Bobby Lashley is excited to bring the Hurt Syndicate to AEW, and is ready for opportunities not afforded in other promotions. Lashley debuted in AEW in October and wasted no time in aligning with his fellow Hurt Business alum MVP and Shelton Benjamin.
Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Undisputed, Lashley shared that he joined AEW for the Hurt Syndicate and the natural chemistry he shares with MVP and Benjamin. Lashley added that he’s grateful to Tony Khan for giving him the opportunity to run with the group.
“We didn’t get the opportunity to show what we really wanted to do before. Now we do. The possibilities and ideas about what we can do in AEW, that keeps me up at night.”
Lashley’s comments echo the views of many regarding the handling of The Hurt Business in WWE. In 2021, the decision was made to split the group, an idea all four members reportedly pleaded against happening. While the group reunited a handful of months later, much of the group’s luster had gone, and a second split in 2021 ended the popular faction on a sour note.
Though best known for their work together in WWE, MVP and Lashley’s partnership dates back a decade or so to their days in Impact Wrestling (now TNA Wrestling.) In the interview, Lashley shared that he didn’t know what to expect when they were “thrown together” but the pair quickly found their “synergy.”
“He’s a natural bad guy. He’s the voice, I’m the power. Handling yourself against MVP on the mic and against me in the ring, that’s a challenge for everyone.”
With both MVP and Benjamin by his side, Lashley remains undefeated in AEW, with his most recent victory coming at Full Gear over Swerve Strickland. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Bobby Lashley, who’s ready to make the most of his opportunity in AEW.
Corey Graves has reflected on the 10-year anniversary of his retirement from active competition and thanked the fans for their support.
The WWE personality was a rising star of the early NXT, feuding with the likes of The Shield and The Wyatt family during his time with the brand. After suffering two close concussions in late 2013 and early 2014 however, Graves was forced to retire from active competition.
While The Iron City Superstar had not wrestled a match since April 2014, he officially announced his retirement on December 11. Looking back at the date, Corey Graves said that he misses being in the ring every day:
10 years.
I still miss it every day.
There was no “backup plan.”
Not bad for an audible.
Thanks to everyone for taking the ride with me. ?@WWE
After being forced to retire from wrestling, Graves transitioned to a broadcasting role. He started off as a color commentator for NXT, later being added to pre-show panel for main roster shows.
Graves has become one of the leading broadcast personalities of WWE TV after being called up to the main roster in 2016. He currently does color commentary on SmackDown alongside Michael Cole.
The 40-year-old revealed last year that he has actually been cleared to compete again if he chooses to, though he has no immediate plans for the same. Graves has since started helping out with the production of the shows, suggesting that he is more interested in that aspect of the industry rather than an in-ring return.
Toni Storm made her long-awaited return on this week’s AEW Dynamite, and has seemingly left her ‘Timeless’ days in the past. On the Winter Is Coming show, Mariah May retained the AEW Women’s World Championship against Mina Shirakawa.
Storm arrived to interrupt May’s celebration and was in her original outfit and used her ‘Watch What’s Next’ theme song. May was shocked to see her former mentor’s return, while Thunder Rosa, who was sitting in the crowd, held a ‘WTF’ sign.
Storm had been missing since AEW All In: London in August, where she lost the AEW Women’s World Title to May. Storm, still the Timeless One at the time, left the show by wandering into the streets of London. Last month, Storm claimed that she was retiring from wrestling and that AEW would be fine without her.
Now though, Storm is back, much to the chagrin of May, and those wanting celebrity-endorsed tacos in Mexico. Storm has previously suggested she’d wait until AEW Grand Slam: Australia to challenge for the gold, and it remains to be seen if AEW will wait until the February 2025 show. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Toni Storm now that former champion is back, and isn’t living in the past.
Darby Allin intends to climb Mt. Everest later this year in his biggest risk to date, despite Sting trying to talk him out of the idea. Speaking to Denise Salcedo at the AEW All In: Texas tickets launch event, Allin shared that his friend and former tag team partner wanted him to reconsider the incredibly dangerous climb.
“He’s tried but he knows that I really want to do it. He’s like, ‘Alright man, if you’re on a vision quest and you want to do something, go do it.’”
Allin believes the climb will be a “very humbling experience” and will serve as a reminder of what he’s capable of. Allin intends to start his climb in April of this year after plans to climb last year were nixed due to an injury.
“I’m very excited for that opportunity and very grateful that AEW is letting me do this in the middle of my career.”
The 29,000-foot mountain is nothing to take lightly. According to Himalayan databases, over 320 people have died attempting to scale the mountain since records began in 1922. Climbers who perish on the mountain are often left there, due to the risks related to removing the body, a sign of their dedication to climbing, and as a somber reminder to others of the dangers of nature.
One landmark on Everest is ‘Green Boots,’ which is the body of an unidentified climber on the Northeast Ridge route who is noticeable for his brightly colored boots. While never officially identified, it is believed to be the body of Tsewang Paljor, an Indian member of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police expedition who died as part of a 1996 climbing disaster.
Here are the results for this year’s AEW Dynamite: Winter is Coming special:
Jon Moxley and Pac vs. Jay White and Orange Cassidy: The match ended in a no contest after Hangman Page’s interference. The four men brawled, with Moxley eventually announcing a fatal four-way match at World’s End.
Continental Classic Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Will Ospreay: Will Ospreay won with a jackknife pin. After the match, Claudio Castagnoli attacked Ospreay with the Neutralizer, but Darby Allin intervened.
Continental Classic Gold League: Ricochet vs. Brody King: Ricochet won with two Spirit Guns after utilizing the exposed turnbuckle. The crowd reacted negatively to Ricochet’s tactics.
Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal Finals: Kyle O’Reilly vs. Adam Cole: Adam Cole won with a small package. MJF attempted to interfere but was superkicked by Cole. Cole will face MJF for the Dynamite Diamond Ring at World’s End.
AEW Women’s World Championship: Mariah May (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa: Mariah May retained in a hard-fought match that included multiple near finishes.
Other notable moments from the show included Hook attacking Christian Cage and another vignette hyping Bandido’s return.
Two new matches featuring top stars such as MJF and Jon Moxley have been announced for the upcoming AEW Worlds End PPV on December 28.
This week’s episode of Dynamite saw Adam Cole taking on Kyle O’Reilly to determine the challenger for MJF’s Dynamite Dozen Ring at the upcoming show. This match was made official after Cole and O’Reilly became the two surviving participants of the Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal last week.
The Salt of The Earth tried to interfere in the match. He looked to hit Cole with the Dozen Ring but the Undisputed Kingdom leader ducked and took his arch-rival down with a superkick. After a roll-up attempt from O’Reilly, the former NXT Champion would go on to win the match by trapping his opponent into a small package.
IT'S OFFICIAL FOR #AEWWORLDSEND! Will Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly's friendship be able to survive the conflict with MJF?!
Mox, who has had run-ins with Orange Cassidy, Jay White, and Hangman Page in recent weeks, said that he’ll defend the title against all three of them at the upcoming show in two weeks.
AEW previously confirmed that both the Continental Classic semifinal matches and the final of the tournament will be taking place from the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida as well.
The District Attorney with the Southern District of New York won’t file an extension of the six-month stay in Janel Grant’s federal civil suit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and World Wrestling Entertainment.
Grant filed the suit in January, claiming the defendants of sex trafficking, sex assault and other civil rights violations, as well as violating a non-disclosure agreement.
Federal prosecutors requested a six-month stay due to possible interference between the case and an ongoing federal grand jury criminal investigation of Vince McMahon that’s been ongoing since 2023.
In a statement to SEScoops, attorney Ann Callis said she’s happy Grant’s case can proceed while the federal investigation continues.
“We are pleased that prosecutors for the Southern District of New York have concluded that they can continue their criminal investigation while we bring forward new evidence in our civil case about the sexual exploitation carried out by Janel Grant’s abusers. For the last six months, Ms. Grant has patiently waited to hold Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE accountable for the sex trafficking and abuse she endured at the company on a near daily basis. Her wait is over, and we now look forward to sharing Ms. Grant’s story.”
Zelina Vega, currently in her second stint with WWE, continues to be a fan favorite despite her recent elimination from the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament on Monday Night Raw. Vega, a former Queen of the Ring and member of the LWO, competed in a Triple Threat Match where Lyra Valkyria pinned Ivy Nile to advance. However, fans in the arena and online took note of Vega appearing to wave goodbye after her loss, sparking speculation about her future with the company.
According to PWInsider.com, there is no truth to the rumors of Vega leaving WWE. She remains under contract for several more years, and her post-match wave was not an indication of a departure. In fact, Vega received the loudest reaction during her entrance, underscoring her popularity with the live crowd.
The elimination of Vega so early in the tournament did not sit well with many fans, overshadowing Valkyria’s victory to some extent. On social media, the #PushZelina trend resurfaced, with fans voicing their disappointment over her early exit. Negative comments about Vega’s elimination also appeared on WWE’s YouTube video for the match, although much of the discussion was centered around Valkyria’s win.
As one of WWE’s most consistently supported talents, Vega’s fan base continues to advocate for her to receive more prominent opportunities in the company.
Here’s the preview for TNA Wrestling’s episode of iMPACT! airing on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 8/7c on AXS TV and TNA+.
The main event will see an in intriguing six-person mixed tag match. Joe Hendry’s popularity and Nick Nemeth’s status as World Champion paired with Masha Slamovich’s fierce style against the calculated chaos of Tasha Steelz, AJ Francis, and KC Navarro.
TNA Impact Preview – December 12, 2024
Joe Hendry, Nic Nemeth, and Masha Slamovich vs. Tasha Steelz, AJ Francis, and KC Navarro
The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel) vs. Leon Slater and Laredo Kid
PCO and Sami Callihan vs. Jake Something and Alex Hammerstone
Heather Reckless with George Iceman and Ash By Elegance vs. Dani Luna with Jody Threat
This episode is the final stop before TNA Final Resolution, streaming this Friday night on TNA+ from Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.
Final Resolution 2024
Here is the match listing for TNA Final Resolution 2024, set to stream this Friday night on TNA+:
TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs. AJ Francis
TNA X-Division Championship: Moose (c) vs. KUSHIDA TNA World Tag Team Championships: Tables Match: The Hardys (Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy) (c) vs. The System (Brian Myers & Eddie Edwards) TNA Knockouts Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Tasha Steelz
#1 Contender for TNA World Championship: Joe Hendry vs. Josh Alexander vs. Mike Santana vs. Steve Maclin
Jordynne Grace vs. Rosemary
Ace Austin vs. Trent Seven
Frankie Kazarian vs. Jonathan Gresham (Countdown to Final Resolution pre-show)
Trish Stratus is a WWE Hall of Famer both in title and in merit, but coulld we see Stratusfaction “stratusfy” outside of the WWE umbrella?
Stratus recently discussed the possibility of squaring of against an undeniable future Hall of Famer in AEW’s Mercedes Mone, formerly Sasha Banks in WWE. The two fighters briefly crossed back nearly six years ago at the 2018 Royal Rumble, but outside of that, they have never faced one another in singles action.
However, since then Stratus has made multiple returns in WWE, actually facing Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam 2019. She then returned to the company in 2022 for a very memorable heel run against Becky Lynch, with the program culminating in a cage match at Payback.
During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Stratus looked back on that 2022 run.
“People never thought I’d ever come back for another match… But then, you know, (Banks) left.”
Would she venture outside of the WWE to have that long desired match against Mone?
“I really am a WWE girl all the way.You never know. Who knows? There’s still so much more life to be had.”
Mone ultimately walked out on WWE in May of 2022, only to return to the ring under the NJPW banner before she got injured which shelved her for nearly a year. However, Mone did end up going to AEW where she is currently the TBS Champion.
Excitement is building for Saturday Night’s Main Event, as Cody Rhodes and Triple H have teased the return of a piece of WWE history for one night only. In video posted on social media, Triple H presented Rhodes with a mysterious case, revealing that its glowing contents would be in his possession for just one night.
This cryptic moment has sparked speculation among fans that the case contains the legendary Winged Eagle Title, a design synonymous with WWE’s “Golden Era.”
Cody Rhodes, who is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens on Saturday, has long been vocal about his admiration for the Winged Eagle Title. Bringing back this classic design, even briefly, would pay homage to WWE’s rich history—a move that aligns with Rhodes’ reverence for wrestling tradition.
The Winged Eagle Championship holds special significance in professional wrestling history. It was worn by legendary champions including Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, The Undertaker, Ric Flair, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Sid and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura is returning to the commentary booth for Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC
WWE is enhancing the nostalgic experience with retro graphics and a stripped-down arena setup, recreating the look and feel of the 1980s when Saturday Night’s Main Eventfirst hit the airwaves in the mid-1980’s.
The December 14, 2024 NBC card is stacked with high-profile matches, including:
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens
Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. IYO SKY
World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Finn Bálor vs. Damian Priest
With its blend of historic nods and modern marquee matches, Saturday Night’s Main Event promises to deliver an unforgettable evening for wrestling fans.
As unlikely as it may seem in the late stages of 2024, New Day is suddenly one of the most buzzworthy acts in wrestling once again. Indeed, a decade in, the team far surpassed what anyone could have expected when Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E first assembled under an ill-defined gospel gimmick Vince McMahon tried to foist upon them.
New Day went on to enjoy a meteoric rise before struggling over most of the last four years as injuries, bad luck, and sheer duration all caught up to them.
The prevailing belief was that the team was going to split up for good as Kingston and Woods arguing with one another paved the road to their advertised ten-year celebration on Raw. The two men rallying and collectively turning on Big E was a sharp turn, officially marking the start of a new chapter. At this inflection point, it’s worth looking back on some of the unit’s greatest accomplishments in its first ten years together.
New Day Facilitated KofiMania And Big E’s Cash In
(WWE)
With two out of three members of New Day winning the WWE Championship, they have a valid claim to be in the conversation among the most successful factions ever in WWE. Kofi Kingston’s surge of popularity in 2019 that carried him to WrestleMania 35 was very much linked to New Day—the team that had kept him relevant and working featured matches. Indeed, while Kingston earned his moment, it’s telling that Xavier Woods and Big E winning a tag team gauntlet was the angle chosen to finally get their partner to his ‘Mania title shot.
Two and half years later, Big E would have his crowning moment as he, too, won the WWE Championship, arriving at the big win via Money in the Bank cash-in. New Day was less involved in this triumph given E had been separated from his teammates via a brand draft, only to briefly reunite when he won the title. Just the same, there’s reason to believe E may not have been in this position—or perhaps even under WWE contract anymore—without the successes he’d enjoyed with New Day protecting him from getting lost in the shuffle.
New Day Had The Longest WWE Tag Team Championship Reign Of All Time
New Day win SmackDown Tag Team Titles at WWE Battleground 2017 (Photo Credit: WWE.com)
While world title glory was the high-water mark for New Day in its first decade, the team also enjoyed the single longest WWE Tag Team Championship reign of all time at 483 days, surpassing a record Demolition had established twenty-eight years earlier.
More than reigning by default when there wasn’t a strong division around them, New Day elevated their titles, putting on excellent matches and entertaining fans with their antics. While reigns to follow shored up their spot as an all-time great team, this was the one that immediately put Big E, Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston in the conversation among WWE’s greatest tag teams ever.
New Day Was Part Of The Best Non-Singles Hell In A Cell Match Of All Time
(Photo: WWE)
Hell in a Cell has an uneven history. For every classic like Mankind facing Shawn Michaels or The Undertaker, there are throwaway encounters in the Cell like The Undertaker vs. The Big Boss Man at WrestleMania 15, Triple H’s slog with Kevin Nash, or CM Punk trying to pull a decent Cell match out of Ryback.
There have been good tag team Hell in a Cell bouts like DX vs. Legacy and good multi-man affairs like the main event of Armageddon 2000. The best of the best of these non-one-on-one matches, though, has to go to New Day vs. The Usos in 2017. The two teams were creative, brutal, and had a long, compelling feud to pay off.
New Day Hosted WrestleMania 33
The New Day hosts WrestleMania 33 (Photo: WWE)
At WrestleMania 31, New Day was a new tag team, and the component members filled totally forgettable spots in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. It’s telling that just two years later, they were tasked with hosting WrestleMania 33.
The record of WrestleMania hosts has grown a bit checkered and increasingly random, but at that point, it was an honor that had only previously been bestowed upon The Rock at WrestleMania 27 and Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania 30.
New Day hadn’t achieved the legendary status of their predecessors, but trusting them with this role bespoke that they were one of the most popular acts in the company and WWE trusted their abilities as entertainers on the mic enough to make them the recurring stars of the show. Needless to say, they delivered.
New Day Turning On Big E Was An Instant Classic Moment
(Photo: WWE)
While there’s a bit of recency bias in ranking such a new moment in the top five, there’s little question Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston turning on Big E represented one of the greatest things the New Day crew has ever pulled off.
The trio tapped into all the emotional investment they’d built up from fans during the preceding ten years to create an incredible emotional charge. Fans watching one of wrestling’s most special bonds crumble before their eyes was truly one of the most heartbreaking scenes in WWE history and has charted a new course for Kingston and Woods as a genuinely special heel act.
Becky Lynch has proven herself for years in the ring, but now ‘The Man’ is taking a bold leap into the popular world of Magic The Gathering. Lynch is joining actor Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai) for her very first game. The game’s latest expansion, Foundations, hit retailers last month.
While Lynch is prepared to bring the fight to her first Magic The Gathering game, wrestling fans are eagerly awaiting Lynch’s return to the ring. The Man parted ways with WWE in June of this year with her most recent match to date being a steel cage defeat to Liv Morgan, thanks in part to the interference of Dominik Mysterio.
Whether a return comes next month or not, Lynch’s Magic the Gathering debut, which will be part of the Deck Chair channel, will introduce the popular wrestler to fans of the iconic table-top card game. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Becky Lynch, as the former Women’s World Champion continues to make an impression outside of the ring.
WWE star Bronson Reed has confirmed that he’ll be undergoing surgery today after suffering an injury during the Survivor Series 2024 event.
The heavyweight star teamed up with Solo Sikoa and his cousins to take on the OG Bloodline and CM Punk in a WarGames match on the show. He suffered the injury while attempting a daring dive from the top of the cage on Roman Reigns through a table.
Reed went through the table alone after Punk saved Reigns at the last minute. WWE previously confirmed that the Australian star suffered a broken foot from the fall. The 36-year-old then took to Twitter on Tuesday to reveal that he’ll be undergoing surgery this week. He has since confirmed that the surgery was successful and he is officially on the road to recovery:
Bronson Reed wasn’t the only one who suffered real damage during the brutal PPV match. Both Jimmy Uso and Tonga Loa also suffered injuries during the bout.
Uso, who broke his toe is expected to be out of action for only a few weeks. He’ll likely be back in the ring in late December or early January. Tonga Loa on the other hand suffered a torn biceps and like Bronson Reed, he’ll have to undergo surgery.
A concrete timetable for both Loa and Reed’s return will only become clear after their surgeries. Though they are expected to be out of action for a few months and both the stars are likely to miss WrestleMania 41.
Bayley is no stranger to competing at WrestleMania, and the Role Model is hoping her next match at the show of shows is against one of NXT’s top stars. Speaking to Going Ringside, Bayley shared that she’s eager to be the first WrestleMania adversary of NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez.
“She’s killing it as the NXT Women’s Champion… I know everybody wants to work with her, but I’m selfish, so I want to get her first Mania match.”
Perez and Bayley are “really tight friends,” the Role Model added, which would make a potential WrestleMania showdown even more special. Bayley knows all about facing friends at the Show of Shows, including her former ally IYO SKY at this year’s event in Philadelphia.
Perez has certainly impressed during her three years in WWE NXT. Already a two-time NXT Women’s Champion, The Prodigy has quickly established herself as a top-name with fans speculating that a main roster call-up will come in 2025. Whether that’s the case or not, Bayley is waiting for the 23-year-old, and ready to lock horns at WrestleMania 40.
Other Highlights
Bayley discussed more than her dream match with Roxanne Perez in the interviews. She covered a number of topics, including:
Speaking about WWE’s Holiday Tour, Bayley shared that travel has been easier this year thanks to several events being hosted in Florida in a row.
On the topic of fans becoming wrestlers, Bayley said it’s a beautiful full-circle moment and singled out her own superfan Izzy Moreno, who is now a wrestler.
Bayley shared that when she joined, Natalya, Tamina, and Naomi treated her with respect and helped her feel welcome. Now as a locker room leader herself, Bayley strives to be as supportive to newcomers, including NXT signings and those who’ve joined from other promotions.
Bayley is recovering after being part of the Women’s WarGames Match at Survivor Series and is currently enjoying some downtime before returning to action.
Bayley has revealed the things that have helped her develop leadership skills and become a locker-room leader in WWE.
The former Women’s Champion is one of the longest-tenured female talents in the history of the company. She is the only one of the Four Horsewomen currently active on the roster. With over a decade of experience in WWE, it’s not a surprise that a lot of up-and-coming talent look up to her.
The wrestling veteran was asked about her role as a locker room leader by WWE alumni Alicia Fox during an interview with Going Ringside podcast. Bayley recalled how the other three Horsewomen were called up to the main roster a year before her. She explained that being the most senior member of the women’s NXT locker room at the time helped her develop her leadership skills:
“I really think that year of me not being on Raw and SmackDown helped introduce the NXT girls without me having to do it. Like they did the hard part kind of where now when NXT girls were coming in it was like the locker room…. not that you guys weren’t welcoming but it was like ‘Oh we know that they’re here for the same reasons we are.’ They kind of like fluffed the feathers for me in that way.”
I Try To Pay That Forward: Bayley
When it comes to being a locker room leader on the main roster, Bayley models her conduct after the women who took care of her when she was first called up:
“But I always give credit to Natalya, to Tamina, and to Naomi. My first UK tour was with those girls. I was still in NXT but the way that they treated me with such respect, they treated me on the same level as them. They took care of me making sure like ‘Oh you put your bags here’ or ‘You could sit here on the bus’ or ‘We go to catering after this.’
Little things like that really stuck with me. I just try to do those little things for any of the new women in our locker room. Whether they come from NXT or whether you’re Jade Cargill and come from another company. I always remember how I was treated and try to pay that forward.”
Apart from this, Bayley was also asked about her WrestleMania 41 dream match. The former Champion said that she would love to face NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez in her first WrestleMania match.
NXT is set to kick off the new year with a special event from the City of Angels.
With 2025 marking the start of WWE’s blockbuster partnership with Netflix, the company will host a series of special events in Los Angeles leading up to the WWE Raw Netflix debut on Monday, January 6. According to a press release sent to SEScoops, WWE plans to keep the festivities going even after Raw on Netflix goes off the air.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, WWE New Year’s Evil will emanate from The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles. This special edition of NXT programming will air live on The CW, beginning at 8/7c, ushering in the new year for NXT content.
Notably, this marks another NXT premium live event that incorporates WWE’s main roster branding, following the recent WWE Deadline show, which featured exclusively NXT matches.
Tickets for WWE New Year’s Evil will go on sale Wednesday, December 18, at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET via AXS.com. Fans can register now at WWE.com for an exclusive presale opportunity.
AEW TBS Champion and NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone has stated that she has massive plans involving Beyonce at next year’s AEW All In: Texas.
AEW All In took place at the iconic Wembley Stadium for two consecutive years and the show is now headed to Texas in 2025 AEW All In: Texas is set to take place on Saturday, July 12th at the Globe Life Field. Mercedes Mone is planning a spectacular entrance for her and wants Beyonce to be featured. Speaking on TikTok, Mone said:
“It’s still a little early, but you definitely know I want a big, grand, amazing, incredible entrance. I’m going to see if Beyonce is available that day. If not, who else is big from Texas? We gotta see.”
Beyonce’s latest album Cowboy Carter dives deep into the Black country music genre, and revisits her own country roots in Houston, Texas.
The former Sasha Banks is quite familiar with making entrances with music superstars. During WrestleMania 32, she even walked out with her cousin Snoop Dogg rapping for her.
On the December 4th edition of AEW Dynamite, Anna Jay had emerged victorious over Penelope Ford. Following the match, Jay called out Mercedes Mone to issue a challenge for the TBS Championship and the match was made official.
Also announced for the Holiday Bash special, Will Ospreay will face Darby Allin in the Gold League of the AEW Continental Classic. On the other hand, this Wednesday’s December 11th Winter Is Coming special of AEW Dynamite will feature Jon Moxley and PAC taking on Jay White and Orange Cassidy, while Mariah May will put her AEW Women’s World Championship on the line against Mina Shirakawa.
WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley recently addressed the possibility of stepping foot inside the squared circle for one more match.
During an appearance on The Wrestling Life podcast, D-Von Dudley revealed whether he wanted to make an in-ring return. The ECW legend said that fans continue to demand ‘one more match’ from him when he does one match. He highlighted the fact that the fans would want him to compete for a long time.
However, D-Von Dudley said that he is not ruling out the idea of returning but didn’t want to say “never.” He also dropped hints about some future opportunities in the United States or abroad in Japan. He said:
“Here’s what I’m gonna tell you: every time you do one match, you say ‘one more match,’ and then the fans are going ‘one more match’ after that. Listen, they’re not gonna stop until you’re in the grave. You know, but I don’t know, I’m not gonna say never. There are some talks about things happening, whether it’s here in the states or even abroad in Japan. So, nothing, it’s just talks, that’s it. Nothing is being set in stone or anything like that. I’m saying that there were rumblings and talks about it.”
D-Von Dudley’s return could take place soon but no plans have been locked in yet. He had competed at the Impact 1000 show last year and his last match took place at IWC Superstar Showdown V back in April this year.
D-Von Dudley also recently made an appearance on NXT 2300 which was held on November 6th at the famous 2300 Arena and the night featured return of several ECW originals. He reunited with Dudley Boyz teammate Bubba Ray Dudley, who had teamed up with Trick Williams to face Ridge Holland and “All Ego” Ethan Page. Following the match, Ridge and Ethan attacked Trick, but Bubba helped fight them off. The duo then hit some classic Dudley Boyz moves with D-Von Dudley returning with a table.
In an unexpected twist of television history, the iconic sitcom Seinfeld owes part of its existence to an unlikely source: WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. This revelation, shared by Jerry Seinfeld himself, sheds new light on the origins of one of the most beloved comedy series of all time.
The Unlikely Connection Between Wrestling and Comedy
Jerry Seinfeld disclosed on The Rich Eisen Show back in May 2024 that WWE played a crucial role in the creation of Seinfeld. The connection stems from a decision made by NBC executive Rick Ludwin, who saw potential in the fledgling “show about nothing” when others were skeptical.
“Ludwin said, You know what, I think this show isn’t that bad. Everyone disliked it. And Rick Ludwin said I’m gonna take some moeny from Saturday Night Wrestling [sic]. In those days professional wrestling replaced Saturday Night Live once a month. And he took the money from one of those, and it was enough money for us to make four episodes. We made four episodes, they still didn’t like it…”
NBC’s Gamble: From Ringside to Primetime
Ludwin made a bold move by reallocating funds from the once-a-month wrestling show, Saturday Night’s Main Event, to finance the production of four episodes of “Seinfeld”.
This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in television history, giving the sitcom the opportunity it needed to prove its worth.
The Birth of a Comedy Legend
Despite initial doubts from network executives, the four episodes produced with the wrestling show’s budget were enough to secure “Seinfeld” a place in NBC’s lineup.
This unconventional funding strategy allowed Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David to showcase their unique brand of humor and launch what would become a cultural phenomenon.
From Underdog to Television Icon
Seinfeld went on to become one of the most successful sitcoms in television history. The show’s characters – Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer – became household names, and their misadventures captivated audiences for nine seasons.
The Legacy of Seinfeld and WWE’s Indirect Contribution
The success of Seinfeld not only revolutionized the sitcom genre but also demonstrated the potential for unconventional programming decisions.
The show’s journey from a struggling pilot to a ratings juggernaut is a testament to the power of taking risks in television production.
Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) was a revolutionary program that brought WWE’s biggest stars and most exciting matches to network television. From 1985 to 1992, and again briefly in 2006-2007 before its return in 2024, SNME showcased some memorable bouts in WWE history. Let’s take a look at the cream of the crop – the absolute best matches to ever grace this groundbreaking show.
This match stands out as perhaps the greatest in SNME history. Two of WWE’s most technically gifted performers faced off in a bout that was almost flawlessly executed. Savage and Hart delivered a masterclass in in-ring storytelling, with Hart working over Savage’s ankle, forcing the Macho Man to remove his boot and finish the match on one foot.
The back-and-forth action, coupled with interference from Jimmy Hart and Jim Neidhart, created a dramatic atmosphere that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Savage ultimately secured the victory with a quick small package, capping off what many consider the best match of 1987.
Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant – February 5, 1988
While not a technical masterpiece and on a show called ‘The Main Event’ rather than Saturday Night’s, this match was a pivotal moment in one of wrestling’s most iconic feuds. The bout served as a prelude to their historic WrestleMania III encounter and showcased the immense star power of both Hogan and Andre. The clash of these titans epitomized the larger-than-life appeal that made SNME must-see TV.
Hart Foundation vs. The Rockers – April 28, 1990
In a year when WWE’s in-ring product was somewhat lacking, this tag team classic stood out as a beacon of excellence. The match featured four future Hall of Famers – Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, Shawn Michaels, and Marty Jannetty – at the peak of their abilities.
The bout was a masterful display of tag team wrestling, filled with crisp chain wrestling and high-flying action. Although it ended in a no-contest due to interference from Demolition, this match remains a highlight of SNME’s later years.
Underrated Gems
Hercules vs. Virgil – “Ted DiBiase’s Slaves” Match
This unique stipulation match doesn’t often make “best of” lists, but it deserves recognition for its compelling storytelling and the satisfying conclusion to Virgil’s quest for freedom from DiBiase.
Triple H & John Cena vs. Kurt Angle, Randy Orton & Rey Mysterio – 2006
From SNME’s brief revival in the mid-2000s, this star-studded match showcased some of the top talent of the era. While it may not have the nostalgia factor of earlier SNME bouts, the in-ring action was quality.
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event holds a special place in professional wrestling history. This iconic show, which first aired in 1985, has been a staple of WWE programming for decades, showcasing some of the most memorable moments and matches in the company’s history.
Saturday Night’s Main Event debuted on NBC in 1985, the same year as the first WrestleMania. It was conceived as a way to bring WWE’s biggest stars and most exciting matches to a primetime television audience.
The show aired intermittently, replacing “Saturday Night Live” in its timeslot on occasion, and quickly became a fan favorite during the Golden Era.
Golden Era Highlights
During its initial run from 1985 to 1992, Saturday Night’s Main Event featured some of the most iconic wrestlers of the era. Superstars like Hulk Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, André the Giant, and The Ultimate Warrior regularly headlined the show.
One of the most memorable moments came in 1988 when André the Giant controversially defeated Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship, only to surrender it to “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase moments later.
Revival and Modern Era
After a 14-year hiatus, WWE brought back Saturday Night’s Main Event in 2006. The revival lasted until 2008, bringing the excitement of WWE’s biggest stars back to network television.
Now, in 2024, WWE is set to relaunch the show as part of a new five-year deal with NBCUniversal, promising four annual specials that will air on NBC and Peacock.
Impact on WWE Programming
Saturday Night’s Main Event has always been more than just another wrestling show. It served as a platform for WWE to showcase its top talent and storylines to a broader audience.
The show’s success helped solidify WWE’s position as the leading professional wrestling company and contributed to the mainstream popularity of wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage.
Kevin Owens says he has tried many times to bring Shawn Michaels out of retirement but the Heartbreak Kid continues to turn him down.
The former Universal Champion was the name chosen to face Stone Cold Steve Austin when the wrestling veteran came out of retirement after 19 years for a match at WrestleMania 38. Austin won the No Holds Barred match and KO received a lot of praise for his work with the wrestling legend.
During a recent interview with MuscleManMalcolm, Owens was asked which legend he would pick to bring out of retirement after the Austin match if he could. Kevin immediately took the name of Shawn Michaels, revealing that he reaches out to the current NXT head every year:
“Well, the answer is always Shawn Michaels. I really try pretty much every year. I think I’m done trying now, though, I think he’s pretty much…it’s three years running where he’s politely said no to me. I think the next time I ask, he’ll probably just tell me to F off, to say it nicely.
I think last year he literally had triceps surgery just to avoid the question. But, yeah, if I could wrestle, if there’s anyone I’d love to wrestle [it’s] Shawn Michaels. I’m sure he would still be able to put in a performance like no other. I have no doubt. But he’s done with it. He’s done. Trust me, I’ve tried.”
After initially calling it a career following his loss at WrestleMania XXVI, Michaels did come out of retirement for one more match in 2018. He teamed up with DX partner Triple H for a match against The Brothers of Destruction at the Crown Jewel special.
Apart from this, Kevin Owens also talked about his upcoming WWE title match with Cody Rhodes, what he doesn’t like about the American Nightmare and more. You can check out his full interview below:
WWE Superstar Logan Paul could find himself back in the world of boxing soon after being challenged by Tyson Fury’s father John Fury. On Instagram, the elder Fury threw out the challenge for next year, when his son Tommy Fury faces Jake Paul.
“Tommy will fight Jake by January or February, and I’ll fight you. You’re younger and heavier, but I’ll let my punches go. Critics can say what they like, but I’ll prove them wrong.”
This post caught the attention of Paul, who responded in the comments by saying “Start training.” While neither man has set a date, it appears that a showdown could be in the future for the pair.
Paul hasn’t competed in WWE since SummerSlam 2024, where his lengthy reign as United States Champion was ended by LA Knight. Paul has impressed even his fiercest of critics since making his WWE in-ring debut in 2022, and currently has a win/loss record of 7-8. In boxing, Paul has competed in two professional fights, and boasts a 1-1 record, and fought Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather in June 2021 in an exhibition match.
The Fury family are no strangers to pro wrestling, with Tyson Fury defeating Braun Strowman via count-out at WWE Crown Jewel 2019. In 2022, Fury once again showed the impact of his devastating punches, as he KO’d Austin Theory at Clash At The Castle, preventing A-Town Down from cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.
With Paul being busy with WWE, his YouTube channel, and PRIME (as well as a series of lawsuits) it remains to be seen whether he can fit in a fight with John Fury. If so, then the match would no-doubt receive major coverage, as Logan Paul continues to drum up interest wherever he goes.
