Drew McIntyre is happy to have more places in wrestling where talents can make a living.
The Scottish Warrior returned to WWE during the December 2 Raw after going on a hiatus following the October 5 Hell In A Cell PPV. McIntyre has referred to the sacrifices he has made for his wrestling career in the promos he has cut since his return.
The former WWE Champion was asked for his thoughts on AEW during a recent TikTok live workout session. Drew McIntyre revealed that he spent his time off catching up on various wrestling promotions other than WWE.
“I’m happy to watch all wrestling, especially when I’m off. When I was out that three months, when one person called me the entire time I was out, that’s the time for me to catch up on everything. IMPACT, AEW, New Japan, the independents.”
So Many People Making Full Time Living: Drew McIntyre
When Drew McIntyre was released from his WWE contract following the 3MB stint in 2014, he had to rebuild himself from scratch. Starting off in IWC in Scotland, the wrestling veteran slowly re-established himself as a serious performer on smaller stages before getting a big break again.
The WWE star referenced this period of his career while discussing AEW and how it has provided a second chance to a lot of people that he didn’t get in 2014. He said that it’s great to see so many of his friends getting to make a full time living in other companies:
“I’m happy to see so many people I’m friends with making a full-time living. That wasn’t the case when I was fired in 2014 and reinvented what it meant to be a professional wrestler, using social media as I still do to this day at the top level.
It’s been going since 2014. To rebrand myself, to see how much the industry grew in those three years, and it led to so many places and so many people making a full-time living. It’s awesome.”
Drew McIntyre has reignited his feud with The OG Bloodline since returning to TV. After defeating Sami Zayn at Saturday Night’s Main Event, McIntyre proclaimed that there were ‘4 more’ opponents to go.
As AEW approaches the new year, they will be getting back one of its top stars who has been absent from television.
Adam Copeland has been sidelined for several months with a broken leg, sustained during a daring dive off a steel cage at Double or Nothing. During his recovery, Copeland worked on a film project and was medically cleared to return to action several weeks ago.
During Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) announced their plans to confront the Death Riders on the January 1, 2025, edition of Dynamite. This episode will be taking place in FTR’s hometown of Asheville, North Carolina.
FTR has a score to settle after being attacked by the Death Riders on the December 14 episode of Collision. While the duo will be medically cleared to wrestle at Fight for the Fallen, they hinted that they wouldn’t be coming to the January 1 showdown alone.
This has led to speculation Copeland may join them due to his alliance with the tag team and him living in the area. According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, Copeland’s return is expected imminently.
Fans are buzzing about the possibility of Copeland teaming with FTR, especially in their shared hometown, which would undoubtedly make for an unforgettable moment in AEW history.
Kenny Omega is inching closer to his return to AEW television, as hinted at during Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite. A new hype video aired, teasing Omega’s comeback, with commentator Excalibur stating, “We hope to see him back in AEW very soon.”
Omega has not wrestled since December 2023, following a diagnosis of diverticulitis and subsequent surgery. His in-ring return is confirmed for Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, where he will face Gabe Kidd. According to Fightful Select, the match was approved by AEW CEO Tony Khan, who viewed it as a goodwill gesture to strengthen the company’s relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
There had been some internal discussion about Omega making his AEW return at Full Gear. However, sources claim that no concrete plans were ever set for the event. Reports now suggest that Omega is likely to make an appearance in AEW before traveling to Japan, possibly as soon as the World’s End pay-per-view on December 28. While his exact role remains unclear, there is optimism within AEW about his impending involvement.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Omega’s return, both for his match at Wrestle Dynasty and his eventual return to AEW, which promises to be a major moment for the promotion.
This week’s ROH Final Battle will mark Billie Starkz’s second consecutive challenge against Athena, following her narrow defeat in last year’s main event. In an interview with SEScoops‘ Ella Jay, Starkz reflected on her growth since her previous encounter with the Forever Champion.
“Genuinely just being able to be in the AEW environment. Being around all these women and learning over the last year, I feel like I’ve grown as a competitor. I’m 10 times the monster that I was at the last Final Battle.”
Before their rivalry intensified, Athena served as a mentor to Starkz during their time in ROH. However, the champion’s mistreatment of her “minion” ultimately ended their partnership. While Starkz is determined to dethrone Athena this week, she acknowledged the champion’s influence on her career.
“She’s a great mentor. She’s one of the smartest brains in wrestling and she’s been doing this for over a decade. I feel like Athena is willing to help out women’s wrestling but in the most narcissistic way.”
Athena’s self-assuredness is not without merit. Since capturing the ROH Women’s World Title in December 2022, she has defended it 25 times against competitors such as Starkz, Marina Shafir, and Willow Nightingale. Athena not only holds the record for the longest reign as ROH Women’s Champion but also the longest reign of any ROH Champion in history, regardless of sex.
ROH Final Battle 2024 will take place on December 20, from the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from the show, and whether Starkz can do what no woman has been able to when stepping in the ring with Athena.
WWE’s resident Final Boss, The Rock, did not hold back when preparing for his much-anticipated return to the ring at this year’s WrestleMania. On Night One, The Rock competed in his first full-length match in over a decade, while Night Two saw him make a high-profile appearance in the main event between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.
In an interview with PEOPLE, the Brahma Bull reflected on the grueling preparation required to get back into peak ring-shape.
“It’s incredibly hard. The training becomes really extensive, and the training camp becomes extensive. I went [to] training camp for WrestleMania, which was about an eight- to nine-week training camp.”
Despite the intensity, the Hollywood A-Lister successfully powered through the rigorous training. Along the way, he had support from the NXT trio Gallus, who ensured his in-ring performance met fans’ high expectations.
Appreciate all the effort, ideas and hard work boys. Til next time. Keep kicking ass and see ya down the road. – Final Boss
The WWE Universe last saw The Rock during his surprise cameo at WWE Bad Blood, where he reignited his feud with Cody Rhodes. Speculation has since swirled about a potential appearance when WWE Raw debuts on Netflix, though no confirmation has been made.
With his WrestleMania comeback deemed a success, fans are already looking forward to seeing The Rock back in action in 2025, with a role at WrestleMania 41 looking increasingly likely. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on The Rock, who is holding nothing back to ensure he’s at his very best in the ring.
Dominik Mysterio didn’t hold back his thoughts on CM Punk’s in-ring performance after their match at a WWE live event on December 26, 2023. This marked Punk’s first WWE match since the Royal Rumble in 2014, a significant moment for wrestling fans. Despite the historic nature of the bout, Mysterio seemed unimpressed by Punk’s approach in the ring, taking aim at the wrestling icon’s repertoire of moves—a term that has become a meme in recent weeks.
Speaking on No Contest Wrestling with O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson, Dominik offered a sharp critique:
“I had the great dishonor of welcoming Punk back after ten long years. It was everything I expected it to be—just an old man trying to do his thing. Thinks he’s still got it. He went out there in some plain black underwear. Didn’t even have his gear. It was definitely a sight to see.”
– Dominik Mysterio
He went on to reflect on their shared history, referencing Punk’s feud with Rey Mysterio and a moment when Punk sang Happy Birthday to Dominik’s sister:
“I’m sure he remembers. He cornered my whole family back when he had that shitty long black hair. Now that I’m my own man, I’d love to get my hands on him again. I’ve seen what he can do—it’s nothing special. I know his moveset.”
– Dominik Mysterio
The term moveset has become a running joke in wrestling circles, spurred on by CM Punk’s recent dig at AEW rival Hangman Page’s use of the word. Punk mocked the term last week, leading to widespread commentary from wrestlers and fans alike. Mysterio’s jab is the latest in the ongoing meme-driven discourse surrounding Punk’s wrestling style.
Punk’s return to WWE has been a hot topic since his surprise appearance at Survivor Series 2023. While his match with Mysterio rekindled nostalgia for some, Dominik’s comments suggest not everyone is convinced of Punk’s current capabilities.
Punk’s next match is set for January 6, 2024, where he will face Seth Rollins during the WWE Raw on Netflix premiere. Fans eagerly await whether Punk can silence his critics or if the chatter about his moveset will persist.
Conor McGregor is feeling immensely confidence as he continuues to tease a potential showdown with Logan Paul, promising not just a win but a knockout of the “novice.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), McGregor showcased his trademark bravado to hype up the possible fight.
TKO Group! UFC vs WWE. There is levels to this, a big sloppy novice is going to find out! TKO KING TITLE ? #BiggestGenerator#KingofNumbers#Streams#PPV I hold every record and I am coming back to KO this novice and rack in more numbers for the company. #StockMarketIndia…
Earlier this week, McGregor revealed discussions with the wealthy Ambani family about hosting a boxing exhibition in India against WWE’s resident “Maverick.” The MMA star has been out of competition since 2021, with a planned return to the octagon earlier this year canceled due to a broken toe. Meanwhile, Logan Paul recently suffered a defeat to LA Knight at SummerSlam 2024 in his most recent WWE appearance.
A Paul vs. McGregor bout would undoubtedly draw massive attention, but it could also spark controversy given both competitors’ histories. McGregor was recently found liable in a civil rape case involving Nikita Hand, resulting in a $250,000 payout to the victim, though the fighter intends to appeal. Paul has faced his share of scandals as well, both prior to and during his WWE tenure.
Paul has kept quiet about McGregor’s request for a match, but recently shared a screennshot of McGregor’s tweet with the ‘eyes’ emoji. The Prime viral sensation is at least entertaining McGregor’s trash talk, because he knows the value of keeping his name out there even if this never gets past the hype stage.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on the hypothetical Conor McGregor vs. Logan Paul fight, a possible collision between two of the biggest names in combat sports and entertainment.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) have announced a new media rights agreement that will make AEW’s programming available across more platforms. Beginning January 1, 2025, AEW content will expand to include streaming on the Max platform in addition to traditional TV broadcasts.
Key Highlights of the New Agreement
Continued Broadcasts on TBS and TNT
AEW Dynamite will remain on Wednesdays on TBS, while AEW Collision stays on Saturdays on TNT.
Streaming on Max
U.S. subscribers of Max will, for the first time, have the option to stream Dynamite and Collision live, with episodes available on-demand after their initial broadcast.
Content Library Expansion
Max will add AEW’s content library, including episodes of Dynamite, Collision, Rampage, and pay-per-view events from 2019 through 2024. The rollout will include highlights such as Dynamite’s inaugural year and the most recent two months of programming.
Special New Year’s Events to Launch the Partnership
AEW Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen: Premiering on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, this special event will air live on TBS and Max from Asheville, NC. Proceeds will support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the region.
AEW Collision: The first Saturday broadcast under the new deal will air live on January 4, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET from Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC, on TNT and Max.
Pay-Per-View Integration on Max
Starting later in 2025, AEW pay-per-view events will also become available on Max. Additional details, including pricing, will be announced closer to the launch.
This agreement is a significant move to increase AEW’s accessibility and integrate its content into Max’s slate of live sports and entertainment programming.
Magnum TA feels it’s been a long time coming for his stepdaughter, Tessa Blanchard to make her return to a premier American wrestling product like TNA.
On the upcoming episode of “Straight Talk With The Boss: Magnum TA & Greg Gagne” I asked Magnum what he thinks of Tessa’s return to American wrestling, something she’s been unofficially blacklisted from following allegations made against her regarding an altercation between her and La Rosa Negra. Negra and her have long since mended fences and Magnum talks about that in addition to her return.
“To be on a program and have an impact when you get that chance is a very special thing for us in the wrestling industry and Tessa had an opportunity and I mean not only hit a home run, but She hit a grand slam. Perfect interview after, the whole deal, set the tone.
So many people have been running their mouths for so many years now and ignorance is a motivator for a lot people to say a lot of things when they don’t know the whole story.”
TA commented how Tessa trail-blazed the wrestling industry in TNA by becoming the first woman to ever win a men’s World Championship.
“She’s there to take no prisoners. It’s gonna be good.”
Magnum added that the ratings have been impressive for TNA and it should put NXT and AEW on notice. A great credit to that is the Knockouts division. Magnum noted how big of an influence Gail Kim, Tommy Dreamer and Anthem overall has been in making the product grow.
The new episode will drop at 6:05 PM ET on Four Horsemen Network and wherever you get your podcasts by searching “Four Horsemen Network” which includes new episodes of Arn Anderson.
Tito Santana has opened up about the mistreatment of stars under the old WWE regime.
The WWE Hall of Famer recently had an interview with VOC Nation’s Wrestling with History podcast. He discussed things such as signing a new legends deal with the company, appearing at Saturday Night’s Main Event and more.
Discussing how the old management treated its stars, Santana claimed that they were not very nice. He noted how a lot of talents from their time went broke because of poor financial management:
“They weren’t very nice (to us). I’m doing ok, thank God. I had another career, and I didn’t blow my money away. But so many of my friends, you know, were just left in the dust… I gave Vince my notice – not too many people give Vince their notice – I gave Vince my notice in ’93.”
Tito Santana had three different runs with WWF through his active years. The longest of the three runs lasted from 1983 to 1993. During this time, he became the first Mexican American wrestler to win the Intercontinental Championship.
The wrestling veteran also wrestled in the opening match at the very first WrestleMania from MSG in 1985 where he defeated The Executioner.
Speaking about his time in the company, the 71 year old claimed that the officials should have paid them a lot more than what they got:
“Should Vince have done a lot more with Tito Santana? I feel like, yeah. But I could have also done a lot worse without Vince McMahon. I appreciate everything he did. I was there longer than anyone else…
I got there before Hulk in 1983, and I was there when he left…Him and I were the only ones that were there for Wrestlemania one through nine…I think we should have gotten paid more than what we did, especially for our merchandise.
This new company is paying us more than what the WWF was paying us. They could have taken (better) care of the boys, but I don’t really hold any grudges.”
Santana also revealed that the new WWE management had tried to bring him in for appearances on multiple occasions in the past but he had declined the offer.
While this year’s Survivor Series War Games match was, on its surface, a battle between two different versions of The Bloodline, the last minute addition of CM Punk to the team captained by Roman Reigns reframed the narrative. The story largely came down to Punk and Reigns as uneasy partners, bound by being two of the most successful Paul Heyman Guys.
The unlikely duo did wind up successfully coexisting, but it nonetheless returned a spotlight to the concept of Paul Heyman Guys and who among the celebrated cast of elite stars The Wise Man has helped along the way really is the best. We’ll never have a definitive answer, but it is interesting to compare the top contenders.
Bully Ray
Bully Ray is probably the most surprising act to appear on a list of the most successful Paul Heyman Guys, but when one stops to think about it, it’s both pretty remarkable what the former Bubba Ray Dudley has accomplished and how unlikely his story was had Heyman not put him in a position to succeed.
Though Bully Ray never had a main event singles run in ECW, he was nonetheless one of the promotion’s top stars, a heatseeking missile who drew nuclear reactions from the live crowds. Moreover, the opportunities afforded to him in ECW laid the foundation for his legendary run with D-Von Dudley as one of the greatest tag teams of all time, across ECW, WWE, TNA, and elsewhere.
It was in TNA where Bully Ray realized his full potential, booked as the leader of the Aces and Eights faction, world champion, and the definitive top heel in the promotion for the better part of the year. While he never broke out in WWE, this run proved what he had inside of him as a talker, worker, and wrestling mind, making good on everything Heyman had seen in him from back in their days in Philly together.
CM Punk
CM Punk was an indie darling but ran into a brick wall after signing with WWE. Upper management didn’t see a lot in him, but Paul Heyman did.
Heyman’s role running developmental at that point set him up to work closely with an eager Punk who sat under Heyman’s learning tree while further honing his craft. Against the odds, The Straight Edge Superstar did rise to prominence on the main roster in time. He did some of his best work as a long-reigning WWE Champion, with Heyman serving as his Advocate. Though Punk never needed a mouthpiece, Heyman certainly added to his presentation.
Punk’s resume since first collaborating with Heyman speaks for itself. He is, to date, a two-time WWE Champion, three-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, WWE ECW Champion, rare two-time WWE Money in the Bank winner, and two-time AEW Champion. It’s a record that places him among wrestling’s most accomplished stars of his generation.
Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns was Vince McMahon’s final hand-picked face of WWE, but it wasn’t until Reigns dropped the white meat babyface persona The Chairman had saddled him with and turned heel alongside Paul Heyman that he broached God Mode.
His positioning as the top babyface placed Reigns as a regular rival to Brock Lesnar, which gave him his first opportunities to collaborate with Heyman. Things went to an entirely new level when Heyman and Reigns formalized their partnership though, with the duo collaborating closely behind the scenes just as Heyman played The Wise Man on screen for Reigns and his Bloodline faction.
Since partnering with Heyman, Reigns enjoyed a historic three and half year reign as WWE Champion that cemented his place as the face of the company and probably the tip-top star of his generation. That’s not to mention that Reigns just won his second Survivor Series War Games main event and the smart money has more world title glory, WrestleMania main events, and other elite accolades in front of him.
Brock Lesnar
(via WWE)
Brock Lesnar was an exceptional amateur wrestler and one of the few talents to succeed at the highest levels of pro wrestling and MMA alike. While The Beast’s real life combat credentials have little to do with Paul Heyman, his WWE journey was largely molded by his relationship with his advocate.
The generally accepted story is that most of the people advising Lesnar early in his career encouraged him to work like a standard big man who worked a slow pace, hit power moves, and never left his feet. Heyman saw bigger things in taking advantage of Lesnar’s natural speed and agility to lead to The Next Big Thing he’d become. Add in Heyman as a necessary mouthpiece and Lesnar became one of the biggest stars WWE has ever seen.
Stone Cold Steve Austin
The year was 1995 and nobody believed in Steve Austin. Austin had been let go from WCW out of a combination of his attitude issues and injuries, combined with a new focus on established imports from WWE. As for WWE, while they would end up signing Austin, it was for the explicit purpose of being a mechanic who could put over stars they were actually invested in in good technical matches.
It was Heyman who put a live mic in Austin’s hands and, in so doing, paved the way the way for the Texas Rattlesnake fans would come to know and love as Stone Cold Steve Austin. Like he did for many others, Heyman gave Stone Cold an opportunity to experiment and spotlight his strengths. Yes, Heyman would also manage Austin in WCW for a spell, and back him up as part of The Alliance in 2001, but it was Austin’s ECW run that permanently branded him as a Paul Heyman guy, and he went on to some of the most explosively successful years in pro wrestling history.
CM Punk shocked the world when he returned to WWE, a promotion that the Best In The World never wanted to leave in the first place. Speaking at this week’s Raw on Netflix event, Punk addressed his comeback at last year’s Survivor Series: WarGames.
“I never honestly wanted to leave, but you know, stuff happens. This [being back in WWE] has been a dream come true for me.”
Punk infamously walked out of WWE in January 2014, and has chalked up his decision to a number of factors. Not only did the former World Champion feel burned out, but a misdiagonsed staph infection, mixed with inadequate time to heal, led to his decision.
Punk was handed his termination papers on his wedding day in June of that year, timing that Vince McMahon would later state was an unfortunate coincidence. Now back in WWE under the creative direction of Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Punk is already reasserting himself as a top name in wrestling, and plans to do so for a long time to come.
Ivar of the War Raiders is thrilled to be back in the ring, though lingering effects from his recent injury continue to impact him. Alongside his partner Erik, the duo returned to action in October after significant absences for both men. For Ivar, his time away began in April due to a severe neck issue.
On the Insightpodcast, Ivar provided an update on his recovery, noting significant improvements:
“I’ve got most of my mobility back to my neck. It’s a little stiff now because I have another herniation, but I still have very good range of motion.”
Despite his progress, Ivar acknowledged that some effects of the injury are permanent and will stay with him throughout his life.
“I do have permanent nerve damage and nerve pain in my hands, and that will never go away. That’s something I live with.”
These challenges haven’t stopped Ivar and Erik from reclaiming their spot at the top. On the latest episode of WWE Raw, the War Raiders captured the World Tag Team Championships with an assist from Damian Priest. The victory ended the 188-day reign of Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, a run that saw only three televised title defenses.
Ivar’s battle with permanent nerve damage underscores the physical toll professional wrestlers endure to pursue their dreams and entertain fans. Stay tuned to SEScoops for more updates on the War Raiders as they dominate the Raw tag team division.
Variety, the long-running magazine covering the entertainment industry, named All-Elite Wrestling owner Tony Khan and several members of WWE parent company TKO, including Nick Khan to its “Dealmakers 2024” in an article published on the magazine’s website on Wednesday.
Khan, AEW and the TKO board were one of the few non-agency or law firms named to the Dealmakers list this year, which included Audible and several lobbying and entertainment law firms.
Tony Khan was credited with AEW’s new three-year deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, five years after the company aired its first show on WBD television.
In October, five years to the week after Khan launched professional wrestling promotion AEW as a direct competitor to Vince McMahon’s long-dominant WWE, he closed a multi-year media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, worth a reported $185 million a year, that calls for AEW’s shows and events to be broadcast on TBS and TNT and stream on Max. The company is now valued at more than $2 billion, making it the third-most-valuable combat sports company in the world.
Ain’t bragging if it’s true: “Our new arrangement signifies that AEW will make history as the first professional wrestling promotion to simulcast events weekly on top cable channels and a top streaming platform,” says Khan.
The article called 2024 a year where “deals weren’t as plentiful or as rich, but necessity being the mother of invention, often more innovative.”
Longtime World Wrestling Entertainment executive and president Nick Khan, along with fellow TKO executives Ariel Emanuel, Mark Shapiro and Andrew Schleimer, were also named. Variety cited the Endeavor’s 2023 acquisition of WWE and WWE’s deal with Netflix.
Last year, Endeavor merged Ultimate Fighting Championship with World Wrestling Entertainment under the TKO Group Holdings banner. In January 2024, TKO’s leadership quadrumvirate closed a $5.2 billion, 10-year deal to make Netflix the exclusive home of WWE’s flagship show “Raw” in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Latin America and other territories beginning in January 2025. As part of the pact, Netflix will be the home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S. from that date forward, giving roughly 80% of international territories immediate access to 100% its content, with the rest of the globe filling out their WWE lineups as outstanding deals expire.
“While the money is extraordinarily important, the downstream impact and ancillary benefits to being with the distributor and just south of 300 million homes globally was something that got us very excited,” says Schleimer.
Other members of the list included:
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld, the second-largest lobbying firm in the U.S.
Alter Kendrick and Baron, music lawyers who closed $1 billion in publishing and mater recording acquisitions in 2024.
Audible’s executive team
Perry, Plashuk, Lefebvre and Hill of Covington and Burling, law firm specializing in entertainment acquisitions
David Wright Tremaine, litigation law firm now advising on major entertainment projects
Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb and Dang, entertainment law firm
Nina Shaw of Del Shaw Moonves Tnaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb and Dang
DLA Piper, Hollywood legal firm
Francisco Arias of Fifth Season
Fox Rotschild, lawyers and talent reps
The magazine credited those on the list for maneuvering the economic ups and downs of the streaming bubble, COVID-19 and inflation, as well as strikes by the writers and actors unions.
Both in WWE and AEW, the trio of MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin have been a dominant force, first as the Hurt Business and now as the Hurt Syndicate. Now, Shelton Benjamin has compared the faction to another dominant group in entertainment: Marvel’s The Avengers.
On the AEW Unrestricted podcast, Benjamin made his comparison to the superhero group, which includes Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer.
“MVP is clearly Tony Stark, I would like to say I’m somewhere between Thor and Captain America, but Bobby is clearly The Hulk [laughs]. That is the dynamic that I like.”
In both movies and comics, The Avengers boasts a large roster, and the Hurt Syndicate could soon be adding names to its ranks. Shortly after MVP’s arrival in AEW, he handed business cards to Mercedes Mone and The Acclaimed’s Max Caster, though neither have officially joined yet.
Much like The Avengers, which features an ever-expanding roster in movies and comics, the Hurt Syndicate appears poised to grow its ranks. Shortly after MVP’s arrival in AEW, he handed business cards to Mercedes Moné and The Acclaimed’s Max Caster. However, neither has officially joined the faction—at least not yet.
Recently, Ricochet hinted at aligning with the group, even teasing a heel turn during last week’s Dynamite. On this week’s episode, Ricochet’s attempt to ingratiate himself with the faction backfired when the business card previously handed to him by MVP was torn up. Despite this rejection, MVP and his allies left “The One and Only” unharmed, teasing that Ricochet’s hopes of becoming a member may not be entirely dashed.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on the Hurt Syndicate and their evolving recruitment efforts.
ROH Women’s Champion Athena believes her upcoming match with Billie Starkz is going to close the ROH Final Battle 2024 PPV from Hammerstein Ballroom.
The two female stars have been involved in a long-running feud. The upcoming event will bring their storyline to a full circle as the Forever Champion first won her title at the same PPV in 2022. She also defended the championship against Starkz at the 2023 edition of the show.
Despite Chris Jericho defending the ROH Championship against Matt Cardona at the event, many fans believe that the female competitors have earned the right to headline the night.
Athena addressed the topic in a new interview with Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture. She claimed that her and Starkz will become the first female competitor for ROH to main event the legendary arena:
“I think we are going to be, me and minion 4,237 and 3 quarters or whatever she wants to be referred to now, I don’t really care, but we will be the first women to main event in Hammerstein as far as I know, as far as Ring Of Honor goes anyway. That could be a really cool moment, another history on the belt there.”
Tony Khan was also asked about the same during the Final Battle media call but the ROH owner only said that the show will have a ‘double main event.’
Apart from these two bouts, the upcoming ROH show will feature matches such as Jay Lethal vs. Q. T. Marshall, and The Sons of Texas vs. The Righteous. You can check out our predictions for the show here.
AEW’s MJF cemented his place on the naughty list during the “Holiday Bash” edition of Dynamite with sharp comments about Santa Claus. Sporting Hanukkah-themed attire, MJF made his entrance at Washington’s Entertainment and Sports Arena, wasting no time in dismissing the local crowd—and the Washington Wizards.
While declaring he’s no Scrooge, MJF said this was the most wonderful time of the year because Hanukkah is approaching. For those who don’t celebrate, he added that Santa isn’t real and unapologetically doubled down. The crowd responded with chants for Kris Kringle.
Switching gears back to wrestling, MJF mocked Adam Cole, referring to him as a “starving, freakishly small child.” Promoting AEW’s World’s End pay-per-view, MJF shared a QR code for ticket purchases, sarcastically vowing that proceeds would help “put Cole out of his misery.”
Despite MJF’s taunts, Adam Cole managed to get the upper hand. Appearing on the titantron, Cole revealed he had spoken to Tony Khan and would settle their feud at World’s End. To drive his point home, Cole ambushed MJF with a surprise superkick in the ring. Though the Salt of the Earth escaped before Cole could deliver the Panama Sunrise, the message was clear.
Dave Bautista’s transition from WWE heavyweight to Hollywood powerhouse has been nothing short of extraordinary. After a series of low-profile films, Bautista’s breakout role came with Marvel in 2014, and now the Animal is part of several high-budget franchises. In addition to his on-screen work, Bautista has his own production company, Dogbone Entertainment, which has reached a major deal.
As first reported by Deadline, Bautista and Dogbone Entertainment have aligned with WME (William Morris Endeavor,) a noteworthy development considering that WME is the primary owner of TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company. This strategic move marks another significant milestone in his impressive career as the Animal continues to succeed both on and off camera.
Dogbone Entertainment, a full-service production company, focuses on creating captivating content for both film and television. Its projects emphasizes action-packed narratives with heart, sharp comedies, and compelling dramas that inspire meaningful conversations. Notable projects under Dogbone’s belt include My Spy: The Eternal City for Amazon, The Killer’s Game for Lionsgate, and In the Lost Lands.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Dave Bautista as the wrestling legend continues to be a force to be reckoned with in entertainment outside of the squared circle.
The company presented a special kickoff event for their upcoming streaming debut at the WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. The event featured a number of big names including Triple H, Rhea Ripley, Kevin Owens, Paul Heyman and more.
During a segment on the show, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce took the mic to introduce the newest member of his roster and out came none other than Logan Paul.
The YouTube star went on to cut a promo about being the best athlete present in the building and referenced Conor McGregor’s remarks about a potential match in India.
Paul also sent a message to the WWE roster saying ‘If you have something I want, I’m gonna take it.’ He ended the segment claiming that he’s a future World Champion.
The promo got an instant response from the defending World Champion of the Red Brand, Gunther during his own segment on the show.
The Ring General made it clear that Logan will have to earn his shot at the title and if he ever does so, the World Champ will “smack the stupid smirk off his face.”
Apart from this, WWE made a number of big announcements for Raw’s January 6 Netflix debut including the confirmation of a highly anticipated match as the main event. You can check out more about it here.
This week, The New York Times reported that Lee Fitting, WWE’s Head of Media and Production, created a hostile work environment for women during his lengthy tenure with ESPN. Among his alleged actions, Fitting reportedly asked for the hotel room numbers of female staff and on at least one occasion, encouraged a staff member to sit on his lap.
In light of the report from The Athletic, representatives for Janel Grant issued the following statement:
Janel Grant’s Spokesperson Responds to New Allegations of Top WWE Producer’s Abusive Workplace History
WWE continues to cultivate an unsafe work environment by employing alleged predators and silencing survivors of harassment and workplace misconduct
NEW YORK – Today, Kendra Barkoff-Lamy, the spokesperson for Janel Grant, released the following statement on The Athletic’s new reporting of decades of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment by Lee Fitting, former ESPN Senior Vice President of Production and current WWE Head of Media & Production.
“How can WWE claim they are committed to improving the company’s culture, and at the same time, hire a man earlier this year who was accused of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment in his previous role? The allegations against Lee Fitting during his time at ESPN are extremely concerning. Revelations like this are why Janel Grant’s lawyers sent a letter to WWE and Endeavor, urging them to release all current and former employees from their NDAs. The same old boys club who enabled Janel Grant’s abuse are continuing to put alleged predators in leadership roles, and this pattern must change once and for all.”
In October, attorneys for Ms. Grant sent a letter to WWE President Nick Khan, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, and Endeavor (WWE’s parent company) CEO Ari Emanuel calling on WWE leadership to waive the company’s non-disclosure agreements and allow former and current employees, wrestlers and contractors to speak out about sexual misconduct, sexual assault, harassment, workplace aggression and the toxic culture at WWE. To date, there has been no response from WWE or Endeavor to the letter.
The full letter is available HERE
Grant alleges that Vince McMahon sexually abused and trafficked her during her time with WWE and that the company was complicit with the actions of the former Chairman. The case was recently unpaused while a federal investigation into McMahon is ongoing. A WWE spokesperson told the Times that they had no comment on the allegations against Fitting.
The WWE Raw on Netflix Kickoff Event, held at WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, featured several major announcements that have left fans buzzing about the future of WWE on Netflix:
Main Event Announced:
CM Punk and Seth Rollins will headline Raw’s Netflix debut on January 6, 2025. The two rivals had yet another heated confrontation during the event, culminating in a face-to-face standoff that had to be broken up by Triple H.
Women’s World Championship Match:
Liv Morgan will defend her Women’s World Championship against Rhea Ripley on the highly anticipated Netflix premiere episode.
Triple H’s Vision:
Triple H addressed the audience, declaring that the “Triple H Era” is dedicated to the fans. He promised that WWE’s move to Netflix would elevate the company to unprecedented heights, especially as the road to WrestleMania begins.
Commentary Team Update:
Michael Cole announced that Pat McAfee will join him on commentary for Raw’s debut on Netflix, adding to the excitement of this new chapter for WWE.
The Bloodline Appearance:
Members of The Bloodline, including Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga, made an appearance. A highlight of the event was Fatu presenting Sikoa with the Ula Fala, a symbol of their heritage and unity.
Gunther and Logan Paul Exchange Words:
World Heavyweight Champion Gunther addressed Logan Paul’s recent championship aspirations, boldly stating that if Paul ever earns a title shot, he would “smack the stupid smirk off his face.”
The event, streamed live on YouTube from WWE Headquarters, included appearances from numerous WWE Superstars and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting new era for WWE on Netflix.
Kenny Omega is set to make his highly anticipated return to in-ring action. The former AEW World Champion, who has been absent from wrestling since December 2023 due to a diverticulitis diagnosis and subsequent surgery, will step back into the ring at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, where he is scheduled to face Gabe Kidd.
Despite the excitement surrounding Omega’s return, some fans have voiced their disappointment that his first match back is with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) rather than AEW. With AEW currently facing challenges in maintaining fan interest, many believe Omega’s return could have been a significant boost for the promotion. As one of AEW’s top stars, Omega’s presence could attract much-needed attention and potentially reinvigorate AEW’s business.
Addressing these concerns, Omega has stated that he doesn’t feel AEW “needs him right now” and is unwilling to take opportunities away from other talent who have been actively contributing to the roster during his absence.
During this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, a new hype video teased Omega’s return to AEW. Commentator Excalibur added to the anticipation, stating, “We hope to see him back in AEW very soon.” Fans can watch the video below.
Recent reports suggesting that WWE’s iconic former headquarters has been sold are inaccurate. It was actually WWE’s old production studio located at 120 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford, that recently changed hands—not the legendary Titan Towers at 1241 E. Main Street.
Setting the Record Straight
The source of confusion appears to stem from WWE’s sale of their production studio to V20 Group, a Darien-based developer, for approximately $7.5 million. This studio, distinct from Titan Towers, spans 33,000 square feet and sits on a three-acre lot.
Meanwhile, Titan Towers, WWE’s former home base, remains under ownership ownership. Built in 1981, building boasts over 90,000 square feet of space, including 300 parking spots, and was valued at approximately $18 million in 2023. Located at 1241 E. Main Street, the iconic building has been listed for sale since May 15, 2024 but has yet to find a buyer.
A New Era for WWE Operations
New WWE Headquarters at 1241 E. Main Street in downtown Stamford, CT (Google Earth)
WWE has already moved its operations to a state-of-the-art headquarters at 677-707 Washington Blvd in Stamford. This expansive facility features 400,000 square feet of space and accommodates more than 800 employees. The new location also houses “The Studios at WWE,” which replaces the production studio sold earlier this year.
This past Saturday night, Jesse “The Body” Ventura made a triumphant return to WWE as a commentator for Saturday Night’s Main Event. After decades away from the company, Ventura reflected on his experience in a heartfelt post on his Substack. He shared his thoughts on stepping back into the world of wrestling, connecting with the new generation of talent, and his satisfaction with WWE’s new leadership.
Ventura’s return was a nostalgic and meaningful moment for the wrestling legend, who credits his son, Tyrel Ventura, for helping make it happen. “First of all, it was truly an honor to come back home to the WWE,” he wrote. “I have to thank my son, Tyrel, for putting the wheels in motion last summer. It’s been such an incredible feeling to return to the place where my career essentially began or, more accurately, really took off from.”
A New Era in WWE Leadership
In his post, Ventura highlighted the fresh energy he felt backstage, contrasting it with the WWE of his era. “The biggest thing I noticed was how different the energy and vibe is backstage,” he said. “You don’t feel a battle of egos like you often did back in my day. From the executive level to the locker room level, you instead feel a very strong sense of teamwork and creativity.”
He attributed this transformation to the leadership of Paul “Triple H” Levesque and WWE President Nick Khan. Ventura was full of praise for their efforts to foster a collaborative and innovative atmosphere:
“I think Paul, Nick Khan, and the team at WWE are creating a truly incredible and unique environment unlike any I have seen before in the world of wrestling.”
The New Generation
Ventura also enjoyed reconnecting with the wrestling world by mentoring and engaging with the current roster. “I loved being backstage and sharing stories, advice, and laughs with some of this generation’s new talent,” he shared.
His return marks a significant chapter in his relationship with WWE. After being away for years due to his tumultuous history with Vince McMahon, Ventura is clearly delighted with the company’s new direction.
Lee Fitting, WWE’s Head of Media and Production, was reportedly dismissed from ESPN in August 2023 following allegations of workplace misconduct. Fitting, who spent over 25 years with ESPN, is credited with elevating College GameDay into one of the network’s flagship programs. His departure was confirmed in a memo by ESPN executive Norby Williamson. According to reports, security accompanied Fitting out of the building on the day of his termination.
The allegations, detailed by The New York Times, include claims from anonymous former female ESPN employees who accused Fitting of creating a hostile work environment. They allege he objectified women, criticized their physical appearance, and made inappropriate jokes, some of a sexual nature.
In a 2012 meeting, Fitting reportedly commented that a woman (not present) could “open her throat” to down a beer, adding that this implied she’d excel at fellatio.
During a 2014 meeting, he allegedly told a woman without a chair, “I’ve got a seat for you right here,” while gesturing to his lap.
Asking female staffers for their hotel room numbers.
Bragging about his and his wife’s sex life to colleagues.
Dismissing complaints about crude remarks by labeling women as “no fun” or claiming his comments were acceptable as the women were “one of the guys.”
Telling a female talent he wanted her in a ponytail and allegedly saying, “Put your hair up in a ponytail before I do it for you,” after she had already been through hair and makeup.
Criticizing a female staffer’s on-air laugh, saying he found it annoying.
In 2023, a formal complaint to ESPN’s human resources department led to an internal investigation. Shortly thereafter, Fitting was dismissed from the company. One woman involved in the investigation told The New York Times, “It finally caught up to him.” Another remarked, “I can’t believe it took this long.” Fitting has denied some allegations through a spokesperson but declined to address claims of mistreatment or provide reasons for his departure from ESPN.
Fitting joined WWE later in 2023, succeeding Kevin Dunn as head of production. Fans have praised his contributions, particularly the removal of rapid camera cuts that defined Dunn’s 40-year tenure. Despite this acclaim, WWE declined to comment on the allegations against Fitting when approached by The New York Times.
