Home Blog Page 113

TNA Champion Nic Nemeth Signs New Contract

0

Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler in WWE, has re-signed with TNA Wrestling. He’s the reigning TNA World Champion, a title he captured in a six-way elimination match at TNA Slammiversary in July 2024.

Nemeth’s journey with TNA began earlier in 2024 when he initially agreed to a short-term deal of just 10 dates. However, impressed by the company’s vision and the locker room atmosphere, he continued to extend his commitment. His decision to re-sign demonstrates his faith in TNA’s direction and potential for growth.

TNA’s Business Growth

Increased Viewership: The company has been seeing a steady increase in audience numbers, with Nemeth noting that they’re attracting “1% bigger audience every single week”.

Strategic Partnerships: TNA has formed partnerships with major media companies, including Warner Bros. Discovery’s Eurosport India, expanding its reach in the Asian subcontinent.

Streaming Service Launch: The company launched TNA+, a new streaming service, in partnership with Endeavor Streaming, offering fans enhanced access to TNA content.

International Expansion: TNA has partnered with StarTimes to bring exclusive content to over 30 countries in Africa, further extending its global reach.

Live Event Success: TNA has been selling out shows regularly, indicating growing fan interest and engagement.

Nemeth’s re-signing is likely both a result of and a contributor to this positive momentum. His continued presence adds star power and credibility to TNA’s product during this crucial growth period. His decision to stay with aligns with TNA’s goal of expanding into bigger venues and increasing its market share in the professional wrestling landscape.

Brodie Lee Jr. Getting Strong Reviews in Wrestling Training

0

Brodie Lee Jr. could have a very bright future ahead of him in wrestling, as he’s earning rave reivews in his in-ring training.

On X, Scott Fishman of SEScoops/TVInsider shared his admiration for Lee’s work in the ring and his respectful nature towards others.

Brodie Jr. is the son of Jon ‘Brodie Lee’ Huber, who also competed as Luke Harper for years in WWE. The elder Lee tragically passed away in December 2020 of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A former TNT and Intercontinental Champion, Huber was 41 years old.

Within days of Brodie’s passing, Tony Schiavone revealed that AEW had signed Brodie Jr. (also known as Negative-One) to a contract, and will be taking care of the Huber family. Brodie’s mother Amanda later clarified that Brodie Jr’s contract will only become valid on his 18th birthday if he chooses to wrestle.

Brodie Lee Jr Pulled from TV For Letting His Grades Slip

Brodie Jr. is certainly getting a full education in wrestling from Natalya and TJ Wilson, both graduates from the Hart Family dungeon. Although the original dungeon has since closed its doors, the WWE couple opened their own facility last year where they train with stars from WWE and the wider wrestling world.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Brodie Lee Jr., as fans shouldn’t count out seeing Negative One in the ring as a professional wrestler.

Vince McMahon Issues Statement Following SEC Settlement

0

Vince McMahon is aiming to at least put part of his WWE past behind him. The former WWE CEO was fined $1.7 million regarding charges in relation to hush money allegations.

According to the report issued on Friday, McMahon disregarded the WWE’s internal accounting operations due to undisclosed payment agreements tied to sexual assault allegations and it caused discrepancies in in the company’s 2018 and 2021 financial report.

Following the news breaking, Vince McMahon and his team at Edendale Strategies emailed me an official statement with McMahon expressing his excitement about the finality of the situation.

“The case is closed. Today ends nearly three years of investigation by different governmental agencies. There has been a great deal of speculation about what exactly the government was investigating and what the outcome would be. As today’s resolution shows, much of that speculation was misguided and misleading.

“In the end, there was never anything more to this than minor accounting errors with regard to some personal payments that I made several years ago while I was CEO of WWE. I’m thrilled that I can now put all this behind me.”

McMahon still finds himself embroiled in the Janel Grant lawsuit while WWE is aiming to start a new era of its own under Chief Content Officer Triple H. WWE took a big step earlier this week by premiering WWE Raw on Netflix which garnered nearly five million viewers across the globe. Monday’s debut was so successful that WWE Raw beat out season two of Squid Games as Netflix’s most-watched on Tuesday.

Vince McMahon Fined Over $1.7M For Financial Misstatements

0

Ex-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon will pay over $1.7 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to settle charges related to undisclosed payment agreements tied to sexual assault allegations.

In their report, the SEC Notes that McMahon bypassed WWE’s internal accounting controls and caused material misstatements in the company’s financial reports for 2018 and 2021. Though McMahon did not admit to or deny the SEC’s findings, he has agreed to a $400,000 civil penalty and a $1.33 million reimbursement to WWE.

Thomas P. Smith Jr., Associate Regional Director in the SEC’s New York Regional Office had the following to say:

“Company executives cannot enter into material agreements on behalf of the company they serve and withhold that information from the company’s control functions and auditor.”

McMahon failed to disclose a $3 million payment to a fortmer WWE employee, the SEC alleges, as well as a $7.5 million payment to a female independent contractor in exchange for their agreement not to file claims against him. These payments came to light in 2022 when The Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon had paid a total of $12 million over 16 years to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct.

This payment comes amid Janel Grant’s lawsuit against McMahon, in which she alleges she was sexually abused and trafficked during her time with the promotion. Though McMahon has denied all wrongdoing and claimed their relationship was consensual, he stepped down from WWE in January 2024.

McMahon is also named in a lawsuit by five former WWF ‘ring boys’ who claim that he and others knew of alleged sexual abuse by Mel Phillips, but did not make a sufficient attempt to stop it. These cases are ongoing.

WWE SmackDown Preview: January 10, 2025

0

The second three-hour edition of WWE SmackDown takes place tonight from Portland, Oregon at Moda Center. The hype for this show will focus on the build towards the 2025 Royal Rumble, set to take place on February 1, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The show will see Cody Rhodes face Kevin Owens in a Ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Kevin Owens Vows That He Hasn’t Snapped, Yet

Tonight’s show will also see an exciting United States Championship match, with Shinsuke Nakamura set to defend the gold against the man he took the title from at Survivor Series: WarGames: LA Knight. Will the Megastar be able to become a two-time champion tonight, or will this demented side of Nakamura prove that his victory last November was no fluke?

What happened last week on SmackDown

Last week’s 1/3 edition of SmackDown saw the show move to three hours and WWE delivered a show to remember. Highlights of the show included

  • Tiffany Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank contract on Nia Jax to become the new WWE Women’s Champion.
  • Michin sought to earn a shot at Women’s U.S. Champion Chelsea Green with a win over Piper Niven.
  • The New Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu) beat the OG Bloodline (Sami Zayn and the Usos.)
  • Drew McIntyre confronted Cody Rhodes, leaving some to speculate that McIntyre and Kevin Owens are in cahoots.

AEW Star has Better Odds for Royal Rumble than AJ Styles, Sheamus and Rey Mysterio

0

The Royal Rumble 2025 is already set to be star-studded, and the latest betting odds reveal a shocking twist: AEW star Ricky Starks is ranked higher to win the WWE event than legendary names like AJ Styles, Sheamus, and Rey Mysterio.

Read More – WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Odds: Current early favorites

Ricky Starks: A Rising Star with 40/1 Odds

Of course currently signed to AEW, Ricky Starks is listed with 40/1 odds on SkyBet to win the Royal Rumble. While Starks has never appeared in WWE, his undeniable charisma and in-ring talent have caught the attention of fans worldwide.

What oddsmakers sometimes tend to do is throw in a name that is in the news and *could* appear in the match. Starks’ contract is still ongoing as far as it has been reported publicly, but it is intriguing that they’re giving him such high odds.

WWE Legends Falling Behind in Betting Odds

Several iconic WWE superstars are trailing behind Ricky Starks in the betting markets.

  • AJ Styles (66/1): Despite being a former WWE Champion, Styles’ odds suggest bettors see him as an unlikely victor this year, which makes sense as he has been off television for quite some time and doesn’t have a clear programme right now.
  • Sheamus (66/1): The Celtic Warrior, who once won the Royal Rumble in 2012, also finds himself outside the top contenders, which again makes sense as he is being used in a mid-card role.
  • Rey Mysterio (80/1): Even with his Hall of Fame career, Mysterio sits far down the list, making a win improbable in 2025.

WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Odds: Current early favorites

0

The WWE Royal Rumble 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events in professional wrestling. With the Road to WrestleMania looming, fans and bettors are turning their attention to early odds and predictions for this year’s Royal Rumble.

Let’s dive into the current favorites to win based on the latest odds from SkyBet.

Read More – Every WWE Royal Rumble You Can Watch on YouTube for FREE

Top Early Favorites for WWE Royal Rumble 2025

John Cena (8/15)

Leading the pack is none other than WWE legend John Cena. With odds of 8/15, Cena’s potential return to the WrestleMania main event is generating immense buzz. A Royal Rumble win would mark another milestone in his storied career and set him up for a match against the likes of Gunther or Cody Rhodes at Mania.

Seth Rollins (13/8)

Close behind is Seth Rollins, one of WWE’s most consistent performers. With odds of 13/8, Rollins remains a favorite among fans and bookmakers alike. A win for Rollins could give him the WrestleMania main event spot against Gunther or Cody.

CM Punk and The Rock (6/1)

Two massive names round out the top tier of early favorites. CM Punk, who is looking like a potential shoe-in for the Mania main event this year, and The Rock, whose WWE appearances are always headline-worthy, are tied with odds of 6/1. Either of these iconic stars winning the Rumble wouldn’t be a shock.

Other Contenders to Watch

Roman Reigns (15/2)

Despite dominating WWE for years, Roman Reigns comes in with 15/2 odds. A Rumble win for Reigns would cement his legacy and perhaps kickstart a new chapter for the Tribal Chief, but he isn’t likely to be headlining Mania this year.

Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton (16/1)

Both Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton sit at 16/1 odds. McIntyre is looking to regain momentum, while Orton’s potential return adds intrigue.

Brock Lesnar, Bron Breakker, and Jey Uso (20/1)

Each of these superstars has odds of 20/1, making them intriguing long-shot picks for the Rumble.

WWE Royal Rumble Match Rules Explained

0

The WWE Royal Rumble is one of the most anticipated events in professional wrestling, captivating fans every January with its unique format and high stakes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the rules and structure of this iconic match.

Read More – Most Shocking WWE Royal Rumble Eliminations Ever (Ranked)

What is the WWE Royal Rumble?

The Royal Rumble is a 30-person battle royal match held annually by WWE.

It features separate matches for men and women, with the winners earning a world championship opportunity at WrestleMania, WWE’s biggest event of the year.

How Does the Match Start?

The match begins with two wrestlers who draw entry numbers 1 and 2.

At regular intervals, usually 90 seconds but sometimes up to two minutes, a new participant enters the ring. This continues until all 30 competitors have entered.

Elimination Rules

Eliminations occur when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope, and both feet touch the floor outside the ring.

If only one foot or another part of the body touches the ground, the wrestler remains in the match. Importantly, exits through the middle or bottom ropes do not count as eliminations.

How to Win the Royal Rumble

The objective is to be the last person standing in the ring after all other competitors have been eliminated.

The winner secures a main event spot at WrestleMania, where they can challenge for a world championship of their choosing.

Read More – Every WWE Royal Rumble You Can Watch on YouTube for FREE

Historical Highlights

  • The Royal Rumble format was created by Pat Patterson and debuted in 1988.
  • Notable records include “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s three wins (1997, 1998, 2001) and Shawn Michaels’ victory from the No. 1 spot in 1995.
  • The Women’s Royal Rumble was introduced in 2018, with Asuka winning its inaugural edition.

The Royal Rumble’s unpredictable nature and high stakes make it a must-watch event for wrestling fans worldwide. From surprise entrants to historic victories, it remains a cornerstone of WWE’s yearly programming.

Every WWE Royal Rumble Final Four from 1988 to 2024

0

The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events, featuring the 30-person battle royal where the last wrestler standing earns a championship opportunity at WrestleMania.

While the winner takes the spotlight, the final four competitors often create some of the most memorable moments. Let’s take a journey through history and explore the final four of every WWE Royal Rumble from its inception in 1988 to the most recent event in 2024.

The Early Years (1988-1995)

1988 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Don Muraco (entered at 11)
  • Dino Bravo (entered at 17)
  • One Man Gang (entered at 19)
  • ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan (entered at 13, winner)

1989 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Rick Martel (entered at 29)
  • Akeem (entered at 23)
  • Ted DiBiase Sr. (entered at 30)
  • Big John Studd (entered at 27, winner)

1990 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Hercules (entered at 29)
  • Rick Rude (entered at 28)
  • Mr. Perfect (entered at 30)
  • Hulk Hogan (entered at 22, winner)

1991 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Davey Boy Smith (entered at 14)
  • Brian Knobbs (entered at 28)
  • Earthquake (entered at 22)
  • Hulk Hogan (entered at 24, winner)

1992 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Randy Savage (entered at 21)
  • Hulk Hogan (entered at 26)
  • Sid Justice (entered at 29)
  • Ric Flair (entered at 3, winner)

1993 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Rick Martel (entered at 26)
  • Bob Backlund (entered at 2)
  • Randy Savage (entered at 30)
  • Yokozuna (entered at 27, winner)

1994 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Fatu (entered at 28)
  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 18)
  • Lex Luger (entered at 23)
  • Bret Hart (entered at 27)

1995 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Lex Luger (entered at 19)
  • Crush (entered at 30)
  • The British Bulldog (entered at 2)
  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 1, winner)

The (Just before the) Attitude Era and Beyond (1996-2010)

1996 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • The British Bulldog (entered at 29)
  • Kama (entered at 23)
  • Diesel (entered at 22)
  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 18, winner)

1997 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • The Undertaker (entered at 30)
  • Fake Diesel Glenn Jacobs (entered at 23)
  • Bret Hart (entered at 21)
  • Stone Cold Steve Austin (entered at 5, winner)

1998 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Dude Love (entered at 28)
  • Faarooq (entered at 27)
  • The Rock (entered at 4)
  • Stone Cold Steve Austin (entered at 24, winner)

1999 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • D’Lo Brown (entered at 28)
  • Big Boss Man (entered at 22)
  • Stone Cold Steve Austin (entered at 1)
  • Vince McMahon (entered at 2, winner)

2000 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Kane (entered at 28)
  • X-Pac (entered at 30)
  • Big Show (entered at 26)
  • The Rock (entered at 24, winner)

2001 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • ‘The One’ Billy Gunn (entered at 28)
  • The Rock (entered at 13)
  • Kane (entered at 6)
  • ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin (entered at 27, winner)

2002 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Stone Cold Steve Austin (entered at 19)
  • Mr. Perfect (entered at 25)
  • Kurt Angle (entered at 26)
  • Triple H (entered at 22, winner)

2003 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Batista (entered at 28)
  • Kane (entered at 22)
  • The Undertaker (entered at 30)
  • Brock Lesnar (entered at 29, winner)

2004 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Chris Jericho (entered at 25)
  • Kurt Angle (entered at 19)
  • Big Show (entered at 24)
  • Chris Benoit (entered at 1, winner)

2005 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Rey Mysterio (entered at 8)
  • Edge (entered at 7)
  • John Cena (entered at 25)
  • Batista (entered at 28, winner)

2006 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Rob Van Dam (entered at 20)
  • Triple H (entered at 1)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 30)
  • Rey Mysterio (entered at 2, winner)

2007 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Randy Orton (entered at 16)
  • Edge (entered at 5)
  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 23)
  • The Undertaker (entered at 30, winner)

2008 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Kane (entered at 20)
  • Batista (entered at 8)
  • Triple H (entered at 29)
  • John Cena (entered at 30, winner)

2009 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Ted DiBiase Jr. (entered at 10)
  • Cody Rhodes (entered at 15)
  • Triple H (entered at 7)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 8, winner)

2010 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 18)
  • Batista (entered at 30)
  • John Cena (entered at 19)
  • Edge (entered at 29, winner)

Recent History (2011-2024)

2011 Royal Rumble Final Four (40-Man Rumble)

  • Wade Barrett (entered at 30)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 39)
  • Santino Marella (entered at 37)
  • Alberto Del Rio (entered at 38, winner)

2012 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Big Show (entered at 30)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 28)
  • Chris Jericho (entered at 29)
  • Sheamus (entered at 22, winner)

2013 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Dolph Ziggler (entered at 1)
  • Sheamus (entered at 11)
  • Ryback (entered at 30)
  • John Cena (entered at 19, winner)

2014 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • CM Punk (entered at 1)
  • Sheamus (entered at 17)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 15)
  • Batista (entered at 28, winner)

2015 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Kane (entered at 24)
  • Big Show (entered at 29)
  • Rusev (entered at 15)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 19, winner)

2016 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Sheamus (entered at 29)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 1)
  • Dean Ambrose (entered at 19)
  • Triple H (entered at 30, winner)

2017 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Chris Jericho (entered at 2)
  • Bray Wyatt (entered at 21)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 30)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 23, winner)

2018 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Finn Bálor (entered at 2)
  • John Cena (entered at 20)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 28)
  • Shinsuke Nakamura (entered at 14, winner)

2018 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Sasha Banks (entered at 1)
  • Brie Bella (entered at 28)
  • Nikki Bella (entered at 29)
  • Asuka (entered at 25, winner)

The Greatest Royal Rumble (50-Man Rumble) Final Four

  • Kevin Owens (entered at 46)
  • Daniel Bryan (entered at 1)
  • Big Cass (entered at 49)
  • Braun Strowman (entered at 41, winner)

2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Bayley (entered at 27)
  • Nia Jax (entered at 29)
  • Charlotte Flair (entered at 13)
  • Becky Lynch (entered at 28, winner)

2019 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Andrade (entered at 19)
  • Dolph Ziggler (entered at 28)
  • Braun Strowman (entered at 27)
  • Seth Rollins (entered at 10, winner)

2020 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Natalya
  • Beth Phoenix
  • Shayna Baszler
  • Charlotte Flair (winner)

2020 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Randy Orton
  • Edge
  • Roman Reigns
  • Drew McIntyre (winner)

2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Braun Strowman
  • Seth Rollins
  • Randy Orton
  • Edge (winner)

2021 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Natalya
  • Charlotte Flair
  • Rhea Ripley
  • Bianca Belair (winner)

2022 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Matt Riddle
  • Shane McMahon
  • Drew McIntyre
  • Brock Lesnar (winner)

2022 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Shayna Baszler
  • Bianca Belair
  • Charlotte Flair
  • Ronda Rousey (winner)

2023 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Seth Rollins
  • Logan Paul
  • GUNTHER
  • Cody Rhodes (winner)

2023 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Nikki Cross
  • Asuka
  • Liv Morgan
  • Rhea Ripley

2024 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Drew McIntyre
  • GUNTHER
  • CM Punk
  • Cody Rhodes (winner)

2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Tiffany Stratton
  • Jade Cargill
  • Liv Morgan
  • Bayley (winner)

Omos Opens Up On Wrestling In Japan, Culture Shock & Food

0

WWE Superstar and GHC Tag Team Champion Omos is enjoying his time in Japan and recently opened up about his experience overseas. This week, the Nigerian Giant was stopped for an impromptu interview in which he gave insight into his time abroad.

Favorite Thing: Omos appreciates how people in Japan have been “super nice” to him since he arrived in the country.

Dealing With Food: It took Omos some time to handle the Japanese cuisine given that this is his first time in the country. Omos is now “beginning to figure it out” and now loves yakiniku. The term refers to bite-size pieces of meat and vegetables that are grilled.

Culture Shock: The biggest shock for Omos has been that there are a lot of social rules in Japan compared to his time in the U.S. Adapting to Japan’s gyms, which feature both indoor and outdoor facilities, has also proven to be different for the seven-foot wrestler.

Highlight Of The Trip: Unsurprisingly, the highlight of Omos’ time has been wrestling at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. At Wrestle Kingdom 19, Omos captured the GHC Tag Titles with Jack Morris, making him the first-ever active WWE talent to hold gold in Pro Wrestling NOAH. Omos also hyped up his upcoming matches as part of the Japanese promotion.

Omos’ time with NOAH demonstrates the current management of WWE being far more open to working with other promotions. It remains to be seen when we’ll next see Omos in a WWE ring, but the GHC Tag Team Champion is certainly making waves in Japan.

WWE Raw Debut On Netflix Replaced With Edited Episode: What’s Changed?

0

The debut episode of WWE Raw on Netflix currently available on the streaming juggernaut is not the same as the episode fans saw live this week. Fans who watch the show on Netflix now are greeted with a message, noting that this show has been “Edited from a previous live stream.”

One significant change made is that explicit language has been scrubbed from the show. During his opening promo, The Rock cursed, but these words have been removed. Similarly, the “F*** you Solo” chants inside the Intuit Dome have also been edited out of the broadcast.

While certain responses from the fans have been nixed from the broadcast, the boos for Hulk Hogan during his appearance remain intact. The Hulkster was resoundingly jeered as he spoke about his love for the fans and promoted his Real American Beer. The beverage will serve as an in-ring sponsor of WWE shows going forward, despite the hostility to the controversial two-time Hall of Famer.

WWE Raw Sets Viewership Records with Netflix Debut

The edited Raw is also far shorter than the live show fans saw this week. While the live version of the show clocked in at just over three hours (not including the post-show press conference) the edited version is around 2 hours 20 minutes. This is because commercial breaks have been removed.

Previously, the unedited version of the Raw premiere but it has now been replaced with this edited version of the show. Nevertheless, fans will be able to enjoy the epic moments from this week’s historic debut on Netflix, even if what they’re seeing isn’t entirely what happened.

Samantha Irvin Dropping New Music On Valentine’s Day

0

Former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin is embracing her future outside of wrestling with new music coming next month. To celebrate her birthday, Irvin took to Instagram to share that her newest musical project will be released on Valentine’s Day (February 14). Irvin’s announcement also saw birthday wishes in the comments from the likes of Nia Jax, Saraya, and more.

Irvin parted ways with WWE in October 2024, and shared shortly after that she planned on pursuing her career as a musician. Though she has no interest in returning to wrestling as an announcer, Irvin has teased being a manager. The role is one WWE wished to hold in WWE, and realizing that the company never saw her as anything more than a ring announcer played a role in her decision to leave.

Irvin is no stranger to music, with notable highlights of hers including.

  • 2011–2015: Performed as the lead female vocalist in the Michael Jackson tribute show Thriller – Live.
  • 2015: Competed in season 10 of America’s Got Talent, auditioning with Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”; advanced to the semi-finals.
  • 2015: Headlined the show Home at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford, showcasing her talents in singing, whistling, dancing, storytelling, and flute playing.
  • 2016: Released an EP titled 27Underground, featuring the debut single “Jump High,” with backing vocals from her siblings.
  • 2016: Played the role of Betty Rizzo in a production of Grease at the New Bedford Festival Theatre.
  • 2020: Appeared on FOX’s I Can See Your Voice, performing Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” while playing the flute.

Irvin continues to make waves in entertainment, even with questions remaining about her future in the wrestling industry. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Samantha Irvin and her projects in and out of the ring.

New X Division Championship To Be Introduced At TNA Genesis, Updated Card

0

The debut of a new X Division Championship belt and multiple new title matches have been confirmed for the upcoming TNA Genesis PPV later this month.

The X Division Champion Moose had a segment on the January 9 episode of Impact. He claimed that the current title belt design was the ugliest he has seen. The current champion then had Alisha Edwards toss the title belt aside and announced that he’ll be debuting a new design fit for the face of the franchise at the upcoming PPV.

The episode also saw the confirmation of Tessa Blanchard’s in-ring return match. After Blanchard once again attacked Jordynne Grace, Santino Marella made the bout between the two female stars official. The upcoming match is expected to be Grace’s last for the company.

TNA Genesis 2025 Updated Match Card

Apart from this, the company also confirmed the TNA Knockouts championship match and several other bouts for their PPV during Impact. Here is the updated match card for the show:

  • X Division Championship Match: Moose (c) vs. Ace Austin
  • TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship Match: Spitfire (Jody Threat and Dani Luna) (c) vs. Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance (with The Personal Concierge)
  • Singles Match: Josh Alexander vs. Mike Santana
  • Singles Match: Jordynne Grace vs. Tessa Blanchard
  • TNA Tag Team Championship Match: The Hardys (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy) (c) vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz)
  • TNA Knockouts Championship Match: Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Rosemary
  • TNA World Championship Match: Nic Nemeth (c) vs. Joe Hendry

TNA Genesis this year will be taking place on Saturday, January 19, 2025, from Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas

Black Bart, Wrestler, Trainer Of JBL, Dies Aged 76

0

Black Bart, a veteran of the wrestling business has died at the age of 76. On social media, Bart’s wife Linda shared the sad news of his passing.

“You might know him as Black Bart but to me he was my husband Ricky. He left us this morning . He was pronounced at 5:26 this morning. He is Resting In Peace.”

Bart shared on Facebook in March 2023 that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his liver. Last month, Dutch Mantell shared on his storytime podcast that Bart was back at home after a stay in hospital, as his insurance had ran out. It was also shared that Bart would no longer be undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

image 4
Scott Norton, JBL, and Black Bart (right) at The Big Event fan fest in November 2021.

Bart began his career in the 1970s and competed across the territories and in Japan. In 1990, Bart arrived in the WWF, where he faced several names, including a young Dustin Rhodes in what’d be the future Goldust’s WWF debut. A year later, he joined WCW, where he’d formed the ‘Desperados’ stable alongside Mantel and Deadeye Dick.

After retiring from the ring in 2022, Bart wrestled one more time in 2006 but spent his post-in-ring career as a trainer. His most notable trainee is WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield, though he also trained former ROH star Necro Butcher.

Our thoughts are with Bart’s family and those who knew him at this sad time.

Seth Rollins Explains His Reaction To CM Punk’s WWE Return

0

Seth Rollins has explained why he was unhappy with CM Punk’s Survivor Series return.

The Straight Edge star shocked the wrestling world when he made his return to WWE at the 2023 Survivor Series event. Apart from his shocking comeback, the thing that made the most headlines on the night was The Architect’s viral reaction to Punk’s entrance where he had to be held back by officials so he wouldn’t jump on the returning star.

The former Shield member explained his reaction in a new interview with Chris Van Vliet. Seth Rollins mentioned that the night was supposed to be about Randy Orton who had returned to action after more than 18 months on the shelf due to his back injury. CM Punk’s comeback however, instantly overshadowed The Viper’s big moment:

“You know what I wasn’t happy about was Randy had just come back from a long hiatus. That was his moment. It was a great moment. The reaction for him when he came through the curtain was unreal.

We went out there, there was 10 of us out there, and we went out there and had a hell of a contest. [We] just didn’t really need him, but you know, it was Chicago, it’s his city, it’s just the most classic make everything about me CM Punk moment I’ve ever seen.”

Don’t Worry, He’s Not Selfish: Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins and Orton teamed up with Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn at the show to defeat The Judgment Day and Drew McIntyre in a brutal WarGames match.

The former Champion discussed how his adrenaline was through the roof after the bout and he was busy celebrating the big win with his teammates. Punk’s return however rendered all their hard work meaningless and the night at the All State arena became all about the one thing:

“Then that happens and it’s no longer about the performance. It’s no longer about Randy. It’s no longer about what you had done to get to that point. It’s just, hi guys, it’s about me. Remember I’m the guy that you that you miss, remember me, guys? So yeah, just another kind of throw that on the pile of disgusting CM Punk moments. But don’t worry, he’s not selfish. He’s in it for helping everybody else.”

Seth Rollins suffered a loss at the hands of CM Punk during Raw’s Netflix premiere episode on January 6. In the post-match press conference, Punk recalled his long rivalry with Drew McIntyre and expressed the belief that Rollins would not let go of his animosities so easily even after the defeat.

Mercedes Mone Had Panic Attack Before Her Tokyo Dome Debut

0

Mercedes Mone has opened up about suffering a panic attack before her most recent championship match.

The CEO faced Mina Shirakawa in a double championship match earlier this month. The Wrestle Dynasty bout coming from Tokyo Dome was her first match ever in the legendary arena. The AEW star talked about this bout in the most recent edition of her newsletter and revealed that she suffered a full-blown panic attack on the morning of the January 5 show:

“Though I have nerves and butterflies for all my big matches, my match at the Tokyo Dome against Mina was somehow different. From the moment I landed in Japan, where I actually bawled my eyes out with both disbelief and gratitude, to the morning of the event, where I had an actual panic attack, making history was the last thing on my mind.”

Female Athletes Deserve Prominent Recognition: Mercedes Mone

Mercedes Mone noted that it was her lifelong dream to have a match at Tokyo Dome. She claimed that to her Japan feels like a second home. Though the current TBS Champion was not only excited but also petrified cause she didn’t want to let anyone down and do a good job of representing female athletes:

“I didn’t want to let the promoters down. I didn’t want to let the fans down. I didn’t want to let Mina down. I especially, and as always, didn’t want to let the women wrestlers of today AND tomorrow down. I want New Japan, and all promotions, globally, for that matter, to know that we female athletes deserve prominent recognition and a prominent place on the card. “

Mone defended her NJPW STRONG Women’s Title against Mina’s RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship at the PPV match. The American star came out victorious in the bout, adding another title to her prestigious collection.

WWE’s Cathy Kelly Among Thousands Displaced by LA Wildfires

0

WWE star Cathy Kelly has revealed that she’s one of the thousands who have been affected by the Los Angeles wildfire disaster.

The broadcast star revealed the news while replying to a X post showing the destruction caused by the wildfire. Kelly revealed that she’s one of the people who have had to evacuate their homes due to it:

“Friends have lost homes, countless more displaced—witnessing the LA fires and devastation they’re continuing to leave behind is beyond heartbreaking. Just evacuated my own home. I can’t even begin to comprehend or put into words this feeling”

A series of wildfires devasted the Los Angeles area on Tuesday fuelled by powerful winds and unusually dry conditions. As of Thursday, at least seven people had been killed by the fires while more than a thousand structures have been destroyed.

More than 180,000 people have been under evacuation orders while more than 100,000 people have had to evacuate their homes. So far, the fires have reportedly burned an area equal to 17,200 acres or almost 27 square miles.

The real scope of damages can not be realized fully until the fires have been contained completely. You can check out a Washinton post guide on how to help victims and how to find help if you’ve been affected here.

Chelsea Green Eager For Match With Actress Vanessa Hudgens

0

Chelsea Green is riding high after becoming the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion and is ready to take on all-comers. While speaking to The Wrestling Classic, Green discussed her future in the ring, and had some celebrity opponents in mind.

“I keep seeing Miss Vanessa Hudgens. I want to give myself a match with Vanessa Hudgens and a match with Cardi B. Those are my dream celeb matches right now.”

Green challenged Cardi B shortly after her title win at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2024. The ‘feud’ between the two goes back much further though, with Green wanting to face the music artist back in 2023.

Hudgens is a known WWE fan and even Yeet-ed with The Usos and Cody Rhodes after last week’s SmackDown. During the show, Hudgens shared her respect to the first-ever Women’s U.S. Champion, which caught the attention of Green on X.

The actress, best known for her break-out role in High School Musical, was seen in the crowd during this week’s historic Raw on Netflix. Time will tell whether fans one day see Hudgens in action against Green and if the (by default) longest-reigning, most dominant Women’s U.S. Champion of all time, gets her match with Cardi B.

Von Erichs Have Signed With AEW

0

Ross Von Erich and Marshall Von Erich are officially All Elite, signing contracts with AEW. The duo began appearing for AEW in November 2023, making their presence known on Dynamite, Rampage, and ROH programming.

The Von Erichs shared the news on their Claw podcast, with Marshall stating:

“Today, on this day, we can officially say that Ross and Marshall Von Erich are officially signed with AEW. The 12-year journey, it’s not an expensive hobby anymore.”

Ross added:

“This is kind of the thing we’ve been working towards our whole careers. We knew it would be on a big major scale, and this meets every parameter with that. It means a lot for the Von Erich family and, not to kiss Tony [Khan’s] butt, but he kind of single-handedly is keeping the Von Erich name and dream alive for us. He’s going to have our loyalty forever because of that. More than anything, we’re super excited for this day.”

Ross and Marshall are currently two-thirds of the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions, alongside Dustin Rhodes. However, they have been off television since September due to an injury to Marshall. With their official signing, the Von Erichs are poised to make an even greater impact within AEW.

Braun Strowman Lost 36 Pounds This Week Due To Illness

0

Braun Strowman has been sidelined at the start of 2025 due to a serious illness.

It was revealed via an Instagram post that Strowman has been battling a severe illness, which left him recovering in a hotel room and caused significant weight loss—over 30 pounds in just a week. Strowman shared the following update on social media:

“We’ll see if people read what I post or not. Or just look at the cool pix. 2025 has been off to a ruff start for me. I picked up some kind of a bug last week and it had absolutely whipped my ass. I laid in a hotel room for four days, three with a fever of 102 or higher. A week later, I am finally over what I think is the hump. My sever[e] body aches are finally easing up. Today is the first day I have been able to move around and really do anything. I have lost 36 lbs this week. Had tests taken, and all they could determine is that it was a very bad flu, thankfully. I hate I have had to miss last week’s SmackDown, the premiere of Raw on Netflix, and I will miss TV again this week. This is yet another speed bump in the road. I will be back bigger, stronger, and badder than ever!!! There hasn’t been anything this life has thrown at me that I haven’t been able to OVERCOME, and this sure as hell isn’t gonna stop me from having one of my best years to date!!!!! 2025 your ass is mine!!!!”

Strowman hasn’t wrestled since late December at a SmackDown event. Strowman’s determination and resilience remain evident as he works toward recovery and plans his eventual return to WWE programming.

Ronda Rousey Welcomes Second Daughter with Travis Browne

0

Ronda Rousey and her husband, Travis Browne, have welcomed their second daughter together. Born on Thursday, January 9, the baby girl has been named Liko’ula Pa’uomahinakaipiha Browne.

The couple previously celebrated the arrival of their first daughter, La’akea Makalapuaokalanip, in September 2021. Browne also has two sons from a previous marriage, making this a growing family of six.

Ronda Rousey in WWE

Rousey, a former WWE and UFC star, has had a storied career in professional wrestling. She made her WWE debut at the 2018 Royal Rumble, famously pointing at the WrestleMania sign to declare her arrival.

Her first match came at WrestleMania 34, where she and Kurt Angle defeated Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a mixed tag team bout that received widespread acclaim.

During her WWE career, Rousey achieved significant milestones. She captured the Raw Women’s Championship at SummerSlam 2018 and later added two SmackDown Women’s Championship reigns to her resume. Teaming with Shayna Baszler, Rousey also became one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions, further cementing her legacy in the wrestling world.

Rousey’s most recent WWE appearance was at SummerSlam 2023, where she faced Shayna Baszler in an MMA Rules match. The bout received mixed reactions, with Rousey later reflecting on it as a bold statement to cap off her WWE tenure.

As much as she enjoyed aspects of her time as a WWE Superstar, Rousey said it was unsustainable for her to continue wrestling when she was more focused on motherhood

Big congratulations to Ronda Rousey, Travis Browne and their growing family.

Every WWE Royal Rumble You Can Watch on YouTube for FREE

0

The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events, featuring thrilling over-the-top-rope elimination matches that determine who will go on to headline WrestleMania.

For fans looking to relive the excitement or catch up on past Rumbles, YouTube offers a treasure trove of free content. Let’s explore the Royal Rumble matches and highlights available on the platform.

Read More – Most Shocking WWE Royal Rumble Eliminations Ever (Ranked)

Full Royal Rumble Matches

While complete matches aren’t always the norm on YouTube due to copyright restrictions, there are quite a few exceptions that fans can enjoy in their entirety from the official WWE YouTube channel:

Alexa Bliss Joining Netflix’s Sakamoto Days Anime

0

WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss is set to expand her role in entertainment with a voice-over role in the upcoming Sakamoto Days anime. Bliss will provide the English voice for the character Obiguro, the Anime News Network reports.

Sakamoto Days tells the story of Taro Sakamoto, a retired legendary hitman who has settled into a quiet and mundane life as a family man. When a bounty is put on his head, Sakamoto must keep himself and his family alive while observing his wife’s no-killing rule. Bliss will portray one of the several assassins seeking the bounty.

Alexa Bliss’ Roles

Though best known for her time as a WWE Superstar, Bliss has had her fair share of on-screen roles outside of the ring. These include:

Total Divas (2015–2019)

  • Role: Herself
  • Details: Bliss appeared as a guest in seasons 4, 6, 8, and 9, and was a main cast member in season 7 of this reality TV series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of WWE female wrestlers.

Walk the Prank (2017–2018)

  • Role: Herself
  • Details: She appeared in two episodes of this children’s TV show that combines scripted comedy with real pranks on unsuspecting people.

Carpool Karaoke: The Series (2018)

  • Role: Herself
  • Details: Bliss featured in an episode where celebrities sing along to their favorite songs while driving.

Punky Brewster (2021)

  • Role: Herself
  • Details: She made a guest appearance as her wrestling persona alongside fellow WWE wrestler Charlotte Flair in this revival of the 1980s sitcom.

The Masked Singer (2023)

  • Role: Axolotl
  • Details: Bliss competed as the character “Axolotl” in the ninth season of this singing competition show, where celebrities perform in elaborate costumes to conceal their identities.

The Queen of Villains (2024)

Role: Voice of Maki Ueda
Details: Bliss provided the English voice for wrestler Maki Ueda in this Netflix series based on Japanese pro wrestling legend Dump Matsumoto.

Alexa Bliss Sakamoto Days 1
Bliss will voice Obiguro, a master assassin who is an expert in karate who targets Taro Sakamoto.

Bliss hasn’t competed in WWE for nearly two years, but rumors of a return to the ring continue to circulate. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Alexa Bliss as she expands her star power both in and out of the ring.

Most Shocking WWE Royal Rumble Eliminations Ever (Ranked)

0

The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events, known for its surprises and unexpected moments. Among these, shocking eliminations stand out as some of the most memorable aspects of the match. Let’s dive into the most jaw-dropping Royal Rumble eliminations, ranked.

5. Beth Phoenix Eliminates The Great Khali (2010)

In a moment that combined shock with strategy, Beth Phoenix used an unconventional method to eliminate The Great Khali.

The future Hall of Famer planted a kiss on the giant, distracting him long enough to pull him over the top rope. This clever and surprising elimination demonstrated that in the Royal Rumble, brains can triumph over brawn in unexpected ways.

4. Santino Marella’s Record-Breaking Elimination (2009)

While not shocking in terms of WHO was eliminated, Santino Marella’s self-elimination in 2009 was surprising for its brevity. Marella holds the dubious distinction of the fastest elimination in Royal Rumble history, lasting just one second before being tossed out by Kane.

This lightning-quick exit showcases the unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble and how even the briefest appearances can become legendary.

3. Hulk Hogan’s Unexpected Exit (1992)

The 1992 Royal Rumble, often cited as one of the best ever, featured a surprising moment when Hulk Hogan, one of wrestling’s biggest stars, was eliminated by Sid Justice.

This unexpected turn of events not only shocked fans but also set the stage for Ric Flair’s historic victory. Hogan’s elimination demonstrated that even the most popular superstars aren’t safe in the chaotic environment of the Royal Rumble.

2. Roman Reigns’ Surprise Exit (2016)

Roman Reigns, who was the reigning WWE Champion at the time, entered the 2016 Royal Rumble match with a target on his back as the winner of the Rumble match would become the WWE Champion, something that ironically had not occurred since the ’92 Rumble.

However, few expected him to be eliminated, especially given his status as the company’s top star. His shocking elimination by Triple H sent the crowd into a frenzy and set the stage for a dramatic finish to the match between Hunter and Dean Ambrose.

1. Maven Eliminates The Undertaker (2002)

Number one is undoubtedly the moment when Tough Enough winner Maven shocked everyone by eliminating The Undertaker in 2002. The Deadman had been dominating the match and was caught off guard by Maven’s perfectly timed dropkick, sending him tumbling over the top rope.

The look of disbelief on The Undertaker’s face, mirrored by the crowd’s reaction, solidified this as an unforgettable Royal Rumble moment.

Mark Henry Claims Hulk Hogan’s Made No Effort to Address Racist Comments

0

Hulk Hogan was resoundingly booed during this week’s Raw, the show’s debut episode on Netflix. Many attribute the negative response to lingering backlash over racist comments Hogan made, which Mark Henry believes the Hulkster has not adequately addressed.

Speaking to TMZ, Henry, who received a far warmer reception during his recent return to WWE, shared his thoughts on the fan reaction to Hogan.

“With the social climate and the things [Hulk’s] said and done and his lack of effort to try and fix it, people are gonna come down on it.”

Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 after a leaked video revealed him making racist comments. In the footage, Hogan expressed disgust at the idea of his daughter dating a Black man, repeatedly used the n-word, and admitted to being “a racist, to a point.”

According to Henry, Hogan made little effort to genuinely reflect or grow from the incident, instead seemingly hoping the controversy would fade over time.

“He never wanted to go forward and fix it. That’s what happens when you think everything is gonna go away. It’s not gonna go away.”

WWE reinstated Hogan in 2018, though fan reactions have been mixed since his return. Upon rejoining the company, Hogan held a backstage meeting where he apologized for his comments and for damaging WWE’s image. However, his apology also included a cautionary message to others about being recorded without their consent.

Hulk Hogan Booed On RAW: Hulkster Reacts & Future Plans

Hogan has been featured in promotional material for this month’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, though questions remain as to whether he’ll appear in person. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on the controversial Hall of Famer, whose actions outside the ring continue to shape his legacy among fans.