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Peacock Scrubs Controversial Carlito Line From WWE Raw Episode

Thomas Lowson
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A controversial comment by Carlito made during the October 21, 2024, edition of WWE Raw has been removed from Peacock’s upload of the show. The comment, made during a segment with Adam Pearce saw Carlito say “I gotta learn Chinese” after IYO SKY and Kairi Sane left the room.

Many took issue with the line, believing it played on harmful stereotypes about Asian people, as SKY and Sane are both Japanese, not Chinese. On Peacock, the segment has been edited and now Pearce simply asks Carlito what he wants, without the comment from the Judgment Day member.

The line was not scripted, with those who heard it within WWE’s production said to have been in disbelief over what was said. This line and backlash came about during a time when Triple H’s creative direction had come under great scrutiny by fans. The WWE CCO was criticized for his  his answer on the lack of representation of black talent on WWE Premium Live Events.

Peacock Removing Content

This isn’t the first time Peacock has edited WWE content that it feels may not reflect its values. Other examples of WWE content you won’t find on Peacock include:

  • DX’s parody of the Nation of Domination, which included the use of blackface.
  • Vince McMahon’s use of the N-word in a segment with John Cena and Booker T.
  • Roddy Piper painting half his body black for his feud with African-American wrestler Bad News Brown.
  • Mickie James licking her hand after grabbing Trish Stratus’ crotch at WrestleMania 22.

Now, Carlito’s controversial line has been cut from Peacock, years after a ‘fan’ told SKY during a WWE NXT match to ‘Go Back to China.’ Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE.

Bobby Lashley Teases More Members For Hurt Syndicate

Anutosh Bajpai
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Bobby Lashley has teased an expansion of Hurt Syndicate.

The newest AEW signee recently had an interview with The Lame Guys Wrestling podcast. He talked about things such as his run-ins with Swerve Strickland, his future plans, and more.

The former world champion also explained his decision to join AEW after his departure from WWE. He revealed that one of the things that convinced him was Tony Khan’s promise of allowing him to work on other projects:

“Part of it is because Tony did tell me that I had opportunities to do other things also. So If I do want to tackle that fight and do another fight, whether it’s boxing, bareknuckle, MMA, I think he’ll give me the opportunity to. Then, all my other projects also that I’ve been working on.”

We Are Good For The Company: Bobby Lashley

The 48-year-old also noted that he wants to go out on his terms, an opportunity he didn’t get in WWE. He wants to work with his friends MVP and Shelton Benjamin again while helping young talents on his way.

Bobby Lashley explained that taking out the whole Hurt Syndicate might not be a realistic goal for an up-and-coming talent but they can benefit from working with different members of his group. The heavyweight star then teased bringing other members to the faction:

“I was like, ‘If I’m going to go out, there are certain ways that I want to go out.’ I didn’t get an opportunity to go out the way that I wanted to with putting guys over and having a feud with those guys. Another avenue I could be happy with is to be able to work with P and Shelton again, being able to run with that and have fun with it.

Ultimately, we are a group that is good for the company. We have the ability to be able to build talent. If you go into a feud with us or you’re on the mic against P, you have Shelton, me, whoever else we bring on. You have a lot of obstacles.”

When asked which are some names he would like to bring into the Hurt Syndicate fold, Lashley mentioned that he would like to have Lio Rush around him again. Other names that were mentioned during the conversation included Ricochet and HOOK.

Ricky Starks Books Another Indie Appearance Amid AEW Hiatus

Andrew Ravens
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As speculation mounts about Ricky Starks’ future in AEW, the former Tag Team Champion has added another independent wrestling date to his calendar.

Starks is slated to debut for House of Glory on Friday, January 17, in Chicago. The event, set to stream live on Triller, has yet to announce Starks’ opponent. This follows his surprise appearance for Glory Pro Wrestling in St. Louis, Missouri, which set up a match against indie standout Kody Lane this Saturday.

This appearance will mark Starks’ first in-ring action since May, when he faced QT Marshall at a Big Time Wrestling show in California. Notably, his last AEW match took place in March, sparking questions about his absence from the promotion.

Despite being vocal about his readiness to compete, Starks has expressed frustration over his lack of utilization in AEW. In August, AEW President Tony Khan praised Starks in public comments but offered no explanation for his continued absence from programming.

Many fans and insiders believe that once Starks’ contract expires, he could be WWE-bound. The rival promotion reportedly has an interest in signing the AEW star, who has been with the promotion for the last several years.

Nikki Garcia & Artem Chigvintsev Have Agreed To Divorce Settlement

Andrew Ravens
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Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev have resolved their divorce through mediation, avoiding a trial that was set to begin in two weeks. According to TMZ, the former couple reached an agreement earlier this month, though the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed.

Previously, Chigvintsev, a former Dancing with the Stars performer, sought spousal support, while Garcia, a former WWE star, moved to block the court’s ability to award it. Whether this issue was resolved in the mediation remains unclear.

Earlier this year, the pair also dropped mutual restraining orders and agreed to shared custody of their four-year-old son. The divorce filing followed a series of turbulent events, including Chigvintsev’s late-August arrest on domestic violence charges at their Napa County home. However, the charges were dropped in September after the district attorney cited insufficient evidence to proceed.

Chigvintsev’s legal troubles also affected his professional life. Following his arrest, he was not invited back to compete on Dancing with the Stars. However, his attorney expressed optimism that he might rejoin the show in the future. Last week, Chigvintsev made an appearance as a guest in the studio audience for the show’s 500th episode, at the invitation of an executive producer.

Bobby Lashley Made AEW In-Ring Debut On Dynamite

Andrew Ravens
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Bobby Lashley made a significant impact on AEW Dynamite this Wednesday by making his in-ring debut, just days ahead of his scheduled match against former AEW World Heavyweight Champion Swerve Strickland at the Full Gear pay-per-view event this Saturday.

Since his AEW debut, Lashley has been embroiled in a feud with Strickland. Earlier in the evening, The Hurt Syndicate arrived in an SUV atop a parking garage. As MVP announced Lashley’s in-ring debut for the night, Strickland ambushed Lashley with a steel chain before fleeing the scene.

In his debut match, Lashley faced Joe Keys and Cheeseburger in a one-on-two handicap bout. Lashley swiftly defeated both opponents, demonstrating his dominance, with Keys passing out in the Hurt Lock. Post-match, Prince Nana appeared on the stage, distracting MVP and Shelton Benjamin long enough for Strickland to launch a surprise attack on Lashley.

As the Full Gear event approaches, Lashley is considered a heavy-betting favorite for defeating Strickland.

WWE’s Jade Cargill Signs with Paradigm Talent Agency’s Sports Division

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Jade Cargill is the latest Superstar to join Paradigm Talent as part of the agency’s new ‘Sports Group’ division. Paradigm will search out major roles for Cargill outside of the ring, and she follows in the footsteps of past signings including Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, Damian Priest, and CM Punk.

Cargill is already familiar with blending the worlds of pro wrestling and non-wrestling entertainment as she often donned cosplay in AEW. From She-Hulk to Storm to Cheetara, Cargill was able to demonstrate her creative side by embodying other characters but is waiting for the right moment to do the same in WWE.

Jade Cargill: The Storm

Signing with Paradigm is the latest major move for Cargill, who has risen through wrestling’s ranks since her debut in 2020. In 2022, Cargill became the first TBS Champion and would boast a 60-match undefeated streak in AEW which was ultimately shattered by Kris Statlander.

2023 saw Cargill continue to grow as she joined WWE but waited until the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble to make her in-ring debut. Cargill would quickly fall into an alliance with Bianca Belair, and the pair are two-time (and current) WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Cargill is also a force to be reckoned with outside of the ring, with nearly two million social media followers and a master’s degree in child psychology to her name. Cargill is part of a real-life power couple as she and her husband former MLB star Brandon Phillips, co-own the Women’s Professional Fastpitch team, the Texas Smoke.

Now, Cargill is poised to take another step in her rapidly expanding career, this time outside of the squared circle. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Jade Cargill and her future, both in and out of the ring.

Tony Khan Talks AEW’s Max Streaming Deal, Media Landscape

Michael Reichlin
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AEW President Tony Khan recently shared insights into the wrestling promotion’s growth, the changing dynamics of live entertainment, and how streaming is shaping AEW’s future. Speaking on Q101’s Brian & Kenzie, Khan reflected on AEW’s ability to adapt to industry shifts and expand its reach in key markets.

Adapting to Post-Pandemic Live Events

Khan discussed the significant changes in the live event industry brought about by the pandemic. During lockdowns, AEW hosted its shows exclusively in Jacksonville for over a year, a move that provided stability during a turbulent time. “Since we came out of that and started touring again, these last three years have been absolutely great being back on the road,” Khan said.

He highlighted AEW’s expansion into unexpected markets, including setting a new pro wrestling attendance record at Wembley Stadium for All In. The company’s ability to explore new territories has been a major driver of its growth.

Key Markets and Trends in Attendance

Major U.S. cities have been strongholds for AEW, particularly those with established professional sports teams or large colleges. Khan noted the importance of continuing to assess where AEW performs best. “In the major markets, we’ve had good success,” he said, emphasizing the company’s strategy of revisiting top-performing cities at the right frequency.

Chicago, in particular, stands out as one of AEW’s most successful markets. “Chicago has been first and foremost for us,” Khan said, calling it a cornerstone for AEW’s live event strategy.

Potential for Residency Shows

Residency-style events could play a larger role in AEW’s future, according to Khan. He praised the success of a recent residency in Arlington, crediting both the fans and AEW’s team for its impact. “I think it’s a great model and could be something to go back to,” he said.

The Evolving Media Landscape

Khan also addressed how AEW is navigating the changing television and streaming environment. While hardcore fans often follow ratings closely, Khan acknowledged that the average viewer is less concerned with these metrics. “I’m not sure the average fan actually pays attention to [TV ratings],” he said, noting that the focus for most is on enjoying the weekly programming.

Despite the challenges of a shrinking cable audience, Khan pointed to AEW’s sustained success on television. “As the cable universe has changed and the streaming audience has grown, wrestling has still delivered at a very high level week in, week out,” he said. He highlighted recent viewership gains for Dynamite and Collision as a testament to AEW’s consistency.

The transition to streaming is also a key part of AEW’s strategy. Starting in January 2024, AEW will debut live on Max, Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform. Khan expressed optimism about reaching a broader audience. “We’ll be available in almost twice as many homes,” he said, emphasizing the potential to attract new fans who primarily stream content.

Conclusion

Khan’s reflections offer a glimpse into AEW’s ability to adapt to an evolving industry. From overcoming the challenges of the pandemic to leveraging streaming as a growth tool, AEW continues to expand its reach while solidifying its place in major markets.

Toni Storm Retiring? ‘AEW is Just Fine Without Me’

Andrew Ravens
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Toni Storm has revealed her decision to step away from professional wrestling, signaling the end of her celebrated career. This announcement follows a series of setbacks, including her recent loss of the AEW Women’s Championship to Mariah May at AEW All In. Storm has also competed in promotions like CMLL and STARDOM but failed to secure victories during her tenure.

In an interview with James Dator of SBNation, Storm confirmed her retirement and expressed no intention of making future public appearances. “I’m not used to being a loser,” Storm admitted. “I’ve failed at everything. I lost in AEW, I lost in Japan, I lost in Mexico.”

“This is the last you’ll hear from me again. Enjoy Mariah May as your champion. You can all enjoy that. AEW is just fine without me. Everything is going well for AEW. They don’t need Toni Storm.”

– Toni Storm

Storm concluded her statement with the enigmatic remark, “Chin down. Tits in. Don’t bother watching for the shoe.” The announcement comes shortly after the release of a cinematic video titled, ‘“’Where in the World is Toni Storm?” on October 30.

Despite her declaration, speculation is rife that Storm could make a surprise appearance at AEW Full Gear this Saturday, where Mariah May is set to host a championship celebration alongside Mina Shirakawa. For more, check out the full interview at SBNation.

AEW Full Gear 2024 Predictions: Jon Moxley vs Orange Cassidy and more

Is This Real or Storyline?

The tone of the interview and Toni Storm’s exaggerated remarks suggest this is likely part of an ongoing storyline rather than a genuine retirement announcement.

The dramatic, almost satirical comments, and the offbeat remarks about rhino-sized hamsters—fit her current over-the-top persona in AEW. Her statement that she hasn’t spoken to Tony Khan about her decision further implies this is a ‘work.’

First Look at Dwayne Johnson’s Maui in Live Action Moana Adaptation

Thomas Lowson
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Movie fans have caught their first glimpse at Dwayne Johnson as Maui in the live-action adaptation of Disney blockbuster success Moana. Johnson will portray Maui in the film, the same character he voiced in the 2016 Moana animated film.

Moana’s live-action adaptation is scheduled to land in cinemas in July 2026 and will see Catherine Laga?aia in the titular role. The film is expected to follow the plot of Moana (2016,) which sees a Polynesian chief’s daughter search for a mystical relic to save the island she calls home.

Fans won’t have to wait until 2026 to see Johnson as Maui, as the actor will voice the character once more for Moana 2, a sequel to the initial animated film. Moana 2 will release on November 27, 2024, and sees Auli?i Cravalho and Johnson return to voice Moana and Maui.

The Rock And WWE

While Maui is a fun-loving, easy-going character, Johnson has been anything but since his transformation into the heel ‘Final Boss’ earlier this year. The Rock returned to WWE TV at Bad Blood in a tense staredown with Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. Talk continues to grow about The Rock being at WrestleMania 41, with the Brahma Bull decrying “bull****” reports that he has told WWE he won’t make the show.

Whether he’s handling business in the ring, providing his voice for major animated projects, or electrifying in person on the big screen, Dwayne Johnson remains a leading man in entertainment. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Johnson, both in the ring and on the silver screen.

Jon Moxley: AEW’s Survival is “Life or Death” for Wrestling

Michael Reichlin
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Jon Moxley, a cornerstone of AEW since its inception, has made it clear that the company’s future is critical for the wrestling industry. Fresh off his brutal win over Bryan Danielson at WrestleDream, Moxley says AEW must succeed to prevent wrestling from regressing. During an interview with Scott Fishman for TV Insider, Moxley says:

“AEW has to be a success. If it’s not, the business gets set back another 20 f*ckin’ years.”

– Jon Moxley (via TV Insider)

Reflecting his real-life commitment, Moxley’s storyline mirrors his belief in AEW as the defining platform for the next generation of talent. Moxley emphasized the untapped potential of AEW, citing its stacked roster and the need to solidify its identity. “We’re going to plant our flag…turn this into what it can be,” he said, calling for a united effort to build AEW’s legacy.

As Moxley prepares to defend his title against Orange Cassidy at Full Gear, he remains focused on delivering a product that fans and wrestlers alike can take pride in.

AEW Full Gear 2024 Predictions: Jon Moxley vs Orange Cassidy and more

Other Highlights from the Interview:

WrestleDream Match Against Bryan Danielson: Moxley described defeating Danielson as both a personal and professional milestone, referring to it as a “beautiful funeral” for the “American Dragon’s” full-time career.

AEW’s Identity Crisis: He acknowledged AEW’s young status, noting that the company is still defining itself but believes the next chapter begins now.

Orange Cassidy Match: Moxley praised Cassidy’s evolution, calling him a more dangerous and complex competitor than many realize.

Mentorship in AEW: He spotlighted talents like Marina Shafir, whose rapid growth reflects AEW’s commitment to nurturing future stars.

For more, visit TVInsider.

Kenny Omega Confirms Return Match For Wrestle Dynasty 2025

Anutosh Bajpai
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Kenny Omega has seemingly confirmed his in-ring return match against Gabe Kidd at next year’s Wrestle Dynasty PPV event.

This comes after the Cleaner made his first wrestling appearance in a long time at the November 4 Power Struggle PPV. Omega announced his intention to make an in-ring return at the January show. He was then attacked by Gabe Kidd backstage.

In a new interview with NJPW, the former AEW World Champion addressed these recent events, saying that he has had some time to reflect on things since Power Struggle:

“Well, I’d like to address recent circumstances, and things that have happened with Gabe Kidd. I’ve had time to reflect after Power Struggle, and I feel I would regret not being able to make things right. I would hate for this situation to cause a rift between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.”

Kenny Omega then seemingly confirmed his return match for the Wrestle Dynasty event on January 5, claiming that he’ll do it if that’s what the fans want:

“So after conversations I’ve had with President Tanahashi and other executives in NJPW, I’ve decided that if New Japan requests it, if Gabe requests it, and if the fans want it, then I will wrestle Gabe Kidd, as a professional at Wrestle Dynasty January 5.”

The former IWGP World Champion went on a hiatus at the end of 2023 after being diagnosed with diverticulitis. His last match came against Ethan Page at the December 12, 2023 episode of Collision.

Omega also recently explained his decision to make his in-ring return in Japan instead of US. You can check out his comments on the matter here.

Paul Brothers Discuss WWE, Mike Tyson & Trump in Wide-Ranging Interview

Rayan Sayyed
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After his record-breaking fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson on Netflix, Jake Paul shared his thoughts on the match, Tyson, and other topics like Donald Trump, possibly joining WWE with his brother Logan, and more, on Logan Paul’s podcast Impaulsive. Here’s a summary of what they discussed in episode 436 of the podcast.

WWE

Jake expressed interest in joining WWE but preferred to be Logan’s manager/sidekick rather than wrestle full-time. Apart from his boxing endeavors, speaking about professional wrestling, Jake said that he would “love to” come to the WWE, but not as a full-time wrestler.

“I would want to be your Paul Heyman,” Jake told Logan. “I wouldn’t want to wrestle as much. Like I could do some sh*t, but I’d want to be your sidekick businessman.”

Logan said that he’d want to go for it, perhaps when Jake becomes the boxing world champion and retires and Logan is still wrestling. “I guess you could do it now, but it’s time-consuming,” Logan added.

However, Logan’s vision for the ultimate goal is for him to become WWE Champion, for Jake to become a boxing champion, and for Jake’s girlfriend, speed skater Jutta Leerdam, to win Olympic gold.

Trump/Political Content

Jake made a political video supporting Trump that reportedly influenced some Democratic voters to switch parties

“I had a bunch of Democratic people tell me they changed to Republican because of that video,” Jake revealed. The two brothers agreed that the positive reception of the video showed that people need to stop being divisive on political topics and have healthy discussions and be united for a better USA.

Jake mentioned trying to get Kamala Harris on his podcast, but she declined, even with offered editorial control

Logan Paul also mentioned that he tried to get Democratic Party nominee for the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris, to the Impaulsive podcast after Trump’s appearance. Even after he offered editorial control for the would-be episode, Harris still declined to appear.

“We gave her Final Cut,” the host said. “You can cut what you want from the podcast. We think our viewers would love to hear what you want to say. We’ll have a good conversation. It wasn’t a ‘gotcha’ podcast, and she just wouldn’t come on.”

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fallout

The fight was streamed on Netflix, reaching 60 million households and approximately 250 million viewers. Jake Paul also revealed on the podcast that his goal is to be a world champion boxer. “That’s my goal. I’m literally boxing my whole life, and that creates a ton of dead time.”

Jake claims he didn’t feel Tyson’s punches, including a notable slap during promotion

Before the boxing match though, during the match’s promotions, Mike Tyson had slapped Jake Paul. This became a viral moment, and Jake revealed that he didn’t even feel the slap.

“I’m really not trying to be tough or something, I didn’t feel it [the slap] at all. I didn’t even feel a single thing. Not even like, ‘Oh my god, that hurt.’ It was all beard [on my face] so the skin didn’t even hurt. Didn’t wobble, feel stars, nothing.”

Being Friends with Tyson After the Fight

Logan asked his brother Jake if he thinks he would go back to being friends again after the mayhem that took place in the boxing match. Jake is pretty positive that they will be buddies soon enough.

“For sure,” Jake answered. “We already kind of showed each other a bunch of love in the ring. We just have respect for each other.”

Jake said that Mike was tired after the match and he “persevered for his age.” He added, “He totally tried and fought.”

Reaction to the Negativity

The match has its fair share of negative critics as well, notably about the performance from Mike Tyson and how Jake Paul often picks opponents that are much older than him in age. Jake said he has nothing to say to the negative reception and “hate” he’s receiving online.

“The people who understand the greatness of it, have their own lives, and are happy with themselves, they’re going to just show respect and praise. The haters who are jealous and don’t have anything going on in their sad and miserable lives want to bring this whole event, Mike, and me down.”

As for people who aren’t “hating” per se, but weren’t entertained from the fight, Jake says that such people just wanted him to lose. “That’s the only way they would have thought it was entertaining.” He added that he would receive hate even if he’d knocked out Tyson.   

Allegations that the fight was rigged

“‘Oh, it’s rigged because look at him on the pads, but he didn’t do this in the fight.’ Because someone is f**king punching back, you dumb f**ks. People don’t realise my power and my jab, my speed, ability, and my footwork to get out of the way of those punches. So all of a sudden, he’s throwing at literally air. He can’t land those punches on me.”

Was Mike Tyson Hard to Hit?

Jake said that despite his speed, Mike was still hard to hit and “elusive.” “I was missing [punches]. I don’t know how he gets off to the side like that.”

How Jake Paul Feels About the Tyson Fight

Jake said that he wishes Mike would have put up “a better fight so I could have risen more, done more.”

“He was surviving,” Jake described Mike Tyson in the ring. “That is the only thing I didn’t like.” As for the punches that Mike did land on Jake, the 27-year-old said that he “didn’t feel a thing.”

“It didn’t really hurt, he didn’t really land anything,” he added. Logan said that Jake’s large beard throws people off, because it’s hard to tell where his chin is. And this could have been a factor why Mike’s punches just scraped by Logan’s face.

Jake denied reports of making $90 million or $170 million but confirmed it was his highest payday

Jake denied the reports, stating that he made $90 million or $170 million from the fight. However, he did confirm that there was a lot of money made from the fight.

“I made a lot of money, the most money I’ve made ever,” he said. And what would he do with all that money? Buy a ranch.

Netflix Partnership

Jake Paul revealed that partnering with Netflix was a major factor that led to the fight’s success. “That was like the trifecta,” Jake said. “That made it all perfect is their involvement. It wouldn’t be as big if it was just me and Mike on some pay-per-view platform.”

Jake also revealed that he has a “severe underbite,” and he can’t do anything to fix his teeth because “I’ll just get hit, and they’ll move again.”

What’s next

As for what’s next for Jake, suggested that he would fight his brother Logan. “You’re just a tiny little guy,” Jake mockingly said to his older brother. However, Logan replied that ruining his little brother’s boxing career would be “so bad and mean.”

Powerhouse Hobbs Promises a Fiercer, Realer Persona After AEW Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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Powerhouse Hobbs says he’s gonna start bringing more of his real-life self into his character to fill a gap in the wrestling world after his return.

The 33-year-old recently had an interview with Uproxx. He talked about things such as his knee injury that kept him out of action for 7 months this year, his AEW return earlier this month, and more.

Talking about his future plans, the heavyweight star revealed that there were talks of him bringing more of his real-life self into his character before his hiatus. Now that he is back, he is going to show people how much more intense he can be:

“I’m just gonna show everyone how much more intense I can be, how destructive I can be, how I don’t give a shit at times who’s in my way. In the end, this business, there only can be one.

It’s going to come to a point where I’m going to show everybody that it’s all about me. They’re either going to be with me or be against me. It doesn’t matter. They boo me, I’m just going to start tearing everything up in front of them.”

It’s Time To Bring It Out: Powerhouse Hobbs

Powerhouse Hobbs explained that wrestling is missing the crop of big guys that can make people afraid just by their presence. The former TNT champion feels that he can be one such performer:

“And I think that’s what wrestling is missing a little bit. That one guy who makes people afraid, but they want to see him kick someone’s ass. I feel that it’s time to bring it out.”

Wrestling has had a rich history of heavyweight stars who can intimidate people just by their presence. Though it does feel like the tradition has taken a backseat with the influx of smaller, more athletic talents in the last few years.

WWE also seems to be recognizing this void. The most recent reintroduction of Bronson Reed suggests that the company sees an opportunity in having a monstrous performer who can strike fear in the hearts of talents with his capability for destruction.

You can check out Hobbs’ AEW return match below:

Trump Nominates Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as Education Secretary

Michael Reichlin
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President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon as the next Secretary of Education. McMahon, co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), previously served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019.

McMahon’s appointment aligns with Trump’s vision to reduce federal oversight in education, as he has expressed intentions to eliminate the Department of Education. Her extensive experience in business and her previous cabinet role highlight her as a significant figure in the WWE community, now poised to influence national education policy.

Linda McMahon’s ties to Donald Trump span both wrestling and politics. Their partnership began in the 1980s when WWE ran events at Trump’s Atlantic City properties, culminating in Trump’s memorable appearance at WrestleMania 23 in 2007.

McMahon later transitioned to politics, serving as Trump’s Small Business Administration chief from 2017 to 2019. She continued supporting his initiatives as America First Policy Institute’s leader and co-chair of his transition team.

Donald Trump nominates Linda McMahon for United States Secretary of Education

Now, with her expected return to the cabinet as Secretary of Education, McMahon would oversee one of the smallest federal agencies – one that manages federal student aid, educational research, and anti-discrimination efforts while accounting for less than 10% of public school funding nationwide.

Middle-Aged WWE Fans Blamed For Donald Trump’s Presidential Win

Tony Khan: AEW is Home to the Best Black Wrestlers

Bishal Roy
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AEW President Tony Khan recently opened up on the promotion’s stacked roster having several Black wrestlers.

Since the promotion’s inception in 2019, Khan has signed several top names in the business and his presentation of Black wrestlers in AEW have been widely praised. Swerve Strickland had become their first Black world champion of the promotion at AEW Dynasty.

Speaking with CHGO Sports, Tony Khan opened up on Black wrestlers being widely featured in the AEW Shows and some of the big names include Swerve Strickland, The Hurt Syndicate, and Ricochet. The AEW President was asked about whether elevating them to the top level was a conscious decision. Tony Khan explained:

“I think you just said it. I’m conscious of it, but I also think that these are some of the best wrestlers in AEW you just named. So we’re really lucky to have those great stars.

We’ve been fortunate to be able to build up some great stars and also have a lot of great free agents come in to where I think so many of the top wrestlers, some of the top Black wrestlers in the world are in AEW, and I really think most of the top Black wrestlers in the world are now in AEW. But I think that is a conscious thing, but I also think it’s great.”

Most recently, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin) joined the promotion and they have already cemented their position as a top faction. ‘The All Mighty’ is also set to make his in-ring debut in AEW.

Gangrel Provides Update On His Health After Multiple Surgeries

Bishal Roy
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Former WWE star Gangrel recently opened up on his recovery following his recent surgeries.

Taking to social media, Gangrel revealed that he underwent surgery for a total hip replacement three months ago and surgery for a total knee replacement three weeks ago. He said that he had been “hanging low” due to the surgeries. However, he assured the fans that he’s on his way back up and feeling good.

Earlier this year, Gangrel surprised fans with his appearance at AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view. He emerged from under the ring in a barbed wire steel cage match between Adam Copeland and Malakai Black. Copeland received help from Gangrel and managed to fend off Malakai, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews to secure the victory.

Following the match, Copeland and Gangrel celebrated on the entrance ramp and it marked the reunion of the popular WWE Attitude Era faction, The Brood. Prior to his appearance, ‘The Rated R Superstar’ had been dropping hints about reuniting with Gangrel during his promo on AEW shows.

Gangrel reveals how his AEW appearance came together

Gangrel had previously appeared on Busted Open Radio and revealed how his appearance came together.

“Adam is hard-headed. Once he has a story or something in his mind, he’s going to get it done one way or another. Eventually, it went over to AEW and he got it done. I’m appreciative for it. I’m 55 years old. I didn’t know if I could crawl up through the bottom of the ring being under there for a while. My biggest fear was, ‘Can I get up and move?’ My adrenaline kicked in. I was just blessed to be part of that moment.

“When I saw him do the interview, I already knew I was coming in. He just wanted to keep it quiet. When he did that interview, I was like, ‘He’s planting the seeds. He’s going to make sure they do remember.’ Smart man. They kept it hush-hush. I didn’t tell anybody. They had me come in last minute. I stayed in his locker room the whole time. When I went to the ring, (Chris) Jericho was like, ‘What are you doing here?’ They were able to keep it quiet as best they could and I was surprised by that. It’s really hard to do in wrestling nowadays. I didn’t get wheelchaired in and covered up or anything like that. Just came in early, went to the locker room and sat there all day. Right before the match, threw a black hoodie on, went out there with the ring crew, climbed under the deal, and that was that.”

Gangrel has been entertaining fans for years and all the bumps inside the ring have taken a toll on him. The 55-year-old doesn’t seem to stop anytime soon but needs to recuperate fully to compete again in the ring.

We at SEScoops wish him a speedy recovery.

Andre Chase’s Emotional Farewell as Chase U Falls on WWE NXT

Michael Reichlin
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This week’s episode of WWE NXT delivered a gut-wrenching blow as Andre Chase faced Ridge Holland in a high-stakes match with serious implications. Victory for Chase meant a shot at Trick Williams’ NXT Championship at the upcoming Deadline event on December 7. However, defeat would mark the end of the beloved Chase University faction.

Fans were stunned when Holland emerged victorious. Fans were left reeling as the faction, led by Chase with the support of Duke Hudson, Riley Osborne, and Thea Hail, crumbled despite their best efforts to intervene.

Chaos erupted when Riley Osborne attempted a high-risk dive at Ridge Holland but inadvertently struck Thea Hail, leaving her incapacitated. The distraction proved costly, as Holland capitalized and secured the win, effectively dissolving Chase U and leaving the NXT Universe stunned.

In the aftermath, Chase shared an emotional farewell on social media.

“And I guess that’s the TEACHABLE MOMENT… You guys never needed me. I was the one who always needed y’all. Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be here without you. ??”

– Andre Chase

The heartfelt message highlighted the deep connection Chase U had fostered with fans over the years. While the end of the faction marked a bitter chapter, Chase’s words served as a reminder of the unique bond that made Chase U a cornerstone of NXT programming.

For Thea Hail, who took a hard hit during the match, the physical toll reflected the emotional weight of the loss felt by Chase U loyalists everywhere. Though the group’s future remains uncertain, the impact of their journey will resonate long beyond this fateful night.

Adam Cole Reveals WrestleMania Match That Inspired Him To Become A Wrestler

Anutosh Bajpai
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Adam Cole has revealed the one WrestleMania match that instantly got him hooked on wrestling and led to him becoming a wrestler himself.

The AEW star recently had an interview with PennLive.com. He talked about things such as spending the majority of the last 2 years on shelf due to various injuries, the uncertainty of his future during this time period and more.

During the talk Adam Cole also revealed where he got his first taste of wrestling. The former NXT Champion recalled taking Karate lessons when he was 9 years old. One day he got there early and found his instructor watching Monday Night Raw:

“It was Kane and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin putting Paul Bearer in a sewer. And I remember he looked at me and said, ‘Do you watch pro wrestling?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, yeah, I watch it all the time.’ Just lying through my teeth. I had never seen it before, but I wanted to fit in with him so badly. And it looked intriguing.”

For The Rest of My Life: Adam Cole

Cole then begged his mother to allow him to rent the tape for WrestleMania 15. The 1999 event emanating from the First Union Center in Philadelphia was enough to get him hooked to the world of sports entertainment:

“The first time I saw The Rock and Steve Austin, I was like, ‘This is what I wanna do for the rest of my life’. Genuinely. From that point on, from 9 years on, everything that I did was for the idea of eventually getting into pro wrestling.”

Adam Cole returned to action during the WrestleDream PPV last month. He has reignited his rivalry with MJF since then. Cole was looking to get a match against the former AEW champion at the November 23 Full Gear PPV.

He failed to complete the challenge laid out by Maxwell, however. So instead of Cole, it’ll be Roderick Strong who’ll face The Salt of The Earth at the upcoming show.

AEW Full Gear 2024 Predictions: Jon Moxley vs Orange Cassidy and more

Jake Skudder
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AEW Full Gear 2024 is set to take place on Saturday, November 23, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. As one of AEW’s marquee events, Full Gear promises an action-packed card featuring some of the promotion’s top stars. Let’s dive into the predictions for the main matches.

Read More – AEW Full Gear 2024 Live Stream: How to watch

Jon Moxley vs Orange Cassidy – AEW World Championship

The main event sees AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defending his title against the ever-popular Orange Cassidy. This match may well be the culmination of a feud that began after Moxley’s brutal victory over Bryan Danielson at AEW WrestleDream. 

Cassidy, who attempted to save Danielson from a post-match attack, now stands as the defender of AEW’s honor against Moxley’s reign of terror.

Prediction: While Cassidy has proven himself a formidable opponent, Moxley’s current character arc and dominant reign suggest he will retain the title. Expect a hard-fought battle showcasing Cassidy’s resilience, but ultimately ending with Moxley’s hand raised.

Mercedes Mone vs Kris Statlander – TBS Championship

Mercedes Mone defends her TBS Championship against former champion Kris Statlander. Mone has been on an impressive undefeated streak since joining AEW and capturing the title.

Prediction: Mercedes Mone will likely retain her championship. Her star power and recent dominance make it unlikely for AEW to end her reign so soon.

Bobby Lashley vs Swerve Strickland

In a highly anticipated match, Bobby Lashley makes his AEW in-ring debut against Swerve Strickland. This bout follows the recent storyline involving MVP, Prince Nana, and Shelton Benjamin.

Prediction: Given it’s Lashley’s debut, he’s likely to secure a victory, potentially setting up future storylines within AEW.

MJF vs Roderick Strong

MJF faces off against Roderick Strong in what promises to be an intense grudge match. 

This contest serves as a prelude to MJF’s expected showdown with Adam Cole at the upcoming Worlds End event.

Prediction: MJF should emerge victorious, building momentum for his future encounter with Adam Cole.

Jack Perry vs Daniel Garcia – TNT Championship

TNT Champion Jack Perry defends his title against the rising star Daniel Garcia. Garcia has gained significant fan support recently, challenging the “entitled nepo baby” Perry.

Prediction: This could be the moment for a title change, with Garcia potentially dethroning Perry to continue his upward trajectory in AEW.

AEW Full Gear 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting event with potential for title changes and memorable moments. As always in professional wrestling, expect the unexpected, but these predictions offer a glimpse into what fans might see on November 23.

CM Punk Comments On Potential Match With John Cena On His Retirement Tour

Anutosh Bajpai
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CM Punk has a long list of talents he would love to face in WWE.

The Straight Edge star was recently interviewed by Peter Rosenberg of Rosenberg Wrestling. He talked about things such as the potential of his wife AJ Lee returning to wrestling, his regrets about his AEW career and more.

When asked which are some superstars he would love to get in the ring with, Punk mentioned talents who have shown a great understanding of in-ring psychology in recent times. The list included names such as Chad Gable and Ludwig Kaiser:

“When you ask me ‘Who do you want to get in the ring with’ I go ‘Oh the list is…it’s pretty lengthy’ I think Chad Gable’s on the top of the list. I think Bronson Reed’s on the top of the list.

[Ludwig] Kaiser is somebody I see a lot in. I think could be fun. Gunther…I’m selfishly talking about guys that I would love to wrestle on House shows.”

The Money Stuff

CM Punk then mentioned how there is a whole other list of names that he could main event PPVs with, such as Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns:

“But then you talk about the money stuff. You talk about the marquee stuff. You talk about what is a match that you could see Main Eventing a pay-per-view. That’s what get my juices flowing.

I think whenever myself and Roman Reigns are face to face on television, I think that’s going to be a moment. I think there’s the table set for myself and Cody. You never know when The Rock’s gonna come back.”

When the name of John Cena was brought up, Punk admitted that he would love to get in the ring with his old rival. Although he explained that Cena has earned the right to call his own shots in his final year:

“There’s Big Match John coming right around the corner. Another guy that I don’t want to talk about because he’s gonna do his own thing. If I’m a part of that…what a fortunate career I’ve had but John deserves everything that he wants. He calls his own shot is basically what I’m saying. But yeah, I’d love to get hands on him too.”

Starting from Raw’s Netflix premiere on January 6, John Cena will be going on a retirement tour. He’ll be active throughout the year competing at events such as Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. The Cenation Leader will bid goodbye to his in-ring career at the end of the year.

AEW TV Schedule: Dynamite, Rampage, Collision and more

Jake Skudder
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All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has quickly established itself as a major player in the professional wrestling industry since its inception in 2019. With a diverse lineup of weekly shows and special events, AEW offers fans multiple opportunities to catch their favorite wrestlers in action. Let’s take a closer look at the current AEW TV schedule and what each show has to offer.

Read More – AEW Dynamite Schedule: Date, Venue and more

AEW Dynamite: The Flagship Show

AEW Dynamite serves as the cornerstone of AEW’s programming, airing live every Wednesday at 8 PM ET on TBS. 

Since its debut on October 2, 2019, Dynamite has become the promotion’s premier weekly event, featuring top talent and storylines. The two-hour format allows for a mix of in-ring action, promos, and character development, making it a must-watch for AEW fans.

AEW Rampage: Friday Night Action

Premiering on August 13, 2021, AEW Rampage provides an additional hour of wrestling entertainment every Friday at 10 PM ET on TNT. 

This show often spotlights performers who may not receive as much airtime on Dynamite, giving fans a chance to see a wider range of AEW’s roster. Rampage’s later time slot allows for a more intense and edgy presentation, catering to hardcore wrestling enthusiasts.

AEW Collision: Saturday Night Wrestling

The newest addition to AEW’s television lineup, AEW Collision, debuted on June 17, 2023. 

Airing live on TNT every Saturday at 8 PM ET, this two-hour show was initially conceived to feature CM Punk and keep him separate from The Elite. Collision has since evolved into its own unique program, offering fans a third night of AEW action each week.

Special Events and Additional Programming

In addition to its regular weekly shows, AEW presents special events throughout the year. One such event is the quarterly AEW Battle of the Belts, which airs on TNT and focuses on championship matches. 

These specials provide fans with high-stakes encounters and potential title changes.

Schedule Changes and Adaptations

It’s important to note that AEW’s TV schedule can be subject to changes, particularly during major sporting events like the NBA and NHL playoffs. 

These events may cause shows like Rampage to be pre-empted or moved to different time slots. AEW has shown flexibility in adapting to these changes, sometimes offering special Saturday night episodes of Dynamite or adjusting start times to accommodate sports programming.

For fans looking to stay up-to-date with AEW’s programming, it’s advisable to check official AEW social media channels or your local TV listings for the most current schedule information.

With its dynamic lineup of shows and willingness to adapt to scheduling challenges, AEW continues to provide wrestling fans with exciting content throughout the week.

AEW Full Gear 2024 Zero Hour Pre Show Start Time: US, Australia, Europe and more

Jake Skudder
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AEW Full Gear 2024 is set to be an exciting event for wrestling fans worldwide. Before the main card kicks off, viewers can tune in to the Zero Hour pre-show for some preliminary action. Here’s everything you need to know about the start times for the Zero Hour pre-show across different regions.

Read More – AEW Full Gear 2024 Odds: Current Favorites for Prudential Center

US and Canada Start Times

For fans in North America, the AEW Full Gear 2024 Zero Hour pre-show is expected to begin at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Saturday, November 23, 2024. This translates to:

  • 6:00 PM Central Time (CT)
  • 5:00 PM Mountain Time (MT)
  • 4:00 PM Pacific Time (PT)

European Start Times

Wrestling enthusiasts in Europe will need to stay up late or set their alarms early to catch the Zero Hour pre-show. The start times for some major European cities are:

  • London, UK: 12:00 AM (midnight) GMT (Sunday, November 24)
  • Paris, France: 1:00 AM CET (Sunday, November 24)
  • Berlin, Germany: 1:00 AM CET (Sunday, November 24)
  • Madrid, Spain: 1:00 AM CET (Sunday, November 24)

Australian Start Times

For fans Down Under, the Zero Hour pre-show will air on Sunday morning. The start times for major Australian cities are:

  • Sydney: 11:00 AM AEDT (Sunday, November 24)
  • Melbourne: 11:00 AM AEDT (Sunday, November 24)
  • Brisbane: 10:00 AM AEST (Sunday, November 24)
  • Perth: 8:00 AM AWST (Sunday, November 24)

Zero Hour Pre-Show Match

The Zero Hour pre-show will feature at least one confirmed match: Big Boom! A.J. (with Big Justice) vs. QT Marshall. This singles match is expected to set the tone for the main card and give fans a taste of the action to come.

Giulia Sets Sights on Rhea Ripley, Discusses Transition To The U.S.

Thomas Lowson
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WWE NXT Superstar Giulia may have only recently arrived in the silver brand, but the Japanese sensation already has her eyes on the main roster. Speaking to Bully Ray on Busted Open After Dark, Giulia shared who she plans to face in WWE.

“I want to wrestle the Japanese girls and Rhea Ripley. I love Rhea Ripley.”

Giulia may have to wait some time before she gets the chance to face Ripley as WWE reportedly has huge plans for her in NXT’s women’s division. On this week’s WWE NXT, Giulia vowed to become this year’s Women’s Iron Survivor winner at NXT Deadline. Ripley also had a huge week as ‘Mami’ returned from injury on Raw to attack Liv Morgan and will join Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and IYO SKY in WarGames.

Transitioning to America

After being seen in the crowd at Stand & Deliver, Giulia made her official NXT debut at No Mercy after making a massive name for herself in Japan. On the podcast, Giulia contrasted her time competing in Japan to the United States.

“[It’s] Very different, the style, all different. Here [it is] very important, the TV program. There [they] don’t have TV program. Also, the audience [is] so different.”

Whether it’s in the United States or Japan, Giulia is continuing to win over audiences around the world as the ‘Beautiful Madness.’ Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Giulia as she has big plans for NXT and beyond now she’s part of WWE.

MVP: WWE Planned to Turn Hurt Business into Nation of Domination 2.0

Thomas Lowson
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In WWE’s Pandemic Era, the Hurt Business was a highlight of programming, but MVP had to fight to stop it from turning into a revamped Nation of Domination. On X, MVP said that WWE not only intended to turn the group into ‘NOD 2.0’ but planned to bring in Nation alum Mark Henry and Ron ‘Farooq’ Simmons.

https://twitter.com/the305mvp/status/1858983369444618466

MVP’s post spawned several responses. When one fan asked why Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque was reportedly against bringing the group back, MVP admitted he hadn’t spoken with WWE’s CCO.

Another commenter suggested that the Hurt Business’ inspiration did not come from race, but seemed to be akin to Def Jam: Fight for New York.

Though the Hurt Business only featured African-American talent, the topic of race never played a factor in their role on-screen. The Nation of Domination often made reference to race, including in 1997 when Farooq claimed Vince McMahon did not want a black man to be a World Champion.

The next year, D-Generation X would parody the Nation in a segment that saw several members of DX use blackface to mock the Nation. While the segment has often been presented by WWE as a highlight of Raw’s Attitude Era, the segment has stopped being shared in recent years as tastes have changed. In 2021, WWE scrubbed the segment from its media library as part of its move to Peacock.

Now, MVP has revitalized the Hurt Business as the Hurt Syndicate alongside Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. Once again, the topic of race has not come up in AEW and fans are eagerly awaiting Lashley’s in-ring debut with Swerve Strickland at Full Gear this weekend. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on MVP and his efforts to define the Hurt Syndicate in All Elite Wrestling.

Goldberg Calls This Adam Sandler Film One Of His Greatest Experiences

Thomas Lowson
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After retiring from the ring in 2004, WWE legend Bill Goldberg turned to acting, with several unique movie credits to his name. In 2005, the former World Champion found himself on the Big Screen with Adam Sandler, which proved to be one of the greatest experiences of the wrestler’s life.

The film in question was The Longest Yard, which sees disgraced NFL quarterback Paul Crewe (Sandler) try and survive in prison. On the Cat’s Corner podcast, Goldberg gushed about working with the comedy actor.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life because I was able to work alongside Burt Reynolds and Adam Sandler and Nelly… Just the whole eclectic group of people was awesome. Adam took great care of everybody.”

Goldberg plays Joey ‘Battle’ Battaglio, one of the many cons who joins Crewe for a prisoners vs. guards game of football. Goldberg is hardly the only wrestler fans will spot in the film, which includes Bob Sapp, The Great Khali, Kevin Nash, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.

Goldberg’s Final Match

Eleven years after his role in The Longest Yard, Goldberg returned to wrestling as part of WWE and is now gearing up for his retirement match. The WCW legend has already named GUNTHER the front-runner for his final-ever opponent, though has stopped short of confirming a match with the World Heavyweight Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from Goldberg as the legend prepares to say goodbye to the ring in 2025.

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