As The Undertaker prepares to enter the WWE Hall of Fame this weekend, the former world champion and WWE legend has been doing the media rounds (while he also had a statue dedicated to him).
In recent years, The Undertaker has gotten a reputation for making comments about the modern WWE generation that haven’t been too kind. In the past, he has seemed to have a reverence for the bygone era of wrestlers partying hard on the road rather than playing video games, for example. He even once called today’s generation “soft.”
However, during an interview with Sports Illustrated, The Undertaker put over the current WWE roster in a major way. Especially some of the female talent.
“As great as she is right now, Bianca is still light years away from where she’s going to be,” Undertaker said. “Bianca is a real phenomenal talent. And Becky is in such command of her gimmick. She’s at the top of her game. I thought they threw even more gasoline on the fire this week with Becky getting her hair cut. There is so much emotion surrounding that match. I’ll try to sit down in my seat, have a beer and enjoy it.”
He then went on to compliment AJ Styles, the man who so far has the distinction of wrestling The Undertaker in his last match back at WrestleMania 36 two years ago.
The Undertaker defeats AJ Styles in the Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36
“I’m so excited for Edge and AJ Styles,” he said. “Those guys are so in tune with what they do. They know their characters, they know how to have great matches, and this is something new for WrestleMania. It’s really going to be a fun match to watch. That match, with those peaks and valleys, it’s going to be a roller coaster.
“As a fan, I’m excited to see Austin. When Steve was in his prime and on top, he was really intense. He took all of this very, very seriously, as he should have, and he was kind of a lone wolf. After our careers, we’ve really grown closer. We’re two Texas boys, and we like to talk about hunting and fishing and all that good stuff. After 19 years since his last match, and with WrestleMania in Texas at AT&T Stadium, I’m just like everyone else-I can’t wait to hear and see the reaction when that glass breaks.”
The Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin worked several times against each other on PPV over the years. One of their most memorable encounters happened at SummerSlam 1998, and one year earlier they wrestled for the world title for the first time in a singles match on PPV at May 1997’s In Your House: Cold Day In Hell.
In regards to the current WWE roster, The Undertaker summed up his thoughts by noting, “This era’s talent is incredible. I love the way they’re developing psychology and in-ring personas. WrestleMania is going to be special.”
Which match at WrestleMania are you most excited for? Let u know in the comments section below!
And as you prepare for WrestleMania, be 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.This week’s show features a full preview of WrestleMania 38.
Impact Wrestling on 3/21 aired an episode from their recent tapings at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This episode featured the in-ring return of Jonathan Gresham, a battle royale to decide a new number one contender for the Knockouts title, and the second match in the Bullet Club vs. Motor City Machine Guns rivalry.
IMPACT Wrestling Quick Results (3/31/22)
Black Taurus (with Decay) defeated Deaner (with Violent By Design) on BTI
ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham defeated Kenny King in a non-title match
The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) defeated Johnny Swinger & Zicky Dice
Josh Alexander defeated Madman Fulton (with Ace Austin)
Rosemary won the Knockouts World Championship number one contendership battle royale
Bhupinder Gujjar defeated Aiden Prince
Masha Slamovich defeated Abby Jane
Bullet Club (Jay White & Chris Bey) defeated Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin)
Tomorrow night, as a part of WrestleCon, IMPACT Wrestling will put on IMPACT: Multiverse of Matches. The show takes place in Dallas, Texas and is a part of the WrestleMania weekend festivities. The show airs at 10:00 PM EST, and will stream live on FITE TV for $19.99.
The card is listed below:
Ultimate X Match For The X-Division Title: Trey Miguel vs Vincent vs Chris Bey vs Rich Swann vs Blake Christian vs Jordynne Grace
“Speedball” Mike Bailey vs Alex Shelley
Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs. The Briscoes (Mark & Jay Briscoe)
Jay White vs. Chris Sabin
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Eddie Edwards
Josh Alexander & JONAH vs IMPACT World Champion Moose & PCO
Chelsea Green & Matt Cardona vs Mickie James & Nick Aldis
Champ Champ Challenge: Deonna Purrazzo Open Challenge
IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Championships: The Influence (Tenille Dashwood & Madison Rayne) (c) vs. Tasha Steelz & Savannah Evans vs. Havok & Rosemary vs. Gisele Shaw & Lady Frost
WrestleCon still has four shows remaining for the weekend. To see the schedule for the remaining events, click here.
The third event of GCW: The Collective was GCW: Joey Janela’s Spring Break 6, Part 1. The event was held by Game Changer Wrestling at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. Furthermore, GCW: The Collective will feature 12 live wrestling events this year. Eight of those shows are presented by GCW.
In the main event of GCW: Joey Janela’s Spring Break 6, Part 1, there was a deathmatch for the GCW Ultraviolent Championship between the champion Alex Colon and John Wayne Murdoch. The event also saw All Elite Wrestling’s Jon Moxley defend his GCW World Championship against GCW’s own, AJ Gray. The GCW World Tag Team Championships were on the line when Nick Gage took on SGC (Mance Warner and Matthew Justice) and The Briscoes (Mark Briscoe & Jay Briscoe) by himself, as Matt Tremont was unable to attend.
The event aired on FITE and is available for $19.99 on Video on Demand. Wrestling fans can also watch all GCW Collective events for $139.99.
GCW: Joey Janela’s Spring Break 6, GCW: Joey Janela’s Spring Break 6, Part 2 – The Greatest Clusterf*ck
The second part of GCW: Joey Janela’s Spring Break 6, GCW: Joey Janela’s Spring Break 6, Part 2 – The Greatest Clusterf*ck, will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 12:59AM EDT. That show will be streaming live on FITE TV for $19.99. That show features the following matches:
Chris Dickinson w/ Missy Hyatt vs. Matt Cardona w/ Chelsea Green
EFFY vs Minoru Suzuki
Tony Deppen vs Biff Busick
“Speedball” Mike Bailey vs PCO
The Greatest Clusterf*ck: Maven, Jimmy Wang Yang, Jazzy Yang, Nasty Leroy, Kevin Matthews, Edith Surreal, Lord Adrean of the Walmart Dudes, Shazza McKenzie Kamikaze, Invisible Man, and Sean Ross Sapp
(Via Game Changer Wrestling)
GCW: Joey Janela’s Spring Break 6, Part 1 Quick Results
GCW World Tag Team Championship: The Briscoes (Mark Briscoe & Jay Briscoe) defeated Nick Gage & SLADE and SGC (Mance Warner and Matthew Justice) to win the vacated tag tittles
GCW: Joey Janela’s Spring Break 6, Part 1 Final Thoughts
In conclusion, GCW: Joey Janela’s Spring Break 6, Part 1 had everything you could wish for when it comes to a GCW show. There were many staples on this show, like the classic ‘Scramble Match’ and a tag team title match. In the first match, there was immediately blood, violence, and pizza cutters. The first match of the show completely represented what the rest of the card would be. Katch/James also featured a clash of styles mixed in with a bit of performing and callbacks. The last two title matches also featured the typical GCW style matches with straight up weapons and blood everywhere.
GCW: The Collective still has nine shows remaining for the weekend. To see the schedule for the remaining events, click here.
April 25, 2022 will mark the 20th year of Randy Orton’s first televised WWE match. With two decades of dominance, The Viper undoubtedly has one of the most impressive careers in the history of wrestling. According to him, the secret to his longevity is figuring out how to get a reaction from the crowd without killing yourself.
The former world champion appeared on The Pat McAfee Show. Discussing the secret of his longevity in the business, Orton mentioned how he got injured several times very early in his career. So he had to understand his limitations and figure out how to get people interested without taking big bumps:
“It’s a lot of bumps, lot of traveling, but I feel like I kind of got injured very early in my career several times, boom, boom, boom. And I had to figure out. [I thought] ‘if I’m going to do this for a long time, if I’m going to have any kind of longevity, I gotta figure out how to do that.’ And that’s what I’ve done.
I’ve toned back the physicality to the point where I know what I’m capable of. I know what my body’s capable of, but I also know what I need to do out there in order to get a reaction and I don’t need to break my neck. 220 shows a year bro, you can’t physically survive decades in this industry if you’re killing yourself every night.”
At the Intimidation Games event in Dallas, Texas, the former MLW Champion Shane Strickland officially made his return.
MLW’s Dallas Tapings
This year’s Intimidation Games was the third event under the Intimidation Games chronology. The event is a television taping for MLW Fusion. Intimidation Games 2022 took place on March 31, 2022, at Gilley’s Dallas in Dallas, Texas. There is also another major MLW event scheduled in Dallas for WrestleMania weekend. The other event is MLW Azteca Underground TV taping that is scheduled for April 1, 2022 at 3:00 PM EST.
Myron Reed’s Title Reign
Back at the January 21, 2022 MLW Tapings, Myron Reed defeated Yoshihiro Tajiri, Matt Cross, and Bandido in a to become a record-setting three time MLW World Middleweight Champion. At this time, Reed has held the championship for 69 days.
Shane “Swerve” Strickland Returns To MLW
Apparently, at these tapings Myron issued an open challenge for the MLW World Middleweight Title which was answered by All Elite Wrestling’s Shane “Swerve” Strickland. It should be noted, this was Swerve’s first match in MLW since the January 18, 2019 episode of MLW Fusion. Swerve was also the first MLW World Champion when the company was rebooted in 2018.
Earlier in the day, on Twitter, Major League Wrestling hinted at a possible entry into their company through the forbidden door which would end up being the former Hit Row member.
The Undertaker wrestled his final match two years ago at WrestleMania 36, a theatrical style bout with AJ Styles. Undertaker revealed during his Last Ride documentary series that later aired that his match with Styles would be his final encounter and that he was satisfied with that.
Here are the cards for both nights of WrestleMania 38 this weekend as things stand right now:
Night One
WWE RAW Women’s Championship Match Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bianca Belair
The Miz and Logan Paul vs. Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match The Usos (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs
WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship Match Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
Seth Rollins vs. An Opponent of Vince McMahon’s Choosing
KO Show Featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin
Night Two
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match Queen Zelina and Carmella (c) vs. Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan vs. Natalya and Shayna Baszler
Anything Goes Match Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn
Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
WWE RAW Tag Team Championship Match RK-Bro (c) vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy
Edge vs. AJ Styles
Bobby Lashley vs. Omos
WWE Championship vs. WWE Universal Championship – Winner Take All Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns (c)
As you prepare for WrestleMania, be 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.This week’s show features a full preview of WrestleMania 38.
Corey Graves has been cleared to wrestle again but don’t expect him to lace up his boots anytime soon, if ever.
Back in January, Fightful reported that Graves had the option to return to the ring if he wants to. The Raw color commentator confirmed the report the following month. Graves had been forced to retire as an active wrestler in late 2014 due to issues stemming from concussions.
Corey Graves Isn’t Clamoring For In-Ring Return
During an interview with The Athletic, Corey Graves explained why he no longer has a desire to get back in wrestling shape.
“Three years ago, I might have had a different answer. But I have grown so confident and comfortable in this new role that I’m in, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Graves has enjoyed great success at the commentary table. It’s something that he isn’t ready to give up. He recalled first transitioning from in-ring work to commentary.
“I thought to myself, man, I dedicated my life to coming to WWE and being a WWE Superstar. That option got taken away because of medical reasons. But I’m still here; I’m not going to let them kick me out, you know what I mean? I’m going to make myself as valuable as possible.”
Graves will once again be calling the action during “The Grandest Stage of them All” WrestleMania 38.
The second event of GCW: The Collective was GCW: Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 8. The event was held at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. Furthermore, GCW: The Collective will feature 12 live wrestling events this year. Eight of those shows will be presented by GCW.
In the main event of GCW: Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 8, Minoru Suzuki took on the ‘Dirty Daddy’ Chris Dickinson. The event also saw All Elite Wrestling’s Jon Moxley face Biff Busick, formerly known as Oney Lorcan in WWE. The event aired on FITE and is available for $19.99 on Video on Demand. Wrestling fans can also watch all GCW Collective events for $139.99.
(Via Game Changer Wrestling)
GCW: Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 8 Quick Results
Masha Slamovich defeated Janai Kai via submission
Ninja Mack defeated Yoya via referee stoppage/knockout
Royce Isaacs defeated Bad Dude Tito via submission
Alex Coughlin defeated SLADE via referee stoppage
John Hennigan defeated Simon Gotch via submission
Marina Shafir defeated Zeda Zhang via submission
JR Kratos defeated Timothy Thatcher via knockout
Yuyu Uemera defeated“Speedball” Mike Bailey via submission
Josh Barnett defeated JONAH via submission
Jon Moxley defeated Biff Busick via knockout
Chris Dickinson defeated Minoru Suzuki via referee stoppage
In conclusion, GCW: Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 8 was truly a mixed bag of match styles. Though the rules were the same as all the other Bloodsport shows, the amount of new talent on the show made the concept fresh. In particular, John Hennigan proved that his style could be adapted to Bloodsport rules. Ninja Mack unmasked himself prior to his match. Surprisingly, Jon Moxley even used some of his new partner’s, Bryan Danielson, moves. Overall, the matches showcased technique, a mix of training styles, superior athleticism, and straight up brutality.
GCW: The Collective still has ten shows remaining for the weekend. To see the schedule for the remaining events, click here.
DDP has given an update on how Kevin Nash is holding up amid the passing of his long-time friend Scott Hall.
On March 14, Hall died due to complications from a hip procedure. The former WWE and WCW standout suffered multiple hearts attacks after a blood clot got loose. His family ended up taking him off life support.
DDP Talks Kevin Nash Following Scott Hall’s Passing
On a new episode of the DDP Snake Pit podcast, Diamond Dallas Page said that Kevin Nash is unsurprisingly distraught over the death Scott Hall (h/t Wrestling Inc).
“We took it hard. Really hard. But Kev, he took it really hard. Like I took it hard, he took it really hard and you know, it was tough. That last week or so was really tough.”
DDP then said he thinks Nash will be helping Scott’s son, Cody going forward.
“I think there is definitely something there for sure. And Kev, you know, he’s gonna really reach out, and you know, because Kev works every damn weekend because he loves it. He works with whatever damn promoter there is. He knows them all and Cody and I were talking about it.
“I had his sister and Scott’s brother Jeff over for dinner when they were in town here and Cody, I think there is a future for him out there. I think timing is everything and he’s done his time. He’s been to Japan. He’s been to the UK. He just needs a break.
“I think working independents right now, you know, the independent world out there, they draw. And I think Cody Hall, as a name, is a draw to see what he can do, you know? So I think the time, and we talked about this.
“And Kevin is like, like I said, it’s still really, really hard on him so anything he can do to help out Cody, I think he’ll do. It’s just the friend Kevin Nash is.”
Hall was inducted into the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame as his Razor Ramon character. He was inducted a second time in 2020 for his run in WCW, specifically with the nWo.
Scott Hall was 63 years old at the time of his passing.
WWE veteran Randy Orton believes NXT talent don’t know how to protect each other in the ring.
The veteran is coming up on his 20th anniversary since his debut in WWE. Orton has become one of the few active veterans that have competed with the company since the early 2000s. As a veteran of the WWE locker room, Orton believes that wrestlers from NXT lack the knowledge to protect their opponents.
In an interview with Smackdown Commentator Pat McAfee, he talked about dealing with the longevity in WWE. Orton also praised Edge and felt it was refreshing to work with someone he looked to as a mentor. He then compared working with a veteran like Edge and dealing with newer wrestlers, which he feels work unsafe.
“…When Vince was on, he talked about his number one priority, above all being to protect your opponent. That’s not taught necessarily in NXT, and I know that because I’ve been in the ring with guys that came from NXT, and they don’t know what the f*ck they are doing, and it’s unfortunate,” said Orton.
Does Randy Orton Have a Point about NXT Talent?
WWE calls up talent from NXT that they believe is ready to work on the main roster. It’s unclear if WWE Chairman Vince McMahon thinks that NXT call-ups could not protect others in recent years.
While Orton shared his belief, he omitted what former NXT talent didn’t protect him in the ring. Although, Wrestling fans have seen an incidence where a former NXT talent hurts someone on the main roster.
One of the recent examples is Ridge Holland accidentally breaking Big E’s neck with a belly-to-belly suplex on the ringside floor. However, it may not be fair to blame the coaching in NXT on accidents that involved a former NXT talent. Orton also clarified that he wants to help talent have longevity in wrestling but didn’t share how he’d plan to support up-and-coming talent in NXT.
Orton will defend his Raw Tag Team Championship with Matt Riddle against Alpha Academy and The Street Profits at Wrestlemania 38: Night Two on Apr. 3.
Earlier this week on Monday Night RAW, former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley made his long-awaited return to set up his WrestleMania 38 matchup with Omos. Lashley had been out of action since Elimination Chamber back in February with a storyline concussion. However, Lashley was actually ailing an injured shoulder.
Now, according to a report from PWInsider, Lashley is listed as a babyface for the red brand. He’ll get back into the swing of things against one of WWE’s most promising big men on “The Grandest Stage Of Them All” this weekend.
Booker T On Steiners WWE Hall Of Fame Induction
As noted, The Steiner Brothers have been announced for a WWE Hall Of Fame induction this weekend. They join an already loaded class that includes the likes of The Undertaker and Vader. Two-time WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T recently took to the latest episode of his podcast, “The Hall Of Fame,” to offer his thoughts on the induction.
The former World Heavyweight Champion reminisced on how The Steiners were some of Harlem Heat’s greatest rivals. Specifically, Booker noted how the four put on some great matches, and he enjoyed working agains them very much.
“You’ve got to love it,” Booker T said (via Wrestling Inc.). “I know it had to be pulling teeth, it seemed like it took forever to make this announcement, but The Steiner Brothers got the nod. There have been all kinds of rumors online as far as Scott Steiner having a little bit of trouble and whatnot.
“Rick Steiner saying, ‘We’ve got to do this, we’ve got to do this right now, we ain’t got time to be messing around.’ I am just paraphrasing, none of that was said like that. But I do want to say congratulations to Rick, and Scott Steiner. Two of the Harlem Heat’s ultimate rivals back in the day, we had such a good time working with those guys, so many great matches.”
You can check out the updated lineup for this weekend’s Hall Of Fame induction ceremony below.
We have some first look photos at the WrestleMania 38 stage and production setup.
WrestleMania 38 takes place this weekend from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Twitter user @ImTheBossLegit has provided an exclusive look at how things are coming together.
As you’ll see below, WWE is once again utilizing huge stars as the focal point of the set design. This is a nod to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, who play at the stadium.
Join us here at SEScoops all weekend for our ongoing news coverage of WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania.
There is an update on the ticket sales for WrestleMania 38.
WWE President Nick Khan recently revealed to The Town with Matthew Belloni that he expects WrestleMania 38 to sell over 100,000 tickets for the two-night event. WrestleTix has provided an update on how the sales have been moving along.
Nick Khan said in a podcast interview published yesterday that WWE is expecting 100,000 for both days of Wrestlemania.
WrestleTix most recent counts have each night at under 59,000 tickets distributed. pic.twitter.com/6yuMyq9hlv
Brandon Thurston added that he was told by the Arlington Police Department that 80,709 people went through the turnstiles for WrestleMania 32 back in 2016. That show was held inside AT&T Stadium just as WrestleMania 38 will.
Arlington Police Department told me there were 80,709 people through the turnstiles for Wrestlemania 32 in 2016 at AT&T Stadium. https://t.co/4XioBxI4n2
Vince McMahon had announced an attendance of 101,763 for WrestleMania 32 during an earnings call. This included “ushers and ticket-takers.”
Vince McMahon, on a WWE earnings call, said the Wrestlemania 32 announced attendance of 101,763 included "ushers and ticket-takers and all of that. It wasn't 101,000 paid, but nonetheless, it was a record for us." pic.twitter.com/nddHqXSAWk
This year’s WrestleMania will feature the return of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin on night one. He will be a guest on Kevin Owens’ “The KO Show.” This is expected to be a “fight sequence” rather than a match.
Night one will also feature Charlotte putting her SmackDown Women’s Championship on the line against Ronda Rousey. Bianca Belair will challenge Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship, and Seth Rollins will face a mystery opponent.
Night two will be headlined by a “Winner Takes All” title unification match between WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and WWE Titleholder Brock Lesnar.
Game Changer Wrestling kicked off their first event of the GCW Collective with Glory Pro Wrestling: Cemetery Gates. The event was held at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.
GCW Collective features different indie wrestling promotions as well as their own. Glory Pro Wrestling: Cemetery Gates featured a main event match between Bryan Keith and Mike Outlaw for the Crown of Glory Championship. The event also had Impact Wrestling talent Josh Alexander face independent wrestling star Warhorse. The event aired on FITE and is available for $12.99 on Video on Demand. Wrestling fans can also watch all GCW Collective events for $139.99.
(Via Glory Pro Wrestling)
Glory Pro Wrestling: Cemetery Gates Quick Results
Myron Reed defeated Carlos Romo, Shane Sabre & Danny Jones in a Fatal Four Way Match
(C)Tootie Lynn defeated Janai Kai to retain the Midwest Territory Championship
Jake Something defeated Max the Impaler
C)Hustle & Muscle defeated Technical Difficulties, Fly Def & Alpha Omega in a Fatal Four Way Tag Team Match to retain the United Glory Tag Team Championship
Allie Katch defeated Laynie Luck in a submission match
No Remorse Corps defeated Grindhouse
Dan the Dad defeated Kody Lane in a Loser Leaves the Neighborhood Match
Josh Alexander defeated Warhorse
(C)Mike Outlaw defeated Bryan Keith for the Crown of Glory Championship
Overall Thoughts on the Glory Pro Wrestling: Cemetery Gates
Glory Pro Wrestling: Cemetery Gates had some fun matches that may interest fans in watching on VOD. The event lasted for about two and a half hours. Something vs. Max the Impaler had a very physical match and may also be considered one of the best matches of the show. The Alexander vs. Warhorse and Outlaw vs. Keith contests were also good. For $12.99, wrestling fans could enjoy watching this card if they haven’t already.
Becky Lynch and Ronda Rousey stepping in the ring together for a singles match is something fans have wanted to see for quite some time. It won’t be this year, as Lynch will be busy defending her WWE Raw Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair on night one of WrestleMania 38. On the same night, Rousey is challenging WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.
Lynch and Rousey were going to face each other in a champion vs. champion match at Survivor Series 2018. The much-anticipated match didn’t take place, unfortunately, due to Lynch pulling out because she sustained an injury. Lynch got a broken nose and concussion during the Raw invasion angle on Raw. Lynch was then replaced with Flair, who faced Rousey, the Raw Women’s Champion at the time, in a non-title match.
WWE is going to southwestern Los Angeles in Inglewood, California at the SoFi Stadium for WrestleMania 39. Lynch said that the match between her and Rousey has been discussed for next year’s WrestleMania.
“I think the idea was, let’s give it even more of a build and possibly do this in Hollywood [at WrestleMania 39] of all places,” Lynch told The New York Post. “I think the idea was to give it a little bit of extra time, and hell, let frickin’ Ronda get her feet wet.”
Since Lynch is involved in a storyline of her own with Belair, she wasn’t surprised that this is what WWE went with. “Big Time Becks” added that the company likely thought Hollywood would be the best place for the much-anticipated match to take place.
“We had to tell this story with Bianca, too,” Lynch said. “So was I surprised? No, not entirely, not really. I think they thought of Hollywood as maybe being the spot for where this match would go down.”
Although the Survivor Series match didn’t take place, Lynch did face Rousey in the ring at the “Grandest Stage Of Them All” with Flair in a triple-threat match in the main event of WrestleMania 35 to make history. Lynch said that her “The Man” character got her to the top and she hasn’t looked back since then.
“My talent, my skill, my ability to communicate has gotten me to the top,” Lynch said. “So I don’t care what your name is, you’re behind me right now. It was that attitude that started this whole thing and then obviously we were supposed to have that Survivor Series match and my face got busted open and we never had that one-on-one match. So maybe, we’ll have it next year. Maybe something else will happen. I’m not worried. I am the name right now.”
Charlotte Flair is going to face Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania 38’s night one in the main event. Flair will defend her WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship against the UFC women’s bantamweight champion on April 2.
Rousey has garnered criticism from vocal WWE fans. When Ronda made her WWE debut in 2018 she made a meteoric rise to the top of the women’s division. Rousey was able to get a WrestleMania match within 6 months of her debut. She won the Raw Women’s Championship and it wasn’t even an entire year since she debuted. Fans felt like she took the spotlight away from other well-deserving candidates, like 2018 Royal Rumble winner Asuka. She has since become the target of trolls on social media, and was named the “most abused athlete on Twitter”.
Flair talked about her opponent and upcoming match with Rousey in an interview with SHAK Wrestling for CBS Sports, where she also mentioned the hate Rousey gets from fans. Flair defended her rival, stating that it’s not as easy as the keyboard warriors think to do what Rousey did in such a short time and it warrants respect.
“I didn’t know fans saw her in the wrong way. What percentage of people really say that,” Flair said. “If I listen to what people said about me, oof, I wouldn’t be here today. First of all, I’m facing Ronda next week. Don’t take this as I’m going to bat for her. I’m just saying, you can’t knock someone who did something in one year that takes many years and years and years to learn or to grasp. And she did a pretty damn good job in one year. It’s just easier to be negative.”
Flair also defended Rousey in another interview where she said that Rousey helps bring more attention to WWE and she welcomes such collaborations. “Sometimes people get critical of outside talent coming in, but she wants to be a part of what we’ve done here, that should make you feel good, and she does bring more eyeballs to people who aren’t necessarily familiar with the product, like Total Divas.” said Flair.
Ronda Rousey has opened up to the fact that she started resenting WWE fans for the hate she gets. She candidly expressed how she struggled with the adversarial relationship with her critics.
“Everyone was booing me out of the stadium,” Rousey recalled. “I was just like, man, fuck these people, I can’t wait to go home. When I left WWE, I had been getting booed out of the stadium, like, every day for months. Do I stay true to myself and tell them to go fuck themselves?”
Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair would go at it in the ring at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, April 2.
Kevin Owens has shared when he found out that he’ll be working with Stone Cold Steve Austin for Wrestlemania 38 on Apr 2.
Since the Feb. 7 episode of Monday Night Raw, WWE and Owens had begun their tease for a confrontation with Austin. During the show, Owens made it a point to talk about Texas in his promos. Fightful Select reported on Feb. 14 that WWE made a “significant overture” for the WWE Hall of Famer to have a match at Wrestlemania 38. Owens has now confirmed that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon told him about the plans in January.
In an interview with TVA Sports’ Patrick LaPrade, Owens shared how he found out he’d be having a feud with Austin. LaPrade transcribed the following quotes.
“Usually, in November, I start asking questions to try to find ideas and see if they have ideas,” said Owens. He explained, “But this year, I took a different approach. I had just signed my contract, I had my history with Seth Rollins, so I thought to myself that I was in a good position.”
Owens say she was “super happy” when he learned that he’d be working with the one and only Stone Cold Steve Austin at WWE’s biggest show of the year.
“So, I started asking questions in January, and when I spoke to Vince, he was the one who told me that his plan was to bring Austin back for a night and that would be with me. I was super happy. When it’s not 100% announced, things can always change. But one week before the event, I fully realize it, and I can’t wait.”
Will Kevin Owens and Stone Cold Have a Match?
It has remained unclear whether Owens and Austin will have a match at Wrestlemania 38. The company wanted a match, but it’s unclear if Austin agreed to wrestle. WWE has promoted Owen and Austin’s confrontation as a segment on Wrestlemania 38: Night One. However, that could also change the day of the event.
Austin and Owens’s promo also points out that it could just be a fight. The active WWE superstar pointed out on the recent Raw episode that he would harm Austin if he felt he disrespected him. It seems that an actual match between the two may not happen.
If Austin were to have a match on Apr. 2, it would be his first match at Wrestlemania in 19 years. While Owens is excited to be in a program with the “Texas Rattlesnake,” a segment may disappoint wrestling fans. Although Austin’s return in front of a live WWE crowd could make a great Wrestlemania moment.
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns has shared his thoughts on Triple H walking away from in-ring action.
Back in Sept. 2021, WWE issued a statement revealing that “The Game” suffered a “cardiac event” and was expected to make a full recovery. As it turns out, things are a lot more serious than WWE led the public to believe.
Hunter revealed to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith that he has a defibrillator in his chest and will never wrestle again. He also essentially said that he was on the brink of death.
Roman Reigns On Triple H’s Retirement
During an appearance on The Tonight Show, Roman Reigns said he’s always been fond of Triple H since his days in developmental (h/t 411Mania.com).
“H was very critical in this process to guide me along. Before I met Vince and built a relationship with him, it was Triple H, he was the one down there in developmental, helping guide talent along. He was the one that overlooked it.
“He was huge in guiding me along. I think he recognized [my] potential and he was always good to me. Early on, I was the type that was asking for raises. ‘Can I get some more money?’ ‘Yeah, go ahead.’
“Two months later. ‘Can I get some more money?’ ‘Yup.’ Then there’s a point where they are like, ‘No.’ I was like, ‘Can you ask Triple H?’ The next morning, you get more money. H has hooked me up and always looked over me. Inside and outside the ring, he’s the best.“
Wrestling fans got to witness 30 years of “The Game.” Hunter began his career back in March 1992 and ended it in March 2022.
We are just days out from WWE’s biggest event of the year, WrestleMania, and we’ve got our WrestleMania 38 predictions right here.
SEScoops staff members Jaychele Nicole, Andrew Ravens and I got together to discuss our picks for each match on the card.
On the latest episode of our Women’s Wrestling Focus YouTube series, SEScoops correspondents Ella Jay and Samira run down the women’s matches at the event. They also look at potential NXT call-ups and surprises that may be in store.
WrestleMania Saturday Predictions
Here are our WrestleMania 38 predictions for Night 1:
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs
Jaychele Nicole: The Usos have been on a hot streak since being paired with Roman Reigns. They are currently the longest reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions. I don’t really think that Shinsuke Nakamura deserves to be in a better position than where he currently is, however there is no way that this match can be bad. (Prediction: The Usos)
Michael Reichlin: Alexa, show me filler. Nakamura and Boogs get a spot on the big show, and The Usos get another win under their belts. (Prediction: The Usos)
Andrew Ravens: The Usos should win here as it looks like just another match on the card to get these four wrestlers featured. If they wanted to do a title change just for the sake of it, I wouldn’t be shocked, but there’s no real reason to do it. (Prediction: The Usos)
Consensus: The Usos
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair
Andrew Ravens: This is all Belair here. A redemption story on the biggest stage of them all. She gets her revenge on Lynch for her SummerSlam loss and they work one more match next month. The story writes itself unless WWE just wants to do a swerve for the purpose of a swerve. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Jaychele Nicole: I have Bianca here, partially because of the immense amount of love I have for her. Seeing that Becky Lynch was laid out on the go-home show does make me a bit fearful that the WrestleMania match won’t end in Belair’s favor. However, I have to have some hope that WWE will be making it up to Bianca with this win after everything that happened at SummerSlam last year. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Michael Reichlin: WWE did Bianca Belair dirty last year at SummerSlam. She won last year’s Rumble, had her crowning achievement at WrestleMania, then got brought down to size at SummerSlam when the ‘real’ star returned and squashed her. WWE is rehabbing Belair and a win over the woman who embarrassed her last summer is essential to that effort. (Prediction: Bianca Belair)
Consensus: Bianca Belair wins the Raw Women’s Championship
Logan Paul and The Miz vs. Rey and Dominik Mysterio
Andrew Ravens: For whatever reason and perhaps I am just missing it, but two heels – Paul and Miz – are the favorites to win this match. I don’t understand why the babyfaces aren’t favored to win. Them going over is the right move and the history of wrestling backs that theory up. Paul will give them publicity and Miz can eat the pinfall. (Prediction: Rey and Dominik Mysterio)
Jaychele Nicole: I am actually very excited to see what Logan Paul can do in the ring. His training video looked pretty good and he is a natural athlete. The development of the story hasn’t been super interesting to me, but I am excited to see what Rey pulls out of his hat. I think there has to be a heel victory every now and then and The Miz with Logan would make sense to me. (Prediction: Logan Paul and The Miz)
Michael Reichlin: I’ve got high expectations for this one. Miz and Mysterio are total pros, and they’ll be able to carry Paul and Dominik to a good match. Say what you want about Logan Paul, but he’s not in the business of embarrassing himself. He’s said that diving off the top rope is a “bucket list” dream of his, and he’s represented himself pretty well on WWE TV in recent months. However, I still think the Mysterios get the feel-good win (Prediction: Rey and Dominik Mysterio).
Consensus: Rey ad Dominik Mysterio
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
Andrew Ravens: McIntyre is a massive favorite at -850 and just like the oddsmakers, there is no way that McIntyre loses here. McIntyre has been feuding with Corbin since January. It’s time to move on to something else. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)
Michael Reichlin: Drew McIntyre has been cycled out of the main event picture, which is just how it goes sometimes. McIntyre has been dealing with a neck injury, and has acknowledged that the Corbin feud is a step down for him. I think McIntyre gets a decisive win and hopefully moves on to bigger and better things.
Jaychele Nicole: This story has dragged on WAY TOO LONG. This is the match I am least excited for out of the whole two-night show. This match will be decent. This needs to be a win for Drew after the booking decline he has seemingly been on. I hope that this match will lead to a break up of Baron Corbin or Madcap Moss. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)
Consensus: Drew McIntyre
Edge vs. AJ Styles
Michael Reichlin: This is the match I’m most looking forward to on the first night of WrestleMania. Two seasoned pros putting it all on the line. You know they both want to steal the show. Expectations will be high, but nobody is more qualified than Styles and Edge. I don’t think there’s an obvious pick, but with Edge in this later stage of his career, I think WWE gives him the W. (Prediction: Edge)
Andrew Ravens: History would say AJ should go over in the match, but it’s a real coin flip. While AJ as the babyface going over would make sense as he would get his revenge, Edge has undergone a complete character makeover so it’s not a shocker if he does win. I’ll side with AJ getting his revenge. (Prediction: AJ Styles)
Jaychele Nicole: This has the extreme possibility to steal the whole weekend. While Edge’s blue heel turn hasn’t been for me, at the end of the day, he is still one of the best of all time. I can’t wait to see the arrangement of spots and match psychology. Both of these guys could use a win, but due to Edge’s recent heel turn, he is my predicted winner. (Prediction: Edge)
Consensus: Edge
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey
Jaychele Nicole: I think this match is Rousey’s because of her comeback story. Although the crowd may not fully view her as a face like WWE may, she is still a star in the division. The build has of this match has not been what I like in my wrestling, I am still interested in the outcome. In all honesty, I wouldn’t be mad if Charlotte won either because I am a bigger fan of hers than most. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)
Michael Reichlin: Make no mistake about it, WWE sees Ronda Rousey as a bigger star than Charlotte Flair. Charlotte may be the greatest female talent on the WWE roster, but Rousey is the special attraction who will get the company mainstream attention. Plus, I don’t see WWE bringing Rousey back to win the Royal Rumble and fall flat at Mania. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)
Andrew Ravens: Ronda Rousey should win the match and become the next champion although when it comes to the booking of Flair, anything is on the table especially if they want a shocking finish. I don’t see it happening. Honestly, a long-term storyline could work with them meeting again at SummerSlam. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)
Consensus: Ronda Rousey wins the SmackDown Women’s Title
WrestleMania Sunday Predictions
Here are our WrestleMania 38 predictions for Night 2:
Bobby Lashley vs. Omos
Jaychele Nicole: Honestly, I’m tired of the Omos reign of terror. I think that coming off of a botched title run, which was not his fault, Lashley could use a win. However, if Omos goes over, I hope they use him to make a big star out of someone like a Bron Breakker for example. (Prediction: Bobby Lashley)
Michael Reichlin: I have a feeling that Bobby Lashley is not entirely healthy yet, and WWE is going to keep this match quick by feeding Lashley to Omos. It would be a questionable booking decision, but there’s no chance they’re having Omos take his first loss in a match with less than one week’s build.
Consensus: Split
Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville (Anything Goes Match)
Andrew Ravens: Expect a lot of smoke and mirrors in this one as that is the only reason why the match was given a gimmick. Knoxville should go over as he is a babyface celebrity and let this feud be gone after this show. (Prediction: Johnny Knoxville)
Jaychele Nicole: This match is literally just going to pop me. The spots will hopefully be unpredictable and fresh. The ‘Anything Goes’ stipulation got me even more interested. I love when storylines and matches are built using social media and this feud/match has captivated that. Sami taking a loss to Knoxville won’t hurt him too much, and I bet the crowd would be cheer for a Knoxville win. (Prediction: Johnny Knoxville)
Michael Reichlin: This will be the most “entertaining” match of WrestleMania Sunday. I give Knoxville a lot of credit for going “all in” on this WWE run. He’s taken it seriously and has been actively building this match against Zayn with shenanigans that have gotten WWE mainstream attention from outlets like TMZ. Zayn, a classic heel, is at his best when he’s being outsmarted and complaining. Expect some involvement with the Jackass crew. (Prediction: Johnny Knoxville)
Consensus: Johnny Knoxville
Women’s Tag Team Champions Zelina Vega & Carmella vs. Sasha Banks & Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan vs. Natalya & Shayna Baszler
Andrew Ravens: Banks and Naomi should go over here as they’re the only team that can make these titles mean anything again. Once Banks and Bayley lost the titles as the inaugural champions, the titles went downhill. That could change briefly if Banks and Naomi become the champions. (Prediction: Sasha Banks and Naomi)
Michael Reichlin: One thing is for sure, in my eyes: we’re getting a title change. So, who wins? Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan have spoken about wanting to elevate the women’s tag titles. However, Sasha Bans and Naomi have the star power to truly elevate the underutilized championships. (Prediction: Sasha Banks and Naomi)
Jaychele Nicole: I can’t wait to see Sasha Banks & Naomi’s crowning moment in this match. I would’ve preferred to see Sasha in a singles match, but I am excited to see her partner back up with Naomi again. I am excited to see that a lot of my favorite women make it to the card, but I do have complaints about stuffing them all into one match. (Prediction: Sasha Banks & Naomi)
Consensus: Sasha Banks and Naomi win the Women’s Tag Titles
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy
Michael Reichlin: Orton and Riddle are really good together. They’ve developed a fun dynamic. I think the Street Profits are more ‘due’ for the titles, which would bring them up to that next level in the eyes of fans. (Predictions: Street Profits)
Jaychele Nicole: In my opinion, this is the perfect opportunity to turn RK-Bro. I am really hopeful that they have big plans for the Street Profits. I have always been a fan of them, and their last title run proved they are more than capable of leading the division. This is another match that I feel like could end up being a banger. (Prediction: Street Profits)
Andrew Ravens: WWE recently put the titles on RK-Bro and while I can see how The Street Profits would be good champions if WWE wanted to split Orton and Riddle up, it’s not likely as they could’ve worked together at this show in a singles match if that was the case. The champions should retain. (Prediction: RK-Bro)
Consensus: Street Profits win the Raw Tag Titles
Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
Andrew Ravens: Even with the help or no help from Vince McMahon, it doesn’t make sense for McAfee to drop a loss here unless WWE has more plans for him to wrestle. Let the babyface go over and get his win. Plus, this was a big spotlight for Theory, a heel, so he doesn’t lose any momentum. (Prediction: Pat McAfee)
Michael Reichlin: I’m really looking forward to this one, almost entirely because of Pat McAfee. Theory is a fun proxy for Vince McMahon and he’s a very skilled wrestler. He’ll be able to bump around and make Pat McAfee’s offense look like a million bucks. Let’s not forget the classic match McAfee had with Adam Cole in NXT. He’s no slouch himself. There are possible downsides to having an announcer defeat a member of the main roster, but McAfee is a big star and will get his WrestleMania moment to shine. (Prediction: Pat McAfee)
Jaychele Nicole: I am a bigger fan than most of Pat’s in-ring work. I am super excited to see what he pulls out for WrestleMania. Theory is definitely capable of giving Pat a good match like he deserves. As much as I love McAfee, this seems like an opportunity for Austin Theory to get a big win on a big stage. (Prediction: Austin Theory)
Consensus: Pat McAfee
Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar (Winner Takes All Championship Unification Match)
Jaychele Nicole: My prediction is not who I want to win. I’m actually rooting for Brock here since I feel like Reigns’ “Tribal Chief” character has gotten stale quickly due to the lack of character progression. Since I believe this will be Roman’s match, I hope that they are saving his eventual defeat for a young star who could be sent to the moon by their victory. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Michael Reichlin: This one is for all the marbles. It’s the biggest match that WWE can present, so I’m glad to see the company went with Lesnar vs. Reigns as the WrestleMania main event. Brock Lesnar is the most dominant athlete in WWE history. He’s doing some of the best work of his career, with this latest incarnation of his evolving character. All that said, Lesnar is here to ‘do business’ and give the rub to guys like Roman Reigns. Reigns is “the guy” and the company will never stop hammering that home. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Andrew Ravens: Roman Reigns wins here. I know Lesnar lost their previous encounter and while he is the babyface, Reigns is the guy in the company. Just because Lesnar is the babyface here doesn’t mean that he needs to win. Reigns can hold onto the title a bit longer and WWE will need to build up someone else to finally beat him. Reigns goes over clear to further signify him as the top guy. (Prediction: Roman Reigns)
Consensus: Roman Reigns is the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion
There you have it, our WrestleMania 38 predictions. Hit up the comments section and let us know what you think!
AEW’s Max Caster has impressed a lot of people with his mic skills in a short amount of time. With his rapper gimmick, the rising star has drawn obvious comparisons to John Cena, who originally got over with the audience with a similar character.
The Cenation Leader discussed a number of things talking to Forbs. He also offered some big praise to the Acclaimed Member. When asked if he could beat Caster in a rap battle, Cena said “I know of Max Caster very well, and the answer is no,”
The 16-time world champion said that hip hop is something that constantly evolves and moves forward. According to John Cena, Max is the better version of what he did:
“Hip-hop constantly evolves, and it constantly moves forward, and he is the better version of what I did. He’s really, really spectacular. As long as he keeps everything in realistic perspective, he shows great potential.”
The Hollywood star recalled the first time he heard the AEW star. He revealed that he immediately checked out more work of him and realized that he was spectacular.
Cena also claimed that he can’t give the young star any advice “because he’s punching far above my weight class.” John noted how Caster is gifted enough to rhyme to the beat live while he did his stuff a cappella to let the punchlines sink in.
The storyline of Seth Rollins’ mystery opponent has been one of the most hyped stories of WrestleMania this year. Though some recent reports of an old WWE name coming back have thrown a curveball in people’s way. It has made many wonder if Seth’s opponent will not be who people think it is. Rollins himself is promising that people won’t be disappointed, because he is capable of delivering on the promise himself.
The Architect recently appeared on the Sports Illustrated Media podcast. During the interview, he was asked if he believes his mystery opponent will live up to the hype. Replying to it, Rollins promises that it’s definitely going to be a big moment. Reminding people of his WrestleMania history, Seth said he is a moment in himself. He claimed that after Shawn Michaels he is the new Mr WrestleMania:
“I think, yeah, Saturday, Sunday, either way, I think it’s going to be a moment. One thing that I’ve learned on this journey of trying to find my way to WrestleMania is that I am Seth freaking Rollins. I am the moment. You look at WrestleMania over the last nine years, eight years, ten years, that I’ve been a part of it.” said Seth Rollins, “And all I do is make moments. It doesn’t matter who I’m in the ring with or what we’ve got going on. I find a way to make moments and so I am the moment. I am my own Main Event at WrestleMania.
Anybody who’s lucky enough to share the ring with me has a good chance to steal the show. You can run down a laundry list of my past WrestleMania accomplishments; we can do that all day but it’s right there in front of you. Took me a little while to see that but I am WrestleMania. I am the new Mr. WrestleMania. Shawn, he had his time. He’ll always be the original Mr. WrestleMania, but [if] you look at the track record in the last decade. They don’t get no better than me, baby!”
Sami Zayn’s character has gotten more ridiculous at every turn since his heel turn. The Great Liberator has received high praise for his amazing character work in recent times.
Though many have also wondered if we will see him going back to his babyface roots and bringing his NXT gimmick back anytime in future. The former NXT champion explained on The Cheap Heat podcast why he doesn’t want to do that.
Zayn mentioned how people ask him about his old character to this day. He claimed that he takes it as a positive but the guy people want to see doesn’t exist anymore:
“I take this as a positive because they have a lot of fondness towards my good guy days in NXT. There is a kinship there and they felt a connection to that character.
I’ll get messages saying, ‘When are we going to get that guy back?’” said Sami Zayn, “That guy doesn’t exist anymore.”
‘It Wouldn’t Be The Same’
Giving an example, Sami said that even if The Beatles came back today, you wouldn’t recapture the magic from the 60s. According to him it was lightning in the bottle and the Beatles today would be just the group playing songs from the 60s:
“Sometimes, you have to look at things that existed in that time and place and appreciate them for what they were and kind of wish that they wouldn’t come back because if they did come back, it wouldn’t be the same.”
Sami Zayn has not been announced for a match at WrestleMania this year. It’s possible that he will participate in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown.
AEW is known to not pull any punches when it comes to referencing WWE. Many AEW stars regularly take shots at the rival promotion and people like CM Punk are known to try and put the company down whenever they get the chance. However, Seth Rollins finds the constant references very tacky and low-brow.
The Monday Night Messiah discussed the difference between WWE’s and AEW’s approach of acknowledging the competition during his appearance on Sports Illustrated Media Podcast. He discussed his own mention of Jon Moxley during his recent feud with Roman Reigns.
Seth Rollins claimed that nobody said anything about it to him backstage. Everybody knows that Mox is a part of WWE’s history and the story of both Seth and Roman. The Architect then compared the moment to CM Punk’s mentions of WWE. He explained that references are fine when they are useful in a story. He went on to describe how AEW’s approach is very different:
“The other side of that coin is the way that it can be used by those guys. They can do whatever they want. I find it very tacky and low-brow, personally. I think it looks and reeks of desperation. I don’t think it’s anything on our television show that we need to go there and talk down about those guys.”
The former world champion later acknowledged that AEW is successfully doing their thing and said that he is very happy for them. Though he noted how Tony Khan’s promotion has a long way to go before they catch up with them. From Rollins’ perspective, it’s a step down for them to use this fact as an insult.
While the majority of the people in WWE refrain from even acknowledging the success of AEW, Paul Heyman has no problem in putting their rivals over.
The mad scientist of wrestling detailed his mindset during an appearance on Sports Media podcast. He said that he has no problem putting AEW over if the company does something that is worth it because he doesn’t live in a bubble.
Explaining why he doesn’t mind putting AEW over, Heyman mentioned how WWE has sold more tickets for this year’s WrestleMania than any previous year. According to him, he is not concerned about AEW until they can match this market dominance:
“They can’t match what we’re about to do next week.” said Paul Heyman, “Until they are in a position to match what we do next weekend, I’m not that concerned with praising the competition because they are still a long way away from what we do and our level of success, and our market dominance.”
The advocate also admitted that he watches AEW. He said that he would watch anything out there in the industry if he can get his hands on it.
Heyman said that he would even watch Antarctica All-Star Wrestling if there is such a thing. This awareness of the wrestling world is what allows him to keep up with up-and-coming stars such as Gable Steveson.
Michael Cole usually gets heat from fans for not focusing on the action inside the ring while calling the matches. Turns out, the longtime WWE announcer is aware of this criticism but he doesn’t have any problem with it, because he considers himself to be a ‘sports entertainment announcer.’
The veteran commentator explained his point of view during his most recent appearance on The Press Box podcast. He explained that WWE is not a wrestling company. It is mainly an entertainment company and so the style that he utilises is sports entertainment announcing:
“We’re not a wrestling company. WWE is an entertainment company. So the style that I utilize and the style that many people that work for me here in WWE utilize, is what I like to call sports entertainment announcing. A lot of people laugh at me about that. They’ll make jokes about it. But what we do here is much different than what they may do in other companies.”
Michael Cole gave the example of a 70s TV show called Taxi. He explained that people liked the show because they could connect with the characters in it, not because they were cab drivers in a garage. The same thing is true for WWE, where the wrestling ring is used as a focal point to resolve the conflicts. Though their main focus is on the stories and getting people interested in the characters:
“We just happen to use a wrestling ring as our focal point of where our conflicts are resolved. But in order for our business to be successful, you have to become emotionally invested in the characters and what we are selling. The majority of the people that watch our product, they enjoy wrestling of course, but they also get really into the soap opera style of what we do.”
Cole mentioned how there are other companies that strictly do wrestling. He explained that you are going to call a wrestling match differently than you are going to call a sport entertainment match. In WWE, they focus more on stories. According to him, the WWE commentators are storytellers, more than being the play-by-play guys.
