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New Matches Announced For AEW Full Gear

Andrew Ravens
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AEW has announced new matches for the upcoming AEW Full Gear 2024 pay-per-view event, including a highly anticipated bout featuring MJF. The updated card was revealed on this week’s episode of Dynamite, adding Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher and MJF vs. Roderick Strong to the lineup.

As stipulated by the former World Heavyweight Champion, MJF, Strong or Adam Cole needed three consecutive singles wins to qualify for the match. Strong secured a victory over Lance Archer in a Falls Count Anywhere match. Cole lost to Konosuke Takeshita after Takeshita used MJF’s Dynamite Diamond Ring to secure the win.

On Dynamite, Ospreay and Fletcher took part in an in-ring promo, marking Ospreay’s first appearance since Fletcher betrayed him at WrestleDynasty. Ospreay agreed to give Fletcher his “five minutes of fame” by facing him at Full Gear. The promo culminated in a brawl that included Fletcher, Ospreay, Brian Cage, Lance Archer, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Mark Davis.

AEW Full Gear 2024 is set for Saturday, November 23, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley is expected to defend his title against Orange Cassidy in the main event.

AEW Licenses Guns N’ Roses ‘November Rain’ For Full Gear

Bishal Roy
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AEW has licensed the classic Guns N’ Roses song, ‘November Rain.’ AEW President Tony Khan thanked the legendary rock band on social media, and said the song will be used in promotional videos for the AEW Full Gear pay-per-view and ‘AEW November to Remember’ shows. He teased that fans could hear ‘AEW November Rain’ before the PPV.

Recently, AEW has licensed multiple songs for various uses including “The Final Countdown” by Europe for Bryan Danielson’s entrance. They have also licensed “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas, which was used as The Elite’s entrance music and Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy” for Jack Perry during his ‘Jungle Boy’ gimmick. He also used “Walk” by Pantera for Rob Van Dam’s AEW debut.

Tony Khan on using licensed songs in AEW

Tony Khan has licensed a lot of songs in recent years but they haven’t been for a reasonable price. During Battleground Podcast, he explained:

“Sometimes people ask for money that I don’t think is reasonable, other times we have gotten deals that I thought were very fair.”

Khan has revealed that he paid for all of the licensed music in perpetuity. He added:

“Every great moment where we’ve licensed music, we still have that music, I paid for the rights in perpetuity. I’ve had a lot of other opportunities to license music and work with a lot of great artists. We’ve done all kinds of great stuff, and hopefully, someday all of that will be available for people to watch in perpetuity on the library forever.”

AEW is promoting their shows in the build-up to AEW Full Gear as ‘November To Remember’. AEW Dynamite will take place in Bridgeport, Connecticut while AEW Collision takes place on Thursday in Albany, New York. On November 20th, AEW Dynamite will head to Reading, Pennsylvania followed by AEW Full Gear on November 23rd in Newark, New Jersey. The following Wednesday AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision will be held in Chicago, Illinois.

John Cena Declares For WWE Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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As anticipated, John Cena will be part of next year’s Royal Rumble, scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Cena’s upcoming retirement from WWE in-ring competition was announced earlier this summer during a surprise appearance at the Money in the Bank event. After some initial speculation, Cena clarified that the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 2025 will serve as his final appearances in WWE.

The former WWE Champion plans to wrestle throughout 2025, with a target of 36 dates across the year. Cena is also confirmed to appear on Netflix’s first episodes of Raw, as well as at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41.

Today, WWE released a video clip featuring Cena promoting ticket sales for the upcoming Premium Live Event. In the video, Cena confirms he will be competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.

Meanwhile, fans are speculating about whether Cena could break the current World Title record. Cena and Ric Flair are currently tied at 16 reigns, and a 17th title win would cement Cena’s place in history as the sole record-holder.

Top WWE Star On Track To Break Royal Rumble Streak In 2025

Andrew Ravens
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Liv Morgan’s streak of Royal Rumble appearances will end in 2025. WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble Premium Live Event is set for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Morgan, the current WWE Women’s World Champion, has competed in six consecutive Royal Rumble matches, with her participation dating back to 2018. However, if she remains the top women’s champion on the Raw brand through February, she will be exempt from entering the bout. Although she may still have a match on the card, it would not be in the Royal Rumble match, which determines a contender for WrestleMania 41 who might choose to challenge her.

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show today, Morgan shared her thoughts on potentially missing her first Royal Rumble. “I’m not going to enter the Royal Rumble this year because I’m going to walk in as the Women’s World Champion,” Morgan explained. “I’ve been in every single one, too. So, I’m actually going to miss this one.”

Morgan continued, reflecting on her participation over the years and suggesting that she might not be the most strategic choice for a WrestleMania challenger. “If they choose me. I don’t think they would [choose me] because it’s not very smart to choose me. Have you been watching, Pat? Raquel, Judgment Day, Daddy Dom… I don’t know who’s going to want to take their chance against me.”

Pat McAfee Teases WWE Royal Rumble Appearance

Andrew Ravens
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WWE fans may only have to wait a few more months for the return of Pat McAfee, potentially at the event that launches WrestleMania season: the Royal Rumble.

WWE’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis—the same state where McAfee resides, setting the stage for a potential comeback. During today’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the former NFL punter teased a return to WWE at the Royal Rumble.

McAfee originally joined WWE a few years ago, following a handful of matches in NXT, as a color commentator on SmackDown alongside Michael Cole. McAfee quickly became a fan favorite due to his energetic style at the announce booth. After a hiatus to focus on College GameDay, he returned full-time to Raw with Cole earlier this year.

However, in August, McAfee took another break from WWE to concentrate on his duties with ESPN’s College GameDay. Many fans anticipate his return once the college football season wraps up in early January.

Paradigm Agency Launches The Sports Group for Athlete Representation

Michael Reichlin
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Paradigm Talent Agency has launched The Sports Group, a dedicated division focused on comprehensive representation for elite athletes and sports teams.

Led by agents Nick LoPiccolo and Brett Hansen, this division will harness Paradigm’s resources across all departments to provide full-service representation. The news was first reported by Deadline. The Sports Group aims to transition athletes into the entertainment industry, create brand partnerships, and develop storytelling projects.

Its talent roster includes high-profile names like Mike Tyson, Reggie Bush, Sean Avery and WWE Superstars CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan, Damian Priest and Tiffany Stratton.

Liv Morgan ‘Auditioning Regularly’ With Sets Sights on Hollywood

Key Projects and Partnerships:

  • A prominent focus is on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing event, Netflix’s first venture into combat sports, streaming live this Friday from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Paradigm managed deal negotiations, brand partnerships, and promotional content, including a Countdown series.
  • Scripted projects include Happy Gilmore 2 (featuring Bush and Avery), Night Patrol (starring Punk), and The Killer’s Game (featuring McIntyre).
  • The group secured a media rights deal for the Savannah Bananas with TruTV and is actively developing publishing projects for athletes, including books for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Deion Sanders, and WWE stars.

Paradigm’s Managing Partner Andrew Ruf and agents LoPiccolo and Hansen emphasize that The Sports Group’s mission is to redefine athlete representation and create transformative opportunities across sports and entertainment.

For more information on the new Sports Group division of Paradigm, visit Deadline.com.

Mercedes Moné Eyes Mariah May’s AEW Women’s Championship

Michael Reichlin
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Six months into her AEW tenure, Mercedes Moné is grateful she’s after coming back from a career-threatening ankle injury and  remains focused on elevating women’s wrestling.

Since joining AEW in March, Moné has worked with talents including Willow Nightingale, Britt Baker, Hikaru Shida, Emi Sakura, and Queen Aminata. She’s also recruited Kamille as her enforcer.

Moné quickly gained the TBS Championship and the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship following her return. She intends to challenge for more titles in AEW and lead by example, encouraging respect and recognition for women wrestlers.

The “CEO” is preparing for a big TBS title defense next weekend at Full Gear, but she’s also eyeing more hardware. Moné tells Uproxx that she’s “super proud” of AEW Women’s Champion Mariah May. So proud, in fact, that she wants to take her prized possession.

“She is our women’s world champion, beating Toni Storm in one of the best storylines in women’s history. So to see her rise this fast and to see how good she is in the ring, it’s so incredible.

Like I said, we have the best women’s division in the game right now. I’m definitely looking at the title that she has around her waist.”

– Mercedes Moné on Mariah May

Mercedes Moné is set to defend her TBS title against former champion Kris Statlander at AEW Full Gear next Saturday, November 23. Mariah May is not currently scheduled to defend the Women’s World Championship at the pay-per-view.

WWE NXT to Air Live from Lowell, MA on December 17

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has announced that its NXT brand will return to Lowell, Massachusetts, for a live television event on December 17, 2024.

The event will take place at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, airing on The CW network at 8 p.m. ET. This return marks NXT’s first Lowell event since May 2023’s “Battleground.”

Tickets will be available to the public on November 20, with a presale beginning on November 19.

NXT Results from Last Night

Here are quick results from the November 12, 2024, episode of WWE NXT on The CW:

  • Sol Ruca defeated Cora Jade by pinfall in a Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifying Match
  • Fallon Henley retained the NXT Women’s North American Championship against Kelani Jordan
  • Stephanie Vaquer & Giulia defeated Meta-Four (Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend) by pinfall
  • Wes Lee qualified for the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge by defeating Cedric Alexander.

Miro Spotted Training Amid AEW Contract Controversy

Michael Reichlin
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Miro, the Bulgarian powerhouse wrestler, has resurfaced at a Florida wrestling facility, reigniting speculation about his future with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) after nearly a year away from the ring.

This appearance at the Coastal Championship Wrestling (CCW) training center follows recent reports that Miro requested an AEW release—though if the request is denied, his contract remains binding until spring 2026.

Miro’s last AEW match took place on December 30, 2023, at the Worlds End event, where he defeated Andrade El Idolo, who has since transitioned to WWE. Since then, he’s remained largely out of the public eye, fueling speculation about his future in wrestling.

Miro Shares Details On AEW Absence, Has a Great Relationship with Tony Khan

Alongside Miro in the CCW photos was veteran wrestler Gangrel, who made a guest appearance in AEW earlier this year during a high-stakes TNT Championship match. That match, between Adam Copeland and Malakai Black, ended with Copeland retaining his title but suffering an injury that ultimately forced him to vacate the championship.

WWE NXT Wrestlers Appearing on Trivial Pursuit

Michael Reichlin
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WWE stars Trick Williams, Lola Vice, Wes Lee, and Roxanne Perez will appear on the Trivial Pursuit game show.

The episode, airing this Thursday, November 14 on The CW, will see them compete in a knowledge-based challenge hosted by Reading Rainbow and Star Trek icon LeVar Burton.

Synergy

This guest spot is the latest example of synergy between WWE and its media partners, and the benefits of wrestlers working for WWE. Williams, Vice, Lee and Perez will have an opportunity to reach new viewers who may not be wrestling fans (yet). Trivial Pursuit has averaged approximately 350,000 viewers over the past few weeks, according to Nielsen Ratings.

WWE-Themed Game Show Episodes

WWE Superstars have appeared on several game shows over the past couple years. Last summer, Bianca Belair, Big E, Alexa Bliss, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, and Xavier Woods competed on a special WWE-themed episode the Weakest Link.

There was also a WWE episode of Celebrity Family Feud. Seth Rollins, Kofi Kingston, Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss and others competed to raise raise funds for the Conor’s Cure, a non-profit that raises funds pediatric cancer research and supports families affected by the disease.

Baron Corbin Responds To Kurt Angle Lamenting WWE Wasting His Career Despite WrestleMania 35 Win

Bishal Roy
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Former WWE star Baron Corbin recently responded to WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle and he wished that he could make him proud.

‘The Lone Wolf’ emerged victorious over the Olympic gold medalist at WrestleMania 35 in the legend’s farewell match. Corbin was expected to gain momentum following the win, especially after he won the King of the Ring that year. However, things went south for him and he was ultimately released this month.

During a recent interview, Angle lamented how WWE handled Corbin’s career since his win in Angle’s retirement match. The former World Champion felt his retirement match against Corbin was wasted as it didn’t benefit Corbin’s career.

Taking to social media, Baron Corbin addressed Angle’s comments and wrote that the win was one of the reasons he wished to have become world champion. He said it would honor what Angle did for him. Baron Corbin further expressed his regret for how things didn’t work out but appreciated Angle for his help. Check out his Tweet below:

Corbin’s career received a little push when he arrived in WWE NXT last year. He had a great run on the developmental brand and even won the NXT Tag Team Championships with Bron Breakker. However, WWE decided not to renew his contract when it expires. Corbin had previously said that WWE ‘fumbled the bag’ by releasing him.

AEW Dynamite Preview: Mox Takes Over, Hangman

Michael Reichlin
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Tonight’s AEW Dynamite is live from Bridgeport, CT, airing at 8/7c on TNT, just a week away from the Full Gear pay-per-view on November 30.

AEW Dynamite is just a week away from the Full Gear pay-per-view on Saturday, November 30! Here’s a quick look at tonight’s matches and segments:

Confirmed Matches and Segments

  • Konosuke Takeshita vs. Adam Cole
  • Lance Archer vs. Roderick Strong (Falls Count Anywhere)
  • Lio Rush vs. Swerve Strickland
  • Jay White vs. Juice Robinson (Grudge Match)
  • FTR vs. House of Black (4-Way Contenders Series)
  • Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. vs. Penelope Ford

Plus, we’ll see:

  • Jon Moxley takes over TBS
  • Mina Shirakawa returns to AEW
  • We’ll hear from Will Ospreay, Bobby Lashley an Jamie Hayter

Check back later tonight for our news coverage of all the big happenings coming out of AEW Dynamite.

AEW Dynamite Preview November 13, 2024

Olympic Champion Gable Steveson Returns to Minnesota Wrestling for Fifth Season

Michael Reichlin
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Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA wrestling champion Gable Steveson is returning to the University of Minnesota wrestling team for a fifth season, utilizing an NCAA waiver that allows him extra eligibility from an Olympic redshirt and a COVID-19 eligibility extension.

The announcement, confirmed by head coach Brandon Eggum, sees Steveson, one of the program’s most decorated athletes, resuming his collegiate wrestling career with an 85-2 record and a 52-match winning streak.

Gable Steveson commented on his return, saying:

“I am excited to return to the University of Minnesota and compete with my teammates for one last season. I look forward to putting on a show for the fans and going out with a bang.”

After briefly joining the WWE and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills practice squad, Steveson will make his season debut on November 24.

Liv Morgan ‘Auditioning Regularly’ With Sets Sights on Hollywood

Michael Reichlin
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Liv Morgan continues to work on establishing a career for herself in the entertainment industry.

WWE Women’s World Champion fulfilled a lifelong dream by getting killed on screen by Chucky on defunct USA Network series of the same name in 2022. She next made her film debut, sharing the screen with Morgan Freedman in 2023’s The Kill Room in 2023.

Inspired by WWE stars like John Cena, Batista, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who successfully transitioned to acting, Morgan is eager to see what opportunities lie ahead for her. During an interview with Yahoo Sports, Morgan said, “I think these crossover opportunities are amazing … it brings new viewers to each of these products that are involved.”

Morgan revealed that she’s actively working on landing roles in television, film and beyond.

“I audition regularly. I would love to be involved in more film, television, media. I just want to see what I can do in that space.”

– Liv Morgan on her acting career

Morgan added that WWE’s support is a crucial factor in her journey:

“For WWE to be involved in that, and to be supportive of that, and to be helping me, guide me through all that, is really amazing and cool too, but I just want to see what I can do.”

– Liv Morgan on WWE’s support

Liv Morgan is only 30 years old, but she’s already setting herself up for success for life after wrestling. She signed with Paradigm Talent Agency in August, the firm that also represents CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Tiffany Stratton and Damian Priest. Morgan continues to be represented by attorney Brad Small at Fox Rothschild.

Liv Morgan Rocks the Red Carpet at “The Crow” Premiere

WWE News: Undertaker Does Modeling, Survivor Series Poster & Classic Promos

Michael Reichlin
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The next WWE vs. AEW head-to-head battle will take place later this month. On Saturday, November 30, AEW’s Collision and Rampage will air consecutively on TNT starting at 4pm EST and wrapping up at 7. Meanwhile, WWE Survivor Series is scheduled to begin at 6pm (with a kickoff show), creating an overlap with AEW’s programming

WWE legend The Undertaker seems to be everywhere these days. Over the past few weeks, the Dead Man interviewed US President-Elect Donald Trump on his podcast, and was spotted hanging out with actor Matthew McConaughey at a Texas Longhorns football game over the weekend. On Tuesday, ESPN released photos of The Undertaker modeling the a new ‘kit’ for Italian football club Genoa CFC.

The WWE Vault YouTube channel has shared a 35-minute video of classic Survivor Series team promos dating back to the 1980’s. There’s no doubt in-ring wrestling has evolved a great deal over the past 35 years, but they just don’t cut promos like they used to.

Triple H posted the official WWE Survivor Series 2024 poster on social media featuring the past and present members of The Bloodline. Interestingly, only four men are shown from each time, while their WarGames match will be 5-on-5.

Finally, ECW original Francine had a small role at last week’s NXT 2300 special, but says she turned down several offers to do more on the show. On her Eyes Up Here podcast, the “Queen of Extreme” reveals she was initially asked to be the special guest referee for the match between Jaida Parker and Lola Vice. After a talk with her husband, who reminded her she’s had five stomach surgeries, she decided against doing anything physical.

She suggested being a guest time keeper instead, but never got a response. The night before the show, she was offered a speaking role, but had to decline that because she’d lost her voice. In the end, she was shown in the crowd as a special guest.

She wishes she could have done more, but just being included was enough for her to celebrate the memory of ECW one more time.

WWE Star Doubts WrestleMania Will Ever Come to Australia

Andrew Ravens
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At a time when WWE is holding more international premium live events than ever, Grayson Waller has serious doubts about the company bringing its biggest annual event, WrestleMania, to his home country of Australia.

WWE has held three major events in Australia, starting with the Global Warning Tour: Melbourne in 2002, released on home video. They returned for Super Show-Down in 2018 at Colonial Stadium, marking their first live premium live event (PLE) in the country. This year, WWE returned once more in February to host the Elimination Chamber at Perth Stadium.

Speaking with Chris Van Vliet, Waller explained why he doesn’t believe WrestleMania will ever take place in Australia:

“If I have to be honest, no, Australia, I’m sorry, it’s not going to happen. The time zone is rough, and I get that. WrestleMania is such a big show—it’s our showcase, and we want the most eyes on it. I think in Australia, that would be a very difficult process, especially with flying everything down. It’s a big effort. But I think having something like the Elimination Chamber there is massive. I don’t think people realize how big it was. That show sets up WrestleMania. All the things that happen on that show lead into the biggest show of the year.”

He continued, “So for me, I don’t think WrestleMania will ever be in Australia. Would I love it to happen? Obviously, it would mean the world to me, but I’m realistic. I think Australia has the opportunity to host more big shows. I’ve heard some whispers that we might be heading back somewhat soonish, and I think I’d rather have us stand alone and say, ‘Hey, this is Australia, and this is what we do.’ We have so many Aussies in WWE right now that we could almost fill a show with Australians.”

To date, WrestleMania has only been hosted outside the United States twice, with both instances in Canada. WrestleMania 41 is slated to take place in Las Vegas next year.

Kurt Angle Laments WWE Wasting Baron Corbin After Retirement Match

Thomas Lowson
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Kurt Angle has voiced disappointment over WWE’s handling of Baron Corbin’s career after the Lone Wolf was victorious in Angle’s final match. Speaking to Wrestlezone, Angle didn’t hold back on his view that Corbin was wasted in WWE despite his WrestleMania 35 victory.

“For me, it makes me feel like I did that for nothing. It’s not like, ‘Screw you Angle’, but, it kinda is.”

Corbin’s win appeared to be a launching pad for the former NFL star, who would capture the King of the Ring crown that same year. Unfortunately, momentum quickly faded for Corbin, who slipped further and further down the card. Angle himself predicted that Corbin’s post-WrestleMania 35 season would see him reach new heights which never materialized.

“I thought they were gonna run with the kid, I thought they were gonna make him one of the top tier guys and he was on his way.”

Corbin’s career only began to pick up once more after a return to WWE NXT in 2023 which saw him win the NXT Tag Team Championships with Bron Breakker. This month, Corbin was informed that his WWE contract will not be renewed when it expires, ending his 12-year tenure which saw the promotion ‘fumble’ the former U.S. Champion.

The choice of Corbin as Angle’s final opponent was a controversial one at the time, with many hoping for John Cena or another classic rival from the Olympian’s past. Angle has said he wishes Cena had been his final opponent instead, as what WWE did with Baron Corbin left a lot to be desired according to the WWE Hall of Famer.

AEW to Run NYC’s Iconic Hammerstein Ballroom Next Month

Thomas Lowson
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AEW/Ring of Honor is set to take over the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom next month for a duo of exciting shows in the iconic venue. This week, it was reported that ROH Final Battle 2024 will take place from the Hammerstein Ballroom on December 20. Now, Andrew Zarian reports that the December 21, edition of AEW Collision will also take place from the venue inside the Manhattan Center.

Though this will be AEW’s first event in the venue, ROH is no stranger to the Hammerstein Ballroom. Seven of the 22 ROH Final Battle pay-per-views have been hosted from the Hammerstein Ballroom, more than any other location in the show’s 22-year history. Four events have taken place at the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom.

Outside of ROH, the venue is known for hosting ECW’s final two pay-per-views, Massacre on 34th Street in December 2000 and Guilty as Charged the following year. It was only fitting that ECW One Night Stand 2005 and 2006 was hosted from the ballroom. In September 2010, TNA Wrestling hosted a show from the ballroom.

Now, AEW and Ring of Honor will join the promotions that have set foot in the venue. While no details have been confirmed for either Collision or Final Battle, fans can expect two huge nights in Manhattan, New York next month. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from AEW Collision as the show prepares to land in the Hammerstein Ballroom.

Wrestling and Politics: How Donald Trump brought WWE to Elections and the White House

Jake Skudder
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Donald Trump’s journey from the world of business (with WWE along the way) to the Oval Office is a story of the power of showmanship and the blurred lines between entertainment and politics.

As the only WWE Hall of Famer to become President of the United States (so far), Trump’s political career has been significantly influenced by his experiences in professional wrestling.

The Trump-WWE Connection

Early Involvement

Trump’s relationship with WWE (then WWF) began in the late 1980s when he hosted WrestleMania IV and V at his Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. 

This marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership that would shape both his public persona and political strategy.

Battle of the Billionaires

One of Trump’s most memorable WWE moments came in 2007 with the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23. 

This event, which pitted Trump’s chosen Superstar Bobby Lashley against WWE Chairman Vince McMahon’s chosen Superstar Umaga in a hair vs. hair match, showcased the level of hype that The Apprentice

The Art of Kayfabe in Politics

Trump’s political approach bears a striking resemblance to the storytelling techniques used in professional wrestling. The concept of “kayfabe” – the portrayal of staged events as real – became a cornerstone of his campaign strategy.

In wrestling, a “heel” is a villain character that breaks rules and provokes strong reactions. Trump seemingly adopted this role in politics, using provocative statements and unconventional tactics to garner attention and energize his base.

The Impact on Political Discourse

Trump’s wrestling-inspired approach to politics often prioritizes emotional impact over policy substance.

This strategy has tapped into existing disillusionment with traditional political systems, allowing Trump to present himself as an “outsider” fighting against the establishment.

Just as wrestling events are designed to be spectacles, Trump turned political rallies and debates into must-see events.

His ability to create memorable moments and soundbites has been crucial in maintaining media attention and public interest.

The Wrestling Community’s Influence

Trump’s connections to the wrestling world have continued to play a role in his political career. Wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker have publicly endorsed Trump, lending their star power to his campaigns.

By engaging with wrestling personalities and appearing on wrestling-related podcasts, Trump’s campaign has sought to reach younger male voters and those who might not typically engage with traditional political media.

The Double-Edged Sword of Entertainment Politics

Advantages of the Wrestling Approach

Trump’s wrestling-inspired tactics have allowed him to:

  • Generate unprecedented media coverage
  • Create a strong emotional connection with his base
  • Simplify complex issues into easily digestible narratives

Potential Drawbacks

However, this approach also carries risks:

  • It can prioritize entertainment over substantive policy discussions
  • It may further polarize the political landscape
  • There’s a danger of trivializing serious issues

The Legacy of Trump’s WWE-Inspired Politics

Trump’s success has inspired other politicians to adopt similar tactics, potentially changing the nature of political campaigns and discourse in the long term.

As the lines between politics and entertainment continue to blur, it remains to be seen how this will affect the democratic process and public engagement with political issues.

When Machine Gun Kelly Got Powerbombed on WWE Raw

Jake Skudder
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In light of Megan Fox’s recent pregnancy announcement with fiancé Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), we’re taking a nostalgic look back at one of MGK’s most memorable moments in pop culture: his appearance on WWE Raw in 2015.

This unexpected crossover between the worlds of music and professional wrestling left a lasting impression the rapper, mainly on his back.

The Unforgettable WWE Raw Moment

In 2015, Machine Gun Kelly made a guest appearance on WWE Raw, performing his track “A Little More” live on the show. However, what happened next was far from a typical musical performance.

Following his performance, MGK found himself in a heated exchange with WWE superstar Kevin Owens. The confrontation quickly escalated, leading to a shocking and dramatic conclusion that would be talked about for years.

The Powerbomb

In a moment that you rarely saw from a musical performer on WWE programming, Kevin Owens suddenly grabbed MGK and powerbombed him off the stage. The rapper’s body crashed onto the floor below, leaving the audience pretty stunned and creating an instant viral moment.

Looking back on the incident, Machine Gun Kelly has expressed nothing but enthusiasm for his WWE appearance. In an interview, he described the experience as a dream come true, comparing it to performing at the Super Bowl.

From WWE to Fatherhood

As Machine Gun Kelly prepares to welcome a child with Megan Fox, it’s clear that his life has taken many unexpected turns since that memorable night on WWE Raw. From being powerbombed off a stage to becoming a father once again, MGK’s journey continues to captivate his fans across various entertainment spheres.

Linda McMahon to Lead Trump’s Department of Commerce (Report)

Jake Skudder
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As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January 2025, speculation is mounting about who will fill key positions in his administration. Among the names being floated for high-level roles is Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and previous member of Trump’s first-term cabinet.

McMahon is a frontrunner to lead the Department of Commerce as Secretary in Trump’s second administration, according to Charles Gasparino, Senior Correspondent at Fox Business. The Department of Commerce plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and opportunity, making it a key position in any administration.

Linda McMahon’s Political Background

Linda McMahon, 76, is no stranger to Trump’s inner circle. She served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 during Trump’s first term. After resigning from this position, McMahon went on to chair America First Action, a super PAC supporting Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.

Qualifications and Experience

McMahon’s background in business and her previous experience in the Trump administration make her a fairly logical choice for a cabinet position:

  • Co-founder and former CEO of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
  • Previous service as Administrator of the Small Business Administration
  • Experience in fundraising and political operations

Campaign Contributions and Support

McMahon has been a significant financial supporter of Trump’s political ambitions:

  • 2016: She donated $6 million to Rebuilding America Now, a pro-Trump super PAC
  • 2020: She reportedly raised approximately $83 million for Trump’s (unsuccessful) 2020 campaign.
  • 2024: McMahon is said to have contributed over $10 million to Trump’s campaign effort through the America First Action super PAC.

Other Key Appointments in the Trump Administration

As Trump assembles his team for a second term, several other appointments have been announced or are being considered:

Confirmed Appointments

  • Susie Wiles: Named as White House Chief of Staff, making her the first woman to hold this position
  • Tom Homan: Designated as “border czar,” overseeing immigration and border security initiatives
  • Elise Stefanik: Selected as the ambassador to the United Nations

Potential Cabinet Members

While many positions remain to be filled, some names being discussed include:

  • Bill Hagerty: Under consideration for Secretary of State
  • Marco Rubio: Reportedly being considered for a high-level position, possibly Secretary of State
  • Mike Waltz: Mentioned as a potential candidate for Secretary of Defense

The Confirmation Process

With Republicans now in control of the Senate, many of Trump’s cabinet nominees are expected to face a smoother confirmation process compared to his first term. However, some controversial picks may still face scrutiny and potential challenges during hearings.

Taz Says WWE Fan is ‘Dead Wrong’ About His Career

Bishal Roy
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Pro wrestling veteran Taz recently refuted a belief as a fan claimed that the AEW star held resentment towards his former employer.

On social media, ‘The Human Suplex Machine’ shut down the belief and explained that it wasn’t true. He further said that WWE gave him a new career as a color commentator which he still enjoys.

Taz made his impactful debut in WWE during the 2000 Royal Rumble. He faced Kurt Angle in his debut and emerged victorious. But his run with WWE was short-lived. Mounting injuries cut short his in-ring career and he went on to become a color commentator for WWE shows. He eventually decided to hang up his boots and embrace the new role. In 2019, he joined All Elite Wrestling as a commentator and he is enjoying his run with the promotion.

Taz has been on the sidelines. Before the fifth anniversary of AEW Dynamite, he announced that that he’d be stepping from his role as an announcer as he was set to undergo total knee replacement surgery. After his surgery, the former ECW star also provided an update on his health. His last appearance before hiatus took place at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam when Hook officially retired the FTW Championship.

This is not the first time the legend has responded to a fan on social media. Previously, he fired back at a fan who claimed WWE saved his career.

Dakota Kai’s Returns Gives Damage CTRL New Championship Goals

Bishal Roy
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Damage CTRL are back in full swing as Dakota Kai returned from injury on last night’s WWE Raw.

During the November 11th edition of WWE Raw, Dakota Kai made her surprise return in a backstage segment to reunite with Damage CTRL. The faction comprising – IYO SKY, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai has now set their sights on the gold.

Damage CTRL joined in for an interview with Byron Saxton in a Raw Exclusive. Kai said that it was very difficult for her to watch SKY and Sane from home during her injury hiatus. She then revealed that they have their sights set on the women’s tag team titles which is held by Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. Kai said:

“It was so difficult watching from home, you guys held it down for sure, but we’re here to show everyone Damage CTRL, we won our match tonight — Now, we have our eyes on gold, potentially those tag team titles, right?”

Dakota Kai’s comeback took place at a time when SKY is the Number 1 contender for the Women’s World Title, currently held by Liv Morgan. They are set to lock horns with the title on the line soon.

IYO SKY also vowed to become the Women’s World Champion and feels confident that every member of Damage CTRL will be a champion. She said:

“Yes and I need the Women’s World Championship. We will be all the champions.”

Dakota Kai had been away from the programming for several months due to an injury. Kai’s last match before her return was on July 27th at a live event in Tokyo, Japan, where she faced Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. Following that she was written of the shows as she suffered a torn meniscus injury.

Last night, Kai also competed inside the squared circle when she teamed up with IYO SKY and Kairi Sane to face the Pure Fusion Collective (Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville). In the final moments of the match, SKY performed a moonsault on Baszler to earn the pinfall victory.

NXT Preview: Title Match, Giulia & Stephanie Vaquer, Iron Survivor

Michael Reichlin
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Tonight’s WWE NXT broadcasts live on the USA Network at 8/7c from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center.

Following last week’s NXT 2300 special, we’re on the road to NXT Deadline, scheduled to take place on December 7, 2024 from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

NXT will feature Fallon Henley putting the NXT Women’s North American Championship on the line, Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia teaming up again for another difficult test, the latest Iron Survivor Challenge qualifying matches and a special announcement from the General Manager.

Confirmed Matches and Segments for WWE NXT (November 12, 2024):

  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Kelani Jordan vs. Fallon Henley (c)
  • Stephanie Vaquer & Giulia vs. Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend of Meta-Four
  • Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifying Match: Wes Lee vs. Cedric Alexander
  • Iron Survivor Challenge qualifying match: Cora Jade vs. Sol Ruca
  • Nikkita Lyons vs. Adriana Rizzo

Plus, NXT General Manager Ava will name the challengers for Nathan Frazer & Axiom’s NXT tag team championships.

Watch: Shawn Michaels Welcomes Yoshiki Inamura & NOAH To WWE NXT

How Australia’s Female Stars Paved The Way For Grayson Waller

Thomas Lowson
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Grayson Waller’s WWE career may have never been a reality had it not been for the success of the women from his native Australia. Speaking this week to Insight, Waller explained how, as a fan, there was very little representation of Australian talent to inspire a future in the ring.

“Nathan Jones fell over at WrestleMania! That’s who I wanted to be.”

Jones’ sole year on WWE’s main roster saw him win no titles and often play second-fiddle to talent like The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, and A-Train. Waller later explained that it wasn’t until The IIconics gave a seminar post-joining WWE that he started to realize that he could make it.

“It didn’t seem like a possibility. But then, when I saw Peyton [Royce] and Billie [Kay] get on NXT, they’re from the same school as me. Then I was like ‘Oh wow.’ Then they come back to do a seminar, I think ‘It’s possible.'”

The IIconics may have shown Waller that a future in WWE was possible, but it was the work of Rhea Ripley who showed Grayson that his dreams could come true.

“Rhea’s the one who really cemented it. I’d met her just before she left [Australia.] And then she was doing such big things. I think she showed the rest of Australia ‘Hey, this is possible.’ And that opened the door. And then you’ve got Bronson [Reed.] You’ve got Indi [Hartwell.]”

Nowadays, Waller has cemented himself among WWE’s crop of Australian talent, which recently welcomed Zaria to WWE NXT. With the success of Elimination Chamber: Perth this past February, WWE clearly has a huge following ‘down under’ and don’t count out future Superstars coming from the country.

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