Tonight’s blockbuster WWE Raw Netflix premiere just got an extra dose of star power courtesy of the former ECW authority figure, Stephanie McMahon.
Over the weekend, Triple H got people buzzing about Stephanie’s WWE return when he told Jimmy Traina on the SI Media podcast, “You’ll see her around. Maybe at Netflix.”
On Monday morning, McMahon responded to a video of Triple H and Nick Khan touring the Intuit Dome and confirmed she’ll be on hand for the historic occasion.
In recent years, Stephanie McMahon has stepped back from her prominent role in WWE to prioritize her family. With one daughter now in college and others nearing that milestone, Stephanie has shifted her focus to personal commitments. Despite her reduced public presence, she continues to stay actively involved behind the scenes, remaining well-informed about WWE operations and the company’s creative direction.
Stephanie’s Passion for WWE
Triple H highlighted Stephanie’s enduring passion for WWE. While balancing family responsibilities and her philanthropic work—especially in pediatric cancer advocacy—she has maintained a close connection to the company. “She will always have a passion for this,” he noted, emphasizing how much her insights and opinions are still valued within WWE.
On tonight’s WWE Raw debut on Netflix, CM Punk and Seth Rollins will battle in Punk’s first match on the red brand since 2014. Fans are excited to see the pair finally lock horns in a feud that Punk feels echoes one of wrestling’s most infamous rivalries.
On the Night Cap podcast, Punk discussed his issues with Rollins. Despite being hopeful that he will move on to “bigger and better things” after tonight’s Raw, the Chicago-Made star feels their issues will never truly be settled.
“This is one of those Hogan-Savage deals that’s gonna just go on for as long as the beef has already been festering. 10-plus years… this one’s gonna fester for a while.”
Hulk Hogan and ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage were rivals, both in the ring and in real life. In 1993, Savage even claimed on Radio WWF that Hogan and his then-wife Linda played a role in Miss Elizabeth filing for divorce the previous year.
CM Punk Vs. Seth Rollins: A Timeline
The showdown between CM Punk and Seth Rollins has been years in the making, as seen with this timeline of issues between the two WWE Superstars:
Before 2019: CM Punk makes several comments disparaging WWE. At this time, Seth Rollins had established himself as a top name in WWE and took the comments to heart.
2019: CM Punk shocks fans by joining WWE Backstage, though his contract is with FOX. Rollins takes to X to challenge Punk to a match.
August 2021: CM Punk joins AEW and his comments about WWE resume. Rollins, loyal to WWE’s brand, defends the promotion from criticism on social media.
January 2023: Amid CM Punk’s first AEW suspension, Seth Rollins calls Punk a “cancer,” echoing words reportedly said by Chris Jericho. He warns Punk to stay away from WWE.
November 2023: CM Punk Returns to WWE. Seth Rollins’ volatile reaction goes viral as fans debate whether it’s for a story or his genuine response.
June 2024: CM Punk interferes in the World Heavyweight Title match at Money in the Bank. Though his actions were to prevent Drew McIntyre from winning, he inadvertently also costs Rollins the title.
December 2024: Punk and Rollins hold nothing back in a face-to-face on Raw. Punk brings up Becky Lynch while Rollins calls out Punk and AJ Lee not having children.
There’s no shortage of bad blood between the two, with fans excited to see what’s to come. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on their feud and tonight’s exciting showdown.
WWE Raw is set to debut on Netflix, and fans are curious about how commercials will factor into this new era. On The Press Box, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque offered insight into how ads will be a part of Raw going forward.
“Netflix is paying us a lot, and they’re in the business of making money. So, even as a subscription service, they need to sell ad time.”
While Netflix will still run commercials as part of Raw, they seemingly will not be as regular as the red brand time on broadcast TV. On the podcast, Levesque reassured fans that WWE’s partnership with Netflix will feature fewer commercials than traditional TV.
“There’s less commercial time, so it’s more manageable. It’ll take us a minute to get comfortable with the new format, but I think it’ll be a better experience for viewers.”
Levesque said it was “funny” that fans often complain about the number of commercials on TV, pointing out that its the same amount every week. While WWE Raw’s future on Netflix will be a “work in progress,” Levesque and his creative team are ready to “tackle” issues head-on and make the show’s new era on streaming a rounding success.
Tonight’s show will be a massive event with rare in-ring appearances by Roman Reigns and CM Punk, as well appearances by The Rock and John Cena. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from tonight’s historic episode of WWE Raw from Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome.
WWE Monday Night Raw will arrive on Netflix tonight, with a stacked show lined up for Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome. Ahead of what will be a historic night in wrestling, the Superstars of WWE shared what they choose to binge on the streaming juggernaut.
Jey Uso: The ‘Main Event’ talent loves watching Anime, including Good Night World and Terminator Zero. For live-action, Jey enjoys the Japanese drama House of Ninjas as well as Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
Liv Morgan: The reigning Women’s World Champion will battle Rhea Ripley on tonight’s Raw in an intense title match. When not training, Liv has been binging Stranger Things and is “super excited” for the new season.
Finn Balor: The Irish star enjoys watching one of America’s most successful sitcoms, Seinfeld, during his downtime. The Judgment Day star shared that he watches the show every night.
Damian Priest: The former World Heavyweight Champion enjoys action movies of the 80s and 90s on Netflix. Most recently, Priest has been watching The Last Dragon and Mortal Kombat.
Chad Gable: A man of range, Chad Gable has been watching slasher movies and World War 2 history documentaries as of late. When with his three children, Gable dials it down and trades in Nazis and slashers for “puppy movies.”
The Miz: Suits is the A-Lister’s go-to show on Netflix. The former WWE Champion explained that he watched the entire series in one month as he was clearly won over by the series.
Dominik Mysterio: WWE’s resident treacherous son has been binging Van Helsing, but also has a softer side. Mysterio has recently been rewatching Shark Tale, as he’s “a bit of a child at heart.”
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from tonight’s historic WWE Raw on Netflix, with breaking news and live results from the supershow in Los Angeles.
Seth Rollins has shared his final barbs about CM Punk ahead of their much-anticipated showdown tonight on WWE Raw’s Netflix debut. Speaking to Jackie Redmond, Rollins expressed skepticism about Punk’s alleged transformation since his return to WWE.
“I wanna believe that he’s not the same dude that walked out on this company back in 2014… But he makes it difficult… I just don’t buy it.”
Rollins pointed to Punk’s controversies in AEW, though similarly to their promo battle on last week’s Raw, stopped short of referencing the competition by name. Instead, Rollins focused on Punk ‘burning bridges’ with others in recent years.
“He hasn’t had a great last four or five years. He’s burned a lot of bridges; his reputation has been kind of smeared in specific areas.”
Punk Vs. Rollins has been brewing long before the Chicago-Made star’s epic return at Survivor Series 2023. Rollins infamously called Punk a “cancer” during the latter’s first suspension from AEW, while Punk would spend years taking digs at WWE, an act Rollins took personally. Their showdown had at one time been pencilled in for WrestleMania 40 before Punk’s injury forced WWE to change plans.
Now, the pair will do battle at WWE Raw on Netflix, a show with as much build and hype as a Premium Live Event. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this rivalry and from tonight’s epic showdown.
Ric Flair made his name in wrestling with his legendary hour-long matches, but the WWE Hall of Famer believes practicing is a problem in the industry. Speaking on the Five Star Podcast, Flair made clear he prefers matches to have a more spontaneous feel, without any preconceived plans going in.
“Never practice. I’ve had no practice. You can never guarantee how the crowd is going to react. You can have a match all set up, and the crowd says, ‘I don’t think so. I like him today.’”
In 2022, Flair competed in what was promoted as his last match, though his performance in the tag-team contest left fans concerned for his safety and health. Shortly after, Flair teased returning to the ring again, but also shared that he was confident he was done in the ring.
Earlier this month, Flair again teased one more match, saying he definitely believes he has one last contest left in him. Whether Flair steps in the ring as a competitor one more time or not, fans shouldn’t expect the Nature Boy to practice any moves or sequences, even if it benefits the overall performance.
The worlds of Hollywood and WWE met at the 2025 Golden Globes, as WWE NXT General Manager Ava joined her iconic father, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The Rock presented the Best Supporting Female Actor award to Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) alongside Moana 2 co-star Auli’i Cravalho.
Later, Ava and The Rock mingled with the Emilia Pérez cast, including Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Benny Blanco. Ava is no stranger to the Golden Globes, as she previously served as a Golden Globe Ambassador in 2018, well before her WWE career began. She later joined WWE in 2020 and is now a regular on NXT programming.
Though Moana 2 missed out on the Best Animated Movie award, The Rock’s presence left a lasting impression. WWE’s Final Boss got a huge laugh from the crowd as he joked that his chest hair was repurposed for Timothy Chalamet’s mustache.
After a successful outing at the Golden Globes, The Rock will be a part of this week’s Raw, the first episode of the red brand’s Netflix era. Ava will also have a busy week with NXT New Year Evil set to take place this Tuesday, January 7, featuring a stacked card from the silver brand.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on The Rock and Ava as the father-daughter duo continues to shine both in and outside of pro wrestling.
The premiere episode of WWE Raw on Netflix continues to grow in star power with the confirmed appearances of The Rock and now Hulk Hogan. According to Dave Meltzer of F4Wonline.com, Hogan is scheduled to make an appearance tomorrow night in Los Angeles. This will mark Hogan’s first live appearance on a WWE show in several years.
Chris Featherstone initially broke the news of Hogan’s inclusion in the event. Meltzer further noted that while celebrities are rumored to be part of the premiere, WWE plans to space out its surprises. The goal is to avoid making the debut episode too overwhelming while maintaining long-term excitement.
Hogan’s most recent WWE TV appearance was in January when the company celebrated 40 years of Hulkamania, featuring footage of Hogan’s iconic victory over The Iron Sheik in 1984. During the event, Hogan delivered a promo about the current roster.
Additionally, Hogan was recently featured in an advertisement for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, which airs later this month, as seen during this week’s episode of SmackDown.
His return to Raw is expected to generate significant buzz as WWE leverages its legends to enhance the show’s debut on Netflix.
Bronson Reed is currently sidelined after sustaining a serious injury during the WWE Survivor Series: WarGames Premium Live Event. The injury occurred in the main event when Reed attempted a dive off the top of the cage. Following the incident, Reed underwent surgery on Wednesday, which was reportedly more complex than anticipated. Despite the complications, the surgery was successful, and Reed is now recovering. His expected return is projected for May or June 2025.
Bryan Alvarez reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that the procedure required additional measures due to the severity of the injury. Reed later addressed his condition in a detailed post on Twitter/X, clarifying misconceptions about the nature of his injury.
“Let’s clear up some things. Dirt sheets report ankle fracture or injury. I unfortunately smashed my talus bone completely in half. I had it surgically repaired with screws and fragments taken out. Also had some bone marrow taken from my hip and put into my foot. Now this means I won’t be at the Raw Netflix Premiere, don’t expect a Rumble surprise, and the biggest loss is no Mania. Please keep up with me on social media at this time. Understand I’ve had a serious injury, undergone serious surgery, and have serious implications from that. It’s not merely a fracture!” — @BRONSONISHERE
Reed’s absence has led WWE to adjust its plans, particularly as he was involved in prominent storylines heading into WrestleMania season. Fans have expressed support for the powerhouse, who has vowed to keep them updated on his recovery journey.
WWE star Becky Lynch (real name Rebecca Quin) has taken on a supporting role in Happy Gilmore 2, slated for a Netflix release in 2025. According to PWInsider, Lynch will portray a golfer in a group that also features Reggie Bush.
The film will star Adam Sandler (likely reprising his role as Happy Gilmore), Christopher McDonald, Dennis Dugan, Ben Stiller, Bad Bunny, and AEW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF).
Lynch’s role ties into WWE’s recent partnership with Netflix, with WWE RAW set to premiere on the platform on January 6, 2025. Lynch was also present at WWE’s December event promoting this transition.
The Man has been absent from WWE programming since May 2024. While reports suggest she has entered free agency, she has not confirmed a WWE return.
Samantha Irvin, known for her electrifying voice and vibrant personality, shocked WWE fans a few months ago when she announced her departure from the company. Her impassioned ring announcements had made her a fan favorite, but her exit also highlighted the toxicity that can exist within passionate wrestling fandoms.
In discussing her decision to leave WWE, Irvin revealed that she had never intended to remain a full-time ring announcer. While she appreciated the role, her ultimate aspiration was to take on different responsibilities within the wrestling world, particularly as a manager.
Champions and Main Eventers
On Sunday, Irvin doubled down on her dream of managing. When a fan asked on social media which wrestler she should manage and for what promotion, Irvin responded confidently, stating,
“For champions and main eventers for the best promotion on Earth.”
The statement not only fueled speculation about her next move but also underscored her ambition to work alongside the top talent in the business.
Samantha Irvin’s determination to redefine her role in wrestling showcases her passion and ambition to leave an even greater mark on the industry.
WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix has gotten even bigger as The Rock has confirmed that he’ll be coming ‘home’ for the much-anticipated show. On Instagram, WWE’s Final Boss reflected on his life, family, and heritage before turning his attention to WWE’s debut on the streaming juggernaut.
“I’ll come back home to @wwe tomorrow night as we make history on @netflix and begin a new and exciting era.
“Tomorrow night is dedicated to my grandfather, the High Chief Peter Maivia, my grandmother, Lia Maivia and my dad, Rocky “Soulman” Johnson and my ancestors who have ALL paved the way.”
The Rock gave no clue as to what he’ll do during the upcoming Raw, but his announcement has sparked excitement among fans. The upcoming Raw will see Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa face off in Tribal Combat to determine the one true Tribal Chief, a match that the Brahma Bull will be keeping a close eye on.
News of The Rock’s involvement is just the latest major announcement for the January 6, 2025, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw. The show will also feature:
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: A highly anticipated bout between two bitter rivals that has been brewing since before Punk’s return to WWE in 2023.
Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa (Tribal Combat Match): The two Tribal Chiefs of WWE will hold nothing back on Raw, but will The Rock be the difference-maker?
Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley (Women’s World Championship Match): Rhea Ripley seeks to regain the title she was never beaten for, and get revenge on Liv Morgan.
John Cena’s Farewell Tour: The legendary wrestler will begin his farewell tour on Raw, marking the start of his retirement from professional wrestling.
Drew McIntyre Vs. Jey Uso: ‘Main Event’ Jey has been the victim of beatdowns from McIntyre, but will the YEET army get payback in Los Angeles?
Travis Scott Live: The multi-time award-winning artist will provide the theme song for Raw on Netflix and will perform live on the show.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE Raw on Netflix, as The Rock is ready to electrify this Monday on what will be a historic night.
Samantha Irvin has shared more on her decision to leave WWE, which won’t be the last time fans see the former ring announcer in wrestling. On X, Irvin reacted to JoJo Offerman announcing a match ahead of the latest AEW Collision. When a fan said that Irvin should become a manager in wrestling, the 35-year-old shared that this was the plan.
Whether Irvin becomes a wrestling manager or not, fans shouldn’t expect her to be a ring announcer again. When a commenter made clear, with some choice verbiage, their opposition to Irvin’s announcing, she explained why she is finished with that role.
Don’t worry I won’t ring announce again. I agree with you fully. Except the attention seeking part, I wasn’t comfortable with the attention hence why I am no longer there. Thank you for your tweet ??
Irvin surprised fans with her exit from WWE in October 2024 and there were several developments that became apparent in the following days.
Departure Announcement: On October 21, 2024, Irvin announced her departure from WWE via a heartfelt message on social media, expressing gratitude to fans, colleagues, and the WWE community.
Reason for Leaving: Reports indicate that Irvin and WWE could not reach an agreement regarding her involvement in external projects, leading to her decision to leave the company.
Notice Period: Contrary to some reports suggesting a sudden exit, Irvin clarified that she had informed WWE of her decision months in advance.
Immediate Replacement: Following her departure, WWE brought back veteran ring announcer Lilian Garcia to fill Irvin’s role on Monday Night Raw.
Personal Life: Irvin’s departure came after her fiancé Ricochet joined AEW. Despite speculation, both Irvin and Ricochet have said that she does not intend to join AEW.
Fans can expect to see much more of Konosuke Takeshita in New Japan as the AEW International Champion has signed a deal with the promotion. Speaking backstage at Wrestle Dynasty, Takeshita announced his commitment to the Japanese promotion.
Takeshita, the reigning NEVER Openweight Champion, won the title at Wrestle Kingdom 19 by defeating Shingo Takagi. At Wrestle Dynasty, he successfully defended both the NEVER Openweight Championship and the AEW International Championship in a grueling match against Tomohiro Ishii.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Takeshita in action again. NJPW confirmed during Wrestle Dynasty that Takeshita will defend his NEVER Openweight Championship against KUSHIDA at Battle in the Valley on January 11th. Additionally, Oleg Boltin confronted Takeshita backstage at Wrestle Dynasty, hinting at a future clash, though no match has been officially announced.
In addition to his commitments with AEW and NJPW, Takeshita is also under contract with DDT Pro Wrestling, exemplifying his status as a true international champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Konosuke Takeshita as challengers line up for the NEVER Openweight Champion and AEW International Champion.
Kenny Omega’s long-awaited return to the ring was a triumphant one. The former AEW World Champion defeated Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty in a thrilling penultimate match of the show, marking his first bout since December 2023.
Omega, who had been sidelined due to diverticulitis and underwent surgery in 2024, made a significant impact with his return. Fans were also treated to a surprise when Omega debuted a brand-new entrance theme composed by Masayoshi Soken, the acclaimed composer behind Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI.
With Omega back in the ring, fans are excited to see what’s next for him, both in New Japan and AEW. The Cleaner appeared at Worlds End following the Continental Championship match, where he presented Kazuchika Okada with the gold. Omega will be part of next week’s Dynamite, and after his successful return at Wrestle Dynasty, fans can expect many more high-profile feuds and matches for the 41-year-old wrestler.
Mercedes Moné has big plans after adding the Rev Pro Undisputed British Women’s Championship to her impressive resume. At Wrestle Dynasty, Moné won the gold from Mina Shirakawa in a match that also saw The CEO’s New Japan Strong Women’s Championship up for grabs.
At a press conference following her victory, Mercedes Moné reflected on achieving a lifelong dream and unveiled her next major career aspiration.
“I’ve fulfilled my childhood dream, but it’s just the beginning. It’s been two years since the NJPW women’s division started. AEW, NJPW, and the female wrestlers are all amazing. Today we were able to show a glimpse of our greatness. My new dream has begun again. My current goal is to have a match in the main event at the Tokyo Dome.”
Since her debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling two years ago, Moné has cemented herself as a formidable competitor. Just one month after her arrival at Wrestle Kingdom 17, The CEO captured the IWGP Women’s Championship from KAIRI. Her reign lasted from February to April 2023 before she lost the title to current champion Mayu Iwatani.
Meanwhile, in AEW, Moné currently holds the AEW TBS Championship. Her recent title defense against Kris Statlander set a new record for the longest women’s match in AEW history. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Mercedes Moné as the multi-time champion continues to pursue her goals in the wrestling world.
The first-ever Wrestle Dynasty event took place on January 5, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. Here are the results from the show:
Momo Watanabe (Stardom) (with Thekla) defeated Willow Nightingale (AEW), Persephone (CMLL), and Athena (ROH): With this win, Watanabe earned a women’s championship match from the participating promotion of their choosing.
The Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara) (c) defeated House of Torture (Sho and Yoshinobu Kanemaru) by pinfall: Rhodes and Guevara were able to keep their reign as ROH World Tag Team Champions alive with a hard-fought win.
Taiji Ishimori defeated Hechicero, Kosei Fujita, Soberano Jr., Master Wato, Máscara Dorada, Titán, and El Desperado by pinfall: This exciting Eight-man Lucha Gauntlet match featured some of the most talented high-flyers current competing in the ring.
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata ended in a time-limit draw: This rare ‘Grappling Rules Exhibition’ match saw the NJPW President and the AEW star demonstrate their immense talents.
Mercedes Moné (Strong) defeated Mina Shirakawa (British) by pinfall: With this title vs. title victory, Mone is now the first American to hold the Undisputed British Women’s Championship. The CEO’s NJPW Strong Women’s Title had also been on the line.
David Finlay (with Gedo) defeated Brody King by pinfall: Despite his IWGP Global Heavyweight title loss at Wrestle Kingdom, Finlay bounced back nicely by getting a win over the AEW wrestler.
Konosuke Takeshita (c) (with Don Callis) defeated Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall: One day after winning the NEVER Openweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom, Takeshita retained that title and the AEW International Championship at Wrestle Dynasty.
United Empire (Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb) vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi): In their first match since October, the Bucks won the vacant IWGP Tag Team Championships, kicking off their second reign with the gold.
ANNNNDDDDD NEWWWWWWW!!!
THE YOUNG BUCKS ARE THE NEW IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!
THE GREATEST TAG TEAM OF ALL TIME FOR A REASON!!!!!!!! #NJPW#NJWD
Yota Tsuji (c) vs. Jack Perry: After winning the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom, Tsuji kept his new championship reign alive by defeating AEW’s self-professed Scapegoat.
Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd: In his first match in over a year, Kenny Omega proved to be the ‘Best Bout Machine’ with a brutal, bloodied victory over Gabe Kidd.
Zack Sabre Jr. (c) vs. Ricochet: The British star retained the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship by submission, ending the first-ever Wrestle Dynasty show with an excellent match against AEW’s Ricochet.
Mercedes Moné added another championship to her growing collection at Wrestle Dynasty by defeating Mina Shirakawa to capture the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship. The match’s climax saw Moné hit the Moné Maker for the victory in the match that also featured her NJPW Strong Women’s Championship on the line.
You can check out some highlights below:
NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship & RPW Undisputed British Women’s Championship Double Title Match!
Mercedes Moné and Mina Shirakawa clash in a bout with two championships on the line!
With this victory, Moné ended Mina Shirakawa’s title reignat 134 days. Shirakawa had held the championship since the RevPro 12th Anniversary Show in August 2024. Meanwhile, Moné has held the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship since Forbidden Door in June 2024, where she dethroned Stephanie Vaquer.
This win cements Mercedes Moné as the first American to hold the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on Mercedes Moné as “The CEO” continues to dominate on the global wrestling stage.
Mick Foley surprised fans at Ohio Valley Wrestling’s Nightmare Rumble event this weekend by reviving his Dude Love persona for a surprise appearance. Not only did the three-time WWE World Champion appear, but he used Mr. Socko at the event.
Foley is no stranger to the world of Ohio Valley Wrestling and appeared for the promotion in June of last year. That appearance would turn sour for Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy, who was attacked by a mystery assailant backstage.
Last week MICK FOLEY was attacked backstage and was left a bloody mess…will we get some answers THIS THURSDAY on OVW: RISE?!
OVW Nightmare Rumble also marked a special anniversary for ‘the Micker.’ As the show took place on January 4, it marked 26 years since his iconic first WWE Championship victory in 1999. The win is infamous for WCW giving away the result, with Tony Schiavone quipping “That’ll put butts in the seats” only to watch its audience tune from Nitro to Raw to see Mick dethrone The Rock.
JBL in OVW
Foley wasn’t the only notable name at OVW Nightmare Rumble as John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield served as a commentator for the show. Later on in the night though, the Texan got physical and helped his former Cabinet ally Danny Basham capture the OVW National Championship.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Mick Foley and JBL as the two continue to surprise fans in wrestling, even with their days active in the ring being in the past.
Triple H has hinted that the WrestleMania main event is planned, but it remains subject to change. During an appearance on SI Media with Jimmy Traina, the WWE Chief Content Officer elaborated on the unpredictability of planning such a monumental event:
“Yes, with an asterisk, because I cannot tell you what happens between today and Las Vegas. People get hurt, things happen,” he explained.
Long gone are the days when WWE’s head honchos had WrestleMania’s main event locked in a year ahead of time. In today’s era, “plans change,” and the company has embraced a more flexible approach to adapt when circumstances demand it. While injuries can disrupt meticulously crafted plans, more often, changes stem from fans rallying behind a particular wrestler so passionately that the company is compelled to shift direction.
This exact scenario played out last year when The Rock returned to WWE, and Cody Rhodes made the surprising decision to step aside, allowing The Final Boss to use his Royal Rumble victory to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. However, fans weren’t having it. The hashtag #WeWantCody went viral, and the company ultimately pivoted, giving Cody the opportunity to “Finish the Story”—which he did.
Triple H went on to discuss the fluid nature of storytelling and booking in WWE:
“You get a phone call—‘Hey, would you ever consider doing this with me?’—or whatever it is, where you go, ‘Wow, that’s an amazing opportunity.’ Maybe I would go in a different direction, right? Sometimes you start to go down a road of a storyline, and you realize, ‘Like, this is not resonating the way I thought it would.’ Maybe something else would be bigger—and lo and behold, it is.”
Triple H emphasized the importance of planning but acknowledged the need for flexibility:
“I’m a big, put-pins-in-stuff-and-far-out-in-advance guy. We had a card for WrestleMania loosely written out in October, and that’s morphed a lot. We’re sitting down on a regular basis—weekly, probably—and talking about, ‘What do we believe the shift is? Where do we see the shift happening? What do we need to move around?’”
When asked if the current plan for the main event is locked in, he admitted uncertainty:
“Can I say I have something penciled in? Yes. Do I think it will stay? I think, but I’m not [sure].”
Triple H’s comments underline the constantly evolving nature of professional wrestling, where injuries, creative shifts, and unexpected opportunities can alter even the most well-laid plans.
WWE Raw play-by-play announcer Joe Tessitore will soon transition to Friday Night SmackDown. Tessitore, who has received widespread acclaim for his commentary on Raw, is making this move as part of WWE’s broader shakeup tied to its upcoming partnership with Netflix.
In a recent appearance on the SI Media Podcast, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque confirmed Tessitore’s new role. According to Triple H, Tessitore’s strength as a WWE announcer lies in his deep passion for the product. “He’s such a massive fan,” Triple H noted, just like Pat McAfee. He explained that Tessitore’s love for wrestling became evident through conversations and texts about WWE storylines and matches, facilitated by their mutual friend, WWE President Nick Khan.
Host Jimmy Traina recalled having Tessitore as a guest prior to his WWE tenure. When asked about his dream sports event to call, Tessitore didn’t hesitate: his answer was WrestleMania.
On January 4, 2025, wrestling fans at AEW Collision in Charlotte, North Carolina, were treated to an unexpected surprise when JoJo Offerman made her AEW debut as a ring announcer during a dark match. Known for her previous work in WWE, Offerman’s appearance marked a significant moment in her return to the wrestling world.
Offerman, who served as a ring announcer for WWE from 2013 to 2021, stepped away from the industry after her tenure. Beyond her professional career, she is recognized as the widow of the late Windham Rotunda, known to fans as Bray Wyatt.
Her return to wrestling had been the subject of speculation since September 2024, when she revealed her interest in coming back to the industry, hinting at ambitions beyond ring announcing.
In recent interviews, Offerman shared that she would return to wrestling “when the time felt right.” Her AEW debut could signify the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
Stay tuned for the latest on JoJo Offerman’s future in professional wrestling.
WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H has shed light on the potential format of RAW as it transitions to Netflix. Speaking on the SI Media Pod, Triple H emphasized the flexibility that comes with streaming platforms compared to traditional cable television.
“It’ll be flexible in that I don’t think necessarily the time constraints of network television or cable television apply,” he explained. “If this episode needs to be an hour, great, it’s an hour. [If] this next episode needs to be 42 minutes, it’s 42 minutes.”
Triple H
While Triple H clarified that there’s no intention of consistently reducing episodes to shorter durations, the goal remains to create content that aligns with Netflix’s business model and offers the best possible experience for viewers. That could mean different run times each week, and the occasional shorter episode.
This flexibility allows WWE to prioritize storytelling without being bound by rigid time slots. It also creates an air of unpredictability around main events, which no longer need to wrap up before the next show is scheduled to go on the air.
WWE Raw premieres on Netflix this Monday live at 8/7c.
Tonight’s AEW Collision, live from the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, promises to be an electrifying event as All Elite Wrestling continues its momentum into the new year. The show will simulcast on TNT and MAX for the first time, setting the stage for an exciting evening of professional wrestling.
TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia vs. Mark Briscoe
Hot action for sickos tonight on AEW Collision
Daniel Garcia defends his TNT Championship against former ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe in a highly anticipated title match. Both competitors have shown incredible skill and determination in their respective careers, making this bout a must-watch for fans.
AEW World Tag Team Championship: Private Party vs. Lio Rush & Action Andretti
Private Party, consisting of Isaiah Kassidy and Marq Quen, put their AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line against the formidable duo of Lio Rush and Action Andretti. This match is expected to be a thrilling contest with both teams showcasing their unique styles.
The Learning Tree vs. Rated FTR & Jeff Jarrett
In a trios match, The Learning Tree (Bryan Keith, Big Bill, & Chris Jericho) face off against Rated FTR (Cope & FTR) and Jeff Jarrett. This confrontation has been building up since their intense encounter on AEW Dynamite, adding an extra layer of tension to this already stacked card.
As John Cena embarks on his farewell tour in 2025, several WWE superstars have expressed interest in facing him for a memorable final encounter. Here are some wrestlers who have shared their desire to step into the ring with Cena before the WWE icon calls it a career.
CM Punk: CM Punk has expressed a strong desire to face John Cena once more before Cena’s retirement. Following the Money in the Bank 2024 event, Punk highlighted their intertwined careers and vowed that “we gotta do it at least one more time.”.
Kevin Owens: Kevin Owens hopes to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of his first match against Cena by facing him on May 31, 2025, during John’s farewell tour. Owens’ feud with Cena in 2015 did huge things for the then-NXT Champion who’s gone on to be a top name on the main roster.
Bron Breakker: Bron Breakker has boldly challenged John Cena to a match for the Intercontinental Championship—the only title Cena has never won. Speaking to SESCoops‘ MuscleManMalcom, Breakker urged Cena to “grow some balls” and face him for the coveted belt during the farewell tour.
Randy Orton: Randy Orton, arguably Cena’s greatest rival is a favored choice among fans for a farewell match. Speaking to the Daily Mail last August, Orton hopes that if fans want to see him face Cena one more time, WWE’s creative team, led by Triple H, will make it happen.
Logan Paul: Logan Paul personally pitched a WrestleMania 41 match with John Cena. However, reports indicate that this match is “100 percent not happening,” and current discussions are focusing on other potential opponents for Cena.
Bronson Reed: Though currently out with an injury, Bronson Reed has taken to X to put himself forward as an opponent. The Australian Superstar even claimed that John can’t truly call himself the ‘GOAT’ until he’s survived Reed’s Tsunami finisher.
The Miz: 14 years after his unlikely win over John Cena at WrestleMania 27, The Miz hopes to get one more moment with Cena before his farewell. Cena’s most recent match for WWE saw him team with Miz and R-Truth on the post–WrestleMania 40 Raw.
John Cena’s Farewell: What Does It Mean?
Cena made his retirement plans public during a surprise appearance at WWE’s Money in the Bank event on July 6, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Leading up to his retirement, Cena plans to participate in several key WWE events including next month’s Royal Rumble, March’s Elimination Chamber, and WWE WrestleMania 41.
In total, he intends to perform in approximately 30 to 40 events throughout 2025 as part of his farewell tour. Fans have been excited at the possible matches Cena may have, and the possibility that he could become a 17-time World Champion and break Ric Flair’s record.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on John Cena as there’s no shortage of Superstars eager to share the ring with the WWE icon one final time.
