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The Rock Was “Really Hungry To Do” His Dramatic Turn In “The Smashing Machine”

Andrew Ravens
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The Rock Was “Really Hungry To Do” His Dramatic Turn In “The Smashing Machine”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has officially arrived at the Venice Film Festival for the world premiere of his new A24 drama, “The Smashing Machine.” In a press conference for the film, Johnson, alongside his co-star Emily Blunt and director Benny Safdie, discussed his dramatic transformation for the role and the emotional journey of bringing the story of MMA legend Mark Kerr to the screen.

The film represents a significant departure for Johnson, who is known for his blockbuster action films. In “The Smashing Machine,” he takes on the role of Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion who battled a harrowing addiction to painkillers. Johnson admitted that he was “really hungry” to take on such a challenging and emotionally driven role. “I had been very fortunate to have the career that I’ve had over the years and to make the films that I’ve made, but there was just a voice inside of me, a little voice that said, ‘Well, what if I could do more — I want to do more and what does that look like?’” Johnson said.

His co-star, Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples, and is a close friend of Johnson’s in real life, praised his complete immersion into the character. “One of the most extraordinary things was seeing him completely disappear, like spooky,” she told reporters. “I remember when you walked in as Mark for the first time. It changed the air in the room.” Blunt reportedly played a key role in connecting Johnson with director Benny Safdie after they worked together on the film “Oppenheimer.”

Johnson became emotional during the press conference as he discussed Kerr’s personal struggles, which were chronicled in a 2002 HBO documentary of the same name. With the real Mark Kerr in attendance, Johnson grew teary-eyed as he spoke about the story. “Mark was the greatest fighter in the world at one point, but this film is not even really about fighting — it’s a love story,” Johnson said. “It’s a love story about Mark and Dawn in this relationship… As you know, Mark OD’d twice, and he’s lucky to be alive — and that’s part of why this story is so special.”

Johnson credited both Safdie and Blunt for giving him the confidence to take on such a demanding and vulnerable role, admitting that it can be hard to know what you’re capable of when you’ve been “pigeon-holed.”

“The Smashing Machine” will be released on October 3. The full story from the Venice Film Festival can be read in The Hollywood Reporter.

Nikki Bella Vows WWE Return Is Just Beginning After Paris Loss

Thomas Lowson
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Nikki Bella Vows WWE Return Is Just Beginning After Paris Loss

Nikki Bella didn’t leave Paris as the new WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, but the Hall of Famer is not down and out just yet. Taking to X, Nikki reflected on her match with Becky Lynch. Nikki thanked her ‘Bella Army’ fanbase. While acknowledging that she “fell short,” Nikki vowed that this is “only the beginning” and found beauty that her return has just begun.

Nikki battled Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinenal Title, as the Hall of Famer hoped to capture her first championship in wrestling in a decade. While it was Lynch who left Paris with the gold, Nikki’s comments certainly suggest that things are only just getting started.

Lynch would make herself known later in the show as she would prove crucial in Seth Rollins retaining the World Heavyweight Championship. With Nikki’s return far from over and Lynch set to do more with her husband, it remains to be seen if fans could soon see Bella sharing the screen with the top men of Monday Night Raw.

Nikki Bella Says The WWE Women’s Locker Room Wants Brie Bella Back

Swerve Strickland Back In The Gym After Meniscus Surgery

Thomas Lowson
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Swerve Strickland Back In The Gym After Meniscus Surgery

Swerve Strickland is already working out after his recent surgery, proving the adage that you can’t keep a good man down for long. On social media, the former AEW World Champion gave fans a glimpse at his post-surgery workout.

Strickland successfully underwent meniscus surgery on Wednesday, August 27 to address a knee injury that had been affecting him since 2019. There’s no word on when he is expected back in the ring, but in an earlier post, Strickland shared that the surgery had been a success.

Strickland was written off TV at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in London. After losing his AEW Unified Championship match to Kazuchika Okada, Swerve’s knee was targeted in a post-match beatdown, taking him off of the show.

AEW will now have to go on ahead without Swerve and without Will Ospreay, who is also taking time off for surgery. With Swerve already back in the gym, fans hope that it won’t be long before AEW proves to be Swerve’s house once more.

Swerve Strickland Says “It’s Time To Start Gatekeeping Wrestling Again”

CM Punk Slams Insane Behavior As Fans Mob Rhea Ripley

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk Slams Insane Behavior As Fans Mob Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley’s time in Paris will be an experience she likely won’t forget anytime soon, albeit not for good reasons. In a clip that has gone viral, Rhea was mobbed by fans in France, resulting in her struggling to get into a car and carry on with her day.

This videa has once again sparked a discussion about the role of wrestlers in public and the appropriateness of fans wanting to meet them. On X, CM Punk called at these fans as showing an “insane” behavior, and could only imagine how Ripley felt in the moment.

Rhea herself also shared a statement on the matter via X. In it, Ripley hoped that fans remember she is a human being worthy of respect like anybody else, and added that “no means no.”

The topic of fans going too far with wrestlers often comes up, with Saraya recently changing her policy for meeting fans because of an unfortunate incident. Until fans learn to respect boundaries, fans shouldn’t be surprised if more wrestlers become stricter about whether fans can get near them.

CM Punk Confronts Groping Fan After WWE Raw Incidents

John Cena On Styles Clash: I Had To Say Thank-You To AJ

Thomas Lowson
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John Cena On Styles Clash: I Had To Say Thank-You To AJ

John Cena not only won at WWE Clash in Paris against Logan Paul but did so in ‘Phenomenal’ fashion. In the closing minutes of his showdown with Paul, Cena busted out a Styles Clash, a nod to AJ Styles and his highly-popular feud with the Phenomenal One from 2016.

During the post-show, Cena addressed his use of the Styles Clash. Cena acknowledged that with just a handful of appearances left to his name, the opportunity to share the ring with everyone he wants is narrow.

Cena may not have time to have a feud with AJ Styles once more, but he can pay homage to their past in different ways. For John, using the Styles Clas was a tribute to somebody who gave him one of the best feuds of his career.

“The best way I can say thank you to some of those people who affected my career is to kind of pay homage… doing some stuff that I don’t normally do out there.”

Cena wrapped up his discussion by saying “I gotta shout out AJ,” to the delight of the fans. While a Cena-Styles rematch may not be in the cards in these final few months of John’s in-ring career, the Greatest of All Time will never forget his time working with the Phenomenal One.

John Cena On Being WWE’s GOAT: Winners Right the History Books

CM Punk Teases AJ Lee After WWE Clash in Paris Loss

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk Teases AJ Lee After WWE Clash in Paris Loss

CM Punk is ready to bring in some back-up after his loss at WWE Clash in Paris’ main event. During the World Heavyweight Title match, Punk appeared poised to win before he was low-blowed by Becky Lynch. Lynch’s attack would allow for her husband Seth Rollins to get the win and retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Lynch’s attack has had fans excited at the prospect of AJ Lee’s return over a decade after her final match in WWE. After the show, Punk seemed intrigued at a fan’s sign encouraging him to bring his wife back to wrestling.

It’s not just in Paris that Punk has suggested a Lee return. On X, Punk shared a gif of AJ from her WWE days, sending those in the comments into a frenzy about a potential return.

During the Clash in Paris post-show, attention also turned to AJ Lee. Big E suggested that Punk bring in his wife to combat the Rollins/Lynch combo.

“This man CM Punk, he’s got a wife too. I’ve known her to kick some ass. I’m just saying. I’m just saying… Something people have wanted for many, many years.”

Whether AJ Lee returns or not, traction behind the idea of Lee’s return has reportedly never been higher. Whatever comes next, fans will continue to live in hope that AJ’s return is a question of when, not if.

CM Punk On Seth Rollins’ Injury Ruse: “He Even Lied To His Daughter”

ESPN Response To Stephanie McMahon Plugging VPN

Thomas Lowson
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ESPN Response To Stephanie McMahon Plugging VPN

Stephanie McMahon’s recent VPN ad read on her What’s Your Story? podcast has stirred some issues with ESPN, it has been reported. According to Fightful Select, “At least one source we spoke to at ESPN ‘wasn’t thrilled’ by the VPN ad read on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast.” While the insider didn’t expect it to become a “major issue,” they acknowledged the awkwardness given WWE’s partnership with ESPN.

The plug came during a mid-show ad break on McMahon’s podcast. Stephanie suggested that fans use a VPN to access international Netflix content. Doing so would allow fans in the U.S. to avoid ESPN’s $30-per-month PLE model in favor of the much more cost-effective alternative provided by Netflix for fans outside the United States.

The new ESPN deal, valued by Logan Paul on SmackDown at $1.6 billion, has already drawn criticism from American viewers. Now, fans in the States must pay for both a Netflix subscription to get access to WWE Raw and other programming, while also paying for ESPN for PLEs.

VPNs should help fans in the U.S. save money, albeit at the cost of WWE’s prtners at ESPN. The VPN suggestion didn’t sit well with at least one ESPN contact, and time will tell if McMahon delivers another plug like it.

Stephanie McMahon On How Jiu-Jitsu Helped Her Rediscover Herself

Report: “More Traction” Than Ever On A Potential AJ Lee WWE Return

Andrew Ravens
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Report: “More Traction” Than Ever On A Potential AJ Lee WWE Return

The finish to the main event of the WWE Clash in Paris premium live event has added fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding a potential in-ring return for former Divas Champion, AJ Lee. A new report from Fightful Select has provided backstage details on the situation, noting that there is “more traction on it of late than in previous years.”

The main event of the show saw Seth Rollins retain his World Heavyweight Championship in a fatal four-way match. The finish came when Becky Lynch, Rollins’s wife, interfered and delivered a low blow to CM Punk, allowing Rollins to get the win. The angle immediately led to fan speculation about a potential mixed tag team match pitting Rollins and Lynch against Punk and his wife, AJ Lee.

According to the Fightful Select report, the speculation is not just coming from the fans. “WWE sources have indicated that AJ Lee’s name has been brought up in numerous pitches internally of late,” the report states. It was also noted that some of those pitches “weren’t quite shut down like they used to be.”

While the report makes it clear that a return is not confirmed, the interference from Lynch at Clash in Paris has WWE sources “hopeful that the pitches they’ve been hearing about were related to that.”

The report also notes that CM Punk recently did an ode to his wife at a European live event by skipping around the ring in her signature style. It was also mentioned that when she worked for WOW Women of Wrestling, she was not interested in an in-ring role. However, a WWE higher-up is reportedly not concerned about her long layoff, noting that she has stayed in great shape and that her husband also made a successful return after a long time away from the ring.

AJ Lee has been effectively retired from the ring for over a decade, with her last match taking place in March 2015. The increased “traction” on the idea of her return, combined with the on-screen storyline, has made her potential comeback one of the most talked-about stories in wrestling.

Seth Rollins Retains At Clash in Paris, Becky Lynch Screws CM Punk

Thomas Lowson
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Seth Rollins Retains At Clash in Paris, Becky Lynch Screws CM Punk

The Architect remains on top as Seth Rollins successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Clash in Paris. Against CM Punk, Jey Uso, and LA Knight, Rollins was able to walk away from the La Défense Arena still with the gold.

The match was a back-and-forth affair and in the closing moments, CM Punk appeared poised to regain the gold. That was until a masked figure low-blowed Punk during his second GTS. The masked figure would unmask herself to be Becky Lynch, and Rollns would capitalize on his wife’s involvement to get the win.

You can check out some highlights from the match below:

The match saw Rollins rekindle some past rivalries, including his isssues with CM Punk and the feud with LA Knight that saw him fake a knee injury. Rollins captured the title at SummerSlam by cashing in Money in the Bank for the second time in his career, ending the brief reign of Punk.

Dispatching of three of his top challengers, it remans to be seen what’s next for the World Heavyweight Champion and his allies. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE Clash in Paris.

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John Cena Beats Logan Paul At WWE Clash In Paris

Thomas Lowson
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John Cena Beats Logan Paul At WWE Clash In Paris

John Cena shut up the ‘parasite’ Logan Paul by beating the Maverick at the WWE Clash in Paris Premium Live Event. In front of a packed audience in the French capital, Cena shut Paul up in one of the show’s high-profile encounters.

You can check out some highlights from the match below.

With this victory, Cena has just eight appearances left on his WWE calendar before he retires from the ring for good. As for Paul, this was his 24th match since his in-ring debut at WrestleMania 38 in 2022.

Cena’s victory is his latest as part of his retirement tour, though the threat of Brock Lesnar continues to loom over the Greatest of All Time. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE Clash in Paris.

Roman Reigns Written Off WWE TV With Stretcher Angle At Clash In Paris

Andrew Ravens
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Roman Reigns Written Off WWE TV With Stretcher Angle At Clash In Paris

While Roman Reigns was victorious against Bronson Reed at the WWE Clash in Paris premium live event, a post-match assault by Reed and Bron Breakker left him being stretchered out of the arena. The attack is the storyline reason for Reigns to be written off of WWE television for the next month.

The chaos began after Reigns had defeated Reed in their match. As Reigns was celebrating, Bron Breakker appeared and speared him through the commentary table. Breakker and Reed then continued their assault, with Reed hitting his Tsunami splash on Reigns in the ring. The attack was so severe that officials brought a stretcher to the ringside area.

The assault did not end there. As Reigns was being strapped to the stretcher, Reed hit two more Tsunami splashes onto him. Jey Uso’s attempt to make the save was thwarted by another spear from Breakker. The segment concluded with Reigns being carried out of the arena on the stretcher.

The on-screen injury angle is designed to facilitate Reigns’s absence from WWE programming. “The Tribal Chief” is slated to begin filming his role as Akuma in the upcoming “Street Fighter” movie. He is expected to be away for at least a month but is currently advertised to return in time for the Survivor Series event in November.

WWE Announces 2026 “Road To Royal Rumble” European Tour

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Announces 2026 “Road To Royal Rumble” European Tour

WWE is heading back to Europe in January 2026 for a “Road to Royal Rumble” tour. The dates for the tour were announced during the broadcast of the Clash in Paris premium live event. The tour will feature both televised events and house shows across Germany, the UK, Denmark, and Poland.

The 2026 Royal Rumble is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in January, and this tour will be the final build to that event. The announced dates are as follows:

  • January 8: House Show in Leipzig, Germany
  • January 9: Friday Night SmackDown in Berlin, Germany
  • January 10: House Show in Glasgow, Scotland
  • January 11: House Show in Copenhagen, Denmark
  • January 12: Monday Night Raw in Düsseldorf, Germany
  • January 13: House Show in Mannheim, Germany
  • January 15: House Show in Newcastle, England
  • January 16: Friday Night SmackDown in London, England
  • January 17: House Show in Gda?sk, Poland
  • January 18: House Show in Nottingham, England
  • January 19: Monday Night Raw in Belfast, Northern Ireland

This tour will be the first opportunity for European fans to see their favorite WWE superstars in the new year. The episodes of Raw and SmackDown from Germany and the UK will be broadcast live on Netflix and will be key stops on the road to one of WWE’s biggest events of the year. Ticket information for the “Road to Royal Rumble” tour is available on WWE.com.

AEW Announces Three-Hour “September To Remember” TV Block

Andrew Ravens
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AEW Announces Three-Hour “September To Remember” TV Block

AEW has a special three-hour block of programming scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, which will serve as the go-home shows for the All Out pay-per-view. The night will be themed “September to Remember,” a nod to a classic ECW event name.

The official TBS schedule lists AEW Dynamite in its regular 8 p.m. ET time slot on September 17, followed immediately by a special one-hour episode of AEW Collision at 10 p.m. ET. Both shows are being billed under the “September to Remember” banner. The name is a play on ECW’s popular “November to Remember” pay-per-view series.

Following the special back-to-back episodes of Dynamite and Collision, a one-hour “Countdown to All Out 2025” special is scheduled to air at 11 p.m. ET. The company is also planning a one-hour “AEW Saturday Tailgate Brawl: All Out” special for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 20, leading into the pay-per-view.

The September 17th episode of Dynamite will emanate from the Canada Life Centre in London, Ontario, though it is not yet clear if the special Wednesday edition of Collision will also be live from that venue. The “September to Remember” television special will be the final build to the All Out pay-per-view, which takes place on Saturday, September 20, from Toronto, Canada, and will air head-to-head with WWE’s Wrestlepalooza event. The official schedule can be viewed on TBS.com.

Nikki Bella Calls Becky Lynch “One Of The Greatest Superstars Ever”

Andrew Ravens
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Nikki Bella Calls Becky Lynch “One Of The Greatest Superstars Ever”

Ahead of their Women’s Intercontinental Championship match at today’s Clash in Paris premium live event, Nikki Bella has offered high praise for her opponent, Becky Lynch, calling her “one of the greatest superstars ever.”

Speaking with Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown, Nikki Bella reflected on Lynch’s career. She admitted that while she saw potential in “The Man” early on, her talent was often “overshadowed” by other stars of that era.

“You couldn’t help but see what Charlotte Flair was doing, and then Sasha Banks. They were such standouts,” Nikki said. “Sasha was coming off of that iconic match in NXT with Bayley, so your eyes were really on her. And then Charlotte Flair came in… and there was a lot of focus on her for the Divas Title.”

Nikki believes that being held back initially gave Lynch the “fire to prove” herself, and she sees parallels between her own journey to becoming “Fearless Nikki” and Lynch’s transformation into “The Man.”

“I didn’t start as Fearless Nikki. She came over time and the minute I became her, that’s what took me to the next level,” she explained. “Same with The Man. When Becky Lynch finally became The Man, that just took off.”

She also spoke about the “Divas Era” and credited Triple H for providing the opportunities for Lynch’s generation that her own era lacked.

Main Event For WWE Clash In Paris Reportedly Revealed

Andrew Ravens
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Main Event For WWE Clash In Paris Reportedly Revealed

With just hours to go until WWE’s first-ever premium live event in Paris, France, a new report has indicated which match is planned to headline the historic show. According to Cory Hays of Bodyslam.net, the fatal four-way match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship will close the event.

The report, which cites the internal match order as of Sunday morning, has the championship match in the main event slot. The bout will see the new World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins, make his second title defense against three of his top rivals: former champion CM Punk, Jey Uso, and LA Knight.

Rollins captured the championship at SummerSlam by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase on a newly-crowned CM Punk. His first title defense, against LA Knight on the following episode of Raw, ended in a disqualification.

It was also reported on Saturday that the main event may set up an angle for the upcoming WrestlePalooza show in Indianapolis in September. The Clash in Paris premium live event is scheduled to kick off today at 2 p.m. ET and will be the final main roster PLE to stream on Peacock in the U.S. before the move to ESPN.

Sami Zayn Eyes WWE Grand Slam After U.S. Title Win

Thomas Lowson
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Sami Zayn Eyes WWE Grand Slam After U.S. Title Win

New WWE United States Champion Sami Zayn already has his sets on his next accolade after winning the star-spangled strap on SmackDown. In a WWE Digital Exclusive, Zayn reflected on his title victory over Solo Sikoa.

“This whole time in my life, it’s [been] something very special. It means so much to me. It’s hard to put into words. I think it’s a lot of validation.”

While Zayn now holds a title in WWE, he continues to have an eye on a WWE World Championship. Such a win would put Zayn among those holding the modern-day Grand Slam, a fact not lost on the Canadian.

“This right here is validation. It’s vindication. Now, if and when I eventually do get that World Championship, I’ll be a Grand Slam Champion.”

The WWE Grand Slam sees a Superstar hit a World title, tag title, and both the Intercontinental and United States titles. Zayn is just one title away after the following wins.

  • 1st Intercontinental Title: Elimination Chamber 2020, beating Braun Strowman
  • Tag Team Championship: WrestleMania 39, with Kevin Owens, beating The Usos
  • United States Title: WWE SmackDown, beating Solo Sikoa

Zayn has challenged for a World Championship in the past, but has yet to capture the gold. Now, the U.S. Champion is more determined than ever to carve his name in the records as a Grand Slam Champion.

Sami Zayn Joins Exclusive Club After WWE U.S. Title Win

Scarlett Bordeaux Says In-Ring Return Coming After WWE Exit

Thomas Lowson
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Scarlett Bordeaux Says In-Ring Return Coming After WWE Exit

Former WWE Superstar Scarlet Bordeaux is ready to get back in the ring as a competitor after spending her WWE run as a manager. Speaking to Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture, Scarlett shared that she and husband Killer/Karrion Kross are going to “put on killer matches” in due time. Scarlett added that she’ll be tagging with someone who helped train her and though she didn’t name names, added that “I’m really excited about it.”

Scarlett is “nervous” about an in-ring return, but is confident that she still has ‘it.’ The Smokeshow recalled facing Rhea Ripley in her first match in over a year at a WWE live event, and being told by both Chris ‘Abyss’ Park and Molly Holly that the pair “killed it.” Summing up her mentality, Bordeaux said “I just try to remember who the f*** I am. I’m f***ing ready.”

Bordeaux hasn’t competed since December 2024 when she worked a mixed tag match with the Final Testament against the Wyatt Sicks. During her recent WWE run, Scarlett had just two matches on TV, both of which same in June 2023.

Time will tell if Scarlett can shake off the ring rust and deliver whenever she is back in the ring. One thing for certain is that she plans to give it her all now outside of WWE.

Karrion Kross Broke His Own Rule For Scarlett Romance

Darby Allin Building Public Skatepark In Georgia Hometown

Thomas Lowson
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Darby Allin Building Public Skatepark In Georgia Hometown

Darby Allin’s next big adventure will see him remain on the ground as opposed to climbing Mt. Everest, as he’s planning on giving something special to the public. On the August 30 episode of AEW Collision, it was shared that Allin is planning to build a free skateprtk in McDonough, Georgia. The park has already received the backing of the Henry County Board of Commissioners, while technical assistance is being provided from the Skatepark Project.

Allin has launched a fundraiser with a goal set at $50,000 to get the park built. On the fundraiser page, Allin highlights how McDonough has been his home since 2017, and has seen that local kids have nowhere to skate. Currently, the nearest partk is 10 miles away in Hampton, making skating impossible for kids without sufficient transportation.

You can find out more about the planned park and Allin’s work, as well as donate, by clicking here.

Darby Allin Speaks After Climbing Mount Everest: ‘What A Ride’

Holly Holm, Tito Ortiz Among Stars At Real American Freestyle 1

Thomas Lowson
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Holly Holm, Tito Ortiz Among Stars At Real American Freestyle 1

Real American Freestyle Wrestling’s first event is officially in the history books, giving fans of combat a new way to enjoy the action. The results for the inaugural event are as follows:

  • 135 pounds: Nathan Tomasello over Matt Ramos, 4-3
  • 155 pounds: Yianni Diakomihalis oveer Bajrang Punia, 5-1
  • 155 pounds: Austin Gomez over Lance Palmer, 11-0
  • 175 pounds: Evan Wick over Jason Nolf, 10-8
  • 120 pounds: Sarah Hildebrandt over Zeltzin Hernandez: 11-0
  • 145 pounds: Real Woods over Darrion Caldwell, pinfall
  • 190 pounds: Kyle Dake over Dean Hamiti, 11-0
  • 150 pounds: Alejandra Rivera over Holly Holm, 9-7
  • 205 pounds: Bo Nickal over Jacon Cardenas, 6-4
  • Unlimited (no weight limit): Wyatt Hendrickson over Mostafa Elders, 14-1

Holkm was one of the biggest stars to compete, and is best known for her time in UFC, where she is a former Women’s Bantamweight Champion. In 2015, Holm scored the win that put her on the map when she handed Ronda Rousey her first loss in MMA.

Tito Ortiz and Chael Sonnen also had an interaction at Real American Freestyle’s inaugural event. Ortiz made a surprise appearance to confront Sonnen, who was on commentary for the show. Ortiz challenged Sonnen for RAF’s second event, and Sonnen, after calling Ortiz drunk, accepted the match.

The pair last fought at Bellator 170 where Ortis submitted Sonnen in the first round in 2017. Though a date for RAF 2 has yet to be announced, fans eagerly await their showdown on the mat.

Nick Hogan Joins Real American Freestyle After Father’s Passing

Pat McAfee Lands Role In Netflix World War 2 Movie

Thomas Lowson
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Pat McAfee Lands Role In Netflix World War 2 Movie

WWE personality Pat McAfee is set to make an impact in the world of movies after signing on with an upcoming Netflix production. It has been confirmed that McAfee will play a U.S Marine drill instructor in ‘The Mosquito Bowl’, directed by Peter Berg.

Netflix describes the film like this:

“Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, four of America’s top college football players enlist in the Marines. As they prepare for the brutal invasion of Okinawa, they’ll play in a legendary game that, for many, will be the last they ever play. Based on a true story.”

The film’s name refers to a football game played between two regiments of Marines on Guadalcanal on December 24, 1944. The film, currently in production, is adapted from Buzz Bissinger’s book ‘ Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II’ that was released in 2022.

McAfee can often be found on Netflix calling the action on Monday Night Raw. In June, however, he stepped away from the role, saying he had hit a wall and was exhausted. Despite this, McAfee will be part of WWE Wrestlepalooza on September 20, in Indiana.

Pat McAfee Reflects After WWE Backlash: ‘Don’t Be Scared to End a Chapter’

Nick Hogan Joins Real American Freestyle After Father’s Passing

Thomas Lowson
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Nick Hogan Joins Real American Freestyle After Father’s Passing

Nick Hogan will be a regular presence in Real American Freestyle moving forward, honoring the goals and legacy of his late father Hulk Hogan. At a press conference, Nick explained his role with the budding promotion.

“I will be here to represent his interests and his growth in this business, and to see it through all the way to the stratosphere.”

Real American Freestyle will officially launch on August 30. The company was announced in early 2025 by Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. The promotion’s debut event will happen in Cleveland, Ohio, and is set to air on Fox Nation.

The promotion will go on ahead, despite the passing of Hulk Hogan aged 71 in July 2025. While the Hulkster will not be a physical part of the show, he will remain with Real American Freestlye Wrestling in spirit, according to his son.

“My dad, Hulk Hogan, will always serve as the commissioner for this league.”

As the wrestling world turns its eyes to Real American Freestyle Wrestling, many are wondering whether the new promotion will find its place in a saturated market. Whatever comes, the promotion will always be a home to Hulk Hogan, even after his passing.

Medical Malpractice Claims Emerge After Hulk Hogan’s Death

Champion Pinned After WWE SmackDown In Lyon

Thomas Lowson
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Champion Pinned After WWE SmackDown In Lyon

The excitement didn’t stop after WWE SmackDown in Lyon, France, as one of WWE’s top champions was in action inside the LDLC Arena. Following the event, Penta took on WWE Intercontinental Champion ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio. Though Penta got the win, this was a non-title match, meaning Mysterio left Lyon with the gold.

Though the Lyon crowd didn’t see a new Intercontinental Champion, a new U.S. Champion was crowned in Sami Zayn. The Canadian dethroned Solo Sikoa in SmackDown’s main event in a chaotic affair that saw MFT, Jacob Fatu, and Jimmy Uso get involved. This win moves Zayn a step closer to WWE’s Grand Slam and puts him in an elite class of champions born outside the U.S.

As for Penta, he has been much of 2025 pursuing the Intercontinental title though has yet to capture the gold. Whether this win over Dirty Dom was just for the live crowd or the start of something more, time will tell…

Kevin Owens Reacts To Sami Zayn’s WWE U.S. Title Win

Tony Khan Makes Good After Tech Issues Plague ROH Death Before Dishonor

Thomas Lowson
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Tony Khan Makes Good After Tech Issues Plague ROH Death Before Dishonor

Ring of Honor and Tony Khan took action for the fans after streaming issues plagued the Death Before Dishonor 2025 event. These issues left fans using Chrome and Firefox unable to watch the show. On X, Ring of Honor shared a statement on the matter.

These issues would persist, prompting ROH to take action. Now, the remainder of the show fans weren’t able to watch due to these issues has been shared for free on YouTube.

It’s not just Death Before Dishonor 2025 that fans can now watch on the Ring of Honor. In a separate post, Tony Khan shared that all ROH subscribers will receive a free one-month credit as an apology for the inconvenience.

Khan’s efforts to make good with fans didn’t stop there. Khan made sure that not only can fans watch Death Before Dishonor 2025 for free, but all preceeding Death Before Dishonor events.

Khan’s decisions demonstrate his dedication to maing sure fans get a great experience, a goal that won’t be deterred by technical issues. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from Khan and Ring of Honor.

Details Of What Happens In The Horror of The Wyatt Sicks Experience

Thomas Lowson
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Details Of What Happens In The Horror of The Wyatt Sicks Experience

WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks, is a new haunted house experience at the Universal Orlando Resort that launched on August 29. The experience marks a massive crossover between WWE and Universal Studios, but what exactly takes place inside the bone-chilling experience?

On social media, footage has been shared of the Horror of The Wyatt Sicks. Guests are greeted with an image of the faction, followed by Abby the Witch, though not played by Nikki Cross. More members of the faction make themselves known as the attendee makes their way through the venue. There is a replication of a WWE backstage set, a nod to the destruction the group caused during their debut in 2024.

As the attendee makes their way into the Firefly Fun House, they are accosted by Uncle Howdy and Abby the Witch. A series of mintors featuring WWE events plays in a chamber that includes an appearance from The Fiend.

The experience includes several easter eggs for WWE fans to pour over, including a Lily doll on a swing, a nod to Alexa Bliss’ ties to Bray Wyatt. The late Superstar himself appears on the Funhouse TV, as does the lantern carved from his head used by The Fiend.

The experience was a long-time dream for Wyatt, a notorious fan of horror. While he sadly will never get the chance to see his experience in action, his legacy lives on both in and out of the ring.

Bo Dallas: Every Wyatt Sicks Idea Is A Bray Wyatt Original

Kevin Owens Reacts To Sami Zayn’s WWE U.S. Title Win

Thomas Lowson
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Kevin Owens Reacts To Sami Zayn’s WWE U.S. Title Win

Sami Zayn captured the WWE United States Championship in Lyon, ending the title reign of Solo Sikoa. This win means a lot to Zayn, and others, and now his best friend/mortal enemy has weighed in on the Canadian’s victory in Europe.

On X, Kevin Owens reacted to Zayn’s title win. Representing their legacy of teaming and feuding, Owens said that Zayn was “one of the best” but added “I still hate him though. Or maybe not.” Owens admitted that it’s “hard to remember” and “depends on the day” if he loves or hates Zayn, but “one thing I do know for sure is that he’s the best.”

Owens himself is no stranger to the United States Title. First winning the gold at WrestleMania 33 from Chris Jericho, Owens is a three-time champion, having beaten Jericho a second time and his third reign began with a win over AJ Styles.

Kevin Owens is currently out of action and recently underwent a surgery that is expected to keep him out of action for a long time. Nevertheless, the Prizefighter is keeping a close eye on the new U.S. Champion, both pleased for his friend and scouting a potential target.

Sami Zayn Joins Exclusive Club After WWE U.S. Title Win
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