Tony Khan has acknowledged the legendary career of Christopher Daniels following what is believed to be Daniels’ final match in AEW. The AEW President took to social media to express his gratitude to Daniels, who faced Hangman Page in a brutal Texas Death Match at AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage.
Daniels was busted open early and, despite his resilience, was unable to withstand Hangman Page’s relentless offense. The match ended after Hangman delivered a Tombstone Piledriver on a chair, followed by a Dead Eye on another chair, and concluded with a Buckshot Lariat to the back of Daniels’ head, keeping him down for the 10-count. Adding insult to injury, Page also used the Angel’s Wings, a move Daniels used for years throughout his storied career, after the match.
Following the tapings of Collision earlier this week, it was reported that those in AEW were under the impression that this was Daniels’ final match. With Khan publicly praising Daniels for his efforts in his match with Page, it cerainly appears that fans have seen the last of the Fallen Angel in the ring.
Daniels’ lengthy career has seen him compete all over the world and is best known for his runs in Ring of Honor and TNA Wrestling. Though Daniels’ days wrestling are up, he remains a pivotal part of AEW as the company’s Head of Talent Relations.
An unlikely name has come into Tony Khan’s defence amid the drama surrounding Rey Fenix’s AEW status following Penta’s WWE debut.
The discussion about AEW extending Fenix’s contract picked up again on Saturday after the high-flying star posted a picture of himself on social media. The former champion was seen wearing a straightjacket in the photo indicating that he was being ‘restrained’ by the company.
Former WWE star Tom Pestock better known to fans as Baron Corbin came in support of Khan over the issue. Responding to a post suggesting that Tony should let Rey Fenix out of his deal, Corbin claimed that you need to honor your contract:
“If you sign a contract, you honor it. Would it have been okay if Tony didn’t pay him while he was hurt or out of action? The answer is no bc Tony signed the contract as well. You can’t switch teams after getting what you want and signing the contract.”
If you sign a contract you honor it. Would it have been okay if Tony didn’t pay him while he was hurt or out of action? The answer is no bc Tony signed the contract as well. You can’t switch teams after getting what you want and signing the contract.
Baron Corbin also responded to some other objections to his remarks in the thread suggesting that there might be more to the story of Fenix and AEW than people know.
The former WWE star’s comments actually align with what the AEW star himself has suggested in the past. He’s previously claimed that a ‘huge injustice’ has been done to him and that he’ll get the chance to speak the truth one day.
Former WWE wrestler Tom Pestock, better known as Baron Corbin, stirred up conversation on Twitter by defending AEW President Tony Khan’s practice of extending wrestlers’ contracts to account for time missed due to injuries. Responding to criticism of Khan’s handling of talents like Rey Fenix, Pestock offered a detailed perspective on the nuances of wrestling contracts and workers’ rights, making it clear he was not angling for a job but instead contributing to an important industry discussion.
The debate began when a fan criticized Khan for not releasing Fenix, arguing that keeping him under contract without utilizing him actively was unfair. Pestock, however, countered with a pragmatic take, emphasizing the mutual obligations of contracts. “If you sign a contract, you honor it,” he wrote. “Would it have been okay if Tony didn’t pay him while he was hurt or out of action? The answer is no, because Tony signed the contract as well.”
If you sign a contract you honor it. Would it have been okay if Tony didn’t pay him while he was hurt or out of action? The answer is no bc Tony signed the contract as well. You can’t switch teams after getting what you want and signing the contract.
This set off a back-and-forth where Pestock clarified misconceptions about how contracts work in wrestling promotions like AEW, WWE, and Impact Wrestling. He pointed out that adding time to contracts to account for injuries is standard practice across the industry and not unique to AEW.
“Everyone who gets hurt gets injury time. Doesn’t matter if it’s WWE, AEW, or TNA. That’s part of it,” Pestock explained.
Everyone who gets hurt gets injury time. Doesn’t matter if it’s WWE AEW or TNA
That’s part of it.
And maybe fénix doesn’t want to work. Only him and Tony know that
Addressing Misconceptions About Fenix and Worker Rights
Several fans raised concerns about other aspects of Fenix’s situation, including merchandise sales and restrictions on working independent shows. Some suggested that taking down Fenix’s merchandise from AEW’s store was a petty move meant to freeze him out. Pestock countered by saying that Fenix is free to sell his own merchandise, implying the wrestler still has avenues for income while under contract.
Another point of contention was whether AEW actively restricts wrestlers from working elsewhere. While some fans claimed AEW talent like Ricky Starks had been barred from certain independent appearances, Pestock suggested that Fenix might have the option to work elsewhere if he chooses. “Correct, he is not prohibited from running other shows,” Pestock responded to a fan. However, he acknowledged that ultimately only Tony Khan and Fenix know the full details of their agreement.
On Setting Precedents and Workers’ Options
When asked whether Khan’s reluctance to release Fenix stemmed from a desire to avoid setting a precedent, Pestock did not directly confirm but seemed to dismiss the idea that Fenix’s departure would negatively impact AEW. He also speculated that the situation might not be as one-sided as it appears.
“Maybe Fenix doesn’t want to work. Only him and Tony know that,” he remarked.
Despite his defenses of AEW and Tony Khan, Pestock maintained an objective stance, describing his contributions to the discussion as purely conversational. Responding to accusations of “fishing for work” he quipped, “I don’t want a job, but nice try. I’m cool, trust me.” Pestock also admitted uncertainty about whether he would ever sign another wrestling contract, leaving the door open for future opportunities without committing to a return.
Insights on Wrestling Contracts and Workers’ Rights
The conversation highlighted Pestock’s interest in the legal and ethical dimensions of wrestling contracts. He emphasized the importance of honoring agreements while acknowledging the frustration fans and wrestlers might feel in certain situations. His commentary underscored a larger debate about the balance between protecting workers’ rights and maintaining the integrity of contracts in the high-stakes world of professional wrestling.
While the specifics of Rey Fenix’s situation remain unclear, Pestock’s perspective offered valuable insights into industry practices and shed light on the complexities of balancing business interests with individual freedoms in wrestling.
Brooke Hogan, daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, has announced the birth of her twins, Oliver Andrew Oleksy and Molly Gene Oleksy, on January 15, 2025. The former TNA personality shared the joyous news on Instagram, captioning a photo with her newborns, “Our hearts have been made whole by the arrival of these two sweet souls we get to love. God is good.”
This milestone makes Hulk Hogan a first-time grandfather, adding another chapter to the legacy of one of wrestling’s most iconic families. Fans are already speculating whether the third generation of Hogans might step into the wrestling ring in the decades to come.
Brooke, who served as an on-screen authority figure in TNA Wrestling from 2012 to 2013, has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years. However, her father’s influence in professional wrestling continues to draw interest in her personal life.
Brooke married NHL player Steven Oleksy in a private ceremony in Florida in 2022, a union kept secret until late 2023. Oleksy, a Stanley Cup-winning defenseman with the Pittsburgh Penguins, is also an entrepreneur and founder of ESE Hockey. While the couple values their privacy, Oleksy has praised Brooke’s strength and authenticity, calling her the “most authentic person I’ve ever encountered.”
With the Hogan legacy expanding, wrestling fans are left wondering if Oliver and Molly might one day follow in their grandfather’s legendary footsteps. Could we see the third generation of Hogans stepping into the squared circle by 2050? Time will tell.
Drew McIntyre recently reflected on his interactions with CM Punk, offering a candid take on their dynamic both on-screen and off. Speaking openly to Alex McCarthy for the Daily Mail, McIntyre acknowledged his no-holds-barred approach toward Punk during their feud, emphasizing how Punk stood out by handling the pressure without faltering.
“I went completely gangbusters for him,” McIntyre explained, recounting his aggressive tactics, particularly on social media. He clarified that, while he can be limited in what he says on TV, his personal social platforms give him freedom to be unfiltered. Despite his relentless approach, McIntyre admitted Punk remained unfazed:
“I went at him and went at him. And I’ve done that with a couple of people, and they have got a boo boo face. Not that I care, but he didn’t. He ate it like a man and then came back with what he had to say. So I’ll give him that.”
McIntyre also mentioned that WWE did not intervene to tone down his rhetoric, further demonstrating the intensity of their storyline. “The company could have asked me to pull back if they wanted me to, and I’d have said, ‘No, it’s my social.’”
Although McIntyre’s comments hint at mixed feelings toward Punk, he seemed to appreciate Punk’s resilience and ability to engage in the back-and-forth exchange. His remarks offer insight into the complexities of their professional relationship and highlight the impact of their feud.
For more insights from McIntyre, including his thoughts on The Rock and John Cena, check out the full article on Daily Mail.
A popular faction will reunite in the ring for nearly five years tonight on AEW Collision, bringing together three members of one of wrestling’s most dominant stables of the past decade.
Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, & Roderick Strong will team up to reform the Undisputed Kingdom in a 6-man tag match against Shane Taylor Promotions (Lee Moriarty, Carlie Bravo, & Shawn Dean) at tonight on AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage.
This trio first rose to prominence as part of The Undisputed Era in WWE NXT, where they established themselves as one of the most successful factions in the brand’s history. During their run, they collected multiple championships including the NXT Championship, North American Championship, and dominated the tag team division.
The Undisputed Era ran WWE NXT for years
The group won an impressive 10 NXT Year-End Awards during their time together and stood out for their cohesion and in-ring chemistry. Whether competing in singles, tag team, or multi-man matches like WarGames (video below), they distinguished themselves with their technical prowess and coordinated offensive style.
Cole served as the group’s charismatic leader while O’Reilly and Strong brought elite wrestling ability that made them feared competitors. After their WWE run ended in 2021, the trio eventually reunited in AEW, where they’ve recently reformed as part of the Undisputed Kingdom. Cole has expressed confidence that he, O’Reilly and Strong could “run all of AEW without question.” He’ll have a chance to back up that claim in just a matter of hours.
Tonight’s match will reuniting the Undisputed Kingdom / Undisputed Era for the first time since 2020 marks a significant milestone in their collective journey from NXT to AEW. And as one group gets back together… Popular AEW Tag Team Breaks Up
All Elite Wrestling presents AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage tonight at 8/7c on TNT and streaming on Max.
This special event features a huge 12-man tag team main event, a Texas Death Match, and top stars in action including AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, Cope, ‘Hangman’ Adam Page and Kazuchika Okada.
The end of MVP’s career in the ring is in sight for the former WWE U.S. Champion, but he’s going to give his all while he can.
On Instagram, MVP shared that the “clock is taking on my in-ring career” and aded that “I don’t have much time left.” Ending on a positive not, MVP vowed to “give you everything I’ve got until I finally reach the final match.”
MVP made his AEW in-ring debut during this week’s Dynamite: Maximum Carnage, where he, Shelton Benjamin, and Bobby Lashley defeated Mark Briscoe and Private Party. This wasn’t just MVP’s first match for AEW, but his first wrestling match on a major televised promotion since competing on WWE Raw in July 2022.
There’s no word on when MVP will wrestle again for AEW, if at all, but the veteran has certainly proven himself as a manager in recent years. Recently, the Hurt Syndicate expressed their desire to hold the AEW World Tag Team Titles, currently held by Private Party. Lashley has also expressed a desire to become AEW World Champion, and after MVP led him to the WWE title in 2021, such a win remains a genuine possibility.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on MVP, as the AEW star is giving his all in the ring before he hangs up his boots for good.
House of Glory Wrestling presented “Watch the Throne 2025” last night at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago, Illinois.
This event marked Ricky Starks’ debut with House of Glory, challenging Mike Santana for the HOG Heavyweight Title. Additionally, former HOG World Heavyweight Champion Matt Cardona returned to the promotion for the first time since losing the championship, now vying for the HOG Crown Jewel Title.
Results:
Phumi Nkuta vs. Joe Alonzo
Joe Alonzo opened with a promo, claiming he was the reason for the crowd’s attendance. Phumi Nkuta promised to submit him.
Alonzo focused on Nkuta’s leg with targeted offense, while Nkuta countered with striking combinations and suplexes.
Finish: Nkuta countered a powerbomb attempt into a roll-up, transitioning into an armbar for the submission victory.
Winner: Phumi Nkuta
Koda Hernandez vs. Idris Jackson
A back-and-forth match with Hernandez targeting Jackson with suplexes and strikes, while Jackson worked over Hernandez’s injured back.
Finish: Jackson used heel tactics, including a roll-up with his feet on the ropes, to secure the win.
Winner: Idris Jackson
HOG World Tag Team Championship – Triple Threat Match: Cold Blooded Killers (Raheem Royal & Jay Armani) (c) vs. Los Desperados (Gringo Loco & Arez) vs. The Mane Event (Jay Lyons & Midas Black)
The Cold Blooded Killers (CBK) played the opportunistic champions, avoiding direct confrontations early.
All teams exchanged high-impact double-team moves, including dives and tandem finishers.
Finish: CBK capitalized on chaos, hitting Jay Lyons with their finisher, “Kill Shot,” after using the title belt as a weapon.
Winners: Cold Blooded Killers, retaining the HOG World Tag Team Championship
Laynie Luck vs. Blair Onyx
A competitive match with both women trading technical holds and strikes.
Onyx used her signature tarantula hold and a springboard flatliner, while Luck relied on suplexes and knee strikes.
Finish: Onyx hit a choke slam to secure the victory.
Winner: Blair Onyx
HOG Cruiserweight Championship – Suicidal 7-Way Match: Darron Richardson (c) vs. Roachie Roach vs. Oni King vs. Ben Ruten vs. J Bouji vs. Davey Bang vs. August Matthews
Chaotic action, with high-flying dives, a “Tower of Doom” spot, and alliances forming and breaking throughout the match.
J Bouji briefly worked with Richardson but was betrayed as Richardson ultimately pinned Davey Bang following a destroyer from Bouji.
Winner: Darron Richardson, retaining the HOG Cruiserweight Championship
Charles Mason vs. The Amazing Red
Mason used heel tactics, including interference from the Cold Blooded Killers, to gain an advantage.
Despite distractions, Red fought back with signature moves like the Code Red and a top-rope flatliner.
Finish: Mason capitalized on a distraction from Darron Richardson, applying the “Reign of Terror” sleeper hold for the win.
Winner: Charles Mason
Matt Cardona vs. Mustafa Ali
Cardona mocked Chicago before trying to avoid the match. Ali forced him into a hard-hitting battle.
The match saw creative use of the stage and outside interference, with Cardona raking Ali’s eyes and attempting to cheat his way to victory.
Finish: Ali hit a 450 Splash after a back-and-forth exchange to win the match.
Winner: Mustafa Ali
HOG World Heavyweight Championship – Mike Santana (c) vs. Ricky Starks
A wild match that spilled into the crowd, with Starks even using a child as a weapon against Santana.
The two traded near falls with moves like Starks’ super jackhammer and Santana’s cannonball and powerbomb combination.
Finish: Charles Mason and the Cold Blooded Killers interfered, leading to a disqualification win for Santana.
Winner: Mike Santana (via DQ), retaining the HOG World Heavyweight Championship
Post-Match: Santana and Ricky Starks fought off Mason and CBK together. Santana delivered a fiery promo targeting Mason and his crew as the feed cut out repeatedly.
Could John Cena’s farewell to in-ring competition see him compete in TNA Wrestling? World Champion Nic Nemeth certainly hopes so. Speaking to The Takedown on SI, Nemeth said that Cena appearing for the promotion would be special, no matter who he worked with.
“As much as I would like to hog it, no matter who was in that moment with him, that would be cool as hell, because he’s done so much for so many.”
Nemeth compared Cena to Hiroshi Tanahashi, who is also on a retirement tour. With “everyone dying to get in the ring” with the icon, Nemeth believes Cena in TNA would be groundbreaking for the promotion.
“It’d be game-changing for [TNA]. It would just help us one more notch at kicking ass, if we got John here on that deal, on that partnership.”
Cena kicked off his farewell tour on WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix by declaring himself for the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match. In addition to the February 1, event, Cena has been announced for March’s Elimination Chamber PLE as well as WrestleMania 41. Several Superstars have put themselves forward as potential opponents, including The Miz, Randy Orton, and Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker.
WWE and TNA have announced a multi-year partnership, meaning fans can’t count out an appearance by John Cena in the Impact Zone. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on John Cena and what will be a massive send-off to the Greatest Of All Time.
Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels will have a hero’s welcome when he appears at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event this month in his native San Antonio, Texas. On this week’s SmackDown, it was announced that Michaels will oversee a contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens at the January 25, event. Owens and Rhodes will hand-over their respective WWE Championships which will be on the line at the Royal Rumblein a ladder match.
Rhodes and Owens have been at odds since WWE Bad Blood, where Owens attacked Cody following the show. Owens has claimed that Rhodes turned on him by agreeing to team with Roman Reigns. The issues between the pair grew uglier after Saturday Night’s Main Event, where Owens delivered a package piledriver to Rhodes after the show.
Michaels won’t be afraid to lay down the law in his hometown at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The WWE Hall of Famer already serves as the head of WWE NXT and hasn’t been afraid to put his hands on talent if they cross the line. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from the Heart Break Kid ahead of his exciting appearance at the January 25 special event.
Wade Barrett has been confirmed as the fill-in for Pat McAfee for the January 20th Raw from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
ESPN announced earlier this week that McAfee will be a part of the broadcast team for the College Football National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame, calling the action from inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Due to the ongoing drama over the Raw commentary position, fans wondered who will replace the former NFL star on the show. Barrett then revealed during the latest episode of SmackDown that he’ll be joining Michael Cole on Monday.
WWE made changes to both Raw and Smackdown commentary teams to start off 2025. With McAfee’s return to the company, Michael Cole was put back with the Football star on Monday nights. The duo of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett who had been on the Red Brand were moved to Friday nights.
These changes left Cole’s existing partner Corey Graves in an awkward position. Despite being only behind the EVP in experience among the mentioned names, Graves was forced to return to NXT instead. The Savior of Misbehavior was visibly unhappy with what he considered a demotion.
He was taken off TV by the company after Corey took to social media to express his frustrations in now-deleted tweets. Graves’ status remains very much in the air since then with no updates on his return to TV.
WWE has announced a match between Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre for Monday’s episode of Raw as well as an appearance from JBL. The New Day are also expected to compete at the show but their opponents have not been confirmed.
A new match has been added to the lineup for WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event special, as Jacob Fatu is set to face Braun Strowman in singles competition.
The announcement follows a confrontation on this week’s episode of SmackDown, where Braun returned to back up LA Knight during an altercation with Fatu and Tama Tonga. This will mark the first-ever singles meeting between Fatu and Strowman, making it the most high-profile singles match of Jacob Fatu’s WWE career to date.
WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event will air live on NBC at 8 PM ET.
Updated Card:
WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER vs. Jey Uso
WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker vs. Sheamus
Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman
The WWE on Peacock schedule previously revealed that there are Saturday’s Night Main Event specials planned for May 24th and July 12th. The latter of which is slated to go head-to-head with AEW All In: Texas at Globe Life Field. WWE will also present the Royal Rumble PLE on February 1st.
The anticipation for Charlotte Flair’s WWE return continues to grow, with recent teasers and appearances sparking speculation. During this week’s SmackDown, a promo highlighted Flair’s star power with visuals of private jets and yachts, emphasizing her dominant presence in WWE.
Flair has been absent from WWE since December 2023 after suffering a severe knee injury in a match against Asuka on SmackDown. The injury, which involved a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, required surgery in January 2024. Since then, Flair has kept fans updated on her recovery journey through social media, sharing training videos and photos.
Flair attended Tuesday’s WWE NXT and posted a picture alongside NXT Tag Team Champions Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend, captioning it, “Some girls want to be a princess when they grow up, I wanted to be in a bad b**ch girl gang.” The post has fueled speculation that Flair could lead a faction upon her return. A source at the WWE Performance Center who saw Flair training in the ring tell SEScoops she looked great and is ready to wrestle, pending the right scenario to get her back on television.
While WWE has not officially confirmed a return date, her recent activity, combined with the 2025 Royal Rumble just weeks away, suggests Flair’s comeback may coincide with the high-stakes event.
WWE crowned new #1 contenders for the Tag Team Titles on this week’s SmackDown. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin of the Motor City Machine Guns defeated Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo of Legado Del Fantasma. With this victory, they have secured a future opportunity at the WWE Tag Team Championships, currently held by Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa of #DIY.
The Motor City Machine Guns overcame the challenge despite interference attempts by Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson and Elton Prince.
After achieving individual success in NXT, Gargano and Ciampa transitioned to WWE’s main roster. In 2023, WWE teased a potential reunion of #DIY on Monday Night Raw. When they officially reunited, fans welcomed them back enthusiastically, eager to see the duo reclaim tag team glory.
The Motor City Machine Guns previously held the WWE Tag Team Titles before losing them to #DIY on the December 6th episode of SmackDown. A rematch on the January 3rd episode of SmackDown ended in a no-contest, leaving fans eager for a decisive conclusion.
The journey of #DIY is one of persistence, chemistry, and emotional storytelling. Their rise from NXT to WWE Tag Team Champions has been a compelling narrative, filled with memorable moments and fan support.
It remains unclear when Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin will receive their rematch for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Braun Strowman has made his return to WWE television, appearing on Friday’s episode of SmackDown to make a dramatic save.
The segment began with Jacob Fatu delivering an in-ring promo, following Solo Sikoa’s decision not to address his recent loss to Roman Reigns during the Raw on Netflix premiere. As tensions escalated, LA Knight stormed the ring to confront the heels but was quickly overwhelmed by the numbers advantage. Just when the situation seemed dire, Strowman made his return to even the odds and rescue Knight.
WWE incorporated Strowman’s real-life struggles into the storyline, explaining that he had been recovering from a brutal attack by The Bloodline. Strowman had been sidelined at the start of 2025 due to a severe illness.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Strowman revealed that he had been battling a serious health issue, which forced him into recovery at a hotel. The illness took a toll on his health, causing him to lose over 30 pounds in just one week. Before his return, Strowman had not wrestled since late December during a SmackDown live event.
Lince Dorado has officially returned to WWE, a move that had been speculated earlier this week after he stepped down as the Lucha Premier Champion.
On Friday night, Dorado made his return during an NXT house show in Citrus Springs. As of this writing, the terms of his contract remain undisclosed, and there is no confirmed date for his return to televised programming.
Lince Dorado began his wrestling career in 2007, competing in various independent promotions. He gained significant recognition in Chikara, where he emerged as a promising talent. Dorado’s mainstream breakthrough came in 2016 when he participated in WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic Tournament. Following the tournament, he signed with WWE and joined the 205 Live roster, quickly becoming a fan favorite as part of the team Lucha House Party alongside Gran Metalik and Kalisto.
After his WWE release in 2021, Dorado returned to the independent wrestling scene. He wrestled internationally, appearing in promotions such as MLW (Major League Wrestling) and others, continuing to build his reputation as a dynamic performer.
Christopher Daniels is effectively retired from in-ring competition. At Thursday’s AEW Collision tapings for Saturday’s show, Daniels faced Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match, which is expected to serve as his final bout.
According to Fightful Select, Daniels had been looking for an opportunity to officially retire for quite some time.
Daniels made his mark on the independent wrestling scene, thriving in promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH) and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). In ROH, he was a key figure in the company’s early days, delivering classic matches and rivalries with wrestling greats such as Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, and AJ Styles. Over his tenure, Daniels captured the ROH World Championship and became a multi-time ROH World Tag Team Champion.
During his time in TNA/Impact Wrestling, Daniels helped elevate the X-Division through iconic matches, including the renowned triple threat with AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. He won multiple TNA X-Division Championships and TNA World Tag Team Championships, with his tag team partnership with Frankie Kazarian (as part of Bad Influence) becoming a major highlight.
In 2019, Daniels joined AEW as part of SCU (SoCal Uncensored) alongside Kazarian and Scorpio Sky. Daniels and Kazarian went on to become the first-ever AEW World Tag Team Champions. Beyond his in-ring contributions, Daniels has also played a key role behind the scenes in AEW, working as a talent relations representative and producer.
Jordynne Grace is confident that one of TNA’s most iconic matches will come to WrestleMania as part of the promotion’s multi-year partnership with WWE. On X, Grace was so confident that Ultimate X will take place at a future WrestleMania that she encouraged fans to bookmark her post.
Ultimate X sees a prize, typically a championship or red X suspended 15 feet above the ring by two crossing cables. The winner is the first person to take possession of the hung object. Ladders are banned from being used to climb but can be used as weapons.
The match debuted in 2003 with Chris Sabin, Michael Shane, and Frankie Kazarian battling for the X-Division Championship. Sabin, who debuted in WWE last year alongside Alex Shelley, holds the record for the most Ultimate X match appearances (18) and most wins (8.) Last year, NXT’s Riley Osborne competed in Ultimate X at TNA Emergence but failed to get the win.
The partnership between WWE and TNA was announced this week, promising years of exciting crossover at weekly TV tapings and Premium Live Events. Grace has played a pivotal role in TNA and WWE working together as she entered the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble last January. In May, Grace returned to WWE and compete for the NXT Women’s Championship at June’s Battleground event.
This weekend, TNA will host its Genesis event and have teased NXT involvement for the show. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this exciting partnership between WWE and what was once the promotion’s biggest rival.
This week, Bayley Humphrey went viral among wrestling fans as pictures of the young athlete in action were shared online. With her jacked physique and black attire, fans have already ben comparing her to WWE staples including Rhea Ripley and the late Chyna.
Here’s all you need to know on Bayley Humphrey.
A native of Arizona, Bayley Humphrey was invited to join WWE’s fourth NIL (Next in Line) class following a collegiate career in acrobatics and tumbling. After competing in artistic gymnastics, Humphrey transitioned to acrobatic gymnastics during her senior year of high school, paving the way for her to attend Baylor University. There, she graduated in 2024 as a four-time National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) national champion.
Bayley graduated with a degree in health science studies but is now ready to make an impact in the ring. Humphrey’s debut came as part of the tapings for WWE LFG: Legends and Future Greats which will see young prospects trained by veterans of the squeed circle. The show is set to debut in early 2025.
The buzz around Humphrey certainly bodes well for the young athlete, who seeks to etch her name in WWE’s history books. You can follow Bayley Hymphrey on Instagram for more.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Humphrey and WWE LFG as the next chapter of upcoming WWE Superstars will soon be on screens.
Tonight’s WWE SmackDown airs live on the USA Network at 8/7c from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.
The main focus of tonight’s show is the highly anticipated return of Solo Sikoa, who has been absent since losing the Ula Fala and the title of Tribal Chief to Roman Reigns during the Raw on Netflix premiere.
WWE SmackDown Preview: January 17, 2025
WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton will defend her WWE Women’s Title for the first time against Bayley.
Motor City Machine Guns vs. Legado Del Fantasma
Solo Sikoa returns.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news as we continue on the road to the 2025 Royal Rumble.
What Happened Last Week on SmackDown
The January 10 edition of SmackDown included several notable moments:
Main Event: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso lost to Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. After the match, Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes engaged in a chaotic brawl, culminating in both crashing through a table.
Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green successfully defended her title against Michin.
United States Championship Match: Shinsuke Nakamura retained his title against LA Knight, though the match ended in a disqualification due to interference from The Bloodline.
No. 1 Contender’s Match: Bayley became the No. 1 contender for the WWE Women’s Title after winning a Fatal 4-Way Match against Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Nia Jax.
Logan Paul, KSI, and their Prime Hydration brand have pledged over $6.25 million in donations to support California wildfire victims. So far, 1.7 million bottles of Prime Hydration, worth nearly $5 million, have been distributed to firefighters, shelters, first responders, and over 700 food banks in Los Angeles County. An additional $1.5 million worth of donations is expected to be delivered by the end of the week, according to a spokesperson for Prime.
(Photo: Prime)
In addition to the efforts by Paul and KSI, several Hollywood celebrities have stepped up to assist in the relief efforts. Stars like Tyler Sebago, Bella Thorne, and Benny Blanco have actively participated in transporting supplies to areas of Los Angeles County most in need. Speaking about his involvement, Sebago expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, saying, “It’s really up to all of us to be a net positive… and leave our communities better than we found them.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has publicly acknowledged the generosity of Prime Hydration and its volunteers through social media, sharing gratitude for their substantial contributions to the ongoing wildfire relief efforts.
Chelsea Green has explained why traditional babyface and heel roles don’t work in 2025.
With fans becoming smarter about every aspect of the wrestling industry, it’s gotten much harder to sort talents into traditional babyface and heel roles. The modern era instead increasingly features babyfaces with split opinions of fans with heels that get cheered more and more.
The longest-reigning Women’s US Champion is an example of this change in dynamic. While she’s slotted into the role of a villain, her entertaining character and real-life story have led to her getting some of the biggest cheers on WWE shows in recent times. This popularity is the reason the company has chosen her as the Inaugural champion.
The WWE star was asked if she finds it hard to get cheered as a heel during a recent interview with The Law. Chelsea Green explained that for her, it’s harder to see the babyface against her not getting the reaction they deserve:
“So at first it wasn’t challenging. When I was paired with Sonya [Deville], I felt like it was good. As it evolved to more of like a comedy fun role and when they put me with Piper [Niven], that’s when it became a little more difficult. I’ve seen it get more difficult week by week. Now at this point, the fans are so smart. I’m sorry but you just cannot tell the fans how to react.
If they have found that they like somebody or that someone has worked hard and they’ve seen someone put blood sweat and tears into this industry, they’re just not going to boo you. I got a quick little boo when I said something about Piper the other day in my inauguration speech. I got a little boo so that was interesting.
I actually, I feel worse for my opponent. It’s not necessarily about me, it’s about my opponent not getting the reaction that they deserve as a babyface. That makes me feel uncomfortable. Because as a former babyface I wouldn’t want to be in that position.
So that’s where I struggle. That’s where I’ve kind of spoken to the writers ‘How can we write some things in that will rub maybe the crowd the wrong way and we can turn this in our favor.’ But at the end of the day the WWE universe and pro wrestling fans in general are, they’re just smart. They’re just smart and they want what they want. We gave them what they wanted and that was me as champion. So now I’m not sure how we take that back.”
While discussing how hard it is to get a traditional babyface over in the modern era, Chelsea Green suggested that the entertaining heel-to-babyface route is the necessity of the time. She explained that fans today find it hard to cheer for a babyface they can’t relate to as opposed to the older times:
“They love an underdog story. Don’t we all? At the end of the day I’ve got to say like as a fan as well I don’t necessarily love to see this perfect human with a perfect body and perfect gear and a perfect speech go out and beat up a bad guy who actually isn’t perfect. There’s just like, there’s something kind of ‘blah’ about that.
So I think us seeing these turns from heels into baby faces – maybe that’s just the way we have to go you know. Maybe the bad guy are the perfectly groomed superhumans. Because that’s not what the fans look like. That’s not what the fans sit down and think ‘Oh I could be that guy’ That’s not realistic. Some of the people in WWE are superhuman.”
Metalcore band Not Enough Space’s new track, Solace in Silence, boasts a dose of WWE star power thanks to appearances by two prominent names from NXT in the song’s music video. Set against the backdrop of a funeral, the video features NXT’s Javier Bernal and Tatum Paxley.
Bernal and Paxley (right) at the funeral in the music video.
The NXT duo are a real-life couple and tied the knot in late 2024. On-screen Paxley has been aligned with Shotzi and Gigi Dolin against Fatal Influence.
Bernal and Paxley are hardly the first names from the world of wrestling to cameo in music videos. In the 1980s, Captain Lou Albano famously appeared in three music videos for Cyndi Lauper, including Time After Time and Girls Just Want to Have Fun. Lauper’s third video, She Bop, also featured Albano alongside wrestler Wendi Richter. This collaboration marked the beginning of the ‘Rock ‘n Wrestling Connection,’ a movement that intertwined the worlds of music and wrestling.’
More recently, Shinsuke Nakamura and Kazuchika Okada made cameos in the Japanese version of the music video for Pharell William’s massively popular song, Happy. In 2020, the band Bowling for Soup released the track Alexa Bliss, accompanied by a music video starring the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion.
One of AEW’s most popular tag teams is no more following the events of this week’s AEW Collision. Tensions between Anthony Bowens and Max Caster of The Acclaimed came to a head during the tapings, with Bowens accusing Caster of letting his ego take over. Bowens then announced his decision to align with Billy Gunn, prompting Caster to declare the official end of The Acclaimed.
The on-screen issues between Bowens and Caster have been simmering for months. However, Bowens expressed confidence late last year that a breakup was unlikely. In a November interview with ROAR Around The Ring, Bowens stated:
“Max and I, we have a lot more stuff that we need to accomplish. I’m not particularly worried about anything that’s been happening.”
The Acclaimed joined AEW in 2020, initially appearing on AEW Dark before transitioning to televised programming. The duo achieved significant success, capturing the AEW World Tag Team Championship in September 2022 and holding the titles for 140 days before losing them to The Gunns in February 2023. Alongside Billy Gunn, they also became AEW Trios Champions, holding the belts for a record-breaking 238 days.
With The Acclaimed now dissolved, speculation surrounds the next steps for Bowens and Caster. Bowens has made his intention to team with Billy Gunn clear, while Caster has previously shown interest in the Hurt Syndicate’s recruitment efforts. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Bowens, Caster, and their post-Acclaimed careers.
