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Vince McMahon Didn’t Love Christian Cage, But Tony Khan Does

Dominic DeAngelo
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Vince McMahon allegedly had no appreciation for the talent of Christian Cage while in WWE, but someone who does is his current boss Tony Khan.

Cage trended on social media on Thursday night after former WWE commentator Todd Grisham shared an antedote that Vince McMahon once gave him on the headset to hype Christian to the ring. Cage was set to go against then ECW Champion Jack Swagger, but Grisham very much undersold the surprise that was Christian Cage.

Khan would then go on X to make his own post to say “Christian Cage is the man.” Khan also has an immense amount of respect for Cage’s former partner, Adam Copeland, noting of his efforts to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Cage did have a World Heavyweight Title reign while in WWE, but the veteran could still that in AEW. The company’s ‘Father Figure’ has a World Title contract he can cash in at anytime.

As it stands now, Jon Moxley will challenge Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Championship this Saturday night at WrestleDream, but one of wrestling’s top heels isn’t beyond inserting himself into the equation. Cage has tried to do so previously against Danielson, but was thwarted by Claudio Castagnoli and PAC.


The Rock Not Scheduled For WrestleMania 41 (Report)

Anutosh Bajpai
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The Rock’s current WWE storyline is seemingly not headed where people are expecting it to go.

The Great One is believed to be the force behind Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline. Ever since Sikoa took over the faction, many have expected it to finally lead to a match between The People’s Champion and his cousin Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 41.

Per Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, however, the Hollywood star is currently not scheduled to compete at the Show of Shows next year from the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.

According to one WON source, The Rock’s schedule has gotten too heavy. He has already given word to WWE that he won’t be able to wrestle at the show next year.

What’s Next For The Rock?

The 52-year-old made his electrifying return to WWE during the Bad Blood PPV earlier this month on Ocotber 5, indicating that the next chapter of his current run would be written very soon.

Because he returned after Roman Reigns teamed up with Cody Rhodes to pick up a victory over The Bloodline, some have believed it’s leading towards a triple threat involving Rock, Rhodes and Reigns at the Grandest Stage of Them All.

If Rock’s return is not headed toward a WrestleMania match, the most obvious direction would be for him to lead The Bloodline in a WarGames match against Roman, Cody, and their other allies at the upcoming Survivor Series PPV on November 30.

Both Cody and Roman have teased a rematch for the Undisputed WWE title since the latter’s return to TV at SummerSlam. So it’s possible that the singles match to complete the trilogy would then be saved for Mania.

Rhea Ripley’s New WWE Contract: Fans react to huge potential re-signing news

Jake Skudder
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WWE fans are buzzing with excitement as news breaks about Rhea Ripley’s contract status with the company. The former Women’s World Champion has reportedly agreed to terms on a new long-term deal that will keep her in WWE for the foreseeable future.

Details of Rhea Ripley’s New WWE Contract

Contract Length and Value

According to reports from PWInsider, Ripley’s new contract with WWE is set to be a five-year deal, but she has not signed just yet. This significant commitment demonstrates WWE’s faith in Ripley as a cornerstone of their women’s division for years to come.

While the exact financial terms have not been disclosed, sources indicate that Ripley will receive a “considerable raise” as part of the new agreement.

Contract Status

While the terms have been agreed upon, it’s important to note that the contract has not yet been officially signed.

However, PWInsider suggests that it’s “just a matter of time” before the deal is finalized. This news comes as a relief to many WWE fans who have been speculating about Ripley’s future with the company.

Fan Reactions to Rhea Ripley’s Re-signing

The WWE Universe has taken to social media to express their thoughts on Ripley’s contract news. Many fans are thrilled at the prospect of seeing “The Eradicator” continue her dominant run in WWE for years to come.

Excitement for Future Storylines

Fans are eagerly anticipating the potential storylines and feuds that Ripley could be involved in over the next five years. With her current rivalry against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez heating up, supporters are excited to see how this will play out and what new challenges await Ripley in the future.

Praise for WWE’s Decision

Many wrestling enthusiasts are applauding WWE for securing Ripley’s services long-term. As a Grand Slam Champion and one of the most dominant forces in the women’s division, fans recognize the importance of keeping such a talented performer on the roster.

Lionel Messi’s Mas+ Suing Logan Paul’s PRIME Over Bottle Design

Thomas Lowson
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Soccer sensation Lionel Messi is the latest name to take issue with PRIME, the drinks company founded by WWE Superstar Logan Paul and fellow content creator KSI. A new lawsuit filed by the 37-year-old Argentinian player is hitting out at PRIME for being “anti-competitive.”

Messi launched his drink company back in June of this year with four flavors available in both bottles and cans. Many argued that the designs of the drinks bore a striking resemblance to the KSI/Paul product.

Mas Prime

Mas+ by Messi distributor Mark Anthony International filed a lawsuit against PRIME Hydration on October 8, Dexerto reports, seeking a declaratory judgment to confirm Mas+ is not copying Prime’s bottle design. In the lawsuit, Anthony claims that PRIME reached out and demanded Mas+ cease sales until their packaging was changed. It is also claimed that PRIME has threatened to sue for trademark and trade dress infringement.

The lawsuit against PRIME claims that the drinks company is “seeking not only to prevent fair competition but also is trying to monopolize functional packaging elements that are commonplace in the hydration beverage industry” Anthony also claims that an “experienced survey expert” demonstrated that there was no likelihood that consumers would confuse the two products.

Logan Paul’s PRIME Problems

This lawsuit is the latest legal issue for Logan Paul who continues to make headlines outside the squared circle for the wrong reasons. The U.S. Olympic Committee is suing PRIME over the use of trademarked terms they claim could lead people to believe PRIME is an official sponsor. Refresco, a supplier of PRIME, is seeking at least $67.7 million over an alleged breach of contract based on the production of the beverage.

Despite these lawsuits and questions regarding PRIME’s use of caffeine in beverages, PRIME remains a sponsor of WWE events with a ‘Hydration Station‘ being a fixture at Premium Live Events. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Logan Paul and the former U.S. Champion’s successful, albeit controversial, drinks brand.

AEW WrestleDream 2024 Odds: Favorites Revealed Ahead of PPV

Jake Skudder
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The highly anticipated AEW WrestleDream 2024 event is fast approaching, and with it comes an action-packed card filled with top-tier talent. Fans and bettors alike are eager to see how the odds stack up ahead of this major pay-per-view. Here, we break down the key matchups, revealing the odds-on favorites for each bout.

AEW International Championship Three-way Match

In one of the most exciting bouts of the night, Will Ospreay leads the odds to win the AEW International Championship with a commanding -400. Ospreay, known for his high-flying offense and technical prowess, is the clear favorite. Konosuke Takeshita, the dynamic and rising star, follows with +175, offering some value for those looking for an upset. Ricochet, despite his in-ring experience, is the long shot at +1000.

AEW TNT Championship Match

The odds heavily favor Jack Perry to retain the AEW TNT Championship with a staggering -2500. His opponent, Katsuyori Shibata, is a well-respected competitor, but the odds suggest a slim chance at +800 for an upset victory.

AEW Women’s World Championship

Mariah May comes in as the overwhelming favorite at -5000 to win the AEW Women’s World Championship. Her challenger, Willow Nightingale, carries underdog odds of +1200. While May’s dominance seems certain, Nightingale has been known to surprise in the past.

AEW World Tag Team Championship

In the tag team division, The Young Bucks are favored with -2000 to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Private Party will need to pull off a significant upset to cash in on their +700 odds.

Open Challenge

For the open challenge, Darby Allin is favored at -2000 to win over Brody King, who sits at +700. Allin’s fearless style makes him the clear front-runner in this match.

ROH World Television Championship Match

In this competitive showdown, Brian Cage is slightly favored at -220, with his opponent Atlantis Jr trailing at +165. This one could go either way, making it a thrilling contest to watch.

Grudge Match: Jay White vs. Hangman Adam Page

Jay White is the favorite in this heated grudge match at -200. However, Hangman Adam Page, coming in at +150, is known for his resilience and could easily steal the win.

Tag Team Match

The Acclaimed are favored at -450 to defeat MXM Collection (+275), but anything can happen in AEW’s unpredictable tag team division.

Two Out of Three Falls Match

The two-out-of-three falls match sees Hologram as the heavy favorite at -1500, while The Beast Mortos is a considerable underdog at +600.

Bryan Danielson Retirement: Will it happen at WrestleDream?

Jake Skudder
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The wrestling world is abuzz with speculation about Bryan Danielson’s future as AEW’s WrestleDream event approaches. With Danielson’s recent statements and seemingly self-imposed career stipulations, fans are left wondering if this could be the end of the road for one of professional wrestling’s most beloved figures.

The Road to WrestleDream

Bryan Danielson’s journey to WrestleDream has been dramatic. After winning the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, Danielson earned a shot at the AEW World Championship against Swerve Strickland at All In London. In a bold move, Danielson declared that if he failed to capture the title, he would quit wrestling altogether.

A Championship Victory with a Catch

In a match of the year candidate, Danielson emerged victorious, claiming the AEW World Championship. However, the celebration came with a bittersweet announcement: Danielson stated that his full-time in-ring career would end once he loses the title. 

This stipulation has set the stage for an intense buildup to WrestleDream, where Danielson is set to defend his championship against Jon Moxley.

The Specter of Retirement

Danielson’s potential full-time retirement at WrestleDream is not just idle speculation. Several factors contribute to the possibility that this could indeed be his final match.

A History of Retirement

This isn’t the first time Danielson has faced retirement. In 2016, while wrestling as Daniel Bryan in WWE, he was forced to step away from the ring due to concussion-related issues. That retirement lasted two years before he was cleared to compete again.

Family Considerations

Danielson has been open about his family’s influence on his career decisions. He revealed that his daughter has been ready for him to be home for over a year, and he’s excited about the prospect of being a full-time dad. This personal factor adds weight to the possibility of his retirement.

Physical Struggles

Recent interviews have shed light on Danielson’s ongoing physical challenges. He has given insight into his injury struggles, which may be influencing his decision to consider retirement. These physical issues, combined with family considerations, paint a picture of a wrestler who may be ready to hang up his boots.

The Emotional Readiness

Unlike his forced retirement in WWE, Danielson appears to be mentally prepared for this potential end to his in-ring career.

Danielson has expressed that his emotional state is different this time around. He feels mentally ready for retirement, partly due to his physical struggles and the fulfilling family life he now enjoys.

Predictions and Speculations

Some, like Tommy Dreamer, believe that while Danielson may lose the AEW World Title at WrestleDream, he won’t retire: 

“If he [Danielson] loses, he’s done and he’s done for a while, but I do not think he will be. He needs neck surgery, legit. He’s gonna be gone probably for a year, but I don’t think he’s going to announce his retirement, and I don’t think, you know, in wrestling, they’ve always done things. Sting came back recently, but he didn’t wrestle. I think he’ll [Danielson] be a part-time in-ring performer after WrestleDream.”

Others speculate that this could indeed be the event where Danielson takes his final bow.

CM Punk Reflects on Losing Bray Wyatt & Brodie Lee: It’s Truly Unfair

Thomas Lowson
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In December 2020, Brodie Lee passed away in a tragic loss to the wrestling community, leaving his wife Amanda and their son Brodie Lee. Jr. Less than three years later, the wrestling world lost Windham ‘Bray Wyatt’ Rotunda, a father of four children and fiance of former WWE broadcaster JoJo Offerman.

During his first run with WWE, CM Punk worked with both men and his feud with the Wyatts was one of his final angles before leaving in January 2014. During an appearance on No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Punk spoke about the tragic pattern of professional wrestlers dying young.

“I feel wrestling is notorious for that, right? Like, we are constantly losing wrestlers and it always seems to be way too early.”

Punk added that the passing of Bray and Brodie was especially difficult, given that they were fathers and found their deaths to be wholly unfair.

“I think Bray and Brodie were the two ones because they’re so young, and they got little babies, and it’s just like one of those things that it just stings. Just talking about it now, it still stings, and it’s truly like unfair.”

The world of wrestling has made efforts to keep the legacies of both men going strong, with Brodie Jr. having a contract with AEW that will come into effect once he turns 18. Following Rotunda’s passing, WWE shared that proceeds from his merchandise will go to benefit Offerman and his children. While both men tragically passed young, the impact their lives have had continues to go on, and CM Punk is just one of many who fondly remember the two late wrestlers.

WWE SmackDown Preview: Roman Reigns, US Title Match

Andrew Ravens
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Tonight’s WWE SmackDown is set to air live at 8/7c on the USA Network, broadcasting from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC. Expect plenty of drama as the fallout from last Saturday’s Bad Blood event takes center stage on the blue brand.

In the main event at Bad Blood, Roman Reigns and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes teamed up to defeat Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa, with a major assist from the returning Jimmy Uso. To top it all off, The Rock made his surprise return, shaking things up even more.

Here’s a preview of what’s lined up for tonight:

  • Roman Reigns addresses the WWE Universe.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill will defend their titles against Meta-Four’s Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson.
  • LA Knight vs. Carmelo Hayes for the WWE United States Championship

Want to catch up on what happened last week? You can check out the top 10 moments from last week’s SmackDown here:

Bryan Danielson Says He Almost Got Paralyzed In Okada Match At Dynamite Anniversary

Anutosh Bajpai
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Bryan Danielson has revealed that he almost got paralyzed during his most recent title vs. title match against Kazuchika Okada.

The AEW World Champion has been open about the neck issues he’s dealing with in his current run and how they resemble the problems that led to his initial retirement in 2015.

While the American Dragon has continued to push through in order to give fans a memorable final run, some latest details regarding his health are making people question if it’s worth it.

During a recent interview with Uncrowned, Danielson opened up about his current struggles. Speaking about his Dynamite 5-year anniversary match with Kazuchika Okada, Bryan revealed that he started losing strength in his legs halfway through it:

“Midway through the match, I started losing strength in my legs, there’s a point later in the match where I’m trying to kick him and I can’t turn over my kicks. That’s something that I have the body mechanics to do because I have been doing it for so long, but here I am and I can’t turn my hip over for this kick.”

We’re Seeing The Signs: Bryan Danielson

Bryan Danielson was later informed that the scary situation stemmed from his ongoing neck issues. He’s also dealing with severe pain in his arm and it’s getting to a point where he hasn’t been able to sleep properly:

“When I got to the back, I went to the trainer right away and they worked on me for like 30 minutes. They said it was stemming from the neck stuff. It’s getting to a point where, physically, we’re seeing the signs. I haven’t been sleeping well because I have been having this shooting pain down my arm.”

Though Bryan also explained that the current health issues are making his decision to walk away much easier. Compared to the last time he was forced to quit; he is in a much better mental state.

Bryan Danielson put his career on the line in the World Title match against Swerve Strickland at the All Out PPV and emerged victorious. He has said that he will retire from a full-time schedule once his current reign ends.

The 43-year-old is scheduled to defend his championship against former friend Jon Moxley at the WrestleDream PPV this Saturday, October 12.

NXT’s Oba Femi Pushes for WWE Premium Live Event in Africa

Thomas Lowson
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In recent years, WWE has expanded its Premium Live Events beyond North America with shows in Germany, Scotland, France, Australia, and beyond. These shows have been well-received and demonstrate that WWE is indeed in a new era post-Vince McMahon, but could the continent of Africa be next on the company’s radar?

During a recent interview with Scott Johnson on the Going Ringside podcast, Oba Femi made clear he certainly hopes so. Femi, whose record-long reign as NXT North American Champion ended this week, expressed his desire for a PLE in Africa.

“I would love to see a PLE in Africa. I feel there is a market there that has been unexplored for years. We have had live shows go to South African, but it’s much bigger than just South Africa. I feel the entire continent is riding hard for WWE.”

Femi admitted that hosting such an event won’t be easy for WWE, as he spoke of “culture shock” and a “fear of the unknown” among other factors the company will consider. Despite these issues, the Nigerian star remained confident that the crowd reaction will be worth it.

“Oh my God, I’m talking one of the hottest crowds the company has ever seen.They would go ballistic for their king [referring to himself], but they would go ballistic for everything for the product.”

Femi plans to bring up the idea to WWE management “once I gain the equity, the respect and credibility” to bring up such a topic. With Femi already making history in WWE NXT, its clear the company has big plans for him, meaning this discussion about an African PLE may be held sooner rather than later.

Update On Rhea Ripley’s Contract Status With WWE

Anutosh Bajpai
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WWE is super close to locking in Rhea Ripley in a new long-term deal with a big raise.

After letting many contracts get close to expiry in early 2024, the company has changed its approach in recent months and started reaching out to talents aggressively to lock them into deals.

It was reported last month that on the female side, the promotion had reached out to WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax and Rhea Ripley about signing long-term extensions. PWInsider is now reporting that at least one of them has reached a new agreement with the company in principle. According to them, Mami has come to terms on a new contract with the sports entertainment giant.

The new contract will be for 5 years and it’ll see the former Women’s Champion getting a ‘considerable’ raise. While the actual signing is yet to take place, the belief is that it’s ‘just a matter of time’ before pen is put to paper.

Longterm Commitment

The news is not very surprising as Rhea Ripley has been a featured star of WWE programming in the last few years and one of the faces of not only the women’s division but also the Raw brand.

Her storyline with Dominik Mysterio and rest of The Judgment Day continues to be the anchoring feud of the Red Branded Show as it inches towards the historic Netflix move.

The mentioned female stars are not the only ones approached by WWE recently. Reports suggest that officials have also begun negotiations with a former Universal Champion within the last month. You can check out more about it here.

Darby Allin ‘Attacks’ Fan At Seattle Seahawks Vs. San Francisco 49ers

Thomas Lowson
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Ahead of tomorrow night’s AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view, Darby Allin and Aubrey Edwards were special guests at the Seattle Seahawks Vs. San Francisco 49ers game. Not only did the pair have fun at the game inside Seattle’s Lumen Field, but as seen in the footage, Allin ‘attacked’ a fan in attendance, leaving them laying on the ground after a single punch.

AEW was pleased to be represented at the game and shared the fan’s footage from the game. Unfortunately, Allin, fresh off crashing a child’s birthday party, wouldn’t prove to be good luck charms for Seattle as the Seahawks would lose to the 49ers 36-24.

AEW is in Washington for WrestleDream, which will take place at the Tacoma Dome. The show will be AEW’s second WrestleDream event, and the second pay-per-view from the company to come to the state (behind WrestleDream 2023 in Seattle.) On the card, Allin will take on Brody King as the House of Black member has answered the open challenge of the former TNT Champion.

AEW WrestleDream promises to be a monumental show for the All-Elite roster, with seven championship matches planned for the Tacoma Dome. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW WrestleDream 2024, including breaking news and live results.

Jerry Lawler’s Lawsuit Over Son’s Death Dismissed by Appeals Court

Thomas Lowson
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The Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office announced that all claims brought by Jerry Lawler against Hardeman County officials, related to the death of his son, Brian Christopher Lawler, have been dismissed. Christopher, better known to wrestling fans as Grand Master Sexay, was arrested for DUI on July 7, 2018, and was found hanging in his cell on July 29, 2018.

Lawler had sued Hardeman County, Sheriff John Doolen, Leonard Brown, Judy Wiggins, Ellen Futrell, and William Gonzalez, claiming that authorities failed to provide treatment for his son’s drug and alcohol issues. He had also alleged that after Brian Christopher was injured in a fight, he was placed in solitary confinement, where he used shoelaces and bolts from his cell to take his own life. Such items should not have been available for Christopher to use, Lawler’s suit adds.

The WWE Hall of Famer has long disputed the idea that Christopher’s death was self-inflicted. During an interview with WMC-TV in January 2019, Lawler explained that in photos, marks on the side of Brian’s neck are visible but not at the front of his throat (where they would be if he died via hanging himself.) Lawler also stated that Brian’s fellow inmates have told him they don’t think Christopher took his own life.

In September 2022, claims against Sheriff Doolen and Brown were denied, but the suit against Hardeman County, Wiggins, Futrell, and Gonzalez was allowed to proceed. These remaining defendants appealed the ruling, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit later determined that Wiggins, Futrell, and Gonzalez were protected by qualified immunity, which shielded them from being sued by the WWE legend.

In September 2024, the same court reconsidered Lawler’s remaining claims against Hardeman County and granted the county’s motion for summary judgment, effectively dismissing all claims related to Brian Christopher’s death in the Hardeman County Jail.

Britt Baker Provides Health Update After Missing Scheduled Dynamite Match

Anutosh Bajpai
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Britt Baker has provided an update on her health after missing her scheduled match on Tuesday’s Dynamite due to an illness.

The former Women’s Champion was expected to compete in a #1 Contenders match at the TV tapings. She was supposed to go up against Willow Nightingale but got pulled on the day of the show.

The AEW star took to Twitter and provided an update on her status late on Thursday. She thanked everyone who sent her well wishes in a video and revealed that she is dealing with strep throat:

“I still have a strep throt, but I sound way worse than I actually feel. I feel so much better now. Two days ago, I was dying, but now we’re good. I went to urgent care, got tested for strep, took antibiotics, got an IV shot. I’m good. I’m good. I’m on the mend.”

Britt Baker Stuck At Home Without Emergency Supplies

The female star also revealed that the sudden change of plans caused some distress to her because of recent weather calamities in the US. Britt Baker didn’t stock up on emergency supplies and they were all gone by the time she realized she was staying home instead of traveling to Washington for the AEW show:

“For future reference, if you are in an area that could be affected by a hurricane, stock the fuck up. I messed up. I didn’t think I was going to be here. I was supposed to be at Dynamite in Washington, so I was like, I’m fine. No, change of plans.

I was stuck in Orlando. And there was no supplies by the time I realized that there was no gas, no water, nothing. All the essentials gone off all the shelves. So stock up in advance. Don’t be a dumb ass like me. And thank you, again, everybody who checked in and all the weirdos with your f*cking conspiracy theories, f*ck off.”

Britt was replaced by not one but three women in the match against Willow. Jamie Hayter, Saraya, and Nyla Rose all joined the bout, making it a fatal four-way.

Hayter was taken out of the match in the end due to interference from a returning Penelope Ford, and Nightingale won the bout after pinning Saraya. She will now face Mariah May for the women’s title at the October 12 WrestleDream PPV.

Details on MJF’s Next Movie, Stranglehold

Michael Reichlin
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Maxwell Jacob Friedman’s plan to transition from pro wrestling to Hollywood is steadily unfolding.

After a minor role (and an Executive Producer credit) in the acclaimed Von Erich family movie The Iron Claw, the former AEW World Champion has landed a significant role in the upcoming Adam Sandler comedy, Happy Gilmore 2.

On Wednesday, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported that MJF is also attached to another project co-starring Justin Long and Ron Perlman. SEScoops has confirmed that this project is Stranglehold, an action-comedy directed by Clark Duke.

Stranglehold follows the story of an exotic dancer and her Army veteran husband as they plan to rob the strip club where she works.

The film will also feature former WWE broadcaster Kayla Braxton (Kayla Becker), former AEW star Ryan Nemeth, Jake Lacy, and Ashley Benson.

MJF last competed at AEW All Out in September, where he defeated Daniel Garcia. He’s expected to return to AEW television soon.

Exclusive: MJF reveals advice he received from John Cena

The Rock Shares a Powerful Message on World Mental Health Day

Dominic DeAngelo
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The Rock took an admirable babyface turn today on social media to make sure people are being cognizant of their mental health.

It’s World Mental Health Day and ‘The People’s Champion’ took to the people to make the fans aware of how depression can hit anyone. The Rock shared his own personal experience with that.

“I got wobbly and I was spinning and I was struggling. I woke up, I saw gray.

“I’m used to being alone because I was born an only child, but there’s a difference I learned over the years of being lonesome and lonliness.”

The Rock said he was reaching out to people by midnight and sought some support. Dwayne Johnson shared a story of how a friend of his hung himself in a jail cell. He says it’s important to check in on others, but sometimes more important to check in on yourself.

“I’ve been there, if you’re going through it, reach out. That’s your superpower.”

The Rock sure has a superpower when it comes to creating buzz for WWE. ‘The Final Boss’ returned to the company last week to close out Bad Blood, confronting Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns after the unlikely duo teamed up against Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.

Earlier in the day, Rocky took to social media to make it known that’s he’s far from done when it comes to confronting old nemesises. Bad Blood was The Rock’s first appearance since he made his exit on the WWE Raw after WrestleMania XL.

Mercedes Moné Shares Untold Story Behind NXT TakeOver Brooklyn Classic Against Bayley

Andrew Ravens
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Mercedes Moné has created iconic moments in every promotion she’s been part of, from her unforgettable NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn match with Bayley to making history in NJPW, and her notable arrival in AEW.

Moné has competed against some of the biggest names in professional wrestling across these promotions, but one match stands out above the rest—not only for the fans but for Moné herself. This was the 2015 NXT Women’s Championship match, where Bayley defeated (then known as) Sasha Banks in under 20 minutes, marking a turning point in both of their careers.

In her latest fan newsletter, the “CEO” revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes detail about this all-time classic: the two had barely any time to prepare. At the time, Mone was working full-time on the main roster and traveling for a panel with Triple H, leaving them with just five minutes to discuss the match.

Little Prep Before Their Classic

“We only had maybe five minutes to talk about our match in the ring. I wanted to tell her about this crazy spot. In truth, I didn’t even want to practice it or show her because I was afraid they’d say no—or worse, the boys would see it and take it away. Yes, that happens.

So, I just kind of told her what I wanted to do. We didn’t rehearse any of it. Yet, that match turned out to be the greatest women’s match ever.”

– Mercedes Mone on her match with Bayley from NXT Takeover: Brooklyn (2015)

Another “Great Match, No Prep”

Another match that Moné holds close to her heart was her bout against Stephanie Vaquer at this year’s AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door PPV. Moné recalls Vaquer flying in the day of the event and arriving at the venue just hours before showtime. With little time to prepare, the difficulties were compounded by their language barrier (Vaquer’s first langue is Spanish).

“That was so hard. I’m like, my God, we don’t get time to walk over our moves, we speak two different languages, and we’re both tired, jet lagged, and hungry, too. Yet, that also turned out to be such a great match. She was signed by the WWE days later. I’d like to think our match had a say in that!”

– Mercedes Moné on her mach with Stephanie Vaquer at AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door 2024

Vaquer arrived in WWE NXT television this past week on The CW and aligned with Giulia. She’ll make her NXT in-ring debut next week against Wren Sinclair.

The Rock Warns Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes: ‘Final Boss Engaged’

Dominic DeAngelo
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The Rock still believes he’s ‘The Final Boss’ in WWE and reaffirmed those beliefs on Thursday afternoon.

‘The People’s Champ’ made a surprise appearance to close out WWE Bad Blood after Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes defeated Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in the main event.

Atlanta got an initial surprise with a returning Jimmy Uso who helped Reigns and Rhodes win, but it was The Rock who closed out the show by stepping on the stage and staring down the good guys before walking off.

Dwayne Johnson had some more thoughts to share immediately after, going live on his Instagram, but he put his words to print Thursday afternoon as WWE SmackDown is set to air Friday night. Cody Rhodes may have finished his “story” at WrestleMania XL, but Rocky wants to make it clear his “story” was just getting started.

The Rock hadn’t been seen on WWE programming since the Raw after WrestleMania where he had a tense exchange with Cody Rhodes, but his cameo at Bad Blood started paving the road to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

During the Bad Blood press conference, Triple H remarked as to how much he appreciated The Rock still showing his love for WWE and taking the time out of his wild schedule to make the appearance.

Jesse Ventura Signs WWE Legends Deal

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Hall of Famer Jesse Ventura is officially back with the company. The former Governor of Minnesota has signed a WWE Legends contract and is looking ahead to some fun projects in the near future. Ventura posted a video on his Substack page explaining why he’s back with WWE after two decades.

“Hell has frozen over. Yes, hell has frozen over. I’m back in the WWE as a legend, I’ve gone through negotiations, we’ve reached agreements and I feel very good about. I’m 73 years old now and my life has gone full circle.”

– Jesse Ventura on finishing his career with WWE

Ventura says he earned his first fame and fortune in the wrestling industry, and although he achieved success in Hollywood and in politics, he likes the idea of coming back to wrestling in the twilight of his life and finishing things off as a pro wrestler.

The Body Has Come Home! by Jesse & Tyrel Ventura

Gov. Jesse Ventura Returns To The WWE

Read on Substack

Jesse Ventura’s WWE Career

Jesse Ventura was an active wrestler for WWE (then known as the World Wrestling Federation) from 1984 to 1986, but was forced to retire from the ring due to health issues. He served as an announcer from 1985 through 1990.

WWE Legends Contracts

WWE Legends contracts honor former wrestlers who have made significant contributions to the company. These contracts ensuring post-retirement income for alumni and Hall of Famers, while also allowing WWE to utilize their likenesses for merchandise and promotional activities.

Jinder Mahal Discusses Popularity Of 3MB

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jinder Mahal believes 3MB is special because of the success all three members of the group achieved after being a part of the faction.

The Modern Day Maharaja recently had an interview with Straight Talk Wrestling. He talked about things such as his WWE Championship win, why representation is important in wrestling and more.

During the talk, Mahal was asked about the popularity of 3MB. The former champion explained that the group is more over now than it was during its run. According to Jinder, what makes it special is the things they were able to do after 3MB:

“I think we’re more over now, like in people’s memory, than we were at that time. And I think what really makes it special is what we did after 3MB. Heath Slater with the Tag Team Championship with Rhino and the kids, and the getting a job—amazing, very memorable stuff.

Drew McIntyre, obviously, one of the best professional wrestlers on Earth, not only in WWE but on planet Earth. And then myself, winning the WWE Championship, United States Championship, 24/7 Championship.”

We Made A Point To Work Hard: Jinder Mahal

3MB featuring Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre, and Jinder Mahal was formed back in September 2012. While they lost the majority of their matches, the faction was featured regularly on TV and they participated in many memorable segments during their time together.

Mahal explained that people did not expect anything from them when they were put together. The trio, however, took the whole thing as a motivation to do better:

“So, I think just the success that we had after 3MB, when really nothing was expected from us, and we made a point to work hard and succeed. We weren’t going to look at this as a demotion or something. If anything, it was to motivate us, to take us to the next level, and that’s what we all did.”

3MB stayed together until April 2014 when both Mahal and McIntyre were released from their contracts. Jinder Mahal was brought back a couple of years later in July 2016 while Drew McIntyre rejoined the company in April 2017.

Jonathan Coachman Opens Up About Infamous Katie Vick Storyline

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jonathan Coachman has opened up about the infamous Katie Vick storyline of WWE.

The broadcast personality was part of WWE from 1999 to 2008. He worked closely with Vince McMahon during this time and got to witness the best and worst of the former WWE chairman’s creativity. The Katie Vick storyline between Triple H and Kane is possibly the biggest example of the latter.

Coachman talked about the same during a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet. He mentioned how people were terrified of McMahon during his reign. The former commentator himself remembers many instances in which he regrets not standing up to the former WWE owner:

“I’m not proud of the fact that I never told him no this is one of the things that I’ve told you on and off camera. There’s a lot of things I should have said no to.

That was one of the most repulsive, disgusting storylines of all time. During that time, Vince would go down a road and everything he was doing was hitting, whether it was the milk truck, whether it was the cement truck with the Corvette, all of that stuff. So let’s just keep going. Let’s do shock TV.”

You Could Hear People Groaning: Jonathan Coachman

The storyline between Triple H and Kane saw The Game accusing the Big Red Monster of having murdered Katie Vick. While Kane would later admit to Vick dying during a car accident with him, the Cerebral Assassin wasn’t done yet. He would go on to accuse Kane of being drunk during the accident and furthermore claimed that the Masked Athlete had intercourse with the late star after the incident.

A week later Triple H would appear in a backstage segment with Jonathan Coachman where he teased showing a videotape of his professional rival. The tape that was shown with a warning of discretion featured Triple H. Dressed as Kane in a funeral parlor, H got intimate with the body of the supposedly deceased Vick.

According to Coachman, nobody in the arena was aware of the contents of the video until it aired on the show, and nobody was happy with it:

“I can tell you this, because they shot that off-site so nobody had seen it until it ran on the show. And backstage, you could hear people just groaning because it was so incredibly bad. And if you put a lie detector on Triple H today, he would probably tell you the same thing.”

This is not the first time Jonathan Coachman has opened up about the poor working conditions of his WWE run. He previously told a story about how Vince McMahon made him miss Christmas by calling him up at the last minute.

How Rey Mysterio and Triple H Shaped Santos Escobar’s WWE Journey

Thomas Lowson
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On the eve of WrestleMania 39, Rey Mysterio brought back the Latino World Order and invited Santos Escobar and his Legado Del Fantasma allies to join. While Escobar is no longer part of the LWO and has feuded with the group as the leader of Legado Del Fantasma, the 40-year-old wrestler will never take his time with Rey for granted.

Speaking to Manchester World ahead of WWE’s upcoming tour of the United Kingdom, Escobar explained how much working with Mysterio has meant to him.

“It was an honor. It was a year of changing and traveling with Rey Mysterio. Long hours on the road just talking, learning and listening. He’s a beautiful person and an amazing performer. To have the opportunity to be with him was a gift.”

Escobar turned on the LWO in late 2023 after he assisted Logan Paul in his U.S. title victory over Mysterio at that year’s Crown Jewel. Mysterio had won the gold back in August, filling in for Escobar who had been attacked by then-champion Austin Theory. Tensions between the two sides continued to boil all the way to WrestleMania 40, where Rey and Andrade defeated Escobar and Dominik Mysterio.

Working With Triple H

In both WWE NXT and on the main roster, Escobar has worked closely under WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque. In the interview, Escobar had similar praise for the 14-time WWE World Champion.

“Triple H is always a pleasure. He’s a wise man, he knows everything. At least in my perspective, he’s been there and done that several times, so every time I have the opportunity to work with him, I just cherish it.”

With Mysterio and Triple H, Escobar has the chance to learn from two of WWE’s all-time greats, and is making the most of his opportunity. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Santos Escobar as he continues to develop in WWE, thanks to the assistance of the two former World Champions.

Upcoming Wrestling Events: WWE, AEW, TNA, ROH and more

Jake Skudder
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Wrestling fans are in for an exciting end of 2024 as major promotions like WWE, AEW, TNA, ROH, and others have packed their schedules with thrilling events. Here’s a breakdown of the must-watch wrestling events coming up soon.

WWE Events

WWE Crown Jewel 2024

Date: November 2, 2024
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

One of WWE’s flagship international events, Crown Jewel, will feature the biggest stars of the WWE roster. With major title defenses and surprise matchups, this is a can’t-miss spectacle for fans around the globe.

WWE Survivor Series: War Games 2024

Date: November 30, 2024
Location: Vancouver

One of WWE’s most unique events, Survivor Series is known for its thrilling team-based War Games match, offering a night of brutal action between WWE’s top factions.

WWE WrestleMania 41

Date: April 19-20, 2025
Location: Las Vegas

WrestleMania is the biggest wrestling event of the year. Spanning two nights, it’s where legends are made, and every WWE superstar dreams of having a standout performance.

AEW Events

AEW WrestleDream 2024

Date: October 12, 2024
Location: Tacoma, Washington

A dream card of matches awaits at WrestleDream, with top AEW talent like MJF, Kenny Omega, and Hikaru Shida expected to put on show-stopping performances.

AEW Full Gear 2024

Date: November 23, 2024
Location: Newark, New Jersey

This annual AEW pay-per-view delivers hard-hitting matches with intense rivalries. Full Gear promises to be a night of unforgettable action.

TNA Events

TNA Bound for Glory 2024

Date: October 26, 2024
Location: Detroit, Michigan

TNA’s biggest event of the year, Bound for Glory, will feature legendary TNA superstars, jaw-dropping matches, and new champions emerging in a night of pure wrestling excitement.

Other Promotions

NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed

Date: November 8, 2024
Location: Lowell, Massachusetts

New Japan Pro-Wrestling brings its hard-hitting, technical style to the U.S. for this exciting event, with top talents from both Japan and America set to compete.

Greatest Finishers in WWE History Ranked

Jake Skudder
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There have been some incredible finishing moves throughout WWE history, but some have stood the test of time better than others. Whilst hitting just one finisher isn’t always the end of a match in modern-day wrestling, finishers are still an integral part to the formula of how a match is put together.

Here, we’ll be looking at some of the greatest finishers in the history of WWE, including the RKO, Stunner and Sweet Chin Music.

Top-Tier Finishers

Stone Cold Stunner

At the pinnacle of WWE finishers stands the Stone Cold Stunner. Popularized (but not created) by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, this move combines simplicity with devastating effect.

The Stunner begins with a kick to the opponent’s midsection, followed by Austin grabbing the opponent’s head and dropping to a seated position, driving their jaw onto his shoulder. Its versatility and Austin’s charisma made it an instant crowd-pleaser, capable of ending matches in dramatic fashion.

RKO

Randy Orton’s RKO has earned its place as one of the most electrifying finishers in WWE history. What sets the RKO apart is Orton’s ability to execute it “out of nowhere,” creating countless memorable moments.

The move, a jumping cutter, sees Orton grab his opponent’s head in mid-air and drive it into the mat. Its unpredictability and Orton’s smooth execution have made it a fan favorite and a cultural phenomenon beyond wrestling.

Read More – Best Randy Orton RKOs Ranked

Tombstone Piledriver

The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver is synonymous with the iconic character. This inverted piledriver sees The Undertaker lift his opponent upside down, tucking their head between his thighs, before dropping to his knees and driving their head into the mat.

The move’s visual impact, combined with The Undertaker’s mystique as a character, has made it one of the most protected and respected finishers in WWE history.

Sweet Chin Music

Shawn Michaels’ Sweet Chin Music is a superkick that has ended countless matches. The move’s effectiveness lies in its simplicity and Michaels’ ability to hit it suddenly.

The trademark tuning up the band sequence, where Michaels stomps his foot repeatedly before delivering the kick, added anticipation and excitement to every execution.

Mid-Tier Finishers

Attitude Adjustment

John Cena’s Attitude Adjustment (formerly known as the F-U) has become one of the most recognizable finishers in modern WWE. This fireman’s carry takeover sees Cena lift his opponent onto his shoulders before slamming them back-first onto the mat. Cena’s strength allows him to execute this move on opponents of all sizes, adding to its credibility.

Pedigree

Triple H’s Pedigree has been a staple of WWE main events for decades. This double underhook facebuster sees Triple H grab his opponent’s arms, jump, and drive their face into the mat. The move’s impact and Triple H’s status as a top star have made it one of the most protected finishers in WWE history.

Emotional CM Punk Leaves WWE NXT “Humbled” By Roster He’s Inspired

Thomas Lowson
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Since his stunning return to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023, CM Punk has made himself a regular at WWE NXT tapings, often being spotted behind the scenes if not on the show. Punk was part of last week’s The CW premiere in Chicago, and has been humbled by the response he’s received from the silver brand.

Speaking to O’Shea Jackson Jr. and the Rich Eisen Show’s TJ Jefferson on the ‘No-Contest Wrestling’ podcast, Punk reflected on his work with NXT, where he has often been found giving advice. Punk admitted that he’s often asked for tips (as well as autographs by the young talent he’s inspired,) a process that leaves the Raw Superstar welling up.

“I go home to my wife like just completely humbled and, emotional… when kids come up to me and they’re comfortable enough to be like ‘Hey look at this’ and it’s a picture of them when they’re little at an autograph signing and they tell me ‘Hey, you inspired me to do this.’ It’s just like me getting to tell Roddy Piper ‘Hey yeah, you’re the reason I do this.’ And I don’t know if it meant anything to him but it meant something to me.”

CM Punk certainly made an impression at WWE NXT’s premiere on The CW Network, as he crowned Trick Williams the new NXT Champion with a victory over Ethan Page. Punk also treated the fans to Pizza in the Windy City, further endearing him with his hometown crowd who were already thrilled to see him.

Punk was at the latest WWE NXT in Missouri, PW Insider reports, and traveled with the talent for the show, where he once again doled out pearls of wisdom. While the Best in the World is currently taking a break from WWE TV following the effects of his Hell in a Cell showdown with Drew McIntyre, fans can expect CM Punk to keep a close eye, a teary-eyed one in fact, on the roster of WWE NXT.

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