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Most Controversial Vince McMahon WWE Segments Ranked

Jake Skudder
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Vince McMahon, the former CEO and Chairman of WWE, has been a controversial figure both on and off-screen throughout his career. His outrageous on-screen persona, “Mr. McMahon,” has been involved in some of the most shocking and memorable segments in WWE history. Let’s rank the most controversial Vince McMahon WWE segments that have left fans talking for years.

5. Vince McMahon Makes Out with Trish Stratus in front of his wife

In a storyline that blurred the lines between fiction and reality, McMahon engaged in an on-screen affair with Trish Stratus

The Controversial Scene

During a RAW segment in 2001, McMahon made out with Stratus just a few feet away from his wife, who was in a wheelchair.

Public Outrage

This segment was widely criticized for its insensitivity and the disrespect shown to McMahon’s real-life wife.

4. Vince McMahon Makes Trish Stratus Bark Like a Dog

In a segment that pushed the boundaries of taste and decency, McMahon humiliated WWE star Trish Stratus on live TV

The Degrading Act

McMahon forced Stratus to get on her knees, bark like a dog, and then strip down to her underwear in front of a cheering crowd

Public Reaction

While the Attitude Era audience cheered, this segment has since been heavily criticized for its degrading treatment of women in recent years.

3. Vince McMahon Chokes His Daughter Stephanie

In a disturbing display of on-screen violence, McMahon physically assaulted his own daughter during an “I Quit” match

The Match

Vince booked himself against Stephanie in a match where he repeatedly slammed her around the ring

The Shocking Conclusion

The segment ended with Vince choking Stephanie with a steel pipe, forcing his wife to throw in the towel to stop the assault

2. Vince McMahon Takes on God

In perhaps one of the most controversial storylines of his career, McMahon feuded with God himself

The ‘Blasphemous’ Angle

During a feud with Shawn Michaels, McMahon not only mocked Michaels’ religious beliefs but also claimed to be equal to God.

Backlash and Criticism

This storyline faced significant backlash, with many viewers finding it offensive and inappropriate for television.

1. Vince McMahon Uses the N-Word

In one of the most shocking and offensive moments in WWE history, Vince McMahon used the N-word on live television

The Incident

During a backstage segment with John Cena, McMahon casually used the racial slur, with Booker T standing just a few feet away

The Fallout

This incident sparked outrage and criticism, with many calling out McMahon for his irresponsible and racist behavior.

Honorable Mentions

  • The Montreal Screwjob: While not a scripted segment, this real-life double-cross remains one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history.
  • The Higher Power Reveal: McMahon’s unveiling as the leader of the Ministry of Darkness shocked audiences.
  • McMahon-Helmsley Era: The revelation of Stephanie McMahon’s alliance with Triple H kicked off a dominant heel faction.
  • Vince McMahon’s Limo Explosion: A storyline where McMahon appeared to die in a limo explosion, which was later dropped due to real-life tragedy.

Vince McMahon’s controversial segments have often pushed the boundaries of good taste and acceptable content on television. While some of these moments are remembered as peak entertainment of the Attitude Era, others are viewed as examples of how far wrestling storylines can go astray.

Mercedes Mone: Vince McMahon’s Disrespect Drove Me Out of WWE

Michael Reichlin
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Mercedes Mone (formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE) recently revealed that disrespectful treatment by Vince McMahon was a key factor in her decision to leave WWE—a career she once considered her dream.

While promoting AEW’s Grand Slam event in New York City, Mone appeared on The Breakfast Club, where she candidly discussed her departure from WWE and shared her thoughts on McMahon, the subject of the Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon.

Mone explained that personal issues, particularly how McMahon spoke to her in a demeaning manner, played a significant role in her decision to leave. She felt “talked down to” and realized it was time to move on.

“I left for many different reasons. A lot of personal stuff happened with myself and the Chairman at the time. I didn’t like how he talked to me and how I was talked down to. I was like, ‘It’s time to listen to your soul and your heart.’

Sasha Banks and Vince McMahon backstage in WWE
Sasha Banks and Vince McMahon backstage in WWE
(Photo: WWE)

A turning point came when she experienced what she described as a “light” urging her to follow her heart. She recognized that staying in WWE would negatively impact her future and the values she wanted to live by and instill in others.

“There was a light that came to me, and I left WWE. A guide told me, ‘That day he talked to me a little crazy. It was enough for my source of light to come into my body and go, “If you stay, that’s not okay. This is for the rest of your life. What are you going to teach your kids? What are you going to teach people?”’

Mercedes Mone’s Inspirational Message

Ultimately, Mone’s decision was about standing up for herself. She reflected on the long-term consequences of staying in a toxic environment, considering how it might affect her children, her fans, and her own well-being. After spending a decade in WWE, Mone left to pursue a better path for herself.

“After ten years, if you’re feeling like this from words, you have to stand up for yourself. That’s what I did. A light came to me and said, ‘You have to walk away and do something better for yourself.’”

Longtime fans know to “never say never” in pro wrestling, and there are legions of Sasha Banks fans hoping she’ll return to WWE one day. Mone calls AEW her home and has “the best” relationship with the company. She feels mentally and physically at her best, feels blessed to be living out new dreams after 14 years in the industry.

Critics: Netflix’s McMahon Doc Is Heavy On Scandals, Lacks New Insight

Thomas Lowson
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The reviews are in for Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries, with the consensus being that a more thorough in-depth analysis could have been conducted on WWE’s ex-CEO.

The six-part series was first announced in 2020 with interviews beginning the following year, before the ‘hush money’ scandal that forced McMahon into retirement in 2022. While McMahon was interviewed for the project, his clips come from before Janel Grant’s lawsuit in January 2024 that resulted in McMahon’s second exile. As a card in the doc states, McMahon refused to give any more interviews after Grant’s lawsuit went public and McMahon himself has distanced himself from the series.

The Reviews Are In

Garrett Martin of Paste Magazine is among those who believe Mr. McMahon comes up short when trying to give a complete picture of arguably wrestling’s most controversial figure, and again fails to demonstrate the harm McMahon’s tactics have had on others.

“Mr. McMahon fails to paint a full portrait of the man, or to fully contend with the negative impact he’s had on so many. And interviewing him doesn’t add much of value.”

Ryan Woodrow of Men’s Journal agrees that while the docuseries could have given further analysis, it does at least cover the bulk of McMahon’s many controversies.

“It digs up every skeleton he has and puts it on display – even if I don’t think it adequately examines most of them.”

The Wall Street Journal’s John Anderson has a more favorable review, arguing that this documentary series will be the closest analysis fans will get of the 79-year-old McMahon.

“[Chris] Smith [the Filmmaker] probably gives us as honest a portrait of his subject as one is likely to get—despite Mr. McMahon’s claims of being a sphinx, something with which his ex-employees concur.”

Adam Silverstein of CBS Sports believes that the series will prove to be ground-breaking for those unfamiliar with McMahon, but light on revelations for its core audience.

“Those unfamiliar with the intimate details about McMahon’s personal and business life will receive a thorough education. Die-hard wrestling fans will be familiar with nearly all of the stories and controversies.”

And BJ Colangelo of Slash Film believes that a phrase from McMahon’s repertoire is best suited to describe Mr. McMahon.

“This Netflix docuseries didn’t screw Vince McMahon. Vince McMahon screwed Vince McMahon.”

Mr. McMahon premieres Wednesday, Sept. 25 on Netflix.

Bret Hart – The Kliq Killed Wrestling With MSG Curtain Call

Thomas Lowson
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In 2024, kayfabe is a fluid entity in professional wrestling, with many wrestlers acting out of character out of the ring and on social media. In 1996 though, kayfabe was strictly maintained, until a quartet of wrestlers decided to ‘kill’ professional wrestling in the eyes of Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart’

The Curtain Call – What Happened?

On May 19, 1996, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall wrestled their final WWF matches before leaving for WCW with Hall beating Triple H while Nash lost to Shawn Michaels. After the latter match, the four friends embraced and posed in the ring, despite Nash and Triple H being heels while Michaels and Hall were faces. The incident was dubbed ‘The Curtain Call’ as it pulled back the curtain to fans, shattering kayfabe for the live crowd in MSG.

Bret Hart – The Kliq Killed Wrestling

Appearing on Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries, Hart makes his views clear on the actions of The Kliq, who he believes changed the perception of wrestling on that night in New York.

“They killed wrestling that day. That was when wrestling wasn’t real anymore. We’d pulled the curtain back and said, ‘This is how it works.’ That was the unveiling of the new direction that wrestling would be. It’s not wrestling anymore. It’s entertainment.”

The Hitman Punches McMahon

Hart’s feelings on The Kliq are similar to those of McMahon, who opted not to punish Michaels, the newly-crowned WWF Champion at the time. In the docuseries, Hart recalls attacking McMahon after the Montreal Screwjob and makes his current feelings on the former WWE Chairman crystal clear.

“[Punching McMahon was] Probably the best thing I ever did and he deserved every bit of that.”

Netflix’s Mr. McMahon has proven to be a captivating watch and offers insight from those who know the controversial billionaire best. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from Bret Hart as the Hitman isn’t holding back with his views on the world of wrestling.

Natalya Labels NXT ‘Magical Place’ Ahead of Ushering In New Era On CW

Bishal Roy
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Veteran wrestler Natalya is excited as NXT ushers in a new era with its move to the CW. Last night’s edition of the show marked the last time it aired on USA Network. NXT will premiere on The CW on October 1st after being on the USA Network for more than five years.

Several legendary wrestlers have competed on NXT over the years, and many of them reflected on the end of an era. ‘The Queen of Harts’ recently wrote on social media that some of her greatest memories were created at NXT. The former Women’s Champion stated that it was a magical place for a wrestler to perform and truly feel like a star.

Natalya has, “so much love for the brand and for USA Network family”. The veteran star also said that she was excited to see the brand continue to shine following its move to The CW.

Natalya had competed at the first NXT TakeOver in 2014. Since then she has made a handful of appearances over the years. Earlier this year, she recently had a run on the brand and even faced Lola Vice in an NXT Underground match.

After being away for months, ‘The Queen of Harts’ returned on the September 9th edition of WWE Raw which was the season premiere of WWE’s flagship show. She had a triumphant return as her team comprising Lyra Valkyria and Zelina Vega defeated the Pure Fusion Collective trio of Zoey Stark, Shayna Baszler, & Sonya Deville. The following week she defeated Zoey Stark in a singles match. Natalya recently spoke in detail about her absence from the company.

Netflix Producer Details Trouble Filming With Vince McMahon

Dominic DeAngelo
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From the get-go, Bill Simmons and the Netflix team knew Vince McMahon was going to be a tough nut to crack at filming the “Mr. McMahon” docuseries, but one producer saw the complications first-hand.

Speaking on Bill Simmons podcast ahead of the “Mr. McMahon” release, David Shoemaker of “The Masked Man” podcast explained in detail how exhausting it was to get Vince to not just to open up, but to actually show up for the interview sessiions.

“We would show up to shoot and then just be all like, all day long be getting updates from Vince’s Secretary about his ETA, like six hours, eight hours before the shoot, pushing it back an hour, pushing it back another hour, pushing it back another hour, and then he would roll in at 11 PM, you know, pitch black with his little crew around him and shake everybody’s hand and say thank you for being here, and then go into hair and makeup, and just emerge in the same outfit that he was wearing for every shoot. It was just such a bizarre situation.”

The full series of “Mr. McMahon” released Wednesday morning on Netflix and Shoemaker happened to be one of the many names interviewed for the six episodes. There has been plenty of early feedback from fans on social media regarding the series.

McMahon certainly is not a big proponent of the docuseries getting released at all. Earlier this week, McMahon condemned it as “conflating” Vince the person with the “Mr. McMahon” character. Reports also came out that McMahon literally tried to buy the documentary from Netflix before it aired.

H/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.

Joe Tessitore Shines on WWE Raw, Fans and Peers Take Notice

Dominic DeAngelo
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Former ESPN boxing announcer Joe Tessitore is proving to be a “knockout” in his new role as the lead commentator on WWE Raw.

Tessitore made a strong debut several weeks ago during WWE Raw’s season premiere, and the former voice of Monday Night Football is letting both his professionalism and enthusiasm shine in the best possible ways. As a result, his peers are taking notice.

WWE has a history of vocal stalwarts, from the legendary Jim Ross to the adaptable Michael Cole, but the role of lead commentator has been far from easy for others.

However, Tessitore has struck the right balance early on. His best work so far may have come during his call of a major title change on Monday, when Jey Uso defeated Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship.

What His Peers Are Saying

Tony Schiavone

Legendary announcer Tony Schiavone has taken note of Tessitore’s early work. The former WCW play-by-play man, now a color commentator for AEW, has decades of experience in the pro wrestling world. He sees greatness in Tessitore’s performances but also believes he’ll face stiff competition from his current colleague, Excalibur.

On his What Happened When podcast, Schiavone said:

“I’m sure he will do well. And I’m sure that Nick Khan is paying him a big chunk of money. I’m sure he is gonna end up being one of the best, I would hope, play-by-play men in wrestling I don’t think he’ll be in the class of Excalibur, but then again, right now, in this day and age, no-one is. He’s amazing.”

– Tony Schiavone on Joe Tessitore’s role in WWE

Adnan Virk

Adnan Virk knows Tessitore from their days working together at ESPN, and believes “Tess” can be as good as Michael Cole one day. During an interview with sports media analyst Richard Deitsch, Virk says Tessitore supported him during his time at WWE, and is thrilled that his friend now has the opportunity to succeed at something he struggled with.

“[WWE fans are] very tough to impress. So if you can come in and let’s say, 60 percent of them like Tess, that is a resounding victory and I’m sure that number is higher but, it’ll only grow. eventually, they’ll understand Tess and his cadence and like I said, the fact that he’s passionate about it and he knows it, and he’s a hell of an announcer. Like I said, I think Michael Cole is outstanding, But I’m sure Tess at some point can reach those levels as well and it’s obviously a great hire for Nick [Khan].

Adnan Virk on Joe Tessitore in WWE

Tessitore’s Self-Assessment:

Following his WWE Raw debut, Tessitore reviewed his own performance with Jackie Redmond, thinking that he could have done better, but also expressing his long-time fandom of pro wrestling noting he loved heels like “Mr. Wonderfu”l Paul Orndorff

I was so impressed with Tessitore’s performance at the time, that I wrote a full review of his work in a SEScoops exclusive feature.

John Cena Joins Meta’s AI Chatbot with Star-Studded Celebrity Voices

Dominic DeAngelo
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You may not be able to see John Cena, but soon you’ll be able to hear him—in AI chatbot form—courtesy of Meta.

The future WWE Hall of Famer will lend his voice as an AI chatbot on Meta’s platforms, joining a list of notable celebrities. In addition to Cena, users can select voices like Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina, Kristen Bell, and Dame Judi Dench.

Among these big names, Cena may have the broadest reach, thanks to his dual success in WWE and Hollywood. Recently, he filmed an ad with Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to promote Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses. In a playful twist, Cena delivered a signature uppercut to Zuckerberg in the ad, a moment Zuckerberg shared on his Instagram.

Cena is no stranger to the world of advertising. He’s been the voice of Honda vehicles for several years and has worked with brands like Experian and Wonderful Pistachios.

In addition to commercials, Cena has extensive experience in voice acting. He’s voiced himself in WWE-related Scooby-Doo cartoons, starred as the title character in the 2017 animated film Ferdinand, and recently voiced Rocksteady in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

AEW Dynamite Grand Slam Preview: Moxley vs. Allin, Danielson vs. McGuinness

Andrew Ravens
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AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam airs tonight at 8/7c on TBS, live from the historci Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY. This episode will feature championship matches, and Nigel McGuiness coming out of retirement to battle AEW World Championship Bryan Danielson.

AEW Grand Slam Dynamite Preview
(airs live Wednesday, Sep. 25 at 8/7c on TBS)

  • Coming Out Of Retirement Match: Nigel McGuinness vs. AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson (*if Danielson is medically cleared to compete)
  • AEW World Championship Opportunity: Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin
  • AEW World Tag Team Championships: The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) (c) vs. Kyle Fletcher and Will Ospreay
  • AEW Women’s World Championship: Mariah May (c) vs. Yuka Sakazaki
  • AEW Trios Championships Open Challenge: Pac, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta (c) vs. TBA
  • Lumberjack Strap Match: Hangman Page vs. Jeff Jarrett
AEW Grand Slam 2024 Previews
AEW Grand Slam 2024: Advertised lineups for Dynamite and Collision from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY

After Dynamite goes off the air, AEW will tape Saturday’s Collision, which also has a jam-packed advertised lineup.

AEW Grand Slam Collision Preview
(airs Saturday, Sep. 28 at 8/7c on TNT)

  • Tornado Trios Match: The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho, Big Bill, and Bryan Keith) vs. The Conglomeration
  • AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Sammy Guevara
  • AEW TNT Championship Open Challenge: Jack Perry vs. TBD
  • Saraya’s Rules Match: Saraya vs. Jamie Hayter
  • Lumberjack Strap Match: Hangman Page vs. Jeff Jarrett (Note: This match is listed for both shows, likely taped for Collision after being live on Dynamite)
  • Three-Way Lucha Libre Match for Hispanic Heritage Month: The Beast Mortos vs. Hologram vs. Dralistico
  • MxM Collection Segment: Unveiling of Max Caster’s jacket makeover

Watch the New Vince McMahon Docuseries on Netflix

Michael Reichlin
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The highly-anticipated Netflix docuseries, Mr. McMahon, premiered on September 25, 2024 and is now available for streaming (subscription required)1.

The series explores the controversial life and career of Vince McMahon, the former WWE Chairman who revolutionized the world of professional wrestling. Known for his larger-than-life persona both in and out of the ring, McMahon’s story is filled with success, controversy, and behind-the-scenes drama that shaped the WWE into the global phenomenon it is today.

Watch Mr. McMahon on Netflix here

The series consists of six episodes, each approximately one hour long. Directed by Chris Smith (Tiger King), Mr. McMahon includes over 100 hours of interviews with McMahon, WWE personalities, journalists, and McMahon’s family.

Whether you’ve been following our updates on the docuseries or are just learning about it this is your chance to get inside the mind of Vince McMahon—from the creation of WrestleMania to the major controversies that marked his career.

Stay tuned to our site for more coverage and analysis of what we uncover from this series.

  1. Netflix offers various subscription plans that give you access to its full library, including the Mr. McMahon docuseries, which can be streamed on multiple devices depending on your plan. ↩︎

Vince McMahon Says ‘Third Brain’ Is Thinking Of Sex In Netflix Finale

Thomas Lowson
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Netflix’s Mr. McMahon docuseries aims to give viewers an in-depth look at the life, career, and legacy of Vince McMahon, over two years after his initial retirement from WWE. McMahon gave several interviews for the project, first announced back in 2020, and the 79-year-old billionaire wasn’t afraid to broach the topic of sex.

During the final episode of the six-part docuseries, McMahon speaks candidly about how his brain processes things and considers his mind to be akin to different computers.

“I have, not two different brains, but like, computers in my head and sometimes they work against me. I have one computer talking to you right now and there’s another one going on with me thinking something completely different.”

McMahon goes on to explain how he has a third ‘computer’ that thinks of completely unrelated matters, which has made it difficult for McMahon to be normal.

“And then there’s a third one sometimes… And so it’s difficult for me sometimes to pay attention to things. It’s bothered me through the years because all I wanted to be was normal. I wanted to fit in. But I deal with it.”

When asked what this third brain is thinking of at the moment, McMahon said:

“Something having a lot of fun and it’s involving sex.”

McMahon’s comments come amid a paused lawsuit against him filed by Janel Grant who alleges she was abused and trafficked by McMahon and John Laurinaitis. McMahon was interviewed for the Netflix docuseries before the allegations that resulted in him stepping down from WWE twice within the span of two years.

Vince McMahon And Netflix

McMahon has distanced himself from the Mr. McMahon docuseries, claiming in a statement that it has misrepresented him with selective editing and out-of-context footage. Ann Callis, Grant’s attorney, has criticized McMahon and his attempts to categorize the allegations made as a consensual affair.

Vince McMahon will forever be tied to pro wrestling but his legacy will forever be linked to the allegations by Grant and others. Mr. McMahon is now available to watch on Netflix.

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SEScoops.

WWE 2K24 coming to PlayStation Plus for October 2024

Jake Skudder
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In a major announcement that has wrestling fans and gamers buzzing, WWE 2K24 is set to join the PlayStation Plus lineup for October 2024. This news comes as part of Sony’s recent State of Play event, where they unveiled the free games available to PlayStation Plus subscribers for the upcoming month.

Grapple with WWE 2K24 at No Extra Cost

Starting October 1, 2024, PlayStation Plus members will be able to download and play WWE 2K24 on both PS4 and PS5 consoles without any additional charge. 

This offer provides an excellent opportunity for wrestling fans who haven’t yet experienced the latest installment in the popular WWE 2K franchise.

Key Features of WWE 2K24

Expanded Universe Mode

One of the game’s standout features is the enhanced Universe Mode. Here, players can create their own WWE superstar, craft compelling heel or face storylines, and work their way up to championship glory. This immersive experience allows fans to live out their wrestling dreams in unprecedented detail.

Improved Gameplay and Graphics

While WWE 2K24 may not be a revolutionary leap from its predecessor, it does offer refinements and improvements across the board. The game boasts enhanced graphics, smoother gameplay mechanics, and a variety of match types to keep players engaged.

Part of an Exciting October Lineup

WWE 2K24 isn’t entering the PlayStation Plus ring alone. It’s joined by two other notable titles:

  1. Dead Space (PS5) – A remake of the classic sci-fi horror game.
  2. Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! (PS4, PS5) – A psychological horror game disguised as a dating sim.

Nigel McGuinness Opens Up About Crowd Reaction For His All In Return

Anutosh Bajpai
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Nigel McGuinness is just looking to prove that he’s the better wrestler when he faces Bryan Danielson at this Wednesday’s Gram Slam special of AEW Dynamite.

The wrestling veteran had an interview with Battleground podcast to promote the upcoming AEW special. He talked about things such as when he first decided to make an in-ring return, what his journey to get back into ring shape has been like, and more.

When asked what is the thing he is looking forward to the most this Wednesday, apart from defeating Danielson, McGuinness noted that he is excited to be in front of a live crowd again:

“I just think the experience of being in front of those people again. It’s something that I arguably took for granted when I was a wrestler. I suppose I still am a wrestler to that extent. But when I walked out at Wembley Stadium and got that reaction, it was just incredible. So heartwarming to be remembered that way and respected that way.”

You Just Need People To Care: Nigel McGuinness

The former ROH Champion knows that the reaction in New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium will not be the same as his home country, but Nigel McGuinness feels that any kind of reaction from the crowd is a good reaction:

“So I know it’s not going to be the same reaction. There’s going to be plenty of people in New York that don’t like me. But I’ve always said, when people ask me about getting in the job, ‘What do you need?’ ‘You just need people to care about you.’

It was always the case with me—people either loved me or hated me—but as long as they had an opinion, that was all that mattered. I think there’s going to be a lot of that, hopefully.

A lot of those people who followed our careers since Ring of Honor are going to come out and really want to see who can prove that today they are the better wrestler. That’s all I’m trying to do. I’m just trying to show that all this success he’s had should have, could have, and would have been mine in a different universe.”

Apart from the match between McGuinness and the AEW World Champion, the show will also feature bouts such as Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin, The Young Bucks vs. Kyle Fletcher & Will Ospreay and more.

Vince McMahon Parts With PR Firm Ahead of Netflix Docuseries Launch

Thomas Lowson
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This week, four years after it was first announced, Netflix’s docuseries about the life, career, and legacy of Vince McMahon will launch on the streaming giant. In the run-up to its launch, McMahon had begun working with a PR film, but now Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reports that this partnership has come to an end.

McMahon is no longer being represented by Sitrick And Company, a firm that he’d been aligned with since April of this year. When asked about the reason for the end of the relationship, Michael Sitrick, founder of the firm, refused to go into in-house details, stating “With respect to clients, we don’t comment beyond the fact that we are no longer working together.”

Sitrick And Company

Like his now-former client, Sitrick has garnered quite a reputation in his field, with Fortune once calling him an “accomplished practitioner of the dark arts of public relations.” The L.A. Times had a similar take to Sitrick, calling him a “puppet master” who’s pulled the strings behind some of the media’s biggest stories. Sitrick And Company has presented some huge names including Pepsi, Make-A-Wish, and the late Kobe Bryant.

Mr. McMahon on Netflix

It’s not just Sitrick And Company that McMahon has distanced himself from in recent days. This week, McMahon issued a statement criticizing Netflix’s docuseries about him, arguing that it misrepresents him through editorial choices and out-of-context footage. It’s been reported that McMahon attempted a ‘Catch-and-Kill’ on the docuseries; attempting to buy the rights to it to prevent it ever being released but Netflix refused to sell. This attempt, and a subsequent offer from Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, was made before WWE reached a deal with Netflix to bring WWE Raw to streaming in January 2025.

Over two years on from his initial departure from WWE, McMahon remains a controversial figure among fans and those in the industry. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Vince McMahon and his efforts to handle his legacy in this post-WWE chapter of his life.

Stephanie Vaquer Makes WWE NXT Debut, Sets Sights On Title Gold

Thomas Lowson
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Stephanie Vaquer signed with WWE in July of this year and following her debut match at a Mexico City live event, made clear she would be coming to NXT. Now, the former CMLL Women’s Champion has made good on that vow and has her sights set on becoming the WWE NXT Women’s Champion.

This week’s WWE NXT (the final before the gold brand’s move to The CW) saw Roxanne Perez and Giulia field questions ahead of next week’s title match. Speaking from San Fernando, Chile, and appearing via satellite, Vaquer interrupted proceedings, asking what the pair would do knowing they have her waiting for them on the other end of the title match.

While this marked Vaquer’s WWE NXT debut, it’s been teased for some time that Vaquer would be entering the women’s title picture. Mere days after Vaquer joined WWE, Roxanne Perez declared her superiority over both Vaquer and Giulia, making clear that the NXT Women’s Champion is keeping a close eye on her potential challenger.

Whether it’s Perez or Giulia who hold the gold this time next week, Stephanie Vaquer is waiting in the wings for a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the CMLL alum and her role in NXT’s new era on The CW.

Rey Fenix Teases New Chapter as Lucha Bros. Future Remains Uncertain

Thomas Lowson
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Rey Fenix, alongside Penta El Zero Miedo, has been with All Elite Wrestling since 2019 and the Lucha Bros. are considered one of the greatest tag teams in the company’s history. As of late, there’s been plenty of talk about the future of the tag team in wrestling, and now a social media post from Fenix has left fans believing something big is coming.

On Instagram, Fenix shared several photos, many of which came from his time with All Elite Wrestling. Fenix’s caption “Bendita Lucha Libre, Gracias por todo” (Bless Lucha Libre, thanks for everything) certainly suggested that he is preparing to start a new chapter in his career.

image 25

Fenix’s post comes amid reports that he and Penta could soon be part of WWE, if they’re not already. Last month, it was reported that the Lucha Bros. were expected to leave AEW, and when Fenix withdrew from an independent event, many saw it as a sign he’d already joined WWE. Last week, it was reported that the pair had signed a multi-year deal with WWE, one that would see them skip WWE NXT and head straight to the main roster. The comments on the Instagram post saw many wishing the pair well in WWE, believing they are leaving AEW to join Tony Khan’s chief rival.

An update has stated that Fenix and Penta are still under contract with AEW, raising questions as to what the future of the group will look like. Should they join WWE, the pair will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Women’s Tag Champion Jade Cargill, NXT Champion Ethan Page, and others.

No matter what the future holds, fans can expect to see much more of the talented Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo in the squared circle. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on the Lucha Bros. and their futures in wrestling.

WWE Trainee Vincent Winey Debuts as Harlem Lewis on NXT Level Up

Thomas Lowson
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Vicent Winey recently appeared on WWE Monday Night Raw, where he lost a squash match to Odyssey Jones. While Jones’ career in WWE is now a distant memory, Winey’s future looks bright, as he’s received a brand new name by the promotion.

Winey made his in-ring debut as Harlem Lewis during the latest taping of WWE NXT Level Up with a loss to Dante Chen. WWE recently trademarked the name Harlem Lewis, confirming its use for Winey going forward. Winey has also changed his name on Twitter/X to Harlem Lewis, confirming the moniker he hopes to make a name for himself with.

Vincent Winey

Harlem Lewis joined WWE earlier this year and in addition to his Raw appearance last month, has been appearing at NXT live events under the Winey name. So far, he is yet to score a victory in WWE and is sitting at a 0-9 win/loss record. His most recent match saw him on the losing eight of an eight-person tag at NXT’s August 23, live event in Fort Pierce.

Sporting Past

Before wrestling, Lewis played as a linebacker for the Morehead State Eagles Football team and played in the NCAA Division 1 league. In 2021, he began playing for the Ancona Dolphins, an American football team based in Ancona, Italy, again as a Linebacker.

WWE Romance

Lewis is currently dating WWE NXT’s Cora Jade, who had previously been in a relationship with Monday Night Raw’s Bron Breakker. In April, Jade and Lewis confirmed their relationship with a series of Instagram Stories. Jade has missed most of 2024 after suffering a torn ACL in January but teased a return to the ring in August.

As Harlem Lewis, Winey hopes to take NXT by storm and eventually make it to WWE’s main roster. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Harlem Lewis and his future as an NXT Superstar.

Nikki Garcia’s Husband Artem Chigvintsev Not Facing Charges After Domestic Violence Arrest

Andrew Ravens
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Despite being arrested for domestic violence, Nikki Garcia’s husband, Artem Chigvintsev, won’t be facing charges. He had been arrested on charges of felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant in late August. 

Following the incident, the former WWE star filed for divorce after contacting attorneys and looking to get the proceedings. On Tuesday, it was revealed in a statement by the Napa County District Attorney’s Office that Chigvintsev will not face charges relating to his arrest. The statement reads as the following: 

“Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced today that her office has declined to file criminal charges against Artem Chigvintsev, age 42, in connection with his arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence. The decision not to file charges against Mr. Chigvintsev was made after a thorough review of the criminal investigation and careful evaluation of the evidence presented to the DA’s Office.

While we take every arrest seriously and stand firmly against domestic violence, we have an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by the evidence. We are required to prove any and every criminal charge ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ which is the highest standard in the American criminal justice system. If the available evidence doesn’t rise to this level of proof, then we cannot ethically file charges.

Domestic violence can either be filed as a felony or a misdemeanor and has a statute of limitations of three years or one year, respectively. At any time within the statute of limitations, the Napa County District Attorney’s Office may revisit the case if it learns of other incidents, or otherwise learns of facts or evidence not previously known.”

The couple got together in 2018 before welcoming their four-year-old son. They got married in 2022 after a multi-year delay in the ceremony happening. Artem has yet to publicly comment on the situation. 

William Regal Sets the Record Straight on His AEW Departure

Michael Reichlin
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William Regal has long been a pivotal figure in professional wrestling, particularly in WWE’s NXT brand, where he played an instrumental role in its growth and success. With the final NXT episode on USA Network airing this week, Regal took to social media to reflect on his journey with the brand and address rumors surrounding his stint in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

In response to a video posted by WWE commemorating this era, Regal shared a heartfelt message on Twitter, thanking key figures like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Matt Bloom for their efforts in shaping NXT’s evolution. Regal’s post read:

“I was part (except for H’s family) of the very beginning of @WWE’s @NXT. I’m still involved but not as much as I was. Thank you to H, Shawn, Matt and everyone else that fought the fight of making a one-hour program on The WWE Network to traveling the world and making new stars and memories for the fans. It continues today. Doesn’t matter what the color scheme is or was, or has been—we changed the wrestling world, although few will want to admit it. It’s been the best part of a 41-year career being @WWENXT to the core.”

Defending His AEW Run

While Regal expressed pride in his NXT tenure, a fan brought up his time with AEW, where he briefly worked in 2022. The fan thanked Regal for his contributions to NXT but also referenced his “snaking out the competition”—an implication that he had nefarious motives while working for a rival promotion.

Regal was quick to push back, clarifying the reasons behind his AEW tenure and debunking any rumors about leaving under questionable circumstances. He responded with a firm message to set the record straight:

“FYI, although it serves some people’s agenda and despite a massive amount of people in AEW who can back me up, I went to AEW to help because Bryan Danielson asked me to. Please find me one person who can say otherwise. I arrived at 10 a.m. and stayed until 6:15 p.m. to train anyone who wanted to come. Apart from going to the restroom and refilling my water container, I never attended a single production meeting. I needed people to realize I was only there to help, not to interfere.”

Regal further clarified his lack of involvement in AEW’s internal workings, noting:

“I didn’t ask a single question about anyone’s contract status. I helped at the ring with whatever the talent needed. I showered, got into a suit by 6:30, and watched the monitor with everyone else. Feel free to ask anyone backstage if I did anything but help with no agenda.”

Additionally, Regal addressed a rumor about a personal phone call with AEW President Tony Khan during a difficult family period. Regal explained:

“I didn’t call Tony when his mom was ill—he called me. As soon as he told me where he was, I ended the phone call, and we spoke two weeks later. My deal was up in December 2022, and that’s when I left. These are all facts I can prove. Anyone trying to twist this can feel free to check.”

His time in AEW, though brief, gave us the Blackpool Combat Club and some other memorable moments. As NXT enters a new chapter on The CW, Regal’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with the brand’s success. His son Charlie Dempsey is the reigning NXT Heritage Cup Champion and the leader of the No Quarter Catch Crew faction.

Titus O’Neil Featured on “I Am The Storm” WWE Bad Blood Track

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil is featured on the song “I Am The Storm” by Vo Williams, which accompanied the highly praised segment between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns on the September 20 episode of SmackDown.

The cinematic confrontation, filmed at Reigns’ alma mater Georgia Tech, set the stage for the upcoming tag team match at Bad Blood, where Rhodes and Reigns will team up to face the new Tribal Chief Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fat of The Bloodline.

In the segment, the two top stars agreed to support each other in the upcoming match while teasing a potential renewal of their own rivalry, adding more depth to their dynamic. It’s still pretty surreal to see these former hated rivals working together against a common enemy, but this segment deserves the acclaim it’s received and this tag match is going to be something.

Titus O’Neil’s Involvement

O’Neil is credited with a guest spot on “I Am The Storm,” along with artist Sonya Bryson-Kirksey. The former Prime Time Player confirmed his involvement on social media.

I Am The Storm Titus O'Neil

Twitter user @Ucepenitentiary identified that O’Neil’s voice is used in the opening of the song.

Vo Williams says the streaming numbers were “wild” after the song premiered on SmackDown. He’s helped pioneer a genre that’s been dubbed Epic Hip Hop, which can best be described as anthemic hype songs that you’d hear at championship sports games.

Preview: WWE NXT’s Final USA Network Episode Before Move to The CW

Michael Reichlin
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This week’s episode of WWE NXT marks the end of an era, as it will be the final broadcast on the USA Network before the show officially moves to The CW. Since its debut as a standalone show on USA in September 2019, NXT has grown into a vital part of WWE’s programming lineup, transitioning from its developmental roots into a legitimate third brand.

As NXT closes this chapter, the September 24 episode promises to deliver high-impact matches and segments that will set the tone for the show’s future on The CW.

Here’s a preview of what fans can expect, live from Orlando, FL:

  • NXT on CW Press Conference: Featuring Ethan Page, Trick Williams, Giulia, Roxanne Perez, Wes Lee, and Zachary Wentz
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship match: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Wren Sinclair
  • Singles Match: Lexis King vs. Oro Mensah
  • Singles Match: Ridge Holland vs. Riley Osborne
  • The Grayson Waller Effect featuring Nathan Frazer and Axiom

NXT’s Evolution on USA Network

NXT first debuted on the USA Network on September 18, 2019, marking a significant milestone in WWE’s decision to showcase NXT as a two-hour live program, in direct competition with rival wrestling promotions. This move was pivotal in NXT’s transition from WWE’s developmental system to being recognized as the company’s third major brand, alongside Raw and SmackDown.

Prior to its arrival on USA, NXT had aired on the WWE Network, with occasional broadcasts on USA as part of special programming. The expanded exposure allowed NXT to reach a broader audience, helping it cultivate stars who have since become mainstays in WWE’s larger ecosystem.

The Road to The CW

With NXT’s move to The CW, WWE aims to reach an even wider audience, positioning the brand for continued growth. The NXT on CW Press Conference this week featuring stars like Ethan Page, Trick Williams, and Roxanne Perez will provide a look at what’s to come in the next chapter.

Stay tuned for more updates as NXT prepares for its debut on The CW and continues to evolve as a dynamic force in professional wrestling.

Playlist: “WWE NXT on The CW” Superstar Profiles

Watch John Cena Uppercut Mark Zuckerberg in Ray-Ban Meta Ad

Dominic DeAngelo
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John Cenna may have added a new move to his repertoire against famous Facebook mogul Mark Zuckerberg.

The future WWE Hall Of Famer was far from playing Peacemaker in a new promotional video ad for Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses. Zuckerberg released some footage of his “fight” with Cena on his Instagram page.

The two major players are seen duking it out with the Meta glasses on and you get to see the first-person view of a great deal of the action going down. Cena gets a good uppercut in on Zuckerberg which shows the entrepreneur flying to the sky after the shot.

Reuters initially reported that Cena has signed on with Meta and Ray-Bans to be the voice of the Meta AI Chatbot. While Wednesday’s focus for pro wrestling fans will be the release of the “Mr. McMahon” docuseries on Netflix and AEW Grand Slam that evening, Cena could very well be a busy man at the Connect Conference.

Meta plans to discuss the glasses’ audio capabilities during the event on September 26. Consumers can purchase the Meta Ray-Bans at a starting price point of $299. A description of the glasses on the Ray-Ban website is as follows:

“Inspired by an era of jet-set style, the Skyler smart glasses help keep you fully in the moment. Use your voice to get fast answers with Meta AI, capture memories, make calls, send messages, listen to music, livestream and more.”

Cena is no stranger to fights on the virtual platform. His DC portrayal of The Peacemaker is one of the featured special fighters in the newest Mortal Kombat game, Mortal Kombat 1. He’s also no stranger to fighting celebrity non-wrestlers as he notoriously gave Eric Andre a concussion during their battle on an episode of The Eric Andre Show.

Tony Khan on WWE Rivalry: ‘It’s a Constant Fight’

Thomas Lowson
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When AEW launched in 2019, Tony Khan gave WWE its most significant competition in close to two decades as fans flocked to an alternative to ‘Sports Entertainment.’ Both companies have seen major changes in the nearly six years since Khan and others announced AEW, but the 41-year-old’s competitive spirit remains stronger than ever.

Appearing on WFAN Daily, Khan was asked about AEW’s standing in wrestling, and how long it’ll be until they “dethrone” WWE. Khan admitted that his battle with WWE is a constant fight, one that neither side can take a break from.

“I want to be ahead, but it’s a constant fight—it’s 52 weeks a year. You’d appreciate that in this industry; it’s a 52-week-a-year business. Wrestling is the only sport with no offseason.”

When asked if competing with WWE had become an obsession, Khan answered diplomatically, noting that such an obsession isn’t confined to just pro wrestling.

“Fighting is an obsession. I think it’s really a driving obsession, competition, especially in wrestling and sports. I think it’s similar to sports—you have to focus on doing your best.”

Facing Off With WWE

AEW hasn’t backed down from going head-to-head with WWE, as seen in the ‘Wednesday Night Wars’ that saw Dynamite consistently garner more viewers than NXT. In October 2023 though, the tables turned as WWE NXT comfortably beat Dynamite when AEW’s flagship show aired on a Tuesday. Both shows featured stacked cards, proving that there’s still plenty of competitiveness between the two sides.

Though not an in-ring talent, Khan isn’t afraid to trash-talk, even referring to WWE as the Harvey Weinstein of pro wrestling. In October 2023, Khan labeled Triple H and Shawn Michaels “bald a**holes” ahead of NXT’s aforementioned win over Dynamite.

As the competition between the two companies intensifies, the ultimate winners are the fans, who now have two titans of the wrestling world delivering their best week after week. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on AEW and WWE and their never-ending battle to be the best.

Dominik Mysterio’s Phobias Exposed: Shark Cage Triggers His Worst Fears

Bishal Roy
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Rhea Ripley is focused on her quest to reclaim the WWE Women’s World Championship which she never lost in the first place. She has ensured that Dominik Mysterio doesn’t interfere in her title match against Liv Morgan and pulled some strings for her match at next month’s WWE Bad Blood.

On last night’s WWE Raw, ‘The Eradicator’ announced that ‘Dirty Dom’ will be locked in a shark cage during the title match. Ripley has revealed that Dominik Mysterio is scared of multiple things and heights is one of them.

During a WWE Raw Exclusive, Ripley was asked if Mysterio being locked in the cage helps to even the odds. She doesn’t think Dom will be able to interfere in the match but lately, he’s been finding different ways to help Morgan. Ripley then expressed his confidence that she would walk out of WWE Bad Blood as the new women’s champion.

“I don’t think Dom has any impact, but the one thing is, he’s slimy, he’s greasy, he’s dirty. So lately, he’s been finding ways to find ways to cheat for his little blonde girlfriend, which I don’t know where they came from because he’s never had to do that with me. So he’s actually using a little bit of his brain, which is nice to see. But it’s not gonna stop the inevitable.

At the end of the day, at Bad Blood, Mami’s walking out champion. Liv can’t run anymore, she can’t hide. She ain’t gonna have Dom there to help her.”

Scared Little Dom

Ripley also asked to rate how scared Mysterio was on a scale from one to ten. The former WWE Women’s World Champion said that Dom was terrified of multiple things, including heights. She also said that that second-generation wrestler was claustrophobic, and that’s what has made the stipulation hilarious.

“Dom is terrified of a lot of things. Heights is definitely one of them. So I’m gonna give that a ten. But he’s also very, very claustrophobic. Which to me is f****ng hilarious.”

WWE Bad Blood takes place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, October 5.

Magnum TA Addresses Vince McMahon & Wrestling’s Dark Past

Dominic DeAngelo
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Magnum TA knows Vince McMahon is lightyears away from being a choir boy, but the wrestling legend knows many names that also have an extremely dark past.

Fellow wrestling legend Greg Gagne talked about seeing the trailer for the new “Mr. McMahon” docuseries releasing on Netflix and both men gave their opinions on Vince McMahon’s very checkered past. Magnum, however, knows that Vince’s alleged horrible trangressions aren’t the only names with very bad backstories.

“Frankly, let’s be brutally honest. If we could take back and go back in a time capsule and from the 70s and the 80s and the 90s and go all behind the scenes and capture all the things that took place, there’s a whole lot of people that wouldn’t be revered or looked at the same or measured the same if you could see that.

“He made a lot of enemies along the way, male and female, and when the house starts falling apart and all [the news] you quietly put behind you comes out, it’s horrendous.

“You could line 100 guys up and paint the worst picture imaginable if you could have captured all the indiscretions and things that went on that were more than colorful outside the ring.”

Magnum noted that with McMahon’s notoriety that the former WWE Chairman almost dons a universal scarlet letter for so many wrestlers that got away with horrible actions in the past.

“I almost feel like inadvertently he’s bearing the sins of an entire decadent generation and having it just aired out – because I promise you is wild and horrendous.

I can probably name 20 people right off the top of my head that can fill a dossier to make him look like a choir boy.

On Monday evening, Vince McMahon released a statement downplaying the fairness of the docuseries which releases on September 25. That in turn got a response from Janel Grant’s attorney, Anna Callis.

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