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Elijah Holyfield Joins WWE’s Newest Class of Recruits

Michael Reichlin
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Elijah Holyfield, son of boxing legend Evander Holyfield, has officially signed with WWE NXT. Holyfield, who participated in a WWE tryout over SummerSlam weekend this past August, joins the newest class of recruits to the NXT brand.

Also included in this new class is Lance Anoa’i, son of former WWE Superstar Samu of The Headshrinkers and a former MLW Tag Team Champion.

Before transitioning to pro wrestling, Elijah Holyfield had a notable college football career. playing for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. During his time with the Bulldogs, he was part of a talented backfield and contributed to the team’s success. After his college career, Holyfield pursued opportunities in pro football. He spent time with NFL teams, including a stint with the Miami Dolphins.

Holyfield flexed his new role with WWE on Friday afternoon, writing on social media, “Future is bright!!! ??????”

AEW Full Gear 2024 Live Stream: How to watch

Jake Skudder
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All Elite Wrestling’s highly anticipated event, AEW Full Gear 2024, is set to take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Wrestling fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this action-packed pay-per-view event. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the AEW Full Gear 2024 live stream.

Event Details and Start Time

AEW Full Gear 2024 is scheduled to begin at 8 pm ET (5 pm PT). For fans in the UK, this translates to a 1 am start time. To kick off the excitement, a Zero Hour pre-show will likely take place an hour or two before the main event.

Live Stream Options

For fans looking to catch all the action live, there are several streaming options available:

  1. TrillerTV: AEW Full Gear 2024 will be available for live streaming on TrillerTV in the United States, Canada, and select international markets.
  2. PPV.com: This platform will also provide access to the live stream for fans in the US, Canada, and certain international locations.
  3. Traditional Pay-Per-View: For those who prefer conventional methods, the event will be available through traditional pay-per-view formats in the United States.

The pay-per-view price for AEW Full Gear 2024 is set at $49.99.

International Viewing Options

Wrestling fans outside North America have several ways to tune in:

  1. Triller TV and PPV.com: These platforms will offer the live stream to international viewers.
  2. Fox Sports: Fans in Mexico can catch the action on Fox Sports.

AEW Full Gear 2024 Tickets: Availability, price and more

Jake Skudder
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All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is set to bring one of its biggest events of the year to Newark, New Jersey. AEW Full Gear 2024 will take place on Saturday, November 23, at the Prudential Center, promising an unforgettable night of high-flying action and intense rivalries coming to a head.

Ticket Availability

Tickets for AEW Full Gear 2024 are currently on sale through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner for this event. Wrestling fans eager to witness this spectacular show live should act quickly, as AEW events are known to sell out rapidly. The Prudential Center, with its state-of-the-art facilities, provides an excellent venue for this highly anticipated pay-per-view event.

Ticket Prices

While specific pricing details may vary, AEW events typically offer a range of options to suit different budgets. Fans can expect ticket prices to start from around $30 for upper-level seating, with premium ringside seats potentially reaching several hundred dollars.

It’s advisable to check the official Ticketmaster page for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Event Schedule

The main card for AEW Full Gear 2024 is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM ET. However, fans should plan to arrive earlier to catch the pre-show action. Doors are likely to open at least an hour before the event starts, allowing attendees time to find their seats and soak in the atmosphere.

Additional Information

For those looking to make the most of their AEW experience, the Prudential Center offers various amenities. The Prudential Lounge, located at 165 Mulberry St, opens at 6:30 PM and provides a perfect spot for fans to gather before the show.

Kenny Omega Says His NJPW Return Is ‘A Way To Repay’ Them

Bishal Roy
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AEW star Kenny Omega recently explained the reason behind his appearance in NJPW.

‘The Cleaner’ dropped hints about his comeback to the promotion during his appearance at NJPW Power Struggle. He had also stated that he wanted to compete in NJPW again.

Speaking with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Kenny Omega explained his decision to make his in-ring return in New Japan Pro Wrestling rather than AEW. He said that NJPW helped him become gain popularity internationally. The former AEW World Champion stated that he wanted the opportunity to compete in the Tokyo Dome as a way to repay them for helping him become the big name that he is today. He explained:

“A lot of people, not only in Japan but internationally, didn’t know who I was until New Japan. So I really do owe New Japan a gigantic thank you. I feel that there’s a debt I have to repay in some way, shape, or form. And if making my comeback at the Tokyo Dome is a way to repay that, if it can help their business in any way, then I’m more than happy to do that.”

During NJPW Power Struggle, Kenny Omega had also talked about his recovery from diverticulitis and stated that he’d love to make an in-ring comeback at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th. He added that he wishes to face one of the young talents from New Japan at the event.

However, things got heated when Omega got backstage. He came across Gabe Kidd. The reigning NJPW Strong Openweight Champion took some shots at him and it led to a massive brawl between the two.

This is the closest Kenny Omega has come to getting physical since December of last year. It was also the first time Omega has gotten physical at a wrestling event since he was assaulted by The Elite in May.

The New Day Hated Their Debut Gear

Bishal Roy
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0

The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E) recently reunited for a segment where they revealed that they were not a fan of their attire which they donned during their debut in 2014.

On WWE’s official Instagram page, Big E, Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston recalled one of their old entrances. The popular trio has donned several iconic outfits over the years but they hated their original ring gear, which was light blue in color, having The New Day logo design pattern.

Big E said that all three members had a major dislike for their original ring gear, and it was the only outfit that was not designed by their long-time costume designer and friend, Jonathan Davenport. He said:

“This was our original gear, we don’t care for it, we do not hold up very well. This was our only set of gear that was not designed by the myth, the legend, Jonathan Davenport, our dear dear friend.”

Kofi Kingston said that it was an “awful set of gear”, while Xavier Woods agreed with them. The New Day member added:

“This is true. This is strategic, right? We did this on purpose. It was a very easy choice. Well, we had to pick between one and two things to either put it in the garbage or in the trash.”

The New Day made their debut back in 2014. The faction has won WWE Tag Team title several times and they are regarded as one of the greatest tag teams in the company. However, things haven’t been quite amicable between them. Big E is currently sidelined for years since suffering a career-threatening neck injury.

On the other hand, tension has been building between Kingston and Woods for weeks but they are still teaming. There also have been rumors about their split. Amid the speculation, WWE Raw GM Adam Pearce recently announced that there will be a special edition of WWE Raw dedicated to The New Day for their 10-year anniversary since their debut.

Becky Lynch Expected To Return To WWE Imminently

Andrew Ravens
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Becky Lynch recently concluded her WWE commitments following the expiration of her contract on June 1. Opting not to re-sign at the time, Lynch took a break with the expectation of returning in the future. Prior to her departure, she helped elevate Liv Morgan by putting her over in two matches.

According to PWInsider, Lynch is expected to return in time for the premiere of WWE Raw on Netflix this January. This development suggests that the two sides are either close to finalizing or have already agreed to a new contract.

This weekend marks Lynch’s first public appearance since stepping away from WWE. She is scheduled to appear in Los Angeles to discuss her memoir. The promotional material for the event describes the occasion as follows:

“WWE Superstar, trailblazer, and New York Times best-selling author Rebecca Quin will join us for a conversation about her recent memoir, Becky Lynch: The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl. We’ll look back on her legendary career — from her early days grinding on the road to being in the first-ever women’s match to main event WrestleMania — and just maybe get a glimpse at what The Man has in store for us next.”

Meanwhile, WWE is planning a star-studded card for the Raw debut on Netflix, with names like John Cena expected to appear. As of now, it remains unclear what specific role Lynch will play in the event.

Gunther: When I’m at My Best, Damian Priest Can’t Lace My Boots

Michael Reichlin
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Since joining WWE’s main roster in April 2022, Gunther has solidified his status as a dominant competitor, transitioning from record-breaking Intercontinental Champion to World Heavyweight Champion. At Survivor Series, he faces Damian Priest, the man he defeated at SummerSlam to claim the title.

On a recent episode of Raw, Priest taunted Gunther, suggesting the champion has lost his edge since their last encounter. He referenced Gunther’s loss to Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel to back up his claim. Gunther walked away from the confrontation, and like a true champion, left Ludwig Kaiser to handle Priest.

Gunther now dismisses Priest’s claims, and implies the Judgment Day star can’t lace his boots when he’s at his best.

“I don’t know if he can relate because he loses a little bit more than I do. I never really lose. When I lose, sometimes it can be a struggle. It happens to the best, obviously. That’s my struggle and I have to figure it out. If he wants to use that against me, I don’t blame him. If I’m at my best, he can’t lace my boots.”

– Gunther on Damian Priest

WWE Survivor Series: WarGames takes place Saturday, November 30, 2024 from Vancouver, BC, Canada Rogers Arena.

Listen to Gunther’s appearance on the Johnjay & Rich Show:

Tegan Nox Pulled From First Post-WWE Dates

Michael Reichlin
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Tegan Nox’s first independent dates since being released from WWE have been canceled. Nox was scheduled to appear at ATTACK! Pro Wrestling’s “Under The Mistletour 2024” in December. However, the promotion has announced her withdrawal from the December 14 and 15 events in Cardiff, offering refunds to fans who bought tickets to see her.

ATTACK! Pro Wrestling’s official statement expressed regret over the change, citing disappointment for fans who had planned to attend. The promotion assured attendees that refunds are available upon request and shared plans to consider Nixon Newell for future events in 2025. Additionally, ATTACK! thanked WWE for its efforts to support the booking arrangements in recent weeks.

The company is actively seeking replacements for the scheduled events and remains committed to delivering a memorable experience for fans.

Statement from ATTACK! Pro Wrestling on Nixeon Newell (Tegan Nox) being pulled from first post-WWE shows:

We’re sorry to announce that unfortunately Tegan Nox (AKA Nixon Newell) will no longer be appearing at our Under The Mistletour events in December.

We know this news will be disappointing to the ATTACK! community, especially those who have made travel plans for the show. Our fans are the heart of ATTACK! and we’re sorry to let you down.

We’re already looking into suitable replacements for the shows, and hope to bring Nixon back to ATTACK! in 2025. However, refunds are of course available on request.

We’d like to thank WWE for its support over the past several weeks in trying to make these appearances a possibility.

Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens Expected for Saturday Night’s Main Event

Michael Reichlin
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A new report suggests the highly anticipated Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens matchup is planned to headline WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 12.

The rivalry between Rhodes and Owens has intensified in recent months, beginning with Owens viciously attacking Rhodes backstage after WWE Bad Blood.

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is targeting the NBC special as the stage for this clash. The report clarifies that the match will not occur at Survivor Series, redirecting fan expectations to the upcoming NBC event.

“We’ve been told the Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens match is slated as the main event for Saturday Night’s Main Event on 12/14 from the Nassau Coliseum, so at least as of earlier this week wasn’t slated on this show.”

– Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event (Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Rhodes Reacts to Kevin Owens’ Attack

Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes

In the wake of his heel turn, Owens expressed frustration over WWE’s management, claiming they stifled his ability to explain his actions on air. Rhodes publicly acknowledged the attack in an interview with the Manchester Evening News:

“I’d be foolish to try and tell you anything different because the entire video exists online and you can see every inch of it. I’ll try and keep my remarks short in terms of how I feel but I will tell you this. It’s a very passionate industry, everybody wants the north star of our business which is the WWE championship and the championship that I hold at this time.”

– Cody Rhodes reacts to Kevin Owens’ attack

Kurt Angle Won’t Return for John Cena’s Retirement Tour

Michael Reichlin
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Kurt Angle is one of John Cena’s most iconic rivals, but the Olympic Gold Medalist has confirmed he won’t be stepping back into the ring for Cena’s highly anticipated 2025 retirement tour.

Angle and Cena shared the ring nearly 100 times between 2003 and 2006, crafting a storied rivalry that fans still celebrate today. Their last encounter occurred at Survivor Series 2017, where Team RAW (Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, and Triple H) triumphed over Team SmackDown (John Cena, Randy Orton, Shane McMahon, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Bobby Roode).

As Cena prepares for his final year as an active competitor, many wrestlers have expressed interest in facing him one last time to etch their names in history. However, Angle will not be among them.

“No. No, listen, my body … I have knee replacements, I had five neck surgeries, I had my back surgery last year. I have to have shoulder replacements. I am in no condition to be getting in the ring and wrestling… I don’t think I can get in the ring. I can probably get in the ring and wrestle, but I don’t want to take the chance of getting injured.”

– Kurt Angle on the possibility of wrestling John Cena in 2025 (Sports Illustrated)

Angle’s final match took place five years ago at WrestleMania 35, where he faced Baron Corbin in a losing effort. Reflecting on that bout in a recent interview, Angle expressed frustration with how WWE squandered Corbin, especially after he put the younger star over during his farewell match.

Meanwhile, John Cena has a packed schedule as he approaches his retirement. He is slated to appear at the WWE Raw Netflix premiere on January 6 and has already announced himself as the first entrant in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, scheduled for February 1.

Dave Bautista and Pamela Anderson Team Up for ‘The Last Showgirl’

Michael Reichlin
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Pamela Anderson and WWE alum Dave Bautista are set to star in the upcoming drama The Last Showgirl. Directed by Gia Coppola, the film explores the challenges of reinvention and resilience in the face of change. It’s distributed by Roadside Attractions with a scheduled release date of January 10, 2025.

Anderson stars as Shelley, a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl at a pivotal moment in her life. After her long-running show, Razzle Dazzle, ends its 30-year streak on the Strip, Shelley faces an uncertain future and struggles to navigate the next chapter of her life.

The first trailer highlights Anderson’s portrayal of Shelley. Dave Bautista plays the show’s director, and is briefly shown guiding the performers through their final routine.

The Last Showgirl also features an ensemble cast including Brenda Song, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jason Schwartzman. The film recently received accolades at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Matt Hardy On How The Death Of Eddie Guerrero Changed His Perspective

Anutosh Bajpai
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Matt Hardy says the sudden passing of Eddie Guerrero made him realize that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

The wrestling veteran was part of the SmackDown roster when the Latino Heat unexpectedly passed away back in November 2003. Like other members of the locker room, Hardy was also shocked by the turn of events and it taught him a valuable lesson in life.

The TNA star talked about the sudden death of Guerrero on the latest episode of his podcast. While discussing the backstage reaction to the news, Hardy said that it was the first time he really felt like you never know what the future holds:

“I remember that was one of the first times I really felt like you never know, like tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. I do that too. I say it all the time now to people. I try and live every day like I’m gonna die tomorrow. You never know. Nothing is guaranteed.

You need to live every day to the maximum. You need to try and optimize every day. The people that you love, don’t leave them without telling them you love them. Because you never know if it’s gonna be the last time you see them or not.”

Now I Never Know: Matt Hardy

Unfortunately for Matt Hardy, the passing of Guerrero isn’t the only time he had to witness such an event in his wrestling career. Most recently the deaths of Jay Briscoe and Bray Wyatt have reminded him again that you never know what’s in store for you:

“That was the first instance where I really felt like that. Like, ‘Whoa. Hold up.’ This guy was just wrestling, doing this stuff like a superior athlete does. now he’s passed away. Now he’s died. And you know obviously the Jay Briscoe thing that really set in, the Windham thing that set in. Now, just like I never know.

I try and I make sure every time I tell my kids, every time I leave, it’s mandatory that I have to hug them, I have to say I love you. I just do. I try and treat everyone and live every day like it might be my last. Because you hope it isn’t, but you never know.”

SmackDown Preview: Street Profits vs. MCMG, Naomi vs. Nia Jax

Michael Reichlin
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WWE SmackDown broadcasts tonight on the USA Network at 8/7c live from Milwaukee, WI at the Fiserv Forum.

Here’s what’s on tap for tonight, just two weeks out from WWE Survivor Series: WarGames:

The Street Profits challenge Motor City Machine Guns for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Montez Ford has said it’s “championship or bust” for the profits. Tez has grown impatient with the team’s failure to achieve success, and is looking to explore a singles career.

Naomi challenges Nia Jax for the WW Women’s Championship.

The latest chapter in The Bloodline saga. After last week’s SmackDown ended with Sami Zayn reuniting the OG bloodline (along with Roman Reigns and The Usos), Solo Sikoa was irate and warned their score will be settled inside WarGames.

Solo Sikoa Threatens the Original Bloodline: ‘WarGames, See You Soon’

Check back to SEScoops tonight for all the news coming out of WWE SmackDown.

Cody Rhodes to Guest Pick on ESPN’s College GameDay

Michael Reichlin
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Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to join ESPN’s College GameDay as the guest picker this weekend. A dedicated fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, Rhodes will appear on the show in Athens, where GameDay is stationed for the week’s college football coverage. This guest appearance follows ESPN’s tradition of featuring prominent figures connected to the hosting location.

Rhodes recently discussed his Georgia Bulldogs fandom with Pat McAfee, and talked about the “SEC stress” that comes with being a fan of the team.

Speedball Mike Bailey Exits TNA, Trademarks His Name

Michael Reichlin
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Speedball Mike Bailey has officially parted ways with TNA Wrestling and is preparing for the next chapter in his wrestling career.

Bailey’s contract expired at the beginning of this month. He was absent from TNA’s recent television tapings in Fayetteville, NC, and his profile has been removed from the TNA website.

Since losing the X-Division title to Moose at the October 27 TNA Impact tapings, Bailey has participated in several independent wrestling events, notably for GCW and DEFY.

Last week, Bailey filed a trademark application for his ring name with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Rumors suggest he may be joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW), as he was seen backstage at an AEW event in June 2024, visiting friends.

Bailey remains active on Twitch under the handle @SpeedballBailey and will wrestle for GCW this Friday at Gateway to the Death in St. Louis.

Check out our exclusive interview with Speedball Mike Bailey from last year:

Jim Johnston on the State of WWE Entrance Themes, Hall of Fame

Michael Reichlin
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Legendary music composer Jim Johnston is opening up about his 32 years working for WWE, his relationship with former boss Vince McMahon, how his time with the company ended and his opinion on the state of today’s entrance themes.

Johnston is responsible for countless iconic theme songs, including Bret Hart, The Undertaker, DX, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin and dozens more others. He tells Hannibal TV that he approached each song by studying the wrestler he’d be composing for, including each performer’s unique persona.

Interestingly, he doesn’t consider himself a big wrestling fan, but drew inspiration from a wrestler’s demeanor to organically craft music that fit their characters.

Reflecting on the current state of WWE music, Johnston criticizes the modern approach as “generic” and uninspired, lacking the personalized character branding he strived for. He believes this shift has resulted in music that doesn’t engage audiences emotionally or enhance wrestlers’ personas as effectively as in the past.

Johnson worked with McMahon on a handshake agreement for 15 of their 32 years working together. He considers their working relationship friendly, but says McMahon was a “guarded” and complex figure. He was released in 2017, and recalls things getting “really political in a bad way” during his final years with the company. When Vince informed him he wouldn’t be renewing his contract, Johnson was ready to move on.

“By the time it actually happened, I knew it was coming, and I was looking forward to moving on. I’d actually been looking forward to moving on for a long time,” Johnston said. “In hindsight, I wish I had had the foresight or really the courage to just leave. But the force of habit just keeps you rolling.”

At the end of the day, Johnston is proud of his legacy. He knows wrestling fans want to see him in the WWE Hall of Fame, but he’s not losing sleep over his omission. He has mixed feelings about the Hall of Fame, but is very comfortable outside of the WWE sphere.

Mina Shirakawa Returns On AEW Dynamite

Bishal Roy
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Mina Shirakawa has made her comeback to the land of All Elite during this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite. After weeks of promotion, Shirakawa appeared in a backstage segment and stated that she wanted to celebrate with Mariah May after she defends the AEW Women’s World Championship against Anna Jay. Harley Cameron arrived and challenged Shirakawa to a match on Saturday’s AEW Collision which Mina Shirakawa accepted.

Earlier this year, Mina Shirakawa made her debut in AEW. She had a successful in-ring debut against Anna Jay. Mina was eventually challenged by then AEW Women’s World Champion ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm for a match at AEW Forbidden Door which she accepted.

The match was not only for the gold but also to gain custody of Mariah May, who was appeared to be confused of whom to support. However, after Storm defended her title they squashed the beef and joined forces together. Eventually, May turned on Storm and captured the title while Shirakawa made her return to AEW during AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam to reluctantly celebrate May’s title win.

Saturday’s show is being taped Thursday night, November 14 in Albany, New York.

Mariah May will be defending the AEW Women’s World Championship against Anna Jay in a no DQ match. The stipulation says if Jay loses, she cannot challenge for the title again as long as May holds it.

The Acclaimed face LFI’s Dralistico and Rush will battle for the final spot in the four-way Tag Team title match at Full Gear.

Meanwhile, Johnny TV will go one-on-one with Daniel Garcia on Collision.

The advertised lineup for the Saturday, November 16 AEW Collision:

  • AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May defends against Anna Jay in a no DQ match
  • Full Gear contender’s series: The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) vs. LFI (Rush & Dralistico
  • Mina Shirakawa vs. Harley Cameron
  • Johnny TV vs. Daniel Garcia

Matt Riddle Reveals Why Randy Orton Initially Disliked Him

Anutosh Bajpai
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Matt Riddle has revealed that Randy Orton didn’t like him at first.

RK Bro is the most famous and potentially most memorable act of Riddle’s wrestling career. Though like many other legends of the business, Orton wasn’t a fan of the King of Bros at first, because of his unique approach to things in the business.

The former WWE Star told the story of his first interaction with The Viper during an interview with Barstool Rasslin’. He revealed that he didn’t shake Randy’s hand when he came into the locker room because he didn’t want to look like a fanboy:

“Before we actually wrestled a full match, Randy wasn’t a huge fan of me. I guess he thought I was disrespectful because I had my headphones on. He came to the locker room, everybody was shaking everybody’s hand.

I didn’t want to be like a nerd and go over. Didn’t wanna do that. So I [just] gave him a nod. I was waiting for my chance to shake his hand, but I guess he took that as disrespect. I wasn’t [blowing him off].”

First Person That Said Anything: Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle would go on to form a tag team with Randy Orton after they had a match on the April 19, 2021 episode of Raw. Though according to the former US Champion Orton had already softened up to him following his infamous backstage promo where he forgot his lines:

“Later on, I did a promo with Asuka where I forgot my lines. I had this long segment about talking about robots in Japan, and I forgot it. I didn’t know we were live; I thought we were recording. When I did that, I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m probably in trouble.’

When I went to the locker room the first person that said anything was Randy. He goes, ‘I don’t know if that shit was planned, kid, but that was the funniest shit you’ve done since you’ve been here. That was your best promo yet.’ I was like ‘Well, at least Randy liked it.’ and then Vince and Bruce, and everybody else that was in creative also enjoyed it.”

Apart from this, Riddle also talked about potentially facing Goldberg in his announced retirement match, the difference of pro wrestling and MMA, and more.

New Matches Announced For AEW Full Gear

Andrew Ravens
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AEW has announced new matches for the upcoming AEW Full Gear 2024 pay-per-view event, including a highly anticipated bout featuring MJF. The updated card was revealed on this week’s episode of Dynamite, adding Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher and MJF vs. Roderick Strong to the lineup.

As stipulated by the former World Heavyweight Champion, MJF, Strong or Adam Cole needed three consecutive singles wins to qualify for the match. Strong secured a victory over Lance Archer in a Falls Count Anywhere match. Cole lost to Konosuke Takeshita after Takeshita used MJF’s Dynamite Diamond Ring to secure the win.

On Dynamite, Ospreay and Fletcher took part in an in-ring promo, marking Ospreay’s first appearance since Fletcher betrayed him at WrestleDynasty. Ospreay agreed to give Fletcher his “five minutes of fame” by facing him at Full Gear. The promo culminated in a brawl that included Fletcher, Ospreay, Brian Cage, Lance Archer, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Mark Davis.

AEW Full Gear 2024 is set for Saturday, November 23, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley is expected to defend his title against Orange Cassidy in the main event.

AEW Licenses Guns N’ Roses ‘November Rain’ For Full Gear

Bishal Roy
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0

AEW has licensed the classic Guns N’ Roses song, ‘November Rain.’ AEW President Tony Khan thanked the legendary rock band on social media, and said the song will be used in promotional videos for the AEW Full Gear pay-per-view and ‘AEW November to Remember’ shows. He teased that fans could hear ‘AEW November Rain’ before the PPV.

Recently, AEW has licensed multiple songs for various uses including “The Final Countdown” by Europe for Bryan Danielson’s entrance. They have also licensed “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas, which was used as The Elite’s entrance music and Baltimora’s “Tarzan Boy” for Jack Perry during his ‘Jungle Boy’ gimmick. He also used “Walk” by Pantera for Rob Van Dam’s AEW debut.

Tony Khan on using licensed songs in AEW

Tony Khan has licensed a lot of songs in recent years but they haven’t been for a reasonable price. During Battleground Podcast, he explained:

“Sometimes people ask for money that I don’t think is reasonable, other times we have gotten deals that I thought were very fair.”

Khan has revealed that he paid for all of the licensed music in perpetuity. He added:

“Every great moment where we’ve licensed music, we still have that music, I paid for the rights in perpetuity. I’ve had a lot of other opportunities to license music and work with a lot of great artists. We’ve done all kinds of great stuff, and hopefully, someday all of that will be available for people to watch in perpetuity on the library forever.”

AEW is promoting their shows in the build-up to AEW Full Gear as ‘November To Remember’. AEW Dynamite will take place in Bridgeport, Connecticut while AEW Collision takes place on Thursday in Albany, New York. On November 20th, AEW Dynamite will head to Reading, Pennsylvania followed by AEW Full Gear on November 23rd in Newark, New Jersey. The following Wednesday AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision will be held in Chicago, Illinois.

John Cena Declares For WWE Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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As anticipated, John Cena will be part of next year’s Royal Rumble, scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Cena’s upcoming retirement from WWE in-ring competition was announced earlier this summer during a surprise appearance at the Money in the Bank event. After some initial speculation, Cena clarified that the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 2025 will serve as his final appearances in WWE.

The former WWE Champion plans to wrestle throughout 2025, with a target of 36 dates across the year. Cena is also confirmed to appear on Netflix’s first episodes of Raw, as well as at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41.

Today, WWE released a video clip featuring Cena promoting ticket sales for the upcoming Premium Live Event. In the video, Cena confirms he will be competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.

Meanwhile, fans are speculating about whether Cena could break the current World Title record. Cena and Ric Flair are currently tied at 16 reigns, and a 17th title win would cement Cena’s place in history as the sole record-holder.

Top WWE Star On Track To Break Royal Rumble Streak In 2025

Andrew Ravens
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Liv Morgan’s streak of Royal Rumble appearances will end in 2025. WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble Premium Live Event is set for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Morgan, the current WWE Women’s World Champion, has competed in six consecutive Royal Rumble matches, with her participation dating back to 2018. However, if she remains the top women’s champion on the Raw brand through February, she will be exempt from entering the bout. Although she may still have a match on the card, it would not be in the Royal Rumble match, which determines a contender for WrestleMania 41 who might choose to challenge her.

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show today, Morgan shared her thoughts on potentially missing her first Royal Rumble. “I’m not going to enter the Royal Rumble this year because I’m going to walk in as the Women’s World Champion,” Morgan explained. “I’ve been in every single one, too. So, I’m actually going to miss this one.”

Morgan continued, reflecting on her participation over the years and suggesting that she might not be the most strategic choice for a WrestleMania challenger. “If they choose me. I don’t think they would [choose me] because it’s not very smart to choose me. Have you been watching, Pat? Raquel, Judgment Day, Daddy Dom… I don’t know who’s going to want to take their chance against me.”

Pat McAfee Teases WWE Royal Rumble Appearance

Andrew Ravens
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WWE fans may only have to wait a few more months for the return of Pat McAfee, potentially at the event that launches WrestleMania season: the Royal Rumble.

WWE’s Royal Rumble Premium Live Event is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis—the same state where McAfee resides, setting the stage for a potential comeback. During today’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the former NFL punter teased a return to WWE at the Royal Rumble.

McAfee originally joined WWE a few years ago, following a handful of matches in NXT, as a color commentator on SmackDown alongside Michael Cole. McAfee quickly became a fan favorite due to his energetic style at the announce booth. After a hiatus to focus on College GameDay, he returned full-time to Raw with Cole earlier this year.

However, in August, McAfee took another break from WWE to concentrate on his duties with ESPN’s College GameDay. Many fans anticipate his return once the college football season wraps up in early January.

Paradigm Agency Launches The Sports Group for Athlete Representation

Michael Reichlin
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Paradigm Talent Agency has launched The Sports Group, a dedicated division focused on comprehensive representation for elite athletes and sports teams.

Led by agents Nick LoPiccolo and Brett Hansen, this division will harness Paradigm’s resources across all departments to provide full-service representation. The news was first reported by Deadline. The Sports Group aims to transition athletes into the entertainment industry, create brand partnerships, and develop storytelling projects.

Its talent roster includes high-profile names like Mike Tyson, Reggie Bush, Sean Avery and WWE Superstars CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan, Damian Priest and Tiffany Stratton.

Liv Morgan ‘Auditioning Regularly’ With Sets Sights on Hollywood

Key Projects and Partnerships:

  • A prominent focus is on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing event, Netflix’s first venture into combat sports, streaming live this Friday from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Paradigm managed deal negotiations, brand partnerships, and promotional content, including a Countdown series.
  • Scripted projects include Happy Gilmore 2 (featuring Bush and Avery), Night Patrol (starring Punk), and The Killer’s Game (featuring McIntyre).
  • The group secured a media rights deal for the Savannah Bananas with TruTV and is actively developing publishing projects for athletes, including books for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Deion Sanders, and WWE stars.

Paradigm’s Managing Partner Andrew Ruf and agents LoPiccolo and Hansen emphasize that The Sports Group’s mission is to redefine athlete representation and create transformative opportunities across sports and entertainment.

For more information on the new Sports Group division of Paradigm, visit Deadline.com.

Mercedes Moné Eyes Mariah May’s AEW Women’s Championship

Michael Reichlin
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Six months into her AEW tenure, Mercedes Moné is grateful she’s after coming back from a career-threatening ankle injury and  remains focused on elevating women’s wrestling.

Since joining AEW in March, Moné has worked with talents including Willow Nightingale, Britt Baker, Hikaru Shida, Emi Sakura, and Queen Aminata. She’s also recruited Kamille as her enforcer.

Moné quickly gained the TBS Championship and the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship following her return. She intends to challenge for more titles in AEW and lead by example, encouraging respect and recognition for women wrestlers.

The “CEO” is preparing for a big TBS title defense next weekend at Full Gear, but she’s also eyeing more hardware. Moné tells Uproxx that she’s “super proud” of AEW Women’s Champion Mariah May. So proud, in fact, that she wants to take her prized possession.

“She is our women’s world champion, beating Toni Storm in one of the best storylines in women’s history. So to see her rise this fast and to see how good she is in the ring, it’s so incredible.

Like I said, we have the best women’s division in the game right now. I’m definitely looking at the title that she has around her waist.”

– Mercedes Moné on Mariah May

Mercedes Moné is set to defend her TBS title against former champion Kris Statlander at AEW Full Gear next Saturday, November 23. Mariah May is not currently scheduled to defend the Women’s World Championship at the pay-per-view.

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