Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA wrestling champion Gable Steveson is returning to the University of Minnesota wrestling team for a fifth season, utilizing an NCAA waiver that allows him extra eligibility from an Olympic redshirt and a COVID-19 eligibility extension.
The announcement, confirmed by head coach Brandon Eggum, sees Steveson, one of the program’s most decorated athletes, resuming his collegiate wrestling career with an 85-2 record and a 52-match winning streak.
Gable Steveson commented on his return, saying:
“I am excited to return to the University of Minnesota and compete with my teammates for one last season. I look forward to putting on a show for the fans and going out with a bang.”
After briefly joining the WWE and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills practice squad, Steveson will make his season debut on November 24.
Liv Morgan continues to work on establishing a career for herself in the entertainment industry.
WWE Women’s World Champion fulfilled a lifelong dream by getting killed on screen by Chucky on defunct USA Network series of the same name in 2022. She next made her film debut, sharing the screen with Morgan Freedman in 2023’s The Kill Room in 2023.
Inspired by WWE stars like John Cena, Batista, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who successfully transitioned to acting, Morgan is eager to see what opportunities lie ahead for her. During an interview with Yahoo Sports, Morgan said, “I think these crossover opportunities are amazing … it brings new viewers to each of these products that are involved.”
Morgan revealed that she’s actively working on landing roles in television, film and beyond.
“I audition regularly. I would love to be involved in more film, television, media. I just want to see what I can do in that space.”
– Liv Morgan on her acting career
Morgan added that WWE’s support is a crucial factor in her journey:
“For WWE to be involved in that, and to be supportive of that, and to be helping me, guide me through all that, is really amazing and cool too, but I just want to see what I can do.”
– Liv Morgan on WWE’s support
Liv Morgan is only 30 years old, but she’s already setting herself up for success for life after wrestling. She signed with Paradigm Talent Agency in August, the firm that also represents CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Tiffany Stratton and Damian Priest. Morgan continues to be represented by attorney Brad Small at Fox Rothschild.
The next WWE vs. AEW head-to-head battle will take place later this month. On Saturday, November 30, AEW’s Collision and Rampage will air consecutively on TNT starting at 4pm EST and wrapping up at 7. Meanwhile, WWE Survivor Series is scheduled to begin at 6pm (with a kickoff show), creating an overlap with AEW’s programming
WWE legend The Undertaker seems to be everywhere these days. Over the past few weeks, the Dead Man interviewed US President-Elect Donald Trump on his podcast, and was spotted hanging out with actor Matthew McConaughey at a Texas Longhorns football game over the weekend. On Tuesday, ESPN released photos of The Undertaker modeling the a new ‘kit’ for Italian football club Genoa CFC.
The WWE Vault YouTube channel has shared a 35-minute video of classic Survivor Series team promos dating back to the 1980’s. There’s no doubt in-ring wrestling has evolved a great deal over the past 35 years, but they just don’t cut promos like they used to.
Triple H posted the official WWE Survivor Series 2024 poster on social media featuring the past and present members of The Bloodline. Interestingly, only four men are shown from each time, while their WarGames match will be 5-on-5.
Finally, ECW original Francine had a small role at last week’s NXT 2300 special, but says she turned down several offers to do more on the show. On her Eyes Up Here podcast, the “Queen of Extreme” reveals she was initially asked to be the special guest referee for the match between Jaida Parker and Lola Vice. After a talk with her husband, who reminded her she’s had five stomach surgeries, she decided against doing anything physical.
She suggested being a guest time keeper instead, but never got a response. The night before the show, she was offered a speaking role, but had to decline that because she’d lost her voice. In the end, she was shown in the crowd as a special guest.
She wishes she could have done more, but just being included was enough for her to celebrate the memory of ECW one more time.
At a time when WWE is holding more international premium live events than ever, Grayson Waller has serious doubts about the company bringing its biggest annual event, WrestleMania, to his home country of Australia.
WWE has held three major events in Australia, starting with the Global Warning Tour: Melbourne in 2002, released on home video. They returned for Super Show-Down in 2018 at Colonial Stadium, marking their first live premium live event (PLE) in the country. This year, WWE returned once more in February to host the Elimination Chamber at Perth Stadium.
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet, Waller explained why he doesn’t believe WrestleMania will ever take place in Australia:
“If I have to be honest, no, Australia, I’m sorry, it’s not going to happen. The time zone is rough, and I get that. WrestleMania is such a big show—it’s our showcase, and we want the most eyes on it. I think in Australia, that would be a very difficult process, especially with flying everything down. It’s a big effort. But I think having something like the Elimination Chamber there is massive. I don’t think people realize how big it was. That show sets up WrestleMania. All the things that happen on that show lead into the biggest show of the year.”
He continued, “So for me, I don’t think WrestleMania will ever be in Australia. Would I love it to happen? Obviously, it would mean the world to me, but I’m realistic. I think Australia has the opportunity to host more big shows. I’ve heard some whispers that we might be heading back somewhat soonish, and I think I’d rather have us stand alone and say, ‘Hey, this is Australia, and this is what we do.’ We have so many Aussies in WWE right now that we could almost fill a show with Australians.”
To date, WrestleMania has only been hosted outside the United States twice, with both instances in Canada. WrestleMania 41 is slated to take place in Las Vegas next year.
Kurt Angle has voiced disappointment over WWE’s handling of Baron Corbin’s career after the Lone Wolf was victorious in Angle’s final match. Speaking to Wrestlezone, Angle didn’t hold back on his view that Corbin was wasted in WWE despite his WrestleMania 35 victory.
“For me, it makes me feel like I did that for nothing. It’s not like, ‘Screw you Angle’, but, it kinda is.”
Corbin’s win appeared to be a launching pad for the former NFL star, who would capture the King of the Ring crown that same year. Unfortunately, momentum quickly faded for Corbin, who slipped further and further down the card. Angle himself predicted that Corbin’s post-WrestleMania 35 season would see him reach new heights which never materialized.
“I thought they were gonna run with the kid, I thought they were gonna make him one of the top tier guys and he was on his way.”
The choice of Corbin as Angle’s final opponent was a controversial one at the time, with many hoping for John Cena or another classic rival from the Olympian’s past. Angle has said he wishes Cena had been his final opponent instead, as what WWE did with Baron Corbin left a lot to be desired according to the WWE Hall of Famer.
AEW/Ring of Honor is set to take over the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom next month for a duo of exciting shows in the iconic venue. This week, it was reported that ROH Final Battle 2024 will take place from the Hammerstein Ballroom on December 20. Now, Andrew Zarian reports that the December 21, edition of AEW Collision will also take place from the venue inside the Manhattan Center.
Though this will be AEW’s first event in the venue, ROH is no stranger to the Hammerstein Ballroom. Seven of the 22 ROH Final Battle pay-per-views have been hosted from the Hammerstein Ballroom, more than any other location in the show’s 22-year history. Four events have taken place at the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom.
Outside of ROH, the venue is known for hosting ECW’s final two pay-per-views, Massacre on 34th Street in December 2000 and Guilty as Charged the following year. It was only fitting that ECW One Night Stand 2005 and 2006 was hosted from the ballroom. In September 2010, TNA Wrestling hosted a show from the ballroom.
Now, AEW and Ring of Honor will join the promotions that have set foot in the venue. While no details have been confirmed for either Collision or Final Battle, fans can expect two huge nights in Manhattan, New York next month. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from AEW Collision as the show prepares to land in the Hammerstein Ballroom.
Donald Trump’s journey from the world of business (with WWE along the way) to the Oval Office is a story of the power of showmanship and the blurred lines between entertainment and politics.
As the only WWE Hall of Famer to become President of the United States (so far), Trump’s political career has been significantly influenced by his experiences in professional wrestling.
The Trump-WWE Connection
Early Involvement
Trump’s relationship with WWE (then WWF) began in the late 1980s when he hosted WrestleMania IV and V at his Trump Plaza in Atlantic City.
This marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership that would shape both his public persona and political strategy.
Battle of the Billionaires
One of Trump’s most memorable WWE moments came in 2007 with the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23.
This event, which pitted Trump’s chosen Superstar Bobby Lashley against WWE Chairman Vince McMahon’s chosen Superstar Umaga in a hair vs. hair match, showcased the level of hype that The Apprentice
The Art of Kayfabe in Politics
Trump’s political approach bears a striking resemblance to the storytelling techniques used in professional wrestling. The concept of “kayfabe” – the portrayal of staged events as real – became a cornerstone of his campaign strategy.
In wrestling, a “heel” is a villain character that breaks rules and provokes strong reactions. Trump seemingly adopted this role in politics, using provocative statements and unconventional tactics to garner attention and energize his base.
The Impact on Political Discourse
Trump’s wrestling-inspired approach to politics often prioritizes emotional impact over policy substance.
This strategy has tapped into existing disillusionment with traditional political systems, allowing Trump to present himself as an “outsider” fighting against the establishment.
Just as wrestling events are designed to be spectacles, Trump turned political rallies and debates into must-see events.
His ability to create memorable moments and soundbites has been crucial in maintaining media attention and public interest.
The Wrestling Community’s Influence
Trump’s connections to the wrestling world have continued to play a role in his political career. Wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker have publicly endorsed Trump, lending their star power to his campaigns.
By engaging with wrestling personalities and appearing on wrestling-related podcasts, Trump’s campaign has sought to reach younger male voters and those who might not typically engage with traditional political media.
The Double-Edged Sword of Entertainment Politics
Advantages of the Wrestling Approach
Trump’s wrestling-inspired tactics have allowed him to:
Generate unprecedented media coverage
Create a strong emotional connection with his base
Simplify complex issues into easily digestible narratives
Potential Drawbacks
However, this approach also carries risks:
It can prioritize entertainment over substantive policy discussions
It may further polarize the political landscape
There’s a danger of trivializing serious issues
The Legacy of Trump’s WWE-Inspired Politics
Trump’s success has inspired other politicians to adopt similar tactics, potentially changing the nature of political campaigns and discourse in the long term.
As the lines between politics and entertainment continue to blur, it remains to be seen how this will affect the democratic process and public engagement with political issues.
In light of Megan Fox’s recent pregnancy announcement with fiancé Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), we’re taking a nostalgic look back at one of MGK’s most memorable moments in pop culture: his appearance on WWE Raw in 2015.
This unexpected crossover between the worlds of music and professional wrestling left a lasting impression the rapper, mainly on his back.
The Unforgettable WWE Raw Moment
In 2015, Machine Gun Kelly made a guest appearance on WWE Raw, performing his track “A Little More” live on the show. However, what happened next was far from a typical musical performance.
Following his performance, MGK found himself in a heated exchange with WWE superstar Kevin Owens. The confrontation quickly escalated, leading to a shocking and dramatic conclusion that would be talked about for years.
The Powerbomb
In a moment that you rarely saw from a musical performer on WWE programming, Kevin Owens suddenly grabbed MGK and powerbombed him off the stage. The rapper’s body crashed onto the floor below, leaving the audience pretty stunned and creating an instant viral moment.
Looking back on the incident, Machine Gun Kelly has expressed nothing but enthusiasm for his WWE appearance. In an interview, he described the experience as a dream come true, comparing it to performing at the Super Bowl.
From WWE to Fatherhood
As Machine Gun Kelly prepares to welcome a child with Megan Fox, it’s clear that his life has taken many unexpected turns since that memorable night on WWE Raw. From being powerbombed off a stage to becoming a father once again, MGK’s journey continues to captivate his fans across various entertainment spheres.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January 2025, speculation is mounting about who will fill key positions in his administration. Among the names being floated for high-level roles is Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and previous member of Trump’s first-term cabinet.
McMahon is a frontrunner to lead the Department of Commerce as Secretary in Trump’s second administration, according to Charles Gasparino, Senior Correspondent at Fox Business. The Department of Commerce plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and opportunity, making it a key position in any administration.
BREAKING NEWS: Theyre not eating to cats and dogs down at Mar-a-Lago but there's a hunger games feel to the jockeying for @realDonaldTrump cabinet posts, sources close to the matter tell me. @VivekGRamaswamy is said to want State Dept., but may end up at Homeland Security;…
Linda McMahon, 76, is no stranger to Trump’s inner circle. She served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 during Trump’s first term. After resigning from this position, McMahon went on to chair America First Action, a super PAC supporting Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.
Qualifications and Experience
McMahon’s background in business and her previous experience in the Trump administration make her a fairly logical choice for a cabinet position:
Co-founder and former CEO of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
Previous service as Administrator of the Small Business Administration
Experience in fundraising and political operations
Campaign Contributions and Support
McMahon has been a significant financial supporter of Trump’s political ambitions:
2016: She donated $6 million to Rebuilding America Now, a pro-Trump super PAC
2020: She reportedly raised approximately $83 million for Trump’s (unsuccessful) 2020 campaign.
2024: McMahon is said to have contributed over $10 million to Trump’s campaign effort through the America First Action super PAC.
Other Key Appointments in the Trump Administration
As Trump assembles his team for a second term, several other appointments have been announced or are being considered:
Confirmed Appointments
Susie Wiles: Named as White House Chief of Staff, making her the first woman to hold this position
Tom Homan: Designated as “border czar,” overseeing immigration and border security initiatives
Elise Stefanik: Selected as the ambassador to the United Nations
Potential Cabinet Members
While many positions remain to be filled, some names being discussed include:
Bill Hagerty: Under consideration for Secretary of State
Marco Rubio: Reportedly being considered for a high-level position, possibly Secretary of State
Mike Waltz: Mentioned as a potential candidate for Secretary of Defense
The Confirmation Process
With Republicans now in control of the Senate, many of Trump’s cabinet nominees are expected to face a smoother confirmation process compared to his first term. However, some controversial picks may still face scrutiny and potential challenges during hearings.
Pro wrestling veteran Taz recently refuted a belief as a fan claimed that the AEW star held resentment towards his former employer.
On social media, ‘The Human Suplex Machine’ shut down the belief and explained that it wasn’t true. He further said that WWE gave him a new career as a color commentator which he still enjoys.
ZERO resentment. Why would you even say something like that? It’s so inaccurate… You don’t know me. And the thing you need to realize is they offered me a whole new career opportunity which I’m still doing today as a color commentator. So you’re dead wrong. https://t.co/kDtJEprNOi
Taz made his impactful debut in WWE during the 2000 Royal Rumble. He faced Kurt Angle in his debut and emerged victorious. But his run with WWE was short-lived. Mounting injuries cut short his in-ring career and he went on to become a color commentator for WWE shows. He eventually decided to hang up his boots and embrace the new role. In 2019, he joined All Elite Wrestling as a commentator and he is enjoying his run with the promotion.
During the November 11th edition of WWE Raw, Dakota Kai made her surprise return in a backstage segment to reunite with Damage CTRL. The faction comprising – IYO SKY, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai has now set their sights on the gold.
Damage CTRL joined in for an interview with Byron Saxton in a Raw Exclusive. Kai said that it was very difficult for her to watch SKY and Sane from home during her injury hiatus. She then revealed that they have their sights set on the women’s tag team titles which is held by Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. Kai said:
“It was so difficult watching from home, you guys held it down for sure, but we’re here to show everyone Damage CTRL, we won our match tonight — Now, we have our eyes on gold, potentially those tag team titles, right?”
Dakota Kai’s comeback took place at a time when SKY is the Number 1 contender for the Women’s World Title, currently held by Liv Morgan. They are set to lock horns with the title on the line soon.
IYO SKY also vowed to become the Women’s World Champion and feels confident that every member of Damage CTRL will be a champion. She said:
“Yes and I need the Women’s World Championship. We will be all the champions.”
Last night, Kai also competed inside the squared circle when she teamed up with IYO SKY and Kairi Sane to face the Pure Fusion Collective (Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville). In the final moments of the match, SKY performed a moonsault on Baszler to earn the pinfall victory.
Tonight’s WWE NXT broadcasts live on the USA Network at 8/7c from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center.
Following last week’s NXT 2300 special, we’re on the road to NXT Deadline, scheduled to take place on December 7, 2024 from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
NXT will feature Fallon Henley putting the NXT Women’s North American Championship on the line, Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia teaming up again for another difficult test, the latest Iron Survivor Challenge qualifying matches and a special announcement from the General Manager.
Confirmed Matches and Segments for WWE NXT (November 12, 2024):
NXT Women’s North American Championship: Kelani Jordan vs. Fallon Henley (c)
Stephanie Vaquer & Giulia vs. Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend of Meta-Four
Iron Survivor Challenge Qualifying Match: Wes Lee vs. Cedric Alexander
Iron Survivor Challenge qualifying match: Cora Jade vs. Sol Ruca
Nikkita Lyons vs. Adriana Rizzo
Plus, NXT General Manager Ava will name the challengers for Nathan Frazer & Axiom’s NXT tag team championships.
Grayson Waller’s WWE career may have never been a reality had it not been for the success of the women from his native Australia. Speaking this week to Insight, Waller explained how, as a fan, there was very little representation of Australian talent to inspire a future in the ring.
“Nathan Jones fell over at WrestleMania! That’s who I wanted to be.”
Jones’ sole year on WWE’s main roster saw him win no titles and often play second-fiddle to talent like The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, and A-Train. Waller later explained that it wasn’t until The IIconics gave a seminar post-joining WWE that he started to realize that he could make it.
“It didn’t seem like a possibility. But then, when I saw Peyton [Royce] and Billie [Kay] get on NXT, they’re from the same school as me. Then I was like ‘Oh wow.’ Then they come back to do a seminar, I think ‘It’s possible.'”
The IIconics may have shown Waller that a future in WWE was possible, but it was the work of Rhea Ripley who showed Grayson that his dreams could come true.
“Rhea’s the one who really cemented it. I’d met her just before she left [Australia.] And then she was doing such big things. I think she showed the rest of Australia ‘Hey, this is possible.’ And that opened the door. And then you’ve got Bronson [Reed.] You’ve got Indi [Hartwell.]”
Nowadays, Waller has cemented himself among WWE’s crop of Australian talent, which recently welcomed Zaria to WWE NXT. With the success of Elimination Chamber: Perth this past February, WWE clearly has a huge following ‘down under’ and don’t count out future Superstars coming from the country.
WarGames matches have a rich history in professional wrestling, known for their intense, multi-ring steel cage setup and legendary battles between teams. Originating in 1987, WarGames has evolved across different promotions, and in modern times WWE, where it became a mainstay event at NXT and Survivor Series. Here’s a look at key records from WarGames, including most appearances, most wins, and other fascinating stats.
Origins and Format of WarGames
Initially developed by Dusty Rhodes in 1987 under Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), WarGames was inspired by the brutal aesthetics of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
The match featured two or more teams competing inside a double-ring structure surrounded by a steel cage. The original WarGames match could only be won through submission, with no pinfalls allowed, a rule that added to its ferocity.
The event later transitioned to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and eventually, WWE, where it was adapted to fit modern wrestling audiences.
WWE WarGames Records
WarGames matches in WWE, including NXT and Survivor Series, have showcased some incredible wrestling talents. Here are some standout records:
Most Appearances in WWE WarGames (Men’s Division)
Adam Cole holds the record for the most WarGames appearances in WWE with 4 matches.
Close behind, Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish also have 4 appearances each, participating predominantly as members of The Undisputed Era.
Most Wins in WWE WarGames (Men’s Division)
Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Bobby Fish also share the title for most wins, with 2 victories each in their four appearances.
NWA and WCW WarGames Records
During its early years in the NWA and WCW, WarGames saw some legendary participants who left their mark on the event.
Most Appearances in NWA/WCW WarGames
Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk each hold 13 appearances, a testament to their longevity and influence in the promotion.
Dusty Rhodes and Lex Luger also had high appearances, with 11 and 13 respectively, building on their status as enduring stars in the NWA/WCW era.
Most Wins in NWA/WCW WarGames
The Road Warriors hold an impressive 13 wins collectively, with Dusty Rhodes not far behind at 11 wins.
Sting, a mainstay of WCW, achieved 8 WarGames victories, making him one of the most successful participants in WCW’s WarGames history.
Notable WarGames Moments and Team Dynamics
WarGames events are not just about records but also the epic moments and intense rivalries. Here are some significant milestones from WarGames history.
WWE’s First WarGames for the Women’s Division
In 2019, WWE hosted its first-ever women’s WarGames match. Team Ripley (led by Rhea Ripley and including Candice LeRae) triumphed over Team Baszler. This historic match showcased the immense talent of WWE’s women’s division and set the stage for future women’s WarGames bouts.
Since then, stars like Bianca Belair and Dakota Kai have made multiple appearances in women’s WarGames events.
AEW’s WarGames Variation – Blood and Guts
In 2021, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) introduced its version of WarGames called “Blood and Guts,” inspired by the original format with a closed-roof cage and no pinfalls allowed.
The first Blood and Guts match took place on AEW Dynamite and featured a brutal showdown between The Pinnacle and The Inner Circle.
WarGames’ Role in the WWE Survivor Series
Since 2022, WWE has included WarGames as a centerpiece for Survivor Series, elevating the event’s stakes with team-based rivalries from The Bloodline to Damage CTRL.
For instance, the 2022 Survivor Series WarGames match featured Roman Reigns and his faction The Bloodline overcoming The Brawling Brutes in an intense showdown.
Strategy and Evolution in WarGames
Each era of WarGames has introduced new strategies and adjustments. WWE’s roofless cage version allows for high-flying maneuvers, adding a new layer of excitement. In contrast, AEW’s Blood and Guts adheres closely to the original WarGames design, emphasizing brutality with a closed-roof setup.
WWE’s change to allow pinfalls also shifts strategies, as team members can aim for quick victories rather than solely focusing on submissions.
Memorable Teams and Rivalries
Some teams have defined WarGames history through unforgettable rivalries. In WCW, The Four Horsemen became synonymous with the event, often squaring off against The Road Warriors or Sting.
In WWE, The Undisputed Era left their mark with back-to-back appearances in NXT, while The Bloodline, The Brawling Brutes, and others have kept the tradition alive on the main roster.
Adam Copeland has revealed the embarrassing moment that led him on a new journey of entrepreneurship and the creation of Pure Plank.
The former world champion has been very open about the physical challenges he faced on his road to an in-ring return in 2020. Copeland who had been away from the ring for almost a decade had changed his workout routine after becoming a father. The 51-year-old had to work extremely hard to get back into the ring shape.
One of the things he has credited with helping him get his core body strength to the desired level is planks. Though during a recent interview with Forbs, Adam Copeland revealed that even doing that was a huge challenge for him. In the beginning, he couldn’t even hold his position for 30 seconds:
“(When) I started planking, I couldn’t even hold a plank for 30 seconds and it was embarrassing. I’m supposed to be a high-level athlete and I couldn’t hold a plank for even a minute.”
Copeland mentioned how having infants in the family meant he couldn’t count on having a regular workout routine. He had to get whatever exercise possible when his kids were napping and that led to him developing a little bit of a dad bod.
When he started putting the focus back on his physical well-being, planks helped the wrestling veteran get into the best shape of his life. It got him to a point where even his best friend Christian Cage was amazed. This is when the two friends got the idea of creating a product that can help anyone obtain the same results they got:
“I felt there had to be a way to put people in the proper position right away and give them a better opportunity to hold the exercise without having to readjust; that’s where the idea for the handles came in—and that’s how Pure Plank came to be.”
Pure Plank is designed to not only help achieve the perfect plank posture every time but it can also be used for full body workouts. You can check out the product here.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is honored to remain a fixture of WWE today, and is proud that his family still has a place at the table of Sports Entertainment. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote Red One and Moana 2, WWE’s resident Final Boss addressed how WWE has changed since he got his start.
“My grandfather and my dad used to wrestle up here at [Madison Square Garden] in the ‘70s, and here I come along, not trying to screw anything up with their legacy. Then all of a sudden, the business has grown into what it’s grown into. TKO now owns WWE, and I have the honor of sitting on the board of TKO. What a full-circle moment.”
Johnson also reflected on his return to WWE in 2024 and his leading role in WrestleMania 40 and the shows preceding the two-night spectacle.
“I had such a great time. Cody and Seth and Roman, it was just wild. I grew up in that world of pro wrestling. There’s nothing like when that music hits and the crowd goes crazy.”
When Fallon suggested that Johnson feels at home when he’s performing, the A-lister said it was a “good way to put it.”
It’s unclear when The Rock will return to WWE screens after his most recent appearance in the closing moments of Bad Blood 2024. That segment did make clear that The Rock is far from finished with Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns, who aligned on the night to defeat Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from The Rock and his career both inside and outside the world of wrestling.
The results are in for the November 18, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, which was filmed after the November 11, show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The show was filmed in advance to allow the WWE roster and crew to have longer off next week so they can spend time with their family, friends, and loved ones over Thanksgiving week.
WWE Raw (11/18) Spoilers
Bronson Reed defeated Seth Rollins, thanks to interference from Solo Sikoa, who raised Reed’s hand in triumph. It appears Reed has aligned with the New Bloodline as the faction’s fifth member for WarGames.
Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker Vs. Sheamus ended in a disqualification when Ludwig Kaiser attacked both men.
The LWO (Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega) defeated American Made (Chad Gable and Ivy Nile) in mixed-tag team action.
The War Raiders (Erik and Ivar) defeated The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio and Carlito)
Rhea Ripley made her return to WWE TV after being laid out by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez during a recent episode of WWE NXT. Ripley sported a new mask and attacked Morgan, triggering a massive brawl in the women’s roster.
Ripley, joined by Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and IYO SKY, dominated Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax.
The Miz made an impactful return during the latest episode of Monday Night Raw, and was able to orchestrate a beatdown on The Wyatt Sicks. Recently, The Miz was kidnapped by the faction and was being questioned during last week’s show by Bo Dallas. The segment made reference to Bo’s time in the ‘Miztourage’ and Karrion Kross was confident that the A-Lister was “dead for sure.”
During this week’s Raw, Miz told Karrion Kross that he’d apologized and promised to change his ways and that was enough for the Wyatt Sicks to let him go. Kross did not believe him, and was going to have AOP break his legs in the ring before The Wyatt Sicks arrived.
Miz snuck up on Rowan, hitting him with a chair in the back, and revealing that this had been an ambush all along. Final Testament laid out Wyatt Sicks, but Uncle Howdy laughed through the pain.
The Final Testament and The Wyatt Sicks have been at odds for some time now, though Bo Dallas told The Miz that he was his group’s only target. Now, expect to see plenty more from these two factions on WWE TV, with The Miz firmly on the side of Karrion Kross, AOP, Paul Ellering, and Scarlett.
Bret Hart may go by ‘The Excellence of Execution’ but ‘Hitman’ himself may give that designation to the late great Leo Burke.
Burke, a pro wrestling legend out of Canada, sadly passed away on July 24, 2024 and Hart shared a beautiful tribute on his social media, noting of the legacy Leo left on the industry and on himself.
Less than a week ago, I got to speak with Bret Hart in detail about Burke’s influence on not just him, but other wrestlers who have left an impact on the business
How Bret Hart Learned From Leo Burke
Burke made a pro wrestling name for himself wrestling for the likes of Stu Hart, The Funks, Jim Crockett and so many other names across the globe. Hart was familiar with Burke when Leo first got his start in 1966. Bret was just a kid at the time, but remembered Burke came into Calgary with a ‘Batman’ gimmick, and while the memory stuck with Bret, the gimmick didn’t for Burke, who became a big star for Stu Hart and a good in-ring rival for Bret while in Stampede. Bret noted what a master of ring psychology Burke was. He credited both Leo and the late Dynamite Kid for helping him become in-ring legend he is today.
“Like I learned so much from both Dynamite and Leo, that when I think of like my style and my career, and how I maybe blossomed as a wrestler in WWF, it was all because of both those guys.”
“”I picked up the ring bell and I’ m gonna take it over the apron and take it in the ring and I’m gonna brain Steve Austin with the bell, and I walk over and I set it on the apron and then I change my mind and then I go over and get a chair, I pick up one chair and I go, ‘Ah this one’s not good enough, it’s got padding on it,’ or something. I pick up a metal chair and go, ‘This is perfect,’ and I forget all about the bell, slide under the bottom rope and I’m going to the ring and I’ m working Steve over with a chair.
“I mean everyone forgets about the the bell then, and the bell is the key right sitting on the apron for the whole thing … that’ s a real Burke type of [move]. You know he would tell you, ‘They’ll forget all about the bell.’
“those are the kind of things that Leo taught me like to think ahead and how to think, imagine things. He WAS SUCH A MASTER CLASS.”
The ‘Master Class’ Of Leo Burke With Adam Copeland
Bret mentioned how historic names like Harley Race and Terry Funk would revere Burke’s talent in god-like fashion and Burke eventually got to instill that knowledge into major names of the late 1990s. Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, Ken Shamrock and Mark Henry all learned under Leo Burke up in Calgary while Bret worked in WWE.
“Leo would train them, and Leo got paid the same every day, he got a certain check every week, and he would just have classes. He would tell everyone what time to come, and Test was another one that was there.
“He was one of those guys I met him in Toronto; he was a bouncer at a club, and I remember the next day he was sitting in my living room.
“And Leo was training all these guys, and I remember I would come home from being on the road, and then Leo would say, ‘ Could you just work with one guy?'”
That one guy was Copeland.
“I did it with Edge, I remember wrestling Edge, I did it with a couple of guys, I remember, it might have been Mark Henry, and I remember, I’ m like, ‘I am so beat up.’
“I’ ve been on the road for six weeks or something, and I come home and Leo’ s like, ‘Can you just come in for a couple of weeks? Just a couple.’ I didn’ t even care, you know? I was the one that would do it, I’ d be so sore I’ d spend the afternoon in there taking arm drags and stuff, like that, working stuff out.”
Hart commented on how much he garnered from working with and being around Leo, who had a great sense of humor and was a big factor at making life on the road fun, pulling light-hearted, yet memorable ribs on his brothers and other workers. However, if there was one thing Hitman would want wrestlers today to take note of by studying Burke, it would be the best thing he was known for.
“I would you think if there’s a big aspect you want them to take away from him, I would say Leo was most famous for his psychology.”
WWE has added a twist to the upcoming WarGames match at Survivor Series, where The OG Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn) will face off against The Bloodline (Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa) inside the WarGames cage.
Originally, fans expected this match to be a traditional four-on-four, based on the number of members in each faction. However, Monday’s WWE Raw confirmed that the match will be a five-on-five bout. In a backstage segment, Sami Zayn hinted to the Usos that he might know someone willing to join their team, though the identity of this potential fifth member remains a mystery.
This WarGames showdown comes on the heels of an intense rivalry. At the Crown Jewel event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Solo Sikoa led his team to victory over Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso by landing two powerful Samoan Spikes on Reigns. Since then, Sami Zayn has aligned himself with Reigns and the Usos, further intensifying the feud.
Meanwhile, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has also been associated with Reigns in recent events. The two stars teamed up to defeat Sikoa and Fatu at Bad Blood, with The Rock making a surprise appearance after the match.
There was a backstage segment on Raw, where Zayn told Seth Rollins that he thinks he is their fifth man. Rollins said that Zayn was out of his mind due to their history and said the answer was no.
Looks like Sami and the Usos need a FIFTH team member for #SurvivorSeries WarGames!
Dakota Kai made her highly anticipated return on this week’s WWE Raw after being sidelined for over four months due to injury. Kai joined forces with IYO SKY and Kairi Sane to face the Pure Fusion Collective (Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville). In a key moment, Kai broke up Baszler’s submission on SKY in the closing moments, allowing SKY to execute her signature moonsault on Baszler and secure the victory for her team.
This return also comes at a pivotal time, as SKY recently became the #1 contender for the Women’s World Title and will soon challenge Liv Morgan for the championship.
Kai last competed on July 27 at a live event in Tokyo, Japan, where she faced Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. Shortly afterward, she was written off WWE television following an on-screen attack from the Pure Fusion Collective. Kai suffered a meniscus tear in August, with an estimated recovery timeline of eight to ten weeks. Backstage, there was reportedly significant sympathy for her, as she is highly respected and well-liked within WWE.
This latest injury follows an ACL tear in May 2023 that kept Kai out of action for nearly a year.
One of the key matches has been confirmed for WWE Survivor Series, which will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
On this week’s Raw episode, the WWE announced that GUNTHER will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Damian Priest. GUNTHER has held the title since defeating Priest at SummerSlam 2024 and has been on an impressive winning streak since.
After claiming the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, GUNTHER entered into a feud with Randy Orton, ultimately prevailing at Bash in Berlin. His next title defense saw him retain against Sami Zayn on the October 7 episode of Raw. However, he later fell short in a tag team match where he and Ludwig Kaiser lost to Orton and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. GUNTHER also lost to Rhodes in a title match at Crown Jewel.
Last week on Raw, WWE held a Fatal Four-Way match to determine GUNTHER’s next challenger. The competitors included Priest, Dominik Mysterio, Seth Rollins, and Sheamus, with Priest securing the victory and earning his shot at Survivor Series.
The only other match currently confirmed for Survivor Series is the OG Bloodline vs. Bloodline in a WarGames match. The event will air live on Peacock.
The Undertaker says, “WWE is on par now with the NFL, NBA, MLB, you name it. We’re no longer just some wrestling show on the fringe. WWE has become a massive global entity with influence far beyond the ring.”
The Dead Man spoke about WWE’s incredible growth on his Six Feet Under podcast. He credited this evolution to WWE’s leadership, talent, professionalized training facilities, and a recruitment process akin to major sports leagues.
“The Performance Center is like our own draft, our way of finding and developing top-tier talent, just like any other major league,” he said.
WWE’s Merchandising Machine
Taker’s “hot take” is echoed by many, including Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. Earlier this year, Rubin spoke about pro wrestling’s popularity in comparison to major sports leagues. Fanatics is the official merchandise partner for the NFL, NBA, MLB, UFC, NASCAR and more, but he wasn’t prepared for WWE’s merchandising muscle.
“The biggest growth sport in my mind Well, are we looking at percents, dollars? What’s wild, I’ll tell you honestly, what’s going on with WWE is insane,” Rubin said at SBJ’s CAA World Congress of Sports. “If I look at the growth in our WWE business, and it’s a big business already, it’s absolutely insane.”
Here are some WWE news and notes for Monday, November 11, 2024:
Gunther, Nia Jax and LA Knight have each hit 100 days in their respective title reigns. Gunther won the World Heavyweight championship from Damian Priest at SummerSlam, while Jax beat Bayley for the Women’s World Championship and Knight captured the United States title from Logan Paul at the event.
Liv Morgan hopes to make history tonight on WWE Raw, when she and Raquel Rodriguez challenge Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair for the Women’s tag titles. Should they win, Morgan and Rodriguez would be 3-time champions, a feat that no other team has accomplished.
Samantha Irvin has completely scrubbed her Instagram account of all references to WWE.
Jackie Redmond has confirmed she won’t be at tonight’s WWE Raw from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Kevin Nash announced on his podcast that he probably needs shoulder surgery. “Something popped in my shoulder training on Tuesday,” he said on his podcast. “It never stops, man.”
Nash also dealing with a back injury that caused him to withdraw from two appearances over the weekend. “We’re dealing with the back. It’s two separate issues. I mean, it’s easily compartmentalized. One of them is my nerve is pinched, and it’s making my quad not fire; the other one is when I wipe my ass, I scream.”
Finally, Seth Rollins feels like WWE is lacking strong villains. “I’m looking around, and I’m kind of thinking, ‘Oh man, we’re missing some good heels around here,’ he said on the Pivot podcast. “We’re missing some good ones.”
MVP says he knew it was time to leave WWE when “new management” took over following Vince McMahon’s departure in January 2024.
The leader of AEW’s Hurt Syndicate faction chose not to renew his WWE contract earlier this year. MVP noticed a significant shift in leadership under Triple H and quickly realized the company’s new direction did not align with his own vision. A major point of contention was Triple H’s reported lack of interest in reviving The Hurt Business.
“This time, I didn’t want to re-sign and I let it be known that I wasn’t going to re-sign because the new management in place.
anytime, I don’t care where you work, when new management comes in, it’s good for some people and not for other people. New people come in, old people go. So I just felt that it was definitely time to go because the new management just wasn’t for me and I ain’t for him.”
MVP on his decision to leave WWE (Drop The Heat)
The Hurt Business currently has their sights set on former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland. Lashley is scheduled to make his AEW in-ring debut against Swerve later this month at Full Gear.
