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Rey Mysterio on Aalyah’s Career Choice: Education Over Wrestling

Michael Reichlin
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In a recent interview with Peter Rosenberg for Rosenberg Radio at ComplexCon last weekend, Rey Mysterio addressed why his daughter Aalyah has not pursued a career in professional wrestling. Despite having a notable presence on WWE television in 2020 – including prominent storylines with Buddy Murphy and Seth Rollins – Aalyah’s focus remains on her studies and her aspiration to enter the medical field.

“She also loves it as much as Dom did. We played wrestling a lot, but for some reason, she was more on my wife’s side. She was the one who liked to study and was very dedicated, always getting A’s. To this day, she’s still very focused on her education. On the other hand, she’s now pursuing her medical career,” Mysterio explained.

Currently attending medical school at the University of California in San Diego, Aalyah has chosen a different path than her brother Dominik, who has become one of WWE’s top stars. While Vince McMahon saw potential in her for a full-time wrestling career during her television appearances, Rey expressed pride in her decision to prioritize education. He noted that while he would be willing to train her if she ever decides to step into the ring, he fully supports her dedication to becoming a doctor.

At 48 years old and 35 years into his legendary career, Rey continues to deliver outstanding performances in WWE, proving that the Mysterio legacy in professional wrestling remains strong through both his own contributions and his son Dominik’s rising success.

Rizzler Confirmed: A.J. and Big Justice Bring Backup to AEW Full Gear

Rayan Sayyed
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On AEW Dynamite’s go-home episode for AEW Full Gear, scheduled for this Saturday, an interesting announcement was made. The Costco Guys, Big Boom A.J. and Big Justice, revealed in a backstage interview with Renee Paquette that The Rizzler will make an appearance at the event.

What will The Rizzler do? He’s set to serve as the guest timekeeper during A.J.’s match against QT Marshall on the Full Zero Hour pre-show.

You can check out the segment in the video below:

Who is The Rizzler?

For those scratching their heads, let me explain. If you are living under a social media rock, you wouldn’t know who The Rizzler is. The Rizzler is a seven-year-old social media sensation who has amassed a massive following—750,000 followers on Instagram and 1.3 million on TikTok.

The Rizzler, whose real name is Christian Joseph, is best friends with AJ’s son, “Big Justice.” Despite being only in third grade, he rose to fame after a viral video of him dressed as Marvel’s Black Panther captured hearts online. Since then, he has teamed up with social media stars The Costco Guys and regularly makes appearances on shows such as The Tonight Show.

AEW Full Gear 2024

Full Gear takes place this Saturday, November 23, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. As one of AEW’s flagship events, it boasts a stacked card featuring the promotion’s biggest stars. You can check out the full card of the event and preview here.

For more on Full Gear, check out our full guide on how to stream the event in the U.S. and internationally, along with the pay-per-view price. Also, don’t miss SEScoops’ expert predictions for the big event.

Rey Mysterio On Reason For Dominik Mysterio’s Mega Heat: ‘It’s Gotta Be The Mustache’

Anutosh Bajpai
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Rey Mysterio has not given up on a potential reconciliation with son Dominik Mysterio, but he knows that it’s going to be very hard to achieve.

The WWE Hall of Famer recently had an interview with Rosenberg Wrestling. He talked about things like what he thinks about potential retirement, playing golf and more.

On the topic of Dominik having mega heat with the audience, Rey was asked how much he thinks it’s because of his own status as a longtime beloved babyface. The Master of 619 explained that it was a trigging point for fan’s reaction at the start of Dom’s heel run but joked that now it’s all because of his Mustache:

“I think it was definitely a triggering point at a certain part of his career or his turn but then after that I think now it’s mainly based on the Mustache. I think the Mustache is what really is what the fans hate.

I mean I hate it. I don’t know about you. [It’s] gotta be the Mustache. Not so much the hatred that he has on his father, it’s the Mustache, yeah.”

That’s Going To Be Very Hard: Rey Mysterio

The former World Champion was also asked about the possibility of reconciling with his son sometime in the future and potentially teaming with him again. Rey Mysterio said that it’s something a father would always be open to. He hopes that one day Dirty Dom will be able to see the bright side of being on the same team:

“That’s something that as a father they always would love to have with their kids. To be able to reconnect. End off how you started, on the good side. So I don’t know if that’s going to happen over the years.

People change – sometimes for good, sometimes for bad. Hopefully one day Dom can see the bright side of being on the Mysterio side and just being family overall. But I think that’s going to be very hard.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Rey claimed that his story with Dom is not over and he would be open to facing his son in another match as well.

Saraya Hints at AEW Return With A New Character

Thomas Lowson
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Former AEW Women’s World Champion Saraya has teased her return to television, with a brand new character in store for fans. The 32-year-old star last competed on the October 8 Dynamite: Title Tuesday, where she was on the losing end of a four-way Women’s World Title Eliminator won by Willow Nightingale.

On X, Saraya reposted footage of herself at the 11th Annual Reality Television Awards. Teasing big things to come, the British wrestler told fans to “wait until this version” of herself is back on AEW Dynamite.

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1859442581614018583

Saraya’s suggestion that she’s been working on an evolution of her on-screen persona intrigued fans, many of whom shared their excitement about a return and a new character in the comments. Earlier this month, Saraya rejected a claim that she has been out with an injury, and has instead been working on this new side to her character.

Saraya Takes Out Phoenix Suns Mascot With A Powerful Suplex

Saraya’s time in AEW has already seen dramatic changes, as she debuted as a face in 2022, and had the fans behind her thanks to her emotional return to the ring. In 2023, Saraya transitioned into being a heel, though unsurprisingly had the crowd on her side when she won the AEW Women’s World Title in her native England at All In: London. More recently, Saraya has been aligned with Harley Cameron, and despite being heels, their character work and chemistry has proven popular with many fans.

Now, fans can await a new side to Saraya when she returns to TV, though it remains to be seen when that’ll be. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Saraya as she prepares for her return to All-Elite programming.

Saraya Takes Out Phoenix Suns Mascot With A Powerful Suplex

Ricardo Rodriguez Opens Up About Alcohol Addiction Following WWE Career

Anutosh Bajpai
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Ricardo Rodriguez has opened up about his alcohol addiction and how Drew McIntyre helped him get into rehab through WWE.

The former WWE manager had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as his run with Alberto Del Rio, his WWE release in 2014, and more.

During the session, Rodriguez went into length talking about his alcohol addiction. He mentioned that he got used to the grind during his time in WWE. After leaving the company, however, he had nothing to fill his time with and he turned to alcohol.

The 38-year-old revealed that he was chugging whole boxes of wine by himself at a time before he finally realized that he had a problem. He then put out a tweet asking for help and got a reply from a gentleman named Christopher Dreisbach. Rodriguez later contacted his friend Drew McIntyre to help him get in touch with WWE:

“WWE has this really cool wellness program part where if you’ve been with them and you encounter a similar situation, they can help you out, they’ll figure something out.

So I got in contact with WWE, and this is where a good friend of mine Drew McIntyre comes in. I sent Drew a message, and I was like, ‘Hey, can you find out the information of the wellness policy, who’s in charge or something.'”

Drew Was A Big Part In Making That Connection: Ricardo Rodriguez

The Mexican-American pro wrestler recalled always being angry and bitter during his addiction. He admitted to pushing a lot of his close friends away when they tried to help him because he didn’t care about anyone. It was the conversation with McIntyre that finally led to him getting the help he needed:

“So then he dug around, and he got me the info. I contacted WWE because of that, and it just yeah, it became a thing and that’s how we got connected. I had talked to WWE, and I told who had contacted me up here in Lancaster.

And he’s like, oh, and we’ve done stuff with them before. Go ahead and set it up, and we can figure out the details later. So yeah, Drew was a big part of making that connection.”

Rodriguez mentioned that something like that never goes away but he has learned to manage his addiction better. It remains a daily battle for him but he has learned to be grateful about things in life. He now tries to take a pause when something upsets him instead of reacting instantly and spiraling back into his old habits.

You can check out our exclusive interview with Ricardo on the 10th anniversary of his WWE exit below:

Watch Captain Insano’s Surprise Appearance at the 2024 CMAs

Bishal Roy
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AEW star Paul Wight, under his ‘Captain Insano’ moniker recently made a surprise appearance at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards on Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Wight donned his Captain Insano attire from the 1998 Adam Sandler movie “The Waterboy” and turned up on stage during Bailey Zimmerman’s performance of “New to Country.” The 52-year-old star was part of the set as he stood near a beer pong table. Wight picked Zimmerman on his shoulders at the end of the song and the two walked around.

Captain Insano at 2024 CMAs

AEW had trademarked the name “Captain Insano” back in March 2021. Paul Wight has been eager to bring the character into AEW and made an appearance once in character in a backstage segment. A couple of years back, he also made a surprise appearance in a music video for The Acclaimed.

Wight was last competed in January as part of the Jericho Cruise and recently stated that he was hopeful to return to the ring “real soon” after recovering from partial knee replacement surgery. The veteran star has aimed to return at February’s AEW Grand Slam in Brisbane, Australia. However, he has revealed that his next run will be the last of his decorated career.

Before joining AEW in 2021 as a commentator, Paul Wight had a run in WCW followed by his lengthy career in WWE where he won multiple titles.

Dustin Rhodes Reveals He Has Set Some Goals For AEW All In Texas

Bishal Roy
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AEW veteran star Dustin Rhodes recently said that he wants to be a part of AEW All In Texas. AEW All In took place at the iconic Wembley Stadium for two consecutive years and the show is now headed to Texas in 2025, as the event will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, July 12th.

Speaking with WFFA 8, Dustin Rhodes stated that he wants to be a huge part of the show next year. Here is what he said:

“Yeah, I have some goals in mind. It’s a build to get there, I mean I’m gonna keep that kind of to myself, but I hope to be a huge part of All In Texas. This is our first US stadium show, which is gonna be huge.”

Dustin Rhodes recently celebrated 36 years of his debut and he has continued to be an integral part of AEW. He brings a lot of experience to the table, having been with the promotion since its inception. Dustin Rhodes doesn’t seem to slow down despite being in the latter stages of his career and he is trying to bring this energy to Texas next year.

AEW All In: Texas 2025 will mark the promotion’s first time hosting the event outside of London, England.

Tony Khan opens up on AEW All In Texas 2025

Recently, AEW President Tony Khan told Dallas Morning News that they have a chance to break the attendance record in Globe Life Field. He said:

“We think we have a chance to set the all-time attendance record. That would be pretty cool.”

Globe Life Field is currently the home of the Texas Rangers and opened its doors in 2020. Country artist Morgan Wallen holds the attendance record of the venue as 43,958 fans turned up to watch him live in 2022. Khan also revealed that he was excited about bringing the show to Arlington.

“AEW All In is such an important event in sports and it’s one of the most marquee nights in pro wrestling… The location is very special to us and Arlington, Texas. It’s a very special place.”

AEW have already held multiple shows in Arlington as episodes of AEW Collision and ROH Death Before Dishonor 2024 were held in the Texan city.

Jon Moxley Says Bryan Danielson Had A ‘Beautiful Funeral’ At WrestleDream

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jon Moxley says taking out Bryan Danielson was nothing more than an objective that needed to be completed.

The AEW World Champion has shown a completely new side of himself since returning to the promotion in August. Leading the Death Riders into a spree of violent attacks on various AEW talents, Mox proclaims to rid the company of all its problems.

The most gruesome of these attacks came at the WrestleDream PPV. Moxley not only defeated his former friend Bryan Danielson for the AEW title at the show but he also took out the American Dragon for good in a brutal post-match attack. Bryan had to be taken out on a stretcher afterwards and he is not expected to make an AEW appearance anytime soon.

A Beautiful Funeral

Speaking about the attack during a new interview with TVInsider, the AEW World Champion claimed that Danielson had to be taken off the board as part of the big picture. To him, Bryan was nothing more than a thing on a checklist:

“To me, it was a beautiful funeral. His mom was in the front row as I was squeezing his neck as his mom screamed that she loved him, and he screamed it back to her. I’m not sure if that was caught on camera, but that was quite a powerful moment to see up close.”

Jon Moxley mentioned how it is very easy to get emotionally attached to a match of Bryan Danielson. He reiterated however that he has no time to feel sad about it despite Bryan being one of his best friends and training partner for a good part of his career:

“A lot of guys’ careers will end in the hospital or their phones will stop ringing. It won’t be on their terms. Bryan was able to do very much to end this stage of his career on his terms. He did not verbally submit or tap out, but I felt the spirit of the American Dragon leave his body and feel that he can now rest.”

The former Shield member also claimed that the potential of AEW is ‘fucking huge.’ He said that their roster is stacked to a ridiculous level and there are many talents who haven’t gotten the chance to showcase what they’re truly capable of.

Tony Khan Hits Back At “Disingenuous” Feedback From Non-AEW Fans

Thomas Lowson
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Tony Khan isn’t going to stand by and listen to fan criticism of AEW, especially if the ‘criticism’ is entirely “disingenuous.” Sitting down with Iridian Fierro for WGN Radio, Khan said that while fans often give good feedback on his shows, there are plenty of examples when that isn’t the case.

“Sometimes, if it’s disingenuous, there’s nothing you can do. Sometimes it’s fans of a different promotion that don’t really have anything positive to say.”

One such example Khan brought up was AEW’s two All In: London events, as the attendance figure for the 2023 show came under scrutiny. Whether it was the initially announced 81,035 or the 73,000 figure many now believe, Khan finds it “insane” that some ‘fans’ see this as anything but a roaring success for his brand.

“That’s more people than were at the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight, and people were trying to say that, like, it was a bad number for AEW.”

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

Other Interview Highlights

Khan broached many topics on AEW during the interview, including:

  • Khan is excited to use the song November Rain to recap stories heading into Full Gear. He pointed out that while ECW used the song, AEW is the first wrestling promotion to have the rights to the song and does things “by the book.”
  • Fans can expect an exciting time when AEW comes to the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. The legendary arena, which hosted ECW events, will also host ROH Final Battle 2024.
  • Khan spoke highly of Chicago and spoke of AEW’s connection to the city. He said it’s “very fitting that we keep coming back here to this great city.”

Rick Martel Pushing For WWE Hall of Fame Induction

Thomas Lowson
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Wrestling legend Rick Martel is eager to take a place in the WWE Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments in the squared circle. When the ’80’s Wrestling’ account on X asked its followers if Martel deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame, Rick himself made his views clear.

Martel also re-tweeted a post asking fans if he deserves a spot in WWE’s Hall of Fame. Many fans were all for the idea for both his work inside the promotion and in other territories.

Rick Martel: WWE Hall of Famer?

Martel certainly had a fulfilling career in the ring before he officially retired in March 1999. Martel is a former AWA World Champion, WCW TV Champion and three-time WWF Tag Team Champion. Martel also held gold in the NWA, Puerto Rico’s WWC, Georgia Championship Wrestling and Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling. In 2011, Martel’s accomplishments were recognized as he was inducted into the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame four years later.

The WWE Hall of Fame selection often comes under scrutiny by fans, with many names inducted seen as ‘undeserving’ of the accolade. Similarly, many names fans hoped to see inducted have yet to be given the nod, including the likes of William Regal and the late Owen Hart. As for whether ‘The Model’ gets a nod, time will tell, but Martel is ready to make an acceptance speech if WWE gives him a phone call.

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.

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