In recent months, speculation has swirled around Becky Lynch’s WWE contract status, with various reports suggesting disputes over financial terms. However, recent insights have debunked these claims, providing clarity on Lynch’s relationship with WWE.
The Genesis of the Rumors
Earlier this year, Becky Lynch’s WWE contract was set to expire on June 1, 2024. As the date approached, rumors emerged about her contract negotiations. Jonathan Coachman, on the “Backstage Pass” podcast, claimed that Lynch was demanding over $2 million annually, which WWE allegedly declined.
Coachman stated, “Roman’s at that 15-20 million mark, and TKO doesn’t want to pay anybody. […] Then you got Cody Rhodes, who’s making 10-15 reportedly. Then Seth, who is her [Becky Lynch] better half, he’s probably in that three to seven million range. So reportedly, she was asking for over two million a year. […] They didn’t do it..[…] If they paid her, she’d be on the show. And they’re desperate for females right now.”
Debunking the Financial Dispute Claims
Contrary to these assertions, Fightful Select reported that the $2 million figure was inaccurate. Lynch never requested that amount, and if she had, WWE would have likely accepted, given that top-tier talent in both WWE and AEW often earn beyond that figure.
Current Status of Becky Lynch’s WWE Contract
As of November 2024, Becky Lynch remains on good terms with WWE. The company has allowed her the flexibility to decide when she wishes to return. Reports indicate that if Lynch had chosen to sign a new deal before her hiatus, WWE would have agreed.
The Broader Context of WWE Contract Negotiations
WWE’s approach to contract negotiations varies based on talent value, market dynamics, and individual circumstances. While top male superstars like Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes reportedly earn between $10 million and $20 million annually, female superstars’ salaries have historically been lower. However, with the women’s division gaining prominence, compensation structures are evolving.
The Future of Becky Lynch in WWE
Given the debunking of the financial dispute claims and the positive relationship between Lynch and WWE, it’s plausible that “The Man” will make a return to the ring. Fans eagerly await her comeback, anticipating the impact she’ll have on the women’s division upon her return.
Irvin’s candidness sparked a backlash among some fans who believed Irvin was ungrateful to WWE for the opportunity to be an announcer. On the Insight podcast, Ricochet gave another reason behind the vitriol of some commenters online.
“I feel like she broke tradition. That’s why people are kind of upset. Because, again, how long was Fink doing it? How long did Lillian do it? Justin Roberts still doing it. The fact that she only did for four years and then she found out this isn’t what I was born to do.”
Ricochet added that Irvin’s decision to walk away from wrestling doesn’t just contrast with previous announcers, but also wrestlers.
“Look at Rey Mysterio and AJ Styles, because they’ve been doing it for so long, and they’re still in it, they’re still doing that. So I think especially when wrestling fans find something that makes them feel good and makes what they like watching better, they just want it forever.”
Irvin does not plan on joining AEW, as Ricochet himself has made clear to fans, and she reportedly intends to pursue other ventures in entertainment as well as music. Lilian Garcia has since returned to WWE as Raw’s ring announcer and has wished Irvin the best with her post-WWE ventures.
Ultimately, Irvin is pleased to have been a part of WWE, even if her career with WWE did not play out how she hoped. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Samantha Irvin and her future outside of professional wrestling.
A future episode of Monday Night Raw will be dedicated to The New Day, despite the ongoing tensions prominent in the faction. In a WWE Raw Exclusive, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce told Kofi Kingston that the upcoming show will celebrate ten years of The New Day.
“This year, ten years as New Day. It’s time to celebrate, man. You guys are one of the most decorated tag teams in WWE history. Because of that, if it’s cool with guys, I actually wanted to dedicate a special episode of Raw to celebrating you. An entire episode, if it’s cool with you guys.”
Kingston said it was a great idea, but admitted that he and Xavier Woods are going through a rough patch right now. Nevertheless, the former WWE Champion remained confident that everything would be alright when the anniversary comes around.
It was in November 2014 that WWE began airing vignettes for Kingston, Woods, and Big E, which is when they officially debuted their ‘The New Day’ moniker. The trio had their in-ring debut as a group during the November 28, 2014, episode of SmackDown, where they defeated Curtis Axel, Heath Slater, and Titus O’Neil. If Pearce plans to host the New-Day dedicated show close to the anniversary, the options are either Monday, November 25, or Monday, December 2.
The New Day has shown signs of dissension this year, and with Big E still out of action, it remains to be seen what kind of tribute episode is in store for the popular faction. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on The New Day and whether Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods can finally get back on the same page.
Presidential hopeful Donald Trump turned to his past in pro wrestling to excite his supporters ahead of this week’s election with Kamala Harris. Appearing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the 78-year-old Republican candidate was reportedly late to the scene and didn’t arrive until after midnight. The campaign then played the Battle of the Billionaires for ten minutes as they waited for the former President to appear.
Um. Trump is over an hour late to his final rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has been playing this video of him from WrestleMania for 10 minutes straight. pic.twitter.com/yZXVW4WlNi
The match saw Trump put his hair on the line against the iconic ‘do of Mr. McMahon with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin serving as the guest official. Trump’s representative Bobby Lashley defeated McMahon’s Umaga, resulting in the then-WWE Chairman being shaved and kick-starting a feud with Lashley over the ECW World Title.
This isn’t the first time Trump has leaned into his WWE past during his time as a politician. In 2017, Trump used a clip from the match that saw him clothesline McMahon though had the CNN logo over Vince’s face. Critics called it an incitement of violence against journalists while Trump supporters praised it as demonstrative of Trump’s stance against the ‘fake news’ media.
This election has seen endorsements for both candidates from the wrestling world. Glenn ‘Kane’ Jacobs as well as Ryback have endorsed Trump, while The Undertaker suggested his support for the Republican nominee during an episode of his Six Feet Under podcast. Mick Foley has thrown his support behind Kamala Harris while Dave Bautista made his feelings on Trump clear during an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is coming to WWE NXT, though what role the former World Champion will play is yet to be revealed.
On his Kliq This podcast, Nash shared that while he won’t be attending this week’s stacked edition of the silver brand, he will be around next month. Nash didn’t confirm whether his role with the show will be on-screen or behind the scenes, but this tease has excited fans eager to see the former WWE and WCW World Champion.
Nash’s role with WWE NXT, whatever it may be, will see ‘Big Daddy Cool’ reunite with Kliq buddy Shawn Michaels, who today serves as WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development and leads creative in NXT. Before Michaels, NXT was overseen by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, another friend of Nash, who these days can be found running the main roster. Nash was backstage at at WWE SummerSlam 2024 in Cleveland,
WWE NXT in Philadelphia
WWE has yet to announce Nash for any NXT shows in December, as all attention right now is on this Wednesday’s show in Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena. The show has been moved to avoid competing with coverage of the U.S. Presidential Election, and will see NXT once-again go head-to-head with AEW Dynamite.
With the show being in the 2300 Arena, the episode will feature several ECW alum including Bubba Ray Dudley, Dawn Marie, and Rob Van Dam. Stay tuned for the latest from Kevin Nash as fans could soon be seeing the NWO founder on WWE programming within a matter of weeks.
Crown Jewel 2024 was truly a history-making night for WWE, and not just for the Crown Jewel Title victories of Liv Morgan and Cody Rhodes. In a press release shared this week, WWE shared that the show saw a 28% increase in viewership from the Crown Jewel 2023 event, which was headlined by Roman Reigns Vs. LA Knight.
This year’s event was also the most viewed WWE event ever from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sixth annual Crown Jewel was also a sell-out inside the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh.
WWE began its lucrative partnership with Saudi Arabia in 2018 with that year’s Greatest Royal Rumble event. At first, the partnership saw backlash from fans due to Saudi Arabia’s restrictive laws against women and LGBTQ+ people. Despite this, WWE has made strides in this deal, including now hosting women’s matches in the country. Crown Jewel 2024 saw a total of ten female wrestlers compete, as well as appearances by Tiffany Stratton and Raquel Rodriguez in non-in-ring roles.
WWE is expected to return to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2025 with two more high-profile events featuring the very top names in the promotion. In the meantime, WWE will again travel outside North America next March for a series of TV and live events in Europe. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE’s Saudi Arabia deal as the promotion remains committed to its highly lucrative relationship with the Middle Eastern Kingdom.
Jacob Fatu and Jake’s Network Of Hope are addressing an issue head-on after the WWE Superstar was accused of ‘ghosting’ the charity. On November 3, a user of the /r/SquaredCircle subreddit asked for an update on the situation in which Fatu allegedly ghosted the charity. The organization reportedly spent $2,633 in 2023 for his appearance, plane tickets, and hotel accommodations. Fatu canceled his appearance due to what was called a family emergency and while Jake’s Network of Hope understood, they asked for the money to be returned.
The organization has released a statement saying they’re addressing the matter privately and that Fatu apologized via phone call in May. The organization added that at this time, the money had not been repaid.
“Jacob Fatu and our organization are addressing this matter privately, beginning with a phone call and heartfelt apology back in May. While the full amount owed hasn’t yet been repaid, we appreciated Jacob’s acknowledgment. It can be tough to face up to your wrongdoings, and we commend him for taking steps toward confronting his.”
Jake’s Network of Hope is a nonprofit that aims to provide hygiene products and essential daily living items to people of all ages. The situation with Fatu made NBC 26 news when it first arose last year, with the nonprofit organizers stating they had heard of other concerning behavior from Fatu.
This update comes at a pivotal time for Fatu, who debuted for WWE earlier this year and has since become a fixture of SmackDown’s main event scene. At Crown Jewel, Fatu teamed with Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga to defeat Roman Reigns and The Usos. We will continue to monitor this situation for further updates.
WWE is setting up another showdown between GUNTHER and Damian Priest for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship!
On this week’s episode of Raw, a new number one contender for the title was crowned. In the main event, WWE held a Fatal 4-Way match to determine who would be next to challenge GUNTHER. The competitors included Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, Seth Rollins, and Sheamus, with Priest ultimately securing the victory.
Immediately following the match, Priest and GUNTHER faced off, fueling excitement for their upcoming clash. This opportunity aligns with Priest’s recent statement about refocusing on winning the World Heavyweight Title after a heated feud with Finn Balor. Their rivalry peaked when Balor cost Priest the championship match against GUNTHER at SummerSlam.
Though Dominik Mysterio has also voiced ambitions to win the World Heavyweight Title, he took the pinfall in this Fatal 4-Way, meaning he’ll have to wait for another chance.
As of now, WWE hasn’t officially announced the date for this anticipated title bout, but rumors suggest it might be set for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14.
WWE is setting up a new rivalry on Monday Night Raw between Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan and IYO SKY!
On this week’s episode of Raw, a new number one contender for the Women’s World Championship was crowned, with IYO SKY winning a battle royal to earn the title shot. Bianca Belair was the final competitor eliminated, marking an exciting finish to the match.
Morgan has held the Women’s World Championship since May, after Rhea Ripley was forced to vacate the title due to an injury she sustained in a prior feud with Morgan. Although Ripley and Morgan were embroiled in a heated rivalry, that storyline has been paused for now due to Ripley’s injury.
As of this writing, WWE has yet to announce an official date for the title bout between SKY and Morgan, though potential events include Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30 or Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14.
Karl Anderson has confirmed that he recently underwent surgery and is now beginning his journey to recovery. In an Instagram post, Anderson shared a photo from his hospital bed, hooked up to cardiac monitoring equipment.
The WWE star expressed gratitude for Dr. Dugas, the surgeon who performed the procedure, writing in the caption:
“Thanks to Dr. Dugas in Birmingham, Alabama, for fixing me. See you after #WrestleMania ? #WWE #wweraw. Details on this week’s #TalkNShop dropping Thursday a.m. Link in bio @talknshoppodcast. Monday Night Raw tonight! @wwe.”
Anderson, who forms one-half of the tag team known as The OC alongside Luke Gallows, has been absent from television since the September 24th episode of NXT, where they lost to Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. The duo also participated in a dark match at an NXT event in Chicago the following week.
Emma and Riddick Moss are on their way to becoming parents. The couple, who announced in September that they were expecting their first child, shared today on Instagram that they’re having a baby boy due in 2025.
Emma added a heartfelt caption to her Instagram post:
“Now we gotta think of names!!! ?
Any suggestions? There’s one name that seems obvious based on the due date… Let’s see if someone guesses it ?
Emma, who had two stints with WWE—first from 2011 to 2017 and later a brief return in 2022—was released from the company last year. Moss also parted ways with WWE in 2023 after a stop-and-start run that included a memorable pairing with Baron Corbin on SmackDown.
Congratulations to the happy couple on this exciting news.
Lilian Garcia was unprepared for the wave of emotions that swept over her when WWE recently reached out with an offer to return.
Garcia has now rejoined WWE full-time as the ring announcer for WWE Raw. She originally departed in 2016 to care for her ailing father, who sadly passed away on Christmas Day of that year.
In a live Q&A session with fans on Instagram held Monday, Garcia shared insights about her father’s influence on her return to WWE.
“When I got the call, just a few weeks ago… I felt like this was my dad and his gift, bringing me to this again,” Garcia revealed.
“I have missed you guys, and I will say that when my music hit and I came out in Philadelphia, I was not prepared for the love. I felt this massive wave come over me, this rush and energy.”
Lilian Garcia
Lilian Garcia pursued several professional endeavors during years outside the squared circle. She hosted several podcasts, did broadcasting work for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) mixed martial arts promotion, pursuing her music career and made several television appearances.
She also made a one-off cameos for WWE during this time, including ring announcing various special events (including the all-women’s WWE Evolution PPV), as well as several milestone episodes of WWE programming (Raw 25th Anniversary special in January 2018 and Raw Reunion in July 2019).
Marko Stunt says he made the difficult decision to retire from professional wrestling due to injuries and a desire to spend more time with his young family.
Stunt made a name for himself wrestling for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), IWA Mid-South, and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as part of the Jurassic Express faction.
Stunt has battled chronic lower back pain stemming from his right hip rotating inward, has caused misalignment in his tailbone and legs. During an interview with Love Wrestling, he says the condition left his right leg weaker and shorter, risking further complications, including potential paralysis.
He made every effort to remain in the business, including a two-year layoff to rest his body. However, when a return to the ring left him in significant pain, he knew it was time to listen to the advice of his doctors.
“It’s something I’ve been trying to avoid for a while… their recommendation was, for my long-term health, to step away.”
Marko Stunt on his retirement from wrestling
Stunt still loves pro wrestling, and we all know that’s a tough habit to kick. However, he’s looking forward to spending more time with his young family and raising his daughter.
In a sport dominated by giants, where being 6-feet-tall is nothing special, Stunt defied the odds and embraced his biggest disadvantage – his height (billed at 5’2″). The self-proclaimed ‘Mr. Fun Size’ did the impossible and will be an inspiration to others who want to pursue their dreams, despite not being the prototype for success.
Watch Marko Stunt’s interview with Pluggo from Love Wrestling:
Mercedes Moné was part of WWE’s historic first-ever all-women’s pay-per-view event, and believes that AEW has more than enough talent to do the same.
The original Evolution pay-per-view took place on October 28, 2018, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Headlined by Nikki Bella vs. Ronda Rousey, the event featured Moné, who teamed with Bayley and Natalya to defeat The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, and Sarah Logan) by pinfall.
In a recent interview on the Battleground podcast with Tim Battle and Eli, Moné discussed the idea of a weekly, all-women’s AEW television show. She praised AEW’s roster, describing it as the best in women’s wrestling.
“Wow, a weekly show, absolutely. We have the talent, so why not? All Elite Women’s Wrestling? There you go. We have the best women’s wrestling. From Willow, Mariah May, Toni Storm, Serena Deeb, Kris Statlander, Kamille—there’s definitely an opportunity to have an all-women’s show every single week, so I don’t see why not,” Moné said.
Moné was also asked why she feels AEW could host its own all-women’s pay-per-view, similar to WWE’s Evolution.
“Because we have the best women’s wrestlers. We have a roster full of talent and a long list of women that could make an all-women’s pay-per-view possible. I think it’s just a matter of giving the chance and opportunity. If Tony [Khan] sees that, I don’t see why we couldn’t have a women’s revolution here in AEW. It’s already happening; the women have been killing it every single week. I think an all-women’s pay-per-view here would be incredible,” Moné stated.
WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes recently opened up on possibly working in a non-wrestling capacity in the company.
‘The American Nightmare’ has been a fan-favorite ever since he returned back to the company. After clinching the ultimate prize in the company at this year’s WrestleMania, he has been having a hectic schedule with regular appearances on the weekly WWE shows as well as media appearances. He has embraced the role of a leader, something which he also desires in a non-wrestling capacity.
Cody Rhodes told Cathy Kelley on WWE YouTube, that he was not fully prepared for. He has revealed that he has to attend corporate meetings and events which he is not comfortable with but he has to be involved.
“There are some things that come with it that were surprising to me. It might sound cool, it might sound cheesy. There is an element of leadership involved that they don’t say, they just kind of plug you in. You’re attending corporate meetings and events that you would typically be out of your depth at, and you’re supposed to be there and be on.”
Rhodes said that he is excited about this new challenge. He recalled that he had leadership role in AEW before heading back to WWE. The Undisputed WWE Champion felt that he failed in that role but he is working to improve. He also sees his future with WWE which is beyond competing in the ring.
“That’s something that has really excited me. In the past, I felt like when I had a leadership role in wrestling, I didn’t do well with it. I feel like I failed with it, but I knew why perhaps I failed with it. This has been an opportunity to plug back in. Maybe there is a future beyond the actual wrestling with WWE in a different setting. That’s something I’ve been thinking about lately.”
Several WWE stars have welcomed the opportunity of becoming on-screen authority role or commentary roles. With Cody Rhodes having experience serving as an EVP in AEW, there is a huge possibility that we might witness him in the management role sometime down the road in WWE as well.
At Saturday’s WWE Crown Jewel Premium Live Event, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther will lock horns to crown the new WWE Crown Jewel Champion.
Former WWE Superstar Aliyah (Nhooph Al-Areebi) has won her first championship since leaving the promotion in September 2023.
The former WWE Women’s tag team champion (with partner Raquel Rodriguez) picked up singles gold in Canada’s Destiny World Wrestling promotion.
On Sunday, Al-Areebi defeated NWA star Tiffany Nieves to capture Destiny Women’s Championship. Nieves had been champion since August 17, when she defeated Zoey Skye in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title.
Here’s footage of the closing moments of the match:
Johnny Gargano sent a heartfelt message to Indi Hartwell following her unexpected release from WWE on Friday. Hartwell’s tenure at WWE came to an end as she was part of releases that also included Baron Corbin and Tegan Nox.
During her time in WWE, Indi traveled with Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano, and his tag team partner Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano runs a channel on YouTube and captures travel videos. In his latest vlog, Gargano paid tribute to Indi with a montage of their travels and it also included Indi’s popular gym ratings. The vlog ended with the message:
“You’ll always be family. We love you, Indi Wrestling.”
After the news of her release broke, Indi Hartwell had also dropped a post on X. Her final WWE match, which was taped earlier, aired Friday night on SmackDown. She and Candice LeRae battled the team of Bayley and Naomi.
Hartwell had joined WWE back in 2019 and was part of the faction, The Way which was led by Johnny Gargano. During her time with the faction, she and Candice LeRae captured the NXT Women’s Tag Titles in 2021 and held the gold for 63 days.
At NXT Stand & Deliver in April last year, Hartwell also captured the NXT Women’s title, but she was forced to vacate the title due to an injury. She was then drafted to WWE Raw. Hartwell is set to become a free agent after the 90-day non-compete clause with WWE expires.
Meanwhile, last month, Motor City Machine Guns defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to become the No.1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team titles on WWE SmackDown. They eventually captured the titles by defeating The Bloodline in an impromptu match on the show.
WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam says it was a great experience to visit NXT last weeks. ‘The Whole F’n Show,’ who has been on a Legends deal with WWE, recently made an appearance on the October 29th edition of WWE NXTand told the brand’s General Manager Ava that he wanted to be involved at NXT 2300 which will take place at the famous 2300 Arena this Wednesday. During a brawl between Wes Lee and Je’Von Evans at the end of the show, Rob Van Dam said that he got an idea regarding his involvement on the upcoming show.
Speaking on his 1 Of A Kind with RVD podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer reflected on his experience at WWE NXT and the WWE Performance Center. The former WWE Champion recalled that he has been on the brand in the past but things have changed drastically ever since. Rob Van Dam said that being involved in the show was a great experience and revealed meeting several fellow legends. He said:
“I’ve been there twice before, and it was a long time ago, ten years ago, and it did look a little different. They definitely had moved some stuff around, and if they had that many warehouses, then I didn’t realize it before, but a lot of that is theirs. It was really cool. It was just a good experience, everybody was grateful. Everyone’s happy and giving the legends a lot of love. So nothing terribly exciting, but also seeing a lot of my peers as well, and Bubba Ray Dudley, he was standing in the ring when I walked in one time to that area, and I slid in behind him to surprise him, and his calfs almost exploded in my face. I texted him and told him that [laughs], but his calves were huge and veins popping out. Looks like he’s been doing some toe raises, so good job, Bubba. Saw Shawn Michaels, saw Terry Taylor, yes I did [see William Regal].”
Rob Van Dam was also asked about his interaction with NXT General Manager Ava. He said that she was cool and made it clear that everyone that he met was cool.
“She was cool. Everybody was cool. I was just kind of like an extra, popping in and being me, and they were all there, learning and doing….I met everybody, everyone was super cool. They all came up and go, ‘Hi, I’m Veronica, good to meet you.”
RVD further revealed that he had been keeping an eye on the show to prepare for the following week. It is currently not known how Rob Van Dam will be involved in NXT 2300 and was tight-lipped regarding it on the podcast as well.
WWE presents an historic edition of Monday Night Raw tonight on the USA Network at 8/7c. For the first time in history, Raw will emanate from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the Mohammed Abdo Arena.
Less than 48 hours removed from WWE Crown Jewel, we’re looking forward to an eventful show that will see two new challengers named for two of WWE’s top championships.
Confirmed matches and segments:
Battle Royal to determine the next challenger for Liv Morgan’s Women’s World Championship
Fatal 4-Way Match to determine the next challenger for Gunther’s World Heavyweight Championship
Sami Zayn addresses his return at Crown Jewel
The New Day vs The War Raiders
Dragon Lee vs. Chad Gable
WWE Survivor Series: War Games, the company’s next premium live event, takes place in 26 days on Saturday, November 30.
Samoa Joe, a prominent figure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has been absent from recent programming, leading to speculation about his status. His hiatus is attributed to filming commitments for the second season of Peacock’s “Twisted Metal,” where he portrays the character Sweet Tooth. This filming schedule necessitated a temporary departure from AEW events.
What Happened to Samoa Joe?
During the July 10 episode of AEW Dynamite, Joe faced Chris Jericho in a Canadian Stampede Street Fight. The match concluded dramatically when Jericho used a forklift to drive Joe through a wall, resulting in Joe being stretchered out and taken to a hospital.
This storyline was crafted to explain Joe’s impending absence due to his filming obligations.
Return Rumors
As of early November 2024, reports indicate that Joe has completed his filming commitments and is available to return to AEW. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio noted that Joe’s return is now at AEW’s discretion, suggesting that fans can anticipate his reappearance in the near future.
Samoa Joe Yakuza Game
In addition to his wrestling and acting endeavors, Joe is set to feature in the upcoming video game “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii,” scheduled for release on February 28, 2025. This project marks another expansion of Joe’s presence in the entertainment industry.
Former WWE star CJ Perry, also known as Lana, recently addressed rumors about a potential relationship with WWE Superstar Damian Priest. The speculation began circulating on social media a few months ago, sparking widespread interest among wrestling fans. Perry took the time to set the record straight, clearing the air about her personal life.
The dating rumors between CJ Perry and Damian Priest started gaining traction after fans noticed their interactions on social media. Some fans speculated that there might be more to their online exchanges than meets the eye. However, Perry has now dismissed these claims, stating that their relationship is purely professional.
In a recent video posted to her Instagram stories, Perry explained that while she and Priest share a strong professional bond, there is no romantic involvement between them.
“Damian and I are friends,” she clarified. “We’ve worked together, and I have immense respect for him as a performer.”
CJ Perry denies she’s dating WWE Superstar Damian Priest
As for Damian Priest, the WWE Superstar has yet to comment on the rumors or Perry’s statements. Priest generally keeps a low profile regarding his personal life.
This clarification from CJ Perry seemingly puts an end to the dating rumors, allowing both her and Damian Priest to focus on their respective careers without unnecessary distractions.
WWE Survivor Series, one of WWE’s premier annual events, has delivered numerous memorable moments since its inception in 1987. However, not every installment has lived up to fan expectations. This article ranks the worst WWE Survivor Series events, highlighting the reasons behind their unfavorable reception.
1. Survivor Series 1993
Lackluster Matches and Storylines
The 1993 edition is often criticized for its uninspired matches and storylines. The event featured only five matches, with none standing out as particularly engaging. The main event, pitting The All-Americans against The Foreign Fanatics, failed to captivate the audience, leading to a disappointing overall experience.
2. Survivor Series 1999
Injury-Induced Main Event Changes
Anticipation was high for a triple threat match featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Triple H. However, Austin’s sudden departure due to injury led to a hastily arranged main event with Big Show replacing him. The abrupt change resulted in a lackluster match that left fans dissatisfied.
3. Survivor Series 2008
Underwhelming Championship Matches
This event is remembered for its disappointing championship bouts. The WWE Championship match between Triple H and Vladimir Kozlov was criticized for its lack of excitement. Edge’s unexpected return and victory couldn’t salvage the event’s overall quality.
4. Survivor Series 2013
Predictable Outcomes and Lack of Excitement
Despite featuring top talent, the 2013 edition suffered from predictable match outcomes and a lack of compelling storytelling. The main event between Randy Orton and Big Show for the WWE Championship failed to engage fans, contributing to the event’s poor reception.
5. Survivor Series 2015
Disappointing Tournament Finale
The 2015 event centered around a tournament to crown a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The final match between Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose was criticized for its brevity and lack of intensity. Sheamus’s subsequent Money in the Bank cash-in further disappointed fans, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
6. Survivor Series 2021
Unfulfilled Promises and Lackluster Matches
Promoted as the 25th anniversary of The Rock’s WWE debut, the 2021 event failed to deliver on expectations. Despite heavy promotion, The Rock did not appear, leaving fans disappointed. Additionally, the traditional Survivor Series elimination matches received average reviews, and the battle royal was particularly disliked./
7. Survivor Series 2006
Underwhelming Performances and Outcomes
The 2006 event is remembered for its underwhelming performances and outcomes. The WWE Championship match between John Cena and King Booker was criticized for its lack of excitement. The traditional Survivor Series elimination matches also failed to deliver, contributing to the event’s poor reception.
8. Survivor Series 2017
Lack of Stakes and Uninspired Matches
The 2017 edition suffered from a lack of meaningful stakes and uninspired matches. The main event, a traditional Survivor Series elimination match between Team Raw and Team SmackDown, lacked excitement and failed to engage fans. The absence of significant consequences for the winning team contributed to the event’s lackluster reception.
9. Survivor Series 2019
Overemphasis on Brand Supremacy
The 2019 event focused heavily on brand supremacy, featuring matches between Raw, SmackDown, and NXT. While the inclusion of NXT added a fresh dynamic, the overemphasis on brand competition overshadowed individual storylines.
The main event, a triple threat match between Becky Lynch, Bayley, and Shayna Baszler, failed to deliver the expected excitement, leading to a mixed reception.
WWE Survivor Series, one of WWE’s “Big Four” pay-per-views, has delivered numerous unforgettable moments since its inception in 1987. This annual event is renowned for its traditional elimination tag team matches and significant storyline developments. Here, we rank the top WWE Survivor Series events that have left an indelible mark on wrestling history.
Rank
Event Date
Location
Key Highlights
1
November 17, 2002
Madison Square Garden, New York
– Debut of the Elimination Chamber match – Shawn Michaels won the World Heavyweight Championship – Triple Threat Tag Team Elimination Match featuring the SmackDown Six
2
November 15, 1998
Kiel Center, St. Louis, Missouri
– “Deadly Game” tournament to crown a new WWF Champion – The Rock’s heel turn and alignment with The Corporation
3
November 18, 2001
Greensboro Coliseum, North Carolina
– Team WWF vs. The Alliance (WCW/ECW) in a high-stakes elimination match – Team WWF’s victory determining the future of WWE
4
November 23, 2014
Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri
– Team Cena vs. Team Authority elimination match – Dolph Ziggler’s standout performance – Surprise debut of Sting
5
November 22, 1990
Hartford Civic Center, Connecticut
– Debut of The Undertaker introduced by Ted DiBiase – Traditional elimination matches
6
November 27, 2005
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan
– Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown for brand supremacy – Team SmackDown’s victory with Randy Orton as the sole survivor – Last Man Standing match between Triple H and Ric Flair
7
November 20, 2016
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada
– Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar main event – Goldberg’s shocking victory in 86 seconds
8
November 17, 1996
Madison Square Garden, New York
– Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin classic match – Debut of The Rock
9
November 24, 2019
Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois
– Inclusion of NXT in brand warfare – Standout performances by Keith Lee and Rhea Ripley – NXT’s dominance in the event
10
November 26, 1987
Richfield Coliseum, Ohio
– Inaugural Survivor Series event – Team Hogan vs. Team Andre main event – Andre the Giant’s team secured the win
1. Survivor Series 2002: The Inaugural Elimination Chamber
Held on November 17, 2002, at Madison Square Garden, Survivor Series 2002 is often hailed as one of the best. The event featured the debut of the Elimination Chamber match, where Shawn Michaels captured the World Heavyweight Championship, marking a significant moment in his career.
Additionally, the Triple Threat Tag Team Elimination Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship showcased the brilliance of the SmackDown Six, with Los Guerreros emerging victorious.
2. Survivor Series 1998: Deadly Game Tournament
On November 15, 1998, WWE introduced the “Deadly Game” tournament to crown a new WWF Champion.
The night was filled with unexpected twists, culminating in The Rock’s heel turn and alignment with The Corporation, solidifying his status as a top heel.
This event is remembered for its intricate storytelling and the crowning of a new champion.
3. Survivor Series 2001: Team WWF vs. The Alliance
The culmination of the Invasion storyline took place on November 18, 2001, featuring Team WWF against The Alliance (WCW/ECW). The high-stakes elimination match determined the future of WWE, with Team WWF emerging victorious.
The match was star-studded, featuring legends like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Kurt Angle, and delivered intense action and drama.
4. Survivor Series 2014: Team Cena vs. Team Authority
This event, held on November 23, 2014, is notable for the high-stakes elimination match where Team Cena faced Team Authority. The match featured a standout performance by Dolph Ziggler, who overcame significant odds to secure victory for his team.
The surprise debut of Sting added to the event’s significance, making it a memorable chapter in WWE history.
5. Survivor Series 1990: The Undertaker’s Debut
On November 22, 1990, the WWE Universe witnessed the debut of The Undertaker, introduced by Ted DiBiase as part of The Million Dollar Team.
This event marked the beginning of one of the most legendary careers in wrestling history. The traditional elimination matches on the card also delivered solid action, making it a standout event.
6. Survivor Series 2005: Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown
The November 27, 2005, event emphasized brand supremacy, featuring a classic elimination match between Team Raw and Team SmackDown. Team SmackDown, led by Batista, secured the win, with Randy Orton standing tall as the sole survivor.
The event also featured a Last Man Standing match between Triple H and Ric Flair, adding to its acclaim.
7. Survivor Series 2016: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar
Held on November 20, 2016, this event is remembered for the shocking main event where Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar in just 86 seconds.
The swift victory sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and set the stage for future encounters between the two powerhouses.
8. Survivor Series 1996: Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
On November 17, 1996, Madison Square Garden hosted a classic encounter between Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
This match is often regarded as one of the best in Survivor Series history, showcasing technical prowess and storytelling. The event also featured The Rock’s debut, adding to its historical significance.
9. Survivor Series 2019: NXT Joins the Battle
The November 24, 2019, event was unique as it included NXT in the traditional brand warfare, making it a three-way battle for supremacy. NXT’s involvement added fresh matchups and excitement, with standout performances from stars like Keith Lee and Rhea Ripley, leading to NXT’s dominance that night.
10. Survivor Series 1987: The Inaugural Event
The first-ever Survivor Series on November 26, 1987, set the tone for future events with its traditional elimination matches. The main event featured Team Hogan vs. Team Andre, with Andre the Giant’s team securing the win. This event laid the foundation for the Survivor Series legacy.
These events have each contributed uniquely to the rich history of WWE’s Survivor Series, offering fans unforgettable matches and moments that continue to be celebrated.
Kenny Omega wasn’t afraid to get physical at NJPW Power Struggle 2024, as Gabe Kidd discovered firsthand at the event in Osaka, Japan. During the show, Omega spoke about his recovery from diverticulitis and said he’d love to return to the ring at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5. Omega added that he wants to face one of the young talents from New Japan at the event.
When Omega got backstage, he was confronted by one of those young stars, 27-year-old Gabe Kidd. The reigning NJPW Strong Openweight Champion had some barbs for Omega, resulting in a brawl between the two. The segment marked the closest Omega has come to a fight since December of last year, and his first time getting physical at a wrestling event since being attacked by The Elite in May.
It’s not just at NJPW Power Struggle that Kidd and Omega have been at each other’s throats, as Kidd and Omega beefed via X in August.
Let me turn off the caps lock quick and get real for a minute.
First of all, I been out drinking with 10/10 Japanese birds every night of the G1 and I’m still outshining all these fools, so sorry I’m late to replying.
Omega’s brawl with Kidd has already sparked talk among fans of a match between the pair at Wrestle Dynasty. The first-of-its-kind show will feature talent from AEW, New Japan, CMLL, Ring of Honor, and Stardom and will take place from the famed Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. The show will take place one day after NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19, which will also emanate from the Tokyo Dome.
While Kota Ibushi has predicted Omega’s imminent return, a match with Kidd or anyone else will hinge on the AEW EVP being cleared in time. Nevertheless, the idea of Omega finally getting back in the ring to wrestle is welcomed news to his legion of fans who could get to see him tangle with Kidd once again soon enough.
Kenny Omega is inching closer to a return to the ring and shared at NJPW Power Struggle 2024 that he hopes to wrestle in a matter of months. Appearing at the Osaka event, Omega said that he’d spoken with NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi and they’d shared their ideas. One idea was for Omega to wrestle again for New Japan against one of the company’s young talents.
Omega said he’s been making progress in his recovery and “in a little bit” he should be able to return to action. Despite being a member of the AEW roster, and an EVP, He added that if he returns to wrestling, he would like to be back in Japan.
The Canadian wasn’t sure when he’d be able to be back, but said “How about January 5th?”, the date of Wrestle Dynasty. Omega ended by calling New Japan the King of Sport, the best pro wrestling in the world, and his home.
Omega has been out of action since December 2023 due to diverticulitis, a condition that has affected other wrestling names including Brock Lesnar and Shane McMahon. Omega’s desire to return in time for Wrestle Dynasty fits in with last month’s comments by Kota Ibushi, who predicted Omega would be wrestling again within a matter of months. Omega underwent surgery earlier this year after appearing on AEW TV where he was betrayed by The Elite.
Fans are excited at the prospect of Omega wrestling again, though the AEW staple’s comments about NJPW being the best are bound to raise some eyebrows. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Kenny Omega and his journey back to the ring.
