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Tiffany Stratton To Face WWE Veteran In First Women’s Title Defense

Thomas Lowson
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Tiffany Stratton To Face WWE Veteran In First Women’s Title Defense

New WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton will have her hands full in her first title defense against one of WWE’s most decorated female Superstars of all time. On the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, a fatal four-way was made between Bayley, Nia Jax, Bianca Belair, and Naomi. Despite the interference of Candice LeRae, it was Bayley who stood tall, earning the win and the title match after hitting a Rose Plant on Naomi.

In a backstage promo after the match, Bayley spoke about Stratton taking a chance on herself last week when she cashed in her Money in the Bank contract. The Role Model promised to take a chance on herself in their title match, which was confirmed for next week. The match will mark Stratton’s first title defense given that WWE are currently not hosting any untelevised live events.

Find Out More About WWE’s lack of Live Events

Bayley is no stranger to gold, having held titles on Raw, SmackDown, and WWE NXT, including the WWE Women’s Champion Stratton now possesses. Like Stratton, Bayley is a former Miss Money in the Bank and cashed in succesfully to win the SmackDown Women’s Title in 2019. Now, the veteran aims to put a swift end to Stratton’s reign with the gold, while the new champ aims to prove that ‘Tiffy Time’ is here to stay.

Saudi Entertainment Head Turki Alalshikh Shares The Love For Vince McMahon

Thomas Lowson
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Saudi Entertainment Head Turki Alalshikh Shares The Love For Vince McMahon

Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, has shared his love for Vince McMahon. On X, Alalshikh shared a photo of the former WWE Chairman/CEO with a series of heart emojis.

Alalshikh’s post spawned a variety of comments both supporting and opposing McMahon. Some even called for Alalshikh to bring McMahon in for a reported new boxing league in the country. The league will be overseen by TKO, the parent company of WWE and UFC.

Alalshikh’s support for McMahon demonstrates that there are still some on the 79-year-old’s side, despite the controversies that have been spotlighted in recent years. McMahon began working closely with the General Entertainment Authority in 2018 when WWE began hosting high-profile Premium Live Events in Saudi Arabia. The lucrative decade-long deal has seen WWE host 12 events in the Middle Eastern nation so far.

WWE Royal Rumble 2026 coming to Saudi Arabia

McMahon has plans to launch his own entertainment production company once his legal issues have been settled, though it’s not believed that a new wrestling promotion is in the billionaire’s future. With Alalshikh’s backing though, fans can’t count out McMahon working with the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority once again, despite the controversies that continue to follow the former WWE leader.

Vince McMahon Fined Over $1.7M For Financial Misstatements

AJ Styles: This Injury Is Challenging

Andrew Ravens
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AJ Styles returned to WWE television on SmackDown in late 2024, where he faced off against rising star Carmelo Hayes. While Hayes secured the victory, Styles was seen limping to the back after the match, sparking concerns about his condition. WWE later confirmed that Styles had suffered a mid-foot ligament sprain, initially believed by some to be part of the storyline. However, it was soon revealed that the injury was legitimate.

Styles later disclosed that he had sustained a Lisfranc injury, a serious condition affecting the bones and ligaments in the middle of the foot. Styles shared the details with fans on Twitter, describing the severity of the injury. “It’s called a Lisfranc injury. Look it up, it sucks! I thought when I took off my boot, I would have a bone sticking out of my foot,” he wrote. When a fan referenced NFL quarterback Cam Newton’s 2016 season-ending Lisfranc injury, Styles replied, “Bingo, as the kids say….I’m cooked!”

In the latest update, Styles mentioned on Twitter that the injury remains a significant challenge. Before being sidelined, he was reportedly set to begin a farewell storyline in WWE, which has now been delayed due to his recovery. Fans and colleagues alike continue to wish Styles a speedy and successful recovery.

Drew McIntyre Vows To Make John Cena Match Happen

Andrew Ravens
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Drew McIntyre Vows To Make John Cena Match Happen

John Cena officially kicked off his farewell tour on Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, announcing his entry into next month’s Royal Rumble Match. As one of WWE’s most iconic figures, Cena’s announcement has already drawn attention, with several stars calling out the future Hall of Famer for a match before he steps away.

Among them is Drew McIntyre, who is coming off a loss to Jey Uso on Raw. McIntyre blamed the loss on a “contact high,” citing Travis Scott’s surprise appearance at ringside with Uso while smoking a joint. Despite the setback, McIntyre is setting his sights on Cena, making his intentions clear during an appearance on the Babyfaces podcast.

“I want time on the microphone with him, and I want that one-on-one match, and I’m going to make it happen, one way or another,” McIntyre stated. He didn’t hold back, warning Cena of the dangers of crossing paths with him in the Royal Rumble. “Let’s just hope he doesn’t end up in the ring with me in the Rumble because the last person who got in my way at the Rumble last year and was aiming to main event WrestleMania was CM Punk, and I tore his tricep off the bone. I’ll maybe ask Cena to pick the muscle or pick the bone because I’m tearing it or breaking it.”

The Royal Rumble, set for February 1, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Cena’s farewell tour as it could lead him to the discussed match with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania.

Roman Reigns Declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble

Michael Reichlin
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Roman Reigns Declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble

Roman Reigns has officially declared his entry into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, with his sights set on a potential showdown with Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41.

During the January 10 episode of WWE SmackDown, Paul Heyman addressed the fallout from Roman Reigns’ victory over Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat Match on the premiere of WWE RAW on Netflix. In the match, Reigns reclaimed the Ula Fala, signaling the conclusion of his feud with Sikoa and his readiness to move forward.

Heyman opened the show by “acknowledging” Cody Rhodes, the reigning, defending, Undisputed WWE Champion. According to Heyman, Rhodes had earned Reigns’ respect, but Reigns was determined to regain his championship. Declaring for the Royal Rumble, Reigns made it clear that his ultimate goal was to challenge Rhodes for the title at WrestleMania 41 if victorious.

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Reigns joins a growing list of high-profile entrants in the Royal Rumble match, including CM Punk and John Cena.

A former Royal Rumble winner in 2015, Reigns last competed in the event in 2020. In the years since, he dominated as Universal Champion, defending his title throughout an historic reign.

Now, he looks to reclaim his place at the top of WWE by winning the Royal Rumble and earning another chance at championship gold.

WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Odds: Current early favorites

WWE Debuts New SmackDown Commentary Team

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Debuts New SmackDown Commentary Team

WWE has officially introduced a new commentary team for SmackDown, featuring Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett. The duo made their debut on Friday’s episode, marking a significant shift in the show’s presentation.

This change follows closely on the heels of Pat McAfee and Michael Cole assuming commentary duties for WWE Raw, which recently premiered on Netflix. These updates to the commentary teams reflect WWE’s broader strategy to refresh its programming across its flagship shows.

Tessitore, renowned for his extensive career in sports broadcasting, brings a seasoned perspective to the SmackDown announce table. Meanwhile, Barrett, a former WWE Superstar, has been steadily building his reputation as a commentator on various WWE programs in recent years.

WWE’s New Commentary Teams

Updated Overview of WWE Broadcasters:

Raw

  • Commentary team: Michael Cole and Pat McAfee
  • Ring announcer: Alicia Taylor
  • Backstage interviewers: Jackie Redmond and Cathy Kelley

SmackDown

  • Commentary team: Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett
  • Ring announcer: Lilian Garcia
  • Backstage interviewer: Byron Saxton

NXT

  • Commentateam: Vic Joseph and Booker T
  • Ring announcer: Mike Rome
  • Backstage interviewers: Kelly Kincaid, Sarah Schreiber, and Blake Howard

Roman Reigns To Compete In The Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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For the first time since 2020, Roman Reigns will enter the Royal Rumble. On this week’s episode of SmackDown, Paul Heyman, speaking on behalf of Reigns, announced that “The Tribal Chief” has declared for the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble.

Heyman opened the show by addressing Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, proclaiming that Reigns is determined to reclaim the title he lost to Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 40 – Night 2. Reigns aims to achieve this by winning the Royal Rumble and earning a shot at the championship.

This announcement marks a notable shift, as Reigns has entered the last four Royal Rumble events as the WWE Universal or Undisputed WWE Champion, rather than as a Royal Rumble match competitor. Reigns previously won the Royal Rumble in 2015, a victory that was overshadowed by fan backlash when the audience favored Bryan Danielson (then Daniel Bryan) over him. Despite an endorsement from The Rock, the win remains one of the most polarizing moments in Royal Rumble history.

The 2025 Royal Rumble is already shaping up to be a blockbuster event, with other top stars like John Cena and CM Punk also declaring their entries. The event will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

TNA Champion Nic Nemeth Signs New Contract

Michael Reichlin
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Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler in WWE, has re-signed with TNA Wrestling. He’s the reigning TNA World Champion, a title he captured in a six-way elimination match at TNA Slammiversary in July 2024.

Nemeth’s journey with TNA began earlier in 2024 when he initially agreed to a short-term deal of just 10 dates. However, impressed by the company’s vision and the locker room atmosphere, he continued to extend his commitment. His decision to re-sign demonstrates his faith in TNA’s direction and potential for growth.

TNA’s Business Growth

Increased Viewership: The company has been seeing a steady increase in audience numbers, with Nemeth noting that they’re attracting “1% bigger audience every single week”.

Strategic Partnerships: TNA has formed partnerships with major media companies, including Warner Bros. Discovery’s Eurosport India, expanding its reach in the Asian subcontinent.

Streaming Service Launch: The company launched TNA+, a new streaming service, in partnership with Endeavor Streaming, offering fans enhanced access to TNA content.

International Expansion: TNA has partnered with StarTimes to bring exclusive content to over 30 countries in Africa, further extending its global reach.

Live Event Success: TNA has been selling out shows regularly, indicating growing fan interest and engagement.

Nemeth’s re-signing is likely both a result of and a contributor to this positive momentum. His continued presence adds star power and credibility to TNA’s product during this crucial growth period. His decision to stay with aligns with TNA’s goal of expanding into bigger venues and increasing its market share in the professional wrestling landscape.

Brodie Lee Jr. Getting Strong Reviews in Wrestling Training

Thomas Lowson
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0
Brodie Lee Jr. Getting Strong Reviews in Wrestling Training

Brodie Lee Jr. could have a very bright future ahead of him in wrestling, as he’s earning rave reivews in his in-ring training.

On X, Scott Fishman of SEScoops/TVInsider shared his admiration for Lee’s work in the ring and his respectful nature towards others.

Brodie Jr. is the son of Jon ‘Brodie Lee’ Huber, who also competed as Luke Harper for years in WWE. The elder Lee tragically passed away in December 2020 of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A former TNT and Intercontinental Champion, Huber was 41 years old.

Within days of Brodie’s passing, Tony Schiavone revealed that AEW had signed Brodie Jr. (also known as Negative-One) to a contract, and will be taking care of the Huber family. Brodie’s mother Amanda later clarified that Brodie Jr’s contract will only become valid on his 18th birthday if he chooses to wrestle.

Brodie Lee Jr Pulled from TV For Letting His Grades Slip

Brodie Jr. is certainly getting a full education in wrestling from Natalya and TJ Wilson, both graduates from the Hart Family dungeon. Although the original dungeon has since closed its doors, the WWE couple opened their own facility last year where they train with stars from WWE and the wider wrestling world.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Brodie Lee Jr., as fans shouldn’t count out seeing Negative One in the ring as a professional wrestler.

Vince McMahon Issues Statement Following SEC Settlement

Dominic DeAngelo
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Vince McMahon is aiming to at least put part of his WWE past behind him. The former WWE CEO was fined $1.7 million regarding charges in relation to hush money allegations.

According to the report issued on Friday, McMahon disregarded the WWE’s internal accounting operations due to undisclosed payment agreements tied to sexual assault allegations and it caused discrepancies in in the company’s 2018 and 2021 financial report.

Following the news breaking, Vince McMahon and his team at Edendale Strategies emailed me an official statement with McMahon expressing his excitement about the finality of the situation.

“The case is closed. Today ends nearly three years of investigation by different governmental agencies. There has been a great deal of speculation about what exactly the government was investigating and what the outcome would be. As today’s resolution shows, much of that speculation was misguided and misleading.

“In the end, there was never anything more to this than minor accounting errors with regard to some personal payments that I made several years ago while I was CEO of WWE. I’m thrilled that I can now put all this behind me.”

McMahon still finds himself embroiled in the Janel Grant lawsuit while WWE is aiming to start a new era of its own under Chief Content Officer Triple H. WWE took a big step earlier this week by premiering WWE Raw on Netflix which garnered nearly five million viewers across the globe. Monday’s debut was so successful that WWE Raw beat out season two of Squid Games as Netflix’s most-watched on Tuesday.

Vince McMahon Fined Over $1.7M For Financial Misstatements

Thomas Lowson
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Ex-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon will pay over $1.7 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to settle charges related to undisclosed payment agreements tied to sexual assault allegations.

In their report, the SEC Notes that McMahon bypassed WWE’s internal accounting controls and caused material misstatements in the company’s financial reports for 2018 and 2021. Though McMahon did not admit to or deny the SEC’s findings, he has agreed to a $400,000 civil penalty and a $1.33 million reimbursement to WWE.

Thomas P. Smith Jr., Associate Regional Director in the SEC’s New York Regional Office had the following to say:

“Company executives cannot enter into material agreements on behalf of the company they serve and withhold that information from the company’s control functions and auditor.”

McMahon failed to disclose a $3 million payment to a fortmer WWE employee, the SEC alleges, as well as a $7.5 million payment to a female independent contractor in exchange for their agreement not to file claims against him. These payments came to light in 2022 when The Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon had paid a total of $12 million over 16 years to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct.

This payment comes amid Janel Grant’s lawsuit against McMahon, in which she alleges she was sexually abused and trafficked during her time with the promotion. Though McMahon has denied all wrongdoing and claimed their relationship was consensual, he stepped down from WWE in January 2024.

McMahon is also named in a lawsuit by five former WWF ‘ring boys’ who claim that he and others knew of alleged sexual abuse by Mel Phillips, but did not make a sufficient attempt to stop it. These cases are ongoing.

WWE SmackDown Preview: January 10, 2025

Thomas Lowson
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WWE SmackDown Preview: January 10, 2025

The second three-hour edition of WWE SmackDown takes place tonight from Portland, Oregon at Moda Center. The hype for this show will focus on the build towards the 2025 Royal Rumble, set to take place on February 1, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The show will see Cody Rhodes face Kevin Owens in a Ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Kevin Owens Vows That He Hasn’t Snapped, Yet

Tonight’s show will also see an exciting United States Championship match, with Shinsuke Nakamura set to defend the gold against the man he took the title from at Survivor Series: WarGames: LA Knight. Will the Megastar be able to become a two-time champion tonight, or will this demented side of Nakamura prove that his victory last November was no fluke?

What happened last week on SmackDown

Last week’s 1/3 edition of SmackDown saw the show move to three hours and WWE delivered a show to remember. Highlights of the show included

  • Tiffany Stratton cashed in her Money in the Bank contract on Nia Jax to become the new WWE Women’s Champion.
  • Michin sought to earn a shot at Women’s U.S. Champion Chelsea Green with a win over Piper Niven.
  • The New Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu) beat the OG Bloodline (Sami Zayn and the Usos.)
  • Drew McIntyre confronted Cody Rhodes, leaving some to speculate that McIntyre and Kevin Owens are in cahoots.

AEW Star has Better Odds for Royal Rumble than AJ Styles, Sheamus and Rey Mysterio

Jake Skudder
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The Royal Rumble 2025 is already set to be star-studded, and the latest betting odds reveal a shocking twist: AEW star Ricky Starks is ranked higher to win the WWE event than legendary names like AJ Styles, Sheamus, and Rey Mysterio.

Read More – WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Odds: Current early favorites

Ricky Starks: A Rising Star with 40/1 Odds

Of course currently signed to AEW, Ricky Starks is listed with 40/1 odds on SkyBet to win the Royal Rumble. While Starks has never appeared in WWE, his undeniable charisma and in-ring talent have caught the attention of fans worldwide.

What oddsmakers sometimes tend to do is throw in a name that is in the news and *could* appear in the match. Starks’ contract is still ongoing as far as it has been reported publicly, but it is intriguing that they’re giving him such high odds.

WWE Legends Falling Behind in Betting Odds

Several iconic WWE superstars are trailing behind Ricky Starks in the betting markets.

  • AJ Styles (66/1): Despite being a former WWE Champion, Styles’ odds suggest bettors see him as an unlikely victor this year, which makes sense as he has been off television for quite some time and doesn’t have a clear programme right now.
  • Sheamus (66/1): The Celtic Warrior, who once won the Royal Rumble in 2012, also finds himself outside the top contenders, which again makes sense as he is being used in a mid-card role.
  • Rey Mysterio (80/1): Even with his Hall of Fame career, Mysterio sits far down the list, making a win improbable in 2025.

WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Odds: Current early favorites

Jake Skudder
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WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Odds: Current early favorites

The WWE Royal Rumble 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events in professional wrestling. With the Road to WrestleMania looming, fans and bettors are turning their attention to early odds and predictions for this year’s Royal Rumble.

Let’s dive into the current favorites to win based on the latest odds from SkyBet.

Read More – Every WWE Royal Rumble You Can Watch on YouTube for FREE

Top Early Favorites for WWE Royal Rumble 2025

John Cena (8/15)

Leading the pack is none other than WWE legend John Cena. With odds of 8/15, Cena’s potential return to the WrestleMania main event is generating immense buzz. A Royal Rumble win would mark another milestone in his storied career and set him up for a match against the likes of Gunther or Cody Rhodes at Mania.

Seth Rollins (13/8)

Close behind is Seth Rollins, one of WWE’s most consistent performers. With odds of 13/8, Rollins remains a favorite among fans and bookmakers alike. A win for Rollins could give him the WrestleMania main event spot against Gunther or Cody.

CM Punk and The Rock (6/1)

Two massive names round out the top tier of early favorites. CM Punk, who is looking like a potential shoe-in for the Mania main event this year, and The Rock, whose WWE appearances are always headline-worthy, are tied with odds of 6/1. Either of these iconic stars winning the Rumble wouldn’t be a shock.

Other Contenders to Watch

Roman Reigns (15/2)

Despite dominating WWE for years, Roman Reigns comes in with 15/2 odds. A Rumble win for Reigns would cement his legacy and perhaps kickstart a new chapter for the Tribal Chief, but he isn’t likely to be headlining Mania this year.

Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton (16/1)

Both Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton sit at 16/1 odds. McIntyre is looking to regain momentum, while Orton’s potential return adds intrigue.

Brock Lesnar, Bron Breakker, and Jey Uso (20/1)

Each of these superstars has odds of 20/1, making them intriguing long-shot picks for the Rumble.

WWE Royal Rumble Match Rules Explained

Jake Skudder
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The WWE Royal Rumble is one of the most anticipated events in professional wrestling, captivating fans every January with its unique format and high stakes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the rules and structure of this iconic match.

Read More – Most Shocking WWE Royal Rumble Eliminations Ever (Ranked)

What is the WWE Royal Rumble?

The Royal Rumble is a 30-person battle royal match held annually by WWE.

It features separate matches for men and women, with the winners earning a world championship opportunity at WrestleMania, WWE’s biggest event of the year.

How Does the Match Start?

The match begins with two wrestlers who draw entry numbers 1 and 2.

At regular intervals, usually 90 seconds but sometimes up to two minutes, a new participant enters the ring. This continues until all 30 competitors have entered.

Elimination Rules

Eliminations occur when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope, and both feet touch the floor outside the ring.

If only one foot or another part of the body touches the ground, the wrestler remains in the match. Importantly, exits through the middle or bottom ropes do not count as eliminations.

How to Win the Royal Rumble

The objective is to be the last person standing in the ring after all other competitors have been eliminated.

The winner secures a main event spot at WrestleMania, where they can challenge for a world championship of their choosing.

Read More – Every WWE Royal Rumble You Can Watch on YouTube for FREE

Historical Highlights

  • The Royal Rumble format was created by Pat Patterson and debuted in 1988.
  • Notable records include “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s three wins (1997, 1998, 2001) and Shawn Michaels’ victory from the No. 1 spot in 1995.
  • The Women’s Royal Rumble was introduced in 2018, with Asuka winning its inaugural edition.

The Royal Rumble’s unpredictable nature and high stakes make it a must-watch event for wrestling fans worldwide. From surprise entrants to historic victories, it remains a cornerstone of WWE’s yearly programming.

Every WWE Royal Rumble Final Four from 1988 to 2024

Jake Skudder
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Every WWE Royal Rumble Final Four from 1988 to 2024

The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events, featuring the 30-person battle royal where the last wrestler standing earns a championship opportunity at WrestleMania.

While the winner takes the spotlight, the final four competitors often create some of the most memorable moments. Let’s take a journey through history and explore the final four of every WWE Royal Rumble from its inception in 1988 to the most recent event in 2024.

The Early Years (1988-1995)

1988 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Don Muraco (entered at 11)
  • Dino Bravo (entered at 17)
  • One Man Gang (entered at 19)
  • ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan (entered at 13, winner)

1989 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Rick Martel (entered at 29)
  • Akeem (entered at 23)
  • Ted DiBiase Sr. (entered at 30)
  • Big John Studd (entered at 27, winner)

1990 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Hercules (entered at 29)
  • Rick Rude (entered at 28)
  • Mr. Perfect (entered at 30)
  • Hulk Hogan (entered at 22, winner)

1991 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Davey Boy Smith (entered at 14)
  • Brian Knobbs (entered at 28)
  • Earthquake (entered at 22)
  • Hulk Hogan (entered at 24, winner)

1992 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Randy Savage (entered at 21)
  • Hulk Hogan (entered at 26)
  • Sid Justice (entered at 29)
  • Ric Flair (entered at 3, winner)

1993 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Rick Martel (entered at 26)
  • Bob Backlund (entered at 2)
  • Randy Savage (entered at 30)
  • Yokozuna (entered at 27, winner)

1994 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Fatu (entered at 28)
  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 18)
  • Lex Luger (entered at 23)
  • Bret Hart (entered at 27)

1995 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Lex Luger (entered at 19)
  • Crush (entered at 30)
  • The British Bulldog (entered at 2)
  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 1, winner)

The (Just before the) Attitude Era and Beyond (1996-2010)

1996 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • The British Bulldog (entered at 29)
  • Kama (entered at 23)
  • Diesel (entered at 22)
  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 18, winner)

1997 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • The Undertaker (entered at 30)
  • Fake Diesel Glenn Jacobs (entered at 23)
  • Bret Hart (entered at 21)
  • Stone Cold Steve Austin (entered at 5, winner)

1998 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Dude Love (entered at 28)
  • Faarooq (entered at 27)
  • The Rock (entered at 4)
  • Stone Cold Steve Austin (entered at 24, winner)

1999 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • D’Lo Brown (entered at 28)
  • Big Boss Man (entered at 22)
  • Stone Cold Steve Austin (entered at 1)
  • Vince McMahon (entered at 2, winner)

2000 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Kane (entered at 28)
  • X-Pac (entered at 30)
  • Big Show (entered at 26)
  • The Rock (entered at 24, winner)

2001 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • ‘The One’ Billy Gunn (entered at 28)
  • The Rock (entered at 13)
  • Kane (entered at 6)
  • ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin (entered at 27, winner)

2002 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Stone Cold Steve Austin (entered at 19)
  • Mr. Perfect (entered at 25)
  • Kurt Angle (entered at 26)
  • Triple H (entered at 22, winner)

2003 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Batista (entered at 28)
  • Kane (entered at 22)
  • The Undertaker (entered at 30)
  • Brock Lesnar (entered at 29, winner)

2004 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Chris Jericho (entered at 25)
  • Kurt Angle (entered at 19)
  • Big Show (entered at 24)
  • Chris Benoit (entered at 1, winner)

2005 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Rey Mysterio (entered at 8)
  • Edge (entered at 7)
  • John Cena (entered at 25)
  • Batista (entered at 28, winner)

2006 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Rob Van Dam (entered at 20)
  • Triple H (entered at 1)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 30)
  • Rey Mysterio (entered at 2, winner)

2007 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Randy Orton (entered at 16)
  • Edge (entered at 5)
  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 23)
  • The Undertaker (entered at 30, winner)

2008 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Kane (entered at 20)
  • Batista (entered at 8)
  • Triple H (entered at 29)
  • John Cena (entered at 30, winner)

2009 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Ted DiBiase Jr. (entered at 10)
  • Cody Rhodes (entered at 15)
  • Triple H (entered at 7)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 8, winner)

2010 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Shawn Michaels (entered at 18)
  • Batista (entered at 30)
  • John Cena (entered at 19)
  • Edge (entered at 29, winner)

Recent History (2011-2024)

2011 Royal Rumble Final Four (40-Man Rumble)

  • Wade Barrett (entered at 30)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 39)
  • Santino Marella (entered at 37)
  • Alberto Del Rio (entered at 38, winner)

2012 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Big Show (entered at 30)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 28)
  • Chris Jericho (entered at 29)
  • Sheamus (entered at 22, winner)

2013 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Dolph Ziggler (entered at 1)
  • Sheamus (entered at 11)
  • Ryback (entered at 30)
  • John Cena (entered at 19, winner)

2014 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • CM Punk (entered at 1)
  • Sheamus (entered at 17)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 15)
  • Batista (entered at 28, winner)

2015 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Kane (entered at 24)
  • Big Show (entered at 29)
  • Rusev (entered at 15)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 19, winner)

2016 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Sheamus (entered at 29)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 1)
  • Dean Ambrose (entered at 19)
  • Triple H (entered at 30, winner)

2017 Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Chris Jericho (entered at 2)
  • Bray Wyatt (entered at 21)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 30)
  • Randy Orton (entered at 23, winner)

2018 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Finn Bálor (entered at 2)
  • John Cena (entered at 20)
  • Roman Reigns (entered at 28)
  • Shinsuke Nakamura (entered at 14, winner)

2018 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Sasha Banks (entered at 1)
  • Brie Bella (entered at 28)
  • Nikki Bella (entered at 29)
  • Asuka (entered at 25, winner)

The Greatest Royal Rumble (50-Man Rumble) Final Four

  • Kevin Owens (entered at 46)
  • Daniel Bryan (entered at 1)
  • Big Cass (entered at 49)
  • Braun Strowman (entered at 41, winner)

2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Bayley (entered at 27)
  • Nia Jax (entered at 29)
  • Charlotte Flair (entered at 13)
  • Becky Lynch (entered at 28, winner)

2019 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Andrade (entered at 19)
  • Dolph Ziggler (entered at 28)
  • Braun Strowman (entered at 27)
  • Seth Rollins (entered at 10, winner)

2020 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Natalya
  • Beth Phoenix
  • Shayna Baszler
  • Charlotte Flair (winner)

2020 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Randy Orton
  • Edge
  • Roman Reigns
  • Drew McIntyre (winner)

2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Braun Strowman
  • Seth Rollins
  • Randy Orton
  • Edge (winner)

2021 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Natalya
  • Charlotte Flair
  • Rhea Ripley
  • Bianca Belair (winner)

2022 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Matt Riddle
  • Shane McMahon
  • Drew McIntyre
  • Brock Lesnar (winner)

2022 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Shayna Baszler
  • Bianca Belair
  • Charlotte Flair
  • Ronda Rousey (winner)

2023 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Seth Rollins
  • Logan Paul
  • GUNTHER
  • Cody Rhodes (winner)

2023 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Nikki Cross
  • Asuka
  • Liv Morgan
  • Rhea Ripley

2024 Men’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Drew McIntyre
  • GUNTHER
  • CM Punk
  • Cody Rhodes (winner)

2024 Women’s Royal Rumble Final Four

  • Tiffany Stratton
  • Jade Cargill
  • Liv Morgan
  • Bayley (winner)

Omos Opens Up On Wrestling In Japan, Culture Shock & Food

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Superstar and GHC Tag Team Champion Omos is enjoying his time in Japan and recently opened up about his experience overseas. This week, the Nigerian Giant was stopped for an impromptu interview in which he gave insight into his time abroad.

Favorite Thing: Omos appreciates how people in Japan have been “super nice” to him since he arrived in the country.

Dealing With Food: It took Omos some time to handle the Japanese cuisine given that this is his first time in the country. Omos is now “beginning to figure it out” and now loves yakiniku. The term refers to bite-size pieces of meat and vegetables that are grilled.

Culture Shock: The biggest shock for Omos has been that there are a lot of social rules in Japan compared to his time in the U.S. Adapting to Japan’s gyms, which feature both indoor and outdoor facilities, has also proven to be different for the seven-foot wrestler.

Highlight Of The Trip: Unsurprisingly, the highlight of Omos’ time has been wrestling at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. At Wrestle Kingdom 19, Omos captured the GHC Tag Titles with Jack Morris, making him the first-ever active WWE talent to hold gold in Pro Wrestling NOAH. Omos also hyped up his upcoming matches as part of the Japanese promotion.

Omos’ time with NOAH demonstrates the current management of WWE being far more open to working with other promotions. It remains to be seen when we’ll next see Omos in a WWE ring, but the GHC Tag Team Champion is certainly making waves in Japan.

WWE Raw Debut On Netflix Replaced With Edited Episode: What’s Changed?

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Raw Debut On Netflix Replaced With Edited Episode: What’s Changed?

The debut episode of WWE Raw on Netflix currently available on the streaming juggernaut is not the same as the episode fans saw live this week. Fans who watch the show on Netflix now are greeted with a message, noting that this show has been “Edited from a previous live stream.”

One significant change made is that explicit language has been scrubbed from the show. During his opening promo, The Rock cursed, but these words have been removed. Similarly, the “F*** you Solo” chants inside the Intuit Dome have also been edited out of the broadcast.

While certain responses from the fans have been nixed from the broadcast, the boos for Hulk Hogan during his appearance remain intact. The Hulkster was resoundingly jeered as he spoke about his love for the fans and promoted his Real American Beer. The beverage will serve as an in-ring sponsor of WWE shows going forward, despite the hostility to the controversial two-time Hall of Famer.

WWE Raw Sets Viewership Records with Netflix Debut

The edited Raw is also far shorter than the live show fans saw this week. While the live version of the show clocked in at just over three hours (not including the post-show press conference) the edited version is around 2 hours 20 minutes. This is because commercial breaks have been removed.

Previously, the unedited version of the Raw premiere but it has now been replaced with this edited version of the show. Nevertheless, fans will be able to enjoy the epic moments from this week’s historic debut on Netflix, even if what they’re seeing isn’t entirely what happened.

Samantha Irvin Dropping New Music On Valentine’s Day

Thomas Lowson
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Samantha Irvin Dropping New Music On Valentine’s Day

Former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin is embracing her future outside of wrestling with new music coming next month. To celebrate her birthday, Irvin took to Instagram to share that her newest musical project will be released on Valentine’s Day (February 14). Irvin’s announcement also saw birthday wishes in the comments from the likes of Nia Jax, Saraya, and more.

Irvin parted ways with WWE in October 2024, and shared shortly after that she planned on pursuing her career as a musician. Though she has no interest in returning to wrestling as an announcer, Irvin has teased being a manager. The role is one WWE wished to hold in WWE, and realizing that the company never saw her as anything more than a ring announcer played a role in her decision to leave.

Irvin is no stranger to music, with notable highlights of hers including.

  • 2011–2015: Performed as the lead female vocalist in the Michael Jackson tribute show Thriller – Live.
  • 2015: Competed in season 10 of America’s Got Talent, auditioning with Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”; advanced to the semi-finals.
  • 2015: Headlined the show Home at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford, showcasing her talents in singing, whistling, dancing, storytelling, and flute playing.
  • 2016: Released an EP titled 27Underground, featuring the debut single “Jump High,” with backing vocals from her siblings.
  • 2016: Played the role of Betty Rizzo in a production of Grease at the New Bedford Festival Theatre.
  • 2020: Appeared on FOX’s I Can See Your Voice, performing Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” while playing the flute.

Irvin continues to make waves in entertainment, even with questions remaining about her future in the wrestling industry. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Samantha Irvin and her projects in and out of the ring.

New X Division Championship To Be Introduced At TNA Genesis, Updated Card

Anutosh Bajpai
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New X Division Championship To Be Introduced At TNA Genesis, Updated Card

The debut of a new X Division Championship belt and multiple new title matches have been confirmed for the upcoming TNA Genesis PPV later this month.

The X Division Champion Moose had a segment on the January 9 episode of Impact. He claimed that the current title belt design was the ugliest he has seen. The current champion then had Alisha Edwards toss the title belt aside and announced that he’ll be debuting a new design fit for the face of the franchise at the upcoming PPV.

The episode also saw the confirmation of Tessa Blanchard’s in-ring return match. After Blanchard once again attacked Jordynne Grace, Santino Marella made the bout between the two female stars official. The upcoming match is expected to be Grace’s last for the company.

TNA Genesis 2025 Updated Match Card

Apart from this, the company also confirmed the TNA Knockouts championship match and several other bouts for their PPV during Impact. Here is the updated match card for the show:

  • X Division Championship Match: Moose (c) vs. Ace Austin
  • TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship Match: Spitfire (Jody Threat and Dani Luna) (c) vs. Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance (with The Personal Concierge)
  • Singles Match: Josh Alexander vs. Mike Santana
  • Singles Match: Jordynne Grace vs. Tessa Blanchard
  • TNA Tag Team Championship Match: The Hardys (Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy) (c) vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz)
  • TNA Knockouts Championship Match: Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Rosemary
  • TNA World Championship Match: Nic Nemeth (c) vs. Joe Hendry

TNA Genesis this year will be taking place on Saturday, January 19, 2025, from Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas

Black Bart, Wrestler, Trainer Of JBL, Dies Aged 76

Thomas Lowson
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Black Bart, Wrestler, Trainer Of JBL, Dies Aged 76

Black Bart, a veteran of the wrestling business has died at the age of 76. On social media, Bart’s wife Linda shared the sad news of his passing.

“You might know him as Black Bart but to me he was my husband Ricky. He left us this morning . He was pronounced at 5:26 this morning. He is Resting In Peace.”

Bart shared on Facebook in March 2023 that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his liver. Last month, Dutch Mantell shared on his storytime podcast that Bart was back at home after a stay in hospital, as his insurance had ran out. It was also shared that Bart would no longer be undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

image 4
Scott Norton, JBL, and Black Bart (right) at The Big Event fan fest in November 2021.

Bart began his career in the 1970s and competed across the territories and in Japan. In 1990, Bart arrived in the WWF, where he faced several names, including a young Dustin Rhodes in what’d be the future Goldust’s WWF debut. A year later, he joined WCW, where he’d formed the ‘Desperados’ stable alongside Mantel and Deadeye Dick.

After retiring from the ring in 2022, Bart wrestled one more time in 2006 but spent his post-in-ring career as a trainer. His most notable trainee is WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield, though he also trained former ROH star Necro Butcher.

Our thoughts are with Bart’s family and those who knew him at this sad time.

Seth Rollins Explains His Reaction To CM Punk’s WWE Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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Seth Rollins Explains His Reaction To CM Punk’s WWE Return

Seth Rollins has explained why he was unhappy with CM Punk’s Survivor Series return.

The Straight Edge star shocked the wrestling world when he made his return to WWE at the 2023 Survivor Series event. Apart from his shocking comeback, the thing that made the most headlines on the night was The Architect’s viral reaction to Punk’s entrance where he had to be held back by officials so he wouldn’t jump on the returning star.

The former Shield member explained his reaction in a new interview with Chris Van Vliet. Seth Rollins mentioned that the night was supposed to be about Randy Orton who had returned to action after more than 18 months on the shelf due to his back injury. CM Punk’s comeback however, instantly overshadowed The Viper’s big moment:

“You know what I wasn’t happy about was Randy had just come back from a long hiatus. That was his moment. It was a great moment. The reaction for him when he came through the curtain was unreal.

We went out there, there was 10 of us out there, and we went out there and had a hell of a contest. [We] just didn’t really need him, but you know, it was Chicago, it’s his city, it’s just the most classic make everything about me CM Punk moment I’ve ever seen.”

Don’t Worry, He’s Not Selfish: Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins and Orton teamed up with Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn at the show to defeat The Judgment Day and Drew McIntyre in a brutal WarGames match.

The former Champion discussed how his adrenaline was through the roof after the bout and he was busy celebrating the big win with his teammates. Punk’s return however rendered all their hard work meaningless and the night at the All State arena became all about the one thing:

“Then that happens and it’s no longer about the performance. It’s no longer about Randy. It’s no longer about what you had done to get to that point. It’s just, hi guys, it’s about me. Remember I’m the guy that you that you miss, remember me, guys? So yeah, just another kind of throw that on the pile of disgusting CM Punk moments. But don’t worry, he’s not selfish. He’s in it for helping everybody else.”

Seth Rollins suffered a loss at the hands of CM Punk during Raw’s Netflix premiere episode on January 6. In the post-match press conference, Punk recalled his long rivalry with Drew McIntyre and expressed the belief that Rollins would not let go of his animosities so easily even after the defeat.

Mercedes Mone Had Panic Attack Before Her Tokyo Dome Debut

Anutosh Bajpai
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Mercedes Mone Had Panic Attack Before Her Tokyo Dome Debut

Mercedes Mone has opened up about suffering a panic attack before her most recent championship match.

The CEO faced Mina Shirakawa in a double championship match earlier this month. The Wrestle Dynasty bout coming from Tokyo Dome was her first match ever in the legendary arena. The AEW star talked about this bout in the most recent edition of her newsletter and revealed that she suffered a full-blown panic attack on the morning of the January 5 show:

“Though I have nerves and butterflies for all my big matches, my match at the Tokyo Dome against Mina was somehow different. From the moment I landed in Japan, where I actually bawled my eyes out with both disbelief and gratitude, to the morning of the event, where I had an actual panic attack, making history was the last thing on my mind.”

Female Athletes Deserve Prominent Recognition: Mercedes Mone

Mercedes Mone noted that it was her lifelong dream to have a match at Tokyo Dome. She claimed that to her Japan feels like a second home. Though the current TBS Champion was not only excited but also petrified cause she didn’t want to let anyone down and do a good job of representing female athletes:

“I didn’t want to let the promoters down. I didn’t want to let the fans down. I didn’t want to let Mina down. I especially, and as always, didn’t want to let the women wrestlers of today AND tomorrow down. I want New Japan, and all promotions, globally, for that matter, to know that we female athletes deserve prominent recognition and a prominent place on the card. “

Mone defended her NJPW STRONG Women’s Title against Mina’s RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship at the PPV match. The American star came out victorious in the bout, adding another title to her prestigious collection.

WWE’s Cathy Kelly Among Thousands Displaced by LA Wildfires

Anutosh Bajpai
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WWE’s Cathy Kelly Among Thousands Displaced by LA Wildfires

WWE star Cathy Kelly has revealed that she’s one of the thousands who have been affected by the Los Angeles wildfire disaster.

The broadcast star revealed the news while replying to a X post showing the destruction caused by the wildfire. Kelly revealed that she’s one of the people who have had to evacuate their homes due to it:

“Friends have lost homes, countless more displaced—witnessing the LA fires and devastation they’re continuing to leave behind is beyond heartbreaking. Just evacuated my own home. I can’t even begin to comprehend or put into words this feeling”

A series of wildfires devasted the Los Angeles area on Tuesday fuelled by powerful winds and unusually dry conditions. As of Thursday, at least seven people had been killed by the fires while more than a thousand structures have been destroyed.

More than 180,000 people have been under evacuation orders while more than 100,000 people have had to evacuate their homes. So far, the fires have reportedly burned an area equal to 17,200 acres or almost 27 square miles.

The real scope of damages can not be realized fully until the fires have been contained completely. You can check out a Washinton post guide on how to help victims and how to find help if you’ve been affected here.

Chelsea Green Eager For Match With Actress Vanessa Hudgens

Thomas Lowson
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Chelsea Green Eager For Match With Actress Vanessa Hudgens

Chelsea Green is riding high after becoming the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion and is ready to take on all-comers. While speaking to The Wrestling Classic, Green discussed her future in the ring, and had some celebrity opponents in mind.

“I keep seeing Miss Vanessa Hudgens. I want to give myself a match with Vanessa Hudgens and a match with Cardi B. Those are my dream celeb matches right now.”

Green challenged Cardi B shortly after her title win at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2024. The ‘feud’ between the two goes back much further though, with Green wanting to face the music artist back in 2023.

Hudgens is a known WWE fan and even Yeet-ed with The Usos and Cody Rhodes after last week’s SmackDown. During the show, Hudgens shared her respect to the first-ever Women’s U.S. Champion, which caught the attention of Green on X.

The actress, best known for her break-out role in High School Musical, was seen in the crowd during this week’s historic Raw on Netflix. Time will tell whether fans one day see Hudgens in action against Green and if the (by default) longest-reigning, most dominant Women’s U.S. Champion of all time, gets her match with Cardi B.

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