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Ronda Rousey Opens Up About Postpartum Journey & Comeback

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Ronda Rousey and her husband, Travis Browne, welcomed their first daughter, La’akea Makalapuaokalanip?, in September 2021. Taking to Instagram, Rousey opened up about her battle with body confidence ever since she became a mom. The images shared by the former WWE Superstar have never been shared before, as Rousey only now feels confident to share her body before and after giving birth.

“I was afraid of people comparing my post-baby bod to my fight-camp form in a cruel way. Now it’s obvious the one unfairly comparing was me – holy s*** what an idiot I was, I’d be so proud to get back to that point now.”

Rousey and Browne recently welcomed their second daughter, P?’?, into the world, and the UFC legend intends to be “more brave” by sharing her recovery online. The former Superstar’s hope is that her sharing will show others worrying about their own bodies post-birth that they’re not alone.

Rousey hasn’t competed for WWE since SummerSlam 2023, but the fighter/Superstar is ready to get back to training. Rousey closed her post by teasing a “mutha f***** montage,” leaving fans excited what’s to come.

Rousey has been vocal about her issues with WWE’s management during her tenure, but has competed a handful of times in other promotions, including ROH. It remains to be seen whether Rousey’s training ‘montage’ results in an in-ring return for the Baddest Woman on the Planet.

Jacob Fatu Leaves Braun Strowman Bloodied In Vicious Saturday Night’s Main Event Encounter

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Braun Strowman was left a bloodied mess after his encounter with Jacob Fatu on the January 2025 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event.

The two monsters held nothing back when going up against each other in a singles match during the show. Neither of them got the decisive lead in the first half of the match and they kept countering each other’s attacks. The action went outside the ring towards the ending of the bout when Fatu rolled out to recover from an attack by Strowman.

The Monster Among Men followed the Warewolf and delivered a Strowman Express, knocking his opponent into the barricade. He sent Jacob crashing through the announce table with a second Strowman Express. The former Universal Champion then signalled the third repetition of the move but this time, Fatu caught him with a Samoan Drop on the announce table.

After sending Strowman through the steel steps, Fatu got him back into the ring and delivered a running hip attack. Fatu continued with the move delivering not one but six hip attacks. As he set up for the seventh hip attack, the referee tried to stop him but the Samoan star threw the ref out of the ring. He then delivered two more hip attacks as the bell rang.

The Samoan Warewolf did not stop even after disqualification and he introduced a chair as the security ran down to try and stop him. Fatu took out one guard by throwing a chair at him and delivered a clothesline to another. Nick Aldis came out with more officials to hold Fatu back as Strowman was shown bleeding from mouth.

Braun slowly rolled out of the corner but this allowed Jacob Fatu to catch him with a moonsault. Fatu delivered another moonsault before leaving the ring. The Bloodline members however was not done yet. He returned to deliver yet another moonsault on his opponent before finally walking off, leaving Strowman a bloody and broken mess.

Kevin Owens To Join Elite Group At WWE Royal Rumble 2025

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Kevin Owens will join an elite group at the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble, regardless of if he leaves Indianapolis as the Undisputed WWE Champion. On February 1, Owens will challenge Cody Rhodes in a ladder match for the gold. Not only will Rhodes’ WWE Championship be on the line, but Owens’ ‘Real’ WWE Championship will also be suspended above the ring.

Whether he wins or loses, Owens will tie the record for the most Championship matches at the Royal Rumble. The showdown with Cody will be Owens’ eighth time competing for gold. His Rumble title match record breaks down as follows:

YearOppponentStipulationResult
2016Dean AmbroseLast Man Standing match for the WWE Intercontinental ChampionshipAmbrose Retained
2017Roman ReignsNo Disqualification match for the WWE Universal ChampionshipOwens Retained
2018AJ StylesHandicap match (with Sami Zayn) for the WWE ChampionshipStyles Retained
2021Roman ReignsLast Man Standing match for the WWE Universal ChampionshipReigns Retained
2023Roman ReignsUndisputed WWE Universal ChampionshipReigns Retained
2024Logan PaulWWE United States ChampionshipPaul Retained
2025Cody RhodesLadder match for the Undisputed WWE ChampionshipTo Be Determined…

With this match, Owens will join Roman Reigns, Triple H, and The Miz for the most Royal Rumble championship matches at seven each. Owens will surpass Brock Lesnar and his former rival AJ Styles, who have competed in six championship matches at the iconic event.

H/T to @WWEStats for uncovering this stat. Stay tuned to SEScoops for more interesting wrestling facts and statistics.

The WWE Royal Rumble 2025 will take place on February 1, from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapiolis, Indiana. With two Rumble matches and exciting championship matches, fans can expect an explosive start to the Road to WrestleMania 41.

Relive WWE Royal Rumble Finishes From The Past 20 Years

Arianna Grace Becomes U.S. Citizen, Chelsea Green Reacts

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WWE NXT star Arianna Grace has revealed on social media that she has officially become a United States citizen, sharing a celebratory photo online. Grace, the real-life daughter of former WWE star and current TNA Wrestling authority figure Santino Marella, proudly posed in front of the United States and Department of Homeland Security flags. The Canadian-born wrestler smiled while holding a miniature American flag to mark the occasion.

Grace’s announcement caught the attention of Chelsea Green, the reigning and inaugural Women’s United States Champion. In a response, Green, who earned her Green Card last year, saw a role in her adminstration for her fellow Canadian.

Grace has been absent from WWE television for some time, with her last televised NXT match occurring in July 2024. While fans haven’t seen her in NXT for some time, Grace has played a pivotal role in TNA Wrestling, where she’s served as the official NXT-TNA liasion. With WWE’s recently announced multi-year partnership, fans can expect to see much more of Miss NXT in both promotions.

Grace is not the only WWE Superstar to have earned citizenship, with Becky Lynch telling fans after the March 18, 2024, Raw that she is now a citizen of the good ol’ U.S. of A. Lynch hasn’t appeared for WWE since May 2024, though it has been reported that her return to programming is imminent after she signed a new contract.

Watch: What Happened With Cody Rhodes After Saturday Night’s Main Event Went Off Air

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Cody Rhodes came out to show his appreciation for his friend Jey Uso after the January 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event from San Antonio went off air.

The Yeet Man challenged Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of tonight’s show. Despite a valiant effort, the Bloodline star unfortunately came up short and the Ring General retained the title with two back-to-back Powerbombs.

The American Nightmare came out after Gunther had left the arena and the broadcast had come to an end. He cut a short promo for Uso who remained in the ring and proclaimed that Jey’s time will come one day:

“Michael Cole just said it, you guys all know it, you just watched that match. He said Jey Uso’s time will come. I know it doesn’t feel good Jey, I’ve been there. But you’re a champion to me, you’re a champion to everybody here, let’s hear it for my friend Jey Uso.”

Cody Rhodes then hugged Jey before turning his attention to Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias who was sitting with the audience. Rhodes invited the celebrity to the ring and the three stars then played the crowd to end the show on a happy note.

The Undisputed WWE Champion had his own segment at tonight’s show before this where he signed the contract for his upcoming Royal Rumble match with Kevin Owens. The segment ended with the moderator Shawn Michaels getting physical and delivering a Sweet Chin Music. You can watch that here.

Toni Storm Brings Back ‘Timeless’ Persona on AEW Collision

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Toni Storm just delivered the performance of a lifetime, as the former Women’s World Champion has been ‘Timeless’ all along. During a face-to-face showdown with Mariah May on AEW Collision: Homecoming, Storm fully embraced her “rookie” persona, appearing wide-eyed and naive. That facade shattered the moment May attacked her with the AEW Women’s World Championship belt. In an instant, the truth was revealed, Storm had been acting all along.

After enduring the brutal beatdown, Storm dropped the innocent act and coldly declared, “I’ve never forgotten anything… I am Timeless Toni Storm again” much to the shock of her former protege turned enemy.

Storm had been absent from AEW television since losing her championship to May at AEW All In. When she returned at Dynamite: Winter is Coming, she portrayed a clueless rookie who was ignorance of her past. Storm had appeared excited to meet people like Tony Schiavone and Thunder Rosa, individuals she has worked with for years as part of AEW.

With the mind games over, Storm and May are set to collide at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, which will serve as a homecoming for the Timeless star. After May won the AEW Women’s World Championship in her native England, Storm hopes to repay the favor next month at AEW’s first-ever event down under.

Watch: Shawn Michaels Takes Out Kevin Owens With Sweet Chin Music At Saturday Night’s Main Event

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Kevin Owens got taken out by Shawn Michaels at the January 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event from San Antonio, Texas.

The Heartbreak Kid moderated the contract signing segment between KO and Cody Rhodes for their upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship ladder match at Royal Rumble. Michaels claimed that his one job was to get both the contenders to sign the contract before introducing both the champion and the challenger.

Owens came out wearing a ‘Cody sucks eggs’ shirt, a play at old Dusty Rhodes insult from Dory Funk Jr. who used to call the American Dream an ‘egg-sucking dog.’ Shawn told both the stars to sit down but they refused. The WWE Hall of Famer then talked about their rivalry before prompting them to sign the contract which Cody did.

Kevin however, opted to cut a promo taking objection to Rhodes saying that he takes ‘the easy way out.’ The former Universal Champion reminded Rhodes of their Bash In Berlin match and told Cody that he ‘quit’ WWE when things got tough. KO said that he’s taking everything from his former friend, to which Michaels responded saying that Owens sounds jealous.

The former NXT Champion then went off on HBK too, telling him that he won’t be a champion that ‘loses his smile.’ Kevin Owens finally signed the contract. A referee came out to take both the original WWE title and the Winged Eagle belt and hung them to a hook above the ring.

Shawn Michaels then tried to shake both their hands but Owens got a cheap shot in on Cody as the WWE Legend was interacting with him. HBK then shoved Owens and Kevin in response kicked Michaels. He set up the veteran for a package piledriver but Rhodes kicked him in the face. Shawn then removed his jacket and delivered a Sweet Chin Music to Kevin to end the segment.

WWE 2K25 Teaser Hints at the Return of Chain Wrestling Feature

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A newly released teaser for WWE 2K25 has sparked excitement among wrestling game enthusiasts, hinting at the return of the much-loved “Chain Wrestling” mechanic.

Originally introduced in earlier installments of the WWE 2K series, this gameplay feature adds a layer of strategic depth by allowing players to engage in seamless grappling transitions, reminiscent of real-life wrestling sequences.

The teaser video, shared on WWE Games’ official social media, is captioned with a chain and wrestling emojis, features Cody Rhodes talking about “the return of Ch…” before getting cut off by Drew McIntyre, who tells him not to give the big secrets away.

This mechanic was praised in past titles for its ability to replicate the technical nuances of professional wrestling. Its absence in more recent releases left fans nostalgic for the feature’s strategic gameplay and immersive feel.

Although the teaser did not confirm further gameplay specifics, the return of Chain Wrestling suggests that WWE 2K25 may prioritize realism and technical authenticity.

Fans have already begun speculating about additional enhancements, including expanded move sets and improvements to animations.

The WWE 2K franchise has worked to rebuild its reputation following a turbulent launch of WWE 2K20. With recent entries receiving praise for their polished mechanics and innovative modes, the development team appears to be doubling down on features that elevate the series’ authenticity.

If Chain Wrestling is officially reintroduced, it could mark a major step forward in delivering a more nuanced and realistic wrestling experience.

Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair Has Been Discussed For WWE WrestleMania

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WWE fans may soon witness a marquee singles match between Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair. According to Fightful Select, the potential clash has been discussed for WWE WrestleMania 41. Stratton, who has often been compared to Flair, has cited the multi-time champion as her inspiration for becoming a wrestler. Over the years, Stratton has expressed her interest in facing Flair in several interviews.

Stratton’s meteoric rise in WWE has been one of the company’s standout stories. Since joining the main roster in 2024, she has achieved significant success, including winning the Women’s Money in the Bank match. She capped off the year by cashing in on Nia Jax to capture the WWE Women’s Championship at the start of 2025.

Charlotte Flair has been out of action for over a year due to a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus suffered in a December 2023 match against Asuka. Flair has been preparing for her return, with WWE airing vignettes on SmackDown to build anticipation.

WWE WrestleMania 41 will take place as a two-night event on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium. A match between Stratton and Flair would pit one of WWE’s brightest rising stars against a proven legend, making it a must-see event for fans.

2025 Royal Rumble Entrants: All Confirmed Superstars (Updated)

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The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble premium live event is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

30 men and 30 women will vie for the chance to etch their name in the history books and earn the right to challenge the champions of their choosing at WrestleMania 41. Last year’s Royal Rumble winners, Cody Rhodes and Bayley, went on to capture gold at WrestleMania 40, so this year’s participants have a fresh reminder of exactly what’s at stake.

Note: This article will be maintained and updated as the remaining participants are announced.

2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Entrants

Rey Mysterio will be in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble

15 Confirmed participants for the Men’s Rumble:

WWE SuperstarNotes
Shinsuke Nakamura2018 Royal Rumble Winner
John Cena2008, 2013 Royal Rumble Winner
CM Punk2024 Runner-Up
Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins2019 Royal Rumble Winner
Drew McIntyre2020 Royal Rumble Winner
Roman Reigns 2015 Royal Rumble Winner
Jey Uso
LA Knight
Rey Mysterio2006 Royal Rumble Winner
Sami Zayn
Logan Paul
Chad Gable
Bron Breakker
Carmelo Hayes

2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Entrants

IMG 1941
2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Winner declares for the 2025 event

10 Confirmed participants for the Women’s Rumble:

WWE SuperstarNotes
Nia Jax
Bayley2024 Royal Rumble Winner
Charlotte Flair2020 Royal Rumble Winner
Bianca Belair2021 Royal Rumble Winner
Naomi
Liv Morgan2024 Runner Up
Raquel Rodriguez
Lyra Valkyria
Ivy Nile
IYO SKY

WWE Royal Rumble Highlights

Full Matches

Stats:

Best Of

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news in the lead-up to the 2025 Royal Rumble.

Inside WWE’s ID Program: Training With Superstars, Feedback from Legends

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The WWE ID program, WWE’s newest talent development initiative, aims to scout and refine the next generation of wrestling superstars by integrating independent wrestlers into the WWE system.

One such prospect, Zayda Steel, recently shared her experiences as part of the program, highlighting the invaluable opportunities it provides to up-and-coming talent. Steel, who has made waves on the independent scene with appearances in GCW, Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), and Major League Wrestling (MLW), opened up about her journey on the podcast Conversations with The Wrestling Classic.

Steel revealed that WWE is actively bridging the gap between independent wrestling and its larger platform by giving ID participants direct access to feedback from wrestling icons. During a chat with the Wrestling Classic, She praised the program for its emphasis on mentorship, stating that her matches are being reviewed by WWE legends like Sean “X-Pac” Waltman and Kenny Dykstra.

“I can say that our matches are being watched,” Steel said. “We found out recently, they’re like, ‘Oh, X-Pac can now watch your match and give you guys critiques.’ I’m like, ‘What the f—.’ So him, Kenny Dykstra, who works closely with Triple H, literally in the offices. We are getting feedback from top, top people. So that’s another plus as well.”

Steel also shared that she has trained at the WWE Performance Center as part of the program and received recognition from several established WWE talents. While she chose not to name anyone specifically, she expressed her surprise and appreciation at being acknowledged by well-known wrestlers.

“A couple of us were at the PC. We got to train there,” she explained. “Funny enough, as I’m there, I’m saying hi to people… There’s a good amount of the girls that were like, ‘Oh my God, I know who you are. I follow you on Instagram,’ or, ‘I’ve seen you on social media.’ So, yes. You’d be surprised who knows who you are.”

Zayda Steel and WWE ID

Zayda Steel WWE ID

Before joining the WWE ID program, Steel was a prominent figure on the independent circuit, wrestling over 50 matches in 2024 across various promotions. Her extensive experience and current exposure to WWE legends’ feedback exemplify the potential impact of this initiative in grooming future superstars.

The WWE ID program not only spotlights independent talent but also provides unique opportunities for mentorship and growth under the guidance of industry veterans.

With access to feedback from legends like X-Pac and direct exposure to WWE’s developmental facilities, prospects like Zayda Steel are gaining invaluable experience that could shape their future in professional wrestling.

IShowSpeed to Appear at WWE Royal Rumble 2025, Stream Backstage Experience

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YouTube star IShowSpeed is set to attend the WWE Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where he will live stream his experience. This appearance follows a personal invitation from WWE executive Triple H during a recent live stream. Triple H offered IShowSpeed the opportunity to stream backstage and throughout the event, to which the content creator enthusiastically responded, “I’m gonna be there.”

https://x.com/sescoops/status/1883237080828137527?s=46

IShowSpeed, known for his high-energy content and deep enthusiasm for WWE, has previously made waves in the wrestling world. At WrestleMania 40 in April 2024, he appeared dressed as a PRIME energy drink mascot during Logan Paul’s United States Championship match.

In an unforgettable moment, IShowSpeed attempted to assist Logan Paul against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, only to be taken out by an RKO from Orton on the announcer’s table. The move left IShowSpeed with a sore neck and headache, but his dramatic participation became a viral sensation.

The WrestleMania appearance originated from IShowSpeed’s team pitching the idea to Logan Paul during a PRIME energy photoshoot. Paul coordinated with WWE to finalize the collaboration, which concluded with Paul gifting IShowSpeed a Tesla Cybertruck as a thank-you for his involvement.

While IShowSpeed’s role at the Royal Rumble has not been detailed, his ability to connect with WWE’s younger audience and create shareable, buzz-worthy moments suggests fans can expect another memorable experience.

Saturday Night’s Main Event: Match Card, How to Watch

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WWE’s next Saturday Night’s Main Event special is scheduled for January 25, 2025 from San Antonio, Texas at the Frost Bank Center. The event will broadcast live on NBC and simulcast on Peacock.

SNME will serve as a pivotal stop in the lead-ups to the 2025 Royal Rumble. In addition to several of this year’s Royal Rumble participants in action, we’ll see the official Contract Signing for Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The contract signing for the match between Cody Rhodes (c) and Kevin Owens will be overseen by a man who is no stranger to ladder matches – San Antonio’s own ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels.

Saturday Night’s Main Event Preview

The updated match card includes:

  • World Heavyweight Championship Match: GUNTHER (c) vs. Jey Uso
  • Intercontinental Championship Match: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Sheamus
  • Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax
  • Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu
  • Contract Signing: Shawn Michaels will moderate the contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, setting the stage for their upcoming ladder match at the Royal Rumble.

After this, WWE has Saturday Night’s Main Event specials scheduled for May and July.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news as as we look ahead to Saturday Night’s Main Event, the 2025 Royal Rumble and the Road to WrestleMania 41.

Joe Hendry On A Royal Rumble Role: If TNA Asks…

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Since Joe Hendry’s TNA World Championship win at Genesis, fans have been speculating as to whether the Scottish star will be a part of next weekend’s WWE Royal Rumble event. While speaking to the Deloco Podcast, Hendry said he’d be an honor to be part of the iconic match.

Anywhere, anytime, any show—that’s what I said to Shawn Michaels when I debuted in NXTThat would obviously be a huge honor and a privilege. It’s something that’s synonymous with our business.

Though Hendry would relish the chance to compete in a Royal Rumble match, he admitted that becoming World Champion has given him a new sense of “responsibility.” While Hendry is now focused on doing what’s best for TNA, that may not keep him from WWE’s upcoming event.

“If TNA management tells me that’s the objective, I will move forward. So, that is what I will do—I will do what TNA Wrestling asks me to do.

Hendry has been announced for WrestleCon during Royal Rumble weekend in Indianapolis, a fact that has many fans convinced that he will make an appearance. On February 2, the TNA star will set sail as part of Chris Jericho’s cruise.

Joe Hendry Vows “We’re Just Getting Started” After TNA World Title Win

TNA has already seen Rumble representation as Jordynne Grace’s appearance last year was well received by fans. Time will tell whether Hendry follows suit and if so, how far he gets in the pursuit of a WWE World Championship match at WrestleMania.

Watch What Happened With Cody Rhodes and Matthew McConaughey After SmackDown

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Cody Rhodes invited Matthew McConaughey to the ring after this week’s episode of SmackDown from Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

The main event of this week’s episode of the Blue Branded Show featured Kevin Owens taking on Jimmy Uso. The former Universal Champion picked up the victory in this match using a Pop-Up Powerbomb.

The Undisputed WWE Champion came out to make the save for Uso when Owens continued attacking him after the bout. The show went off air with the two Royal Rumble opponents brawling with each other.

WWE later shared an off-air video of Cody inviting the hometown star to the ring after KO had retreated. Following the tradition, Rhodes gifted his signed weight belt to a young fan after sharing a moment with McConaughey:

The Hollywood star wasn’t the only big name at the show. Other celebrities such as Shane Gillis, Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias, Tony Hinchcliffe, and WWE legends Michelle McCool & Mark Henry were in attendance as well.

The Undertaker while not seen during the broadcast of the show, was in the arena too. The WWE Hall of Famer greeted Matthew McConaughey backstage and gifted the acting star a legacy WWE belt.

Cody Rhodes will be appearing on tonight’s Saturday Night’s Main Event from San Antonio. He’ll be signing the contract for his upcoming Royal Rumble match with Kevin Owens in a segment hosted by Shawn Michaels.

Omos Relinquishes GHC Tag Title, Announces WWE Return

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WWE’s Omos is on his way back to programming, close to two years after his most recent televised singles match. At Pro Wrestling NOAH’s latest event, Omos and Jack Morris retained the GHC Tag Team Championship. After the match, Omos relinquished his title to Daga. Sharing his future plans, Omos revealed that he will be leaving the promotion for the time being to go back to WWE.

“I’m going back to WWE so I’ll give this belt to Daga. Please increase the value of this belt. The champs are now Jack Morris & Daga. I don’t know when but I’ll come back”

Omos and Morris captured the titles at the start of January, making the Nigerian the first contracted WWE main roster talent to win NOAH gold. Throughout his reign, Omos had remained in Japan where he learned plenty about the culture and cuisine.

Omos’ return to WWE will come close to two years after his most recent singles match on TV. That match came at WWE Backlash 2023, where he was defeated by Seth Rollins. His most recent match for WWE was as part of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal during the April 5, 2024, edition of WWE SmackDown.

With Omos’ announcement coming mere days before the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble, fans are speculating as to whether he will be a part of this year’s Men’s Rumble match. Whatever is planned, Omos is ready to bring his giant frame back to WWE and lay waste to opponents.

Damian Priest Ready To Face Everyone After WWE SmackDown Move

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On the January 24, edition of WWE SmackDown, Damian Priest was moved to the blue brand as part of WWE’s Transfer Window. Speaking after the show, Priest shared what fans can look forward to every week on Friday nights.

“It’s been a big one, man. Four years in WWE, all Monday Night Raw. I feel like this is the right time to move. I accomplished everything that I wanted to accomplish on Monday Night Raw. World Champion, United States Champion, multiple-time tag team champion. Now, it’s time for something new, a new challenge, new rivals. I’m here on Smackdown, ready to take them all on.”

Priest’s arrival on WWE SmackDown saw him defeat Carmelo Hayes in a strong start for the former World Heavyweight Champion. In a backstage segment with Cody Rhodes, Priest told the Undisputed WWE Champion “See you soon, champ,” teasing a potential showdown for the gold.

Damian Priest Eyes Tag Gold With Rhea Ripley: “We Could 100% Win”

Damian Priest’s arrival on SmackDown marks a major change to the blue brand, which also welcomed The Miz this week as part of the Transfer Window. During the show, Miz tried to align with A-Town Down Under before it was revealed that Grayson Waller and Austin Theory have been moved to Monday Night Raw.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Damian Priest as the former World Champion seeks to re-establish himself as one of WWE’s top Superstars, noa as part of WWE SmackDown.

H/T – Fightful

Joe Hendry Hopes His TNA Title Win Inspires People To Keep Going

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Joe Hendry hopes that his TNA title win inspires people to chase their dreams.

The TNA world title is the first major championship Hendry has won in his career. Despite being active in the business for 12 years, Hendry’s breakout year came in 2024 and he has finally started getting the recognition he deserves after more than a decade in the business.

The new TNA Champion reflected on his years of hard work in a new interview with WrestleZone. While discussing his previous losses to Nic Nemeth before he finally defeated the wrestling veteran for the championship, Joe Hendry said that the whole story is very representative of his real life:

“Taking three times is very representative of my real life. If you look at all the things that I’ve done in my life, it’s taken me a long time to do them. When I started amateur wrestling, I think I had probably about six or seven attempts at national titles before I finally won one. I had been to TNA before in the past, and it only lasted a few months. I’ve been other places, something or other didn’t quite work out.”

It’s Going To Happen: Joe Hendry

Hendry got his first shot at the World Championship at the Slammiversary event last July. Coming off the success of his viral theme song, many thought Joe would win the bout but it didn’t end up being the case. After being diverted to a feud with Josh Alexander, Hendry got his second opportunity at the world title at Bound For Glory in October but he lost the match again due to interference from JBL.

After finally succeeding in his quest at the Genesis event on January 19, Joe Hendry explained that he’s never gotten anything in life in his first try. Having to work his way back up to the card and the title match after every defeat, the new champion hopes that his story will help teach the importance of not giving up to people:

“In my life through all the things I’ve done, I never get things the first try. So doing it this way is actually a bit of a snapshot into my life, and I hope it inspires people to realize that when not to be cliche, but when you do get knocked down, you just have to keep going and being relentless and believe in yourself.

If you keep doing the right things you’re supposed to be doing, it’s going to happen, and you’re going to get there. That is who I am. That it happened in this way, that is Joe Hendry.”

Joe Hendry had his first title defence after winning the championship at the first live episode of Impact in eight years this week. You can check out who was his surprise opponent for this bout here.

WWE Tag Team Title Stipulation Match Set For Royal Rumble

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The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble premium live event got even bigger on this week’s SmackDown with a huge WWE Tag Team Championship match added to the card. On the January 24, edition of SmackDown, the Motor City Machine Guns discussed DIY doing all they can to avoid a title match. It was then revealed that the titles will be on the line on February 1… in a two-out-of-three falls match.

This will mark the first time the WWE Tag Team Championships have been defended at a PLE since WrestleMania 40. At last year’s Showcase of the Immortals, the titles, then known as the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, were defended alongside the RAW Tag Team Championships in a ladder match. This exciting upcoming match will also mark the WWE PLE debut of the Motor City Machine Guns. The team of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin arrived in WWE in October 2024 and have competed on TV and at live events ever since.

This match is just the latest high-stakes contest set for the Royal Rumble, which will include two Rumble matches and a ladder match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Royal Rumble including breaking news and live results.

Commander Azeez Recalls Signing ‘Waiver’ Before Competing At WWE’s First Saudi Show

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Former WWE star Commander Azeez aka Dabba-Kato has detailed his experience of traveling to Saudi Arabia with the company for their first PPV event.

WWE’s 10-year partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority started with the Greatest Royal Rumble event in 2018. Azeez who had been signed by the company to a developmental contract in 2016, made his TV debut at this event.

The wrestling giant reflected on his experience working the show in a new interview with MuscleManMalcolm. He revealed that he was told to sign a waiver before he could get on the plane to reach the country:

“To travel there, you need to sign a waiver. There is a waiver. The waiver says that you are aware to what country you’re going to.

There are some legal consequences for stuff that is different in the States. I don’t remember all of the points, but I remember one point was ‘Beheading,'”

It Was Already Extreme: Commander Azeez

Commander Azeez who was the 37th entrant in the match lasted about 5 minutes before being eliminated by the eventual winner Braun Strowman. He would continue his work in developmental after this appearance, later making his Raw Underground debut under the ring name Dabba-Kato.

Staying on the topic of his Saudi trip, the 36-year-old was asked if beheading was something that could happen if he did something wrong. The wrestling star replied positively saying it made the whole trip extreme even before he got there:

“Yes. I had to sign it in the office, that I’m aware of this. I signed it. Even before we got there, it was already extreme.”

After the end of Raw Underground, Dabba-Kato was repackaged as Commander Azeez in 2021, and paired with Apollo Crews. He continued making sporadic appearances for the company after the end of this run before being released in September, 2023.

Cody Rhodes Joins Nephews Wayne & Wyatt At WWE SmackDown

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The Rhodes family has been an established force in wrestling for decades, with Dusty, Dustin, and Cody forging their own legacies in the ring. Now, fans could soon be seeing more Rhodes’ in action via the nephews of the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion.

Before SmackDown, Cody was spotted backstage with Wyatt and Wayne Rhodes, who both have joined the family business of pro wrestling. The trio also showed off a one-of-a-kind image of Cody, autographed by all three men.

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Wyatt and Wayne made their AEW debuts last August during a dark match ahead of Collision, where they defeated Aaron Solo and Jon Cruz That show proved to be extra special for the Rhodes family, as on that night, Dustin became a ROH World Tag Team Champion alongside Sammy Guevara.

The Rhodes family is currently at its arguable peak of success, with both Cody and Dustin holding gold in their respective promotions. It remains to be seen where Wayne and Wyatt one day appear at a WWE event as Superstars rather than as guests, but the future looks bright for the famed wrestling family.

Nia Jax Is ‘A Little Proud Of’ Tiffany Stratton After MITB Cash In

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Nia Jax says Tiffany Stratton cashing in the Money In The Bank contract on her was a beautiful moment and she was a little proud of the young star.

Tiffany won the Women’s Money In The Bank match at the namesake event in July last year. The former NXT star then formed an alliance with Jax, helping her win the WWE Women’s Championship from Bayley at SummerSlam 2024.

Stratton’s MITB win made this dynamic very interesting with WWE teasing a potential cash-in on multiple occasions. They finally pulled the trigger on it at the January 3 episode of SmackDown earlier this month.

The former Women’s Champion talked about the 25-year-old ‘stabbing her in the back’ during a recent interview with Stay Busy with Armon Sadler. Nia Jax proclaimed that it was something she had never experienced before and told Tiffany to keep an eye out for her:

“There is part of me that is a little proud of her because I taught her well, I can’t lie. The betrayal still eats at me. She definitely shouldn’t be sitting comfortably,”

It Was Beautiful: Nia Jax

The wait for Tiffany’s cash-in was unusually long with WWE teasing it on multiple occasions only to back out. Nia Jax discussed how the large number of teases had made fans kind of numb to yet another tease and it was fun to shock the people who always think that they know everything:

“I thought it was beautiful. I’m torn. It was a beautiful moment to watch my Tiffy become champion. Being at the other end of it, did it hurt a little bit? Yes, but watching the reaction of the crowd when she hit me on the back, when I was watching back and reactions, I couldn’t even hear myself in that moment.

It was beautiful. It was beautiful that everybody was like, ‘Oh, it’s not going to happen.’ She played it perfectly. I have to give her, her flowers on that one.”

Nia Jax who is a SmackDown star has been making appearances on Raw in recent times as part of the Transfer Window. While her move has not been confirmed officially, it seems likely that Jax will become part of the Raw roster after the end of her title reign.

WWE’s Old Headquarters Titan Towers Sold For $3.5 Million

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WWE’s longtime headquarters Titan Towers has been sold with the new owners intending to convert it into an apartment complex.

According to CT Insider, the six-story building located at 1241 E. Main St. on Stamford’s east side has been acquired by real estate firm MB Financial Group for $3.75 million.

The firm which has previous experience in redeveloping big buildings into residential properties, intends to do the same with the old WWE HQ:

“Our intention is definitely to do this within the existing building,” said Michael Massimino, CEO and Managing Partner of MB Finance “Right now, we’re in our conceptual phase, as far as laying out density and common-area amenities.”

Once the plan for the redevelopment has been approved by local zoning officials, the new owners of the Titan Towers are expecting the whole process to be complete by the first half of 2027, with more than 80 residential units available for people.

The decision to sell Titan Towers came after WWE announced intentions to move its headquarters to downtown Stamford back in 2019. The move that was delayed due to the pandemic finally began in 2023 and the building at 1241 E. Main was then put up for sale in mid-2024.

The wrestling giant also recently completed the sale for its old production studio located at 120 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford. The studio was acquired by V20 Group for approximately $7.5 million

Matthew McConaughey Gifted Legacy WWE Title By Undertaker After SmackDown Appearance

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Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey was one of the celebrities in attendance for the January 24th episode of WWE SmackDown from Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

The acting star was shown sitting in the front row right behind the announcer’s desk during the broadcast. Former Universal Champion Kevin Owens also acknowledged The Golden Globe award winner during the episode.

Owens targeted McConaughey while cutting a promo standing at the announcer’s table. KO told the Texas native that he’s going to beat Cody Rhodes the same way Ohio State Buckeyes beat Texas Longhorns in a recent Football match.

McConaughey also got to meet The Undertaker backstage during the night and the Dead Man gifted him a Texas-WWE Legacy Championship

Along with Matthew McConaughey, names such as Shane Gillis, Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias, and Tony Hinchcliffe were in attendance for the event as well.

Kevin Owens is set to challenge Cody Rhodes in a ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the upcoming Royal Rumble PPV on February 1.

WWE has announced that Shawn Michaels will be holding a contract signing segment between the two for the title match at this weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 25.

Apart from this segment, the show also featured a couple of big announcements including confirmation of the return date for former Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. You can check out more about it here.

The Miz & Damian Priest Moved To WWE SmackDown, Tag Team Moved To Raw In Transfer Window

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A couple of former world champions in The Miz and Damian Priest have been moved to the SmackDown brand as part of the transfer window.

Both these trades were confirmed during the January 24 episode of the Blue Branded show. The A-Lister was first informed of his move while meeting General Manager Nick Aldis in a backstage segment.

The Miz orchestrated to get the Wyatt Family moved to SmackDown before to try and get away from the group so he was not happy with this latest change.

In another backstage segment, we saw Carmelo Hayes pacing in Aldis’ office waiting for an opponent when former World Champion Damian Priest walked in.

The SmackDown GM welcomed the former Judgment Day star to the show and made the match between him and Hayes official for later in the night.

The Miz tried to form an alliance with Greyson Waller and Austin Theory after this move to save himself from the Wyatts. Nick Aldis however, revealed another trade and informed the A Town Down Under that they were being moved to the Raw brand instead.

Apart from this, WWE also confirmed the return date for former Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair during the show. You can check out more about it here.