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Rhea Ripley Challenges Wrestling’s No-Weakness Culture

Thomas Lowson
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Rhea Ripley Challenges Wrestling’s No-Weakness Culture

While professional wrestling has long celebrated larger-than-life characters who never show weakness, Rhea Ripley isn’t afraid to open up on mental health. In a recent appearance on Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg, Ripley discussed how wrestling’s traditional “strong at all times” culture left her without role models she could relate to.

“Growing up in wrestling, everyone portrays themselves as larger than life and strong, like they have no weakness. I never really knew how to express myself, and I wish I had someone who expressed themselves—someone I could look up to and say, ‘Okay, I am normal. These are normal emotions. This is just what people go through sometimes.’”

While wrestling didn’t provide her with mental health role models growing up, Ripley found plenty within her own home. Though wrestling was a huge part of her childhood, it was her family her taught her the most important lessons.

“My mom’s very strong. My dad’s very quiet but strong. My sister—she’s emotional, but she’s younger than me, so it was okay, right? And for me, growing up in wrestling, everyone portrays themselves as larger than life and strong.”

Today, Ripley is the role model to countless people, and takes her role both as an inspiration and as a mental health advocate seriously. For the former Women’s World Champion, Ripley wants her fans to always know that they are not alone.

“I know a lot of my fans have mental problems. They go through struggles like a normal human, like everyone does, and I want them to know that I go through the same things. They can overcome whatever they want to overcome,” she said, emphasizing the connection between wrestler and fan experiences.”

Through WWE’s Unreal series and public statements, Ripley has deliberately shown her human side to help fans normalize opening up. Though wrestlers may have prided themselves on being unfazable characters in the past, a more modern-day role requires a new outlook.

“I like to talk about it all the time—because if someone can relate to it and it helps them get over whatever struggle they’re going through, then I’m doing my job right.”

By choosing vulnerability over the traditional wrestling facade, Ripley is proving that true strength comes from authentic connection with fans who face similar battles. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Rhea Ripley.

Rhea Ripley Names Turning Point of Her Main Roster Run

Paul Heyman Comes Clean Over Seth Rollins Injury & Cash-In

Thomas Lowson
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Paul Heyman Comes Clean Over Seth Rollins Injury & Cash-In

WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman has confirmed what many have suspected since SummerSlam: Seth Rollins was never hurt. In an exclusive interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Heyman confirmed that the entire injury plot that began at Saturday Night’s Main Event, was an elaborate work.

“Was he ever hurt? No. Never hurt. Even like when he was jumping around at Saturday night’s main event. No, that was plan B. Well, we we the the story since Mania is a power grab that this is Oh my god, I’m breaking. No, no, no. You’re good. You’re good. Um, this is what we’re calling the vision. And the vision was Seth Rollins in a position of power to lead WWE and indeed the entire industry into the future.”

Rollins cashed-in on CM Punk mere minutes after Punk won his first WWE World Championship in over a dozen years. In fact, it was Punk, Rollins’ fierce rival, who was the catalyst for the ruse.

“Seth Rollins realized he’s never going to be champion as long as CM Punk is around or at least as long as CM Punk sees Seth Rollins going for a title. So we need plan B. So plan B became get the money in the bank briefcase and get out of the way, out of sight, out of mind. So Punk never sees it coming.”

With Punk being the reason for the plot, it was ironic that the plan would culminate with Rollins taking the title from CM Punk. Calling this a “happy coinicidence,” Heyman added that they needed Punk sufficiently neutralized, and that was achieved by the powerful GUNTTHER.

“If CM Punk didn’t take that beating from Gunther, it would not have made sense for Seth for Seth Rollins to have cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase at SummerSlam. The idea was wait till a champion Gunther or Punk or anybody that could beat Gunther… is in a position of vulnerability cash it in so that Punk can’t interfere in the match to stop Seth Rollins from winning the title.”

For Heyman, a former friend of Punk, he is happy to back the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Whatever ties he may have to Punk are dead and buried.

“Half the fun of watching CM Punk win the title was the knowledge that Seth Rollins had that he was going to take it away from him. So that was the opportune moment to cash in and so we did and that was plan B.”

This revelation showcases WWE’s evolved approach to storytelling in the modern era with ideas that are able to develop over time. With Rollins already running afoul of Roman Reigns, and his issues with CM Punk still present, it remains to be seen what’s next for the new champion.

Cody Rhodes Reflects on ‘Final SummerSlam’ Moment with John Cena

Thomas Lowson
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Cody Rhodes Reflects on ‘Final SummerSlam’ Moment with John Cena

SummerSlam 2025 saw Cody Rhodes reclaim the WWE Championship for the second time, defeating John Cena in Night Two’s main event. For Rhodes, this wasn’t just the regaining of a title, but an opportunity to give John Cena a fitting final SummerSlam match.

As Cena’s career continues to tick away, many of John’s ‘final’ moments have already occurred. Speaking to ESPN to address the blockbuster WWE PLE-ESPN deal, Rhodes discussed his SummerSlam experience.

“When you get into the stadium game, sometimes all the sound in the world just shoots up. But this was a very rare moment where I could feel everything.”

Over two nights, 114,000 fans filled the stadium to watch SummerSlam, headlined by Cena Vs. Rhodes 2. For Rhodes, it represented both a career-defining moment and a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

“It’s John Cena and his final SummerSlam…to have a moment like that with them, that’s a stadium I’ll remember forever. It was one of those matches where you hear on commentary, ‘oh, these two guys will never be the same.’ I’d say it was pretty apt in that match with just some incredible bumps.”

Despite being at a later stage in his career, Cena’s performance impressed the new WWE Champion. While Rhodes left with the win and the gold, while Cena was left laid out by a returning Brock Lesnar, the ‘Unseen Seventeen’ has nothing to be ashamed of.

“To see John go at the pace he went at this point in his career, really just leaving his mark behind. This final run with him is really, really special. But I could do it again. I think I have to do it again.”

SummerSlam 2025 marked WWE’s inaugural two-night SummerSlam and another record-breaking attendance figure. For John Cena, it marked the end of his time at the ‘Biggest Party of the Summer,’ a send-off Rhodes was honored to be a part of.

Cody Rhodes Was Kept In The Dark Over WWE ESPN Deal

Cody Rhodes Was Kept In The Dark Over WWE ESPN Deal

Thomas Lowson
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Cody Rhodes Was Kept In The Dark Over WWE ESPN Deal

WWE’s blockbuster ESPN deal caught many by surprise, including new WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Speaking during his ESPN SportsCenter appearance, Rhodes shared that despite being a top name within the promotion, he was only given a few hours notice before the news broke.

“We were also talking off air—complete secrecy with this thing. They just gave me the Iggy. They said, ‘Hey…just be ready. There’s something’s going to happen on Wednesday, and look at this to be part of this family.’ What an honor.”

This sense of secrecy wasn’t confined to Rhodes alone. Instead, the secrecy extended throughout WWE’s roster, with talent placed “on standby” without knowing what was coming.

“I wasn’t going to tell anyone, you know. I didn’t know. You were like, we were all put on standby.”

The level of confidentiality speaks to the magnitude of the deal, which will bring WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Money in the Bank to ESPN platforms starting in 2026. The partnership represents one of WWE’s most significant business moves as the company continues its record-breaking momentum.

Even Rhodes, now in his second reign as WWE Champion, was kept largely in the dark until the final moment. This serves as a testament to WWE’s commitment to controlling the narrative around what he called “the perfect match” between sports entertainment and ESPN.

ESPN Become US Home of All WWE Premium Live Events Starting In 2026

GUNTHER Says Working Under Vince McMahon Was A ‘Losing Game’

Andrew Ravens
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GUNTHER Says Working Under Vince McMahon Was A ‘Losing Game’

Former World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER has opened up about the difference between working under Vince McMahon versus the current creative leadership of Paul “Triple H” Levesque, calling the old way a “losing game.”

During an appearance on The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast, “The Ring General” explained his frustration with the previous creative regime, where one person had the ultimate say on a superstar’s career.

“I feel like Vince [McMahon] was always kinda big on, ‘You gotta want it, you gotta give everything for it,’ and I always felt like if you invest your whole life into something that can only be decided by one person’s decision at the end of the day, that’s like a losing game,” GUNTHER said.

He contrasted that experience with the current environment, which he described as a “healthy culture shift in the business now.” Under the leadership of Triple H, GUNTHER has become one of the most dominant names on the WWE roster, holding the World Heavyweight Championship twice.

His success in the new era has been undeniable. He was chosen to be the opponent for Goldberg’s retirement match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. In addition, the host of the podcast, The Undertaker, recently stated that if he were to ever come out of retirement for one more match, GUNTHER would be the opponent he would choose.

John Cena Is Keeping His Post-SummerSlam Conversation With Cody Rhodes Private

Andrew Ravens
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John Cena Is Keeping His Post-SummerSlam Conversation With Cody Rhodes Private

Following their brutal Street Fight in the main event of SummerSlam last weekend, John Cena has commented on the private conversation he had in the ring with the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes. While Cena is keeping the details to himself, fan speculation is running rampant.

In a new interview with Adam’s Apple, the 17-time World Champion was asked what he said to Rhodes after the match. Cena made it clear that he intends to keep that moment between the two of them.

“If the world finds out about it, they won’t find out about it from me because that was between me and him.”

Despite Cena’s vow of silence, fans on social media have been trying to figure out what was said. Lip-readers have analyzed the footage, with one popular theory suggesting that Cena told his successor, “That’s the best I got. You just beat the real John Cena.”

The emotional moment came after a brutal Street Fight that saw Rhodes finally defeat Cena to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion. The match was the culmination of their long rivalry that began at WrestleMania 41 and was one of the final main events of Cena’s year-long retirement tour.

D-Von Dudley Calls WWE Spot One Of His ‘Most Embarrassing Moments’

Andrew Ravens
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D-Von Dudley Calls WWE Spot One Of His ‘Most Embarrassing Moments’

WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley has reflected on his legendary career full of broken tables, recalling a specific moment involving Kane that he considers to be one of his most embarrassing.

In a new video posted to his YouTube channel, D-Von discussed some of his most iconic table bumps. He singled out a moment where he was chokeslammed through a table by fellow Hall of Famer, Kane.

“Sometimes you just have to embarrass yourself on your own channel. And this me getting my ass kicked by Kane, is probably that most embarrassing moment, one of the most embarrassing moments,” Dudley said. “The man Chokeslammed me through a table, and my leg is shaking like there’s no tomorrow. I was flopping like a little fish. Kane, I loved working with him. I always put people over on my YouTube channel.”

D-Von went on to explain the physical reality of taking that specific bump, rating it a five out of ten and calling it one of the toughest of his career.

“Did it hurt? Yes, it did,” he stated. “It did hurt, especially when you have that table on the ground. Even though that black mat is underneath there, that’s still cement, and with the force of your body weight going through that table, the table breaks the fall by that much, and the mat, even smaller.”

He added, “I’m gonna say that table bump hurt, but not enough to where I was maimed or I couldn’t work the next day. It just put shock waves through my body… Probably the hardest, toughest bump I ever took, especially coming from a seven-foot giant such as Kane.”

D-Von also explained that he had a great career and was always in the ring with “true professionals that took care of me.” He made it clear that he refuses to “bury people” on his channel and has nothing but respect for the opponents he faced.

Paul Heyman Reacts To Goldberg Blasting WWE Over His Final Match

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Paul Heyman Reacts To Goldberg Blasting WWE Over His Final Match

Paul Heyman has reacted to Bill Goldberg’s recent tirade.

The Mad Genius of Wrestling recently had an interview with Ariel Helwani. He talked about things such as Brock Lesnar’s WWE return during SummerSlam, WWE Unreal on Netflix, Roman Reigns’ impact on the business, and much more.

When asked about Bill Goldberg putting WWE on blast over his retirement match, Paul Heyman said that he’s not surprised at how the former WCW Champion feels after everything that happened:

“It’s Bill. Bill Goldberg had very, very high expectations for WWE. In Bill Goldberg’s mind, they weren’t met. I’m not gonna sit here and tell you Bill Goldberg was wrong.

I’m not going to tell you WWE was wrong. I’m going to tell you this is how Goldberg felt and he’s not shy in letting people know how he feels. I’m not surprised. It’s Bill. This is how he feels, and he’s going to let you know about it.”

Goldberg competed in what was advertised as his final match during the July 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event. He challenged Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship but ended up losing the bout.

Unfortunately for the wrestling veteran, reports suggested that the last 40 minutes of the show were re-worked on the fly and as a result, his post-match speech was cut off from the broadcast.

The former WCW star went on a rant during an interview with Ariel Helwani after the match. He called out the company for the poor build and the mismanagement of his final outing, accusing them of not reciprocating the effort he put in the preparation for this match.

Drew McIntyre Reveals His Take On Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Drew McIntyre Reveals His Take On Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return

Drew McIntyre wants you to remember that he beat Brock Lesnar.

Top WWE names have been supportive of Brock’s controversial SummerSlam return. WWE CCO Triple H said that it is incredible to have the former world champion back in the company, while Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes said that he fits right in the direction the promotion is taking.

The Scottish Warrior was also asked about the same during his recent interview with The West Sport. Mcintyre suggested that Brock’s return did not surprise him:

“I just thought, ‘There’s Brock. There he is.’ It’s not like anything crazy. I just, you know, saw him come out.

I had wrestled Night One of SummerSlam on the Saturday, the first two-day SummerSlam ever. Very successful—113,000 people over two days. And I’d finished my last appearance.”

The Guy I Beat: Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre had a more balanced take on the situation compared to his peers. He noted how the Beast Incarnate is someone who causes a lot of headlines and is part of his own history in the company:

“I got on a plane. I believe I had just arrived home in the Nashville area here when I saw it, and I went, ‘Oh, there he is.’ Brock is back. And you know he’s the Beast.

He causes a lot of headlines. And most importantly, he’s also the guy I beat in the main event of WrestleMania for my first WWE Championship… in five minutes.”

The former world champion faced Brock Lesnar in the main event of WrestleMania 36 after winning the 2020 Royal Rumble. Unfortunately for Drew, the event was held in the performance center without an audience, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tony Khan Says AEW Star Will Be Out of Action ‘For A Long Time.’

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Tony Khan Says AEW Star Will Be Out of Action ‘For A Long Time.’

Tony Khan has commented on the injury of a top AEW star.

The AEW president recently appeared on My Mom’s Basement podcast. Among other things, he talked about Jon Moxley’s recently concluded reign as the World Champion during the interview.

Khan discussed how Mox had a vision for the promotion and he wanted to make AEW better by challenging young talents to step up. He mentioned some of the names that benefited from feuding with Moxley. While talking about Jay White, he said that the former Bullet Club leader will be out of action for a long time:

“You saw wrestlers step up—some of them challenged Jon Moxley along the way and fell. Early on, there were casualties in Jon Moxley’s reign like Orange Cassidy and certainly Darby Allin, who made great runs at Jon Moxley.

Jay White, one of the best wrestlers in the world, got injured along the way and is going to be out for a long time.”

Tony Khan also hinted that White’s injury led to some big creative changes. He said Jay is a superstar who is always figured into their plans and if someone like that gets injured then that’s going to affect your planning.

Jay White last wrestled during the March 29 episode of Collision against Kevin Knight. He had announced his entry into the 2025 Owen Hart Cup. A hand injury, however, forced him to withdraw from the tournament and he was written off TV with an attack from Death Riders.

Backstage News on Potential WrestleMania In Saudi Arabia

Anutosh Bajpai
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Backstage News on Potential WrestleMania In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia might be getting a WrestleMania in the coming times.

Rumors about the Middle Eastern country potentially holding WWE’s biggest PPV of the year picked up when Chairman of the Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh teased a ‘massive entertainment event’ coming to the Kingdom in 2027.

Fightful Select recently provided an update on the whole matter. They noted that the Kingdom has wanted a Mania-level show for a long time and it’s not out of the question for TKO:

“We reported on May 30 that WWE had considered doing a special WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia, as the country wants a WrestleMania-level show. It is certainly not out of the question based on what we heard, but sources we spoke to believe that a standard North American WrestleMania would still happen.”

WWE is set to host the 2026 Royal Rumble from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and bringing the Show of Shows to the country next seems like a logical step for the promotion.

Though the officials are more likely to host a special with the WrestleMania branding at a different time of the year, similar to the ‘Greatest Royal Rumble’ from 2018.

Whether or not this is the event Al-Sheikh was talking about should be revealed soon. Stay tuned to SEScoops for more updates.

Watch: R-Truth Reunites With John Cena On SmackDown

Anutosh Bajpai
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Watch: R-Truth Reunites With John Cena On SmackDown

R Truth is back!

The Attitude Era star reunited with his childhood hero John Cena on this week’s episode of SmackDown from Montreal, Canada. This came after Cena turned babyface again at last week’s episode of the Blue Branded show.

The two WWE veterans seemed unsure of each other at first but they quickly left the doubts behind. Seeing Cena back in his face avatar, Truth exclaimed, “You’re back! You’re really back! If you back, I’m back! We’re back!”

After sharing a hug, John Cena told R-Truth that he was acting weird the last few months, being mean to people and saying that he wanted to ‘ruin wrestling.’ The Cenation Leader then left, leaving the former NWA champion confused:

The two WWE stars feuded during Cena’s heel run. John defeated Truth in a match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in May, after which Truth was released from the company.

Truth attacked Cena in his return at the Money In The Bank PPV leading to another match ending in DQ. The 53-year-old then cut his hair during a promo on SmackDown and adapted a more serious persona.

With the latest segment, it appears we’ll be getting the old R-Truth back on WWE programming, alongside the return of the babyface John Cena.

Watch: What Happened With Sami Zayn After SmackDown From Montreal Went Off Air

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Watch: What Happened With Sami Zayn After SmackDown From Montreal Went Off Air

A lot happened after this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown from Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, went off air.

The main event of the show saw John Cena teaming up with Cody Rhodes to square off against Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul. This came after the Cenation Leader accepted the YouTuber’s challenge for a match at the upcoming Clash In Paris PPV earlier in the night.

Paul ended up low-blowing John, causing the tag team match to end in DQ. The two PPV opponents went through the entrance area while trading blows after the bell, and they weren’t seen again. McIntyre at the ringside unleashed a brutal attack on Rhodes and he was the last one standing tall as the broadcast ended.

What Happened After SmackDown

Cody Rhodes was helped up by the security and medical after the show went off air. The Undisputed WWE Champion was able to get back on his own.

There were two dark matches that took place after the broadcast. The first saw Bayley taking on Raquel Rodriguez in a singles bout which the horsewoman won.

Hometown star Sami Zayn came out after this to address the crowd. He was attacked by El Grande Americano however, resulting in an impromptu match which Zayn won. The Canadian star then spoke to the crowd for a while and also brought a kid in the ring to end the night.

Drew McIntyre Destroys Cody Rhodes on SmackDown After Attacking John Cena

Michael Reichlin
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Drew McIntyre Destroys Cody Rhodes on SmackDown After Attacking John Cena

Drew McIntyre made a bold statement on SmackDown’s August 8, 2025 episode, blindsiding John Cena during an in-ring segment before Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes arrived to make the save.

The Scottish Warrior escalated matters later in the show by attacking Rhodes with the championship belt and delivering a devastating Claymore, making his intentions crystal clear.

This aggressive move continues a storyline that began with McIntyre’s July 4 SmackDown return, where he confronted Rhodes and Randy Orton. During that confrontation, McIntyre explicitly stated he wanted Rhodes to win the title so he could be the one to take it from him, positioning himself as the “alpha” before Orton dropped him with an RKO.

Championship Implications

McIntyre’s calculated attacks on both Cena and Rhodes signal his positioning at the front of the line for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship. Given his on-screen declarations since returning, fans can expect continued hostilities between the two superstars, likely leading to a high-profile singles challenge or tag team match as the next step in their brewing rivalry.

The August 8 episode served as the first SmackDown following SummerSlam Night Two, where Rhodes reclaimed the Undisputed WWE Title. McIntyre’s attack represents a direct challenge to the new champion’s reign, setting up what promises to be an intense feud moving forward.

This rivalry has deep roots, with the two wrestlers having several high-profile matches and angles dating back to early 2024, including televised bouts on Raw and various live events throughout their ongoing competitive history.

John Cena vs Logan Paul Confirmed for WWE Clash in Paris

Michael Reichlin
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John Cena vs Logan Paul Confirmed for WWE Clash in Paris

John Cena vs Logan Paul has been confirmed for WWE Clash in Paris on August 31, 2025. The match was announced during the August 8 episode of WWE SmackDown, where Logan Paul issued a challenge to Cena for the premium live event.

How the Match Was Set Up

The confrontation began when Cena opened SmackDown addressing his loss of the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar’s attack at SummerSlam. Cena issued an open challenge to anyone who had a problem with him, which led to Logan Paul confronting his former tag team partner. Before Cena could respond to Paul’s challenge, Drew McIntyre attacked him, prompting Cody Rhodes to make the save.

After the brawl was settled, Cena accepted Paul’s challenge for WWE Clash in Paris. The announcement also included a tag team match for that same SmackDown episode, featuring Cena and Rhodes vs Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre.

Event Details

WWE Clash in Paris 2025 will take place at the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, France on August 31, 2025. This match represents one of John Cena’s final singles matches during his retirement tour.

Fan Reaction and Context

The matchup has generated mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing disappointment that one of Cena’s limited remaining matches is being used against Logan Paul rather than other potential opponents. This will mark the third match between Cena and Paul during Cena’s retirement tour, as they previously teamed together at WWE Money in the Bank against Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso.

The current card for Clash in Paris also includes Naomi defending the WWE Women’s World Championship against Stephanie Vaquer.

Drew McIntyre Hopes To “Send John Cena Right Into Retirement”

Andrew Ravens
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Drew McIntyre Hopes To “Send John Cena Right Into Retirement”

With John Cena’s retirement tour in its final months, another top WWE superstar has thrown his name into the hat for one of the legend’s final matches. Drew McIntyre has stated he would like to face Cena at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel premium live event in Perth, Australia.

Speaking on SEN Sporting Capital, McIntyre expressed his desire to be one of the final opponents of Cena’s legendary career. The event in Perth on October 11 is one of the dozen appearances Cena has left before his retirement in December.

“John Cena, that would be a fun match in Perth. I need to get one of those last matches,” McIntyre said. “I’ll be very happy to send him right into retirement. He’s doing a great job in Hollywood. Peacemaker is amazing. I’ll be happy to kick him out the door and continue the good work he’s doing outside of the company.”

McIntyre also took a shot at Cena’s recent character shift, referencing his apparent return to his classic babyface persona on last week’s episode of SmackDown after a five-month run as a heel. “Now that he’s Super Cena again, I don’t want any part of these last six months. What a waste of time,” McIntyre joked.

A one-on-one match between the two would be a first-time-ever encounter on a premium live event. While they have shared the ring in multi-man matches in the past, they have never had a major singles program, making it a dream match for many WWE fans.

Update On The Status Of WWE’s Planned European Brand

Andrew Ravens
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Update On The Status Of WWE’s Planned European Brand

A new report has provided a discouraging update on the long-planned NXT Europe brand, suggesting that the project may have been quietly shelved by WWE. According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, internal talk about the proposed brand has completely ceased.

In the newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported on the current status of the project, which was intended to be the successor to NXT UK. His report indicates that the brand is no longer a topic of discussion within the company. “In WWE, virtually all talk about NXT Europe is non-existent.”

NXT Europe was first announced in August 2022, and the existing NXT UK brand was officially closed down to make way for the new, pan-continental project. The goal was to recruit and develop talent from all over Europe to create a new pipeline to the main roster. The launch has been repeatedly delayed for several years.

This new report that the brand is no longer being discussed internally contradicts previous claims from Paul “Triple H” Levesque, who had stated in the past that NXT Europe was still in the works despite the long delays. The project’s future now appears to be in serious doubt.

The report that NXT Europe is no longer being discussed internally suggests a potential shift in WWE’s global expansion strategy. While a company-owned European brand may not be a current priority, WWE has found great success in forming partnerships with established international promotions like TNA Wrestling, Lucha Libre AAA in Mexico, and Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan. These relationships have allowed WWE to feature global talent without the need for a dedicated overseas brand. The full report can be found in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

AEW All In: Texas Buyrate Higher Than Originally Estimated

Andrew Ravens
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AEW All In: Texas Buyrate Higher Than Originally Estimated

A new report has provided an updated pay-per-view buyrate for the AEW All In: Texas event from July 12, and the number is even higher than first estimated. In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that the show is now estimated to have done between 180,000 to 185,000 buys.

This new estimate is an increase from the initial report on July 18, which had the show pegged at 175,000 buys. The updated figure means that All In: Texas could potentially end up as the third highest-selling pay-per-view in the history of All Elite Wrestling.

The current record-holders for the company are AEW All Out 2021 (estimated 215,000 buys), AEW All In 2023 from Wembley Stadium (estimated 200,000 buys), and AEW Revolution 2024 (estimated 180,000 buys). Depending on the final number, All In: Texas will be in the mix with Revolution 2024 for the number three spot on the all-time list.

The All In: Texas buyrate marks a significant success for AEW in 2025, showing considerable growth from their other premium events this year. For comparison, the Double or Nothing pay-per-view in May did an estimated 125,000 buys, and the Revolution pay-per-view in March did an estimated 135,000 buys. It was also previously reported that the company recorded $725,000 in merchandise revenue at All In, the highest figure for a non-WWE show in the United States or Canada.

The report confirms that All In: Texas was a major financial success for AEW, driven by a card that saw “Hangman” Adam Page win the AEW World Championship. The company will look to continue this momentum with its next major pay-per-view, the annual AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door crossover event, which takes place on August 24 and will air live from Wembley Stadium in London, England. The full, detailed report on AEW’s business can be read in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Karrion Kross Says Fans Will Know His Future ‘Very Soon’

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Karrion Kross Says Fans Will Know His Future ‘Very Soon’

Karrion Kross is not saying anything about his future yet, but promising that fans will know all about it very soon.

The WWE status of the former NXT Champion has been one of the biggest topics of speculation among fans in recent weeks. With reports of his current deal expiring soon, a lot of people have been wondering if the SummerSlam loss to Sami Zayn was his last appearance for the company.

During his interview with The Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast on Thursday, Karrion Kross confirmed that he was still under contract. The 40-year-old told fans that the only way they’re gonna get the real scoop is through him:

“I’m still under contract. I saw a bunch of stuff online today—what is today? Thursday? I don’t know when you’re putting this up, but today’s Thursday. I saw a bunch of stuff online today.

I don’t know where it’s coming from, and I don’t care to speak to any of it. But I mean, all I can tell you is the only way you’re going to get the real story is when you get it from me. That’s all I can tell you.”

They’re Gonna Know: Karrion Kross

Karrion Kross also promised fans that they won’t have to wait long to know what the future holds for him, and everything will become clear very soon:

“I can’t really speak to any of the legitimacy of anything that is being recently reported, but I’ll tell you right now, everyone’s going to know exactly what’s going on very soon. They’re gonna know.”

Fightful Select reports that Kross’ WWE contract ends on August 10. If true, that should be the date when we get a concrete answer about his future with the company

Brock Lesnar Remained a Top-Paid WWE Star During Absence

Michael Reichlin
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Brock Lesnar Remained a Top-Paid WWE Star During Absence

WWE maintained Brock Lesnar as one of their highest-paid performers throughout his recent absence while facing legal issues, according to Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer.

The Beast Incarnate was never suspended and remained under full contract during the period when he was absent from WWE programming. Meltzer’s report reveals that Lesnar continued receiving his substantial compensation despite not appearing on television.

“Brock Lesnar was still, even though not used, fully paid during that time period (of his absence) and was among the highest paid wrestlers in the company,” Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “He was never suspended, and obviously kept under contract. If what he did was going to end their relationship with him, he’d have been let go. That’s the reality.”

Paul Heyman: Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return Happened ‘Real Quick’ – Just Weeks in Planning

The report suggests WWE’s financial commitment to Lesnar indicated their confidence in his eventual return. Rather than cutting ties or suspending the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, the company maintained his lucrative deal while legal matters were resolved.

According to Meltzer, Lesnar received legal clearance approximately one month before his return, though this information was kept confidential. “He was always going to return when legal cleared him. Legal cleared him about one month prior to the show, which was kept secret, and allowed for the return.”

The revelation provides insight into WWE’s handling of talent during legal controversies. By maintaining Lesnar’s contract and compensation, the company demonstrated their belief that the situation would be resolved favorably.

Lesnar’s absence from WWE programming had sparked speculation about his future with the company. However, Meltzer’s report indicates WWE never considered the situation career-ending, maintaining their investment in one of their most prominent stars throughout the legal process.

GUNTHER Had Brutally Honest Response For Devoted Fan

Andrew Ravens
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GUNTHER Had Brutally Honest Response For Devoted Fan

Former World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER recently shared a story from a meet and greet that perfectly illustrates his no-nonsense persona. While most wrestlers would be thrilled by a fan’s dedication, “The Ring General” offered some brutally honest advice to a fan who had traveled a long way to see him.

Appearing on The Undertaker’s podcast, GUNTHER recounted a recent meet and greet where he was told a fan had driven nine hours for the event. His response was not what the fan was likely expecting.

“I did like meet and greet recently, and there was like one person they said drove like nine hours or something to the meet and greet,” GUNTHER said. “And I said to her ‘I appreciate it, but never do it again. Do something with your time that actually benefits you.’ It’s like a waste of time.”

GUNTHER acknowledged that his response seemed to upset the fan, but he stood by his advice, feeling it was the only responsible thing to say. “And I felt like she looked a bit sad, but I felt like that’s the only responsible thing to say at that point,” he explained.

GUNTHER’s comments come less than a week after his dominant reign as World Heavyweight Champion came to an end at SummerSlam. He was defeated by CM Punk in the main event of Night One, only for Seth Rollins to immediately cash in his Money in the Bank contract on Punk. It has since been reported that the bloody nose GUNTHER suffered in the match was a planned angle to write him off of television so he can undergo legitimate surgery for a nose issue, and he is expected to be out of action for several months.

WWE SmackDown Preview: SummerSlam Fallout Rocks Montreal

Michael Reichlin
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WWE SmackDown Preview: SummerSlam Fallout Rocks Montreal

WWE SmackDown tonight (August 8, 2025) emanates from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, and promises a seismic show as the fallout from SummerSlam takes center stage. Expect fallout from SummerSlam, and the build to Clash in Paris just 23 days away.

Who is Cody Rhodes’ next challenger?

New Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to address fans for the first time since regaining the title in a dramatic Street Fight victory over John Cena. With Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton both targeting the top prize, Rhodes could face challenges from multiple directions.

Rivalry Renewed

All eyes are also on John Cena, who not only lost the championship but suffered a brutal post-match attack by Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Cena will be live in Montreal.

Tiffy Time

In the women’s division, Tiffany Stratton stands tall after turning back Jade Cargill’s challenge at SummerSlam. Tonight may see a new number one contender emerge, with GM Nick Aldis expected to announce a pivotal matchup.

Other featured superstars advertised for the show include Randy Orton, Jacob Fatu, LA Knight, and the Wyatt Sicks.

Expect WWE to announce matches for Smackdown later in the day, and we’ll post them here at SEScoops.

Jim Ross Confirms Next AEW Appearance

Andrew Ravens
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Jim Ross Confirms Next AEW Appearance

Legendary announcer and WWE Hall of Famer “Good Ol’ JR” Jim Ross is set to make his return to the AEW broadcast booth in just a few weeks. On his latest podcast, Ross revealed that he will be traveling to London, England, to call a portion of the upcoming AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view.

Speaking on the latest edition of his Grillin’ JR podcast, Jim Ross confirmed that he has been in communication with AEW President Tony Khan and that he will be a part of the broadcast team for the major co-promoted event at The O2 Arena on Sunday, August 24. He stated that the plan is for him to “call a couple matches” on the show. Ross expressed his excitement about the opportunity and his admiration for the venue.

“Found out this week that, via my communication with Tony Khan, that he wants me to be in London at The O2 to call a couple matches. I’m going to London and that’s a hell of a building.”

His return will add a legendary and familiar voice to what is one of AEW’s biggest and most anticipated shows of the year.

This will be Jim Ross’s second major pay-per-view appearance since his recent return from a serious health issue. The 73-year-old recently confirmed that he is once again cancer-free after undergoing successful surgery to remove colon cancer earlier this year. He made his emotional return to the commentary desk for the All In Texas pay-per-view this past July.

WWE Has No Current Plans To Turn Top Star Heel

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Has No Current Plans To Turn Top Star Heel

Despite recent speculation fueled by the superstar himself, there are reportedly “no plans” for the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, to turn heel in the foreseeable future. A new report indicates that WWE is fully committed to Rhodes as its top babyface and that his recent teases of a character shift were a deliberate misdirection aimed at a specific segment of the fanbase.

According to a new report from WrestleVotes Radio, WWE has no intention of turning its top star to the dark side. Since his return to the company at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, Cody Rhodes has been presented as the ultimate hero, a journey that culminated this past weekend when he defeated a heel John Cena at SummerSlam to win the Undisputed WWE Championship for a second time. The new report confirms that this heroic persona is here to stay. WWE and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, see Rhodes as their definitive top babyface and have little interest in altering the character that has connected so deeply with the audience.

The recent buzz about a potential heel turn was largely sparked by Rhodes’s own comments in recent interviews, where he discussed his extreme vision for what a villainous version of the “American Nightmare” might look like. However, the WrestleVotes report suggests that this was not a hint of things to come, but rather a “strategic misdirection.”

Sources for the report suggested that these comments were intentionally done as a way of engaging a “corner of fandom”—the more hardcore, online audience that often calls for more complex, anti-hero characters. By acknowledging the possibility of a darker side, Rhodes can maintain his “cool factor” with this demographic without ever actually betraying his heroic character. This fits perfectly within his long-term storyline, which has seen him resist the temptations offered by figures like The Rock, who literally wanted him to “sell his soul.”

The report also highlights the significant business reasons why a Cody Rhodes heel turn is highly unlikely. As the face of the company, Rhodes’s value to WWE extends far beyond the ring. He is a major ambassador for the brand, a massive merchandise seller, and the face of numerous corporate partnerships.

John Cena Retirement Match Will Not Be At PPV (Report)

Anutosh Bajpai
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John Cena Retirement Match Will Not Be At PPV (Report)

Unofficial details have emerged about John Cena’s final match.

The Cenation Leader is on a year-long retirement tour, which is expected to conclude in December. After his SummerSlam match with Cody Rhodes, the 17-time world champion has a total of 12 appearances left as an active performer.

A new report from Wrestling Observer has now provided an update on how this run is expected to end. It noted that with the return of Evolution in July, and the addition of a second night to SummerSlam, the company will be able to fulfil this year’s PLE commitment to Peacock with the Survivor Series PPV set for November.

This means, however, that the promotion will not be holding a PLE in December, and Cena’s retirement will come at a televised show instead.

John Cena previously stated that his retirement match is expected in mid-December, and his father told a local news outlet that his final bout will take place in his hometown arena of TD Garden in Boston.

The most likely scenario is for the company to hold its final Saturday Night’s Main Event of 2025 in the area on December 13, featuring Cena’s final wrestling match.

WWE has yet to announce any official details, and things could change between now and December, but as of right now, this seems to be direction for John’s retirement match.

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