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Watch What Happened With Sami Zayn After SmackDown

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Sami Zayn credited Jey Uso for his reunion with Bloodline after this week’s episode of SmackDown from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York went off air.

Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline was in the main event of this week’s show. When Roman Reigns came out to confront him, Sikoa issued a WarGames challenge to the former WWE Champion, introducing Zayn as the fifth member of his team.

Sami however, decided to align with his old friends instead. The show ended with the original Bloodline standing tall after taking out Solo and his teammates.

The Honorary Uce cut a promo praising Jey Uso after the show went off air and the segment finally ended with the two friends sharing a hug.

What Happened On SmackDown

The episode also saw the continuation of the much-talked storyline between Kevin Owens and Randy Orton. The Viper first called out Owens demanding revenge for his actions at Crown Jewel.

The officials came out with security to try and stop the two from brawling with each other. In the end however, The Prizefighter managed to break free and he ended up hitting Orton with a banned move.

These weren’t the only headlines coming out of the show as General Manager Nick Aldis also announced a new Women’s US Championship during tonight’s SmackDown.

Details On WWE ID Prospect Sean Legacy

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Sean Legacy has become the latest independent wrestler to sign on as a Prospect for WWE ID; the promotion’s newest recruitment program. Legacy has been wrestling since 2017 and has worked in promotions including West Coast Pro, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and Pro Wrestling Revolution.

Fans with a good memory may remember Legacy from the September 5, 2020, edition of AEW Dark, where he lost to ‘Powerhouse’ Will Hobbs. In May of this year, Legacy wrestled fellow WWE ID signing Bryce Donovan at Beyond Wrestling Open: Episode 125 – Krule Intentions, but came up short.

Legacy is the sixth WWE ID prospect with talent including Jack Cartwheel and Zayda Steel joining the program. This group now has a direct path to WWE’s resources, including the state-of-the-art Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Ring of Honor and Dragon Gate USA founder Gabe Sapolsky will be working closely with the WWE ID Prospects, ensuring that the signings get advice and wisdom forged from Sapolsky’s decades in the business.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE ID as the promotion’s hunt for future breakout Superstars continues to influence the independent wrestling world.

WWE’s Banned Moves: Curb Stomp, Diving Headbutt and more

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Certain wrestling moves are banned in WWE. This is primarily for the safety of the performers, showing the company’s commitment to minimizing the risk of serious injuries in the ring.

1. Punt Kick: Originally used by Randy Orton, this move was banned after causing a concussion to Vince McMahon.

2. Curb Stomp: Seth Rollins’ finisher was banned due to concerns about its safety and the risk of children replicating it.

3. Diving Headbutt: Banned following the Chris Benoit tragedy, as it poses significant risks for concussions.

4. Burning Hammer: An extremely dangerous move that involves dropping an opponent on their head; rarely performed safely.

5. Brainbuster: This move drops an opponent directly on their head, making it highly risky and leading to its ban.

6. Piledriver: Banned due to the high risk of severe neck injuries, particularly after Stone Cold Steve Austin’s injury in 1997.

Dustin Rhodes Hits Out At ‘CoKane’ Wrestler: “Should Be Ashamed”

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Dustin Rhodes has made his disgust clear over a new independent wrestling character that makes light of the use of drugs while parodying Kane. In a since-deleted X post, Rhodes spoke about ‘CoKane,’ which has gone viral on social media recently.

“This is disgustingly stupid. All involved should be ashamed. Work or not.”

image 8

CoKane wears a white version of the iconic debut first worn by Glenn Jacobs at WWE In Your House: Bad Blood 1997. Like the name suggests, CoKane often makes reference to using cocaine with his ‘Coke-Slam’ finisher and has been nicknamed ‘The Big White Powder Machine.’

Enter The Kane-Verse

CoKane is not the only wrestler out there to parody the WWE Hall of Famer/Knox County, Tennessee Mayor. Earlier this year, Blue Kane went viral online and used snow-themed powers in a parody of Kane’s fire-channeling abilities. After going viral, the character’s name was changed to ‘Blue Pain,’ likely after WWE reached out about copyright.

Gayne made his debut last month as part of TNT Wrestling’s ‘Rainbow Rumble’ wearing a colorful take on the iconic WWE character. The Big Gay Machine. The match was part of Effy’s ‘Big Gay Brunch’ though Gayne was unable to get the win.

Now, fans have a new Kane to watch, though the character has run afoul of Rhodes, who has been open about his past struggles with recreational drug use. While many fans love the character, there are some who think it crosses a line and goes from harmless parody to making light of a serious problem.

Original Bloodline Reunites as Sami Zayn and The Usos Join Forces with Roman Reigns

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On the November 8 episode of WWE SmackDown, after weeks of internal conflict and uncertainty, Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Sami Zayn stood united against the new Bloodline.

The night began with Solo Sikoa and his faction—the “All-New, All-Different Bloodline”—demanding that the crowd in Buffalo acknowledge him as the undisputed Tribal Chief. But when Reigns entered the ring, Sikoa challenged him, claiming he didn’t need Reigns’s acknowledgment and taunting him by saying he could not be Tribal Chief without a tribe. Sikoa dared Reigns to find four partners to face his faction in a WarGames showdown.

Sikoa’s new Bloodline consists of himself, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu, and Tonga Loa, with the unexpected addition of Sami Zayn. However, when Zayn appeared, the night took a surprising turn. Instead of attacking Reigns as Sikoa instructed, Zayn delivered a Helluva Kick to Solo, signaling his allegiance to the original Bloodline.

The brawl escalated as The Usos joined the fray to aid Reigns and Zayn against Sikoa’s group. With the crowd in full support, Reigns landed a decisive Spear on Solo, marking a clear shift in the battle. In the final moments, Jey and Jimmy Uso raised their fingers in unity, signaling the Bloodline’s signature hand gesture. Zayn followed suit, and after a tense moment of consideration, Reigns joined them, solidifying their alliance.

This explosive reunion suggests a powerful original Bloodline faction heading into Survivor Series, with the likely setup for a high-stakes WarGames match against Sikoa’s faction. The faction dynamics have taken a new turn, with Reigns, The Usos, and Zayn now seemingly standing stronger than ever.

Kevin Owens’ Piledriver on Randy Orton May Have Caused ‘Undisclosed Cervical Injuries’

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Tonight’s WWE SmackDown featured a brutal and shocking escalation in the feud between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, with Owens delivering a banned piledriver that left Orton hospitalized.

The confrontation began after a commercial break when Orton took to the mic and called Owens out, demanding revenge for a previous attack at Crown Jewel. Owens appeared on the stage, restrained by road agent Petey Williams and referee Dan Engler, but broke free and charged into the ring. The two immediately clashed, with Orton briefly gaining the upper hand before Owens retaliated by hitting him with a piledriver—a move banned in WWE due to its high-risk nature.

As fans and commentators looked on in shock, road agents and referees rushed to check on Orton, who was ultimately loaded onto a stretcher and taken away in an ambulance. Cody Rhodes accompanied Orton to the hospital, underscoring the severity of the assault and its potential impact on existing alliances and storylines. Later in the show, Michael Cole provided an update, announcing that Orton was being evaluated for undisclosed cervical injuries.

Michael Cole and Corey Graves effectively sold the move’s dangerous reputation. Orton was taken away in an ambulance as medical personnel attended to him, with Cody Rhodes at his side.

CM Punk, MJF & More React to WWE ID Prospect Signings

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WWE ID is becoming a cherished new aspect in the pro wrestling industry and everyone in the business is taking notice, including CM Punk and MJF.

WWE ID went on an announcement spree revealing a bevvy of independent wrestling names who have been approved by the program. Names like Jack Cartwheel, Cappuccino Jones and Zayda Steel were all initial announcments and eyes were certainly on the WWE ID X account.

CM Punk was sure to give shout-outs to all the names being revealed, and even tagged all of them on his Instagram stories. The former WWE Champion even shared an interview with Steel noting that Punk’s wife, AJ Mendez, was a major influence to her as a kid.

WWE ID even kicked down the “forbidden door” as AEW’s MJF was sure to tip the cap to Bryce Donovan, who came from the very school he and Max Caster did, Brian Myers’ Create-A-Pro. Donovan was the blue-chip prospect of Create-A-Pro and MJF made sure to let fans know on his Instagram stories to “Be shook.”

Another name of note who is keeping eyes on WWE ID is the wrestling extraordinaire Natalya. Nattie was sure to wish Steel a congratulations on being inked to the program.

Cartweel had a “cup of coffee” in All Elite Wrestling, but never signed with the company. Before the announcement, Steel did make a few appearances for Major League Wrestling as she became a contender for the Featherweight Championship as a heel under WTF, the World Titan Federation.

Machine Gun Kelly Regrets Dissing The Rock at WrestleMania 28

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Rapper Machine Gun Kelly recently reflected on a memorable misstep at WrestleMania 28, where his unintentional diss of WWE legend The Rock led to an unexpectedly hostile reaction from fans.

At WrestleMania 28, rapper Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) took an unexpected misstep by dissing The Rock before performing “Invincible” with Skylar Grey as part of John Cena’s entrance.

Not knowing that Miami was considered The Rock’s hometown, MGK commented on Cena being an “underdog” and made remarks that slighted The Rock. This led to overwhelming boos from the 70,000-strong crowd, which MGK later recalled as a jarring experience that taught him to have “thick skin.”

In a recent interview with Audacy’s Kevin Kenney, MGK admitted he hadn’t realized the significance of Miami to The Rock, who went on to defeat Cena in the event’s main event match. “I had no idea Miami was The Rock’s hometown… the whole stadium erupted in boos. I was like, ‘What did I do wrong?’”

Machine Gun Kelly has made several WWE television appearances over the years. He’s been in the crowd at big events, and even got physical on WWE Raw in 2015 after a live performance.

WWE Planning Old School Look & Arena Setup For Saturday Night’s Main Event

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WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event is set to return, airing live on NBC and simulcast on Peacock on December 14 at 8 p.m. ET from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island, N.Y. WWE announced today via email that additional tickets for the event have been released, stating, “We’re bringing that old school look and feel to Nassau Coliseum on December 14 for the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event!

According to PWInsider.com, WWE plans to fully embrace the classic style beyond just promotional hype. The broadcast presentation and the arena itself will reflect this retro theme, aiming to recreate the vibe of the original Saturday Night’s Main Event era. For instance, the event will feature full arena seating rather than closing off a portion of the venue for Titantron staging, as typically seen in Raw and SmackDown tapings.

In a recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that the main event matchups are expected to include Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens and World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER vs. Damian Priest.

Ticket demand for the event has been high. WrestleTix recently reported that WWE had distributed 10,259 tickets, with 817 tickets remaining for a setup capacity of 11,076 seats. Over 300 tickets were sold in the last week alone.

WWE’s Charlie Dempsey Set for Return to Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XII Against AKIRA

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WWE NXT Heritage Cup Champion Charlie Dempsey is set to return to Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport for his third appearance.

Dempsey first competed at Bloodsport X, securing a win against Matt Makowski, but lost to Royce Isaacs at Bloodsport XI. He will face AKIRA at Bloodsport XII, with both competitors aiming to recover from recent defeats in the tournament.

Bloodsport, known for its unique and gritty MMA-influenced format, has previously featured several WWE-affiliated talents, and Dempsey’s participation highlights WWE’s current openness to cross-promotional appearances.

Charlie Dempsey vs. Akira takes place on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XII, presented by Game Changer Wrestling. The event streams live on Triller from Jersey City, NJ.

Dwayne Johnson Grateful for His Role in WWE’s Global Expansion Efforts

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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has shared his appreciation for being part of WWE once again, amid his commitments to TKO’s Board of Directors. Sitting down with LAD Bible to promote his new movie Red One, Johnson delighted in being able to bring his star power to WWE events.

“Any opportunity I can to go back and not only make appearances, but help to expand the company, whether domestically or globally, I always go back. It’s also part of my obligation that I happily do.”

Johnson is closing in on 30 years as part of WWE after making his in-ring TV debut as Rocky Maivia at Survivor Series 1996. While the company hs changed considerably since then, Johnson remains grateful for all that wrestling has given him.

“I came along in the 90s and wrestled for Vince into the 2000s, so there’s some real connective tissue that goes back generations, and for that I will forever be grateful. It provided me a platform and a way to express myself in ways that nothing else would allow, other than acting.”

Johnson joined TKO’s Board of Directors in January of this year, which the ‘Final Boss’ called “just another way that I could help the company grow.” Whether it’s representing WWE on TKO’s Board or stunning fans with a surprise appearance at WWE Bad Blood, Johnson remains steadfast in his duties to the company.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Johnson who continues to electrify, whether it be on the big screen, in the ring, or in the boardroom.

Details on WWE ID Prospect Zara Zakher

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Zara Zakher is the latest WWE ID Prospect after inking a deal with the promotion’s newest recruitment program. Zakher made her debut in the wrestling scene last year and has been holding her own against both the women and the men.

Zakher joins WWE ID after establishing herself in the California-based Millenium Pro Wrestling. Outside of the promotion, The ‘Petite Powerhouse’ has competed for West Coast Pro, Tokyo Joshi Pro Live, and Game Changer Wrestling. Just one week before becoming a WWE ID Prospect, Zakher competed at GCW Monster Bash where she unsuccessfully challenged Masha Slamovich for the Jersey Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Title.

Zakher is the fifth WWE ID Prospect, with her announcement coming moments after Jack Cartwheel was confirmed as a prospect. These five now have a direct path to WWE’s resources, including the state-of-the-art Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Ring of Honor and Dragon Gate USA founder Gabe Sapolsky will be working closely with the WWE ID Prospects, ensuring that the signings get advice and wisdom forged from Sapolsky’s decades in the business.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE ID as the promotion’s hunt for future breakout Superstars continues to influence the independent wrestling world.

Saraya Dismisses Fan Speculation About Her AEW Absence

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Saraya joined AEW in 2022, returning to wrestling after initially retiring due to spinal stenosis. Her arrival came with high expectations from fans, who were eager to see what she could bring to the promotion. Throughout her time in AEW, Saraya has faced off against top talent and been featured prominently. She captured the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In 2023, marking a major milestone in her AEW career.

Recently, however, Saraya’s role within AEW has seemed less central. Her last championship match took place on the August 21 episode of Dynamite, where she lost to Toni Storm in a match lasting under nine minutes. Saraya also came up short against Mariah May during the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024 event in the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament quarterfinals.

Saraya was engaged in a storyline with Jamie Hayter that began when Hayter made her return at All In 2024. This feud culminated in a match on the September 25 episode of Collision: Grand Slam, where Hayter scored a decisive victory over Saraya. Most recently, Saraya competed in a Four-Way #1 Contendership Match on Dynamite: Title Tuesday on October 8, facing Hayter, Nyla Rose, and Willow Nightingale. Nightingale emerged as the winner, earning a title shot against Mariah May at WrestleDream.

Since then, Saraya has been noticeably absent from AEW programming. Fans speculated about her status on social media, prompting Saraya to respond on Twitter, clarifying that she is not currently dealing with an injury.

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1854958457083896042

WWE ID: GCW’s Jack Cartwheel is Latest Prospect

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More WWE ID Prospects have been announced, including independent wrestling star Jack Cartwheel (Jack Summit). Cartwheel has already made a name for himself outside of WWE with his high-energy performances, innovative move-set, and signature cartwheels that give him his unique name.

The Sacramento native made his wrestling debut in 2019 and has already made his presence felt in Game Changer Wrestling, Ring of Honor, Lucha Libre AAA, PWG, and All Elite Wrestling. Cartwheel’s peak in GCW came at this past February’s Feel No Ways event, where he unsuccessfully challenged Blake Christian for the GCW World Championship.

Cartwheel and his compatriots now have the opportunity to develop their skills in the ring and on the mic from the biggest wrestling promotion in the history of the industry. With the state-of-the-art Performance Center in Orlando, WWE ID signings will have the chance to train with and learn from the very best, including Gabe Sapolsky, founder of Ring of Honor and Dragon Gate USA.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE ID as the promotion’s hunt for future breakout Superstars continues to influence the independent wrestling world.

Olympic Judoka Among New Talent Scouted by WWE

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WWE is always on the hunt for new talent, whether it be collegiate athletes from the Next-In-Line program or the recently launched WWE ID tactic that seeks talent from the independents. Now, WWE has offered contracts to three impressive athletes who attended a recent tryout consisting of 17 Olympians.

Aaron Fara

Aaron Fara

Fara represented Austria in Judo (100kg or less) at this year’s Summer Olympic Games in Paris, and won gold at last year’s Judo Grand Slam in Antalya, Turkey. The 27-year-old is described in the Wrestling Observer as having ” a good physique” and is said to be charismatic and good at interviews.

Shady Elnahas

Shady Elnahas

Shady Elnahas also competes in Judo (100kg or less) and hails from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Elnahas is the reigning Commonwealth Champion and Pan American Champion and took home the silver medal in the Judo World Championships this past May in Abu Dhabi.

Francois Prinsloo

Francois Prinsloo

22-year-old Francois Prinsloo hails from South Africa and represented his country in discus throwing at this year’s Olympics. In 2018, Prinsloo won gold at the African Youth Games in Algiers. Fara is specifically said to have signed, while the others at this point were “offered deals” but without confirmation they’ve signed yet.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WWE’s roster and the new stars fans can expect to see in the future.

Toronto’s Rogers Center to Host WWE Elimination Chamber – March 1, 2025

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WWE Elimination Chamber is headed to the Rogers Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

The baseball stadium is home to Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays. Formerly known as the SkyDome, the Rogers Center previously hosted WrestleMania 6 (1990) and WrestleMania 18 (2002).

This marks the second consecutive year that Elimination Chamber will be held in an international stadium, following this year’s record-setting event at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.

“Canada is an amazing place to host our biggest Premium Live Events, with its passionate fans and rich history that spans decades,” said WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. “On the heels of a record-breaking MoneyIn The Bank this past July, we are excited to return to Toronto for an even larger event in 2025.”

Visit WWE.com to register for ticket pre-sale information.

WWE Star Wants To Work With Bron Breaker – When He’s More Established

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WWE star Omos has reckoned that the WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker needs to be built strongly like former WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, before facing him in a match. Omos, the 7’3 powerhouse had battled Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 39. Though he suffered a defeat, Omos posed a massive challenge for ‘The Beast Incarnate.’

During a recent Q&A episode on Undertaker’s Patreon, the gigantic wrestler said that he believes he could lock horns with Bron Breakker but he wants him to build more equity to make the clash exciting. Omos explained:

“My personal opinion, and maybe you can agree or disagree with me, I think [he might need] some more building him to that point, because I just remember wrestling Brock last year. I think people are going to expect that, but I think Brock had so much equity that he made sense and I think before you put him with me, you want to give him a lot more equity first.

So that way he’s people feel like he’s on top of the world like he’s gone through everybody, he’s become the unstoppable machine that he is, and they say, ‘What are you going to do with a giant?’ That makes for an even better story overall.”

Omos’ last appearance before hiatus took place at the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Meanwhile, Bron Breakker has been going strong on the main roster and became a two-time Intercontinental Champion and has defeated the likes of Sami Zayn and Jey Uso to remain a champion. Recently, WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker shared his thoughts on Omos.

The Undertaker Shares Bold Vision for Omos’ WWE Future Despite Absence

Nunzio Fine With NXT 2300 Match Getting Cut Short: ‘I’m Not Paid by the Hour’

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Former ECW star Nunzio was part of Wednesday’s NXT 2300 from the famous former ECW Arena and he challenged Tony D’Angelo for the NXT North American Championship. However, things didn’t go as per the plan as he couldn’t dethrone the champ. Moreover, the match duration was also reduced.

Nunzio and Tony Mamaluke had a FBI reunion on the show and were among several ECW originals who returned. They shared a backstage moment with Tony D’Angelo and family which led to the title match. However, the championship bout went just a couple of minutes.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Nunzio spoke about the NXT locker room environment and also reflected on competing in a title match that went a little shorted than what he expected. Here is what Nunzio said:

“I thought it was great. I actually went with Francine. She didn’t really know anybody and was like, ‘I want to go with you.’ I said, ‘Honestly, I know who they are but I don’t know anybody either.’ Everybody was very nice and respectful. I talked to a few guys and always try to help out with a couple of matches. I talked to some people, trying to get my own match going. A little shorter than I wanted. Some people went over and stuff. I’m not paid by the hour. Take the minutes off, it’s okay. I love when they say that, ‘I’m sorry I cut your two.’ Okay, so I do three. It’s what you do in that five or six minutes.”

In the final moments on the match, The Family’s Luca Crusifino distracted the referee while Channing “Stacks Lorenzo” handed a crowbar to D’Angelo. The champ threw the weapon towards Nunzio and the referee thought he was about to use it.

However, the ref then snatched then weapon. This allowed D’Angelo to capitalize during the chaos and planted the 52-year-old star with a delayed chokeslam to earn the win. Following the match The Family and FBI embraced and showed respect to each other to end the segment.

WWE SmackDown Preview: Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn

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Tonight’s WWE SmackDown broadcasts at 8/7c live on the USA Network from Buffalo, NY.

Confirmed Matches and Segments

  • Roman Reigns is scheduled to appear
  • Sami Zayn will address the recent events with Reigns and The Usos
  • The latest on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
  • Motor City Machine Guns will appear on The Grayson Waller Effect

We’ll update this article throughout the day when more is announced.

AEW Collision Tapings Results For Airing November 9 (Spoilers)

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All Elite Wrestling taped this weekend’s episode of AEW Collision on Thursday night from Providence, RI. The following are complete spoiler results for the show, just two weeks out from AEW Full Gear on Saturday, November 23.

Full Match Listing

  • Iron Savages vs. The House of Black
  • #1 Contender’s Match: The Outrunners vs. Top Flight
  • Roderick Strong vs. Beast Mortos
  • Ashley Box vs. Kris Statlander
  • Action Andretti vs. TNT Champion Jack Perry
  • Nick Wayne vs. AR Fox
  • Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii vs. World Trios Champions Claudio Castagnoli, PAC and Wheeler Yuta

AEW Collision Results (Airing 9, 2024)

  • The House of Black def. The Iron Savages. After the match, FTR confronted the House of Black and challenged them to a match for next week’s Dynamite.
  • The Outunners def. Top Flight to advance to Full Gear in the Tag Team Title bout. Private Party watched from the stage.
  • Roderick Strong def. Beast Mortos. He was attacked by Lance Archer after the match, while Brian Cage prevented anybody from helping.
  • Kris Statlander def. Ashley Vox. Mercedes Mone attacked Statlander after the match.
  • TNT Champion Jack Perry def. Action Andretti. Daniel Garcia then came out and confronted Perry.
  • Nick Wayne def. AR Fox
  • Claudio Castagnoli, PAC & Wheeler Yuta successfully retained the Trios Championships by def. Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii. Marina Shafir interfered to get the win for her team. Jon Moxley and Orange Cassidy brawled after the match.

WWE ID Prospects: Our Picks for the New Program

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WWE’s recent launch of the WWE Independent Development (WWE ID) program has sparked excitement throughout the wrestling world. This reportedly innovative initiative aims to bridge the gap between independent wrestling and WWE’s developmental system, providing a pathway for up-and-coming talent to potentially join the global wrestling juggernaut. 

As the program gains traction, fans and industry insiders alike are speculating about which independent wrestlers might be tapped as WWE ID prospects. Let’s explore some potential candidates who could hopefully thrive in this new program.

Read More – What is the WWE ID Program?

Rising Stars from Partnered Schools

WWE has already partnered with several prominent wrestling schools for the WWE ID program, including Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory, and Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy. These institutions are likely to produce some of the first WWE ID prospects.

Nightmare Factory Talent

Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory has quickly become a hotbed for wrestling talent. Potential WWE ID prospects from this school might include:

  • Brooke Havok: With her unique look and growing skillset, Havok could be a standout in WWE’s women’s division.

Independent Scene Standouts

Beyond the partnered schools, there are numerous independent wrestlers who could catch WWE’s eye for the ID program.

High-Flying Sensations

  • Gringo Loco: Known as “The Base God,” Loco’s incredible strength and agility make him a perfect candidate for WWE’s high-flying division.
  • Dante Leon: With his innovative offense and crowd-pleasing style, Leon could bring excitement to WWE programming.

Technical Wizards

  • Dominic Garrini: With a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Garrini brings legitimacy and a unique style to the ring.

International Prospects

The WWE ID program could also extend its reach internationally, tapping into global wrestling scenes.

European Talents

  • Cara Noir: The Black Swan of British wrestling has a captivating presence that could translate well to WWE’s theatrical style.
  • Tristan Archer: This French wrestler’s combination of power and agility makes him a versatile prospect for WWE.

Japanese Standout

  • Mei Suruga: This charismatic joshi wrestler could bring a fresh dynamic to WWE’s women’s division.

What is the WWE ID Program?

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WWE has launched an innovative initiative reportedly aimed at nurturing independent wrestling talent and strengthening the wrestling ecosystem.

The WWE ID Program, short for WWE Independent Development, is described as a groundbreaking developmental program designed to provide up-and-coming independent wrestlers with a clear pathway to a potential career in WWE.

Read More – Who is Zayda Steel? WWE ID Star Profiled

Program Overview

The WWE ID Program, announced on October 29, 2024, is a first-of-its-kind effort to support independent wrestling prospects and wrestling schools. It offers world-class training, development, and mentorship opportunities to aspiring wrestlers.

Key Objectives

The program apparently has several primary goals:

  • Identify and support emerging wrestling talent
  • Raise the profile of independent wrestling
  • Strengthen the overall wrestling ecosystem

As WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque stated, “WWE ID is the latest in our efforts to identify and support the journey of up-and-coming wrestlers, in turn raising the profile of and strengthening the independent wrestling ecosystem.”

Program Components

The WWE ID Program consists of two main components:

1. Support for Wrestling Schools

WWE will provide prominent independent wrestling schools with an official WWE ID designation. This designation aims to enhance developmental opportunities for both new trainees and existing talent at these institutions.

Several well-known wrestling schools have already received the WWE ID official designation, including:

  • Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling (Houston)
  • Cody Rhodes’ Nightmare Factory (Atlanta)
  • Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy (Davenport, Iowa)
  • Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center (Concord, N.H.)
  • KnokX Pro Academy (Los Angeles)12

2. Prospect Development

The program will identify top independent wrestling prospects and provide them with an official WWE ID “prospect” designation. These designated prospects will receive various forms of support, including:

  • Financial opportunities
  • Access to world-class training facilities
  • Best-in-class ring training
  • Support from athletic trainers
  • Mentorship and development assistance

Becky Lynch WWE Return could be linked to Special Deal

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Recent reports suggest that WWE superstar Becky Lynch is gearing up for a return to the company, possibly linked to an upcoming partnership with a high-profile apparel brand.

Although Lynch’s WWE contract expired in June 2024, her name has frequently appeared on WWE’s backstage roster, sparking ongoing speculation about her comeback.

Sources have reportedly indicated to WrestleVotes Radio that WWE’s discussions with major athletic and fashion brands include Lynch’s involvement, which could bring new opportunities for her both in and outside the ring.

WWE’s Apparel Plans and Lynch’s Role in the Brand

According to WrestleVotes Radio, WWE is in talks with top athletic apparel brands worth billions, seeking to expand their merchandise offerings. Lynch, along with WWE icons like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Roman Reigns, has reportedly been included in these discussions as a key figure.

This collaboration could see WWE exploring crossover fashion merchandise, with Lynch at the forefront. As a fashion-forward and influential personality, Lynch represents a potentially unique bridge between wrestling and mainstream fashion, making her an ideal face for WWE’s new apparel ventures.

Potential Timeline for Becky Lynch’s Return

While WWE has not yet confirmed an official return date for Lynch, sources indicate that fans might see her back as soon as the 2025 Royal Rumble or even earlier. Co-host of WrestleVotes Radio TC noted, “Becky Lynch remains one of WWE’s most influential stars, and I think we’ll see her back sooner rather than later.”

Given her popularity and status as a former Women’s Champion, Lynch’s return could have a significant impact on WWE’s women’s division and future storylines leading into major events like WrestleMania 41.

Who is Zayda Steel? WWE NXT Star Profiled

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Zayda Steel is a rising star in the world of professional wrestling, currently making waves as the first officially confirmed WWE ID star. At just 21 years old, this Arlington, Virginia native has already captured the attention of wrestling fans with her impressive athleticism and charismatic presence.

Early Career and Training

Wrestling Beginnings

Steel’s journey in professional wrestling began on August 7, 2022, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting career. Despite her relatively short time in the industry, she has quickly adapted to the demanding world of sports entertainment.

Training and Influences

Zayda’s training regimen has been guided by several experienced wrestlers, including Brian Johnson, Diego Cruz, and Drolix. This diverse range of mentors has helped shape her into a well-rounded performer capable of adapting to various in-ring situations.

Wrestling Style and Signature Moves

Described as an “Allrounder,” Steel’s wrestling style is versatile and dynamic. Her signature moves include a Running Knee and a Snapmare Thrust Kick, showcasing both her striking ability and technical prowess.

Personal Brand and Persona

Nicknames and Character

Zayda has embraced several nicknames that reflect her confident persona, including “Thee Real Deal” and “The Federette.” These monikers hint at a character that exudes self-assurance and star potential.

Social Media Presence

Steel maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, where she engages with fans and promotes her wrestling career. This digital savvy is crucial for modern wrestlers looking to build their personal brand.

WWE Won’t Take Bets On Matches, Says TKO CCO: “It Just Doesn’t Jive”

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WWE is no longer pursuing the possibility of betting on pre-determined matches, as confirmed by TKO COO Mark Shapiro. Joining CNBC’s Alex Sherman this week to discuss a variety of topics, Shapiro clarified that fans won’t be betting on matches from the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.

“It’s not happening. We’re not doing that. We’re scripted. Years ago, I ran Dick Clark Productions. We had enough of a challenge keeping the American Music Awards and the Golden Globe Award winners under wraps with an auditor that was there.

“We’re not going to be asking Triple H/Paul Levesque, who runs our creative, to keep his scripts so under wraps that we can start sports betting. It just doesn’t jive.”

It was reported back in May that WWE was interested in taking bets on matches, which already happens from third parties like BetOnline. Immediately, there was criticism of the idea, with questions raised about whether it was legal to bet on a result that has been already decided.

Many also questioned how WWE would keep creative plans under wrap to avoid leaks, with concerns that talent wouldn’t know results until too late to make adequate preparations. The Montreal Screwjob was brought up as proof the idea wouldn’t work, given the risk of results changing on the fly in the ring.

WWE allows some wagers on aspects of matches via FanDuel, but for now, betting on results is off the table within the promotion. Instead, fans will have to remain hooked on match results due to the storytelling involved, rather than any financial incentive.