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AEW Dynamite Preview (9/18): The Elite vs. Ospreay, Fletcher & Takeshita

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This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite will hail from the eastern side of Pennsylvania in Reading, PA where four matches have been announced for the program. Several banner names are on tap to compete including Chris Jericho, Will Ospreay, The Young Bucks and Ricochet.

AEW Dynamite Tonight

Here is what has been announced to occur on tonight’s show

  • The Young Bucks & Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita
  • Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy
  • The Beast Mortos vs. Ricochet
  • Mariah May & Serena Deeb vs. Queen Amanita & Yuka Sakazaki

The Young Bucks find two new adversaries in Ospreay and Fletcher who won the Tag Team Casino Gauntlet last week to earn a shot at the AEW World Tag Team Titles.

Jericho ambushed Orange Cassidy on Saturday’s episode of AEW Collision which has heated up their feud even further. Cassidy did happen to pay Jericho his $7,000 back by dumping a whole bunch of loose change onto Chris’ new Bentley and now the two will finally clash tonight.

From a storyline standpoint, fans will have several elements to sink their teeth into as Nigel McGuinness has been quite the button-pusher online as he continues to take jabs at Bryan Danielson before their slated match at AEW Grand Slam.

Additionally, there still remains plenty of uncertainty when it comes to Jon Moxley’s plans as he, Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli and PAC have waged war on a lot of the locker room.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for our continued coverage of Dynamite.

Nigel McGuinness Reveals Real Reason Behind His 2011 Wrestling Retirement

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Nigel McGuinness has revealed the real reason he retired from pro wrestling back in 2011 and it once again emphasizes the importance a company like AEW has for the betterment of pro wrestling.

The AEW star spoke to TV Insider for a new interview following his long-anticipated in-ring return after 13 years at the All In 2024 event. He wrestled in the Gauntlet match at the show. Competing against the top talent of the company, Nigel showed why he was considered one of the best back in the day.

During the talk, McGuinness was asked about his return to the ring and if he was thinking about his previous injuries while taking a bump again. The 48-year-old claimed that he didn’t think much of it before mentioning how there is a lot of misinformation on why he was forced to retire:

“There is a lot of confusion and misinformation. The truth of the matter is when I stepped away from wrestling, it was purely because I couldn’t make a living as a wrestler anymore. I could have gone back to Ring of Honor and wrestled that style, but I wouldn’t have made enough money to even afford health insurance, let alone save for the rest of my life.”

Little Did I Know: Nigel McGuinness

Nigel McGuinness recalled how WWE had passed on signing him because of an old injury and he didn’t want to go back to TNA because of past differences. Without the presence of an alternative like AEW, he had no other option to make a sustainable living in wrestling.

The former World Champion revealed that he agreed to the 2013 The Last of McGuinness documentary partially because he was hoping that it would catch on and someone would tell the rest of his story. Little did he know that it would be over a decade before it happened:

“Little did I know it would take until now with Tony Khan and AEW. I didn’t step away because of concussions. I didn’t step away because of hepatitis. I was perfectly okay to wrestle. So it’s all not a factor going in.”

Apart from this Nigel McGuinness also said that he has been training for an in-ring return for over 18 months, ever since he found out about the first AEW All In event from Wembley Stadium in 2023.

Nigel has challenged Bryan Danielson for a match at the upcoming Grand Slam special of Dynamite on September 25. The match has not been confirmed yet as the AEW World Champion is not cleared for action.

Bryan Danielson Reveals Scary Details of Health Issues Before First Retirement

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Bryan Danielson has revealed that his current neck issues are very similar to his issues leading up to his career-defining WrestleMania XXX victory and subsequent retirement.

The AEW World Champion recently had a lengthy interview with Justin Barrasso of Undisputed. He talked about things such as how his priorities in life have changed, the AEW title belt being one of the heavyweight he’s ever held and more.

During the interview, Bryan recounted the similarities between his famous WrestleMania victory and his win at All In 2024 including things such as having a great opponent and the support of fans.

Another thing that’s unfortunately very similar for Bryan is his battle with health issues leading up to the big event. He remembered how in December 2013, only months before the Show of Shows the doctors had told him that a neck surgery was inevitable:

“I was able to get through WrestleMania. I’d been getting this horrible, shooting nerve pain down my right arm. But as long as I still had strength in my right arm, that meant I didn’t need surgery yet.

I Didn’t Have Strength To Turn The Key: Bryan Danielson

While Bryan Danielson was able to get through the big Mania match despite hiccups, the former WWE star’s symptoms worsened right after. He remembered the time he didn’t even have the strength in his arm to turn on his car:

“So I won the title, and the day before my first title defence, which was like a falls-count-anywhere match, I got into my car to make the drive. When I went to unlock my car door, I didn’t have the strength to turn the key and unlock the door. That was a bad sign.”

Bryan noted that his current health issues are very similar and that he’ll have to undergo surgery sooner or later, it’s just a question of when:

“So the neck issues are very similar. Sooner rather than later, I’ll need neck surgery. I’m not losing strength, so I don’t need it just yet.”

The current AEW star defeated Randy Orton and Batista in the main event of WrestleMania XXX to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. His reign however was cut short due to injuries. While Bryan continued wrestling for another year, he had to take time off frequently due to his condition and he eventually stopped wrestling altogether for 3 years.

Nigel McGuinness has challenged Bryan Danielson for a match at the upcoming AEW Grand Slam event from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on September 25, 2024. The match is currently not confirmed because Bryan’s health status is up in the air.

Kota Ibushi Returning To GLEAT Next Month

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Kota Ibushi is set to make his return to GLEAT for their show in Osaka on October 6th. GLEAT has announced on social media that Kota Ibushi will be competing at the show against an opponent to be announced soon. A (translated) GLEAT tweet reads:

Back at Edion Arena Osaka for the first time in about three years
Participation decision
Kota Ibushi’s heart is burning

This marks one of the first matches he’s had since making his in-ring return. Ibushi recently competed for GLEAT in July 2024 in an exhibition match against Daisuke Sekimoto at their Tokyo Dome City Hall show.

Ibushi fought back after suffering a right tibiofibular ligament tear and a right ankle lateral ligament injury at NOAH The New Year 2024 in January. The former IWGP World Champion had been on the shelf due to the injury and missed almost a year of in-ring action.

Kota Ibushi’s last appearance in AEW took place November 15 episode of Dynamite last year. He teamed with Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, and Paul Wight to defeat Brian Cage and The Don Callis Family in an eight-person Street Fight.

Ibushi, who called AEW his home, remains under a contract with the promotion. Tony Khan’s promotion also allows him to compete in GLEAT as part of their collaboration.

GLEAT is a relatively new promotion that was established on August 20, 2020, by LIDET Entertainment. GLEAT combines elements of martial arts and traditional strong-style pro wrestling. AEW’s newest member Ricochet is also scheduled to compete at the show on October 6th.

RVD: Cody Rhodes Was One Of The Coolest Dudes At SmackDown

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Rob Van Dam may have been on SmackDown this past Friday, but he wasn’t feeling blue and says Cody Rhodes is a positive proponent in the new WWE.

‘Mr. Monday Night’ was ‘Mr. Friday Night’ SmackDown as he and his wife Katie Forbes attended the premiere episode of the USA Network. Van Dam was all over the arena on Friday hanging out with fellow legends, meeting up with Triple H, but also ran into ‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes.

Speaking with me on “1 Of A Kind With RVD,” Van Dam said he and Forbes actually hung out by Rhodes’ tour bus. Cody apparently had a set-up like a camp out by his bus with fold out chairs. Rhodes happened to pass by on more than one occassion before his big WWE Title match against Solo Sikoa.

“Me and Katie hung out there for awhile and he came by a few times and just was like super cool and even gave us a bottle of vodka. He was just really cool.”

Van Dam added that Dustin Rhodes has always been really cool and making everyone laugh. He recalled a time when Dustin would do a “vomit” trick with passerbys, but RVD would no-sell it.

Cody Rhodes: Apart Of The Positive Vibe In WWE

Before RVD changed subjects, he noted how different the WWE dressing room was from the days of his past. Earlier in the show Rob mentioned that there was a refreshing energy with the company and Van Dam reiterated that by running into Cody.

“Cody definitely was part of that vibe … in general the boys don’t look so tired anymore, you know? They look legitimately happy to be there, happy to be part of something, having fun and it used to be a different kind of vibe of a long drawn out day of tired people while trying to get to the end of the day and it didn’t ring true to that so much this time and I’ve heard a lot of people tell me, ‘Oh, you just gotta see how it’s changed,’ but I gotta say, they wasn’t lying.”

You can catch new episodes of “1 Of A Kind With RVD” every Monday at 4:20 PM ET.

The Queen of Villains: Netflix Series Spotlights Wrestling Icon Dump Matsumoto

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Netflix has a new documentary series titled The Queen of Villains, focusing on the life and career of Dump Matsumoto, a central figure in women’s professional wrestling during the 1980s.

Queen of Villains explores the untold story of Dump Matsumoto, played by comedic actress Yuriyan Retriever. Matsumoto, known as Japan’s most infamous wrestling heel, was instrumental in the surge of women’s wrestling in Japan during the 1980s.

Unlike her contemporaries of the time, she gained fame through her brutal wrestling style and flamboyant personality, becoming a cultural phenomenon alongside the iconic tag team duo, the Crush Gals. The series also features Erika Karata and Ayame Goriki, who portray members of this legendary tag team.

Watch The Queen of Villains on Netflix (Subscription Required)

QOV Cast

Dump Yuriyan Retriever
Dump Matsumoto and Yuriyan Retriever

Starring: Yuriyan Retriever, Erika Karata, Ayame Goriki Nobuko Sendo, Takuma Otoo, Daisuke Kuroda, Takumi Saitoh, Jun Murakami

  • Developer/Producer/Writer: Osamu Suzuki
  • Supervising Director: Kazuya Shiraishi
  • Directors: Kazuya Shiraishi (Episodes 1-3), Katsuhito Mogi (Episodes 4-5)
  • Theme song: “Are you serious?” by Awich

Trailer

How did one girl become hated in Japan and whip everyone into a frenzy? One ordinary girl went on to captivate all of Japan. Now, the story of her viciously vile fight for survival is about to begin!

Get a first look at shocking scenes of Dump Matsumoto versus the Crush Gals! A girl named Kaoru Matsumoto works tirelessly to realize her dream of becoming a professional wrestler. However, she is oppressed by both her employers and her father, and starts to lose her sense of belonging. In time, she channels her sorrow and rage toward all of Japan, transforming into a villainous heel dreaded by everyone.

This set the stage for the Hair vs. Hair Death Match between the nation’s darling Chigusa Nagayo and enemy of the people Dump Matsumoto — a legendary women’s pro wrestling match that is still talked about to this day. Follow the lives of girls who were once nobodies, witness the sheer excitement they sparked, and discover what these wrestlers, who fought with all their might through a bygone era, are asking us in the present day.”


Described as a “fictional story based on real people and real events,” The Queen of Villains blends dramatic storytelling with elements of Matsumoto’s life. The series delves into her journey, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated wrestling industry.

QOV promises to combine intense wrestling action with introspective storytelling, making it a highly anticipated release for wrestling fans and those intrigued by women’s contributions to sports history.

Stay tuned for our continued coverage of The Queen of Villains, premiering September 19, 2024 on Netflix.

Bryan Danielson’s Greatest Matches: ROH, WWE, AEW and more

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Bryan Danielson, also known as Daniel Bryan in WWE, is of course widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Throughout his illustrious career spanning multiple promotions, Danielson has consistently delivered exceptional in-ring performances.

Here, we’ll explore some of the best Bryan Danielson matches across his tenures in Ring of Honor (ROH), WWE, and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Ring of Honor (ROH) Classics

Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA – ROH Glory By Honor V

Considered by many to be Danielson’s magnum opus, this match against KENTA (also known as Hideo Itami in WWE) at ROH Glory By Honor V is a masterclass in professional wrestling

The bout featured a perfect blend of technical wizardry, high-flying moves, and hard-hitting strikes. As ROH World Champion, Danielson put on a clinic against the undefeated KENTA, showcasing his versatility and cementing his status as one of the best in the world.

Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness – ROH Unified 2006

Another standout performance came against Nigel McGuinness at ROH Unified in 2006. This title unification match was a grueling, physical encounter that pushed both men to their limits.

The technical prowess on display, combined with the intense rivalry between the two, created an unforgettable spectacle that still holds up as one of Danielson’s finest outings.

WWE Milestones

Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena – SummerSlam 2013

Danielson’s WWE run, under the name Daniel Bryan, produced numerous memorable matches. His clash with John Cena at SummerSlam 2013 stands out as a career-defining moment

The match saw Bryan near the height of his popularity, challenging for the WWE Championship. The in-ring chemistry between the two was palpable, resulting in a thrilling contest that culminated in Bryan’s first WWE Championship win.

Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 30

The opening match of WrestleMania 30 saw Bryan take on Triple H in a high-stakes bout that would see the winner go on to the main event of the night. 

The intensity and storytelling in this match were off the charts, with both men delivering one of the best WrestleMania openers of all time. Bryan’s victory set the stage for his triumphant main event later that night, making this match a crucial part of his WWE legacy.

Daniel Bryan vs. Brock Lesnar – Survivor Series 2018

In what many consider one of the best WWE matches of the past decade, Bryan faced off against Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2018

This David vs. Goliath encounter showcased Bryan’s resilience and technical prowess against Lesnar’s raw power and intensity. The match’s use of psychology and storytelling were exceptional, with Bryan’s performance elevating him even in defeat.

AEW Showstoppers

Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega – AEW Grand Slam 2021

Danielson’s AEW debut match against Kenny Omega at Grand Slam 2021 lived up to the immense hype surrounding it

The 30-minute time limit draw was a wrestling clinic, featuring two of the best in-ring performers of their generation. This match set the tone for Danielson’s AEW run and reminded fans of his world-class abilities.

Bryan Danielson vs. “Hangman” Adam Page – AEW Dynamite (January 5, 2022)

Following a time limit draw in their previous encounter, Danielson and Page delivered an instant classic on the January 5, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite

The match was a bloody, intense affair that showcased both men’s technical skills and storytelling abilities. This bout further solidified Danielson’s status as one of AEW’s top performers.

Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023

At the cross-promotional event Forbidden Door, Danielson faced off against British technical wizard Zack Sabre Jr. The match was a masterclass in mat-based wrestling, with both men showcasing their vast repertoire of holds and counters.

This encounter highlighted Danielson’s ability to adapt to different styles and deliver world-class performances against a variety of opponents.

Read More – Greatest Bryan Danielson AEW Matches (Ranked)

Honorable Mentions

While it’s impossible to cover all of Danielson’s greatest matches, some other notable encounters include:

  • vs. Samoa Joe (ROH)
  • vs. CM Punk (WWE Over The Limit 2012)
  • vs. AJ Styles (WWE)
  • vs. Kazuchika Okada (AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023)
  • vs. MJF (AEW Revolution 2023)

Latest On WWE Approaching Top Superstars About Re-Signing

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As the biggest wrestling promotion in the world, WWE boasts one of the largest and most impressive rosters with talent from across the globe. WWE has re-signed many top names this year alone and now the company reportedly has approached three of its top women from its main roster.

WWE has approached Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, and Nia Jax about new contracts in recent weeks, PW Insider reports. The company has also reportedly approached talent who still have plenty of time left on their contracts as part of a “very aggressive” strategy to lock talent into new deals.

It’s hardly a surprise that these three women have been approached by WWE regarding new deals. Nia Jax is the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, having won the title from Bayley at SummerSlam in August. Liv Morgan is in her first reign as WWE Women’s World Champion, a title Rhea Ripley held earlier this year. The feud between the two has been a hit with fans and will see the pair do battle at WWE Bad Blood on October 5.

WWE’s 2024 Re-Signings

WWE has locked in several prominent names into new contracts in 2024, keeping the ‘Renaissance Era’ stocked with top-tier talent. In April, Drew McIntyre re-signed with WWE, putting to bed fan speculation that he would be signing with AEW. McIntyre’s re-signing not only saw the Scottish Warrior get a new contract, but also a sword gifted to him by TKO board member and WWE’s ‘Final Boss’ Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

More recently, Randy Orton confirmed reports that he has re-signed with WWE with a deal that should keep him around until 2029. While Orton could have seen his previous deal frozen due to his time away due to his back injury, WWE reportedly felt it was fairer to let Orton negotiate a new deal given how much the handling of contracts has changed.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Sheamus has signed a contract extension with WWE. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on WWE and its effort to keep top talent with new contracts.

Rhea Ripley On Her Thoughts On Rey Mysterio After Dominik’s Betrayal

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Rhea Ripley is not walking back on her words about Rey Mysterio but she still considers Dominik Mysterio to be the bigger enemy.

The Eradicator recently had an interview with Casual Conversations podcast. She discussed things such as her friendship with Damian Priest, her reaction to leaving Judgment Day, competing in WarGames and more.

When asked how she feels about Rey now after being betrayed by Dom herself, Ripley explained that she won’t go back on her words. She still believes that the young star needed to get out of his father’s shadow even if they’re not together anymore:

“I’m not gonna be immature like Dom and contradict everything I’ve done in the past and said in the past what he has been doing in every single interview. He has been playing me out to be this bad guy, this villain in his life—which I wasn’t. I cared for him, and I loved him.

So I’m not gonna do that about this situation either. I’m gonna stand on everything I said back then. I do think that Dom had to get out of Rey’s shadow. I do believe that. Rey was picking Edge over his own son—a man who literally speared Dom in the middle of the ring, looked at him, went ‘uh,’ and then ran after Finn Bálor. That man did not care about Rey Mysterio’s son.

So why is Rey picking Edge over Dom? So I’m not gonna contradict myself and say that I do think Rey was in the right. Because I do think Rey was in the wrong. But at the same time, I think that Dom has hurt me in a bigger way than Rey ever hurt me. So he’s more in my good books than Dom is right now.”

He Got Family Issues: Rhea Ripley

Dirty Dom turned on The Mami at SummerSlam and he aligned himself with Liv Morgan instead. One of the reasons Dominik has given for this turn is that Morgan helped him beat his dad in a match, something Rhea Ripley never did.

When asked if Dom has daddy issues, the former Women’s World Champion explained that Mysterio has family issues. She also fired back at him for saying that he didn’t come up with The Mami nickname:

“You can tell a man has daddy issues when he gets so excited about getting called Daddy. He got family issues let’s be honest cause now he’s saying that I made him call me Mami and he never liked calling me Mami. You got problems my dude because you came up with that by yourself. I didn’t make you do crap.”

Dominik Mysterio most recently faced off against Damian Priest in a one-on-one match on Monday’s Raw. While he lost the bout, the Judgment Day swarmed the ring immediately afterward, delivering a brutal beatdown on both the Terror Twins.

Otis Says Mandy Rose Pitched WWE Romance, Recalls Daily ‘Test’

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In late 2019, Otis and Mandy Rose entered an on-screen romance with the powerhouse aiding Rose in matches, including the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble. After sealing their relationship with a kiss at WrestleMania 36, the pair continued to be an on-screen duo until Rose was traded to Raw in September that same year.

While countless men would love to have been in Otis’ shoes for the angle, it was Rose who pitched the angle with the future Alpha Academy member. On the Insight podcast, Otis shared how the angle came to be.

“She was definitely the ignition for sure. Because you can it pitch all day long. Mandy, she’s like, ‘I’ll talk to Vince’… she definitely was like, Hey, we gotta do this.”

The angle proved to be a hit with fans, and Otis recalled Google incorrectly listing the pair as a married couple due to their on-screen romance. While Otis had a lot of fun working with Rose, it was a ‘test’ for him to keep things professional.

“I’m gonna kiss the world champion bikini model. Behave yourself. Every day was a test. We could never do a pre-shot. It was always live.”

Rose’s tenure with Otis may have come to an abrupt end, but the former Raw Tag Team Champion has fond memories of his time as part of WWE’s hottest couple. Rose was controversially released from WWE in December 2022, but with Rose seemingly open to a WWE return, fans can’t count out a reunion for Otis and his ‘peach.’

Why Mick Foley Is Holding Off Judgment On “Instrumental” Vince McMahon

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Since Vince McMahon’s resignation from WWE in January 2024, many names have condemned the billionaire who is accused of sexual harassment of Janel Grant. While McMahon is persona non-grata on WWE TV, some current Superstars have spoken about their former boss. Cody Rhodes has called the situation a “dark cloud” while Seth Rollins has said that if the claims are true, he hopes everyone involved gets what they deserve.

One name that worked closely with McMahon for years is Mick Foley who has not been among those condemning the 79-year-old billionaire. At a Q&A panel at Comic-Con Northern Ireland, Foley shared his take on the McMahon situation.

“I feel really bad that someone I care about got into something that seems pretty unsavory. I’m gonna hold off judgment until I see the [Mr. McMahon Netflix docuseries.]”

Foley went on, saying that regardless of “whatever he did or did not do,” the McMahon scandal won’t “mess with our memories” of the former WWE CEO.

“He was instrumental in creating some of those memories, so I’m choosing to appreciate him until I learn more about what may have gone down.”

This isn’t the first time Foley has taken something of a softer approach to McMahon compared to his contemporaries. During a February 2024, edition of his Foley is Pod show, the former World Champion again expressed his hope that fans remember the good from McMahon despite the disturbing allegations.

“I hope it doesn’t take away from people’s amazing memories of all the things that Mr. McMahon created or helped create including my character and the programs that I was in.”

That same month, John Cena shared his love for McMahon despite the “super unfortunate” allegations against him, but added he’s an “advocate of accountability.” McMahon has consistently claimed that McMahon’s relationship with Janel Grant was consensual, and his legal team has gone as far as to say McMahon was her ‘best friend’ in WWE.

Drew McIntyre Takes Aim At CM Punk’s ‘Father-Daughter’ Stance with Roxanne Perez

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Since arriving in WWE, Roxanne Perez has made no secret about growing up idolizing AJ Lee and CM Punk, who are affectionately referred to as her wrestling ‘parents.’ During the September 17, WWE NXT, Perez shared the ring with Punk and had some choice words for dear old dad.

Interrupting Punk’s segment on the show, The Prodigy spoke about Punk being one of her favorite wrestlers but admitted that she always preferred Punk’s wife AJ Lee. Perez added that she wished she’d grown up as a Drew McIntyre, who Perez is confident will end Punk’s career at WWE Bad Blood inside Hell in a Cell.

These comments caught the attention of McIntyre who mocked Punk’s psuedo-parental relationship with Perez. On Twitter, McIntyre said he was proud of the reigning WWE NXT Women’s Champion, but only a freak would see her as a daughter figure.

What’s To Come?

Perez will defend her NXT Women’s Championship against Giulia at the October 1, show that will also mark NXT’s premiere on The CW Network. The show will take place in Chicago, Illinois, and will also see an appearance by Punk. The Chicago-Made star will return to his hometown to officiate the NXT Championship match between Ethan Page and challenger Trick Williams.

Just days later, Punk will step into Hell in a Cell against McIntyre at Bad Blood. This match will be Punk’s first Hell in a Cell match since 2013 and McIntyre’s first since 2021. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Drew McIntyre and his war with CM Punk that will see both men enter Hell on October 5.

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CM Punk’s Role, Miz TV Announced For NXT CW Premiere

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WWE has confirmed CM Punk’s role as well as the appearance of another former World Champion for NXT’s CW premiere on October 1.

NXT GM Ava held a contract signing between NXT Champion Ethan Page and Trick Williams during the latest episode of the show. Before getting into the segment, she announced that The Miz will be holding a special edition of Miz TV on the CW premiere while also confirming a Randy Orton match for the week after that.

The contract signing couldn’t be completed, however, as Page delivered an Ego’s Edge on his opponent and left without putting pen to paper. This led to NBA star Tyrese Haliburton making an appearance during the main event of the show.

Haliburton brought out both Williams and Page and made them sign the contract. The basketball star mentioned that there was one more thing to announce and then Punk came out. The Straight Edge Star confirmed that he will be the special guest referee for the upcoming title match. The show ended with both NXT stars brawling each other.

This might not be the only championship match Punk gets involved in at the upcoming show. The episode also saw NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez offering some harsh words to her childhood hero during a segment before her upcoming title defense against Giulia.

Giulia herself came out later to confront the champion. Punk had to intervene to stop Perez from attacking the Japanese star with the title belt. It’s very much possible that the wrestling veteran will have a part to play when the two female stars finally face each other at the upcoming episode.

Updated NXT On CW Premiere Match Card

Apart from CM Punk and The Miz, WWE has confirmed that Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair will also be making an appearance at the upcoming show. Here is everything that has been announced for October 1:

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair
  • NXT Women’s Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Giulia
  • Miz TV
  • Street Fight: Wes Lee vs. Zachary Wentz
  • NXT Championship Match With Special Guest Referee CM Punk: Ethan Page (c) vs. Trick Williams

Watch: Tyrese Haliburton Roasts the Orlando Magic At (9/17) WWE NXT

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The September 17, edition of WWE NXT saw the Superstars of the gold brand continue on the road to WWE NXT’s premiere on the CW, which will come on October 1. It wasn’t just the Superstars who appeared on this week’s show, however, as members of the Indiana Pacers also made their presence felt.

Tyrese Haliburton, decked in the shirt of NXT head Shawn Michaels, was initially shown meeting with NXT GM Ava and Haliburton was later part of the contract signing between NXT Champion Ethan Page and Trick Williams. Being a Pacer, Haliburton got a frosty reception from the Orlando crowd but had a comeback for those booing him and his team.

Tyrese Haliburton And WWE

Haliburton’s wrestling love is no secret, as he shared a heartwarming meeting with Booker T and Queen Sharmell in December 2023. In July 2024, Haliburton appeared on SmackDown and came to the aid of Logan Paul in a U.S. Championship qualifying match. Unfortunately for the duo, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks prevented Haliburton from passing the brass knuckles to Paul in the Money in the Bank qualifying match that was won by LA Knight.

The world of pro wrestling and celebrity athletes have often come together and we can’t count out future appearances for Tyrese Haliburton in WWE. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the basketball star and any plans he may have for a future in the ring.

AEW Rampage Could Be Canceled As Part Of New TV Deal

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Earlier this month, AEW filed a trademark for ‘AEW Shockwave’, exciting fans with the prospect of another weekly show from Tony Khan’s promotion. AEW Shockwave could provide a bolt of excitement into the company’s weekly schedule, but it will also reportedly mark the end of one of AEW’s current programs.

AEW Rampage will not be continued, a source informed the Wrestling Observer, and instead, AEW Shockwave will serve as the promotion’s third weekly show. The new show is expected to be shopped around to FOX, who recently finished their relationship with WWE, as well as other networks.

John Ourand notes that AEW is pitching another package “primarily” to broadcast channels, which would include ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Telemundo, Univision, The CW, and ION. The CW will soon be the home of WWE NXT and the gold brand will make its debut on the network on October 1, with a stacked show in Chicago, Illinois.

AEW Rampage

Rampage launched in 2021, close to two years after AEW Dynamite hit screens in October 2019. While the show received a strong start, including the debut of CM Punk, Rampage quickly fell in terms of significance as AEW’s main storylines were kept to Dynamite. This pseudo-irrelevancy became the case even more in 2023 when AEW launched Collision, with Rampage becoming the least important of AEW’s weekly shows when it comes to developing storylines.

AEW’s TV Deals

AEW’s current TV deal with WarnerBros Discovery is scheduled to expire later this year and the company’s media rights has been a hot topic among fans. Tony Khan has teased some big announcements for the company including saying that AEW was “here to stay” on TBS and TNT.

AEW’s new deal with WBD is said to be in the ballpark of $170 million a year, according to Ourand. The deal will see AEW shows airing on TNT, TBS, and TruTV twice a week, leaving open the possibility of Shockwave appearing on FOX after SmackDown’s recent exit from the Network.

Current AEW TV deals are believed to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $70 million, so this ballpark figure is a huge boost for Tony Khan and his promotion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on AEW and its future on TV.

Randy Orton Set To Compete At October 8 NXT

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Randy Orton’s role for the October 8 episode of NXT has been revealed.

WWE’s third brand will be moving to its new home on The CW at the start of October and the company is looking to make a big impact upon the premiere.

They had previously announced that CM Punk and Randy Orton will respectively be appearing on the first and second episode of the show on the CW.

During the most recent episode of the development brand, General Manager Ava announced that The Viper would actually be competing at the show coming live from his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

Orton’s opponent was confirmed later when Je’Von Evans asked Ava for a match and the 14-time world champion responded to his request on Twitter:

Randy has previously made one appearance for the brand. He defeated Damien Sandow in a match during the March 17, 2013 episode of the show when it was still a one-hour broadcast.

The Legend Killer won’t be the only main roster star appearing at the upcoming event as Austin Theory and Grayson Waller have also been announced.

The duo collectively known as A-Town Down Under will be challenging Axiom & Nathan Frazer for the NXT Tag Team Championships. The episode will also see the return of Sexyy Red, though what she will be doing at the event has not been revealed.

Despite the inclusion of the big names, the episode seems to be drawing limited interest from people. The company recently moved it from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis to the smaller venue of The Factory at The District in Chesterfield, Missouri.

Sheamus Celebrates New WWE Contract: “Pints are on me!”

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Since debuting in WWE in 2009, Sheamus has enjoyed a career most wrestlers can only dream of, including four reigns as World Champion. Now, fans can expect to see much more of the Celtic Warrior in the ring as he has signed a contract extension with WWE.

News of Sheamus’ contract extension was shared by Pat McAfee on the popular broadcaster’s show. McAfee, who recently had Sheamus on an episode of his show from Dublin, Ireland, was excited to see “banger after banger after banger” from the Irish Superstar. According to PWInsider, it’s a five-year contract that will keep him part of the WWE family through late 2029.

Sheamus shared a celebratory reply to the Pat McAfee clip on social media:

WWE’s Re-Signed Superstars

Sheamus is the latest notable name to lock down a new deal with WWE in 2024. In April, Drew McIntyre re-signed with WWE, putting to bed fan speculation that he would be signing with AEW in time for All In: London. McIntyre’s re-signing not only saw the Scottish Warrior get a new contract, but also a sword gifted to him by TKO’s Dwayne Johnson.

More recently, Randy Orton confirmed reports that he has re-signed with WWE with a deal that should keep him around until 2029. While Orton could have seen his previous deal frozen due to his time away due to his back injury, WWE reportedly felt it was fairer to let Orton negotiate a new deal given how much the handling of contracts has changed.

Now, Sheamus has joined his fellow former World Champions in re-signing with WWE. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Sheamus and his years to come as a WWE Superstar.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event to Simulcast on NBC & Peacock Dec. 14

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WWE is closing out 2024 with a bang, as the iconic Saturday Night’s Main Event will return to the airwaves before the year is up.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event will be a live two-hour special airing live on both NBC and Peacock on Saturday, December 14 at 8 p.m. ET.

The event will take place at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, N.Y., site of the first-ever SNME in May 1985.

This is the first of a quarterly primetime special on NBC and Peacock, under WWE’s new five-year media partnership with NBCUniversal that brought SmackDown back to USA.

WWE Saturday NIght's Main Event poster

Ticket Information

Tickets go on sale Friday, September 20, at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com. A pre-sale begins the prior day, Thursday, September 19, at 10 a.m. ET.

Fans can register for an exclusive presale offer at WWE.com.

Check Out: Best Saturday Night’s Main Event Matches

Rhea Ripley’s Emotional Reaction to Judgment Day Breakup

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Rhea Ripley has revealed that she was very emotional upon leaving the Judgment Day and she cried on the night of their breakup.

The Mami recently appeared on The Casual Conversations podcast. She talked about things such as working with Edge during the initial run of the group, competing in the WarGames match and more.

When asked what being part of the Judgment Day meant for her, the Eradicator revealed that it helped her finally feel fully comfortable in front of crowds because she had people to fall back on:

“The Judgment Day was really family to me. Like it really was. It has helped my career so much more than I could actually put into words. Cause I feel like that was when I started opening up and feeling comfortable going out there in front of the crowd cause I had the boys that I could fall back on. So it was really emotional for me.”

‘They Were My Family’: Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley joined the Judgment Day featuring Edge and Damian Priest at WrestleMania: Backlash in 2022. The group went through many changes over the next couple of years. They kicked Edge out of it while adding members such as ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh.

Ripley was finally expelled from the faction herself when Dominik Mysterio turned on her and aligned with Liv Morgan instead at SumerSlam 2024. Damian Priest was also kicked out of the group by Finn Balor on the same night. This marked the end of a chapter for the Judgment Day as all founding members left the faction.

The former Women’s Champion mentioned how there were reports about a member crying backstage after that show. She is not ashamed to admit it was her:

“I saw something come out about Judgment Day members, a specific one crying backstage after everything. I’m not ashamed of it. That was me. I was upset. Like the last two and a half years of my life is gonna be…like it’s changed now. I can’t go back to that. They were my boys; they were my family. It was really sad.”

The female star is taking a positive approach to the situation, however, and she believes that when one good thing ends, something amazing starts from it. She claimed that she is now loving her time absolutely brutalizing the group which she characterizes as ‘Street Trash.’

Best CM Punk WWE Matches (Ranked)

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CM Punk has been one of WWE’s biggest stars during his tenure with the company from 2006 to 2014 and the end of 2023 to now. Known for his mic work and controversial persona and solid in-ring work, Punk has delivered many memorable matches throughout his WWE career.

Here, we rank the very best CM Punk matches in WWE history.

Read More – Worst WWE Merchandise Ever: Does The CM Punk Bracelet Make The List?

Greatest CM Punk WWE Matches

CM Punk vs. John Cena vs. Big Show (SummerSlam 2012)

This triple threat match for the WWE Championship saw all three men shine. Punk retained his title in dramatic fashion, continuing his historic 434-day reign.

CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy – Steel Cage Match (SmackDown, August 2009)

This intense steel cage match saw Punk defeat Jeff Hardy, forcing Hardy to leave WWE as per the match stipulation. The bout featured great high-risk spots that played off their contrasting personalities and lifestyles as Straight Edge and…er…not so straight edge.

CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (Payback 2013)

Taking place in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, this match saw the returning Punk defeat Jericho in an excellent back-and-forth contest. The electric crowd and stellar in-ring action made this a standout bout.

CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan (Over the Limit 2012)

Two of the best technical wrestlers of their generation clashed for the WWE Championship in this critically-acclaimed match. Punk and Bryan’s chemistry was on full display as they put on a wrestling clinic.

CM Punk vs. The Undertaker (WrestleMania 29)

Punk gave The Undertaker one of his best WrestleMania matches in this encounter. The build-up involving Paul Bearer’s death added emotional weight to an already stellar contest.

CM Punk vs. John Cena (RAW, February 2013)

Often considered their best match together, this RAW main event saw Punk and Cena pull out all the stops in an epic encounter. The winner would go on to face The Rock at WrestleMania 29.

CM Punk vs. John Cena (Money in the Bank 2011)

Taking place in Punk’s hometown of Chicago, the electric atmosphere elevated this match to legendary status. Punk’s victory and subsequent exit with the WWE Championship became an iconic moment.

CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam 2013)

Punk’s performance against the much larger Lesnar was nothing short of masterful. The no disqualification stipulation allowed for a brutal, hard-hitting affair that showcased Punk’s toughness and in-ring psychology. This match is widely considered Punk’s best in WWE, JUST above the MITB match.

Eric Bischoff Believes This Name Deserves More Credit For Success of DX

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Eric Bischoff believes there is one member of the D-Generation X who gets less credit for the success of the group than he deserves.

While talking to Inside The Ropes‘ Kenny McIntosh, The former WCW President discussed DX’s invasion of WCW on April 27, 1998 when both Raw and Nitro were held miles apart in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

During the session, Bischoff claimed that Sean Waltman, known as X-Pac at the time deserves more credit for making the whole thing believable:

“This guy gets very little credit for the success of DX. A lot of people take credit for shit they don’t deserve to get credit for, right? One of the guys who really helped make DX believable and feel real was Sean Waltman, X-Pac. Cause I fired him—he was a part of nWo.”

He Brought That Edge: Eric Bischoff

Triple H ejected Shawn Michaels from DX after he lost to Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIV. The Game then assumed full control of the group and recruited Sean Waltman as well as the New Age Outlaws into the faction. This came months after Waltman was fired by Eric Bischoff via FedEx while he was on shelf with a neck injury.

The former WCW official claimed that they had developed an edgy character for the former Cruiserweight Champion which he ended up using against them:

“He had that personality, he brought that edge, he brought that character, that sense of ‘screw it, I’ll do whatever it takes.’ He brought that character that we created, and he was very instrumental in by the way, and supportive of. But when I fired him—and I did—he took that same character with him, and he was a part of DX. He used that same creative psychology to fire back at us.”

DX remained together until Triple H and Chyna turned on X-Pac and joined the Corporation at WrestleMania XV. While Waltman and the Outlaws continued using the name even after this, the turn is considered the end of DX’s first run by many as all original members of the group had left the faction.

Bronson Reed Fined “Massive” Amount For Launching Fan on WWE Raw

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History was made on this week’s WWE Raw during the Super Heavyweight clash between “Big” Bronson Reed and Braun Strowman. As soon as Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced this clash, fans knew they were in for a wild ride. However, nobody could have predicted what unfolded.

During their match, Reed etched his place in WWE highlight reels for years to come when he plucked an unsuspecting fan from the audience and launched him at Strowman:

The surreal moment left viewers stunned and quickly went viral on social media. That’s great for creating buzz, but you can’t just go around throwing people. Attacking an innocent audience member is conduct unbecoming of a WWE Superstar, regardless of the circumstances.

Who Was The Fan?

The WWE fan who got launched by Bronson Reed on Raw has been identified by The Local Competitor (@LocalCompWWE) as independent wrestler Nessy Henrdicks.

Nessy Henrix (@Instntclssic) appeared as an extra on WWE television earlier this year. On the February 25 episode of WWE Raw, Hendrix was hired by Paul Heyman as one of his security guards. Things did not go well for Mr. Hendrix that night either.

The Punishment

Adam Pearce agrees with this assessment and wasted no time addressing the incident. In a decisive move, Pearce levied a “massive undisclosed fine” on Bronson Reed.Furthermore and notwithstanding, both Reed and Strowman will also have to pay up for the destruction they caused during their match.

Bronson Reed has demonstrated that he can hold is own against Braun Strowman. However, it takes a lot more than in-ring tenacity to become a WWE Champion and headline WrestleMania, as Strowman has. Reed has the size and agility to continue climbing the ranks, but this fan-throwing incident shows that he still needs to improve the often-overlooked mental aspect of this sport.

Greatest WCW Wrestlers of All Time (Ranked)

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World Championship Wrestling (WCW) was a major force in professional wrestling from 1988 to 2001, rivaling WWE and producing some of the most iconic moments in wrestling history. During its run, WCW showcased an incredible array of talent that helped define the late 80s and Monday Night Wars eras. Let’s take a look at the greatest WCW wrestlers of all time, ranked from 12 down to 1 based on their impact, skill, and legacy within the company.

11. Scott Steiner

Scott Steiner’s transformation from one half of the Steiner Brothers tag team to the “Big Poppa Pump” persona is one of wrestling’s most dramatic character evolutions.

His freakish strength, intimidating presence, and outrageous promos made him one of WCW’s most memorable heel champions in its final years.

10. “Macho Man” Randy Savage

Randy Savage’s run in WCW saw him reinvent himself multiple times, from his initial feud with Ric Flair to his nWo Hollywood days. Savage captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship four times and remained a top draw throughout his tenure.

His ability to deliver compelling promos and matches made him an integral part of WCW’s success.

9. Dean Malenko

“The Man of 1,000 Holds,” Dean Malenko was a cornerstone of WCW’s cruiserweight division. His technical prowess and no-nonsense demeanor provided a perfect contrast to the flashier styles of his contemporaries.

Malenko’s series of matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. and Chris Jericho are still revered by wrestling purists.

8. Eddie Guerrero

Eddie Guerrero’s charisma and in-ring ability made him a star in WCW’s cruiserweight division.

His matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. set a new standard for high-flying action. Guerrero’s ability to connect with the audience, both as a face and heel, showcased his versatility and laid the groundwork for his future WWE success.

7. Chris Benoit

Known as “The Canadian Crippler,” Chris Benoit was the epitome of technical wrestling excellence in WCW.

His intensity and grappling skills made him a standout in the cruiserweight division before he ascended to main event status. Benoit’s matches with Kevin Sullivan, Booker T, and his fellow Horsemen are considered some of the best in WCW history.

6. Booker T

Rising through the tag team ranks with his brother Stevie Ray as Harlem Heat, Booker T evolved into a singles superstar in WCW’s later years.

A five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Booker’s charisma and in-ring skills made him one of the company’s last great babyfaces. His memorable catchphrases and spin-a-roonie became fan favorites.

5. Diamond Dallas Page

DDP’s journey from manager to main event star is one of WCW’s greatest success stories. His everyman appeal and signature Diamond Cutter finisher made him a fan favorite.

Page’s feuds with Randy Savage, Sting, and the nWo showcased his versatility and cemented his place as one of WCW’s homegrown stars.

4. Hulk Hogan

While Hulk Hogan made his name in WWE, his impact on WCW cannot be overstated. Hogan’s arrival in 1994 brought mainstream attention to the company, and his shocking heel turn to form the nWo in 1996 changed the wrestling landscape forever.

As Hollywood Hogan, he became WCW’s top villain and a central figure in the Monday Night Wars.

3. Goldberg

Few wrestlers have made as immediate and lasting an impact as Goldberg. His undefeated streak of 173-0 captivated audiences and made him one of WCW’s biggest draws.

Goldberg’s intensity, power, and no-nonsense approach created a phenomenon that rivaled even Steve Austin in popularity at points.

2. Sting

The face-painted warrior known as Sting was WCW’s franchise player throughout its existence. From his early days as a bleach-blonde surfer to his dark, brooding “Crow” persona, Sting remained a fan favorite and a symbol of WCW’s resistance against the nWo invasion. His epic encounters with Ric Flair and Hollywood Hogan are among the most memorable in the company’s history.

1. Ric Flair

The “Nature Boy” Ric Flair stands atop the mountain as the greatest WCW wrestler of all time. A 16-time world champion, Flair’s charisma, in-ring prowess, and leadership of the Four Horsemen made him the face of WCW for over a decade. His legendary feuds with Sting, Ricky Steamboat, and Vader are etched in wrestling history.

Artem Chigvintsev Seeks Joint Custody Of Son in Split with Nikki Garcia

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On August 29, Artem Chigvintsev was arrested on charges of domestic battery of a spouse and was later released on bail. In 2020, he and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Garcia welcomed their son Matteo into the world, and now both parents have filed for what they believe is an appropriate level of custody.

Chigvintsev, best known for his role on Dancing With The Stars, has filed for joint custody of Matteo, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. He is also requesting spousal support and for Garcia to cover his attorney’s fees and costs. Chigvintsev made a 9-1-1 call on the day of his arrest, requesting medical assistance, though later called to say it was no longer needed.

Garcia on the other hand, has filed for sole legal and physical custody of Matteo, while allowing visitation rights for Chigvintsev. She has also requested that the court terminate spousal support for both parties. Garcia, who competed for WWE as Nikki Bella, was reportedly encouraged to end her marriage to Chigvintsev by her sister Brie after the alleged violence.

The former WWE Divas Champion officially filed for divorce on Wednesday, September 11, with both sides citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. Both have also cited Thursday, August 29, as the date of separation, which coincides with Chigvintsev’s arrest.

The couple met in 2017 on Dancing with the Stars while Garcia was engaged to John Cena, though their relationship would end in early 2018. Garcia would reconnect with Chgvintsev after this and the couple announced their engagement in late 2019.

After becoming parents to Matteo in July 2020, the couple got married in a private Parisian ceremony in August 2022, though Garcia’s filing gives the date as January 19, 2023. The couple had celebrated their second wedding anniversary mere days before Chigvintsev’s arrest.

Megan Thee Stallion Agreed To Mercedes Moné Collab Before WWE SmackDown Song

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Ahead of SmackDown’s return to the USA Network, WWE confirmed that Neva Play, a track by Megan Thee Stallion featuring RM of BTS will serve as the blue brand’s new theme song. Getting the award-winning artist on board is a huge score for WWE, especially as she was reportedly set to work with WWE’s chief rival not too long ago.

Megan Thee Stallion had agreed to collaborate with AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné, PW Insider reports, before she agreed for her track to become the official theme song of WWE SmackDown. Negotiations took place between Megan’s manager, Mike B of Roc Nation, and Mercedes’ manager, Keven Undergaro, about a collaboration.

The two met in February at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Japan where both women presented awards. Moné hinted at a collaboration with the award-winning artist in the run-up to AEW’s recent All In: London 2024 pay-per-view.

Megan Thee Stallion In Wrestling

SmackDown’s new theme song marks Megan Thee Stallion’s official arrival in the world of wrestling, but she has teased involvement in the past. In March of this year, ex-WWE Superstar Mojo Rawley claimed that WWE had planned for Moné (Sasha Banks at the time) to face Megan at a SummerSlam PLE but that never occurred.

Following her song becoming the official theme of SmackDown, Megan teased making her official debut for the promotion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Megan Thee Stallion’s possible involvement with WWE now her song will be heard every Friday night.