WWE star Becky Lynch (real name Rebecca Quin) has taken on a supporting role in Happy Gilmore 2, slated for a Netflix release in 2025. According to PWInsider, Lynch will portray a golfer in a group that also features Reggie Bush.
The film will star Adam Sandler (likely reprising his role as Happy Gilmore), Christopher McDonald, Dennis Dugan, Ben Stiller, Bad Bunny, and AEW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF).
Lynch’s role ties into WWE’s recent partnership with Netflix, with WWE RAW set to premiere on the platform on January 6, 2025. Lynch was also present at WWE’s December event promoting this transition.
The Man has been absent from WWE programming since May 2024. While reports suggest she has entered free agency, she has not confirmed a WWE return.
Samantha Irvin, known for her electrifying voice and vibrant personality, shocked WWE fans a few months ago when she announced her departure from the company. Her impassioned ring announcements had made her a fan favorite, but her exit also highlighted the toxicity that can exist within passionate wrestling fandoms.
In discussing her decision to leave WWE, Irvin revealed that she had never intended to remain a full-time ring announcer. While she appreciated the role, her ultimate aspiration was to take on different responsibilities within the wrestling world, particularly as a manager.
Champions and Main Eventers
On Sunday, Irvin doubled down on her dream of managing. When a fan asked on social media which wrestler she should manage and for what promotion, Irvin responded confidently, stating,
“For champions and main eventers for the best promotion on Earth.”
The statement not only fueled speculation about her next move but also underscored her ambition to work alongside the top talent in the business.
Samantha Irvin’s determination to redefine her role in wrestling showcases her passion and ambition to leave an even greater mark on the industry.
WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix has gotten even bigger as The Rock has confirmed that he’ll be coming ‘home’ for the much-anticipated show. On Instagram, WWE’s Final Boss reflected on his life, family, and heritage before turning his attention to WWE’s debut on the streaming juggernaut.
“I’ll come back home to @wwe tomorrow night as we make history on @netflix and begin a new and exciting era.
“Tomorrow night is dedicated to my grandfather, the High Chief Peter Maivia, my grandmother, Lia Maivia and my dad, Rocky “Soulman” Johnson and my ancestors who have ALL paved the way.”
The Rock gave no clue as to what he’ll do during the upcoming Raw, but his announcement has sparked excitement among fans. The upcoming Raw will see Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa face off in Tribal Combat to determine the one true Tribal Chief, a match that the Brahma Bull will be keeping a close eye on.
News of The Rock’s involvement is just the latest major announcement for the January 6, 2025, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw. The show will also feature:
CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins: A highly anticipated bout between two bitter rivals that has been brewing since before Punk’s return to WWE in 2023.
Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa (Tribal Combat Match): The two Tribal Chiefs of WWE will hold nothing back on Raw, but will The Rock be the difference-maker?
Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley (Women’s World Championship Match): Rhea Ripley seeks to regain the title she was never beaten for, and get revenge on Liv Morgan.
John Cena’s Farewell Tour: The legendary wrestler will begin his farewell tour on Raw, marking the start of his retirement from professional wrestling.
Drew McIntyre Vs. Jey Uso: ‘Main Event’ Jey has been the victim of beatdowns from McIntyre, but will the YEET army get payback in Los Angeles?
Travis Scott Live: The multi-time award-winning artist will provide the theme song for Raw on Netflix and will perform live on the show.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE Raw on Netflix, as The Rock is ready to electrify this Monday on what will be a historic night.
Samantha Irvin has shared more on her decision to leave WWE, which won’t be the last time fans see the former ring announcer in wrestling. On X, Irvin reacted to JoJo Offerman announcing a match ahead of the latest AEW Collision. When a fan said that Irvin should become a manager in wrestling, the 35-year-old shared that this was the plan.
Whether Irvin becomes a wrestling manager or not, fans shouldn’t expect her to be a ring announcer again. When a commenter made clear, with some choice verbiage, their opposition to Irvin’s announcing, she explained why she is finished with that role.
Don’t worry I won’t ring announce again. I agree with you fully. Except the attention seeking part, I wasn’t comfortable with the attention hence why I am no longer there. Thank you for your tweet ??
Irvin surprised fans with her exit from WWE in October 2024 and there were several developments that became apparent in the following days.
Departure Announcement: On October 21, 2024, Irvin announced her departure from WWE via a heartfelt message on social media, expressing gratitude to fans, colleagues, and the WWE community.
Reason for Leaving: Reports indicate that Irvin and WWE could not reach an agreement regarding her involvement in external projects, leading to her decision to leave the company.
Notice Period: Contrary to some reports suggesting a sudden exit, Irvin clarified that she had informed WWE of her decision months in advance.
Immediate Replacement: Following her departure, WWE brought back veteran ring announcer Lilian Garcia to fill Irvin’s role on Monday Night Raw.
Personal Life: Irvin’s departure came after her fiancé Ricochet joined AEW. Despite speculation, both Irvin and Ricochet have said that she does not intend to join AEW.
Fans can expect to see much more of Konosuke Takeshita in New Japan as the AEW International Champion has signed a deal with the promotion. Speaking backstage at Wrestle Dynasty, Takeshita announced his commitment to the Japanese promotion.
Takeshita, the reigning NEVER Openweight Champion, won the title at Wrestle Kingdom 19 by defeating Shingo Takagi. At Wrestle Dynasty, he successfully defended both the NEVER Openweight Championship and the AEW International Championship in a grueling match against Tomohiro Ishii.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Takeshita in action again. NJPW confirmed during Wrestle Dynasty that Takeshita will defend his NEVER Openweight Championship against KUSHIDA at Battle in the Valley on January 11th. Additionally, Oleg Boltin confronted Takeshita backstage at Wrestle Dynasty, hinting at a future clash, though no match has been officially announced.
In addition to his commitments with AEW and NJPW, Takeshita is also under contract with DDT Pro Wrestling, exemplifying his status as a true international champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Konosuke Takeshita as challengers line up for the NEVER Openweight Champion and AEW International Champion.
Kenny Omega’s long-awaited return to the ring was a triumphant one. The former AEW World Champion defeated Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty in a thrilling penultimate match of the show, marking his first bout since December 2023.
Omega, who had been sidelined due to diverticulitis and underwent surgery in 2024, made a significant impact with his return. Fans were also treated to a surprise when Omega debuted a brand-new entrance theme composed by Masayoshi Soken, the acclaimed composer behind Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI.
With Omega back in the ring, fans are excited to see what’s next for him, both in New Japan and AEW. The Cleaner appeared at Worlds End following the Continental Championship match, where he presented Kazuchika Okada with the gold. Omega will be part of next week’s Dynamite, and after his successful return at Wrestle Dynasty, fans can expect many more high-profile feuds and matches for the 41-year-old wrestler.
Mercedes Moné has big plans after adding the Rev Pro Undisputed British Women’s Championship to her impressive resume. At Wrestle Dynasty, Moné won the gold from Mina Shirakawa in a match that also saw The CEO’s New Japan Strong Women’s Championship up for grabs.
At a press conference following her victory, Mercedes Moné reflected on achieving a lifelong dream and unveiled her next major career aspiration.
“I’ve fulfilled my childhood dream, but it’s just the beginning. It’s been two years since the NJPW women’s division started. AEW, NJPW, and the female wrestlers are all amazing. Today we were able to show a glimpse of our greatness. My new dream has begun again. My current goal is to have a match in the main event at the Tokyo Dome.”
Since her debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling two years ago, Moné has cemented herself as a formidable competitor. Just one month after her arrival at Wrestle Kingdom 17, The CEO captured the IWGP Women’s Championship from KAIRI. Her reign lasted from February to April 2023 before she lost the title to current champion Mayu Iwatani.
Meanwhile, in AEW, Moné currently holds the AEW TBS Championship. Her recent title defense against Kris Statlander set a new record for the longest women’s match in AEW history. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on Mercedes Moné as the multi-time champion continues to pursue her goals in the wrestling world.
The first-ever Wrestle Dynasty event took place on January 5, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. Here are the results from the show:
Momo Watanabe (Stardom) (with Thekla) defeated Willow Nightingale (AEW), Persephone (CMLL), and Athena (ROH): With this win, Watanabe earned a women’s championship match from the participating promotion of their choosing.
The Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara) (c) defeated House of Torture (Sho and Yoshinobu Kanemaru) by pinfall: Rhodes and Guevara were able to keep their reign as ROH World Tag Team Champions alive with a hard-fought win.
Taiji Ishimori defeated Hechicero, Kosei Fujita, Soberano Jr., Master Wato, Máscara Dorada, Titán, and El Desperado by pinfall: This exciting Eight-man Lucha Gauntlet match featured some of the most talented high-flyers current competing in the ring.
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata ended in a time-limit draw: This rare ‘Grappling Rules Exhibition’ match saw the NJPW President and the AEW star demonstrate their immense talents.
Mercedes Moné (Strong) defeated Mina Shirakawa (British) by pinfall: With this title vs. title victory, Mone is now the first American to hold the Undisputed British Women’s Championship. The CEO’s NJPW Strong Women’s Title had also been on the line.
David Finlay (with Gedo) defeated Brody King by pinfall: Despite his IWGP Global Heavyweight title loss at Wrestle Kingdom, Finlay bounced back nicely by getting a win over the AEW wrestler.
Konosuke Takeshita (c) (with Don Callis) defeated Tomohiro Ishii by pinfall: One day after winning the NEVER Openweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom, Takeshita retained that title and the AEW International Championship at Wrestle Dynasty.
United Empire (Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb) vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi): In their first match since October, the Bucks won the vacant IWGP Tag Team Championships, kicking off their second reign with the gold.
ANNNNDDDDD NEWWWWWWW!!!
THE YOUNG BUCKS ARE THE NEW IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!
THE GREATEST TAG TEAM OF ALL TIME FOR A REASON!!!!!!!! #NJPW#NJWD
Yota Tsuji (c) vs. Jack Perry: After winning the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom, Tsuji kept his new championship reign alive by defeating AEW’s self-professed Scapegoat.
Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd: In his first match in over a year, Kenny Omega proved to be the ‘Best Bout Machine’ with a brutal, bloodied victory over Gabe Kidd.
Zack Sabre Jr. (c) vs. Ricochet: The British star retained the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship by submission, ending the first-ever Wrestle Dynasty show with an excellent match against AEW’s Ricochet.
Mercedes Moné added another championship to her growing collection at Wrestle Dynasty by defeating Mina Shirakawa to capture the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship. The match’s climax saw Moné hit the Moné Maker for the victory in the match that also featured her NJPW Strong Women’s Championship on the line.
You can check out some highlights below:
NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship & RPW Undisputed British Women’s Championship Double Title Match!
Mercedes Moné and Mina Shirakawa clash in a bout with two championships on the line!
With this victory, Moné ended Mina Shirakawa’s title reignat 134 days. Shirakawa had held the championship since the RevPro 12th Anniversary Show in August 2024. Meanwhile, Moné has held the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship since Forbidden Door in June 2024, where she dethroned Stephanie Vaquer.
This win cements Mercedes Moné as the first American to hold the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on Mercedes Moné as “The CEO” continues to dominate on the global wrestling stage.
Mick Foley surprised fans at Ohio Valley Wrestling’s Nightmare Rumble event this weekend by reviving his Dude Love persona for a surprise appearance. Not only did the three-time WWE World Champion appear, but he used Mr. Socko at the event.
Foley is no stranger to the world of Ohio Valley Wrestling and appeared for the promotion in June of last year. That appearance would turn sour for Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy, who was attacked by a mystery assailant backstage.
Last week MICK FOLEY was attacked backstage and was left a bloody mess…will we get some answers THIS THURSDAY on OVW: RISE?!
OVW Nightmare Rumble also marked a special anniversary for ‘the Micker.’ As the show took place on January 4, it marked 26 years since his iconic first WWE Championship victory in 1999. The win is infamous for WCW giving away the result, with Tony Schiavone quipping “That’ll put butts in the seats” only to watch its audience tune from Nitro to Raw to see Mick dethrone The Rock.
JBL in OVW
Foley wasn’t the only notable name at OVW Nightmare Rumble as John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield served as a commentator for the show. Later on in the night though, the Texan got physical and helped his former Cabinet ally Danny Basham capture the OVW National Championship.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Mick Foley and JBL as the two continue to surprise fans in wrestling, even with their days active in the ring being in the past.
Triple H has hinted that the WrestleMania main event is planned, but it remains subject to change. During an appearance on SI Media with Jimmy Traina, the WWE Chief Content Officer elaborated on the unpredictability of planning such a monumental event:
“Yes, with an asterisk, because I cannot tell you what happens between today and Las Vegas. People get hurt, things happen,” he explained.
Long gone are the days when WWE’s head honchos had WrestleMania’s main event locked in a year ahead of time. In today’s era, “plans change,” and the company has embraced a more flexible approach to adapt when circumstances demand it. While injuries can disrupt meticulously crafted plans, more often, changes stem from fans rallying behind a particular wrestler so passionately that the company is compelled to shift direction.
This exact scenario played out last year when The Rock returned to WWE, and Cody Rhodes made the surprising decision to step aside, allowing The Final Boss to use his Royal Rumble victory to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. However, fans weren’t having it. The hashtag #WeWantCody went viral, and the company ultimately pivoted, giving Cody the opportunity to “Finish the Story”—which he did.
Triple H went on to discuss the fluid nature of storytelling and booking in WWE:
“You get a phone call—‘Hey, would you ever consider doing this with me?’—or whatever it is, where you go, ‘Wow, that’s an amazing opportunity.’ Maybe I would go in a different direction, right? Sometimes you start to go down a road of a storyline, and you realize, ‘Like, this is not resonating the way I thought it would.’ Maybe something else would be bigger—and lo and behold, it is.”
Triple H emphasized the importance of planning but acknowledged the need for flexibility:
“I’m a big, put-pins-in-stuff-and-far-out-in-advance guy. We had a card for WrestleMania loosely written out in October, and that’s morphed a lot. We’re sitting down on a regular basis—weekly, probably—and talking about, ‘What do we believe the shift is? Where do we see the shift happening? What do we need to move around?’”
When asked if the current plan for the main event is locked in, he admitted uncertainty:
“Can I say I have something penciled in? Yes. Do I think it will stay? I think, but I’m not [sure].”
Triple H’s comments underline the constantly evolving nature of professional wrestling, where injuries, creative shifts, and unexpected opportunities can alter even the most well-laid plans.
WWE Raw play-by-play announcer Joe Tessitore will soon transition to Friday Night SmackDown. Tessitore, who has received widespread acclaim for his commentary on Raw, is making this move as part of WWE’s broader shakeup tied to its upcoming partnership with Netflix.
In a recent appearance on the SI Media Podcast, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque confirmed Tessitore’s new role. According to Triple H, Tessitore’s strength as a WWE announcer lies in his deep passion for the product. “He’s such a massive fan,” Triple H noted, just like Pat McAfee. He explained that Tessitore’s love for wrestling became evident through conversations and texts about WWE storylines and matches, facilitated by their mutual friend, WWE President Nick Khan.
Host Jimmy Traina recalled having Tessitore as a guest prior to his WWE tenure. When asked about his dream sports event to call, Tessitore didn’t hesitate: his answer was WrestleMania.
On January 4, 2025, wrestling fans at AEW Collision in Charlotte, North Carolina, were treated to an unexpected surprise when JoJo Offerman made her AEW debut as a ring announcer during a dark match. Known for her previous work in WWE, Offerman’s appearance marked a significant moment in her return to the wrestling world.
Offerman, who served as a ring announcer for WWE from 2013 to 2021, stepped away from the industry after her tenure. Beyond her professional career, she is recognized as the widow of the late Windham Rotunda, known to fans as Bray Wyatt.
Her return to wrestling had been the subject of speculation since September 2024, when she revealed her interest in coming back to the industry, hinting at ambitions beyond ring announcing.
In recent interviews, Offerman shared that she would return to wrestling “when the time felt right.” Her AEW debut could signify the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
Stay tuned for the latest on JoJo Offerman’s future in professional wrestling.
WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H has shed light on the potential format of RAW as it transitions to Netflix. Speaking on the SI Media Pod, Triple H emphasized the flexibility that comes with streaming platforms compared to traditional cable television.
“It’ll be flexible in that I don’t think necessarily the time constraints of network television or cable television apply,” he explained. “If this episode needs to be an hour, great, it’s an hour. [If] this next episode needs to be 42 minutes, it’s 42 minutes.”
Triple H
While Triple H clarified that there’s no intention of consistently reducing episodes to shorter durations, the goal remains to create content that aligns with Netflix’s business model and offers the best possible experience for viewers. That could mean different run times each week, and the occasional shorter episode.
This flexibility allows WWE to prioritize storytelling without being bound by rigid time slots. It also creates an air of unpredictability around main events, which no longer need to wrap up before the next show is scheduled to go on the air.
WWE Raw premieres on Netflix this Monday live at 8/7c.
Tonight’s AEW Collision, live from the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, promises to be an electrifying event as All Elite Wrestling continues its momentum into the new year. The show will simulcast on TNT and MAX for the first time, setting the stage for an exciting evening of professional wrestling.
TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia vs. Mark Briscoe
Hot action for sickos tonight on AEW Collision
Daniel Garcia defends his TNT Championship against former ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe in a highly anticipated title match. Both competitors have shown incredible skill and determination in their respective careers, making this bout a must-watch for fans.
AEW World Tag Team Championship: Private Party vs. Lio Rush & Action Andretti
Private Party, consisting of Isaiah Kassidy and Marq Quen, put their AEW World Tag Team Titles on the line against the formidable duo of Lio Rush and Action Andretti. This match is expected to be a thrilling contest with both teams showcasing their unique styles.
The Learning Tree vs. Rated FTR & Jeff Jarrett
In a trios match, The Learning Tree (Bryan Keith, Big Bill, & Chris Jericho) face off against Rated FTR (Cope & FTR) and Jeff Jarrett. This confrontation has been building up since their intense encounter on AEW Dynamite, adding an extra layer of tension to this already stacked card.
As John Cena embarks on his farewell tour in 2025, several WWE superstars have expressed interest in facing him for a memorable final encounter. Here are some wrestlers who have shared their desire to step into the ring with Cena before the WWE icon calls it a career.
CM Punk: CM Punk has expressed a strong desire to face John Cena once more before Cena’s retirement. Following the Money in the Bank 2024 event, Punk highlighted their intertwined careers and vowed that “we gotta do it at least one more time.”.
Kevin Owens: Kevin Owens hopes to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of his first match against Cena by facing him on May 31, 2025, during John’s farewell tour. Owens’ feud with Cena in 2015 did huge things for the then-NXT Champion who’s gone on to be a top name on the main roster.
Bron Breakker: Bron Breakker has boldly challenged John Cena to a match for the Intercontinental Championship—the only title Cena has never won. Speaking to SESCoops‘ MuscleManMalcom, Breakker urged Cena to “grow some balls” and face him for the coveted belt during the farewell tour.
Randy Orton: Randy Orton, arguably Cena’s greatest rival is a favored choice among fans for a farewell match. Speaking to the Daily Mail last August, Orton hopes that if fans want to see him face Cena one more time, WWE’s creative team, led by Triple H, will make it happen.
Logan Paul: Logan Paul personally pitched a WrestleMania 41 match with John Cena. However, reports indicate that this match is “100 percent not happening,” and current discussions are focusing on other potential opponents for Cena.
Bronson Reed: Though currently out with an injury, Bronson Reed has taken to X to put himself forward as an opponent. The Australian Superstar even claimed that John can’t truly call himself the ‘GOAT’ until he’s survived Reed’s Tsunami finisher.
The Miz: 14 years after his unlikely win over John Cena at WrestleMania 27, The Miz hopes to get one more moment with Cena before his farewell. Cena’s most recent match for WWE saw him team with Miz and R-Truth on the post–WrestleMania 40 Raw.
John Cena’s Farewell: What Does It Mean?
Cena made his retirement plans public during a surprise appearance at WWE’s Money in the Bank event on July 6, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Leading up to his retirement, Cena plans to participate in several key WWE events including next month’s Royal Rumble, March’s Elimination Chamber, and WWE WrestleMania 41.
In total, he intends to perform in approximately 30 to 40 events throughout 2025 as part of his farewell tour. Fans have been excited at the possible matches Cena may have, and the possibility that he could become a 17-time World Champion and break Ric Flair’s record.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on John Cena as there’s no shortage of Superstars eager to share the ring with the WWE icon one final time.
NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 19 took place on January 4, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. Here are the results from the show:
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. (c) vs. Shota Umino. Sabre kept his championship reign alive and well by defeating Umino in the show’s 43-minute main event. Sabre will face Ricochet at Wrestle Dynasty.
Special Singles Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Hiromu Takahashi. Naito got the victory in this battle of two of the biggest stars in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: David Finlay (c) vs. Yota Tsuji. Tsuji entered the record-breaking reign of Finlay by getting the win and the title. Finlay had held the title for 245 days before being dethroned.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: DOUKI (c) vs. El Desperado. El Desperado was awarded the title after DOUKI suffered an arm injury during the match.
Double Championship Match: Shingo Takagi (NEVER Openweight Champion) vs. Konosuke Takeshita (AEW International Champion). Takeshita defeated Takagi to win the NEVER Openweight Championship, adding it to his AEW International title. Takeshita will defend both titles against Tomohiro Ishii at Wrestle Dynasty.
TWO BELTS TAKESHITA!!!!!!!!!
KONSUKE TAKESHITA HAS DEFEATED SHINGO TAKAGI AND IS NOW THE NJPW NEVER OPENWEIGHT CHAMPION AND THE AEW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION!!!!! #NJPW#NJWK19
NJPW World Television Championship — Four-Way Match: Ren Narita (c) vs. Ryohei Oiwa vs. Jeff Cobb vs. El Phantasmo. El Phantasmo emerged victorious, becoming the new NJPW World Television Champion.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships — Tokyo Terror Ladder Match: Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA (c) vs. T.M.D.K. (Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita) vs. Catch 2/2 (TJP & Francesco Akira) vs. BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney). Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita captured the titles in this high-stakes ladder match.
The stars of New Japan will be back in the ring tomorrow as part of Wrestle Dynasty. The first-of-its-kind show will feature talent from New Japan, AEW, STARDOM, Ring of Honor, and CMLL.
D-Von Dudley faced racism the moment he joined WWE in 1999, the Hall of Famer revealed this week. Speaking on Maven’s YouTube channel, D-Von recounted experiencing discrimination due to his skin color from someone fans would “absolutely” recognize.
“They told Bubba ‘You’re a good guy, I like you a lot. But D-Von, I don’t know… He’s black.’ I remember balling up my fists and Bubba saw it and grabbed me.”
Understandably enraged by these comments, D-Von said he was “p*ssed” but chose not to retaliate, knowing that an altercation could jeopardize the Dudleys’ future in WWE. Reflecting on the incident, he admitted, “Had I reacted, we probably wouldn’t be sitting here talking now.”
D-Von also revealed that racism wasn’t limited to the roster; he encountered discrimination from “certain people in the office” in senior positions. However, he clarified that Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and Michael Hayes were not among those who treated him unfairly because of his race.
D-Von’s comments bring new light to WWE’s often problematic nature with race, as several angles over the years have been accused of being racist. Nevertheless, these horrific comments at D-Von did not stop him from being one of the all-time greatest tag-team wrestlers of all time and a Hall of Famer in both WWE and TNA Wrestling.
A new WWE ring mat spotted at the latest SmackDown taping may have given a glimpse into a sponsorship-heavy future of Monday Night Raw. In an image making the rounds online, the dark-ring mat features several logos, including for Netflix, Cricket Wireless, Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer, and Snickers.
The inclusion of the Netflix logo has left many believing this will be the ring mat when Raw debuts on the streaming platform next week. If so, this marks a massive change from WWE’s typical clean, white ring mat. In 2024, WWE began using the PRIME logo on the canvas at Premium Live Events, a decision that was met with backlash by fans.
WWE Raw On Netflix
No matter what ring mat WWE uses, the January 6, debut episode of Raw on Netflix will be a huge show. The card includes:
Main Event: CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins
Tribal Combat: Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa
WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
Singles Match: Drew McIntyre Vs. Jey Uso
John Cena will also be a part of next week’s Raw, which will mark the start of his farewell tour. With a live music performance from Travis Scott also set, there’ll be plenty for fans to tune in for during what’ll be a historic episode of the red brand.
Vanessa Hudgens brought a touch of A-Lister glamor to WWE SmackDown this week, with a fun moment in Phoenix, Arizona.
Hudgens, known for her breakout role in High School Musial, attended the event at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. After the show, Cody Rhodes invited Hudgens into the ring, setting the stage for a crowd-pleasing “yeet” celebration. Hudgens performed the popular gesture alongside Rhodes, The Usos, and Sami Zayn.
— Justin David Kish • Sports Journalist (@JustinDavidKish) January 4, 2025
This isn’t Hudgens’ first interaction with WWE. In November, she acknowledged Roman Reigns during an episode of Raw and met WWE Superstar Bianca Belair backstage. Last month, Hudgens admitted that Rhea Ripley is her ‘Girl Crush’ and that she could “just watch her forever.”
Hudgens’ role at this week’s SmackDown wasn’t confined to what happened after the show. During SmackDown Hudgens also shared her love for Chelsea Green as she placed her hand to her heart in recognition of the longest-reigning WWE Women’s United States Champion.
Tiffany Stratton has at long last cashed in her Money in the Bank contract and waited until the first three-hour edition of WWE SmackDown to do so. Stratton toppled Nia Jax to capture the WWE Women’s Championship but is hardly the first Superstar to cash in on the Blue Brand:
2007: Edge (May 8, 2007)
Mr. Kennedy claimed he’d wait a whole year to cash in Money in the Bank, but would in fact lose the briefcase to Edge in May 2007. Not wanting to make the same mistake as Kennedy, Edge cashed in days after winning the briefcase to win the World Heavyweight Title from The Undertaker.
2010: Jack Swagger (April 2, 2010)
After winning the Money in the Bank contract at WrestleMania 26, Jack Swagger attempted to cash in on the following Raw. When that didn’t work out, Swagger took advantage of a downed Chris Jericho, who had just taken a spear by Edge, to win the World Heavyweight Championship on SmackDown.
2017: Baron Corbin (August 15, 2017)
The only failed cash-in to take place on SmackDown, Baron Corbin tried to claim the WWE Championship that was held by Jinder Mahal at the time. The interference of John Cena (ironically the first man to fail a Money in the Bank cash-in) ended the match in a DQ and Corbin would never hold World Championship gold in WWE.
2018: Carmella (April 10, 2018)
The first-ever Miss. Money in the Bank, Carmella had to win her briefcase a second time on the June 27 episode of SmackDown, due to James Ellsworth’s interference. After waiting 287 days, the Staten Island Princess cashed in on April 10, 2018, SmackDown to win the SmackDown Women’s Title from Charlotte Flair.
2025: Tiffany Stratton (January 3, 2025)
After months of being dismissed and put down by her ‘friend,’ Tiffany Stratton got her revenge by cashing in Money in the Bank on Nia Jax. This win marks Stratton’s first title on the main roster, and the end of Jax’s reign as Women’s Champion that had begun at SummerSlam 2024.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Tiffany Stratton and her reign as the brand-new WWE Women’s Champion.
Drew McIntyre may claim he cares less about his legacy these days, but 2024 was a roller coaster year that saw him achieve—and lose—gold in dramatic fashion. At WrestleMania XL, McIntyre defeated Seth Rollins to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, only to lose it moments later when Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank contract after an attack by CM Punk.
The fallout led to a months-long feud with Punk, culminating in a Hell in a Cell match at WWE Bad Blood where McIntyre ultimately put Punk over. Reflecting on the past year during an interview with The Ringer, McIntyre shared his thoughts on his evolving perspective.
“I never thought there’d be a point in my career where I’d say, ‘I don’t care about the world title or my legacy as much as I used to,’ because inevitably, people are going to forget,” McIntyre said. “But I got more of an emotional response this year than I’ve ever gotten in my entire career—on TV, online, and from live crowds. It’s been an emotional roller coaster for me, and in the end, that’s what our industry is all about: making you feel.”
McIntyre’s next challenge is set for the premiere of WWE Raw on Netflix next Monday night, where he’ll face Jey Uso.
Tiffany Stratton has solidified her position as the top star on WWE SmackDown’s women’s roster by capturing the WWE Women’s Championship. The title change occurred during this week’s SmackDown after Nia Jax successfully retained the championship against Naomi.
Following the match, chaos erupted when Jax was confronted by Bianca Belair, leading to a brawl. Seizing the opportunity, Stratton rushed to the ring with her Money in the Bank briefcase. She delivered her signature moonsault finisher from the top rope on Jax, securing the pinfall and the championship.
Stratton had won the Money in the Bank briefcase at last summer’s themed premium live event, defeating Chelsea Green, Iyo Sky, Lyra Valkyria, Naomi, and Zoey Stark in the ladder match. She held the briefcase for over 153 days, making strategic alliances during her reign, including a partnership with Jax. Although she frequently teased cashing in the briefcase, she delayed until the opportune moment.
Earlier in the summer at SummerSlam, Jax captured the title from Bayley with assistance from Stratton. Stratton’s long-term strategy and alliance with Jax ultimately led to her triumphant cash-in and crowning as champion.
The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble is reportedly set to take place in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant international milestone for the iconic event. According to PWInsider, the deal has been finalized, and an official announcement could come as early as this Monday during the premiere of Raw on Netflix.
WWE is currently in the midst of a 10-year partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an agreement slated to run through 2028. This collaboration has resulted in 12 premium live events, two television tapings in the region, and the creation of the WWE Experience, a themed attraction.
Financially, the partnership has been highly lucrative, with WWE reportedly earning $50 million per event in Saudi Arabia, per SES reports. Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, recently revealed to ESPN that discussions are ongoing to enhance the deal. Al-Sheikh highlighted Saudi Arabia’s interest in hosting major events like WrestleMania or the Royal Rumble as part of these negotiations.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Royal Rumble is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson closed out 2024 on a high note, as a new SEC filing released Friday night revealed he was awarded 96,557 Class A shares of TKO stock on December 31. The award stems from an arrangement made upon his return to WWE in late January 2024, when he joined the TKO Board of Directors.
As part of his January return, Johnson also gained full intellectual property (IP) ownership of “The Rock” name and other character-related trademarks. The December stock allotment holds a present-day value of $13,749,716.80. This represents half of a total grant of 193,115 restricted stock units he was awarded on January 23, 2024. The remaining shares will be distributed in monthly installments throughout 2025.
According to the filing, Johnson currently owns 289,673 TKO shares, valued at over $41 million. Nearly 97,000 of those shares were earned following his appearance on the first night of WrestleMania 40 earlier in 2024.
While The Rock has not appeared on WWE programming since October’s WWE Bad Blood, speculation is rife that he may feature in the debut episode of Raw on Netflix next week. However, this has yet to be confirmed.
