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Update On The WWE Contract Status Of Shayna Baszler

Thomas Lowson
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WWE boasts a stacked roster of some of the most talented wrestlers in the world who compete each week on TV and at live events. Since 2017, Shayna Baszler has been with WWE and has dominated in NXT and the main roster, and fans can expect to see much more from the Queen of Spades.

Baszler, a former NXT Women’s Champion and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, has re-signed with WWE, Fightful Select reports. Baszler’s previous contract was set to expire this year, but a new deal was recently finalized which is said to be a multi-year deal.

Bazler is currently appearing on WWE Monday Night Raw and recently aligned with Sonya Deville and Zoey Stark as part of the Pure Fusion Collective. Baszler was in action during this week’s episode of WWE Raw where she defeated Zelina Vega.

One longtime WWE staffer told Fightful that Baszler approaches her work with the company without any ego, and is always easy to work with. One WWE higher-up added that Baszler has long been helpful in many ways with newer talent as well.

WWE’s 2024 Re-Signings

Baszler is just the latest big name that WWE has locked down with a new contract in 2024. Drew McIntyre signed a new contract with WWE in late April, and was gifted a sword by TKO board member Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The following month, Seth Rollins inked a new deal with WWE. More recently, Randy Orton signed what’s reported to be a five-year deal with WWE, ensuring the Viper’s involvement with the promotion until at least 2029.

Giovanni Vinci Loses (9/6) WWE SmackDown Return In Seconds

Thomas Lowson
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After weeks of build-up, Giovanni Vinci made his return to the ring on this week’s SmackDown. Unfortunately for the Italian Superstar, his first match since the April 22, 2024, edition of Monday Night Raw did not go as he’d hoped.

Vinci arrived wearing a tracksuit adorned in the colors of the Italian flag for his match with Apollo Crews. As Vinci was removing his entrance attire though, the referee started the match and Crews rolled up the Imperium alum to pin him in seconds.

Giovanni Vinci Speaks

Vince was understandably frustrated with this loss which he feels came about unfairly as he wasn’t ready. Speaking in a WWE Digital Exclusive after his surprising defeat, Vinci questioned the validity of the referee’s actions.

“Don’t even ask the question. I got a question for you. When is the last time you’ve seen a match get without the referee checking both competitors if they’re ready. I haven’t seen it either. So Apollo wants to come up behind me, clearly, I still have half my entrance gear on, and roll me up, if he wants to play that way, alright. We can play that way. We can play that way.”

Vinci’s return to WWE programming did not go how he wanted and came close to five months after he was ousted from Imperium by Ludwig Kaiser. After being drafted to SmackDown shortly after, Vinci now has a chance to change his fortunes on the blue brand. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Giovanni Vinci after his unfortunate return to TV this week.

Cody Rhodes Vs Solo Sikoa Steel Cage Match Set For SmackDown Premiere On USA Network

Bishal Roy
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Cody Rhodes will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa in a Steel Cage Match on next week’s SmackDown premiere on USA Network.

Last night’s SmackDown marked the final edition of the show on FOX. Cody Rhodes is coming off a successful title defense against Kevin Owens at Bash In Berlin PLE. However, his arch-rival Solo Sikoa still has his sights set on the title.

Sikoa was unsuccessful in challenging Rhodes for the title at last month’s SummerSlam which saw the shocking return of Roman Reigns. Last night on SmackDown, Solo Sikoa once again demanded for a title match against ‘The American Nightmare.’

However, the champ refused and offered a title shot to The Bloodline member Jacob Fatu. Fatu turned down the opportunity and instead endorsed Sikoa for the shot at gold.

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis then confirmed that Cody Rhodes will put his title on the line against Solo Sikoa on the September 13 edition of SmackDown. However, that will be contested in a Steel Cage to ensure The Bloodline members don’t interfere.

Two more matches added for SmackDown premiere

WWE is certainly trying to make SmackDown premiere on USA Network star-studded. A couple of more matches have also been added to the show. Andrade and Carmelo Hayes are set to battle in a rubber match for their Best of Five Serie as both men are tied with two wins.

On the other hand, A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) will face Kevin Owens and a partner of his choosing. Waller challenged KO to this match during a conversation with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis backstage on last night’s show.

Possible New SmackDown Logo Shown on USA Network Website

Thomas Lowson
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WWE SmackDown is set to return to the USA Network next week after a five-year stint on FOX, and expectations are high for the blue brand’s future programming. Adding to the excitement, fans have noticed what could be an alternate logo for SmackDown displayed on the USA Network’s website.

New WWE SmackDown Logo on USA Network Website
SmackDown returns to USA on September 13, 2024 – part of WWE Week, before NXT moves to The CW

This alternate WWE SmackDown logo has not appeared on any of WWE’s promotional materials for the September 13 premiere. This most recent SmackDown on USA ad continue to feature the current logo, further suggesting that the new design may not be finalized.

SmackDown’s return to the USA Network is part of a major $1.4 billion deal with NBCUniversal, set to last five years. In addition to weekly programming, WWE will produce four primetime specials annually for NBC. Reports earlier this week suggest that WWE is preparing to announce its return to NBC primetime within the coming days.

For the remainder of this year, WWE SmackDown’s commentary team will consist of Michael Cole and Corey Graves. In 2025, Pat McAfee will return to WWE programming and will reunite with Michael Cole.

WWE NXT makes its live debut on The CW on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET.

WWE Raw premieres on Netflix on Monday, January 6, 2025, ending its three-decade run on cable television.

Roman Reigns Explains How WWE Content Could Change with Raw’s Move to Netflix

Bishal Roy
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Former WWE Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns recently reunited with WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman for a non-WWE appearance. ‘The Tribal Chief’ joined Heyman on-stage for Bloomberg Power Players New York and discussed WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw finding a new home on Netflix, starting January 6th, 2025. Roman Reigns said that Raw airing on Netflix is the biggest deal of all time.

“I think this is the biggest deal of all-time, to be honest.”

– Roman Reigns on WWE’s deal with Netflix

The former WWE Undisputed Champion feels that after leading the live television for decades, the show moving to the streaming network is a huge milestone and a great opportunity to showcase their product. He said:

“… But the thing that changes the whole landscape for us is that we’ve been on linear television for decades now, and we’ve been the leader of that episodically. So, to take our program and to put it on a streaming network like Netflix, it’s just unheard of.

To go all the way back through our history to see where we are now and the growth that we’ve had really since 2020, when the world was upside down has just really been amazing. So it’s a big opportunity for us to not only showcase our product, but just what we’ve mastered with live television.”

– Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns enjoys challenges of PG content

Reigns also shared his thoughts on WWE potentially leaning into edgier content on Netflix. The 39-year-old wasn’t in favor of WWE going beyond PG limits with its move to Netflix. He noted that while WWE made a reputation of edgier content back in the day, he enjoys the challenges that comes with PG rating. He said:

“If we allow Paul to do Hall of Fame speeches non-stop, we’ll definitely push that envelope. But for me, I don’t know. I have always enjoyed the challenges of being PG and no offense to our predecessors and the people who came before us and the ratings that they revolved around, but to me, it’s a, it’s more challenging to be able to tell these stories. It also allows you a broader audience to connect to which I just really feel like. It’s always the goal.”

– Roman Reigns

He believes that there will be a room for experimenting but reckoned that WWE should stick to its core values and morals. He added:

“We want to reach as many people as possible. And I think there’s a fine limit to when you can cross that threshold where you push people off from the product. So I think there’s a nice, there’s going to be a nice little range there that we can play with. And, push the envelope in certain senses. But I think we need to stick to our values and the morals that we’ve set in place in the culture that we have now.”

– Roman Reigns

Raw will join Netflix in January next year and the agreement between the two parties spans ten years and exceeds $5 billion. The exclusive hosting of Raw on Netflix will begin in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Latin America, with additional territories to be added eventually.

Netflix is set to become the home for all WWE shows and specials outside the U.S., including Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble. WWE’s documentaries, original series, and the forthcoming projects will also be made available on Netflix internationally starting next year.

AEW Hit with Lawsuit By Ex-Talent Over Defamation & Misclassification

Thomas Lowson
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Since launching in 2019, AEW has been home to several wrestlers and on-screen personalities, though not everyone is still with the company. Now, three former members of the All-Elite promotion are filing legal action against AEW, alleging defamation and misclassification.

Kevin Kelly and brothers Brandon and Brendon Tate filed the lawsuit on August 30 in the Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, The Wrestling News reports. The suit alleges that AEW misclassifies its wrestling talent as independent contractors rather than employees. If successfully challenged, this could have wide-reaching implications for the wrestling industry.

The Tate Brothers, better known to ROH fans as Dalton Castle’s ‘Boys,’ were released from AEW in April 2024 and their departure was first explained as due to budget cuts. Tony Khan later stated that the release was due to the brothers no-showing several events, a claim the brothers have denied. Now, this claim by Khan has become the basis for their defamation claim.

As for Kevin Kelly, he’s seeking monetary damages from AEW, alleging that the promotion breached his contract and has interfered with his ability to find work elsewhere. Kelly joined AEW in June 2023 and was fired from the promotion in March of this year. Kelly’s termination came about after a series of social media posts in which he spoke critically of AEW and Ian Riccaboni. The lawsuit also names Riccaboni, accusing him of defamation for allegedly linking Kelly to the far-right QAnon conspiracy theory on social media.

In a statement, attorney Stephen P. New, who is representing the trio alongside Benjamin Bear, said the following:

“I applaud the bravery of these plaintiffs in bringing this long-overdue action, challenging the misclassification of pro wrestlers as independent contractors instead of employees. We know we are in for a long, hard fight, but in the end, I believe justice always prevails.”

This lawsuit has the potential to bring about significant changes in wrestling, especially concerning how talent are classified and compensated. As of writing, AEW has not publicly commented on the lawsuit or the potential ramifications. We here at SEScoops will continue to follow this lawsuit for further updates.

Dr. Carlon Colker Withdraws Petition Against Janel Grant Amid WWE Legal Battle

Thomas Lowson
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Dr. Carlon Colker has withdrawn his litigation against Janel Grant, in which he sought evidence from the former WWE employee who is suing the promotion, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis. Last month, Colker filed a potential that appeared to be a precursor to a possible defamation lawsuit against Grant. In July, Grant filed a petition in Connecticut state court in which she sought to obtain her medical records in support of her lawsuit.

Grant alleges she was directed by McMahon to visit Colker’s clinic, Peak Wellness, in Greenwich where she received treatment without being told what medicines or supplements she was being given. She added that the medical records that have been provided by Colker have been inconsistent and incomplete so far. Colker claimed that Grant had launched a smear campaign against him and that he had suffered damages due to the media spotlight on him and his clinic.

Now, Colker has withdrawn his petition for information from Grant, POST Wrestling reports, including any potential communication she or her representatives may have had with the media. In a statement to POST Wrestling, Ann Callis, Grant’s attorney, had the following to say:

“Unsurprisingly, Dr. Colker has withdrawn his baseless motion. In the same vein as Mr. McMahon’s recently struck down motion, this was filed simply as yet another frivolous attempt to intimidate Ms. Grant.

“Ms. Grant remains steadfast in her right to seeking documents and information relating to her own medical records, meta-data, Dr. Colker’s prescribed treatments, and any communications between Dr. Colker and other parties concerning Ms. Grant or Ms. Grant’s medical treatment.”

Grant is suing WWE, Laurinaitis, and McMahon, alleging that she was sexually abused and trafficked during her time with the promotion. McMahon has denied that their relationship was not consensual and his representatives have gone as far as to call McMahon Grant’s “best friend” during her time with WWE. This scandal, among others, will be referenced in Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries that will be released later this month.

How AEW Pulled Off (9/4) Dynamite’s Fiery Closing Segment

Thomas Lowson
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The feud between ‘Hangman’ Adam Page and Swerve Strickland has been one of AEW’s hottest angles in years, and that term became quite literal this week. On Dynamite, Page burned down the childhood home of Strickland which had been highlighted in the show, all while Swerve watched on in horror from the ring in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

This fiery climax to Dynamite has been praised by fans but AEW ensured that safety was a top priority during the scene. According to a report from Fightful Select, professional supervision was in place at all times while filming. Sources in AEW shared their happiness with how the angle was executed and the response it has garnered so far.

The burning of the house had been planned for months and AEW opted to coincide the segment with Strickland recently announcing a new deal with AEW. While Strickland reportedly had over half a year left on his deal, AEW saw an opportunity to bolster his storyline by having a new deal publicly confirmed, and for Strickland to mark the signing by purchasing his childhood home.

Plans for the burning of the home were kept a closely guarded secret in AEW, though there have been clues teasing the fiery segment ever since Page returned as a heel. Numerous wrestlers both in and out of the company reached out to Swerve to congratulate him on the purchase, unaware of what was to come. One wrestler told Fightful that Strickland ‘kayfabed’ them by thanking them after they congratulated him.

What’s to Come?

After committing arson on nationally broadcast programming, many would suspect that Page would be in jail or at least arrested for what unfolded on Dynamite. Fightful adds that there are “storyline reasons planned” as to why Page hasn’t faced any repercussions so far. The two will face off at this weekend’s All Out pay-per-view in a Steel Cage match that will reportedly headline the show. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on AEW All Out including live results and breaking news.

Lawsuit Claims WWE Stole Creative Ideas, Paid Hush Money By AEW Stars

Thomas Lowson
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As the global juggernaut of professional wrestling, WWE is no stranger to lawsuits ranging from the serious to the downright bizarre. Now, the promotion has been hit with a suit alleging, among other things, that WWE stole ideas without proper compensation.

Leland Owens filed a lawsuit on September 3 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, alleging that WWE failed to pay him for ideas he submitted for their programming. A portion of the filing reads:

“I gave the WWE ideas and never got paid. I also told Daniel Bryan (at the time what I was going to do with my earnings with said ideas and the World Wrestling Entertainment tried to get in front of it because Vince thinks of this as competition. We have a verbal agreement in which was supposed to talk about at the time I receive my payment for my ideas.”

Among the ideas Owens allegedly provided include a unique cage match stipulation as well as the Premium Live Event name ‘Stomping Grounds.’ WWE’s first, and to date, only Stomping Grounds PLE took place in June 2019 in Tacoma, Washington. Owens allegedly pitched ideas over Instagram to WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.

Hush Money Payment

In addition to the alleged idea theft, Owens claims in the lawsuit that Daniel Bryan (now AEW star Bryan Danielson) and Mercedes Moné (formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE) sent him a $100,000 check described as “hush money.” This payment was intended to keep Owens quiet after an inappropriate comment about Owens’ daughter was allegedly made by Stephanie McMahon, the filing adds. McMahon stepped down from her WWE role in early 2023 but has made sporadic appearances for the company, including at WWE SummerSlam last month.

WWE has not publicly responded to the suit at this time. This week has also seen WWE hit by a lawsuit regarding alleged improper use of Cody Rhodes’ ‘American Nightmare’ nickname. Stay tuned to SEScoops for updates on these lawsuits and other developments in WWE’s legal affairs.

Cody Rhodes & WWE Face Lawsuit Over ‘American Nightmare’ Copyright

Thomas Lowson
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Cody Rhodes is the unquestionable top babyface in WWE today and has a legion of fans who have supported him throughout his ‘story.’ Rhodes

On Wednesday, September 4, Punk rock musician Wesley Eisold filed a lawsuit against Rhodes, WWE, and the promotion’s merchandising partner Fanatics. The complaint, filed in federal court in California, alleges trademark infringement, breach of contract, and intentional interference with contractual relations.

Eisold is the co-founder and lead singer of the band ‘American Nightmare‘ which has been active off and on since 1998. According to a USPTO filing, Eisold has held a trademark for American Nightmare for use in music, clothing, and entertainment services since 2016. In addition to recovering attorneys fees, Eisold is seeking damages of at least $150,000, as well as treble damages of up to $300,000 related to federal trademark infringement.

Cody Rhodes & Wesley Eisold 

In March 2019, Rhodes applied for a trademark on ‘The American Nightmare‘ for the use in wrestling that Eisold opposed. The pair agreed to a settlement in March 2021 which allowed for Rhodes to use the term. Rhodes was with AEW at the time but has since returned to WWE where he continues to go by the nickname.

Under the settlement, Rhodes was allowed to use “American Nightmare” on merchandise under the condition that Rhodes’ name, likeness, or wrestling-related imager was at least 75% larger than the American Nightmare term, differing it from Eisold’s own merch. Eisold claims that Rhodes, WWE, and Fanatics have violated that agreement by selling merchandise that doesn’t fit that requirement.

Eisold’s suit claims that WWE is selling several items through Fanatics with the American Nightmare term that doesn’t fit the previously agreed criteria. Eisold specifically references Rhodes’ ‘Crown T-Shirt design’ that does not contain Cody’s name or an image of him. The only wrestling-related image on the shirt is a WWE logo that is on the sleeve and not the main design.

image 1

Eisold’s complaint also alleges that the confusion on social media is evident. m

“Fans of WWE and wrestling continue to frequently tag [social media accounts for the musical band] the American Nightmare in Facebook and social media posts… Fans attending American Nightmare concerts and other events—including in California and specifically this judicial district—wear both the Runnels [Rhodes] clothes and the Eisold clothes.”

Eisold’s legal representatives reached out to Rhodes’ lawyer in 2022 about the Crown shirt, but didn’t receive a reply, the suit adds. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this developing story.

Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart Confirmed For 9/9 Raw Season Premiere In Calgary

Thomas Lowson
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The September 9, episode of Monday Night Raw will be the red brand’s season premiere and WWE is doing all it can to deliver a stacked three-hour show. Raw will take place from the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada so it’s fitting one of wrestling’s greatest Canadians will be on the show.

Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart will be a part of the season premiere of Raw from his beloved Great White North. The arrival of the Excellence of Execution was confirmed by Jackie Redmond.

WWE RAW – September 9, 2024

Here is what WWE has confirmed for its season premiere of Monday Night Raw next week in Calgary:

  • Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart to appear
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair (c) vs. The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn)
  • WWE Intercontinental Title Contenders Match: Braun Strowman vs. Jey Uso vs. Pete Dunne vs. Ilja Dragunov
  • Eight-Person Street Fight: The Wyatt Sicks vs. American Made (Chad Gable, Brutus & Julius Creed, and Ivy Nile)

Rich Swann Guilty, Receives Probation Following Public Intoxication Incident

Thomas Lowson
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TNA Wrestling’s Rich Swann is no stranger to controversy and has had run-ins with the law in the past. Earlier this year, the former Impact World Champion was arrested and charged with disorderly public intoxication and causing a disturbance, and there’s now been an update in his case.

Swann appeared in court this week and submitted a “no contendere plea,” an alternative to pleading guilty or not guilty, PW Insider reports. The term means he neither admitted guilt nor contested the charges. The court subsequently found Swann guilty, issuing a fine of $203 and placing him on six months of probation. He was also ordered to pay an additional $285.38 in related fees. Upon completion of his probation and the payment of all fines, the case will be officially closed.

Swann’s arrest on June 9, 2024, occurred after he attempted to enter a nearby apartment, mistakenly believing it to be his own. The armed homeowner confronted Swann before he left the property but opted not to press charges. Additionally, a woman reported that Swann followed her to her door after she had asked him to stop.

Following his arrest, TNA Wrestling suspended Swann pending the legal investigation into that night and said in a statement that Swann was “responsible for his own personal actions.” Swann has voluntarily entered into a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Rich Swann’s Previous Issues

Swann was charged with the same offense in September 2022 after he allegedly caused a disturbance while intoxicated at his apartment complex. In 2017, Swann was arrested in Gainesville, Florida and charged with false imprisonment, a felony, as well as simple domestic battery, which is a misdemeanor. Those charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence, but Storm was released from WWE two months later.

How AEW Foreshadowed Hangman Page Burning Down Swerve Strickland’s House

Thomas Lowson
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On this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, ‘Hangman’ Adam Page took his heated rivalry with Swerve Strickland to a shocking new level, setting fire to Strickland’s childhood home. The dramatic moment left fans in disbelief though this act of arson is one fans should have seen coming for a long time.

Strickland and Page have been at war for months now and plenty has been said between the two former AEW World Champions. In a promo that now seems eerily prophetic, Page vowed that he would burn Strickland’s world to the ground, hinting at what was to come.

It’s not just what Page has had to say that should have led fans to predict the fiery conclusion to this week’s AEW Dynamite. Since turning heel, Page has used a new entrance theme, complete with a new video. Early into the theme, the image of a burning building can be seen. Later on, more fires can be seen.

The feud between the two former AEW World Champions will reach its climax this Saturday at AEW All Out 2024, where they are set to face off in a highly anticipated Lights Out Street Fight. Following this week’s episode of Dynamite, AEW President Tony Khan announced the match stipulation, ensuring that the company won’t be held accountable for whatever chaos ensues.

AEW All Out 2024 will take place on September 7, at Hoffman Estate’s NOW Arena. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates, including live coverage and results.

Vince McMahon Claims, “No One Really Knows Me” In Netflix Docuseries Trailer

Thomas Lowson
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WWE fans have caught their first glimpse of Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries that will focus on the historic rise and dramatic fall of Vincent K. McMahon. The six one-hour episodes will delve into the life of the 79-year-old billionaire when it hits the streaming juggernaut on September 25. McMahon himself was interviewed for the docuseries, as the trailer shows right from the start as he declares,

“People have wondered who I really am. There’s this portrayal of me as a bad guy, but no one really knows me.”

– Vince McMahon in ‘Mr. McMahon’ (Netflix)

Some of the biggest names in wrestling history are involved, with appearances from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Hulk Hogan,”Stone Cold” Steve Austin, John Cena, Bret Hart, Bruce Prichard, Eric Bischoff, and McMahon’s son-in-law and Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

As we see in the trailer, this docu-series won’t shy away from controversy and touches on the 1994 steroid trial, the double-murder suicide of Chris Benoit in 2007, and alleged sexual misconduct. While it was the latter that ultimately ended McMahon’s reign on top of wrestling’s empire, Janel Grant has not participated in the series.

Produced by Bill Simmons and Tiger King executive producer Chris Smith, Mr. McMahon has been in development since 2020. The project was reportedly reworked to reflect the allegations against McMahon, including his departure from WWE.

WWE’s Move to Netflix

This highly anticipated docuseries about McMahon and WWE is just a taste of what’s to come for the streaming giant. This coming January, Monday Night RAW will move to Netflix, marking an end to over 30 years on broadcast television. John Cena has been confirmed for RAW’s premiere on Netflix as the WWE icon will kick off his retirement tour.

Fans in the U.S. will have access to Monday Night Raw each week, while those outside of the States will receive Raw, SmackDown, WWE NXT, and Premium Live Events. Netflix will not cover monthly PLEs in areas where deals are already in place with other distributors, such as India. 

AEW All Out 2024 Odds: Favorites Revealed Ahead of PPV

Jake Skudder
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The betting odds for AEW All Out 2024 have been released, revealing the favorites for each matchup ahead of the highly anticipated pay-per-view (PPV) event. As fans eagerly await the outcomes of these exciting matches, the odds provide insight into who the bookies believe are most likely to win.

Top Favorites for AEW All Out 2024

The odds for AEW All Out 2024 have been published by the betting site betonline.ag, with several wrestlers marked as strong favorites. Here’s a breakdown of the key matchups:

  • Hangman Page (-300) vs. Swerve Strickland (+200): Hangman Page is the favorite in his match against Swerve Strickland. With odds of -300, bettors would need to risk $300 to win $100. Meanwhile, Swerve Strickland, as the underdog, offers a potential return of $200 on a $100 bet.
  • Will Ospreay (c) (-10000) vs. Pac (+2000): Will Ospreay, the defending champion, is a massive favorite against Pac. With odds of -10000, he is expected to retain his title, while Pac, with odds of +2000, is a long shot to win.
  • Bryan Danielson (c) (-10000) vs. Jack Perry (+2000): Similar to Ospreay, Bryan Danielson is heavily favored to defend his championship against Jack Perry. Bettors would need to place a significant wager on Danielson for a modest return, while a bet on Perry could yield substantial rewards due to the +2000 odds.

Other Notable Matchups

  • Kris Statlander (-200) vs. Willow Nightingale (+150): Kris Statlander is favored to win her bout against Willow Nightingale. However, this match is expected to be more closely contested compared to others, with a more modest spread between the favorites and underdogs.
  • MJF (-175) vs. Daniel Garcia (+135): MJF is slightly favored to win his match against Daniel Garcia. The odds suggest a competitive battle, with Garcia not far behind in the eyes of the oddsmakers.
  • Mercedes Mone (c) (-10000) vs. Hikaru Shida (+2000): Mercedes Mone is heavily favored to retain her championship against Hikaru Shida, mirroring the significant odds seen in other title matches.

Another Long-Term WWE Employee Leaving

Bishal Roy
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Long-time WWE lead Production Designer Jason Robinson is reportedly parting ways with the company. Robinson is leaving the company and the belief is that Robinson either finished up at the Bash in Berlin PLE or will be done this week, according to Mike Johnson at PWInsider.

Robinson was reportedly, “highly thought of and was considered incredibly talented by those he worked with.” Having a background in theater and opera in terms of creating and designing, he eventually moved into the television realm.

The veteran was considered “a Kevin Dunn guy” during his run with the company. He has been with WWE for over 23 years and was involved in creating about every modern major event and television set.

“There were a lot of people shocked that he was exiting, noting he was as important as one can imagine when it came to designing the look and feel of WWE’s broadcast product.”

– Mike Johnson (PWInsider) on designer Jason Robinson’s WWE exit

TKO Group Holdings was formed in September last year and shortly after, over 100 people were cut from WWE’s offices. Several long-tenured employees associated with WWE have also departed the company. The list includes Kevin Dunn, who had been the promotion’s director of production. Reports suggest that WWE reportedly was hopeful for Dunn to stay on as far as WrestleMania 40 but he departed in December 2023. He was then replaced by Lee Fitting.

The biggest departure in WWE over the past year is of former Chairman Vince McMahon, who exited earlier this year following the Janel Grant lawsuit which was filed in January earlier this year.

Will Ospreay Gives Kenny Omega His Flowers with a Passive-Aggressive Twist

Bishal Roy
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AEW International Champion Will Ospreay praised Kenny Omega for his contribution to pro wrestling but that doesn’t change his personal feelings for him.

Ospreay told Kenny McIntosh of Inside The Ropes Magazine what Kenny Omega means to AEW. ‘The Aerial Assassin’ stated that Omega represents what AEW initially was. He became a huge star alongside the likes of The Young Bucks and Hangman Adam Page and helped set up AEW. While he respects Omega as a professional, it doesn’t mean they will become friends. He said:

“I think he represents the identity of what AEW initially was. He didn’t need the machine to make himself a big superstar, he made himself a star along with The Bucks, along with Hangman, and everyone else that helped to set up the company. There was an identity about AEW that was different to what American TV was accustomed to.

Those guys really set the bar for what wrestling could look like. It could have a different image and it could have a different identity. Especially when it comes to TV-style wrestling. Those guys completely shifted what it looked like to be TV wrestlers. He’s one of the best and I give him all the flowers in the world, but that doesn’t mean I like him [laughs]. Other than that, he’s a pr—k.”

Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay are two of the greatest wrestlers in pro wrestling. Over the years, they have been involved in feuds and even took personal shots. What could be labeled a dream match, the pair collided at Wrestle Kingdom 17. This marked Omega’s first match in NJPW since 2019 and ‘The Cleaner’ dethroned Ospreay to win the IWGP United States Heavyweight title.

Omega and Ospreay once again battled for the title at last year’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door. It was Ospreay who emerged victorious in a match that went on for 40 minutes and walked out of Scotiabank Arena as the IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion.

Will Ospreay is currently enjoying his AEW International title run after he recently reclaimed his title by beating MJF at last month’s AEW All In: London. ‘The Aerial Assassin’ will defend his title against Pac at this weekend’s AEW All Out pay-per-view. On the other hand, Kenny Omega is working hard to make his return to the ring.

Rhea Ripley Makes Epic Memory For Breast Cancer Survivor

Thomas Lowson
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As one of WWE’s top Superstars, Rhea Ripley has a legion of fans around the world, with some even wanting the chewing gum of the Australian Superstar. Recently, one exceptionally brave member of the WWE Universe got to enjoy a special moment with the former Women’s World Champion that they’ll never forget.

At WWE Monday Night RAW, the fan held a sign reading “I Beat Breast Cancer’s Ass To See Rhea Bloody Ripley.” On her TikTok, Ripley shared that she met with the fan backstage and autographed the fan’s sign, describing them as a “badass.”

@rhearipley_wwe

Badass! ???

? original sound – Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley & The Fans

This isn’t Ripley’s first unique interaction with a fan at a WWE event. In 2022, a downed Ripley messed with a fan by untying their shoelaces and later tweeted that nobody was safe from her mischief.

More recently, Ripley appeared at Fanatics Fest NYC where as she expected, she received a hero’s welcome by those who attended the event in the Big Apple. Ripley even recreated her signature entrance with a couple of doppelgangers in another example of the Aussie’s connection with her fans.

@rhearipley_wwe

@Fanatics Fest with my MosherZ ?

? original sound – Rhea Ripley

An All-Elite Encounter

This week’s AEW Dynamite took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and proved to be an extra special night for Blake Reilly. Like the fan at RAW, Blake recently beat cancer and was able to celebrate with his family and AEW talent including Jeff Jarrett, Willow Nightingale, and AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson.

What’s Next?

After pinning Liv Morgan with her signature Pretzel pin at Bash In Berlin, Ripley was on this week’s RAW and made clear her sights are set on the Women’s World Title. While Ripley suffered a leg injury during the show, she was able to chase Morgan away during the main event tag team match between the Judgment Day and Jey Uso/Damian Priest, Ripley even had some fun after RAW went off the air but will be all business when she’s next in the ring with Liv Morgan, a match her fans can’t wait to see.

Gisele Shaw Thanks TNA, Prepares for New Chapter in Wrestling

Thomas Lowson
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For years, Gisele Shaw has been a prominent figure in TNA’s Knockouts division, engaging in feuds with top talents such as Jordynne Grace and Tasha Steelz. However, her time with the promotion is officially coming to an end, and the Filipino-Canadian wrestler has expressed gratitude to those who supported her during her tenure.

On Twitter, Shaw thanked her fans and colleagues for their messages following the news of her departure from TNA. She also thanked the company for the opportunities provided to her. Shaw is excited for the future and the adventures that lie ahead for her in the wrestling industry.

Shaw wrapped up her time with TNA at the latest tapings after requesting her release from the promotion, Fightful Select reports. TNA management granted the request on the condition that Shaw worked through the tapings and put someone ‘over’ on her way out. Shaw did both and it’s reported that her exit went very smoothly from both sides.

What’s Next for Gisele Shaw?

Shaw will appear for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling at the promotion’s upcoming shows on October 19, and 20, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The show will see Shaw reconnect with other TNA names including Josh Alexander, ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey, KUSHIDA, and former TNA President (now Maple Leaf Pro owner) Scott D’Amore.

Some in All Elite Wrestling were interested in Shaw before she signed with TNA Wrestling, PW Insider Elite adds. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Gisele Shaw now that the wrestler is ready for her next chapter in the ring post-TNA Wrestling.

Check out SEScoops’ exclusive interview with the Quintessential Diva below!

WWE Files Trademark For Giulia

Bishal Roy
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Giulia is the latest addition to the highly-talented NXT women’s division. She recently made her impactful debut on the white and gold brand. In the main event of NXT No Mercy, Roxanne Perez retained her NXT Women’s Championship against OTM’s Jaida Parker. After the match, the former NJPW Strong Women’s Champion made her debut and had a staredown with ‘The Prodigy’.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database shows WWE filed to trademark the name ‘Giulia’ on September 3, with various entertainment services related to professional wrestling listed as the ‘Goods and Services’ usage description.

Earlier this year, reports started to float about Giulia’s signing with WWE. The Japanese talent was also in attendance for WWE NXT Stand & Deliver in April. But her injury led to her undergoing surgery. She had been on the shelf recuperating which pushed back her NXT debut.

WWE was hopeful to feature Giulia on the NXT Heatwave event in July but she wasn’t cleared. The former STARDOM Champion recently finished her commitments with Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold promotion before arriving in WWE. Giulia is now a part of NXT and she has her eyes on the NXT Women’s title as it was expected.

On this week’s edition of NXT, Giulia once again made it clear what she wants. The main event segment featured Roxanne Perez delivering a promo on her win over Jaida Parker at No Mercy. Chelsea Green interrupted Perez, wanting to be named the new No.1 contender for the title.

However, Giulia made her way and attacked Green. She then demanded a title match with a short message, “Me, you, CW,” indicating NXT premiere on CW network on October 1. Another title match has also been teased for the NXT premiere.

Titan Towers, Former Home Of WWE HQ, Is Up For Sale

Thomas Lowson
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For decades, WWE’s corporate offices were based out of Titan Towers, a 90,000-square-foot complex located in Stamford, Connecticut. Now, WWE has a new home, and their old stomping ground is officially up for sale.

A listing from real estate firm Newmark revealed that the sale price for Titan Towers is subject to an offer and its WWE history is referenced in the listing. The building is set on 1.19 acres of land and includes “11’ finished ceiling heights, a rooftop patio with unobstructed views of Long Island Sound, a fitness center, a cafeteria and 300 parking spaces.”

Titan Towers On WWE TV

Though most commonly used as a place for WWE’s corporate business, Titan Towers made several appearances in the company’s programming. The building was even part of a Superbowl commercial during the Attitude Era which gave a tongue-in-cheek look at how the wrestlers of the time took their stance as ‘role models’ very seriously.

Titan Towers was also used for the WWE Money in the Bank 2020 Premium Live Event, which due to the COVID-19 pandemic, went ahead without a live crowd. Rather than having two exciting ladder matches take place to silence, WWE combined the Men’s and Women’s matches into one bout and the Superstars had to capture the briefcases that were on top of Titan Towers. The match was won by Asuka and Otis.

Updated All Out 2024 Match Card

Bishal Roy
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AEW All Out 2024 pay-per-view takes place on September 7 at NOW Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The card has been updated after this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite and you can check it out below:

  • AEW World Championship Match: Bryan Danielson vs. Jack Perry
  • AEW International Championship Match: Will Ospreay vs. PAC
  • AEW TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Mone vs. Hikaru Shida (Kamille is banned from ringside)
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Match: Young Bucks vs. Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
  • MJF vs. Daniel Garcia
  • Steel Cage Lights Out Match: Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page
  • AEW Continental Championship Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Three More TBD
  • Chicago Street Fight: Willow Nightingale vs. Kris Statlander

New title matches were added to the AEW All Out 2024 card. As Kazuchika Okada successfully defended his AEW Continental Championship against Kyle Fletcher on the latest edition of AEW Dynamite, it was announced that The Elite member will put his title on the line in a four-way match at AEW All Out.

The other three competitors will be determined on the September 6 edition of AEW Collision. The Qualifying matches will feature Orange Cassidy taking on Bryan Keith, Mark Briscoe battling Lance Archer, and Konosuke Takeshita facing The Beast Mortos.

Mercedes Mone is set to defend her TBS Championship against Hikaru Shida at the upcoming pay-per-view but ‘The CEO’ won’t have the services of Kamille in the match. During Mone’s promo segment on last night’s Dynamite, Hikaru Shida and Christopher Daniels appeared on the screen. Daniels announced that Kamille will be banned from ringside for the title match at AEW All Out.

Meanwhile, The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson & Nicholas Jackson) will defend their AEW Tag Team Titles against Blackpool Combat Club (Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) at AEW All Out.

Last night, Claudio challenged the Young Bucks after The Elite members attacked Claudio, Yuta, and AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson. Claudio said that after winning the CMLL Grand Prix and the AEW Trios Titles with Yuta & PAC, the Swiss superstar wants the AEW Tag Team Titles. The match was soon announced on the show.

Hangman Page Burns Swerve Strickland’s Home In Fiery Dynamite Climax

Thomas Lowson
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The rivalry between Swerve Strickland and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page has quickly escalated into one of the most personal and intense feuds of 2024. As both men gear up for their highly anticipated showdown at AEW All Out 2024, Page took their animosity to an even more shocking level just days before the event.

On this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, the two were scheduled to meet for a contract signing ahead of their Steel Cage match at the upcoming pay-per-view. However, despite his music playing and being introduced by Tony Schiavone twice, Page failed to appear.

On the titantron, a video feed showed that Page was at Strickland’s childhood home, which Swerve had recently purchased. The house had been highlighted earlier in the show, and Page took things to a new level of personal by setting the building on fire.

After AEW Dynamite went off the air, Tony Khan informed the live crowd that the match between Swerve and Hangman would be an unsanctioned lights-out steel cage match. The bout will be the pair’s first one-on-one encounter on pay-per-view since their extremely violent Death Match at AEW Full Gear in November 2023.

Strickland, not to be outdone, made a chilling revelation on social media following the episode, hinting at plans that could spell disaster for Page during their clash at All Out.

The war between Swerve Strickland and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page has been one of the hottest angles AEW has seen in years, and now that term has taken a much more literal meaning. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on both men, as well as breaking news and live results from this weekend’s All Out 2024 pay-per-view.

Joe Tessitore Feels Right At Home On Monday Nights

Dominic DeAngelo
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Much like Rocky Balboa in his first fight with Apollo Creed, Joe Tessitore went the distance in his first outing behind the WWE Raw commentator booth. The expectation is that Tessitore would have big shoes to fill when replacing Michael Cole in the lead commentary role for the longest-running pro wrestling show on television, but the longtime boxer and football commentator put his gloves on and dug his cleats in to give the program a unique and refreshing voice.

While sports announcers were brought in previously, there’s a great deal of different circumstances at Tessitore being put in the main Monday night role – the big difference is that Vince McMahon isn’t there anymore. Not only would the former chairman berate his commentary team over the headset, McMahon knew basically zero about sports not contained in the squared circle. A Mike Adamle, a Jimmy Smith or Adnan Virk was just window dressing for the “shiny new toy” whims of Vince who would greatly handcuff anyone with his micro-managerial tendencies. It was baptism by fire, but with too much fire and no baptism.

Second and in conjunction with Vince McMahon being gone is that TKO is the ever-watching eye for WWE with Nick Khan now steering the ship as CEO. Unlike Vince, Khan has plenty of sports acumen, an asset that has clearly paid off dividends for WWE in major ways in production, relationships and merchandise sales. It’s unknown if the Tessitore hiring was the brain-child of Khan, but WWE ultimately being operated by people with sports knowledge is beneficial to a Tessitore who’s looking to tussle.

Finally, and just as important as the previous, Joe is a bonafide fan. After his first night on RAW commentary Joe noted his affinity for the likes of a Big John Studd or a “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. Having a foundation that Tessitore holds steady ground on gives the veteran broadcaster plenty of ammo in his WWE Universal utility belt.

Tessitore’s appreciation for wrestling along with his understanding of how an actual athletic competition should be called enhanced the WWE product and gave it melded feel of Dick Enberg and Gordon Solie along with a sprinkle of Jim Ross.

Throughout the three hours, Joe weaved in a steadily calmness and precision in his commentary much like a star quarterback dissecting a defense behind center, but amped it up in the appropriate moments. If a heel did something egregious (see Drew McIntyre) Tessitore made the viewer feel that transgression. Bracelet beads being shoved down CM Punk’s throat? “Truly disgusting!” Drew beating Punk while he’s on a spinal board? “Abhorrent!” A Sami Zayn confronting GUNTHER and his World Heavyweight gold? Let’s lay out and let the moment speak for itself. The RAW season premiere may be next week, but Tessitore already turned the page in making it truly feel like a new season.

It’s also a necessity that commentary takes two to tango and Tessitore had a great dance partner in Wade Barrett. Barrett supported Joe in all the right ways, adding his signature cadence of colorful commentary, being a sounding board for Tess to bounce off of and just the simple fact that he’s a veteran of the ring boosted the two to being an already perfect pairing.

This Monday’s RAW may have been Tessitore’s first day on the job, but it feels like he’s already due a raise.

Rhea Ripley Names Her Dominant Pinning Move, “The Pretzel Pin”

Thomas Lowson
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Rhea Ripley has established herself as one of WWE’s most dominant Superstars in recent years, evidenced by her impressive collection of championships and accolades. Now, Ripley has added another memorable moment to her career by officially naming her signature, suggestive pinning maneuver. At WWE Bash in Berlin, Ripley used the ‘authoritative’ pin on Liv Morgan to score the win for the Terror Twins.

Speaking with Peter Rosenberg and Jackie Redmond on the Bash in Berlin post-show, Ripley said the move shares its name with a local delicacy.

“I like to call it ‘the pretzel pin.’ It’s very fitting.”

– Rhea Ripley

Damian Priest jokingly dubbed the maneuver the, “Take it Easy pin” which got a laugh. Whatever the move is called, Rhea Ripley has proven to be a relentless force in WWE with many expecting that it won’t be long before she holds championship gold again.

What’s to Come?

On this week’s episode of RAW, Ripley made it clear that she wants a match with Liv Morgan for the WWE Women’s World Title, a title Ripley was never defeated for. Although Dominik Mysterio claimed Morgan wasn’t present at the show, this turned out to be a ruse, allowing Liv to ambush Ripley.

Later that night, Morgan attempted to assist Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh in their non-title match against Priest and Jey Uso. However, Ripley intervened, chasing Morgan away and helping Priest and Uso secure the win. Ripley also had some fun after this week’s Monday Night RAW with Jey Uso and Priest but will be all business when she faces Liv Morgan in the ring.

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