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Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine Wins At Venice Film Festival

Thomas Lowson
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Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine Wins At Venice Film Festival

The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson won big at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, ahead of the film’s theatrical release on October 3. At the event in Italy, the film’s director Benny Safdie took home the Silver Lion award for Best Director. Johnson confirmed the news on Instagram, promising his co-worker and friend big hugs and tequila to celebrate.

The film will tell the real-life story of Mark Kerr, a pivotal name in the early days of the UFC, as played by Johnson. The biopic sees Johnson reunite with Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s then-wife Dawn Staples.

Safdie’s award is the latest success story for The Smashing Machine. Critics have praised the film with Johnson earning acclaim for proving himself outside of his usual blockbuster schtick. The former WWE World Champion has spoken openly about being typecast in the past and is ready for the world to see a different side to his acting prowess.

While audiences won’t get to see The Smashine Machine until next month, the film is garnering a lot of attention. After the success of The Iron Claw, it remains to be seen if A24 and their team can deliver another home run in the world of combat sports movies.

Dwayne Johnson Sobs At The Smashing Machine 15-Minute Ovation

Latest On AEW’s Pay-Per-View Future On HBO Max

Thomas Lowson
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Latest On AEW’s Pay-Per-View Future On HBO Max

AEW pay-per-views are coming to the HBO Max platform, giving fans of the All-Elite promotion a new way to enjoy the show. Starting with AEW All Out on September 20, fans will be able to enjoy the show, and all AEW pay-per-view events going forward, through HBO Max.

AEW’s flagship evvents will be broadcast HDRF10 and Dolby Atmos, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports. The idea is that the shows will be enjoyed with a better picture and sound quality than the event had when live, or has experienced in subsequent replays.

Thsoe who purchase pay-per-views can watch the shows on Max as often as they want through the replay function. The Observer adds that shows can be purchased up to six months after they take place.

AEW All Out will air the same day as WWE WrestlePalooza and the All-Elite event has moved to an earlier timeslot. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on AEW’s growing role with HBO as the promotion’s future will reside on Max.

AEW Expands HBO Max Library with PPV’s from 2019-2024

Ken Anderson On What’s Next After Surprise TNA Wrestling Return

Thomas Lowson
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Ken Anderson On What’s Next After Surprise TNA Wrestling Return

Ken Anderson, also known to WWE fans as Mr. Kennedy, stunned fans with his TNA return during the latest TV tapings in Minneapolis. A former TNA World Champion who was with the promotion for years, fans have been left wondering what’s to come for the Green Bay loudmouth.

While speaking on his Mic Check podcast, Anderson was asked about his future in TNA. While some may be excited at the prospect of seeing Ken in TNA more often, that isn’t in the cards, at least for the time being.

“I can’t say anything other than, as far as I’m concerned—and as far as anyone is concerned—it was a one-off. It was an opportunity.“

Anderson’s appearance marked his first time appearing for TNA since 2016. He was introduced by Frankie Kazarian, whose work getting Ken on the show extended beyond introducing him for the cameras.

“Friends of mine like Nic Nemeth, Matt Hardy, Frankie Kazarian, and Tommy Dreamer put in a word and said, ‘Hey, we’re in Ken’s town—maybe we should do something with him.’“

Anderson added that Ross Forman, who runs TNA’s meet and greets, got in touch with him a few weeks ago and had Matt and Jeff Hardy do a guest seminar for Ken’s wrestling academy. Summing up his experience, Anderson shared that it was about a week and a half between Kazarian pitching the idea of a TNA return, to him being part of the show.

Anderson may not be lacing up his boots, but his exciting return to TNA has shown the adage of ‘anything can happen’ in wrestling. Though this was a one-off, fans know not to count out more from the former WWE United States Champion.

Ted DiBiase Recovering After Fall Leaves Him Bruised & Black-Eyed

Thomas Lowson
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Ted DiBiase Recovering After Fall Leaves Him Bruised & Black-Eyed

WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase Sr. is recovering after a fall at an airport left him bloodied and with a black eye. On his “Everybody’s Got A Pod” poddcast, DiBiase shared that he fell when rushing through the airport and tripping over a child that had fallen while playing.

On the pod, DiBiase shared his black eye and added that there’s still plenty of bruising down his right side. DiBiase was grateful to not suffer any broken ribs, an injury that the Million Dollar Man has suffered in the past.

The former WWE World Champion was also grateful for a gate attendant that offered a rag to help clean his bleeding face. Summing up the unfortunate experience, Ted tried to see the funny side of things. Saying that the incident was an “embarrassment,” DiBiase found it ironic that a former wrestler “takes a bump in the Atlanta airport.”

DiBiase is certainly going to be sore for some time, but this situation could have been much worse. Now, the WWE Hall of Famer will need to focus on his recovery, and watching his footing the next time he’s at the airport.

Judge Withdraws From Ted DiBiase Jr. Welfare Fraud Case, Jury Trial Pushed Back

Roxanne Perez: AJ Lee Is Wrestling’s Greatest Return

Thomas Lowson
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Roxanne Perez: AJ Lee Is Wrestling’s Greatest Return

AJ Lee is finally back in WWE over a decade after parting ways with the promotion in 2015. Fans and Superstars alike to see the three-time former Divas Champion back in the promotion, and perhaps none are more excited than Roxanne Perez.

On X, a post claimed that Lee’s return during the September 5, episode of WWE SmackDown marked the greatest return in the history of women’s wrestling. This caught the attention of Perez, who argued that Lee’s return is the best return period, regardless of sex.

It’s hardly a surprise that Perez is excited by Lee’s return. The Prodigy has often heralded AJ as an inspiration for her own wrestling career. Perez has even said that she can’t retire until she gets a match with AJ Lee, a match that is now a genuine possibility. During her youth, Roxanne would show her support for Lee at events and dress as AJ for Halloween, as seen in the images below.

Perez and Lee have yet to interact on WWE TV, but with AJ expected at the upcoming Raw, their interaction may be mere days away. As fans eagerly await what’s next for AJ Lee, Roxanne Perez is grateful to have been able to witness what she considers the greatest wrestling return of all time.

AJ Lee’s WWE Legacy: Career Highlights & Wrestling Impact

AJPW’s Taishin Nagao Dead Age 21 After Being Hit By Bus

Thomas Lowson
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AJPW’s Taishin Nagao Dead Age 21 After Being Hit By Bus

AJPW’s Taishin Nagao has passed away at the tragically young age of 21 after being struck by a tour bus earlier this year. All-Japan confirmed the sad news in a statement, sharing that Nagao was hit by a tour bus on May 31. The incident resulted in “traumatic shock due to abdominal compression” and he was treated in an intensive care unit. Unfortunately, Nagao passed on September 7, at the hospital he was admitted to.

An investigation is underway with police involvement. All-Japan expressed their gratitude to all those who have shown support and encouragement for Nagao. Condolences were also offered to those affected by the death of the late wrestler.

Nagao began his wrestling training in December 2023 and made his in-ring debut in October 2024 in a loss to Ryo Inoue. We at SEScoops would like to share our deepest condolences to those affected by his death at this incredible sad time.

WWE Main Roster Stars Stack NXT Spartanburg Live Event

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Main Roster Stars Stack NXT Spartanburg Live Event

A recent NXT live event in South Carolina certainly gave fans their money’s worth as several main-roster talents returned to the silver brand for the show. The September 6, 2025, event took place from Spartanburg, SC and kicked off with South Carolina’s own TNA World Champion Trick Williams beating Shiloh Hill.

With the opening match firing up the crowd, it was time for the main roster stars to make their return. Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez were in tag team action, as were American Made. Rusev returned to WWE NXT for the first time since 2013 while the LWO were in action for the NXT Tag Team Gold. Dragon Lee was also in a championship match while Maxxine Dupri was part of a six-woman tag match. In the main event, NXT Champion Oba Femi put the gold on the line against Raw’s Grayson Waller.

The results for the full show are as follows:

  • Trick Willams beat Shiloh Hill.
  • Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez beat Sol Ruca and Zaria
  • American Made: Julius and Brutus Creed / Ivy Nile beat The Culling: Shawn Spears / Niko Vance / Izzi Dame (with Tatum Paxley)
  • Ricky Saints beat Rusev
  • The Dark State: Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin (c) (with Cutler James and Saquon Shugars) beat The LWO: Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro and Hank Walker and Tank Ledger (NXT Tag Team Championships)
  • Dragon Lee beat Ethan Page (c) by DQ (NXT North American Championship, Page retains)
  • Fatal Influence: NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne / Fallon Henley / Jazmyn Nyx beat Kelani Jordan / Lash Legend / Maxxine Dupri
  • Oba Femi (c) beat Grayson Waller (WWE NXT Championship)

This stacked show highlighted WWE NXT both past and present, showing the capabilities of the silver brand. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE NXT.

Trick Williams Teases Backup After #DIY Attack on WWE NXT

Mercedes Moné Eyes NJPW & STARDOM Gold For Belt Collection

Thomas Lowson
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Mercedes Moné Eyes NJPW & STARDOM Gold For Belt Collection

Mercedes Moné already holds nine championship titles in wrestling, but The CEO of AEW is always on the hunt for more. Recently, it was confirmed that STARDOM’S Saya Kamitani and AZM will battle in Korakuen Hall on September 27. This match will see the winner take home the World of STARDOM Championship (held by Kamitani) and the NJPW Strong Women’s Title (held by AZM.)

Moné would react in a post on X with a simple eyeballs emoji. While she didn’t say any words, the CEO’s message was clear: She has eyes on both belts.

Moné has yet to hold gold for STARDOM but is a former NJPW Strong Women’s Champion. The CEO held the gold earlier this year and lost the title to AZM in a triple-threat match which included Mina Shirakawa.

Moné is on the hunt for her tenth and eleventh championship title in wrestling. With Mercedes’ efforts for gold already taking her worldwide, it may be just a matter before fans see her competing for some of the top titles in Japan.

Nyla Rose Wins Gold, Blocks Mercedes Moné to Avoid Defense

Wade Barrett Clarifies Status After WWE Commentary Report

Thomas Lowson
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Wade Barrett Clarifies Status After WWE Commentary Report

Wade Barrett has provided crucial context after it was reported that he would no longer be part of the WWE commentary team. Barrett took to X to respond to speculation that his time as a commentator had ended and shared that fans can expect him back soon enough.

situation, Barrett explained that WWE had simply granted him a couple of weeks off for personal time, which he booked nine months ago. He confirmed that he will be back to work as usual afterward, dismissing the story as a “complete non-story.”

In Barrett’s absence, it has been reported that Michael Cole and Corey Graves will serve as the permanent commentary team for both Raw and SmackDown. Joe Tessitore is stepping aside to cover college football.

With his return to the main roster, Graves will be leaving WWE NXT to the two-man booth of Vic Joseph and Booker T. Once Barrett returns, it should become clearer how WWE intends to structure its commentary rotation moving forward.

Wade Barrett & Nikki Bella Smooth Things Over After “Desperate” Line

Plans For AJ Lee’s Next WWE Appearance After SmackDown Return

Thomas Lowson
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Plans For AJ Lee’s Next WWE Appearance After SmackDown Return

AJ Lee’s return to WWE is officially here, and fans won’t have to wait long to see the former Divas Champion back on TV. According to PWInsider, the talk backstage at the September 5, episode of WWE SmackDown was that AJ is expected to appear on this Monday’s Raw. Her appearance will likely set-up the rumored mixed tag-match, pitting herself and husband CM Punk against fellow wrestling couple Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.

AJ returned after over a decade away during the final segment of SmackDown. Punk, after being slapped yet again by Becky Lynch, reiterated that he would never hit a woman, but knew someone who would. AJ’s theme then played to a massive pop and she was able to get the best of Lynch.

AJ posed with the Women’s Intercontinental Title to end the show, signalling that the tag-match rumored for WrestlePalooza isn’t the only match she plans on having. Currently, no matches have been confirmed for the returning Superstar.

The three-time former WWE Divas Champion and multi-time Slammy Award winner has signed a new contract with WWE, signalling that plenty more big moments are coming. As for what AJ has planned for Raw, fans will just have to wait and find out…

AJ Lee’s WWE Legacy: Career Highlights & Wrestling Impact

Wade Barrett Removed from WWE Commentary

Michael Reichlin
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Wade Barrett Removed from WWE Commentary

Wade Barrett has been removed from WWE’s main roster commentary duties with no immediate timeline for his return.

According to PWInsider The former Intercontinental Champion is reportedly “off the road” indefinitely and will not be part of the broadcast team for Monday Night Raw or Friday Night SmackDown moving forward.

This change became apparent during the September 5, 2025 episode of SmackDown, where Michael Cole announced that he and Corey Graves would serve as the commentary duo for the blue brand over the next couple of months.

Cole and Graves are now set to handle both Raw and SmackDown as a two-person team, filling the gap left by Barrett’s absence as well as other commentators like Joe Tessitore, who is committed to college football coverage.

Barrett’s WWE Commentary Career

Barrett returned to WWE in 2020 as a commentator, starting on NXT before transitioning to the main roster. He has been a key voice on shows like Raw and SmackDown in recent years, bringing his experience as a former wrestler to the commentary booth.

The exact reason for Barrett’s removal has not been disclosed, leaving fans and insiders speculating on the circumstances. WWE has not issued an official statement on Barrett’s status.

With Graves shifting focus to the main roster, NXT will revert to its previous two-man booth of Vic Joseph and Booker T. Updates will be provided if more details emerge about Barrett’s situation.

Seth Rollins Challenged For WrestleMania 42 Match By Popular Music Star

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Seth Rollins Challenged For WrestleMania 42 Match By Popular Music Star

A top music star is interested in a WWE match against Seth Rollins.

The last few years have seen celebrities like Bad Bunny and Jelly Roll making successful wrestling debuts and earning praise from fans after originally being brought in as guest stars by the company.

Rapper Post Malone has now joined this list. During a recent interview with GQ, he talked about attending the Clash In Paris PPV and expressed interest in facing Seth Rollins in a match at WrestleMania 42 next year:

“I did [attend a WWE show]. I think me and Seth Rollins got beef—you can put that on paper, too. Me, Seth Rollins. WrestleMania 2026.

Come on, baby. I’ve always wanted to do that. I figured if I had a different musculature and different career path, I would love to have been a WWE wrestler.”

Post Malone attended the Clash In Paris PPV last month while he was in the country for a concert with Jelly Roll. Both Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch traded words with the Grammy-nominated artist after the former’s victory over CM Punk and others in the main event World title match at the show.

The Clash In Paris win seems to have come back to haunt Rollins and Lynch however, as it resulted in the return of AJ Lee at this week’s SmackDown. You can check out how the wrestling world reacted to Lee’s return here.

Nick Khan Reacts To Question About Crazy WWE Ticket Prices

Anutosh Bajpai
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Nick Khan Reacts To Question About Crazy WWE Ticket Prices

Nick Khan was confronted about high ticket prices.

WWE has seen a massive increase in popularity in the last few years, with the promotion receiving more mainstream attention than ever and its stars being recognized and appreciated even outside of the usual wrestling circles.

The company has cashed in on this business opportunity big time, and they have been breaking all kinds of business records, including records for live gates in almost all markets in the past couple of years.

This change has come at a huge cost for longtime fans, however, as they have seen a steep increase in ticket prices in recent times. With WrestleMania 42 ticket packages going as high as $37,500 per person, more and more families have been finding themselves unable to attend shows together as they used to.

Nick Khan Reacts

So when a fan unexpectedly ran into WWE President Nick Khan at the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios recently, he did not forget to mention the high-ticket prices.

The WWE executive responded by first joking about how he thinks the prices were actually too cheap. When the fan mentioned that they were a little too steep for him, Khan can be heard saying that he understood:

While Nick Khan reacted to the fan’s protest positively, the ticket prices are not expected to come down anytime soon. With the company’s sustained popularity and the new leadership, the TKO policy seems to be clear about prioritizing the revenue over the accessibility of fans.

Latest On AJ Styles WWE Deal After Mystery Post

Anutosh Bajpai
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Latest On AJ Styles WWE Deal After Mystery Post

AJ Styles is not retiring just yet.

The Phenomenal One sparked rumors about his wrestling status early on Friday by posting a picture of an hourglass on social media, with his logo featured on the dipping sand.

The 48-year-old himself has expressed on numerous occasions that he does not plan to wrestle past 50, and he would say goodbye to his in-ring career before that.

These comments, coupled with the post, started rumors about the former WWE Champion potentially retiring from active competition in the coming weeks.

Latest On AJ Styles’ WWE Contract

Fightful Select provided an update on the contract of AJ Styles after these talks picked up. They report that his current deal which was extended for one year, is now expected to expire sometime around February 2026.

This puts the potential end of his WWE run right in the middle of the 2026 Royal Rumble from Saudi Arabia and WrestleMania 42 from Las Vegas.

Styles has continued performing at a high level despite his age, and the officials hope to retain him past his current deal. The officials under TKO have adapted the policy of renewing deals at the last minute, however, so it’s unlikely that the talks for the same will begin this far in advance.

The wrestling legend’s birthday comes in June, so he’ll have more than a year before his self-determined age limit after the current contract expires, and it’s possible the officials will be able to convince him to stick around for one more year.

Wade Barrett & Nikki Bella Smooth Things Over After “Desperate” Line

Thomas Lowson
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Wade Barrett & Nikki Bella Smooth Things Over After “Desperate” Line

A recent comment from Wade Barrett at Nikki Bella stirred up controversy during the Clash in Paris pre-show, as Barrett referred to Nikki as “desperate.” According to Barrett, Nikki, who would go on to challenge Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch was “desperate to prove she still has it against this new generation that have changed the game.”

Nikki retaliated on her podcast, claiming Barrett avoided her during the post-Clash in Paris episode of Raw. Barrett would refute the claim, adding that he’d like to have a conversation with Nikki about the comment in question.

Now, that conversation has seemingly happened. In a new post on X, the WWE commentator shared that he and Nikki have “smoothed things over.” Wade added that he’s been part of the ‘Bella Army’ since their time in FCW and highlighted that difference of perspectives can be acceptable, but the abuse Nikki often receives is not.

Barrett’s post reflects a maturity between the two as they were able to sit down and discuss the comment in question. Rather than let the issue fester and differences grow, both Wade and Nikki can now move forward in their respective roles in WWE.

Nikki Bella Vows WWE Return Is Just Beginning After Paris Loss

Chris Jericho Directly Addresses WWE Return Rumors

Anutosh Bajpai
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Chris Jericho Directly Addresses WWE Return Rumors

Chris Jericho has commented on a potential WWE return.

The recent AEW absence of the former World Champion has given fuel to rumor mills, and there has been a lot of talk of Y2J potentially returning to the Endeavor-owned promotion once his deal with Tony Khan’s company expires.

Jericho himself was asked about the possibility directly during a recent interview with the Daily Mail at Halloween Horror Nights. The Man of 1,004 Holds first discussed how the inception of AEW is the best thing that could happen to the wrestling business:

“The best thing that can happen to wrestling is AEW and the fact that there are two huge promotions that you can choose from just makes it better for the guys, makes it better for the fans, and everybody in between.”

For A Long While: Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho then explained that he wouldn’t be opposed to a WWE return somewhere down the line, but claimed that he won’t be leaving AEW anytime soon:

“I’m not going anywhere for a long while. I’m still with AEW for right now. Would I go back to WWE? I wouldn’t be opposed to it.

We just have to see what happens. The best thing that can happen is to have two great teams that you can play for, and that just makes everything bigger and more exciting,”

Reports suggest Chris Jericho’s current deal expires sometime before the year ends. With his continued absence from AEW TV, it’s unlikely that speculations about his future will stop anytime soon.

AEW’s MJF & Alicia Atout Marry In Wrestler-Attended Wedding

Thomas Lowson
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AEW’s MJF & Alicia Atout Marry In Wrestler-Attended Wedding

MJF and Alicia Atout have tied the knot in a ceremony that featured some notable wrestling names. On X, AEW commentator Taz shared his congrats to the happy couple, wishing the pair “nothing but a lifetime of happiness.” An image from the wedding shows that Taz attended as did his son HOOK.

MJF would also take to X to react to his big day. Calling the wedding “the death of a bachelor,” MJF vowed to remember his special day even when he’s old and grey.

The couple began dating in 2023 and would get engaged in November that same year. Their relationship has been alluded to on AEW programming from time-to-time, though MJF has never broken away from his ‘Scumbag’ persona. Before finding one another, MJF had been engaged to artist Naomi Rosenblum. Atout was previously in a relationship with Richard Holliday. She managed Holliday during their time in MLW. 

We here at SEScoops are sending our congratulations to the happy couple!

John Cena Honors Past Rivals In Final SmackDown Match

Thomas Lowson
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John Cena Honors Past Rivals In Final SmackDown Match

John Cena has wrestled for the final time on WWE SmackDown, a brand that Cena was a staple of for much of his wrestling career. In his final encounter on the blue brand, Cena battled United States Champion Sami Zayn in an encounter that saw several throwbacks to John’s epic past.

During the match, John delivered a Pop-Up Powerbomb, a nod to his wars with Kevin Owens in 2015. Owens’ main-roster debut match would see him beat Cena clean, instantly putting him on the map as someone to take seriously.

Cena would also hit an Angle Slam and an Ankle lock, honoring WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle. John made his SmackDown debut in 2002 by answering Kurt’s open challenge, ushering in the ‘Ruthless Aggression’ era in the process.

A GTS in honor of CM Punk was fitting given that the show was taking place in Chicago. A spear in the corner was a nod to Edge, considered by many to be John’s greatest rival. John delivered a wild-eyed performance, making clear that this was a tribute to the Canadian.

A JBL-inspired Clothesline From Hell would complete John’s tributes to his past rivals in his final SmackDown match. With only a handful of days left in his career, it remains to be seen what else Cena pulls out before saying his in-ring farewell.

Brock Lesnar Attacks John Cena On SmackDown, WrestlePalooza Match Set

Brock Lesnar & SummerSlam Rematch Set for Norfolk SmackDown

Thomas Lowson
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Brock Lesnar & SummerSlam Rematch Set for Norfolk SmackDown

The September 12, episode of WWE SmackDown will be a stacked show with plenty of huge matches and moments already confirmed. Here’s what’s already been confirmed for the SmackDown, the penultimate episode of the blue brand before WrestlePalooza

Brock Lesnar to Appear

After decimating John Cena on the September 5, show, Brock Lesnar’s return to the blue brand has been confirmed by WWE. The Beast Incarnate will be on the September 12, show, and one can only imagine that somebody will be taking a trip to Suplex City.

Randy Orton Vs. Drew McIntyre

After weeks of feuding, including battling at SummerSlam in tag-team action, Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre will go one-on-one to settle their rivalry. With both being former WWE World Champions, fans can expect an epic clash on SmackDown.

Tiffany Stratton (c) Vs. Jade Cargill

Tiffany Stratton will defend her WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill. Cargill was named the number one contender last Friday. The pair battled at WWE SummerSlam where Stratton retained her gold.

All this has been confirmed for WWE SmackDown in Norfolk, VA, and fans can also expect a United States title match. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from SmackDown on the road to WrestlePalooza.

AJ Lee Signs New WWE Contract Before SmackDown Return (Video)

AJ Lee Signs New WWE Contract Before SmackDown Return (Video)

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
AJ Lee Signs New WWE Contract Before SmackDown Return (Video)

AJ Lee is officially a WWE star again.

One of the strongest voices of the Women’s Revolution, Lee retired from active competition shortly after WrestleMania 31 in 2015. She had explained at the time that the damage to her body from wrestling and the fulfilment of her goals was the reason behind the decision.

Fans had been demanding the comeback of the former Divas Champion ever since. They finally got their wish when the wrestling veteran made her return to the company at tonight’s episode of SmackDown from Chicago.

Triple H posted a backstage video with the returning star shortly after the show went off air. It shows AJ Lee signing a new contract before her SmackDown entrance to make the whole thing official:

What’s Next For AJ Lee?

The female star’s return came after Becky Lynch cost CM Punk the World Heavyweight title match against Seth Rollins at the Clash In Paris PPV last month.

Lee also targeted Becky during her comeback segment, setting up a potential mixed tag match between the two couples for the September 20 Wrestlepalooza PPV.

Reports suggest that Lee’s return will not be one off and she’ll be making multiple appearances. While the nature of her new deal is unknown, WWE also highlighted AJ picking up the Women’s IC title after SmackDown on social media, hinting that she’ll be going after the title as well.

Sami Zayn Revives WWE U.S. Title Open Challenge With John Cena’s Blessing

Thomas Lowson
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Sami Zayn Revives WWE U.S. Title Open Challenge With John Cena’s Blessing

The U.S. Title will be on the line each and every week for as long as Sami Zayn is champion, as confirmed during SmackDown. Amid Cena’s promo, Zayn interrupted, earning boos from the Chicago crowd. Zayn wants to be a fighting champion like Cena was and give opportunities to up and coming talent, and shared that he wanted to bring back the US Title Open Challenge, but wanted Cena’s blessing.

Cena gave his blessing, calling it a great idea. Cena also shared that he’d be the first person to answer the open challenge, kicking off a U.S. Title match between the two.

John introduced the hugely-popular open challenge during his reign in 2015, his first reign with the gold in a decade. Zayn made his main roster debut by answering John’s challenge in Montreal, though suffered an injury during the match. Cena would have two reigns that year, which were ended by Seth Rollins and Alberto Del Rio.

Now, Sami will give Superstars a chance to take the gold from him and showcase the talent of the WWE roster. It remains to be seen how long Sami will be able to hold the gold given how title matches will be coming fast for the United States Champion.

Wrestling World Reacts To AJ Lee WWE Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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Wrestling World Reacts To AJ Lee WWE Return

The wrestling world is as excited for AJ Lee’s return as the fans.

The former Divas Champion made her triumphant return to WWE after 10 long years at tonight’s episode of SmackDown from Chicago.

Fans had been demanding the return ever since her husband, CM Punk, made his own return to the Endeavor owned promotion back in 2023.

AJ Lee wasted no time going after Becky Lynch upon her return and she sent The Man retreating. Lee then picked up the Women’s IC title belt dropped by Becky to celebrate her comeback, hinting at potential championship ambitions.

Wrestling World Reacts To AJ Lee

The internet started buzzing right after this segment with multiple trending hashtags. Though the fans are not the only ones excited at this long-awaited return. Multiple current and former WWE stars took to social media to share their excitement at the return of the legend.

Roxanne Perez who has been closely associated with Punk since his return posted a short tweet addressing Lee as ‘mommy.’ Naomi who is currently out of action after announcing pregnancy welcomed back AJ lee by telling her to ‘give em hell.’

Former WWE star Cora Jade, now going by the name Elayna Black tweeted that ‘all is right in the world’ while Bayley posted a video from the arena of the moment of Lee’s entrance. You can check out all these reactions below:

Watch: What Happened With AJ Lee After SmackDown Went Off Air

Anutosh Bajpai
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Watch: What Happened With AJ Lee After SmackDown Went Off Air

AJ Lee hinted at her WWE ambitions after SmackDown went off air.

Fans had been running a campaign for the return of the former Divas Champion ever since her husband, CM Punk, made his triumphant return to the Endeavor-owned promotion 2 years ago.

The people finally got their wish on this week’s episode of the Blue Branded show from Chicago when the wrestling veteran made her return to WWE programming after 10 years.

The return came as the Women’s IC Champion Becky Lynch was in the ring and AJ Lee wasted no time going after The Man for costing Punk the world title.

What Happened After SmackDown

A shocked Lynch quickly retreated after this. The show went off air with Lee celebrating her comeback with Punk in the ring while Becky and Seth Rollins looked on from the stage.

The returning star picked up the Women’s IC title dropped by Lynch after SmackDown went off air and paraded around the ring with the belt.

AJ Lee is likely to team up with CM Punk to face Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins in a mixed tag match at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza PPV. Though after tonight, it won’t be a surprise if Lee sticks around and goes after the IC title following the upcoming PLE.

AJ Lee Returns On WWE Friday Night SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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AJ Lee Returns On WWE Friday Night SmackDown

AJ Lee has made her shocking return to WWE for the first time in over a decade. On the September 5 episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Chicago, Illinois, the former Divas Champion appeared in the main event segment to confront Becky Lynch, setting the stage for a match at the upcoming WrestlePalooza Premium Live Event.

The return, which took place in her husband CM Punk’s hometown, was met with a thunderous ovation from the live crowd and sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. The segment began with World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins introducing his wife, Becky Lynch. As Lynch began to run down CM Punk and the city of Chicago, the crowd broke into loud, sustained chants of “AJ Lee.”

Punk then made his entrance to confront Lynch, calling Rollins a coward for hiding behind his wife. After a tense verbal exchange, Lynch slapped Punk across the face. Punk responded that he would never put his hands on a woman, but that he knew someone who would. At that moment, AJ Lee’s music hit, and she ran to the ring. A stunned Becky Lynch was met with a spear from Lee, who then unleashed a flurry of offense, sending “The Man” retreating up the ramp.

The show went off the air with CM Punk and AJ Lee embracing in the middle of the ring as Rollins and Lynch looked on in fury. The angle all but confirms the rumored mixed tag team match between the two couples for the WrestlePalooza event on September 20. This was Lee’s first appearance in a WWE ring since the night after WrestleMania 31 in March 2015.

Brock Lesnar Attacks John Cena On SmackDown, WrestlePalooza Match Set

Andrew Ravens
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Brock Lesnar Attacks John Cena On SmackDown, WrestlePalooza Match Set

Tmatch between John Cena and Brock Lesnar is now official for the WWE WrestlePalooza Premium Live Event. The announcement was made on the September 5 episode of Friday Night SmackDown after Lesnar made a shocking appearance to open the show. The confrontation sets the stage for a historic first-time-ever singles match between the two icons, scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 20, in Indianapolis, Indiana. This bout will be a cornerstone of the first WWE PLE to air on ESPN platforms.

The match was made following a brutal assault by “The Beast Incarnate.” The show kicked off with a singles match between John Cena and Sami Zayn. As Cena was setting up for an avalanche Attitude Adjustment, Lesnar’s music hit. Lesnar charged to the ring, pulled the referee out to stop the match, and proceeded to viciously attack both competitors.

He laid out Zayn with an F5 before turning his attention to Cena, delivering two devastating F5s to the man he has been targeting. Later, in a backstage segment, Lesnar confronted Cena again and told him, “I’ll see you at WrestlePalooza,” leading to the match being made official.

This encounter has been building since SummerSlam last month, where Lesnar made his return to WWE after a two-year absence by attacking Cena following his main event match. The updated card for WWE WrestlePalooza is below:

Women’s World Championship Match: IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar

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