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Championship Match Added to AEW Full Gear This Saturday

Michael Reichlin
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Konosuke Takeshita will defend his AEW International Championship against Ricochet at Full Gear 2024 this Saturday, November 23, in Newark, NJ. The announcement, made by AEW President Tony Khan on Thursday, comes after weeks of escalating tension between the two competitors.

Takeshita captured the championship at AEW WrestleDream in a triple-threat match against Will Ospreay and Ricochet. Ricochet reignited their rivalry on the November 6 episode of AEW Dynamite by pinning Takeshita during a tag team match, setting the stage for this high-stakes encounter.

Khan confirmed the match on Twitter, calling it “the fight that the AEW fans want to see.” With Takeshita’s dominance as champion and Ricochet’s recent momentum, the bout is expected to deliver edge-of-your-seat action.

Updated AEW Full Gear 2024 Card

  • AEW World Championship Match: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Orange Cassidy
  • AEW TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Kris Statlander
  • AEW TNT Championship Match: Jack Perry (c) vs. Daniel Garcia
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Four-Way Match: Private Party (c) vs. The Outrunners vs. Kings of the Black Throne vs. The Acclaimed
  • AEW International Championship Match: Konosuke Takeshita (c) vs. Ricochet
  • MJF vs. Roderick Strong
  • Jay White vs. “Hangman” Adam Page
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Bobby Lashley
  • Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher

Zero Hour Pre-Show Match:

  • “Big Boom!” A.J. vs. QT Marshall

Stay tuned to SEScoops for complete coverage of AEW Full Gear this weekend.

How WWE Wrestlers Hide Under the Ring During Live Shows

Michael Reichlin
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Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal recently revealed the secrets of how wrestlers hide under the ring, sharing the details during an appearance on fellow WWE alumnus Maven Huffman’s YouTube channel.

According to Mahal, performers slip under the ring during commercial breaks or video packages when the arena goes dark. These moments coincide with routine ring crew maintenance, making the movement less noticeable to the audience.

The space beneath the ring, known as “the bed,” is more accommodating than fans might expect. Mahal described finding a designated mat for comfort, along with WWE technician Nick Daw, who maintains a position there with broadcasting equipment. The area is stocked with refreshments including water, Diet Coke, and Red Bull.

The technician monitors the show via a screen and stays connected to producers through a headset, ensuring precise timing for any spots involving under-ring appearances.

Wrestlers Hiding Under the Ring

Wrestlers hiding under the ring is a classic WWE tactic to create surprise appearances. Notable matches featuring this element include:

  • The Undertaker and Kane: Both wrestlers have famously utilized the space under the ring for dramatic entrances.
  • Bray Wyatt: Wyatt often used this tactic to enhance his eerie character, appearing unexpectedly during matches.
  • Hornswoggle: As the illegitimate son of Vince McMahon, Hornswoggle’s gimmick involved hiding under the ring, popping out unexpectedly, and distracting opponents.

CM Punk Joins Syfy’s “Revival” Series

Andrew Ravens
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CM Punk is gearing up for his next Hollywood venture, as Variety reported today that the wrestling icon will join the cast of Revival, a televised horror series set to air on Syfy. The series, currently filming in New Brunswick, Canada, is an adaptation of the acclaimed Image Comics series of the same name.

Details about Punk’s character and the show’s release date remain under wraps. This announcement follows news from last month that Punk has secured a key role in the horror film Night Patrol.

The official description of Revival teases an intriguing storyline:

“On one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin, the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves. But this is no zombie story as the ‘revived’ appear and act just like they once were. When local officer and single mother Dana Cypress (Scrofano) is unexpectedly thrown into the center of a brutal murder mystery of her own, she’s left to make sense of the chaos amidst a town gripped by fear and confusion where everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect.”

This marks another significant step in Punk’s acting career. Earlier this year, he appeared in the film Let’s Start a Cult and had a recurring role in the wrestling drama series Heels, which is now streaming on Netflix.

In the summer, Punk signed with Paradigm Talent Agency to expand his presence in the entertainment industry. His growing Hollywood portfolio suggests he’s making good on that commitment.

While Punk’s wrestling future remains uncertain following his win over Drew McIntyre in October’s Bad Blood Hell in a Cell match, his focus on acting has taken center stage.

WWE Shop Reveals Top Merch Sellers of 2024

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has unveiled its list of the top merchandise sellers for 2024, highlighting the performers who engaged fans both in the ring and at the merchandise stands. Leading the pack is Cody Rhodes, whose “American Nightmare” branding continues to resonate strongly with WWE’s audience.

Second place belongs to Roman Reigns, the face of the “Bloodline” storyline and a dominant figure in WWE’s programming. Making a splash in third is the returning CM Punk, whose surprise comeback reignited interest from his devoted fanbase.

The Top 10 List

  1. Cody Rhodes
  2. Roman Reigns
  3. CM Punk
  4. Jey Uso
  5. John Cena
  6. Liv Morgan
  7. Rhea Ripley
  8. LA Knight
  9. Randy Orton
  10. Damian Priest

Other names rounding out the list include Jey Uso, whose breakout year solidified his status as a solo star, and perennial favorite John Cena, whose limited appearances still drive significant sales. Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley represent the women’s division.

US Champion LA Knight, “The Viper” Randy Orton, and the Judgment Day’s Damian Priest also made the cut, showing a mix of established veterans and surging new talent. This diverse list underscores WWE’s ability to create marketable stars across all divisions.

Cody Rhodes Sued Over ‘American Nightmare’ Trademark Dispute

Jey Uso Discusses Paul Heyman’s Key Role in WWE’s Bloodline Despite TV Absence

Michael Reichlin
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Jey Uso, in an exclusive interview with Peter Rosenberg for Rosenberg Wrestling at ComplexCon 2024, provided insights into Paul Heyman’s continued importance to the Bloodline storyline, even as Heyman remains absent from WWE television.

Jey reassured fans that Heyman’s influence transcends his on-screen presence, describing the “Wiseman” as an indispensable figure in the family’s WWE journey. “The Wiseman is really the Wiseman to my family. He’s been around my family more than 50 years,” Jey revealed, emphasizing Heyman’s deep-rooted connection to the Anoa’i family.

Heyman’s behind-the-scenes contributions remain vital, according to Jey, who highlighted his mentor’s role in refining promos, strategizing storylines, and advocating for the family’s success.

“Even when he’s not on TV, he’s there. All the backstage stuff—‘Say this. Maybe say it like this. Do this. Do that.’ He’s a big player to vouch for you and push for you. Any problem we have, we go to him. He makes it happen for my family. We love him.”

– Jey Uso on Paul Heyman (via Rosenberg Wrestling)

Heyman’s Absence Fuels Speculation

Paul Heyman and Jey Uso
The Wiseman Paul Heyman and Jey Uso (WWE TV)

Paul Heyman’s absence was notably spotlighted during the November 15 episode of SmackDown. In a key segment, Roman Reigns attempted to contact Heyman, only to encounter a “number not in service” message. This led to widespread speculation among fans about Heyman’s status within the Bloodline.

Jey dispelled concerns about Heyman’s position, clarifying that his lack of on-screen appearances does not detract from his crucial behind-the-scenes involvement. “He’s still very much a part of everything we do,” Jey affirmed.

Future Return and Survivor Series

While no definitive timeline for Heyman’s return to television has been provided, Jey’s remarks hint at his continued influence on the ongoing Bloodline narrative. This has only heightened intrigue surrounding the faction’s upcoming Survivor Series WarGames match on November 30.

Jey Uso and the Bloodline are set to face a formidable lineup, including Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Bronson Reed. Whether Heyman will make a surprise appearance remains uncertain, but his behind-the-scenes contributions to the storyline continue to solidify the Bloodline’s dominance in WWE.

Cody Rhodes Compares Paul Heyman To Legendary Director

Netflix Gives WWE RAW Sneak Peek Ahead of January 2025 Launch

Michael Reichlin
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Netflix has unveiled a first look at WWE RAW as anticipation builds for the wrestling juggernaut’s debut on the streaming platform. The move marks a significant milestone for WWE, with the iconic Monday Night RAW set to air live on Netflix starting January 6, 2025.

The premiere live episode will broadcast from the newly built Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET. As part of the collaboration, Netflix also announced that WWE fans outside the U.S. will gain unprecedented access to weekly shows like RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and major events such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam.

Netflix will also begin streaming classic RAW episodes and select historical Premium Live Events on January 1, 2025.

In a statement accompanying a promotional “Sneak Peek” video, Netflix emphasized the significance of this partnership.

“This marks a new era for WWE fans,” the announcement read. “With live weekly programming airing 52 weeks a year, viewers can expect non-stop action like never before.”

As January approaches, fans eagerly await how this partnership will reshape the viewing experience for one of wrestling’s most beloved shows.

Rey Mysterio on Aalyah’s Career Choice: Education Over Wrestling

Michael Reichlin
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In a recent interview with Peter Rosenberg for Rosenberg Radio at ComplexCon last weekend, Rey Mysterio addressed why his daughter Aalyah has not pursued a career in professional wrestling. Despite having a notable presence on WWE television in 2020 – including prominent storylines with Buddy Murphy and Seth Rollins – Aalyah’s focus remains on her studies and her aspiration to enter the medical field.

“She also loves it as much as Dom did. We played wrestling a lot, but for some reason, she was more on my wife’s side. She was the one who liked to study and was very dedicated, always getting A’s. To this day, she’s still very focused on her education. On the other hand, she’s now pursuing her medical career,” Mysterio explained.

Currently attending medical school at the University of California in San Diego, Aalyah has chosen a different path than her brother Dominik, who has become one of WWE’s top stars. While Vince McMahon saw potential in her for a full-time wrestling career during her television appearances, Rey expressed pride in her decision to prioritize education. He noted that while he would be willing to train her if she ever decides to step into the ring, he fully supports her dedication to becoming a doctor.

At 48 years old and 35 years into his legendary career, Rey continues to deliver outstanding performances in WWE, proving that the Mysterio legacy in professional wrestling remains strong through both his own contributions and his son Dominik’s rising success.

Rizzler Confirmed: A.J. and Big Justice Bring Backup to AEW Full Gear

Rayan Sayyed
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On AEW Dynamite’s go-home episode for AEW Full Gear, scheduled for this Saturday, an interesting announcement was made. The Costco Guys, Big Boom A.J. and Big Justice, revealed in a backstage interview with Renee Paquette that The Rizzler will make an appearance at the event.

What will The Rizzler do? He’s set to serve as the guest timekeeper during A.J.’s match against QT Marshall on the Full Zero Hour pre-show.

You can check out the segment in the video below:

Who is The Rizzler?

For those scratching their heads, let me explain. If you are living under a social media rock, you wouldn’t know who The Rizzler is. The Rizzler is a seven-year-old social media sensation who has amassed a massive following—750,000 followers on Instagram and 1.3 million on TikTok.

The Rizzler, whose real name is Christian Joseph, is best friends with AJ’s son, “Big Justice.” Despite being only in third grade, he rose to fame after a viral video of him dressed as Marvel’s Black Panther captured hearts online. Since then, he has teamed up with social media stars The Costco Guys and regularly makes appearances on shows such as The Tonight Show.

AEW Full Gear 2024

Full Gear takes place this Saturday, November 23, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. As one of AEW’s flagship events, it boasts a stacked card featuring the promotion’s biggest stars. You can check out the full card of the event and preview here.

For more on Full Gear, check out our full guide on how to stream the event in the U.S. and internationally, along with the pay-per-view price. Also, don’t miss SEScoops’ expert predictions for the big event.

Rey Mysterio On Reason For Dominik Mysterio’s Mega Heat: ‘It’s Gotta Be The Mustache’

Anutosh Bajpai
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Rey Mysterio has not given up on a potential reconciliation with son Dominik Mysterio, but he knows that it’s going to be very hard to achieve.

The WWE Hall of Famer recently had an interview with Rosenberg Wrestling. He talked about things like what he thinks about potential retirement, playing golf and more.

On the topic of Dominik having mega heat with the audience, Rey was asked how much he thinks it’s because of his own status as a longtime beloved babyface. The Master of 619 explained that it was a trigging point for fan’s reaction at the start of Dom’s heel run but joked that now it’s all because of his Mustache:

“I think it was definitely a triggering point at a certain part of his career or his turn but then after that I think now it’s mainly based on the Mustache. I think the Mustache is what really is what the fans hate.

I mean I hate it. I don’t know about you. [It’s] gotta be the Mustache. Not so much the hatred that he has on his father, it’s the Mustache, yeah.”

That’s Going To Be Very Hard: Rey Mysterio

The former World Champion was also asked about the possibility of reconciling with his son sometime in the future and potentially teaming with him again. Rey Mysterio said that it’s something a father would always be open to. He hopes that one day Dirty Dom will be able to see the bright side of being on the same team:

“That’s something that as a father they always would love to have with their kids. To be able to reconnect. End off how you started, on the good side. So I don’t know if that’s going to happen over the years.

People change – sometimes for good, sometimes for bad. Hopefully one day Dom can see the bright side of being on the Mysterio side and just being family overall. But I think that’s going to be very hard.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Rey claimed that his story with Dom is not over and he would be open to facing his son in another match as well.

Saraya Hints at AEW Return With A New Character

Thomas Lowson
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Former AEW Women’s World Champion Saraya has teased her return to television, with a brand new character in store for fans. The 32-year-old star last competed on the October 8 Dynamite: Title Tuesday, where she was on the losing end of a four-way Women’s World Title Eliminator won by Willow Nightingale.

On X, Saraya reposted footage of herself at the 11th Annual Reality Television Awards. Teasing big things to come, the British wrestler told fans to “wait until this version” of herself is back on AEW Dynamite.

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1859442581614018583

Saraya’s suggestion that she’s been working on an evolution of her on-screen persona intrigued fans, many of whom shared their excitement about a return and a new character in the comments. Earlier this month, Saraya rejected a claim that she has been out with an injury, and has instead been working on this new side to her character.

Saraya Takes Out Phoenix Suns Mascot With A Powerful Suplex

Saraya’s time in AEW has already seen dramatic changes, as she debuted as a face in 2022, and had the fans behind her thanks to her emotional return to the ring. In 2023, Saraya transitioned into being a heel, though unsurprisingly had the crowd on her side when she won the AEW Women’s World Title in her native England at All In: London. More recently, Saraya has been aligned with Harley Cameron, and despite being heels, their character work and chemistry has proven popular with many fans.

Now, fans can await a new side to Saraya when she returns to TV, though it remains to be seen when that’ll be. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Saraya as she prepares for her return to All-Elite programming.

Saraya Takes Out Phoenix Suns Mascot With A Powerful Suplex

Ricardo Rodriguez Opens Up About Alcohol Addiction Following WWE Career

Anutosh Bajpai
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Ricardo Rodriguez has opened up about his alcohol addiction and how Drew McIntyre helped him get into rehab through WWE.

The former WWE manager had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as his run with Alberto Del Rio, his WWE release in 2014, and more.

During the session, Rodriguez went into length talking about his alcohol addiction. He mentioned that he got used to the grind during his time in WWE. After leaving the company, however, he had nothing to fill his time with and he turned to alcohol.

The 38-year-old revealed that he was chugging whole boxes of wine by himself at a time before he finally realized that he had a problem. He then put out a tweet asking for help and got a reply from a gentleman named Christopher Dreisbach. Rodriguez later contacted his friend Drew McIntyre to help him get in touch with WWE:

“WWE has this really cool wellness program part where if you’ve been with them and you encounter a similar situation, they can help you out, they’ll figure something out.

So I got in contact with WWE, and this is where a good friend of mine Drew McIntyre comes in. I sent Drew a message, and I was like, ‘Hey, can you find out the information of the wellness policy, who’s in charge or something.'”

Drew Was A Big Part In Making That Connection: Ricardo Rodriguez

The Mexican-American pro wrestler recalled always being angry and bitter during his addiction. He admitted to pushing a lot of his close friends away when they tried to help him because he didn’t care about anyone. It was the conversation with McIntyre that finally led to him getting the help he needed:

“So then he dug around, and he got me the info. I contacted WWE because of that, and it just yeah, it became a thing and that’s how we got connected. I had talked to WWE, and I told who had contacted me up here in Lancaster.

And he’s like, oh, and we’ve done stuff with them before. Go ahead and set it up, and we can figure out the details later. So yeah, Drew was a big part of making that connection.”

Rodriguez mentioned that something like that never goes away but he has learned to manage his addiction better. It remains a daily battle for him but he has learned to be grateful about things in life. He now tries to take a pause when something upsets him instead of reacting instantly and spiraling back into his old habits.

You can check out our exclusive interview with Ricardo on the 10th anniversary of his WWE exit below:

Watch Captain Insano’s Surprise Appearance at the 2024 CMAs

Bishal Roy
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AEW star Paul Wight, under his ‘Captain Insano’ moniker recently made a surprise appearance at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards on Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee.

Wight donned his Captain Insano attire from the 1998 Adam Sandler movie “The Waterboy” and turned up on stage during Bailey Zimmerman’s performance of “New to Country.” The 52-year-old star was part of the set as he stood near a beer pong table. Wight picked Zimmerman on his shoulders at the end of the song and the two walked around.

Captain Insano at 2024 CMAs

AEW had trademarked the name “Captain Insano” back in March 2021. Paul Wight has been eager to bring the character into AEW and made an appearance once in character in a backstage segment. A couple of years back, he also made a surprise appearance in a music video for The Acclaimed.

Wight was last competed in January as part of the Jericho Cruise and recently stated that he was hopeful to return to the ring “real soon” after recovering from partial knee replacement surgery. The veteran star has aimed to return at February’s AEW Grand Slam in Brisbane, Australia. However, he has revealed that his next run will be the last of his decorated career.

Before joining AEW in 2021 as a commentator, Paul Wight had a run in WCW followed by his lengthy career in WWE where he won multiple titles.

Dustin Rhodes Reveals He Has Set Some Goals For AEW All In Texas

Bishal Roy
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0

AEW veteran star Dustin Rhodes recently said that he wants to be a part of AEW All In Texas. AEW All In took place at the iconic Wembley Stadium for two consecutive years and the show is now headed to Texas in 2025, as the event will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, July 12th.

Speaking with WFFA 8, Dustin Rhodes stated that he wants to be a huge part of the show next year. Here is what he said:

“Yeah, I have some goals in mind. It’s a build to get there, I mean I’m gonna keep that kind of to myself, but I hope to be a huge part of All In Texas. This is our first US stadium show, which is gonna be huge.”

Dustin Rhodes recently celebrated 36 years of his debut and he has continued to be an integral part of AEW. He brings a lot of experience to the table, having been with the promotion since its inception. Dustin Rhodes doesn’t seem to slow down despite being in the latter stages of his career and he is trying to bring this energy to Texas next year.

AEW All In: Texas 2025 will mark the promotion’s first time hosting the event outside of London, England.

Tony Khan opens up on AEW All In Texas 2025

Recently, AEW President Tony Khan told Dallas Morning News that they have a chance to break the attendance record in Globe Life Field. He said:

“We think we have a chance to set the all-time attendance record. That would be pretty cool.”

Globe Life Field is currently the home of the Texas Rangers and opened its doors in 2020. Country artist Morgan Wallen holds the attendance record of the venue as 43,958 fans turned up to watch him live in 2022. Khan also revealed that he was excited about bringing the show to Arlington.

“AEW All In is such an important event in sports and it’s one of the most marquee nights in pro wrestling… The location is very special to us and Arlington, Texas. It’s a very special place.”

AEW have already held multiple shows in Arlington as episodes of AEW Collision and ROH Death Before Dishonor 2024 were held in the Texan city.

Jon Moxley Says Bryan Danielson Had A ‘Beautiful Funeral’ At WrestleDream

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Jon Moxley says taking out Bryan Danielson was nothing more than an objective that needed to be completed.

The AEW World Champion has shown a completely new side of himself since returning to the promotion in August. Leading the Death Riders into a spree of violent attacks on various AEW talents, Mox proclaims to rid the company of all its problems.

The most gruesome of these attacks came at the WrestleDream PPV. Moxley not only defeated his former friend Bryan Danielson for the AEW title at the show but he also took out the American Dragon for good in a brutal post-match attack. Bryan had to be taken out on a stretcher afterwards and he is not expected to make an AEW appearance anytime soon.

A Beautiful Funeral

Speaking about the attack during a new interview with TVInsider, the AEW World Champion claimed that Danielson had to be taken off the board as part of the big picture. To him, Bryan was nothing more than a thing on a checklist:

“To me, it was a beautiful funeral. His mom was in the front row as I was squeezing his neck as his mom screamed that she loved him, and he screamed it back to her. I’m not sure if that was caught on camera, but that was quite a powerful moment to see up close.”

Jon Moxley mentioned how it is very easy to get emotionally attached to a match of Bryan Danielson. He reiterated however that he has no time to feel sad about it despite Bryan being one of his best friends and training partner for a good part of his career:

“A lot of guys’ careers will end in the hospital or their phones will stop ringing. It won’t be on their terms. Bryan was able to do very much to end this stage of his career on his terms. He did not verbally submit or tap out, but I felt the spirit of the American Dragon leave his body and feel that he can now rest.”

The former Shield member also claimed that the potential of AEW is ‘fucking huge.’ He said that their roster is stacked to a ridiculous level and there are many talents who haven’t gotten the chance to showcase what they’re truly capable of.

Tony Khan Hits Back At “Disingenuous” Feedback From Non-AEW Fans

Thomas Lowson
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Tony Khan isn’t going to stand by and listen to fan criticism of AEW, especially if the ‘criticism’ is entirely “disingenuous.” Sitting down with Iridian Fierro for WGN Radio, Khan said that while fans often give good feedback on his shows, there are plenty of examples when that isn’t the case.

“Sometimes, if it’s disingenuous, there’s nothing you can do. Sometimes it’s fans of a different promotion that don’t really have anything positive to say.”

One such example Khan brought up was AEW’s two All In: London events, as the attendance figure for the 2023 show came under scrutiny. Whether it was the initially announced 81,035 or the 73,000 figure many now believe, Khan finds it “insane” that some ‘fans’ see this as anything but a roaring success for his brand.

“That’s more people than were at the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight, and people were trying to say that, like, it was a bad number for AEW.”

Tony Khan Talks AEW’s Max Streaming Deal, Media Landscape

Other Interview Highlights

Khan broached many topics on AEW during the interview, including:

  • Khan is excited to use the song November Rain to recap stories heading into Full Gear. He pointed out that while ECW used the song, AEW is the first wrestling promotion to have the rights to the song and does things “by the book.”
  • Fans can expect an exciting time when AEW comes to the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. The legendary arena, which hosted ECW events, will also host ROH Final Battle 2024.
  • Khan spoke highly of Chicago and spoke of AEW’s connection to the city. He said it’s “very fitting that we keep coming back here to this great city.”

Rick Martel Pushing For WWE Hall of Fame Induction

Thomas Lowson
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Wrestling legend Rick Martel is eager to take a place in the WWE Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments in the squared circle. When the ’80’s Wrestling’ account on X asked its followers if Martel deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame, Rick himself made his views clear.

Martel also re-tweeted a post asking fans if he deserves a spot in WWE’s Hall of Fame. Many fans were all for the idea for both his work inside the promotion and in other territories.

Rick Martel: WWE Hall of Famer?

Martel certainly had a fulfilling career in the ring before he officially retired in March 1999. Martel is a former AWA World Champion, WCW TV Champion and three-time WWF Tag Team Champion. Martel also held gold in the NWA, Puerto Rico’s WWC, Georgia Championship Wrestling and Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling. In 2011, Martel’s accomplishments were recognized as he was inducted into the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame four years later.

The WWE Hall of Fame selection often comes under scrutiny by fans, with many names inducted seen as ‘undeserving’ of the accolade. Similarly, many names fans hoped to see inducted have yet to be given the nod, including the likes of William Regal and the late Owen Hart. As for whether ‘The Model’ gets a nod, time will tell, but Martel is ready to make an acceptance speech if WWE gives him a phone call.

Peacock Scrubs Controversial Carlito Line From WWE Raw Episode

Thomas Lowson
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A controversial comment by Carlito made during the October 21, 2024, edition of WWE Raw has been removed from Peacock’s upload of the show. The comment, made during a segment with Adam Pearce saw Carlito say “I gotta learn Chinese” after IYO SKY and Kairi Sane left the room.

Many took issue with the line, believing it played on harmful stereotypes about Asian people, as SKY and Sane are both Japanese, not Chinese. On Peacock, the segment has been edited and now Pearce simply asks Carlito what he wants, without the comment from the Judgment Day member.

The line was not scripted, with those who heard it within WWE’s production said to have been in disbelief over what was said. This line and backlash came about during a time when Triple H’s creative direction had come under great scrutiny by fans. The WWE CCO was criticized for his  his answer on the lack of representation of black talent on WWE Premium Live Events.

Peacock Removing Content

This isn’t the first time Peacock has edited WWE content that it feels may not reflect its values. Other examples of WWE content you won’t find on Peacock include:

  • DX’s parody of the Nation of Domination, which included the use of blackface.
  • Vince McMahon’s use of the N-word in a segment with John Cena and Booker T.
  • Roddy Piper painting half his body black for his feud with African-American wrestler Bad News Brown.
  • Mickie James licking her hand after grabbing Trish Stratus’ crotch at WrestleMania 22.

Now, Carlito’s controversial line has been cut from Peacock, years after a ‘fan’ told SKY during a WWE NXT match to ‘Go Back to China.’ Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE.

Bobby Lashley Teases More Members For Hurt Syndicate

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Bobby Lashley has teased an expansion of Hurt Syndicate.

The newest AEW signee recently had an interview with The Lame Guys Wrestling podcast. He talked about things such as his run-ins with Swerve Strickland, his future plans, and more.

The former world champion also explained his decision to join AEW after his departure from WWE. He revealed that one of the things that convinced him was Tony Khan’s promise of allowing him to work on other projects:

“Part of it is because Tony did tell me that I had opportunities to do other things also. So If I do want to tackle that fight and do another fight, whether it’s boxing, bareknuckle, MMA, I think he’ll give me the opportunity to. Then, all my other projects also that I’ve been working on.”

We Are Good For The Company: Bobby Lashley

The 48-year-old also noted that he wants to go out on his terms, an opportunity he didn’t get in WWE. He wants to work with his friends MVP and Shelton Benjamin again while helping young talents on his way.

Bobby Lashley explained that taking out the whole Hurt Syndicate might not be a realistic goal for an up-and-coming talent but they can benefit from working with different members of his group. The heavyweight star then teased bringing other members to the faction:

“I was like, ‘If I’m going to go out, there are certain ways that I want to go out.’ I didn’t get an opportunity to go out the way that I wanted to with putting guys over and having a feud with those guys. Another avenue I could be happy with is to be able to work with P and Shelton again, being able to run with that and have fun with it.

Ultimately, we are a group that is good for the company. We have the ability to be able to build talent. If you go into a feud with us or you’re on the mic against P, you have Shelton, me, whoever else we bring on. You have a lot of obstacles.”

When asked which are some names he would like to bring into the Hurt Syndicate fold, Lashley mentioned that he would like to have Lio Rush around him again. Other names that were mentioned during the conversation included Ricochet and HOOK.

Ricky Starks Books Another Indie Appearance Amid AEW Hiatus

Andrew Ravens
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As speculation mounts about Ricky Starks’ future in AEW, the former Tag Team Champion has added another independent wrestling date to his calendar.

Starks is slated to debut for House of Glory on Friday, January 17, in Chicago. The event, set to stream live on Triller, has yet to announce Starks’ opponent. This follows his surprise appearance for Glory Pro Wrestling in St. Louis, Missouri, which set up a match against indie standout Kody Lane this Saturday.

This appearance will mark Starks’ first in-ring action since May, when he faced QT Marshall at a Big Time Wrestling show in California. Notably, his last AEW match took place in March, sparking questions about his absence from the promotion.

Despite being vocal about his readiness to compete, Starks has expressed frustration over his lack of utilization in AEW. In August, AEW President Tony Khan praised Starks in public comments but offered no explanation for his continued absence from programming.

Many fans and insiders believe that once Starks’ contract expires, he could be WWE-bound. The rival promotion reportedly has an interest in signing the AEW star, who has been with the promotion for the last several years.

Nikki Garcia & Artem Chigvintsev Have Agreed To Divorce Settlement

Andrew Ravens
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Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev have resolved their divorce through mediation, avoiding a trial that was set to begin in two weeks. According to TMZ, the former couple reached an agreement earlier this month, though the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed.

Previously, Chigvintsev, a former Dancing with the Stars performer, sought spousal support, while Garcia, a former WWE star, moved to block the court’s ability to award it. Whether this issue was resolved in the mediation remains unclear.

Earlier this year, the pair also dropped mutual restraining orders and agreed to shared custody of their four-year-old son. The divorce filing followed a series of turbulent events, including Chigvintsev’s late-August arrest on domestic violence charges at their Napa County home. However, the charges were dropped in September after the district attorney cited insufficient evidence to proceed.

Chigvintsev’s legal troubles also affected his professional life. Following his arrest, he was not invited back to compete on Dancing with the Stars. However, his attorney expressed optimism that he might rejoin the show in the future. Last week, Chigvintsev made an appearance as a guest in the studio audience for the show’s 500th episode, at the invitation of an executive producer.

Bobby Lashley Made AEW In-Ring Debut On Dynamite

Andrew Ravens
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Bobby Lashley made a significant impact on AEW Dynamite this Wednesday by making his in-ring debut, just days ahead of his scheduled match against former AEW World Heavyweight Champion Swerve Strickland at the Full Gear pay-per-view event this Saturday.

Since his AEW debut, Lashley has been embroiled in a feud with Strickland. Earlier in the evening, The Hurt Syndicate arrived in an SUV atop a parking garage. As MVP announced Lashley’s in-ring debut for the night, Strickland ambushed Lashley with a steel chain before fleeing the scene.

In his debut match, Lashley faced Joe Keys and Cheeseburger in a one-on-two handicap bout. Lashley swiftly defeated both opponents, demonstrating his dominance, with Keys passing out in the Hurt Lock. Post-match, Prince Nana appeared on the stage, distracting MVP and Shelton Benjamin long enough for Strickland to launch a surprise attack on Lashley.

As the Full Gear event approaches, Lashley is considered a heavy-betting favorite for defeating Strickland.

WWE’s Jade Cargill Signs with Paradigm Talent Agency’s Sports Division

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Jade Cargill is the latest Superstar to join Paradigm Talent as part of the agency’s new ‘Sports Group’ division. Paradigm will search out major roles for Cargill outside of the ring, and she follows in the footsteps of past signings including Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, Damian Priest, and CM Punk.

Cargill is already familiar with blending the worlds of pro wrestling and non-wrestling entertainment as she often donned cosplay in AEW. From She-Hulk to Storm to Cheetara, Cargill was able to demonstrate her creative side by embodying other characters but is waiting for the right moment to do the same in WWE.

Jade Cargill: The Storm

Signing with Paradigm is the latest major move for Cargill, who has risen through wrestling’s ranks since her debut in 2020. In 2022, Cargill became the first TBS Champion and would boast a 60-match undefeated streak in AEW which was ultimately shattered by Kris Statlander.

2023 saw Cargill continue to grow as she joined WWE but waited until the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble to make her in-ring debut. Cargill would quickly fall into an alliance with Bianca Belair, and the pair are two-time (and current) WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Cargill is also a force to be reckoned with outside of the ring, with nearly two million social media followers and a master’s degree in child psychology to her name. Cargill is part of a real-life power couple as she and her husband former MLB star Brandon Phillips, co-own the Women’s Professional Fastpitch team, the Texas Smoke.

Now, Cargill is poised to take another step in her rapidly expanding career, this time outside of the squared circle. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Jade Cargill and her future, both in and out of the ring.

Tony Khan Talks AEW’s Max Streaming Deal, Media Landscape

Michael Reichlin
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AEW President Tony Khan recently shared insights into the wrestling promotion’s growth, the changing dynamics of live entertainment, and how streaming is shaping AEW’s future. Speaking on Q101’s Brian & Kenzie, Khan reflected on AEW’s ability to adapt to industry shifts and expand its reach in key markets.

Adapting to Post-Pandemic Live Events

Khan discussed the significant changes in the live event industry brought about by the pandemic. During lockdowns, AEW hosted its shows exclusively in Jacksonville for over a year, a move that provided stability during a turbulent time. “Since we came out of that and started touring again, these last three years have been absolutely great being back on the road,” Khan said.

He highlighted AEW’s expansion into unexpected markets, including setting a new pro wrestling attendance record at Wembley Stadium for All In. The company’s ability to explore new territories has been a major driver of its growth.

Key Markets and Trends in Attendance

Major U.S. cities have been strongholds for AEW, particularly those with established professional sports teams or large colleges. Khan noted the importance of continuing to assess where AEW performs best. “In the major markets, we’ve had good success,” he said, emphasizing the company’s strategy of revisiting top-performing cities at the right frequency.

Chicago, in particular, stands out as one of AEW’s most successful markets. “Chicago has been first and foremost for us,” Khan said, calling it a cornerstone for AEW’s live event strategy.

Potential for Residency Shows

Residency-style events could play a larger role in AEW’s future, according to Khan. He praised the success of a recent residency in Arlington, crediting both the fans and AEW’s team for its impact. “I think it’s a great model and could be something to go back to,” he said.

The Evolving Media Landscape

Khan also addressed how AEW is navigating the changing television and streaming environment. While hardcore fans often follow ratings closely, Khan acknowledged that the average viewer is less concerned with these metrics. “I’m not sure the average fan actually pays attention to [TV ratings],” he said, noting that the focus for most is on enjoying the weekly programming.

Despite the challenges of a shrinking cable audience, Khan pointed to AEW’s sustained success on television. “As the cable universe has changed and the streaming audience has grown, wrestling has still delivered at a very high level week in, week out,” he said. He highlighted recent viewership gains for Dynamite and Collision as a testament to AEW’s consistency.

The transition to streaming is also a key part of AEW’s strategy. Starting in January 2024, AEW will debut live on Max, Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform. Khan expressed optimism about reaching a broader audience. “We’ll be available in almost twice as many homes,” he said, emphasizing the potential to attract new fans who primarily stream content.

Conclusion

Khan’s reflections offer a glimpse into AEW’s ability to adapt to an evolving industry. From overcoming the challenges of the pandemic to leveraging streaming as a growth tool, AEW continues to expand its reach while solidifying its place in major markets.

Toni Storm Retiring? ‘AEW is Just Fine Without Me’

Andrew Ravens
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Toni Storm has revealed her decision to step away from professional wrestling, signaling the end of her celebrated career. This announcement follows a series of setbacks, including her recent loss of the AEW Women’s Championship to Mariah May at AEW All In. Storm has also competed in promotions like CMLL and STARDOM but failed to secure victories during her tenure.

In an interview with James Dator of SBNation, Storm confirmed her retirement and expressed no intention of making future public appearances. “I’m not used to being a loser,” Storm admitted. “I’ve failed at everything. I lost in AEW, I lost in Japan, I lost in Mexico.”

“This is the last you’ll hear from me again. Enjoy Mariah May as your champion. You can all enjoy that. AEW is just fine without me. Everything is going well for AEW. They don’t need Toni Storm.”

– Toni Storm

Storm concluded her statement with the enigmatic remark, “Chin down. Tits in. Don’t bother watching for the shoe.” The announcement comes shortly after the release of a cinematic video titled, ‘“’Where in the World is Toni Storm?” on October 30.

Despite her declaration, speculation is rife that Storm could make a surprise appearance at AEW Full Gear this Saturday, where Mariah May is set to host a championship celebration alongside Mina Shirakawa. For more, check out the full interview at SBNation.

AEW Full Gear 2024 Predictions: Jon Moxley vs Orange Cassidy and more

Is This Real or Storyline?

The tone of the interview and Toni Storm’s exaggerated remarks suggest this is likely part of an ongoing storyline rather than a genuine retirement announcement.

The dramatic, almost satirical comments, and the offbeat remarks about rhino-sized hamsters—fit her current over-the-top persona in AEW. Her statement that she hasn’t spoken to Tony Khan about her decision further implies this is a ‘work.’

First Look at Dwayne Johnson’s Maui in Live Action Moana Adaptation

Thomas Lowson
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Movie fans have caught their first glimpse at Dwayne Johnson as Maui in the live-action adaptation of Disney blockbuster success Moana. Johnson will portray Maui in the film, the same character he voiced in the 2016 Moana animated film.

Moana’s live-action adaptation is scheduled to land in cinemas in July 2026 and will see Catherine Laga?aia in the titular role. The film is expected to follow the plot of Moana (2016,) which sees a Polynesian chief’s daughter search for a mystical relic to save the island she calls home.

Fans won’t have to wait until 2026 to see Johnson as Maui, as the actor will voice the character once more for Moana 2, a sequel to the initial animated film. Moana 2 will release on November 27, 2024, and sees Auli?i Cravalho and Johnson return to voice Moana and Maui.

The Rock And WWE

While Maui is a fun-loving, easy-going character, Johnson has been anything but since his transformation into the heel ‘Final Boss’ earlier this year. The Rock returned to WWE TV at Bad Blood in a tense staredown with Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. Talk continues to grow about The Rock being at WrestleMania 41, with the Brahma Bull decrying “bull****” reports that he has told WWE he won’t make the show.

Whether he’s handling business in the ring, providing his voice for major animated projects, or electrifying in person on the big screen, Dwayne Johnson remains a leading man in entertainment. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Johnson, both in the ring and on the silver screen.

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