Fame will take place on April 18, as part of the massive WrestleMania week lined up. While McCool will be able to celebrate her induction with her husband by her side, it remains to be seen if Layla has any role as part of the ceremony.

  • Drew McIntyre Shares Gruesome Injury After WWE SmackDown Brawl

    The April 11 edition of WWE SmackDown saw Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest once again come to blows. While it was McIntyre who left the show standing tall over the Archer of Infamy, Priest was able to leave his mark on the Scottish Warrior.

    Taking to Instagram after the segment, McIntyre shared a deep laceration to his scalp. McIntyre added the caption that \”some old wounds never truly heal,\” suggesting the brawl with Priest opened up a previous injury.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"

    McIntyre and Priest will meet at WWE WrestleMania 41 in the \’Sin City Street Fight\’ in Las Vegas, Nevada. This feud has been building for months with an argument to be made that it began at WrestleMania 40. It was Priest, after all, who would cash-in Money in the Bank on McIntyre at the April 2024, event, bringing an end to his brief reign as World Heavyweight Champion.

    Now, McIntyre has the chance for revenge, but Priest won\’t go easy after this brawl on SmackDown. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WrestleMania 41.

    Drew McIntyre Explains Reports of ‘Storming Out Of’ Royal Rumble

  • WWE Delivers Its Biggest Clue Yet Over Aleister Black\’s Alleged Return

    Rumors continue to grow about Aleister Black returning to WWE and now the promotion may have given their biggest confirmation to date. During the April 11, edition of WWE SmackDown, another cryptic video was aired which fans believe is hyping up the return of the Dutch wrestler. During the video, a chair surrounded by candles was featured amid the smoky atmosphere.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"

    Fans immediately speculated that this was a nod to Black, specifically a tenure from his WWE career shortly before his exit in 2021. That year, Black was seen in a chair surrounded by candles, reading from the book \’Tales of the Dark Father.\’ Not only did WWE include this imagery on this week\’s SmackDown, but this segment was followed by a match featuring Zelina Vega, Black\’s real-life wife.

    Not only are WWE suggesting that Black will return, but fans may already know the exact date of his comeback. This week\’s segment also saw the number 4 and the Roman numeral for 25. This has left many thinking that Black\’s return will come on the April 25, edition of WWE SmackDown, the first episode of the blue brand after WrestleMania 41.

    Black was a hit in WWE NXT, becoming the brand\’s top champion, but that success was not matched when he was called to the main roster. With Paul \’Triple H\’ Levesque now overseeing the entirity of WWE\’s creative direction, it remains to be seen if Black can have the main roster run many hoped for him, should he return as countless fans predict.

  • Bayley & Lyra Valkyria Are Ready For WrestleMania Tag Title Opportunity

    On the April 11, edition of WWE SmackDown, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria won a Women\’s Tag Team Gauntlet match, punching their tickets to WrestleMania 41. Not only did the duo earn a shot at WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, but the duo defeated every other team in the gauntlet match to earn their opportunity.

    In a WWE SmackDown exclusive, Bayley and Valkyria, decked in the shirt of their tag-team partner, reflected on their journey to WrestleMania. While this match was Lyra\’s first time teaming with Bayley, she\’s pleased to have an instant chemistry with the Role Model.

    \”We just ran through the very best that the women\’s division has to offer and I\’m going to WrestleMania with the Role Model!\”

    Lyra shared that her connection to Bayley runs deep as she first met her future tag team partner years ago during a WWE fan event. As for Bayley, she\’s grateful for the opportunity to hold tag team gold once again.

    \”I\’ve been a tag team champion in the past, I\’m the first ever. And I\’m a two-time, so if I become a three times the charm, I\’m honored to be able to do that with you.\”

    Despite their partnership, Bayley made clear that she still has her eyes on Valkyria\’s Women\’s Intercontinental Championship, a title the Role Model has yet to hold. Nevertheless, the pair plan on winning big at WrestleMania and proving their win in their debut match was no fluke.

    New Champion Crowned Before WWE SmackDown

  • New Champion Crowned Before WWE SmackDown

    The April 11, edition of WWE SmackDown saw plenty go down, including massive stakes being added to WrestleMania 41. But before Bayley & Lyra Valkyria cashed their tickets to Las Vegas and before Drew McIntyre Vs. Damian Priest was made into a Sin City Street Fight, one WWE NXT Superstar won gold.

    Before SmackDown went on the air, WWE filmed its upcoming episode of WWE Speed, which will air on the WrestleMania 41 Week episode on April 16. During the taping, Candice LeRae\’s time as the WWE Speed Women\’s Champion was brought to an end by NXT\’s Sol Ruca.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/04/\"

    This win marks Ruca\’s first taste of gold in WWE and makes her the second-ever WWE Speed Champion. LeRae\’s 189-day reign had begun in October 2024 when she defeated IYO SKY in the finals of a tournament to win the title. Despite being on TV as champion though, LeRae did not appear with her gold which WWE keeps exclusive to its X-hosted show.

    Now, it will be Ruca who the women of WWE hope to dethrone, and winning the title is certainly an endorsement for the NXT Superstar. Now, attention turns towards Stand & Deliver, where Ruca hopes to become a double champion by winning the vacant NXT Women\’s North American Championship. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Sol Ruca and her reign as WWE Speed Women\’s Champion.

  • Cody Rhodes References Brock Lesnar on WWE SmackDown

    Cody Rhodes was on the April 11, edition of WWE SmackDown with some fiery words for his WrestleMania 41 opponent, John Cena. Along the way though, Rhodes also had another WWE legend in mind, the controversial Brock Lesnar.

    Rhodes said that Cena is trying to tear down the legacy of the company and the crowd booed when he said that John had chosen not to come to Seattle. Rhodes then said he does his best fighting when he’s backed into a corner. Rhodes said that this was what he told Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns.

    References to Lesnar are a rarity in WWE as questions remain over the former Universal Champion\’s status and potential future. Lesnar has not appeared for WWE since the SummerSlam 2023 Premium Live Event, where he was defeated by Rhodes. In 2024, Brock was pulled from all WWE plans due to being tied to Janel Grant\’s lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis. Those plans included a match at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth against Dominik Mysterio and a WrestleMania 40 showdown with GUNTHER.

    Questions remain as to when, if ever, Brock Lesnar will be back in the ring, making Rhodes\’ reference all the more surprising this week. Cody promised that he will be on next week\’s SmackDown, as will Cena, promising an exciting segment between the two ahead of their battle for the very soul of WWE at WrestleMania 41.

  • WrestleMania Saturday & Sunday Cards Revealed on WWE SmackDown

    WWE WrestleMania 41 is mere days away and now fans know what to expect with each night of the event. The sixth-ever two-night WrestleMania will take place on Saturday April 19, and Sunday, April 20, from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the April 11, edition of WWE SmackDown, the promotion confirmed which matches will face on each night.

    Saturday:

    • Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
    • Jade Cargill vs. Naomi
    • War Raiders vs. The New Day – World Tag Team Championship
    • Rey Mysterio vs. Grande Americano
    • LA Knight vs. Jacob Fatu – United States Championship
    • Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair – WWE Women’s Championship
    • Gunther vs. Jey Uso – WWE World Heavyweight Championship

    Sunday:

    • Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez – Women’s Tag Team Championship
    • Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre – Street Fight
    • Bron Breakker vs. Finn Balor vs. Penta vs. Dominik Mysterio – Intercontinental Championship
    • Logan Paul vs. AJ Styles
    • Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley – RAW Women’s Championship
    • Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena – Undisputed WWE Championship

    Once again, WWE has delivered a stacked card for WrestleMania. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WrestleMania as the biggest show of the year will soon arrive in Sin City.

  • Gail Kim\’s Next Role Confirmed After Surprise TNA Exit

    Gail Kim\’s next move in the world of pro wrestling has been confirmed after her surprising exit from TNA Wrestling. On April 11, the NWA made the announcement that the first-ever TNA Knockouts Champion is heading to the Crockett Cup.

    This marks Kim’s first confirmed wrestling-related appearance since parting ways with TNA, a move that came as a shock to fans. Kim was among a wave of backstage changes to the promotion which also saw company staples including Josh Matthews and Christy Hemme be cut. In addition to appearing on-screen, Kim had worked backstage as a producer and was seen as the biggest loss to the company under these recent cuts.

    Kim does not have a non-compete clause with TNA, Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp reports, giving her the freedom to work with the NWA so suddenly after her TNA exit. Without a non-compete, speculation has grown about Kim joining AEW, New Japan, or even returning to WWE. Taking to Instagram after her TNA exit, Kim confirmed that she isn\’t through in the business.

    “This will not end my passion or my love for wrestling and this is not the end of Gail Kim in the wrestling world.”

    The NWA Crockett Cup will be a celebration of wrestling and will even see WWE\’s Natalya in action at the event. As for Kim, the veteran will be a sure-fire hit at the show as questions continue to loom about her future in pro wrestling.

    Gail Kim: Jim Ross Advises Tony Khan to ‘Go For It’ and Sign Her to AEW

  • Julius Creed Teams With Daniel Cormier For Epic UFC 314-Weigh In Moment

    Julius Creed isn’t just making waves in WWE—he’s now delivering table-smashing moments alongside some of the very top names in the history of UFC. The American Made member surprise appearance on the official ESPN weigh-in show for UFC 314 on Friday, April 11.

    Things quickly spiraled into chaos when he and former UFC champion Daniel Cormier teamed up to send UFC broadcaster Dan Hellie crashing through a table.

    Creed and Cormier proved to be quite the duo and this isn\’t the first time the pair have teamed up. Back in 2017, Creed helped Cormier prepare for his legendary fight with Jon Jones. Earlier this year, Creed joined Cormier’s coaching staff on The Ultimate Fighter 33, strengthening the bond between the WWE and UFC worlds.

    With this connection growing ever deeper, it remains to be seen if Cormier has a role with American Made on WWE TV. But between this connection to Creed, the ties between WWE and UFC under TKO, and Cormier\’s past appearances in WWE, fans know not to count it out.

    Who Convinced Daniel Cormier to Make WWE Extreme Rules 2022 Debut?

  • Buff Bagwell and Bill Goldberg End 25-Year Wrestling Feud

    A real-life beef between two of World Championship Wrestling\’s most iconic stars has been settled, a quarter of a century after tensions first begun. On his YouTube channel, Marcus \’Buff\’ Bagwell was happy to share that his issues with WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg are a thing of the past.

    According to Bagwell, the issues between them stemmed from a humble gym workout in the late 1990s. At the time, Goldberg believed that Bagwell was mocking him for grunting as he pumped iron, when it was in fact a different WCW star to blame.

    \”Lex Luger made the sound. He was impersonating Herman Munster. I didn’t even do it!\”

    During a recent live-stream fundraiser to help with medical costs for Brian Knobbs, Bagwell finally got a chance to explain the truth to Goldberg. Now, Goldberg knows that Bagwell never disrespected him and the pair have been able to make amends.

    \”Thank God Bill finally knows in his heart that Marc Bagwell never did anything intentionally wrong or ugly to him. It just makes my heart warm to know that Bill [knows the truth].\”

    Real-life issues in wrestling are a common thing and some wrestlers go to their graves without forgiving those they believe have wronged them. Thankfully for Buff and Bill, they now know the truth and can let go of the resentment they have held on to for the past 25 years.

  • John Cena Promoted For WWE Clash In Paris 2025

    WWE will return to France this August for its Clash in Paris Premium Live Event. Now, the event has gotten even bigger as John Cena is being promoted for the show! WWE confirmed Cena\’s involvement with the release of the first official poster for the Premium Live Event.

    \"\"/

    For fans heading to Paris, they\’ll get to see plenty of the 16-time WWE World Champion. In addition to the Clash in Paris event, Cena is also being advertised for the September 1, edition of Monday Night Raw, also from Paris. At this time, WWE has yet to confirm what match or role Cena will play at the second-ever WWE PLE in France.

    The question now is whether John Cena will walk into Paris as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Cena will challenge Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 in the main event of the show\’s second night. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on John Cena as his vow to retire as champion will take the WWE icon overseas.