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WWE Pulls Merchandise For Sasha Banks & Naomi

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Things are getting ugly between WWE and its former Women’s Tag Team Champions.

WWE officials were left scrambling during the May 16 episode of Monday Night Raw. Sasha Banks and Naomi were advertised to take part in a number one contender match for the Raw Women’s Championship.

They were expected to share the ring with Asuka, Becky Lynch, Nikki A.S.H., and Doudrop in a six-pack challenge. In fact, Naomi was reportedly going to emerge victorious, while Sasha was to begin a program with SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey.

It didn’t happen as Sasha Banks and Naomi left the building mid-show. Many wondered what the consequences would be and that question was answered during the May 20 episode of SmackDown.

Sasha Banks was said to have had creative differences with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. It’s also been reported that both Sasha and Naomi were working on having their contracts renewed before the incident.

Michael Cole announced that Sasha and Naomi Have been suspended by WWE indefinitely. On top of that, a tournament will be held to determine new Women’s Tag Team Champions.

WWE has poured gas on the fire by pulling merchandise for Sasha and Naomi. They took things a step further by replacing Naomi’s WWEShop link with a 404 error.

Sporting News’ Daniel Yanofsky caught wind of the WWEShop changes:

The Usos Beat RK-Bro In Title Unification Match On WWE SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) battled SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos (Jey and Jimmy) in a winner take all title unification bout on Friday’s episode of SmackDown after weeks of delaying it. 

The match was saved for the main event. It looked like Riddle had suffered an injury in the match, but was working after going to a commercial break. Orton managed to hit an RKO at one point. However, Reigns saved Jimmy while on the top rope and The Usos went over. The Bloodline beat down Riddle and Orton after the match. 

WWE made a title unification bout for the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Titles official on the April 15th edition of SmackDown for WrestleMania Backlash only to change it on April 29th SmackDown where RK-Bro teamed with Drew McIntyre and lost to The Bloodline in a six-man tag team match. 

The Usos became the SmackDown Tag Team Champions last July at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event by beating Rey & Dominik Mysterio. They held the titles for nearly 300 days, the longest reign in the history of the titles. 

Orton and Riddle beat Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) on the March 7th edition of Raw to become the RawTag Team Champions. 

Sasha Banks & Naomi Suspended Indefinitely, WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles Vacated

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

We now know the fallout of Sasha Banks and Naomi leaving WWE Raw mid-show.

During the May 20 episode of WWE SmackDown, play-by-play ace Michael Cole announced that Sasha and Naomi have been suspended due to their actions. As a result, a tournament will be held to determine the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Sasha and Naomi were set to perform in a six-pack challenge to determine the number one contender for Bianca Belair’s WWE Raw Women’s Championship. PWInsider reported that Naomi was scheduled to win the match.

Plans changed when Sasha and Naomi put the tag titles on the desk of John Laurinaitis and left the show. It was reported that Sasha had creative differences with Vince McMahon, leading to the incident.

During WWE’s announcement of the suspension, Cole said that both Sasha and Naomi let down millions of WWE fans with their actions.

Sasha was reportedly set to challenge Ronda Rousey for the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell on June 5. Both Sasha and Naomi were expected to lose their singles title matches.

Here is the video of the WWE’s announcement:

“Let’s talk about what happened this past Monday night when Sasha Banks and Naomi let us all down. The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions walked off the show and walked out of the building during Monday Night Raw.

“They were supposed to take part in this, the main event, the six-pack challenge, where the winner would be next in line to face Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship.

“However, Sasha and Naomi took the tag team championships into the office of our Head of Talent Relations, left them there, and then promptly walked out of the arena. Their actions disappointed millions of WWE fans and their fellow superstars.

“So, because of what Sasha and Naomi did this past Monday night, they have been suspended indefinitely, and we will have a future tournament to crown the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.”

Yet Another WWE Star Undergoes Name Change In SmackDown Debut

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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WWE isn’t letting up in its name-changing spree.

Ahead of the May 20 episode of WWE SmackDown, PWInsider had reported that former NXT 2.0 star L.A. Knight was backstage.

While Knight was inside the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI, it hadn’t been known if he’d show up on TV.

The WWE Universe quickly had an answer.

Who is Max Dupri?

During SmackDown, Knight walked into Adam Pearce’s office to introduce himself as Max Dupri. He claims to be the CEO of “Maximum Male Models.”

Dupri had been making several dark match appearances as a manager. At the time, he kept the L.A. Knight name and was building a faction dubbed, “Knight Model Management.”

During the dark segments, Dupri enlisted former Retribution member Mace, and Mansoor. Time will tell if they will be joining him on WWE TV going forward.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdzRc5Nsl-4/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

AEW Releases Footage Of Bryan Danielson Entrance Ramp Accident

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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AEW has uploaded footage of Bryan Danielson’s freak accident at the conclusion of the Rampage tapings.

Danielson and Jon Moxley defeated Dante Martin and Matt Sydal in the main event of the May 20 episode of Rampage. After the match, Blackpool Combat Club brawled with the Jericho Appreciation Society.

At some point in the brawl, Danielson got his leg caught between the entrance ramp and the ring. The incident didn’t end up airing on TV but AEW has uploaded the footage on its official YouTube channel.

There was speculation that the accident may have been a work but judging by the footage, it definitely didn’t look staged.

With that said, once Moxley knew that his fellow BCC member was ok, he seemed to have a bit of fun while Bryan Danielson played things up.

AEW Rampage Results (5/20/22): Blackpool Combat Club, Owen Hart Tournament, House Of Black

Robert Lentini
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This week’s episode of AEW Rampage was taped on Wednesday night at the Fertitta Center in Houston Texas. Jon Moxley & Bryan Danielson faced Matt Sydal & Dante Martin in tonight’s main event. In addition to the takeaways below, Britt Baker and Toni Storm were interviewed backstage ahead of their Owen Hart Tournament match on next week’s Dynamite.

Rampage Results

  • House of Black def. Evil Uno, 10, Fuego del Sol
  • Shawn Spears def. Big Damo
  • Kris Statlander def. Red Velvet to advance in the women’s Owen Hart Tournament
  • Blackpool Combat Club (Moxley & Danielson) def. Dante Martin & Matt Sydal

Here are the takeaways from this week’s Rampage:

Death Triangle Warned House of Black

House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, Buddy Matthews) faced 10, Feugo Del Sol, Evil Uno in a Trios match to begin the show. House of Black dominated the action early as Rampage went to a break.

Malakia and 10 battled in the ring. Malakai locked in a Heel Hook as Buddy Matthews battled with Evil Uno outside the ring. Evil Uno launched buddy into the barricade and then broke up the hold in the ring. Malakai sent Evil Unto to the outside but turned around into a Clothesline from 10.

Brody King and Evil Uno then tagged into the match. Evil Uno got in some offense and posed for the crowd. Uno went for a Powerbomb but Brody countered into a Back Body Drop. Malakai Moounsauled onto 10 as Buddy planted Fuego with a DDT on the entrance ramp. Brody connected with a massive Powerbomb for the pinfall victory. After the match, Death Triangle came to the entrance ramp. Pentagon Jr. revealed a gravestone that read House of Black with the Double or Nothing logo on it.

Shawn Spears def. Big Damo

Shawn Spears was scheduled to face “a giant” tonight and it was revealed to be Big Damo (FKA Killian Dain WWE NXT). Spears avoided Damo to begin the match but got leveled with a big Crossbody outside the ring. Back in the ring, Damo planted Spears with a Suplex and followed it up with a Senton. Damo went for a Splash but Spears dodged it at the last moment. Spears pulled his knee pad down and caught Damo with a knee to the face. Spears followed it up with the C4 for the pinfall victory.

Kris Statlander Advanced In The Women’s Owen Hart Tournament

Red Velvet battled Kris Statlander tonight in the Owen Hart Tournament. TBS Champion Jade Cargill and Kiera Hogan accompanied Red Velvet to the ring for the match. Ruby Soho joined commentary. Before the match, FTR were interviewed backstage and accepted the challenge to defend their ROH Tag Team Championships against Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta.

Red Velvet controlled the action early as Chris Jericho named her his Sports Entertainer of the Week. Statlander battled back and slammed Red Velvet down on the ring apron as Rampage went to a commercial break.

Statlander hit a German Suplex and went for the cover but Red Velvet kicked out at two. Statlander went for a Suplex but Red Velvet escaped and hit the Final Slice for a near fall. Red Velvet went for a Clothesline but Statlander ducked and planted her with a Blue Thunder Bomb for another two count.

Red Velvet hit Double Knees and then a slam but Statlander wouldn’t stay down. Statlander blocked a kick and followed it up with a Clothesline. Kris went for Big Bang Theory but Red Velvet countered into a crade. Statlander reversed the roll-up for the pinfall victory. After the match, Kiera Hogan and Jade attacked but Rubo Soho & Anna Jay made the save.

Sammy Guevara & Frankie Kazarian Destroyed The TNT Title

Men of the Year (TNT Champion Scorpio Sky, Ethan Page) and Dan Lambert came to the ring for a promo. They wanted Sammy to bring his championship belt back but Sammy appeared on the screen from outside the arena. Sammy hit the title with a sledgehammer and then Kazarian showed up to smash the title as well.

Moxley & Danielson Picked Up A Win

Bryan Danielson & Jon Moxley faced Dante Martin & Matt Sydal in tonight’s main event. Before the match, Mark Henry interviewed the two teams backstage. William Regal joined commentary for the match as Jake Hager showed up behind Jericho. Regal and Jericho started arguing on commentary after they had an altercation on Dynamite.

Danielson and Dante Martin started off the match. Bryan beat Martin down in the corner and Moxley tagged in. Jon connected with a Clothesline and followed it up with a vertical Suplex for a two count. Moxley dragged Dante to the corner and Danielson tagged in. Bryan applied a submission hold on Dante in the middle of the ring.

Moxley tagged back in and continued to beat the hell out of Dante Martin. Sydal tagged in and got in some offense on Moxley. Danielson tagged back in and sent Sydal to the outside. Danielson hit a flying knee to the face and posed for the crowd as Rampage went to the final commercial break of the show.

When Rampage returned, Dante Martin leveled Moxley with a Crossbody outside the ring. Back in the ring, Dante climbed up to the top rope and connected with a Crossbody on Danielson. Dante went for the cover but Moxley broke it up. Sydal knocked Jon to the outside and went for a Crossbody but Moxley caught him. Moxley choked Sydal out as Danielson locked in the LeBell Lock on Dante Martin in the middle of the ring. Dante fought through the pain and was able to reach the ropes to break the hold and the match continued.

Danielson started unloading some kicks to Dante’s chest and then booted him in the side of the head. Moxley and Danielson posed for the crowd before Jon tagged in. Sydal leveled Danielson with a kick and then Dante delivered a Dropkick to Moxley. Sydal climbed to the top rope and hit Danielson with Double Knees to the chest. Dante hit Moxley with a Moonsault but Danielson broke it up at two.

Moxley went for the Guillotine choke but Dante countered into a cover for a two count. Dante went for a Crossbody but Moxley swatted him away. Jon hit a Piledriver and went for the pin but Dante wouldn’t stay down. Moxley started unloading elbows to Dante’s face as Danielson did the same to Sydal next to him. Jon then planted Dante with the Paradigm Shift for the pinfall victory. After the match, Jericho Appreciation Society attacked and a brawl broke out on the entrance ramp. Eddie Kingston and Santana joined the brawl as Rampage went off the air.

New Matches Set For AEW Double Or Nothing

Andrew Ravens
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The AEW Double Or Nothing card continues to come along as three bouts have been announced for the May 29th event in Las Vegas. 

AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill vs Anna Jay, Young Bucks vs. The Hardys, and House of Black vs. Death Triangle have been booked. The bouts were confirmed on Friday’s episode of AEW Rampage. 

Nick & Matt Jackson have been teasing facing The Hardys in a match for the last few weeks. They threw out the challenge again on Rampage and the promotion confirmed it in a match graphic. 

House of Black defeated Fuego Del Sol and Dark Order’s Evil Uno and 10 on Rampage. Post-match, Penta Oscuro appeared on the ramp with an object that he unveiled to be a tombstone with House of Black and Double or Nothing chip at the bottom of it. Excalibur was quick to announce that Pac, Penta, and Rey Fenix would face Malakai Black, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews in a Six-Man Tag Team Match.

Updated AEW Double Or Nothing Card

  • AEW World Championship: Hangman Page (c) vs. CM Punk
  • AEW Women’s World Championship: Thunder Rosa (c) vs. Serena Deeb
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship: Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (c) vs. Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland vs. Ricky Starks & Powerhouse Hobbs
  • Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament final: Adam Cole vs. Samoa Joe or Kyle O’Reilly
  • Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament final: Toni Storm or Britt Baker vs. Ruby Soho or Red Velvet or Kris Statlander
  • Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Jeff Parker vs. Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Eddie Kingston, Santana & Ortiz
  • AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill vs Anna Jay
  • Young Bucks vs. The Hardys
  • House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews) vs. Death Triangle (Pac, Penta, and Rey Fenix) 
  • Pre-show: Hook & Danhausen vs. Tony Nese & Mark Sterling

WWE Possibly Addressing Sasha Banks-Naomi Situation Tonight On SmackDown

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

WWE might be speaking out on the situation involving Sasha Banks and Naomi on the May 20 episode of SmackDown.

During the May 16 episode of Monday Night Raw, Sasha and Naomi were scheduled to perform in a six-pack challenge. That plan went out the window when the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions exited the building due to creative differences.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful is reporting that WWE officials have had internal discussions on whether or not to address the situation on SmackDown tonight.

“We’re told there has been discussion of addressing Sasha Banks’ and Naomi’s status’ on Smackdown. Neither are listed for the show.”

This wouldn’t be the first time WWE publicly addresses the actions of Sasha Banks and Naomi. The company issued a statement the same night that the Women’s Tag Team Champions made their abrupt exit.

SEScoops has you covered with live WWE SmackDown results. Peep the homepage so you won’t miss a second of the coverage.

WWE SmackDown Results (5/20/22) Tag Title Unification Match, The Bloodline, Max Dupri Debuts

Robert Lentini
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This week’s episode of WWE RAW aired live from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro battled The Usos in a Winners Take All Title Unification match in tonight’s main event.

SmackDown Results

  • Shinsuke Nakamura def. Sami Zayn
  • Gunther def. Drew Gulak
  • Raquel Rodriguez def. Shotzi
  • Xavier Woods def. Butch
  • The Usos def. RK-Bro to become the Undisputed Tag Team Champions

Here are the takeaways from this week’s SmackDown:

Roman Reigns Warned The Usos

Undisputed Universal WWE Champion Roman Reigns & SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos (The Bloodline) kicked off the show. Paul Heyman accompanied the champions to the ring. The Tribal Chief asked the crowd to acknowledge him and they obliged. Roman demanded that everyone also acknowledge The Usos and The Bloodline.

Heyman welcomed everyone to the “single biggest night in the history of tag team wrestling”. Paul claimed that Roman Reigns was the greatest of all time and named a bunch of legends including The Rock and Cena. Heyman said that they all would be pinned by the GOAT Roman Reigns as the crowd booed.

Paul told The Usos that in order to become the greatest tag team of all time by winning the Unification match later tonight. Heyman added that The Usos must win the match or they will not come back to the Island of Relevancy at all. Paul added that The Usos will win tonight and that is not a prediction, it is a spoiler.

Roman Reigns asked for the microphone again and shouted “Usos!”. Reigns told The Usos that he expects them to deliver tonight and the only reason he has these expectations is because he loves them. Roman and The Usos shared a hug as the crowd booed to end the promo.

Shinsuke Nakamura def. Sami Zayn

Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn battled tonight. Sami wore a Bloodline shirt to the ring and wore it during the match. Nakamura knocked Sami to the corner and hit him with a stomp to the midsection. Zayn battled back and unloaded some punches to Shinsuke’s face.

When SmackDown returned from a break, Nakamura was back in control and set up for the Kinshasa but Sami rolled out of the ring. Shinsuke followed him out there and Zayn connected with a Michinoku Driver on the floor outside the ring. Nakamura made it back into the ring at a 9 count and Sami barked at the referee. Shinsuke knocked Sami to the outside and leveled him with the Kinshasa for the pinfall victory as he got back into the ring.

Happy Corbin Destroyed The Trophy

Happy Corbin came down to the ringside area with the Andre the Giant Memorial Trophy that he used to bash Madcap Moss with last week. Corbin said that he is the happiest he’s ever been, is wearing a 12k hat and a 70k watch.

Corbin noted that he got fined a lot of money for his attack on Madcap but he’s rich so it doesn’t matter. Happy Corbin then rolled the footage of him slamming the trophy onto Moss’ head several times. Corbin mocked Madcap Moss some more before destroying the trophy to end the segment.

Gunther Dominated

Gunther faced Drew Gulak tonight on SmackDown. Ludwig Kaiser introduced Gunther before the match. Gunther dominated and won the match in a matter of moments. After the match, Gunther locked in a Boston Crab before Ricochet made the save.

Max Dupri Debuted

Max Dupri (FKA as LA Knight) approached Adam Pearce backstage and had an uncomfortably close conversation. Dupri said that Sonya Deville signed him and Pearce noted that Deville has been removed from her position of power. Max Dupri claimed that he has already signed a talent to his agency and Pearce should reach out to his lawyers. Dupri corrected Pearce on how to say his name to end the promo.

Raquel Rodriguez def. Shotzi

Raquel Rodriguez faced Shotzi tonight on SmackDown. Los Lotharious, Xia Li, Natalyam and Shayna Baszler were shown watching backstage. Rodriguez dominated and won the match with a Powerbomb.

Xavier Woods def. Butch

Woods caught Butch with a knee to the face and knocked him out of the ring to begin the match. Xavier followed it up with a Dropkick through the ropes and then rolled Butch back into the ring. Butch attacked Woods as he was getting in the ring and unloaded some punches.

Xavier rolled up Butch for a two count and then Butch started driving his elbow into Woods’ ribs. Butch followed it up with a stomp to the midsection before applying a headlock in the middle of the ring. Woods escaped and connected with a Crossbody for a near fall. Back in the ring, Butch hung up Woods across the ropes and went for a Stomp but Xavier dodged it. Butch unloaded some elbow strikes until the referee pulled Butch away. Woods then rolled up Butch for the pinfall victory. Fight Night attacked Woods after the match.

Naomi & Sasha Banks Suspended, Women’s Tag Title Tournament Announced

Michael Cole spoke before the Winners Take All Tag Title Unification match and said that “Sasha Banks and Naomi disappointed millions of fans with their actions” in reference to walking out of the arena on Monday. Cole added that Banks & Naomi have been suspended indefinitely and there will be a tournament to crown the new Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Roman Reigns Interfered & Helped The Usos Win The Tag Team Championship Unification Match

RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro battled SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos in a Winners Take All Title Unification match in this week’s main event.

RK-Bro dominated early and isolated Jimmy Uso in the ring. Jimmy battled back and got Riddle in a headlock as Orton fired up the crowd. Jimmy slammed Riddle down and the referee separated them. WWE’s medical staff got into the ring to check on Riddle as the show went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Jimmy planted Riddle with a Suplex. Orton finally got the tag and planted Jey with a Powerslam. Randy followed it up with the draping DDT on Jimmy and then the RKO. Orton went for the cover but Jey broke it up at two. Jey hit Orton with a Superkick but Riddle sent him to the corner. Jey responded with a pop-up Neckbeaker and went for the cover but Riddle kicked out at two. Roman Reigns interfered and hit Riddle with a cheap shot. Jey capitalized with a Frog Splash and The Usos are the Undisputed Tag Team Champions.

After the match, The Bloodline attacked RK-Bro and beat them down. Roman set up Riddle on top of the announce table and Uso connected with a Splash as a bunch of distraught children in the crowd were shown. Roman choked Orton out until WWE officials broke it up. The Bloodline posed in the ring with their titles to close the show.

Tony Khan Believes Double Or Nothing Will Be AEW’s Biggest PPV Ever

Jon Fuentes
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Tony Khan thinks All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Double Or Nothing could be the promotion’s biggest show ever.

Khan was recently interviewed on Busted Open Radio to discuss several professional wrestling topics, including the upcoming pay-per-view (PPV). With a stacked card from top to bottom, Khan said he thinks this show has the chance to be their biggest ever.

“It’s going to be a great show. Wednesday night, again, three years of AEW, leading up to what I think is going to be one of the biggest nights, if not the biggest night, in the history of the company – Double or Nothing 2022.

“Just such an amazing line-up on this show. So many big matches to look forward too. I’m really so excited,” Tony Khan said.

The card is certainly one of the best we’ve seen from the promotion as of late. AEW World Champion Hangman Page will defend his title against CM Punk.

The Men’s Owen Hart Tournament Finale will take place, Thunder Rosa defends her AEW Women’s Title against Serena Deeb, and so much more.

A star-studded Stadium Stampede match will also take place, as the Jericho Appreciation Society takes on the team of Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Eddie Kingston, Santana, and Ortiz.

It all goes down from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada live on PPV May 29, 2022.

Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

Matt Hardy Details Strange Relationship Between Bray Wyatt & Vince McMahon

Jon Fuentes
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Matt Hardy says Bray Wyatt and Vince McMahon had a very strange working relationship behind the scenes.

Hardy recently took to his podcast, “The Extreme Life Of Matt Hardy,” and reflected on his last run with WWE. During the show, Hardy touched on working with Wyatt, and what it was like seeing Wyatt interact with McMahon backstage.

The multiple-time Tag Team Champion detailed how McMahon would praise Wyatt when he did something he liked. However, when Wyatt did something he didn’t like, it was almost as if he was going to lock Wyatt away for good.

“Windham (Bray Wyatt) has always had a very strange relationship with Vince, very strange, like, I almost felt like Vince looked at him like a son in some ways,” Matt Hardy said.

“When he would do things that he liked, he would love him and he would really give him everything that he could possibly give him. He would bend over backwards to try and accommodate him. But then when he did something he didn’t like, he hated, like he was going to lock him away for good.”

“It was almost like a really weird, a really strange and different duality that Vince shared with Bray. When he liked him or loved him, he was all about him. But when he disliked him, oh my god, it was really bad and he would like punish him and insult him. To me, it was so strange. It was almost like a parent.”

Wyatt was released from WWE in July of 2021. Much has been made about his professional wrestling future, as Wyatt has scarcely made any professional wrestling appearances since his release.

With All Elite Wrestling (AEW) now very much a viable alternative for talents, many wonder if Wyatt will end up working for Tony Khan next. Or, perhaps, Wyatt and McMahon can reconcile their differences, and he’ll return to WWE.

Quotes via WrestlingNewsCo

NXT 2.0 Star Backstage At 5/20 WWE SmackDown (Report)

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

An NXT 2.0 star is said to be backstage for tonight’s (May 20) episode of WWE SmackDown.

PWInsider is reporting that L.A. Knight is inside the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI. Knight has been seen in dark segments throughout the past few weeks. It appears he’s been trying out for a manager role.

Will L.A. Knight Debut On Main Roster?

L.A. Knight
(via WWE)

Knight may be backstage but that doesn’t guarantee that he’ll be shown on TV. He could very well be performing in another dark segment cutting a promo.

Judging by his unaired promos, L.A. Knight seems to be recruiting WWE superstars for a faction named, Knight Model Management.

Knight has been managing Mace, former member of Retribution, and Mansoor, who is apparently best tested as a heel.

Be sure to peep the homepage as SEScoops will be providing live coverage of WWE SmackDown later tonight.

Will Ospreay on Kenny Omega: ‘We’re Not on Good Terms’

Rayan Sayyed
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Will Ospreay says that he is on bad terms with Kenny Omega.

As the AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door approaches June 26, there has been talk of Ospreay vs. Omega happening.

The two butt heads on social media regularly, and trade shots at each other in interviews too. This time, in an interview with Wresthings, Ospreay has decided to call out Omega for cutting him off online.

Ospreay stated that Omega “buried” him to his “sh*tty” fans and wants Omega to stay away from him (transcription by Fightful):

“Obviously, people want Kenny Omega, we’re not on good terms right now. When you leave the building and leave New Japan and pull me aside and say, ‘You need to step up for this company, I believe in you,’ and gas you up and gas you up hard, and you put your heart and fucking soul in trying to make this…the bar was high.

“For both myself and [Jay White], the bar was high. I actually care and want the fans who watch New Japan to be like, ‘this is professional wrestling.’ I’m doing it and destroying my body to do it, and then you cut me off online? What type of a cunt is that? I look at you and actually hold you in high regard, actual high regard, and I respect everything you’ve done.”

Ospreay then added that he does not get along with Omega because he buries him to his fans. At this point, the current RevPro British Heavyweight Champion prefers Omega to stay away from him.

“Even when you did the barbed wire exploding match that went to fucking shit, I actually was the type of guy that was like, ‘I hope they’re alright.’ The bombardment of tweets, I was probably the only guy that did that, and instead, you retaliate by burying me to your shitty fans. I’m literally doing my fucking best.

“That’s why me and Kenny don’t get along. I’m sure he has something else to say, but it’s one of those things where I prefer him to stay away from me at this point. It’s not even funny. You can destroy guys like that. You’re saying this and you’re saying that, I don’t like two-faced people. Be real, just be real, that’s all I ask for,” Ospreay said.

Interestingly, Ospreay alluded to wanting Omega in the ring with him at the AEW-NJPW collaborative event Forbidden Door last month. When Ospreay tweeted about his upcoming match with Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestling Dontaku, he wrote that he will “pay homage to a wrestler that largely impacted my career, to show my appreciation for his contribution & sacrifice.”

Omega responded to the tweet, assuming Ospreay is talking about him. Omega seemed embarrassed by Ospreay, writing, “You’re making it way too obvious, but thanks, I guess.”

To this, Ospreay asked if he was going to be alright for June, which is when Forbidden Door will take place.

Omega hasn’t been wrestling since late 2021. His last match was at AEW Full Gear where he lost the AEW World Title to Adam Page. During his time off, he went through multiple surgeries. It remains to be seen if the match between the two can actually take place at the supershow.

Update on AEW Double or Nothing 2022 Ticket Sales

Thomas Lowson
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AEW’s next Pay-Per-View ‘Double or Nothing 2022’ is close to selling out after having sold over 13,000 tickets.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that 13,237 seats have been sold so far for the May 29, event that will air from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Prices have dropped on the secondary market for the lower-priced seats, with the get-in price for the show now being $50.

Double or Nothing 2022 will be headlined by AEW World Champion ‘Hangman’ Adam Page defending his title against CM Punk, in the latter’s first World Championship match in over nine years.

Double or Nothing 2022 will also see the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s and Women’s Tournaments.

The Pay-Per-View won’t be AEW’s only event next week and it’s reported that 4,579 tickets are out for Dynamite in Inglewood.

As for Rampage, there are 4,604 tickets out for the show in Ontario, California.

The get-in price for Dynamite is down to $30, while Rampage is at $25.

The get-in price for the AEW’s crossover event with NJPW ‘Forbidden Door’ is currently at $37.

Corey Graves Speaks Out On Sasha Banks & Naomi Walking Out Of WWE Raw

Rayan Sayyed
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Corey Graves says he does not know enough about the Sasha Banks and Naomi situation from WWE Raw.

The current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions walked out on WWE after having disagreements with management backstage. They even left the titles with the company.

WWE issued a statement saying that the women left the building after talking about their issues with booking.

On the episode, Corey Graves on commentary called Banks and Naomi “unprofessional.” He said, ”Sasha Banks and Naomi summarily and unprofessionally walked out.” This did not sit well with fans online and he received flak for it. Graves’ wife, Carmella came to his defense saying that he was just doing his job.

Now, Graves has revealed that he only knew what he was told and he has no further information.

Speaking on his After The Bell podcast, Graves said that he’s going to avoid speaking about the situation as WWE hasn’t provided him any more information (as transcribed by WrestlingNews.co):

“There’s a particular set of circumstances that went down this past Monday at RAW. There are speculations and rumors all over the place. I was on the air when it went down. I only know the information that was provided to me. In the days since then, while everybody continues to speculate, I don’t have any more information.”

“I don’t know enough about the circumstance or the situation or which side did what. So I’m just going to avoid it. I’m being perfectly honest and transparent with everybody,” Graves said.

Graves also noted that he got updates about the situation during Raw. But he does not know any additional facts apart from what is already public knowledge for now.

“I would love to dive into this conversation because it set the internet on fire. Everybody’s got an opinion. Everybody has a point of view. I don’t know enough facts about what actually went down to speak on it with any confidence. All I know is what you guys know. I was getting updates throughout the show on Monday as needed because we were doing a show.”

So if there comes a point in time where it becomes something we know facts about, I will happily dive into that for our listeners’ pleasure, but until then, we’re just going to stick with what we know to be true,” Graves explained.

Kota Ibushi Could Be Leaving NJPW, Waiting For Release (Report)

Rayan Sayyed
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Kota Ibushi may very well be out of New Japan Pro Wrestling soon after expressing dissatisfaction with the promotion in a series of tweets recently on May 10.

Ibushi has cited reasons such as unfair treatment and other issues with booking and management with NJPW.

His tweets seemed to target NJPW workers such as Kikuchi, Taichi, and TAKA. He alleged that there’s backstage politics at play involving these names. Ibushi even mentioned Yakuza having links with the promotion.

Now, The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that NJPW’s parent company, Bushiroad, plummeted when links with the crime syndicate were alleged by Ibushi (as transcribed by WrestlePurists):

“Nothing major has changed on the Kota Ibushi front. The only major stuff is that there is the belief that Ibushi’s statements and bringing up the Yakuza have hurt the stock price of Bushiroad, so that has become a serious company issue. Because Ibushi went after Takami Ohbari, the President of New Japan, this may take Bushiroad President Takaani Kidani to intervene.”

Apart from that, a wrestler familiar with the situation said that Ibushi is just waiting to be released from NJPW.

“Another wrestler very close to the situation who knows Ibushi said that he is just waiting to be released and isn’t going to say any more right now. But he said Ibushi has a lot more he could say but doesn’t want to hurt the wrestling industry in Japan by doing so. There is a basic feeling in New Japan that the wrestlers care about the other wrestlers and people like Gedo in management do, and the doctors there very much do, but a lot of management treats them like pieces of meat. They believe they don’t care about the wrestlers themselves and that leads to problems.”

A fan asked Ibushi if he would return to DDT Pro Wrestling, to which the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion replied, “I don’t have even 1% intention of going back. Sorry.”

In his tweets, Ibushi complained about being pressured by Kikuchi to return to Wrestle Kingdom even before he recovered from the injuries he suffered in the G1 Climax final last October.

He also called NJPW a “black” company (burakku kigyou), which is a Japanese term for an employment system that is considered sweatshop-like. A black company often forces employees to do large amounts of overtime without appropriate overtime pay. Working conditions are also poor in such places, with bullying by seniors being common.

WWE Released Parker Boudreaux (Harland) After They “Found Something” About Him

Thomas Lowson
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Parker Boudreaux, aka Harland, was once considered “The Next Big Thing” in WWE, but was cut this year after the company “found something out.”

Boudreaux signed with WWE in February 2021 but had already made a name for himself by being compared to Brock Lesnar.

Debuting as Harland and as a follower of Joe Gacy, Boudreaux was one of ten names cut on April 30.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer confirmed rumors that Boudreaux had been hand-picked to be part of Edge’s stable ‘The Judgement Day.’

This was said to be a closely-guarded secret, with only very few people knowing about the plan.

Boudreaux himself was not aware of his imminent call-up to the main roster.

Meltzer adds that when WWE “found something about Boudreaux,” plans changed, and he had developed a reputation of being hurt a lot.

Boudreaux had also stopped improving and was not showing the progress WWE had hoped he would be at this point in his career, and the decision was made to release him.

Prior to coming to WWE, Boudreaux had played for the University of Central Florida football team.

He has since teased working with Canadian rapper Drake who is said to be interested in the former Superstar for a project.

Sasha Banks Contract News & More On Her Status With WWE

Michael Reichlin
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Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out of Monday’s Raw taping remains the hottest story in wrestling.

Some people, including CM Punk and Bayely, have shown support for Banks and Naomi. Others, such as Road Dogg, have called the situation a publicity stunt.

No matter how you feel about the situation, this is not a work and there are major issues between the involved parties.

We’ve got an update on Sasha Banks and Naomi’s WWE contracts, as well as their status for tonight’s SmackDown broadcast.

Contracts Expiring

Sasha Banks and Naomi

Sasha Banks and Naomi’s fallout with WWE comes at a time when both women’s contracts are expiring soon.

It’s believed that Sasha Banks signed a 3-year contract extension with WWE in August 2019.

According to former WWE writer Kazeem Famuyide, the reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have been in contract negotiations with the company.

On the latest episode of The Masked Man podcast, Famuyide stated that both contracts are set to expire within the next two months.

Based on conversations we’ve had with people in the industry, we believe WWE will make a great effort to keep Sasha Banks under contract.

Status for SmackDown

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown takes place from Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s the first main-roster broadcast since Sasha Banks and Naomi’s walkout at Raw.

It does not appear either woman will be on hand for SmackDown. According to PWInsider, WWE sources have confirmed that Noami did not travel with husband Jimmy Uso for the show. The Usos will battle RK-Bro in a tag team championship unification match.

As for Sasha Banks, she was spotted on a Thursday night flight from Orlando to Minneapolis. While it’s entirely possible to make it from Minneapolis to Grand Rapids in 24 hours, she’s not expected at SmackDown.

SEScoops will keep you posted as more details become available.

Earlier this week, SEScoops spoke with Ariane Andrew, Naomi’s former tag team partner in WWE. During her discussion with Steve Fall, Andrew revealed she believes Naomi is being “manipulated” and would not have walked out of WWE on her own.

WWE SmackDown Star Potentially Undergoing Gimmick Change

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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It appears a rising WWE SmackDown superstar could be getting a new look in the near future.

WrestlingNews.co reported that some within WWE have pitched the idea of dropping comedic aspects of the Madcap Moss character. Of course, this would include new attire and fresh entrance music.

New Attitude For Madcap Moss?

Madcap Moss
(via WWE)

In a follow-up to that report, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that a gimmick change for Madcap has indeed been discussed but it isn’t a lock.

A change in character at this time would certainly make sense.

WWE seemingly wrote Madcap Moss off television during the May 13 episode of SmackDown. Happy Corbin attacked Moss from behind and placed his neck through a chair. He then crushed the chair with the Andre The Giant Memorial trophy.

Moss was stretchered out of the arena.

Many fans have called for Madcap to ditch the suspenders and the goofiness. Despite going babyface, he has maintained the same character he had as a heel.

Perhaps returning to get revenge on Corbin with a new attitude can catapult Madcap Moss to a higher level.

Possible Plans For Roman Reigns Revealed

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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It appears the next direction for Roman Reigns has been revealed.

Reigns is the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion but he doesn’t have a one-on-one feud at this time. He’s been propping up The Usos on their journey to become Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.

With that said, WWE may have clued us in on the next singles match for the “Tribal Chief.” On the May 13 episode of SmackDown, Riddle of RK-Bro nailed Reigns with a knee to the jaw to close the show.

Next Three Opponents For Roman Reigns?

Roman Reigns Belts
(via WWE)

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that there is talk of booking Roman Reigns against Riddle at Money in the Bank on July 2.

Reigns is expected to win that match and go on to face Randy Orton at WWE Summerslam on July 30.

Then there’s the big stadium show in Cardiff, Wales on Sept. 3. Right now, the word is that Reigns will finally collide with Drew McIntyre one-on-one at WWE Clash at the Castle.

Reigns reportedly signed a new deal with WWE for fewer dates. As a result, he isn’t expected to have a match at the Hell in a Cell premium live event on June 5.

Triple H Back Working Full-Time at WWE

Michael Reichlin
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Paul Levesque (Triple H) has returned to working at the WWE office on a full-time basis according to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

“Triple H is back in the WWE office full-time now. There is no time frame for Stephanie McMahon to return but she is returning.”

– Wrestling Observer Newsletter (5/23/22)

Triple H is WWE’s Executive Vice President for Global Talent Strategy & Development. He also serves as an Executive Producer of the NXT brand.

This development sheds new light on Stephanie McMahon’s decision to take a leave of absence from WWE to focus on her family.

WWE President Nick Khan will be taking over most of Stephanie’s duties.

Triple H Update

Triple H has been on his own leave since September 2021, when he suffered a ‘cardiac vent’ that almost took his life.

Back in March, Triple H announced his retirement from active competition. During an interview with Stephen A. Smith for ESPN, he revealed he’s had a defibrillator pacemaker installed in his chest.

Triple H Retires, Details Near-Death Experience

Subscribe to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter at f4wonline.com.

WWE May Have Spoiled Outcome Of Tag Team Title Unification Match

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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The official Twitter account of WWEUK may have jumped the gun.

Tonight (May 20), a big title unification match is set for Friday Night SmackDown. It’ll be Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro taking on the SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos. This is being promoted as “Winner Take All.”

Hours before the big match occurs, WWE might have botched.

Undisputed Tag Team Champions Spoiled?

The official Facebook account of WWEUK made the following post, which was quickly deleted, appearing to reveal the outcome of tonight’s tag team title unification match:

FTIht 1UYAMigSi

This could have very well just been a “What If” post that didn’t get the green light but it has already got people talking.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter had reported that WWE planned to go through with the tag team title unification match without actually unifying the titles. Bryan Alvarez speculated that if WWE does crown undisputed tag team champions, the reign will be short-lived.

Check back on the SEScoops homepage for live coverage of WWE SmackDown later tonight.

The Usos Say Solo Sikoa Changed Everything to Set Himself Apart

Thomas Lowson
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WWE NXT 2.0’s Solo Sikoa changed as much about himself to separate himself from The Usos.

Sikoa is the younger brother of Jimmy and Jey and the cousin of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

During the latest episode of WWE After the Bell, Jimmy and Jey were asked about the success of their younger brother, and said he felt the need to establish himself as his own person. Jey said:

“We look a lot alike, so he had long hair, he chopped his hair and dyed his hair. Went from the Air Forces to barefoot, he’s uncomfortable in the ring barefoot but he’s just doing whatever he needs to do to make his mark. I told him he’ll find it. I remember Randy Orton telling us he wasn’t Randy Orton until six years into the game, and then he started finding Randy Orton. It dawned on me that, man, like, that’s what it is, the grind of just constantly throwing at the wall and whatever sticks, sticks, and if it doesn’t, we’re going to keep throwing.”

“He chopped his hair and dyed his hair. Went from the Air Forces to barefoot, he’s uncomfortable in the ring barefoot but he’s just doing whatever he needs to do.”

Jey Uso

Jimmy added that he hopes to see Sikoa one day join The Bloodline

Sikoa last competed on this week’s WWE NXT 2.0, teaming with North American Champion Cameron Grimes to defeat Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams.

Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

Edge Teases Paige as the Next Member of The Judgement Day

Thomas Lowson
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Former WWE Divas Champion Paige could become the next member of The Judgement Day if a recent tease by Edge is to be believed.

The Judgement Day was founded by Edge at WrestleMania 38 where he aligned with Damian Priest and welcomed Rhea Ripley into the faction at WrestleMania Backlash.

On Twitter, Edge shared an image of Paige causing fans to speculate that she will be the next member to join the faction.

Edge also recently shared an image of Ciampa, who is also rumored to be joining The Judgement Day.

Will Paige wrestle again?

A former Divas Champion and the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion, Paige hasn’t wrestled since a WWE Live Event in Uniondale, New York on December 27, 2017.

Paige formally retired from wrestling on the post-WrestleMania 34 Raw on April 9, 2018.

Despite this, Paige has remained with the company in various roles and has said that she’s not yet finished with in-ring competition.

Earlier this year, Paige was trending on Twitter as fans speculated about her involvement in the Women’s Royal Rumble match given the multiple returns associated with the match.

Paige ultimately did not return in the match which was won by the returning Ronda Rousey.

Toni Storm On Competing In The Owen Hart Cup Tournament

Anutosh Bajpai
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One of the biggest reasons wrestlers prefer AEW over other companies is the creative control. The promotion allows its talent a lot of freedom in what they do and say. Many of the stars have said that this freedom has helped them reignite the creative spark and passion for the business. It appears Toni Storm is one such name.

The former WWE star recently appeared on AEW Unrestricted podcast. Among other things, she discussed being part of the Owens Hart Cup tournament. Storm claimed that she was nervous competing in the first round of the tournament:

“Yeah it’s incredible being part of.” said Toni Storm, “To be [in] first round me and Jamie Hayter. I was definitely feeling the pressure. Like setting the standard. [It was like] ‘We really gotta have a good match here because it sets the tone for the tournament going forward.’ But I had a great time winning. I feel like every match that I’m having here so far is just kind of reigniting that passion more and more. More than I thought possible.”

Toni Storm made her AEW debut during the March 30 episode of Dynamite. She defeated The Bunny to qualify for the Owens Hart Cup tournament. She went on to defeat Jamie Hayter in the first round of the competition. Storm is now scheduled to face Dr. Brit Baker in the semi-finals of the tournament.

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

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