Home Blog Page 238

Swerve Strickland’s AEW Return Date Confirmed

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

Former World Champion Swerve Strickland is set to make his AEW return very soon.

The Premier Athlete has not been seen on AEW TV since he suffered a gruesome loss at the hands of Hangman Adam Page in their unsanctioned match at All Out.

The company finally confirmed Swerve’s return on this week’s episode of Dynamite. They announced that Strickland will be making an appearance at the upcoming WrestleDream PPV on October 12:

What’s Next For Swerve Strickland?

Prior to his loss to Adam Page, Strickland had suffered another major defeat at All In. Bryan Danielson ended his 126-day-long reign as the AEW World Champion and saved his career in the process.

That means the former champion has a long road ahead to build himself up again if he plans on pursuing the world title he lost.

There is also the question of The Hurt Syndicate looming around. MVP expressed the desire to work with Swerve upon his AEW debut a couple of weeks ago.

Shelton Benjamin has also made his debut for the company as MVP’s business partner and the debut of Bobby Lashley is highly anticipated.

With all the new players in town, it’d be interesting to see how Swerve will interact with them and if they’ll prove to be friends or foes for the former NXT star.

Daniel Garcia Returns From Hiatus On AEW Dynamite

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Amid growing speculation about his future in pro wrestling, Daniel Garcia has made his return to AEW television.

Garcia was first spotted in the parking lot during this week’s show, where Renee Paquette approached him and asked about his absence, given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future. Garcia stated that he would rather explain in the ring in front of the fans.

With his contract set to expire this month, Garcia has yet to re-sign with AEW. WWE has reportedly shown strong interest in bringing him on board. After being written off AEW television, Garcia made his unexpected return during the AEW All In London 2024 pay-per-view event, interfering in the match between MJF and Will Ospreay for the International Title.

Contract Status

During All In London, Garcia shocked the crowd by costing MJF the match. At All Out, he briefly aligned with MJF before turning on him and laying him out. Following this, Garcia was once again taken off television, sparking speculation that AEW might not feature him again until he commits to a new deal.

As of now, neither AEW nor Garcia has publicly commented on his contract status.

Tony D’Angelo Ends Oba Femi’s Historic NXT North American Title Reign

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Tony D’Angelo shocked the WWE Universe on Tuesday’s episode of WWE NXT by stepping up to challenge Oba Femi for the North American Title. This highly anticipated bout was part of an already stacked card.

Just days after Femi celebrated becoming the longest-reigning North American Champion in WWE history, his reign suddenly ended. Heading into the match, D’Angelo acknowledged his fear of Femi, who had previously defeated him at No Mercy. However, in their rematch, D’Angelo trapped Femi in a pin, securing the victory and ending Femi’s dominant run.

D’Angelo, already a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion and Heritage Cup winner, now adds the prestigious North American Title to his accolades.

Femi’s Title Reign

Oba Femi made history by surpassing Wes Lee’s 269-day record as North American Champion. He initially captured the title in January during an episode of NXT, cashing in his NXT Breakout Tournament contract to defeat Dragon Lee. Over the course of his reign, Femi successfully defended the title ten times, defeating notable competitors such as Lee, Ivar, Otis, Dijak, Josh Briggs, Lexis King, and Joe Coffey, among others.

Stephanie Vaquer Debuts In WWE NXT

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Stephanie Vaquer, real name Ana Stephanie Vaquer González, has officially made her arrival in WWE NXT. After leaving CMLL and NJPW, Vaquer chose WWE over interest from AEW. She made her NXT TV debut on Tuesday’s episode during a segment featuring NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade. This came just a week after Jade returned from injury to help Perez retain her title against Giulia.

During the segment, Giulia introduced Vaquer as an “old friend,” marking the new recruit’s first official appearance. The scene quickly escalated into a brawl between the heels and the babyfaces, with Vaquer standing tall alongside Perez and Jade to close out the segment.

Vaquer’s Path to WWE

Stephanie Vaquer first caught WWE’s attention after she dropped the NJPW Strong Women’s Title to Mercedes Moné at Forbidden Door in June. She later participated in a WWE house show loop in Mexico in July, which further solidified her standing as a top prospect.

Despite the hype surrounding her, Vaquer has not competed in a match since then.

Booker T Backs Triple H’s Take on WWE Diversity: “It’s About Talent, Not Race”

Michael Reichlin
-
0

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is defending Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s comments at Saturday’s Bad Blood post-show press conference about representation in WWE.

In response to a question about the lack of black wrestlers competing at the event, Triple H stated that he doesn’t see color, nationality, or gender, only talent. WWE aims to tell stories with those talents and provide opportunities for everyone, but he’s not keeping score.

Booker T addressed this issue directly on the latest episode of his Hall of Fame podcast with Brad Gilmore. He acknowledged wrestling’s historical ‘bias’ against black wrestlers, and admitted he’s been involved in “touchy” storylines himself during his in-ring career.. However, he refutes the idea that race is factor in Triple H’s creative process.


“Has there been bias in the wrestling business, in the wrestling company before? Yes, there has. … But do I think it’s race-related or anything like that, or someone being belittled on purpose? I don’t.”

– Booker T

Booker T points out that wrestling has always had more white wrestlers than black wrestlers, which affects representation. He believes talent and storyline relevance should determine who appears on the shows, and questions whether any black wrestlers were involved in significant angles that would warrant their inclusion.


“Then I’m gonna say, okay, what guys are we talking about that we saying that should be on the pay-per-view? Are they in any angles to warrant a reason for being on the pay-per-view? “

– Booker T

Booker T compares the wrestling business to a “merry-go-round.” Sometimes you’re featured, and sometimes you’re not. He reiterates that he does not believe Triple H has any racial bias.

“I don’t think it’s a black and white thing, I don’t think it’s a race thing at this stage of the game. I think if you’re talented enough, if you’re good, cream is gonna rise to the top every time.”

– Booker T

To further demonstrate his point, Booker T said Superstars like Jey Uso, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill have earned theirspots through hard work, not because WWE needed to push a certain number of non-white wrestlers. He believes the most talented performers, regardless of race, will succeed.

Killer Mike Talks Pro Wrestling and Hip-Hop’s Deep Connection

Michael Reichlin
-
0

3-time Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike had a killer time at WWE Bad Blood over the weekend, and says the bond between pro wrestling and hip-hop runs deep.

Mike was ringside for the action this past weekend, along with other celebrities including Quavo, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, and more. He sat directly next to WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg, and touted the former WWE & WCW Champion as someone who was just “perfect” for wrestling.

Mike spoke to Variety about his experience attending the show, and delved into the deep connection between pro wrestling and Hip-Hop.

He describes them both as forms of theater for working-class people, a comparison we’ve heard before from other longtime fans of both genres. He also reflected on how growing up, kids who weren’t into mainstream sports often gravitated toward wrestling, comic books, or Hip-Hop.

“It’s working-class people’s theater. It gives us an opportunity to get our sh*t off, whether it’s our highest ambitions or lowest of the lows. These characters represent that for us.”

– Killer Mike on the Pro Wrestling & Hip-Hop connection

Mike added that WWE has consistently produced a great product and expressed his lifelong love for wrestling:

“WWE put together some dope product. I’ve enjoyed it my entire life — shout-out to my wrestling heads.”

Killer Mike is recognized as one of several popular rappers who incorporate pro wrestling references into their lyrics alongside artists like Wale, Action Bronson and Westside Gun. His song “Ric Flair” off his 2011 album Pledge uses wrestling imagery to convey a positive message about overcoming life’s obstacles.

He spoke with Peter Rosenberg ahead of WWE Bad Blood and He equated winning a Grammy Award earlier this year to Dusty Rhodes winning his first World Championship.

WWE-NHL Legacy Title Belts Now Available For All 32 Teams

Michael Reichlin
-
0

The National Hockey League (NHL) is the latest professional sports league to team up with WWE for a line of team-specific replica championship belts.

On Tuesday, WWE sent in word that officially licensed NHL Legacy Title Belts are available for all 32 teams ahead of the 2024-2025 season. The WWE legacy title belts feature custom side plates emblazoned with the logo and official markings of each team.  

NHL Legacy Title Belts for all 32 teams are available for purchase at WWEShop.

The collection is part of a new multi-year licensing agreement between WWE and the NHL. Back in June, WWE and the NHL launched a WWE 2024 Stanley Cup champions legacy title belt featuring the official markings of the Florida Panthers and showcasing the Stanley Cup.

stanley cup belt
WWE’s Florida Panthers NHL Stanley Cup Championship Belt

In addition to the NHL, WWE has similar licensing deals with Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

WWE NXT Preview: Randy Orton, 2 Championship Matches

Michael Reichlin
-
0

WWE NXT broadcasts live tonight on The CW from St. Louis, Missouri.

This week’s show will feature special appearances from WWE legend Randy Orton, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair, and two championship matches.

Confirmed matches for 10/8:

  • Randy Orton vs. Je’Von Evans
  • North American Championship: Oba Demi (c) vs. Tony D’Angelo
  • NXT Tag Team Championships: Fraxiom (c) vs. A-Town Down Under
  • Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, & Kelani Jordan vs. Fatal Influence

Plus, we’ll see appearances from new NXT Champion Trick Williams, NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade and rapper Sexy Red.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for more NXT news on the road to NXT Halloween Havoc 2024 on Tuesday, October 29.

What Happened Last Week on NXT

Catch up on the ‘Top 10 Moments’ from last week’s NXT on The CW premiere:

Tuesday AEW Dynamite: Bryan Danielson, Mercedes Moné Headline Ahead of WrestleDream

Andrew Ravens
-
0

All Elite Wrestling presents a special Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite tonight on TBS at from the Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA.

This episode promises major action and will serve as the final build for the highly anticipated WrestleDream pay-per-view, coming up this Saturday.

One of the biggest highlights of the night will be a blockbuster tag team match featuring Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta against PAC & Claudio Castagnoli. Additionally, fans can look forward to a Women’s Title #1 Contenders Match between Britt Baker and Willow Nightingale.

Confirmed matches for 10/8 Dynamite

Dynamite will overlap with the second hour of WWE NXT on The CW Network. This marks the first time in a year that AEW Dynamite and WWE NXT will go head-to-head.

  • Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta vs. PAC & Claudio Castagnoli
  • AEW TBS Champion & NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné vs. Emi Sakura
  • AEW Women’s Title #1 Contenders Match: Britt Baker vs. Willow Nightingale
  • HOOK demands answers regarding the attack on Taz
  • Brody King and Darby Allin to meet face-to-face

Highlights from last week’s AEW Dynamite:

Bronson Reed Gives Credit To Triple H For Viral Braun Strowman Feud

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

Bronson Reed has given Triple H the credit for having a vision for his feud with Braun Strowman that led to the rivalry going viral.

The heavyweight star has established himself as a huge threat to the WWE roster in the past few weeks. His encounters with Braun Strowman have played a crucial part in presenting Reed as a serious competitor after his past mishaps in the company.

The 36-year-old was asked if he anticipated his work with Strowman going viral during a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet. Reed explained that he didn’t expect it to be such a huge hit but was excited to work with Strowman nonetheless:

“No, I don’t think so. I was excited to be able to work with Braun. I think there was a natural chemistry there, we have maybe touched one time before in the Andre the Giant battle royal last year. And I was like, oh, we could do something there with me and him. But then it’s like, what do you do?

It Worked: Bronson Reed

Bronson Reed specifically mentioned giving Tsunami to the Monster Among Men on top of a car. He said that all this was the vision of WWE’s Chief Content officer Triple H:

“Then Hunter obviously had great vision for things, came up with the car angle and everything. And then once we were filming that, it’s in the moment, I was like, Okay, this is gonna be cool. I think people were gonna really respond to this.

And then it ended up being WWE’s most viral moment of the week. I think it got almost 13 million views across social media platforms. So it worked.”

Bronson Reed had the upper hand during most of his feud with Braun Strowman. Though he ended up losing their most recent Last Monster Standing match last week on September 30 due to the returning Seth Rollins.

Reed previously laid out The Architect at the start of his terror run. After his comeback last week, Rollins has now challenged the former NXT star to a match at the time and place of his choosing.

McMahon Responds As Janel Grant Asks WWE To Waive NDAs for Others

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Janel Grant has asked WWE to waive nondisclosure agreements with other former and current employees and talent so that they can potentially come forward with allegations of misconduct under the promotion’s watch. The Associated Press reports that a lawyer for Grant emailed a letter making the request on Monday evening to attorneys representing WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis.

The e-mail, as sent by Grant’s attorney Ann Callis, states that “WWE continues to protect former CEO Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis by silencing survivors of sexual abuse, harassment and workplace violence.” It goes on to state that WWE is unable to move on from its “sordid past” while “victims remain silenced” by these nondisclosure agreements. It adds:

“We urge WWE to quickly and proactively release its current and former employees and contractors from any obligations under any WWE-executed NDA that would prevent them from discussing sexual misconduct, abuse, or assault during their time at WWE without delay. WWE wants people to believe the company has changed—this is its chance to prove it.”

When approached, Curtis Vogal, a spokesperson for McMahon, declined to comment. WWE and Laurinaitis did not immediately return emails seeking comment and contact to Endeavor and TKO Group Holdings were not returned immediately. McMahon has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has claimed that the relationship he had with Grant was between two consenting individuals.

When approached by Wrestlenomics, McMahon’s team referred to attorney Jessica Rosenberg’s prior statement:

“Ms. Grant’s claims are false, defamatory and entirely without merit. We intend to vigorously defend Mr. McMahon and are confident that he will be vindicated.”

Following Grant’s lawsuit being filed, Ann Callis said that she had been “frankly overwhelmed” by the number of others that have come forward with similar accusations. McMahon is reported to have paid over $12 million to four women in exchange for their silence over his extramarital affairs. Grant alleges that McMahon forced her into a sexual relationship so that she could keep her job and later directed her to have relations with others in WWE, including Laurinaitis.

Grant did not appear in Netflix’s recent Mr. McMahon docuseries, though her claims against the billionaire make up much of the series’ final episode. Callis has said that the six, hour-long episodes only scratch the surface of McMahon’s alleged criminal behavior. This is an ongoing situation and SEScoops will continue to monitor this case for further updates.

AEW WrestleDream 2024 Post Show Media Scrum Live Stream: How to watch

Jake Skudder
-
0

AEW WrestleDream 2024 is set to be one of the most exciting PPVs from the company this year, at least on paper. As fans eagerly anticipate the top tier matches, many are also looking forward to the post-show media scrum.

Here, we’ll provide you with all the essential information about how to watch the scrum via live stream ensuring you don’t miss out on any behind-the-scenes insights and reactions.

Read More – AEW WrestleDream 2024 Start Time: US, Australia, Europe and more

Live Stream Platform

AEW typically streams their post-show media scrums on their official YouTube channel. Fans can access the live stream for free by visiting the AEW YouTube page

Make sure to subscribe to the channel and enable notifications to receive an alert when the stream goes live.

Read More – AEW WrestleDream 2024 Live Stream: How to watch

What to Expect from the Media Scrum

The post-show media scrum is an opportunity for journalists, reporters, and fans to gain insights into the event and hear directly from the wrestlers and AEW management. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Interviews with Key Performers

Top stars who competed in the event will likely make appearances to discuss their matches and share their thoughts on the outcomes. This is a chance for fans to hear candid reactions from their favorite wrestlers.

Tony Khan’s Presence

AEW President Tony Khan is usually present at these media scrums. He often provides commentary on the event, discusses future plans for the company, and sometimes makes important announcements

AEW WrestleDream 2024 Post Show Media Scrum Start Time: US, Australia, Europe and more

Jake Skudder
-
0

AEW WrestleDream 2024 is set to be one of the most exciting PPVs from the company this year, at least on paper. As fans eagerly anticipate the top tier matches, many are also looking forward to the post-show media scrum.

Here, we’ll provide you with all the essential information about the media scrum start times across different regions, ensuring you don’t miss out on any behind-the-scenes insights and wrestler reactions.

Read More – AEW WrestleDream 2024 Start Time: US, Australia, Europe and more

Media Scrum Start Times

The post-show media scrum typically begins approximately one hour after the conclusion of the main event. 

Based on previous AEW pay-per-view events, we can estimate the following start times for the media scrum:

United States and Canada

  • Eastern Time (ET): Around 12:30 AM (Sunday, October 13th)
  • Central Time (CT): Around 11:30 PM
  • Mountain Time (MT): Around 10:30 PM
  • Pacific Time (PT): Around 9:30 PM

Europe

  • United Kingdom (BST): Around 5:30 AM (Sunday, October 13th)
  • Central European Time (CET): Around 6:30 AM (Sunday, October 13th)

Australia and Asia

  • Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): Around 2:30 PM (Sunday, October 13th)
  • Japan Standard Time (JST): Around 1:30 PM (Sunday, October 13th)

Read More – AEW WrestleDream 2024 Live Stream: How to watch

What to Expect from the Media Scrum

The post-show media scrum is a highly anticipated event for wrestling fans, offering unique insights into the night’s proceedings. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Wrestler Appearances

Top AEW talent often make appearances at the media scrum, sharing their thoughts on their matches and the overall event. This provides fans with an opportunity to hear directly from their favorite wrestlers in a more candid setting.

Tony Khan’s Insights

AEW President Tony Khan usually leads the media scrum, offering his perspective on the event’s success and addressing any notable occurrences. 

In previous scrums, Khan has discussed topics such as pay-per-view buys, talent health updates, and future plans for the company.

AEW WrestleDream 2024 Start Time: US, Australia, Europe and more

Jake Skudder
-
0

Fans around the globe are eagerly anticipating AEW WrestleDream 2024, one of the most exciting events on the professional wrestling calendar for October. Scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2024, this premier event promises to deliver an unforgettable night of high-stakes matches and dramatic showdowns. 

To ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action, here’s a comprehensive guide to the start times across different regions, along with essential information about the event.

Read More – AEW WrestleDream 2024 Live Stream: How to watch

Start Times by Region

United States and Canada

For viewers in the Eastern Time Zone:

  • Pre-show: 7:00 PM ET
  • Main card: 8:00 PM ET

For those on the West Coast:

  • Pre-show: 4:00 PM PT
  • Main card: 5:00 PM PT

Fans in other time zones should adjust accordingly to catch all the action live.

Europe and United Kingdom

Wrestling fans in Europe will need to stay up late or set their alarms early to watch the event live:

  • United Kingdom: Pre-show at midnight, Main card at 1:00 AM (Sunday)
  • Central European Time: Pre-show at 1:00 AM, Main card at 2:00 AM (Sunday)

Read More – AEW WrestleDream 2024 Card: Every match taking place

Australia and Asia

For fans in the Asia-Pacific region, WrestleDream 2024 will be a Sunday morning affair:

  • Sydney, Australia: Pre-show at 9:00 AM, Main card at 10:00 AM (Sunday)
  • Tokyo, Japan: Pre-show at 8:00 AM, Main card at 9:00 AM (Sunday)

Middle East

Viewers in the Middle East can catch the event in the early hours of Sunday:

  • Dubai, UAE: Pre-show at 3:00 AM, Main card at 4:00 AM (Sunday)

Bronson Reed Never Doubted WWE Return After 2021 NXT Release

Thomas Lowson
-
0

In August 2021, Bronson Reed was released from WWE NXT, mere weeks after holding the brand’s North American Championship. Shortly after his exit, it was reported that Vince McMahon didn’t see him as a main roster talent, and therefore felt he had no reason to keep the Australian around.

16 months, and a massive change in management, later, Reed returned to WWE and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since. Speaking on the Insight podcast, Reed shared that he always had faith that he’d be a WWE Superstar again.

“I had a lot of faith that when I was released that I would end up back in WWE. I didn’t think it would be so soon… I was planning maybe three or four years, maybe I could get a good run in Japan for a couple of years and then be back in WWE.”

Reed’s return saw him align with The Miz and help the A-Lister win a Ladder match with Dexter Lumis, a somewhat odd return for the Australian. On the podcast, Reed admitted that this unconventional return was hardly what he had in mind.

“I think this sort of happens at times. Obviously, I’d been rehired, they want to use me. They don’t really know what to do with me. So they sort of just rush something.”

Despite an auspicious return, Reed has become a major player in recent months, thanks in part to his attack on Seth Rollins that saw him level the Visionary with six Tsunamis.

“I spoke with Hunter right afterwards and he said that’s a moment that will last forever, they can replay that as much as possible. It’s nowhere near as good… but it’s like Stone Cold at King of the Ring doing the 3:16 line, that promo, you instantly remember it, and you instantly remember a switch and his character and where it went from then.”

Reed’s attack on Rollins came back to haunt him recently when the Visionary returned to attack Reed in the Last Monster Standing match. While he may not have bested Braun Strowman, who is now out with a groin injury, a budding program with Seth Rollins, one of WWE’s very top names, certainly bodes well for the future of Bronson Reed.

Spoiler: Injured Tag Team Returns To Old Name At Raw Tapings

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

The War Raiders have returned.

The duo of Erik and Ivar have not been seen together on WWE TV since September last year but they have finally returned to action.

WWE taped the October 14 episode of Raw in advance this week from St. Louis, Missouri because of an upcoming UK Tour. The show saw the start of a tournament to determine new #1 Contenders for Finn Balor and JD McDonagh’s Tag Team Championships.

The Viking Raiders made their return to the Red Branded Show for the first match of the tournament, defeating Alpha Academy. Notably, the duo reverted back to the War Raiders name upon their return:

The War Raiders in WWE

The tag team last competed together during the September 15, 2023 episode of SmackDown. They suffered defeat in a Denver Street Fight at the hands of Alpha Academy.

After this match, it was announced that Erik had suffered a foot injury that will keep him out of action for an undisclosed amount of time.

The duo was moved to the Raw brand during the 2024 Drafts. In the absence of Erik, Ivar continued appearing on TV as a singles competitor.

The 40-year-old unfortunately also suffered a spinal injury in April this year. He was written off TV with an attack from Gallus during the May 14, 2024 episode of NXT.

Erik and Ivar notably wrestled in the indies under the name of War Machine before their WWE signing. The War Raiders name was given to them during their NXT debut in early 2018.

The duo was repackaged as The Viking Experience upon their main roster debut in April 2019. They were later renamed to The Viking Raiders after backlash on social media.

Why WWE is Sticking With Five-Match Cards for Premium Live Events

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Under the watch of Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, WWE’s main roster has undergone several changes, with one of the biggest coming to the PLE cards. Once stacked with matches, most modern-day PLEs now have five matches, in a decision that has divided opinion. While some appreciate these shorter, more concise PLEs, there are those who feel that deserving talent are missing out and are having their biggest matches relegated to TV.

WWE has a variety of reasons for sticking with five matches for Premium Live Events, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports. The shorter card has significantly reduced the costs of these events, as fewer Superstars mean fewer travel costs. Wrestlers not booked for these events now enjoy an extra day off, a rarity to many considering WWE’s weekend house shows, though TKO intends to scale back on WWE live events.

While the five-card shows mean fewer Superstars are traveling, there are still some who attend a PLE even if they’re not competing. WWE has been using backstage segments to get people on the show, which also includes the use of legends, as seen at WWE Bad Blood 2024. WWE has started producing packets for younger wrestlers to let them know the legends in attendance if they want to ask questions or seek advice.

The WWE Universe can expect more changes in January of next year when WWE Raw moves to Netflix as part of a lucrative, decade-long deal. With Triple H being unsure about the duration of Raw on Netflix, fans will have to stay tuned to see what’s to come in the future for WWE and its broadcasts.

WWE Raw (10/14) Spoilers: Rhea Ripley, Cody Rhodes And More

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

WWE taped the October 14 episode of Monday Night Raw from St. Louis, Missouri tonight because of the upcoming UK tour. The show featured the return of a tag team and more. Here are the full results of the episode:

  • Rhea Ripley Promo: Ripley calls out Raquel Rodriguez for costing her the women’s title at Bad Blood. Ms. Money In The Bank Tifanny Stratton comes out instead and says that she has a message from Nia Jax. Before she could deliver it, however, Liv Morgan and Rodrigez attack them both from behind. A match between the two teams is made official for later in the night.
https://twitter.com/livinucey/status/1843478991245885798
  • Tag Team Match: Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill def. Kairi Sane and IYO SKY.
  • Tag Team Match: A tournament to determine new challengers for the Tag Team Championship begins. The Viking Raiders return to action, reverting back to The War Raiders name. They defeat Alpha Academy.
  • Cody Rhodes Promo: Gunther interrupts Cody during his promo. Gunther attacked Cody after an exchange but Rhodes was the one standing tall in the end.
  • Singles Match: R Truth def. The Miz: Karrion Kross and the crew come out to distract Miz, allowing Truth to get the pin. They toss Truth back into the ring for Miz to attack him.
  • Singles Match: Bron Breakker def. Kofi Kingston
  • Tag Team Match: Tiffany Stratton & Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez: The match ends in a disqualification when SmackDown’s Nia Jax shows up. She goes after Liv Morgan before Dominik pulls Morgan out of the ring.

WWE reverted back to the two-hour format for Raw this week which will continue till the end of the year. The show will be leaving USA Network for Netflix at the start of next year. You can check out what the company’s planning for the Netflix premiere here.

New Jersey Used $7 Million of Covid Relief Funds to Secure WWE SummerSlam

Thomas Lowson
-
0

WWE SummerSlam will come to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey next year, in the first two-night edition of the Biggest Party of the Summer. This is a blockbuster venture for the state, which used Covid relief funds to secure WWE’s second-largest annual Premium Live Event.

New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority approved a resolution to allocate $7.125M to be used to assist MetLife Stadium with “securing and hosting the WWE SummerSlam,” North Jersey reports. The money is part of the American Rescue Plan; funding that the state received from the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money can be used to “respond to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency by providing aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality.”

The resolution expects WWE SummerSlam to generate over $80 million in “total economic impact for the region,” making the initial $7.125 million a sound investment. The state was given $6.24 billion in federal pandemic relief funding back in May 2021.

WWE SummerSlam won’t be New Jersey’s first event to see funding from the American Rescue Plan. Last year, UFC 288 took place in Newark’s Prudential Center with $3.5 million in pandemic relief funds being used to secure the event. In 2026, MetLife Stadium will play host the the FIFA World Cup Finals, with the entire tournament set to take place across the United States.

As for SummerSlam, it’ll be up to Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque and his creative team to fill the show’s two nights and Liv Morgan already has a dream mixed tag-team match planned for her home state. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest in the build to the Biggest Party of the Summer on August 2, and August 3, next year.

WWE To Host PLE-Worthy Episode of Raw For 2025 Debut on Netflix

Thomas Lowson
-
0

On January 6, 2025, Monday Night Raw will move to Netflix as part of a decade-long, blockbuster deal estimated at $5 billion. With months to go before the move, expectations are high, and WWE plans on providing an episode of the red brand unlike any other, according to Fightful Select.

One source told the outlet “The show is likely to be one of the biggest episodes of RAW in history, from the standpoint of buzz.” They added that the Netflix deal could be among the most significant in WWE’s history and compared Raw’s debut on Netflix as akin to a Premium Live Event. WWE is opting not to host a PLE in January 2025, with the first major event of the new year coming on February 1, with the annual Royal Rumble.

WWE Raw on Netflix: What Do We Know?

With just under two months before Raw goes live on Netflix, little has been confirmed for the much-anticipated show. John Cena has confirmed his role on Raw as the WWE icon will be kicking off his retirement tour. There still remains questions about how long Raw on Netflix will be, with Paul Levesque saying it’s still yet to be decided when asked during the post-Bad Blood press conference.

Those outside the United States will get much more for their buck when Raw moves to Netflix. In addition to the red brand, international viewers will receive SmackDown, WWE NXT, PLES, documentaries, and original projects. WWE has already hosted its first PLE on Netflix, and that trend will continue very soon for fans outside the States.

GUNTHER Defeats Sami Zayn, Confronted By Cody Rhodes On Raw

Thomas Lowson
-
0

It took Sami Zayn weeks of pleading and goading to convince World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER to put his title on the line during this week’s WWE Raw. In a rematch from WrestleMania 40, albeit for a richer prize, the two delivered another epic match, but this time, it was the juggernaut of Vienna, Austria, who was standing tall by the end of the show.

Both men held nothing back in their efforts to leave WWE Raw as World Heavyweight Champion, with Sami Zayn even kicking out of GUNTHER’s powerbomb at one count. In the end, GUNTHER trapped Zayn in a sleeper that the Canadian couldn’t escape to get the win and retain the gold.

After the match, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes interrupted GUNTHER’s celebration and stared down the man he’ll face at WWE Crown Jewel on November 2. The two will do battle to crown the first Men’s WWE Crown Jewel Champion, a title introduced by Triple H at WWE Bad Blood 2024.

Not Being At Bad Blood

With such a high-stakes match between two Superstars who have history, many have questioned why this match happened at WWE Raw rather than the recent Bad Blood Premium Live Event. It was reported by Dave Meltzer that WWE felt that Bad Blood didn’t need another match and that the bout was better served hyping up the latest WWE Raw.

GUNTHER was able to retain on this night, and while his title won’t be on the line at WWE Crown Jewel. He’ll be in for the fight of his night next month in Riyadh. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE Crown Jewel including breaking news and live results.

CM Punk Is Going Away For A While, Teases Match With Seth Rollins

Thomas Lowson
-
0

CM Punk went through a war inside Hell in a Cell to defeat Drew McIntyre, marking the end of the pair’s rivalry that has dominated WWE screens in 2024. With the Scottish Warrior in the rear-view mirror, Punk’s future remains uncertain, but fans may not be seeing the former World Champion in the ring anytime soon.

Punk opened up the October 7, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw by slowly making his way out, just far enough to speak to the audience. Punk explained that he was so banged up, he couldn’t walk all the way to the ring. The Best in the World was taped up in multiple places, and added that he’s as banged up as he’s ever been in his life.

CM Punk confirmed that he’s going to go away for a while, and isn’t sure when he’s going to come back. Before his segment ended, Punk had a staredown with Seth Rollins, teasing a match that has been on the minds of fans since Rollins’ volatile reaction to Punk’s return back at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023.

Punk’s hiatus will likely see him miss WWE Crown Jewel on November 2, which doesn’t come as a surprise given his past comments about WWE’s relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Responding to a video of The Miz from WWE Backstage in January 2020, Punk told the A-Lister “Go suck a blood money-covered d**k in Saudi Arabia you f**king dork.”

There’s no word on when CM Punk will return, but Seth Rollins is clearly eager to face him when he’s back. On Raw, NXT’s Ethan Page was also on the show and teased a future program with his fellow AEW alum. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on CM Punk as the Best in the World prepares to heal up after his war at WWE Bad Blood.

Ethan Page Appears On WWE Raw In CM Punk Showdown Tease

Thomas Lowson
-
0

During WWE NXT’s debut on The CW, Ethan Page lost the NXT Title to Trick Williams in a match officiated by WWE Raw’s CM Punk. After the match, Punk leveled Page with a GTS, resulting in ‘All Ego’ making reference to Punk’s ‘locker room-ruining ways’ on social media. During this week’s edition of the red brand, an irate Page made his WWE Raw debut and was looking for answers about his least-favorite special guest referee.

Page, visibly upset, sought answers from WWE Raw GM Adam Pearce, questioning why Punk was appointed as the referee for the title match. Pearce quickly clarified that he wasn’t responsible for the decision and instead pointed to Ava, who was standing next to him. The WWE NXT General Manager, however, shrugged off the situation, nonchalantly claiming she was “off the clock.”

As things continued to escalate, Sexyy Red made an unexpected cameo, delighting the fans and further frustrating Page. Sexyy Red hosted WWE NXT Battleground in June of this year and has appeared for WWE NXT numerous times in the past.

Later in the show, CM Punk addressed his future, which he said is uncertain after his recent victory over Drew McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell at WWE Bad Blood. Before WWE’s latest Premium Live Event, Punk did allude to who he hopes to face next, but it now looks like a showdown with Ethan Page is in the near future.

Triple H Tells Goldberg: We’ll Talk Soon

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Triple H has fueled speculation that fans might witness Goldberg in one final match, which would mark his retirement from in-ring competition. At WWE Bad Blood this past Saturday, World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER cut a promo after Triple H introduced plans for the Crown Jewel Championship. During his speech, GUNTHER directed harsh words toward the WWE Hall of Famer, who was seated ringside with his family.

GUNTHER revealed that he had lied when he claimed Goldberg was his favorite wrestler during a conversation with Bret Hart on Raw a few weeks prior. The statement was a jab, as Bret Hart has publicly expressed his disdain for Goldberg. GUNTHER then insulted Goldberg, questioning how a “one-trick pony” like him could fool a wrestler of GUNTHER’s caliber. He added a personal dig, saying he hoped Goldberg was a better father to his son, Gage than he was a professional wrestler.

This provoked Goldberg, who jumped the barricade, leading to an intense staredown between the two. Security intervened before Goldberg could enter the ring. Sami Zayn also got involved, attacking GUNTHER as part of their ongoing rivalry leading up to their Raw match. Despite the chaos, Goldberg stood tall in the ring, his music playing as he told GUNTHER, “You’re next,” promising he only needed three minutes.

One More Match?

Goldberg has been vocal about Vince McMahon’s promise of a retirement match after he put over Roman Reigns in 2020, a promise that was never fulfilled as his contract expired. However, on Monday, Triple H fueled further speculation by tweeting that they would “talk soon,” hinting that a match between Goldberg and GUNTHER might be in the works, though nothing has been officially confirmed.

Cody Rhodes Expects More ‘Cinematic’ WWE Productions and Storylines

Michael Reichlin
-
0

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes says wrestling fans can expect more “cinematic” productions in the future.

During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rhodes discussed his critically acclaimed mini-movie with Roman Reigns, filmed at Georgia Tech, the alma mater of the OTC. This segment has garnered praise for its innovative approach.

WWE’s storytelling has seen a significant evolution since Paul “Triple H” Levesque took over creative direction from Vince McMahon. Fans have appreciated the depth and nuance in ongoing storylines like The Bloodline and The Judgment Day.

The phrase “this is cinema” has become a popular meme in wrestling circles, and Rhodes believes the company is heading even further in that direction.

“RAW being two hours again, the content perhaps being tailored a little differently… What you saw with Roman and me in that [Georgia Tech] package might be the direction the industry is moving,” Rhodes said.

Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns on the 50-yard-line at Georgia Tech University’s football field

As an old-school wrestling fan, Rhodes noted his fondness for the more theatrical elements from his father’s work in WCW. He referenced the infamous White Castle of Fear segment, in which Sting ventured into the snowy mountains to confront Vader.

“There were little people and turkey legs, and it was just this crazy scene. Heavily criticized by the audience, to the point where I thought, ‘Maybe that’s never going to be our world. We’re never going to have that kind of cinema,’” Rhodes recalled.

WCW’s White Castle of Fear was quintessential “Wrestle-crap“

“This Is Cinema”

However, Rhodes credits “Mr. Heyman” and WWE Vice President of Domestic Television Adam Pennucci for the success of the Georgia Tech segment. He praised the company’s leadership and creative team’s willingness to experiment.

“I thought, ‘Wow, this might be more of the direction we’re going.’ We didn’t make it silly; it wasn’t spooky or anything like that. It was two guys with real emotions having a conversation, and we captured it.”

Cody Rhodes has held the Undisputed WWE Championship for six months. His next major challenge will be against World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER at Crown Jewel on Saturday, November 2, where the winner will receive a special Crown Jewel Championship.

Roman Reigns Explains How WWE Content Could Change with Raw’s Move to Netflix
1...237238239...3,392Page 238 of 3,392