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Janel Grant’s Representative Criticizes WWE Amid Lee Fitting Allegations

Thomas Lowson
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Janel Grant’s Representative Criticizes WWE Amid Lee Fitting Allegations

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.

Read More On The Claims Against WWE’s Lee Fitting

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.

Highlights from WWE’s Raw on Netflix Kickoff Event

Michael Reichlin
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Highlights from WWE’s Raw on Netflix Kickoff Event

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 Returning To AEW TV Soon

Andrew Ravens
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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.

WWE’s Titan Towers Remains Unsold Amid Property Sale Rumors

Michael Reichlin
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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
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.

H/T – PWInsider

Jesse Ventura Reflects on WWE Comeback: A Fresh Energy Backstage

Michael Reichlin
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Jesse Ventura Reflects on WWE Comeback: A Fresh Energy Backstage

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.

Fans can look forward to more of Ventura’s iconic commentary when Saturday Night’s Main Event returns on January 25, 2025, live from San Antonio, Texas.

For more: Jesse Ventura’s Substack

WWE Exec Lee Fitting Accused of Misconduct During ESPN Tenure

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Exec Lee Fitting Accused of Misconduct During ESPN Tenure

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.

WWE is currently facing unrelated legal challenges, including a lawsuit involving alleged abuse of minors, further fueling scrutiny of its corporate practices. This is a developing situation.

Carmella Talks Health, Motherhood, and WWE Comeback

Michael Reichlin
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Carmella Talks Health, Motherhood, and WWE Comeback

Former WWE Women’s Champion Carmella has shared an emotional update on her health and life since stepping away from the spotlight. During a candid Instagram Live chat with fellow WWE star Bayley, Carmella opened up about the challenges of recovering from a nerve injury sustained during childbirth, her joy in motherhood, and her hopes of returning to the ring.

While she embraces her new role as a mom, the road to recovery has been a test of patience and determination. Read on as Carmella shares her journey of resilience and her longing to once again perform as the larger-than-life persona fans adore.

Becoming a Mother

In November 2023, Carmella and her husband, WWE commentator Corey Graves, welcomed their first child, Dimitri. Reflecting on this monumental life change, Carmella said during the live stream, “I love being a mom. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done ever, in my whole entire life.”

Motherhood has brought immense joy to the former WWE Superstar, but her delivery also marked the beginning of an unexpected health battle.

Health Challenges: Battling Drop Foot

During labor, Carmella experienced nerve damage resulting in a condition called drop foot, which impairs the ability to lift the front part of the foot. This condition, caused by damage to the peroneal nerve, can be particularly debilitating for an athlete.

In her conversation with Bayley, Carmella acknowledged the challenges of adapting to this condition. “This is the first major injury I’ve had in my entire career,” she shared, emphasizing the contrast to her injury-free decade-long wrestling tenure.

Working Towards Recovery

Carmella is actively addressing her condition with a combination of physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, and MRIs to monitor her progress. Recovery has been slow, but her determination remains steadfast. “Nerves do take a lot of time to heal, but eventually, we’ll get back to it,” she told Bayley during their chat.

Missing the WWE Ring

Though her recovery requires focus and time, Carmella admits to deeply missing her WWE persona and performing in front of fans. “Of course, I miss WWE. Of course, I miss everyone. I miss being Carmella. I miss performing. I miss it so much,” she confessed during the Instagram Live session.

Her connection to her fans and the adrenaline of performing continues to motivate her recovery journey, and she remains optimistic about returning to the ring.

Looking Ahead

Carmella’s candid conversation with Bayley revealed her determination to overcome this setback, embrace motherhood, and find her way back to WWE. With a strong support system and unwavering resilience, she is determined to write the next chapter of her remarkable journey. Fans eagerly await her return, confident she will step back into the ring stronger than ever.

AEW Dynamite Preview (12/18): Holiday Bash 2024

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Dynamite Preview (12/18): Holiday Bash 2024

It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means. AEW Dynamite is back tonight at 8/7c live on TBS from Washington, DC.

Tonight’s Dynamite features an action-packed lineup, including PPV-caliber matches featuring some of the company’s top competitors.

Confirmed matches and segments:

  • Six-Man Tag Team Match: The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, and PAC) take on Jay White, Orange Cassidy, and Hangman Adam Page.
  • TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Moné defends her title against Anna Jay.
  • Continental Classic Matches: Will Ospreay faces Darby Allin in the Gold League, while Shelton Benjamin takes on The Beast Mortos in the Blue League.
  • MJF Appearance: MJF is scheduled to address the audience.
  • FTR Speaks: Following a recent attack by the Death Riders, FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) will respond live.
  • Tag Team Match: Hook and Katsuyori Shibata battle Christian Cage and Nick Wayne.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest AEW news as the road to Worlds End on December 28 continues.

Championship Street Fight And More Confirmed For AEW Worlds End

What Happened Last Week on AEW Dynamite

Ahead of tonight’s Dynamite, get caught up on what happened last week.

AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming 2024 Results
December 11, 2024 from Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center

  • Jon Moxley & PAC def. Orange Cassidy & Jay White via DQ when Hangman Page interfered.
  • Adam Cole def. Kyle O’Reilly to earn a match against MJF at AEW Worlds End.
  • It was announced that Jon Moxley will defend the AEW World Title against Adam Page, Orange Cassidy, and Jay White at AEW Worlds End.
  • Ricochet def. Brody King in a Continental Classic Gold League match.
  • Mariah May def. Mina Shirakawa to retain the AEW Women’s Championship. Thunder Rosa appeared during the main event, followed by a surprise appearance by Toni Storm in her original attire

Tony Khan Explains How Chris Jericho’s GCW Appearance Came Together

Anutosh Bajpai
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Tony Khan Explains How Chris Jericho’s GCW Appearance Came Together

Tony Khan has revealed Matt Cardona helped put together Chris Jericho’s recent GCW appearance.

The Deathmatch King is set to challenge Y2J for the ROH title at the upcoming Final Battle event on December 20. After Cardona made multiple appearances on ROH TV to build the bout, Jericho returned the favor with an appearance at the December 15 GCW event. Wearing an AEW shirt, he interfered in the match between Matt and Effy, attacking both the indie stars.

The AEW President was asked about this appearance by Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone during the Final Battle media call. Tony Khan explained that Cardona helped put the whole thing together and he was happy to send Jericho:

“Matt helped put that together, Matt asked me about it, and obviously, I was happy to send Chris to promote the match that is happening on ROH as part of the double main event.

With Matt appearing there, and this being a title match, it made sense to do something to promote. It’s very much along the lines of things we’ve done with other matches along the ways over the years.”

This appearance comes as an interesting turn in the AEW-GCW relationship. When Ricky Starks was abruptly pulled from the GCW shows, many speculated that Effy’s comments about Shad Khan were the reason behind it.

With Tony Khan allowing Jericho to work with Effy during his GCW appearance, however, the question now is if the problem was on Starks’ end and if his promo about not being used in AEW was the reason for the action.

Booker T Defends Tessa Blanchard’s TNA Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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Booker T Defends Tessa Blanchard’s TNA Return

Booker T believes Tessa Blanchard deserves a second chance.

The former Champion made her surprise return to the company at the Final Resolution event last week. The comeback sparked mixed reactions from fans and even people behind the scenes were said to be surprised by this move from the TNA top brass.

The WWE Hall of Famer gave his opinion on the matter during his Hall of Fame podcast. Booker T said that people should be able to move on:

“Man, the thing is, I’ve already seen criticisms of Tessa Blanchard being back and people still wanting to try to cancel her. Man, y’all get off of it. The thing is, if something was said, if an apology was made and fences were mended, we should be able to move on.”

Nobody Knows What’s Going On: Booker T

The wrestling veteran explained that everyone on social media thinks that they know what’s going on with talents but they really don’t. Booker T said that people should let Tessa resurrect her career:

“One thing about certain things, in the social media sphere, everybody know about it but don’t nobody really know what’s going on.

Everybody know about the story but don’t nobody know what’s going on. My thing is, guys, get off of all of this hate and let Tessa Blanchard hopefully try to resurrect her career and go out there and redo this thing all over again. Let’s just look at it as that, a redo.”

Blanchard attacked former Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace during her return. She has since claimed that she is not signed to a contract with the company and her current goal is to get a match with Grace.

AEW Worlds End 2024 Tickets: Availability, price and more

Jake Skudder
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AEW Worlds End 2024 Tickets: Availability, price and more

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is set to close out 2024 with a bang as they present their highly anticipated pay-per-view event, AEW Worlds End. Scheduled for December 28, 2024, at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida, this event promises to be an unforgettable night of professional wrestling action.

Read More – ROH Final Battle 2024 Live Stream: How to watch

Ticket Availability

Tickets for AEW Worlds End 2024 are currently on sale and can be purchased through various platforms. Fans can secure their spots to witness this exciting event live by visiting Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner for AEW events. It’s advisable to act quickly, as AEW events are known to sell out rapidly due to high demand.

Ticket Prices

The pricing for AEW Worlds End 2024 tickets varies depending on seating location and package options. According to Vivid Seats, ticket prices start at around $27, with an average price of $1,115. However, it’s important to note that prices may fluctuate based on availability and demand as the event date approaches.

Event Details

AEW Worlds End 2024 is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. The event will feature a star-studded roster including Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho, Mariah May, Mercedes Mone, MJF and many more stars. 

Getting to the Arena

The Addition Financial Arena is located at 12777 Gemini Blvd N, Orlando, FL. Fans can use navigation apps like Waze for real-time driving directions. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid traffic and secure parking. The arena has several parking garages nearby; however, be prepared for potential delays when exiting after the event due to high volume.

Nearby Hotels

For those traveling from out of town, several hotels offer convenient accommodations:

  • The Celeste Hotel: Located just 1 mile from the arena. Use code “UOF” for discounts.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott: Approximately 1.9 miles away.
  • Courtyard by Marriott: About 2 miles from the venue.
  • Towneplace Suites by Marriott: Also around 1.8 miles distant.

These hotels often provide special rates for event attendees when proof of ticket purchase is presented at check-in.

ROH Final Battle 2024 Predictions

Jake Skudder
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ROH Final Battle 2024 Predictions

Ring of Honor (ROH) fans are eagerly anticipating the ROH Final Battle 2024, set to take place on December 20, 2024, at the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. With a stacked card featuring high-stakes matches, here are some predictions for the event’s key showdowns.

Read More – ROH Final Battle 2024 Live Stream: How to watch

Who Will Win the ROH World Championship?

The main event pits reigning champion Chris Jericho against Matt Cardona. Jericho’s tenure as champion has been pivotal for ROH, especially as the promotion seeks a television deal.

While Cardona is a strong contender, Jericho’s star power and ability to draw attention make him likely to retain the title. Expect a hard-fought match where Cardona comes close but ultimately falls short, setting up potential future rematches.

Will Leyla Hirsch Capture the ROH Women’s TV Championship?

Red Velvet defends her ROH Women’s TV Championship against Leyla Hirsch. Velvet has been a dominant champion, but Hirsch’s technical prowess could give her an edge.

Given the unpredictability of title matches, this could be the night Hirsch claims her first major championship in ROH.

Texas Bull Rope Match for the Tag Team Titles

The ROH World Tag Team Championships will be contested in a brutal Texas Bull Rope Match as Sammy Guevara and Dustin Rhodes defend against The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch).

The champions’ chemistry and experience in high-pressure situations may secure their victory, though The Righteous could surprise with their unorthodox style.

Athena vs. Billie Starkz: A Clash for the Women’s World Title

Athena puts her ROH Women’s World Championship on the line against rising star Billie Starkz.

Athena’s dominance in the division makes her a favorite to retain, but Starkz’s youthful energy and determination could lead to an upset.

Survival of the Fittest: ROH TV Championship

Brian Cage faces five challengers in a Survival of the Fittest match for his ROH TV Championship.

With competitors like AR Fox and Willie Mack involved, Cage will need to rely on his strength and agility to retain his title amidst chaos. Although we believe that he will retain the belt.

AEW & Legal Counsel Accused of Failing BJ Whitmer Violence Survivor

Thomas Lowson
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Jamie Hawn, the alleged victim of former AEW coach BJ Whitmer, has accused the promotion of “careless, egotistical, and inhumane actions” stemming from the 2023 incident. In June of that year, Whitmer entered the home of Hawn, his girlfriend at the time, and according to a police report, attempted to strangle her. Whitmer accepted an Alford Plea in March 2024, meaning he accepts any punishment handed but maintained that he was innocent.

BJ Whitmer Receives Sentence for Domestic Violence Charges

Now, Hawn has launched a GoFundMe, in which she shares that she is homeless and facing severe financial hardship. Hawn claims that she was provided emotional and financial support following the incident by AEW’s then-Chief Legal Officer Megha Parekh, including enhanced home security. That support came to an end when Chris Peck took over the role from Parekh in September 2023.

Hawn alleges Peck breached a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) by providing inaccurate and damaging information about her to Whitmer’s defense attorney. This information influenced the outcome of the case, Hawn adds, and left her unable to fully recover from what had transpired.

“I was brutally assaulted and then robbed of any chance of justice. Chris Peck single-handedly derailed my efforts to protect myself and my children.”

Hawn also alleges that Peck misrepresented her intentions in the case against Whitmer as financially motivated, a claim she believes was unfairly shared with the defense team. She has called on AEW to take accountability for Peck’s actions. Hawn says her original outreach to AEW was to advocate for better protections for domestic violence victims in the wrestling industry.

“My goal is to bring light to an issue to prevent others from being manipulated by a billion-dollar company at their most vulnerable state.”

The aftermath of the case has left Hawn and her three children living in their car. A recent vehicle breakdown left them stranded, and she now fears losing custody of her children. Funds raised through the GoFundMe will go toward securing immediate shelter, transportation for her children to attend school, and essentials such as food and winter clothing.

The wrestling community has taken notice of Hawn’s plight, with AEW star Miro contributing $500 to her campaign. Hawn’s GoFundMe page with further details on what transpired can be found here.

Mariah May Discusses Pressure of All In: London Match Against Toni Storm

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Mariah May Discusses Pressure of All In: London Match Against Toni Storm

Mariah May felt the pressure of facing Toni Storm at All In: London 2024 but the duo was determined to prove that they deserved the opportunity.

The match against Storm was special for May on a lot of levels. Not only was it her first PPV match ever under the AEW banner, but it was also her first match in the UK in many, many years. Being the conclusion of a long-running angle with the timeless one, fans had high expectations from the bout as well.

The AEW Women’s Champion spoke about the match and her victory over Storm during a new interview with Niko Exxtra. She claimed that even though it was her rookie year in AEW, she knew that she had what it takes to become the face of the division:

“So I never actually had a pay-per-view match before. But obviously like I said I always knew, I know it’s my rookie year, but I always knew I could run this division and be the face.

So for me, it was like it was my first pay-per-view. It was also my first time wrestling in the UK for years, I think. Cuz I lived in Japan and wrestled there and I’ve been in America and Canada. So it was kind of my return. My whole family was there.

The only time they ever saw me wrestle was my debut which was I think like 80 people in a school gym. So it was a pretty cool come up to be like ‘Look I did it.’ So yeah, I think there’s definitely pressure.”

Diamonds Are Made Under Pressure: Mariah May

Mariah May noted how fans were also expecting them to deliver big on a card that featured many notable matches. All the pressure, however, only motivated them to do their best:

“I think there was pressure too because I knew how much people cared about this story and this match. I think I’m never one to say ‘Women should get more time because we’re women.’

I don’t believe that. I think if you are the best match on the card, you’re the most entertaining feud. We were getting millions of views online. I was like ‘I want to prove that we are the most entertaining characters.’ This was the feud that everybody cared about on such a strong card where we had Bryan Danielson might have retired. We had Mercedes Mone who’s a huge star that just joined us.

We had all these other factors. I wanted to prove that people underestimate us, Toni and I. But we were going to deliver the best. I think what we created Cinema is what I always say. I think there was definitely pressure but diamonds are made under pressure.”

Toni Storm took time off from AEW for a world tour after her loss to May. The former champion returned to the company last week, but with a twist. You can check out more about it here.

WWE NXT Year End Awards: Categories, Nominees, How To Vote

Thomas Lowson
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WWE NXT Year End Awards: Categories, Nominees, How To Vote

The 2024 WWE NXT Year End Awards are here, with fans once again having their say on who should take home prizes from the silver brand. Fans can vote by clicking here in six categories.

Male Superstar Of The Year

  • WWE NXT Champion Trick Williams
  • WWE NXT North American Champion Tony D’Angelo
  • Oba Femi
  • Ethan Page

Female Superstar Of The Year

  • WWE NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez
  • Kelani Jordan
  • Lola Vice
  • Jaida Parker

Tag Team Of The Year

  • WWE NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer & Axiom
  • Meta-Four (Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson)
  • Chase U
  • Hank Walker & Tank Ledger

Moment Of The Year

  • Tyrese Haliburton cuts down Orlando Crowd – Sept 17th NXT TV
  • Jaida Parker smashing a brick on Lola Vice – ECW Arena – Nov 6th
  • Carmelo Hayes turns on Trick Williams – Vengeance Day
  • Trick Williams wins his first NXT Title – NXT Spring Breakin’ Week
  • Joe Hendry in NXT
  • Ethan Page falls into winning the NXT Title – Heatwave
  • Wes Lee Turns on Zach Wentz and Trey Miguel – Aug 7th NXT TV
  • Giulia Debuts – No Mercy
  • NXT launches on the CW Network in Chicago
  • Ten Women Tag Team Match Main Events ECW – Nov 6th
  • Chase U calendar sales save Chase U from going bankrupt

Match Of The Year

  • Ilja Dragunov vs. Trick Williams – NXT Title – Vengeance Day
  • Oba Femi vs. Josh Briggs vs. Dijak – North American Title – Stand & Deliver
  • Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. Andre Chase & Duke Hudson – NXT Tag Team Title Match – Heatwave
  • Roxanne Perez vs. Thea Hail – Women’s Title – Great American Bash Week 1 (7/30)
  • Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge – Deadline
  • Kelani Jordan vs. Sol Ruca – Women’s North American Title – Heatwave

Best PLE/Show of The Year

  • New Year’s Evil
  • Vengeance Day
  • Roadblock
  • Stand and Deliver
  • Spring Breakin’
  • Battleground
  • Great American Bash
  • Heatwave
  • No Mercy
  • Halloween Havoc
  • NXT 2300
  • Deadline

2024 has been a huge year for WWE NXT with massive changes and huge debuts. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE NXT.

Watch: What Happened With Trick Williams And Eddy Thorpe After Chaotic End To NXT

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Watch: What Happened With Trick Williams And Eddy Thorpe After Chaotic End To NXT

The main event of this week’s NXT between Trick Williams and Eddy Thorpe ended in chaos and things didn’t improve even after the show went off air.

Williams defended the NXT Championship against Thorpe during the December 17 show after the latter faked an attack and convinced General Manager Ava to give him a shot at the title.

The ending of the championship match then saw Thorpe failing to get the pin after hitting Manifest Destiny on Trick, as he also knocked out the referee in the process. Williams recovered by the time the new referee approached and the match continued.

After some more offense from Thorpe, the NXT Champion hit the Trick Shot and he went for a pin of his own. The problem occurred when the other referee also recovered and simultaneously made the count in favor of Thorpe as Williams’ shoulder was also down.

What Happened After NXT

WWE posted the video of NXT GM Ava coming out to sort the situation followed by Shawn Michaels after the show went off air. Aca declared that Trick Williams was the retaining champion on account of all four shoulders being on the mat during the pinfall.

Thorpe was not happy with this decision and he continued arguing with the NXT official. In his frustration, the NXT star shoved Michaels, causing more referees to come out to contain him.

Williams then took matters into his own hands. Shoving Thorpe back into the ring, he delivered another Trick Shot. The NXT champion then stood tall, as both Ava and Michaels retreated through the stage.

This is the second time Michaels has been involved in a physical confrontation with Thorpe in recent weeks. Seeing how the events unfolded tonight, it doesn’t appear that the storyline is over just yet.

Jesse Ventura Praises New WWE Management After Saturday Night’s Main Event

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jesse Ventura Praises New WWE Management After Saturday Night’s Main Event

Jesse Ventura loved being part of the Saturday Night’s Main Event.

WWE decided to opt for the retro vibes when they revived Saturday Night’s Main Event as part of their new deal with NBC. Apart from using sets and costumes inspired by the classic shows, they also brought in legendary wrestler and broadcast personality Jesse Ventura to be a part of the event.

The former governor of Minnesota reflected on his experience at the event in a new post on his Substack.  He claimed to have been truly honored to be back home and thanked his son for putting the wheels for it in motion:

“First of all it was truly an honor to come back home to the WWE. First off, I have to thank my son, Tyrel Ventura, 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.”

Strong Sense Of Teamwork: Jesse Ventura

Jesse Ventura was paired with Joe Tessitore as part of a special panel and he made multiple appearances during the event. The legendary wrestler was also on commentary for the main event match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens.

Writing about the feeling behind the scenes, he praised the new WWE regime for creating a positive environment. He claimed that the difference in energy and vibe backstage was the biggest thing he noticed during his visit:

“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. Everyone is running in the same direction. Fuelled by a desire to see everyone succeed, not just themselves.”

The wrestling veteran noted that this positive change speaks volumes about the leadership of Triple H, Nick Khan, and the rest of the management team. He concluded his post saying that he loved being backstage sharing stories and having a laugh with the new generation of talent.

This return was not a onetime thing. WWE has already announced the date for the next edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event and Ventura has confirmed that he’ll be appearing at the show set for early 2025.

Queen of the Ring Trailer Spotlights Wrestling Pioneer Mildred Burke

Thomas Lowson
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Queen of the Ring Trailer Spotlights Wrestling Pioneer Mildred Burke

A new trailer for Queen of the Ring, a biopic chronicling the life and career of wrestling legend Mildred Burke, debuted this week.

An official synopsis reads:

“In a time when pro wrestling for women was illegal across the country, a small-town single mother embraces the danger to change culture as she dominates America’s most masculine sport, becoming the first million-dollar female athlete in history.”

Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow) stars as Mildred Burke, arguably the most prominent figure in women’s wrestling from the 1930s to the 1950s. Wrestling fans will recognize AEW’s Kamille portraying June Byers, one of Burke’s longtime rivals. The cast also features Britt Baker as Debbie Nichols, Toni Storm as Clara Mortensen, and WWE’s Trinity “Naomi” Fatu as Ethel Johnson.

Queen of the Ring premiered at the Buffalo International Film Festival in October and is set to hit theaters in March of next year. The production team hopes to replicate the critical success of The Iron Claw, A24’s biopic on the Von Erich family, which earned widespread acclaim upon its release last year.

Review: ‘The Iron Claw’ Makes You Thankful For Family & The Von Erich Legacy

Burke’s influence in wrestling remains unparalleled. The NWA World Women’s Championship is also referred to as “The Burke” in honor of its first-ever champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for more updates on Queen of the Ring ahead of its theatrical release.

Update On LA Knight After Being Pulled From Appearance

Anutosh Bajpai
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Update On LA Knight After Being Pulled From Appearance

LA Knight is not injured.

The former US Champion was pulled from a scheduled appearance at Luken’s Wine and Spirits on Friday, December 27. In the statement announcing Braun Strowman as his replacement, the establishment had originally claimed that the WWE star was dealing with an injury.

Fightful Select is now reporting however that this is not the case. According to them, WWE has confirmed that LA Knight is not injured and he was actually never approved for this particular appearance.

It’s unknown why the false announcement was made but things seem to have been rectified since then. The wine store has since deleted their original tweet claiming Knight was injured and they’re now simply promoting The Monster Among Men for the upcoming session:

LA Knight lost the US Championship to Shinsuke Nakamura at the Survivor Series: WarGames event on November 30. This concluded his run with the title at 119 days.

He has since started a feud with Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline. Knight faced the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief in a match at the December 13 SmackDown but the bout ended in disqualification after Jacob Fatu and the rest of the faction got involved.

The SmackDown star is scheduled to go up against Bloodline again, this time in a six-man tag team match at the December 20 SmackDown. You can check out the spoiler results of the match and the rest of the show here.

WWE NXT Spoilers: Taping Results Airing 12/24

Thomas Lowson
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WWE NXT Spoilers: Taping Results Airing 12/24

WWE taped the December 24, episode of WWE NXT tonight from the Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA. This taping will allow talent and crew to have more time with their families over the holiday period. Below are the complete spoiler results for the taped show:

Stephanie Vaquer Vs. Cora Jade saw Vaquer score a clean win. After the match, Kelani Jordan attacked Jade with a Kendo Stick. Vaquer stepped in to stop Kelani going too far, and the former Women’s North American Champion stormed to the back.

NXT Heritage Cup: Charlie Dempsey Vs. Lexis King: Dempsey had Wren Sinclair in his corner while King had William Regal. The British legend, annoyed at King’s refusal to use brass knuckles, took matters into his own hands and decked him. Dempsey grabbed the knuckles, only to be framed by King. The ref disqualified Dempsey and Lexis King is the NEW NXT Heritage Cup Champion.

Unholy Union Segment/Match: Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn were backstage and set up a match against Fatal Influence. At ringside, Tatum Paxley, Gigi Dolin, and Shotzi showed up and gave Unholy Union the assist, helping them secure the win.

Segment: Izzi Dame tells off Shawn Spears and warns Zaria that she “shouldn’t bother with friends like Sol Ruca.”

Dion Lennix Vs. Ashante Thee Adonis: Nikkita Lyons showed up at ringside and helped Adonis pick up the win.

Trick Williams, Oba Femi, and Eddy Thorpe Segment: Thorpe argued that his foot was under the rope in his NXT Championship match with Trick, and demanded a rematch. Williams called for a triple threat match in Los Angeles at New Year’s Evil. A brawl ensued that ended with Femi standing tall and holding the WWE NXT Championship.

Ethan Page Has Lost His Smile, Attacks Je’Von Evans

Thomas Lowson
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Ethan Page Has Lost His Smile, Attacks Je’Von Evans

The downward spiral of Ethan Page was on full display during this week’s WWE NXT, with the former NXT Champion dramatically claiming he had “lost his smile.” In an emotional in-ring promo, Page revealed that he’s uncertain about his love for wrestling after recent setbacks.

Je’Von Evans interrupted, urging Page to shed his “All Ego” persona and show everyone the real Ethan Page. Trying to boost Page’s confidence, Evans added, “We’re all proud of you.” However, Page responded by viciously attacking Evans. He wrapped a chair around Evans’ neck and stomped on it, leaving Evans coughing up blood as officials attended to him.

Page’s internal conflict has been brewing since his defeat in the Iron Survivor Challenge at Deadline earlier this month. Following that loss, he admitted he wasn’t sure about his future, and suffered a further setback in a live event match against Dante Chen last week, before deleting his X account.

Page’s promo this week echoed Shawn Michaels’ infamous “lost my smile” moment from the February 13, 1997, edition of WWE Raw, which also took place at the Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Ethan Page and what lies ahead for the former NXT Champion after his shocking attack on Je’Von Evans.

LA Knight Misses Meet And Greet (Updated)

Andrew Ravens
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WWE will reportedly be without top star LA Knight for an undisclosed period due to an injury. Knight was originally slated to attend a meet-and-greet event at Luekens Wine & Spirits on December 27. However, the company announced via their Twitter/X account that Knight would be unable to participate due to injury.

The statement read:

“Important Update? While we’re sad to announce that WWE Superstar LA Knight is unable to attend the December 17th event due to injury, we’ve got great news: WWE Superstar Braun Strowman has stepped up to replace him! We’ll be making an announcement shortly with details—stay tuned!”

However, Fightful Select has since reported that Knight is not injured and was purely pulled from the appearance. Knight most recently wrestled at the December 13th WWE SmackDown tapings in a six-man tag team match, which is set to air on December 20. His last televised match saw him defeat Solo Sikoa by disqualification on the December 13th episode of SmackDown.

Fans may recall that Knight dropped the United States Championship to Shinsuke Nakamura during Survivor Series: WarGames.

Further updates regarding LA Knight’s condition and potential return will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, we wish him a speedy recovery.

James Gunn Reveals How Wrestling Kept A Key Aspect In New ‘Superman’ Film

Dominic DeAngelo
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James Gunn Reveals How Wrestling Kept A Key Aspect In New ‘Superman’ Film

Pro wrestling is everywhere, including the new Superman film set to debut in the summer of 2025. The DC cinematic universe is looking to revitalize itself with a reboot of the Superman franchise as Warner Bros. recruited famed director James Gunn to steer the ship.

Gunn is no stranger to the live-action comic book world as he’s previously worked on the Guardians of The Galaxy trilogy in addition to Peacemaker, both of which have been superhero homes for John Cena and Dave Bautista. However, he’ll have a Metropolis-sized task ahead of him as he has to shoulder the overall DC cinematic property into the second half of this decade, and that will begin with one mild-mannered reporter in Clark Kent. American actor David Corenswet will take up the iconic mantle of Superman, following in the footsteps of Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh, Dean Cain and of course, the late great Christopher Reeves.

Aside from the signature “S” across his chest and lone black hair curl akin to Scott Hall, Superman may best be known for his red trunks and having that be brought back to the cinematic Superman attire was something Gunn was vehemently against for a long time. That was, however, until Corenswet made a compelling case for the red trunks, utilizing the ‘one true sport’ as a means to connect with your everyday citizen.

“David [Corenswet] said something to me that really affected me. We were trying on all these different versions, and we screened tested with trunks and no trunks. And one of the things David said is that Superman wants kids to not be afraid of him. He’s an alien. He’s got these incredible powers. He shoots beams out of his eyes, [he] can blow the truck over. He’s this incredibly powerful – could be considered scary – individual, and he wants people to like him. He wants to be a symbol of hope and positivity. So he dresses like a professional wrestler. He dresses in a way that makes people unafraid of him, that shows that. That really clicked in for me.”

Now the ‘Superman’ we’ll see in 2025 will indeed have the red trunks, which is evident by the tease poster that was released this week.

Another image also came out of the film as it shows Kal-El sitting with Krypto The Superdog, paying homage to Frank Quietly’s 2005 graphic novel, All-Star Superman.

The first trailer for the new film has been reported to release on Friday, December 19.

WWE Star Hurt During Main Event Match

Andrew Ravens
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Prior to this week’s episode of WWE RAW at the TD Garden Arena in Boston, MA, WWE taped several matches for upcoming episodes of Speed and Main Event. Unfortunately, one star may have suffered an injury during the tapings.

NXT star Wes Lee appeared to have sustained a possible foot or ankle injury while working the Main Event tapings, according to PWInsider. While the severity of the injury is unconfirmed, Lee was reportedly evaluated immediately after the match.

The following matches were taped:

  • Wes Lee defeated Dion Lennox
  • Pete Dunne defeated Dragon Lee
  • Josh Briggs defeated Dante Chen

This development comes during a busy week for WWE, with upcoming episodes of NXT TV being taped, including tonight’s taping in Lowell, MA, before another round of tapings on Thursday.

Wes Lee has had an eventful year. After returning from injury in April, he confronted then-NXT North American Champion Oba Femi. Since then, he has feuded with stars like Josh Briggs, Gallus, and The Rascalz.

We wish Wes Lee a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in action soon.

Self-Proclaimed ‘True WWE Champion’ Kevin Owens Vows Title Defenses

Michael Reichlin
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Self-Proclaimed ‘True WWE Champion’ Kevin Owens Vows Title Defenses

Kevin Owens has crowned himself the “True WWE Champion” and vowed to defend his stolen title during WWE’s annual holiday loop— a string of Christmas-week live events that brings WWE superstars to fans across multiple cities.

For those keeping track, Owens is not the WWE Champion. Cody Rhodes holds that distinction. Owens failed to capture the title from Rhodes this past weekend at Saturday Night’s Main Event. However, in a shocking post-match attack, Owens left with the iconic Winged Eagle Championship belt. The belt itself was being used by Cody for one night only, on loan from WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H.

img 6343 1
That’s. Not. Yours.

Owens wasted no time seizing the moment, taking to social media with his trademark sarcasm to deliver this proclamation:

“BALLZ!!! Now that I have your attention, I have great news for you all! I am proud to officially announce that I will be competing in my first matches as your new, true WWE Champion on this year’s Holiday loop (that’s a term people in “the business” use that refers to a string of consecutive shows in different cities over a short period of time) starting in Jacksonville on the 26th, followed by 3 more shows in Florida and then one in Detroit for some reason. Be there to witness history! Oh, the Raw crew has shows too. Whatever.”

Kevin Owens Spreading Holiday Cheer

Kevin Owens Christmas Sweater

While Owens basks in the spotlight as the self-proclaimed champion, WWE has yet to hand down any formal disciplinary action for his post-match ambush and theft of the championship belt. Fans, however, are bracing for Rhodes’ inevitable revenge.

The company has provided a storyline update on Cody Rhodes’ condition following Owens’ attack, and it doesn’t sound good. The “American Nightmare” is reportedly dealing with significant injuries, adding to the anticipation of his eventual comeback. For now, though, Rhodes will have to sit out the holiday loop.

With Cody sidelined, Kevin Owens heads into the holiday season like the Grinch himself—winged eagle in hand, flaunting his “championship reign” in front of the WWE Universe.

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