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What Fans Can Expect from Charlotte Flair’s WWE Return

Michael Reichlin
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What Fans Can Expect from Charlotte Flair’s WWE Return

Charlotte Flair is edging closer to her return to WWE, and fans may witness a revamped version of The Queen upon her comeback.

Flair’s last match occurred on the December 8th, 2023, episode of SmackDown, where she suffered a devastating knee injury during a bout against Asuka. The injury, which involved a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, required immediate surgery, sidelining her indefinitely. Initial reports suggested Flair wouldn’t step back into the ring until at least 2024.

Recent developments, however, hint at a sooner-than-expected return. Flair was recently spotted training alongside a former WWE star, sparking speculation about her comeback. Additionally, her name has been floated in connection with a marquee match at WrestleMania, suggesting that her return could be tied to a high-profile storyline.

A New Side of The Queen?

According to insights shared on the Backstage Pass podcast, WWE may be planning a shift in Charlotte Flair’s character. WrestleVotes revealed that Flair’s presentation could embrace an intensified version of her Queen persona.

The 14-time World Champion will have a different presentation when she returns to WWE than fans are used to seeing from her. She’ll be leaning into a ‘dark queen’ aura, with Wrestlevotes hinting, “Maybe like a little Seth Rollins-esque flair in her attire. She’ll just be turned up a little volume-wise.”

This potential transformation aligns with WWE’s pattern of evolving its top stars, giving Flair an opportunity to refine her regal character with a darker, edgier twist.

Seth Rollins Stuns With ‘Hype Beast High Fashion’ Outfit at Crown Jewel

A Timely Return

Rumors also suggest that WWE might be holding off Flair’s return to coincide with significant upcoming events, such as the debut of Raw on Netflix. If true, this would position Flair’s comeback as a major moment, tied to a broader effort to captivate both loyal fans and new audiences.

Whatever the exact plans, Charlotte Flair’s return promises to be a pivotal moment for WWE, showcasing a renewed energy and focus on one of its biggest stars. Fans can expect a compelling evolution of The Queen that could redefine her legacy in the squared circle.

Why WWE Tribute to the Troops Didn’t Happen This Year

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has opted not to tape its annual Tribute to the Troops special this year, marking the first time since the event’s inception in 2003 that the company has skipped the broadcast entirely. This has raised questions about the future of the event, which has historically been a significant part of WWE’s programming during the holiday season.

The decision comes during a year of substantial change within WWE’s leadership, leaving the status of Tribute to the Troops uncertain. While the promotion hasn’t made an official announcement about the event’s discontinuation, its absence has been noticeable. Historically, even in years like 2019 when no televised special aired, WWE still held live events to honor the troops. This year, however, no such activity has been reported.

The event is widely considered a Vince McMahon-driven initiative, originally proposed by WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield. The concept took shape in 2003, with WWE holding shows at military bases abroad until 2009. From 2010 onward, the event transitioned to domestic venues in the U.S.

The last notable mention of Tribute to the Troops came on the December 8, 2023, episode of SmackDown, which included a tribute-themed presentation but was not a dedicated event. With McMahon no longer at the helm, the show appears to have quietly faded from WWE’s calendar, further suggesting that it may no longer align with the company’s current direction.

Drew McIntyre Spoofs ‘Love Actually’ in Christmas Warning

Michael Reichlin
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Drew McIntyre Spoofs ‘Love Actually’ in Christmas Warning

As Christmas Day nears, WWE’s Drew McIntyre has delivered a festive yet fierce message by parodying the beloved 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually.

In the original film, Mark (played by Andrew Lincoln) silently confesses his love to Juliet (Keira Knightley) through a series of handwritten cards, accompanied by the song “Silent Night.” McIntyre’s playful spoof mirrors this iconic scene, but with his own WWE twist.

Drew Actually

The multi-time World Champion uses the cue cards to send a pointed warning to The Bloodline, who made a surprise appearance on Monday’s WWE Raw and stuck their nose in McIntyre’s business.

Instead of Christmas carols playing in the background, like in the movie, Seth Rollins’ entrance theme sets the scene for McIntyre delivering a sequence of cheeky and ominous messages.

“Say it’s smart marks.”

“With any luck, by next year…

“One of these will be world champion.”

The video hilariously cuts to images of multiple Drew McIntyres before continuing:

“But for now, let me say…

“Without hope or agenda…

“Just because I’m Drew McIntyre (and Drew McIntyre always tells the truth)…

“The Bloodline will pay for their crimes.”

“And no one is getting in my way, even if I have to look like this…”

At this point, McIntyre reveals a comical depiction of himself sporting Cody Rhodes’ signature neck tattoo—a nod to Kevin Owens’ recent mockery of the tattoo during an invasion of WWE headquarters.

The video concludes with a final holiday-themed message:

“Merry Drewmas.”

McIntyre caps it off with a wink and a humorous imitation of Seth Rollins’ entrance before walking off, leaving fans both entertained and intrigued about what’s to come in his feud with The Bloodline.

TNA Star Among the Best WWE Win/Loss Records of 2024

Jake Skudder
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TNA Star Among the Best WWE Win/Loss Records of 2024

In 2024, several WWE superstars have maintained a perfect record inside the squared circle, but one name from TNA Wrestling has also joined this elite group.

Trey Miguel, a standout talent in TNA, currently shares the spotlight with WWE legends like The Rock and John Cena by boasting a 100% winrate this year. Let’s dive into the list of wrestlers who remain undefeated in 2024.

#WrestlerMatchesWinsWin Percentage
1Gable Steveson55100.00%
2Humberto22100.00%
3John Cena11100.00%
4Nikki Cross11100.00%
5The Rock11100.00%
6Trey Miguel33100.00%

The NXT and TNA Crossover

WWE NXT, TNA Wrestling

The collaboration between NXT and TNA began to take shape in mid-2024, with both promotions aiming to enhance their programming and offer fresh matchups. This alliance led to several notable inter-promotional appearances:

  • Jordynne Grace’s NXT Debut: TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace made a significant impact by appearing on NXT, setting up a champion vs. champion match against NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez at NXT Battleground.
  • The Rascalz Reunion: Former TNA stablemates Wes Lee, Trey Miguel, and Zachary Wentz reunited on NXT, competing in six-man tag team matches and reigniting their chemistry.

Trey Miguel in WWE

Trey Miguel

As part of this crossover, TNA’s Trey Miguel participated in several WWE events:

  • NXT Matches: Miguel, alongside The Rascalz, competed in multiple matches on NXT, including a victory over Gallus in a six-man tag team match.
  • Slammiversary Appearance: The Rascalz continued their momentum by defeating NXT’s No Quarter Catch Crew at TNA’s Slammiversary event, further solidifying the crossover’s success.

Trey Miguel Shines with a Perfect Record

Trey Miguel, known for his high-flying style and dynamic in-ring ability, has had a stellar run in 2024. Competing in 3 matches on the WWE NXT brand, Miguel has maintained a 100% winrate.

His flawless record places him alongside some of WWE’s most iconic superstars, proving that his talent extends far beyond the TNA ring.

Trey Miguel’s Matches in WWE this Year

#DatePromotionMatchTime
103.09.2024NXTThe Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) defeat Hank And Tank (Hank Walker & Tank Ledger) and Gallus (Mark Coffey & Wolfgang)10:58
223.07.2024NXTThe Rascalz (Trey Miguel, Wes Lee & Zachary Wentz) defeat Axiom, Je’Von Evans & Nathan Frazer15:24
316.07.2024NXTThe Rascalz (Trey Miguel, Wes Lee & Zachary Wentz) defeat Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang)12:04

Pro Wrestling Prospects to Watch in 2025

Jake Skudder
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Pro Wrestling Prospects to Watch in 2025

Professional wrestling is constantly evolving, with new stars emerging to capture the hearts of fans worldwide. As promotions like WWE and AEW continue to scout talent, the independent wrestling scene remains a goldmine of future icons. Here are some of the top pro wrestling prospects to watch in 2025, poised to make significant impacts in the industry.

The Rising Stars of Tag Team Wrestling

ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin)

Although not technically ‘prospects’ at this point, Chris Bey and Ace Austin have been standout performers in TNA Wrestling’s X-Division and Tag Team ranks for some time now.

As members of Bullet Club, their synergy as the tag team ABC has made waves, and they are prime candidates for AEW or WWE in 2025.

Violence Is Forever (Dominic Garrini & Kevin Ku)

Dominic Garrini and Kevin Ku bring an intense chemistry to the ring and are known for their stellar performances across GCW and DPW. The duo’s in-ring skill and charisma make them a hot prospect for larger promotions.

Singles Competitors Ready to Shine

Delmi Exo

A trailblazer in women’s wrestling, Delmi Exo has captured titles across MLW, SHIMMER, and wXw. Her technical skills and consistent growth have positioned her as a top-tier competitor in 2025, making her a strong candidate for larger promotions to boost their women’s divisions.

Calvin Tankman

Often compared to legends like Bam Bam Bigelow, Calvin Tankman’s mix of agility and raw power has solidified him as a standout in DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling and Black Label Pro. His ability to create memorable matches makes him a potential future champion in any promotion.

Michael Oku

The British sensation Michael Oku gained international recognition after a 47-minute match against Will Ospreay. Known for his technical prowess and storytelling ability, Oku is a strong contender for AEW or WWE, especially as these promotions look to expand their global reach.

High-Flyers and Innovators to Watch

Starboy Charlie

Barely in his 20s, Starboy Charlie is a young talent with a unique persona. His work in Game Changer Wrestling and West Coast Pro Wrestling showcases a mix of charisma and in-ring creativity, making him a perfect fit for WWE’s developmental programs or AEW’s dynamic roster.

Myron Reed

A three-time MLW World Middleweight Champion, Myron Reed’s high-flying style draws comparisons to NXT’s Wes Lee. Reed’s spectacular matches across GCW and other promotions highlight his ability to captivate audiences.

Heavy Hitters with a Bright Future

Jake Something

With a blend of power and agility reminiscent of Mike Awesome, Jake Something has dominated the independent scene. His work in TNA and DPW showcases his ability to be both a powerhouse and a versatile performer, making him an asset for major promotions.

Hyan

Hyan, a standout in ROW and New Texas Pro Wrestling, blends Lucha Libre influences with European and Japanese styles. Having already competed in Pro Wrestling NOAH and TNA, she’s poised for a breakout year in 2025.

WWE Raw Bids Farewell to USA Network with Action-Packed Finale

Michael Reichlin
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The December 30 episode of WWE Raw will be a landmark event, marking the show’s final broadcast on the USA Network before its historic move to Netflix on January 6, 2025

WWE Raw Preview: December 30, 2024

  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Semifinals: Dakota Kai faces Zoey Stark, and IYO SKY squares off against Lyra Valkyria.
  • Damian Priest & The War Raiders taking on The Judgment Day
  • Chad Gable vs. Otis in a battle of Alpha Academy alumni.
  • Pete Dunne vs. R-Truth

CM Punk and Seth Rollins will both be on hand ahead of their clash on the WWE Raw Netflix Debut.

WWE Raw Moving Back To Three Hours Starting With Netflix debut

As WWE bids farewell to its long-standing home, the episode promises action-packed matches and key developments that will set the tone for the new year.

The Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament reaches its semifinals, with Dakota Kai battling Zoey Stark and IYO SKY facing Lyra Valkyria. (Updated brackets)

Tensions between CM Punk and Seth Rollins are expected to escalate as both are confirmed to appear, fueling speculation about their brewing rivalry.

Other matches include Chad Gable versus Otis in a clash of Alpha Academy alumni, Pete Dunne against R-Truth in a battle of styles, and Damian Priest teaming with The War Raiders to face The Judgment Day in a hard-hitting encounter.

This final Raw on USA Network promises to be a memorable send-off as WWE begins its new chapter on Netflix.

Maxxine Dupri Engaged to NXT Wrestler (Photos)

Mustafa Ali Reflects on How He Could Succeed in WWE

Michael Reichlin
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Former WWE superstar Mustafa Ali, who has been actively competing on the independent wrestling circuit since his release in September 2023, remains optimistic about a potential return to WWE. During an interview with Insight host Chris Van Vliet, Ali shared insights into his journey post-WWE and the evolving dynamics of the wrestling industry.

Ali, a former X-Division Champion during his tenure with TNA Wrestling, is also preparing to launch a wrestling school in Chicago next month. He sees WWE’s upcoming transition to Netflix as a potential game-changer, offering new opportunities and flexibility for performers.

“There’s multiple paths. Their move to Netflix is very interesting… it opens up possibilities. I don’t know how much the show is going to change, but it might affect the dynamic, ratings, and what they’re open to.”

Reflecting on his time with WWE and working independently since his release, Ali believes he knows what it would take in order for him to have a more successful run than he did last time.

“Business is so good for them, and I do think there’s a pathway back. Even my release was handled respectfully, with a lot of kind messages exchanged. Ultimately, it’s about building something profitable and aligning with their needs. Wrestling is all about the right place and right time,” he explained.

While Ali is focused on carving his own path, his openness to a WWE return and his forward-thinking perspective highlight his understanding of the wrestling industry’s evolving landscape.

Catch the full interview here:

AEW Worlds End 2024 Start Time: US, Australia, Europe and more

Jake Skudder
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AEW Worlds End 2024 Start Time: US, Australia, Europe and more

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is set to close out 2024 with its highly anticipated pay-per-view event, Worlds End. Taking place on December 28, 2024, at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida, this event promises to deliver some top tier matches and unforgettable moments for wrestling fans worldwide.

Read More – AEW Worlds End 2024 Tickets: Availability, price and more

US Start Time

For viewers in the United States, AEW Worlds End 2024 will kick off at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 5:00 PM Pacific Time (PT). Fans in the Central Time Zone can tune in at 7:00 PM CT, while those in the Mountain Time Zone can catch the action at 6:00 PM MT.

Australia Start Time

Australian fans will need to set their alarms for an early morning viewing on December 29, 2024. The event will begin at 12:00 PM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) for viewers in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. Brisbane residents can tune in at 11:00 AM AEST, while those in Adelaide can watch at 11:30 AM ACDT. Perth viewers will have the earliest start at 9:00 AM AWST.

Europe Start Time

European wrestling fans will be in for a late-night treat. In the United Kingdom, AEW Worlds End 2024 will start at 1:00 AM GMT on Sunday, December 29. Fans in Central European countries such as France, Germany, and Spain can catch the action at 2:00 AM CET on December 29.

Other Regions

For fans in other parts of the world, here are the start times:

  • Japan: 10:00 AM JST on December 29
  • India: 6:30 AM IST on December 29

What to Expect

AEW Worlds End 2024 promises an action-packed card, featuring several title matches and the final of the AEW Continental Classic tournament. Highlights include a Tijuana Street Fight for the AEW Women’s World Championship between Mariah May and Thunder Rosa, and an AEW World Championship 4-Way Match featuring Orange Cassidy, “Hangman” Adam Page, and Jay White.

As AEW’s final pay-per-view of 2024, Worlds End is set to deliver an unforgettable night of professional wrestling action. Fans around the globe can look forward to witnessing the culmination of storylines and the potential crowning of new champions as AEW closes out another exciting year in style.

Ric Flair Says Charlotte Flair Breaking His World Title Record Will Be ‘The Biggest Thing In Business’

Anutosh Bajpai
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Ric Flair Says Charlotte Flair Breaking His World Title Record Will Be ‘The Biggest Thing In Business’

Ric Flair believes Charlotte Flair should break his 16 world championship record.

With 14 world title wins in her career, The Queen is tied with Randy Orton for the second most world title wins, behind only her father and John Cena. With the Cenation Leader announcing his retirement from in-ring competition for 2025, Ric believes it should be Charlotte who breaks his record.

The 2-time WWE Hall of Famer gave his opinion on the matter during a recent appearance on Busted Open. He mentioned that John Cena has transitioned to Hollywood and he is not interested in the accolade:

“It’s time. John Cena doesn’t want to break the record, he doesn’t given a shit about that. John is in a different world now. Wrestling will always be his passion, but he doesn’t care about beating (the record).”

A Real Game Changer: Ric Flair

Per the wrestling veteran, Charlotte breaking his record will be the biggest thing in the business because she’s the best women’s wrestler alive:

“I still think the biggest thing in the business, when it happens, it’ll be a real game changer, just like she is in real life, is her breaking the title record or even tying it. I believe it’s in the cards. I can look at the show and watch. It’s a woman’s world now and she’s the best women’s wrestler alive.”

Ric Flair also talked about Charlotte’s injury that has kept her out of action for over a year and claimed that her return match will be the highest-rated women’s match in a long time. You can check out the latest update on the female star’s return here.

WWE & Vince McMahon Renew Calls For Arbitration In Janel Grant Lawsuit

Thomas Lowson
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Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is once again seeking to compel arbitration in the case filed against him by Janel Grant. In a December 23, filing submitted by his attorney, Jessica T. Rosenburg, McMahon formally requested arbitration, citing the Federal Arbitration Act.

The filing states:

“Defendant Vincent K. McMahon, by and through his undersigned attorneys, respectfully moves this Court for an order compelling arbitration of this matter pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§ 3, 4, for the reasons set forth more fully in the accompanying memorandum of law and Declaration of Vincent K. McMahon. Defendant McMahon further moves the Court for such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper.”

McMahon’s motion was supported by a memorandum of law that emphasizes the terms of a January 2022 agreement between McMahon and Grant, which required any disputes to be resolved through arbitration. The documents allege that McMahon and Grant were engaged in a consensual relationship for three years and that McMahon agreed to pay Grant $3 million to ensure confidentiality. According to McMahon, Grant violated the agreement by filing a public lawsuit, leading him to pay only $1 million of the promised amount.

Janel Grant’s Attorney Responds to Allegations Against WWE’s Lee Fitting

WWE, represented by Daniel J. Toal, filed a similar motion the same day. WWE’s filing also requested that the court schedule oral arguments on the matter, in addition to any other relief deemed appropriate.

McMahon maintains that the agreement remains enforceable and insists that an arbitrator should resolve the dispute. As of now, Grant’s legal team has not filed a response.

Mustafa Ali Reflects On His Injury That Led To KofiMania

Anutosh Bajpai
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Mustafa Ali Reflects On His Injury That Led To KofiMania

Mustafa Ali has opened up about his injury that led to Kofi Kingston becoming WWE Champion.

The former 205 Live star was set to compete in the 2019 Elimination Chamber match for WWE Championship. Kingston however, replaced Ali in the match due to an injury. While Kofi did not win the bout, his performance in the match led to fans rallying behind him for another opportunity at the title. This eventually led to him winning the first World Championship of his career at WrestleMania 35.

Ali talked about the missed opportunity during a new interview with Chris Van Vliet. He first discussed how Kofi is a really nice guy behind the scenes and noted that the two became really good friends after this series of events. Mustafa Ali called KofiMania a ‘beautiful gift’ but admitted that he felt a little jealous at not being able to compete in the bout:

“Now, no way am I comparing, but as a competitor, of course, there’s some jealousy, right? I’m watching. I’m like, man, could you imagine what a healthy Ali could do in the Elimination Chamber? But then I go and look and I’m so mad at myself. I’m like, if only I didn’t take that bump at the live event. I’m sitting there kind of like, I could have, I would have been fine.”

At The End Of The Day I’m Happy: Mustafa Ali

The former WWE star noted how his wife reminded him about the importance of his health and at the end of the day, he’s happy that he wasn’t allowed to compete with his injury:

“At the end of the day, I’m healthy, I’m happy. Everything works. I’m good. My brain isn’t mush. WWE did the right thing. They protected me for the day. You gotta protect these athletes from themselves, because we have that thing. We get hit, we get up. The instinct is, I’m good.”

Apart from this Ali also talked about being part of the Money In the Bank ladder match which was won by Brock Lesnar, being eliminated from Royal Rumble by Nia Jax and more.

WWE Hired CM Punk Without Watching Any Of His Matches

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Hired CM Punk Without Watching Any Of His Matches

CM Punk’s arrival in WWE in 2006 came after the company hadn’t watched any of his matches, according to Paul Heyman. Speaking to Inside The Ropes, Heyman recalled Punk being asked to emulate Jeff Hardy in OVW, and revealed that WWE’s decision to sign the Chicago-Made star was based on online hype alone.

“They said, ‘Do one of those flippy-dippy things like Jeff Hardy.’ He said, ‘I don’t do flippy-dippy things like Jeff Hardy.’ He looked at them and asked, ‘Have you ever watched any of my matches?’ They said, ‘No, We just read about you on the internet, and that’s why we hired you.”

Heyman expressed disbelief at WWE’s approach, calling it “f***ing ridiculous,” but the gamble paid off for both the company and Punk. Within a year of his on-screen debut, Punk had risen to prominence as one of WWE’s top stars, and by 2008, he’d captured the World Heavyweight Championship.

Never-Before-Seen CM Punk Title Revealed After 17 Years

CM Punk and Paul Heyman recently reunited on WWE TV, with Punk aiding the OG Bloodline on the promise of a favor by the WWE Hall of Famer. It remains to be seen what that favor will be, but Punk certainly doesn’t have to worry about WWE not paying attention to his matches anymore.

Stay tuned for the latest on CM Punk, who will compete against Seth Rollins during WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix on January 6.

JBL: I Don’t Doubt Ashley Massaro’s Allegations Against WWE/McMahon

Thomas Lowson
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JBL: I Don’t Doubt Ashley Massaro’s Allegations Against WWE/McMahon

During Netflix’s Mr. McMahon, the documentary series looked at claims made against WWE and Vince McMahon before her passing in May 2019. On the Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL weighed in on Massaro’s claims. While he certainly hopes what Massaro alleged did not happen, the WWE Hall of Famer has no reason to doubt the late wrestler.

“They’re horrific allegations, and I hope they weren’t true. I have no idea if they were true or not. I don’t doubt Ashley at all, by the way. I had no idea.”

Massaro had alleged that she was sexually assaulted during a WWE tour of a U.S. military base in Kuwait by an individual posing as a doctor. She further claimed that WWE, while apologizing for the incident, discouraged her from reporting it to authorities, fearing it could damage their relationship with the military.

At the time of her allegations, WWE denied any knowledge of the assault or pressuring Massaro to remain silent. However, in February 2024, an attorney representing John Laurinaitis stated that “most upper-level management at some time became aware of the allegations.”

That same month, Vice News reported additional allegations from Massaro, including claims that Vince McMahon “preyed on female WWE wrestlers.” She also alleged that McMahon attempted to derail her career after she rejected his advances.

Massaro, who was with WWE from 2005 to 2008, later transitioned to a career as a radio DJ in New York. McMahon, WWE, and Laurinaitis are currently facing a lawsuit from Janel Grant, who alleges that she was sexually abused and trafficked during her tenure.

Kofi Kingston Lashes Out At Fans Over Mom’s Rejection On WWE Raw

Thomas Lowson
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Kofi Kingston Lashes Out At Fans Over Mom’s Rejection On WWE Raw

Kofi Kingston has blamed the fans after his own mother rejected his attempt at a hug during this week’s WWE Raw from Boston’s TD Garden. During the show, Kingston and Xavier Woods faced heavy boos as they attempted to justify their betrayal of Big E earlier this month during the ten-year celebration of The New Day’s legacy in WWE.

Kingston noticed his mother at ringside and publicly criticized the crowd for their hostile reaction, particularly in front of his family. However, when the former WWE Champion sought a hug, his mother rebuked him and walked away, leaving Kingston visibly stunned.

Kingston took to X to express his frustration. Rather than reflect on his actions, he doubled down on blaming the fans for the night’s events, declaring that he would “never forgive” them for the incident.

The family drama was only part of The New Day’s turbulent night. Later, Kingston and Woods attempted to align with Dominik Mysterio, a figure notorious for his own betrayal of his father, Rey Mysterio. Despite admitting his disdain for Big E, Dominik criticized The New Day, claiming their actions went too far even for him.

The pair also ran into Rey Mysterio, who last week kicked The New Day out of the locker room. Rey extended an olive branch, suggesting that a sincere apology could help restore their standing among their peers. However, Kingston and Woods dismissed the idea, prompting Rey to warn them that “New Day Sucks” chants might be their new reality.

The Bloodline Wreak Havoc In Surprise WWE Raw Appearance

Thomas Lowson
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The Bloodline Wreak Havoc In Surprise WWE Raw Appearance

Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline wreaked havoc during the closing moments of this week’s WWE Raw, targeting two of the red brand’s most popular stars. In the main event, Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn, extending his winning streak over the ‘Honorary Uce,’ a streak mentioned on commentary.

After the match, McIntyre continued his assault on Zayn, prompting Jey Uso to intervene in an attempt to save his ally. Jey was ambushed by Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu. The Bloodline proceeded to dismantle Zayn, with Sikoa delivering a Samoan Spike to the former Intercontinental Champion, marking a chaotic conclusion to the episode.

This appearance follows McIntyre’s confrontation with the Bloodline on last week’s SmackDown. During the encounter, the Scottish Warrior hinted at an inevitable clash with Sikoa despite their shared animosity toward Roman Reigns and his allies. Sikoa’s impact on McIntyre’s career has been significant, as his interference at WWE Clash at the Castle in September 2022 cost McIntyre the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Sikoa’s Bloodline faction recently suffered a setback at Survivor Series: WarGames, where they teamed with Bronson Reed but lost to the OG Bloodline (including Zayn and Jey Uso) and CM Punk. The grueling match left several members sidelined with injuries: Bronson Reed sustained a leg injury, Tama Tonga is recovering from a bicep tear, and Jimmy Uso, who recently returned, had been dealing with a broken toe.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline, as the Tribal Chief prepares to do battle with Roman Reigns during Raw’s debut on Netflix.

Maxxine Dupri Confirms Engagement To NXT’s Anthony Luke

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Maxxine Dupri Confirms Engagement To NXT’s Anthony Luke

WWE star Maxxine Dupri has confirmed her engagement to NXT’s Anthony Luke.

The Alpha Academy member announced the news with a new post on Instagram. Luke went all out with his proposal. As seen in the photos below, the NXT star brought Maxxine to a beach and even had a flower art made for the occasion:

Luke has a background in College football and the couple have been dating since before the company signed Anthony to a development contract last year.

The 28-year-old made his in-ring debut for the Gold & Silver brand in April this year. He’s been working live event matches since then. Luke was recently included in the WWE LFG taping where he went up against the debuting Elijah Holyfield.

Dupri on the other hand joined the company following a successful tryout in August 2021. She worked as a valet in NXT and her career was sped up when she was called up to the main roster in July 2022 as the manager for Maximum Male Models.

She continued working on her in-ring skills while being active on the main roster. After joining Alpha Academy in mid-2023 Maxxine would go on to make her wrestling debut as part of a mixed tag match during the July 3, 2023 episode of the show.

Who’s Dating Who? The Relationships Of WWE NXT

Shelton Benjamin Has Been ‘Pleasantly Surprised’ With His AEW Run

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Shelton Benjamin Has Been ‘Pleasantly Surprised’ With His AEW Run

Shelton Benjamin is surprised by how well he has adjusted to life in AEW.

The wrestling veteran made his All Elite Wrestling debut during the Dynamite 5-year anniversary special in October. He reunited with his Hurt Business teammate MVP, establishing himself as a heel.

During a recent interview with Inside The Ropes, the former WWE star discussed his move from WWE to AEW. Shelton Benjamin noted that his biggest surprise has been the reaction of the fans:

“My biggest surprise is that the fans really appreciate what I bring to the table. I found that I have a lot of great chemistry with the guys I’ve been working. I feel like I’ve been having nothing but just great matches with pretty much everyone I’ve been in the ring with.”

The Biggest Surprise To Me: Shelton Benjamin

After joining the promotion of Tony Khan, Shelton Benjamin has gotten to share the ring with names such as Swerve Strickland, Kazuchika Okada, Sammy Guevara, and more.

Speaking about his experience working with his AEW rivals, the 49-year-old said that it’s a ‘pleasant surprise’ how well he’s been able to gel with the guys on the roster:

“Just the fact that I’ve been able to gel so well with guys who I never have worked with before and put on great performances, that has been the biggest surprise to me.

It shouldn’t be, because again, these are some of the best athletes in the world, some of the best professional wrestlers in the world. But it’s definitely a pleasant surprise.”

Shelton Benjamin also previously discussed his reaction to getting a big applause upon his AEW debut. You can check out his comments here.

Fourth Star Advances In Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament On WWE Raw

Andrew Ravens
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Fourth Star Advances In Women’s Intercontinental Title Tournament On WWE Raw

This week’s episode of WWE Raw continued the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament with an intense triple-threat match. Natalya, Alba Fyre, and IYO SKY clashed in the final first-round bout, originally scheduled to include Kairi Sane. However, Sane was sidelined after an attack by Pure Fusion Collective, and SKY stepped in as her replacement.

IYO SKY secured a decisive victory, making Sane proud by defeating Natalya with her signature moonsault. With this win, SKY advances to the next round of the tournament, where she will face Lyra Valkyria. The date for their semi-final matchup has yet to be announced.

On the other side of the bracket, Dakota Kai is set to take on Zoey Stark in another semi-final bout, bringing fans closer to discovering who will be crowned the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion.

WWE has not yet confirmed when the first Women’s Intercontinental Champion will be crowned. In contrast, the finals for the Women’s U.S. Title Tournament took place at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14, with Chelsea Green becoming the inaugural champion. 

New Zero Teaser Airs On Monday’s WWE Raw

Andrew Ravens
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New Zero Teaser Airs On Monday’s WWE Raw

A new cryptic teaser aired during the December 23 episode of WWE Raw, featuring a zero with a slash through it and a pentagram. This follows the debut of similar teasers on last Monday’s episode, leaving fans speculating about their meaning.

The prevailing belief is that these hints are tied to Penta El Zero Miedo, who recently departed AEW earlier this month. Known for his iconic “Cero Miedo” catchphrase—meaning “Zero Fear”—Penta filed a trademark for the phrase months ago, further fueling speculation about his potential WWE debut.

Penta’s brother and tag team partner, Rey Fenix, is also reportedly on WWE’s radar. However, due to AEW extending his contract to account for injury-related absences, Fenix’s availability is still months away. Once his contract with AEW expires, he is expected to reunite with Penta in WWE.

The teasers, combined with Penta’s recent trademark filing, suggest a possible debut or storyline for the former AEW star in WWE. Fans are eagerly awaiting further developments, and WWE’s cryptic marketing campaign has only added to the intrigue.

For the teaser clip, see WWE’s tweet:

WWE Raw Moving Back To Three Hours Starting With Netflix debut

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Raw Moving Back To Three Hours Starting With Netflix debut

WWE Raw is set to return to its three-hour format after temporarily reverting to two hours since October 7. The transition marks a return to the structure introduced in 2012, with the January 6 episode kicking off this change.

Raw’s upcoming run on Netflix will also follow the three-hour format. Dave Meltzer reports, “While everyone expects this, it was confirmed by someone who is a key player in WWE that Raw will be three hours come January to go along with SmackDown being three hours.”

This adjustment aligns with WWE’s ongoing partnership with the USA Network, which secured Raw’s broadcast rights through December 30. The two-hour format was adopted to bridge the gap between the conclusion of the USA deal in October and the Netflix premiere.

The January 6 episode is already generating excitement, featuring marquee matchups such as CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa, and Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defending her title against Rhea Ripley. Additional matches and star appearances are expected to be announced soon.

SmackDown, which has also been a two-hour program, will transition to a three-hour format starting January 3.

Dustin Rhodes Signs New Multi-Year AEW Contract

Michael Reichlin
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Dustin Rhodes Signs New Multi-Year AEW Contract

Second generation professional wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes has signed a new multi-year contract with All Elite Wrestling. The AEW-original says he’s grateful to Tony Khan for helping him rediscover his passion for the business after lazily it earlier in his career.

Rhodes shared on Monday that he didn’t anticipate his “One Last Ride” lasting this long but has cherished every moment of it.

AEW is his final career destination, describing it as “home” and a place where he feels respected, loved, and wanted. He pledges to continue working hard for AEW and pushing himself to new limits.

Rhodes expressed admiration and love for the AEW roster and the collaborative magic created in the locker room. Finally he thanked his family and fans for their ongoing support throughout his journey.

AEW Announces ‘Maximum Carnage’ Events for January 2025

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Announces ‘Maximum Carnage’ Events for January 2025

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has officially revealed two major events under the banner of “Maximum Carnage”, set to take place in January 2025. The announcement follows AEW’s recent trademark filings for terms like “Maximum Carnage”, “Maximum Mayhem”, and “Maximum Combat” with the United States Patent & Trademark Office, sparking fan speculation about potential new programming.

The first event, a live edition of AEW Dynamite, will be held on Wednesday, January 15, at the Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following night, Thursday, January 16, the same venue will host a taped episode of AEW Collision.

The Andrew J Brady Music Center confirmed the news via Twitter, unveiling the official event poster featuring AEW stars Swerve Strickland, Mercedes Moné, and hometown favorite Jon Moxley. These shows replace the originally scheduled Collision taping at the Broadbent Center in Louisville, Kentucky, for January 16.

AEW has not yet announced plans for the other trademarks, Maximum Mayhem and Maximum Combat, but additional updates on the Maximum Carnage events will follow as more details are released.

Bandido Confirms Injury After ROH Final Battle Return

Thomas Lowson
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Bandido Confirms Injury After ROH Final Battle Return

At Ring of Honor Final Battle, Bandido made his highly anticipated return after an 18-month hiatus due to a wrist injury. Unfortunately, it has been reported that the masked star suffered a concussion during his comeback. Bandido addressed the situation on Instagram, confirming his injury but reassuring fans that he plans to return stronger than ever.

“All I can do is thank God for allowing me to wake up another day after all that has been through!. The blow was in a delicate area of my head, now just to wait till there is no brain inflammation. Thank you to all my people who have been messaging me asking about my current status!!. It’s been hard to cope with these days with myself, too much frustration runs over my head. The hardest battle of my life is coming, with myself!! All I can say is that I will try to return a thousand and one times to the squad!! so I achieve it at some point or stay trying…!

“Neither you, nor me, nor anyone will hit as hard as life but no matter how hard you do it!” No matter how hard you resist and keep moving forward, that’s how you win” ROCKY BALBOA”

Bandido’s return came after the ROH World Championship match, where he intervened to save Matt Cardona from a post-match assault by The Learning Tree. A former ROH World Champion himself, Bandido last competed in June 2023, when he sustained a severe wrist injury. Following the incident, he underwent wrist surgery and a subsequent operation in December of the same year.

Stay connected with SEScoops for updates on Bandido’s recovery and his journey back to the ring after this latest setback.

Lilian Garcia Shares How Infestation Almost Ended Her Announcing Career

Thomas Lowson
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Lilian Garcia has made her triumphant return to WWE programming, but only after overcoming a career-threatening health ordeal. On Instagram, Garcia opened up about her struggle with severe breathing problems caused by mold infestations in three different homes.

“It caused severe inflammation in my lungs. That inflammation was so severe that it wreaked havoc on my vocal cords and projection,” Garcia shared.

The situation worsened due to a gas leak, ultimately forcing Garcia to step away from her role as an announcer for the Professional Fighters League. Thankfully, after a challenging recovery process, Garcia expressed gratitude to her doctors, medical staff, and the power of prayer for helping her heal.

Lilian Garcia Comments On WWE Return, Samantha Irvin’s Exit

Earlier this year, Garcia returned to WWE, taking over for Samantha Irvin following Irvin’s abrupt departure. Reflecting on her journey, Garcia expressed deep appreciation for being able to perform again after enduring such a harrowing experience.

“To be back in the WWE, and now leading worship tomorrow, this is why this means so much to me—because it was almost stripped away.”

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Lilian Garcia, as the WWE Raw announcer is thrilled to be able to announce once more.

Anthony Mackie: Samoa Joe Outshined Veteran Actors In Twisted Metal Role

Thomas Lowson
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Anthony Mackie: Samoa Joe Outshined Veteran Actors In Twisted Metal Role

Anthony Mackie was deeply impressed by the acting talent of AEW’s Samoa Joe, the 46-year-old actor revealed this week. Mackie and Joe both star in Peacock’s Twisted Metal series, which recently wrapped filming for its second season.

In a conversation with Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Mackie reflected on the unexpected talent Joe brought to the set.

“I was blown away by this dude from the first moment he stepped on set… He was acting his ass off.”

Samoa Joe portrays the physical embodiment of Twisted Metal’s iconic Sweet Tooth, while Will Arnett (BoJack Horseman, LEGO Batman) provides the character’s voice. Despite not speaking, Joe vividly conveyed Sweet Tooth’s twisted psyche through his physical performance.

“It was literally like he was doing Vaudeville-type shtick… I don’t think a veteran actor could have done what he did.”

Twisted Metal is based on the popular vehicular combat game series of the same name. The story follows John Doe (Mackie), who must traverse the post-apocalyptic United States to deliver a mysterious package. The cast also includes Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), with Neve Campbell (Scream) appearing in a recurring role.

In AEW, Samoa Joe was written off television in July after an attack by The Learning Tree, allowing him time to film Twisted Metal’s second season. Now that filming has concluded, speculation is mounting about Joe’s return to AEW. Fans may soon see the former World Champion back in the ring—and back on the mic—sooner than expected.

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