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Vince McMahon Criticizes Netflix Documentary for Misrepresentation

Michael Reichlin
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Vince McMahon has publicly voiced his disappointment with a Netflix documentary that chronicles his life and career. In a statement, McMahon expressed regret over the documentary’s portrayal of him, specifically criticizing how it conflates his wrestling persona, “Mr. McMahon,” with his true self.

According to McMahon, the producers missed an opportunity to provide an objective, well-rounded account of his life and the business empire he built. He claims the final product distorts reality, using selective editing, outdated soundbites, and out-of-context footage to mislead viewers. McMahon argues that these editorial choices were designed to create a deceptive narrative.

He further highlights how the documentary references a past lawsuit and an affair in a misleading way, reinforcing the misconception that his “Mr. McMahon” character is an accurate reflection of who he is.

McMahon hopes viewers will approach the film with an open mind, urging them to remember that there are two sides to every story.

Vince’s McMahon’s Statement on Netflix Series

McMahon writes, “I don’t regret participating in this Netflix documentary. The producers had an opportunity to tell an objective story about my life and the incredible business I built, which were equally filled with excitement, drama, fun, and a fair amount of controversy and life lessons. Unfortunately, based on an early partial cut I’ve seen, this doc falls short and takes the predictable path of conflating the “Mr. McMahon” character with my true self, Vince. The title and promos alone make that evident.

A lot has been misrepresented or left out entirely in an effort to leave viewers intentionally confused. The producers use typical editing tricks with out of context footage and dated soundbites etc. to distort the viewers’ perception and support a deceptive narrative.

In an attempt to further their misleading account, the producers use a lawsuit based on an affair I ended as evidence that I am, in fact, “Mr. McMahon.”

I hope the viewer will keep an open mind and remember that there are two sides to every story.”

Tony Khan Suggests AEW PPVs May Stream on MAX Amid TV Deal Talks

Thomas Lowson
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AEW President Tony Khan has worked closely with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for years now, with a new deal between the two sides estimated to be in the ballpark of $170 million ballpark. Fans can expect plenty more of AEW programming on TNT and TBS and Khan has big plans for his product on the streaming platform MAX.

Sitting down with WFAN Daily Monday morning, Khan shared his enthusiasm for AEW’s future with WBD and future plans with the streaming platform.

“The plan is, I think, to do a lot of things potentially with MAX. That could involve a variety of things… Everything is on the table.”

One of the biggest changes fans can look ahead to is AEW ending its partnership with Bleacher Report who are set to be phased out as the home of AEW pay-per-views.

“We’ve had great conversations about streaming. We’ve been doing it on B/R, but they are sunsetting Bleacher Report. We’re going to be doing our PPVs on other apps.”

Although the home of AEW programming on demand will be changing, Khan has made clear that AEW’s live TV content will remain on TNT and TBS, a point he felt the need to reiterate this week.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I can promise you, I’m 100% confident that you’re going to have AEW on TBS and TNT for a long time to come.”

Khan’s latest update on his talks with WBD comes ahead of AEW’s Grand Slam events, a highlight of the promotion’s calendar. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on AEW’s talks with Warner Bros. Discovery and for all the excitement from Grand Slam.

Bloodline Expansion: Hikuleo Set to Extend Its Reach to WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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After an impressive run with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), former Strong Openweight Champion Hikuleo, who stands an imposing 6 feet 8 inches tall, signed with WWE in July 2024. At 33 years old, Hikuleo brings both size and experience to the roster, adding another talent with ties to the famed Anoa’i wrestling family. Fans have been eager to see how Hikuleo will be integrated into WWE, and new reports suggest that his journey will begin in NXT.

According to PWInsider Elite, Hikuleo has been added to WWE’s internal NXT roster, though the exact timing of his in-ring debut remains unclear. His last match was at NJPW’s Dominion event in June 2024, where he participated in a four-way elimination tag-team match.

Given Hikuleo’s strong familial connections, many speculated that he might bypass NXT entirely and debut directly on the main roster as part of the ongoing Bloodline storyline. As the brother of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, Hikuleo is a natural fit for the group’s angle, which has seen Solo Sikoa’s faction clash with Roman Reigns. Both of Hikuleo’s brothers, as well as Jacob Fatu, skipped the NXT developmental process. However, it appears that won’t be the case for Hikuleo.

The Bloodline Family Tree
The Bloodline Family Tree

WWE seems to have different plans, opting for Hikuleo to further develop his skills in NXT before positioning him as a main roster talent. This strategic move comes at a pivotal time, as NXT is set to move to The CW next week. Hikuleo’s arrival, with his towering presence and Bloodline ties, is expected to provide a significant boost of star power to the developmental brand. His presence could help mark a new era for NXT on its new network.

With all this in mind, wrestling fans should stay on high alert for Hikuleo’s arrival in NXT sooner rather than later.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Hikuleo and The Bloodline.

Pro Wrestling x NFL Weekly Round Up: (Week 3)

Dominic DeAngelo
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It’s fitting that Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns began the weekend confronting one another on a football field in their memorable “cinema” exchange on SmackDown because the NFL is always full of “cinema” week in and week out.

Starting this week for the rest of the NFL season, I’ll be doing a pro football/pro wrestling round-up – how the two worlds collide with one another during the NFL season.

Week 3 of the NFL had its fair share of upsets and defining Ws for certain teams, but pro wrestling was in full force on the gridiron. Stars from WWE and AEW were not just attending the games themselves, but players also took opportunity express their pro wrestling fandom.

Seth Rollins Gets “Royal Rumbled” By Star Colts WR!

Seth Rollins is unabashed in his fandom for the Chicago Bears and wears his emotions on his sleeve whether his team wins or loses. In near signature fashion, Rollins will typically wallow in a Bears loss by posting “I hate football” on X or will celebrate by writing “I love football” instead.

Rollins’ actions spoke louder than his words this week as the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion was actually in attendance for the game as the Bears played in Indianapolis. Rollins was clearly the heel in enemy territory and a babyface TY Hilton, longtime Colts wide receiver, “tossed” Rollins “over the top” and onto the field as the Bears took the loss, dropping to 1-2 currently on the season.

Ric Flair Sees Similarities Between Aaron Rodgers and Arn Anderson

With Tom Brady retiring two seasons ago, Aaron Rodgers is currently the oldest active player in the NFL. Even with Brady, the New York Jets’ QB is one of the purest top talents to ever enter the league. It’s no surprise that before the Jets played the New England Patriots this past Thursday that Ric Flair took to social media to put a picture-by-picture comparison of Rodgers next to his Four Horsemen compatriot, Arn Anderson, one of the purest pro wrestlers to ever step foot in the ring.

Rodgers infamously tore his Achilles tendon to start the 2023 season, taking him out for the whole year, but much like Arn, Rodgers didn’t appear to age on Thursday as he ripped the Patriots apart, going 27 for 35 with 281 passing yards, two touchdowns and a 118.9 passer rating. The Jets are now 2-1 after handing their division rival one hefty loss.

Sheamus Revs Up The Tennessee Titan Fans (Almost)

Sheamus may be Irish, but The Celtic Warrior packs quite the presence in Nashville, TN. Sunday was no exception as Sheamus took to Nissan Stadium to amp up the crowd ahead of the Titans playing the Packers. However, all that was “White Noise” as Will Levis and the Titans fell to the Green Bay Packers 30-14.

Jamaal Williams Believes In Joe Hendry

Many wrestling fans “believe” in Joe Hendry, but some NFL players do too. Jamaal Williams, running back for the New Orleans Saints, is one of them. Heading into warm-ups before his team played the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend, Williams hit up the Saints social media team to sing the Joe Hendry theme for the viewers.

Williams may now have channel Journey with “Don’t Stop Believing” as the Saints fell to the Eagles 15-12.

AEW & WWE Stars Reunite For The 49ers vs. The Rams

There was quite the pro wrestling reunion in Los Angeles this weekend as AEW stars joined up with WWE stars to celebrate their San Francisco 49ers. Bayley, Leila Gray, Mercedes Mone, Tamina Snuka and Naomi all met up to cheer on the Brock Purdy-led red and gold. However, much like Giovanni Vinci this past Friday with Apollo Crews, the Los Angeles Rams has the Niners’ number, rolling up for an upset win with a game-winning field goal.

Wrestling Related Games Win-Loss Record

It’s a rough start to the season for wrestling and football related news as the team tied with pro wrestling went 1-4 for the week.

Mansoor: Mason & I Wanted To Join AEW When We Were In WWE

Thomas Lowson
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At 2018’s Greatest Royal Royal, the wrestling world was introduced to Mansoor, who’d make history as the promotion’s first Saudi Superstar. While Mansoor would be showcased at WWE’s massive events in Saudi Arabia including wins over Cesaro and Dolph Ziggler, he had his eye on joining AEW while working for the larger promotion.

On AEW Unrestricted, Mansoor admitted that he and Mason Madden had their eyes on joining AEW while with WWE and compared the in-your-face blockbuster dynamic of Hollywood director Michael Bay to the more nuanced style of David Lynch.

“If WWE is like a Michael Bay movie, I see AEW as a David Lynch movie. There was always something so alluring, There was always an element of that outsider intrigue… we were like ‘God I feel like if we were over there [in AEW] we would be doing something really special.'”

It wouldn’t be until this year that Mansoor and Madden finally made their dreams of appearing for AEW a reality by appearing on the July 27, edition of AEW Collision in a losing effort to FTR. Mansoor has since racked up five matches for AEW though boasts a rather unfortunate 1-4 win/loss record.

Though Mansoor isn’t quite in World Championship contention just yet, he and Madden are getting the chance to shine in both AEW and Ring of Honor. His comments reflect the very different nature of WWE and AEW and why some wrestlers prefer one company to the other. While some prefer the larger spectacle that WWE can provide, others prefer the most concentrated efforts on pro wrestling as a craft found in AEW.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the MxM Collection as they continue to make waves outside of WWE.

Why Shinsuke Nakamura is off WWE Programming

Jake Skudder
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Shinsuke Nakamura, one of WWE’s most captivating performers, has recently been absent from television, leaving fans questioning his current status. Let’s delve into the reasons behind his disappearance and what the future may hold for the King of Strong Style.

No Injuries Behind Nakamura’s Absence

Contrary to popular speculation, Shinsuke Nakamura is not dealing with any injuries. According to Sean Ross Sapp during his Q&A podcast on Fightful Select, Nakamura is healthy and has been working WWE’s overseas tours. However, despite his availability, WWE has not included him in their current televised programming.

Last Match Details

Nakamura’s most recent in-ring appearance occurred on August 29, 2024, during WWE’s Road to Bash in Berlin event in Frankfurt. He participated in a four-way match for the United States Championship, which saw LA Knight successfully retain the title. The bout also featured Ludwig Kaiser and Sheamus, further showcasing Nakamura’s enduring presence in WWE, despite his lack of TV time.

WWE’s Booking Strategy for Nakamura

WWE’s decision to keep Nakamura off television is more about booking strategy than physical limitations. With a crowded roster and limited airtime, not every superstar can be consistently featured on weekly programming. While this may frustrate fans, it’s not uncommon for WWE to cycle talent in and out of television appearances.

Potential Future Plans

With Triple H at the helm of WWE’s creative direction, there’s still hope that Nakamura could be pushed back into a prominent role, potentially even into the main event scene. While he has yet to capture a world title on WWE’s main roster, Nakamura’s fans remain hopeful that a major opportunity is on the horizon.

In the meantime, Nakamura appears to be living his best life outside the ring, even making a recent appearance at a UFC event, further indicating that his absence from WWE television is temporary and not due to any personal or professional issues.

Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet: Their Best Matches Ranked

Jake Skudder
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As AEW’s 5th anniversary approaches, wrestling fans are buzzing with anticipation for the potential clash between Will Ospreay and Ricochet. These two high-flying superstars have a storied history of electrifying matches that have pushed the boundaries of athletic prowess in professional wrestling. To prepare for their potential encounter, let’s take a look at their most memorable battles, ranked from good to legendary.

4. RevPro High Stakes 2013

While not their most polished encounter, this early match showcased the raw potential of both performers. At this point, Ospreay was still establishing himself on the UK indie scene, while Ricochet was already making waves internationally in places like PWG. The bout gave fans a glimpse of the chemistry that would define their future clashes.

3. EVOLVE 59 (2016)

This indie showcase allowed Ospreay and Ricochet to let loose without the constraints of a major promotion. The result was a dazzling display of athleticism that left fans in awe.

While not reaching the heights of their most famous encounters, this match earned a respectable ****1/2 rating and further cemented their reputation as two of wrestling’s premier high-flyers.

2. NJPW Best of the Super Juniors XXIII (2016)

This is the bout that truly put Ospreay and Ricochet on the map, sparking intense debate within the wrestling community about what is and isn’t “proper wrestling.”

While many fans and critics praised the match for its innovation, others, including wrestling legend Vader, criticized it for straying too far from traditional wrestling. This divide only increased interest in both performers and their unique style and actually led to Vader vs Ospreay at Rev Pro in a bizarre twist.

1. NJPW Best of the Super Juniors XXIV (2017)

Building on their previous encounters, this match represents the peak of Ospreay and Ricochet’s in-ring chemistry and work together.

Critical Acclaim

This match received widespread praise, earning a near-perfect ****3/4 rating from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. It’s considered not just their best encounter, but one of the finest junior heavyweight matches of that decade.

Why It’s Their Best

  • Perfect balance of high spots and storytelling
  • Showcased their improved strength and striking abilities
  • Culmination of their rivalry, with each man intimately familiar with the other’s moveset

Why WWE Will Be The First Wrestling Promotion Inside The Sphere

Thomas Lowson
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WWE could be the first wrestling promotion to hold a major event at one of the world’s most advanced entertainment venues—The Sphere in Las Vegas—if Jim Ross’ predictions are correct. On his Grilling JR podcast, the AEW commentator was confident that with Nick Khan at the helm, WWE is well-positioned to be the first wrestling promotion to book the state-of-the-art venue.

“I think Nick Khan will lead the way because of all of their Vegas connections. It would surprise me if WWE was not the first company to go into The Sphere.”

Jim Ross on WWE running The Sphere

The Sphere: A State-of-the-Art Venue

With its innovative dome design featuring 360-degree LED screens and an immersive sound system, The Sphere has become one of entertainment’s most sought-after venues since opening its doors in 2023. So far, it has hosted high-profile concerts by U2 and film screenings, as well as WWE’s TKO partner UFC for their recent UFC 306 event.

Ross believes The Sphere’s distinctive look and feel make it an ideal venue for WWE, likening it to Arthur Ashe Stadium, where AEW is set to return to for its Grand Slam. “Somebody will jump on it, and WWE has proven that they are generally the first jumpers. I think there’ll be wrestling in The Sphere, and I think it’ll be WWE first,” Ross continued.

WWE’s Financial Muscle vs. The Sphere’s High Costs

While The Sphere offers a cutting-edge experience, it comes with significant operating costs. Reports suggest that hosting events at the venue can run into the tens of millions ensuring that only the biggest, most profitable wrestling companies will have a chance at hosting an event in the venue. However, as Ross alluded to, WWE’s substantial production capabilities and financial resources would make the high costs manageable.

“WWE’s got a huge production staff, much larger than AEW,” Ross said, implying that WWE’s scale gives them the advantage to take on a venue of this caliber.

WWE is no slouch when it comes to hosting grand spectacles, from WrestleMania to its annual events in Saudi Arabia. With the promotion boasting record profits in recent years, money should not be a concern should the company choose the high-tech arena.

AEW Unlikely to Follow WWE into The Sphere

While Rhoss is confident WWE’s debut in The Sphere is coming, he doesn’t expect AEW to follow suit immediately. Ross believes that it’d backfire for AEW to head to The Sphere straight after WWE if Tony Khan wants his company to be seen as different.

“If that happens, then why would AEW zoom in and look like a copycat? They wouldn’t. They have some distance between it. It has a unique look, why not try it?”

Fellow AEW name Jeff Jarrett also recently shared his belief that AEW will not host a show in The Sphere anytime soon. Speaking on his My World podcast earlier this month, Jarrett argued that it’s close to “impossible” for a promotion to make its money back with a show in The Sphere. The former Head of TNA predicted that wrestling won’t come to The Sphere in the next 12 months, though remains open to being proven wrong.

WWE in The Sphere—When, Not If?

Ross may no longer be part of WWE but is evidently keeping an eye on his former employer’s continued efforts to be trailblazers in the industry. WWE already has ties to Las Vegas, with WrestleMania 41 coming to Sin City in April of next year, making a future event in The Sphere more likely than ever before.

At this stage, it’s not a matter of if WWE will host an event at The Sphere, but when. Whether it’s WrestleMania, SummerSlam, or an entirely new event yet to be conceived, the potential for a groundbreaking WWE show in The Sphere is very much within reach.

Dustin Rhodes Launches The Rhodes Wrestling Association

Bishal Roy
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Veteran wrestler Dustin Rhodes, one-half of the current ROH World Tag Team Champions, has announced the launch of his own promotion, Rhodes Wrestling Association (RWA). This marks a new chapter in his career as he transitions into the role of promoter, following years of experience running the successful Rhodes Wrestling Academy, a training ground for up-and-coming talent.

The debut event for RWA is scheduled for November 21, 2024, and will take place at the RWA Bullpen in Leander, Texas. Rhodes also revealed that a VIP meet-and-greet will precede the event, offering fans a chance to engage with “The Natural” himself.

At 55, Rhodes is in the later stages of storied in-ring career. He has been a key part of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) since its inception in 2019 and recently hinted on social media that he’s embarking on “One Last Ride” before officially hanging up his boots. In his post, Rhodes expressed his love for AEW, emphasizing that his time in the promotion has been revitalizing for his soul.

Amid growing speculation about his future, reports have surfaced that Rhodes’ AEW contract is set to expire in September 2024, and as of yet, no new deal has been signed. In the meantime, Rhodes remains active, recently winning the ROH World Tag Team Championship alongside Sammy Guevara. The duo successfully defended their titles against Matt Taven and Mike Bennett of The Kingdom in a Bunkhouse Brawl match on AEW Collision.

The launch of the Rhodes Wrestling Association adds another layer to Rhodes’ already groundbreaking career. We’ll follow up as the first event by the RWA takes shape.

New ‘Red One’ Trailer Featuring Dwayne Johnson

Bishal Roy
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The latest trailer for ‘Red One’ starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Chris Evans has dropped.

The story is about Santa Claus (Code Name: RED ONE) being kidnapped and the North Pole’s Head of Security (The Rock) has to team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Evans) in an action-filled quest to save Christmas. Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons are also part of the cast.

The latest trailer also hints at some fun Christmas-themed elements including toy stores providing back-door portals to the North Pole. The trailer starts with a team of intruders using Tasers and the group is led by Lucy Liu, who kidnapped Chris Evans’ bounty hunter character on a top-secret mission to rescue Santa Claus alongside Dwayne Johnson.

“I’m not gonna like you,” Evans said after meeting Johnson. “I can tell right away. Out of everyone here, I like you the least.”

The trailer also features high-intensity action-packed battle sequences and a villainous Kiernan Shipka, who is seemingly aware of the whereabouts of the Red One.

Seven Bucks’ regular collaborator Chris Morgan has penned the screenplay. He previously collaborated with the company on multiple projects in the Fast & Furious franchise. Producers on the film include The Detective Agency’s Kasdan and Melvin Mar, Morgan representing Chris Morgan Productions, and Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson from Seven Bucks Productions. The Detective Agency’s Sky Salem Robinson has also co-produced.

‘Red One’ is an original story by Seven Bucks Productions’ President of Production Hiram Garcia. Amazon MGM Studios secured the story after a bidding war and the film is set to hit the theatres in the United States on November 15. It will be released worldwide via Warner Bros Pictures in the same month.

Meanwhile, fans have also caught a glimpse of The Rock in Disney’s Moana 2.

AJ Styles WWE Contract: Rumored expiry, dates and more

Jake Skudder
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AJ Styles has been a cornerstone of WWE programming since his debut in 2016, consistently delivering in high-quality matches and captivating storylines on-screen with the likes of John Cena and Roman Reigns. As one of the company’s top performers, there’s naturally a lot of interest surrounding his contract status. Let’s dive into the details of AJ Styles’ WWE contract, including its rumored expiration date and other key information.

Current Contract Status

AJ Styles’ current WWE contract is reportedly set to expire in 2024. This stems from a five-year deal he signed with the company in 2019, which was later amended in 2022. The exact expiration date remains undisclosed, as WWE typically keeps such details confidential.

AJ Styles Contract Extension in 2022

In early 2022, reports surfaced that Styles had signed a new multi-year deal with WWE. However, Styles himself clarified the situation in an interview with Alex McCarthy for Inside The Ropes. He explained that he didn’t actually sign a new contract, but rather exercised an option to extend his existing agreement:

“Let me make one thing clear. I didn’t sign anything, recently. I had something on my contract where I got to decide, kind of a player option, what I want to do, and we just extended the contract that I already had.” This extension reportedly increased Styles’ annual income to approximately $3 million.

Financial Details

While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, several aggregated reports suggest that AJ Styles is one of the highest-paid performers in WWE. Here’s a breakdown of his estimated earnings:

  • Annual salary: Approximately $3 million
  • Monthly income: Around $250,000
  • Weekly earnings: Roughly $57,692

It’s important to note that these figures likely don’t include additional income from merchandise sales, bonuses, or other performance-based incentives.

Career Earnings and Net Worth

Throughout his illustrious career, AJ Styles has undoubtedly earned a substantial amount of money. While precise career earnings are difficult to determine due to the private nature of wrestling contracts, estimates place AJ Styles’ net worth at around $8 million as of 2024.

This figure takes into account his earnings from various promotions, including TNA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and of course, WWE. During his time in TNA, Styles reportedly earned around $400,000 annually, which was considered a significant amount for a non-WWE promotion at the time before the formation of AEW in 2019.

Future Plans and Retirement

As AJ Styles approaches the latter stages of his in-ring career, he has been open about his future plans and potential retirement. In a 2019 interview, Styles expressed his intention to retire with WWE. He has also shown interest in transitioning to a backstage role, potentially working at the WWE Performance Center to train young wrestlers once his in-ring career concludes.

During the 2022 interview with Inside The Ropes, Styles acknowledged the physical toll of professional wrestling and his desire to retire while still performing at a high level:

“Time is running out, as far as AJ Styles is concerned. I am getting older. The ability to put on great matches is getting a little bit harder. I don’t want to embarrass myself at the same time. I want to get out while I can and still have somewhat of a legacy.”

Potential Post-Wrestling Role

Styles has expressed interest in becoming a scout for WWE after his in-ring career ends. He believes his experience and understanding of the wrestling business would be valuable in identifying and developing new talent:

“I would like to be a scout because, I know we’ve changed some things around here in WWE, but at the end of the day, you have to find these — I don’t want to call them actors or stuntmen — you have to find these athletes that have wanted this their whole life.”

WWE Raw Preview For Tonight: Jey Uso IC Title Shot, McIntyre Returns

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Monday Night Raw airs tonight at 8/7c on the USA Network, live from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. With Bad Blood just around the corner next weekend, this episode will feature several storyline advancements leading into the premium live event.

Jey Uso is “so ready” to be a singles champion, and he’ll get his shot in just a matter of hours. The former Bloodline member has done a commendable job without the support of his brother or family, but he’ll have to go through Bron Breakker if he wants to etch his name in the history books.

Matches and segments for the show will include:

  • Jey Uso challenges Bron Breakker for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
  • Sami Zayn vs. Ludwig Keiser
  • Drew McIntyre is also scheduled to return. He’s set to address CM Punk’s recent comments in what will undoubtedly escalate tensions heading into Bad Blood.

We’ll update this article if Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announces additional matches or segments, as he’s known in the hours leading up to the show.

Catch up on the Top 10 Moments from last week’s WWE Raw:

WWE & AEW Stars Team-Up For Celebrity Charity Softball Tournament

Thomas Lowson
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The discourse surrounding WWE and AEW can often get toxic on social media with fans batting for their preferred company as the superior brand. This past weekend, stars from WWE, AEW, and the wider wrestling world united to raise money for very special causes.

The Swing For A Cause Celebrities & Veterans Softball Tournament, Homerun Derby, and Jam Session saw some of the top names in wrestling take to the field to raise money. Names involved include AEW’s Kamille, WWE’s AJ Styles, Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller and Arn Anderson.

On Twitter, Kamille was pleased to play her part in raising money for a very special cause and shared some photos, including one with AJ Styles.

Zicky Dice, a TNA Wrestling alum trained by WWE’s own Seth Rollins, also shared a photo, calling himself, Styles, and Carlie Bravo a trio of “softball legends.”

Diamond Dallas Page, Dan ‘The Beast’ Severn, Luke Gallows, Brock Anderson, and Savannah Evans were scheduled to participate, according to Swing For A Cause’s website. Swing For A Cause partners with various charities including the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Benefitting Boot Campaign, the Wiley H. Manns Foundation, and MVP: Merging Vets & Players.

WWE and AEW stars may not work together, but there is clearly a bond among wrestlers, as seen at the recent 49ers Vs. Rams NFL game. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on these wrestlers and their work in and out of the ring.

Mick Foley Signs WWE Legends Deal, Door Open for New Merchandise

Thomas Lowson
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Mick Foley is regarded as one of the most popular WWE stars of all time, thanks to his willingness to put his body on the line for the fans and affable personality. Now, fans can expect to see more of the WWE Hall of Famer as he’s reportedly signed a new contract with the promotion.

Foley has signed a new Legends Deal with WWE, Fightful Select reports. The deal will see Mick’s name, image, and likeness be used for merchandise, action figures, video games, and more as per the terms of his contract.

While Mick hasn’t appeared on WWE programming in person for some time, he did appear via video for WWE NXT on the show’s November 7, 2023, episode. Foley’s most recent appearance for WWE saw him announce Iron Survivor qualifying matches pitting Tiffany Stratton against Fallon Henley and Tyler Bate against Dijak.

Mick Foley Won’t Wrestle

While some fans may hope that Foley’s new contract could lead to an in-ring return, the three-time WWE Champion has made it clear that he won’t be stepping back between the ropes. Earlier this year, Foley floated the idea of having one final deathmatch before his 60th birthday in June 2025. The proposal garnered interest from several prominent wrestlers, including Matt Cardona and fellow Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam.

Foley called off the idea of wrestling again in April, after suffering concussion symptoms that left his family worried about his safety in the ring. While we can’t count out a potential Royal Rumble cameo for the Hardcore legend under his new deal, don’t expect a fully-fledged match, never mind a deathmatch, from Mrs. Foley’s baby boy.

WWE Couple Kit Wilson & Stevie Turner Marry In Intimate Ceremony

Thomas Lowson
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Congratulations are in order for Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson and WWE NXT’s Stevie Turner as the couple celebrated their love by getting married this past weekend. On Instagram, Prince shared photos of the couple’s outdoor ceremony.

Kit Wilson Married 3
Kit Wilson Married 2
Kit Wilson Married 1

Several WWE names offered their congratulations to the happy couple including Fallon Henley, Alicia Taylor, Grayson Waller, and Kelly Kincaid. Kincaid is the partner of Prince’s Pretty Deadly ally Elton Prince and the couple recently welcomed their daughter Poppy into the world.

Wilson was called up to WWE’s main roster alongside Prince last year and the pair challenged for the Undisputed WWE Tag Titles that June, albeit unsuccessfully. Turner is currently serving as the assistant to NXT GM Ava, a role that has put her at odds with Mr. Stone.

Wedding Bells

Wilson and Turner aren’t the only WWE names to tie the knot recently, as NXT Superstar Brooks Jensen got married this past weekend as well. In July, Angelo Dawkins married his partner Grace in a ceremony officiated by his tag-team partner Montez Ford. In case that wasn’t enough star power at the wedding, Bianca Belair, the wife of Ford, was also around to celebrate the couple’s love.

image 24

Love is certainly in the air in the world of professional wrestling, and now Wilson and Turner can look forward to forging a new life together as newlyweds. We at SEScoops would like to extend our congratulations to the happy couple at this joyous time.

Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade Give Gift To CM Punk, Reference Brawl Out

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk’s 46th birthday is still a month away, but that hasn’t stopped his ‘daughters‘ Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade giving the veteran a gift. The two NXT Superstars didn’t need to spend a fortune to make their feelings clear on the former WWE World Champion and even included a reference to one of Punk’s most infamous moments.

On his Instagram Stories, Punk shared the gift in question; a birthday napkin claiming that the Raw Superstar is turning 100 years old. Punk is encouraged to “enjoy your fruit and protein” by his ‘daughters’ who he believes are “alright when they’re not being brats.”

At the top of the napkin is a quote from Punk that reads “I’m old and tired and I work with children.” Punk infamously delivered a variation of these words during his infamous All Out 2022 post-show rant. That rant and the backstage fight that followed would see Punk and other top names suspended from AEW and would forever shift the Best in the World’s relationship with the promotion. The napkin also includes an image of a cupcake, a nod to Punk’s sweet treat of choice as he delivered his post-show comments.

What’s to Come?

CM Punk will appear on the October 1, edition of WWE NXT, which will serve as the show’s premiere and fittingly take place in Chicago, Illinois. At the latest NXT, it was confirmed that Punk will officiate the NXT Championship match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams.

Perez will also be in action on the night as she’ll defend her NXT Women’s Championship against Giulia. Despite this napkin gift, Perez had strong words for Punk on the latest NXT, declaring that she now sees she should have been a Drew McIntyre, the man Punk will face in Hell in a Cell at WWE Bad Blood on October 5.

Cody Rhodes Enters Fanatics’ Top 5 Sellers, Setting New WWE Milestone

Thomas Lowson
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Since his return to WWE, Cody Rhodes has proven himself to be “undeniable,” culminating in his emotional victory at WrestleMania 40. Now, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion has achieved another major milestone in his career, this time in the realm of merchandise sales through Fanatics.

Cody has broken into the top 5 of all athletes and personalities in overall sales, sources at Fanatics told Fightful Select. No other wrestler, in or out of WWE, has reached this elite quintet; another sign of the popularity of the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion. In May of this year, Rhodes broke into the top 10 merch-sellers on Fanatics and has only grown more popular with audiences ever since.

It’s not just with Fanatics that fans can see the undeniable popularity of Cody Rhodes, who made over $1 million over WrestleMania weekend in merchandise alone. In the run-up to his epic weekend in Philadelphia, Rhodes dominated WWE’s own merchandise sales, regularly outperforming The Rock and leaving the Final Boss scraping into the top 10.

WWE And Fanatics

A deal between WWE and Fanatics was reached in March 2022, mere days before Rhodes’ return to the promotion at WrestleMania 38. The deal has seen Fanatics sell several items of licensed merch ranging from t-shirts to replica championship title belts. At the time of the agreement’s inception, then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon described Fanatics as an “industry leader” and Fanatics founder/CEO Michael Rubin as a “visionary.”

What’s to Come?

Rhodes will compete at WWE Bad Blood 2024 where he’ll team with Roman Reigns to take on The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. With a special entrance planned for the Undisputed WWE Champion, expect merchandise to fly once more at the October 5, event in Atlanta, Georgia. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Cody Rhodes and his unlikely tag team with the OTC.

WWE & AEW Stars Unite For San Francisco 49ers vs. LA Rams Game

Thomas Lowson
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AEW wrestlers and WWE Superstars don’t share the ring, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t friendships that go beyond where a talent works. This week, the ‘Forbidden Door’ was opened at an NFL game that saw the San Francisco 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams.

On Twitter, AEW’s Leila Grey shared some photos from the game, which she watched alongside TBS Champion Mercedes Moné, Bayley, Naomi, and Tamina Snuka.

Despite holding a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter, the 49ers were unable to fend off a late surge by the Rams, who clinched a 27-24 victory with a game-winning field goal as time expired. Bayley’s love for the 49ers is no secret, as she presented George Kittle with a WWE Legacy Championship earlier this year and pumped up fans at the January game.

This game also proved to be a reunion for Moné, Naomi, and Tamina who formed Team B.A.D (Beautiful and Dangerous) when Mone was called up to the main roster in 2015. The group feuded with Team Bella (The Bella Twins and Alicia Fox) and PCB (Paige, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch) before Moné (then Sasha Banks) split from Team B.A.D in early 2016.

While discourse about WWE and AEW may get heated among fans on social media, these five wrestlers enjoyed each other’s company at the game, even if the result didn’t go their way. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on WWE and All Elite Wrestling.

Seth Rollins Has Viral Moment with TY Hilton At Bears vs. Colts Game

Michael Reichlin
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WWE superstar Seth Rollins was spotted at the Chicago Bears game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium. A die-hard Bears fan, Rollins attended the game during his current break from WWE and found himself in an unexpected viral moment with former Colts wide receiver, TY Hilton.

A Surprise Encounter with TY Hilton

In a playful interaction that delighted fans, Hilton, a former Colts standout, engaged with Rollins near the stands. Hilton humorously “threw” Rollins out of the seating area, causing the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion to tumble onto the field. The light-hearted scene was caught on camera and quickly spread across social media.

Rollins Reacts to the Bears’ Loss

The game didn’t go well for Rollins’ Bears, who lost 21-16, dropping their season record to 1-2. Following the defeat, Rollins took to social media to vent his frustration, rekindling his well-known frustrations with the Bears’ performance. He reiterated his disappointment with football as a whole, continuing a theme he’s expressed in previous seasons.

The viral nature of the incident with TY Hilton generated significant buzz on social media. Fans of both WWE and the NFL discussed the crossover moment, making Rollins’ tumble one of the most talked-about highlights from Sunday’s game.

Rollins’ WWE Absence

Rollins’ appearance at the game comes amid his time off from WWE. He has been absent from programming since August 5, when he was brutally attacked by Bronson Reed on WWE Raw. Rollins has been recovering since the assault, and his time at the Bears game marked one of his rare public appearances during this hiatus.

Mercedes Mone Shares Concerns About WWE Raw’s Move to Netflix

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has announced that its flagship program, Monday Night Raw, will undergo significant changes starting in October 2024. The show will shift from its current three-hour format to a two-hour runtime, which will remain in place until the end of the year. Even more notably, starting in January 2025, Raw will move from cable television to Netflix—a monumental shift, marking the first time in its 31-year history that the show will no longer air on traditional TV.

This decision has stirred mixed reactions within the wrestling community, with fans and industry insiders alike weighing in on the potential impact of these changes. One prominent voice sharing thoughts on this transition is AEW star Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE. The “CEO” and reigning AEW TBS Champions expressed her opinions through her Mone Mag newsletter.

Having been a key figure in WWE during her time there, Mone has firsthand experience with Raw‘s three-hour format, having headlined numerous episodes. She discussed both the benefits and potential drawbacks of the show’s upcoming changes.

Opportunities vs. Concerns with a Shorter Runtime:

Mone pointed out that while the three-hour format was often criticized for dragging at times, it provided valuable opportunities for underrepresented talent—especially women—to get more screen time. With the show reverting to a two-hour window, she expressed concern that some performers might find it harder to secure consistent airtime, which could, in turn, limit their visibility and career growth.

However, Mone also sees a potential upside. She acknowledged that the move to Netflix could open new doors for creative storytelling. She speculated that the streaming platform might allow WWE to explore fresh ways to showcase talent, possibly compensating for the loss of an hour of weekly programming. In her view, the success of this transition will largely depend on how well WWE utilizes this new format to highlight its diverse roster.

Ultimately, Mone remains optimistic that WWE’s ability to create more opportunities for its talent will be crucial, not just for the performers but also for the overall health of the industry.

Mone’s AEW Status

In the meantime, Mone continues to shine in AEW. She is currently in her fourth month as the AEW TBS Champion, having most recently defended her title against Hikaru Shida at All Out 2024. Her career has continued to evolve since leaving WWE, but it’s clear that she still has a vested interest in the future of the company that helped make her a star.

As Raw prepares for a new chapter, the wrestling world will be watching closely, with veterans like Mone offering insights into how these changes could shape the future of WWE and the broader wrestling landscape.

The New Orleans Saints Believe In Joe Hendry

Dominic DeAngelo
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The New Orleans Saints come marching into NFL Sunday with Joe Hendry. The belief of Joe Hendry holds no boundaries as the pro wrestling sensation that has took fire in TNA and NXT now has caught wind in the NFL.

The Saints have a tall order ahead of them this football Sunday as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles in one of the featured games, but one star for the team knows who he can hang his helmet on in getting the job done.

As the team headed into warm-ups this weekend, Saints running back Jamaal Williams was caught by the team’s social media crew singing Joe Hendry’s theme. Not just that, but Williams is clearly a fan as he’s captured doing the signature rythmic clap of the pro wrestling star.

If Williams has “believed” in Joe Hendry to start the NFL season, it’s paid off dividends for the team as the Saints are currently undefeated heading into Sunday and have had one of the hottest offenses in the league so far.

Williams has done his share at contributing to the scoreboard as the running back already has a touchdown on the season, which actually totals the same amount of TDs he had last season with the team.

When it comes to Hendry, he believes in Terry Taylor. Just this week, Hendry tipped his cap to Taylor, saying he learned a lot from the seasoned veteran while working at the WWE Performance Center. While working with NXT, Hendry found himself right at the top of the card working with names like Ethan Page and Trick Williams.

Speculation Grows Over Potential Wade Barrett In-Ring Return

Michael Reichlin
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The September 9 episode of WWE Raw ignited rumors of a potential in-ring return for Wade Barrett after an on-screen confrontation with Drew McIntyre. McIntyre, following his recent attack on CM Punk, addressed Barrett during a segment, prompting wrestling fans to wonder whether the former WWE Intercontinental Champion might be considering a return to the squared circle.

Barrett, who officially retired from in-ring competition in late 2015 after a series of injuries, was released from WWE in June 2016. He returned to the company in 2020, not as a competitor, but as part of the commentary team on NXT. Despite his current role behind the announce desk, the possibility of a comeback remains a topic of discussion within the wrestling community.

WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL) added fuel to the fire during a recent interview on Huge Pop. JBL expressed his belief that Barrett still has something to offer inside the ring if he’s willing to take the chance. “If Wade has that desire, I say go for it,” JBL stated. “Commentary will always be there for him, but the window for an in-ring career isn’t open forever. If it doesn’t work out, he can always come back to commentary.”

Barrett, a five-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, wrestled for WWE from 2006 to 2015. He was released the following year, before returning in 2020 and transitioning to his current role as a broadcaster. While there has been no official word from Barrett or WWE on a potential return, JBL’s comments suggest that the door is not entirely closed.

At the time of writing, Barrett has not indicated any plans to step back into the ring, leaving fans to speculate about what the future holds for the former leader of the Nexus.

Wade Barrett’s Best WWE Moments (Playlist)

Dustin Rhodes Celebrates 36 Years – AEW Is “Good for My Soul”

Michael Reichlin
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Dustin Rhodes continues to be a force in All Elite Wrestling, showing no signs of slowing down. Having been with AEW since its inception, Rhodes’ passion for pro wrestling remains as strong as ever. His enduring love for the business has likely contributed to his impressive longevity in the ring. Earlier this month, he celebrated 36 years since his debut.

On the September 21 episode of AEW Collision, Rhodes and Sammy Guevara defended their ROH World Tag Team Titles in a Bunkhouse Brawl, a stipulation created by Dusty Rhodes in 1985. The duo took on Mike Bennett and Matt Taven of the Undisputed Kingdom in a brutal, hard-hitting contest.

The Natural Reflects on His AEW Journey

Following the victory, Rhodes shared his thoughts on social media, expressing his deep appreciation for AEW and the opportunity to continue performing at a high level. He remarked that his time in AEW has been “good for his soul,” and reflected on his five-year journey with the company, referring to it as his “One Last Ride.”

Guevara Reacts and Challenges Kazuchika Okada

The Spanish God celebrated the victory issuing a challenge to none other than Kazuchika Okada for an AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match for the September 28 Grand Slam episode of AEW Collision. If Guevara secures a victory, he plans to challenge Okada for the AEW Continental Championship on AEW Dynamite’s 5-Year Anniversary show on October 2.

Cody Rhodes Preparing Special Entrance for Bad Blood

Thomas Lowson
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At WWE Bad Blood 2024, Cody Rhodes will team with Roman Reigns to take on The Bloodline, represented by Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. If Rhodes teaming with the man he dethroned at WrestleMania 40 isn’t strange enough, the American Nightmare will have a special entrance for the October 5, show.

Rhodes’ entrance music will be performed by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Marching Band at Bad Blood 2024. The news was confirmed by the band on X, who are excited to expand their reach and gain national exposure with WWE.

https://twitter.com/UAPBM4/status/1837691224058151008

This entrance will mark Rhodes’ first time being accompanied by live music in WWE and serves as a testament to the high standing of the reigning WWE Champion. WWE has typically reserved live music entrances for its very top talent including Triple H, The Undertaker, Rhea Ripley, John Cena, and the late Bray Wyatt.

Claim Your Kingdom

Rhodes’ theme song ‘Kingdom’ has proven to be a certified hit with wrestling fans with crowds across the globe singing the American Nightmare to the ring. Following Rhodes’ WrestleMania 40 victory over Roman Reigns, Kingdom reached #1 in the iTunes U.S. Rock charts.

After a particularly boisterous rendition of his theme in New York’s Barclays Center, Rhodes shared his delight that fans sing along to his theme song.

Rhodes will have quite the entrance at WWE Bad Blood, but the question remains as to whether he and Roman Reigns will be able to co-exist given their history. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WWE Bad Blood 2024, including breaking news and live results.

Brooks Jensen Is Having A Great Day, He Just Got Married

Thomas Lowson
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WWE NXT star Brooks Jensen has been steadily gaining attention on the gold brand, thanks in part to his envelope-pushing angle that has blended real life and his work in the ring. This week, Jensen shared another glimpse into his real life by revealing he has got married.

On Twitter, a fan shared their hope that Jensen is having a great day, which caught the attention of the NXT Superstar. Jensen shared that he certainly is having a great day as he’s now a married man.

Keeping Fans Guessing

In May, Jensen tweeted out his booking information for promoters, suggesting that he was no longer part of NXT. Jensen went as far as to appear at an independent event to further the angle, catching the attention of fans who were unsure whether this was a work.

Adding to the emotional weight of the angle, Jensen’s now-wife, Chloe, released a video responding to him no-showing an independent event, again blurring the lines and intriguing viewers. Despite this, Jensen was under contract with WWE throughout the angle, with this storyline designed to elevate his character on the gold brand. More recently, Jensen has been aligned with Shawn Spears as the ‘Chairman’ is proving to be a bad influence on the 23-year-old Superstar.

We would like to send our congratulations to Brooks Jensen and Chloe. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from Brooks Jensen in and out of the ring.

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