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Powerhouse Hobbs Promises a Fiercer, Realer Persona After AEW Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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Powerhouse Hobbs says he’s gonna start bringing more of his real-life self into his character to fill a gap in the wrestling world after his return.

The 33-year-old recently had an interview with Uproxx. He talked about things such as his knee injury that kept him out of action for 7 months this year, his AEW return earlier this month, and more.

Talking about his future plans, the heavyweight star revealed that there were talks of him bringing more of his real-life self into his character before his hiatus. Now that he is back, he is going to show people how much more intense he can be:

“I’m just gonna show everyone how much more intense I can be, how destructive I can be, how I don’t give a shit at times who’s in my way. In the end, this business, there only can be one.

It’s going to come to a point where I’m going to show everybody that it’s all about me. They’re either going to be with me or be against me. It doesn’t matter. They boo me, I’m just going to start tearing everything up in front of them.”

It’s Time To Bring It Out: Powerhouse Hobbs

Powerhouse Hobbs explained that wrestling is missing the crop of big guys that can make people afraid just by their presence. The former TNT champion feels that he can be one such performer:

“And I think that’s what wrestling is missing a little bit. That one guy who makes people afraid, but they want to see him kick someone’s ass. I feel that it’s time to bring it out.”

Wrestling has had a rich history of heavyweight stars who can intimidate people just by their presence. Though it does feel like the tradition has taken a backseat with the influx of smaller, more athletic talents in the last few years.

WWE also seems to be recognizing this void. The most recent reintroduction of Bronson Reed suggests that the company sees an opportunity in having a monstrous performer who can strike fear in the hearts of talents with his capability for destruction.

You can check out Hobbs’ AEW return match below:

Trump Nominates Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as Education Secretary

Michael Reichlin
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President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon as the next Secretary of Education. McMahon, co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), previously served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019.

McMahon’s appointment aligns with Trump’s vision to reduce federal oversight in education, as he has expressed intentions to eliminate the Department of Education. Her extensive experience in business and her previous cabinet role highlight her as a significant figure in the WWE community, now poised to influence national education policy.

Linda McMahon’s ties to Donald Trump span both wrestling and politics. Their partnership began in the 1980s when WWE ran events at Trump’s Atlantic City properties, culminating in Trump’s memorable appearance at WrestleMania 23 in 2007.

McMahon later transitioned to politics, serving as Trump’s Small Business Administration chief from 2017 to 2019. She continued supporting his initiatives as America First Policy Institute’s leader and co-chair of his transition team.

Donald Trump nominates Linda McMahon for United States Secretary of Education

Now, with her expected return to the cabinet as Secretary of Education, McMahon would oversee one of the smallest federal agencies – one that manages federal student aid, educational research, and anti-discrimination efforts while accounting for less than 10% of public school funding nationwide.

Middle-Aged WWE Fans Blamed For Donald Trump’s Presidential Win

Tony Khan: AEW is Home to the Best Black Wrestlers

Bishal Roy
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AEW President Tony Khan recently opened up on the promotion’s stacked roster having several Black wrestlers.

Since the promotion’s inception in 2019, Khan has signed several top names in the business and his presentation of Black wrestlers in AEW have been widely praised. Swerve Strickland had become their first Black world champion of the promotion at AEW Dynasty.

Speaking with CHGO Sports, Tony Khan opened up on Black wrestlers being widely featured in the AEW Shows and some of the big names include Swerve Strickland, The Hurt Syndicate, and Ricochet. The AEW President was asked about whether elevating them to the top level was a conscious decision. Tony Khan explained:

“I think you just said it. I’m conscious of it, but I also think that these are some of the best wrestlers in AEW you just named. So we’re really lucky to have those great stars.

We’ve been fortunate to be able to build up some great stars and also have a lot of great free agents come in to where I think so many of the top wrestlers, some of the top Black wrestlers in the world are in AEW, and I really think most of the top Black wrestlers in the world are now in AEW. But I think that is a conscious thing, but I also think it’s great.”

Most recently, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin) joined the promotion and they have already cemented their position as a top faction. ‘The All Mighty’ is also set to make his in-ring debut in AEW.

Gangrel Provides Update On His Health After Multiple Surgeries

Bishal Roy
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Former WWE star Gangrel recently opened up on his recovery following his recent surgeries.

Taking to social media, Gangrel revealed that he underwent surgery for a total hip replacement three months ago and surgery for a total knee replacement three weeks ago. He said that he had been “hanging low” due to the surgeries. However, he assured the fans that he’s on his way back up and feeling good.

Earlier this year, Gangrel surprised fans with his appearance at AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view. He emerged from under the ring in a barbed wire steel cage match between Adam Copeland and Malakai Black. Copeland received help from Gangrel and managed to fend off Malakai, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews to secure the victory.

Following the match, Copeland and Gangrel celebrated on the entrance ramp and it marked the reunion of the popular WWE Attitude Era faction, The Brood. Prior to his appearance, ‘The Rated R Superstar’ had been dropping hints about reuniting with Gangrel during his promo on AEW shows.

Gangrel reveals how his AEW appearance came together

Gangrel had previously appeared on Busted Open Radio and revealed how his appearance came together.

“Adam is hard-headed. Once he has a story or something in his mind, he’s going to get it done one way or another. Eventually, it went over to AEW and he got it done. I’m appreciative for it. I’m 55 years old. I didn’t know if I could crawl up through the bottom of the ring being under there for a while. My biggest fear was, ‘Can I get up and move?’ My adrenaline kicked in. I was just blessed to be part of that moment.

“When I saw him do the interview, I already knew I was coming in. He just wanted to keep it quiet. When he did that interview, I was like, ‘He’s planting the seeds. He’s going to make sure they do remember.’ Smart man. They kept it hush-hush. I didn’t tell anybody. They had me come in last minute. I stayed in his locker room the whole time. When I went to the ring, (Chris) Jericho was like, ‘What are you doing here?’ They were able to keep it quiet as best they could and I was surprised by that. It’s really hard to do in wrestling nowadays. I didn’t get wheelchaired in and covered up or anything like that. Just came in early, went to the locker room and sat there all day. Right before the match, threw a black hoodie on, went out there with the ring crew, climbed under the deal, and that was that.”

Gangrel has been entertaining fans for years and all the bumps inside the ring have taken a toll on him. The 55-year-old doesn’t seem to stop anytime soon but needs to recuperate fully to compete again in the ring.

We at SEScoops wish him a speedy recovery.

Andre Chase’s Emotional Farewell as Chase U Falls on WWE NXT

Michael Reichlin
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This week’s episode of WWE NXT delivered a gut-wrenching blow as Andre Chase faced Ridge Holland in a high-stakes match with serious implications. Victory for Chase meant a shot at Trick Williams’ NXT Championship at the upcoming Deadline event on December 7. However, defeat would mark the end of the beloved Chase University faction.

Fans were stunned when Holland emerged victorious. Fans were left reeling as the faction, led by Chase with the support of Duke Hudson, Riley Osborne, and Thea Hail, crumbled despite their best efforts to intervene.

Chaos erupted when Riley Osborne attempted a high-risk dive at Ridge Holland but inadvertently struck Thea Hail, leaving her incapacitated. The distraction proved costly, as Holland capitalized and secured the win, effectively dissolving Chase U and leaving the NXT Universe stunned.

In the aftermath, Chase shared an emotional farewell on social media.

“And I guess that’s the TEACHABLE MOMENT… You guys never needed me. I was the one who always needed y’all. Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be here without you. ??”

– Andre Chase

The heartfelt message highlighted the deep connection Chase U had fostered with fans over the years. While the end of the faction marked a bitter chapter, Chase’s words served as a reminder of the unique bond that made Chase U a cornerstone of NXT programming.

For Thea Hail, who took a hard hit during the match, the physical toll reflected the emotional weight of the loss felt by Chase U loyalists everywhere. Though the group’s future remains uncertain, the impact of their journey will resonate long beyond this fateful night.

Adam Cole Reveals WrestleMania Match That Inspired Him To Become A Wrestler

Anutosh Bajpai
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Adam Cole has revealed the one WrestleMania match that instantly got him hooked on wrestling and led to him becoming a wrestler himself.

The AEW star recently had an interview with PennLive.com. He talked about things such as spending the majority of the last 2 years on shelf due to various injuries, the uncertainty of his future during this time period and more.

During the talk Adam Cole also revealed where he got his first taste of wrestling. The former NXT Champion recalled taking Karate lessons when he was 9 years old. One day he got there early and found his instructor watching Monday Night Raw:

“It was Kane and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin putting Paul Bearer in a sewer. And I remember he looked at me and said, ‘Do you watch pro wrestling?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, yeah, I watch it all the time.’ Just lying through my teeth. I had never seen it before, but I wanted to fit in with him so badly. And it looked intriguing.”

For The Rest of My Life: Adam Cole

Cole then begged his mother to allow him to rent the tape for WrestleMania 15. The 1999 event emanating from the First Union Center in Philadelphia was enough to get him hooked to the world of sports entertainment:

“The first time I saw The Rock and Steve Austin, I was like, ‘This is what I wanna do for the rest of my life’. Genuinely. From that point on, from 9 years on, everything that I did was for the idea of eventually getting into pro wrestling.”

Adam Cole returned to action during the WrestleDream PPV last month. He has reignited his rivalry with MJF since then. Cole was looking to get a match against the former AEW champion at the November 23 Full Gear PPV.

He failed to complete the challenge laid out by Maxwell, however. So instead of Cole, it’ll be Roderick Strong who’ll face The Salt of The Earth at the upcoming show.

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

Jake Skudder
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AEW Full Gear 2024 is set to take place on Saturday, November 23, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. As one of AEW’s marquee events, Full Gear promises an action-packed card featuring some of the promotion’s top stars. Let’s dive into the predictions for the main matches.

Read More – AEW Full Gear 2024 Live Stream: How to watch

Jon Moxley vs Orange Cassidy – AEW World Championship

The main event sees AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defending his title against the ever-popular Orange Cassidy. This match may well be the culmination of a feud that began after Moxley’s brutal victory over Bryan Danielson at AEW WrestleDream. 

Cassidy, who attempted to save Danielson from a post-match attack, now stands as the defender of AEW’s honor against Moxley’s reign of terror.

Prediction: While Cassidy has proven himself a formidable opponent, Moxley’s current character arc and dominant reign suggest he will retain the title. Expect a hard-fought battle showcasing Cassidy’s resilience, but ultimately ending with Moxley’s hand raised.

Mercedes Mone vs Kris Statlander – TBS Championship

Mercedes Mone defends her TBS Championship against former champion Kris Statlander. Mone has been on an impressive undefeated streak since joining AEW and capturing the title.

Prediction: Mercedes Mone will likely retain her championship. Her star power and recent dominance make it unlikely for AEW to end her reign so soon.

Bobby Lashley vs Swerve Strickland

In a highly anticipated match, Bobby Lashley makes his AEW in-ring debut against Swerve Strickland. This bout follows the recent storyline involving MVP, Prince Nana, and Shelton Benjamin.

Prediction: Given it’s Lashley’s debut, he’s likely to secure a victory, potentially setting up future storylines within AEW.

MJF vs Roderick Strong

MJF faces off against Roderick Strong in what promises to be an intense grudge match. 

This contest serves as a prelude to MJF’s expected showdown with Adam Cole at the upcoming Worlds End event.

Prediction: MJF should emerge victorious, building momentum for his future encounter with Adam Cole.

Jack Perry vs Daniel Garcia – TNT Championship

TNT Champion Jack Perry defends his title against the rising star Daniel Garcia. Garcia has gained significant fan support recently, challenging the “entitled nepo baby” Perry.

Prediction: This could be the moment for a title change, with Garcia potentially dethroning Perry to continue his upward trajectory in AEW.

AEW Full Gear 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting event with potential for title changes and memorable moments. As always in professional wrestling, expect the unexpected, but these predictions offer a glimpse into what fans might see on November 23.

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

Anutosh Bajpai
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CM Punk has a long list of talents he would love to face in WWE.

The Straight Edge star was recently interviewed by Peter Rosenberg of Rosenberg Wrestling. He talked about things such as the potential of his wife AJ Lee returning to wrestling, his regrets about his AEW career and more.

When asked which are some superstars he would love to get in the ring with, Punk mentioned talents who have shown a great understanding of in-ring psychology in recent times. The list included names such as Chad Gable and Ludwig Kaiser:

“When you ask me ‘Who do you want to get in the ring with’ I go ‘Oh the list is…it’s pretty lengthy’ I think Chad Gable’s on the top of the list. I think Bronson Reed’s on the top of the list.

[Ludwig] Kaiser is somebody I see a lot in. I think could be fun. Gunther…I’m selfishly talking about guys that I would love to wrestle on House shows.”

The Money Stuff

CM Punk then mentioned how there is a whole other list of names that he could main event PPVs with, such as Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns:

“But then you talk about the money stuff. You talk about the marquee stuff. You talk about what is a match that you could see Main Eventing a pay-per-view. That’s what get my juices flowing.

I think whenever myself and Roman Reigns are face to face on television, I think that’s going to be a moment. I think there’s the table set for myself and Cody. You never know when The Rock’s gonna come back.”

When the name of John Cena was brought up, Punk admitted that he would love to get in the ring with his old rival. Although he explained that Cena has earned the right to call his own shots in his final year:

“There’s Big Match John coming right around the corner. Another guy that I don’t want to talk about because he’s gonna do his own thing. If I’m a part of that…what a fortunate career I’ve had but John deserves everything that he wants. He calls his own shot is basically what I’m saying. But yeah, I’d love to get hands on him too.”

Starting from Raw’s Netflix premiere on January 6, John Cena will be going on a retirement tour. He’ll be active throughout the year competing at events such as Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. The Cenation Leader will bid goodbye to his in-ring career at the end of the year.

AEW TV Schedule: Dynamite, Rampage, Collision and more

Jake Skudder
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All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has quickly established itself as a major player in the professional wrestling industry since its inception in 2019. With a diverse lineup of weekly shows and special events, AEW offers fans multiple opportunities to catch their favorite wrestlers in action. Let’s take a closer look at the current AEW TV schedule and what each show has to offer.

Read More – AEW Dynamite Schedule: Date, Venue and more

AEW Dynamite: The Flagship Show

AEW Dynamite serves as the cornerstone of AEW’s programming, airing live every Wednesday at 8 PM ET on TBS. 

Since its debut on October 2, 2019, Dynamite has become the promotion’s premier weekly event, featuring top talent and storylines. The two-hour format allows for a mix of in-ring action, promos, and character development, making it a must-watch for AEW fans.

AEW Rampage: Friday Night Action

Premiering on August 13, 2021, AEW Rampage provides an additional hour of wrestling entertainment every Friday at 10 PM ET on TNT. 

This show often spotlights performers who may not receive as much airtime on Dynamite, giving fans a chance to see a wider range of AEW’s roster. Rampage’s later time slot allows for a more intense and edgy presentation, catering to hardcore wrestling enthusiasts.

AEW Collision: Saturday Night Wrestling

The newest addition to AEW’s television lineup, AEW Collision, debuted on June 17, 2023. 

Airing live on TNT every Saturday at 8 PM ET, this two-hour show was initially conceived to feature CM Punk and keep him separate from The Elite. Collision has since evolved into its own unique program, offering fans a third night of AEW action each week.

Special Events and Additional Programming

In addition to its regular weekly shows, AEW presents special events throughout the year. One such event is the quarterly AEW Battle of the Belts, which airs on TNT and focuses on championship matches. 

These specials provide fans with high-stakes encounters and potential title changes.

Schedule Changes and Adaptations

It’s important to note that AEW’s TV schedule can be subject to changes, particularly during major sporting events like the NBA and NHL playoffs. 

These events may cause shows like Rampage to be pre-empted or moved to different time slots. AEW has shown flexibility in adapting to these changes, sometimes offering special Saturday night episodes of Dynamite or adjusting start times to accommodate sports programming.

For fans looking to stay up-to-date with AEW’s programming, it’s advisable to check official AEW social media channels or your local TV listings for the most current schedule information.

With its dynamic lineup of shows and willingness to adapt to scheduling challenges, AEW continues to provide wrestling fans with exciting content throughout the week.

AEW Full Gear 2024 Zero Hour Pre Show Start Time: US, Australia, Europe and more

Jake Skudder
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AEW Full Gear 2024 is set to be an exciting event for wrestling fans worldwide. Before the main card kicks off, viewers can tune in to the Zero Hour pre-show for some preliminary action. Here’s everything you need to know about the start times for the Zero Hour pre-show across different regions.

Read More – AEW Full Gear 2024 Odds: Current Favorites for Prudential Center

US and Canada Start Times

For fans in North America, the AEW Full Gear 2024 Zero Hour pre-show is expected to begin at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Saturday, November 23, 2024. This translates to:

  • 6:00 PM Central Time (CT)
  • 5:00 PM Mountain Time (MT)
  • 4:00 PM Pacific Time (PT)

European Start Times

Wrestling enthusiasts in Europe will need to stay up late or set their alarms early to catch the Zero Hour pre-show. The start times for some major European cities are:

  • London, UK: 12:00 AM (midnight) GMT (Sunday, November 24)
  • Paris, France: 1:00 AM CET (Sunday, November 24)
  • Berlin, Germany: 1:00 AM CET (Sunday, November 24)
  • Madrid, Spain: 1:00 AM CET (Sunday, November 24)

Australian Start Times

For fans Down Under, the Zero Hour pre-show will air on Sunday morning. The start times for major Australian cities are:

  • Sydney: 11:00 AM AEDT (Sunday, November 24)
  • Melbourne: 11:00 AM AEDT (Sunday, November 24)
  • Brisbane: 10:00 AM AEST (Sunday, November 24)
  • Perth: 8:00 AM AWST (Sunday, November 24)

Zero Hour Pre-Show Match

The Zero Hour pre-show will feature at least one confirmed match: Big Boom! A.J. (with Big Justice) vs. QT Marshall. This singles match is expected to set the tone for the main card and give fans a taste of the action to come.

Giulia Sets Sights on Rhea Ripley, Discusses Transition To The U.S.

Thomas Lowson
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WWE NXT Superstar Giulia may have only recently arrived in the silver brand, but the Japanese sensation already has her eyes on the main roster. Speaking to Bully Ray on Busted Open After Dark, Giulia shared who she plans to face in WWE.

“I want to wrestle the Japanese girls and Rhea Ripley. I love Rhea Ripley.”

Giulia may have to wait some time before she gets the chance to face Ripley as WWE reportedly has huge plans for her in NXT’s women’s division. On this week’s WWE NXT, Giulia vowed to become this year’s Women’s Iron Survivor winner at NXT Deadline. Ripley also had a huge week as ‘Mami’ returned from injury on Raw to attack Liv Morgan and will join Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi, and IYO SKY in WarGames.

Transitioning to America

After being seen in the crowd at Stand & Deliver, Giulia made her official NXT debut at No Mercy after making a massive name for herself in Japan. On the podcast, Giulia contrasted her time competing in Japan to the United States.

“[It’s] Very different, the style, all different. Here [it is] very important, the TV program. There [they] don’t have TV program. Also, the audience [is] so different.”

Whether it’s in the United States or Japan, Giulia is continuing to win over audiences around the world as the ‘Beautiful Madness.’ Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Giulia as she has big plans for NXT and beyond now she’s part of WWE.

MVP: WWE Planned to Turn Hurt Business into Nation of Domination 2.0

Thomas Lowson
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In WWE’s Pandemic Era, the Hurt Business was a highlight of programming, but MVP had to fight to stop it from turning into a revamped Nation of Domination. On X, MVP said that WWE not only intended to turn the group into ‘NOD 2.0’ but planned to bring in Nation alum Mark Henry and Ron ‘Farooq’ Simmons.

https://twitter.com/the305mvp/status/1858983369444618466

MVP’s post spawned several responses. When one fan asked why Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque was reportedly against bringing the group back, MVP admitted he hadn’t spoken with WWE’s CCO.

Another commenter suggested that the Hurt Business’ inspiration did not come from race, but seemed to be akin to Def Jam: Fight for New York.

Though the Hurt Business only featured African-American talent, the topic of race never played a factor in their role on-screen. The Nation of Domination often made reference to race, including in 1997 when Farooq claimed Vince McMahon did not want a black man to be a World Champion.

The next year, D-Generation X would parody the Nation in a segment that saw several members of DX use blackface to mock the Nation. While the segment has often been presented by WWE as a highlight of Raw’s Attitude Era, the segment has stopped being shared in recent years as tastes have changed. In 2021, WWE scrubbed the segment from its media library as part of its move to Peacock.

Now, MVP has revitalized the Hurt Business as the Hurt Syndicate alongside Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. Once again, the topic of race has not come up in AEW and fans are eagerly awaiting Lashley’s in-ring debut with Swerve Strickland at Full Gear this weekend. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on MVP and his efforts to define the Hurt Syndicate in All Elite Wrestling.

Goldberg Calls This Adam Sandler Film One Of His Greatest Experiences

Thomas Lowson
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After retiring from the ring in 2004, WWE legend Bill Goldberg turned to acting, with several unique movie credits to his name. In 2005, the former World Champion found himself on the Big Screen with Adam Sandler, which proved to be one of the greatest experiences of the wrestler’s life.

The film in question was The Longest Yard, which sees disgraced NFL quarterback Paul Crewe (Sandler) try and survive in prison. On the Cat’s Corner podcast, Goldberg gushed about working with the comedy actor.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life because I was able to work alongside Burt Reynolds and Adam Sandler and Nelly… Just the whole eclectic group of people was awesome. Adam took great care of everybody.”

Goldberg plays Joey ‘Battle’ Battaglio, one of the many cons who joins Crewe for a prisoners vs. guards game of football. Goldberg is hardly the only wrestler fans will spot in the film, which includes Bob Sapp, The Great Khali, Kevin Nash, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.

Goldberg’s Final Match

Eleven years after his role in The Longest Yard, Goldberg returned to wrestling as part of WWE and is now gearing up for his retirement match. The WCW legend has already named GUNTHER the front-runner for his final-ever opponent, though has stopped short of confirming a match with the World Heavyweight Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from Goldberg as the legend prepares to say goodbye to the ring in 2025.

Vince & Linda McMahon Are Separated, Says Linda’s Attorney

Thomas Lowson
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0

Former WWE heads Vince and Linda McMahon are separated, according to an attorney for the latter who spoke this week. In a statement to the Washington Post, Linda’s attorney, Laura Brevetti stated that the 76-year-old and Vince are separated.

This news comes amid reports that President-Elect Trump will nominate McMahon as Education Secretary in his next administration. Linda served as Trump’s Small Business Administration chief from 2017 to 2019 and has remained supportive of his initiatives, including his attempts to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election. McMahon served on Connecticut’s Board of Education from 2009-2010 but has no history in teaching.

Much was made of the relationship of Vince and Linda following the 2022 ‘hush money’ scandal that saw Vince step away from WWE in June of that year. While McMahon was able to force his way back into WWE in January 2023, he stepped down in January 2024 due to Janel Grant’s lawsuit. McMahon was tight-lipped during the recent Mr. McMahon docuseries by Netflix which explored some of Vince and WWE’s past controversies.

The Ring Boy Lawsuit

The McMahons, alongside WWE and TKO, are facing another lawsuit regarding the ‘Ring Boy’ scandal, which alleges that underage boys were groomed, exploited, and abused by Mel Phillips at wrestling events and other locations. In a statement, Brevetti said the following about her client’s ties to the suit.

“This lawsuit based upon thirty-plus-year-old allegations is filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations, and misrepresentations.”

Linda and Vince married in 1966 when she was 17 and he was 21. The pair have two children, both of whom are married, and six grandchildren. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Linda McMahon.

AEW Dynamite Preview: Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, Ricochet in Action

Michael Reichlin
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Tonight’s AEW Dynamite broadcasts live on TBS at 8/7c from Reading, Pennsylvania. It’s This is the final stop, before Saturday’s AEW Full Gear pay-per-view from Newark, NJ.

Dynamite will feature a big 8-man tag team match, plus in-ring action from Darby Allin, #1 contender Orange Cassidy and more.

AEW Dynamite Preview: Nov. 20, 2024:

  • Orange Cassidy vs. Wheeler Yuta: A thrilling singles match to kick off the evenin
  • Claudio Castagnoli vs. Darby Allin: Expect high-flying action in this showdown.
  • Eight-Man Tag Team Match : Will Ospreay, Powerhouse Hobbs, Ricochet, and Mark Davis face off against Konosuke Takeshita, Brian Cage, Kyle Fletcher, and Lance Archer.
  • Kris Statlander vs. Hikaru Shida: A clash of women’s wrestling titans before Statlander’s TBS Championship match at Full Gear.
  • Hechicero, Atlantis Jr., and Mascara Dorada in Action: The stars of CMLL bring their lucha libre expertise to Dynamite.

Plus, we’ll see a special appearance by Big Boom! AJ ahead of his match against QT Marshall this Saturday on the AEW Full Gear buy-in kickoff-show.

AEW Full Gear 2024 Potential Debuts: The Latest Rumors

Ridge Holland Secures NXT Title Shot, Ends Chase U Faction

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

NXT faction Chase U has been forced to disband after Ridge Holland won the high-stakes main event match against Andre Chase at the November 19 episode of the show.

The latest episode of the Black & Silver show featured the two NXT stars battling for a shot at Trick Williams’ NXT Championship in the main event. The stakes were higher for Chase as he was also putting the future of his group on the line.

Holland grabbed a chair at one point in the match but the referee stopped him from using it on Andre. As the referee was busy disposing of the chair, however, Ridge delivered a low blow to Chase and connected with a Cradle DDT.

As the former The Brawling Brutes member went for the pin, Duke Hudson and Thea Hail appeared at the ringside. Hudson pulled the referee from the ring. He then looked to send Holland crashing through the exposed concrete floor.

Holland came back with some offense and he sent Hudson crashing through the NXT set. Riley Osborne finally came out to help his team as well but he inadvertently ended up taking Hail out while leveling Holland with a top rope splash.

Ridge Holland then took out Osborne by sending him through the concrete floor and put his focus back on Andre Chase. The ending of the bout saw Chase attempting a crossbody but Holland countered it into a cradle DDT for the pin.

The commentators confirmed that after this match, Chase U will be forced to disband while Holland will challenge Williams for the NXT title at the Deadline event.

The upcoming NXT event taking place from The Armory in Minneapolis, MN on December 7 will also feature the Men’s and Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge match.

Update On Mike Bailey’s TNA Departure

Anutosh Bajpai
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‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey is on his way out of TNA and many expect him to be AEW-bound imminently. Though latest reports suggests that it will still be a few weeks before he is officially able to make his next move.

The former X-Divison Champion finished his run with the Anthem-owned promotion during their Detroit tapings in October. He was absent from this month’s tapings from Fayetteville, NC. The former champion further signified the end of his current run by filing a trademark application for his name.

Fightful is now reporting however that Bailey’s contract has not actually expired. While he has effectively finished up with the company, his contract officially expires at the end of the year.

Mike was allowed to talk to other companies starting in November but he won’t be able to actually sign a contract with a different promotion until next year.

Mike Bailey is believed to be headed to AEW following his Impact departure. Though this complication means that he will likely not be making his debut as part of the 2024 Continental Classic tournament as fans expected.

The 34-year-old made his wrestling debut back in 2006. He competed for promotions such as Ring of Honor, CZW, PWG and more during his early years.

The Canadian star joined the TNA roster in October 2021. He’s used the TNA spotlight well and has made a name for himself as one of the best in-ring talents in the world.

CM Punk: I Feel Like I Wasted Matches On Some AEW Wrestlers

Andrew Ravens
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CM Punk’s tenure in AEW elevated the company to unprecedented heights, achieving milestones it has struggled to replicate since his departure. During his time, Punk delivered unforgettable moments, including feuds with top stars like MJF and “Hangman” Adam Page. However, his legacy in AEW is equally defined by the notable backstage controversies that plagued his run.

The most infamous incident was the AEW All Out brawl, stemming from tensions between Punk, Ace Steel, and The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson). This altercation followed Punk’s scathing remarks at the post-event press conference, where he criticized several wrestlers. Another notable controversy involved Jack Perry during All In 2023, which ultimately led to Punk’s departure from the company.

In an interview with Peter Rosenberg, Punk reflected on his time in AEW. When asked if there were any stories he wished he had the chance to tell, Punk replied:

“No. I feel like I wasted some matches on some people, for sure. That is what it is. Some people understand the business, and some people don’t. I think everybody here [in WWE] understands the business.”

Punk’s remarks highlight his candid perspective on his AEW stint, suggesting both professional regrets and a sense of closure. His departure left a significant void in AEW, underscoring the profound impact of his turbulent but memorable run.

AEW’s Hammerstein Ballroom Debut, Revolution Location Confirmed

Andrew Ravens
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AEW has revealed its Winter 2025 live event schedule, spanning from December 18, 2024, to March 12, 2025. The lineup features several notable debuts, including AEW’s first-ever event at New York City’s historic Hammerstein Ballroom and the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The winter tour kicks off on December 18 with Dynamite at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., and culminates with a special Dynamite and Collision taping at Fresno’s Save Mart Center on March 12. Notably, the schedule includes a special Fight for the Fallen edition of Dynamite on January 1 in Asheville, N.C., marking AEW’s debut broadcast on the Max streaming platform. Proceeds from this event will benefit victims of Hurricane Helene.

AEW’s Hammerstein Ballroom debut is slated for three consecutive nights, starting with the Ring of Honor Final Battle on December 20, followed by Collision on December 21, and a special Dynamite taping on December 22. The Crypto.com Arena will host the AEW Revolution pay-per-view on March 9, marking another milestone for the company.

Winter 2025 Event Highlights

  • Hammerstein Ballroom Debut: December 20–22 in New York City.
  • Fight for the Fallen: January 1 in Asheville, N.C., benefiting hurricane victims.
  • AEW Revolution Pay-Per-View: March 9 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Full Winter 2025 Schedule

  • Wednesday, December 18: Dynamite – Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, D.C.
  • Friday, December 20: Ring of Honor Final Battle – Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC.
  • Saturday, December 21: Collision – Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC.
  • Sunday, December 22: Special Dynamite taping – Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC.
  • Wednesday, January 1: Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen – Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Asheville, N.C.
  • Saturday, January 4: Collision – Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, N.C.
  • Wednesday, January 8: Dynamite – F&M Bank Arena, Clarksville, Tenn.
  • Saturday, January 11: Collision – Akins Ford Arena, Athens, Ga.
  • Thursday, January 16: Special Collision taping – Broadbent Arena, Louisville, Ky.
  • Wednesday, January 22: Dynamite – Knoxville Coliseum, Knoxville, Tenn.
  • Wednesday, January 29: Dynamite and special Collision taping – Probst Arena, Huntsville, Ala.
  • Saturday, February 8: Collision – Fort Bend County Epicenter, Houston, Texas.
  • Tuesday, February 11: Special Dynamite taping – H-E-B Center, Cedar Park, Texas.
  • Wednesday, February 19: Dynamite and special Collision taping – Arizona Financial Theater, Phoenix, Ariz.
  • Wednesday, February 26: Dynamite and special Collision taping – Frontwave Arena, Oceanside, Calif.
  • Sunday, March 9: AEW Revolution – Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Calif.
  • Wednesday, March 12: Dynamite and special Collision taping – Save Mart Center, Fresno, Calif.

AEW Adjusts Venue Strategy

With recent reports of lower attendance figures, there have been rumors that AEW may shift towards hosting shows in smaller venues. The 2025 schedule reflects this shift, with several events booked at intimate locations such as the Hammerstein Ballroom and regional arenas across the Southeast and Southwest.

Savannah Bananas Mascot Wants John Cena Back for 2025

Michael Reichlin
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John Cena stunned wrestling and baseball fans alike last season with an unexpected at-bat appearance for the Savannah Bananas, a ‘baseball entertainment’ team known for their unconventional, circus-like approach to the sport. Bananas games feature choreographed dances, creative rule modifications, and theatrical performances.

Despite not swinging the bat—and striking out looking—Cena’s outta-nowhere appearance made a lasting impression on the team and their official mascot, Split.

Split, the self-proclaimed “King of Potassium,” recently took to social media platform X to express his wish for a Cena encore. Posting a picture of the 16-time WWE World Champion in a yellow jersey, Split added the caption: “Name a celebrity you want to see in a yellow jersey in 2025.”

John Cena and the Savannah Bananas

2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Cena, who recently announced a full retirement tour as he prepares to step away from professional wrestling. Returning to WWE for over 30 dates, Cena’s farewell tour will mark the end of his iconic in-ring career. While his schedule will be packed, the possibility of squeezing in another Savannah Bananas cameo remains a hopeful prospect for fans.

Meanwhile, the Savannah Bananas are preparing for a blockbuster 2025 themselves. Their epic nationwide tour will take them to several MLB stadiums. This expansive schedule might align with Cena’s travel plans, increasing the chances of another crossover between the wrestling legend and the Bananas.

WWE Raw Netflix Debut: Venue, New Theme, Surprises

Thomas Lowson
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We are just weeks away from WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix. As WWE embarks on its multi-billion-dollar deal with the streaming juggernaut, all eyes will be on the promotion to get things right and kick off this new era with a strong start.

Star Power

For such a historic episode of Raw, WWE is certainly not shying away from bringing in the stars, with John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns all confirmed. One name fans will also see is rap artist Travis Scott, whose role was confirmed this week alongside WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.

New Theme by Travis Scott

Not only will Scott be live at the show, but he will also provide the new theme song for the brand, so it was only fitting that ‘Cactus Jack’ was recently gifted a custom Hardcore title.

Scott’s involvement is the latest example of WWE’s ongoing momentum in appealing to the mainstream. Megan Thee Stallion and RM of BTS have provided the theme to WWE SmackDown, while Cardi B has been promoting SummerSlam 2025 with Bianca Belair.

The Netflix Effect

With over 60 million households tuning in to the recent Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, Netflix certainly has the edge when it comes to attracting a global audience compared to Raw’s current broadcast partner, USA Network.

Though Tyson vs. Paul had streaming issues, WWE has reportedly been informed this won’t be the case for Raw. One WWE source is reported to have said that WWE would hardly be against tens of millions of fans tuning in each week, even if it leads to technical issues.

TV-14

This week, Raw was listed as TV-14 on Netflix, which allows for cruder dialogue, greater violence, and more suggestive themes compared to what fans receive today. WWE changed to TV-PG in 2008 in a move that, while financially sound, led to criticism from many fans who took issue with the ‘toning down’ of the product. AEW Dynamite has been TV-14 since the show’s inception in late 2019.

Stay tuned for more news on WWE Raw as the wrestling world prepares for the red brand’s premiere on Netflix on January 6.

The New Day’s Secret To A Decade Of WWE Tag Team Dominance

Thomas Lowson
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For nearly a decade, The New Day has been one of the most beloved and enduring teams in all of professional wrestling. From hosting WrestleMania 33 (2017) to their very own Booty O’s cereal brand, the group has done it all. What is the secret to their longevity?

Speaking to the New York Post, Kofi Kingston said that the group has stayed strong since 2014 because their friendship is real.

“a lot of tag teams get thrown together… All of us, we really strive to push our brothers, to lift our brothers up. That’s what The New Day is all about. It’s all about brotherhood. And we really believe that to our core.”

In addition to their accolades as a trio and in tag team combinations, each New Day member has achieved success independently. Kofi and Big E each won the WWE Championship (in 2019 and 2021, respectively). While Xavier Woods has yet to hold singles gold, he won King of the Ring in 2021, a concept Woods himself advocated to return.

Kingston acknowledged that he and Woods haven’t exactly been seeing eye-to-eye as of late, but said such issues are ‘typical’ with sibling relationships, as he considers the New Day to be a brotherhood.

Latest On Big E

Since March 2022, the New Day has been down a member, as Big E has been out of action with a broken neck. Kingston explained that Big E literally came within an inch of his life, as even the slightest of changes could’ve made his situation so much worse.

“If his neck had broken one way, a degree, he would have had a stroke. If he would have broken it a degree, the other way, he would have been paralyzed a degree.”

It has been “motivating and inspiring” to see Big E get to where he is mentally, as the powerhouse has routinely displayed the New Day’s signature optimism since the unfortunate accident. Kingston even said that its easy to forget Big E was ever injured in the first place, such is the positivity of his fellow ex-WWE Champion.

The Odyssey Jones Exit

Earlier this year, WWE attempted to bring Odyssey Jones into the fold, seemingly as a Big E replacement, though that didn’t work out. Jones was removed over domestic violence allegations, an act that left Kingston and Xavier Woods having to adapt.

“Once Odyssey was out of the mix, we just had to figure out a way to pivot and keep the story going and keep on moving forward, because, as they say, the show must go on.”

WWE has a special New Day episode of Raw planned to celebrate the group’s 10 years, in spite of the issues between Kingston and Woods on TV.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on The New Day as they prepare to mark a decade of dominance in WWE’s tag team division.

Nick Aldis Highlights Chelsea Green’s Creative Brilliance

Anutosh Bajpai
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Nick Aldis has praised Chelsea Green for her recent performances in WWE.

Green who made her wrestling debut in 2014 had runs with companies such as Impact and Lucha Underground before signing with WWE in August 2018. She failed to make a positive impression on WWE top brass, however, and got released from the company during the 2021 budget cuts.

Despite the setback, Green took things positively and went right back to work on the indie circuit. Her hard work paid off and the Endeavour-owned promotion brought her back on board in January last year. Green has become one of the most entertaining stars on WWE TV since then, and her work is said to be one of the catalysts for WWE introducing a Women’s US title.

Aldis talked about working with Chelsea during a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet. He explained that the female star has a great creative mind and she always has many ideas on how to make their segments better:

“I mean, it’s a night off. It’s great. You don’t have to think very hard because she’s just going to give you endless material. What a great example of maximizing your minutes.”

She Has Taken This And Ran With It: Nick Aldis

Nick Aldis mentioned how he and Chelsea have had somewhat of a similar path. They’ve worked for the same promotions and the opportunity they finally got is not necessarily what they may have envisioned.

Despite the challenges, however, Green has done her best. Aldis pointed out how she has made the most of any opportunity given to her:

“I think for her, there was this thing of will I ever get the shot on the main show? Then it comes. And I’m sure that this probably isn’t what she first had in mind. I don’t want to speak for her, but I would venture to say that what she’s doing, it probably isn’t like what she envisioned a long time ago. But man, Has she taken this and run with it.”

Apart from this, Aldis also talked about his role as the SmackDown General Manager and reflected on his WWE TV debut. You can check out what he revealed about his debut segment with Dominik Mysterio here.

Dynamite on 34th Street: AEW Prepares for Holiday-Themed Shows

Michael Reichlin
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All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is gearing up to spread holiday spirit with some creative new trademarks. On November 18, the company filed for two festive names with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO):

  • Dynamite on 34th Street
  • Christmas Collision

Both filings fall under the category of entertainment services, hinting at upcoming holiday-themed wrestling events. The trademark applications specify coverage for a wide range of entertainment activities, including live professional wrestling performances, suggesting AEW is planning unique holiday-themed shows.

AEW Dynamite airs on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25), while that week’s Collision is scheduled for Saturday, December 28.

These latest trademarks align with the company’s creative approach to themed programming. Past holiday and seasonal outings include Beach Break, Winter is Coming, Holiday Bash, New Year’s Smash and St. Patrick’s Day Slam.

Stay tuned for official announcements and updates on how AEW plans to incorporate these new trademarks into its programming.

CM Punk’s Next WWE Feud Teased On Raw

Anutosh Bajpai
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WWE fans have been wondering which storyline will bring CM Punk back to TV after he took time off following his Hell In A Cell match. The latest episode of Raw suggests Punk might be getting involved in a completely unexpected feud upon his comeback.

This week’s episode of the Red Branded Show included a backstage segment featuring the world heavyweight champion Gunther. Speaking to his lieutenant Ludwig Kaiser, the Ring General asked Kaiser to ‘look into his eyes’ and tell him what he saw:

The line comes straight from the former AEW star’s beloved Cult of Personality theme song. Punk has used different versions of the Living Colour song as his entrance music since 2011.

CM Punk vs Gunther?

The Straight Edge Star has taken time off from TV after defeating Drew McIntyre in a Hell In A Cell match at Bad Blood. It’s believed that the former World Champion would return to the company before or at the upcoming Survivor Series PPV on November 30.

Many have theorized that CM Punk could be revealed as the final member of Roman Reigns’ WarGames team. After Reigns tried calling Paul Heyman on Friday’s SmackDown, people pointed out that Punk has close ties with Heyman and the two have a lot of history together.

The Triple H regime, however, is known for its long-term planning and using MCU-esque easter eggs to give smart fans a preview of what’s to come.

Gunther’s latest promo is unmistakably a nod to the former WWE Champion and it definitely suggests that Punk will be going after the World Heavyweight Championship whenever he reappears on TV.

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