Excitement is building for the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event, especially after a recent leak revealed the return of the iconic red, white, and blue ring ropes.
This nostalgic design, reminiscent of the classic editions of the Saturday night show, has fans eagerly anticipating what is set to take place tonight.
A tweet from FadeAwayMedia highlighted the staging details, confirming that the red, white, and blue ropes are making a comeback for this event.
This aesthetic choice not only pays homage to the history of wrestling but also enhances the overall visual appeal of the show. Fans have expressed their enthusiasm on social media, reminiscing about the vibrant look that characterized some of the classic shows from the Golden Era.
The set construction for Saturday Night’s Main Event has also been a topic of discussion. Footage from Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum shows elaborate staging that complements the nostalgic ring setup.
The combination of classic ring aesthetics with modern production values is expected to create an engaging atmosphere for both live attendees and viewers at home.
Jade Cargill has been absent from WWE programming in recent weeks following the backstage attack on her on SmackDown. This hiatus has sparked considerable speculation with different sites reporting differing stories regarding her current status.
The On-Screen Incident
Cargill’s absence was initially explained through a storyline on WWE SmackDown, where she was depicted as the victim of a backstage attack.
This angle served to write her off television, with WWE announcing that she had sustained multiple injuries, including deep lumbar paraspinal muscle contusions, a bruised kidney, a sprained MCL in her right knee, a tibial plateau bone bruise, and facial lacerations.
Conflicting Reports on Injury Status
Subsequent reports have offered varying accounts of Cargill’s condition. Some sources within WWE confirmed that she is dealing with legitimate injuries and has been consulting with medical professionals during her time away.
However, other reports suggest that her removal from television may be due to backstage political issues rather than physical ailments.
Current Activities During Hiatus
Adding to these conflicting narratives, PWInsider.com has reported that Cargill is utilizing her time away from WWE programming to engage in outside projects. Additionally, she is currently vacationing in the Bahamas, as confirmed by multiple WWE sources:
“PWInsider.com has been told by several high-up sources that Cargill has been working on some outside projects while written off TV. Several WWE sources confirmed that Cargill is currently vacationing in the Bahamas as well.”
Impact on WWE Programming
Cargill’s absence has necessitated adjustments within WWE’s women’s division. Notably, her tag team partner, Bianca Belair, has continued to compete, and Naomi has stepped in to fill the void left by Cargill’s departure.
The company has yet to make an official announcement regarding the status of the Women’s Tag Team Championships, which Cargill and Belair held prior to her hiatus.
Anticipated Return
As of now, there is no definitive timetable for Jade Cargill’s return to WWE television. The ambiguity surrounding her injury status and the reasons for her absence have left fans eagerly awaiting updates.
Her eventual comeback is highly anticipated, with expectations that she will resume her role as a key player in WWE’s women’s division.
WWE December pay-per-views (PPVs) have a storied yet inconsistent history, often fluctuating between great and lackluster events. This article explores the evolution of WWE’s December PPVs, highlighting key events and discussing what has happened to them over the years.
The Evolution of WWE December PPVs
No Holds Barred
WWE’s first December PPV, No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie, took place in 1989. This unique event was essentially a one-match show that combined wrestling with movie promotion, setting an unusual precedent for future December events. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that December began to feature more traditional wrestling PPVs.
Armageddon
The introduction of Armageddon in 1999 marked a significant shift. This event became known for its chaotic matches, including the infamous six-man Hell in a Cell match in 2000 featuring stars like The Rock and Triple H.
Armageddon set a high standard for future December shows, with its major main events and memorable moments.
Tables, Ladders and Chairs (TLC)
In 2009, WWE introduced the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) event, which further solidified December as a month for high-stakes matches. TLC matches became a staple of WWE’s December offerings, showcasing some of the most daring and memorable moments in recent WWE history.
Notable December PPVs
Several December PPVs stand out due to their impact and quality. Here are some of the most notable:
TLC 2011: This event is often regarded as one of the best December PPVs. It featured a triple threat match for the WWE Championship between CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio, and The Miz. Punk’s victory signified a turning point in WWE’s creative direction and it would lead to his 434 reign as Champion.
Armageddon 2000: Known for its iconic Hell in a Cell match, this event featured six of WWE’s top stars battling it out. The match is still remembered for its brutality and the storytelling involved, making it a fan favorite.
Despite these highlights, many December events have struggled with consistency. For instance, December to Dismember in 2006 is often cited as one of the worst PPVs ever due to poor booking, awful in-ring action and a lack of actual ECW names.
What Happened to WWE December PPVs?
In recent years, WWE has shifted its focus regarding December events. The traditional December PPV has been replaced by special episodes or premium live events that often do not carry the same weight as earlier shows.
For example, while TLC was once a staple event in December, it has not been consistently featured on the yearly calendar since 2020.The decline of standalone December PPVs can probably be attributed to several factors:
Even Bigger Focus on WrestleMania Build-Up
December events have often been seen as mere placeholders leading into the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season. This shift has led to less emphasis on creating compelling stories for December shows.
Increased Frequency of Events
With WWE expanding its schedule to include more premium live events throughout the year, there is less need for significant standalone shows in December. Events like Day 1 or New Year’s Evil have taken precedence over traditional December offerings.
Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) was one of the WWF’s most iconic shows during the 1980s and early 1990s. Packed with thrilling matches, shocking betrayals, and legendary moments, SNME delivered high-stakes drama before Monday Night Raw took over and the company would run a full weekly show. Here are the biggest Saturday Night’s Main Event moments ever, ranked!
5. The Steel Cage Double-Finish (1987)
Hulk Hogan’s title reign was nearly derailed in a steel cage match against Paul Orndorff. Both men escaped the cage simultaneously, leading to a controversial double-finish. After a restart, Hogan secured his victory, keeping his championship reign alive.
4. Mr. Perfect Destroys the WWF Title (1989)
Mr. Perfect cemented himself as a top heel by attacking Hulk Hogan’s pride. After aiding The Genius in defeating Hogan, Perfect snatched the WWF title and smashed it with a hammer. This act of destruction ensured Perfect got Hogan’s attention and ignited a fierce rivalry.
3. Shawn Michaels Wins His First Singles Title (1992)
In a landmark moment for the future “Heartbreak Kid,” Shawn Michaels captured his first singles gold by defeating The British Bulldog for the Intercontinental Championship. Using a brutal strategy that targeted Bulldog’s injured back, Michaels proved he was ready for superstardom.
2. Hulk Hogan Superplexes The Big Boss Man (1989)
Hulk Hogan and The Big Boss Man’s steel cage clash gave fans one of the most jaw-dropping moments. Hogan superplexed the 350-pound Boss Man from the top of the cage — an incredible feat for the time. The visual of two massive bodies crashing to the mat remains one of SNME’s most iconic highlights.
1. The Mega Powers Form (1987)
One of the most unforgettable alliances in wrestling history formed during SNME. Randy Savage was being ambushed by The Honky Tonk Man and The Hart Foundation when Miss Elizabeth sought help from Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster stormed the ring, aiding Savage, and after a tense stare-down, the two shook hands, creating the legendary “Mega Powers” team.
Karrion Kross is finding his groove a facilitator of The Final Testament and the former NXT Champion may have gotten inspiration from legendary actor Chazz Palminteri.
Kross was born and raised right out of Hell’s Kitchen so his roots are well-embedded in the lifestyle of New York City and it had to be a big-time pleasure for the WWE Superstar when he got to meet Palminteri. Palminteri is also Big Apple-born and he may be best known for his role as a local Bronx boss Sonny in the Robert DeNiro directed “A Bronx Tale.”
Right before a big weekend took off in New York City for WWE with Saturday Night’s Main Event, Kross ended up sharing a photo-op he got with the actor, noting that it was a “long story” before quoting that very film.
“Long story!
You’ll hear it eventually.
“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever. But you can ask anybody from my neighborhood, and they’ll just tell you this is just another Bronx tale.’”
Long story!
You’ll hear it eventually.
“The saddest thing in life is wasted talent, and the choices that you make will shape your life forever. But you can ask anybody from my neighborhood, and they’ll just tell you this is just another Bronx tale.” pic.twitter.com/zxLkJfNnax
One could envision Kross pulling a lot of inspiration from “Sonny” as it pertains to his current role in The Final Testament. Much like the charismatic crime boss Palminteri portrays Kross walks the fine line between showing humanity (albeit manipulative) and menace, a trait that made Sonny so fascinating as a character. It’s no secret that Kross is heavily influenced by classic films as he’s picked and pulled from both the dramatic and horror drama to build upon an on-air persona that’s finally getting warranted recognition.
Kross currently finds himself with the upper hand on a feud with The Wyatt Sicks. Karrion captured a pinfall win against Uncle Howdy this past Monday on WWE RAW thanks to interference by a returning Paul Ellering.
The WWE Winged Eagle Championship is one of the most iconic titles in professional wrestling history. Introduced in 1988, this championship design replaced the previous WWF title and quickly became a symbol of excellence in the industry.
The belt features a striking eagle with outstretched wings, which is supposed to represent freedom and the spirit of wrestling greatness. Its unique aesthetic captivated fans and wrestlers alike, making it a beloved design that remains popular to this day.
Legendary Holders of the Winged Eagle Title
Throughout its decade-long reign, the Winged Eagle Championship was held by some of the most legendary figures in wrestling. Hulk Hogan was the first to don this prestigious belt, first wearing it on February 5, 1988 when he walked through the curtain to face Andre on The Main Event.
Other notable champions included Bret Hart, who is often regarded as the wrestler most synonymous with this title, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was the last to hold it before it was retired in 1998.
The championship witnessed incredible rivalries and memorable matches, solidifying its status in wrestling lore.
Replica WWE Championship Titles at WWE Shop
The Winged Eagle’s Legacy
The legacy of the Winged Eagle Championship extends beyond its tenure. It represented an era where wrestling went from the Golden Era through the New Generation and the early Attitude Era, showcasing talents like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. Each title reign contributed to the championship’s prestige, making it a coveted prize for wrestlers aspiring for greatness.
The belt’s design has influenced many subsequent championships, setting a standard for aesthetics and significance in professional wrestling.
Recent Developments: A Possible Return
In recent months, there has been speculation about the potential return of the Winged Eagle Championship to WWE programming. Notably, Cody Rhodes has been a vocal advocate for reviving this classic title.
Following a video tease from WWE featuring Rhodes receiving a gift from Triple H that many believe could be the Winged Eagle belt, fans are eager to see if this iconic championship will make a comeback at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
The enduring appeal of the WWE Winged Eagle Championship is a testament to its rich history and the legendary figures who have held it, ensuring its place in wrestling history for years to come.
WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event returns tonight (December 14, 2024) and the excitement is palpable among fans. This historic event will take place at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York, starting at 8 PM ET.
With just hours to go, ticket sales have surged, showcasing the enduring popularity of this iconic wrestling series.
Current Ticket Availability
As of now, only 196 tickets remain for the event, with a staggering 14,669 tickets already sold out of a total capacity of 14,865 seats according to WrestleTix.
This rapid ticket movement highlights the immense demand for WWE events, especially given that an additional 35 tickets were sold in the last 24 hours alone. The venue holds significant historical value as it hosted the very first Saturday Night’s Main Event back in 1985, making this revival particularly special for long-time fans.
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event Sat • Dec 14 • 7:30 PM Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
Available Tickets: 196 Current Setup: 14,865 Tickets Distributed: 14,669
? Morning update ? +35 since the last update (1 day ago) ? 9/9/2023 Saturday Night's Main Event:… pic.twitter.com/Y8b8jdNmE6
Ticket prices for the event vary widely, starting from approximately $98 for standard seating and reaching up to $2,044 for premium experiences. Fans looking to attend can purchase tickets through various platforms including Ticketmaster and StubHub.
Additionally, WWE is offering Priority Passes, which include perks like premium seating and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with WWE Superstars.
Event Highlights
The lineup for Saturday Night’s Main Event is star-studded and promises thrilling matches. Key bouts include GUNTHER defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor and Damian Priest, as well as Liv Morgan facing IYO SKY for the Women’s World Championship. The anticipation surrounding these matchups has undoubtedly contributed to the rapid ticket sales.
WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event returns tonight (December 14, 2024) at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York. This event promises to be a great throwback for old fans as well as new, featuring several championship matches that have fans eager to place their bets.
The main event will see Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, defend his title against Kevin Owens. Rhodes is heavily favored by BetOnline with odds of -1500, indicating a strong likelihood of retaining his championship, while Owens stands as the underdog at +600.
In another highlight, Liv Morgan will defend her Women’s World Championship against IYO SKY. Morgan is also a favorite with odds of -1500, while SKY is listed at +1200.
The World Heavyweight Championship match features Gunther, who is the overwhelming favorite at -3000, facing off against Finn Bálor at +800 and Damian Priest at +1200.
Additionally, in a singles match, Drew McIntyre is favored at -1500 against Sami Zayn, who has odds of +600.
Importance of Betting Odds
Understanding these betting odds can enhance the viewing experience for fans and bettors alike. The odds reflect not only the expected outcomes but also the excitement surrounding each match.
For instance, a favorite like Gunther suggests confidence in his ability to retain the title, whereas an underdog like Kevin Owens could present an enticing opportunity for those looking to wager on a potential upset.
As WWE prepares for the highly anticipated Saturday Night’s Main Event tonight, CM Punk has generated buzz by hinting at a potential role in the show. Although he has not been officially announced or advertised for the event, his recent comments during a commentary stint for CFFC have fans speculating about his involvement.
CM Punk’s Comments on Commentary
While providing commentary for a CFFC event in Atlantic City, Punk suggested he might join legendary commentator Jesse “The Body” Ventura for the WWE broadcast. He stated, “I gotta get this out of my system. I might be doing commentary with Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura tomorrow night at Saturday Night’s Main Event. I gotta relax.”
This playful tease has left fans eager to see if he will indeed make the short trip to Long Island, where the event is taking place.
The Exciting Card for Saturday Night’s Main Event
WWE has loaded the card with significant matches, featuring stars like Cody Rhodes, who will defend his Undisputed Championship against Kevin Owens, and GUNTHER, who faces Finn Balor and Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Additionally, Liv Morgan will defend her Women’s World Title against IYO SKY, and the inaugural WWE United States Women’s Champion will be crowned in a match between Chelsea Green and Michin. The excitement surrounding these matchups adds to the anticipation of Punk’s potential commentary role.
The Impact of Punk’s Possible Appearance
Punk’s involvement could significantly enhance the viewing experience, as his sharp insights and engaging personality have made him a fan favorite. His chemistry with Ventura, a beloved figure from wrestling’s past, could create a nostalgic yet fresh dynamic for viewers.
While WWE has not confirmed his participation, the mere suggestion has ignited discussions among fans.
Liv Morgan is ready to do whatever she can to bring WrestleMania to London.
The Women’s World Champion recently spoke to Mirror to promote WWE’s upcoming UK tour during the road to WrestleMania 41. She discussed things such as having to take time off earlier this year due to a shoulder injury and how the hiatus helped her career.
With the company having increased its international presence in recent years and selling out stadiums outside of the US, the topic of more prominent PPVs emanating from outside of the country is discussed more and more.
One such possibility that has been brought up many times in recent months is WrestleMania coming to London. Morgan also commented on the possibility during the interview and said that it would be huge:
“I think WrestleMania in London would be huge. I think that would be bananas, nuts, crazy. I think it’s going to be the most high energy WrestleMania ever. And I know we’d all love to feed off of that crazy, chaotic, amazing energy that fans would give us.”
Liv Morgan explained that she is all for the Show of Shows coming to the prestigious city and claimed that she is ready to do anything she can to make it happen:
“I’m here and I’m ready for it and if there’s anything I can do to help make it happen I would do. I have my Ginger Spice gear, like in my closet waiting to whip it out again. So that’s got to be worth it just on its own, right?”
The current Women’s Champion is set to compete at the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event tonight. She will be defending her title against IYO SKY at the show. You can check out our predictions for the event here.
Former WWE Superstar Mandy Rose has become the victim of theft as the ex-NXT Women’s Champion is missing an expensive pair of boots. On social media, Rose shared that the Louis Vuitton boots she’d ordered, costing $1,500, had been stolen by her delivery driver, who marked the item as delivered. Rose warned fans to be extra vigilant around the holiday season when many delivery companies hire temporary drivers to keep up with demand.
Rose is unfortunately not the only wrestler to be the victim of theft as of late. Last month, Asuka shared that parcels delivered by Amazon had been stolen by three children. Thankfully, the parcels were later recovered and delivered to the former Women’s Champion.
The Amazon package that was stolen the other day was found by a security guard and delivered to me. Thanks Security ? ????????????????????????????????????
Rose hasn’t competed since her December 2022 termination from WWE over content shared with subscribers to her website. Rose has claimed that she was never given the opportunity to take down the content before being let go. By the end of that month, however, Rose had made over $1 million in fan subscriptions to her site, and continues to produce content for fans to enjoy.
Hopefully, Rose will be united with her expensive boots and the thief held accountable for their actions. In the meantime, the former NXT Women’s Champion will be extra careful when ordering online, a habit she hopes her fans will also pick up.
Triple H has explained why being an unconventional face of WWE works for Roman Reigns.
WWE tried to follow the blueprint of conventional babyfaces with Reigns after the breakup of Shield but for many years fans rejected him as the face of the company. It wasn’t until The Big Dog turned heel and became the Tribal Chief that he was able to truly cement his status as a larger-than-life superstar in league with names such as Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
During a recent appearance on the Roommate show, Triple H discussed how the same things do not work for different stars. He mentioned that people like John Cena or Cody Rhodes are guys that are the perfect representative of the company at all times:
“Every star sort of has the things that work for them. Cena is like the, if you were to say ‘Give me the perfect sort of I’ll do anything for the company guy,’ it’s Cena. He knows what he should do for him, he knows what he should do for the company. He’s the first guy there, last guy to leave. He’ll do all the media.
He’s a perfect representative of the company at all times. Cody Rhodes is very much like that as well. [He] sort of models himself [after that] because he was a young up-and-coming guy when Cena was on top. So he was seeing that and that’s how he sees himself as that’s how you become the top guy.”
Roman Reigns on the other hand is completely different. Triple H discussed how Reigns unlike other past faces of the company does not care much for appearances outside of WWE programming. This approach however, works for him:
“Roman is totally different. Not in a bad way like to do the ultimate PR thing or do the ultimate appearance thing. He’s like ‘I don’t feel like that’s worth my time.’
But that works for him because if we took that character and we put that character in all these other things, we kind of hurt the character. Because it’s not what the character is. So it’s not that he doesn’t want to do it. It’s that he doesn’t feel like the character should do that stuff.”
Jesse Ventura is back with WWE under a new Legends deal, and the Hall of Famer’s family played a huge role in his surprising return. Speaking to the New York Post, the former Governor of Minnesota shared his reasoning for his WWE comeback.
“I did it selfishly for my kids. I’m 73 now. I ain’t gonna be around forever. I want to position it where if anybody makes money off my name, I want my kids to have a piece of it.”
Ventura’s return to WWE has certainly come as a surprise, given his tumultuous past with the promotion. For decades, Ventura claimed that Hulk Hogan tattled to Vince McMahon that Jesse was mounting a campaign to unionize the locker room, souring his relationship with McMahon. Years later, Ventura would successfully sue WWE and McMahon for royalties stemming from his commentary being used on Home Video.
With McMahon gone from WWE, Ventura has been welcomed back with open arms, including appearing on episodes of Raw and SmackDown in recent months. After “Hell froze over,” Ventura’s future, and the future of his family, looks very bright for the WWE legend.
An incident involving a fan and Eddie Edwards unfolded during a World Tag Team Championship match at this week’s TNA Final Resolution event. The match saw Edwards and Brian Myers challenge reigning champions The Hardys, who won the titles at Bound for Glory, kicking off the third title reign for the pair.
During the match, Edwards and the fan had a heated exchange that resulted in the fan slapping Edwards. While the slap seemed light, Eddie slapped the fan back and shoved them back to their seat before officials handled the situation. The fan was removed from the area of the crowd while Edwards stated into the camera “I’m still having fun.”
Following the incident, fans speculated as to whether this was a real off-the-cuff moment or if it was a planned part of the show. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports that the fan was “immediately escorted from the building and turned over to local police,” suggesting that what happened had not been planned.
This controversial incident was not the only situation at Final Resolution to raise eyebrows. The show also marked the TNA return or Tessa Blanchard, over four years after her controversial exit from the company. The first-ever female Impact World Champion attacked Jordynne Grace, kicking off a feud between the two that Grace has had reservations about.
TNA Final Resolution 2024 will certainly be a show for fans to remember, though for more than the in-ring action. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on TNA and the fallout from Final Resolution.
WWE taped its December 20, episode of WWE SmackDown after the December 13, show from the XL Center in Hartford. WWE taped the two shows back-to-back to allow for talent and crew to have more time over the festive period at home. Below are the complete spoiler results.
Segment – The Bloodline opened the show but Drew McIntyre interrupted. After a heated exchange between the two sides, McIntyre escaped through the crowd.
Segment – Kevin Owens cut a promo in his car. Later in the show, Owens and Cody Rhodes brawled, suggesting their feud won’t end at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Six-Man Tag Team Match – The Bloodline defeated LA Knight, Andrade, and Apollo Crews in a tag-team action. Jacob Fatu attacked Knight after the match.
In-Ring Segment – Grayson Waller hosted the Grayson Waller Effect with Braun Strowman as his guest, dressed as Santa Claus. Carmelo Hayes interrupted things to set up our next match.
Singles Match – Carmelo Hayes defeated Braun Storowman. The Monster Among Men returned during this week’s show to defeat Hayes.
Singles Match – Johnny Gargano defeated Alex Shelley. DIY had a new theme song to match their recent heel turn. This match was announced during the latest episode of SmackDown.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match – Bianca Belair and Naomi (c) defeated Women’s Champion Nia Jax and Candice LeRae. This match was announced during the latest episode of WWE SmackDown.
Kevin Owens continues to cut promos from the car because it offends people.
The former Universal Champion had been kept off TV for a couple of weeks when he attacked Cody Rhodes after the Bad Blood PPV. When WWE wouldn’t allow him on their programming, Owens chose to speak his mind with a number of social media promos all recorded in his car.
His car promos have since become a unique part of his ongoing rivalry with the current Undisputed WWE Champion. During a recent interview with SI, Owens explained why he originally chose the spot to speak his mind:
“I can’t do it from the house. I have five dogs. I have six cats. I have two kids. It’s not happening in there. There’s too much noise. So I do it from my car. And it’s very hard for some people to accept,”
Despite being back on TV since then, Kevin Owens has continued cutting promos from his car. This week’s episode of SmackDown saw him having a war of words with Rhodes from the same place. KO brought up Cody’s past during the segment and told the WWE Champion that he was more entertaining as Stardust.
Explaining why he continues to cut promos like this, the former NXT Champion said that he is doing it just to spite people who are irritated by it:
“It used to be a thing where I just did it because it was easier. Now I’ve seen so many people take offense to it, that now I’m never not doing it from a car just to spite them.”
Kevin Owens will be challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Title at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14. You can check out our predictions for the show here.
Toni Storm’s return to the ring proved to be a successful one for the former Women’s World Champion during the latest edition of AEW Rampage. On this week’s Dynamite, Storm made her first AEW appearance since All In: London by confronting Mariah May. The Glamor had retained the AEW Women’s World Championship against Mina Shirakawa before Storm, ditching her ‘Timeless’ persona, arrived on the scene.
Storm’s momentum continued forward during the latest edition of AEW Rampage. On the show, Storm defeated Harley Cameron. While Cameron was able to control the action at the start of the match, Storm rallied and won with a hip attack. This win marks Storm’s first in months, as her handful of matches during her AEW hiatus saw the former Women’s World Champion come up short.
SHE'S BACK!
The former #AEW Women's World Champ TONI STORM charges into action for the first time in nearly 4 months with a familiar look!
Storm’s return is a big deal for AEW, though there have reportedly been issues backstage about the circumstances behind her return match. Prior to Rampage, it was reported by Bryan Alvarez that sources in AEW were “appalled” that Storm’s return match was coming on AEW’s C-Show. Alvarez added, “People argue things with him every single week, and at the end of the day, he does whatever he wants.”
Storm is officially back with AEW, and has previously suggested waiting until February’s Grand Slam: Australia show before she challenges May for the title. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Toni Storm as the former Timeless One is ready to reassert herself in AEW’s women’s division.
Seth Rollins was originally planned for a big match at the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Architect had been involved in a rivalry with ‘Big’ Bronson Reed prior to the latter’s unfortunate Survivor Series injury. They had wrestled two singles matches with both of them picking up a victory each.
Now PWinsider is reporting that the original plan was to close out this rivalry with the third and final match at the December 14 event:
“The original plan for tomorrow’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event broadcast on NBC was to close out the Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed program with a final match between the two.”
Bronson Reed suffered a broken foot while attempting a Tsunami from the top of the WarGames cage during the Survivor Series event last month. He underwent a surgery earlier this week and the belief is that the heavyweight star will be missing WrestleMania 41.
Seth Rollins has moved on to a program with CM Punk after Reed was put on the shelf. Reports suggest that a match between the two stars is scheduled for early next year.
While the Monday Night Messiah is not scheduled to compete at Saturday’s event, a number of big matches including Kevin Owens vs. Cody Rhodes have been announced for the show. You can check out our predictions for the night here.
Jordynne Grace is ready to show that the “ignorant” Tessa Blanchard has made a huge mistake by choosing to return to TNA. At Final Resolution, Blanchard returned to TNA after a four-year absence and made a statement by attacking The Juggernaut.
In a Digital Exclusive, Grace, who has reservations about working with Tessa. didn’t hold back when addressing Blanchard’s return. Grace, a three-time former Knockouts World Champion, said that Blanchard is ignorant and has made a mistake by returning.
“I’ve known for a while that Tessa was ignorant, but what I didn’t realize is that she’s actually a complete idiot. Coming back after all this time, after abandoning this company to try to make a statement and using me as an example. Tessa, a lot has changed since you’ve been gone. You’re going to realize very quickly that you made a huge f***ing mistake.”
EXCLUSIVE: @JordynneGrace speaks after being blindsided by Tessa Blanchard!
Grace’s comment about Blanchard being ‘ignorant’ is seemingly a nod to Tessa’s controversial exit from TNA in 2020. On the eve of becoming the first female TNA World Champion, Blanchard faced allegations of bullying and using racial slurs. The company went ahead with Blanchard’s title victory, but she would leave the company shortly after. Last year, Blanchard shared a photo with La Rosa Negra, who accused Blanchard of using a racial slur against her, showing they had made amends.
We are human and our responsibility in this world is to do better and/or be a better person to those around us.
— La Rosa Negra ??????? ?? (@LaRosaNegraPR) April 3, 2023
Blanchard’s return has already drummed up a lot of talk among fans, with debate over whether bringing her back will be a boost for TNA or if it’ll only bring unnecessary drama. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Tessa Blanchard now that she is once again part of the TNA Knockouts division.
Fans will be getting the much-anticipated Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk showdown very soon.
A match between the two stars has been in the works since the night Punk came back to WWE at Survivor Series 2023. People will remember the fan videos showing Rollins being held back by officials when the Straight Edge Star made his surprise return.
The two former champions have crossed paths a number of times since then but they have yet to step into the ring for a match. Now PWInsider is reporting that the rumors of the former AEW star facing the Architect at Raw Netflix debut on January 6 are true:
“PWInsider.com was told this morning that [Punk vs Rollins] is 100% the current direction they are going in. We were cautioned ‘anything can always change’ but that match is ‘absolutely part of the plan to come in nuclear hot’ for the Netflix debut on 1/6/25.”
CM Punk interfered in the triple threat world championship match among Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre and then champion Damian Priest at Money In the Bank 2024. While targeting McIntyre, Punk inadvertently cost Rollins the title at the show.
Seth then refereed the first match of the trilogy between Punk and McIntyre at SummerSlam 2024. After an argument during the bout, Punk ended up knocking Rollins out with a GTS. This allowed McIntyre to win the match.
The two stars have reignited their rivalry after Punk teamed up with the OG Bloodline at Survivor Series last month. Rollins confronted him on Raw this past week in an intense segment following the PPV.
Punk vs. Rollins is not the only big match planned for the upcoming special. Roman Reigns also issued a big challenge for the night on SmackDown this week. You can check out more about it here.
Joe Hendry has earned the right to face Nic Nemeth and potentially start 2025 with a World Title victory at tonight’s Final Resolution PPV.
The viral star took part in a fatal four-way #1 contenders match during Friday’s event, competing against Josh Alexander, Steve Maclin, and Mike Santana for a shot at the TNA World title.
The ending of the bout saw Alexander taking Santana out of the bout by zip-tying him to the barricade. He also low-blowed Maclin to stop him from winning. Hendry however, foiled the plans for the former TNA champion. He won the match after delivering a Standing Ovation Chokeslam to Alexander.
.@joehendry is the #1 Contender for the TNA World Championship!
The win earns Joe Hendry a right to face Nic Nemeth for the TNA title at the 2025 Genesis event on January 19, 2025, from Garland, Texas.
Hendry previously challenged the former WWE star for the title at the Bound For Glory event in October this year. He lost the bout due to interference from WWE Hall of Famer John Layfield.
Nemeth also competed at tonight’s show, successfully defending his title against A.J. Francis in the main event. Francis and KC Navarro attacked the world champion after the bout until Joe Hendry made the save. The show ended with the two Genesis opponents arguing with each other.
Joe Hendry previously teased making his WWE main roster debut at the 2025 Royal Rumble. Though reports suggest that he is under a TNA contract till late 2025. So it’s possible that he’ll get a run with the TNA title before his deal comes to an end.
Bianca Belair will continue forward as a WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, with a new partner to replace the injured Jade Cargill. Last month, Cargill was found laid out in a parking lot, seemingly the victim of an ambush. Belair, who was competing in a Women’s U.S. Title Tournament when Cargill was found, abandoned her match to check on her friend and tag-team partner.
On the December 13, episode of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis told Bianca Belair that Jade Cargill’s absence will cause them to relinquish the titles. Belair was against the idea, and Naomi arrived on the scene to argue that she can fill in for Cargill.
Aldis said that Belair and Naomi will need to be fighting champions, with a title defense planned for next week’s SmackDown. The SmackDown GM added that they are no closer to figuring out who attacked Cargill.
This segment marks Naomi’s first championship since returning to WWE in this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble. The Glow held the tag titles with Sasha Banks in 2022, as the pair infamously walked out of WWE still with the gold.
Many have named Naomi as a suspect in the case of who attacked Cargill, and the fact that she’s gained a tag title reign in her absence will only fuel speculation. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Naomi, Belair, and Cargill, and the mystery of who took out the inaugural AEW TBS Champion.
Some believe that Blanchard deserves a second chance, emphasizing the idea of redemption and acknowledging her talent in the ring. There’s a sentiment that everyone makes mistakes and should be given opportunities to make amends and prove themselves.
A few posts on X express optimism, suggesting that her return could be positive if she demonstrates good behavior and professionalism.
Let's be 100% honest Tessa Blanchard was always gonna eventually find her way back to an American Wrestling Brand either that was gonna be WWE Or TNA and well we see what happened
Anyone saying Otherwise are SERIOUSLY Deluding themselves
Many are skeptical or outright opposed to her return due to past controversies involving allegations of bullying and racism. There’s significant concern about whether TNA Wrestling has adequately considered the potential backlash and the impact on the locker room environment.
Some feel that TNA’s decision to bring her back reflects poorly on the company’s judgment and could damage its reputation further, especially given the history of her departure and the issues that followed.
There’s also concern about the morale of the current roster, with reports indicating that some wrestlers were surprised or even opposed to her return.
TNA re-signing Tessa Blanchard is the fable of the frog & the scorpion. Despite how disastrous their previous business relationship ended, they're trusting her not to sting them once again. Which everyone knows is going to happen.
— A Chief Rocka Called Bad News ?????? (@5Deuce4Tre7) December 13, 2024
Tessa Blanchard being brought back is not that surprising. TNA will never be taken seriously; no matter how good members of their roster are. They have so many people who work their asses off and still consciously book the dumbest shit imaginable that makes them memeable and an…
There’s an acknowledgment of the business aspect; TNA might be looking to capitalize on her notoriety and wrestling ability, regardless of past controversies.
Discussions around her return often include a wait-and-see approach, where her actions post-return will determine the long-term sentiment. Some suggest that if she can maintain professionalism and avoid past mistakes, the negative sentiment might dissipate.
I'm all for redemption if someone has shown they have changed, and more importantly proved it to the people they treated like shit. I'm not someone who thinks we cant better ourselves. But this Tessa return is so yuck. Nobody but TNA wants her. What does that tell you?
Overall, the sentiment is complex, with a significant portion of the wrestling community and fans expressing doubt or opposition, while others advocate for giving her a chance to redeem herself professionally. The situation is seen as a high-risk move by TNA, with outcomes that could go either way depending on how Blanchard conducts herself moving forward.
TNA Hall of Famer Rhino has announced that his 5-year run with the company will be coming to an end this week.
The wrestling veteran made the announcement on Facebook, revealing that his match with Ryan Nemeth during the December 14 Impact TV tapings from Atlanta, GA will be his last match for the promotion:
“Tomorrow is my last day with TNA Wrestling. I am wrestling Ryan Nemeth. It will most likely be the last time EVER I will wrestle in a TNA ring. If you can make it to Center Stage in Atlanta, come and be part of this 5-year chapter of my life and our journey. Thank you to all of the amazing wrestling fans for your support. I’m not done wrestling but TNA and I have parted ways. ?”
Rhino’s second run with TNA started with a surprise appearance at Slammiversary XVII in 2019, while he was still under WWE contract. He would go on to sign a contract with the company after getting his release from the Endeavor-owned promotion.
During his second run, the hardcore veteran has not won any singles titles in the company. Though he has held the tag titles multiple times, having reigns with Heath Slater and Joe Doering.
The former ECW star was inducted into the 2024 TNA Hall of Fame at Bound For Glory alongside TNA co-founder Bob Ryder in October this year.
The finals of the WWE Women’s United States Title Tournament are set.
Last month, WWE announced the creation of the Women’s United States Championship, and a tournament began featuring top talent, including Bayley, B-Fab, Candice LeRae, Bianca Belair, Chelsea Green, Blair Davenport, Michin, Piper Niven, Lash Legend, Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, and Elektra Lopez.
On the latest episode of SmackDown, the semifinals took place, showcasing Bayley vs. Chelsea Green and Michin vs. Tiffany Stratton. Michin emerged victorious over Stratton, while Green secured her spot in the finals with outside interference, defeating Bayley.
The tournament will culminate at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where either Green or Michin will become the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion. Regardless of the outcome, this victory will mark the first singles championship for either competitor in WWE.
The Women’s United States Title is a historic addition, marking the first secondary women’s championship on WWE’s main roster. This announcement follows NXT’s introduction of the Women’s North American Title. Meanwhile, WWE is also conducting a tournament to crown a Women’s Intercontinental Champion for Raw, further expanding opportunities for female talent.
