AEW presented an eventful episode of Dynamite: Grand Slam this Wednesday featuring the surprise debut of a former WWE star among other things. The company also taped Saturday’s Collision on the same night.
The show which will continue the two-night event featured Jack Perry holding an open challenge for the TNT title, Kazuchika Okada facing Sammy Guevara in an eliminator match, and more. Below are the complete spoilers for Collision: Grand Slam event from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York:
AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Japanese wrestling legend Minoru Suzuki answered the open challenge. Perry managed to retain his title. The match was taped before Dynamite.
6 Men Tag Team Match: Chris Jericho, Big Bill & Bryan Keith defeated Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy & Kyle O’Reilly. Big Bill put Briscoe through a table, allowing Jericho to get the pin.
Singles Match: Brody King defeated Action Andretti. After King got the pin, The Righteous, and Lance Archer attacked Andretti and Top Flight. They brawled until officials pulled them apart.
Saraya’s Rule Match: Jamie Hayter defeated Saraya
Lumberjack Strap Match: Hangman Page defeated Jeff Jarrett
AEW Trios Tag Team Championship Match: Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & PAC defeated Private Party & Komander.
MxM Segment: The tag team had a fashion runway with models and revealed a new version of Max Caster’s jacket. One of the models was revealed to be Billy Gunn however who attacked the duo. The Acclaimed showed up in the end of clean the house.
Triple Threat Match: Hologram defeated Beast Mortos and Dralistico after pinning Dralistico for the win. Once the bell rang, Rush led an attack with the other two opponents and took out Hologram.
AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: The Champion Kazuchika Okada defeated Sammy Guevara. Okada got the pin with the Rainmaker.
Apart from this, the night also featured a match between Jon Moxley and Darby Allin with WrestleDream implications. You can check out the result of the bout here.
Big E has not wrestled a match since March 2022 due to his neck injury but he is still hopeful about potentially making an in-ring return somewhere down the line.
The former WWE Champion recently had a conversation with Sports Talk Philly where he discussed things such as his partnership with Pancheros, the recent troubles of the New Day, the success of The Rock and more.
During the talk, E was asked if there has been any improvement in his status since his injury. The wrestling veteran explained that it’s hard to judge because he doesn’t face any trouble in his day-to-day life. He went on to reveal that he underwent stem cell therapy about three months ago:
“I did go down to a beautiful place called RejuvStem in Cancun, and got some stem cells, so we’ll see. That was about three months ago, so we’ll see how that looks and if there’s any progress there.”
Big E mentioned how he has things going on outside the wrestling world as well and he’ll be content if he is never able to wrestle again. Though he has not lost hope for a comeback either and he continues to be in touch with doctors who monitor his status:
“I get scans again in another three-to-six months, and if they look great and the doctors say it’s healthy for me to go back, then that’s something where we’ll sit down and talk about it.”
The New Day star broke his neck while wrestling in a tag team match on the March 11, 2022 episode of SmackDown. He has continued his relationship with WWE in a non-wrestling capacity, making appearances at PPVs and other big events as part of the pre-show panels.
AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson will put the gold on the line against Jon Moxley at AEW WrestleDream following Moxley’s victory on AEW Grand Slam: Dynamite. While Moxley has punched his ticket to potentially regaining the richest prize in All Elite Wrestling, the three-time former champion had little time to celebrate.
After the match, Danielson launched a surprise attack on his former ally, payback for the assault the champion endured at AEW All Out 2024 earlier this month. Danielson even choked Moxley with a necktie, not only delivering payback, but giving fans a nod to his 2010 WWE firing for choking Justin Roberts during the debut of the Nexus. Grabbing the mic, Danielson confirmed that he and Moxley would clash for the AEW World Championship at AEW WrestleDream.
BRYAN DANIELSON FINALLY GETS PAYBACK ON JON MOXLEY!
Moxley’s title opportunity comes at the expense of Darby Allin, who had earned a title opportunity by winning the Royal Rampage back in July. There had reportedly been talks of Allin receiving a World Championship run, and whether that’s still the plan or not, it certainly won’t come to fruition at WrestleDream.
AEW WrestleDream will take place on October 12, in Tacoma, Washington, the home state of the American Dragon. With Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, and Marina Shafir on his side, Moxley will have the numbers advantage, even if Danielson has the crowd on his side. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on this feud as the two former allies prepare to tear each other apart next month at AEW WrestleDream.
WWE Superstar Angelo Dawkins has welcomed his second child into the world.
The former Tag Team Champion took on his Twitter earlier on Wednesday. He announced the birth of his second child with some photos and the caption addressing him as ‘lil homie 2’:
The 34-year-old got married to his partner Grace in a private ceremony earlier this year in June. Dawkins’ tag team partner Montez Ford actually officiated the wedding. The couple already have one son.
Despite many people wanting them to break up, the Street Profits have remained a tag team in WWE since they were first put together in NXT in 2016.
They had a successful run at the development brand which included a reign with the NXT Tag Team Championships. The duo of Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford were called up to the main roster in 2019.
The Street Profits have since won both the Raw and SmackDown tag team titles. The latter made them the second triple crown tag champions in the history of WWE.
Former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley recruited them in his new stable called The Pride last year. This marked the first time the two had turned heel in WWE.
The faction disbanded however after WWE pulled Lashley off TV and then chose not to renew his contract. The Profits have since returned to being faces and they have been feuding with DIY and The Bloodline over the WWE tag team championships.
AEW Grand Slam: Dynamite saw some of the very top names of the All-Elite promotion in action, including Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, The Young Bucks, and Mariah May. The show also saw a huge debut unfold in New York City as MVP has arrived in AEW.
An interview segment began with Tony Schiavone asking Prince Nana for an update on Swerve Strickland’s medical status following the brutality of All Out 2024. Nana confirmed that Strickland is not currently cleared to compete but is working toward his return.
It was then that MVP interrupted things, making his AEW debut after parting ways with WWE earlier this year. MVP criticized Nana’s management of Strickland, accusing him of focusing more on dancing and selling coffee than on advancing Strickland’s career. MVP handed Nana a business card, instructing him to pass it on to Strickland whenever the former AEW World Champion wants to “get serious” and “talk business.”
Just when we started to hear about Swerve Strickland, we got a surprise appearance and OFFER from MVP!
MVP has arrived in AEW, but the question is whether he’ll bring in some more WWE alum. MVP reportedly intends to reunite with Bobby Lashley and there had been talk of both men coming to AEW before MVP’s debut this week. Lashley and MVP reportedly intend to revive the Hurt Business alongside Shelton Benjamin, who was released from WWE last September.
With the Hurt Business name under the ownership of WWE, MVP has filed a trademark for ‘The Hurt Syndicate’ and recently told a fan that the Hurt Business is “dead” but he is still in business. Now, MVP’s business has brought him to AEW. Stay tuned to see what’s to come for MVP and whether he will be able to coax Swerve Strickland into taking on his managerial services.
At AEW Grand Slam: Dynamite, HOOK defended the FTW Championship against Roderick Strong, proving his skills against the veteran wrestler. Little did fans know going into this match that this would be the final FTW Championship match in the title’s illustrious history.
After the match, HOOK shared an embrace with Strong before joining Tony Schiavone at ringside to make a stunning announcement: he was retiring the FTW Championship. HOOK handed the title to his father Taz, declaring “This is yours” in a moment that brought tears to the eyes of the Human Suplex Machine/commentator.
While first introduced in ECW by Taz in 1998, it wouldn’t be until 2020 that the gold debuted in AEW. Five men held the title during its All-Elite run, with Ricky Starks boasting the longest reign at 378 days. HOOK holds the record for the most combined days, as his three reigns saw him hold the gold for a total of 627 days.
With the FTW Championship now officially retired, HOOK’s emotional tribute to his father marks the end of an era. It also raises the question as to what’s next for HOOK and whether he is ready to set his sights on AEW’s sanctioned titles. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on HOOK as he starts a new chapter in his career, one without the FTW Championship around his waist.
Fans can expect to see more of Roman Reigns on WWE television as the company looks to close out 2024 in a strong way.
Reigns had an unbelievable run as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion that ended at the hands of Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. He went on a multi-month hiatus from WWE television as the company built up Solo Sikoa as the new Tribal Chief, signed the Tongas, and brought in Jacob Fatu to form a new Bloodline faction.
Reigns returned to WWE programming at SummerSlam by costing Sikoa his title shot against Rhodes in the main event. Since then, Reigns has gotten the upper hand on The Bloodline and vice versa.
In recent weeks, Reigns has aligned himself with Rhodes as a unit. They will team together to take on Fatu and Sikoa at WWE Bad Blood on October 5. On Wednesday, Reigns was announced for six WWE SmackDown episodes.
You can check out the schedule here:
October 11, 2024: Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Greenville, South Carolina
October 18, 2024: Colonial Life Arena – Columbia, South Carolina
October 25, 2024: Barclays Center – Brooklyn, New York
November 8, 2024: KeyBank Center – Buffalo, New York
November 15, 2024: The Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
November 22, 2024: Delta Center – Salt Lake City, Utah
It should be noted that WWE is advertising Reigns for Survivor Series on November 30 and Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14.
WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has sparked controversy with his recent comments dismissing the existence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The legendary wrestler, known for his hard-hitting style and numerous championships, stated that he is “not a CTE guy” and does not believe in the condition.
In a recent interview on the Vince McMahon Netflix documentary, Austin expressed his skepticism about CTE, a progressive and fatal brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. He suggested that wrestlers who suffer multiple concussions are, “probably doing something wrong.”
This stance has raised eyebrows in the wrestling community and beyond, given the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the existence and dangers of CTE.
Steve Austin declares, “I just don’t believe in [Chronic traumatic encephalopathy]” in the Netflix docuseries, Mr. McMahon
Austin’s Wrestling Career and Concussion History
Steve Austin’s wrestling career spanned from 1989 to 2003, during which he became one of the most popular and influential figures in professional wrestling. Throughout his career, Austin was known for his physical style and high-impact moves, which likely exposed him to numerous head impacts.
While the exact number of concussions Austin suffered during his career is not publicly documented, he does admit to getting getting dropped on his head and concussed once in his career on the Mr. McMahon documentary.
Other Athletes Skeptical of CTE
While Steve Austin’s comments about CTE have garnered significant attention, he is not the only athlete to express skepticism about the condition. Some other notable athletes who have questioned or downplayed the existence or severity of CTE include:
NFL Players
Brett Favre: The former Green Bay Packers quarterback has expressed doubts about the link between football and CTE. In 2018, Favre suggested that the media had exaggerated the risks of playing football.
Merril Hoge: A former NFL running back, Hoge co-authored a book titled “Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football.” He has argued that the evidence linking football to CTE is overstated.
NHL Players
Gary Bettman: While not a player himself, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has consistently downplayed the link between hockey and CTE. He has stated that there is not enough scientific evidence to establish a causal relationship between hockey and the disease.
Boxers
Floyd Mayweather Jr.: The undefeated boxing champion has dismissed concerns about CTE in boxing, stating that he’s never had any issues despite his long career in the sport
The Science
Steve Austin swung a few chairs in his day (Image Copyright: WWE)
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries. It has been found in the brains of athletes who participated in contact sports, as well as military veterans and others exposed to repetitive brain trauma.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
CTE can cause a range of symptoms, including:
Memory loss
Confusion
Impaired judgment
Impulse control problems
Aggression
Depression
Suicidal thoughts
Currently, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed through post-mortem examination of the brain. However, researchers are working on developing methods for diagnosing CTE in living individuals.
Athletes Supporting CTE Research
Many former athletes have become advocates for CTE awareness and research. Some notable examples include:
Chris Nowinski: Former WWE wrestler and co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation
Junior Seau: NFL linebacker who was posthumously diagnosed with CTE
Dave Mirra: BMX rider who was the first action sports athlete diagnosed with CTE
These athletes and others have helped raise awareness about the potential long-term effects of repeated head trauma in sports.
The Impact of Austin’s Comments
Austin’s comments have sparked debate within the wrestling fanbase and beyond. Many fans and fellow wrestlers have expressed disappointment in his stance, given the growing body of evidence supporting the existence of CTE and its impact on athletes.
The Importance of Athlete Safety
While Austin’s opinion may be influenced by his personal experiences, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications of such statements.
Professional wrestling, like many contact sports, carries inherent risks of head injuries. Acknowledging these risks and taking steps to mitigate them is essential for protecting current and future athletes.
When Heroes Disappoint: The Perils of Knowing Too Much
Austin’s comments serve as a reminder that sometimes learning about the personal beliefs of childhood heroes can be disappointing. Many fans who grew up idolizing “Stone Cold” Steve Austin may find themselves conflicted by his stance on CTE.
This situation highlights the importance of separating an athlete’s on-screen persona from their personal beliefs and opinions. It’s a valuable lesson in critical thinking and the need to form our own opinions based on scientific evidence rather than solely relying on the views of public figures we admire.
As an icon of pro wrestling, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin forged a legion of fans as one tough S.O.B and worked with the very top stars of the Attitude Era. Over his career, the Texas Rattlesnake fought the likes of Triple H, Mankind, and The Rock, but now a teenage girl is proving to be Austin’s main adversary.
In recent years, Austin has gotten involved in the sport of off-road racing and has wasted no time in racking up wins. Speaking to Too Much Access, Austin gushed about his love of getting behind the wheel.
“I’ve been doing it for about a year and a half, and I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it. It’s just so different from anything I’ve ever done.”
Austin explained the similarities between learning to wrestle and learning to off-road race. Aside from initially “sucking” at both, a common mistake newcomers make in each discipline is wanting to “go fast” right from the start. He made the same error and quickly learned that mastering the fundamentals serves you far better in the long run.
Stone Cold and Off Road
At 59-years-old, Austin is facing off with racers decades younger than him. Most recently, a 14-year-old girl has proven to be a thorn in the pro wrestling icon’s side.
“One of my arch-rivals last year was a 14-year-old girl. She can drive her ass off. So when you’re born out there and you get that DNA in you, them kids are fast. It’s fun, it’s competitive, it gives me something to do.”
Austin is enjoying his newfound passion as an off-road racer, but fans may still see him in the ring yet. The Bionic Redneck has teased getting involved with WrestleMania 41 when the Show of Shows comes to April in 2025. If so, Austin’s off-road racer could give the Hall of Famer quite the entrance, as he’s not overshadowed by a certain teenage driver.
Vince McMahon, the former CEO and Chairman of WWE, has been a controversial figure both on and off-screen throughout his career. His outrageous on-screen persona, “Mr. McMahon,” has been involved in some of the most shocking and memorable segments in WWE history. Let’s rank the most controversial Vince McMahon WWE segments that have left fans talking for years.
5. Vince McMahon Makes Out with Trish Stratus in front of his wife
In a storyline that blurred the lines between fiction and reality, McMahon engaged in an on-screen affair with Trish Stratus
The Controversial Scene
During a RAW segment in 2001, McMahon made out with Stratus just a few feet away from his wife, who was in a wheelchair.
Public Outrage
This segment was widely criticized for its insensitivity and the disrespect shown to McMahon’s real-life wife.
4. Vince McMahon Makes Trish Stratus Bark Like a Dog
In a segment that pushed the boundaries of taste and decency, McMahon humiliated WWE star Trish Stratus on live TV
The Degrading Act
McMahon forced Stratus to get on her knees, bark like a dog, and then strip down to her underwear in front of a cheering crowd
Public Reaction
While the Attitude Era audience cheered, this segment has since been heavily criticized for its degrading treatment of women in recent years.
3. Vince McMahon Chokes His Daughter Stephanie
In a disturbing display of on-screen violence, McMahon physically assaulted his own daughter during an “I Quit” match
The Match
Vince booked himself against Stephanie in a match where he repeatedly slammed her around the ring
The Shocking Conclusion
The segment ended with Vince choking Stephanie with a steel pipe, forcing his wife to throw in the towel to stop the assault
2. Vince McMahon Takes on God
In perhaps one of the most controversial storylines of his career, McMahon feuded with God himself
The ‘Blasphemous’ Angle
During a feud with Shawn Michaels, McMahon not only mocked Michaels’ religious beliefs but also claimed to be equal to God.
Backlash and Criticism
This storyline faced significant backlash, with many viewers finding it offensive and inappropriate for television.
1. Vince McMahon Uses the N-Word
In one of the most shocking and offensive moments in WWE history, Vince McMahon used the N-word on live television
The Incident
During a backstage segment with John Cena, McMahon casually used the racial slur, with Booker T standing just a few feet away
The Fallout
This incident sparked outrage and criticism, with many calling out McMahon for his irresponsible and racist behavior.
Honorable Mentions
The Montreal Screwjob: While not a scripted segment, this real-life double-cross remains one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history.
The Higher Power Reveal: McMahon’s unveiling as the leader of the Ministry of Darkness shocked audiences.
McMahon-Helmsley Era: The revelation of Stephanie McMahon’s alliance with Triple H kicked off a dominant heel faction.
Vince McMahon’s Limo Explosion: A storyline where McMahon appeared to die in a limo explosion, which was later dropped due to real-life tragedy.
Vince McMahon’s controversial segments have often pushed the boundaries of good taste and acceptable content on television. While some of these moments are remembered as peak entertainment of the Attitude Era, others are viewed as examples of how far wrestling storylines can go astray.
Mercedes Mone (formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE) recently revealed that disrespectful treatment by Vince McMahon was a key factor in her decision to leave WWE—a career she once considered her dream.
While promoting AEW’s Grand Slam event in New York City, Mone appeared on The Breakfast Club, where she candidly discussed her departure from WWE and shared her thoughts on McMahon, the subject of the Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon.
Mone explained that personal issues, particularly how McMahon spoke to her in a demeaning manner, played a significant role in her decision to leave. She felt “talked down to” and realized it was time to move on.
“I left for many different reasons. A lot of personal stuff happened with myself and the Chairman at the time. I didn’t like how he talked to me and how I was talked down to. I was like, ‘It’s time to listen to your soul and your heart.’
Sasha Banks and Vince McMahon backstage in WWE (Photo: WWE)
A turning point came when she experienced what she described as a “light” urging her to follow her heart. She recognized that staying in WWE would negatively impact her future and the values she wanted to live by and instill in others.
“There was a light that came to me, and I left WWE. A guide told me, ‘That day he talked to me a little crazy. It was enough for my source of light to come into my body and go, “If you stay, that’s not okay. This is for the rest of your life. What are you going to teach your kids? What are you going to teach people?”’
Mercedes Mone’s Inspirational Message
Ultimately, Mone’s decision was about standing up for herself. She reflected on the long-term consequences of staying in a toxic environment, considering how it might affect her children, her fans, and her own well-being. After spending a decade in WWE, Mone left to pursue a better path for herself.
“After ten years, if you’re feeling like this from words, you have to stand up for yourself. That’s what I did. A light came to me and said, ‘You have to walk away and do something better for yourself.’”
Longtime fans know to “never say never” in pro wrestling, and there are legions of Sasha Banks fans hoping she’ll return to WWE one day. Mone calls AEW her home and has “the best” relationship with the company. She feels mentally and physically at her best, feels blessed to be living out new dreams after 14 years in the industry.
The reviews are in for Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries, with the consensus being that a more thorough in-depth analysis could have been conducted on WWE’s ex-CEO.
The six-part series was first announced in 2020 with interviews beginning the following year, before the ‘hush money’ scandal that forced McMahon into retirement in 2022. While McMahon was interviewed for the project, his clips come from before Janel Grant’s lawsuit in January 2024 that resulted in McMahon’s second exile. As a card in the doc states, McMahon refused to give any more interviews after Grant’s lawsuit went public and McMahon himself has distanced himself from the series.
The Reviews Are In
Garrett Martin of Paste Magazine is among those who believe Mr. McMahon comes up short when trying to give a complete picture of arguably wrestling’s most controversial figure, and again fails to demonstrate the harm McMahon’s tactics have had on others.
“Mr. McMahon fails to paint a full portrait of the man, or to fully contend with the negative impact he’s had on so many. And interviewing him doesn’t add much of value.”
Ryan Woodrow of Men’s Journal agrees that while the docuseries could have given further analysis, it does at least cover the bulk of McMahon’s many controversies.
“It digs up every skeleton he has and puts it on display – even if I don’t think it adequately examines most of them.”
The Wall Street Journal’s John Anderson has a more favorable review, arguing that this documentary series will be the closest analysis fans will get of the 79-year-old McMahon.
“[Chris] Smith [the Filmmaker] probably gives us as honest a portrait of his subject as one is likely to get—despite Mr. McMahon’s claims of being a sphinx, something with which his ex-employees concur.”
Adam Silverstein of CBS Sports believes that the series will prove to be ground-breaking for those unfamiliar with McMahon, but light on revelations for its core audience.
“Those unfamiliar with the intimate details about McMahon’s personal and business life will receive a thorough education. Die-hard wrestling fans will be familiar with nearly all of the stories and controversies.”
And BJ Colangelo of Slash Film believes that a phrase from McMahon’s repertoire is best suited to describe Mr. McMahon.
In 2024, kayfabe is a fluid entity in professional wrestling, with many wrestlers acting out of character out of the ring and on social media. In 1996 though, kayfabe was strictly maintained, until a quartet of wrestlers decided to ‘kill’ professional wrestling in the eyes of Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart’
The Curtain Call – What Happened?
On May 19, 1996, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall wrestled their final WWF matches before leaving for WCW with Hall beating Triple H while Nash lost to Shawn Michaels. After the latter match, the four friends embraced and posed in the ring, despite Nash and Triple H being heels while Michaels and Hall were faces. The incident was dubbed ‘The Curtain Call’ as it pulled back the curtain to fans, shattering kayfabe for the live crowd in MSG.
Bret Hart – The Kliq Killed Wrestling
Appearing on Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries, Hart makes his views clear on the actions of The Kliq, who he believes changed the perception of wrestling on that night in New York.
“They killed wrestling that day. That was when wrestling wasn’t real anymore. We’d pulled the curtain back and said, ‘This is how it works.’ That was the unveiling of the new direction that wrestling would be. It’s not wrestling anymore. It’s entertainment.”
The Hitman Punches McMahon
Hart’s feelings on The Kliq are similar to those of McMahon, who opted not to punish Michaels, the newly-crowned WWF Champion at the time. In the docuseries, Hart recalls attacking McMahon after the Montreal Screwjob and makes his current feelings on the former WWE Chairman crystal clear.
“[Punching McMahon was] Probably the best thing I ever did and he deserved every bit of that.”
Netflix’s Mr. McMahon has proven to be a captivating watch and offers insight from those who know the controversial billionaire best. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from Bret Hart as the Hitman isn’t holding back with his views on the world of wrestling.
Veteran wrestler Natalya is excited as NXT ushers in a new era with its move to the CW. Last night’s edition of the show marked the last time it aired on USA Network. NXT will premiere on The CW on October 1st after being on the USA Network for more than five years.
Several legendary wrestlers have competed on NXT over the years, and many of them reflected on the end of an era. ‘The Queen of Harts’ recently wrote on social media that some of her greatest memories were created at NXT. The former Women’s Champion stated that it was a magical place for a wrestler to perform and truly feel like a star.
Natalya has, “so much love for the brand and for USA Network family”. The veteran star also said that she was excited to see the brand continue to shine following its move to The CW.
Natalya had competed at the first NXT TakeOver in 2014. Since then she has made a handful of appearances over the years. Earlier this year, she recently had a run on the brand and even faced Lola Vice in an NXT Underground match.
After being away for months, ‘The Queen of Harts’ returned on the September 9th edition of WWE Raw which was the season premiere of WWE’s flagship show. She had a triumphant return as her team comprising Lyra Valkyria and Zelina Vega defeated the Pure Fusion Collective trio of Zoey Stark, Shayna Baszler, & Sonya Deville. The following week she defeated Zoey Stark in a singles match. Natalya recently spoke in detail about her absence from the company.
From the get-go, Bill Simmons and the Netflix team knew Vince McMahon was going to be a tough nut to crack at filming the “Mr. McMahon” docuseries, but one producer saw the complications first-hand.
Speaking on Bill Simmons podcast ahead of the “Mr. McMahon” release, David Shoemaker of “The Masked Man” podcast explained in detail how exhausting it was to get Vince to not just to open up, but to actually show up for the interview sessiions.
“We would show up to shoot and then just be all like, all day long be getting updates from Vince’s Secretary about his ETA, like six hours, eight hours before the shoot, pushing it back an hour, pushing it back another hour, pushing it back another hour, and then he would roll in at 11 PM, you know, pitch black with his little crew around him and shake everybody’s hand and say thank you for being here, and then go into hair and makeup, and just emerge in the same outfit that he was wearing for every shoot. It was just such a bizarre situation.”
The full series of “Mr. McMahon” released Wednesday morning on Netflix and Shoemaker happened to be one of the many names interviewed for the six episodes. There has been plenty of early feedback from fans on social media regarding the series.
Former ESPN boxing announcer Joe Tessitore is proving to be a “knockout” in his new role as the lead commentator on WWE Raw.
Tessitore made a strong debut several weeks ago during WWE Raw’s season premiere, and the former voice of Monday Night Football is letting both his professionalism and enthusiasm shine in the best possible ways. As a result, his peers are taking notice.
WWE has a history of vocal stalwarts, from the legendary Jim Ross to the adaptable Michael Cole, but the role of lead commentator has been far from easy for others.
However, Tessitore has struck the right balance early on. His best work so far may have come during his call of a major title change on Monday, when Jey Uso defeated Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship.
Between the false count, the counter by Jey Uso, the excitement of the crowd and Joe Tessitore calling the match, this is an unbelievable moment pic.twitter.com/DLIpU6F7B6
Legendary announcer Tony Schiavone has taken note of Tessitore’s early work. The former WCW play-by-play man, now a color commentator for AEW, has decades of experience in the pro wrestling world. He sees greatness in Tessitore’s performances but also believes he’ll face stiff competition from his current colleague, Excalibur.
“I’m sure he will do well. And I’m sure that Nick Khan is paying him a big chunk of money. I’m sure he is gonna end up being one of the best, I would hope, play-by-play men in wrestling I don’t think he’ll be in the class of Excalibur, but then again, right now, in this day and age, no-one is. He’s amazing.”
– Tony Schiavone on Joe Tessitore’s role in WWE
Adnan Virk
Adnan Virk knows Tessitore from their days working together at ESPN, and believes “Tess” can be as good as Michael Cole one day. During an interview with sports media analyst Richard Deitsch, Virk says Tessitore supported him during his time at WWE, and is thrilled that his friend now has the opportunity to succeed at something he struggled with.
“[WWE fans are] very tough to impress. So if you can come in and let’s say, 60 percent of them like Tess, that is a resounding victory and I’m sure that number is higher but, it’ll only grow. eventually, they’ll understand Tess and his cadence and like I said, the fact that he’s passionate about it and he knows it, and he’s a hell of an announcer. Like I said, I think Michael Cole is outstanding, But I’m sure Tess at some point can reach those levels as well and it’s obviously a great hire for Nick [Khan].
Adnan Virk on Joe Tessitore in WWE
Tessitore’s Self-Assessment:
Following his WWE Raw debut, Tessitore reviewed his own performance with Jackie Redmond, thinking that he could have done better, but also expressing his long-time fandom of pro wrestling noting he loved heels like “Mr. Wonderfu”l Paul Orndorff
You may not be able to see John Cena, but soon you’ll be able to hear him—in AI chatbot form—courtesy of Meta.
The future WWE Hall of Famer will lend his voice as an AI chatbot on Meta’s platforms, joining a list of notable celebrities. In addition to Cena, users can select voices like Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina, Kristen Bell, and Dame Judi Dench.
Among these big names, Cena may have the broadest reach, thanks to his dual success in WWE and Hollywood. Recently, he filmed an ad with Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to promote Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses. In a playful twist, Cena delivered a signature uppercut to Zuckerberg in the ad, a moment Zuckerberg shared on his Instagram.
Cena is no stranger to the world of advertising. He’s been the voice of Honda vehicles for several years and has worked with brands like Experian and Wonderful Pistachios.
In addition to commercials, Cena has extensive experience in voice acting. He’s voiced himself in WWE-related Scooby-Doo cartoons, starred as the title character in the 2017 animated film Ferdinand, and recently voiced Rocksteady in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.
AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam airs tonight at 8/7c on TBS, live from the historci Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY. This episode will feature championship matches, and Nigel McGuiness coming out of retirement to battle AEW World Championship Bryan Danielson.
AEW Grand Slam Dynamite Preview (airs live Wednesday, Sep. 25 at 8/7c on TBS)
Coming Out Of Retirement Match: Nigel McGuinness vs. AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson (*if Danielson is medically cleared to compete)
AEW World Championship Opportunity: Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin
AEW World Tag Team Championships: The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) (c) vs. Kyle Fletcher and Will Ospreay
AEW Women’s World Championship: Mariah May (c) vs. Yuka Sakazaki
AEW Trios Championships Open Challenge: Pac, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta (c) vs. TBA
Lumberjack Strap Match: Hangman Page vs. Jeff Jarrett
AEW Grand Slam 2024: Advertised lineups for Dynamite and Collision from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY
After Dynamite goes off the air, AEW will tape Saturday’s Collision, which also has a jam-packed advertised lineup.
AEW Grand Slam Collision Preview (airs Saturday, Sep. 28 at 8/7c on TNT)
Tornado Trios Match: The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho, Big Bill, and Bryan Keith) vs. The Conglomeration
AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Sammy Guevara
AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Jack Perry vs. TBD
Saraya’s Rules Match: Saraya vs. Jamie Hayter
Lumberjack Strap Match: Hangman Page vs. Jeff Jarrett (Note: This match is listed for both shows, likely taped for Collision after being live on Dynamite)
Three-Way Lucha Libre Match for Hispanic Heritage Month: The Beast Mortos vs. Hologram vs. Dralistico
MxM Collection Segment: Unveiling of Max Caster’s jacket makeover
The highly-anticipated Netflix docuseries, Mr. McMahon, premiered on September 25, 2024 and is now available for streaming (subscription required)1.
The series explores the controversial life and career of Vince McMahon, the former WWE Chairman who revolutionized the world of professional wrestling. Known for his larger-than-life persona both in and out of the ring, McMahon’s story is filled with success, controversy, and behind-the-scenes drama that shaped the WWE into the global phenomenon it is today.
The series consists of six episodes, each approximately one hour long. Directed by Chris Smith (Tiger King), Mr. McMahon includes over 100 hours of interviews with McMahon, WWE personalities, journalists, and McMahon’s family.
Whether you’ve been following our updates on the docuseries or are just learning about it this is your chance to get inside the mind of Vince McMahon—from the creation of WrestleMania to the major controversies that marked his career.
Stay tuned to our site for more coverage and analysis of what we uncover from this series.
Netflix offers various subscription plans that give you access to its full library, including the Mr. McMahon docuseries, which can be streamed on multiple devices depending on your plan.↩︎
Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries aims to give viewers an in-depth look at the life, career, and legacy of Vince McMahon, over two years after his initial retirement from WWE. McMahon gave several interviews for the project, first announced back in 2020, and the 79-year-old billionaire wasn’t afraid to broach the topic of sex.
During the final episode of the six-part docuseries, McMahon speaks candidly about how his brain processes things and considers his mind to be akin to different computers.
“I have, not two different brains, but like, computers in my head and sometimes they work against me. I have one computer talking to you right now and there’s another one going on with me thinking something completely different.”
McMahon goes on to explain how he has a third ‘computer’ that thinks of completely unrelated matters, which has made it difficult for McMahon to be normal.
“And then there’s a third one sometimes… And so it’s difficult for me sometimes to pay attention to things. It’s bothered me through the years because all I wanted to be was normal. I wanted to fit in. But I deal with it.”
When asked what this third brain is thinking of at the moment, McMahon said:
“Something having a lot of fun and it’s involving sex.”
McMahon’s comments come amid a paused lawsuit against him filed by Janel Grant who alleges she was abused and trafficked by McMahon and John Laurinaitis. McMahon was interviewed for the Netflix docuseries before the allegations that resulted in him stepping down from WWE twice within the span of two years.
Vince McMahon will forever be tied to pro wrestling but his legacy will forever be linked to the allegations by Grant and others. Mr. McMahon is now available to watch on Netflix.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SEScoops.
In a major announcement that has wrestling fans and gamers buzzing, WWE 2K24 is set to join the PlayStation Plus lineup for October 2024. This news comes as part of Sony’s recent State of Play event, where they unveiled the free games available to PlayStation Plus subscribers for the upcoming month.
Grapple with WWE 2K24 at No Extra Cost
Starting October 1, 2024, PlayStation Plus members will be able to download and play WWE 2K24 on both PS4 and PS5 consoles without any additional charge.
This offer provides an excellent opportunity for wrestling fans who haven’t yet experienced the latest installment in the popular WWE 2K franchise.
Key Features of WWE 2K24
Expanded Universe Mode
One of the game’s standout features is the enhanced Universe Mode. Here, players can create their own WWE superstar, craft compelling heel or face storylines, and work their way up to championship glory. This immersive experience allows fans to live out their wrestling dreams in unprecedented detail.
Improved Gameplay and Graphics
While WWE 2K24 may not be a revolutionary leap from its predecessor, it does offer refinements and improvements across the board. The game boasts enhanced graphics, smoother gameplay mechanics, and a variety of match types to keep players engaged.
Part of an Exciting October Lineup
WWE 2K24 isn’t entering the PlayStation Plus ring alone. It’s joined by two other notable titles:
Dead Space (PS5) – A remake of the classic sci-fi horror game.
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! (PS4, PS5) – A psychological horror game disguised as a dating sim.
Nigel McGuinness is just looking to prove that he’s the better wrestler when he faces Bryan Danielson at this Wednesday’s Gram Slam special of AEW Dynamite.
The wrestling veteran had an interview with Battleground podcast to promote the upcoming AEW special. He talked about things such as when he first decided to make an in-ring return, what his journey to get back into ring shape has been like, and more.
When asked what is the thing he is looking forward to the most this Wednesday, apart from defeating Danielson, McGuinness noted that he is excited to be in front of a live crowd again:
“I just think the experience of being in front of those people again. It’s something that I arguably took for granted when I was a wrestler. I suppose I still am a wrestler to that extent. But when I walked out at Wembley Stadium and got that reaction, it was just incredible. So heartwarming to be remembered that way and respected that way.”
The former ROH Champion knows that the reaction in New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium will not be the same as his home country, but Nigel McGuinness feels that any kind of reaction from the crowd is a good reaction:
“So I know it’s not going to be the same reaction. There’s going to be plenty of people in New York that don’t like me. But I’ve always said, when people ask me about getting in the job, ‘What do you need?’ ‘You just need people to care about you.’
It was always the case with me—people either loved me or hated me—but as long as they had an opinion, that was all that mattered. I think there’s going to be a lot of that, hopefully.
A lot of those people who followed our careers since Ring of Honor are going to come out and really want to see who can prove that today they are the better wrestler. That’s all I’m trying to do. I’m just trying to show that all this success he’s had should have, could have, and would have been mine in a different universe.”
Apart from the match between McGuinness and the AEW World Champion, the show will also feature bouts such as Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin, The Young Bucks vs. Kyle Fletcher & Will Ospreay and more.
This week, four years after it was first announced, Netflix’s docuseries about the life, career, and legacy of Vince McMahon will launch on the streaming giant. In the run-up to its launch, McMahon had begun working with a PR film, but now Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reports that this partnership has come to an end.
McMahon is no longer being represented by Sitrick And Company, a firm that he’d been aligned with since April of this year. When asked about the reason for the end of the relationship, Michael Sitrick, founder of the firm, refused to go into in-house details, stating “With respect to clients, we don’t comment beyond the fact that we are no longer working together.”
Sitrick And Company
Like his now-former client, Sitrick has garnered quite a reputation in his field, with Fortune once calling him an “accomplished practitioner of the dark arts of public relations.” The L.A. Times had a similar take to Sitrick, calling him a “puppet master” who’s pulled the strings behind some of the media’s biggest stories. Sitrick And Company has presented some huge names including Pepsi, Make-A-Wish, and the late Kobe Bryant.
Over two years on from his initial departure from WWE, McMahon remains a controversial figure among fans and those in the industry. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Vince McMahon and his efforts to handle his legacy in this post-WWE chapter of his life.
This week’s WWE NXT (the final before the gold brand’s move to The CW) saw Roxanne Perez and Giulia field questions ahead of next week’s title match. Speaking from San Fernando, Chile, and appearing via satellite, Vaquer interrupted proceedings, asking what the pair would do knowing they have her waiting for them on the other end of the title match.
While this marked Vaquer’s WWE NXT debut, it’s been teased for some time that Vaquer would be entering the women’s title picture. Mere days after Vaquer joined WWE, Roxanne Perez declared her superiority over both Vaquer and Giulia, making clear that the NXT Women’s Champion is keeping a close eye on her potential challenger.
Whether it’s Perez or Giulia who hold the gold this time next week, Stephanie Vaquer is waiting in the wings for a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the CMLL alum and her role in NXT’s new era on The CW.
Rey Fenix, alongside Penta El Zero Miedo, has been with All Elite Wrestling since 2019 and the Lucha Bros. are considered one of the greatest tag teams in the company’s history. As of late, there’s been plenty of talk about the future of the tag team in wrestling, and now a social media post from Fenix has left fans believing something big is coming.
On Instagram, Fenix shared several photos, many of which came from his time with All Elite Wrestling. Fenix’s caption “Bendita Lucha Libre, Gracias por todo” (Bless Lucha Libre, thanks for everything) certainly suggested that he is preparing to start a new chapter in his career.
Fenix’s post comes amid reports that he and Penta could soon be part of WWE, if they’re not already. Last month, it was reported that the Lucha Bros. were expected to leave AEW, and when Fenix withdrew from an independent event, many saw it as a sign he’d already joined WWE. Last week, it was reported that the pairhad signed a multi-year deal with WWE, one that would see them skip WWE NXT and head straight to the main roster. The comments on the Instagram post saw many wishing the pair well in WWE, believing they are leaving AEW to join Tony Khan’s chief rival.
An update has stated that Fenix and Penta are still under contract with AEW, raising questions as to what the future of the group will look like. Should they join WWE, the pair will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Women’s Tag Champion Jade Cargill, NXT Champion Ethan Page, and others.
No matter what the future holds, fans can expect to see much more of the talented Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo in the squared circle. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on the Lucha Bros. and their futures in wrestling.
