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WWE Raw Champions Compete After SmackDown in Minneapolis

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Raw Champions Compete After SmackDown in Minneapolis

The action didn’t stop after this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown went off the air from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The show saw the blue brand deal with the fallout of Survivor Series: WarGames, new WWE Tag Team Champions crowned, and a new ‘Transfer Window’ be introduced.

Learn More About WWE’s Transfer Window And Potential Roster Changes

In the first dark match of the night, Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker made quick work of Dominik Mysterio. Neither man was featured on SmackDown, though eagle-eyed fans spotted ‘Dirty Dom’ speaking to Nick Aldis during a segment with Chelsea Green, Bianca Belair, and Piper Niven.

In the second dark match, World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER retained his gold against Minnesota’s own Otis. Despite a valiant effort by the Alpha Academy star, GUNTHER retained his title with a powerbomb onto the superheavweight The 2021 King of the Ring appeared on SmackDown where he met with General Manager Nick Aldis.

The fans in Minneapolis certainly had a stacked night of WWE action, both during the SmackDown broadcast and after the show went off the air. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE SmackDown as the blue brand appears poised for major changes thanks to the upcoming Transfer Window.

Kevin Owens Vows Payback On Sami Zayn For Returning to The Bloodline

Matt Cardona Appears On AEW Rampage As ROH Title Match Looms

Thomas Lowson
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Matt Cardona Appears On AEW Rampage As ROH Title Match Looms

‘Indy God’ Matt Cardona made a surprise appearance on AEW Rampage this week ahead of his ROH World Championship showdown with Chris Jericho. In the ring, Jericho declared himself the ‘King of New York’ and dared Cardona, who confronted him on the latest ROH on HonorClub, to meet him face-to-face.

Cardona arrived on the scene, marking his AEW Rampage debut, and spoke of “busting my ass for this opportunity” against the ROH World Champion. Cardona added that he would prove himself by beating Jericho, who retorted by saying “You might be a bigger star now, but you’re still just Zack.”

Jericho slapped Cardona, sparking a brawl that saw Bryan Keith blindside the former Long Island Iced-Z. Jericho whipped his upcoming challenger with the ROH World Title while Keith delivered a shot with a belt buckle.

Cardona and Jericho will collide at ROH Final Battle, which will take place on December 20, from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from ROH Final Battle including breaking news and live results as Matt Cardona seeks to add another championship to his resume.

Injury Updates: Tonga Loa Undergoes Surgery, Bronson Reed and Jimmy Uso Out Indefinitely

Michael Reichlin
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Injury Updates: Tonga Loa Undergoes Surgery, Bronson Reed and Jimmy Uso Out Indefinitely

WWE has announced that three competitors from the recent Survivor Series WarGames match have sustained significant injuries.

Tonga Loa suffered a torn biceps during the event and has undergone successful surgery. He is expected to be sidelined indefinitely.

Bronson Reed incurred a broken foot, reportedly from executing a splash off the top of the cage. Surgery is planned, and he will also be out of action indefinitely.

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Jimmy Uso sustained a broken toe during the match. His injury was confirmed during the post-event press conference, and he is currently sidelined with no specified return date.

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These injuries were highlighted in a segment on WWE SmackDown, which included x-rays and images of the affected areas.

Solo Sikoa Reasserts Tribal Chief Status With SmackDown Dominance

Thomas Lowson
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Solo Sikoa Reasserts Tribal Chief Status With SmackDown Dominance

Solo Sikoa firmly remains the Tribal Chief and Head of the Table, despite his Bloodline’s defeat at Survivor Series: WarGames. In the main event of WWE’s latest Premium Live Event, Sikoa’s Bloodline lost to Roman Reigns’ OG Bloodline with Solo taking the pinfall for his team.

The match saw both Tonga Loa and Bronson Reed suffer injuries, but that didn’t deter Sikoa during this week’s SmackDown. The show opened with Sikoa and his remaining allies establishing their dominance backstage, taking out Apollo Crews and several other individuals.

Later in the night, the group took out LA Knight and Andrade when both were making their case to be the first challenger to new U.S. Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. Interestingly, the faction did not attack Nakamura when they had the chance, as the Japanese star appeared poised to use his dreaded mist. On the mic, Sikoa declared that losing some men didn’t matter, as he still has the Ula Fala, the symbol of the Tribal Chief.

Roman Reigns was not a part of this week’s SmackDown, so did not share a rebuttal to what Sikoa had to say during the show. Nevertheless, the leader of the New Bloodline is eager to assert that he is firmly in control, despite his defeat at Survivor Series: WarGames in Vancouver.

https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/naomi-cites-broken-toe-for-loss-in-wwe-womens-u-s-title-tournament/

Kevin Owens Vows Payback On Sami Zayn For Returning to The Bloodline

Thomas Lowson
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Kevin Owens Vows Payback On Sami Zayn For Returning to The Bloodline

Kevin Owens has vowed to deal with his best friend Sami Zayn aligning with The Bloodline, the Prizefighter made clear during WWE SmackDown. On the December 6, show, Owens was interviewed by Michael Cole in Owens’ car, and spoke about Cody Rhodes teaming with Roman Reigns at Bad Blood, a ‘betrayal’ in Owens’ eyes that kicked off his heel turn.

Kevin Owens Snaps, Attacks Cody Rhodes In Parking Lot After WWE Bad Blood

Cole countered that it was unfair of Owens to target Cody Rhodes when Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn all aligned with Reigns at Survivor Series: WarGames. Owens said that he didn’t care what Jimmy or Jey had done, but promised that he’d deal with Zayn at the right time. Cole said that Owens is the problem, not everyone else, prompting the former Universal Champion to boot him from the vehicle.

Owens vowing to deal with Zayn fills a glaring plot hole fans online have been bringing up ever since Crown Jewel, where Sami re-aligned with the OG Bloodline. Many fans felt it was odd that Owens would try and destroy Rhodes for teaming with Reigns one time, and was doing nothing to his best friend for committing to the OTC once more.

Owens’ arrival in WWE saw him attack Zayn in late 2014 and the pair have feuded several times, including with a match at WrestleMania 37. The pair have also teamed multiple times, including winning the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania 39 in only the second tag-team main event in the history of the show.

Zayn fell afoul of the returning Drew McIntyre during this week’s Raw, and will now have his best friend to deal with again. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Kevin Owens, as the Prizefighter is ready for revenge on those who ‘wronged’ him, including his best friend.

WWE & PowerSlap Mobile Game Coming To App Store & Google Play

Thomas Lowson
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WWE & PowerSlap Mobile Game Coming To App Store & Google Play

WWE and PowerSlap Mobile will team up next week, with a new mobile game slamming the two together being available next Friday. During the latest episode of SmackDown, it was confirmed that the mobile game is coming and will be available on by Apple’s App Store as will as Google Play. Reigning Power Slap Champion Wolverine and WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio have been confirmed for the game already.

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PowerSlap is an American slap-fighting promotion owned by Dana White, the CEO of UFC. Opponents take turns slapping one another in the face and have 60 seconds to recover from a slap and get back into position. Fights can end either via knockout or go to a judge’s decision after three rounds.

PowerSlap has faced criticism due to the severe health risks that competitors put themselves under, CTE researcher and former WWE Superstar Chris Nowinski (whose in-ring career ended due to concussions) observed during a contest one competitor showing signs of serious brain damage after repeated slaps. There have been calls from medical experts and politicians alike to have the show banned.

Merging the worlds of WWE and PoweSlap blends two entities linked to Endeavor, as White is part of TKO Group Holdings due to his role with UFC. Endeavor launched TKO, which merges WWE and UFC in September 2023, and recently brought three other acquisitions into the fold. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WWE & PowerSlap Mobile as fans eagerly await this new mobile game.

AEW All In Texas Ticket Sales Are Off to a Slow Start

Andrew Ravens
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AEW officially announced All In: Texas a few months ago, which is set to take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The event, scheduled for next year, will mark AEW’s first pay-per-view in Texas and the first professional wrestling event ever held at this iconic venue. Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday, December 9, at 10 AM CT via Ticketmaster.com and AEWTix.com, following a pre-sale earlier this week.

While the announcement has generated buzz, early ticket sales have been modest. According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the pre-sale tickets sold were in the range of 2,000 to 3,000. This figure has sparked concerns about fan momentum, as AEW hasn’t achieved a 10,000-ticket first-day sale in several years. Declining television ratings, pay-per-view buys, and live attendance have contributed to the company’s broader challenges in maintaining audience engagement.

A stadium event of this scale presents unique challenges for AEW, and Globe Life Field, with a capacity far exceeding traditional wrestling venues, represents an ambitious undertaking. Time will tell if AEW can build sufficient excitement to fill the stadium.

Additionally, AEW has confirmed that its Worlds End 2024 pay-per-view event will take place on December 28, 2024, at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida, rounding out its schedule with another highly anticipated show.

What Fans Are Talking About Before NXT Deadline

Michael Reichlin
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What Fans Are Talking About Before NXT Deadline

As WWE NXT Deadline 2024 approaches, fans on social media are abuzz with excitement, eagerly dissecting matches, predicting winners, and sharing their anticipation for this year’s innovative lineup. The sentiment on social media regarding the event reflects a mix of excitement, anticipation, and high expectations for one of the year’s most innovative wrestling events. Fans are especially thrilled about the return of the Iron Survivor Challenges, which promise unique match dynamics and high-stakes competition.

Here’s what wrestling fans are talking about on social media about the top matches:

Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge

Wes Lee stands out as a fan favorite, with many speculating his current momentum could position him as a main event heel. Strategic discussions around this match format dominate the conversation, with names like Je’Von Evans and Nathan Frazer highlighted for their potential to deliver surprising moments.

Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge

Stephanie Vaquer has garnered attention as the front-runner, with fans praising her standout performances in recent months. Meanwhile, Giulia’s debut in this format adds intrigue, given her established reputation outside WWE. This match is widely expected to deliver one of the year’s top performances.

NXT Championship Match – Trick Williams vs. Ridge Holland

There’s a strong consensus that Trick Williams will retain his title. Many fans believe it’s too soon for Holland to take the championship, given Williams’ recent reclaiming of the belt from Ethan Page. Discussions also center on the storyline implications, with Williams positioned as a central figure in NXT’s future.

NXT Underground Match – Lola Vice vs. Jaida Parker

The personal feud between Lola Vice and Jaida Parker has captured attention, particularly within the intense setting of an NXT Underground match. While Vice is favored due to her MMA background, many see this as a breakout opportunity for Parker, whose character development has been a focal point this year.

NXT Tag Team Championship

The dynamic pairing of Axiom & Nathan Frazer faces speculation about potential internal discord, which some fans believe could cost them the titles against No Quarter Catch Crew. The debate has added a layer of unpredictability to this matchup.

Other Highlights:

  • The return of the Iron Survivor Challenge is celebrated for testing endurance, strategy, and versatility, setting it apart as a fan-favorite format.
  • For international viewers, Deadline marks one of the final WWE Network events before its transition to Netflix, adding a nostalgic element to the show.

Conclusion:

Overall, WWE NXT Deadline 2024 has generated significant buzz, with fans eager to see the innovative Iron Survivor Challenges, the high-stakes Vice vs. Parker feud, and the anticipated outcomes of the championship matches.

Join us at SEScoops this weekend for our coverage of Deadline and the final shows before Saturday Night’s Main Event next weekend.

Johnny Gargano Turns Heel, DIY Win WWE Tag Team Titles

Andrew Ravens
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Johnny Gargano Turns Heel, DIY Win WWE Tag Team Titles

In a dramatic turn of events, DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) became the new WWE Tag Team Champions, dethroning The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) on Friday’s SmackDown.

Originally, Shelley and Sabin were set to defend their titles against The Street Profits, but the scheduled challengers were mysteriously ambushed before the match. This unexpected development led to DIY stepping in as replacements.

The match was not without controversy. Tensions flared between Ciampa and Gargano, as Ciampa’s recent heel tendencies created unease within the team. The pivotal moment came when Gargano struck Shelley with a low blow while the referee’s attention was diverted. Sabin attempted to confront Gargano but was met with a superkick. Seizing the opportunity, DIY executed their signature finisher on Shelley to secure the victory.

This marks DIY’s second run as WWE Tag Team Champions. They previously captured the titles on the July 5 episode of SmackDown, defeating A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller). However, their reign lasted only 28 days, ending at the hands of The Bloodline (Fatu and Tama Tonga), who capitalized on interference from Solo Sikoa and Tonga Loa.

The Motor City Machine Guns’ reign as champions concluded at 42 days, adding yet another chapter to their storied legacy.

WWE Transfer Window Opens: Major Changes Ahead

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Transfer Window Opens: Major Changes Ahead

WWE has officially announced the opening of its transfer window, signaling significant roster changes across its flagship brands: RAW, SmackDown, and NXT. The news was revealed during Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, where commentator Michael Cole stated that the General Managers from all three brands are collaborating to orchestrate strategic moves.

This move comes as WWE gears up for its next big milestone—the highly anticipated debut of RAW on Netflix. The collaboration between the GMs—Adam Pearce (RAW), Nick Aldis (SmackDown), and Shawn Michaels (NXT)—marks a unified effort to realign WWE’s talent pool to enhance storytelling and match quality across the board.

What the Transfer Window Means for WWE

The transfer window concept, akin to drafts and trades in professional sports, offers WWE the flexibility to reshuffle its rosters and elevate new talent into prominent roles.

This initiative ensures fresh matchups, reinvigorated storylines, and a chance for underutilized talent to shine. It also allows the creative teams of each brand to adapt their shows to upcoming challenges, including major events and shifts in audience demographics.

Michael Cole emphasized that the moves being discussed are “major” and could significantly impact WWE’s landscape heading into WrestleMania season.

Fans are already speculating about potential trades on social media, including the movement of top-tier superstars and the promotion of standout performers from NXT to the main roster.

Ricky Starks Books Another Indy Appearance After GCW Debacle

Andrew Ravens
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Ricky Starks Books Another Indy Appearance After GCW Debacle

Ricky Starks is set to return to make another independent appearance in January, this time for House of Glory (HOG) Wrestling. The AEW star, who has been on hiatus from AEW programming since March, will appear at HOG’s Final Warning event on January 25. The show will stream live on TrillerTV+ at 6 p.m. ET and will take place in New York City.

Starks will face Mike Santana in House of Glory debut on January 17th in Chicago. HOG announced Starks’ debut on Twitter.

This marks Starks’ first booking with the New York-based promotion and a rare independent wrestling appearance during his AEW hiatus.

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Starks’ GCW Exit

The announcement comes shortly after news broke that Starks would no longer be appearing for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), despite having been set for multiple upcoming events. Starks made his GCW debut last month, cutting a promo and engaging in an angle with Jimmy Lloyd. However, AEW subsequently pulled Starks from the following GCW shows:

  • December 14 in Los Angeles
  • December 28 in Seattle (unannounced match)
  • January 19 at the Hammerstein Ballroom (unannounced match)

The decision reportedly stems from critical comments made by GCW’s Effy about AEW President Tony Khan and his father, Shad Khan, on a recent podcast. While Effy’s statements have not been fully detailed, they appear to have led AEW to sever ties between Starks and GCW.

Despite this, Starks remains eligible to take other independent bookings, as evidenced by his scheduled appearance for HOG in January.

For more details, visit HOG Wrestling’s official announcement: HOG Twitter Announcement.

Jesse Ventura Credits His Son for WWE Return at Saturday Night’s Main Event

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has announced the return of Jesse “The Body” Ventura to the commentary table for Saturday Night’s Main Event, set to air live on December 14, 2024, at 8/7c on NBC. The retro-themed event will take place at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, honoring the legacy of the original series, which debuted nearly 40 years ago.

Ventura, a WWE Hall of Famer known for his sharp wit and charismatic commentary, was a staple of the show during its 1980s run. His return marks his first appearance on WWE programming in over a decade.

Triple H addressed Ventura’s WWE homecoming, welcoming back and touting his credentials on the beloved series. He wrote on X, “Nobody reps Saturday Night’s Main Event like ‘The Governor.’ Welcome home, Jesse.”

Ventura hyped his upcoming WWE return on social media, writing, “That’s right the Governing Body returns to Saturday Night’s Main Event! So excited to get back into the broadcast booth. A very big thank you to TripleH, WWE and my son Tyrel for helping make my return a reality.”

Return of The Body

Ventura’s comeback follows his signing of a WWE Legends deal earlier this year, a move months in the making. He was previously seen backstage at Monday Night Raw, fueling speculation about his involvement in upcoming events.

For longtime fans, Ventura’s return is a highlight, promising a mix of his signature wit and historic storytelling. WWE is pulling out all the stops to make this an unforgettable tribute to one of wrestling’s most iconic shows.

The December 14 special is expected to celebrate the original Saturday Night’s Main Event era, with rumors of appearances by other WWE legends like Hulk Hogan and Wendy Richter adding to the nostalgia.

Match Card for Saturday Night’s Main Event (12/14)

  • 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
  • Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Tournament Finals

WWE LFG: New Competition Series Coming to A&E in 2025

Andrew Ravens
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WWE LFG: New Competition Series Coming to A&E in 2025

WWE and A&E have announced an expansion of their partnership with the development of a new competition series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, A&E will debut WWE LFG, a show where aspiring pro wrestlers compete for a WWE contract while receiving guidance from iconic in-ring legends such as Paul “Triple H” Levesque, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels.

The title LFG stands for “Legends & Future Greats” and will follow a format reminiscent of Tough Enough. Contestants will undergo rigorous training, participate in weekly matches, and learn the behind-the-scenes aspects of the wrestling business. Mentorship will be provided by celebrated stars, including Booker T, Mickie James, and Bubba Ray Dudley.

WWE LFG Mentors
WWE LFG Mentors

Executive producers for WWE LFG include Triple H, Lee Fitting, Ben Houser, Shawn Michaels, and Jeremy Borash, representing WWE, with Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson producing for A&E.

In addition to LFG, A&E has green-lit two other projects with WWE:

  1. WWE’s Greatest Moments, a series that will highlight the most iconic matches and events in WWE history. Michael Cole is set to host.
  2. WWE Rivals returns for its fifth season, continuing its deep dive into legendary feuds.

“A&E has proved to be an excellent home for WWE content, and we’re excited to partner with their fantastic team on these new show concepts and the latest season of WWE Rivals,” said Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer.

WWE’s Greatest Moments will also be executive produced by Triple H, Fitting, Houser, and Marc Pomarico, alongside A&E’s Bryant, Abramson, and Jonathan Partridge.

This collaboration continues WWE’s successful track record of creating compelling content that bridges sports entertainment and storytelling.

SmackDown Preview (12/6/24): Survivor Series Fallout, Women’s U.S. Title Tournament

Michael Reichlin
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Tonight’s WWE SmackDown brings fallout from Survivor Series, including the two WarGames matches and Shinsuke Nakamura winning the United States championship. The aftermath of these events will set the stage for the highly anticipated Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14, where Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed Championship against Kevin Owens.

The Women’s United States Title Tournament, which began last week, will continue on SmackDown. Michin advanced on November 29 by defeating Lash Legend and Piper Niven. This week, Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, and Elektra Lopez will compete in a Triple Threat match to determine the next semifinalist.

Confirmed Matches and Segments

Women’s us title tournament bracket

WWE Women’s U.S. Title Tournament: Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Elektra Lopez.

Cody Rhodes will open the show. He defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens at SNME next weekend.

Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Street Profits.

Is DIY D-O-N-E? Tommaso Ciampa gives Johnny Gargano an ultimatum.

Survivor Series Fallout: Expect major developments and storyline updates following the dramatic events of WarGames.

SmackDown will deliver a mix of tournament action and storyline advancements as we round out the final weeks of the year. Stay tuned to SEScoops for more WWE news.

Roman Reigns Weighs In On Cody Rhodes Replacing The Rock

Bronson Reed Needs Ankle Surgery For WarGames Injury

Andrew Ravens
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Bronson Reed Needs Ankle Surgery For WarGames Injury

Bronson Reed is set to be sidelined due to an injury sustained during his most recent WWE match. Reed suffered a right ankle injury after leaping off the top of the cage during the WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series.

The event, which took place six days ago, featured a star-studded main event lineup: Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso), Sami Zayn, and CM Punk battling The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa). Reed was part of The Bloodline team, who ultimately lost to the babyface team.

The word going around WWE suggests that Reed will undergo surgery next week to address his injury, according to PWInsider. Prior to the setback, WWE had scheduled him to face Seth Rollins in a series of steel cage matches during the company’s post-holiday tour.

Jimmy Uso was also injured during the match, breaking a toe during his own high-risk leap from the cage.

The Rollins-Reed feud has been a highlight on WWE television in recent months, marking a pivotal moment in Reed’s career. The rivalry, intertwined with WWE’s most compelling storyline, helped elevate Reed’s status with fans.

We wish Bronson Reed a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the ring.

Royal Rumble 2025: Special Start Time Set

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has confirmed an earlier start time for the 2025 Royal Rumble.

The event will begin streaming exclusively on Peacock at 6 PM EST / 3 PM PT on February 1, 2025.

This aligns with changes made to other recent Premium Live Events, such as WWE Survivor Series 2024: WarGames and WWE Bad Blood 2024, which also shifted from the traditional 8 PM EST slot.

WWE’s 2025 Royal Rumble emanates from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. John Cena is the first WWE star to declare entry into the men’s 30-personal battle royal. Several other notable names have teased involvement, including WWE Raw broadcaster and Indiana native, Pat McAfee.

Pat McAfee Teases WWE Royal Rumble Appearance

John Cena’s Life Advice for Logan Paul Applies to All of Us

Thomas Lowson
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A simple message shared by John Cena had a profound effect on Logan Paul, the social media content creator has revealed. During the latest edition of his ImPaulsive podcast, Paul shared the words of wisdom given to him by WWE’s Greatest Of All Time.

“He told me this: ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.'”

Paul didn’t understand what the mantra meant at first, but has slowly figured the message out, and believes it applies to his own life.

“I do compare myself to people in the sense that I’m competitive, and I use it as fuel to motivate me to do better… But I’m also wondering if it is the thief of joy. ‘Cause while I am reaching these pinnacles, am I happy doing it?”

Cena not only delivers these words to Paul but carries them with him at all times. During an August 2024 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Cena shared that he wears a watch with the six-word phrase inscribed, reminding him to always appreciate himself.

It’s not just The Maverick who has benefitted from Cena’s words of wisdom. On X, the 16-time World Champion often shares sayings, proverbs, and advice to his 14.4 Million followers. Cena’s words on X juxtapose his Instagram usage, where his caption-free images are left open for interpretation.

Cena will kick off his farewell tour next month, with Paul’s name being discussed as a potential opponent for the WWE icon. While the pair could soon be sharing the ring as adversaries. Logan Paul will always appreciate the words of wisdom from the former World Champion.

John Cena Signs WWE Contract Extension Past 2025 Retirement

AEW Files For 3 New ‘Maximum’ Trademarks

Michael Reichlin
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All Elite Wrestling filed three new trademark applications this week. On Thursday, December 5, 2024, AEW trademarks for the names:

  • Maximum Mayhem
  • Maximum Combat
  • Maximum Carnage

According to the US Patent & Trademark Office database, each of the applications includes the typical goods “entertainment services in the nature of wrestling contests” as the Goods & Services description.

Additional trademarks recently filed by AEW include Dynamite on 34th Street and Christmas Collision, to be used for this year’s Christmas-week programming.

WWE Raw to Broadcast Live Internationally on Netflix

Michael Reichlin
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Starting in January 2025, WWE’s flagship program, Monday Night Raw, will transition to Netflix as part of a landmark $5 billion agreement. This move signifies Raw’s departure from traditional linear television for the first time in over three decades.

A significant change accompanying this transition is that Raw will broadcast live regardless of its taping location, including international venues. Traditionally, episodes filmed overseas were pre-recorded and aired later in their usual time slots. With the new arrangement, international broadcasts will be live, allowing fans worldwide to view episodes in real-time and access them on-demand immediately after airing. (H/T – PWInsider)

This change is set to take effect during WWE’s international tour in March 2025, which includes multiple Raw tapings in the United Kingdom. Fans can anticipate live broadcasts of these UK-based episodes, marking a significant shift in WWE’s programming approach.

International WWE Raw Tapings Currently Scheduled

  • March 17, 2025: Brussels, Belgium – Forest National
  • March 24, 2025: Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro
  • March 31, 2025: London, England – O2 Arena

For reference, an 8pm showtime in Brussels, Belgium would be 2pm in Eastern time zone.

WWE RAW Schedule: Upcoming Dates and Venues

WWE President Nick Khan has assured that despite the platform change, Raw will remain family and sponsor-friendly on Netflix, despite reports they’re reverting to ‘TV-MA.’

The inaugural live episode of WWE Raw op Netflix is scheduled for January 6, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This premiere will feature top WWE stars, including John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Bianca Belair, along with special surprise guests.

This strategic partnership between WWE and Netflix aims to enhance the viewing experience by providing immediate access to live content, regardless of geographic location, thereby unifying the global WWE audience.

Trick Williams Says CM Punk is Mentoring NXT Talent In and Out of the Ring

Bishal Roy
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Trick Williams Says CM Punk is Mentoring NXT Talent In and Out of the Ring

NXT Champion Trick Williams recently talked about his backstage relationship with CM Punk.

‘The Second City Saint’ has been a controversial figure when it comes to backstage presence. His infamous real-life backstage scuffles during his AEW tenure had led to his departure from the promotion. However, the two-time NXT Champion has shared his thoughts on Punk’s backstage behavior.

Williams admitted that he didn’t get an opportunity to meet CM Punk until after there were “rumors about his character.” During the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Trick Williams revealed that Punk is very genuine. Williams said:

“I didn’t meet CM Punk until after the rumors about his character were brought about from other places. I didn’t know what to expect when I met him, but all I’m gonna say is that dude, Punk, man, good dude, like, solid. You can just tell when some people are just genuine, and he’s very genuine.

Trick Williams added that the former WWE Champion mentors the younger talents and shares valuable advice. Williams made it clear that CM Punk has been helpful for them. He said:

“He takes pride in helping us, the next generation, to become the superstars that we need to be. He gives us real advice, too. He talks about how to handle yourself, in the ring, outside the ring, with everything it takes to become a superstar. Even closer to today’s time when we are dealing with different stuff, like social media and how to handle everything that comes with being a superstar in 2024 that other other superstars didn’t really have to deal with all the way. He’s been very helpful for a lot of us.”

In October, Trick Williams captured the NXT Championship for the second time and he celebrated his title win with some pizzas courtesy of CM Punk.

Trick Williams is set to defend his NXT Championship at this Saturday’s NXT: Deadline premium live event against Ridge Holland.

Former WWE Giant Debuts at MLW One Shot

Bishal Roy
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Former WWE Giant Debuts at MLW One Shot

Former WWE Superstar Commander Azeez (also known as Babatunde), made his debut for Major League Wrestling at Thursday’s MLW One Shot event from NYC.

Now going by the name Babathunder, he battled Mads Krugger at the event before joining forces with him. The clash of the powerhouses concluded with Babathunder passing out to a rear naked choke. Afterwrds, Krugger gave the Babathunder an ultimatum to leave in a body bag or join CONTRA Unit as a mercenary. Babathunder responded “Hail CONTRA” which indicated that is now a part of the faction.

Babatunde had joined WWE back in April 2016 and was part of NXT until 2020. Following that, he made WWE his Raw debut as part of the Raw Underground brand where he was known as Dabba-Kato. He also went by the name of Commander Azeez when he was associated with Apollo Crews during the latter’s WWE Intercontinental Championship reign. However, Babatunde was later released last year.

During an interview with Developmentally Speaking, the former Dabba-Kato had reflected on his WWE release.He was asked whether he was surprised but he said that his contract was expiring anyway. He said:

“I think I kind of sensed it. My contract was coming to an end anyway. We already had conversations long before it was close to that. Now, we came pretty close, I started pushing stuff and I could feel there was nothing great planned for me. You get that feeling and I had that feeling the day was going to come. I lived through so many cuts. It happened to so many guys before me. You can prepare yourself a little bit for it. You can prepare yourself financially and mentally, which I didn’t think would be as hard as it was.”

Since his release, he has mostly competed in the independent scene. Prior to his debut in MLW, he had challenged DCCW Heavyweight Champion Hobo Hank at DCCW No Way Around but he was unsuccessful.

Solo Sikoa Will Be WWE Champion in 2025, Claims Hall of Famer

Thomas Lowson
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Solo Sikoa Will Be WWE Champion in 2025, Claims Hall of Famer

Solo Sikoa will hold WWE World Championship gold in 2025, according to WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, in a huge claim for the Bloodline’s leader. On his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi shared his bold vision for Sikoa’s future in the coming year.

“I’ve got full confidence in Solo… He’s been out for a minute, perfecting the craft, waiting his turn, waiting for his opportunity. 2025, I see Solo Sikoa will become Undisputed WWE Champion.”

Sikoa has already come close to the Undisputed WWE Championship but failed to win the gold at SummerSlam, thanks in part to the return of Roman Reigns. Sikoa’s most recent title opportunity came last month at a WWE live event in Sheffield, England, where he once again came up short against Cody Rhodes.

Rikishi has high hopes for Sikoa, despite Solo’s shocking losing streak against the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion. Outside of the world title, Sikoa is a former NXT North American Champion, though vacated the gold shortly after.

2025 is shaping up to be a huge year in WWE, with the impending Netflix move looming, John Cena’s farewell tour, and key events such as the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41. It remains to be seen what role Sikoa will play over the coming 12 months, but it’s a matter of time before the Tribal Chief has gold around his waist as far as Rikishi is concerned.

Solo Sikoa Sets X Account To Protected Status After Embarrassing Video Goes Viral

WWE NXT Iron Survivor Match Rules Explained

Jake Skudder
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WWE NXT Iron Survivor Match Rules Explained

The WWE NXT Iron Survivor Challenge is an innovative match concept introduced by WWE legend Shawn Michaels in 2022. This unique contest combines elements of an iron man match and a gauntlet match, creating an exciting and fast-paced competition that tests the endurance, skill, and strategy of NXT superstars.

Read More – What is a WWE NXT Underground Match?

Rules of the Iron Survivor Challenge

The Iron Survivor Challenge follows a specific set of rules designed to create a thrilling and unpredictable match:

  1. The match lasts for 25 minutes and involves five competitors.
  2. Two wrestlers start the match, with a new participant entering every five minutes until all five are in the ring.
  3. Competitors can score points through pinfalls, submissions, or disqualifications at any time during the match.
  4. When a wrestler scores a fall, they earn one point.
  5. If a wrestler loses a fall, they must spend 90 seconds in a penalty box before re-entering the match.
  6. The superstar with the most points when the 25-minute time limit expires is declared the Iron Survivor.

Read More – WWE Hell in a Cell: Match Rules, History, Best Matches and more

Importance and Stakes

The Iron Survivor Challenge carries significant implications for the winners:

  1. The victors of both the men’s and women’s matches earn a future title shot for their respective championships.
  2. For the men, this means a chance to compete for the NXT Championship.
  3. The women’s winner receives an opportunity to challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship.

History and Impact

Since its inception, the Iron Survivor Challenge has quickly become a highlight of NXT’s annual December event, Deadline. The match has showcased the talents of rising NXT stars and has led to memorable moments and performances.

Future of the Iron Survivor Challenge

As the Iron Survivor Challenge continues to evolve, there is speculation about its potential to become a regular fixture in NXT or even “graduate” to the main roster, following the path of other successful concepts like WarGames (which of course started in the NWA/WCW and was brought to NXT).

What is a WWE NXT Underground Match?

Jake Skudder
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What is a WWE NXT Underground Match?

WWE NXT Underground matches are a unique and intense form of professional wrestling that combines elements of traditional pro wrestling with mixed martial arts (MMA) influences. These matches take place in a more realistic setting, designed to showcase the raw athleticism and combat skills of the performers involved.

Read More – WWE Hell in a Cell: Match Rules, History, Best Matches and more

Origins and Concept

NXT Underground matches were introduced as a way to bring a new level of excitement and realism to WWE’s developmental brand, NXT.

The concept draws inspiration from the short-lived Raw Underground segments that aired in 2020, which featured shoot-style wrestling in a gritty, underground fight club atmosphere.

Rules and Format

NXT Underground matches differ from standard WWE matches in several key ways:

  1. The match takes place in a modified ring without ropes or turnbuckles.
  2. Competitors typically wear MMA-style gear rather than traditional wrestling attire.
  3. Matches can be won by knockout, submission, or referee stoppage.
  4. There are no count-outs or disqualifications.

Notable NXT Underground Matches

One of the most significant NXT Underground matches took place at NXT Battleground 2024, featuring Lola Vice against Shayna Baszler. 

This match showcased the intense, hard-hitting style that NXT Underground is known for, with both competitors utilizing their extensive MMA backgrounds.

Impact on WWE Programming

NXT Underground matches have added a new dimension to WWE’s product, appealing to fans of both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.

These matches often feature performers with legitimate combat sports backgrounds, lending an air of authenticity to the proceedings.

Training and Preparation

Competitors in NXT Underground matches often undergo specialized training to prepare for the unique demands of this format.

This may include additional striking and grappling practice, as well as conditioning work to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the match.

Future of NXT Underground

As NXT continues to evolve, it’s likely that Underground matches will remain a part of the brand’s identity.

These matches provide a platform for performers to showcase their skills in a different context, potentially leading to new storylines and character development opportunities.

Booker T Criticizes Athena’s ‘Boxed In’ ROH Role, AEW Ratings Drop

Thomas Lowson
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Booker T Criticizes Athena’s ‘Boxed In’ ROH Role, AEW Ratings Drop

Athena may be the unquestionable top woman in Ring of Honor, but Booker T feels so much more could be done with the Women’s World Champion. On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker, who trained Athena, argued that the ex-WWE Superstar should be a regular on AEW’s televised programs.

“Athena would fit right into the AEW women’s roster. She’s just as good, if not better… instead, they stick her in a box and put her in Ring of Honor.”

Though a regular in Ring of Honor, Athena rarely appears on AEW programming, with her most recent match for the brand coming back in April. That match is also Athena’s only AEW match of the past year, something that Booker would like to see change.

On the podcast, Booker also addressed AEW’s ratings, which have taken a slump in recent years. The days of Tony Khan boasting about over a million fans tuning into Dynamite are a distant memory and Booker shared what he’d be doing if he was in Khan’s shoes.

“If I saw the ratings drop that low, I’d be thinking about getting some help or shutting it down—one of the two.”

Tony Khan Hits Back At “Disingenuous” Feedback From Non-AEW Fans

Athena recently passed 700 days as ROH Women’s World Champion, more than any other champion and more days than all other champions combined. Nevertheless, Booker believes there’s a lot more that can be done with his pupil, and has been underwhelmed by Athena being ‘boxed in’ as part of Ring of Honor.

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