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Pat McAfee is Grateful And Excited For WWE RAW Return

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Pat McAfee has responded enthusiastically to Triple H’s confirmation of his full-time return to WWE as a commentator on Monday Night RAW. While the news of McAfee’s comeback had been circulating since August, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” confirmed it this week during the Netflix & WWE “Lunch and Learn” event.

Taking to social media, McAfee expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to return to WWE. “An absolute honor to be asked back,” he wrote. “A childhood dream realized every single time I’m lucky enough to be in an arena with the @WWE Universe. Can’t wait to be talking into a microphone next to @MichaelCole again… He’s the ?. I’m excited to tell the worldwide audience on Netflix how great the WWE Superstars are… and how big of scumbags some of ‘em are too. Let’s go.”

McAfee previously stepped away from WWE commentary to focus on his role with ESPN’s College GameDay. During his absence, RAW’s commentary duties were filled by Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore, while Michael Cole moved to SmackDown alongside Corey Graves.

Pat McAfee Teases WWE Royal Rumble Appearance

While Triple H did not specify the exact date of McAfee’s return, it is widely speculated that his comeback will coincide with RAW’s Netflix debut on January 6, 2024. The move to Netflix marks a new chapter for WWE, and McAfee has pledged to use the platform to elevate WWE’s popularity to a global audience.

Fans are eagerly awaiting McAfee’s dynamic energy back at the commentary desk, especially alongside his longtime broadcast partner, Michael Cole.

Watch: Pat McAfee Thanks Fans At Last WWE Raw Until January

WWE Ring Boy Lawsuit Paused As Maryland Court Weighs Up Key Law

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The lawsuit brought against WWE, TKO and others by former ‘ring boys’ has been put on pause due to an upcoming ruling by the Maryland Supreme Court. Federal Judge James K. Bredar ruled to stay proceedings until the Supreme Court rules on whether the state’s Child Victims Act is constitutional.

The CVA, which was first introduced in 2023, removes the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse, even in cases of negligence. The law is crucial to the case brought forward, as they alleged abuse took place decades ago.

The lawsuit was filed in October and alleges that former WWE employee Mel Phillips sexually abused the five plaintiffs, anonymized as John Doe 1 through 5, while they worked as ring boys in the 1980s. It also claims that WWE, Vince, and Linda McMahon failed to act despite being aware of Phillips’ conduct. Phillips passed away in 2012.

Vince McMahon’s attorney Jessica T. Rosenberg, also representing McMahon in the Janel Grant lawsuit, has described the case as full of claims that are “untrue and unfounded.” Linda McMahon’s lawyer Laura Brevetti has described the lawsuit as “filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations, and misrepresentations.”

The Maryland Supreme Court’s ruling on whether the CVA is constitutional or not is expected by August 2025. If passed, it will allow this case and others like this one to move forward, regardless of how much time has passed since the alleged abuse. This is an ongoing case and we seek to bring updates in due time.

AEW Collision Preview (12/7): Okada vs. Fletcher, Darby Allin

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The December 7, 2024 episode of AEW Collision is shaping up to be an action-packed show featuring pivotal matches in both the AEW Continental Classic and the NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty Women’s Invitational Tournament.

Originally slated for the Nationwide Arena, this Collision episode will now emanate from the Greater Columbus Convention Center as part of GalaxyCon Columbus 2024.

AEW Continental Classic

Fletcher Okada

Kazuchika Okada vs. Kyle Fletcher: In a highly anticipated Blue League match of the AEW Continental Classic, the legendary Kazuchika Okada faces the rising star Kyle Fletcher.

Daniel Garcia vs. Mark Briscoe (Blue League): Both competitors seek their first tournament victories, with Garcia holding a record of 0-0-1 and Briscoe at 0-1. This match is crucial for their standings.

Darby Allin vs. Komander (Gold League): Allin aims to rebound from an initial loss, while Komander steps in as a replacement for the injured Juice Robinson, who was 0-1 before his withdrawal.

NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty Women’s Invitational Tournament

Willow Nightingale vs. Serena Deeb: Nightingale’s power clashes with Deeb’s technical prowess in this opening round.

Emi Sakura vs. Mina Shirakawa: Veteran Sakura takes on Shirakawa, known for her agility and striking ability.

Fans can anticipate a night of high-stakes competition and dynamic matchups, with each bout potentially altering the trajectory of AEW’s ongoing tournaments.

Zilla Fatu Picks a Side in WWE’s Bloodline Civil War

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The Bloodline Civil War remains one of WWE’s most captivating storylines, with tensions escalating between the original Bloodline led by Roman Reigns and the newer faction centered around Solo Sikoa. Recently, Zilla Fatu, a member of the legendary Anoa’i family, revealed which side he would align with if he joined WWE’s ongoing saga.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Zilla Fatu expressed his allegiance to Roman Reigns’ OG Bloodline. Explaining his choice, he stated,

“I might have to go with … Imma break it down why I have to go with him, but Imma have to go with Team OTC baby, Roman Reigns.”

Fatu also voiced discontent with Solo Sikoa’s adoption of the Samoan Spike, a finisher made famous by his late father, WWE Hall of Famer Umaga. “For him to you know … try and take my dad’s move or whatever, I don’t like it, so I’m going with Roman Reigns, whatever he needs, I’m there,” Fatu remarked, suggesting a personal reason for siding with Reigns over Sikoa.

Paul Heyman Believes Bloodline Story Ranks Above nWo, McMahon vs. Austin

The rivalry between the two Bloodline factions took center stage at WWE’s recent Survivor Series, where the original Bloodline, bolstered by CM Punk, defeated Solo’s faction and Bronson Reed in a brutal WarGames match. However, the tensions between the two sides appear far from resolved.

Zilla Fatu, currently carving his path in professional wrestling outside WWE, hinted at an eventual debut in the promotion. With his allegiance to Roman Reigns now clear, fans eagerly anticipate how his arrival could impact the ongoing Bloodline saga.

Rikishi Feels Solo Sikoa Will Dethrone Cody Rhodes

Bandido’s Return Teased in AEW Dynamite Vignette

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On the December 4, 2024, episode of AEW Dynamite, a vignette aired heralding the imminent return of Bandido, the former Ring of Honor World Champion. The segment, styled as a Wild West scene, featured two cowboys discussing Bandido’s comeback, with one remarking, “If this outlaw returns, this whole town is in trouble.”

Bandido has been absent from in-ring action since June 2023 due to a wrist injury sustained during a match against Konosuke Takeshita on AEW Rampage. The injury necessitated two surgeries, one in July 2023 and another in December 2023, leading to a prolonged recovery period.

In October 2024, reports indicated that Bandido was backstage at AEW Dynamite, informing colleagues that he was “ready to go,” signaling his readiness to return to competition. The airing of this vignette suggests that his return to AEW programming is forthcoming, though an exact date has not been announced.

For a glimpse of Bandido’s dynamic in-ring style, here’s his AEW debut against Chris Jericho:

Chris Jericho to Reveal Final Battle Challenger on ROH HonorClub

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Chris Jericho, the reigning Ring of Honor (ROH) World Champion, is set to host a special segment titled “TV Time with Chris Jericho” on the December 5, 2024, episode of ROH on HonorClub. This announcement was made during a “New York Minute” segment on the December 4 episode of AEW Dynamite, where Jericho also promoted AEW’s upcoming events at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

In “TV Time with Chris Jericho,” the champion is expected to discuss his challenger for the upcoming ROH Final Battle event, scheduled for December 20, 2024, in New York City. Jericho’s involvement in ROH programming has been significant since he captured the ROH World Championship from Mark Briscoe in a Ladder War match on October 23, 2024.

Jericho’s presence is anticipated to elevate ROH’s profile, especially amid ongoing negotiations for a television deal. His status as a prominent figure in professional wrestling is viewed as a strategic asset in these discussions.

The December 5 episode of ROH on HonorClub will also feature matches including Alex Reynolds versus Katsuyori Shibata, and Rachael Ellering facing Trish Adora.

Fans can watch the episode on HonorClub and stay updated through ROH’s official channels.

Ryan Nemeth Alleges Threats and Harassment in AEW Involving CM Punk

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Ryan Nemeth has raised serious allegations against All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and former colleague CM Punk (Phil Brooks), citing threats, abuse, and harassment during his tenure with the company. According to a document obtained by Fightful, Nemeth detailed these issues in a complaint dated September 12, which included emails, texts, and call logs as evidence.

The conflict reportedly began after Nemeth referred to Punk as “literally the softest man alive” in a tweet, which he claims was made in character. This led to a backstage confrontation where Punk allegedly threatened Nemeth. Despite Nemeth’s attempts to address the situation with AEW’s legal representative, Megha Parekh, he felt the company failed to respond adequately. Instead, he was encouraged to cut a promo against Punk on television.

Nemeth expressed concerns about being “silently fired” as his paid-per-appearance deal neared expiration. He received support from fellow wrestlers like The Young Bucks, who assured him that his relationship with AEW wouldn’t be affected by the incident. Ultimately, Nemeth was let go from AEW. He stated that he doesn’t believe Punk was the sole cause of these issues, suggesting that similar problems would have arisen with someone else eventually.

This incident adds to the series of backstage controversies involving CM Punk during his time with AEW, including altercations with The Young Bucks and Jack Perry, which contributed to his departure from the company.

TNA To Run Major PPVs In Both LA & New York

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WWE is no stranger to running their PLEs in major markets, but now the smaller promotions are following suit, including TNA.

The 22-year old company announced to fans on Wednesday to mark their calendars as the company plans to run some of its major PPVs in both Los Angeles and New York City. Not only that, but the PPVs will take place at notable arenas in both cities. TNA Rebellion will take place on April 27, 2025 at the Galen Center, home of USC Trojans basketball, and TNA Slammiversary will hail from the UBS Center, the homebase of the New York Islanders on July 20, 2025.

In the press release, TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming year with TNA.

“I am beyond excited to defend the TNA World Championship from coast to coast, in the two of the most iconic cities in the world, Los Angeles and New York City. This is a groundbreaking day for TNA Wrestling. I cannot wait for the ride that TNA will be on in 2025.”

Major market announcements have been the ongoing trend for wrestling as 2024 comes to a close. WWE is just on the cusp of returning to New York City for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14 and just this week, MLW revealed they’ll be heading to Los Angeles for Battle Riot VII in early April. MLW will also be back in NYC this weekend for One-Shot which will have Eric Bischoff steering the ship.

Cody Rhodes: Bayley Is Our Locker Room Leader, She’s WWE’s Captain

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Cody Rhodes may be the face of WWE as the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, but a different star holds the title of “locker room leader.” In a conversation with Jazzy’s World, Rhodes revealed that Bayley has stepped into the role as the roster’s leader.

“If you got a captain, you know, the C on the jersey, it’s probably her… She’s the locker room leader, and she should be.”

Rhodes also acknowledged his Legacy mentor Randy Orton as another locker room leader, highlighting their shared ability to inject excitement into any show or segment they’re part of. Bayley’s role as a locker room leader underscores the progress WWE has made in promoting equality between its male and female performers over the past decade.

Bayley Remains Hopeful for All-Female WWE Evolution 2 Premium Live Event

Orton has been out of action since Crown Jewel, where he and Kevin Owens brawled, causing their match to be called off. However, Orton made a triumphant return after over a year away at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023, where he was victorious inside the WarGames match. Meanwhile, Rhodes and Owens are set to clash at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

As for Bayley, she also emerged victorious at Survivor Series: WarGames and now has her sights set on the Women’s U.S. Championship. After winning her first-round match, Bayley will face Chelsea Green. The winner will advance to Saturday Night’s Main Event on 12/14 to compete against either Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, Elektra Lopez, or Michin.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Heads to San Antonio on January 25, 2025

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WWE’s next primetime Saturday Night’s Main Event is set to air live on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT.

The event will take place at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, home of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. Fans can catch the action on NBC or stream it live on Peacock.

Ticket Information

General Sales: Tickets will be available starting Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11 AM ET/10 AM CT on Ticketmaster.com.

Presale Access: Begins Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 11 AM ET/10 AM CT. Fans can register for exclusive presale access on WWE’s official presale page.

VIP Packages: Priority Passes, offered through On Location, include premium seating, pre-show hospitality featuring WWE Superstar appearances, ringside photo opportunities, and other perks. Passes can be purchased on On Location’s website.

WrestleMania 41 Priority Pass: John Cena And The Undertaker Confirmed

The New Era of Saturday Night’s Main Event

This special event is part of WWE’s five-year domestic media rights partnership with NBCUniversal, which began in September 2024. The partnership includes SmackDown’s move to the USA Network and special programming like Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Before this, the inaugural Saturday Night’s Main Event under the new partnership will air on December 14, 2024, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York.

Netflix Assures Fans: ‘We’re Totally Ready’ for WWE Raw’s Streaming Debut

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WWE fans shouldn’t worry about streaming issues, according to Netflix COO Bela Bajaria, despite the challenges experienced during the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight. The highly anticipated boxing match last month drew over 65 million viewers worldwide, leading to buffering issues as Netflix’s servers struggled to meet the overwhelming demand.

These concerns have raised questions about WWE’s upcoming move to Netflix, which begins with Monday Night Raw’s debut episode on January 6, 2025. Speaking to Deadline, Bajaria explained how lessons learned from the Tyson vs. Paul fight will be applied to ensure a smoother experience for Raw.

“We’ve all obviously done a lot of stuff to learn and get ready for the NFL and Beyoncé at halftime, and so we’re totally ready and excited for WWE.”

Bajaria praised Netflix’s “amazing” engineering team, who “moved super quickly” during the Tyson vs. Paul event to maintain service. WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque shares her confidence, joking that he wouldn’t mind if 65 million fans tuned into Monday Night Raw every week.

The transition to Netflix marks a historic change for Raw, with many details, such as the show’s length, yet to be revealed. However, fans can expect a stacked lineup for the debut episode, featuring top stars like Roman Reigns and John Cena.

Visit our Events page to learn more about Raw’s Netflix debut and other major wrestling events in 2025.

Triple H: WWE Is Bigger Right Now Than The Attitude Era

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WWE’s current product surpasses all previous eras, including the acclaimed Attitude Era, according to WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque. Speaking at the WWE & Netflix Lunch and Learn event, Levesque responded to a comment from Michael Cole, who described the Attitude Era as WWE’s biggest and most robust era.

“I don’t think that is accurate anymore. I think it’s right now, and I think that the moment that we are going through right now.”

Levesque reflected on being a part of the Attitude Era, emphasizing that WWE today is “way bigger” than anything from the past. The COO, who also oversees creative, offered a name for this era of programming.

“You mentioned the Triple H Era. I don’t think it’s that. I think this, at the end of it, is going to be called the Netflix Era. That’s where the big change is.”

Cody Rhodes Shares His Name Choice for WWE’s Current Era

WWE’s partnership with Netflix kicks off next month when Raw debuts on the streaming giant on January 6. International fans will gain access to not only Raw, but also SmackDown, WWE NXT, Premium Live Events, and an extensive back catalog of content. Anticipation is building for the premiere, which includes the highly anticipated return of a former Women’s Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates as WWE embarks on its next era. Check out our Events page for details on WWE’s upcoming shows.

Triple H Says Jelly Roll Is Eying WWE Match

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Triple H has revealed that singer Jelly Roll is eying a WWE match in the future.

The Grammy-nominated artist is a vocal wrestling fan who even made an appearance at SummerSlam this year to give a chokeslam to Austin Theory.

During yesterday’s Netflix media event promoting Raw’s upcoming debut, The WWE Chief Content Officer discussed future celebrity involvement in the product. He specifically mentioned Jelly Roll who has been on a weight loss journey recently, saying that the singer & songwriter is aiming to have a match in WWE:

“I just saw Jelly Roll the other day and he’s still raving about wrestling. Every time I see him, he says the same thing, ‘I got another 100 pounds to go, baby, and I’m doing a match with you guys,'”

The American singer has previously detailed his battle with food addiction and his efforts to lose weight. In an interview with People last month he revealed that he has lost over 100 pounds just this year. The 40-year-old also frequently talks about wrestling, even revealing his thoughts on subjects such as the nuances of storytelling that have helped WWE grow its business in recent years.

Along with Triple H, WWE President Nick Khan was also present at the event. He revealed what rating WWE shows will have when they move to Netflix in January. You can check out his comments here.

John Cena and Eric Andre to Star in Netflix’s ‘Little Brother’

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John Cena and Eric Andre will co-star in the upcoming Netflix film Little Brother. According to Deadline, the film’s plot centers on “a famous real estate agent whose carefully curated world is upended when his eccentric little brother unexpectedly reappears.”

The screenplay, crafted by Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel, brings this intriguing premise to life, with David Bernad and Ruben Fleischer serving as producers. Additional details, including the rest of the cast, production start date, and release date, have not yet been revealed.

John Cena’s impressive filmography continues to expand. In 2024, he starred in Ricky Stanicky, Jackpot, and Argylle. Past highlights include Blockers, Barbie, The Suicide Squad, Trainwreck, Vacation Friends, and the ninth and tenth installments of the Fast & Furious franchise.

John Cena ‘Really Grateful’ For His Cameo In Barbie

Next on Cena’s slate is the live-action feature Matchbox – a collaboration between Skydance, Mattel Films, and Apple – and the highly anticipated second season of Max’s original series Peacemaker.

Outside of Hollywood, Cena is preparing for his farewell WWE tour in 2025. His final in-ring appearances are set for WWE events such as Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41.

Throughout the year, Cena plans to wrestle at 36 WWE events, marking the culmination of his storied wrestling career. Fans can also watch Cena appear at Netflix’s first-ever Raw episode, airing January 6, 2025, in Los Angeles.

CM Punk Comments On Potential Match With John Cena On His Retirement Tour

Nick Khan: R-Rated Raw On Netflix Is Definitely Not Happening

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Fans eager to see an edgy, hardcore Raw when the show moves to Netflix should prepare to be disappointed, WWE President Nick Khan has warned. Since news of Raw’s move to Netflix broke, speculation has run rife of a more mature product given that the show will not be confined to TV’s content ratings. Speaking at a panel to select media outlets, Khan made clear that an X-rated Raw is not in the works.

“There’s some online chatter about, oh, it’s gonna be R-rated, or for us old folks, like X-rated. That’s definitely not happening.”

Instead, Khan spoke of the show maintaining its “family-friendly, multi-generational, advertiser-friendly programming” that has been a staple of WWE for years. When asked what fans can expect, Khan turned his attention outside of the United States.

“I would look for more global flair, especially as the relationship [with Netflix] continues to develop.”

WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque is playing a large role in Raw’s impending move while maintaining his position as Head of Creative, a role he’s been in since 2022. At the media event, Levesque relished in the freedom he and his team have been given.

“There’s nobody saying you can’t do that. There’s nobody putting a thumb on it… There’s no bad ideas. We’re just all having a blast doing it.”

Raw’s move to Netflix is arguably the biggest change in the show’s history, with many details, including the show’s length, still yet to be made public knowledge. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on WWE’s move to the streaming juggernaut ahead of the debut episode of WWE Raw on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Cody Rhodes Hits Milestone In Winning Streak Over Solo Sikoa

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Cody Rhodes is truly proving to be ‘undeniable’ in WWE, especially when the Undisputed WWE Champion shares the ring with Solo Sikoa. After this week’s edition of WWE Raw, the two met in a dark match that saw Rhodes once again emerge on top.

Watch Cody Rodes & Solo Sikoa Battle After WWE Raw

With this win, Rhodes is now 20-0 against the leader of The Bloodline in singles matches, data from Cagematch has revealed. This number includes house shows, dark matches, and matches on WWE TV or Premium Live Events. Solo’s one and only win over Rhodes came as part of a six-man tag-team match at Money in the Bank, where he, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu bested Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton.

This is hardly a good look for Sikoa, who earlier this year declared that “losing has consequences” before ousting Jimmy Uso from The Bloodline. Jimmy had lost to his brother Jey at WrestleMania and (like Solo) had failed to stop Rhodes from winning the Undisputed WWE Title at the two-night PLE in Philadelphia.

At Survivor Series: WarGames, Sikoa once again came up short as his Bloodline, with Bronson Reed, fell to Roman Reigns’ OG Bloodline and CM Punk. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Sikoa and how he plans to rebound from this loss, and his many, many defeats to the American Nightmare.

H/T to WrestlingNews for uncovering this stat.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for more interesting wrestling facts and statistics.

AEW Dynamite Preview (12/4/24)

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All Elite Wrestling is back tonight when AEW Dynamite broadcasts at 8/7c live on TBS from the Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Indiana. Here’s your Dynamite preview for this week:

Dynamite Dozen Battle Royale

  • Twelve competitors will face off in an over-the-top battle royal, with the winner earning a shot at MJF’s Dynamite Diamond Ring
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Grudge Matches

  • Jay White vs. PAC. White is seeking revenge after being attacked by The Death Riders.
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Max Caster. This match was set up after a heated exchange between the two.

Continental Classic Tournament Matches

  • Blue League: Shelton Benjamin vs. Kyle Fletcher. Both men are tied for the top spot in their league, with Benjamin having three points after defeating Mark Briscoe, and Fletcher having two points after defeating The Beast Mortos.
  • Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brody King. Castagnoli and King both picked up wins on Dynamite, with Castagnoli defeating Ricochet and King defeating Darby Allin.

Other Matches and Segments

  • Anna Jay vs. Penelope Ford. Jay is chasing the TBS title, while Ford is on a career resurgence.
  • Jamie Hayter will also speak on tonight’s episode, addressing her recent targeting by Julia Hart.

WWE NXT Deadline 2024 Predictions: Iron Survivor Matches and more

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WWE NXT Deadline 2024 is set to take place on December 7, 2024, at the Minneapolis Armory in Minnesota. This highly anticipated event features exciting matches, including the innovative Iron Survivor Challenges. Let’s dive into the predictions for this action-packed pay-per-view.

Read More – WWE NXT Deadline 2024 Live Stream: How to watch

Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge

The Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge will see Eddy Thorpe, Ethan Page, Je’Von Evans, Nathan Frazer, and Wes Lee compete in a 25-minute match. 

This high-stakes contest offers the winner a future NXT Championship opportunity. Given the talent involved, this match could go any way, but Wes Lee stands out as a potential favorite due to his recent momentum.

Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge

In the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge, Giulia, Sol Ruca, Stephanie Vaquer, Wren Sinclair, and Zaria will battle for a future NXT Women’s Championship shot. Sol Ruca has been gaining traction lately and could be poised for a breakthrough victory in this match.

NXT Championship Match

Trick Williams will defend his NXT Championship against Ridge Holland. Williams has been a dominant champion, but Holland’s aggressive style could pose a significant threat. However, Williams is likely to retain his title and continue his impressive reign.

NXT Tag Team Championship Match

The Super Sonic Duo (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) will put their NXT Tag Team Championships on the line against the No Quarter Catch Crew (Myles Borne & Tavion Heights). Axiom and Frazer’s high-flying style and chemistry give them an edge, making them favorites to retain their titles.

NXT Underground Match

Lola Vice and Jaida Parker will face off in an NXT Underground Match. This unique stipulation could favor Vice, who has shown a more aggressive side recently. Expect a hard-hitting contest with Vice emerging victorious.

Event Details

This event promises to deliver exciting matches and potentially shape the future of NXT. The Iron Survivor Challenges, in particular, offer a unique format that could lead to surprising outcomes and new contenders for the top titles in NXT.

As we approach WWE NXT Deadline 2024, fans can expect intense competition, potential upsets, and the crowning of new number one contenders. With its mix of established stars and rising talents, this event is set to be a must-watch for all WWE fans.

Effy On Ricky Starks’ GCW Removal and AEW Heat: Go Ahead, Blame Me

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Independent wrestler Effy is ready to be blamed for Tony Khan pulling Ricky Starks from GCW shows, even though he feels much more is at play. Starks was pulled from a recent GCW event, as well as all future GCW shows, in a move that has angered fans.

Starks’ removal from GCW reportedly came after a comment made by Effy about Shad Khan, the father of the AEW President. Speaking to BodySlam.net’s Game Changer Weekly podcast, Effy was amused that the situation had blown up the way it did.

“I’m opening Twitter and at one point on Tuesday im trending #4 in the nation. Not Tony khan, not Ricky Starks, not AEW, EFFY. EFFY is trending fourth in the United States.”

The comment in question by Effy saw the indie star joke that Shad Khan, who has invested in AEW, is effectively paying Tony to stay away from him, Fightful Select has reported. While many have pointed the finger of blame at Effy for Starks being pulled from GCW, Effy believes that this is a matter for Starks and AEW to resolve.

“Everyone who’s saying “Oh, it’s EFFY’s fault he can’t be here,” this is how things are done in wrestling and it’s something that, you know, he’s going to have to go work out on his own.”

Starks being pulled from GCW came over half a year after his most recent match for AEW, with no explanation given for why he’s not being used. In the interview, Effy said if people, including Tony Khan, want to use him as an excuse for Starks not being used, then he’s not going to fight the accusation.

“Go ahead, buddy. You can blame me. I can handle the blame, I can take the heat. I’ve been called every name in the book before this.”

Starks is not injured, which makes his absence from AEW all the more surprising to fans. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Ricky Starks as fans eagerly await for when, if ever, he’s back in an AEW ring again.

H/T – Bodyslam

Juice Robinson Replaced In AEW Continental Classic Due To Injury

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Juice Robinson has officially been replaced in the ongoing AEW Continental Classic tournament due to his injury.

Will Ospreay defeated Robinson in a C2 Gold League match last week. The bout that aired on the November 27 Collision was taped after the November 24 episode of Dynamite. The former NJPW star was then spotted on crutches during the weekend’s WrestleCade event, sparking speculations about his health.

AEW president Tony Khan confirmed earlier on Wednesday that Robinson is indeed dealing with an injury. He announced on Twitter that Kommander will be replacing the injured star in the ongoing tournament:

The second annual Continental Classic tournament features names such as Claudio Castagnoli, Darby Allin, Brody King, Will Ospreay, and Ricochet in the Gold League. As of this Tuesday, Ospreay, King and Castagnoli, each have earned three points in the tournament.

On the Blue side, Shelton Benjamin and Kyle Fletcher have scored 3 points each. The current Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada and TNT Champion Daniel Garcia have had to share one point each after their match went into a time-limit draw. Both Mark Briscoe and The Beast Mortos have yet to earn any points.

AEW has changed the rules for the Continental Classic semifinals this year with the matches taking place at the Worlds End PPV itself. You can check out more details here.

Dustin Rhodes Calls For End Of “Constant Attacking & Vitriol” At AEW

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AEW’s Dustin Rhodes is hoping for peace from the “constant attacking and vitriol” aimed at AEW, adding that he loves all wrestling. On X, Rhodes made his plea to his 820,000 followers.

The topic of toxicity among fans has been a hot-button issue for years, especially once WWE was given its biggest competition in decades with the launch of AEW in 2019. Wrestlers from both sides have shared their views on toxicity in the fanbase, including:

  • Cody Rhodes, who in July of this year said that the wrestling fandom loves to eat itself, and compared it to toxicity from Star Wars fans.
  • Eddie Kingston, who said that he quit Twitter over toxic fans, and said that hateful opinions don’t truly matter at the end of the day.
  • Matt Jackson, who shared in 2022 on Melissa Joan Hart’s podcast that wrestling “has the most toxic fanbase in the world.”

It’s no surprise that Rhodes is fiercely loyal to AEW, where he first began competing in 2019. The Natural also competes in Ring of Honor, where he is part of the ROH World Tag Team Champions with Sammy Guevara, and one-third of the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions with Marshall and Ross Von Erich.

Dustin Rhodes Is A Free Agent And “Absolutely Not Done”

While many fans subscribe to the belief that wrestling fans should be free to like what they like, there are some who believe in attacking any promotion outside of their favorites. Rhodes is the latest to call for peace among fans, though it remains to be seen if his message will get through to those he hopes will hear it.

Eddy Thorpe Attacked On NXT After Last Week’s Confrontation

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Eddy Thorpe found his fortune turning around multiple times on the same night during the latest NXT episode from the Performance Center.

The 34-year-old picked up a big victory during the show. He won the last chance fatal four-way match to qualify for the Men’s Iron Survivor challenge at the upcoming Deadline event. Thorpe expressed confidence in winning the upcoming PPV match in an interview after the bout.

Following the main event segment of the show featuring Roxanne Perez however, the cameras hurried through the backstage area. We saw Thorpe laid out as the cameras came to a halt and the show then went off air.

This comes after Thorpe was involved in a high-profile segment during last week’s NXT. He confronted General Manager Ava in a backstage segment.

After Eddy accidentally caused Ava to be knocked down, NXT Head Shawn Michaels shoved him into a corner in a rare physical interaction.

Ava is the daughter of WWE board member Dwyane ‘The Rock’ Johnson. So the speculation that a Bloodline member could be behind this attack is not too far-fetched.

The attack is most likely to make Thorpe unavailable for the Deadline event this Saturday. The Big question is who will replace the development star if he can’t compete at the show.

Ethan Page Eyes WWE Icons In Upcoming Main Roster Run

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Ethan Page has quickly made a name for himself in WWE NXT, and the Canadian has big plans for when he moves to the main roster. Speaking to The Takedown on SI, Page discussed what’s next for him on the main roster and set his sights on some of WWE’s biggest stars.

Me and Cody have historyRandy’s one of my favorite wrestlers growing up. I’m grown now, so I’d love to handle that.”

Page also set his sights on John Cena, though admitted that there’s a “time crunch” as Cena will retire from in-ring competition next year. The Royal Rumble and WrestleMania are on Page’s bucket list, as is the chance to compete at a main roster PLE in his native Canada.

“There’s this show happening in Toronto. I think it’s called Elimination Chamber. Six guys got to be in that match.

Page arrived in WWE back in May, mere days after his time with AEW expired. In July, Page became the NXT Champion, breaking the record for a WWE Superstar to go from debuting to becoming a World Champion. Page’s 86-day reign was ended by Trick Williams on WWE NXT’s debut on The CW in a match officiated by CM Punk.

As for when Page can expected to make the move to either Raw or SmackDown, that remains to be seen, but Page is ready for the move. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Ethan Page and his work both in NXT and outside the silver brand.

Layla Would Love A LayCool Reunion

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Former WWE star Layla is open to making a return to wrestling before it’s too late.

The former Diva’s Champion was part of the WWE roster from 2006 to 2015. When she departed the company, the wrestling veteran not only took a break from the industry but she left the limelight completely.

The former champion was asked about a potential wrestling comeback now that she is back doing appearances during a recent interview with No Name Wrestling Podcast. Layla admitted that she would love to do something before it’s too late:

“Yeah, now there is. Before, absolutely 100% no. I was not open to anything. I wanted a break. I wanted to get away. But now, absolutely. Before I get too old and I can’t come back and do anything.”

One More Time: Layla

One of the highlights of Layla’s WWE career was her partnership with Michelle McCool. The duo known as LayCool were partners for more than 2 years and they found success together, even leading to Layla winning the Women’s Title.

The 2006 Diva Search winner noted that she would love to have a reunion with Michelle if it’s possible and share the ring with her best friend one more time:

“Yeah, I would…one more time. I would honestly come back to do a LayCool reunion. If that is possible and if that is something that could happen, why not? It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

And we did, we had a lot of fans when we were together. Lay-Cool was a stable for a while…we were together for what, two and a half years, I think. So I would love to reunite with my best friend. I really would. Just one more time.”

The WWE women’s tag team titles have gained a little bit of momentum with the recent reign of Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. After Cargill was taken out by an unknown assailant recently, however, the future of the belts is in doubt.

With the Royal Rumble PPV coming up in 2 months, it’ll be the perfect opportunity for a LayCool return, with them having a short reign with the championships during the WrestleMania season. 

X-Pac Throws His Support Behind Je’Von Evans At WWE NXT

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WWE NXT’s Je’Von Evans has impressed plenty of people during his run so far, and now he has the backing of Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman. During the latest episode of WWE NXT, Waltman approached Evans and spoke about his 1-2-3 Kid victory over Razor Roman, which took place at the same age Evans is now. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer gave him a ton of kudos while proclaiming how much he believes in him.

Waltman is just the latest name to throw their support behind the Young OG. Last month, WWE NXT arrived in the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, where Rob Van Dam shared his support for Evans. The former WWE/ECW World Champion stood in Evans’ corner for his match with Wes Lee and raised his hand afterward.

Eric Bischoff’s WWE NXT Debut Sets The Stage For Deadline

Evans signed with WWE in November 2023 after making a name for himself as Jay Malachi on the independent scene, and has received quite the push already. A video package hyping Evans debut would play at NXT Stand & Deliver, arguably the brand’s biggest event of the year, back in April.

Evans has already challenged for the NXT and NXT Tag Team Championships, as well as the NXT Heritage Cup. Not confined to the silver brand, Evans has also been in the hunt for the WWE Speed Championship, earning a spot in a tournament finals in August before losing to Pete Dunne.

Expectations are high for the 20-year-old Evans, who shared the ring with Randy Orton in October in only the Viper’s second match in NXT to date. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Young OG who continues to impress each week in WWE NXT.