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John Cena’s WWE Farewell Tour to Feature Boston and NYC Stops This November

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WWE has announced that 17-time World Champion John Cena will make his final appearances in Boston and New York City this November as part of his farewell tour. Cena is scheduled for two episodes of WWE Raw from two iconic venues:

  • Monday, November 10: TD Garden in Boston, MA
  • Monday, November 17: Madison Square Garden in New York City

Tickets for both events go on sale Wednesday, September 10, with a presale beginning September 9 via Ticketmaster.

Cena’s legendary WWE career includes two World Title wins at TD Garden and a memorable 2008 Royal Rumble victory at Madison Square Garden. These November dates come after Cena’s highly anticipated matchup with Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza on September 20.

Special Raw Priority Pass packages are available for fans looking for a premium experience at Madison Square Garden.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Cena’s farewell appearances and his matchup with Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza.

WWE Files New Trademarks for Succession, Reckoning, Films

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WWE has made a series of new trademark filings, according to recent filings with the USPTO database obtained by SEScoops. Here are the key details:

  • Succession: Perhaps the most attention-grabbing of the new filings. The name is famously associated with the acclaimed HBO television series, but WWE has now secured rights to use it for their own entertainment purposes.
  • WWE Films: This trademark is likely a standard renewal, protecting the branding of WWE’s film production division. The studio has a legacy of producing movies featuring popular WWE Superstars.
  • Reckoning: Wrestling fans may recall this name from Mia Yim’s stint as “Reckoning” during her time in the Retribution faction in 2020.

Filing Date: September 4, 2025

The “goods and services” description for all three trademarks is broad, granting WWE the flexibility to use these names across a wide variety of wrestling-related performances and media.

WWE Trademarks

Other recent trademark filings from this summer include:

  • WWE Thunderdome
    • Slapjack
    • Ridge Holland
    • The Vision
    • SuperBrawl

WWE WrestlePalooza Title Match May Not Happen

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A new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has provided an update on the card for the inaugural WWE WrestlePalooza Premium Live Event on September 20, revealing that the planned WWE Championship match is now uncertain. The event, which will be the first to air on ESPN’s new streaming platform, is taking shape, but a key main event now appears to be in flux.

While several major matches have been made official, the status of the WWE Championship bout between champion Cody Rhodes and challenger Drew McIntyre is now in question. The report from Dave Meltzer states that due to the ongoing rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton on SmackDown, and Cody Rhodes’s current absence to film the “Street Fighter” movie, the originally planned championship match may be changed.

“The originally scheduled match was set to be Cody Rhodes defending his title against Drew McIntyre. The report states that this match is ‘at last word said to be still up in the air, and it could be McIntyre vs. Randy Orton.’”

While that match is uncertain, WWE has made other bouts official. A new Women’s World Champion will be crowned at the event, as Iyo Sky will face Stephanie Vaquer for the championship recently vacated by Naomi. Additionally, the recently reunited Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) will team up to take on The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.

This comes after The Vision attacked The Usos’ cousin, Roman Reigns, at the Clash in Paris event. The heavily rumored match between John Cena and the returning Brock Lesnar is also reportedly still set for the show.

Report: AEW Planning Another Residency At The Hammerstein Ballroom

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All Elite Wrestling is reportedly planning to return to a legendary New York City venue for another multi-week residency to close out the year. A new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicates that the company is planning to hold another series of shows at the Hammerstein Ballroom in December.

In the latest edition of the newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported on the potential plans. “It is believed, like last year, that AEW will be doing another residency in December at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York,” Meltzer wrote. The report notes that the company’s first residency was considered a “major financial success,” which is a key motivator for repeating the model.

“The attendance was under 1,500 but with the ticket prices the gates ended up larger than shows that do 3,000 plus and they saved six figures per event in moving in and out costs,” Meltzer explained. This financial success makes the residency model an attractive one for the company as it continues to grow and streamline its operations.

AEW has utilized the residency model several times in 2025, holding multi-week tapings of its television shows, Dynamite and Collision, in single locations. The company has held a seven-show run at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia and has also held a residency in Chicago.

The Hammerstein Ballroom is a venue with a deep and storied history in professional wrestling, most famously as one of the homes of Extreme Championship Wrestling. The final pay-per-view of the year for AEW is Worlds End, which is scheduled for December 27 in the Chicago area.

Brock Lesnar Was Reportedly A Free Agent Before Return To WWE

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A new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has provided anupdate on the contract status of Brock Lesnar, revealing that his previous WWE deal had expired and he was a free agent for several months before signing a new agreement to return at SummerSlam. This clarifies the common belief that he was simply being paid to sit at home during his long absence from the company.

According to the report, Lesnar’s prior contract was allowed to expire completely. Unlike situations where a contract can be extended due to injury time, WWE could not do so with Lesnar as he was not injured. The decision not to use him on television was the company’s choice, stemming from his implication in the lawsuit filed against Vince McMahon in early 2024.

Once the company’s legal team cleared Lesnar for a return to programming, a new offer was made. Lesnar and WWE then came to terms on a completely new contract, which is reportedly for “very limited dates.”

This new deal was signed just ahead of his shocking return at SummerSlam on August 3, where he attacked John Cena after the main event. The two are expected to wrestle at WrestlePalooza later this month.

Top Independent Star Signs With WWE

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Top German wrestling star Metehan, formerly known as Mike D. Vecchio, has all but confirmed his long-rumored signing with WWE. The former wXw Shotgun Champion has been the subject of speculation for months, with reports surfacing earlier this year that he was headed to the promotion. H

is home promotion, Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), seemingly confirmed his departure by holding a farewell for him at their “Shortcut To The Top” event in August, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his next move. Now, in a new interview, Metehan has spoken about the move and his family’s reaction to him leaving his home country for this new chapter in his career.

Speaking with Dan Mallmann, Metehan was asked how his parents feel about him signing with WWE and moving away from home permanently.

“They realize but I don’t know if they really realize. You know what I mean? Sometimes when they are talking to me I’m like, ‘I’m sorry but I will never come back.’ Maybe in 10, 15 years. My father is proud as fuck, I told him it’s okay to be quiet and then he told the whole city that we were going to WWE. So yes, my father is very proud, but I think my mother is too [close] with me and she don’t really realize. But yes, how can they not be proud, they’re always here.”

As of now, WWE has not yet made an official announcement confirming his signing.

Ice Spice and Latto Bring Pro Wrestling Attitude to ‘Gyatt’ Music Video

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Ice Spice and Latto have taken their collaboration to the squared circle with the release of their provocative new music video for “Gyatt,” which dropped on Tuesday, September 2.

The official music video, produced by Nuevo World and directed by Hidji World, features a full pro wrestling production complete with backstage promos, ring entrances, and authentic wrestling aesthetics. The title itself pays homage to wrestling culture, featuring the title GYATT styled like the iconic WWF Attitude era logo.

Gyatt Album Art

Both rappers are portrayed as “world champions” in the video, using the wrestling ring setting to symbolically resolve their real-life beef. The production goes far beyond typical music video fare, incorporating genuine wrestling elements that showcase significant investment in creating an authentic sports entertainment experience.

What sets this video apart from mainstream wrestling programming is its adult-oriented content. The artists perform provocative choreography within the wrestling ring framework – content that wrestling fans won’t see on family-friendly WWE or AEW programming.

The video concludes with a referee raising both artists’ hands. The collaboration represents a creative resolution to celebrity beef while delivering high-production entertainment that appeals to both music and wrestling audiences.

The “Gyatt” music video is the latest example of the symbiotic relationship between pro wrestling and hip hop cultures.

Gyatt Music Video – Latto, Ice Spice

Gyatt on Spotify

Kurt Angle Reveals Permanent Health Repercussions of Wrestling Career

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Kurt Angle has revealed the permanent health issues he is forced to deal with due to injuries suffered in his long wrestling career.

The Olympic Gold Medalist was the most recent guest on Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast. They talked about things such as Angle’s wrestling career, his retirement match and more.

During the talk, the former TNA World Champion also provided an update on his health. Kurt Angle claimed that he feels pretty good overall, and the only thing that gives him trouble is his motor skills resulting from various neck injuries:

“Yeah, I feel pretty good. The only thing that bothers me now is I have motor skill problems. My hands shake ‘cause my neck is so bad. And there’s nothing I can do about it.”

There’s Just Nothing: Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle mentioned that he went to a doctor to explore a potential disc replacement surgery. An MRI, however, revealed that he didn’t have any discs in the vertebrae as they have all fused together and there is nothing they can do about it:

“And so I have a hard time, I get pain going down my arms. My pinkies, I can’t feel either one of my pinkies. They’re gone.

So, I just have a lot of functional problems. You know, it just sucks. There’s nothing I can do. I tried stem cell; I tried disc replacement. There’s just nothing. I have to deal with it.”

Though later, the former world champion, who underwent double knee replacement surgery back in 2022, claimed that he would take neck issues over bad knees.

Mick Foley Reveals Current Health Status After Gruesome Career

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Mick Foley says he is doing good, all things considered.

The Hardcore Legend is known for taking extreme risks and competing in the most gruesome matches during his career. From the infamous Hell In A Cell match with Undertaker to his extreme bouts with the likes of Edge and Randy Orton, Foley put his body through all kinds of punishment during his active years.

The WWE Hall of Famer was asked about his current health during a recent interview with The David Difference. Mick Foley claimed that he feels the effect of his career every day, though not as much as he thought he would:

“I feel not too bad all things considered. I don’t have to wonder when I wake up what I did for a living. You know, I’m sore but I’m not as sore as I thought I’d be thanks to the hip and knee replacement. Then you know I did lose 99 pounds.

I’ve gained some of it back on but I’m still walking better than I was 15 years ago I would say. I actually once in a while pass people in the airport when I’m walking. So I’m doing better than I thought I’d be doing.”

During the interview, Mick Foley was also asked which character he would debut as if he had to start wrestling today. The 60-year-old said that he would start wrestling as Cactus Jack because it’s closest to his real-life persona.

The wrestling veteran later also revealed a character idea he had pitched during his TNA days that would have made a lot of money according to Foley. You can check out more about it here.

Baron Corbin Reacts To John Cena’s Surprise Clash In Paris Tribute

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Baron Corbin has commented on John Cena’s recent tribute.

The Cenation Leader faced Logan Paul in a singles match at the Clash In Paris PPV last week. During the bout, Cena paid tribute to a number of his former opponents like AJ Styles and Dolph Ziggler. The list also included Corbin, whose End of Days finisher John hit on Paul.

The Lone Wolf discussed this spot during a recent appearance on the In The Weeds podcast.  Baron Corbin revealed that he had no idea John Cena would be doing that, and he only found out when his phone started buzzing:

“It was funny because I wasn’t watching at the time. I looked at my phone and there were 900 Twitter notifications.

I’m like, ‘Uh oh, what did I do? Someone hacked my pictures? Let’s see.’ I got on and saw that. That is so cool that he did it. I had no idea it was happening.”

He Helped Me Immensely: Baron Corbin

John Cena had a feud with the former WWE star back in 2017. They wrestled each other multiple times early in the year leading to a SummerSlam match at Barclays Center in New York, which Cena won.

Baron Corbin discussed how John Cena later explained the tribute, saying it was for the opponents who he is not able to face in his retirement run. The former WWE star then revealed how the 17-time world champion helped him during his time in WWE:

“He’s helped me immensely through my entire career with advice and times where you’re frustrated and going, ‘I need to chill out because I’m losing my mind.’

He’ll go, ‘Let’s go grab dinner and chat about it. You’re in too deep. You’re too close. Back out. Realize this is a job and a character. Don’t let it affect you right now in this moment. You can think about things and work creatively, but don’t let those frustrations carry over to your life. Learn to separate.’ He’s very good with that.”

Corbin, who a regular for MLW, mentioned that he still chats with the Peacemaker star and bounces wrestling ideas off him. He claimed that the Clash In Paris tribute left him shocked and awed.

Ronda Rousey Explains Why She Refused To Tap To Becky Lynch

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Ronda Rousey has confirmed some reports about Becky Lynch.

The two women started feuding in late 2018, and they were originally supposed to face each other at the Survivor Series PPV in November that year. After Lynch suffered an injury during the build to this bout, however, Ronda ended up facing Charlotte Flair at the event instead.

During a recent appearance on The Lapsed Fan podcast, Ronda Rousey talked about this feud and confirmed some rumors from the time. The former UFC star admitted that she refused to tap out to Becky Lynch.

The former WWE star claimed that her mother AnnMaria De Mars, who was the first American woman to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championship would have disowned her if she tapped on TV:

“It was proposed that I tap out to her armbar at Survivor Series, and I said, ‘My mother would disown me.’ Anytime anyone’s actually ever arm-barred me in real life, I’ve just let them dislocate it and I limp arm out. That’s why my ligaments are all f*cked up in this arm.

So, I’m not gonna do it. Anytime anyone ever choked me out in competition, I just went out, and I don’t tap. I no tap motherf*cker. That’s how it is.”

Ronda Rousey later mentioned that the only person she ever allowed to submit her was fellow MMA star Shayna Baszler, who defeated the former champion at SummerSlam 2023.

Becky Lynch would finally get to face Ronda in the main event of WrestleMania 35 in a triple threat also involving Flair. The Man would go on to win the bout with a  backslide pin on Rousey.

During the same interview, the 38-year-old also made some remarks about Alexa Bliss that have caused uproar among the wrestling community. You can check out Bliss’ response to it here.

WWE Veteran Believes AJ Lee Will Be Ready To Compete In Her Return

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More AJ Lee talk.

The former WWE star is heavily rumored for a wrestling return after the events of Clash In Paris last week. The event saw Becky Lynch helping Seth Rollins retain the World Heavyweight title, costing Lee’s husband CM Punk the match.

During a recent appearance on Busted Open, wrestling veteran Natalya joined the conversation about a potential AJ Lee return. She was asked if the former Divas Champion would be in ring shape if she did make a comeback, and Natalya responded positively:

“I think yes. I think she will be able to go. But the biggest thing is that you cannot — Becky needs to have her ass kicked and I think that if A.J. really — if she’s really gonna stand up for (CM) Punk… If I saw my husband getting slapped by Becky Lynch, Becky Lynch would be having her ass handed to her.”

She Looked Jacked: Natalya

Natalya mentioned there would be an emotional charge in the person wanting to come back for revenge or redemption that would stand out above everything. Though the current WWE star, who also runs the new version of the Hart Family Dungeon claimed that she has no idea if AJ Lee is actually training for a return:

“I would say, in my personal, professional opinion, I think she is ready to go. Yeah, absolutely, but again, I don’t know where people are training, I don’t know where people’s bodies are at.

I saw a picture of her a couple months ago. She looked jacked. Again, I don’t know what she’s been doing behind the scenes because she does live a very private life.”

CM Punk has teased an appearance on this Friday’s SmackDown emanating from his hometown of Chicago. Many believe it’ll be the show where Lee’s return is officially confirmed.

Latest On Matt Riddle No-Showing UK Event, Fan Reaction (Exclusive)

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SEScoops has exclusive news regarding Matt Riddle’s no-show at a UK Charity Wrestling event, including the reaction from the crowd. We can confirm that the crowd was immediately disappointed when Al Snow, the General Manager of GWK shared that Riddle would not be appearing. 

At the event, neither Snow nor any member of the GWK team made reference to the controversy, instead simply saying Riddle wouldn’t be appearing. Riddle reportedly no-showed the event to appear elsewhere, and has shared criticisms over GWK in recent days, though has returned their deposit.

The reveal that Grado would be replacing Riddle was met with a huge ovation, with one fan telling our reporter that the Scottish wrestler was a much better option than the former WWE U.S. Champion. Grado and others were part of the post-show meet and greet, where fans were given the option for refunds if they had paid to meet Riddle.

Riddle’s name was only uttered one other time during the show when Grado made reference to the Riddle situation during his closing promo. The mention of Riddle’s name was immediately met with heavy boos by the crowd, evidently frustrated by Riddle not appearing as advertised. Ot

Merchandise, including shirts and posters, prominently featured Riddle. The show was the first GWK event and saw Grado defeat Simon Miller in the show’s main event. Other notable names at the event include WWE NXT UK alum Amir Jordan and Dave Mastiff, Love Island star turned wrestler Adam Maxted, UK Gladiators finalist Wesley Nsereko and SoCl Val, who served as host and ring announcer.

Trick Williams’ TNA World Title Match Set For Bound for Glory

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The TNA World Championship reign of Trick Williams will be in serious jeopardy at Bound for Glory when the NXT Superstar faces a familiar challenger. On the September 4 episode of Impact, Director of Authority Santino Marella announced that Williams will defend against Mike Santana at Bound for Glory, set to take place on October 12.

After the announcement, Santana came out and criticized Williams for “hiding out until his next TNA match.” Santana teased that if the TNA World Champion is going to avoid TNA Wrestling until Bound for Glory, then he may have to confront him in WWE NXT.

This will be the sixth match between Williams and Santana, who first battled for the TNA World Title during the June 3, episode of WWE NXT. Currently, the pair are tied with two wins each, which includes singles matches, a triple-threat, and tag team matches. The outlying match saw the pair on the same side, the losing side, of a six-man tag-team match against Dark State.

Santana has never held the TNA World Championship but plans to bring the gold home soon enough. Time will tell if he can do that, or if the NXT Superstar continues to hold hostage the richest prize in TNA Wrestling.

Athena Hits 1,000 Days As ROH Women’s World Champion

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ROH Women’s World Champion Athena has lived up to her moniker as the ‘Forever Champion’ by reaching 1,000 days with the gold. Athena captured the title at ROH Final Battle 2022 on December 10, 2022 by defeating Mercedes Martinez and has been able to hold on ever since.

Along her title reign, Athena has dispatched of Billie Starkz, Mina Shirakawa, Nyla Rose, Thekla, Alex Windsor, Thunder Rosa, and Willow Nightingale, to name just a few. Her most recent title defence, her 31st overall, came at ROH Death Before Dishonor in August 2025, where she defeated Shirakawa.

It’s not just Ring of Honor that has been home to Athena’s dominant reign. She has also put her title on the line at AEW events, as well as in STARDOM, Maple Leaf Pro, and other promotions. Her reign is the longer than all other ROH Women’s World Title reigns combined, and the longest reign of any champion in ROH history, regardless of sex.

Athena has shown no sign of her title reign coming to an end anytime soon. As the War Goddess continues to thrive in this post-WWE chapter of her career, it remains to be seen who, if anyone, can topple the champ.

Wade Barrett Clarifies Remarks About “Desperate” Nikki Bella

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At WWE Clash in Paris, Nikki Bella challenged for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch. Nikki would come up short in her pursuit of gold, and a comment made by Wade Barrett on commentary has stirred some drama.

During the Clash in Paris pre-show, Barrett took issue with Bella calling Becky Lynch desperate to stay at the top. The British wrestler-turned-commentator said that Nikki was “desperate to prove she still has it against this new generation that have changed the game.”

On her Nikki and Brie Show, Nikki addressed the claim she is “desperate.” Nikki said she’d like to have a conversation with Wade, who “avoided me on Monday” at Raw in Paris. Nikki added that Wade avoided making eye contact with her in the hallway.” She later said that the line didn’t bother her, recalling sitting backstage getting ready for her match, hearing Barrett and feeling “I get it.”

Barrett has now responded on X, sharing that he had no idea she felt this way about his line. While Wade is eager to have a conversation with Nikki, he refuted the claim that he avoided her at Raw, calling it “simply not true.”

Time will tell whether the two do indeed have the conversation both sides claim should happen. It’s clear that what Barrett said had an effect on the WWE Hall of Famer, though Wade remains a part of the WWE commentary team.

Alexa Bliss Seemingly Responds To Ronda Rousey’s Bizarre Rant

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Alexa Bliss has seemingly responded to Ronda Rousey.

The former UFC star went on a bizarre rant during a recent interview with The Lapsed Fan about her time with WWE. She specifically questioned the decision to put her in a feud with Alexa Bliss after her WrestleMania 34 debut, only because Bliss was the most popular star on the roster:

“The fact that they had me fighting Alexa Bliss at all was f*cking ridiculous, and you wanna know why they had me against Alexa Bliss? Because she had the most merch sales at the time… Like, what the f*ck!? That’s your decision-making process?”

Alexa Bliss Loves The Business

The Goddess seemingly responded to this rant from her old rival on Twitter early on Thursday. Alexa Bliss sent out a short tweet saying that she loves the wrestling business:

The current WWE star was not the only one who responded to Ronda Rousey’s remark. AEW star MJF also took shots at the former UFC star for not understanding the business decision.

Ronda Rousey challenged Nia Jax for the Raw Women’s Championship at the 2018 Money In The Bank PPV, in her first match since WrestleMania 34. Alexa cashed in her MITB contract won earlier in the to night to walk away with the title.

Bliss would then defend the title against Ronda at SummerSlam that year. She dropped the belt in a match that lasted less than 5 minutes, and many praised Alexa for being able to hide Ronda’s inexperience in the ring.

The Undertaker Recalls Vince McMahon Going ‘Batsh*t Crazy’ Over Botched Finish

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The Undertaker has recalled Vince McMahon being very angry with the finish to a classic SmackDown match.

The Dead Man invited Kurt Angle as a guest on the latest episode of his Six Feet Under podcast. They talked about things such as Angle’s career before WWE, his transition to wrestling and more.

During the session, they also discussed the infamous SmackDown match from July 2002 whose ending was shot twice. Undertaker mentioned how the match was supposed to end in a draw, but the camera crew messed up the angle and McMahon was not happy with it:

“So the finish was again, you end up in Hell’s Gate, yeah, and then you stack me, right? Or you stack me up. And it was supposed to be a simultaneous 1, 2, 3 on you and me, tap. We did at the same time.

One, two, three, tap, right, yeah. They missed the camera angle… They didn’t get the tap. And that was the end of the night. The bell rings. People start leaving. And Vince loses his mind. He is batsh*t crazy.”

Kurt Angle Recalls The Match

The match that main evented the show saw Kurt Angle challenging The Phenom for the WWE Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship.

The Olympic Gold Medalist recalled how the fans started leaving after the bell rang and they had to re-shoot the ending using the employees:

“We had to wait till the whole arena left. And then we had to place all the employees in a corner of the arena to make it look like this whole arena. And so they have one camera shot on the opposite side showing our match.”

The two WWE legends would face each other many times after this infamous match, which The Last Outlaw picking the victory in the majority of their encounters.

Kenny Omega Clarifies Absence from AEW All Out, Addresses Medical Situation

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Kenny Omega has directly addressed speculation surrounding his absence from AEW All Out, revealing that his time away involves planned medical treatment rather than impromptu personal time.

The former AEW World Champion took to social media to respond to reports suggesting he was simply taking time off. “Specialized hospital visits and work that had been planned for a year, but sure, let’s bait the trolls,” Omega wrote, clarifying the nature of his absence.

Omega expressed frustration with how his situation has been portrayed in wrestling media, specifically calling out misleading headlines. “Don’t be misleading with headlines, please and thank you,” he stated, directly addressing wrestling news outlets.

The Canadian wrestler emphasized his commitment to AEW during his recovery period, explaining his approach to representing the company while unable to perform. “I’m just trying to improve what I can and represent the company in a positive way while not performing,” Omega said.

This marks Omega’s first public comments regarding his extended absence from AEW programming.

WWE Vault to Air Classic ‘Hulk Hogan’s Rock’n’Wrestling’ Cartoon Series

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WWE will begin streaming episodes of the beloved 1980s animated series ‘Hulk Hogan’s Rock’n’Wrestling’ on their WWE Vault YouTube channel, starting this Saturday, September 6th.

According to Variety’s Joe Otterson, the cult classic cartoon, which originally aired from 1985-1986, will be released in batches of four episodes every Saturday morning at 6 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, and 12 PM ET.

Episodes will air in chronological order, beginning with ‘Junkyard 500/Junkenstein,’ ‘The Four-Legged Pickpocket,’ ‘Clean Gene/Andre’s Giant Problem,’ and ‘Gorilla My Dreams.’

The animated series ‘featured Hogan and a group of babyface (good guy) wrestlers facing off in various whacky situations against a group of heels (bad guys) led by Rowdy Roddy Piper.’

Other wrestling legends included Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog, Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka, The Iron Sheik, and Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan, with Mean Gene Okerlund also appearing as a character.

Interestingly, none of the wrestlers provided their own voices due to packed travel schedules, with comedian Brad Garrett voicing the Hulkster himself.

The announcement comes just over a month after Hogan’s passing at age 71 in Clearwater, Florida.

WWE Vault, launched in June 2024, has grown to nearly 3 million subscribers with over 217 million monthly views, featuring classic matches, unseen footage, and fan-requested content from WWE’s extensive library.

All 26 episodes of the series will eventually be available on the platform.

MJF Calls Out Ronda Rousey For Not Understanding The Wrestling “Business”

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AEW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman has a simple and direct message for former WWE Women’s World Champion and UFC Hall of Famer, Ronda Rousey: pro wrestling is a business. MJF took to social media to respond to recent comments from Rousey, where she expressed her frustration over being booked in a feud with Alexa Bliss in 2018 based on merchandise sales.

The conversation began when Rousey, in a recent interview, shared her frustration with the creative process in WWE. She specifically pointed to her 2018 feud with Alexa Bliss as an example of what she felt was flawed decision-making. “The fact that they had me fighting Alexa Bliss at all was fcking ridiculous, and you wanna know why they had me against Alexa Bliss? Because she had the most merch sales at the time… Like, what the fck!? That’s your decision-making process?” Rousey said.

MJF, who has never been shy about his own focus on the financial side of the business, saw these comments on the social media platform X and offered a sarcastic response. He feigned surprise that a professional sport would be treated like a business, a clear shot at what he perceives as Rousey’s naivety about the industry.

“It’s almost like pro wrestling much like any professional sport functions as a business. Fucking crazy,” MJF wrote in response. His comment quickly went viral, sparking a debate among fans about the balance between creative purity and business considerations in professional wrestling.

MJF has always been open about his business-first approach to his career. He famously orchestrated “The Bidding War of 2024,” where he negotiated with both AEW and WWE before ultimately re-signing with AEW for what is believed to be a lucrative contract.

Big Name Set To Be In Chicago For WWE SmackDown

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It appears that this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown could be a monumental show, as a new report from Fightful Select indicates that Brock Lesnar is expected to be in Chicago for the event. WWE sources have reportedly confirmed that “The Beast Incarnate” is scheduled to travel to the city, where SmackDown will be broadcasting live.

While his involvement in the show has not been officially confirmed, his presence strongly suggests a potential appearance as the company builds towards its next Premium Live Event, WrestlePalooza, on September 20. This comes after Lesnar made a shocking return at SummerSlam to attack John Cena, setting up a major match between the two legends.

Adding to the significance of the evening, John Cena is also expected to be at the show. According to a separate report from WrestleVotes, this Friday could mark Cena’s final appearance ever on the SmackDown brand as his retirement tour continues. With both Lesnar and Cena in the building, the stage is set for a confrontation to build to their rumored match at WrestlePalooza.

Sources have indicated that WWE is intentionally stacking this week’s show to serve as a major part of the build for the upcoming event in Indianapolis. Lesnar is reportedly scheduled to arrive in Chicago on Thursday, making his on-screen involvement a strong possibility for the live broadcast.

Matt Riddle Pulled from Convention After Controversial Sexual Assault Comments

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Former WWE star Matt Riddle has been removed from SiouxperCon in South Dakota following inflammatory remarks he made about sexual assault allegations during a recent online appearance.

While addressing accusations that he no-showed a Global Wrestling Kingdom event, Riddle dismissed what he called “MeToo bullsh*t,” referencing 2020 allegations made against him by Candy Cartwright during the #SpeakingOut movement. Cartwright had accused Riddle of sexual assault, though he denied the claims and maintained their relationship was consensual. The subsequent lawsuit was ultimately dropped.

SiouxperCon organizers swiftly responded to Riddle’s comments with an official statement:

“In light of recent public statements made by Matt Riddle regarding the topics of SA and DV, SiouxperCon has made the decision to cancel his appearance at this year’s convention. The statements that were made in no way represent our organization or event, and are not aligned with the mission, vision, and values of our organization.”

The convention announced automatic refunds for fans who purchased photo opportunities with Riddle and will donate 10% of SiouxperMania ticket proceeds to The Compass Center, which supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

This incident highlights the wrestling industry’s continued efforts to address misconduct allegations and maintain accountability standards for performers.

Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes Join Star-Studded Cast of Upcoming Street Fighter Movie

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The world of professional wrestling is colliding with classic arcade gaming as WWE superstars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes have been cast in key roles for the upcoming Street Fighter movie, set to release October 16, 2026.

In a casting move that bridges sports entertainment with video game nostalgia, Reigns will portray the formidable Akuma, while Rhodes takes on the role of the patriotic fighter Guile. The announcement comes as part of Legendary Pictures’ ambitious live-action adaptation of Capcom’s iconic fighting game franchise.

From Championship Reigns to World Warrior Tournament

Reigns, known to WWE audiences as “The Tribal Chief,” brings his commanding presence to the role of Akuma, the series’ most feared dark warrior. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes, “The American Nightmare” who recently completed his emotional championship story at WrestleMania, seems perfectly suited for Guile, the military hero known for his unwavering sense of justice.

The casting represents a natural evolution for both wrestlers, who have demonstrated dramatic range throughout their WWE careers. Rhodes, in particular, has shown storytelling prowess that extends beyond the wrestling ring, while Reigns’ intimidating screen presence aligns well with Akuma’s menacing character.

Star-Studded Ensemble Cast

The wrestling stars join an eclectic cast that includes Jason Momoa as Blanka, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog, and Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo as the iconic duo Ryu and Ken Masters. Director Kitao Sakurai is helming the project, which promises to capture “the quarter-pumping, button-mashing spirit of the 90s classic while leveling up for a new generation.”

Set in 1993, the film follows estranged fighters Ryu and Ken as they’re recruited by Chun-Li (Callina Liang) for the World Warrior Tournament, uncovering a deadly conspiracy that forces them to confront their past.

Wrestling’s Hollywood Evolution

The casting continues wrestling’s successful transition into mainstream entertainment, following in the footsteps of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista. For Reigns and Rhodes, the Street Fighter movie represents an opportunity to showcase their talents to a global audience beyond wrestling fans.

Filmed for IMAX and distributed through Legendary’s new partnership with Paramount Pictures, Street Fighter promises to deliver the high-octane action that both gaming and wrestling audiences crave. With Hadoukens, Sonic Booms, and the star power of WWE, this adaptation is positioning itself as a must-see spectacle.

Jim Ross: Wrestling Needs People Like AJ Lee

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Jim Ross, the legendary wrestling commentator, has publicly endorsed AJ Lee’s return to the wrestling ring, expressing his admiration and support for the former WWE Divas Champion. On the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross praised AJ Lee’s passion for the business and her resilience, stating, “I’m pulling for her. She’s always been a tremendous talent and a great ambassador for wrestling.”

Ross highlighted AJ Lee’s impact on women’s wrestling, noting that her unique charisma and in-ring skills helped pave the way for the current generation of female wrestlers.

“AJ brought something different to the table,” he began. “She wasn’t just another face in the crowd—she had a spark, a real connection with the audience.”

The Hall of Famer also addressed the challenges AJ Lee faced during her career, including overcoming injuries and breaking through in a male-dominated industry.

“She’s tough as nails. Coming back after all she’s been through shows her dedication and love for wrestling. I have no doubt she’ll make a big impact again,” Ross added.

Fans have been buzzing about AJ Lee’s potential return, and Ross’s endorsement has only fueled excitement. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, with many echoing Ross’s sentiments and expressing hope that AJ Lee will inspire a new era in women’s wrestling.

As speculation continues about where and when AJ Lee will make her in-ring return, Jim Ross’s words serve as a powerful reminder of her legacy and the high expectations for her comeback.

“Wrestling needs people like AJ Lee—people who are passionate, talented, and unafraid to be themselves. I’m excited to see what she does next,” Ross concluded.