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WWE Salaries: Kevin Nash Compares Reported Paydays Today to the New Generation Era

Jake Skudder
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In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, few topics generate as much interest and debate as the salaries of WWE superstars.

Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash shed light on this subject, offering a fascinating comparison between the reported earnings of today’s wrestlers and those from the New Generation Era of the 1990s.

The New Generation Era: A Different Financial Landscape

Nash’s Early Career Earnings

Kevin Nash, a prominent figure in wrestling history, began his journey in the industry during the New Generation Era. He recently revealed that his initial contract with WWE (then WWF) in 1993 guaranteed him $75,000 per year.

This base salary, while substantial for the time, pales in comparison to the figures we hear about today.

The Significance of House Shows

During Nash’s early years, wrestlers heavily relied on house show earnings to supplement their income. Nash explained that these non-televised events were crucial for boosting a wrestler’s paycheck, with top performers potentially earning an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per show.

Modern WWE: A New Financial Era

Reported Salaries of Current Stars

Fast forward to the present day, and the financial landscape of WWE has transformed dramatically. Nash pointed out recent reports suggesting that current WWE stars like Roman Reigns are earning around $15 million annually:

“I saw a list, and I don’t know how accurate it is or not, but it had the salaries of the top 10 salaries in the WWE, and Roman was at 15 million dollars. I was talking to Hurricane we were going back and forth. I said, ‘F**k, Roman made more than the entire crew in ’93.'” 

The Shift in Revenue Streams

The substantial growth in wrestler salaries can be attributed to WWE’s expanded revenue streams. Today, the company benefits from lucrative television deals, streaming rights, and global merchandise sales, allowing for higher guaranteed contracts.

Best ECW Tribute Shows Ever Following NXT 2300 Arena

Jake Skudder
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WWE NXT’s recent tribute show at the iconic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on November 6, 2024, has reignited fans’ passion for the extreme wrestling era. This event not only honored the legacy of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) but also showcased the ongoing evolution of professional wrestling.

Let’s explore this memorable show and other notable ECW tribute events that have left an indelible mark on the wrestling world.

Read More – NXT 2300 Results from Philadelphia’s ECW Arena

NXT Takes Over the ECW Arena

WWE NXT’s special episode at the 2300 Arena, formerly known as the ECW Arena, was a nostalgic journey for wrestling fans. 

The show featured a good blend of NXT’s current roster and ECW legends, creating an electric atmosphere that paid homage to the extreme wrestling roots.

Francine’s Surprise Appearance

One of the highlights of the event was the return of Francine, the “Queen of Extreme.” Her presence in the crowd during the main event added a layer of authenticity to the tribute, reminding fans of ECW’s glory days.

Francine’s cameo was particularly significant given her long absence from wrestling, making this appearance a true treat for longtime ECW supporters.

Star-Studded Main Event

The show’s climax was a thrilling 10-woman tag team match that showcased NXT’s deep and talented women’s roster. 

This match not only paid tribute to ECW’s legacy but also highlighted the evolution of women’s wrestling, demonstrating how far the industry has come since the ECW era.

Other Memorable ECW Tribute Shows

While NXT’s 2300 Arena show was exceptional, it’s not the only tribute that has captured the essence of ECW. Let’s look at some other notable ECW tribute events that have left their mark on wrestling history.

ECW One Night Stand 2005

This pay-per-view event was WWE’s first official ECW reunion show. It featured original ECW stars and recreated the promotion’s unique atmosphere. Matches like Masato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome and the main event featuring The Dudley Boyz against Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman perfectly encapsulated the ECW spirit.

ECW One Night Stand 2006

Building on the success of the previous year, this event saw ECW alumni clash with WWE superstars. The show is particularly remembered for Rob Van Dam’s WWE Championship victory over John Cena in a highly charged atmosphere that epitomized the ECW fanbase’s passion.

Hardcore Homecoming 2005

Organized independently by Shane Douglas, this event brought together numerous ECW originals for a series of hardcore matches. It served as an alternative reunion for fans who wanted a more authentic ECW experience outside of WWE’s production.

WWE Survivor Series 2024 Match Card Predictions: WarGames and more

Jake Skudder
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As WWE’s final premium live event of the year approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the action-packed card for WWE Survivor Series 2024. Set to take place on November 30 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, this year’s event promises to deliver thrilling WarGames matches and intense championship bouts. Let’s dive into our predictions for the WWE Survivor Series 2024 match card.

Men’s WarGames Match: The Bloodline Civil War

The ongoing saga of The Bloodline is set to reach its boiling point at Survivor Series. With the faction now split into two warring factions, the stage is set for an epic WarGames showdown.

Predicted Teams:

  • OG Bloodline: Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and Sami Zayn
  • New Bloodline: Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa

This match promises to be a star-studded affair, with The Rock’s potential involvement adding an extra layer of excitement. The inclusion of Cody Rhodes on the OG Bloodline side could plant seeds for future storylines, potentially leading to a clash with Roman Reigns down the line.

Women’s WarGames Match: Team Bayley vs. Team Nia Jax

The women’s division is not to be outdone, with another WarGames match featuring some of WWE’s top female superstars.

Predicted Teams:

  • Team Bayley: Bayley, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Michin
  • Team Nia Jax: Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green, Piper Niven, and Blair Davenport

This match will not only showcase the incredible talent in the women’s division but also add intrigue with the possibility of Tiffany Stratton potentially cashing in her Money in the Bank contract during or after the grueling battle.

World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther vs. Damian Priest

Gunther’s dominant reign as World Heavyweight Champion is likely to face another test at Survivor Series. With a Fatal 4-Way match announced on Raw to determine his next challenger, we predict Damian Priest will emerge victorious and earn a shot at the title.

This match would be a rematch from their encounter at SummerSlam, where they displayed strong in-ring chemistry. While Priest is unlikely to dethrone Gunther, their clash promises to be a hard-hitting affair that could steal the show.

WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax vs. Naomi

With Nia Jax firmly established as a dominant force in the women’s division, a title defense against the recently returned Naomi seems like a perfect fit for Survivor Series. Naomi’s popularity with fans and her seven-year drought from singles gold make her a compelling challenger, potentially setting the stage for an emotional title change.

United States Championship: Triple Threat Match

The ongoing rivalry between Carmelo Hayes and Andrade could culminate in a Triple Threat match for the United States Championship, with current champion LA Knight defending his title. This match would not only provide a fitting end to the Hayes-Andrade feud but also showcase three of SmackDown’s most exciting performers in a high-stakes encounter.

Additional Potential Matches

  • Bronson Reed vs. Seth Rollins
  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: Judgment Day vs. The Street Profits
  • Singles Match: Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens

Liv Morgan Is A Tag Title Win Away From Wrestling’s Greatest Year

Thomas Lowson
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Liv Morgan is closing in on the greatest year in WWE history if she and Raquel Rodriguez can capture the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Morgan was asked if the only thing keeping 2024 from being the greatest year of her career is winning tag-team gold.

“For sure, for sure, 100% and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

On this week’s WWE Raw from Riyadh, Morgan and Raquel came face-to-face with Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. A challenge for a title match was made and Morgan is immensely confident in her chances of becoming a double champion.

“If you think I’m annoying now, if you think you hate hearing me laugh and the sound of my voice now, then wooo. Let me tell you, I’m never, ever, ever gonna shut up.”

Later on Raw, Morgan and Rodriguez interfered in a battle royal to determine Liv’s next challenger and eliminated Belair and Cargill. In the interview, the 30-year-old Superstar isn’t surprised she’s run afoul of the EST and the Storm.

“Everyone wants a piece of Liv Morgan. Lucky enough, there’s enough of me to go around. And lucky enough for me, I have the most dominant group in WWE watching my back, the Judgement Day, and I also have Raquel Rodriguez.”

Should Morgan win the tag titles with Rodriguez, she’ll become the fourth double-champion in WWE’s history of women, behind Asuka, Sasha Banks, and Bayley. Morgan is already a two-time Tag Team Champion with 55 days with the gold to her name.

Liv Morgan’s 2024

With or without a Women’s Tag Title win, 2024 has been a huge year for Morgan. After making it to the final two of the Women’s Royal Rumble match, Morgan won the Women’s World Title in June at King And Queen of the Ring. Morgan’s ‘Revenge Tour’ has also seen her take the Judgment Day and Dominik Mysterio from Rhea Ripley and win the Crown Jewel Women’s Title earlier this month.

Ric Flair Says “Learn To Love It!” After Donald Trump’s Victory

Thomas Lowson
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Those opposed to Donald Trump will just have to “learn to love it” according to Ric Flair, following Trump’s re-election to President of the United States. The 78-year-old billionaire bested Democratic nominee Kamala Harris earlier this week, winning both the Electoral College and the popular vote.

On X, Flair shared his clear support for Trump and gave some advice to those not on board the Trump Train.

Flair isn’t the only wrestling personality backing Trump, as Hulk Hogan has repeatedly endorsed the Republican party leader. Jake Hager also shared several comments supporting Trump on election night, in addition to claiming Tony Khan is a “communist” who threatened to fire him for supporting the President-Elect. Hager has deleted several of his tweets and has yet to provide proof of his claims.

The election news comes as a crushing blow to many in the wrestling world, with Trevor Lee saying he’s disappointed in the U.S. for electing its first convicted felon President. Mick Foley and Dave Bautista had endorsed Harris ahead of this year’s election, while Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson endorsed the Biden/Harris ticket that defeated Trump and then-Vice President Mike Pence in 2020.

Clearly, this election didn’t go the way many had hoped, though Flair, Trump, and others in wrestling could not be happier. It remains to be seen what awaits the United States in Trump’s second term, which will see Linda McMahon play a crucial role in the transition.

Tiffany Stratton Talks Possible WWE TV Future With Ludwig Kaiser

Thomas Lowson
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Tiffany Stratton has certainly earned her place on WWE TV since her main roster call-up, but don’t expect to see her alongside real-life partner Ludwig Kaiser. While several real-life romances have played out on WWE screens, that hasn’t been the case for these two Superstars. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Stratton was asked for her opinion on possibly being aligned on TV with her German boyfriend.

“I don’t know, if it happens, sure, if the timing and storyline is right then yeah, why not? We are not in a rush to be together on screen, we are on separate brands but, if the time comes, I am down, we don’t see each other too often. We have like two days together, but we make those days count.”

Though not on WWE TV, the pair can be regularly spotted together on Tiffany Stratton’s TikTok which highlights the pair’s respective lives as Superstars and workout routines. Like Miss. Money in the Bank herself, the channel has proven exceptionally popular and is closing in on half a million followers.

@tiffanystrattonwwe

Day in the lifeeeeeeee! Featuring my new apartment! Eeekkkkk

? original sound – Tiffany Stratton

As for TV, Stratton appears poised for a breakout moment soon enough, with the ‘Buff Barbie’ still in possession of the Women’s Money in the Bank contract. Recently, Stratton teased cashing in on her ‘friend’ Nia Jax at Crown Jewel, but Stratton didn’t leave Riyadh with the WWE Women’s Championship.

As for Kaiser, he remains the loyal ally of GUNTHER though has fallen short of his efforts to eliminate Sheamus, much to the chagrin of the World Heavyweight Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Kaiser and Stratton and their roles both on and off TV.

Shawn Michaels Welcomes Yoshiki Inamura & NOAH To WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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WWE’s collaborative relationship with Pro Wrestling NOAH picked up some serious steam this week when Yoshiki Inamura visited the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. On X, WWE NXT head Shawn Michaels hyped up the arrival of the 31-year-old wrestler to clips of his time at the PC. Michaels added that Inamura “is going to be a problem for anyone he steps in the ring with” to footage of him wrestling in the Performance Center.

WWE has seen a strong collaboration with NOAH in 2024, as part of the Sports Entertainment juggernaut’s willingness to work with others under its current administration. In May, Yasuaki Okamoto spoke of strengthening NOAH’s relationship with WWE after being appointed the new President of CyberFight Inc, the parent company of NOAH.

It didn’t take long for Okamoto’s plans to come to fruition, as AJ Styyles would compete at NOAH Destination in July. In August and September, NXT’s Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights were part of the  NOAH N-1 Victory 2024 tournament, making this growing relationship between WWE and NOAH more significant. In January 2023, WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura was granted the opportunity to face The Great Muta at a NOAH show as part of the latter’s retirement tour. 

As for what Yoshiki Inamura’s future with NOAH and WWE NXT looks like, that remains to be seen. Nevertheless, fans are excited to see what the Japanese star will do and what other crossovers we could see from both sides of this budding partnership.

NXT 2300 Results from Philadelphia’s ECW Arena

Michael Reichlin
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Here are the quick results from the NXT 2300 special on the CW network, November 6, 2024:

1. Lola Vice vs. Jaida Parker (Hardcore Match): Vice defeated Parker with a DDT onto a chair.

2. Je’Von Evans vs. Wes Lee: Evans secured the victory after delivering a springboard cutter.

3. Tony D’Angelo vs. Nunzio (NXT North American Championship Match): D’Angelo retained his title against Nunzio.

4. Ten-Woman Tag Team Match: Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade, Jacy Jayne, Jazmyn Nyx, and Fallon Henley defeated Jordynne Grace, Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Zaria, and Kelani Jordan when Perez pinned Zaria following Pop Rox.

5. Trick Williams & Bubba Ray Dudley vs. Ethan Page & Ridge Holland: Williams and Dudley won after Williams hit the Trick Shot on Page.

Additionally, NXT General Manager Ava announced the introduction of the NXT Women’s North American Championship, with a tournament set to begin next week to crown the inaugural champion.

AEW Dynamite Results (11/6/24)

Michael Reichlin
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Here are the quick results from the November 6, 2024, episode of AEW Dynamite:

• Darby Allin & Orange Cassidy vs. Claudio Castagnoli & PAC: Allin and Cassidy won via disqualification due to interference from Wheeler Yuta, Marina Shafir, and Jon Moxley.

• Fight Without Honor Trios Match: The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, and Tomohiro Ishii) defeated The Learning Tree when Ishii pinned Chris Jericho after a brainbuster.

• Jamie Hayter vs. Penelope Ford: Hayter secured the victory with a lariat.

• Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher vs. Ricochet & Mystery Partner: Ricochet and his partner, revealed to be Rey Fenix, won after Fenix pinned Fletcher following a Black Fire Driver.

• Adam Cole vs. Malakai Black: Cole emerged victorious with the Last Shot.

Additionally, The Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Bobby Lashley) appeared, with Lashley accepting Swerve Strickland’s challenge for a match at Full Gear.

HOOK and Christian Cage had a face-to-face confrontation, escalating their ongoing rivalry.

Bobby Lashley’s AEW In-Ring Debut And More Set For AEW Full Gear

Andrew Ravens
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AEW has announced two exciting new matchups for the upcoming AEW Full Gear 2024 pay-per-view event.

In a highly anticipated bout, Mercedes Moné will defend her AEW TBS Championship against Kris Statlander. The match was set following Statlander’s challenge on AEW Collision, which AEW CEO Tony Khan later confirmed on social media. This contest marks a chance for Statlander to reclaim the TBS title after her loss a year ago at Full Gear, where Julia Hart defeated her in a three-way match also featuring Skye Blue. Mercedes Moné, who won the title from Willow Nightingale at AEW Double or Nothing 2024, is expected to deliver an intense defense against the determined Statlander.

In another big showdown, Swerve Strickland will face Bobby Lashley after last week’s brutal attack by The Hurt Syndicate, which left Strickland seeking retribution. Strickland issued the challenge, and MVP accepted the match on behalf of his client Lashley, setting the stage for a fierce clash.

The AEW Full Gear 2024 pay-per-view is set for Saturday, November 23 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Here’s the updated match card:

  • AEW World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Orange Cassidy
  • AEW TBS Championship: Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Kris Statlander
  • Jay White vs. Hangman Page
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Bobby Lashley
  • MJF vs. Adam Page or Roderick Strong
  • AEW Tag Team Championship: Private Party (c) vs. TBA (fatal 4-way match)
  • Zero Hour: Costco Guy AJ vs. QT Marshall

With a lineup filled with title matches and rivalries, AEW Full Gear 2024 promises to be a thrilling night for wrestling fans.

Several ECW Originals Appear On WWE NXT

Andrew Ravens
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This week’s episode of WWE NXT brought nostalgia and excitement to fans with appearances from several ECW Originals, including both scheduled and surprise guests.

Among the highlights, RVD helped Je’Von Evans secure a win, while NXT Champion Trick Williams teamed up with Bubba Ray Dudley in a tag team match against Ethan Page and Ridge Holland. In a hardcore match between Jaida Parker and Lola Vice, Dawn Marie took on the role of special guest referee, adding to the ECW flavor of the evening.

Another standout moment featured Robert Stone venting his frustrations to the fans, only to be interrupted by ECW legend Rhyno, who stormed out to deliver a crowd-pleasing Gore. The former ECW Champion’s appearance brought a huge pop from the diehard fans in attendance.

In a backstage segment, ECW veterans Tony Mamaluke and Nunzio expressed their displeasure over recent disrespect from The Family. Nunzio assured Rizzo he had set up a match for her against Nikkita Lyons for next week. For himself, Nunzio announced a special bout: he would challenge Tony D’Angelo for the NXT North American Title.

The episode’s ECW tributes and unexpected moments created an electrifying atmosphere, celebrating classic wrestling while setting up exciting storylines for the weeks to come.

D’Von Dudley also made an appearance to give Williams a pair of glasses after he and Bubba picked up a win and put Ethan Page through a table.

WWE NXT Deadline Date & Location Announced

Andrew Ravens
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WWE has officially announced the details for this year’s NXT Deadline premium live event, including the date, location, and the return of a fan-favorite match format. On this week’s episode of WWE NXT, General Manager Ava revealed that the Iron Survivor Challenge will return at NXT Deadline, which will take place on Saturday, December 7, at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tickets are set to go on sale on November 13.

Last year’s Deadline event was held at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and featured a main event where Ilja Dragunov defeated Baron Corbin to retain the NXT Championship. Dragon Lee, accompanied by Rey Mysterio, also claimed the NXT North American Championship by defeating “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio.

The Iron Survivor Challenge matches made its return at last year’s Deadline, bringing a unique 25-minute format where participants competed to determine the #1 contenders. In the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge, Blair Davenport triumphed over Tiffany Stratton, Lash Legend, Kelani Jordan, and Fallon Henley to secure a title opportunity at New Year’s Evil. In the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge, Trick Williams emerged victorious over Dijak, Josh Briggs, Bron Breakker, and Tyler Bate, paving his way to the NXT title picture.

Fans can look forward to the return of these intense, multi-participant challenges, which are set to bring even more excitement to this year’s NXT Deadline.

RVD Assists Je’Von Evans To Secure WWE NXT Win At ECW Arena

Andrew Ravens
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This week’s episode of WWE NXT saw a surprise appearance by wrestling legend Rob Van Dam (RVD) at the iconic ECW Arena in Philadelphia. However, things didn’t go as planned for Wes Lee.

Earlier in the night, RVD was featured in a backstage segment offering advice. But Lee caught RVD off guard, striking him in the back of the head with a chair and taking down the former ECW Champion. It was presumed that RVD had left the arena to seek medical attention after the attack.

Despite the incident, RVD made a triumphant return during Lee’s match against Evans, walking out to a roaring reaction from the Philadelphia crowd. Seizing the opportunity, RVD helped Evans avoid another attack from Lee, ultimately leading Evans to victory. In a nod to his classic move set, Evans secured the pinfall with RVD’s signature frog splash. After the match, RVD endorsed Evans by raising his hand in front of the enthusiastic crowd.

Following his recent work with AEW, RVD has signed a WWE Legends contract, making appearances on WWE TV, including recent episodes of SmackDown. The WWE Hall of Famer’s return to NXT brought an extra layer of excitement, especially for fans of his ECW days.

WWE Revenue Jumps in Q3, TKO Raises Full-Year Outlook and Expands Internationally

Michael Reichlin
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TKO Group reported its Q3 2024 results today, highlighting a 14% year-over-year increase in WWE revenue, UFC sponsorship growth, and raised full-year guidance, alongside a focus on international expansion and new media partnerships. TKO Group Third Quarter 2024 Earnings can be viewed in their entirety at investor.tkogrp.com.

Performance Breakdown

WWE Segment

WWE reported strong growth with Q3 revenue reaching $326.3 million, up 14% year-over-year, largely due to increased media rights, live events, and sponsorships.

Sponsorship revenue was a notable success, with TKO emphasizing its potential as an underappreciated revenue stream. The upcoming Netflix deal is expected to further boost WWE’s sponsorship and site fees.

WWE expanded its international presence, holding 18 events outside the U.S., including the successful “Bash in Berlin” event in Germany.

UFC Segment

UFC’s Q3 revenue totaled $354.9 million, contributing significantly to TKO’s overall revenue. This marked an 11% decline year-over-year, driven by fewer marquee events, though sponsorship revenue increased by $10.2 million.

Strategic Highlights and Future Outlook

Synergies: TKO reported progress in achieving cost synergies post-merger, which was a focal point in the earnings call.

Future Guidance: TKO raised its 2024 revenue guidance to $2.745 billion.

Acquisitions: The company is preparing to integrate Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and other Endeavor sports assets.

Q&A Highlights:

UFC TV Rights: Mark Shapiro noted that TKO is looking to maximize UFC’s TV rights value, with ESPN+ subscriptions and ratings performing well.

PPV Model: Shapiro emphasized the strength of UFC’s PPV model both domestically and internationally, stating that many networks are interested.

Boxing Expansion: Shapiro downplayed Dana White’s comments about entering boxing, clarifying that any potential entry would be through partnerships rather than acquisitions, with a goal to modernize boxing’s business model.

UFC Fight Pass: TKO is seeing international growth in UFC Fight Pass subscriptions and plans to keep it separate from other media deals.

Netflix Sponsorships: TKO is exploring new WWE sponsorships globally, including a partnership involving Netflix and Minute Maid.

Talent Retention: Shapiro expressed confidence in talent retention, stating that WWE and UFC are seen as prime destinations, with cost control remaining a priority.

Endeavor Assets: TKO does not plan to pursue further acquisitions beyond recent additions like PBR, focusing instead on optimizing current assets.

Carmelo Hayes Struck With ‘Survivor’s Guilt’ Over a Recent WWE Release

Michael Reichlin
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Carmelo Hayes says he’s felt “survivor’s guilt” after Baron Corbin’s recent release from WWE. The two worked together closely in NXT last year.

Corbin marked his return to the developmental brand in May 2023 by ambushing Hayes, who was the NXT Champion at the time. They had an intense feud, with Hayes emerging victorious. They wrestled once again on SmackDown during this year’s King of the Ring tournament. Hayes tells Metro that Corbin’s firing hit him especially hard.

“It’s kinda like a survivor’s guilt, you know what I mean? After a day or two, you’re like, “Man!” You just hate to see that for them.”

– Carmelo Hayes on Baron Corbin’s WWE release

Hayes says Corbin took a liking to him, and helped him tremendously by offering all sorts of advice – about wrestling, personal finances and life in general. Those lessons will serve him for years to come, and he’ll always hold a special place for his one-time onscreen rival.

“I’m forever indebted to Baron Corbin, he adds. “Super talented, and I hate to see him go. That was one of those ones that really kinda hurt.”

– Carmelo Hayes on Baron Corbin’s inflence

QT Marshall Recalls Discouraging Talk With WWE Before Returning to AEW

Andrew Ravens
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Earlier this year, QT Marshall met with WWE, exploring the possibility of joining the rival promotion after several years with AEW. Though he left AEW in November, he returned to the company in an executive role as announced on February 14, 2024.

In addition to his AEW duties, he co-runs the Nightmare Factory in McDonough, Georgia alongside Cody Rhodes. During an interview with SI Wrestling, Marshall reflected on his brief period as a free agent, and his brief talks with WWE.

“I had one conversation with somebody that doesn’t even work there anymore,” Marshall said about the WWE meeting.

“I just got rubbed the wrong way during the conversation. It was like, ‘Hey, yeah, oh yeah, that’s great. All right.’ And I told him, ‘Yeah, all right, we’ll stay in touch.’ But to me, it was like, ‘I’m not staying in touch.’”

The Nightmare Factory, which opened in 2020, was recently recognized as an official member of the new WWE’s ID program, joining five other training schools. However, Marshall clarified that he is unaware of WWE’s specific arrangements with the school, as he chose to step back from coaching a few months ago.

Marshall has a big match against MJF coming on December 15 for Boca Raton Championship Wrestling.

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Linda McMahon Joins Trump’s 2024 Transition Team as Co-Chair

Michael Reichlin
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Linda McMahon will have a key role in helping Donald Trump prepare for his second term as Untied States President. The former President & CEO of WWE was recently named as one of the co-chairs of Donald Trump’s presidential transition team, along with Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald.

As co-chair of the transition team, McMahon will help with identifying and vetting potential political appointees, drafting executive orders, formulating strategies to implement Trump’s policy initiatives and overseeing the policy side of the transition.

Linda McMahon held a significant role in President Trump’s first administration as a member of his cabinet and head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) during Trump’s first term.

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President Donald Trump and former WWE President Linda McMahon

After stepping down from her role as head of the SBA in April 2019, she became chair the conservative America First Action PAC. McMahon has been a significant financial supporter of Trump’s campaigns, contributing more than $10 million to help elect him in 2024.

Can President Trump Pardon Vince McMahon?

She spoke at the Republican National Convention back in July 2024:

Jon Moxley Discusses Pain, Perseverance, and Recovery in Candid Interview

Michael Reichlin
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AEW World Champion Jon Moxley opens up about lingering injuries and how he’s been managing his pain, during a recent interview with Authority Magazine. Moxley tells Authority that his hip has been bothering him for several months. He’s been treating undergoing physical therapy.

Moxley advises everyone to pick a great physical therapist and commit to the program with 100% effort. Some wrestlers never fully recover from major injuries, and Mox thinks a lot of that has to do with the effort put in during recovery. Two decades into his pro wrestling career, father time and years of taking bumps are catching up with the champ.

“For me, being that I’m 38 and have been getting the crap kicked out of me for 20 years, I don’t recover as quickly as I used to. That’s been difficult to accept.

There’s a principle I learned at 11 years old when I started wrestling, basically the principle that hard work beats talent, or at least it can. You may not have been given the same natural gifts; you may not have the same advantages. It doesn’t matter. Hard work evens the playing field.”

Jon Moxley

Jon Moxley defied the odds to become an all-time greta pro wrestler. He doesn’t look like a jacked up action figure, and he doesn’t possess the athletic gifts of Will Ospreay or Ricochet. He’s gotten to the top thanks to his work ethic. Moxley draws inspiration from warriors like legendary wrestler Dan Gable, who wouldn’t be satisfied with his training sessions unless he had to be literally carried off the mat after practice.

“The ability to endure, to have discipline, a simple willingness to put in more time and effort- this was like learning some cheat code to the universe. Discovering that simple principle, changed the course of my life. That’s what gave me the confidence to pursue pro wrestling despite the astronomical odds of success.

I was a nobody; I didn’t have any advantages, but who cares? I’d just outwork everyone.”

Jon Moxley

Like most elite pro wrestlers, Moxley has dealt with his share of physical ailments throughout his career. In 2017, he underwent two surgeries to repair a severe triceps injury (one of them to clear up a MRSA staph infection). Early into his run with AEW, he developed another MRSA staph infection in his elbow, which put him out of action for several months. In September 2023, he was sidelined with a concussion.

AEW Production Upgrades, Shift to ‘Sports-Style’ Presentation Coming Soon

Andrew Ravens
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All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will make significant upgrades to its production capabilities in the coming months, including a renewed emphasis on a sports-style presentation. They’ll will implement the advanced technology starting in January 2025, as the promotion prepares to simulcast AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision on cable television and WBD’s Max streaming service.

Mark J. Burns of Sports Video Group reports on AEW’s plans to utilize Live Media Group’s IP-based mobile facilities, which will include the first North American-based production truck to feature the EVS MediaInfra Strata router.

Mike Mansury, AEW’s Executive Vice President and Head of Global Production, explains that they aim to leverage a cutting-edge production team to enhance the show experience.

“Starting in 2025, you’ll see more of a sports-style presentation in-arena, with added entertainment options for the audience during moments when there isn’t live in-ring action or pre-taped content on the broadcast,” Mansury said.

“We want to create a distinct atmosphere between the live event and TV show to make the experience feel even more special for fans in attendance.”

A new multi-year multimedia rights deal has been signed between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery, giving AEW an influx of more money. AEW pay-per-views will be available on Max later in 2025 at a discounted price per event.

The promotion plans to tour with 16 production trucks, featuring overhauled A and B units to support this advanced setup.

Can Donald Trump Pardon Vince McMahon? Understanding Presidential Pardon Powers

Jake Skudder
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The President of the United States holds the constitutional authority to grant pardons for federal offenses. This power allows the president to forgive individuals convicted of crimes against the federal government, effectively nullifying their sentences and restoring their civil rights.

However, this authority is limited to federal crimes; the president cannot pardon individuals convicted of state offenses. State-level pardons are within the jurisdiction of state governors or appropriate state authorities.

Vince McMahon’s Legal Situation

Vince McMahon, the former WWE executive, is currently under federal investigation for allegations including sexual assault and sex trafficking. These allegations are serious federal offenses.

As of now, McMahon has not been convicted of any crime; he is under investigation, and no charges have been filed. It’s important to note that a presidential pardon can only be granted after a conviction has occurred.

Potential for a Presidential Pardon

IF Vince McMahon were to be convicted of these federal crimes, President Trump could potentially pardon him, given their longstanding personal and professional relationship. However, such a decision would likely be met with significant public scrutiny and legal debate.

It’s also worth noting that presidential pardons do not imply innocence; they merely forgive the crime and remove penalties.

Limitations of Presidential Pardons

It’s crucial to understand that presidential pardons are limited to federal offenses. If McMahon were to face charges at the state level, the president would not have the authority to pardon him. In such cases, only the governor of the respective state or appropriate state authorities could grant a pardon.

Linda McMahon’s Role in Trump’s 2024 Transition Team

In August 2024, now-President Donald Trump appointed Linda McMahon as co-chair of his transition team, alongside Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. This team was tasked with preparing for a potential second Trump administration, focusing on policy development and personnel selection.

McMahon’s extensive experience in business and government positioned her as a key figure in shaping the strategic direction of the transition. Her leadership is expected to influence the formulation of policies and the identification of candidates for critical administrative roles.

The inclusion of Linda could also indicate that the relationship between Trump and Vince is still strong, however considering the very public issues the couple has faced with the alleged infidelities, this might actually play AGAINST Vince McMahon. We’ll have to wait and see.

NXT 2300 Preview: ECW Legends, 10-Woman Tag Match

Michael Reichlin
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WWE presents NXT 2300 tonight from the historic ‘ECW Arena’ in Philadelphia, PA. This special ‘extreme homecoming’ broadcasts live on The CW at 8/7c.

Confirmed matches and segments

  • Bubba Ray Dudley and Trick Williams team up against Ethan Page and Ridge Holland.
  • 10-Woman Tag Team Match: Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, ZARIA, Kelani Jordan, & Jordynne Grace team up against Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade, Fallon Henley, Jazmyn Nyx, & Jacy Jayne.
  • Hardcore Match: Lola Vice vs. Jaida Parker with Special Referee: Dawn Marie
  • A special announcement by NXT General Manager Ava
  • Appearances from Rob Van Dam, Francine, and more ECW originals.
NXT 2300: Watch the ECW-Themed Cold Open for Tonight’s Show

NXT 2300: Watch the ECW-Themed Cold Open for Tonight’s Show

Michael Reichlin
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WWE takes it to the extreme tonight with NXT 2300, a special Wednesday edition of WWE NXT broadcasting live on the CW 8/7c. The show takes place from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.

The venue, located at 2300 S Swanson St, is best known to wrestling fans as the ‘ECW Arena’ and is the former home of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).

NXT 2300 be heavy on the ECW nostalgia, including appearances from legends including Rob Van Dam, Francine, Dawn Marie and more.

WWE has released the ‘cold open’ video package that will air at the start of NXT 2300, featuring the classic ECW TV theme song, and footage of classic ECW moments spliced in with today’s NXT stars.

Arianna Grace: I Hated Pro Wrestling For Stealing My Father

Thomas Lowson
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Arianna Grace has become a popular act as part of WWE NXT, despite a deep-seated resentment toward the industry early in her life. Despite her name, Grace is the daughter of former WWE Superstar Santino Marella who was on the road with the company for years. Speaking to Nikkita Lyons on The Lyon’s Den, Grace shared her issue with the industry that formed from a young age.

“I always thought of it as his thing. And I also harbored a little bit of resentment toward the industry when I was little. Because I felt very much like ‘Oh, wrestling stole my dad. I don’t see my dad because he’s wrestling. I hate wrestling.'”

Despite this issue with wrestling, Grace leaped at the opportunity to pursue a career in the ring after her father suggested the idea to her.

“When he mentioned to me ‘Why don’t you try it?’ I was like, wow. I could take something that I felt caused me a lot of pain and turn it into something that gives me my life back. And that’s what we did.”

Marella’s days with WWE are far behind him, though the father and daughter have reunited in TNA, where Santino serves as an on-screen authority figure. Grace meanwhile, has served as the liaison between NXT and TNA and oversees the working relationship between the two. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Arianna Grace and her path in the industry she once loathed for taking her father away.

Former WWE Superstar “extremely disappointed” in country following US Election Result

Jake Skudder
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Following Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. President in 2024, former WWE star Trevor Lee (formerly Cameron Grimes) expressed dismay in a tweet, writing, “Extremely disappointed in our country.”

Lee joined the chorus of public figures and citizens reacting to the outcome, where Trump narrowly defeated Kamala Harris by securing key battleground states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Context Behind Cameron Grimes’ Reaction

Trump’s victory marked his historic second term, edging out Harris after winning states that swung Republican in the final count. In his victory speech, Trump promised a “golden age for America,” addressing supporters alongside running mate JD Vance. The results, which brought control of the Senate to Republicans, left many Americans polarized, with reactions ranging from celebratory to deeply critical.

Grimes’ tweet reflects widespread concerns, as issues like reproductive rights, climate policies, and social justice are likely to shift under the new administration.

Fans’ Mixed Responses to Grimes’ Statement

Grimes’ tweet quickly garnered attention online, sparking discussion among wrestling fans on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Supporters praised his willingness to speak up, while others criticized his statement, emphasizing that athletes should focus on their professions rather than political issues.

This debate highlights the divided response to Trump’s return to office and the complex role public figures play in today’s political conversations.

Liv Morgan talks “that” mugshot and update on arrest charges

Jake Skudder
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In a recent appearance on Logan Paul’s podcast, Impaulsive, WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan opened up about the December 2023 arrest that led to her now-infamous mugshot going viral online.

Morgan explained the circumstances that led to her arrest, clarifying details around the incident and reflecting on the effects of her viral mugshot.

The Circumstances Behind Liv Morgan’s December 2023 Arrest

According to Morgan, the arrest stemmed from a misunderstanding. She was stopped by authorities and subsequently detained for drug possession. As Morgan revealed on Impaulsive, “There were some things in my car that I was unaware of, and one of those things was a felony.”

Despite the initial charges, Morgan noted that they were later dropped, which allowed her to move forward. She took full accountability, however, acknowledging the impact this had on her career and reputation.

Liv Morgan’s Reaction to Her Viral Mugshot

Morgan’s mugshot quickly spread across the internet after her arrest, and she admitted feeling shocked by its rapid circulation. She mentioned that even the officer taking the photo commented on its potential to go viral.

This image, along with footage from the traffic stop, sparked a wave of public interest, adding to her distress over the incident. Morgan shared that while the experience was difficult, she felt it was necessary to take responsibility and remain professional, continuing her wrestling commitments without letting this event overshadow her career.

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