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SmackDown Star Spotted At Monday’s WWE Raw

Michael Reichlin
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SmackDown star Butch went missing again over the weekend, but we’ve found him.

WWE is in Buffalo, New York for tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw from the Keybank Center. SEScoops has learned that Butch has arrived at the arena.

It’s unknown if Butch will appear on television, but he arrived to Keybank Center with Tommaso Ciampa around 1:30pm local time.

Butch
(WWE)

Former NXT UK Champion Pete Dunne was recently called up to the main roster. He was renamed “Butch” and has been paired with Sheamus and Ridge Holland as part of the new Fight Night stable. Butch is unhinged and loves to fight.

Sheamus and Holland have had to restrain Butch, who has being going “missing” as part of his ongoing storyline.

On Sunday, the official WWE Twitter account asked if anybody has seen Butch, so he apparently “went missing” once again after Sheamus and Holland tied up him on Friday.

Check out our Raw Preview for everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s broadcast.

CM Punk Teases Kazuchika Okada For Rumored AEW-NJPW Crossover Show

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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CM Punk has dropped a big hint pertaining to a potential crossover show.

Tony Khan is set to make a major announcement on the April 20 episode of Dynamite. The AEW boss is known for having his share of big announcements. Back in March, he revealed that he is now the owner of ROH.

Speculation has run rampant on what the announcement will be this time. Ringside News has reported that there are plans in place for a joint show involving AEW and NJPW in Chicago this June.

The outlet made note that there’s no guarantee that the crossover show will be the announcement, however.

CM Punk seems to be having fun with the rumors as he has taken to his Instagram Stories to tease the crossover show. He even threw in the coin drop, potentially signaling an appearance from the “Rainmaker,” Kazuchika Okada.

SEScoops will keep you posted on Tony Khan’s major announcement and whether or not it will indeed be about the joint show with NJPW.

Triple H on NXT Stars Jumping to AEW: “I’m Happy for Them”

Michael Reichlin
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Triple H says he’s happy for former NXT talent who have jumped to AEW. He keeps in touch with “almost all of them” and thinks the WWE machine gave them the tools to be successful “over there.”

Earlier this month, Triple H was interviewed by Chris Vannini for The Athletic. During their discussion, he spoke at length about AEW, including whether or not he views Tony Khan’s promotion as true competition for WWE.

A staggering number of former NXT performers now work for AEW. Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish, Andrade, Malakai Black, Keith Lee, Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe and William Regal are just some of the names on this list.

Triple H worked closely with all of them and he’s thankful for that opportunity.

“I like all those guys,” said Triple H. “They helped us get where we needed to get, and I’m thankful for it. The truth is there was a period of time where we were trying to build NXT. We built NXT. Then we were trying to build a brand that could get a television show and sustain it. All those names helped us get there.”

Ultimately, Vince McMahon decides who belongs on the main roster. Triple H says he’s happy for the NXT alumni who have moved on to AEW.

“If they have great gigs, I’m happy for them. I stay in touch with almost all of them. I like to think they came into us here, we taught them a lot, got them to (a higher level) where they learned how to do television, how to be professionals and all that to be successful there.”

Triple H says some of the people he worked with in NXT may come back to WWE at some point. Some may not and that’s ok.

The Adam Coles and Keith Lees of the world got NXT where it needed to go, at one time. However, Triple H says the show must go on. He likened today’s wrestling landscape to football. “People leave football teams, move to different teams all the time, and it’s great.”

The Weeknd Channels The Shield for Coachella 2022 Performance

Michael Reichlin
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Pop star The Weeknd channeled legendary WWE faction The Shield for his Coachella 2022 performance this past weekend.

The Weeknd and Swedish House Mafia wrapped up the Coachella music festival’s first weekend on Sunday night. SHM played solo for the first hour, Weeknd joined for a few songs together, and then finished solo for the final hour playing all of his big hits.

Wrestling fans couldn’t help but notice the outfit worn by The Weeknd. Dressed in all black, including a tactical vest and gloves, the “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears” singer looked like he was cosplaying as a Shield member.

Of course, The Shield is the disbanded faction that made Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley) household names. The group catapulted each man into the stratosphere of pro wrestling and is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous groups in WWE history.

The Shield disbanded when Jon Moxley left WWE nearly three years ago, but they remain popular to this day. Just a few months ago, Seth Rollins donned his Shield gear for his championship match against Roman Reigns at the 2022 Royal Rumble.

Here’s a look at The Weeknd looking like a member of The Shield at Coachella 2022:

https://twitter.com/lNT0THENIGHT/status/1515957897095614464

Cody Rhodes Explains What Held Him Back in AEW

Anutosh Bajpai
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Cody Rhodes’ decision to leave AEW surprised a lot of people. Not only because he was one of the company’s top on-screen talents but an Executive Vice President behind the scenes as well. Many would not be willing to give up the power that comes with such a position. Though after returning to WWE, Rhodes had claimed that he wasn’t mature enough for the role.

The American Nightmare explained his comments during his most recent appearance on Ryan Satin’s Out Of Character podcast. He said that while he did well with the role, it was probably not suited for him in the prime of his career:

“I think that role. I did well with it. I was very active. I did start a department. The community department and Brandi did bring KultureCity into the wrestling and sports entertainment space. So we were very active in terms of all the facets and assets of that gig. But I think that job was meant maybe for [someone older]. We wanted a wrestling company brought to you by wrestlers for sure.

That’s a huge part of the mission. But maybe it would have been better served for me at age 45 than it did at age, you know, 33 or whatever it was. I am just now entering the prime of my career. So to make political decisions, like boxing myself out of winning a world championship, those decisions in hindsight, were not the correct decisions and [not] what I should have been doing.”

‘I Am The Best Wrestler In The World’

Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes repeated his comments about being the best wrestler in the world. However, the decisions he had to make as an EVP were stopping him from realizing this potential. Per Cody, the role would have probably served him better a little later in his life, when he did not have the desire to be on the top spot on the show anymore:

“I’m the best wrestler in the world. Ryan, I can tell you that without it sounding braggadocious and it’s simply because this is all I do. I train to do it. I live and breathe it. I have a school here with four rings. I treat this like an athlete in the NFL would treat a game and their team. But with that in mind, I needed to go and be that.

I wanted it to be both and it was just too difficult and that’s where I did not have the maturity to balance it. It wasn’t a matter of being one of the boys versus not because I’m no longer just one of the boys. I love it and wish I could be one.” said Cody Rhodes, “But I’ve been in this position before. I’ve been on the other side. I’ve been in these production meetings and things of that nature. I’ve been part of the technical production.

But I just think it would have served me better a little later in my in my life when I could look at a show and say I don’t want to be in the top spot. You need that good competition in your locker room, that positive real competition. If I can’t be the best wrestler in the world on television because I’m afraid I’m going to offend colleagues, because I am also their boss. That was the situation we were in and I just played it in the middle. There was only so much of playing in the middle I could do. Now you know I’m not in charge of nothing, other than me.”

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Raw Preview: Double Wedding Ceremony & Lie Detector Test

Michael Reichlin
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Tonight’s edition of WWE Raw is scheduled to take place from Buffalo, NY at the Keybank Center. The show will feature two championship matches, a “double wedding” and a lie detector test.

Here’s what’s on tap:

  • Theory challenges Finn Balor for the United States Championship
  • Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan challenge Sasha Banks and Naomi for the Women’s tag team championships
  • R-Truth will preside over a double wedding ceremony. Dana Brooke marries Reggie and Tamina marries Tozawa.

Top superstars advertised for the show include Cody Rhodes, Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and AJ Styles.

Becky Lynch claims she’s not ready to return to Raw without the Raw Women’s Championship, so we’ll see if she appears on TV.

If you’re in the Buffalo area, tickets for Raw are still on sale at Ticketmaster.

Check back later tonight for our WWE Raw Live Discussion and Results.

Becky Lynch “Not Ready” To Appear on Raw Without Her Championship

Michael Reichlin
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Becky Lynch isn’t emotionally ready to appear on WWE Raw.

Lynch hasn’t appeared on television since losing the Raw Women’s Championship to Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 38. The loss has affected her confidence. Lynch got accustomed to being a champion that she’s not yet ready to face the WWE Universe without her prized possession.

On Sunday night, Lynch posted a video from backstage at the WWE Live Event from Syracuse, NY. Lynch explained her television absence in a rare display of vulnerability.

“It’s been three years since the last time I walked out on RAW without the championship,” she said. “I’m not ready to walk out on Monday Night RAW without my championship.”

Lynch did not get to the top of WWE without being resourceful. She revealed that she had a plan to make things right. Ahead of her Sunday night showdown against Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley, she continued:

“I always have a plan, that’s why I’m here in Syracuse because I’m going to win back my championship. I will walk out tomorrow on Monday Night RAW as your new Women’s Champion.”

She will not walk out on Raw as the new Women’s Champion. Bianca Belair picked up the victory to retain the title.

Either Becky Lynch needs to get over the fear of facing WWE fans without being Women’s Champion, or it’s going to be a while before she’s back on Raw.

Jonathan Gresham Injured At Battle Of The Belts

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jonathan Gresham sustained an injury at last week’s AEW Battle of the Belt tapings that prevented him from traveling to the UK over the weekend.

Gresham was expected to make appearances for Progress Wrestling this week. However, the company posted a video of him apologizing to fans for not being able to appear as scheduled.

“Hello, everyone,” said Gresham. “Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to London this weekend for the Sunday and Monday events due to an injury, I have not been cleared to compete.

So, I do want to apologize to Progress and the fans for not being able to make it this weekend. I really wanted to but my health comes first and I have to just take a little time off.”

He assured Progress fans that he’ll be back to perform for the organization once he’s healthy. He also asked fans to keep him in their prayers.

While the exact details of his injury are unknown at the moment, it appears he sustained the injury during his match against Dalton Castle that aired at Battle Of The Belts on Saturday.

Gresham was checked for a possible concussion following his successful title defense, according to Fightful. Details about the injury are still trickling in, but there was a moment in the match where he landed on his head while taking a gut wrench suplex.

SEScoops wishes the AEW star a speedy recovery.

Mark Henry On Which AEW Star He Thinks Is Underrated

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Serena Deeb has been wrestling for almost 17 years. She is one of the best in-ring workers of the current era. Mark Henry believes that she doesn’t get the credit for being as good as she is.

The WWE Hall Of Famer recently had an interview with SportsKeeda. He discussed things such as Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill being future stars and more.

When asked which AEW talent he thinks is underrated, Henry took the name of Deeb. He explained that the female star is one of the most excellent wrestlers on the current AEW roster:

“Underrated? I think Serena Deeb. [She] is one of the most excellent wrestlers, not just male or female, but one of the most excellent wrestlers in the company. I don’t think she gets enough credit for how good she is,”

Mark Henry has previously said that he is not done with wrestling just yet. He has teased getting back in the ring and having a retirement match in AEW.

When asked which AEW names he can see himself competing against, the heavyweight star took the names of Wardlow, MJF and Ricky Starks. He said that all three of them are very talented and they can work with anybody.

Matt Hardy Responds To Fan Complaining About Jeff Hardy Being On Dark

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Matt Hardy has responded to a fan complaining about Jeff Hardy being featured on AEW Dark: Elevation this week.

A fan noted how people were complaining when Jeff Hardy was in WWE and he was featured on Main Event a few times, while he is on Dark now.

Replying to him, the wrestling veteran noted how Tony Khan treats legends with the utmost respect. He revealed that the AEW owner had asked for their consent before putting them on the show:

“I’ll give you insight. TK treats veterans/legend with the utmost respect & uses us the same. It’s refreshing. Tony asked us if we were ok being on & we were both happy to. We want to work with young stars like Top Flight. It’s a treat to work at AEW.”

Matt Hardy first announced his departure from WWE back in March 2020 after his contract expired. He ended up joining AEW later that month, making his debut during the March 18 episode of Dynamite.

Jeff Hardy on the hand remained with WWE until late last year. He was released in December 2021. He has since joined his brother in Tony Khan’s promotion and returned to tag team action.

Mick Foley Details His First WWE Contract

Anutosh Bajpai
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Things were very different in the wrestling industry when Mick Foley began his career back in 1986. One such big difference at the time was that wrestlers were not offered guaranteed contracts or the offered amount was really low. This meant that if the company you signed with decided not to use you for some reason, then you couldn’t make a living in wrestling until the deal expired.

This was the case for Foley too. The WWE Hall Of Famer told the story of his first contract while getting treated by Dr. Beau Hightower. He revealed that his first contract with the company in 1996 guaranteed him a total of 5 matches per year:

“I was guaranteed $25 a night.” joked Mick Foley, “The contract that I signed for WWE. I was guaranteed five matches a year at $150 for five years. So if they [had] chosen not to push me then I could have been in a position where I can’t go anywhere else. I’m locked in for five years, but this is the place to go, WWE.”

Mick Foley also discussed how former boxer Marc Mero was the first man to have gotten a guaranteed deal with a significant amount. Foley revealed that Mero got his contract only days after he signed his own:

“Luckily, Marc Mero got that contract. He got it about three days after I signed for nothing. $750 a year. I said ‘Yeah I was guaranteed 750’ and they went ‘per year?’ ‘Yeah’, ‘That’s a lot. $750,000.’ I said ‘No, no, $750.’ That’s what I was guaranteed.”

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Update on Possible AEW/NJPW Show in Chicago This Summer

Ryan Droste
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Tony Khan will make another “huge announcement” this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite.

The last time that Khan promised such an announcement, he revealed that he had purchased ROH Wrestling.

Rumors have been running rampant since last week, and one possibility has since started to make the rounds.

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AEW vs. NJPW Super Show

According to the Super J Cast, AEW is set to run a cross promotional show with New Japan Pro Wrestling on Thursday, June 23rd in Chicago. While some have speculated about this being a stadium show, sources I have spoken to about the possible event have denied the stadium rumors and believe that it will take place at the United Center. That week is indeed clear on the United Center’s calendar of events.

New Japan’s Dominion event takes place on June 12th, and the G1 Tournament will begin in July and run through August. This joint show would be sandwiched between that and may end up leading to some AEW involvement in the G1.

This would not be the first time AEW has run the United Center. The company sold out the venue last August for the second-ever edition of AEW Rampage with the tease that CM Punk would debut on the show (and he did). Even more amazing, that event sold out after the company already had three events (Dynamite, Rampage, and All Out) in the Chicago metro two weeks later booked and on sale to the public.

Other specifics of the show are not yet known, including how it would be covered for television or streaming, and the AEW/NJPW show might not even be the surprise that Khan reveals on Wednesday evening (that could be something else and the Chicago event might just be a straight reveal later on). A television/streaming deal for ROH is another possibility for Khan’s announcement.

June 23rd is the same night as the NBA Draft and one night after Dynamite airs live from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

AEW & NJPW Growing Closer In Recent Months

This would be the first time that AEW has officially co-promoted an event with another promotion, though they have worked with other organizations such as AAA, IMPACT, and of course NJPW itself over the last couple of years.

It was recently revealed that AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage will start airing on the NJPW World streaming service soon (exclusively for Japanese users), so a co-promoted show between the two organizations seems to be in line with what we see happening from a business perspective.

NJPW held an event on Saturday night in Chicago dubbed “Windy City Riot.” Though an event with AEW was not announced, several AEW stars appeared on the show. Jon Moxley worked with Will Ospreay in the main event and called out Hiroshi Tanahashi for the NJPW show in Washington, D.C. on May 14th.

Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Rob Gronkowski Wants to Wrestle Alongside The Rock

Ryan Droste
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It’s been a while since multi-time Super Bowl Champion Rob Gronkowski has been around the wrestling business. However, the NFL legend and big-time wrestling fan has made it known that he wants to wrestle a match — and this time he wants one of the greatest to ever do it involved.

Speaking with TMZ Sports, Gronk talked about wanting a future match that involves The Rock.

“It would definitely be a tag team match, no doubt about that,” Gronkowski said (h/t Fightful). “I just love the tag team aspect of everything, you know? It’s my first time so I really wouldn’t want to be on my own doing a one-on-one match, I’d be able to get help, and then grow into that role of maybe going doing a one-on-one match after a couple of tag team matches, my tag team partner can help me out with some moves, and all that good stuff. But who would it be [against]?

“I’m getting put on the spot. It would be pretty cool to have The Rock come back and face The Rock or have him as my tag team partner. It’d be cool to get a People’s Elbow, but it would also be cool to have him on my squad.”

Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski at WrestleMania 33 in 2017.

Gronk was front row at WrestleMania 33 in 2017. At that show, he helped his friend Mojo Rawley win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Gronk later hosted WrestleMania 36 just weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic. He wound up walking away from that show with the WWE 24/7 Championship and held it for about two months until he revealed he was returning to the NFL with the Tampa Bay Bucs alongside Tom Brady.

Later in the interview with TMZ, Gronk elaborated more on his ideas for WWE. It consisted nearly entirely of names from the past rather than current superstars.

“You and I maybe we can go back, make a quick appearance, be the Tag Team Champions, and we can go vs. The Rock, and then you know, maybe like, D-Generation X, we can bring them back we can tag team against them, that’d be pretty cool. Maybe Val Venis can come back, we can tag team, he was one of my favorites. I love the old school guys. I wouldn’t want to go for someone like The Big Show or The Undertaker. They’re just too massive dudes. I don’t like when I go [against] a guy who is bigger than me. I like to be the biggest guy,” Gronk said.

Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

More NXT Stars Receive New Names

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Several more NXT stars have received new names in line with Vince McMahon’s latest edict about not using real or indie names for performers in WWE.

According to PWinsider, former American Ninja Warrior star Kacy Catanzaro will be known as Katana Chance going forward.

Former NXT UK Women’s champion Kay Lee Ray has also been renamed. Per the report, she will now be known as Alba Fyre.

These two aren’t the only NXT stars to have received new names in recent weeks. WWE has newly trademarked the names Roxanne Perez, Alba Fyre and Cruz Del Toro.

Out of these, the Cruz Del Toro name has already been given to Raul Mendoza. He made his WWE debut back in 2016 and has been competing on the NXT brand since.

Roxanne Perez is the new name for Rok-C. WWE signed the former ROH women’s world champion just last month in March.

NXT stars aren’t the only ones receiving new names. Several of the main roster stars have had their names altered in recent weeks.

The latest example of it is Austin Theory. His name was cut short to Theory on this past Monday’s episode of Raw. This change was made because WWE didn’t want to use part of his real name Austin White on TV.

Bret Hart To Manage FTR At Upcoming Event

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

FTR has been having an incredible year so far with amazing matches. It appears that things are only going to get better for the AEW stars with the involvement of Bret Hart.

The two have been teasing Hart becoming their manager in recent weeks. Big Time Wrestling then made the following announcement on Saturday:

“FTR will FINALLY get their chance to be managed by Bret Hart when they take on the team of Brian Pillman Jr & Brock Anderson with Arn Anderson! It happens on Friday June 10th in Webster, Ma! Tickets on sale now!”

Cash Wheeler reacted to this announcement on Twitter. He joked that someone should go check on his partner Dax Harwood.

Meanwhile, Dax Harwood dubs this match “Hart Foundation vs. The Horsemen” and says having Bret Hart in FTR’s corner will make this one of the most special nights of his life.

“My mentor, Arn Anderson, leads the Sons of the Horsemen against me, my best friend, & my hero, Bret “The Hitman” Hart. 2022 is wild.”

FTR In 2022

FTR has been having a dream year so far. They have gotten the chance to compete against teams such as The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express and more in the last few months.

The duo also won the ROH world tag team championships for the first time in their career earlier this month. They defeated The Briscoes at Supercard Of Honor.

There is no word yet on if this pairing between Hart and the ROH champions will be a one-off or if we are going to see more of it in the coming times.

Bully Ray Offers Big Praise To Charlotte Flair: “That Girl Is Amazing”

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Whether you like her or not, you have to admit that Charlotte Flair is one of the best wrestlers of the current era. After making her wrestling debut at the age of 26, she has done the impossible job of getting out of the shadow of her dad Ric Flair. Bully Ray agrees that the female star is one of the most impressive performers of today.

Ray talked about Flair on the latest Busted Open Radio. He explained that it’s not about the championships she has won but the entertainer she has become:

“Charlotte got out of Ric’s shadow. I don’t think of Ric Flair at all when I think of Charlotte. This is not about amount of championships she’s won.” claimed Bully Ray, “This is about the woman, the entertainer, the professional, the athlete that she’s turned into.

Charlotte Flair Entrance
(Photo credit: WWE)

On the topic of all the hate Flair receives online, Bully Ray said that it comes from the fans of other stars: “The Charlotte hate. Its greatness. We could agree on that, It’s greatness. Becky fans are jealous of Charlotte. Bianca fans are jealous of Charlotte. Bailey fans, Sasha fans are all jealous.

He continued: “I’m not saying that these ladies are jealous of Charlotte. I’m saying these ladies’ fan bases are jealous of Charlotte. But after 30 years, I know what is good and what is not good. And that woman is better than good. That girl is amazing. I don’t even know the right word anymore. If Charlotte Flair was to stand in the middle of a ring and say ‘screw Roman Reigns, acknowledge me.’ I buy into it.”

AEW Battle of the Belts II Results: New Champion Crowned

Robert Lentini
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AEW Battle of the Belts II was taped last night after Rampage in the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas. Jonathan Gresham defended the ROH Championship against Dalton Castle. Scorpio Sky put the TNT Championship on the line against Sammy Guevara. Thunder Rosa defended the AEW Women’s Championship against Nyla Rose in the main event.

Battle of the Belts Results

  1. Sammy Guevara def. Scorpio Sky to become the new TNT Champion
  2. Jonathan Gresham def. Dalton Castle to retain the ROH World Championship
  3. Thunder Rosa def. Nyla Rose to retain the AEW Women’s Championship

Here are the takeaways from AEW Battle of the Belts II:

Sammy Guevara Captured The TNT Title

Scorpio Sky defended the TNT Championship against Sammy Guevara in the first match of Battle of the Belts. Guevara sent the champion to the corner and the two started biting each other. Sammy and Scorpio traded chops before Guevara knocked him to the canvas with a Clothesline.

Guevara connected with a Dropkick that sent the TNT Champion tumbling to the outside. Sammy went after him and sent Sky into the barricade but Scorpio battled back and slammed him down onto the floor. Sammy hit a Moonsault off the steps but Sky responded with a TKO. Scorpio then launched Sammy into the steel steps.

The action returned to the ring and Sky connected with a Backbreaker. Guevara hit an Enziguri and followed it up with a Spanish Fly. Ethan Page pulled Scorpio out of the ring and traded words with Tay Conti ringside. Sammy hit a Shooting Star Press onto Men of the Year outside the ring.

Sammy connected with a Cutter and went for the cover but Sky kicked out at two. Dan Lambert and Ethan Page waved for Paige VanZant to come to the ring and she traded shots with Tay Conti. The referee was distracted and Scorpio Sky capitalized with a poke to Sammy’s eyes. Sammy responded with a low blow while the ref’s back was turned and then the GTH for the pinfall victory. Sammy Guevara is once again the TNT Champion.

Jonathan Gresham Retained The ROH World Championship, Samoa Joe & Satnam Singh

Jonathan Gresham put the ROH World Championship on the line against Dalton Castle tonight at Battle of the Belts. The Boys came to th ring with Dalton Castle. Gresham applied a Headlock but Castle retreated. Castle applied some powder while The Boys fanned him. Dalton got back into the ring and connected with a Gutwrench Suplex. Gresham responded with a Hurricanrana and a flurry of strikes. Gresham dominated and got Castle in a submission hold as Battle of the Belts went to a break.

When Battle of the Belts returned, Castle connected with a Hurricanrana of his own and followed it up an overhead throw for a near fall. Castle went for the Bang-a-Rang but Gresham dodged it. Castle and Gresham then traded a series of roll-ups before Castle connected with a Clothesline. Gresham stomped on Dalton’s foot and got him in the Octopus hold. Dalton tried to break free but ultimately had to tap out. Jonathan Gresham is still the ROH World Champion.

After the match, Satnam Sing, Jay Lethal, and Sonjay Dutt rushed the ring. Satnam delivered a Chokeslam to The Boys on the outside of the ring. Singh distracted the ROH champ and Jay capitalized with Lethal Injection on Gresham. Matt Sydal ran down the ramp and hit Singh with a crutch. ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe joined the party to a great reaction and came to the ring with a lead pipe. Jay Lethal and Dutt held Singh back and retreated to end the segment.

Thunder Rosa Retained The AEW Women’s Championship

Thunder Rosa defended the AEW Women’s Championship against Nyla Rose in the main event of Battle of the Belts II. Vickie Guerrero was not ringside for the title match. Rose dominated early and hit Rose with a Bulldog on the floor outside the ring. Nyla Rose took control as Battle of the Belts went to a break. Rose planted the champion with a Suplex on the floor outside the ring and sent her into the steel steps during the commercial.

When Battle of the Belts returned, Rosa hit a Dropkick and followed it up with a Stunner that sent Rose to the corner of the ring. The champ connected with a Clothesline and then Double Knees to the face. Rosa followed it up with another as the Texas crowd cheered her on.

Rosa hit a Dropkick that knocked Nyla to the outside. Thunder Rosa delivered another Dropkick and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Rosa hit a Corkscrew Splash and rolled the challenger into the ring. Thunder Rosa quickly climbed back to the top turnbuckle and went for a Crossbody but Rose caught her.

Nyla lifted her up but Rosa escaped. Rose booted Thunder in the face and then set her up across the top turnbuckle. Nyla climbed to the top rope and went for the Knee Drop but Rosa dodged it. Thunder leaped off the top rope but Nyla caught her again. Nyla went for a Powerbomb but Rosa countered into an awesome Code Red for a near fall.

The crowd got behind Rosa again as she was got in some punches. Nyla shrugged them off and leveled Rosa with a Clothesline for a two count. Rose connected with a Uranage and then another Clothesline for a near fall. Nyla connected with a Falcon Arrow and went for the cover but Rosa powered out at two.

Thunder Rosa crawled to the apron and Nyla climbed back to the middle rope. Nyla went for a Leg Drop but Rosa got out of the way. Rosa rolled Nyla up for a near fall and Rose responded with a Powerslam for a two count. Rosa then countered a Powerbomb into a Hurricanrana. Rosa trapped Nyla in a cover for the pinfall victory and retained the AEW Women’s Championship. Thunder Rosa celebrated in the crowd to close the show.

Sami Zayn Says He “Loved” WWE’s ThunderDome Era

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Sami Zayn was a big fan of the ThunderDome era.

When the COVID-19 pandemic was in full force, businesses were forced to adapt. WWE was no exception, which led to the birth of the ThunderDome. The ThunderDome was filled with virtual fans and piped in crowd noise, which left the door open for criticism.

There were some who praised the setup, as many fans were put off by quiet and empty arenas.

Sami Zayn On ThunderDome

Speaking to Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast, Sami Zayn admitted that he actually thought the ThunderDome opened the door for creativity (h/t Wrestling Inc).

“I loved the ThunderDome era. It’s an unpopular opinion, I know, especially because I love the fans. And I’m not going to say that all the time but I do, I really have a deep love for all of you really. Very profound, really, really it means so much to me and I know how lucky we are to spend this time together, it’s a miracle that we’re all here, it really is so I don’t take that lightly.

“However, not having [the fans] there throughout the ThunderDome opened the door for some new creative ways to do things, which I personally, in my opinion, don’t think we as a company took full advantage of. We still tried to present the show as if fans were there but they weren’t there, especially before the ThunderDome, when it was in the empty PC.”

Zayn is currently involved in a feud with Drew McIntyre. He got himself counted out in their match on the April 8 episode of SmackDown. On April 22, Zayn will face McIntyre in a Lumberjack match.

Jim Ross: Dusty Would Be Proud Of What Cody Rhodes Did At WrestleMania 38

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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Jim Ross believes Dusty Rhodes would’ve been over the moon when Cody Rhodes appeared at WrestleMania 38.

Cody made it clear after his January TNT Title loss to Sammy Guevara that the reports of him working without an AEW contract were true. At the time, Cody said he didn’t know what the future would hold.

Just weeks later, Tony Khan announced that Cody and Brandi Rhodes were gone from AEW. This led many to speculate that Cody would be on his way to WWE. That hunch was correct as Cody was the mystery opponent for Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 38.

Jim Ross On Cody Rhodes Returning to WWE

There’s been rumblings that if WWE continues to treat Cody Rhodes like a top star, then it may entice AEW talent to jump ship. On the Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross said it doesn’t really matter who could be next (h/t Wrestling Inc).

“I don’t know who’s next and I don’t give a sh** who’s next. What difference does it make? The show will go on, the games will be played, and you’ll just have people playing with different jerseys. I don’t know, I don’t have any idea. I’m sure at some point in time, there will be others. At some point in time, you run your course.”

JR went on to say that Cody’s WrestleMania moment would’ve made Dusty Rhodes very proud.

“I know Dusty would’ve been very proud to see how Cody did at WrestleMania. He wasn’t wearing polka dots and all that other stuff. He had his AEW act with him, music, and attire. That’s good, I don’t see anything wrong with that.”

Cody ended up defeating Seth Rollins at the “stupendous” WrestleMania event. The two will have a rematch at WrestleMania Backlash on May 8.

Drew McIntyre Reveals Who He Would Like To Face At The UK Stadium Show

Anutosh Bajpai
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Drew McIntyre is guaranteed to be part of a big match at the upcoming WWE Stadium Show in UK. If given a chance to pick his opponent, he would like to face none other than the Undisputed World Champion Roman Reigns at the show.

The former WWE champion recently had an interview with BT Sport. He was told about a recent Twitter survey where fans discussed Reigns, Gunther, and Tyson Fury as the three potential opponents for him at the upcoming event.

When asked which one of these three names he would prefer to face at the show, McIntyre picked the Tribal Chief without any hesitation:

“Roman, He’s the Champion. I’ve been away from the title for a long time. Roman’s been so dominant and is doing the best work of his career. We’re on a collision course.

It is five months away. If somehow we could avoid each other for five months, that would be such a big match.” said Drew McIntyre, “Especially on the U.K. soil, I can’t imagine the atmosphere for that match.”

The Scottish Warrior also discussed the other potential opponents. He revealed that Gunther and him have been talking about a match for a long time but claimed that right now is the time to educate the world about who Gunther is on the big stage.

On the topic of Tyson Fury, McIntyre mentioned how they have been taking digs at each other for over two years. Drew claimed that he would be good with this match as well but he has to pick the title match if given the choice.

Watch: Roxanne Perez (Rok-C) Debuts on NXT Level Up

Michael Reichlin
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WWE newcomer Roxanne Perez (Rok-C) made her in-ring debut on this week’s NXT Level Up.

In a match that was billed as a “clash of rookies,” Perez picked her “first career win” against Sloan Jacobs (Notorious Mimi).

Perez and Jacobs were both part of the WWE Performance Center’s latest class of recruits. They officially began training at the PC last month.

WWE Performance Center Rookies

Roxanne Perez is a former former ROH Women’s World Champion and trained under WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.

Both women have tremendous potential. We look forward to tracking their progress in NXT here at SEScoops in the months ahead.

Watch highlights Roxanne Perez vs. Sloan Jacobs from NXT Level Up:

WWE Tag Title Unification Set for WrestleMania Backlash

Michael Reichlin
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The Raw and SmackDown tag team championships will be unified at WrestleMania Backlash. It will be “Winners Take All” when RK-Bro battles The Usos on May 8th.

Last week, Roman Reigns ordered The Usos to bring the Raw tag titles ‘home’ to The Bloodline. The Usos paid a visit to Monday’s Raw, while Randy Orton & Riddle showed up on Friday’s SmackDown.

RK-Bro and The Usos
(Photo credit:WWE)

RK-Bro vs. The Usos is the fourth confirmed match on the WrestleMania Backlash 2022 match card.

The teams are sure to have a great match next month. Ahead of the premium live event, the teams will square off against each other at WWE’s upcoming European tour.

Bloodline leader Roman Reigns unified the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship by defeating Brock Lesnar in the main event of WrestleMania 38. WWE has yet to formally announce how the “unification” will unfold. Reigns (and Paul Heyman) are still carrying around both belts.

Watch The Usos and RK-Bro go face-to-face on SmackDown to set up their championship unification match at WrestleMani Backlash:

Virgil Diagnosed With Early Stage Of Dementia

Anutosh Bajpai
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Former WCW and WWE star Virgil has revealed that he has been diagnosed with early-stage dementia due to years of taking big bumps in the ring.

The wrestling veteran took on Twitter earlier today to share the news with his followers. He revealed that he wasn’t feeling well during the WrestleMania 38 weekend so he went to see the doctor afterward.

According to Virgil, the doctor identified 2 massive strokes he had suffered in the past few months without realizing it. He is also unable to use one of his arms.

If that wasn’t enough, the former Million Dollar Champion was told that the years of taking big bumps had caught up with him. He is now fighting with an early stage of dementia:

“The worse news is that I have Been told that I am Fighting with an early stage of dementia. The years of taking the big main event bump every night (that nobody else wanted to take) Had started to effect me.” wrote Virgil.

The wrestling star noted that he can’t afford to go through this and listed some ways for fans to help him. You can check out the thread detailing the various ways to help the former nWo member below:

Eric Bischoff Thinks Story Has Been De-Emphasized In Today’s Wrestling

Anutosh Bajpai
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Eric Bischoff has been part of the wrestling industry for over 35 years. He has seen the wrestling landscape change more than once. He thinks that the current wrestling product has shifted more towards physical presentation and the story has been de-emphasized because of it.

The former WCW president appeared on Corey Graves’ After The Bell podcast. Talking about the current wrestling product, he explained that story is the thing that has always captivated people in sports entertainment:

“What’s the one thing about sports entertainment that has always captivated people? It’s really hard to pinpoint one thing because it’s different for everybody. But I think across the board, it’s the story. I would love [it], if there was a way in today’s environment and the sheer volume of things that needed to be produced. There could be perhaps more emphasis on story and less emphasis on the dynamic physical presentation.”

‘Story And Character Have Become De-Emphasized’

Eric Bischoff said that in the last 2 decades, we have emphasized athleticism more than we should. He would like to see the balance shift towards the story a bit more:

“I think what’s happened with the industry over the years, the last 15 in particular, maybe 20, is that the athleticism has reached a point of being mind-boggling. It’s like watching Olympic-quality gymnasts do things that seem to defy physics. Now we’re seeing it within the context of a wrestling match. It’s mind-boggling to me.

But I think with the emphasis that’s on the physical presentation, unintentionally, story and character have become de-emphasized. So I’d like to see that balance shift a little more than it currently is. But part of that is just me because I’ve always loved the story. I’ve never been as excited about the physical presentation, as I have been about the story presentation, but I may be in the minority on that one.”

More Originals From SEScoops:

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

WWE SmackDown Results (4/15): RK-Bro & The Usos, Title Match, Charlotte Flair Attacks

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro appeared on tonight’s SmackDown to confront SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos. In addition to the takeaways below, Lacey Evans had another vignette tonight ahead of her upcoming return.

SmackDown Results

  1. Rhea Ripley def. Naomi
  2. Madcap Moss def. Humberto
  3. Drew McIntyre def. Sami Zayn via count out
  4. Ricochet def. Jinder Mahal to retain the Intercontinental Championship
  5. Riddle def. Jimmy Uso

Here are the takeaways from tonight’s episode of SmackDown:

RK-Bro Accepted The Usos’ Challenge For Winners Take All Match At WrestleMania Backlash

RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro showed up this week on Friday and called SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos to the ring. Jimmy and Jey said that the RAW Tag Team Champions have showed up in The Bloodline’s territory. The Usos bragged about themselves for a bit and Randy Orton looked like he wanted to rip their heads off as he paced back and forth.

Orton said he respects their whole family but The Usos are assholes. Randy added that Big Dog must have left the bitches off the leash. Orton laughed in their faces for bragging about records while he has been doing that for 20 years. RK-Bro then accepted The Usos challenge for a unifying title match (presumably at WrestleMania Back on May 8th) and the two teams circled each other. The Usos and RK-Bro raised their titles. The Usos got in a cheap shot on Riddle and exited the ring to end the segment.

Adam Pearce had a conversation with RK-Bro backstage and told them that “the higher ups are still deliberating on whether or not to have the unifying match. Pearce announced that Riddle will face Jimmy Uso tonight and hopefully he will have answer on the title match before the show ends. It was later announced that the Winners Take All match will take place at WrestleMania Backlash.

Rhea Ripley def. Naomi

Rhea Ripley battled Naomi tonight. Sasha Banks & Naomi will defend the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Liv Morgan & Rhea Ripley next Monday on RAW. Morgan defeated Sasha Banks on last week’s SmackDown and lost to Naomi on this past Monday’s episode of RAW. Sasha Banks and Liv Morgan were ringside for tonight’s contest.

Rhea shoved Naomi to the corner to begin the action. Naomi escaped but Rhea put her on the top turnbuckle. Naomi booted Rhea away but Ripley connected with a Clothesline. Naomi battled back and knocked Ripley out of the ring. Ripley got back inside and slammed Naomi to the mat. Ripley climbed to the top turnbuckle but Naomi caught her with a boot to the face that knocked Rhea to the floor. Naomi went after her and walked into a massive Clothesline as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Naomi hit a Crossbody off the top turnbuckle and went for the cover but Ripley kicked out at two. Ripley responded with a Northern Lights Suplex for a a near fall. Rhea went for Riptide off the middle rope but Naomi escaped. Ripley leaped off the top rope and hit a Dropkick for a close two count.

Naomi ducked under a Clothesline and hit Ripley with an Enziguri. Naomi followed it up with a Full Nelson Slam and went for the cover but Ripley powered out at two. Rhea then quickly went after Naomi and slammed her with the Riptide for the pinfall victory. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan then taunted Sasha Banks after the match.

Madcap Moss Dominated

Happy Corbin was interviewed backstage tonight about his brawl with former tag partner Madcap Moss last week. Corbin claimed that Moss was deadweight and he’s at peak happiness now without him. Madcap Moss battled Humberto tonight. Before the match, Madcap put his buttocks on Los Lotharios’ kiss cam.

Angel was ringside for the match. Humberto got in some offense early before Madcap Moss hit him with a big shoulder tackle. Moss followed it up with a Fallaway Slam and then a Neckbreaker for the pinfall victory. Madcap versus Angel was announced for next week.

Charlotte Flair Attacked Drew Gulak & Sent A Message To Ronda Rousey

Drew Gulak made his debut as an announcer and welcomed SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair to the ring after she intimidated him backstage.

Drew Gulak asked Charlotte if she was concerned with Ronda Rousey’s submission game. Charlotte claimed that she was trying to protect Ronda by telling her to go to the back of the line because we all know how fragile Rousey’s ego is. Flair noted that Ronda lost to her at WrestleMania and can’t imagine the humiliation she will feel after losing the I Quit match at WrestleMania Backlash.

Charlotte called Drew Gulak a quitter that is now asking her stupid questions. Charlotte said everyone in the crowd was a quitter too but not her. Charlotte raised the SmackDown Women’s Championship and claimed that she is a submission master. Flair told Gulak that he doesn’t deserve to interview her and demanded he leave the ring.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1515134645465145354?s=20&t=1SHSGM8TVUqGD2CWNUKGGA

Drew McIntyre def. Sami Zayn via Count Out Again

Sami Zayn battled Drew McIntyre tonight. Sami Zayn claimed that he did not run away from Drew last week. Zayn claimed that he is a master strategist and is going to defeat Drew tonight in the middle of the ring and regain the respect that these people owe him.

The bell rang and Sami rolled out of the ring. McIntyre caught him and rolled him back inside. Sami ran away again and hid behind Pat McAfee. Drew blasted Sami in the face and gave Pat a high five before the action returned to the ring.

McIntyre slammed Sami into the turnbuckles and sent him across the ring with a Belly to Belly throw. McIntyre went for the Claymore but Sami ran away. McIntyre caught him again and rolled him into the ring. Sami escaped again after dodging the Claymore. Sami got counted out and Drew chased after him through the crowd to end the segment. It was announced that Sami Zayn will face Drew McIntyre in a Lumberjack match next week.

Ricochet Retained The IC Title

Ricochet defended the Intercontinental Championship against Jinder Mahal tonight. Shanky was ringside for the match. Mahal dominated the action early but couldn’t keep the champion down. Ricochet hit a Crossbody off the top rope and went for the cover but Mahal kicked out at two.

Jinder went for the Khallas but Ricochet was able to escape. Ricochet connected with the Recoil but Shanky pulled Jinder to the outside. Ricochet took them both out with a Crossbody and posed on the entrance ramp. The champion rolled Mahal back into the ring and hit a Shooting Star Press for the pinfall victory. Ricochet is still the Intercontinental Champion.

Riddle def. Jimmy Uso

Jimmy Uso faced Riddle in tonight’s main event. Before the match, Sheamus, Ridge Holland, and Butch attacked New Day backstage.

Riddle went for the RKO right away but Jimmy rolled out of the ring. Riddle chased him back into the ring and ran into a Clothesline. Jimmy hit Riddle with some punches but he shrugged them off and connected with a Gutwrench Suplex. Uso battled back and slammed Riddle on the ring apron. Jimmy sent Riddle into the steel steps and then the barricade. Uso followed it up with a Superkick that knocked Riddle into the timekeeper’s area as SmackDown went to a final commercial break.

The action was back in the ring when SmackDown returned and Jimmy was in control. Riddle hit Jimmy with a kick and he cartoonishly stumbled backwards with his fists still in the air to the corner. Riddle hit him with an Exploder Suplex and then a running kick to the face. Riddle followed it up with a GTS for a two count.

Riddle climbed to the top turnbuckle and went for the Floating Bro but Jimmy got his knees up. Jimmy hit a pop-up Samoan Drop and went for the cover but Riddle was able to kick out at the last moment and the match continued. Orton and Jey started arguing and Jimmy capitalized with a Dropkick through the ropes on Randy. Riddle climbed to the top rope but Jey tripped him up. Orton slammed Jey onto the announce table as Riddle dodged an Uso Splash. Riddle connected with an RKO and celebrated with Randy Orton after the match to end the show.

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