SEScoops

Author: Thomas Lowson

  • Seth Rollins Says AEW Talent Aren\’t On WWE\’s Level, MJF Responds

    Seth Rollins is a bonafide WWE guy, and in the past, has defended the company from others, including those in AEW. While WWE and AEW no-longer go head-to-head in the Wednesday Night Wars, Rollins\’ recent comments about the compeition has caught a lot of attention.

    During Sirius XM Sports, Rollins was asked to imagine a blockbuster trade between WWE and AEW—similar to the shocking NBA deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. Knowing his response would make \”some headlines,\” Rollins argued that WWE talent operate on a different level to those in AEW.

    “You’ll make some headlines with this one. I don’t think there is anybody in AEW that’s on that level.\”

    Rollins later added that John Cena is the LeBron James of WWE, and if a trade had to be made, he\’d switch John for AEW\’s MJF. This caught the attention of the former AEW World Champion, who Rollins described as like Luka Doncic.

    While MJF had teased joining WWE in the past, he re-signed with AEW in 2022, ensuring many more years as part of the Elite roster. Speaking to Fox 5 New York after news of his re-signing broke, MJF said the decision was ‘very easy’ and that he believes in Tony Khan\’s company.

    With John Cena set to retire from in-ring competition this year, it\’s all but guaranteed that he will never be traded to AEW. Nevertheless, Rollins\’ comment this week has certainly raised some eyebrows, with fans questioning if anyone in AEW is on WWE\’s level.

  • Ricochet & Swerve Strickland Take AEW Feud To DEFY Wrestling

    Swerve Strickland Vs. Ricochet has quickly become one of the most personal rivalries playing out in AEW, and now their issues have extended past Tony Khan\’s promotion. At the latest DEFY Wrestling event, Swerve Strickland\’s theme song played, only for Ricochet to emerge instead.

    Ricochet was hit with a \”You are bald\” chant and when the fans chanted for Strickland, Ricochet claimed that Swerve wasn\’t at the show. That claim proved premature as the lights would go out and when they came back on, Swerve was in the ring. The former AEW World Champion was met with a monstrous pop from the crowd and wasted no time in brawling with Ricochet.

    Strickland attempted the House Call but a poke to the eye allowed Ricochet to escape. Prince Nana emerged to throw Ricochet back in the ring. There, Strickland hit the House Call and Ricochet would later leave after shoving Nana.

    Ricochet In The Hurt Syndicate: Could It Happen?

    Ricochet defeated Strickland on this week\’s Dynamite, though its clear the issues between the pair are far from over. With high-profile events including Grand Slam: Australia and Revolution approaching, fans could soon be seeing the pair do battle on AEW programming again very soon.

  • Bianca Belair Talks Elimination Chamber Strategy After SmackDown Win

    On the February 7, edition of WWE SmackDown, Bianca Belair punched her ticket to Elimination Chamber by defeating Piper Niven in a Women\’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match. In a WWE Digital Exclusive, the EST spoke about what winning her third chamber match will mean for her career.

    \”Its another opportunity to solidy your path to WrestleMania and go after a title. I love having this title [the WWE Women\’s Tag Team Championship] on my shoulder but I wouldn\’t mind another one.\”

    Belair doesn\’t just have experience inside the Elimination Chamber, but knows what it takes to win the brutal match. Despite having this experience, Belair explained why those yet to taste victory inside the Chamber may be at something of an advantage.

    \”I may be in the match with women who haven\’t won before. There\’s nothing more dangerous than someone who wants it who hasn\’t had it before.\”

    Everybody will be \”hungry\” to win the Elimination Chamber match, and Belair knows that she may have to face Naomi, who will face Chelsea Green in a qualifier next week. When asked, Naomi said she\’s taking this situation seriously and won\’t underestimate the comedic Women\’s U.S. Champion.

    The winner of this match will earn a title match against whichever champion Charlotte Flair, the winner of the 2025 Women\’s Royal Rumble match, opts not to face at WrestleMania 41. With Belair, Liv Morgan, and Alexa Bliss already qualified, this year\’s Women\’s Elimination Chamber is shaping up to be a star-studded affair on March 1, in Toronto.

  • Sonya Deville & Blair Davenport Leaving WWE (Report)

    WWE has a huge roster of talented names, but this week, that roster became noticeably smaller. After Cedric Alexander confirmed his exit from WWE, more names have reportedly been let go by the company.

    Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reports that Blair Davenport has been let go by WWE. Davenport joined WWE as Bea Priestly in 2021, and debuted with the promotion as part of NXT UK.

    Davenport was later brought to WWE NXT before landing on the main roster. Her most recent match for WWE came in November 2024, and her most recent victory was over Naomi on the August 16, edition of the Blue brand.

    Sonya Deville has been told that her contract will not be extended when it expires, Sapp adds. With Deville\’s contract reportedly set to expire in a couple of weeks, it won\’t be long before the former Women\’s Tag Team Champion is a free agent.

    Deville joined WWE in 2015 as part of WWE Tough Enough. During an iconic moment, Deville came out of the closet during the show. This came after she was asked by one of the judges if she had a boyfriend waiting for her back home, and shared that she had a girlfriend instead.

    Deville\’s sole title win in WWE came in 2021 when she and Chelsea Green captured the Women\’s Tag Team titles, though an injury would cut short Deville\’s time with the gold. Now, both she and Davenport will have to find new roles outside WWE.

    AOP & Paul Ellering Released From WWE (Report)

  • Alexa Bliss Returns To SmackDown, Wins Elimination Chamber Qualifier

    Alexa Bliss made a huge impact with her return at the 2025 Royal Rumble in her first appearance for WWE in over two years. After reports that Bliss had been moved to SmackDown, the Goddess continued to make an impression on the latest edition of the blue brand.

    During the show\’s second hour, Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton came face-to-face, teasing their reported showdown at WrestleMania 41. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae interrupted to announced that Jax will get her rematch with Stratton during next week\’s SmackDown.

    Alexa Bliss then came out, teasing that the Goddess could find herself in the championship hunt down the line. Bliss took a huge step towards a future championship opportunity as in her first singles match in years, Bliss defeated Candice LeRae to earn a spot in the Women\’s Elimination Chamber match.

    Bliss sealed the deal with an Abigail DDT, a nod to the late Bray Wyatt. The former Women\’s Champion joins Liv Morgan, who qualified on the latest Raw, and Bianca Belair, who qualified during SmackDown. The match on March 1 will mark Bliss\’ third time entering the Elimination Chamber.

    Alexa Bliss knows what it takes to win a Chamber match as she did exactly that in 2018. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Bliss and her quest to become a champion in WWE again after her two-year break.

  • AOP & Paul Ellering Released From WWE (Report)

    Paul Ellering and the AOP had been a part of the Final Testament since the faction came together, working alongside Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Now, the trio\’s time with WWE is seemingly over with reports that they have been released.

    Mike Johnson of PWInsider first reported the news that Ellering had been let go from WWE. Sources who spoke to Fightful Select later confirmed news of his exit. PWInsider were also the first to report that AOP have been released from WWE.

    Ellering is known for his run with the Legion of Doom, which earned himself and the tag-team a Hall of Fame induction in 2011. In 2016, Ellering returned to WWE to align with AOP (Akam and Rezar) who debuted in NXT by attacking American Alpha. When AOP returned to WWE in 2023, Ellering returned with them.

    Ellering\’s exit from WWE raises questions as to what\’s next for the WWE Hall of Famer. Ellering\’s daughter Rachael is signed to AEW and also competes for Ring of Honor, so fans can\’t count Paul being brought in to manage his daughter. Rachael is also a former Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champion, and previously worked in WWE as Rachael Evers.

    The exit of AOP also brings an end to the Final Testament who had been regulars on TV during their feud with the Wyatt Sicks. It remains to be seen if the trio\’s exit will be referenced on WWE TV.

  • Kevin Owens Will Never Forgive \”Disgusting Human\” Sami Zayn

    Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are once again at odds over what Zayn did (or rather, didn\’t do) at this year\’s 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. In a video shared to X, Owens recounted some of the injuries he sustain during his WWE Championship ladder match with Cody Rhodes.

    \”The scars. The stitches. These scars—I’m always gonna have on my face. And the trauma? You can’t see that, but I can feel it. My neck, my spine, the pain I’ve been in all week… and I still am.\”

    Owens said that the pain he\’s in will be pain he feels for the rest of his life. The Prizefighter then turned his attention to Zayn, who despite coming out during the match, did not help him defeat Rhodes.

    “It’s all your fault. Because Sami, you just stood there and watched while Cody tried to end my career. Worse, I think he was actually trying to end my life in that Rumble.\”

    Owens pointed out that Zayn rushed to help Roman Reigns in late 2024, but refused to act at the Royal Rumble. Owens concluded by calling Zayn a \”horrible friend\” and \”disgusting human being\” beforestating that \”I\’ll never forgive you.\”

    Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens have a storied rivalry in WWE, facing each other multiple times across various events. Here is a list of notable matches between them:

    • NXT TakeOver: Rival (February 11, 2015): Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn to win the NXT Championship.
    • NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable (May 20, 2015): The match ended in a no-contest after Owens attacked Zayn, leading to the debut of Samoa Joe.
      Battleground (July 24, 2016): Sami Zayn defeated Kevin Owens in a critically acclaimed match.
    • WrestleMania 37 (April 10, 2021): Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn.
    • Hell in a Cell (June 20, 2021): Sami Zayn defeated Kevin Owens.
    • SmackDown (June 18, 2021): Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn by count-out.

    Now, fans can expect another showdown between the two, potentially at WrestleMania 41. Whatever is to come, don\’t expect the pair to ever be on the same page after Sami\’s so-called betrayal of Kevin Owens.

  • Tiffany Stratton Teases Stunning WrestleMania 41 Attire

    As WWE Women\’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton will have a crucial role at WrestleMania 41, with a showdown with Charlotte Flair expected. Speaking to Grind City Media, Stratton shared plans to dress to impress this April in Las Vegas.

    \”Having WrestleMania in Vegas, I think it would only be fitting if I did a showgirl theme. I feel like that could be really cool—feathers and stuff like that.\”

    Stratton encouraged fans to \”stay tuned\” for more on her WrestleMania attire as she wants to make her debut at WWE\’s biggest event one to remember. The reigning Women\’s Champion also shared how her attire for the Showcase of the Immortals will fit in with her established look.

    \”I’m trying to find a goodtheme and consistency throughout all my years, so I try to go with like the girly girl—pink, blues, yellows, like bright colors.\”

    Stratton will be on tonight\’s SmackDown where she\’ll come face to face with Charlotte Flair, the winner of the 2025 Women\’s Royal Rumble match. While Flair\’s ornate robes often make her stand out, Stratton is ready to go toe-to-toe with Charlotte, both in the ring and in the fashion world.

    Tiffany Stratton Spills on Nia Jax, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ludwig Kaiser Love

  • Inside Kismet: Tony Khan Talks Living Life On His Father\’s Superyacht

    Shad Khan made a grand entrance at the Super Bowl when he arrived in Kismet, his stunning 400-foot, $360 million superyacht that embodies luxury. On SportsGrid, Tony Khan was asked about his father\’s yacht, a place the AEW President now calls home.

    \”It’s fantastic, that’s where I’m living. My father is a spectacular person… And yes, I’m also living with him on a boat.\”

    The boat in question boasts many luxeries that set it apart from a standard yacht. Passengers and guests can enjoy seeing the world from six decks or perhaps one of the three pools. The ismet also boats four fireplaces, two fire pits, a full spa with a Turkish bath, a sauna, a cryotherapy chamber, plus a gym, a basketball court, a pickleball court, and even a helipad.

    Khan has never shied away with being close to his father, who made his AEW on-screen debut in 2024 after the Elite took out the younger Khan. In the interview, Khan highlighted how his father\’s success is a story that all can be inspired by.

    \”The embodiment of the American dream. He came here with nothing, and everything he has built is a true success story. Thanks to him, we’ve been able to accomplish so much.\”

    Tony Khan\’s efforts arent only with AEW, as he also plays a key role in the management of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham FC. With both teams and AEW proving to be commerical hits, the Khans are enjoying the perks of their success on their superyacht.

    Jimmy Jacobs On How Tony Khan & AEW Re-Shaped Pro Wrestling

  • Asuka Still Facing \”Troubling\” Advances Despite Plea to Fans

    On January 29, 2025, Asuka took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to ask fans not to have romantic feelings for her, describling it as \”meaningless\” and \”100% pointless.\” The former Women\’s Champion also shared that police had been contacted to deal with \’advances\’ from fans that had left her feeling in danger.

    Unfortunately, Asuka\’s request has fallen on deaf ears. In an update on X, Asuka shared that there are people who are still making advances and asked them to stop immediately.

    Asuka\’s update spawned plenty of responses, many of whom sympathized with the Japanese Superstar. When one shared their hope that the people advancing on her leave Asuka alone, the WWE star called the matter \”troubling.\”

    WWE and TKO have stepped in to protect Asuka, the Superstar recently stated, and her situation has renewed talks about the nature of the fanbase\’s relationship with talent. In 2024, many WWE Superstars spoke up against fans pressuring them for several autographs in a public setting, with Asuka being among those who were hounded.

    Asuka has been out of action since May 2024 though recent reports have suggested that her return to action could be coming sooner than later. While Asuka is an internationally recognized star, she, like anyone else, has a right to privacy. One can only hope that those with advances against the Damage CTRL member eventually stop given the now-multiple requests from Asuka.

    Asuka’s Home Targeted by Package Thieves During WWE Injury

  • WWE Stars Frustrated with Def Rebel’s Entrance Music

    WWE theme songs by Def Rebel often get a bad wrap among fans, many of whom believe they are generic or unrecgonizable. Now, it\’s not just fans who feel this way, as many Superstars are wanting a change.

    According to Fightful Select, multiple wrestlers have voiced concerns over their current themes, with some even attempting to revert to their previous entrance music. Talent reportedly has little to no creative input when working with Def Rebel, and there’s no direct collaboration on the final product.

    While some superstars have managed to keep or regain their original themes, others haven’t been as fortunate. Incoming wrestlers prefer using their own established music rather than adopting a Def Rebel-produced theme. Jordynne Grace for example is using the theme fans already know her for now that she\’s part of WWE.

    Sheamus: I’m Tired Of Asking For WWE To Bring Back My Theme Song

    The issue of Def Rebel themes has once again come up given the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. The show saw a total of 60 entrants across the two Rumble matches, but many fans didn\’t know who was coming out when their generic theme song hit.

    Def Rebel is the latest group to work with WWE and follows on from the likes of CFO$ and the much-acclaimed Jim Johnston. Given that a great entrance theme can do big things for a wrestler\’s career, fans and talent remain hopeful that WWE\’s time partnering with Def Rebel will oversee major changes, if not come to an end very soon.

  • Jimmy Jacobs On How Tony Khan & AEW Re-Shaped Pro Wrestling

    n an exclusive interview with Mark O’Brien for Bodyslam.net, wrestling veteran Jimmy Jacobs reflected on Tony Khan’s leadership and AEW’s influence on the industry. He credited Khan with reshaping professional wrestling, improving pay standards, and creating new opportunities for talent.

    Tony Khan’s Leadership and AEW’s Growth

    Jacobs highlighted Khan’s deep commitment to AEW, emphasizing his awareness of how company decisions impact wrestlers and staff. He praised Khan for fostering an environment where talent can thrive and for significantly expanding job opportunities within wrestling.

    “Tony takes that seriously—so many people’s jobs revolve around what he does.”

    Jacobs noted that AEW’s rise has made it one of the best times to be a pro wrestler, with more opportunities and better financial stability than in decades past.

    AEW’s Influence on Wrestler Pay and Competition

    According to Jacobs, AEW’s presence in the industry has contributed to higher pay for wrestlers. He suggested that WWE adjusted its salary structure in response to AEW’s emergence, indirectly benefiting talent across both promotions.

    “WWE raised their pay rates right around the time AEW started… I’d guess AEW had something to do with it.”

    By providing a viable alternative to WWE, AEW has increased competition, pushing both companies to offer better contracts and more financial security for wrestlers.

    Tony Khan’s Creative Direction

    Jacobs described Khan as having a clear creative vision while allowing his team to refine ideas and execute them effectively. He stressed the importance of controlled information flow in AEW’s creative process, preventing leaks and ensuring well-planned storytelling.

    “Tony has ideas, and I help organize them so the right people get the right information at the right time.”

    AEW’s Lasting Legacy

    Jacobs believes AEW’s impact extends beyond its own success, crediting Khan with transforming the wrestling landscape by offering wrestlers more financial and creative freedom.

    “Tony really pushed AEW into being a place where talent could actually thrive.”

    He sees Khan’s leadership as a key factor in making AEW a true alternative to WWE, giving wrestlers more control over their careers and fans a fresh, competitive product.

  • Tiffany Stratton Spills on Nia Jax, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ludwig Kaiser Love

    In just one year, Tiffany Stratton has gone from a fresh face on WWE\’s main roster to the reigning WWE Women\’s Champion on SmackDown. In an interview with DS from Ring the Belle, the WWE Women’s Champion weighed in on her feud with Nia Jax, the internet comparing her to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, and the LGBTQ+ community’s fascination with Ludwig Kaiser.

    Stratton on Nia Jax: ‘She Should Have Seen It Coming’

    Stratton\’s title victory came at the expense of Nia Jax, her former ally, who Stratton cashed in Money in the Bank on in January 2025. In the interview, Stratton was surprised that Jax had been surprised that her goal was to become WWE Women\’s Champion.

    \”She basically handpicked me to be her bestie… She should have seen it coming.\”

    The Sabrina Carpenter Comparison: ‘She Better Sing My Entrance Music’

    With her blond bombshell locks, many have compared Stratton to singer Sabrina Carpenter. When a meme placing Stratton alongside Carpenter and J-Lo on a tiered rank of \’divas\’ went viral, Stratton saw the funny side of things.

    \”That was hilarious. She better sing my entrance music or something!\”

    Ludwig Kaiser: WWE’s Next Heartthrob?

    Stratton is in a relationship with Ludwig Kaiser, who has become something of a hearthrob among fans of all genders. Speaking about her man, the WWE Women\’s Champion was hardly surprised by the affection fans have shown the German.

    \”He\’s a beautiful man! Have you seen his abs?\”

    Kaiser has been gaining momentum on WWE Raw while Stratton is set to firmly establish herself as the top woman of SmackDown. With a massive WrestleMania match reported for Stratton, fans can expect for the WWE Women\’s Champion to remain one of WWE’s most talked-about stars.


  • Seth Rollins On Hulk Hogan Boos: People Get What They Deserve

    Hulk Hogan, one of wrestling’s most iconic figures, was met with a chorus of boos from the live crowd when WWE Raw premiered on Netflix in January 2025. Despite Hogan’s best efforts to win over fans, even bringing up Randy Savage and Andre the Giant, the crowd inside Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome made their views loud and clear on the Hulkster.

    Seth Rollins was also part of that night\’s event, as he faced CM Punk in the long-awaited one-on-one showdown between the two. Speaking on Good Morning Football, Rollins argued that Hogan got exactly what he deserved.

    \”I am all for people getting what they deserve. That’s how I feel about Hulk Hogan getting booed. If you are getting booed by the masses, there is a reason for it.\”

    Rollins admitted that Hogan was the person who got him into wrestling and acknowledged that the two-time Hall of Famer is one of wrestling\’s most significant stars, if not the most significant. Despite this, Rollins believes that Hogan has failed to suitably address the source of the backlash against him.

    \”There’s some responsibility that he needs to own up to that he hasn’t yet. Maybe when he finally figures that out, might be able to move forward with our fans.\”

    Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 for racist remarks coming to light, but brought back three years later. At the time, it was reported that the Hulkster had a meeting with talent to address what had happened. Sources at the time said that Hogan\’s main takeaway from the scandal was that talent should be careful about what they say, as they may be recorded.

    The Undertaker Laughs At Hulk Hogan Getting Booed: “Things Come Back”

    Hogan has yet to appear for WWE since his disastrous Raw appearance, which he has blamed on politics and his past in the NWO. For now, it seems Hulk Hogan’s presence in wrestling will continue to elicit mixed emotions—if not outright boos—from the WWE Universe.

  • Tiffany Stratton Backs \’Strapley,\’ Wants Rhea Ripley In Pink

    Strapley, the fan-created ship of Women\’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Women\’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, has proven popular with audiences. During a recent interview with Ring The Belle, Stratton endorsed the term for herself and \’Mami\’ created by fans.

    \”The internet did [come up with the term.] Someone said \’Strapley,\’ and I was like, that\’s kind of cool!\”

    Stratton doesn\’t just love the name, but is ready to team with Ripley again, if the Australian enters the world of glam. \”I would love that… Pink goth!\” she said, suggesting Ripley embrace her signature pink aesthetic.

    Stratton and Rhea Ripley teamed on the October 7, 2024, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, defeating Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez via DQ. With WWE having a history of leaving into fan-driven pairings, and the current creative team being especially receptive to audiences, fans shouldn\’t count out seeing more of Strapley on TV.

  • Chris Jericho Denies Holding Down Talent: \”Name One!\”

    In AEW, Chris Jericho has feuded with several wrestlers, but some fans have taken issue with how these programs have played out. Whether it be Hook, Eddie Kingston, or his extended rivalry with Ricky Starks, many believe that Jericho does little to elevate his opponents. Some even argue that these wrestlers might have fared better if they had never worked with him at all.

    The idea of talent being \’sucked\’ into feuds with Chris has been dubbed the \’Jericho Vortex\’ a term the Canadian filed to trademark for merchandise in April 2024. On the Insight podcast, Jericho fired back at the notion he\’s dragged down talent.

    \”Name one. Name one person that got dragged down from working with me. Maybe afterwards they didn\’t go higher, but that\’s not up to me. I\’m not in charge of booking the entire company.\”

    Jericho added that he can only do what is asked of him, and referenced AEW success stories like MJF and Sammy Guevara as proof he doesn\’t drag down others. Today, fans can find Jericho leading the Learning Tree, which he cited as more evidence against the \’vortex.\’

    \”Big Bill and Bryan Keith have grown by leaps and bounds from working here with me… I definitely know what my intentions are, and it’s not to bury anybody. It\’s to build as many people as I can.\”

    Jericho is confident that his intentions in AEW is to help others, no matter what some fans may believe. Ultimately, Jericho will continue to work with talent both fresh and established in AEW as one of the company\’s leading stars.

    Why Chris Jericho Isn’t Sweating Fans’ “Please Retire” Chants

  • Why Chris Jericho Isn\’t Sweating Fans\’ \”Please Retire\” Chants

    Chris Jericho is an established legend of the ring, but in recent years, many fans have grown tired of the 54-year-old Canadian wrestler. This resentment has led to fans calling for Jericho to retire from the ring, opening up his spot for a younger, fresher talent.

    On the Insight podcast, Jericho chalked up the chant to being \”one of those things\” and has even considered making merch with the two-word demand. The first-ever AEW World Champion added that fans calling for him to retire wouldn\’t be saying so to his face.

    \”If I saw them on the street they\’d probably say hi. Whenever I do a convention or something like that, my lines are down the street.\”

    Ever a music fan, Jericho compared himself to the Rolling Stones and their Steel Wheel Tour of 1989. While some at the time felt the bandmates were too old, Jericho was pleased to see \”one of the best bands in the business\” live last year.

    The response to Jericho has sparked a debate about whether he has genuine heat from fans wanting to see him beaten, or \’go away\’ heat from fans who are sick of him. Ultimately, as long as fans are booking, Jericho is confident he\’s done his job.

    \”This is a job where the idea is to elicit emotions, positive, negative, anything in between. When you sign up for it, you have to understand that people are going to respond.\”

    Currently in his second reign as ROH World Champion, Jericho holds another title that some believe would be better suited for a rising star. But with no signs of stepping away, fans can expect Jericho to remain a fixture in the ring for the foreseeable future.

    Chris Jericho Dismisses WWE Hall of Fame: “I Don’t Think It’s Real”

  • WWE Reaches Settlement In Hearing-Damage Lawsuit

    WWE has one less lawsuit to be concerned about after reaching a settlement with a fan who complained of hearing loss after attending an event. In March of last year, Richard Bryant filed a lawsuit against WWE alleging that attending a July 2022 taping of SmackDown in Orlando, Florida.

    Bryant alleged that WWE\’s \”negligence and carelessness\” caused his injury as the promotion failed to adequantely warn of the dangers to hearing that pyrotechnics can bring. Now, PW Insider reports that a settlement has been reached. Judge Robert N. Chatigny stated that there is no longer a need to rule on where the case will be tried or whether it should be moved to arbitration. Bryant had been requesting $15,000 in damages, though it\’s unknown if he received this number in the settlement.

    This isn\’t WWE\’s first time facing lawsuits related to noise levels. In January 2023, Marvin Jackson filed a suit against WWE after attending WrestleMania 38. This case was dismissed in May 2023 after the courts granted WWE\’s request to compel arbitration.

    WWE\’s Legal Issues

    While this matter has been resolved, WWE remains locked in several legal battles. The Janel Grant lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis launched in January 2024 continues to cast a shadow over the promotion, despite the exits of both McMahon and Laurinaitis. In addition to this, the Ring Boy lawsuit, alleging that WWE and the McMahons failed to properly protect minors from predatory advances, is another matter the promotion is dealing with.

  • Ex-AEW Producer Jimmy Jacobs Denies WWE Leak Allegations

    Jimmy Jacobs is pushing back against accusations that he leaked AEW information to WWE, claiming that the accusation is nothing more than a false narrative. Speaking to Mark O’Brien for Bodyslam.net, the former AEW producer shut down the idea that he once leaked AEW ideas to Tony Khan\’s chief rival.

    “There were people that had this narrative that I was a leak in WWE, which I absolutely 100% was not. It was just a complete fabrication.”

    A number of leaks of key AEW plans led to plenty of finger-pointing, with Jacobs, who had previously worked for WWE, getting blamed. Chris Jericho even branded the leaks as being from a \”spy.\” In the interview, Jacobs shared how being accused affected him.

    “I still honestly haven’t gotten used to being judged by lies.”

    Despite the controversy, Jacobs had nothing but praise for AEW and Tony Khan, crediting the promotion with creating better financial opportunities for wrestlers, adding that \”So many people are making a living and making good money because of Tony.”

    Jacobs left AEW in 2024, with Fightful Select reporting at the time that AEW wanted to freshen up its writers room and that Jacobs had been feeling burned out before his exit. Though his time in AEW is over, Jacobs remains adamant that he did not betray the trust of those in the company and never leaked to WWE.

  • Cody Rhodes Referenced On AEW Dynamite By Former Rival

    It\’s been years since Cody Rhodes last appeared for All Elite Wrestling, but the promotion hasn\’t forgotten about the former EVP. On this week\’s Dynamite, MJF brought up Cody in a tense in-ring face-off with the American Nightmare\’s brother Dustin Rhodes.

    MJF began his promo by mentioned that he got rid of Jeff Jarrett and that AEW stands for \’All Elderly Wrestling\’ thanks to Double-J. During his segement, MJF was interrupted by Max Caster and Hangman Page, before Dustin Rhodes arrived on the scene.

    Dustin made it clear that MJF should keep Owen Hart’s name out of his mouth. He also criticized MJF for bringing up past addiction, pointing out that he had fought and overcame addiction. Rhodes added that MJF is not \”the devil\” because he has been to hell and made it out alive. He firmly declared that he is better than MJF—and that MJF knows it.

    Never at a loss for words, MJF fired back by saying it took Dustin his whole career to get out of his father\’s shadow and now he\’s in the shadow of his little baby brother. This was a nod to Cody who has seen immense success since returning to WWE in April 2022.

    These comments prompted Dustin to hit MJF and the two men brawled. Though security was able to split the pair, MJF escaped and kicked Rhodes in the crotch. It remains to be seen what\’s to come for the two, but fans can expect that this showdown won\’t be the last time MJF and Dustin Rhodes share the ring.

  • Roman Reigns: I Miss Having A Bond With The Locker Room

    Roman Reigns has firmly established himself as one of the biggest names in WWE history, but being at the very top has proven isolating for the Tribal Chief. During an appearance on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, Reigns was asked if there was anything he missed from his early days in WWE.

    \”I mostly miss being in the locker room. I miss the camaraderie, that bond with the boys. But I had to grow up, you know? It was time to choose—either be a superstar or be one of the boys, and I picked business.\”

    Reigns\’ decision to pick \’business\’ has seen him become one pof the biggest names in wrestling, and prioritizing his career has gone well for the OTC and his family. While Reigns is content with his current position and work process, he acknowledged that if he could, he would like to spend more time in the locker room to help guide others, not just his family but the entire roster.

    \”I’m not mad where I’m at now; I like my system, I like my process. But if I could just be in that locker room a little bit more, I probably would.\”

    Reigns\’ is currently off WWE programming after the post-elimination assault he suffered at the hands of Seth Rollins during the 2025 Royal Rumble event. It\’s unclear when Reigns will be back, but expect huge plans for the former Universal Champion, even if he wishes he could still be just \’One of the Boys.\’

  • Jim Ross Defends Triple H’s WWE Hall of Fame Nod From \”Embarrassing\” Critics

    Triple H is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for the second time, this time as an individual member of the Class of 2025. While some have criticized the decision, AEW announcer Jim Ross isn’t having any of the backlash surrounding the decision.

    Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross shut down critics of Triple H\’s induction, and believes the idea that he only succeeded in wrestling due to his marriage to Stephanie McMahon is farcical.

    \”Anybody that says he’s not deserving, the only reason he’s in is because of who he married is such bulls***. It’s weak. If you’re saying that, stop. Stop embarrassing yourself.\”

    Ross highlighted many high-points of Triple H\’s in-ring career, including being \”the top heel in one of the hottest eras in WWE.\” Now as WWEs Chief Content Officer, Triple H is the \”head coach of that same team that\’s setting records.\” Though he no longer works at WWE, Ross found it appropriate to reach out to Triple H.

    “I sent him a text the other day, congratulating him, and believe it or not, it was the day after the Rumble, he texted me back. He doesn’t forget those that have helped him along the way.\”

    Triple H was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019 as part of DX but is now set to receive a solo spotlight. While some fans may have an issue with WWE\’s Chief Content Officer going in, JR’s message is clear—anyone questioning The Game’s legacy needs to stop talking.

    Triple H Reveals Immediate Reaction To WWE Hall of Fame Announcement

  • Tyler Bate Set for WWE Raw Return After Seven-Month Injury

    Tyler Bate is set to return to the ring after being sidelined for seven months with a torn pectoral muscle. According to PWInsider, he has been medically cleared and is expected to rejoin the Raw roster as early as the February 24 episode of the red brand.

    This return marks a significant comeback for the 27-year-old British standout, who has proven to be a fan favorite since his arrival in 2016. In early 2017, Bate became the inaugural WWE United Kingdom Champion aged 19, making him the youngest singles titleholder in company history at the time. He later achieved the rare NXT UK Triple Crown, holding the United Kingdom Championship, Heritage Cup, and Tag Team Championship (with Trent Seven). 

    In 2024, Bate moved to the main roster and formed the New Catch Republic with Pete Dunne. The pair challenged for gold at WrestleMania XL and Elimination Chamber before Bate\’s injury put plans for the pair on hold.

    With Pete Dunne now a heel, it seems unlikely that the New Catch Republic will reunite when Bate is back in the ring. As a singles star, Bate will be able to work with names such as the recently-debuted Penta, or even reigning Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker. With a blend of technical mastery and underdog charisma, the “Big Strong Boi” is poised to make an impact as his in-ring return approaches.

  • Kevin Nash on Fans Booing Hulk Hogan: It\’s Happened Before

    Hulk Hogan, one of wrestling\’s most iconic figures, was met with a chorus of boos from the live crowd when WWE Raw premiered on Netflix in January 2025. Despite Hogan\’s best efforts to win over fans, even bringing up Randy Savage and Andre the Giant, the crowd inside Los Angeles\’ Intuit Dome made their views loud and clear on the Hulkster.

    This response has renewed conversations about Hogan\’s legacy in wrestling and whether he still has a role in the industry. On his Kliq This podcast, Kevin Nash recalled that this is hardly the first time a modern crowd has booed the Hulkster.

    \”He got booed at that \’Mania in Tampa [37] when he came out there,\” Nash recalled. \”I think that he and Titus [O\’Neil] were supposed to do something together, but I think that [the booing] was because Titus was black. I think that it just churned that whole thing back up.\”

    Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 following racist remarks coming to light, but was brought back into the fold in 2018. Given O\’Neil\’s standing as a well respected name due to his philanthropy and community work, pairing him with Hogan in 2021 was seen by many as a blatant attempt by WWE to force fans not to boo the Hulkster.

    The Undertaker Laughs At Hulk Hogan Getting Booed: “Things Come Back”

    Hogan has yet to appear for WWE since his disastrous Raw appearance, which he has blamed on politics and his past in the NWO. For now, it seems Hulk Hogan\’s presence in wrestling will continue to elicit mixed emotions—if not outright boos—from the WWE Universe.

  • WWE 2K25: New Details On The Bloodline\’s Showcase Mode

    WWE 2K25 will hit shelves this March and fans are eager to see how the latest instalment in the franchise plays. Given the special \’Bloodline Edition\’ of the game, the Anoa\’i family will be a huge part of WWE 2K25, including in the Showcase Mode.

    The mode will follow several members of the Anoa\’i family, including ones outside of the popular Bloodline storyline. Matches confirmed for the mode include:

    • Roman Reigns (c) Vs. Seth \’Freakin\’ Rollins – WWE Royal Rumble 2022
    • Nia Jax Vs. Lyra Valkyria – WWE King And Queen of the Ring 2024
    • The Wild Samoans (with Captain Lou Albano) Vs. The Dudley Boyz

    These three matches highlight various members of the Anoa\’i family, even if the tag-team match never actually happened. For the entire Showcase Mode, Paul Heyman is on hand to introduce the matches, helping to build the atmosphere and set the tone before each bout.

    https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"https://media.sescoops.com/uploads/2025/02/\"
    Nia Jax will be represented as part of the Bloodline Showcase Mode.

    WWE 2K25\’s Showcase Mode will mark a major change from previous Showcases in WWE video games. These changes include:

    • Entrances: For the first time since WWE 2K17, entrances are back in a Showcase Mode. Introductions are back as well.
    • Commentary: This year\’s Showcase will feature specific commentary for wrestlers during their entrances. Commentary during matches is also back.
    • Cutscenes: Cutscenes leading from one sequence in the gameplay to the next are back, and are skippable. Previous games included the \’Slingshot\’ approach in which gameplay was spliced with real-life footage from WWE\’s past events.
    • What If Scenarios: Players will be able to take history in a different direction, such as having Roman Reigns beat Seth Rollins at the 2022 Royal Rumble.

    WWE 2K25 is shaping up to be another exciting instalment in the franchise, one that will see plenty from the Anoa\’i family. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WWE 2K25 ahead of the game\’s release on March 14.