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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.

Von Erichs Have Signed With AEW

Andrew Ravens
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Von Erichs Have Signed With AEW

Ross Von Erich and Marshall Von Erich are officially All Elite, signing contracts with AEW. The duo began appearing for AEW in November 2023, making their presence known on Dynamite, Rampage, and ROH programming.

The Von Erichs shared the news on their Claw podcast, with Marshall stating:

“Today, on this day, we can officially say that Ross and Marshall Von Erich are officially signed with AEW. The 12-year journey, it’s not an expensive hobby anymore.”

Ross added:

“This is kind of the thing we’ve been working towards our whole careers. We knew it would be on a big major scale, and this meets every parameter with that. It means a lot for the Von Erich family and, not to kiss Tony [Khan’s] butt, but he kind of single-handedly is keeping the Von Erich name and dream alive for us. He’s going to have our loyalty forever because of that. More than anything, we’re super excited for this day.”

Ross and Marshall are currently two-thirds of the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions, alongside Dustin Rhodes. However, they have been off television since September due to an injury to Marshall. With their official signing, the Von Erichs are poised to make an even greater impact within AEW.

Braun Strowman Lost 36 Pounds This Week Due To Illness

Andrew Ravens
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Braun Strowman Lost 36 Pounds This Week Due To Illness

Braun Strowman has been sidelined at the start of 2025 due to a serious illness.

It was revealed via an Instagram post that Strowman has been battling a severe illness, which left him recovering in a hotel room and caused significant weight loss—over 30 pounds in just a week. Strowman shared the following update on social media:

“We’ll see if people read what I post or not. Or just look at the cool pix. 2025 has been off to a ruff start for me. I picked up some kind of a bug last week and it had absolutely whipped my ass. I laid in a hotel room for four days, three with a fever of 102 or higher. A week later, I am finally over what I think is the hump. My sever[e] body aches are finally easing up. Today is the first day I have been able to move around and really do anything. I have lost 36 lbs this week. Had tests taken, and all they could determine is that it was a very bad flu, thankfully. I hate I have had to miss last week’s SmackDown, the premiere of Raw on Netflix, and I will miss TV again this week. This is yet another speed bump in the road. I will be back bigger, stronger, and badder than ever!!! There hasn’t been anything this life has thrown at me that I haven’t been able to OVERCOME, and this sure as hell isn’t gonna stop me from having one of my best years to date!!!!! 2025 your ass is mine!!!!”

Strowman hasn’t wrestled since late December at a SmackDown event. Strowman’s determination and resilience remain evident as he works toward recovery and plans his eventual return to WWE programming.

Ronda Rousey Welcomes Second Daughter with Travis Browne

Michael Reichlin
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Ronda Rousey Welcomes Second Daughter with Travis Browne

Ronda Rousey and her husband, Travis Browne, have welcomed their second daughter together. Born on Thursday, January 9, the baby girl has been named Liko’ula Pa’uomahinakaipiha Browne.

The couple previously celebrated the arrival of their first daughter, La’akea Makalapuaokalanip, in September 2021. Browne also has two sons from a previous marriage, making this a growing family of six.

Ronda Rousey in WWE

Rousey, a former WWE and UFC star, has had a storied career in professional wrestling. She made her WWE debut at the 2018 Royal Rumble, famously pointing at the WrestleMania sign to declare her arrival.

Her first match came at WrestleMania 34, where she and Kurt Angle defeated Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a mixed tag team bout that received widespread acclaim.

During her WWE career, Rousey achieved significant milestones. She captured the Raw Women’s Championship at SummerSlam 2018 and later added two SmackDown Women’s Championship reigns to her resume. Teaming with Shayna Baszler, Rousey also became one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions, further cementing her legacy in the wrestling world.

Rousey’s most recent WWE appearance was at SummerSlam 2023, where she faced Shayna Baszler in an MMA Rules match. The bout received mixed reactions, with Rousey later reflecting on it as a bold statement to cap off her WWE tenure.

As much as she enjoyed aspects of her time as a WWE Superstar, Rousey said it was unsustainable for her to continue wrestling when she was more focused on motherhood

Big congratulations to Ronda Rousey, Travis Browne and their growing family.

Every WWE Royal Rumble You Can Watch on YouTube for FREE

Jake Skudder
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Every WWE Royal Rumble You Can Watch on YouTube for FREE

The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events, featuring thrilling over-the-top-rope elimination matches that determine who will go on to headline WrestleMania.

For fans looking to relive the excitement or catch up on past Rumbles, YouTube offers a treasure trove of free content. Let’s explore the Royal Rumble matches and highlights available on the platform.

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

Full Royal Rumble Matches

While complete matches aren’t always the norm on YouTube due to copyright restrictions, there are quite a few exceptions that fans can enjoy in their entirety from the official WWE YouTube channel:

Alexa Bliss Joining Netflix’s Sakamoto Days Anime

Thomas Lowson
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Alexa Bliss Joining Netflix’s Sakamoto Days Anime

WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss is set to expand her role in entertainment with a voice-over role in the upcoming Sakamoto Days anime. Bliss will provide the English voice for the character Obiguro, the Anime News Network reports.

Sakamoto Days tells the story of Taro Sakamoto, a retired legendary hitman who has settled into a quiet and mundane life as a family man. When a bounty is put on his head, Sakamoto must keep himself and his family alive while observing his wife’s no-killing rule. Bliss will portray one of the several assassins seeking the bounty.

Alexa Bliss’ Roles

Though best known for her time as a WWE Superstar, Bliss has had her fair share of on-screen roles outside of the ring. These include:

Total Divas (2015–2019)

  • Role: Herself
  • Details: Bliss appeared as a guest in seasons 4, 6, 8, and 9, and was a main cast member in season 7 of this reality TV series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of WWE female wrestlers.

Walk the Prank (2017–2018)

  • Role: Herself
  • Details: She appeared in two episodes of this children’s TV show that combines scripted comedy with real pranks on unsuspecting people.

Carpool Karaoke: The Series (2018)

  • Role: Herself
  • Details: Bliss featured in an episode where celebrities sing along to their favorite songs while driving.

Punky Brewster (2021)

  • Role: Herself
  • Details: She made a guest appearance as her wrestling persona alongside fellow WWE wrestler Charlotte Flair in this revival of the 1980s sitcom.

The Masked Singer (2023)

  • Role: Axolotl
  • Details: Bliss competed as the character “Axolotl” in the ninth season of this singing competition show, where celebrities perform in elaborate costumes to conceal their identities.

The Queen of Villains (2024)

Role: Voice of Maki Ueda
Details: Bliss provided the English voice for wrestler Maki Ueda in this Netflix series based on Japanese pro wrestling legend Dump Matsumoto.

Alexa Bliss Sakamoto Days 1
Bliss will voice Obiguro, a master assassin who is an expert in karate who targets Taro Sakamoto.

Bliss hasn’t competed in WWE for nearly two years, but rumors of a return to the ring continue to circulate. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Alexa Bliss as she expands her star power both in and out of the ring.

Most Shocking WWE Royal Rumble Eliminations Ever (Ranked)

Jake Skudder
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Most Shocking WWE Royal Rumble Eliminations Ever (Ranked)

The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events, known for its surprises and unexpected moments. Among these, shocking eliminations stand out as some of the most memorable aspects of the match. Let’s dive into the most jaw-dropping Royal Rumble eliminations, ranked.

5. Beth Phoenix Eliminates The Great Khali (2010)

In a moment that combined shock with strategy, Beth Phoenix used an unconventional method to eliminate The Great Khali.

The future Hall of Famer planted a kiss on the giant, distracting him long enough to pull him over the top rope. This clever and surprising elimination demonstrated that in the Royal Rumble, brains can triumph over brawn in unexpected ways.

4. Santino Marella’s Record-Breaking Elimination (2009)

While not shocking in terms of WHO was eliminated, Santino Marella’s self-elimination in 2009 was surprising for its brevity. Marella holds the dubious distinction of the fastest elimination in Royal Rumble history, lasting just one second before being tossed out by Kane.

This lightning-quick exit showcases the unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble and how even the briefest appearances can become legendary.

3. Hulk Hogan’s Unexpected Exit (1992)

The 1992 Royal Rumble, often cited as one of the best ever, featured a surprising moment when Hulk Hogan, one of wrestling’s biggest stars, was eliminated by Sid Justice.

This unexpected turn of events not only shocked fans but also set the stage for Ric Flair’s historic victory. Hogan’s elimination demonstrated that even the most popular superstars aren’t safe in the chaotic environment of the Royal Rumble.

2. Roman Reigns’ Surprise Exit (2016)

Roman Reigns, who was the reigning WWE Champion at the time, entered the 2016 Royal Rumble match with a target on his back as the winner of the Rumble match would become the WWE Champion, something that ironically had not occurred since the ’92 Rumble.

However, few expected him to be eliminated, especially given his status as the company’s top star. His shocking elimination by Triple H sent the crowd into a frenzy and set the stage for a dramatic finish to the match between Hunter and Dean Ambrose.

1. Maven Eliminates The Undertaker (2002)

Number one is undoubtedly the moment when Tough Enough winner Maven shocked everyone by eliminating The Undertaker in 2002. The Deadman had been dominating the match and was caught off guard by Maven’s perfectly timed dropkick, sending him tumbling over the top rope.

The look of disbelief on The Undertaker’s face, mirrored by the crowd’s reaction, solidified this as an unforgettable Royal Rumble moment.

Mark Henry Claims Hulk Hogan’s Made No Effort to Address Racist Comments

Thomas Lowson
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Mark Henry Claims Hulk Hogan’s Made No Effort to Address Racist Comments

Hulk Hogan was resoundingly booed during this week’s Raw, the show’s debut episode on Netflix. Many attribute the negative response to lingering backlash over racist comments Hogan made, which Mark Henry believes the Hulkster has not adequately addressed.

Speaking to TMZ, Henry, who received a far warmer reception during his recent return to WWE, shared his thoughts on the fan reaction to Hogan.

“With the social climate and the things [Hulk’s] said and done and his lack of effort to try and fix it, people are gonna come down on it.”

Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 after a leaked video revealed him making racist comments. In the footage, Hogan expressed disgust at the idea of his daughter dating a Black man, repeatedly used the n-word, and admitted to being “a racist, to a point.”

According to Henry, Hogan made little effort to genuinely reflect or grow from the incident, instead seemingly hoping the controversy would fade over time.

“He never wanted to go forward and fix it. That’s what happens when you think everything is gonna go away. It’s not gonna go away.”

WWE reinstated Hogan in 2018, though fan reactions have been mixed since his return. Upon rejoining the company, Hogan held a backstage meeting where he apologized for his comments and for damaging WWE’s image. However, his apology also included a cautionary message to others about being recorded without their consent.

Hulk Hogan Booed On RAW: Hulkster Reacts & Future Plans

Hogan has been featured in promotional material for this month’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, though questions remain as to whether he’ll appear in person. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on the controversial Hall of Famer, whose actions outside the ring continue to shape his legacy among fans.

WWE Reaches Multi-Year Deal With Cosm For Shared Reality PLEs

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Reaches Multi-Year Deal With Cosm For Shared Reality PLEs

WWE is stepping into the ring with Cosm in an innovative partnership to deliver premium live events (PLEs) within a shared reality.

These events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam and the Royal Rumble, will be delivered in Shared Reality at Cosm’s experiential venues in Los Angeles and Dallas. Those in attendance will be transported ringside and granted a front-row view of the PLEs, starting with next month’s Royal Rumble 2025 event.

Peter Murphy, Senior Vice President of Media and Content, Cosm, shared his excitement about the partnership.

“At Cosm, we bring fans together to experience the biggest and best events in the world, wherever those events may be taking place. Now, we get to showcase the WWE in Shared Reality, delivering another incredible way for fans to experience their shared passion.”

Alex Varga, Co-Head of Revenue, WWE, was similarly amped to partner with Cosm, who they said was redefining the future of fan experience.

“WWE Premium Live Events are larger than life, and with such an innovative partner in Cosm, we will collectively bring the energy of our biggest moments to an expanded WWE universe.”

Cosm launched in Los Angeles in July 2024 and opened its second venue in Dallas’ Colony’s Grandscape the following month. Last year, plans were announced for a third location in downtown Atlanta and a fourth venue will be located in downtown Detroit.

This partnership highlights WWE’s constant efforts to develop its viewing experiences, as seen with the recent highly successful launch of Raw on Netflix. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE and its technological developments.

WWE Raw Sets Viewership Records with Netflix Debut

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Raw Sets Viewership Records with Netflix Debut

WWE’s Monday Night RAW debuted on Netflix to a historic reception, garnering 4.9 million Live+1 global views. This milestone marks a strong start for the program under WWE’s partnership with TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO).

In the U.S., the premiere averaged 2.6 million households (Live+SD), more than doubling its 2024 average of 1.2 million households and achieving the highest viewership for a RAW episode in five years. The debut also saw significant growth in the Adults 18-49 demographic, with audience numbers more than doubling compared to the previous year.

The event, held at the sold-out Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, set records as the highest-grossing WWE arena event of all time. It also achieved the highest merchandise sales for a non-Premium Live Event in WWE history.

Netflix’s partnership with WWE has positioned RAW for continued global success, with this debut signaling a promising future for the Monday night staple.

Here’s the official press release:

WWE ‘RAW’ WRESTLES UP 4.9M GLOBAL VIEWS FOR NETFLIX DEBUT

Netflix (NYSE: NFLX) and WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) today announced that the debut episode of RAW on Netflix got off to a strong start, with the Monday night program capturing 4.9M Live+1 views* globally.**

The inaugural event on Netflix averaged 2.6 million households (Live+SD) in the US, according to VideoAmp, which is 116% higher than RAW’s average 2024 US audience of 1.2 million households, and higher than any other Monday Night RAW broadcast in the past five years. The event also more than doubled the A18-49 audience vs. last year.

On X, as soon as the event started, #WWERaw was the #1 trending topic in the US, Brazil, Australia, and the UK.

  • #WWERaw trended #1 for 14 hours straight in the UK and occupied six of the top 7 trending topics in the US.
  • #RAWonNetflix and #WWEonNetflix also trended in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Spain, and the US.

 

The debut of RAW on Netflix, which took place at a sold-out Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, set a company record as the highest-grossing WWE arena event of all time. Additionally, the event set a merchandise sales record, becoming the highest-grossing non-Premium Live Event of all time.

The event saw Rhea Ripley reclaim the Women’s World Championship with a win over Liv Morgan, Roman Reigns topple Solo Sikoa in a tribal combat match, CM Punk best Seth “Freakin” Rollins in a highly anticipated grudge match and Jey Uso with a win over Drew McIntyre. Monday’s event also featured appearances from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, The Undertaker, Logan Paul, Travis Scott and John Cena, who officially kicked off his year-long farewell tour which will be featured prominently on Netflix. 

In January 2024, WWE and Netflix struck a landmark deal to bring WWE’s flagship weekly program, RAW, to Netflix beginning in 2025. Netflix is now the exclusive home of RAW in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and Latin America, among many other global territories. Netflix is also the exclusive home of SmackDown, NXT, archive content and all WWE Premium Live Events – including WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam and more — in most international markets.

Maxxine Dupri Names The Most Uplifting Person In WWE Locker Room

Anutosh Bajpai
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Maxxine Dupri Names The Most Uplifting Person In WWE Locker Room

Maxxine Dupri has explained why the whole WWE locker room is genuinely happy for Chelsea Green over her Women’s US Title win.

The duo of Dupri and Cathy Kelley recently appeared on Lightweights Podcast. They discussed things such as WWE Raw moving to Netflix, the upcoming Royal Rumble event, Tiffany Stratton’s Money In The Bank cash in, and more.

During the interview, the duo was asked about the most uplifting member of the locker room and Maxxine named Chelsea Green without any hesitation:

“I think for me, definitely Chelsea. Chelsea is someone that, and I’ve seen it time and time again with people that she’s close with, people that she’s not close with. If someone needs something or is struggling, that girl will call the President of the United States, and be like, ‘I have the girl for you.’ She will uplift you.”

She’s So Secure: Maxxinne Dupri

Maxxine Dupri went on to tell a story about how Chelsea lent her wrestling boots for last year’s Royal Rumble. She explained that Green’s personality is the reason why everyone is happy for her on becoming the Inaugural Women’s US Champion:

“Literally, we were texting today. This is my favorite. We were texting today about the rumble, and she’s like, oh, I have the perfect boots for you that you could wear,’ Like her wrestling boots.

And she did that for me last Rumble. Last rumble she let me wear her boots because they matched my gear. She just has no sense of jealousy. She’s so secure in who she is, rightfully so, she’s 10 out of 10 human in all categories.

But it makes it so fun to be such close friends with her, because she constantly lifts everyone up around her. I think that’s the reason that you see the entire roster is so happy for her. It’s not just like, one person. We are all like, ‘She’s so, so deserving of this moment.'”

Seth Rollins Says Fewer WWE Live Events Will Extend His In-Ring Career

Thomas Lowson
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Seth Rollins aims to wrestle far longer than he first envisioned, thanks to WWE scaling back on their live events schedule. On the Insight podcast, Rollins reflected on WWE Superstars not spending as much time taking bumps in the ring.

“Live Events, non-televised events have kind of dissipated, which for guys like me, I’ve wrestled over 2,000 matches in my career, that’s nice for me.”

In late 2024, TKO President Mark Shapiro shared that WWE planned on cutting back on the number of untelevised events. This change is already being felt, with WWE’s first live event of 2025 not coming until March 15, in Dortmund, Germany as part of the upcoming European tour.

With fewer live events, Rollins is less at risk of getting injured and has more time to recover from knocks in the ring. Looking to the future, the former World Champion believes this lighter schedule will extend his time in the ring,

“I feel like I’ll be able to extend my career probably longer than I thought I was going to and then it just depends on where I want to go from there.”

Though Rollins is pleased to be competing at fewer events, not everyone in WWE shares his opinion. In September 2024, Liv Morgan shared her sadness at the change, saying that the ‘house shows’ are “so much fun” for the talent involved. Morgan shared that it was at live events that she really honed her craft, and is sad that future talent won’t get that same opportunity.

Seth Rollins Scenes Cut From Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World

Thomas Lowson
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Fans eager to see Seth Rollins in Captain America: Brave New World will be disappointed when the highly anticipated Marvel film hits theaters next month. On the Insight podcast, Rollins confirmed that, despite filming scenes for the movie, he is not included in the final cut.

“It releases in February. I wish it the best, but I am not a part of that film… hopefully it’s successful, but it will be sans Seth Rollins.”

Rollins did not elaborate on why his role was cut, emphasizing that any explanation he provided would be speculative and not official. The former WWE World Champion also hinted at the presence of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), limiting what he could reveal about his involvement in the film.

“The script went through a lot of rewrites and reshoots so what I was there to do, essentially my role got either repurposed or completely erased.”

Photos from the set showed Rollins wearing a dark robe, leading fans to speculate that he was involved with the villainous Serpent Society.

Seth Rollins Denies Being Spotted In Captain America 4 Trailer

Interestingly, this marks the second time a member of Rollins’ family has been cut from a Marvel film. Becky Lynch, Rollins’ wife, her post-credits scene for The Eternals removed, reportedly for being “too depressing.”

Although Rollins’ Marvel debut didn’t materialize, the Monday Night Raw Superstar continues to thrive in the wrestling world. Following his unforgettable Raw on Netflix main event against CM Punk, fans are excited to see what’s next for the “Visionary,” both in and out of the ring.

Captain America: Brave New World will be released on February 14, 2025.

Current Movies Starring Pro Wrestlers: In Theaters & In Production

Brie Bella Teases WWE Return: “It’s Always Hard To Say No”

Thomas Lowson
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Brie Garcia, formerly known as Brie Bella in WWE, has opened up about the possibility of returning to the ring following Nikki’s appearance at Raw’s debut on Netflix. During an appearance on the We Got Time Today show, Brie said that while the drive to compete is always there, time is not on their side.

“The hard thing about getting older, is that there’s that person inside you who, it’s like, ‘I would do anything to go back ten years to compete in the ring against the women today.”

Brie hasn’t competed in years, but admtted on the podcast that both she and her sister discuss potential promos they could cut, should a return happen. Even with her full-time career a distant memory, Brie remains closely attached to WWE.

“You still are always there. So any time if WWE calls and is like, ‘Hey, ladies, we want you back,’ it’s always hard to say no.”

Brie recently celebrated her husband Bryan Danielson’s AEW World Championship win at AEW All In London 2024, but clearly is open to a return to WWE. With both sisters last competing in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble, it remains to be seen if they can still bring the action three years later, possibly in the Rumble match on February 1.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Brie Garcia, as her days in the ring may not be over just yet.

Malakai Black Announced For Rare Indie Appearance Amid WWE Speculations

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Malakai Black Announced For Rare Indie Appearance Amid WWE Speculations

AEW star Malakai Black has been announced for a rare indie appearance amid his unexplained absence from TV and rumors about his future.

Coastal Championship Wrestling in Tampa Florida has announced that the former NXT Champion will be making his debut for the promotion at their HAVOC & HAZE 9 event this Saturday, January 11.

While an opponent for Black has not been announced, the company has confirmed that the All Elite Wrestling star will indeed be in action at the show from Magnanimous Brewing in Tampa, FL:

Malakai Black is still listed on AEW’s official roster but he has not wrestled for the company since November. He last wrestled in a fatal four-way tag team championship match at Full Gear where Private Party retained the tag titles.

During the most recent January 8 Dynamite, Will Ospreay cut a promo on Black’s faction member Buddy Matthews after defeating him in a singles match. Ospreay urged Matthews to ‘step out of’ the shadow of Black, fueling speculations that Buddy could be leaving the faction soon and starting a singles run.

The CCW announcement serves as a confirmation that Black is fit to perform despite not being used by AEW. This, coupled with reports of Black’s AEW contract has fuelled speculation about the 39-year-old potentially being on his way back to WWE.

Buddy Matthews Responds to Will Ospreay Amid Malakai Black Reports

Thomas Lowson
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Buddy Matthews Responds to Will Ospreay Amid Malakai Black Reports

Will Ospreay’s intriguing comments for Buddy Matthews didn’t go unnoticed, as questions remain about the future of the House of Black. During this week’s Dynamite, Ospreay encouraged Matthews to step out of the shadow of Malakai Black.

Ospreay got the win in their singles match, and after the show, Matthews admitted that 2025 had not kicked off as he had hoped. The Australian, who hopes to compete at Grand Slam next month, then turned his attention to Ospreay.

“Will, even though you put a hiccup in my 2025, your words tonight didn’t go to deaf ears.”

Ospreay’s comment about Matthews stepping away from come at an interesting time, with reports that Black is finishing his time with AEW. The Dutchman hasn’t competed for AEW since November’s Full Gear pay-per-view, where he was on the losing end of a four-way tag team match with Matthews.

Matthews has been associated with Black since his arrival in AEW in 2022, and the prospect of the Australian going solo has intrigued fans. With his wife Rhea Ripley seeing huge success on her own in WWE, many are hoping to see Matthews do the same in AEW, if his time working with Black is indeed at an end as rumored.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Buddy Matthews and his status going forward in AEW, potentially as a singles performer.











WWE Parent TKO Teaming Up with Saudi Arabia to Launch New Boxing League (Report)

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
WWE Parent TKO Teaming Up with Saudi Arabia to Launch New Boxing League (Report)

TKO, the parent company of both UFC and WWE is all set to add another sports league to its profile very soon in association with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The American media conglomerate has been in talks with The Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund to launch a new boxing league according to New York Times. Per the site, Sela, a subsidiary of the Saudi PIF will be the major investor behind this league with TKO serving as the management entity.

Current UFC head Dana White is poised to be the managing partner for this new endeavour. TKO has been offered an equity stake and a share of the revenue in return of their services and they’ll earn a management fee of close to $30 million a year.

While an official statement from TKO on the matter claimed that they had ‘nothing to announce,’ the report suggests that this new partnership could be made official ‘within weeks.’ UFC’s US TV media rights deal with ESPN is set to expire this year and the combat sports giant could try to bundle the rights for the new boxing league with UFC to get it off the ground.

The Saudi government has backed some of the biggest boxing fights of history in recent years. This includes the recent faceoff between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury which resulted in Usyk being crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in more than a generation.

This new league is part of the continuous efforts from the Saudi government to change the country’s image and draw attention away from human rights violations with various sports programs, generally known as sports washing.

Kenny Omega Brings Back Signature Catchphrase After AEW Dynamite

Thomas Lowson
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Kenny Omega Brings Back Signature Catchphrase After AEW Dynamite

The fun didn’t stop for Kenny Omega after this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite went off the air. Grabbing the mic after the show, Omega said goodbye with his signature ‘bang’ catchphrase.

“And now that we are finally off the air, and finally I am not being attacked by anybody, I can finally say Goodbye and good night bang!”

The show in Clarksville, Tennessee marked Omega’s return to Dynamite. During the show, Omega discussed his struggles with diverticulitis, his doubts about returning to the ring, and his determination to prove that he can still be the best.

Omega’s homecoming was interrupted by Don Callis, and Brian Cage, Lance Archer and Kyle Fletcher thwarted the Cleaner’s attempt to get his hands on Callis. Will Ospreay arrived to make the save with a steel chair, leading to a tense face-off between former rivals to end the show.

Omega’s next match will be against Brian Cage on the January 15 episode of AEW Dynamite. With this being Omega’s first match on Dynamite since the November 15, 2023, episode of AEW’s flagship show, fans are excited to see how the Canadian fares in just seven days time.

Length Of Jeff Jarrett’s Final Talent Contract Revealed

Anutosh Bajpai
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Length Of Jeff Jarrett’s Final Talent Contract Revealed

The length of Jeff Jarrett’s final contract as an active in-ring wrestler was revealed on this week’s episode of Dynamite from F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Double J participated in the Casino Gauntlet match for a shot at the AEW World Title on the January 8th show. He missed out on the championship opportunity after getting into a brawl with Wheeler Yuta.

Jarrett stayed in the ring after the match for an interview with Ian Riccaboni. Before he could say anything, however, MJF’s music hit and the former AEW Champion came out to confront the wrestling veteran.

Maxwell revealed during his promo that Jarrett’s contract extension only lasts a year and the Salt of The Earth offered to help the former WWF star.

Jeff Jarrett responded to MJF in his own way dubbing the young star a ‘one-hit wonder.’ He ended the promo calling Friedman an ‘entitled prick’ before walking away. 

The Last Outlaw announced his contract extension with AEW last week revealing that it was his final contract as an in-ring performer.

Jarrett had also expressed his aspiration to win gold one more time before calling it a career and made it clear that he was going after the AEW World title.

Powerhouse Hobbs Wins Casino Gauntlet Match, Earns AEW World Title Match

Andrew Ravens
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Powerhouse Hobbs Wins Casino Gauntlet Match, Earns AEW World Title Match

Powerhouse Hobbs has achieved one of the most significant milestones of his AEW career, earning the #1 contender spot for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, currently held by Jon Moxley.

Hobbs previously challenged Moxley for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title on the April 24, 2024, episode of AEW Dynamite. However, a leg injury sustained during the match sidelined him until November.

On this week’s Dynamite from the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee, Hobbs secured his spot as the top contender by winning the Casino Gauntlet Match. The match featured a stacked lineup of competitors, including:

  • Jay White
  • Hangman Page
  • Wheeler Yuta
  • Ricochet
  • Adam Cole
  • Daniel Garcia
  • Powerhouse Hobbs
  • Roderick Strong
  • Lance Archer
  • Kyle O’Reilly
  • Jeff Jarrett

With the victory, Hobbs will face Moxley for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship on next week’s Dynamite, which carries the special title Maximum Carnage. The event will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, Moxley’s hometown.

Also announced for Maximum Carnage is a match between Christian Cage and Hook, as well as a Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match. The winner of the gauntlet will earn a shot at Mariah May’s AEW Women’s Title at Grand Slam Australia.

Malakai Black May Be Departing From AEW

Andrew Ravens
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Speculation is growing that Malakai Black may be finishing his run with AEW.

During Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Will Ospreay defeated Buddy Matthews in a high-energy match. Following the bout, Ospreay urged Matthews to “step out of the shadow of Malakai Black,” fueling rumors about Black’s status with the promotion.

Fightful Select reports that “those that we spoke to in the company were of the belief that he was finishing up with AEW if he hadn’t already. They did not clarify if he’d be appearing on TV again.”

This speculation arises despite prior reports suggesting option years in Black’s contract extending through 2025, and Tony Khan publicly stating that Black was under contract until 2027. It remains unclear whether his contract has ended, an option was declined or exercised, or if there has been any formal transaction.

As of now, Black is still listed on AEW’s official website. However, he has not wrestled for the company since Full Gear.

Fans won’t have to wait long to see Black back in action, as he is scheduled to wrestle Irion at Coastal Championship Wrestling’s Havoc & Haze 9 in Tampa on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Jojo Offerman Expected To Do More With AEW

Andrew Ravens
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Jojo Offerman Expected To Do More With AEW

JoJo Offerman’s recent appearance in AEW has sparked speculation about her future with the promotion, and it might not be the last time fans see her there.

The former WWE ring announcer performed introductions for a dark match ahead of the January 4 episode of AEW Collision. According to Fightful Select, sources within AEW have indicated that Offerman is expected to do more with the company, though specific details or a timeline have not been disclosed.

Offerman previously worked for WWE as a ring announcer and interviewer. Longtime fans may also recall her brief stint as an in-ring competitor, including her appearance at WWE Survivor Series in 2013. However, Fightful has not reported any indications of her interest in returning to wrestling.

Beyond her work in WWE, Offerman gained notoriety as a main cast member on the first season of Total Divas and continued to make guest appearances on the reality show. She also pursued a career as a singer. In 2021, Offerman chose to leave WWE after five years of consistent work as a ring announcer.

With her recent AEW appearance, fans are left wondering what the next chapter holds for JoJo Offerman in the wrestling world.

Hulk Hogan Booed On RAW: Hulkster Reacts & Future Plans

Thomas Lowson
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Hulk Hogan Booed On RAW: Hulkster Reacts & Future Plans

Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE programming didn’t go entirely during this week’s Raw, but fans may not have seen the last of the Hulkster.

What Happened On Raw?

During Raw’s historic debut episode on Netflix, Hogan appeared to promote his Real American Beer, an official sponsor of WWE events. Despite talking about his love for the fans, the Hulkster, who was accompanied by a flag-waving Jimmy Hart, was resoundingly booed by those inside the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Hogan’s Response

The Hulkster was reportedly not entirely surprised by the frosty reception he received this week. Sportskeeda’s Chris Featherstone reports that Hogan “thought it was going to be 50/50” with half the fans on his side and half against him.

Samantha Irvin Recalls Hulk Hogan Being Booed During Ad Breaks

Why Did Fans Boo Hulk Hogan?

There are several reasons that fans may have booked one of pro wrestling’s biggest stars, including:

  • Racist Remarks: racist remarks. In the video, Hogan used racial slurs, rejected the idea of his daughter dating Black men, and admitted to being “a racist, to a point.”
  • Political Controversies: Hogan’s support for Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election has alienated some fans. Controversy deepened last year after Hogan blamed a racially insensitive comment about Kamala Harris on his beer consumption.
  • Backstage Politics: Several wrestlers have accused Hogan of using backstage politics to advance his career at the expense of others.
  • Exaggerated Stories: Over the years, Hogan has been known for telling dubious anecdotes. Notably, he claimed to have wrestled at SummerSlam 1992 in memory of a young fan who had passed away—despite not appearing at the event.

WWE Announces Multi-Year Partnership With Hulk Hogan’s ‘Real American Beer’

What’s Next?

Hogan’s current standing among fans has raised questions as to what role, if any, the Hulkster will play in future WWE plans. The Daily Mail reports that “Plans are for Hogan to be a bad guy again and to help out a future storyline with another wrestler.”

The belief is that a heel turn could work, given the success of The Rock’s Final Boss character in 2023, after fans rejected the Brahma Bull. Hogan has reportedly stipulated that he does not want his politics or support for President-Elect Trump to be a part of his on-screen character.

Jeff Hardy Believes He Could Have Been Bigger Than John Cena

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jeff Hardy Believes He Could Have Been Bigger Than John Cena

Jeff Hardy believes he could have been a bigger name than even John Cena had he changed his lifestyle earlier.

Matt Hardy recently shared a clip of his brother from a TV interview on X. Jeff, in the clip, was asked if he thought he’d still be wrestling after all these years when he made his debut. The Charismatic Enigma talked about all the life changes he has made in recent years. He noted that he could have been one of the biggest names in wrestling had he changed his lifestyle earlier:

“Man, I don’t know, probably. The way I was living life in my 20s and 30s….If I was living life the way I’m living life now, oh my gosh, there’s no telling, I would probably be bigger than John Cena – today.

You know, because I had such a, I was born with such a gift to be a pro wrestler, and I was just…it just felt so natural and like I was totally, you know, created to do this thing.”

Jeff Hardy: ‘I Don’t Want Solo Hall of Fame Spot, Just To Go In With Matt’

Until I Can’t Wrestle Anymore: Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy had previously discussed how he has replaced drugs and alcohol with regular ice baths. According to him, the ice baths have been crazy beneficial to him and he is not even thinking about retirement at the moment:

“The cool thing about that is, I’m still here. I still have life, and I feel good. As Matt had mentioned, you know, we’re big ice bathers, and that’s been crazy beneficial for me, mentally and physically. So yeah, I don’t put a number on it. I don’t, you know, I’ll just pretty much wrestle until I can’t wrestle anymore.”

Jeff Hardy has reunited with his brother since returning to TNA in June last year. The duo have been featured prominently by the company and they’re the current TNA World Tag Team Champions.

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