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LA Knight and Tama Tonga Clash Tonight on WWE SmackDown

Michael Reichlin
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LA Knight and Tama Tonga Clash Tonight on WWE SmackDown

Here’s the official preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown, airing live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, at 8/7c on USA Network. With just two days until Saturday Night’s Main Event, tonight’s show will set the stage for one of the most important nights on the WWE calendar.

Two high-profile matches have been announced for tonight’s episode:

  • LA Knight vs. Tama Tonga: A heated singles match following last week’s Bloodline attack.
  • Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince): A clash of top tag teams.

What’s Expected Tonight

Title Picture Updates

  • WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton: After successfully defending her title against Bayley last week, Stratton is set to appear.
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes: Rhodes will make an appearance to build momentum ahead of his title defense at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Building to Saturday Night’s Main Event

Tonight’s episode is the final stop before Saturday Night’s Main Event in San Antonio, an event featuring several championship matches and key rivalries. The following matches have already been confirmed:

  • Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens (WWE Championship)
  • Jacob Fatu vs. Braun Strowman
  • “Main Event” Jey Uso vs. GUNTHER (World Heavyweight Championship)
  • Bron Breakker vs. Sheamus (Intercontinental Championship)

What Happened Last Week?

Highlights from the January 17 SmackDown:

  • Tiffany Stratton retained the WWE Women’s Championship against Bayley.
  • Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio had their first-ever match, ending with Cody Rhodes making the save.
  • Bianca Belair & Naomi defeated Nia Jax & Candice LeRae in tag team action.
  • Motor City Machine Guns defeated Los Garza.
  • Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes ended in a no-contest after interference from Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga.

Dominik Mysterio Reveals Memories of His Dad’s Royal Rumble Win

Anutosh Bajpai
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Dominik Mysterio Reveals Memories of His Dad’s Royal Rumble Win

Dominik Mysterio has revealed his memories of his dad Rey Mysterio’s incredible Royal Rumble win.

The young veteran recently had an interview with the Babyfaces podcast to promote the upcoming PPV. He talked about things such as the global impact of Raw being on Netflix, his love for country music and more.

When asked for his favorite Rumble memories, Dominik Mysterio revealed that one of the Rumbles he vividly remembers is when his father Rey Mysterio won the whole thing in 2006:

“Yeah dude, I love the Rumble. It’s one of those things where you really never know who’s going to come next. So it really is a surprise. But for me one of my favorite Rumbles is when my Deadbeat unfortunately won. Because I thought, I was a big Randy Orton guy, so like I thought Randy was gonna take it.

And then Deadbeat just comes in and ruins it. But shout out to Triple H too, pulling him out, being a sore loser, throwing him against the steps. I thought that was pretty cool. I was like, all right this is a done deal. Randy’s got it in the bag, but no. But anyways I’m excited for the Rumble man. The Rumble’s always, it’s been one of my favorite pay-per-views of all time for sure.”

Rey Mysterio had entered at #2 in the ’06 Rumble right behind Triple H. He spent 62 minutes and 12 seconds in the match and eliminated 6 people to win the battle royal. He then went on to defeat Randy Orton and Kurt Angle in a triple threat to win the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22.

Royal Rumble this year will be taking place from Indianapolis, Indiana on February 1. You can check out a list of confirmed participants for this year’s battle royal here.

Baron Corbin On His WWE Departure: One Person Was Behind It All

Anutosh Bajpai
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Baron Corbin believes there was one particular person behind his WWE release.

2024 saw some really surprising departures from the company including names such as Indi Hartwell, Jinder Mahal and Bobby Lashley. Though probably none of these was as shocking as the departure of the Lone Wolf.

Being an extraordinary in-ring worker who can help build any star, as well as somebody who could even get characters like sad Corbin over, the former US Champion was considered the ultimate utility player. So the news of WWE not renewing his contract was met with astonishment among fans.

The former WWE star opened up about the top brass’ decision to not renew his contract during his new interview with Chris Van Vliet. Baron Corbin interestingly suggested that there was someone in particular who was not his fan:

“It was two and a half million views on my tweet alone. People were shocked. I was shocked. I could weirdly, kind of, you know when your gut instinct tells you something, and like I said, I think there was one person in particular that I think was behind all of it, and it sucks, but it is what [it is].”

I’m Not Gonna Cry Over It: Baron Corbin

Baron Corbin also revealed that Randy Orton had called him after learning the news and offered to talk to Triple H on his behalf:

“I’m not gonna cry over it because I’m grateful for everything I had there and every opportunity that I had there, I can’t let one person put me in a bad place. I’m not gonna let one person control my emotions.

I mean the fact that Randy Orton’s calling me, going there’s someone that doesn’t like you. Again, I know who it is. I told him and he’s like yeah, probably right. But when you have someone of that magnitude being like I want to talk to Hunter, it makes you feel good.”

Despite the abrupt end of his 12-year tenure with the company, Baron Corbin seems to be in good spirits. During the interview, he explained that he has been smart with his money and proclaimed that he can now do whatever he wants.

Max Caster Is The “Worst Rapper Alive” In Brand New Album

Thomas Lowson
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Max Caster Is The “Worst Rapper Alive” In Brand New Album

AEW’s Max Caster may consider himself the best wrestler alive, but the AEW star is far more humble on his brand new album. This week, Caster shared his new album ‘Worst Rapper Alive’ to Spotify. The 14-track album includes songs such as ‘Cancelled’, ‘Mixed Nuts,’ and ‘Performative Feminist.’ The 38-minute album is Caster’s first since 2021 and once again demonstrates the AEW’s talents outside of the squared circle.

As expected, the album includes several references to wrestling. Cancelled includes comments about Caster’s work in AEW and a comparison to John Cena’s time as a freestyle rapper. American Male includes the line ‘Feelin’ like Buff, I should be a gigilo,’ a nod to Buff Bagwell, who once competed in the American Males tag-team.

Caster’s new album comes amid a time of great change for the wrestler. On the latest AEW Collision, Caster and Anthony Bowens ended their tag team as Bowens has grown tired with Caster’s attitude. The Acclaimed had teamed in AEW since 2020 and captured the World Tag Team Championships in 2022. The following year, the duo, alongside Billy Gunn, captured the AEW Trios Championships at All In: London.

Where Caster’s AEW future goes next remains to be seen, but the loudmouth continues to make his voice heard in and out of the ring. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Caster and his role in wrestling and rap.

Shelton Benjamin Opens Up About Failed Tag Team With Chad Gable

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Shelton Benjamin Opens Up About Failed Tag Team With Chad Gable

Shelton Benjamin has explained why his partnership with Chad Gable did not go anywhere.

The Gold Standard was paired with the former American Alpha member in SmackDown upon his WWE return in 2017. This came after Gable’s former partner Jason Jordan was moved to the Raw brand to start his infamous storyline with Kurt Angle, quietly disbanding their team.

Benjamin opened up about working with the former Olympic Athlete during his appearance on Talk Is Jericho. He first offered big praise to the 38-year-old and proclaimed that Gable still hasn’t gotten his due:

“When I first arrived, they put me with Chad Gable and well, like, phenomenal worker. No, he has not [gotten his due]. He hasn’t. And to me, it sucks, because everyone has an excuse.

I said for every excuse, I can point out an example why that excuse makes no sense. That guy is special, whether fans realize it or not, he is. He’s got a blue-collar mentality. He’s Uber-talented. He’s dedicated. He’ll do whatever you need him to.”

We Just Didn’t Click: Shelton Benjamin

Though despite being compatible on paper, the team of Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable did not find a lot of success. Their run lasted 8 months before they were split up during the 2018 Superstar Shakeup without ever holding any titles together.

Speaking about why the pairing did not work despite having similar backgrounds, Shelton Benjamin said that he never really clicked with Gable. He remembered his chemistry with Team Angle partner Charlie Haas and said that he never felt the same teaming with the current WWE star:

“When they put us together. Obviously, he’s actually from Minneapolis too. So it seemed right, especially, with Jason not being able to work anymore. But I don’t really think that tag team worked. We had some good matches. They threw us in some really zany matches. We had a great matchup with the Usos, but it, for me, it really wasn’t working. Through no fault of anyone.

The chemistry, it wasn’t like me and Charlie. Me and Charlie were like, Charlie’s the best partner I’ve ever had. So for whatever reason, me and [Gable] while we got along great, we just didn’t click the same way. It wasn’t the same but again, that being said, all due respect, that kid is phenomenal. Everything he’s done, he’s made work.”

Conor McGregor Says UFC Shut Down Logan Paul Boxing Match Idea

Michael Reichlin
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Conor McGregor Says UFC Shut Down Logan Paul Boxing Match Idea

Conor McGregor recently shared insights into a hypothetical boxing match with Logan Paul during an interview with The Schmo. While the fight never materialized, McGregor explained the reasoning behind the idea, referring to it as a “business savvy” move during his downtime from the UFC.

“It was business savvy and business sense to make the fight happen. Or should I say the glorified spar happen,” McGregor said.

“In between this wait… before I can get back to the Octagon, it made perfect sense on the calendar to go ahead with it. The UFC weren’t into it. I’m not sure the WWE, what their interest was. I just knew the UFC weren’t into it.”

McGregor has not competed since suffering a broken leg in July 2021 against Dustin Poirier. Although his return was planned for a bout against Michael Chandler—promoted heavily on WWE Raw—it was delayed due to a toe injury.

TKO Championship Belt

In addition to addressing the Logan Paul fight, McGregor has also pitched a “TKO KING TITLE,” a concept he previously tied to an abandoned matchup with Jake Paul. While neither fight came to fruition, McGregor’s comments underline his ongoing ability to generate interest, even in hypothetical bouts.

WWE NXT’s Cora Jade In Action On Upcoming TNA iMPACT

Thomas Lowson
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WWE NXT’s Cora Jade In Action On Upcoming TNA iMPACT

Cora Jade’s pursuit of the TNA Knockouts World Championship will lead her to competing on a future episode of TNA iMPACT. After this week’s show, TNA filmed next week’s episode of their weekly flagship show. During the taping, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion took on TNA Wrestling’s Hyan.

image 10

This match marked Jade’s first time competing for TNA Wrestling, but not her first time competing for the company. In 2019, Jade competed as Elyana Black against Havok during the TNA Prelude to Glory event. Jade, again as Elyana Black, has also competed for AEW, making her one of a select few to compete in the three major wrestling promotions in the United States.

Jade appeared at TNA Genesis where she confronted Masha Slamovich after the TNA Knockouts World Champion retained her gold against Rosemary. Jade was also a part of this week’s iMPACT, where her distracting presence would cost Slamovich and Spitfire in six-woman tag-team action.

Cora Jade had shared her intent to win the TNA Knockouts World Title, which if successful would be a historic first between the two parties. With a match between Jade and Slamovich seeming inevitable, it remains to be seen whether it’ll be the champion or the challenger who has the home-field advantage.

“Have Patience” – WWE NXT’s Zaria Reveals Break From Action

Thomas Lowson
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In late 2024, Zaria exploded onto the scene in WWE NXT after a high-profile run in the Australian wrestling scene. Now, the powerhouse is set to take a break from wrestling, but has assured fans that it’s only a temporary break.

Zaria gave no word why she is taking a five-week break, but fans are already eager to see her back in the ring. The Australian’s most recent match came at a December 20, NXT live event where she, Gigi Dolin, and Shotzi came up short against Fatal Influence.

Zaria currently boasts a 3-3 record since arriving in NXT, with her most recent victory coming over two months ago against Wren Sinclair. This has come as a surprise to fans given that WWE made a big deal upon her arrival on the silver brand. Zaria is one of three high-profile female signings WWE NXT made in 2024, alongside Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia.

The Australian powerhouse’s arrival in WWE NXT may not have gone as many would have predicted but fans remain excited to see what’s to come. Though Zaria won’t be in action just yet, it’s only a matter of time before she is back showcasing her physical dominance in the ring.

Sting Retiring His Iconic Look At The End of 2025

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Sting Retiring His Iconic Look At The End of 2025

Sting has announced that he’ll be retiring his iconic Stinger look and face paint soon after the end of his active wrestling career last year.

The Icon competed in his retirement match at the 2024 Revolution PPV. While having the option of a singles match, the wrestling veteran chose to team up with his protege Darby Allin one last time to defeat The Young Bucks in a tornado tag team match.

Despite hanging his wrestling boots at the March PPV, Sting has continued donning the iconic face paint for various meet & greet events. Though the WCW veteran confirmed that 2025 will be his last year of doing so in a new social media post:

“I have enjoyed meeting fans at events around the world. As much as I have loved interacting with you all in the traditional Stinger war paint, I’ve decided that 2025 will be my last year appearing in full gear. I guess it’s 2025 or never. Wow. Tough to speak that out.”

Sting made his in-ring debut for Tony Khan’s promotion at the Revolution 2021 event, so his 2024 retirement match brought his run with the company to a full circle. In his 3-year run with the company, the 65-year-old wrestled a total of 29 matches and remained undefeated in the end.

The former world champion has since signed a legends deal with AEW and he also made an appearance at the 2024 All In: London PPV.

Christopher Daniels Shares Family’s Tribute After In-Ring Farewell

Thomas Lowson
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Christopher Daniels Shares Family’s Tribute After In-Ring Farewell

On the January 22, edition of AEW Dynamite, Christopher Daniels shared that his in-ring career is over following a brutal Texas Death Match against “Hangman” Adam Page on the previous Collision. On X, Daniels shared that his family went all out to celebrate his career now that “The Legend Has Retired.”

The tribute incudes images from Daniels’ time in various promotions including Ring of Honor, AEW, and TNA Wrestling, as well as earlier in his career. The tribute not includes plenty of images of Daniels, but also the character Curry Man, who Daniels portrayed during his tenure with TNA.

Future For Christopher Daniels

While Daniels’ has signalled that his days in the ring are over, that may not be the case. Dave Meltzer shared on Wrestling Observer Radio that people have said though Daniels isn’t wrestling “for now,” AEW is “shooting an angle and [he] may wrestle again later.” During Daniels’ announcement on Dynamite, Page looked concerned that he’d ended another man’s career, teasing that there may be more to come with the Cowboy and the Fallen Angel.

For the time being, Daniels has hung up his boots, but he remains with AEW as the company’s head of Talent Relations. Whether fans see him in the ring again remains to be seen, but the love and respect for Daniels shared by his family can’t be denied.

Dragon Lee Confirms Birth Of Daughter Amid WWE Hiatus

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Dragon Lee Confirms Birth Of Daughter Amid WWE Hiatus

Current WWE Speed Champion Dragon Lee has announced the birth of his third daughter.

The high-flying star had addressed his absence from WWE programming in recent times in an Instagram post earlier in the week. He revealed that his wife was in the final stages of pregnancy and he had been home helping her during this time.

Lee had noted that the little one could arrive as soon as this week and he confirmed the birth of his daughter in a social media post late on Thursday:

Dragon has a previous daughter from his first marriage and he also has another daughter from his second relationship as revealed in his previous post.

The 29-year-old Mexican luchador left AAA to join WWE at the start of 2023. Lee held the NXT North American Championship during his time in the WWE developmental, notably having a feud with ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio over the title.

He joined the Latino World Order under the leadership of Rey Mysterio upon his main roster debut in April last year and Dragon Lee has been a part of the group ever since.

The masked star has not wrestled for WWE since the December 16, 2024 episode of Main Event and a timetable for his return is not known.

SEScoops would like to congratulate Lee and his partner on the occasion.

Jesse Ventura Confirms Status For Saturday Night’s Main Event

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Jesse Ventura Confirms Status For Saturday Night’s Main Event

Jesse Ventura has confirmed that he’ll be part of the next edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event from San Antonio, Texas this weekend, January 25.

There had been speculations about the status of the wrestling veteran despite being praised for his work at the last show in December, especially after the recent return of Hulk Hogan. Ventura however, powerbombed all rumors with a post on on X, confirming that he will in fact return to the airwaves as scheduled.

“So very excited for Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend in San Antonio. The Body returns to Texas this Saturday Night!”

Jesse Ventura signed a new legends contract with WWE and returned to the promotion last year, putting his long-standing grudge against the company aside. At the time it was announced that the veteran wrestler and broadcast personality will be calling 4 shows for the company every year.

His status for the January 2025 event became questionable again however, when WWE announced a new partnership with Hulk Hogan’s beer company and brought him in for an appearance at Raw’s Netflix premiere on January 6.

The former governor of Minnesota has long been at odds with Hogan since learning that the latter exposed his efforts of forming a wrestling union to Vince McMahon in the late 80s.

Many believed that Hogan will be making an appearance at the NBC exclusive event after his return but after Ventura’s announcement, it’s safe to say the Hulkster will not be at the show.

Matt Cardona Makes Surprise Appearance At Impact Wrestling Live, JBL Returns

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Matt Cardona Makes Surprise Appearance At Impact Wrestling Live, JBL Returns

Matt Cardona has returned to TNA Wrestling.

The company presented a special live episode of its weekly flagship show Impact Wrestling from San Antonio, TX for the first time in eight years this Thursday. The show featured a number of surprise appearances with both NXT stars and free agents making their presence felt.

New TNA World Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry opened the show. Hendry first cut a promo about his title win before proclaiming that he’ll be a fighting champion and then announced an open challenge for his title on the same night.

TNA’s Director of Authority Santino Marella then came out to announce Hendry’s opponent for the night – Matt Cardona. Cardon a came out with a big smile to end the segment.

The title match main evented the show. Frankie Kazarian who won the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match previously was on the commentary for this bout. Cardona played the typical heel role from the beginning doing things like poking Hendry in the eye and mocking the crowd.

The Indy God accidentally knocked the referee out towards the end of the bout and used the opportunity to low blow the champion. He then went outside to grab the TNA title belt but JBL came out. The WWE Hall of Famer delivered a Closethline from Hell to Cardona, leaving Hendry confused.

Matt Cardona still managed to hit Joe Hendry with the title later on but it didn’t prove to be enough. In the end, the champion delivered the Standing Ovation to retain the title.

It appears that Cardona’s return was a one-night-only affair. Though there was another former champion who returned to the company tonight and announced a new contract with the promotion. You can check out more about it here.

AEW Pulls Ricky Starks Merch Amid Wrestler’s Hiatus

Thomas Lowson
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Ricky Starks hasn’t appeared for AEW since March of last year, with the former Tag Team Champion in the dark about the reason for his absence. While there’s still no sign of when fans will see the ‘Absolute’ wrestler again, AEW has made efforts to distance themselves from Starks on their merchandise website.

AEW has pulled all merchandise for Ricky Starks from their online ‘Global’ store. Web archives show that as of September 2024, AEW listed seven t-shirts on their site. An error message on Starks’ profile reads:

“While this AEW wrestler’s merchandise isn’t available on Global ShopAEW just yet, you can discover their incredible collection and more at ShopAEW USA!.”

Going to AEW’s U.S. based store, fans will find just one shirt for Starks, another downgrade from what was previously available for the wrestler.

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Starks has reportedly requested his release from AEW, a request that Tony Khan turned down despite not using him. Starks’ AEW situation has affected his work outside the promotion, including being pulled from GCW events by Khan. This move is said to have happened after a comment made by EFFY about Khan’s father at an event.

Effy On Ricky Starks, GCW, and AEW Heat: Go Ahead, Blame Me

While Starks continues to compete on the independents, questions remains as to when, if ever, he will appear for AEW again. In the meantime, AEW will continue to produce events and merchandise, but fans will have to go elsewhere to find shirts of the missing Ricky Starks.



Malakai Black Not Expected To Make Final Appearance In AEW

Thomas Lowson
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Malakai Black Not Expected To Make Final Appearance In AEW

For months, speculation has run rampant about Malakai Black and the status of the former AEW Trios and WWE NXT Champion. On AEW programming, the House of Black has teased moving forward without Black, who is reportedly officially done with Tony Khan’s promotion.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite reports that AEW sources have confirmed Black has finished with the promotion, with no discussions regarding a final appearance. Black had joined AEW in 2021 and had formed the House of Black with Brody King and Buddy Matthews the following year. The group later recruited Julia Hart.

While Black’s exit has left fans excited about a potential WWE return, don’t expect to see Black on programming just yet. The report noted that Black will not be a free agent in time to participate in next week’s Royal Rumble event. However, he is expected to be available sometime in February or March.

Did WWE Drop A Malakai Black Tease During Raw?

Black had been with WWE for four years after debuting in 2017. In addition to being a former NXT Champion, he is also a Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winner. A return to WWE would allow Black the chance to spend more time with his wife, Zelina Vega, who is employed by WWE.

WWE is already home to AEW alum including Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, and Ethan Page, and now Malakai Black could be set to join that list. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Malakai Black and what’s next for him in wrestling.

Fraxiom Makes History with NXT Title Defense on TNA Impact

Michael Reichlin
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Fraxiom Makes History with NXT Title Defense on TNA Impact

In a historic moment for professional wrestling, the January 23, 2025 episode of TNA Impact featured the first-ever defense of a WWE-sanctioned championship on TNA programming. NXT Tag Team Champions Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) successfully retained their titles against The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) in a match that showcased the growing collaboration between WWE and TNA Wrestling.

Fraxiom secured the victory with a dynamic Flying Spanish Fly and Phoenix Splash combination on Miguel, but the finish wasn’t without controversy. Wes Lee, along with Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe, interfered by taking out Wentz, creating a critical opening for the champions to retain their titles.

This groundbreaking match was made possible by the multi-year partnership between WWE and TNA, announced on January 16, 2025. The agreement allows talent from NXT and TNA to appear on each other’s programming and premium live events, ending decades of rivalry between the promotions.

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The successful defense of the NXT Tag Team Championships on TNA Impact marks a pivotal milestone, signaling a new era of collaboration and opportunity for the wrestling industry. This partnership opens the door for unprecedented crossovers that could reshape the sport’s landscape.

Mustafa Ali Signs With TNA Wrestling

Michael Reichlin
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Mustafa Ali Signs With TNA Wrestling

Mustafa Ali announced during Thursday’s live episode of TNA Impact that he has officially signed with TNA Wrestling. This move marks Ali’s return to the promotion, where he previously made a significant impact by winning the X-Division Championship in 2024.

As part of his new agreement, Ali is scheduled to appear at six TNA Wrestling events across February and March 2025. His return coincides with TNA’s exciting new multi-year talent exchange partnership with WWE, signaling a collaborative future for both promotions.

Outside of the ring, Ali is focusing on personal projects, including the launch of his Chicago Wrestling Center, which is set to begin training classes in January 2025.

Additionally, he has signed with Gray Talent Group, securing representation for ventures in television, film, and commercial work.

With his diverse endeavors and in-ring talent, Mustafa Ali’s addition to the TNA roster brings fresh energy to the promotion’s expanding landscape.

Mance Warner Makes TNA Debut

Mance Warner Makes TNA Debut

Michael Reichlin
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Mance Warner Makes TNA Debut

Mance Warner has officially debuted in TNA Wrestling alongside Steph DeLander, who had the TNA Digital Media championship with her.

This surprise debut follows a controversial series of events, including former champion PCO’s actions at GCW’s The People vs. GCW event, where he destroyed a replica of the championship belt with a sledgehammer.

Since his debut in 2015, Warner has become a well-recognized name in independent wrestling. He has claimed numerous championships (GCW, AAW, CZW), solidifying his reputation as a top-tier performer.

TNA Digital Media Championship Controversy

The TNA Digital Media Championship storyline escalated after PCO’s dramatic outburst at The People vs. GCW on January 19, 2025. PCO, whose contract with TNA had ended in late 2024, destroyed what appeared to be the championship title and delivered a scathing promo against TNA before being cut off.

TNA responded swiftly, removing PCO from their roster and distancing the promotion from his actions.

Warner’s Role in TNA

Warner’s arrival coincides with significant changes in TNA Wrestling, including the company’s recently announced multi-year partnership with WWE, which allows for talent crossover opportunities.

Making his TNA debut alongside Steph DeLander, Warner enters the promotion as part of a new power couple in wrestling, generating considerable buzz among fans.

With Warner’s history of success and a high-profile entrance into TNA, expectations are high for his contributions to the promotion’s evolving landscape.

Nikki Bella Is In Talks With WWE About Returning To The Ring

Andrew Ravens
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Nikki Bella could be on the verge of making a return to the wrestling ring. TMZ Sports reported on Thursday that the former WWE Superstar is in talks with the company about a potential comeback. According to the report, discussions have recently begun, and Nikki has already started training in anticipation of a possible agreement.

This development is fairly new, as talks between Nikki and WWE reportedly began after her appearance at Raw in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. While there is no confirmed timeline for her return, the possibility of seeing Nikki back in the ring has sparked excitement among fans.

Nikki and her twin sister, Brie Bella, left WWE in 2023, rebranding themselves as the Garcia Twins. When asked about a potential WWE return on the red carpet of the Raw on Netflix premiere, Nikki teased the idea.

“Will we ever see the Bella Twins back? Good question,” she said. “I just may be here looking at my competition soon, so stay tuned.”

Nikki officially stepped away from in-ring competition in 2019, citing health concerns, including a career-threatening neck injury. She announced her retirement shortly thereafter and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside her sister in 2020. Their contributions to WWE, particularly in elevating women’s wrestling and bridging it with mainstream entertainment, remain influential.

Outside the ring, Nikki has built a thriving career. As the star of reality shows like Total Divas and Total Bellas, she helped bring mainstream attention to WWE’s women’s division. 

If a deal is finalized, Nikki’s return would mark a significant moment for WWE fans and a potential new chapter in her legendary career.

Bad Bunny on WWE Dreams, Puerto Rican Pride, and the Perfect Entrance Song

Michael Reichlin
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Global music icon and Grammy winner Bad Bunny is known for breaking boundaries in both music and entertainment. On a recent episode of Hot Ones, the Puerto Rican superstar sat down with Sean Evans to tackle spicy wings while sharing captivating insights into his WWE journey, cultural representation, and the unforgettable moments that defined his wrestling appearances.

From his passion for the squared circle to his pride in showcasing Puerto Rican culture on a global stage, Bad Bunny’s WWE appearances are far more than celebrity cameos—they’re a love letter to his heritage and a testament to his dedication.

The Perfect WWE Entrance

One of the standout moments of Bad Bunny’s WWE career was his electrifying entrance at Backlash 2023 in Puerto Rico, where he walked out to his hit song “Chambea.” Bunny revealed that he had envisioned using the track for years.

“Since the first time that I dreamed of being in WWE, I always knew that [‘Chambea’] was the perfect song,” he explained. “When they went to Puerto Rico, I said everyone in Puerto Rico knows this song, and it’s going to be like shaking the stadium.”

The crowd’s thunderous reaction during his San Juan Street Fight entrance cemented the moment as one of the most memorable of his career. “That entrance was one of the best moments of my life. I was like, wow, it was a beautiful moment.”

Learning the Ropes and Iconic WWE Moments

Bad Bunny’s dedication to his WWE appearances goes far beyond entrances. He committed to intense training to ensure his in-ring performances were nothing short of spectacular. One of his most iconic moments came at WrestleMania 37, where he executed a flawless Canadian Destroyer, which was later dubbed the “Bunny Destroyer.”

“That was a John Morrison idea,” Bunny said. “He was like, ‘You should do the Canadian Destroyer, and we’ll call it the Bunny Destroyer.’ We practiced it, and I really learned a lot from him, Damian Priest, and all the guys coaching me.”

Not everything about his WWE experience came easy, though. Bunny recalled a painful initiation courtesy of Damian Priest during training.

“Damian Priest hit me with the kendo stick. I always heard people say, ‘Oh, the kendo stick doesn’t hurt.’ That hurt. Like, a lot,” he laughed.

Sean Evans couldn’t resist praising Bad Bunny’s wrestling skills, declaring him “the best celebrity wrestler ever in WWE.” Bunny modestly replied, “That’s your opinion?” to which Evans insisted, “No, it’s a fact.” Bunny cheekily agreed, “I think that’s true.”

Puerto Rican Pride and WWE’s Global Stage

Bad Bunny WWE Backlash

For Bad Bunny, stepping into the WWE ring wasn’t just about fulfilling a childhood dream—it was also an opportunity to represent Puerto Rican culture.

“It’s not only about me. It’s about every one of us. It feels like I’m bringing a little bit of Puerto Rico to all these places,” he said.

His use of “Chambea” as an entrance track and his celebration of Puerto Rican pride during WWE appearances resonated deeply with fans worldwide. “The energy, the melody—it’s crazy,” Bunny explained. “Everyone in Puerto Rico knows this song. I knew it was going to shake the stadium.”

Reflecting on his WWE journey, Bunny expressed gratitude for the platform to showcase his heritage to a global audience.

“That entrance… was one of the best moments of my life,” he said.

Catch the full interview with Bad Bunny on Hot Ones, where he dives deeper into his WWE experiences, music career, and more—all while tackling some of the spiciest wings out there. The episode is available now on YouTube.

Alexa Bliss Is In A Contract Dispute With WWE

Andrew Ravens
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A new report has come out detailing why plans for Alexa Bliss’s WWE return have been shelved. Originally, Bliss was slated to make her comeback several weeks ago during Raw in San Jose, with creative involving The Wyatt Six faction reportedly pitched as part of her return. However, all plans for Bliss were abruptly dropped, even though the faction itself was moved to SmackDown—where it has yet to debut.

The decision to halt Bliss’s return was not due to creative issues or her readiness to compete. Despite being prepared to return, Bliss is not currently featured in any creative pitches, including for the upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble match. Complicating matters is her contract status: Bliss remains under an older deal that predates her time off to have her first child.

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Bliss has been seeking a new contract with improved terms, while WWE has pushed for her to return under the terms of her existing agreement, which had been extended to account for missed time.

The belief within WWE was that Bliss would make a surprise return at the January 13th episode of Raw in San Jose, resuming her role as a regular member of the Raw roster. However, just before the event, representatives for Bliss reportedly contacted WWE to request a new contract with better compensation and perks.

WWE, taking a firm stance, insisted she return under her existing deal, leading to a standoff. When Bliss’s camp held their ground, WWE responded by pulling all creative plans for her return and freezing her storyline involvement indefinitely.

The situation remains unresolved, with both sides at an impasse. Notably, Bliss removed all references to WWE from her social media bios on January 14th, further fueling speculation about the strained relationship between the two parties.

Why TKO Group Stock Hit a Record High Today

Michael Reichlin
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TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), the parent company of WWE and UFC, hit a new all-time high of $153.89 in trading today, driven by a combination of strong insider activity, strategic growth prospects, and bullish analyst outlooks.

Price Target Upgrades

Several prominent analysts raised their price targets for TKO stock:

  • Guggenheim increased its target from $142 to $170, reaffirming a “Buy” rating.
  • Canaccord Genuity also raised its target, citing positive financial trends and strong company performance.

Insider Buying Activity

The stock’s surge was partly fueled by significant insider purchases. Major shareholders acquired $50.3 million worth of TKO stock, signaling confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.

Strategic Growth Drivers

Dana White and Triple H

Market optimism is further supported by several key factors:

  • Media Rights Renewals: Analysts expect the renewal of UFC and WWE Pay-Per-View deals with Peacock to deliver substantial value, with UFC rights potentially doubling in value.
  • Operational Synergies: The merger between WWE and UFC has yielded over $100 million in cost savings, with projected revenue synergies exceeding $250 million.
  • Sports Rights Market: A competitive landscape for sports broadcasting rights has generated significant interest in UFC, enhancing TKO’s market positioning.

These factors collectively demonstrate TKO’s ability to capitalize on strong industry trends and operational efficiencies, bolstering investor confidence and driving today’s record stock performance.

Shelton Benjamin Felt Betrayed by WWE After Helping Carry the Pandemic Era

Anutosh Bajpai
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Shelton Benjamin Felt Betrayed by WWE After Helping Carry the Pandemic Era

Shelton Benjamin has explained how the end of Hurt Business in WWE was mentally challenging for him.

The former WWE star was the most recent guest on Talk is Jericho. He discussed things such as his first WWE run, his experience working for NJPW in Japan, his tag team with Chad Gable, and more.

Benjamin also detailed his feelings about The Hurt Business’ time in the company. The Gold Standard first discussed how he had only been used in odd spots since his return to the promotion in 2017 and never given a proper chance to showcase his talents. The formation of the Hurt Business in 2020 was finally a storyline that could have elevated him so it was a big blow when the group was disbanded:

“In my opinion, Hurt Business and Roman Reigns carried the WWE during the pandemic era. And I felt a bit betrayed because I come here every week. I’ve never complained. I risked my life, just like everybody else. When other people wanted to stay home, you never had to question whether or not I will come to work.

So for us to, bear that burden….and mind you, obviously, we’re not the only ones. We’re not the only people, but the fact that we were always willing and we were actually producing for you, to just immediately turn around and just kill it….like what the fuck man.”

Nothing’s Good Enough: Shelton Benjamin

Shelton Benjamin also revealed that he approached Vince McMahon directly when he first got the news of The Hurt Business’ end, and to this date he has gotten no clear answer on why their run was cut short:

“His comment to me was, ‘We’ve gone as far as we can with Hurt Business.’ The Hurt business was around for eight months before he pulled the plug. When he said that, it was almost like you want to cry inside.

Because it’s like, nothing I can do for this person seems to help, nothing’s good enough. I was really just insulted, I knew then, like, I don’t really have a future here. At this point this is just a job where I’m just collecting a check.”

The current AEW star noted that he’s always wanted to be the guy that helps build the momentum for the place he’s working in instead of taking advantage of other people’s work. The abrupt ending of the Hurt Business however, made it clear to him that he’ll never be afforded that chance in WWE.

Relive WWE Royal Rumble Finishes From The Past 20 Years

Thomas Lowson
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Relive WWE Royal Rumble Finishes From The Past 20 Years

The 2025 Royal Rumble is less than two weeks away, and fans are excited to see who punches their ticket to WrestleMania 41. For the eighth consecutive year, the event will feature two Rumble matches on its stacked card, a 30-Superstar contest for the men and a 30-Superstar contest for the women.

As more confirmed entrants for this year’s Royal Rumble matches are announced, fans are eager to see who’ll enter the most unpredictable match of the year. Winning the Royal Rumble means earning the right to challenge for a championship of their choosing at WrestleMania and in many instances, a chance to headline the biggest show of the year. Stay updated on every confirmed participant as WWE builds the buzz leading up to this year’s spectacle.

If history is any indication, this year’s Rumble matches will be full of dramatic moments before the final person is eventually eliminated. The Final Four of each year’s Royal Rumble match can often be as exciting as the entrants, and over the years, this late stage in the match has produced some iconic moments in WWE history.

Best Royal Rumble Final Moments
It’s almost time to RUMBLE!

Adding to the pre-Rumble excitement, WWE has released a new playlist on its YouTube channel highlighting, “Every Royal Rumble Match Ending of the Last 20 Years.”

As we head into the final stretch of the Road to the Royal Rumble, SEScoops will keep you informed on every twist, turn, and update. Make sure to bookmark us and stay tuned for breaking news, match previews, and in-depth analysis on the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble.

WWE Royal Rumble Winners

Here are the Royal Rumble winners from 2024 to 2005, and the people they eliminated.

  • 2024: Cody Rhodes eliminated CM Punk to win the Men’s Rumble, while Bayley eliminated Liv Morgan to win the Women’s Rumble
  • 2023: Cody Rhodes eliminated Gunther to win the Men’s Rumble, while Rhea Ripley eliminated Liv Morgan to win the Women’s Rumble
  • 2022: Brock Lesnar eliminated Drew McIntyre to win the Men’s Rumble, while Ronda Rousey eliminated Charlotte Flair to win the Women’s Rumble
  • 2021: Edge eliminated Randy Orton from the #1 position to win the Men’s Rumble, while Bianca Belair eliminated Rhea Ripley to win the Women’s Rumble
  • 2020: Drew McIntyre eliminated Roman Reigns to win the Men’s Rumble, while Charlotte Flair eliminated Shayna Baszler to win the Women’s Rumble
  • 2019: Seth Rollins eliminated Braun Strowman to win the Men’s Rumble, while Becky Lynch eliminated Charlotte Flair to win the Women’s Rumble
  • 2018: Shinsuke Nakamura eliminated Roman Reigns to win the Men’s Rumble, while Asuka eliminated Nikki Bella to win the first-ever Women’s Rumble
  • 2017: Randy Orton eliminated Roman Reigns to win the Royal Rumble
  • 2016: Triple H eliminated Dean Ambrose to capture the Royal Rumble and WWE Championship
  • 2015: Roman Reigns eliminated Rusev to claim the Royal Rumble victory
  • 2014: Batista eliminated Roman Reigns to emerge victorious in the Royal Rumble
  • 2013: John Cena eliminated Ryback to win the Royal Rumble match
  • 2012: Sheamus eliminated Chris Jericho to secure the Royal Rumble victory
  • 2011: Alberto Del Rio eliminated Santino Marella to win the 40-man Royal Rumble
  • 2010: Edge eliminated John Cena to triumph in the Royal Rumble
  • 2009: Randy Orton eliminated Triple H to win the Royal Rumble match
  • 2008: John Cena eliminated Triple H to claim the Royal Rumble victory
  • 2007: The Undertaker eliminated Shawn Michaels to win the Royal Rumble
  • 2006: Rey Mysterio eliminated Randy Orton to capture the Royal Rumble
  • 2005: Batista eliminated John Cena to emerge victorious in the Royal Rumble

Every WWE Royal Rumble Winner: Where Are They Now?

Brett Lauderdale Reacts To PCO Destroying TNA Title At His Show

Anutosh Bajpai
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Brett Lauderdale Reacts To PCO Destroying TNA Title At His Show

GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale is unsure of what to make of the PCO incident.

The 57-year-old wrestling veteran made headlines over the weekend with his appearance at the People vs. GCW event. PCO who was the reigning TNA Digital Media champion brought the belt with him at the show and destroyed it in front of the public using a sledgehammer. At first, people thought that it was part of a storyline but multiple reports since then have claimed that TNA officials had no knowledge of it beforehand.

Lauderdale talked about the incident on the Game Changer Weekly podcast and mentioned that PCO is a longtime friend of his who he has a lot of respect for. Discussing his knowledge of the incident in question, he claimed that he was under the impression of the whole thing being a work:

“What happened and what I thought was gonna happen were slightly two different things, and I thought we were kind of doing him a favor by letting him advance a storyline and returning to GCW at the same time, so I only kind of realized that it was more than that after the fact when I started reading reports that he may or may not have done that on his own.”

I Think There Is A Storyline Going On: Brett Lauderdale

PCO was one of the many names who had his TNA deal expire at the end of last year and per reports, he was supposed to finish up with the company at their next taping. After the incident, however, TNA has removed both PCO and the Digital media title from their website, and the former WCW star is not expected to be brought back for any more shows.

Though despite these claims, Brett Lauderdale is not entirely sure of the legitimacy of the whole thing and he still believes that it could be a work:

“No. I know a lot of the people at TNA, so I feel like I would have been contacted if there was any major issue that would have been on us or if they had questions about it.

That’s why I think maybe there is still a storyline going on with it because I feel like maybe if there wasn’t, after the fact, they would have said, ‘Hey, what happened?’

TNA is set to follow up the January 19 Genesis PPV with a live Impact taping from San Antonio, TX this Thursday, January 23. Whether or not the whole thing is really a work should become clearer after this show.

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