Double J participated in the Casino Gauntlet match for a shot at the AEW World Title on the January 8th show. He missed out on the championship opportunity after getting into a brawl with Wheeler Yuta.
Jarrett stayed in the ring after the match for an interview with Ian Riccaboni. Before he could say anything, however, MJF’s music hit and the former AEW Champion came out to confront the wrestling veteran.
Maxwell revealed during his promo that Jarrett’s contract extension only lasts a year and the Salt of The Earth offered to help the former WWF star.
MJF is here to…help Jeff Jarrett?! What's the catch?
Jeff Jarrett responded to MJF in his own way dubbing the young star a ‘one-hit wonder.’ He ended the promo calling Friedman an ‘entitled prick’ before walking away.
The Last Outlaw announced his contract extension with AEW last week revealing that it was his final contract as an in-ring performer.
Jarrett had also expressed his aspiration to win gold one more time before calling it a career and made it clear that he was going after the AEW World title.
Powerhouse Hobbs has achieved one of the most significant milestones of his AEW career, earning the #1 contender spot for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, currently held by Jon Moxley.
Hobbs previously challenged Moxley for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title on the April 24, 2024, episode of AEW Dynamite. However, a leg injury sustained during the match sidelined him until November.
On this week’s Dynamite from the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee, Hobbs secured his spot as the top contender by winning the Casino Gauntlet Match. The match featured a stacked lineup of competitors, including:
Jay White
Hangman Page
Wheeler Yuta
Ricochet
Adam Cole
Daniel Garcia
Powerhouse Hobbs
Roderick Strong
Lance Archer
Kyle O’Reilly
Jeff Jarrett
With the victory, Hobbs will face Moxley for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship on next week’s Dynamite, which carries the special title Maximum Carnage. The event will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moxley’s hometown.
Also announced for Maximum Carnage is a match between Christian Cage and Hook, as well as a Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match. The winner of the gauntlet will earn a shot at Mariah May’s AEW Women’s Title at Grand Slam Australia.
Speculation is growing that Malakai Black may be finishing his run with AEW.
During Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Will Ospreay defeated Buddy Matthews in a high-energy match. Following the bout, Ospreay urged Matthews to “step out of the shadow of Malakai Black,” fueling rumors about Black’s status with the promotion.
Fightful Select reports that “those that we spoke to in the company were of the belief that he was finishing up with AEW if he hadn’t already. They did not clarify if he’d be appearing on TV again.”
This speculation arises despite prior reports suggesting option years in Black’s contract extending through 2025, and Tony Khan publicly stating that Black was under contract until 2027. It remains unclear whether his contract has ended, an option was declined or exercised, or if there has been any formal transaction.
As of now, Black is still listed on AEW’s official website. However, he has not wrestled for the company since Full Gear.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Black back in action, as he is scheduled to wrestle Irion at Coastal Championship Wrestling’s Havoc & Haze 9 in Tampa on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
JoJo Offerman’s recent appearance in AEW has sparked speculation about her future with the promotion, and it might not be the last time fans see her there.
The former WWE ring announcer performed introductions for a dark match ahead of the January 4 episode of AEW Collision. According to Fightful Select, sources within AEW have indicated that Offerman is expected to do more with the company, though specific details or a timeline have not been disclosed.
Offerman previously worked for WWE as a ring announcer and interviewer. Longtime fans may also recall her brief stint as an in-ring competitor, including her appearance at WWE Survivor Series in 2013. However, Fightful has not reported any indications of her interest in returning to wrestling.
Beyond her work in WWE, Offerman gained notoriety as a main cast member on the first season of Total Divas and continued to make guest appearances on the reality show. She also pursued a career as a singer. In 2021, Offerman chose to leave WWE after five years of consistent work as a ring announcer.
With her recent AEW appearance, fans are left wondering what the next chapter holds for JoJo Offerman in the wrestling world.
Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE programming didn’t go entirely during this week’s Raw, but fans may not have seen the last of the Hulkster.
What Happened On Raw?
During Raw’s historic debut episode on Netflix, Hogan appeared to promote his Real American Beer, an official sponsor of WWE events. Despite talking about his love for the fans, the Hulkster, who was accompanied by a flag-waving Jimmy Hart, was resoundingly booed by those inside the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Hogan’s Response
The Hulkster was reportedly not entirely surprised by the frosty reception he received this week. Sportskeeda’s Chris Featherstone reports that Hogan “thought it was going to be 50/50” with half the fans on his side and half against him.
There are several reasons that fans may have booked one of pro wrestling’s biggest stars, including:
Racist Remarks: racist remarks. In the video, Hogan used racial slurs, rejected the idea of his daughter dating Black men, and admitted to being “a racist, to a point.”
Political Controversies: Hogan’s support for Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election has alienated some fans. Controversy deepened last year after Hogan blamed a racially insensitive comment about Kamala Harris on his beer consumption.
Backstage Politics: Several wrestlers have accused Hogan of using backstage politics to advance his career at the expense of others.
Exaggerated Stories: Over the years, Hogan has been known for telling dubious anecdotes. Notably, he claimed to have wrestled at SummerSlam 1992 in memory of a young fan who had passed away—despite not appearing at the event.
Hogan’s current standing among fans has raised questions as to what role, if any, the Hulkster will play in future WWE plans. The Daily Mail reports that “Plans are for Hogan to be a bad guy again and to help out a future storyline with another wrestler.”
The belief is that a heel turn could work, given the success of The Rock’s Final Boss character in 2023, after fans rejected the Brahma Bull. Hogan has reportedly stipulated that he does not want his politics or support for President-Elect Trump to be a part of his on-screen character.
Jeff Hardy believes he could have been a bigger name than even John Cena had he changed his lifestyle earlier.
Matt Hardy recently shared a clip of his brother from a TV interview on X. Jeff, in the clip, was asked if he thought he’d still be wrestling after all these years when he made his debut. The Charismatic Enigma talked about all the life changes he has made in recent years. He noted that he could have been one of the biggest names in wrestling had he changed his lifestyle earlier:
“Man, I don’t know, probably. The way I was living life in my 20s and 30s….If I was living life the way I’m living life now, oh my gosh, there’s no telling, I would probably be bigger than John Cena – today.
You know, because I had such a, I was born with such a gift to be a pro wrestler, and I was just…it just felt so natural and like I was totally, you know, created to do this thing.”
From TV in Dallas this morning – Jeff is asked, "Did you think you’d still be doing this 30 years ago?" pic.twitter.com/sOZsVLiyxG
Jeff Hardy had previously discussed how he has replaced drugs and alcohol with regular ice baths. According to him, the ice baths have been crazy beneficial to him and he is not even thinking about retirement at the moment:
“The cool thing about that is, I’m still here. I still have life, and I feel good. As Matt had mentioned, you know, we’re big ice bathers, and that’s been crazy beneficial for me, mentally and physically. So yeah, I don’t put a number on it. I don’t, you know, I’ll just pretty much wrestle until I can’t wrestle anymore.”
Jeff Hardy has reunited with his brother since returning to TNA in June last year. The duo have been featured prominently by the company and they’re the current TNA World Tag Team Champions.
Giulia captured the WWE NXT Women’s Championship on last night’s NXT: New Year’s Evil which emanated from the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, California. She dethroned Roxanne Perez to win the NXT Women’s title and she has made it clear that she is just getting started.
Following the show, the Japanese sensation took to her social media and commented on her win. She stated that this championship was just the beginning.
The highly-anticipated title match kicked off the show and it featured some exciting spots. The final moments of the match saw Perez hitting a Pop Rox for a near fall. Giulia went to hit a knee strike before performing a Northern Lights Bomb for the win.
Giulia has put an end to Roxanne Perez’s title reign of 276 days. At NXT No Mercy Perez successfully defended her title against Jaida Parker and she was confronted by ‘The Beautiful Madness,’ who made her debut.
The pair battled for the gold on the premiere episode of NXT on the CW Network where Perez retained her title following an interference from returning Cora Jade. Giulia had her sights set on the title and she earned the title match after defeating Sol Ruca, Wren Sinclair, Zaria, and Stephanie Vaquer to become the Women’s Iron Survivor at NXT Deadline last month. After capturing the title, she now sits at the top of the women’s division.
Former NXT Champion Ethan Page recently shared his thoughts on The Rock following their brief interaction at last night’s NXT New Year’s Evil.
In a backstage segment, The Rock came across Ethan Page, who was speaking with NXT General Manager Ava. The Rock interrupted Page, who was complaining and talked to him about breaking Je’Von Evans’ jaw. ‘The Final Boss’ also warned Page that “payback’s gonna be a b***h.”
The Rock further made it clear that Ava is the real boss in NXT and said if Page wants to stay on The Great One’s good books, he needs to respect Ava. He then said that he hoped he’d see him on the main roster and then smacked Page’s backside, telling him to get his “sweet ass on out of here.”
Ethan Page took to social media and responded to The Rock’s comments. In a video clip, he said:
“You know, Shawn Michaels? Not a fan. Triple H, not a fan. Nick Khan, I’m assuming [he’s] not a fan. The Final Boss seems to get what I got going on. Hell, he even said I had a sweet ass. I guess we could say that The Final Boss smells what Ethan Page is cooking.”
WWE Hall of Famer Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman has opened up about his struggle with diverticulitis in 2024.
The DX star was interviewed by Denise Salcedo at the red-carpet event ahead of Raw’s Netflix debut this Monday night. They talked about things such as what the move means for WWE and more.
When asked about a potential in-ring return, Waltman quickly shot down the idea revealing that he was diagnosed with diverticulitis last year and had to spend over a week in hospital because of it:
“I haven’t talked about this with anybody, earlier last year, I was in the hospital for eight days with diverticulitis. [It] almost killed me. So after that, I lost a bunch of weight, like thirty pounds. So I decided I’m gonna take everything a little more serious and get off my ass.
It was tough. It took a while to feel better. Now, I’m feeling good. It came back a little bit, but as soon as I noticed it, I was in the hospital right away. All that to say, I’m doing great now, but I had a rough time.”
Waltman wasn’t the only wrestling star who had to deal with the specific disease. AEW’s Kenny Omega returned to action at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5 this year, after spending more than a year on the shelf due to diverticulitis.
When Omega’s condition was brought up, Sean Waltman revealed that the Cleaner actually helped him through this time:
“He helped me with it. I was in the hospital texting with him and he’s telling me what’s going on and what I should expect and everything”
Waltman also previously had a long battle with Hepatitis C during his TNA run. He was only fully cured of it after more than a decade in 2020.
CM Punk will be a part of the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, bringing an exciting favorite to the contest. Punk declared his intention following this week’s episode of WWE Raw, the debut episode of the red brand on Netflix.
Here’s everything you need to know about CM Punk’s Royal Rumble legacy and what his entry means for this year’s event.
CM Punk Confirms His Entry for 2025
Punk announced the news in a post-show promo at the WWE RAW on Netflix premiere. The Best in the World shared that not only does he plan on winning the Men’s Royal Rumble, but that he’ll be winning gold this year.
For any WWE Superstar, being the 30th and final entrant into a Royal Rumble match is a win in and of itself. After all, the #30 spot is mathematically the best position to be in and has produced winners including John Cena, Triple H, The Undertaker, and Cody Rhodes. But we’re not here to talk about the winners.
While #30 has produced plenty of winners, entering last is far from a guaranteed Rumble victory. Over the decades, we’ve seen plenty of #30 entrants be eliminated as quickly as they entered.
Here are some Superstars who squandered their coveted spot as the #30 entrant.
The Warlord (1992)
Despite his size, The Warlord had some terrible luck in the Royal Rumble match.
Until Santino Marella broke the record in 2009, the Warlord’s name was synonymous with having the shortest stint in a Royal Rumble with 2 seconds at the 1989 Rumble. Well two years later, the Warlord had better luck, but still had an abysmal performance. Lasting 1:43, Warlord scored no eliminations in the 1991 Rumble before being eliminated for the third time in his career by Hulk Hogan.
Adam Bomb (1994)
When Adam Bomb made his way to the ring as part of the 1994 Royal Rumble, Vince McMahon on commentary declared “ADAM BOMB IS GOING TO WIN THE ROYAL RUMBLE!” Now mind you, the match still had Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, and Lex Luger all in the bout.
As you’ve figured out by now, Bomb didn’t live up to McMahon’s declaration as he was flattened and thrown out by the bigger stars in 4:55.
Duke ‘The Dumpster’ Droese (1996)
Nobody believed that Duke Droese would be headlining WrestleMania 12 by winning the 1996 Rumble.
We can’t help but wonder what the fans in Fresno’s Selland Arena felt when Duke Droese was the final participant in the 1996 Royal Rumble match. Seriously, did a single person think it’d be Bret Hart Vs ‘The Dumpster’ at WrestleMania 12?
Droese eliminated nobody before being thrown out by Diesel and Kama after 1:10.
Vader (1998)
Once a top star of Japan and WCW, Vader’s WWF run did not do the superheavyweight justice. Never was that more evident than the 1998 Royal Rumble match, in which Vader lasted just 2:15.
His sole elimination saw Vader throw out comedy cameo The Honky Tonk Man, making it clear that the powerhouse was not meant to be taken seriously as a possible winner.
Chyna (1999)
The first woman to enter a Royal Rumble match, Chyna did score a single elimination in the 1999 match, which is more than what most people on this list can boast.
But at 35 seconds, it felt like WWE wanted Chyna out of the match as quickly as she came in.
Booker T (2002)
Booker T’s Royal Rumble debut would be a bad night for the former WCW World Champion.
Perhaps the biggest name who joined WWF after WCW’s 2001 demise, Booker T had a rough start in the promotion. While he was Vince McMahon’s pick in the 2002 Rumble match, Booker would last just 33 seconds before being tossed out. It’d be a long time before the talented wrestler would be treated as a main eventer.
Rey Mysterio (2014)
8 years on from his 2006 win, Rey Mysterio entered to a chorus of boos in the 2014 Rumble match.
One of wrestling’s most beloved heroes, Rey Mysterio’s entrance as the #30 entrant in 2014 was quite a shock to behold.
Simply put, fans wanted Daniel Bryan, and Rey’s arrival snuffed out their last hope. Rey lasted 2:10 and scored 0 eliminations, making his role seem even more egregious.
Dolph Ziggler (2018)
Dolph had vacated the U.S. title weeks before his lackluster role in the 2018 Men’s Rumble match.
After surrending his newly-won U.S. title in late 2017, fans were curious as to what was to come for Dolph Ziggler. For months, Ziggler was nowhere to be seen, until he returned to programming as the #30 entrant in the 2018 Men’s Rumble match.
Unfortunately for the Show-Off, his return was entirely anti-climactic, and he would be eliminated in 2:01 by Finn Balor. Ziggler’s only elimination would see him toss out the cameoing Goldust, who lasted longer in the match than Dolph himself.
Nia Jax (Men’s 2019)
Nobody expected R-Truth, the original #30 entrant in the 2019 Men’s Rumble to win, but the decision to replace him with Nia Jax was entirely bizarre.
The following sequence which saw a bunch of male Superstars hit their finishers on Jax wouldn’t help matters either, especially as some fans online seemed too eager to watch her get ganged up on. Jax would eliminate Mustafa Ali before being dumped out herself at 3:09.
Nia Jax (Women’s 2023)
Four years on from her bizarre entry into the Men’s Royal Rumble, Nia Jax made a surprise return to WWE during the 2023 Women’s Rumble.
Her big return is probably best remembered for WWE displaying graphics with her name over ten seconds before her return. Jax eliminated nobody in her 1:57 stint in the match.
The WWE Royal Rumble is one of the most iconic events in pro wrestling. Its history is filled with incredible moments, unforgettable surprises, and legendary winners.
However, not every winner has lived up to the hype. Let’s take a look at some of the best and worst Royal Rumble winners ever.
Stone Cold Steve Austin is the undisputed king of the Royal Rumble. With three wins under his belt, Austin’s victories solidified his status as one of the greatest superstars in WWE history. His 1997 win is particularly memorable, as he cheated to secure his spot, igniting his legendary feud with Bret Hart.
2. Shawn Michaels (1995, 1996)
Shawn Michaels’ back-to-back Royal Rumble wins showcased his athleticism and charisma. His 1995 victory, where he entered at No. 1 and lasted until the end, is one of the most iconic performances in the event’s history.
3. Ric Flair (1992)
Ric Flair’s 1992 win was more than just a victory…it was a masterpiece. Entering at No. 3, Flair lasted over an hour to win the vacant WWE Championship. His performance remains a benchmark for endurance and quality in the Rumble.
4. Becky Lynch (2019)
Becky Lynch’s 2019 victory was a groundbreaking moment for women’s wrestling. “The Man” capitalized on her momentum to headline WrestleMania 35, making history as part of the first-ever women’s main event.
The Worst WWE Royal Rumble Winners
1. Vince McMahon (1999)
The 1999 Royal Rumble winner was none other than WWE’s chairman, Vince McMahon. While it made for an entertaining storyline, his victory over Steve Austin felt like a missed opportunity to elevate another superstar.
2. Alberto Del Rio (2011)
Alberto Del Rio’s win in the largest Royal Rumble match (40 entrants) was met with lukewarm reactions. His victory did little to boost his career or create lasting memories
3. Batista (2014)
Batista’s 2014 win came at the expense of fan-favorite Daniel Bryan, sparking a major backlash. While Batista’s legacy is undeniable, this victory felt like the wrong choice for the WWE Universe.
4. Big John Studd (1989)
As one of the earliest Royal Rumble winners, Big John Studd’s 1989 victory lacked the stakes and excitement of later editions. It’s a largely forgotten moment in WWE’s illustrious history.
The WWE Royal Rumble has long been a stage for epic comebacks and shocking surprises. Over the years, fans have witnessed some of the most electrifying returns in wrestling history during this annual event. Let’s dive into the best WWE Royal Rumble returns ever, ranked by their impact and crowd reaction.
5. Mr Perfect shows up in 2002
Mr. Perfect made a notable return to WWE during the 2002 Royal Rumble, captivating fans with his presence after a long absence. Entering as the 25th participant, he quickly made an impact by showing that he could more than keep up years after his heyday.
His performance was impressive enough to see him reach the final three competitors in the match, setting the stage for a return to regular television for the former Intercontinental Champion.
4. Christian Returns to aid Edge
In 2021, Christian made a surprise return at the Royal Rumble, marking his first official match since 2014. This moment was particularly emotional as he reunited with Edge in the ring, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for long-time fans of both superstars before both would head to AEW in the years following.
3. Rey Mysterio returns in 2018
Rey Mysterio made a stunning return to WWE during the 2018 Royal Rumble, entering as the 27th participant. His comeback was unexpected and popped the audience huge, marking a significant moment in his career after being away from WWE for several years.
What really added to the impact was how Rey’s number 30 entrance at the 2014 event was marred by boos, mainly because he wasn’t Daniel Bryan, so this was a great return.
2. John Cena’s Miraculous 2008 Comeback
John Cena’s return at the 2008 Royal Rumble stands out as one of the most memorable moments in WWE history. After suffering a torn pectoral muscle that was expected to sideline him for months, Cena made an astonishing comeback just three months later.
As the 30th entrant, Cena’s music hit, and Madison Square Garden erupted in a deafening roar. The shock and excitement of his unexpected return, coupled with his eventual victory, solidified this as one of the greatest Royal Rumble moments ever.
1. Edge’s Emotional 2020 Return
Nine years after being forced to retire due to neck injuries, Edge made an unforgettable return at the 2020 Royal Rumble. The crowd’s reaction was nothing short of electric as the Rated-R Superstar stepped into the ring for the first time since WrestleMania 27 in 2011.
Edge’s comeback wasn’t just a nostalgic moment; it reignited his career and led to several high-profile feuds, making it one of the most impactful returns in Royal Rumble history and our pick for the greatest return in Royal Rumble history.
Oba Femi captured the WWE NXT Championship during this week’s New Year’s Evil show, and the Ruler also made history in the process. Femi dethroned Trick Williams to win the gold in a triple-threat match that also included Eddy Thorpe.
With his win, Femi has become the fifth Black WWE NXT Champion. This means that WWE has now crowned more black NXT Champions than have ever held the WWE Championship. Femi follows in the footsteps of former champions Big E (2012), Keith Lee (2019), Carmelo Hayes (2022), and Trick Williams (2022). WWE has crowned four black WWE Champions: The Rock, Kofi Kingston, Bobby Lashley, and Big E.
Femi’s win was also only the 2nd time in WWE history that a brand’s main title changed hands between two black men. The only time this previously happened came in late 2021 when Big E won the WWE Championship from Bobby Lashley.
Here is how WWE NXT Champions break down by nationality:
Nationality
No. Of Champions
Champions
American
13
Seth Rollins, Big E, Bo Dallas, Samoa Joe*, Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Adam Cole, Keith Lee, Karrion Kross, Bron Breakker, Dolph Ziggler, Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams
English
1
Adrian Neville
Canadian
4
Sami Zayn*, Kevin Owens, Bobby Roode, Ethan Page
Syrian
1
Sami Zayn*
Irish
1
Finn Balor
Samoan
1
Samoa Joe*
Japanese
1
Shinsuke Nakamura
Mexican
1
Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas
Dutch
1
Aleister Black
Russian
1
Ilja Dragunov
Scottish
1
Drew McIntyre
Nigerian
1
Oba Femi
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Oba Femi, as the new NXT Champion is ready to carry the silver brand into a new era in 2025.
The Rock made his first-ever appearance in WWE NXT this week, where he shared his love for WWE and teased that his issues with Cody Rhodes aren’t over yet. The Final Boss is hardly the first surprising name to have shown up in WWE’s developmental brand:
CM Punk
CM Punk has been keeping a close eye on NXT since his return but competed for the brand in a dark match in 2012. In a meeting of the internet ‘darlings’, Punk teamed with Seth Rollins to defeat Kassius Ohno and Antonio Cesaro.
Chris Jericho
Appearing on the May 1, 2013, episode, Chris Jericho bested Bray Wyatt in the main event of WWE NXT. Wyatt would arrive on the main roster later that year and the pair would feud in 2014.
Sheamus
Already a former World Champion, Sheamus defeated Luke Harper in July 2013 during the Celtic Warrior’s first-ever match in NXT. Nine months later, Sheamus returned to the brand to defeat Aiden English.
John Cena
Cena made an appearance for NXT in 2023, but also appeared for the gold brand back years earlier. A segment with Enzo Amore and Big Cass ended with Cena delivering an AA to Damian Sandow, but as this was a dark segment, fans at home couldn’t see John.
Team Hell No
After appearing on the game-show edition of NXT in 2010, Daniel Bryan returned to the gold brand alongside Kane on the November 28, 2012, episode. Team Hell No retained their tag titles on the night against Johnny Curtis and Michael McGillicutty.
Christian
Years before he was waging war on deceased fathers, Christian hosted a post-show edition of the peep-show after an October 2013 WWE NXT. This unlikely segment saw the unlikely guest of World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio and ended with Rusev standing tall over Del Rio.
Too Cool
The first-ever NXT TakeOver event saw Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay surprise fans in tag-team competition. The pair challenged then-champions The Ascension but failed to capture the gold.
Batista
Batista’s 2014 run didn’t go as WWE planned as the fans rejected the Animal in favor of Daniel Bryan, ultimately turning Batista heel. That same year though, Batista won fans back after an NXT taping. After Bo Dallas suggested the pair team up as ‘Bo-tista’ the Animal rejected the idea with a Batista Bomb to the delight of the crowd.
Dark Match, a new horror movie starring AEW’s Chris Jericho, will land on the popular horror streaming service Shudder later this month. A description for the film reads:
A wrestling company lands a lucrative gig in a remote town, only to find themselves at the mercy of a cult leader with sinister intentions.
Jericho will play the role of ‘Prophet’ but isn’t the only notable name attached. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Ayisha Issa (Transplant), Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead, Westworld), Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries), Michael Eklund (The Call), and Jonathan Cherry (Goon). Lowell Dean (Wolfcop) is attached as writer and director.
A wrestling company lands a lucrative gig in a remote town, only to find themselves at the mercy of a cult leader with sinister intentions.
Dark Match will mark the latest big-screen role for Jericho, who’s first foray into horror acting came in 2009’s Albino Farm. In 2022, Jericho played ‘Burke’ in Terrifier 2 and reprised the role for the film’s sequel last year.
Jericho’s love of horror has also extended into his pro-wrestling career, with his ‘Painmaker’ character during his New Japan run blending elements of horror and the macabre. While Jericho has shared his goal to develop the character and create a Painmaker movie, little has been heard about this project in recent years.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Chris Jericho as the wrestling legend continues to show his entertaining chops both in and out of the ring.
Corey Graves has returned to the NXT Commentary booth.
The new calendar year comes with a lot of big changes for WWE including a shake-up to their existing commentary teams.
This change apparently includes Corey Graves who made his return to the NXT brand during Tuesday’s New Year’s Evil special. He joined Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary for the show:
Corey Graves originally started his broadcast career in NXT back in 2014, after he was forced to retire from in-ring competition due to concussion-related issues. He was promoted to the main roster as part of the 2016 Draft.
Graves had most recently been assigned to the SmackDown brand alongside Michael Cole. Cole was shifted to the Raw brand with the show’s Netflix premiere on January 6, being accompanied by the returning Pat McAfee.
The Raw commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on the other hand, were moved to SmackDown, leaving Graves’ status up in the air.
It’s unknown if Graves will be sticking around the Black & Silver brand or if his appearance at the NXT special was a one-night thing.
In recent years we have seen a number of main roster stars having extended runs with the brand and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Savior of Misbehaviour becomes the first commentator to do so as well.
The 26-year-old challenged for Trick Williams’ title in a triple threat match also featuring Eddy Thorpe at New Year’s Evil from Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. This came after he won the Men’s Iron Survivor challenge last month.
The ending of this bout saw Williams setting Femi up for a Trick Shot but the Nigerian star moved out of the way. The move instead connected to Thorpe who was holding a chair he had brought in the ring. This allowed Femi to deliver a huge powerbomb to Williams for the pin.
The event marks the end of Trick Williams’ second run with the title at 98 days. He had won the title by defeating Ethan Page at NXT’s CW debut episode.
Femi wasn’t the only new champion crowned during the latest episode. Giulia also finally defeated Roxanne Perez to win the NXT Women’s Championship in the opening match of the show. The new champion came out on the ramp to pose with Femi at the end of his match, signalling the start of a new era for the brand.
Apart from this, Lexis King also finally became the new official holder of the Heritage Cup tonight. He defeated Charlie Dempsey in a sudden death round for the title.
Fans can expect to see Becky Lynch back in the ring in the future as the former Women’s Champion has reportedly signed a new deal with WWE. Sources confirmed to Fightful Select that Lynch and WWE reached an agreement for her return, though this does not mean she’ll be back on TV immediately.
Lynch attended some Netflix-related events ahead of Raw’s debut on the streaming juggernaut this week, though told people she was there simply to support the company. Lynch’s husband Seth Rollins headlined the show in a loss to CM Punk.
Lynch was also featured in promotional material for the red brand’s debut on Netflix, but did not have a role on the show. It’s been reported that she was supposed to confront Rhea Ripley after the latter’s Women’s World Championship win, but that plan was nixed. Instead, The Undertaker appeared and shared a moment with Ripley in a huge endorsement of the Australian star.
Becky Lynch’s previous WWE contract expired in June 2024, though reports at the time stated that WWE officials were optimistic that she’d be back in due time. With the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match drawing near, fans can look forward to seeing The Man come around, potentially as a surprise entrant in the 30-Woman match.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Becky Lynch, as her return to WWE programming and the ring doesn’t appear to be a question of if, but when.
The Rock was part of this week’s WWE NXT, during which he teased that his issues with Cody Rhodes are far from over.
The Final Boss appeared during a segment with Ethan Page, who was seen confronting Ava. The Rock interrupted Page’s complaints and addressed him directly about breaking Je’Von Evans’ jaw. In classic Rock fashion, he warned Page that “payback’s gonna be a b***h.”
The Rock made it clear that Ava is the real boss in NXT, adding that if Page wants to stay on The Rock’s good side, he needs to respect Ava. Later, Ava and The Rock shared a heartfelt on-screen moment with Ava saying it was special to have her father around.
Later in the night, The Rock cut a promo and mentioned Cody Rhodes, referencing his recent supportive gesture toward the American Nightmare during the RAW Netflix debut. Addressing skeptics, he assured fans that he was thinking several steps ahead and urged them to trust the journey he’s taking them on.
Despite the show’s time constraints, The Rock joked that they could “go all night.” He dropped an unscripted f-bomb but quickly apologized for it before ending the night by thanking the fans for their passion and emphasized their importance to NXT.
The Rock’s comments about Cody Rhodes come as a relief to fans of his popular heel run of 2024, many of whom took issue with Rock and Rhodes being fine with each other on Raw. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on The Rock, as despite what was said during the red brand’s debut on Netflix, the Brahma Bull may not be finished with the American Nightmare after all.
LA Knight has emerged as one of WWE’s most popular stars, experiencing a breakout year in 2023 that began with a storyline involving the late Bray Wyatt. His charisma and connection with the audience led to increasingly loud reactions from fans, prompting WWE to elevate his role on the roster.
Knight’s momentum continued to build through a feud with The Miz and an endorsement by John Cena, culminating in a high-profile challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel 2023. While Knight fell short in his quest for the title, fan support remained unwavering, solidifying his position as a top star.
In an interview with WittyWhittier, Knight reflected on what led to his sudden surge in popularity:
“Short answer, I don’t know. I really don’t know. Because, I mean, if you look at everything that was going on at the time when that rise really started happening, the only thing I could really attribute it to was just taking advantage of some of the time that I had when I was doing the whole deal with Bray Wyatt. But at the time, still, it was kind of like, ‘We don’t know about this guy.’ But it seems like once I got out of that, I didn’t really have any direction. For months, there was nothing happening with me. But somehow in that time is when, ‘Oh, wait a minute. I think we kind of like this guy.’ I don’t know what it was, but clearly, I must have been making the most of my time. Because I wasn’t doing a damn thing. So something was hitting. I don’t know what it is, and I can’t attribute it to anything.”
In 2024, Knight captured his first championship in WWE, defeating Logan Paul for the United States Title at SummerSlam. However, his reign ended at Survivor Series: WarGames, where Shinsuke Nakamura dethroned him. Knight will have an opportunity to reclaim the title in a rematch on this week’s SmackDown.
Ric Flair has reassured fans that he has no intention of stepping back into the wrestling ring for another match. While recently appearing on the Five Star Podcast, Flair was asked whether he thought he could still compete in a match. His confident response—“Hell yeah, I do”—sparked speculation about a possible return.
The comments caught the attention of WWE Superstar Bronson Reed, who jokingly questioned people wanting to see him hit his finishing move, the Tsunami, on Flair, implying it could be life-threatening for the wrestling legend. In response, Flair took to social media to put the rumors to rest and clarify his stance:
“No Return To The Ring Ever! Thankful For The Great Health And The Conditioning That Would Allow Me To. Bronson Reed Couldn’t Tsunami Me On His Best Day!”
Flair wrestled his final match on July 31, 2022, teaming with his son-in-law, Andrade El Idolo, to defeat Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett. The bout, promoted as Flair’s retirement match, drew concern from fans due to his age and his health condition, which includes having a pacemaker.
Flair’s performance in the match appeared hindered at times, and he later attributed his struggles to dehydration caused by his strict diet and weight management during training. Despite his confidence in his current health and conditioning, Flair has made it clear that his days in the squared circle are over.
Giulia is the new WWE NXT Women’s Champion. During the first episode of NXT TV titled New Year’s Evil, broadcast from the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, California, Giulia challenged Roxanne Perez for the championship.
The match served as the opening contest of the show, which aired on the CW Network. As the referee approached a 10-count during a crucial moment in the match, Cora Jade intervened, placing Perez back into the ring. Giulia also managed to re-enter the ring just in time, eventually securing the victory.
Roxanne Perez entered the bout as champion, having held the title for an impressive 273 days. The history between Perez and Giulia had been building for months. At No Mercy, Perez successfully defended her title against Jaida Parker, only to be confronted afterward by the debuting Giulia.
Later, during the premiere of NXT on the CW Network, Perez once again retained her title against Giulia, with interference from the returning Cora Jade playing a pivotal role. This tension culminated in a tag team match at Halloween Havoc, where Perez and Jade teamed up against Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer but ultimately suffered a loss.
Now, with her victory at New Year’s Evil, Giulia stands tall as the new NXT Women’s Champion.
John Cena explores what it truly means to be invisible in McDonald’s latest ad. The commercial humorously reflects on Cena’s iconic catchphrase, which has since become a meme, with fans pretending not to be able to see him in photos.
In the ad, Cena acknowledges the enduring joke, admitting that it “has gone too far” as he jokes about being “invisible for 20 years now.” While he initially found the meme amusing, the ad concludes with a reflective Cena stating, “I’m invisible.” The unique commercial for McDonald’s McValue range showcases Cena’s acting range, balancing humor and seriousness effortlessly.
Though fans may “not see” Cena in the ad, the WWE legend will be impossible to miss in 2025. On this week’s Raw, Cena launched his farewell tour by officially entering the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match. A victory in the 30-man contest would make Cena only the second wrestler in history, alongside ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, to win the Rumble three times. It would also guarantee him a World Championship match at WrestleMania 41.
Both in and out of the ring, John Cena remains a towering figure in entertainment so it’s no surprise that McDonald’s wanted to collaborate with the 16-time World Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates as Cena embarks on what promises to be an emotional farewell tour.
John Cena is officially entering the 2025 Royal Rumble. During the WWE RAW on Netflix premiere, Cena declared his intention to not only participate in the Royal Rumble but to win the match, setting his sights on WrestleMania 41.
Here’s everything you need to know about Cena’s Royal Rumble legacy and what his entry means for this year’s event.
John Cena Confirms His Entry for 2025
At the WWE RAW premiere on Netflix, John Cena addressed the crowd in Los Angeles, kicking off his farewell tour. In an emotional moment, Cena reflected on his career, thanked his fans, and highlighted his connection to the city. He revealed that his goal for 2025 is to “make moments,” and winning the Royal Rumble is at the heart of that ambition. Cena stated:
“I’m not just going to the Royal Rumble; I’m going to WIN the Royal Rumble!”
This declaration immediately sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, with fans speculating about the potential opponents Cena might face at WrestleMania if he succeeds.
John Cena’s Royal Rumble Career Highlights
Cena has participated in eight Royal Rumbles, boasting an impressive track record:
Event
Entrant Number
Time in Match
Finishing Position
Eliminations
Eliminated By
Notable Moments
2003
18
19:42
9th
0
The Undertaker
Attacked by Rob Van Dam before entering, cutting his time short.
2004
28
07:34
6th
1
Big Show
Had a brief but impactful run before being eliminated by Big Show.
2005
25
15:28
2nd
4
Batista
Reached the final two; eliminated simultaneously with Batista, leading to a match restart.
2008
30
08:29
Winner
4
–
Surprise return from injury; last eliminated Triple H to win.
2010
19
22:12
4th
2
Edge
Eliminated heavyweights before Edge ended his run.
2011
22
34:17:00
5th
7
The Miz
Achieved his highest eliminations in a single Rumble; eliminated by The Miz, who wasn’t even in the match.
2013
19
26:10:00
Winner
4
–
Won his second Royal Rumble, earning a main event spot at WrestleMania 29 against The Rock.
2018
20
28:33:00
3rd
3
Shinsuke Nakamura
Came close to winning, but Nakamura eliminated him to secure victory.
Career Totals Across Royal Rumbles
Total Entries: 8
Wins: 2 (2008, 2013)
Cumulative Time in Match: 2 hours, 42 minutes, 25 seconds
Eliminations: 25
Average Time Per Entry: 20 minutes, 18 seconds
Best Finish: Winner (2008, 2013)
Worst Finish: 9th (2003)
Additional Records and Highlights
Elimination Leader: Cena holds a record of 7 eliminations in the 2011 Royal Rumble, his best in a single match.
Memorable Eliminations: Cena has taken out numerous top stars, including Kane, Triple H, Batista, and Edge.
Consistency: Cena’s average finish is within the top four, showcasing his dominance in the Royal Rumble format.
