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Major Championship Match Confirmed For WWE Bash in Berlin

Joey Galizia
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The WWE Bash in Berlin event has just been given another major title matchup.

The August 9th WWE SmackDown opened up with Cody Rhodes once again getting confronted by Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline, with Solo demanding another title shot after he lost to the American Nightmare at SummerSlam. The group approached the ring to beat down the champ, but Kevin Owens ran out and helped chase The Bloodline off.

The excitement didn’t end there. Before Owens could leave Cody told the Prizefighter that he wanted to reward him for helping him fight The Bloodline off for the last year, and offered him a title shot at Bash in Berlin. However, Owens said no, as he felt he didn’t deserve it, even though the WWE Universe disagreed.

Cody and Owens then went backstage to speak with SmackDown General Manger Nick Aldis, who told the duo that he was planning to offer the Bash in Berlin title shot to Roman Reigns. This angered Owens, who said that so many people were more deserving than Reigns, and if Aldis needed proof, he need to just look in the locker room. Aldis, impressed by KO’s fire, agreed and offered him the shot instead. This time, KO said yes.

This will be the first time Kevin Owens has challenged for the Undisputed Universal Championship since it was held by Roman Reigns during his epic run. In 2024, Owens was mainly targeting Logan Paul and the United States Championship but was unsuccessful at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania XL.

Updated lineup for WWE Bash in Berlin:

-Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship

-GUNTHER (c) vs. Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

WWE SmackDown Results (08/09)

Joey Galizia
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The August 9th episode of WWE SmackDown takes place from the Bok Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is being broadcast on FOX. Follow along with our coverage and enjoy the show!

-Cody Rhodes is out first and begins to cut a promo about what happened at WWE SummerSlam. Before he can get another word out Solo Sikoa, Tanga Loa, and Tama Tonga interrupt, with Solo demanding he get another crack at the title, stating that the only reason he wasn’t champion was Roman Reigns. The Bloodline approaches the ring but Kevin Owens runs out with a chair and stands next to Cody. Solo and company depart.

-Cody then tells Kevin Owens that he wants to defend the title against him at Bash at Berlin. KO is initially reluctant, stating that he doesn’t deserve an opportunity due to his win/loss record over the last year. However, Cody says that KO is deserving for helping him out in his war against The Bloodline, adding that he will speak to Nick Aldis about making the match official.

Match 1: Street Profits defeated A-Town-Down Under in a #1 contender’s qualifier. Dawkins scored the pinfall after the team hit their top-rope blockbuster. They will now face the winner of DIY and Pretty Deadly, who wrestle later tonight.

-Backstage Nick Aldis, Cody Rhodes, and Kevin Owens are chatting. Owens tells Aldis the same thing he told Cody, that he doesn’t deserve a shot at the title at Bash at Berlin. Aldis states that he was considering offering the shot to Roman Reigns, which sets Owens off. He goes on a rant stating that Reigns is not deserving, and that if Aldis really needed to find a challenger he need only look in the locker room. Aldis, impressive with KO’s fight, officially gives him the title opportunity for Bash at Berlin.

-After a commercial break, we see Tiffany Stratton planning Nia Jax’s title celebration, which happens next week. Pretty Deadly pops up and ask Stratton if she’ll plan their celebration after they win the tag titles. Stratton walks away, but Chelsea Green and Piper Niven approach Stratton and tell her that they see right through her act, and know that she wants to cash-in on Jax at some point.

Match 2: Jade Cargill defeated Alba Fyre after hitting the Jaded. Blair Davenport and Isla Dawn attacked Cargill after, but Naomi and Bianca Belair evened the odds and the babyfaces stood tall to end the segment.

-Footage is played of LA Knight’s huge victory at SummerSlam, where he dethroned Logan Paul to become the new WWE United States Champion. Knight then comes for his title celebration and receives a huge ovation from the WWE Universe, who chant “You deserve it” to the Megastar. The new champ says that now that he has gold he’s a marked man, but that he’s always been a marked man since he joined WWE.

-Santos Escobar interrupts the champ’s celebration and tells him that he deserves to hold the title and has ever since he joined WWE. Knight puts him in his place, then tells Escobar to earn the shot tonight. This brings out Andrade for the #1 contender’s match.

Match 3: Santos Escobar defeated Andrade via roll-up thanks to an assist from Carmelo Hayes. This means that Escobar will now face LA Knight for the WWE U.S. title at a future date.

-Footage shows The Bloodline (Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga) winning the tag team titles one week ago from DIY. We cut back to the live show, where DIY makes their entrance for their matchup against Pretty Deadly.

-WWE airs a video package honoring Kevin Sullivan, who recently passed away.

-After a commercial break WWE announces that Blair Davenport will face Naomi and that Nia Jax will have her women’s title celebration. A-Town-Down Under approach Nick Aldis and ask him when are they going to get some respect. Aldis then books Grayson Waller in a singles matchup against Kevin Owens.

Match 4: DIY defeated Pretty Deadly in a #1 contender’s qualifier. DIY will next face the Street Profits, with the winner of that match becoming the new official #1 contender’s for the tag team titles.

-Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa are backstage. Solo says “he will be here,” then makes his entrance into the arena.

-Commentary says that Jacob Fatu is still not there due to the minor injury he suffered at SummerSlam. Solo asks the fans in Tusla to acknowledge him, which prompts tremendous boos. He then calls out Roman Reigns, saying that he is the Tribal Chief now. He invites Reigns out to come and take the back his spot as the head of The Bloodline. Reigns is HERE.

-Solo sends Tama and Tanga out to fight Reigns, but he takes them both out with ease. He and Solo have an intense staredown, with Reigns slowly getting into the ring and circling Solo. Reigns opens up with vicious right hands, then connects with a Superman Punch. The O.T.C. goes for a spear, but Tanga pulls Solo out of the ring. Tama and Tanga then gain the advantage on Reigns and beat him down, but he fights them off, hitting two Superman Punches and a Spear. He then puts Tama through the barricade with a vicious spear. The show ends with Reigns beating Tanga down with a chair as Solo watches from the entrance patch, screaming that he is still The Tribal Chief.

Update on LA Knight’s WWE Future Amid Contract Talks

Tyriece Simon
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LA Knight will stay in WWE for the long term, according to a new report that says the newly-crowned WWE United States Champion has reached a new contract with the company. WWE is currently going through an interesting period as several talents’ contracts are expiring. The company has re-signed talent like Finn Balor and Seth Rollins to new deals, while Becky Lynch and Ricochet are available to test free agency. WWE has shown interest in signing new talent, with one recent interest being to hire the All Elite Wrestling tag team, The Lucha Brothers (Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo). 

Fightful Select has reported that WWE has locked in LA Knight to a new deal to keep him in the company. The WWE United States Champion was set to have his contract expire in 2025, and both sides have been working towards a new agreement since last year. The report notes that Knight was given a restructuring and an extension on his expiring contract to keep him around longer and increase his salary.

What’s Next For LA Knight?

Knight is coming off the biggest win of his WWE career as he finally won a title on the main roster. The charismatic superstar defeated Logan Paul in a back-and-forth matchup at SummerSlam on August 3 to become the WWE United States Champion. The victory comes after months of the company building him as one of the top “Babyfaces” on the main roster. 

As champion, Knight will have plenty of challengers ready to end his reign. One potential opponent could be a rematch against Paul.

The YouTuber turned wrestler shared a legal letter on X regarding the champion’s theft of his Prime Truck. The incident occurred on the August 2 episode of Friday Night Smackdown, where the “Babyface” took his truck during the show.

Although the lawsuit could be Paul’s attempt to troll the champion on X, WWE can utilize the X post to further the rivalry between the two superstars. The social media influencer has also expressed how much he misses being a champion, so he’ll likely want a rematch.

Regardless, WWE fans will continue to see what challenges await Knight as he continues his career in the company.  

Why Bobby Lashley Prefers Vince McMahon’s Booking Over Triple H

Thomas Lowson
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Many Superstars have benefitted from the creative direction of Triple H, though Bobby Lashley would prefer the booking of Vince McMahon. Speaking with the Laboratory Podcast, the All Mighty was asked who he “rocks with” between McMahon and his son-in-law.

“Vince understood me. Vince was big on the show. He looked at people that were stars. He saw that in… He looked at me like a star. I like Vince.

“I haven’t really had too much of a connection with Hunter. Hunter has his guys. I’ve tried to, but we haven’t really worked enough together to get to know each other.”

It’s hard to ignore how Lashley’s role has diminished since McMahon’s departure from WWE in January of this year. Since then, the former WWE Champion has been used sparingly with little in the way of significant feuds. Lashley’s most recent match on WWE TV came on an April edition of SmackDown where he lost a triple threat match.

Lashley’s contract with WWE will reportedly expire this weekend and it’s said many in the company believe he will go, potentially to join AEW. Lashley’s name has allegedly come up backstage in AEW, but as he is still under a WWE contract, no offer has been made to the Superstar.

The All Mighty is also said to have interest from Japan and the future looks bright for him should he leave WWE. Lashley, alongside MVP, was reportedly removed from the internal roster earlier this year, which was seen at the time as a sign that he’d be exiting the promotion.

Bobby Lashley Vs. Vince McMahon

It’s not just behind the scenes where McMahon worked with Lashley. In 2007, the pair feuded after Lashley (representing Donald Trump) defeated McMahon’s representative Umaga at WrestleMania, resulting in McMahon’s head being shaved bald.

Seeking revenge, McMahon would capture the ECW Championship from Lashley at the following month’s Backlash, albeit in a three-on-one handicap match. Lashley regained the gold at One Night Stand 2007, ending McMahon’s unlikely reign at 35 days.

John Cena Is Hoping For UK Dates On WWE Retirement Tour in 2025

Thomas Lowson
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WWE icon John Cena hopes to compete in the United Kingdom at least one more time before he calls it a career in 2025. Speaking to TalkSPORT, Cena spoke about his fondness for the UK and shared his aspirations for the tour.

“I’m retiring from in-ring performing next year and we’ll start in January and we’ll do our last match in December 2025. I really hope there are some UK dates involved in that farewell.”

This is arguably the most specific John Cena has been about his farewell tour since announcing his departure during the Money in the Bank PLE. Cena has also stated that despite his lofty status as a WWE icon, he does not feel it’d be right to make specific requests for opponents as part of his retirement.

John Cena and the United Kingdom

The 16-time WWE World Champion has competed in the UK several times, including having an hour-long war on the April 23, 2007, episode of RAW with Shawn Michaels. At WWE Money in the Bank 2023, Cena surprised fans in London’s O2 Arena and shared his aspirations to bring WrestleMania to the UK.

Cena’s comments in the O2 have been echoed by Cody Rhodes and support continues to grow towards an international WrestleMania. WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque and WWE CEO Nick Khan recently met with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, reportedly to discuss a WrestleMania in the UK capital. While Nick Khan had previously said that WWE’s Big Four PLEs would be sticking in North America, anticipating continues to grow, especially among UK fans, that a WrestleMania will come to London down the line.

Hulk Hogan Reportedly Open To Suing Gawker Lawsuit Film Over Privacy

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan could sue those behind the planned Gawker lawsuit film if the project goes too far, it has been claimed. Sources who spoke with TMZ claimed that Hogan has no involvement with the film and that he is “indifferent” about the project. With that said, Hogan could sue those behind the film if they broach too far into his private life.

TMZ’s sources added that Hogan is in a “really good place right now,” thanks in part to his recent new wife and reconnecting with religion. Hogan is also doing charitable work with a homeless shelter in Tampa, the source claims.

Killing Gawker

Killing Gawker is being set up with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Artist Equity and hopes to launch production in January 2025. Affleck is “eyeing” the role of Hogan while Damon is said to be interested in playing venture capitalist Peter Thiel. A screenplay was reportedly written by Charles Randolph based on Ryan Holiday’s book Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue.

The Hulk Hogan-Gawker Lawsuit

In October 2012, Gawker posted a sex tape of Hogan with Heather Clem, the wife of Bubba The Love Sponge. In response, Hogan sued the company and several employees and affiliates who had shared portions of the tape. Hogan sought $100 million in damages and in March 2016, a jury of four women and two men voted in his favor. The wrestling legend was awarded  $115 million in compensatory damages, which included $60 million for emotional distress. Three days later, Hogan was awarded an additional $25 million in punitive damages.

Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal, paid $10 million to help finance lawsuits against Gawker, including Hogan’s litigation against the company. In 2007, Gawker had published an article outing Thiel as gay without his consent.

Gawker attempted to file an appeal, but in June 2016, three months after the Hogan verdict, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and put itself up for sale. Gawker CEO Nick Denton would also file for personal bankruptcy.

Full Details On MLW’s Return To NYC On August 29

Dominic DeAngelo
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MLW is heading back to New York City and the promotion has some big plans set to close out the summer.

MLW recently revealed that they’d be popping the Big Apple territory on August 29 with Summer Of The Beasts that feature a big fight between KENTA and AKIRA as both fighters continue to battle for the Opera Cup in a quarterfinals match. Tickets are now on sale for the event that takes place at the Melrose Ballroom.

Satoshi Kojima has been on a historic run since returning to MLW as he became the company’s first-ever two-time World Heavyweight Champion when he defeated Alex Kane, but he also became the first wrestler to hold multiple titles simultaneously in the promotion. Both he and his COZYMAX comrade Okumura won the MLW Tag Titles. Now they’ll defend that gold against Minoru Suzuki and Ikuro Kwon of CONTRA Unit.

RELATED: MLW Blood & Thunder Results: KENTA Debuts, Riddle vs. Callihan

Matt Riddle happens to be the number one contender for Kojima’s aforementioned World Title but will have to go up against Matthew Justice beforehand. Justice has been perfectly paired with the five-star referee and manager of the extreme in Bill Alfonso.

Janai Kai of CONTRA has been on a massive winning streak with the World Featherweight Championship but she’ll have a literally big formidable contender in Hanako. Also on tap is Bobby Fish going up against Timothy Thatcher and scheduled to appear is World Middleweight Champion Mistico.

RELATED: Paul Walter Hauser ‘Excited’ After Being Added To MLW Roster

WWE Reportedly Interested In Ricky Starks & Other AEW Names

Dominic DeAngelo
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Could Ricky Starks revolution indeed be televised by WWE? A new report has WWE expressing interest in the current AEW star.

Starks has been unseen on AEW television since a scary DDT spot occured between he and Top Flight in a World Tag Team Title tournament, but ‘Absolute’ has seen absolutely healthy and ready to wrestle since then.

A new report from Mike Johnson of PWInsider notes that WWE has interest in Starks, but there is no confirmation as to if WWE has been in contact with Ricky. Starks is still under contract with AEW despite not being on television and there is no details as to when that contract expires.

Ricky has made the most of his opportunities while he was on television and it all began in him challenging Cody Rhodes for the TNT Championship during the global pandemic. He later turned heel by teaming with Team Taz before later transitioning into a babyface run before turning heel once more and aligning with Big Bill.

RELATED: Update On Ricky Starks And His Relationship With AEW

Another name stirring around in the pot according to PWInsider is Daniel Garcia, who AEW fans have seen recently. Garcia was teased to be MJF’s opponent at ALL IN which initially seemed like a match of mutual respect, but MJF backstabbed Garcia and bloodied him off television. Garcia has not signed a new deal with AEW and WWE remains interested in the boy from Buffalo.

Along with Starks, two other major names reportedly on WWE’s radar are The Lucha Brothers as both Penta El Zero M and Rey Fenix’s contracts are on the verge of expiring.

RELATED: Penta El Zero M & Rey Fenix Trademark Names As AEW Contracts Wind Down

WWE SmackDown Preview (08/09/2024): Roman Reigns Returns

Jake Skudder
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Following a monumental SummerSlam event, tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown looks set to see the return of the ‘Tribal Chief’ Roman Reigns to television. Here is everything that is confirmed to be taking place tonight.

Roman Reigns Returns: The Tribal Chief’s Impact

Roman Reigns’ return to WWE SmackDown is expected to dominate the evening. After being absent for several weeks, the Tribal Chief is back to address the ongoing issues within The Bloodline.

With tensions rising and the Civil War storyline heating up, Reigns’ return couldn’t have come at a more critical time.

WWE SmackDown Preview: Cody Rhodes Appearance

Cody Rhodes is also scheduled to appear on this week’s SmackDown. After his intense rivalry with Solo Sikoa seemingly concluded at SummerSlam, Rhodes is likely to set his sights on new challenges.

L.A. Knight Will Appear

L.A. Knight, one of SmackDown’s hottest stars, is set to make an appearance. Known for his electrifying promos and undeniable charisma, Knight has been on a meteoric rise that continued with his massive win over Logan Paul at SummerSlam for the United States Championship.

A.J. Styles and Nia Jax to Appear

A.J. Styles is also scheduled for this week’s show. As one of WWE’s most consistent performers, Styles’ match or segment is always a highlight.

Additionally, Nia Jax will be celebrating her recent championship victory over Bayley at SummerSlam.

Confirmed Segments this week

Here are all of the segments that have already been confirmed:

  • Roman Reigns will return
  • Cody Rhodes is set to appear
  • L.A. Knight is set to appear
  • A.J. Styles is set to appear
  • Nia Jax is set to appear for a Championship Celebration

What happened last week?

Catch up on the Top 10 Moments from last week’s WWE SmackDown:

Kevin Sullivan: Everything You Need to Know About the WCW Legend

Jake Skudder
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Kevin Sullivan left an indelible mark on the pro wrestling industry through his in-ring performances and his role behind the scenes as a booker.

Known for his dark, occult-inspired gimmicks and intense feuds, Sullivan was a key player in the wrestling world, particularly during his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This article explores his storied career and lasting legacy.

Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings

Born Kevin Francis Sullivan on October 26, 1949, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sullivan started his wrestling journey in 1970.

He initially competed in various National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories across the United States.

Standing at 5’9″ and weighing around 250 pounds, Sullivan was not the largest wrestler, but he compensated with his ferocity and character work.

The “Prince of Darkness” in Championship Wrestling from Florida

Sullivan truly began to make waves in the wrestling world during his time with Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) from 1982 to 1987.

It was here that he developed the “Prince of Darkness” persona, a gimmick that played into the 1980s Satanic Panic.

Adopting the role of a cult leader, Sullivan’s character was steeped in mysticism and the occult, making him one of the most intriguing heels of the era.

His “Army of Darkness” stable, which included wrestlers like “Maniac” Mark Lewin, Luna Vachon, and Bob Roop, was infamous for its eerie promos and intense rivalries with the likes of Dusty Rhodes and Barry Windham.

WCW and the Dungeon of Doom

In 1987, Sullivan joined Jim Crockett Promotions, which would later become World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

Here, he formed The Varsity Club, a stable that included Mike Rotunda and Rick Steiner. However, Sullivan’s most memorable contribution to WCW was the creation of the Dungeon of Doom.

This faction, which included notable wrestlers like The Giant (Big Show) and The Barbarian, was formed with one goal in mind: to destroy Hulk Hogan and the legend of Hulkamania.

The Dungeon of Doom was involved in some of WCW’s most famous storylines of the mid-90s, including the WarGames match at Fall Brawl 1995.

Kevin Sullivan Booking and Behind-the-Scenes Influence

Sullivan’s influence extended beyond his in-ring persona. He became a pivotal figure in WCW’s booking team, particularly during the Monday Night Wars.

His booking style was known for its unpredictability and willingness to push boundaries. In 2000, he was promoted to head booker of WCW, a role that placed him at the center of several controversies, most notably his professional rivalry with Chris Benoit, who had an affair with Sullivan’s then-wife, Nancy (known in the ring as Woman).

Retirement and Later Years

After losing a retirement match to Chris Benoit at Bash at the Beach in 1997, Sullivan shifted his focus entirely to booking and behind-the-scenes roles.

He continued to work in various capacities for WCW until its eventual sale in 2001. Post-WCW, Sullivan remained active in the wrestling world, working in independent promotions and making sporadic appearances.

He also co-hosted a podcast, “Kevin Sullivan’s Helluva Deal,” which gave fans insight into the mind of one of wrestling’s most creative bookers.

Kevin Sullivan’s Legacy and Passing

Kevin Sullivan’s legacy in professional wrestling is one of innovation and intensity. His work as a heel wrestler and booker left a lasting impact on the industry, influencing how characters and storylines were developed.

Sullivan passed away on August 9, 2024, at the age of 74, after dealing with health issues stemming from an accident earlier that year. His death was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, marking the end of an era in professional wrestling.

Read More – Pro Wrestling Legend Kevin Sullivan Passes Away At 74

Triple H & WWE Honor Kevin Sullivan After His Passing

Dominic DeAngelo
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Triple H is well aware of the impact Kevin Sullivan left on pro wrestling after the legend passed away at the age of 74.

Sullivan suffered several health complications after being involved in a car accident back and the news broke Friday morning that ‘The Taskmaster’ had passed.

WWE made a post on social media extending their condolences to the Sullivan family following the tragic loss and Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque penned a nice tribute to Sullivan, as ‘The Game’ respected the pro wrestling game of his influential colleague.

“Kevin Sullivan had one of the most unique minds in the history of our industry, pushing creative boundaries and developing some of the most intriguing characters to step into the ring. He had an unwavering passion for what we do. My thoughts are with his family, friends & fans.”

Sullivan never had an extended run in WWE, but his impact in the world of wrestling is clearly indelible. While working with Championship Wrestling from Florida, Sullivan designed a persona stemming off the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s. The act caused plenty of controversy and he also stemmed that into the cult-like Varsity Club faction. It’s pretty undeniable that the Wyatt Family and the new Wyatt Sicks faction would have never taken place if it wasn’t for Sullivan laying the groundwork decades ago.

Sullivan can also be credited as one of the names to have WWE against the ropes during the Monday Night Wars as he was a major part of the development of the NWO.

We at SEScoops would like to send our prayers and thoughts to Sullivan, his family, friends and fans at this time.

RELATED: Pro Wrestling Legend Kevin Sullivan Passes Away At 74

Pro Wrestling Legend Kevin Sullivan Passes Away At 74

Dominic DeAngelo
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The wrestling world lost a master storyteller and booker in Kevin Sullivan, who sadly passed away at 74.

Florida wrestling personality Barry Rose confirmed the news, “With the heaviest of hearts, we are devastated to have to report the passing of the legendary Kevin Sullivan. May he RIP and his family, friends and fans find comfort in how much he was loved.”

The legend’s heath took a turn for the worse as he developed sepsis and encephalitis while hospitialized. Ric Flair took to social media last night sending out prayers and well wishes to his long-time colleague.

Sullivan transcended pro wrestling by shocking the Championship Wrestling from Florida territory by leaning into the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s. He’d notoriously go to the grocery store in Kayfabe attire to make residents feel uncomfortable. Sullivan would also go on to form the cult-like varsity club that featured Mike Rotunda and Rick Steiner.

“The Taskmaster” remained an active wrestler in the heyday of WCW and was vital in the formation and development of the NWO. While never apart of the faction, Sullivan notoriously quarantined Hulk Hogan until it was time for him to turn heel at Bash At The Beach 1996. Kevin Nash also greatly credits Sullivan for his ability to book and helped to make NWO one of the hottest acts in pro wrestling history.

Before his health took an unfortunate decline following a car accident earlier this year, Sullivan was an active podcast voice on “The Taskmaster Talks” with Jon Pozarowski and “Tuesdays With The Taskmaster” on AdFreeShows.com. He also appeared as a priest in recent vignettes shot by Karrion Kross.

Fans and wrestlers alike came to the aid of Sullivan after he remained hospitalized as they raised over $20,000 to help pay for his expenses.

We at SEScoops would like to send our prayers, thoughts and condolences to Sullivan, his family, friends and fans at this time.

RELATED: Wrestling Community Raises Over $20K For Kevin Sullivan GoFundMe

How Many Times Has Seth Rollins Been Injured in WWE?

Jake Skudder
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Seth Rollins has been a WWE main eventer for quite some time, but his run at the top has been hampered by several major injuries during his illustrious career. Such issues have meant that Rollins has missed out on major PPV events, including WrestleMania and Royal Rumble shows in the past.

We’ll be looking at Rollins’ injury history here, including his most recent issue in August 2024 where he needed to be written off of television.

Major Injuries in Seth Rollins’ Career

Seth Rollins has suffered multiple injuries throughout his wrestling career, but a few stand out due to their severity and impact on his time in WWE.

Torn ACL, MCL, and Medial Meniscus (2015)

One of the most severe injuries in Rollins’ career occurred in November 2015 during a match against Kane at a WWE live event in Dublin, Ireland.

Rollins attempted a sunset flip powerbomb, but the landing caused his knee to buckle, resulting in a torn ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus.

This injury was devastating, as it required surgery and forced Rollins to vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

The injury kept him out of action for approximately six to nine months, sidelining him from the main event of WrestleMania 32, where he was expected to play a major role.

Re-Injury and Subsequent Surgery (2016)

Shortly after his return in 2016, Rollins reinjured his knee during a match with Samoa Joe. While the injury was not as severe as the previous one, it still required him to take some time off and undergo minor surgery.

This re-injury raised concerns about the longevity of his career, given the intense physical demands of professional wrestling.

However, Rollins worked diligently to recover and made a triumphant return to WWE television, solidifying his status as one of the company’s top stars.

Lower Back Issues (2018)

In 2018, Rollins began experiencing lower back problems, which were likely exacerbated by years of intense physical activity and high-risk maneuvers.

Although this issue did not lead to a prolonged absence, it did cause Rollins to modify his in-ring style to some extent, focusing more on mat-based wrestling and less on high-flying.

This adjustment helped him maintain his status as a top performer while reducing the risk of further injury.

MCL Injury in January 2024

In January 2024, Seth Rollins suffered a significant MCL injury during a match on WWE RAW.

The incident occurred when Rollins took a bad landing, leading to a partial tear of his medial collateral ligament (MCL).

Despite the severity of the injury, Rollins chose to continue performing, albeit with a reduced in-ring schedule.

The decision to manage the injury conservatively allowed him to avoid surgery, but it did impact his performance throughout the early part of the year.

Latest Injury in August 2024

In August 2024, Seth Rollins sustained another serious injury during an on-screen attack by Bronson Reed on WWE RAW.

This storyline injury, however, masked a real and underlying issue Rollins had been dealing with—persistent lower back pain.

WWE used the angle to write Rollins off television, giving him time to recover from his ongoing back issues.

This injury has raised concerns about his long-term health and his future in the ring, though details on his recovery timeline remain unclear as of writing.

Rey Fenix Withdraws From Indie Appearance Amid Speculation About WWE Move

Bishal Roy
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Lucha Brothers’ Rey Fenix recently withdrew from an indie appearance amid rumors about his potential signing with WWE.

It recently came to light that his contract with AEW is running out later this year which led to speculation that he might be jumping ship to WWE. New Era Wrestling recently released a statement about Fenix’s withdrawal from their event on September 2nd. While it is not confirmed yet, this usually happens when a talent has signed with WWE.

Reports also emerged that his brother Penta El Zero Miedo’s AEW contract will expire this year and that he has drawn interest from WWE. Penta’s contract with AEW will run out between August and September.

AEW desires to retain the Lucha Brothers and contract negotiations have been ongoing. However, some indications have been that the luchadors might be WWE-bound.

Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo file trademarks

On August 1, Penta filed trademark for the names of “Cero Miedo,” “Zero Miedo,” and “AN1MO” for the meaning of entertainment purposes. Meanwhile, his younger brother Rey put in for “King Fuego,” “Rey Fuego,” and “Fuego” all on the same date for the same reason.

All of the trademarks were for goods and services in the realms of “Entertainment services, namely, exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; live appearances by a wrestler; live appearances by an entertainer” and were filed under the company name The Mexa King Brand, which is based out of California.

The Rock vs Roman Reigns Prediction: When Will the Match Happen?

Jake Skudder
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The anticipation for a potential showdown between The Rock and Roman Reigns has been building for years, but when could it happen?

With rumors and speculations consistently swirling as to when we will finally see the “Biggest Match in WWE History,” we look at the landscape of the company and when WWE may pull the trigger on his monumental clash.

The Rock vs Roman Reigns: WrestleMania 41?

Background on The Rock and Roman Reigns Feud

Roman Reigns, the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief and leader of the Samoan Dynasty, has dominated the main event scene for years.

His reign as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion saw him overcome numerous challengers until his loss to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XL.

The return of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to WWE earlier this year ignited new tensions for The Bloodline, and The Rock’s unexpected appearance and challenge to Reigns’ claim as the Head of the Table, before the company decided to pivot, means that there is still a story to tell down the line.

Predictions for WrestleMania 41

Will The Rock vs Roman Reigns Happen?

The likelihood of The Rock and Roman Reigns headlining WrestleMania 41 is pretty high, especially as it will be the first-ever WrestleMania on Netflix.

As noted, the match was initially planned for WrestleMania 40, but WWE pivoted due to fan support for Cody Rhodes.

However, the storyline between The Rock and Reigns is far from over, and WrestleMania 41 offers the perfect stage for this blockbuster bout, considering that The Great One has a fantastic working relationship with Netflix and they will be keen to make the first ‘Showcase of the Immortals’ on the streaming platform as massive as possible.

Hopefully we’ll get more of a sense of when this match could take place in the coming months, but ‘Mania 41 would make the perfect battleground for the final Bloodline encounter.

Deonna Purrazzo: ‘Britt Baker-MJF Incident Doesn’t Reflect My AEW Experience’

Thomas Lowson
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The recent controversy surrounding Britt Baker and MJF was an isolated incident that doesn’t reflect AEW at large, Deonna Purrazzo has claimed. Speaking to Stephanie Chase, the Virtuosa reflected on the situation that resulted in Baker’s recent suspension from the company.

“I think this was an isolated incident because everything else that I’ve experienced in this locker room is supportive, encouraging, and full of camaraderie. We just recently celebrated people’s birthdays, had birthday cakes, and sang. I feel this locker room doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves for that type of camaraderie.”

The incident in question involved Baker, MJF, and the latter’s girlfriend Alicia Atout. It’s alleged that Baker made comments about MJF in the women’s locker-room that Atout overheard. MJF was not suspended by AEW as the company’s investigation reportedly led to the belief that he was defending his partner.

On AEW programming, Baker’s absence has been explained as a kayfabe suspension by the Young Bucks at the request of Mercedes Mone. The AEW TBS Champion demanded Baker’s suspension following a (planned) altercation between the pair at San Diego Comic-Con. Baker appeared on this week’s Dynamite and shared that this storyline suspension had been lifted by Tony Khan. Mone and Baker will collide for the TBS Championship at AEW All In on August 25.

AEW’s Backstage Issues

This is unfortunately not the first time an incident behind the scenes in AEW has leaked to the outside world. Backstage altercations at AEW All Out 2022 and AEW All In 2023 would cast a dark shadow over both events and result in some of the company’s top names being suspended. Mere weeks after All Out 2022, Sammy Guevara and Andrade reportedly had a fight backstage which resulted in a Career Vs. Mask match between Andrade and Rush being canceled. Andrade would leave AEW in 2023 and has since returned to WWE.

Thunder Rosa’s Mission Pro Wrestling Promotion Going On Hiatus

Thomas Lowson
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Mission Pro Wrestling, a promotion owned by AEW star Thunder Rosa, will go on hiatus later this month with the hope of reevaluating the company’s structure. In a statement, Rosa shared that this has not been an easy decision but that the break will allow those in MPW the chance to recalibrate the promotion’s structure. An excerpt from the statement reads:

After much consideration, our team has decided that Mission Pro Wrestling will go on hiatus after our Aug. 17, 2024 “Midsummer Blast” show in San Antonio. This will be our last show of 2024, and no future show dates will be announced at this time.

This was not an easy decision. We understand that this is disappointing news to Mission Pro fans, financial supporters and talent. Please know that we are committed to using our time away as an opportunity to reset and recalibrate our organizational structure and goals to better serve the women’s wrestling community.

In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you in person for the last time in 2024 at our Aug. 17 show! Tickets are on sale at MissionProWrestling.com. You can also watch the show live on Title Match Network.

This is not goodbye. This is goodbye for now.

I hope to see all of you again soon.

Sincerely,

Melissa “Thunder Rosa” Cervantes

Co-Founder/Co-Owner

Mission Pro Wrestling

MPW began operating in the Texas area in 2019 and some notable names have made their presence felt in the promotion. In addition to Rosa, reigning NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez has ties to MPW, as does the No Quarter Catch Crew’s latest addition, Wren Sinclair. Ricky Starks, whose future with AEW remains in question at this time, has also appeared for MPW in the past. Izzy Moreno, known to many as Bayley’s superfan, has also competed for MPW.

This is obviously a setback for Thunder Rosa and the MPW roster, but it is hoped that this is not a permanent farewell to the promotion. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on Mission Pro Wrestling.

WWE Reportedly Interested In Ricky Starks & Other AEW Stars

Thomas Lowson
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More has come to light about Ricky Starks who continues to be absent from AEW programming. Starks hasn’t been seen on TV since the March 30, edition of Collision, where he and Big Bill faced Top Flight in an AEW World Tag Title Tournament match.

Starks suffered a nasty DDT during that match and was pinned, though it was later reported that he and Bill were supposed to advance in the tournament. Since then, Bill has aligned with Chris Jericho and his tag team with Starks has been entirely dropped.

Interest from WWE

There is “certainly interest” in Starks, among other AEW stars from WWE, sources in the company told Mike Johnson of PW Insider this week. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer claimed that “a lot of people” in AEW believe Starks is heading to WWE, which is why the company is not “investing” in a storyline for the former FTW and AEW World Tag Team Champion.

Ricky Starks And WWE

Starks has a handful of WWE matches to his name already, as he has previously worked as an enhancement talent for the company. Ironically, his match on the January 5, 2018 edition of Monday Night Raw would see himself and Aaron Solow collide with future AEW alum FTR, then known as The Revival.

It’s no secret that Starks is a friend of Cody Rhodes, and was spotted at the 2023 Royal Rumble PLE ahead of Rhodes’ return from injury that same night. Starks later told Stephanie Chase that he didn’t care about “tribalism” and wanted to be there to support his friend. Rhodes’ return from a torn pectoral would see him win that year’s Men’s Royal Rumble match.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ugOZombTFg8

Starks was also spotted at WrestleMania 40 in April of this year, once again to support his friend. The two-night mega-show saw Rhodes ‘finish the story’ and win his first WWE World Championship from Roman Reigns.

Roman Reigns Advertised For Several SmackDowns After SummerSlam Return

Thomas Lowson
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Fans will get to see plenty of Roman Reigns on SmackDown following the Original Tribal Chief’s return at WWE SummerSlam in Cleveland. Reigns is already set to appear at this Friday’s show and PW Insider now adds that he is being locally advertised for the September 16, edition of SmackDown in Orlando, Florida.

Reigns is also being promoted for the first episode of SmackDown on the USA Network. That show will take place on September 13, from the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, and will serve as the launch of SmackDown on USA following five years with FOX.

Reigns returned to WWE programming at SummerSlam in his first appearance since WrestleMania 40. At the Biggest Party of the Summer, Reigns attacked Solo Sikoa, who had made a series of disparaging remarks about Reigns in the weeks leading up to the show.

Reigns’ Spear and Superman Punch combo ended up benefitting Cody Rhodes, the man who dethroned Reigns as Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania 40. After attacking Sikoa, Reigns stared down the American Nightmare who is ready for a rematch with the Original Tribal Chief.

WWE SmackDown – August 9

Reigns isn’t the only massive name being promoted for tonight’s SmackDown from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. LA Knight and Nia Jax, who won the United States title and WWE Women’s title at SummerSlam respectively, are also being promoted for the show, as is Cody Rhodes. AJ Styles is also reportedly set to make his return in what will be his first appearance on WWE TV since Clash at the Castle: Scotland.

Latest On Bobby Lashley’s WWE Status Amid Ongoing TV Hiatus

Thomas Lowson
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Bobby Lashley’s time as a WWE Superstar will be over as soon as this week unless a new deal with the company is reached, it has been reported. Fightful Select states that Lashley’s contract will expire this weekend, and those in WWE are under the impression he is leaving the company. No creative plans have been made for the two-time former WWE World Champion who hasn’t competed on WWE TV since April of this year. Lashley and MVP were removed from WWE’s internal roster earlier this year, which fuelled speculation that they were finishing with the company.

Bobby Lashley’s Future Outside WWE

With Lashley seemingly finished with WWE, all attention turns to what’s next for the All Mighty Superstar. Fightful notes that Lashley’s name has been discussed within AEW ever since news of his contract status emerged. Given that Lashley is still under a WWE contract, no offer has been made to the Superstar.

It’s been reported that Lashley and MVP are hoping to reunite in AEW in a move that could possibly see Shelton Benjamin brought into the All-Elite promotion. MVP’s contract with WWE is said to have already expired and he told those at Bloodsport XI that he wouldn’t be going back. Those close to Lashley believe he will make at least an appearance in AEW and stated that he’s ready to return to TV.

Lashley reportedly has interest from the fighting world, as well as from promotions in Japan. After his first WWE run ended in 2008, Lashley transitioned to MMA and joined Strikeforce in 2010. The All Mighty currently boasts an impressive 15-2 record in MMA, with six knockouts and six submission victories to his name.

Lashley has been one of WWE’s top Superstars for years but now those in the company are reportedly expecting him to leave this weekend. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on the future of the All Mighty.

TNA Bound for Glory 2024 Set for 10/26 In Detroit, Michigan

Thomas Lowson
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TNA Wrestling’s wave of momentum in 2024 will see the promotion travel to Detroit, Michigan this October for the 20th Bound for Glory event. The show will take place on October 26 at the Wayne State University Fieldhouse. Tickets for the show will go on sale later this month.

Fans will be interested to see if the Bound for Glory series makes a return ahead of this October’s pay-per-view. The round-robin tournament sees wrestlers compete against one another over several months to earn points, and the wrestlers with the highest points face one another to determine the number one contender for the TNA World Title. Previous winners include Bobby Roode, Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, and EC3.

Wayne State University Fieldhouse was opened in November 2001 and has a capacity of 3,000 seats. Bound for Glory will mark TNA’s first event using the venue which is the home of the Wayne State Warriors men’s and women’s basketball teams.

TNA In Michigan

This show will mark TNA’s first pay-per-view in Michigan since Slammiversary 2009 took place at The Palace of Auburn Hills. In the main event of that show, Kurt Angle defeated Mick Foley, A.J. Styles, Jeff Jarrett, and Samoa Joe to capture the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Three years earlier, TNA held Bound for Glory 2006 at the Compuware Sports Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. That show saw Sting defeat Jeff Jarrett to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title.

Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Pro Launches in October With 2 Shows

Tyriece Simon
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Former TNA Wrestling President Scott D’Amore is set to relaunch Maple Leaf Wrestling as Mapple Leaf Pro (MLP) this October. D’Amore has kept a low profile since his abrupt termination from TNA Wrestling on February 7. He reportedly attempted to acquire the promotion from Anthem Sports and Entertainment, but was denied. This went down right after D’Amore had successfully led Impact Wrestling’s rebrand back to TNA.

After months of suspense, D’Amore returns to wrestling to run Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. They will host a two-night Forged By Excellence event on October 19 and 20 at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Tickets will go on sale on August 26, these Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling events will stream live on Triller TV on pay-per-view.

Former WWE Champion Raj Dheshi (Jinder Mahal) has been announced for the first shows, along with TNA stars Josh Alexander, Gisele Shaw, and KUSHIDA.

History of Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling

The company originated in Toronto, Canada, and started as Queensbury Athletic Club in the 1930s. It would rebrand to Maple Leaf Wrestling in the 1940s and feature several legendary wrestlers, including Andre the Giant, Bruno Sammartino, and Ric Flair. By 1984, WWE(FKA WWF) acquired Major Leaf Wrestling, and the promotion ceased operation.

The move to relaunch Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling may help restore the brand’s legacy and attract a new audience that was unaware of its existence. It was also announced that the library of old matches from the promotion will be uploaded to YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms, which will allow fans to watch their history at a later date.

D’Amore decision to resurrect Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling is intriguing and could be an exciting promotion in the independent wrestling market. From his work at TNA, he has shown what he can contribute to a company. Hopefully, this will open more opportunities for Canadian and other indie wrestlers who have yet to be given a spotlight.  

Logan Paul’s PRIME Facing $67.7 Million Lawsuit In Latest Litigation

Thomas Lowson
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PRIME, the beverage chain run by Logan Paul & KSI, has been hit by yet another lawsuit with the claimants seeking close to $70 million. Refresco, a supplier of PRIME, is seeking at least $67.7 million over a breach of contract, Bloomberg reports.

The contract in question required PRIME to order at least 18.5 million cases of the drink each year for three years, totaling 55.5 million cases. It’s claimed that PRIME failed to meet its quota in its first year which led to a penalty being issued. Refresco adds that the penalty could be repaid if PRIME meets the full order amount over three years.

Refresco set up a special production line just for PRIME which involved heavy upfront costs and set-up time. PRIME also missed a required test run for new machinery in March and didn’t place any orders by April, resulting in no drinks being produced on the new line.

The complaint adds that PRIME sales were below expectations in 2024 which the supplier puts down to seasonal changes and fading social media hype. PRIME has served as a sponsor of UFC and WWE events and a ‘Hydration Station’ can be found at WWE shows and PLEs. This is hardly a good look for WWE who has had Logan Paul under contract since 2022.

This is hardly the first time that PRIME has faced legal action. Recently, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic committee filed litigation against the beverage chain, claiming that PRIME is misleading consumers into thinking they are sponsoring Team USA at the Paris Games. A new limited-edition drink features repeated references to the Olympics and Team USA which the Committee argues is a deliberate attempt to deceive consumers.

Ironically, Paul himself has threatened a lawsuit of his own against LA Knight, who dethroned Paul as U.S. Champion at WWE SummerSlam. Paul is alleging destruction of property after Knight acquired Paul’s PRIME truck.

Logan Paul’s Controversy

These two lawsuits against PRIME are just the latest in a stream of controversies for Logan Paul. In December 2017, Paul showed the body of an alleged suicide victim at Japan’s Aokigahara Forest. The site near Mount Fuji is known as the place where many people have taken their lives and Paul’s joking and laughing in the video received global condemnation.

In 2021, Paul launched CryptoZoo, a cryptocurrency-based game that promised users the ability to buy, sell, and breed exotic animal NFTs. After paying thousands, players learned that their eggs were not hatching into the animals promised. It’s also been alleged that Paul and his team made misleading claims about the project.

More recently, Paul stirred up controversy after making false claims about Algerian boxer Imane Khelif who is competing in the ongoing Paris games. Paul falsely claimed that Khelif is a man and said she was competing unfairly against women. Paul again faced backlash for his false claim and many found his “oopsies” retraction to be disrespectful.

In his retraction, Paul was again dishonest about Khelif, saying she had failed a gender test. While Khelif was disqualified in 2023 from the International Boxing Association, it ha not been stated the cause for the disqualification. The Olympics severed ties with the IBA following allegations of corruption and bias towards Russia. Nowadays, the IBA is permanently banned from the Olympic Games.

MJF Girlfriend: Everything You Need to Know about Alicia Atout

Jake Skudder
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Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), former AEW World Champion, is known for his larger-than-life personality both inside and outside the ring. Recently, MJF’s relationship with Alicia Atout has garnered significant attention. Here’s everything you need to know about Alicia Atout and her relationship with MJF.

Who is Alicia Atout?

Background and Career

Alicia Atout is a prominent figure in the wrestling world, primarily known for her work as a backstage interviewer.

She has made significant contributions to various wrestling promotions, including IMPACT Wrestling, AEW, and MLW. Her charm, wit, and deep knowledge of wrestling have earned her a substantial following on social media.

Rise to Fame

Alicia initially gained fame through her YouTube channel, “A Music Blog, Yea?” where she interviewed numerous musicians and wrestlers.

Her engaging interview style and charisma quickly caught the attention of wrestling fans and promotions, leading to her prominent roles in the industry.

The Relationship with MJF

Confirmation of the Relationship

In November 2023, Alicia Atout confirmed her relationship with MJF during a Q&A session on her YouTube channel.

MJF had previously hinted at the relationship, but Alicia’s confirmation provided clarity for fans.

She shared, “There was a plethora, a cornucopia, an entire bag full of questions asking about my dating life… The answer… is yes.”

This confirmation came after MJF referred to her affectionately yet controversially during a media scrum, a nod to their unique dynamic.

A Unique Bond

Their relationship, while surprising to many, highlights a unique bond formed through shared experiences in the wrestling world.

Alicia humorously mentioned how MJF’s initial nickname for her, “Tits McGee,” evolved into a deeper connection.

“Life has a really interesting, weird way of working out,” she remarked, underscoring the unexpected nature of their relationship.

Challenges and Public Attention

Recent Incidents

Recently, their relationship was brought into the spotlight again due to a backstage incident involving Britt Baker in AEW. According to reports, Britt Baker was suspended following a confrontation that also involved Alicia Atout. The incident fueled public interest and added another layer of complexity to the dynamics backstage in AEW.

mRead More – AEW Suspends Britt Baker Over Backstage

Becky Lynch Retired from WWE? Breaking Down the Facts and Rumors

Jake Skudder
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Fans have been buzzing with speculation regarding the potential retirement of Becky Lynch from WWE and whether she really has hung up the boots.

This article aims to separate the rumors from the facts and provide a clear picture of Lynch’s current status in the WWE.

The Origin of the Rumors

Instagram Post Sparks Speculation

The retirement rumors began swirling after Becky Lynch posted a heartfelt message on Instagram.

The post, which included a photo with her daughter Roux, stated: “It’s been a helluva career. Being the Man for all of you was an honor, being the mom for her is a privilege. Thanks for watching my bio on @AETV.”

Many fans interpreted this as a possible retirement announcement, given the reflective tone of her words.

WWE’s Response

According to a report from Fightful Select, people within WWE clarified that they were not informed of any official retirement by Lynch.

They emphasized that if Lynch were to retire, it would not be through an Instagram post.

However, it is believed that Lynch is not currently under contract, which means she wouldn’t be obliged to inform the company of her retirement decision.

WWE’s Respect for Lynch

Despite the lack of official confirmation, WWE continues to hold Lynch in high regard.

The company has expressed a desire to be “respectful of her space” given her contributions over the years.

WWE has apparently also stated that Becky Lynch would always be welcomed back should she choose to return.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Contractual Status

Lynch’s contract with WWE expired at the start of June. The general belief within WWE is that Lynch is taking a break and will return when the time feels right for her.

This hiatus has led to her absence from television, further fueling retirement rumors.

Possibility of Return

There is optimism among WWE officials and fans alike that Becky Lynch will make a comeback.

The door remains open for her return, and she continues to be a beloved figure in the company and to fans.

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