Damon Kemp, aka Bobby Steveson, is one of the recent NXT exits and a new report states that there is a current concern amongst the roster at what their future may hold for them.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the exit of Steveson has prompted nervousness amongst the young stars in the Capitol Wrestling Center. While there were some recent exits with NXT ties including Steveson’s brother Gable and Dijak, WWE saying goodbye to Bobby hits a different tone. The former Damon Kemp was overall considered a good worker and had no issues backstage. To many, his exit could be indicative to the roster that they could also be on the chop block and nobody, aside from the prominent names on brand, is safe.
Gable Steveson was let go by WWE this spring due to his lack of development in the ring as well as attitude problems. However, his brother was a featured talent on the show, being apart of Diamond Mind and later aligning with Charlie Dempsey and the No Quarter Catch Crew.
Gable may be the most celebrated Olympic wrestler since Kurt Angle and the 1996 Olympics. Angle was high and above Steveson in the pro wrestling ring, both from a workrate standpoint and a major charisma standpoint.
Bobby Steveson may have plenty of cache in the pro wrestling world despite his WWE leave. The seasoned athlete is only 26 years old and could have opportunities in AEW or TNA.
WWE has announced 15 new WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown live events spanning October-December 2024. Tickets for these these just-announced TV tapings go on sale Friday, July 26 at 10 am local time at Ticketmaster.
The schedule features a mix of major markets, such as New York City, Boston and Philadelphia, along with less-populated secondary markets, shows WWE’s commitment to reach fans across a all regions.
October 2024
Friday, October 4: Nashville, TN – Friday Night SmackDown at the Bridgestone Arena
Friday, October 11: Greenville, SC – Friday Night SmackDown at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Friday, October 18: Columbia, SC – Friday Night SmackDown at the Colonial Life Arena
Monday, October 21: Philadelphia, PA – Monday Night RAW at the Wells Fargo Center
Friday, October 25: Brooklyn, NY – Friday Night SmackDown at the Barclays Center
November 2024
Friday, November 8: Buffalo, NY – Friday Night SmackDown at the KeyBank Center
Monday, November 11: Grand Rapids, MI – Monday Night RAW at the Van Andel Arena
Friday, November 15: Milwaukee, WI – Friday Night SmackDown at the Fiserv Forum
Friday, November 22: Salt Lake City, UT – Friday Night SmackDown at the Delta Center
Monday, November 25: Glendale, AZ – Monday Night RAW at the Desert Diamond Arena
December 2024
Monday, December 2: Everett, WA – Monday Night RAW at the Angel of the Winds Arena
Friday, December 6: Minneapolis, MN – Friday Night SmackDown at the Target Center
Monday, December 9: Wichita, KS – Monday Night RAW at the INTRUST Bank Arena
Friday, December 13: Hartford, CT – Friday Night SmackDown at the XL Center
Monday, December 16: Boston, MA – Monday Night RAW at the TD Garden
CJ Perry’s time as part of All Elite Wrestling has come to an end with the manager being pulled from the company’s official roster.
Speaking to USA TODAY Sports at the 2024 ESPY Awards, Perry said her “time with them has just finished.” Perry made her AEW debut at All Out 2023, coming to the aid of her then-husband Miro. Perry hasn’t appeared at all for AEW in 2024 and now her time with the company is up.
Removed From The AEW Roster
AEW’s roster website no longer has Perry in any of its various categories, confirming her exit from the company. Miro, who similarly has not appeared in any capacity for AEW in 2024, still has his profile on the website.
CJ Perry As A Manager
Unlike her WWE run as Lana, Perry never competed for AEW and instead worked solely as a manager. In the interview, Perry said she’s now eligible to join any wrestling promotion and hopes to continue being a manager.
“I’m really focused on finding talent and cultivating them and helping them become the best wrestler, champion possible. I guess you could say I want to be the Paul Heyman.”
When asked to compare WWE and AEW, Perry said that AEW is much more sport driven and she appreciates how the company means more high-profile jobs in wrestling. With that said, Perry also had plenty of praise for WWE, calling the company “the greatest franchise in the world.”
Mark Henry worked closely with former WWE boss Vince McMahon throughout his Hall of Fame career spanning Ning 1996-2021
McMahon resigned from WWE following accusations from former employee Janel Grant of abuse and trafficking her to other male employees. Henry weighed in on his former boss’s departure, telling veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter that people in this industry come and go in various ways:
“I believe that there’s seasons for everything and eventually we’re all gonna be away from the business one way or the other. I mean, either by passing away or just the fact you retire or you get fired or you amicably separate or whatever it is, there’s always gonna be an exodus, and I think it was time for there to be that exodus.”
Henry spent a long time in WWE under McMahon’s leadership. He retired following WrestleMania 33 and transitioned into a backstage producer role. Henry then debuted for AEW in May 2021, serving as a coach and a commentator for AEW Rampage. He left AEW in May 2024, stating he couldn’t dedicate 100% of himself to the company. McMahon was supportive of Henry’s decision to leave for AEW, stating, “You know everything you need to know. You go and if you feel like you need to go, (I) don’t necessarily want it, but if you feel like you need to go, then go. I know you’re going to be successful,” as Henry recalled.
McMahon stepped down from his roles in June 2022 after hush money agreements for affairs with former WWE employees came to light. He returned the following year as executive chairman of the newly formed TKO Group Holdings, following the merger of WWE with UFC by Endeavor Group Holdings. But McMahon parted ways with WWE again in January 2024 due to Janel Grant’s lawsuit alleging abuse and trafficking.
McMahon is also facing a federal investigation apart from the Grant lawsuit.
Another star voiced their opinion on Vince McMahon: Ronda Rousey. Speaking to CBS Sports, Rousey said, “Anyone’s better than Vince McMahon” when it comes to running the wrestling promotion.
In professional wrestling, podcasts covering the industry are as common as clotheslines and headlocks. For those brave explorers seeking to venture into the pro wrestling podcast vortex, we here at SEScoops want to make your journey as easy as possible.
Each week, we update you on the Top 25 most-listened-to wrestling podcast episodes, focusing on the Top 5 (including embeds). This feature is based on data from Apple Podcasts compiled by Chartable.
Up Rank
Down Rank
Unchanged
+
–
~
Top 5 Wrestling Podcasts – Apple (July 12th, 2024)
WWE Hall of Famer Mark Calaway, better known to WWE fans as The Undertaker, is not only a most powerful force when it comes to the Darkness, but in the world of Podcasting too! The Deadman debuted his podcast in October 2023, and since then, the show has surged to the top of the boards.
In the latest episode of Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway, The Undertaker brings on former WWE Superstar and Hall of Famer Charles Wright, aka The Godfather. Join the two wrestling legends in a special two-part episode as they walk down memory lane, discussing their nearly four-decade-long friendship and the world of professional wrestling past and present.
2) Insight with Chris Van Vliet | ~
Chris Van Vliet isn’t just one of the most well-respected interviewers in professional wrestling; he’s an internationally recognized media personality. CVV is a four-time Emmy-winning TV Host, YouTuber, and Inc. 500 entrepreneur who’s interviewed everyone from Anne Hathaway to Hornswoggle.
In the latest episode of his hit show, Vliet speaks with WWE Hall of Famer and current NXT Commentator Booker T. The two go on to cover an array of topics, including his WCW tenure, the collaboration between NXT and TNA, his famous feuds, working with his real life on TV, becoming King Booker, and much more!
3) Busted Open | ~
Join Sirius XM’s biggest professional wrestling show, as host Dave LaGreca speaks with a rotating cast of co-hosts, including Bully Ray, Mark Henry, Tommy Dreamer, Thunder Rosa, and Nic Nemeth (fka Dolph Ziggler). The show covers the latest in professional wrestling news throughout the industry, with special emphasis on WWE, AEW, NJPW, and TNA.
In the latest episode, the crew reacts to the latest episode of AEW Dynamite, including the shocking betrayal of Mariah May on her mentor “Timeless” Toni Storm after winning the Women’s Owen Hart Cup.
4) Jim Cornette Experience |~
Love or hate him, Jim Cornette doesn’t care what you think. His presence in professional wrestling goes back decades, and he is one of the pioneers in producing weekly content on wrestling commentary.
“This week on the Experience, Jim reviews AEW Forbidden Door & The Bloodline attacking Paul Heyman on Smackdown! Also, Jim reviews the final episode of Who Killed WCW?! Plus Jim talks about Mercedes Moné, disco, fast food, AEW’s budget, and much more!”
Surging into the Top 5 for the first time since the inception of this weekly feature comes the Perched On The Top Rope! The program is hosted by Lee, a former writer and avid wrestling collector and fan for over 30 years. He’s joined by Larry Peace, a former MLW referee, and the podcast’s correspondent, Justin.
In the show’s latest edition, the crew made predictions for WWE’s Money In The Bank PLE on July 6th. Check out the show and see close the guys got in their predictions!
Wrestling fans are still reeling from the closing scenes of this week’s AEW Dynamite, which saw Mariah May attack Toni Storm.
May defeated Willow Nightingale to win the 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. She had a tough road to victory, defeating three former AEW champions (Hikaru Shida, Saraya, and Nightingale) en route to winning the tournament. Just moments after winning the tournament, she showed her true colors and left her former idol in a pool of her own blood.
During a conversation with veteran journalist Justin Barrasso for SI.com, May shed light on this shocking situation. Now that she’s secured a title shot at AEW All In: London 2024 and shattered Toni Storm, it’s time to finish the job.
AEW All In: Toni Storm vs. Mariah May
Mariah May gave us a look into her twisted mentality on AEW Dynamite, but her plan for August 25 is also disturbing.
“My mother will be there at All In. She’ll watch me from the front row as I destroy what’s left of Toni Storm.”
– Toni Storm to SI
May told Barrasso that her lifelong dream since she was a little girl was to come to American and wrestle on television. Today, she’s involved in one of wrestling’s most engaging storyline’s and she’ll challenge for the AEW Women’s World title at Wembley Stadium.
More on Mariah May & Toni Storm
AEW has released footage new of Mariah May and Toni Storm from backstage at AEW Dynamite following May’s betrayal:
The road to WWE SummerSlam 2024 will continue with tonight’s episode of SmackDown which will take place from the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. The show will also deal with the fall-out of last week’s Money in the Bank PLE in Toronto Canada.
Tonight’s advertised SmackDown card features these matches:
Michin vs. Nia Jax
Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews vs. Angel Garza & Humberto Carillo
An appearance from Miss Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton has also been confirmed for the show. Stratton captured the covered briefcase at last week’s event and now has a golden opportunity in her hands.
WWE is also advertising that “Solo Sikoa’s Rise to Power Continues” on tonight’s edition of SmackDown. At Money in the Bank, Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga, defeated Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens.
What Happened Last Week?
Last week’s WWE SmackDown (July 5, 2024) saw the WWE Tag Team Titles change hands as DIY captured the gold from A-Town Down Under. Meanwhile, Solo Sikoa made clear that he has his sights set on the Undisputed WWE Championship in a warning to Cody Rhodes. Sikoa went even further, as he dared Roman Reigns to try and take his place as the new Tribal Chief.
This is just scratching the surface of what went down. Check out this video from WWE looking at the Top 10 Moments from the show:
AJ Styles is grateful for the opportunity to compete in Pro Wrestling NOAH this week, an opportunity he believes would not have been possible just a few years ago.
At NOAH’s Destination 2024 event, Styles will compete against three-time GHC World Champion Naomichi Marufuji. Despite a lofty career in Japan, the match will mark Styles’ NOAH debut and his first match outside WWE since January 2016.
Speaking to the press ahead of NOAH Destination 2024, Styles said that his match demonstrates how WWE’s new era is willing to work with others.
“This is showing the Triple H era of what WWE is all about. Because I’m not the only one that is wrestling in Japan tomorrow night. IYO Sky is also wrestling along with myself. And that just goes to show what Triple His trying to bring throughout the world and WWE. Whether it be in NOAH or somewhere else, having the opportunity to wrestle there, it’s big for everybody. And it just shows how we were willing and able to work together so that we all can make pro wrestling as big as we possibly can.”
Aj Styles speaks on his Noah match and HHH's vision:
This is showing the Triple H era of what wwe is all about. Cause I'm not the only one that is wrestling in Japan tomorrow night. IYO Sky is also wrestling. Along with myself and that just goes to show what HHH is trying to… pic.twitter.com/kdi6bD1KJ0
As Styles alluded to in his speech, IYO SKY will be competing this weekend for Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold Wrestling promotion. The former WWE Women’s Champion will face Utami Hayashishita at the promotion’s Summer Dreams event. When asked about the match, SKY was similarly glad that she is now able to wrestle with talent outside WWE.
“When I signed with WWE, I didn’t think I would wrestle in a ring outside of WWE, so I am surprised to wrestle in a Japanese women’s promotion’s ring. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart to Utami Hayashishita, Rossy Ogawa, and my boss Triple H.”
Opening The Prohibited Portal
WWE’s leadership under Triple H has certainly been more open to working with other companies than Vince McMahon. In January, Jordynne Grace competed in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. The reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion has also competed in WWE NXT as of late and challenged Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez at Battleground.
Frankie Kazarian and Joe Hendry competed in an NXT battle royal not too long ago and Hendry made his return to the gold brand this week. The July 9, episode also saw TNA’s The Rascalz reunite with Wes Lee and set up a six-man tag for next week against Gallus.
Over in TNA, fans have seen the No Quarter Catch Crew bring the fight as Charlie Dempsey defeated Zachary Wentz this week. At TNA Against All Odds, Jordynne Grace retained her Knockouts Title against Taum Paxley and more recently retained against Izzi Dame.
Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport has also been getting in on this crossover fun as Dempsey and Shayna Baszler competed at Bloodsport X in April. Baszler, who won her fight with TNA’s Masha Slamovich, will return to Bloodsport later this month where she’ll face Miyu Yamashita.
John Cena looks like he had the time of his life at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding celebration this past week in Mumbai, India. The 16-time World Champion was one of 1,200 guests in attendance for what’s being called India’s wedding of the year.
WWE’s G.O.A.T. flashed some of his signature poses for the media upon his arrival, including the the ‘You Can’t See Me’ hand gesture. Cena was also seen at the event being assisted by guests on how to wear a safa; a traditional turban worn by men at weddings in Northern India.
— Buzzzooka Spotting (@Buzzz_spotting) July 12, 2024
John Cena Meets Shah Rukh Khan at Ambani Wedding
John Cena described his experience at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding as “a surreal 24 hours” in his social media post. He expressed gratitude towards the Ambani family for their “unmatched warmth and hospitality.”
Cena mentioned meeting Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as one of the memorable experiences from the wedding. As someone who has inspired millions of people around the world for decades, it’s pretty cool to see Cena being so proud to personally tell Shah Rukh Khan about “the positive effect he has had on my life.”
A surreal 24 hours. So grateful for the Ambani family for their unmatched warmth and hospitality.
An experience filled with so many unforgettable moments which allowed me to connect with countless new friends, including meeting @iamsrk and being able to tell him personally the… pic.twitter.com/MNRb29cFuV
The happy couple getting married are Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Ambani is the son of Mukesh Ambani, the richest man in Asia. He is the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries. Merchant is the daughter of Viren Merchant, the CEO of a healthcare company. The wedding festivities have been split between Antilia, the home of the Ambanis, and the Jio World Convention Centre. Given the size and scale of the event, it’s hardly a surprise that this had been dubbed India’s wedding of the year.
The Guest List
The couple’s guest list is a who’s who of notable figures around the world. In addition to John Cena, the ceremony includes Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Boris Johnson, and Tony Blair. Earlier this year, Rhianna was one of the A-Listers at a pre-wedding celebration held in March. At the event, Rhianna performed a full-length concert, her first in either years.
In May, the couple hosted their second celebration, a four-day cruise through the Mediterranean. Once again, the couple had a massive guest list. This included surprise performances from the Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and Pitbull.
John Cena’s WWE Plans
Cena appeared at WWE Money in the Bank earlier this month in Toronto, Canada, and shared that 2025 will mark his final year in wrestling. Cena has competed in at least one WWE match each year since making his debut on TV in June 2002. At this time, details are scarce about Cena’s impending retirement, though fans are hopeful WWE will give the 16-time World Champion a fitting sendoff.
Mariah May is one of the top women’s wrestlers in the world and has been a vital part of the AEW roster since her arrival back in November 2023. However, many wrestling fans who primarily consume WWE content aren’t familiar with her work and this guide aims to help change that.
May has been in the industry for quite some time, and her early run alongside Toni Storm and then turning on her ‘mentor’ is just a small part of what she has accomplished in the industry. We’ll be going over all all of the questions that fans are asking about the All Elite Wrestling star and 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Tournament winner.
Wrestling Career
Early Days in Japan
Mariah May’s wrestling career took a significant turn when she ventured into the Japanese wrestling scene. In 2022, she made her debut in Japan with World Wonder Ring Stardom, one of the most prestigious women’s wrestling promotions in the world. Her debut came at Stardom’s Dream Queendom 2, where she aligned with Mina Shirakawa and former WWE NXT UK Superstar Xia Brookside to form the faction known as Club Venus.
May’s time in Stardom was marked by notable achievements and memorable matches. She quickly established herself as a formidable competitor, donning the persona of Sexy Dynamite Princess. One of her early highlights was participating in the Cinderella Tournament 2023, where she advanced to the second round before being eliminated by Mai Sakurai.
AEW
Mariah May, a top free agent in wrestling with interest from both WWE and AEW, signed with All Elite Wrestling in November 2023. Upon her debut, she expressed admiration for AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm, which led to a well-crafted storyline where Storm adopted May as her protégé. Storm’s character work flourished, with May serving as the perfect counterpart. As they transitioned from heels to tweeners due to fan support, their dynamic evolved, culminating in memorable moments like May adopting Storm’s old persona and a romantic angle with Mina Shirakawa.
May’s journey saw her win the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, earning a match against Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship. In a dramatic twist, May turned on Storm after her tournament victory, attacking her with the Owen Hart Foundation title belt. This betrayal set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at AEW’s biggest event of the year, All In, at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Personal Life
Who is Mariah May’s Husband?
Mariah May is married to British pro wrestling star Danny Duggan. Duggan has appeared for a number of companies in the UK, including PROGRESS, where he was part of the Do Not Resuscitate stable alongside Spike Trivet, Chuck Mambo, William Eaver and Drew Parker.
Mariah May Instagram
Mariah May is quite active on Instagram under the handle @MariahMayx. Her account is a mix of personal insights, professional updates, and glamorous photoshoots.
In addition to her wrestling career, Mariah May has a YouTube channel where she shares a variety of content, including vlogs, wrestling insights, fashion tips, and gaming videos.
Is Mariah May Tiffany Stratton?
Mariah May and WWE’s Tiffany Stratton have often been compared by fans due to their similar looks and wrestling styles.
Stratton, addressing these comparisons in an interview with ComicBook Nation, stated: “Just because we have the same coloured hair it does not mean that we look alike or we stealing each other’s gimmicks or styles.
“I get compared to so many other people, Trish Stratus, Charlotte Flair. Honestly, I think everyone is on their own path, and I think Mariah May is amazing. She’s such a great wrestler, she’s gorgeous.”
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has explained why he believes Adam Copeland (formerly Edge in WWE) didn’t need to execute the high-risk dive off the cage at the AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view in May.
‘The Rated R Superstar’ performed a scary dive off the top of the cage on Malakai Black through a table. The dangerous move cost the veteran as he landed awkwardly on his legs, fracturing his tibia. However, he managed to finish the match and retained his AEW TNT title.
Speaking on The Outbound Life podcast, ‘The Hulkster’ raised questions on Copeland deciding the spot. Hogan believes it wasn’t required given Copeland’s legendary status. Copeland is in the latter stages of his career and Hogan wondered why he decided to take such a risk. Hulk Hogan then highlighted that wrestlers perform such high-risk moves to win over the fans and gain popularity. However, Copeland already has an established fanbase he didn’t require to perform the move. Here is what Hogan said:
“I watched Edge [Copeland] jump off the cage the other night. I haven’t talked to him yet, but trained professional. Twilight of his career. Jumps off the top. Please explain that to me. He’s over. Most guys who do that, go up and do it because they are not over enough. Edge was over. To do that, I just don’t get it. I haven’t called him yet. I was going to call him last night, but I fell asleep. I just want to know, ‘Please explain that to me. You’re over like a son of a gun. You didn’t need to do that. You didn’t need to go up there.’
He added:
“If you’re going to go up there, it doesn’t mean anything, unless you do something better than Mick Foley did. Mick Foley got thrown off the top of the cage and hit the table. If you’re going to beat Mick Foley, you have to get thrown off the top of the cage with no table. I just didn’t get it. It didn’t mean anything because Edge was so over. So over. He didn’t need that.”
Taking to social media, Copeland confirmed that he sustained a fractured tibia. He successfully underwent surgery. He dropped an update on his Instagram where he could be seen on crutches. Copeland was stripped off of his TNT title due to the injury and he is currently recuperating. It will take several months before he gets back inside the squared circle.
WWE has filed a new trademark, and it’s for current NXT Champion Ethan Page.
The trademark, “Ethan Page”, was filed by WWE on July 10. You can check out the description of the filing below.
“Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.”
Ethan Page in WWE and NXT Championship Win
Ethan Page’s AEW contract had ended earlier this year, and the star set his sights to WWE, where he claimed the NXT Champion shortly after.
Page won the title at NXT Heatwave on July 4, 2024, that took place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The match for the NXT Championship was a fatal four-way one involving defending champion Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Shawn Spears.
The 34-year-old clinched the victory in the title match when Williams hit the Trick Shot move on Page, who fell on Evans, prompting a pin from the referee. This “accidental way of winning the title” finish was met with some mixed opinion with fans, but it seems like WWE has some more ideas to do with Page with the recent trademark filing.
As for his time in AEW, Page said in an appearance on the Talk’n Shop podcast that he was mind-blown by how organized things are in WWE compared to the promotion he worked at previously.
WWE U.S. Champion Logan Paul has reached a milestone with the title, though that’s hardly a surprise given his sporadic title defenses.
This week, Paul hit 250 days as WWE United States Champion, the second-longest reign of any U.S. Champion of the past decade (behind Austin Theory’s 257-day reign.) This milestone number has seen Paul leapfrog legends who held the gold including ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin (239 days,) Sting (232 days,) and the inaugural U.S. Champion Harley Race (181 days.)
While Paul is WWE’s longest-reigning current champion (and the only title holder to still have a title won in 2023) he’s hardly been a fighting champion. Since capturing the title at WWE Crown Jewel from Rey Mysterio, Paul has had just two title defenses. His first came at the Royal Rumble where he earned a DQ win over Kevin Owens. The second sawPaul defeat Owens and Randy Orton at WrestleMania 40.
This alarming statistic will no doubt spark debate as to whether Paul’s reign has gone on too long. In the past, WWE has used a 30-day rule, mandating a title defense once a month or else the champion is stripped of the title. In recent years though, this unwritten rule has quietly been scrapped and champions like Paul can go months without a match.
Proponents of Paul will argue that fans outraged at his sporadic title defenses are only making Paul into a more loathsome heel, a role he has excelled in since arriving in WWE in 2021. For as much ‘heat’ as Paul’s reign has gotten though, there will be plenty who argue that a full-time member of the roster is more deserving of a reign with the gold.
Whether Paul’s title reign ends at SummerSlam or not, the YouTuber-turned-Superstar has his sights set on a richer prize. Paul is confident he can become WWE Champion one day, if he commits fully to wrestling. Paul has challenged twice for the Undisputed WWE Championship but failed on both occasions.
AEW President Tony Khan would love the chance to host his brand of pro wrestling in the Hammerstein Ballroom, which he believes would make a lot of sense.
Speaking to SportsGrid, Khan was asked if AEW would be interested in hosting an event that for years was synonymous with Extreme Championship Wrestling.
“I think that’s a very interesting idea. I’ve never been to the Hammerstein Ballroom. I’d love to do it. I’ve seen great shows there. I think it’s a great venue. I’ve never been. We also have these amazing relationships around New York. For the right event, on the right night, it could make a lot of sense. I’d imagine it would sell out very quickly because it’s not the biggest room, but it is a fascinating setup and a cool looking room. It has great acoustics and is a lot of fun from everything I’ve seen on television. I’d love to check it out in person. It’s a great idea. The Hammerstein Ballroom could be a cool venue sometimes. I haven’t thought much about it, but it’s an awesome idea.”
The Hammerstein Ballroom
The Ballroom was opened in 1906 and renovated in 1997 and has become synonymous with professional wrestling. ECW held several events at the venue including the company’s final two pay-per-views, Massacre on 34th Street in December 2000 and Guilty as Charged in January 2001. When WWE revived ECW, the 2006 and 2006 One Night Stand events were held at the Ballroom.
The venue has also played host to events from Ring of Honor, including Death Before Dishonor 2008 and 2011, as well as most Final Battle events. In 2014 and 2017, ROH teamed with New Japan for their ‘War Of The Worlds’ event inside the famous arena. More recently, GCW hosted its The Wrld On GCW event in January 2022, and the event set a record attendance for the Hammerstein Ballroom.
AEW and ECW
Khan’s idea of running a show making sense rings true given that AEW has often been compared to ECW. With its more envelope-pushing levels of violence, AEW has proven to be quite the alternative to WWE, just as ECW was to the WWF before and during the Attitude Era. It remains to be seen whether AEW will enter the Ballroom, but if so, expect a raucous New York crowd should that event take place.
Jeff Jarrett the former tag-team partner of Owen Hart has been able to get a little bit of closure this year by competing in the 2024 Men’s Tournament.
AEW recently concluded its third-annual Own Hart Foundation Tournament which saw Bryan Danielson and Mariah May emerge on top. Jarrett competed in the tournament but was eliminated in the first round. Speaking this week, an emotional Jarrett addressed what the tournament has meant to him.
“More the 25 years ago when I sat in that seat in St Louis and to gather my thoughts, never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would get this opportunity… I miss him each and every day but tonight not only helps me have a little closure but it gives me extreme pride and I’m incredibly grateful for AEW, for Tony Khan, and for you Martha for persevering, for carrying on the spirit of Owen.”
Oje Hart, Owen’s son, was also present for the interview, and spoke about how much the tournament has also helped him process the loss of his father.
“A lot of time has gone by since he’s gone but I’ve actually never felt closer to him since doing these things. So it’s good for me too it’s really hitting hard, really hitting me.”
Jarrett may not have won the tournament, but merely being able to compete has done the veteran wrestler a world of good. And even 25 years later, it’s clear that the legacy of Owen Hart and all he achieved as a wrestler and a person will never be forgotten.
Fans shouldn’t expect to see Samoa Joe on AEW programming for the foreseeable future, but there’s a very good reason for that.
During the July 10, edition of AEW Dynamite, Joe faced Chris Jericho in a ‘Stampede Street Fight.’ Jericho’s use of a forklift would result in Joe no longer being able to compete and the match was called off with the Learning Tree being declared the winner. Joe was seen being taken away in an ambulance later in the show.
Big Bill, Bryan Keith & the FTW Champion 'The Learning Tree' Chris Jericho look ominously as the ambulance with Samoa Joe inside drives away.
With this attack, Samoa Joe has been written off TV but there’s a very good reason for that. This attack will give the former AEW World Champion the necessary time off to film Twisted Metal’s second season, PW Insider reports. Filming will start later this month and last until October. However it’s reported that there will be breaks during shooting meaning Joe may return before the October date.
Twisted Metal
Twisted Metal is based on the popular vehicular combat video game series of the same name and premiered in July 2023. Joe plays series favorite Sweet Tooth, while Will Arnett (Bojack Horseman, The LEGO Batman Movie) provides the voice of the character.
WWE Auditions
Samoa Joe is the only pro-wrestler attached to the show but that was nearly not the case. WWE’s very own Omos, Cedric Alexander, and Apollo Crews auditioned for the role of Axel in the show, PW Insider reports. Axel made his game debut in Twisted Metal 2. The show is moving ahead without any WWE talent being cast for the role.
All Elite Wrestling and DC Comics will prove to be quite the dynamic duo in an upcoming partnership set to be announced at San Diego Comic-Con.
San Diego Comic-Con 2024 will kick off from the ‘City in Motion’ on July 25 and run until July 28. AEW will make its presence felt at the event with a panel on July 25. A description for AEW’s Ride Inside The Ring And Beyond reads:
“After record-setting attendance inside Wembley Stadium and their biggest year ever, All Elite Wrestling continues to rise from the seeds of a wrestling revolution sewn in 2019 to a powerhouse global phenomenon that’s now home to some of wrestling’s biggest names. This year Comic-Con will be the intersection of major announcements across different fandoms, including a DC Comics partnership and an Adult Swim on-the-ground brand integration. In celebration of their five-year anniversary, AEW stars Swerve Strickland, “Timeless” Toni Storm, Will Ospreay, Orange Cassidy, Britt Baker, and Darby Allin take you inside the ropes for an all-access look at the evolution from a renegade upstart to one of the most watched weekly programs on television.”
At this time, there’s no word on what this partnership with DC Comics will entail, though some are predicting a line of comic books based on AEW talent. The panel in question will take place in Room 6BCF on Thursday, July 25, 2024 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm PDT. More information about the panel and other SDCC events can be found here.
In 2019, AEW and DC Comics teamed up, thanks in part to both companies being partners of Warner Bros. Discovery. This partnership saw artist Howard Porter (The Flash) draw several AEW talent. Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, ‘Hangman’ Adam Page, Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus, Nyla Rose, Cody and Brandi Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega. and Awesome Kong all received the comic-book treatment as part of this partnership.
With wrestlers donning colorful outfits and fighting for good, evil, or somewhere in between, it’s no surprise that the worlds of wrestling and comic books have often been linked. Before realizing that with great power comes great responsibility, Peter Parker tried to make his name as a pro-wrestler before becoming the heroic Spider-Man.
Several wrestlers have been the subject of comic books including The Undertaker, Mankind, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Chyna, and The Rock. The Attitude Era staples were part of WWF’s team-up with the now-defunct Chaos! Comics publisher. In the early 1990s, WCW had its own deal with Marvel while The Ultimate Warrior published his own line of comics under his own ‘Warrior Productions’ label. In more recent years, WWE published their own series of comic books with BOOM! Studios.
WWE Women’s Champion Bayley was thrilled to turn heel in 2019 as she felt at the time that her career in the company had hit a serious stand-still.
Speaking on Cody Rhodes’ new show ‘What Do You Wanna Talk About?’ Bayley reflected on her heel turn, and why she was more than ready at the time.
“I was nervous because I thought what if it didn’t work, but I was also in the spot where that character, the bubbly babyface, wasn’t working either. So I was at a crossroads of ‘If I never try this I’ll never know’… So turning to a bad guy was my decision because I felt that I was going nowhere and the fact that they [WWE] wanted to go with it, it was perfect timing.”
Bayley’s Heel Turn
After years as a bubbly, lovable babyface, Bayley turned heel by helping Sasha Banks attack Becky Lynch with a steel chair. While Bayley justified her role as simply helping a friend, her villainous role was confirmed in the weeks that followed.
In her first pay-per-view match post-aiding Lynch, Bayley retained the SmackDown Women’s Title thanks to the use of an exposed turnbuckle. Again, Bayley played innocent and chalked the use of the turnbuckle on sheer coincidence and not intentional. After losing the title to Charlotte Flair at Hell in a Cell, Bayley regained the gold on the following SmackDown. A new look and theme song made Bayley’s heel turn apparent, as did her butchering of the ‘Bayley Buddies.’
Bayley’s heel turn would work out for the former Hugger who became a highlight of WWE TV, especially during the crowd-less days of the Pandemic. Ironically, Bayley’s work as a heel would become so popular with fans, that it has turned the WWE Women’s Champion into a face, albeit a much different one than before.
WWE Hall of Famer Queen Sharmell may not have had a traditional road to professional wrestling, but her time as a dancer helped prepare her for a life in the ring.
Before joining WCW in late 1998, Sharmell had a career in professional dance which saw her spend over three years working with the legendary James Brown. Speaking to McKenzie Mitchell on Threads, Sharmell was asked how much of her dance career was she able to bring into professional wrestling.
“All of it. [Laughs] Dance is choreography, it’s timing it’s rhythm and you have to have all of that when you’re in the ring with your opponent. Timing is key, rhythm is key so they’re very similar. You always hear the boys say ‘This is not ballet’ and it is not. It definitely is not but there is a certain rhythm and flow that dancers [follow] It’s even when you see football players taking ballet it’s to get that rhythm and that footwork and that type of thing being light on your feet. So I did bring all of that into wrestling.”
Sharmell certainly put her dance background to use upon joining WCW where she initially worked as ‘Storm’ as part of the Nitro Girls dance troupe. As the dancers became more active in storylines, Storm became ‘Paisley’ and became the valet of The Artist Formerly Known as Prince Iaukea.
It wouldn’t be until 2005 that Sharmell began working with her husband Booker T in wrestling. The following year, Sharmell became ‘Queen’ following Booker’s victory in that year’s King of the Ring tournament. Booker was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 and 2019 while Sharmell, a former Miss Black America, took her place by her man’s side in 2022
Dancers In Wrestling
Sharmell is not the only dancer to put their skills to use in the world of professional wrestling. Cassie Lee (fka Peyton Royce) danced for years before stepping in the ring, as did AEW’s CJ Perry. The former Lana graduated from Florida State University with a degree in dance and acting and demonstrated both during her WWE tenure.
Before joining WWE in 2009, Naomi worked as a dancer for the Orlando Magic for two years and also worked as a dancer for WrestleMania-theme provider Flo Rida. Her fellow SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella also danced professionally as a cheerleader for the New England Patriots and the LA Lakers. In 2013, Carmella put down her pom-poms and followed her father into the family business of professional wrestling.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.
Ex-WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey is more than happy to see WWE succeed in its ‘new era’ as she believes anybody would be a better alternative than Vince McMahon.
Speaking to CBS Sports, the former Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion didn’t hold back when asked for her stance on WWE’s changes in leadership this year.
“I think anyone’s better than Vince McMahon. The only place you can go is up. I really enjoy Triple H and working with him, and honestly, I haven’t been watching, but I saw something from Nattie [Neidhart] saying that they had a card recently that had just as many women on it as the men.
“That’s what I would really like to see. The women equally represented with not just matches on the card, but time on the show. I feel there’s no place they could go but up and I’m really, really happy for all the women still there and thriving under the new regime.”
Vince McMahon’s Banishment
The 78-year-old McMahon parted ways with WWE for the second time in January 2024 following Janel Grant filing a lawsuit against both himself and WWE. The lawsuit alleges that McMahon was abusive to Grant during their relationship and that he trafficked her to other men in WWE. McMahon’s legal team has denied all claims against him and have stated that Grant’s lawsuit is the action of a bitter ex.
Since parting ways with McMahon, WWE has done all it can to keep the ex-Chairman’s name away from their own. When asked about McMahon during the Money in the Bank post-show, WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque said he could not comment on an ongoing legal matter. In addition to the Grant lawsuit, McMahon is also facing a federal investigation.
Rousey’s stance on McMahon is hardly a new one as the UFC Hall of Famer has been outspoken against him and WWE for some time now. In her book Our Fight, Rousey calls McMahon the ‘Emperor Palpatine’ of wrestling, a nod to the Star Wars antagonist. Rousey adds that it is difficult to tell where the “evil, unethical, slimeball character” of Mr. McMahon ends and where Vince McMahon begins.
Speaking to News Nation in April 2024, Rousey said the allegations against McMahon are “not surprising.” She added that any would-be good samaritan in WWE is “being held hostage” by the risk of being punished if they speak out against McMahon. Nevertheless, McMahon’s time with WWE has ended and it’s unlikely we’ll ever see his famous strut ever again.
Prior to her recent hiatus, Baker had established herself as one of the top women in AEW. When Britt appeared on the Nikki & Brie Show, the conversation turned to a possible match between Baker and the former Nikki Bella.
Britt: It’s right here for you. Do you want it? Because I’m right here, if you need an opponent.
Nikki: I would come out of retirement for you.
Britt: I would love nothing more.
Nikki: You know what? This is my one thing: Doing a comeback, because I do wanna do a comeback in a few years…
Nikki’s most recent match was as part of the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble which was won by the returning Ronda Rousey. Whilst the WWE Hall of Famer hasn’t competed since then, she has shown interest in joining AEW in the past. Of course, it would be up to Tony Khan whether a deal is offered to Garcia, but if that is the case, Baker is waiting for the longest-reigning WWE Divas Champion.
In the meantime, Garcia will continue to grow her media profile outside of the squared circle. The WWE Hall of Famer was recently announced for season three of the hit series The Traitors U.S. in which celebrities will try and decide which members aren’t telling the truth. Garcia has also appeared on Dancing With The Stars (where she met her now husband) and it remains to be seen if one more match is in her future.
Blood & Guts is one of the most dangerous stipulation matches in professional wrestling. It’s AEW’s take on War Games, the double-cage, anything-goes team warfare match originated by the late ‘American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes in the 1980’s.
AEW introduced Blood & Guts in 2021, and has run the match each year ever since on a special-themed edition of AEW Dynamite. The match returns this year on Wednesday, July 24 from Nashville, TN. AEW Blood & Guts 2024 will feature Team Elite against Team AEW.
The first four Blood & Guts matches have featured only men, but is there a specific reason for this? Tony Khan appeared on the Battleground Podcast this week and said there’s no policy preventing a Women’s Blood & Guts match. In fact, he thinks it’s a great under as long as there’s a good story to support it.
“At some point, it would be great to have a women’s Blood & Guts match,” said Khan. “I think you need a lot of people [involved with] the story, and a lot of healthy people,” Khan said. “We have a great roster that we’re building up, and I think our women’s roster is stronger than it’s ever been right now today and I’m really excited about that. So, if we ever get to the point where we’ve got enough people tied together and the story makes sense, I think it would be great.”
5th Time’s A Charm?
There has never been a Women’s Blood and Guts match. Blood & Guts 2024 will feature two teams of male competitors, just like the first three.
The inaugural Blood & Guts match (The Inner Circle vs. The Pinnacle) took place on May 5, 2021, after being delayed from its original March 2020 date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The second Blood & Guts match (Jericho Appreciation Society vs. Blackpool Combat Club, Eddie Kingston, Santana, and Ortiz) occurred in June 2022.
The third and most recent Blood & Guts match (The Golden Elite vs. Blackpool Combat Club, Konosuke Takeshita, and Pac) was held on July 19, 2023, at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Several women on the AEW roster have expressed interest in participating, including Willow Nightingale and Skye Blue. WWE regularly features women’s Money in the Bank and WarGames matches. As we saw at the conclusion of this week’s AEW Dynamite, they’re not exactly preventing the women from getting as bloody and violent as the men. The question of a Women’s Blood & Guts match is about when it will happen, not if it will happen.
Stephanie Vaquer became one of the most talked-about free agents in professional wrestling following her release from CMLL and NJPW, and she has now seemingly signed with WWE.
Here is everything you need to know about the latest WWE signee.
Who is Stephanie Vaquer? Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on March 29, 1993, in San Antonio, Valparaiso Region, Chile, Stephanie Vaquer, whose real name is Stephanie Beatriz Vaquer, began her wrestling training at a young age.
She trained under prominent wrestling figures such as Paul Slandering, Gran Apache, Ricky Marvin, and Villano IV, making her professional debut in February 2009.
Rise in Lucha Libre
Vaquer’s talent quickly shone through in the world of Lucha Libre. She competed in various promotions, including Alianza Universal De Lucha Libre (AULL) where she won the AULL Women’s Championship.
Her performances led her to be signed by Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where she won multiple championships, including the CMLL World Women’s Championship and the CMLL World Women’s Tag Team Championship.
Major Achievements and Wrestling Style
Championships and Accomplishments
Stephanie Vaquer has held numerous titles throughout her already impressive career. In addition to her CMLL accolades, she captured the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship, which she held before losing it to Mercedes Mone at the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024 PPV event.
Stephanie Vaquer Finisher
Vaquer’s signature and finishing moves include the Package Backbreaker, Cross Armbreaker, and the Dragon Screw Legwhip, which have earned her respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Recent Highlights
AEW and NJPW STRONG Appearances
As noted, Stephanie Vaquer made headlines at AEW’s Forbidden Door 2024 event, where she faced Mercedes Moné in a champion vs. champion match.
Although Vaquer dominated much of the match, Moné emerged victorious, securing the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship.
This match was reportedly a major reason why WWE decided to show interest in signing her, as she arguably had one of the best matches of the night against a former WWE Superstar in Mone/Sasha Banks.
Stephanie Vaquer Boyfriend: A tumultuous situation
The big question after Vaquer’s release from CMLL is where she will be heading next. According to the latest reliable reports, she is in fact headed to WWE.
BREAKING: Stephanie Vaquer leaves NJPW and CMLL, signs with WWE likely to appear on NXT, Shawn Michaels welcomes her. pic.twitter.com/yUuWD5POVe
All Elite Wrestling isn’t holding back with their 250th episode of Dynamite with a stacked card already announced for the July 17, show.
Close to five years after the first episode of Dynamite in October 2019, AEW will celebrate its milestone figure next week from the Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The crowd will not only get to watch the 250th episode of Dynamite, but AEW will also tape the July 19, edition of Rampage at the show.
MJF Vs. Will Ospreay
On the July 10, edition of Dynamite, MJF, fresh off last week’s heel turn, had some verbal barbs for Will Ospreay. MJF belittled the “flippy guy” and said he’s seen countless wrestlers like Ospreay come and go throughout his career. MJF then announced his plans to challenge Ospreay for the AEW International Title next week. Ospreay, who was in the ring, accepted the challenge.
"If you get in the ring with me, you will be exposed."
It will be champion vs. champion next week when AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland faces AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada. Strickland appeared following Bryan Danielson’s victory in the Owen Hart Men’s Tournament and spoke about his challenger for AEW All In.
Strickland also revealed that he will be on Team AEW against the Elite for the upcoming Blood & Guts match. Strickland ended his promo by challenging Okada for a match for Dynamite 250 that has been made official, and added that All In will be Bryan Danielson’s ‘final countdown.’
#AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland makes a challenge to the AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada!
At Forbidden Door, Mercedes Mone became a double champion and the CEO is ready to take on (almost) all comers. On Twitter, Mone said that she will defend her titles in an open challenge on AEW Dynamite 250. This challenge can be accepted by anyone, with the exception of Britt Baker.
To celebrate #AEWDynamite250 next week in Little Rock, I am going to have an open challenge for my TBS Title. The challenge is open to any woman on the AEW Roster except @RealBrittBaker
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) July 11, 2024
AEW star Chris Jericho recently addressed his potential retirement from professional wrestling, stating that he will know when it’s time to hang up his boots.
Appearing on the McGuire on Wrestling podcast, Jericho opened up about retirement from in-ring action, revealing that for now, he hasn’t thought about it.
“I’ll know when it’s time, you know? I’m really enjoying what I’m doing and I’m still contributing at a high level. I can still have the best match on the show on any given night — not every night but any given night. And I just really love what we’re doing with AEW right now. So there’s really no rush on that. And when I know, I’ll know.”
The current FTW Champion is an active member of the AEW roster, leading the stable The Learning Tree. For now, Jericho doesn’t seem like he’s going to stop anytime soon in the ring.
Chris Jericho on John Cena’s Retirement Announcement
On the same podcast, Jericho was asked to share his thoughts about Cena’s retirement tour.
“My career is already longer than John Cena’s. No, I mean it’s great. John’s always had a great love for wrestling and he’s got a great connection with the fans, so I think it’s a cool way to go about it.”
Jericho added that fans know this is going to be it for Cena, as he’s not the type to say anything lightly. “I’m sure it’s going to be a really great year-and-a-half for Cena fans and for John Cena himself,” he added.
Cena made his surprise return at WWE Money in the Bank, where he announced his retirement. It is not yet known when and where his final match will take place, but we will see him in action at major events such as Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania.
