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Details on When Bray Wyatt and JoJo Offerman Are Getting Married

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) is going to walk down the aisle later this year.

Wyatt is engaged to former WWE ring announcer JoJo Offerman. They couple has been together for several years and have two children together. Their son Knash was born in May 2019 and their daughter Hyrie came the following year in May 2020.

Offerman spoke to Nikki and Brie Bella this week for The Bellas Podcast and dropped some new details about her upcoming wedding to WWE’s creepiest competitor.

Bray Wyatt’s Wedding to JoJo Offerman

Bray Wyatt JoJo Offerman Engaged

The latest Total Bellas Podcast looks at the upcoming 10-year anniversary of Total Divas, the reality series that helped the Bellas break through to a mainstream audience. The series premiered on the E! Network on July 28, 2013.

Show originals JoJo, Nattie and Ariane (Cameron) joined Nikki and Brie to discuss the “beautiful journey” that was Total Divas, including their favorite scenes and memories.

During the episode, JoJo revealed that she and Wyatt are currently planning their wedding ceremony, which is scheduled to take place later this year. She was asked, “How’s married life?” and clarified that they’re still preparing for their big day.

“We’re not officially married, [we’re] engaged, but we will be married at the end of the year, We picked our date and everything. It’s fun, the kids are crazy.”

– JoJo

She said her son looks like her, while her daughter has Windham’s face but her attitude.

JoJo, 28, also recalled being young and inexperienced when she joined the cast of Total Divas a decade ago. At the time, she was just a few months removed from graduating high school and needed to use a fake ID to attend Natalya’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas during season one.

Her favorite memories were getting to know the Bellas, forging lifelong friendships with her cast mates and getting to travel the world.

AEW Dynamite Preview (1/18/23): Young Bucks vs. Top Flight, Danielson-Bandido, Allin-KUSHIDA

Michael Reichlin
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All Elite Wrestling presents Dynamite live tonight on TBS from Fresno, California at the Save Mart Center.

AEW looks to keep the momentum going after a hot show last week, which saw The Elite capture the AEW Trios Championships in ‘Game 7’ of their best of 7 series with Death Triangle. Tonight’s broadcast will see several of AEW’s top champions in action, as well as special appearances from top international competitors.

Here’s a look at what’s scheduled for the January 18 edition of AEW Dynamite:

  • Top Flight will face 2/3 of the new AEW Trios Champions, The Young Bucks.
  • Jay Lethal challenges Orange Cassidy (c) for the All Atlantic Championship.
  • KUSHIDA has answered Darby Allin’s TNT Championship Open Challenge
  • Bryan Danielson battles Bandido in the next round of the gauntlet to earn a shot at MJF’s AEW World Heavyweight Championship.
  • Toni Storm vs. Willow Nightingale

Plus, Hangman Page speaks with Renee Paquette one week after his hard-fought victory over Jon Moxley.

Santino Marella Reveals Why He Signed With IMPACT

Jon Fuentes
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Ex-WWE star Santino Marella has revealed why he made the decision to sign with IMPACT Wrestling recently.

Over the weekend, Marella debuted for IMPACT at their Hard To Kill event, being revealed as the new “Director of Authority” while Scott D’Amore recovers from his attack courtesy of Bully Ray. Shortly after his debut, Marella joined The Dave Van Auken Show to discuss his debut.

Marella was able to debut as the actual Santino Marella character from his WWE days, as WWE didn’t renew the trademark for the character, allowing IMPACT to pick it up.

“I have two small children—one and four—so I wasn’t really looking to get on the road again. Scott D’Amore is a friend of mine, and we chatted about possibilities a few times, and everything seemed to line up. All of a sudden, I was looking for 2023, not this early, but to kind of get back out there and do something.

“Scott, as a habit, when he gets former WWE guys, he goes and checks the trademarks. He found that in 2021, WWE did not renew the Santino Marella trademark. Scott jumped on it and IMPACT Wrestling now owns the Santino Marella trademark. So that’s why a lot of people, when I came out and said I was Santino Marella, they were like, ‘Woah, how is he able to use that?’

“That was almost bigger news than me coming out, being able to use the name. It was fun. Not having to modify the character and just being Santino, something that I am good at and comfortable with, and I can flick a switch and I can be Santino on the drop of a dime. I wasn’t gone long enough to where nobody knows me, but I was gone long enough that it means something. It was a good balance. Timing is everything, and it was the right time.”

Santino Marella

Marella admitted that he did have one ask for D’Amore when he signed, and that’s to do something with his daughter inside the ring once she’s called up.

“I did talk to Scott in the beginning and said, ‘One of the only things I ask is that when my daughter is able to be called up, I’d like to do something in the ring with her.’ He’s cool with that.” Marella said.

“AEW, I’ve been to a couple of shows backstage, a lot of friends. So many guys I admire or I’ve worked with. WWE, my life is so perfectly balanced right now, I can’t gamble that. To go on the road for 50 weeks a year, even if it’s for one day—the Booker T schedule where I fly in, do commentary, fly home—that’s still every week. I really like this schedule [with IMPACT].”

Marella initially ran with WWE from 2005 to 2016. He won two Intercontinental Titles during that time, as well as a United States Title run, and a Tag Team Title run alongside Vladimir Kozlov. Since his WWE release, Marella has been working sporadically through the independent scene for the past several years.

Quotes via WrestleZone

Ric Flair Claims He has No Desire to Ever Wrestle Again

Thomas Lowson
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Ric Flair does not plan on donning his wrestling boots and robe one last time, despite previous comments to the contrary.

The two-time WWE Hall of Famer competed in his final match last July, teaming with Andrade El Idolo to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett.

The show, appropriately named ‘Ric Flair’s Last Match’ came over a decade after Flair’s previous match in TNA/Impact Wrestling.

Retired

After Flair competed in his last match, the Nature Boy alluded to possibly wrestling again, saying he regretted his performance at the show.

Speaking on the latest To Be the Man podcast, Flair made it clear he will not wrestle again.

“I don’t know why they keep saying I’m begging for another match. What I have said to you repeatedly is I wish I could redo that match. I’m not begging for another match. I don’t want to wrestle again. I have no desire. I wish I had that match to do over again is what I’ve said repeatedly.”

“I don’t know why they keep saying I’m begging for another match.”

Ric Flair.

Begging for Another Match

Flair’s most recent comments come in stark contrast to what the Dirtiest Player in the Game has previously said.

Speaking on the very same podcast last week, Flair said he’d love to get another chance at his final-ever match.

Flair has also said that he feels inspired to wrestle again given that his long-time rival Ricky Steamboat also wrestled last year.

Ric Flair will be on next week’s Raw which will mark the 30th anniversary of WWE’s flagship show.

“I’m Begging” – Ric Flair Wants Another Shot at Final Ever Match

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

WWE CEO Nick Khan: “There’s Only One Boss at WWE and It Ain’t Me”

Thomas Lowson
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WWE CEO Nick Khan has come a long way in his few years with the promotion, but he doesn’t consider himself the top dog.

Khan joined WWE in the summer of 2020 as the company’s president, replacing Michelle Wilson and George Barrios who had departed earlier that year.

Following Vince McMahon’s resignation in 2022, Khan was appointed co-CEO with Stephanie McMahon and now serves as the promotion’s sole CEO.

The Boss

Khan’s rise to the top of WWE has been unparallel in the company’s history, but even he acknowledges Vince McMahon as the head of the company.

On the Bill Simmons podcast, Khan spoke about the hierarchy in WWE and knows that he is not on top.

“My thought has always been that there’s only one boss at WWE and it ain’t me. Vince is obviously the founder, the creator of the company. He’s also the controlling shareholder, which is not a ‘work’ term. It’s a legal term. So it was always my point of view and Stephanie’s point of view that he would come back.

“There’s only one boss at WWE and it ain’t me.”

Nick Khan.

“I think the way he played it, to me, was smart. He went away for five, six months. The audience seems to like when somebody does that. He came back and took control back of his company as the controlling shareholder. It is a public company, it is a publicly-traded company. But with that controlling share, gave him a lot of authority and he used it and I applaud him for doing so.”

Retirement

For decades, it was assumed that Vince McMahon would never retire from WWE given his workaholic attitude.

Once he did retire, WWE’s entire corporate system needed changing, and at the time, many felt that the board of directors, now against McMahon due to the allegations of misconduct, forced him out of the door.

On the podcast, Khan refuted the idea that McMahon was forced out by anyone other than what he personally believed.

I didn’t see it as a force. I think Vince saw, the tonnage of things that were coming at him and us. One thing he’s always said, you’ll know as a long-time fan and I’m a long-time fan also, is he’ll do whatever is best for business. Whether it’s bringing the Ultimate Warrior back twenty years ago (referencing Warrior’s 1996 WWF return) or whatever it may be.

“I think at that moment in time, what was best for business was for him to step away for a while. So he did, and he really did step away. There was no ‘hey why are you doing this,’ or ‘I wouldn’t do it this way.’ It was, in my opinion, total freedom, for Stephanie, myself, and Triple H on the creative side.”

The Future

Once McMahon retired, fans thought that they would never see him again, only to be proven wrong by the 77-year-old billionaire for the second time.

Speaking about what the future may bring, Khan was optimistic that McMahon’s return will make a potential sale of WWE all the easier.

“It’s only been a week, but he really, I believe, what he said publicly about ‘hey, I’m here to engage in strategic alternatives and the media rights,’ so far the engagement has been that, and other board issues.”

“WWE is Vince. Vince is WWE.”

Nick Khan.

“It’s his company. To me, WWE is Vince. Vince is WWE and we’re going to do the best we can to keep a living company.”

When asked about McMahon reportedly speaking to multiple departments, Khan said there has been “zero” interactions between McMahon and the company’s creative team.

Latest on Vince McMahon’s WWE Return: Creative Input, If He’ll Be at TV

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Jeff Jarrett Makes the Case for Vince McMahon Taking WWE Private

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Hall of Famer ‘Double J’ Jeff Jarrett has encouraged Vince McMahon to take the promotion private amid ongoing talks of a potential sale.

McMahon returned to WWE earlier this month to oversee a sale of the promotion, less than six months after retiring in July of last year.

The 77-year-old billionaire has been unanimously elected Executive Chairman following the resignation of his daughter Stephanie in the role.

Private

There’s no shortage of potential buyers for WWE, with names like Comcast, FOX, Disney, Netflix and even Tony & Shahid Khan being reported.

After it was reported that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund had bought the company (which was later debunked) it was noted that the PIF intends to take WWE private.

On his ‘My World’ podcast, Jarrett, the founder of TNA/Impact Wrestling, suggested that WWE going private would be the right call.

“The professional wrestling industry is run much better in a private setting because there’s a vision, there’s a final decision maker, the buck stops with one person, it’s just how I think the success of our industry can thrive. “I think the wrestling industry can be much more successful if WWE is private.”

Jeff Jarett.

WWE became a publicly traded company in the Summer of 1999 and stock in the company rose dramatically this month following McMahon’s return.

Saudi Arabia PIF

With over $600 billion to its name, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund has more than enough to purchase WWE.

Not only is the PIF expected to take WWE private if a sale goes through, but are expected by many to keep McMahon as the company’s key decision-maker.

The possibility of WWE being purchased by the Saudi PIF has been received poorly, with talent reportedly threatening to walk if a deal is reached.

Eric Bischoff’s Predictions for a WWE Sale, AEW TV Deal, CM Punk

h/t – Wrestling Inc

WWE is Hoping on Logan Paul Appearance At the Royal Rumble

Thomas Lowson
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Logan Paul’s return to WWE programming could be a matter of days away if WWE gets its way.

The Youtuber-turned-boxer made an impression last year, having victories at both WrestleMania 38 and Summerslam, but lost at WWE Crown Jewel.

During the latter match with Roman Reigns, Paul suffered a torn meniscus injury which has kept him on the shelf since.

The Rumble

Fightful is hoping that Paul is fully healed and ready to appear at next week’s Royal Rumble, Fightful Select reports.

The report says that WWE hopes for an appearance by the Maverick, but does not confirm if WWE wants him in the Men’s Rumble match.

Fightful did specify that WWE is hoping he will train for an “upcoming match” and that they have “at least inquired” about it.

Recent reports suggested that Paul will face John Cena at WrestleMania 39, but an updated report has stated it will be Cena against U.S. Champion Austin Theory in April.

CryptoZoo

Paul hasn’t competed for WWE in months, but his name has been in the media for all the wrong reasons.

CryptoZoo, a game that Paul has heavily promoted on his ImPaulsive podcast, has been called little more than a scam by several users.

The game (which is currently offline) allows users to make money in the form of NFTs designed as various cartoon animals.

Paul has apologized to those who have lost money in the game, and Fightful’s report says that this controversy hasn’t been an issue for WWE’s booking of the YouTuber.

Top 5 Breakout Wrestlers of 2022

Another WWE Vice President Parts Ways with WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Another long-time WWE higher-up has parted ways with the company in the latest shakeup to the company’s corporate landscape.

Earlier this month, Stephanie McMahon resigned as WWE’s Chairwoman and Co-CEO, with Vince McMahon replacing her as Executive Chairman.

Vince McMahon’s return was initially described as solely to oversee the sale of WWE though many have cast doubt on this claim given the billionaire’s new backstage role.

Stefanie Fiondella

Stephanie McMahon’s resignation has not been a one-off event, as it was reported this week that WWE’s Vice President of Communications Adam Hopkins has left the company.

In an update, PW Insider reports that Stefanie Fiondella, who also served in the capacity of Vice President of Communications, has resigned as well.

Fiondella joined WWE in 2004 as Vice President of Marketing & Communications Operations and after leaving in 2019, returned in 2021 for her final role.

Fiondella was also the co-chair for the WWE Women’s Affinity Group as well.

This latest resignation comes after WWE held a meeting earlier this month, in which employees were assured that little to nothing would change in corporate following Vince McMahon’s return.

Resignations

Fiondella and Hopkins are just the latest prominent names to exit WWE as more and more people have parted ways since McMahon’s return.

McMahon’s return to the board alongside former WWE co-Presidents Michelle Wilson and Geroge Barrios resulted in the removal of JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed, and Alan M. Wexler.

In response, Man Jit Singh and Ignace Lahoud chose to leave the board, citing that they felt McMahon’s return was wrong.

Singh’s departure is especially notable given that it was he who oversaw the investigation into McMahon last year.

Vince McMahon Faces New Lawsuit from WWE Stockholders

Jade Cargill Offers Big Praise To WWE Star: “She’s A Total Package”

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jade Cargill is one of the top female wrestlers of the AEW roster. The 30-year-old has been positioned as a future mega star by the company. Though despite her position, she is not shying away from acknowledging the competition, going as far as to offer huge compliment to one of the biggest stars of the rival promotion.

The AEW star recently had an interview with Bootleg Kev. During the talk, Cargill was asked about other wrestling stars she admires. The TBS champion took the name of Charlotte Flair, saying that she is a total package:

I think she’s a total package that we have as far as an example for a woman wrestler today.

– Jade Cargill

“I think Charlotte Flair is great. I think she’s very sound wrestler. She can do all the flippy shit that you want to do. She can go out there and have a hardcore match. I think she’s a total package that we have as far as an example for a woman wrestler today.

She leaves and comes back and then she like, it’s like she never left.” said Jade Cargill, “I think she’s phenomenal at what she does. People can say whatever they want. I think she’s a great wrestler.”

Charlotte Flair recently returned from a 7-month-long hiatus and regained the SmackDown Women’s championship. This is her 14th Women’s World title and 17th overall title in the company.

You can check out Jade Cargill’s full interview below:

More Originals From SEScoops:

If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

WWE and AEW Stars Pay Tribute To Jay Briscoe

Anutosh Bajpai
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Wrestling world has been left in shock after the sudden passing of Jay Briscoe. One-half of the ROH tag champs passed away in a car accident earlier on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old had been one of the longest-tenured ROH employees. He made his debut for the company in 2002 and competed for them regularly until this year.

Wrestling personalities from across the globe have been mourning the loss of the wrestling veteran ever since the news was confirmed by Tony Khan.

WWE chief content officer Triple H took on his Twitter to pay tribute to the late star. He noted how Jay Briscoe had developed a deep connection with fans across the globe:

FTR’s Cash Wheeler, who had several matches with the Briscoes in the past year tweeted that he doesn’t have words to describe what he is feeling:

WWE star Cody Rhodes mentioned that he didn’t know Jay very well but he understood instantly that the ROH star was a family man:

Christopher Daniels who has also had several stints with ROH in his career noted that the late star was a tremendous brother and father:

Others who have paid tribute to Jay Briscoe include Tommy Dreamer, Brandi Rhodes, Nick Jackson, Gunther and many more. You can check out their posts below:

WWE NXT Results (1/17): Tag Team Headliner, Breakker & Waller Talk

Andrew Ravens
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The January 17, 2022 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT Results 

  •  
  • Apollo Crews & Axiom def. Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams
  • Sol Ruca def. Alba Fyre.
  • Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) def. Josh Briggs & Brooks Jensen (w/ Fallon Henley) 
  • Thea Hail def. Valentina Feroz
  • Tyler Bate def. Javier Bernal.
  • Roxanne Perez and Lyra Valkyria def. Toxic Attraction

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Apollo Crews & Axiom vs. Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams

0NXT 2

Apollo Crews and Axiom vs. Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams took place in a tag team match. 

This was the opening match on the card and ended when Crews won with a roll on Hayes up in a fun match. 

Toxic Attraction Speak

3nxt 2

Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne) did a promo on this show after the two women earned an NXT Women’s Title match against Roxanne Perez at NXT Vengeance Day. 

Last week, they were the final two wrestlers in the match and they eliminated each other at the same time so WWE went with both stars. 

They cut a promo about how the fans couldn’t believe they made it to the finish. They mocked the fans for thinking they were turning on each other. They said they fell at the same time on purpose and said Toxic Attraction’s revenge tour was in full effect. Lyra Valkyria came out and noted she almost won the match. They attacked her until Perez came out. 

This set up a tag team match for later in the show. The babyfaces went over despite Cora Jade getting involved. 

Bron Breakker and Grayson Waller Speak

1nxt 2

WWE had NXT Bron Breakker and Grayson Waller talk ahead of their rematch inside a cage at NXT Vengeance Day. Breakker won their match last week by countout on the New Year’s Evil special. 

Waller said that Bron has beaten everyone except for him. He said Bron was everything he thought he would be. He vowed to beat Bron at Vengeance Day. 

Bron did a sitdown interview where he noted he got caught with the running knee. He said he will prove the doubters wrong who thought he didn’t win the match last week. 

New Day Speak

2nxt 2

NXT Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) were part of the show. 

This comes after they were confronted by a returning Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) on the January 10 episode. Gallus beat Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson), which prevented the former champions from earning an NXT Tag Team Title bout.

New Day noted that they will be facing Gallus at Vengeance Day. Pretty Deadly came out and said that they’ve been jumping through hoops to get the title shots. Gallus came out and said they’re all about ruining people’s good time.New Day threw out the challenge for a fight. Pretty Deadly attacked them and a brawl broke out. They will meet in a triple threat match at Vengeance Day. 

“Sh*t Got Real” – Braun Strowman Recalls Brock Lesnar Shooting on him in the Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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Braun Strowman is touted as The Monster Among Men, but he met his match when stepping into the ring with Brock Lesnar. He even received the end of a stiff punch from Lesnar.

It happened when he worked a triple threat match at the 2018 Royal Rumble with Lesnar and Kane. Strowman caught The Beast’s head with a knee. This led to an angry Lesnar reacting with a legitimate right-hand punch to the jaw of Strowman. 

Braun Strowman’s Reflection

Strowman described the moment in an interview with BT Sport:

“Sh*t got real! I mean at the end of the day it’s two scary guys, two dominant males not wanting to give an inch to either one and we took it from each other. Things happen, we’re not playing, we’re not ballet, we’re not badminton. We’re physical, he’s 300lbs, of just unadulterated animalistic beast and I’m a 385lbs monster. Things happen. At the end of the day, we made one hell of a segment, that’s what really happened.”

“I pat myself on the back, I think I’m the only person in history to take an overhand right from Brock Lesnar and not get knocked out. Anytime you get in the ring with The Beast and mix it up, the bigger the challenge the better. If you’re not wrestling the best, then who’d you beat?”

Lesnar won the match to keep the Universal Title until losing to Roman Reigns at Summerslam later that year.

H/T to TJRWrestling for the transcription

ROH Star Jay Briscoe Passes Away

Andrew Ravens
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AEW/ROH President Tony Khan shared some sad news on Tuesday night as he confirmed that Jay Briscoe, Jamin Pugh, has passed away. 

The ROH star was just 38 years old. Khan didn’t provide a cause of death. He did issue the following statement on the passing of the fan-favorite star: 

“Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today. Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We’ll do whatever we can to support his family. Rest In Peace, Jamin.”

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that Jay died in a car accident today. 

Jay Briscoe’s Legacy

Jay was working for ROH at the time of his passing as he is the current one-half of ROH World Tag Team Champions with Mark Briscoe in their thirteenth reign. He was also a former two-time ROH World Champion and ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion.

Jay and Mark Briscoe made their wrestling debut for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) in 2001. They had a run in Impact Wrestling last year and have worked for NJPW since 2016. Jay and Mark were inducted 

Our thoughts are with the Briscoe family at this time.

Tony Khan Comments on Potential WWE Sale

Andrew Ravens
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Tony Khan has weighed in on the WWE sale rumors following Vince McMahon’s return to the company as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. McMahon has returned to the company to explore the possibility of a sale as well as lead the company in its negotiations for the next TV rights deal. 

Last week, Barron’s reported that Tony and Shad Khan were “in the pool of” potential WWE buyers and the Khan family will likely look for a financial partner if they are to acquire WWE. CNBC later reported that the Khans were interested in a merger between AEW and WWE.

While appearing on The Maggie and Perloff Show, the AEW President was asked about his interest in potentially purchasing WWE.

Khan’s Thoughts

“I am interested in the news that there is potentially a sales process and certainly, I think we’ve shown, when there are acquisitions and transactions, we’re capable of making the big purchases, whether my dad steps up with the (Jacksonville) Jaguars or Fulham FC in the Premier League and he’s done such a great job building up the club and putting resources into it and we’re playing football at a high level. With AEW, we’ve shown that we can build a company.”

Khan noted that when he bought ROH, he enjoys running it and has done all-time highs in terms of every business metric since they took over. 

“AEW is my main focus, but certainly, when that news is out there, it’s very interesting. Stay tuned to AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage, you never know when I’m going to address something. On the other hand, it’s very preliminary to talk about that process. If there is a process there, which it sounds like there may be, I’m interested in being part of it.”

Regarding whether he has a relationship with Vince McMahon, Tony noted he doesn’t have a relationship with him, but has talked with Stephanie in the past and had good conversations. 

H/T to Fightful for the transcript

Two More Legends Set to Appear at WWE’s ‘Raw is XXX’ Anniversary Special

Tyriece Simon
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It seems more WWE legends will appear on the Raw 30th-anniversary show.

WWE has reached a major milestone with their longest-running TV show, Monday Night Raw reaching 30 years of programming. Although the first episode of Monday Night Raw happened on Jan. 11, 1993, WWE decided to celebrate their milestone on Jan. 23.

The company has advertised several WWE legends, including The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, to appear at the event. However, it seems WWE has at least two unannounced legends to pop in for the 30th anniversary of Monday Night Raw.

Spoiler Warning

The Daily Items’ Francis Scarcella reports former WWE talent Rikishi and Samu will appear at the 30th celebration of Monday Night Raw. In the article, Samu confirmed that he would be at the event on Jan. 23.

“…I want to thank the WWE for everything they have done for myself and my family,” Anoa’i said. “I look forward to next week when I can see a lot of familiar faces and be reunited with a lot of my family members,” said Samu(h/t Francis Scarcella).

Rikishi hasn’t shared if he will be at the event yet. The WWE has yet to advertise either Samu or Rikishi, so it’s possible their potential appearance is to be a surprise. The Bloodline faction led by Roman Reigns is to have a segment on Monday Night Raw listed as the “Acknowledgement Ceremony.” Samu and Rikishi could make an appearance during that segment.

What to Look Out For During the 30th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw?

Raw is XXX

The 30th anniversary of Monday Night Raw could be an exciting event to watch. While the WWE has advertised several legends, there could be more surprise appearances. WWE has also promoted two championship matches and a steel cage match between Becky Lynch and Bayley.

WWE fans may also be curious if WWE Chairman Vince McMahon will come out on the show. He hasn’t appeared on WWE TV since he unceremoniously retired from WWE following allegations of misconduct with female employees on July 22.

He returned to the company on Jan. 6 to take his place on the Board of Directors. His supporters, like Ric Flair, want to see McMahon walk down the ring during the show. However, he has claimed that he’s only interested in helping WWE negotiate a TV rights deal or potentially selling WWE to buyers.

WWE’s VP of Communication Departs After 25 Years

Tyriece Simon
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WWE has lost another employee this month as the Vice President of Communication departs the company

The company is off to a rough start to the year. It began with the unexpected return of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon after retiring last year. His comeback led to uncertainty for the company’s future, as WWE might be sold. As a result of McMahon’s return led to the departure of WWE Board of Director members JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey R. Speed, Alan M. Wexler, Man Jit Singh, and Ignace Lahoud.

One of the significant departures from the company was former Co-CEO and daughter to the WWE Chairman, Stephanie McMahon. She resigned from her role with the company after taking over with current CEO Nick Khan after Vince’s retirement. While WWE fans may have hoped that would be the end of employees leaving the company, it’s now reported not to be the case.

Fightful Select reports that WWE’s VP of Communications, Adam Hopkins, has left the company. Hopkins has worked for WWE for over 25 years, from Fan Service Coordinator to his last role as VP of Communication. It’s unclear if his departure is a resignation or if he was fired.

The Current Status of WWE

The WWE Chairman claims his main objective for returning is to assist WWE in talks of TV rights negotiations or to sell the company. He also claims he doesn’t plan to disrupt the company’s plans on TV. However, WWE fans and talent are still concerned if he will stand by his words.

On Jan. 13, it was reported that Triple H met with talent before Smackdown to reassure them that he is still the Chief Content Officer and that McMahon’s return would not affect WWE creative or talent relations. He also acknowledged that McMahon’s stance could change.

It’s unclear what the future holds for WWE. However, the departure of employees is not a good sign to help concerned fans.

WWE Sending Bianca Belair & Montez Ford to the NFL Playoffs This Weekend

Michael Reichlin
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WWE is sending two top Superstars to the NFL playoffs this coming weekend.

The 2023 playoffs brackets are set after an exciting, long weekend of wildcard games. On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs will play the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Giants battle the Philadelphia Eagles. The following day, it will be Cincinnati Bengals vs. Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys vs. the San Francisco 49ers.

WWE Superstars Montez Ford of the Street Profits and Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair are headed to Kansas City to see the Chiefs play the Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium.

Ford and Belair will be appearing on on NBC’s broadcast of the game, although it’s unclear exactly what they’ll be doing there. The couple will soon be starring in their own reality series on Hulu, so it’s possible they’ll be on hand to promote the new show.

Interestingly, the Jags are owned by billionaire Shahid Khan. His son, AEW President Tony Khan, serves as the team’s Chief Football Strategy Officer.

Bianca Belair is scheduled to defend the Raw Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss later this month at the Royal Rumble on Saturday, January 28.

Ford, who also raps under the name King Tez, is scheduled to release his first music album “SYAD” in March.

H/T: PWInsider

Myron Reed Announces He’s a Free Agent After 4 Years With MLW

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former MLW World Middleweight Champion Myron Reed has hit the free market after being released by the company earlier this month. The 25-year-old was released from his contract on January 14, according to Fightful Select. The two sides parted ways amicably.

Reed began his wrestling career in 2016 initially doing backyard wrestling and putting it on YouTube. He then got a chance at Kentucky-based World Wrestling Alliance, where he went by the name Brother Reed.

On Tuesday afternoon, Reed confirmed that he’s a free agent. “The Young Goat” is ready for whatever comes next and says, “The stars and the sky is the direction!”

The high-flying star joined MLW back in 2018 and he had been part of the company ever since. He is one of the founding members of the Injustice group alongside Rich Swann.

Reed won the MLW World Middleweight Championship back in November 2019. He defeated Teddy Hart for the title and went on to have an impressive 424 days long reign with the belt before dropping it to Lio Rush.

Apart from MLW, Myron Reed has wrestled for promotions such as AAW and Glory Pro Wrestling. He was ranked at #84 in PWI’s Top 500 Wrestler list in 2021.

There is no word on what the former champion is planning for his future. At his age, he would be a great signing for all potential bidders including AEW and WWE.

Michelle McCool Clarifies Status For 2023 Royal Rumble

Jon Fuentes
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Former WWE Women’s Champion Michelle McCool has clarified her status for the upcoming 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match.

The event will go down from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on January 28. As per tradition, the winner of the women’s Royal Rumble match will go on to headline WrestleMania against the World Champion of their choice.

Every year the WWE brings back familiar faces to participate in the match, providing some exciting surprise returns for fans. One name that has already returned for the Rumble back in 2018 is none other than Michelle McCool.

The former WWE Women’s Champion took to Twitter and responded to a fan question about whether or not we can expect her in this year’s Royal Rumble match. However, McCool admits that WWE hasn’t contacted her about getting involved in the match.

McCool is a two-time WWE Women’s Champion and two-time Divas Champion. She retired from professional wrestling full-time in 2011, but has made sporadic appearances for WWE over the years.

Michelle McCool
(via WWE)

These include matches at WWE’s Evolution pay-per-view (PPV), as well as her appearance in the 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble, where she had the highest number of eliminations on the night at five.

It remains to be seen if WWE will ultimately decide to reach out to McCool to get her in the match with just a little over a week to go.

Vince McMahon Faces New Lawsuit from WWE Stockholders

Tyriece Simon
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WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has another lawsuit to worry about that could prevent him from gaining control of the company.

Since his dramatic return, McMahon has put himself in a position to be liable for a potential lawsuit. He returned to WWE after retiring last year after accusations of misconduct with female employees. McMahon claims that he has returned to help the company with its pursuit to sell itself or for a new TV rights deal.

However, his shareholders disagreed with his return and took action against McMahon. On Jan. 11, a WWE investor filed a fiduciary lawsuit regarding McMahon’s return to the company. The claims from investor Scott A. Fellows allege that the chairman asserted himself into his Chairman role illegally and that he disregarded the other WWE Board of Director members. Following the lawsuit filed by Fellows, it’s reported that McMahon is facing another similar lawsuit.

Sportico’s Michael Mccann has reported that the Detroit Police and Fire Retirement System has filed a lawsuit that they hope will prevent McMahon from selling the company and regaining control from the Board of Directors.

Mccann wrote the following quotes regarding the Detroit Police and Fire Retirement System complaint.

“…The complaint argues that McMahon has breached fiduciary duties as controlling stockholder by trying to “impose his personal will on WWE and its [board] by purporting to adopt a package of invalid and inequitable bylaw amendments that would hamstring the Board from making critical business decisions.” 

Although McMahon owns approximately 39% of WWE’s equity, he enjoys far greater stockholder power due to the company’s financial configurations. According to the complaint, McMahon owns about 92% of outstanding Class B shares, which contain 10 votes per share, whereas Class A shares hold only one vote per share. “Overall,” the complaint asserts, “McMahon controls 81% of WWE’s total voting power,” wrote Mccann.

What Happens Next for Vince McMahon Lawsuit Issues

Vince McMahon
(via WWE)

The two lawsuits against McMahon both alleged that he had gone against the interest of the WWE’s business partners wrongfully. It’s also possible more cases will be filed against McMahon for similar grievances. The added lawsuit could halt McMahon from selling the company as fast as he could hope. However, WWE is still preparing to sell the company to buyers potentially.

Another thing to note in Mccann’s report is that he shared that the Detroit Police and Fire System Retirement believes that “…McMahon’s moves run afoul of both Section 141 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and WWE’s charter. Altering the company’s governance structure in the absence of bargained for exchange between WWE and McMahon, the system asserts, “usurps the power of the Board over critical corporate management functions and vests it solely in McMahon in his capacity as a stockholder.” Neither Delaware law nor WWE’s charter permits the kind of transfer of power the system says occurred, and the system wants a declaration the consent is void.”

Both lawsuits make the case that McMahon is wrong, and they have grounds to halt him from doing what he wants with WWE. The report adds at the end that the process of litigation could take some time and effectively complicate a sale from happening.

The Rock Talks Potential WWE Sale, Big Challenge New Owners Would Face

Jon Fuentes
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The Rock has offered up his reaction to rumors of a potential WWE sale going around.

Since the return of Vince McMahon to the WWE’s Board Of Directors, reports have been circulating suggesting that McMahon’s return is centered around the intention to help facilitate a trade of the company.

No deal has been made official just yet, however, during a recent interview with on CNBC’s “Squawk In The Street” show, WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson offered his thoughts on the matter.

“Well, I can tell you this, I can tell you it’s an exciting brand. It’s a brand that I’ve been fortunate enough to have tremendous success in over the decades. We’ve seen tremendous success over the years. I think it’s a very attractive company.

“I’m excited, and I wish Vince [McMahon] and that company all the best. I think with the world of professional wrestling and the world of WWE it’s so unique. The fan base is very large and very passionate, and there’s nothing like the WWE.

“I think with the new owners if there are new owners, and acquirers that are going to come in, I think they have to share that same passion that Vince has for the company and for the world of pro wrestling, which isn’t always easy to do.

– The Rock

“With a company like this, it’s been so incredibly successful over the years, a sale and acquisition could be very complicated, but there’s that unique added anchor to this I believe to this that Vince feels where you gotta find the right buyer who still has that passion and love for this very unique world.”

While it has been several years since The Rock last competed inside the WWE’s ring, it’s heavily believed that WWE is attempting to secure him for a massive bout at WrestleMania 39 later this year.

The idea being having The Rock face off against current Unified WWE Champion Roman Reigns at “The Show Of Shows.” However, it has yet to be confirmed whether or not that match will actually come to fruition when it’s all said and done.

https://youtu.be/fXfurkD0mns

Quotes via WrestlingNews.co

R-Truth Reveals He Underwent a Second Surgery Following Torn Quad

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Superstar R-Truth has provided an update on his health. He’ll be back in WWE, but his return has been delayed due to an infection that led to him needing another surgery.

Truth has been out of action for several months now. He tore his quad during a match on the November 1 edition of NXT TV. He underwent surgery the following week and later told his fans the surgery went well.

On Monday, the former 24/7 Champion checked in with a live stream and revealed he was forced to undergo a second surgery due to an infection that developed. Thankfully, it sounds like he’s out of the woods and already plotting his big return.

Truth assured the WWE Universe that he’ll be back, he just needs to heal up.

“I had to have two surgeries. A lot of people don’t know that. I caught an infection, so I had to have another surgery. So that set me back. Y’all know me> I’m coming back probably sooner than y’all think.”

– R-Truth

A torn quad tendon typically takes about 4 months to heal, which would have kept him out of the ring through March 2023. Truth did not give an updated time frame for when we can expect him back in action, but it seems unlikely he’ll be healthy in time for WrestleMania.

The 50-year-old veteran has done it in all since making his WWE debut way back in 1999. At this stage in his career, he could easily hang it up and be proud of everything he’s accomplished. He is not going to let an injury force him into retirement and plans to write the final chapters of his story on his own terms.

SEScoops wishes R-Truth a speedy recovery.

Top Superstar’s Injury Forced WWE to Unify Tag Team Titles (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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WWE’s Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships would have likely never been unified had it not been for Randy Orton’s injury.

The two titles were unified less than a year ago when The Usos (SmackDown) defeated RK-Bro (Raw) on the May 20, 2022, edition of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

Since then, the Usos have retained against the likes of the Banger Bros., the Brawling Brutes, the New Day and the Street Profits

Unifying

The titles being unified came as a surprise to fans, as WWE hurried into making the two tag titles into one championship.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained WWE’s original plans had Randy Orton not gone down with an injury.

“The tag titles were not going to be unified, and then… that’s when Randy Orton’s career almost ended.

“Riddle and Orton were just gonna stay at as the Raw champions… So without Riddle and Orton, RK-BRO, who are a hot team…they just went with The Usos to hold both belts.”

Dave Meltzer.

The Viper has not competed since the unification match due to a severe back injury with concerns growing that he could be finished in the ring.

De-unification

WWE may not have intended to unify the titles, and the gold will be split soon.

On Raw, the Judgment Day earned a shot at the Usos last week and it was specified that this is for the Raw Tag Team Championships.

A tournament will start on this Friday’s SmackDown to determine the number-one contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

3 Tag Teams Who Could Dethrone The Usos in WWE

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Jade Cargill Reveals Advice From Bryan Danielson

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jade Cargill has improved considerably in the ring since her start in wrestling a couple of years ago. There are a number of people who have contributed to the AEW star’s improvement. One of them is none other than Bryan Danielson, who has thought Cargill how to get comfortable inside the squared circle.

The TBS champion recently spoke to Bootleg Kev. She revealed that Danielson has started training her every Wednesday. According to the former Basketball player, the former WWE champion has taught her how to live in the moment:

“What you see is how he really is. He’s a really nice guy. He doesn’t play off. He doesn’t let people try him but he’s a very sound guy. He trains me on Wednesdays. Tony Khan is the one who set that up. He’s really, really great. The first thing he always asks me when I come back is like I will say, ‘Oh, man, I messed this up’ or whatever I have to say. He’s like ‘Jade, but did you enjoy yourself?’ So now I’m living in the moment.”

Do Karaoke

Bryan Danielson has not only helped Jade Cargill in getting better in the ring, but he has also been teasing her how to get comfortable on the mic. For this, the wrestling veteran offered a very unique piece of advice to the young star:

“He’s like, ‘If you want to get comfortable with doing promos, do karaoke. You should definitely do karaoke and you’ll be fine.’ Working with someone like that, I’m getting very comfortable in the ring.

He’s like ‘You need to just breathe in the audience. You’ll have so much fun if you just live in the moment and like with the hits and all this kind of stuff. Just breathe and take it in and listen. You’re gonna be fine.” Now I’m getting more comfortable.”

You can check out Jade Cargill’s full interview below:

More Originals From SEScoops:

If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

Will Ospreay Felt “Nothing” Headlining NJPW Wrestle Kingdom During the Pandemic

Thomas Lowson
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Will Ospreay is regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers working today, but the Covid-19 pandemic proved to be especially tough on the Brit.

Due to the pandemic, several wrestling promotions brought in strict measures to stop the spread of the virus, with WWE, AEW, and Impact going without live fans.

New Japan has kept some of its pandemic-era rules in place, including a restriction on cheering to lower the risk of oral transmission.

Nothing

Despite the Pandemic, Ospreay and the New Japan roster attempted to make the best of things by putting on high-quality matches when they had the chance.

Speaking to Renee Paquette on The Sessions, Ospreay recalled an emptiness inside him during arguably the heights of his career.

“For the last three years I do feel I’ve been on auto-pilot a little bit. I remember last year’s Wrestle Kingdom, and Great-O-Khan is massaging my shoulders just as I’m about to go out and he goes ‘how are you feeling?’ And I went ‘I feel nothing’ because honestly, it was one of those where even though it was the main event of the Tokyo Dome, it wasn’t the real thing. It wasn’t the real experience.”

“Great-O-Khan is massaging my shoulders just as I’m about to go out and he goes ‘how are you feeling?’ And I went ‘I feel nothing.'”

Will Ospreay on his feelings at Wrestle Kingdom 16 in 2022.

Ospreay went on to say that he tried to make the best of it by trying to goad the crowd into an audible reaction.

“It’s heartbreaking, but I tried to see it almost like a game where I was like ‘okay I’m going to be so good, that I make you make noise.’ I saw it like that but you can only play that game now and again before it becomes tedious and tiresome.

“It was heartbreaking at points because I really did feel like I was doing the best work I’ve ever done, and it was kind of going under the radar because I’m not on national TV. I’m not on weekly TV. New Japan at one point was the hottest thing going. When 2019 came in, all of our arenas were sold out. It was the best G1 we’d ever done, we performed at Madison Square Garden. All systems were go and then that f***ing pandemic came.”

Wrestle Kingdom 17

For this year’s Wrestle Kingdom, New Japan relaxed its policy on cheering and allowed fans in the Tokyo Dome to be as loud as they wished.

Speaking of the difference from last year’s show, Ospreay was grateful and much more relaxed thanks to the change.

“I don’t know anyone who likes watching clap-crowds at all. I want to hear the people, I want to engage with them, and for three years, it’s felt like I was in a prison. So it was really nice to let the doors open and let them all make noise again.

“Getting to walk out there [this year] to my music, to be in my own skin again, it felt like the old me. To do it on that platform, it felt like, for the first time that the eyes of the wrestling world were really on me.”

Ospreay would lose the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship to Kenny Omega, a result that “gutted” the British wrestler.

Will Ospreay Discusses Potential Crossover Match With Seth Rollins

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

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