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.
Logan Paul denies copying Jey Uso’s “Yeet” catchphrase, claiming he’s been “yeeting” for a long time and dubbing himself “Daddy Yeet” and the “Grandfather of Yeet.”
Jey Uso popularized “Yeet” in WWE, especially since transitioning to a solo career. The catchphrase has become central to his personal brand, strengthening his connection with WWE audiences and boosting merchandise sales.
Amid fan criticism for his use of the phrase, Logan Paul asserts that he has long used “Yeet” independently, even sharing an old video clip to support his claim. He stated on his Instagram stories:
“Clearly you don’t know your internet history. I’m Daddy Yeet. The Grandfather of the Yeet. I began the Yeet, and I will Yeet as I please.”
Logan Paul stakes his claim to “Yeet”
Paul humorously declared himself the “grandfather of Yeet,” insisting he would continue using it as he liked. Although Logan Paul and Jey Uso have yet to meet in the ring, with this new rivalry brewing, it may only be a matter of time.
Logan Paul and Jey Uso both staking claim to “Yeet” is reminiscent of Becky Lynch and Ric Flair’s public dispute over the nickname, “The Man” several years ago.
Flair applied to trademark the “The Man” shortly after Becky Lynch adopted the persona in WWE. As Lynch’s popularity was skyrocketing, Flair argued that he should be paid royalties, since he’s been calling himself The Man for decades. He said Lynch’s moniker diminished his legacy and damaged his earning potential.
The matter was resolved in early 2023, when Flair announced on his podcast that the conflict got out of hand, and he’d apologized to Lynch.
“I’m not ‘The Man’ anymore,” said Flair. “I don’t know who ‘The Man’ is, but people decide that, and that’s in every sport, in every field, and every phase of life. But I’m realizing, during the body of the show, I’m realizing, I really got stuck on that because I said it for so many years. There was a time, in the 80s, I was the guy. I got no problem saying that at all. Maybe even the early 90s. But it’s like believing your own hype after a while because you just say it so long.”
Tonight’s WWE Raw broadcasts live on the USA Network at 8/7c from Grand Rapids, Michigan, at Van Andel Arena. We’re on the road to Survivor Series: War Games, which takes place in less than three weeks on Saturday, November 30.
Confirmed Matches and Segments:
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair (c) vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez
Gunther Confronts Damian Priest after Priest becme the #1 contender to the World Heavyweight championship last week.
Bronson Reed to Appear
See what happened after last week’s WWE Raw ended:
WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam has stated that he feels WWE is focusing more on the legends now and he’s glad that they are being acknowledged.
Several legends alongside Rob Van Dam have appeared in WWE recently. NXT held its November 6th edition of the weekly show at the famous 2300 Arena and it featured the return of several ECW originals.
During Busted Open Radio, Rob Van Dam said that it was “an awesome time to be a legend” in WWE. He explained how WWE has been acknowledging the legends more in recent times. He said:
“It’s an awesome time to be a legend because WWE has come around to where they’re focusing more, putting energy on those who laid the ground before us, and that’s important, and it’s really changed the business for people like you and me, Tommy [Dreamer], and many of our peers. It’s really changed in a good way. Just a few years ago, I don’t even know if the wrestles knew who used to do it before them because you just tap into your ego so much to get into this job that you’re thinking of me and nobody else.”
Rob Van Dam believes that more legends are likely to make appearances often rather than just nostalgic cameos. He further stated that the veterans will receive more love and acknowledgment for their valuable contributions to the business.
“But to take a moment and say, ‘Hey, let’s show some respect,’ it goes a long way. It’s a really good time to be a legend. The legends, I feel like they’re gonna be popping up a lot, doing more work, more promotions, be part of the show more, and I love it. I love history. I love how it adds depth, as opposed to erasing the history and acting like it didn’t exist…I do feel like very much like I keep saying, moving forward, even if it’s just on the royalty deals for the legend deals or whatever, I just think it’s gonna be a good year for the legends. They’re gonna get a lot of love and acknowledgment for what they’ve done, and that’s really important.”
At NXT 2300, Rob Van Dam was involved in a backstage segment with Kelani Jordan, who was practicing RVD’s signature pre-match stretch which is a split on two folding chairs. Later that night, Wes Lee assaulted him backstage. However, the ECW legend avenged the attack by costing Lee his match against Je’Von Evans.
WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently reckoned that his son, Solo Sikoa could be the one to dethrone WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes.
Solo Sikoa recently pinned Roman Reigns to earn the victory for his team comprising Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga in the 6-man tag team match at WWE Crown Jewel PLE. It seems that bigger things are in store for his future, given that he pinned ‘OTC.’
On his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi reflected on Solo Sikoa’s massive moment. He believes WWE is pushing him to the next level and he could be the one to defeat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. He said:
“Like I mentioned [on] the last podcast we had, Solo’s a made man. For that to happen, there’s definitely, we see plans within this kid [of] what can be the next level for him. We talked about, does he need a belt? Well, after this [pin] on Roman, I can see maybe Solo being the one to take it off of Cody.”
Rikishi feels now that Solo has defeated the GOAT, he could be considered the GOAT-slayer. He said:
“I talked about maybe Roman will come back and take it off of Cody. But after seeing that, you beat the GOAT. I believe it was two or three spikes, but now, it’s like okay, you beat the GOAT, now you’re considered the GOAT. The GOAT-slayer. So who knows?”
At the upcoming WWE Survivor Series: WarGames, The Original Bloodline (Roman Reigns, The Usos & Sami Zayn) will face The New Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & Jacob Fatu) in a WarGames match.
WWE’s commentary team was just as shocked as the fans when Brock Lesnar conquered The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak in April 2014. Speaking to Sportskeeda’s Backstage Pass, John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield shared just how in the dark everybody was on that fateful night in New Orleans.
“I just assumed the Undertaker was going to win, and so did Michael [Cole.] When Brock pins the Undertaker, Michael Cole says something to the effect of, ‘And the streak…’ He was going to say continues, is what he was going to say. Then we saw the three and Michael said, ‘has ended.’ He just looked at me, ‘What the f***.”
Layfield, who battled The Undertaker over the WWE Championship in 2004, admitted that while he was surprised, that only made his performance on the night better.
“All of a sudden we realize the streak has ended, then we saw the reaction and the crowd. Sometimes your reaction is so much better when you don’t know what’s out there.”
The match itself was an unfortunate send-off to The Undertaker’s streak with the Phenom suffering a concussion early into the contest that hampered his performance. Vince McMahon infamously left WrestleMania early after the match as the Deadman was taken to a nearby hospital to be checked out. Many backstage were angry to see The Streak end the way it did, The Undertaker revealed a one-man-show last December.
Fans have debated for years as to whether The Streak should have ended, with some believing it never should’ve been broken. Others, however, believe that Lesnar’s legitimate fighting skills made him the perfect choice to end The Undertaker’s series of wins. Whichever way fans may feel, the end of The Streak was certainly a shock, both to the fans and those within WWE at the time.
Kurt Angle may have had some all-time classics in the ring, but the Olympic Gold Medalist wanted no part of competing for AEW. Speaking to Kenny McIntosh for Inside The Ropes, Angle shared that he turned down multiple offers from AEW because their plans for him involved getting back in the ring.
“AEW did offer me a couple of times. Tony Khan absolutely adores me, from what I heard—I don’t know if that’s true or not. But they did offer me two different deals, and, unfortunately, they both had to do with wrestling, and I knew I couldn’t do it.”
Angle hasn’t competed since WrestleMania 35 where he lost to Baron Corbin in what was promoted as the Olympian’s final match. The match was the culmination of a two-year return to wrestling in WWE, though many fans felt that the Hall of Famer had lost a step or two in the ring. Kurt has since said he wishes John Cena had been his final opponent. Cena also appeared on the show in a non-wrestling segment with Elias.
Ice Williams is the newest signing to the WWE ID program and was personally delivered his contract by two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. Williams was offered his deal at the latest event from Reality of Wrestling, one of the official partners of the WWE ID recruitment program.
Williams, known for his charismatic style and standout performances, has built a career in promotions including ROW, Future Stars of Wrestling, and West Coast Pro. In February 2023, Williams was on the losing episode of a six-man tag-team match that aired on AEW Dark: Elevation. This past February saw Williams in action on ROH Honor Club where he suffered a tag team loss to the Outrunners.
Like his fellow signings, Williams will have access to WWE’s resources, including the state-of-the-art Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Ring of Honor and Dragon Gate USA founder Gabe Sapolsky will be working closely with the WWE ID Prospects, ensuring that the signings get advice and wisdom forged from Sapolsky’s decades in the business.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE ID as the promotion’s hunt for future breakout Superstars continues to influence the independent wrestling world.
The second season of Peacemaker, the HBO Max series starring John Cena as the title character, is set to release in 2025. The show’s creator, James Gunn and Cena announced the news on social media, accompanying the update with a brief teaser.
While fans have eagerly awaited the return of this Suicide Squad spinoff since its first season concluded in early 2022, the new season faced delays, partially due to Gunn’s commitments to other projects.
Cena, who reprises his role as the antihero Peacemaker, had previously commented on the extended wait, noting scheduling conflicts. The upcoming release also coincides with Cena’s recently announced retirement tour in WWE, adding to his high-profile appearances in 2025.
Further details on the plot and exact premiere date for Peacemaker Season 2 remain under wraps.
Damian Priest recently spoke about the impact of The Undertaker’s mentorship on his WWE career. Priest noted that whenever The Undertaker is present, he seeks out his advice, explaining, “If he’s there at an event, I’ll sit down next to him… and just, you know, like, ‘You have anything for me?’ Then, he’ll give it to me straight.”
Priest values The Undertaker’s honesty and constructive criticism, saying, “I don’t need pats on the back. I need, ‘Okay, it’s fine. But if you would have did this this way, or think about it like this.’” This direct feedback has, according to Priest, helped him grow as a performer.
One of the most significant lessons from The Undertaker was about authenticity. “The most important piece of advice is basically, ‘Be yourself, turn up the volume,’” Priest said. “You don’t have to beg the crowd for acceptance. Just be you, and they’ll either follow or they won’t, but don’t beg for it.”
Expressing gratitude, Priest added, “I’m very appreciative that I have The Undertaker giving me advice… explaining to me how I should carry myself and how to be a WWE Superstar, leader, and all of it.”
Check out The Wrestling Classic’s interview with the “Archer of Infamy” Damian Priest.
Bronson Reed, reflecting on his MF DOOM-inspired gear at WWE Crown Jewel, explained the influence behind the look, saying, “I’m a big hip-hop fan… and MF DOOM is someone I always looked up to.”
Reed collaborated with an Australian artist for the design, noting, “I wanted to bring something to WWE that fans haven’t really seen.”
Looking ahead to upcoming events, Reed hinted at fresh ideas for his gear at Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, though he kept details under wraps to build excitement “I already have some ideas in mind… I want fans to be surprised when they see it.”
WWE has announced Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer taking on Meta-Four members Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend for this week’s NXT on The CW.
This follows last week’s NXT main event where Giulia and Vaquer successfully fended off an interference attempt by Jackson and Legend during the big women’s match at NXT 2300. Jackson and Legend recently appeared in the main roster’s Women’s Tag Team title match at Crown Jewel.
Tuesday’s NXT will also feature:
• Fallon Henley defending her NXT Women’s North American Championship against Kelani Jordan.
• Iron Survivor Challenge qualifiers: Wes Lee vs. Cedric Alexander and Cora Jade vs. Sol Ruca.
• Nikkita Lyons vs. Adriana Rizzo.
• A segment with Ava to determine the next challengers for Nathan Frazer and Axiom’s NXT Tag Team titles.
Montez Ford has openly addressed speculation about the Street Profits’ partnership ahead of a pivotal WWE Tag Team Championship match against the Motor City Machine Guns scheduled for next week’s SmackDown.
During an emotional appearance on SmackDown Lowdown, Ford discussed the team’s recent struggles, particularly highlighting their challenging transition following Bobby Lashley’s departure to AEW. The Street Profits, along with B-FAB, have been working to redefine their identity in the aftermath.
“Four years of drought. No WWE Tag Team Championship, not in the conversation with everybody,” Ford emphasized, acknowledging that the team’s trademark optimistic demeanor often masked deeper frustrations within the group.
Ford made it clear that next week’s championship opportunity represents a crucial moment for the Street Profits, declaring it “WWE Tag Team Championship or bust” and emphasizing there is no backup plan. This statement comes at a time when rumors have circulated about potential singles opportunities, particularly after comments from Ford’s wife, Bianca Belair.
The upcoming match against the Motor City Machine Guns will not only determine the fate of the Tag Team Championships but could also signal a defining moment in the Street Profits’ trajectory as a team.
