WWE held the SummerSlam 2024 Kickoff Party in Cleveland on Friday, August 2, 2024 outside theRocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. This event was free for anyone to attend and marked the beginning of the SummerSlam weekend festivities.
SummerSlam Kickoff Party Highlights:
CM Punk, Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins: The Best in the World and The Scottish Warrior deliver one final message before they throw down at SummerSlam.
Ripley promises to bring the Brutality at SummerSlam:
Liv Morgan with some interesting comments of her own:
Triple H and Michael Cole: WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Michael Cole hype up the Cleveland crowd
At WrestleMania 40: Sunday, Roman Reigns’ 1,316-day run as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion ended, marking the finish to one of the greatest stories in modern WWE history. Not long after this monumental moment, it became apparent that Reigns would not be appearing anytime soon, leaving fans all the more eager to see him again.
— tribal chief ??? | Fan Account (@luireigns) August 1, 2024
The stage is set. The challenge laid out. Next weekend, Our Tribal Chief Roman Reigns returns to WWE. Bloodline warfare is upon us folks and I could not be more excited. #SmackDown#SummerSlampic.twitter.com/nGzypKotQx
It’s worth remembering that Reigns has a history of huge moments at the Biggest Party of the Summer. It was in 2018 that Reigns ended the 504-day reign of Brock Lesnar as Universal Champion, a reign that now pails in comparison to the Head of the Table. Just two years later, Reigns would return from a hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’d be just one week later that he’d capture the Universal Title.
But what would a Roman Reigns return look like at SummerSlam 2024? If he does make an appearance, it’ll almost certainly be in the Undisputed WWE title match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa. In Reigns’ absence, Sikoa has laid claim to being the Tribal Chief and has made a series of remarks about Reigns himself. From claiming Roman Reigns will never return to essentially daring Reigns to show-up, stating in a promo that if Reigns has a problem with Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline, he knows where to find him.
The Bloodline Civil War of the summer of 2023 proved popular with fans, and the Cleveland Browns Stadium could be the epicenter of a second conflict. With the recent arrivals of Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu, there are more family members than ever before, ensuring a much wider conflict than what fans saw last year.
Of course, the question then is who would Reigns recruit to his side, especially given his past treatment of his own kin. While Jimmy Uso (a victim of Sikoa’s Bloodline) may fall back in line with Roman, it’s hard to see Jey Uso returning to SmackDown and aligning with the brother and cousin who did him wrong. Interestingly enough, Zilla Fatu, the son of Umaga, is reportedly in Cleveland, with some speculating his debut could come with Reigns’ return.
But there’s also another option that few have considered; that Reigns isn’t returning to confront Sikoa and his allies, but to align with them. After all, Sikoa will be facing Cody Rhodes, the man who ended Reigns’ run on top, a fact that the former champion will not have forgotten.
Will Roman Reigns return at WWE SummerSlam this weekend, and if so what role will he play in the fate of the Undisputed WWE Championship?
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Tribal Chief.
As WWE gears up for the highly anticipated SummerSlam Premium Live Event, tonight’s SmackDown promises to set the stage with Championships matches and final hype for the second-biggest PLE of the year. Broadcasting live from the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, the go-home show will feature championship defences and high-stakes encounters. Here’s a detailed preview of what to expect.
WWE SmackDown Preview: Tag Team Championship Match
DIY vs. The Bloodline
In the marquee match of the evening, WWE Tag Team Champions Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa (DIY) will defend their titles against The Bloodline’s Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu.
DIY will be looking to cement their position as the tag champs and The Bloodline are seeking to expand their dominance with the promise with gold around their waists.
Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn vs. Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, face a significant challenge from the powerhouse team of Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill.
Both teams have been on a collision course, and this match could steal the show as these four talented athletes compete at the top of the women’s tag division.
Homecoming for Logan Paul
Logan Paul’s Return
United States Champion Logan Paul returns to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio ahead of his match against LA Knight on Saturday night.
Face-to-Face Showdown
Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa
A highly anticipated face-to-face confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa is set to escalate tensions further between the American Nightmare and ‘Leader’ of The Bloodline.
All SmackDown Matches Tonight
These are all of the confirmed matches for tonight’s episode of SmackDown:
WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa (DIY) (c) defend against The Bloodline’s Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn defend against Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill
What happened last week?
Catch up on the Top 10 Moments from last week’s WWE SmackDown:
Podcasts covering professional wrestling are as common as clotheslines and headlocks. For brave explorers seeking to enter the pro wrestling podcast vortex, we at SEScoops want to make your journey as easy as possible.
Each week, we update you on the Top 25 most-listened-to wrestling podcast episodes, focusing on the Top 5 (including embeds). This feature is based on data from Apple Podcasts compiled by Chartable.
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Top 5 Wrestling Podcasts – Apple (August 2nd, 2024)
“Do you experience déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster?” is a famous line from the 1993 comedy blockbuster “Groundhog Day,” in which Bill Murray portrays a weatherman who becomes trapped in a time loop on, you guessed it, Groundhog Day.
It’s safe to say that the #1 position of our Top 5 professional wrestling podcasts has become a bit of a “Groundhog Day” scenario, as once again, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Calaway’s “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway” claims the coveted spot.
In the latest edition of the podcast, The Undertaker sits down with a different kind of wrestler: world rebounded to arm wrestler Michael Todd.
2) Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru | +
Do you know what Jim Cornette calls a Quater Pounder with Cheese? It’s a Royal Rumble with Cheese! There you go— a movie AND a drive-thru reference! We felt particularly clever with that one.
Love him or hate him, Jim Cornette doesn’t care what you think. He has been a prominent figure in professional wrestling for decades and is considered one of the pioneers in producing weekly wrestling commentary.
In the most recent edition of his “Drive-Thru” show, Cornette reviews AEW Dynamite and WWE RAW, previews SummerSlam, and answers tons of fan questions!
3) Insight with Chris Van Vliet | ~
Shockingly, coming up with a movie-related reference/pun for Chris Van Vliet, of all people, was more challenging than expected. Maybe you can call him Bradly Cooper from 2011’s Limitless because you are truly limitless when you have great Insight! Honestly, we wouldn’t blame you if you stopped reading either.
For those who didn’t, we appreciate you. Plus, you get to meet this week’s #3 podcast, Insight with Chris Van Vliet, if it wasn’t obvious already. CVV isn’t just one of the most well-respected interviewers in professional wrestling; he’s an internationally recognized media personality. CVV is a four-time Emmy-winning TV Host, YouTuber, and Inc. 500 entrepreneur who’s interviewed everyone from Anne Hathaway to Hornswoggle.
In his latest episode, the tables turn, and the fans get to ask Chris Van Vliet questions! Here Vliet talks about his SummerSlam predictions, the potential of WrestleMania emanating from the United Kingdom, and that now widely reported not-so-secret meeting between Shane McMahon and AEW President Tony Khan.
Like an intense scene from the 1999 classic Fight Club, the #4 position is Sirius XM Radio’s home for all things combat sport and professional wrestling, Busted Open.
Host Dave LaGreca speaks with a rotating cast of co-hosts, including Bully Ray, Mark Henry, Tommy Dreamer, Thunder Rosa, and Nic Nemeth (fka Dolph Ziggler). The show covers the latest in professional wrestling news throughout the industry, with special emphasis on WWE, AEW, NJPW, and TNA.
In this latest episode, the team discusses Bryan Danielson’s announcement that his wrestling contract with All Elite Wrestling is almost up.
5) Jim Cornette Experience | –
Coming in at #5 is the only man to be featured twice in the Top 5, ever controversial – yet authentic – Jim Cornette. In this vain, Cornette reminds us of Scarlett Johansson, who starred in two films nominated for Academy Awards in 2012. Respectfully, this is just about where the comparisons between Jim Cornette and Scarlett Johansson end.
In the latest episode of the Jim Cornette Experience, “This week on the Experience, Jim takes a Deep Dive into his 1984 Mid-South schedule! Plus Jim reviews AEW’s new look Collision & last week’s Smackdown! Also, Jim talks about AEW’s potential future growth, camp, agents, and more!”
AEW has been working hard to regain momentum after facing backstage issues in 2022 and 2023. Unfortunately, another backstage incident involving two of the company’s top stars has been brought to public light, posing a challenge for company president Tony Khan.
According to reports from the Wrestling Observer and Fightful Select, former AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker has been suspended by AEW due to a backstage incident last month involving her, current AEW American Champion MJF, and his real-life partner and AEW broadcast talent Alicia Atout. The situation reportedly stems back to previously unresolved issues between the two talents, as the two are said to have had a “falling out” sometime in 2023.
Allegedly, Baker made comments about MJF inside the women’s locker room, which Atout, who was present at the time, overheard. This led to confrontations between Baker and MJF, Atout, and even AEW star Will Ospreay. Per Fightful, Human Resources was brought to investigate the situation, leading to Baker’s eventual suspension.
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. returns to action RIGHT NOW against “The Shining Samurai” Hikaru Shida!
As of this writing, neither the parties involved nor the company itself have made any public comments on the situation. The suspension is said to have no effect on Britt Baker’s availability for AEW’s biggest pay-per-view of the year in ALL IN, where she is set to take on Mercedes Moné for the self-proclaimed CEO’s TBS Championship.
Britt Baker surprised All Elite Wrestling fans by making her return at the company’s cross-promotional pay-per-view Forbidden Door after a nine-month hiatus. On July 24th, Baker competed in her first match of 2024, taking on Hikaru Shida on AEW Dynamite. She stepped into the ring for the first time since September 2023.
Hollywood A-Lister Ben Affleck is reportedly interested in playing Hulk Hogan in an upcoming film based on the infamous Gawker lawsuit. PW Insider reports that Killing Gawker is currently being set up with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Artist Equity and hopes to launch production in January 2025.
Affleck is reportedly “eyeing” the leading role as Hulk Hogan, while Damon is said to be interested in playing venture capitalist Peter Thiel. A screenplay was reportedly written by Charles Randolph based on Ryan Holiday’s book Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue.
The Hulk Hogan-Gawker Lawsuit
In October 2012, Gawker posted a sex tape of Hogan with Heather Clem, the wife of Bubba The Love Sponge. In response, Hogan sued the company and several employees and affiliates who had shared portions of the tape. Hogan sought $100 million in damages and in March 2016, a jury of four women and two men voted in his favor. The wrestling legend was awarded $115 million in compensatory damages, which included $60 million for emotional distress. Three days later, Hogan was awarded an additional $25 million in punitive damages.
Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal, paid $10 million to help finance lawsuits against Gawker, including Hogan’s litigation against the company. In 2007, Gawker had published an article outing Thiel as gay without his consent.
Gawker attempted to file an appeal, but in June 2016, three months after the Hogan verdict, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and put itself up for sale. Gawker CEO Nick Denton would also file for personal bankruptcy.
Hulk Hogan And Films
Killing Gawker isn’t the first film project to be tied to the two-time WWE Hall of Famer. In 2020, it was announced that Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Cabin in the Woods) would portray Hogan in a biopic of his life. Four years later though, the film has not been made and Hemsworth has admitted that he isn’t sure what is happening.
Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther has revealed that his rivalry with The Miz was a significant chapter in his career. The reign that lasted an historic 666 days. During his remarkable run as the champion, ‘The Ring General’ defended the title against the likes of Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Chad Gable, Jey Uso, and many more. This helped him to transform into the top star that he is today. However, one name that deserves a special mention is The Miz.
The Austrian powerhouse acknowledged that his feud with ‘The A-Lister’ benefitted his career. Speaking on The Ringer Wrestling Show, Gunther said that his matches with The Miz hold massive importance and fans loved it.
“I would say the matches I had with Miz were something that was very important for me. Miz is the total opposite of me. It’s 100 percent the other side of professional wrestling than I am. I was really proud of the matches we had to get to those really competitive, dramatic matches. … The people ate it up. They were there for it.”
(WWE)
Gunther holds his rivalry with The Miz in high regard for not only the matches but also for how the veteran wrestler helped him develop his promo skills. He said:
“Miz was a fantastic counterpart because he’s one of the best in doing that ever on the microphone. He’s maybe the most versatile talent the company has. That was a big challenge for me.”
The Miz is arguably one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. A 20-year veteran of the sport, ‘The A-Lister’ has had a decorated career. He is the first two-time Grand Slam Champion in the company. ‘The Ring General’ had successfully defended his title against The Miz and it certainly elevated him to a top draw.
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus has addressed the challenge issued by Ms. Money In The Bank 2024 Tiffany Stratton.
During the Money in the Bank PLE, Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus had a backstage encounter. The young star wasn’t respectful towards the veteran. Later on during the post-show media scrum, Tiffany Stratton was asked about a potential match against Trish Stratus. The rising superstar stated that she was ready to face the veteran.
While speaking on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, Trish Stratus was asked about a possible bout against Tiffany Stratton. Stratus said that her return checked a few boxes and it was dependent on some factors. She said:
“Hey listen, I told you I checked some boxes when it’s time for a comeback. It’s not about nothing; it’s about something, right? It’s about a few things. Will the fans be interested? Is this a challenge for me as a performer? Going back as a heel was a challenge for me and something different for the fans.”
She highlighted how working with Zoey Stark influenced a different generation. The 7-time Women’s Champion didn’t rule out a possible return and added that if Tiffany Stratton keeps running her mouth then she might come back to put her in place. Stratus stated:
“Working with Zoe checked the box of influencing a different generation or impacting someone else along the way. So, yeah, as I’m saying these out loud, it’s checking those boxes. There are a few boxes being checked, you know? And again, like I said, if I can go back, 100%, I will and I’ll consider it. But I don’t know; if she [Tiffany Stratton] keeps running her mouth, maybe you’ve got to put some people in their place. What can I say?”
Stratton has been one of the fastest-rising wrestlers in the company. She had a successful run in NXT, where she became the NXT Women’s Champion. The youngster was then called up to the main roster and she has been making waves on SmackDown.
Facing Trish Stratus would certainly elevate Tiffany Stratton’s career. However, the WWE legend hasn’t stepped foot inside the ring in a while. Trish Stratus, who recently hosted WWE Money In The Bank PLE, last competed in September. She faced Becky Lynch in a Steel Cage match in a losing effort.
Some of the top players for the Manchester City soccer team made a surprise appearance at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando this week, mere weeks after the launch of an exclusive WWE x ManCity merchandise collaboration at WWE Shop. The team shared photos of the players at the state-of-the-art training facility:
The team met with some of the top names in WWE NXT, including Trick Williams, Thea Hail, Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez, and North American Champion Oba Femi. England’s very own Robbie Brookside, who now works as a trainer in the PC, was also in attendance.
WWE and Manchester City
This meeting of WWE and the soccer team comes mere weeks after the two sides signed an agreement that has seen exclusive merchandise created. CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin have all seen Man City-themed merchandise created and the original announcement also named Becky Lynch, who has since parted ways with WWE.
The highly successful club is currently on a tour of the United States with a kit that features the WWE logo and a red outline to signify the red swipe of WWE’s branding. The tour was announced via a video of WWE icon John Cena and Man City megastar Erling Haaland.
WWE’s merchandise collaboration with Manchester City is a unique agreement but one that has made fans of both entities very happy. It remains to be seen who WWE will collaborate next, but clearly, the promotion’s merchandising efforts won’t be confined to just the wrestling industry.
Don’t miss any news about wrestling merchandise in and out of WWE by checking in with our Merchandise hub right here on SE Scoops.
WWE Women’s Champion Bayley believes there is work to be done with the Women’s Tag Team Titles before WWE looks at introducing a mid-card championship. On Booker T’s Hall of Fame podcast, Bayley said would “love” for women on the main roster to have a mid-card championship of their own, believing it would help “a lot of other women shine.” Before then though, the Role Model feels more needs to be done with the already-established Women’s Tag Team Titles.
“As proud as I am of the Women’s Tag Team Titles, they also don’t always get that time. They don’t always get those matches… I just feel like they need a little more TLC (tender loving care), a little more love because so many women have been able to hold them but we haven’t been able to like have that match yet where it’s like ‘Okay, we solidified the women’s tag team division, now it’s bringing in another one.'”
Bayley’s support for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships is hardly a surprise. The Role Model was one of the more vocal proponents for introducing the titles during the late 2010s. In 2019, she and Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Mone) became the first-ever Women’s Tag Team Champions and would hold the gold again the following year.
The ‘Curse’ of the Women’s Tag Team Championships
Many have said that the Women’s Tag Titles are ‘cursed’ thanks to a mix of stop-start focuses on the division as well as other unfortunate factors. The titles were stripped from Sasha Banks & Naomi after they walked out of WWE in May 2022. The titles would be left vacant for months before being won by Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez. That pair would lose the titles mere weeks later and Aliyah would vanish from TV before her release the next year.
In May 2023, Rodriguez and Liv Morgan were stripped of the titles when Morgan suffered a shoulder injury. Less than two months later, Sonya Deville would suffer an ACL tear as champion which ended WWE’s first openly lesbian Superstar first title reign in her nine years with the company.
Raquel Rodriguez, who has held gold in both WWE NXT and the main roster, said in 2022 that she was pushing for a mid-card title for women. In July 2024, it was reported that the idea has been discussed within WWE and that a number of talents have pushed for titles over several years. It was also stated, however, that at this time, plans are not in motion for women’s mid-card titles on the main roster.
2024 King of the Ring GUNTHER is ready to walk into Bash in Berlin as World Heavyweight Champion and believes doing so will be an all-time career high. During a recent interview with Shakiel Mahjouri for CBS Sports, GUNTHER addressed what it’d mean to return to Germany as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
“It’d be the biggest achievement of my career. I think that’s quite obvious. It’s the world’s heavyweight championship. It’s the biggest prize there is to win in this sport. That would be a huge accomplishment but also a big responsibility and challenge.”
WWE Bash in Berlin will take place on August 31, from the Uber Arena in Germany’s capital, and will mark WWE’s first PLE in the European country. GUNTHER has close ties to Germany as he competed for Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw) from 2007 to 2020, when he would join WWE. As part of the German promotion, GUNTHER became a three-time Unified World Wrestling Champion and four-time World Tag-Team Champion, with one of those reigns being with future NXT UK rival Ilja Dragunov.
Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on GUNTHER’s quest to become World Heavyweight Champion and all the latest on WWE Bash in Berlin.
Fans who attended a recent AIW event were surprised to see the WWE Tag Team Champions #DIY made an appearance during the show. At AIW’s Against The World on August 1, the WWE Tag Team Champions surprised fans and earned a loud ovation from those in Cleveland. The show also featured the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) who are reportedly set to join WWE after finishing with TNA earlier this year.
Johnny Gargano & Ciampa showed up at AIW Wrestling
Gargano started with AIW in 2005 and was a mainstay for the promotion for years before joining WWE in 2016. During his tenure, he won the AIW Absolute Championship once and the Intense Championship twice. It was during his AIW tenure that Gargano would feud with future WWE names including Tyler Black (now Seth Rollins) and AEW’s Bryan Danielson.
#DIY will defend the WWE Tag Team Championships on tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown against The Bloodline (Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu.) The Bloodline earned the title opportunity by winning a gauntlet match during last week’s edition of the blue brand and marks the first title shot for both Tonga and Fatu since joining WWE earlier this year. Gargano and Ciampa have held the gold since dethroning A-Town Down Under on the July 5, edition of SmackDown.
Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa and for results and more for tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown.
Jacob Henry, son of WWE legend Mark Henry, is joining the WWE family. The 18-year-old wrestler committed to the University of Oklahoma broke the news Thursday night at his father’s set at Remix Rumble in Cleveland.
He teased some big news, which prompted an NXT chant from the crowd. He’s going to be a future superstar and it’s been put on paper.
“I have officially signed a deal with the WWE,” he said. “It’s official, I’m locked in.”
Watch Jacob Henry announce he’s signed with WWE:
BREAKING NEWS! Jacob Henry announces that he’s signed with @WWE during Mark Henry’s set at Remix Rumble! pic.twitter.com/gzOq0Ay0YH
Mustafa Ali is finishing up with TNA Wrestling and released the following ‘political statement’ addressing his run with the company.
Ali debuted for TNA in the main event of No Surrender, where he challenged and defeated Chris Sabin for the TNA X-Division Championship. He is ‘stepping down’ to focus on independent bookings.
MUSTAFA ALI
August 1, 2024
My Fellow Citizens of TNA,
Over the past six months, we have made great progress as a company.
Today, TNA has the strongest fanbase in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our X-Division, in lowering the number of senior citizens on our roster, and in expanding affordable tickets to a record number of fans worldwide. We’ve provided critically needed entertainment to millions. Passed the first “limits” rule for the X-Division in 22 years. Featured the X-Division Championship on the cover of Pro Wrestling Illustrated for the first time since 2006. Appointed the first Pakistani-Indian American as champion. Main evented recording breaking attendance shows. TNA has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
I know none of this could have been done without you, the citizens of TNA. Together, we overcame unfit and unfair leaders. We’ve protected and preserved our X-Division. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances with promotions all around the world.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your X-Division Champion. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the X-Division for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my independent obligations for the remainder of my term.
I will not speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.
For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Campaign Singh for being an extraordinary campaign manager in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the Citizens of TNA for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing that TNA can’t do-when we do it together. We just have to remember we are TNA.
AEW star Trent Beretta underwent neck surgery on Thursday to replace two broken screws from his previous neck fusion surgery (June 2021). He was reportedly injured at AEW Double or Nothing during his grudge match against Orange Cassidy.
quick little american neck surgery. turns out I wrestled so hard that two of the screws from my neck fusion broke. very cool. very tough. screws have been replaced. next I will be doing revenge. pic.twitter.com/43gcXvprvy
Beretta has unfortunately dealt with neck injuries dating back to his time doing motion capture work on the WWE 2K16 video game. During an appearance on Chris Jericho’s Talk is Jericho podcast last summer, he explained that while practicing some of his moves on a crash pad, another wrestler attempted and botched dragon suplex, causing Beretta to land on his head.
Over the next five to six years, that injury combined with the bumps he took in the ring led to severe symptoms that led him to undergo the fusion surgery in June 2021.
AEW star Mercedes Moné is speaking about her divorce for the first time.
Moné actively communicates with her fans on social media and via her official newsletter. In a has new video on her YouTube channel, the AEW TBS Champion shares the details about why she and Sarath Tan are separating.
“Tomorrow finally, after a long, long time, I’ll be finally signing my divorce papers.”
“I’m excited, happy and for me.. I’m just ready to be free. I’m ready to be free of not being afraid. For long, i’ve kept this secret because of how fast life has been going… I just didn’t want the outside world to judge or say anything, especially during a time while all of this is happeninG”
She credits Sarath with saving her life and being an incredible guy that she’s so thankful for.
“Sarath, my ex-husband now, we had such a great relationship, and he’s such an amazing, incredible guy, that I’m so thankful for, he’s another person that changed and saved my life.”
She’s excited to be free and to say that she’s finally getting a divorce. She recalls being asked about her marriage regularly during interviews and not knowing how to handle the subject. They had been separated for a long time, around December 2020. He moved out the following month while she was shooting The Mandalorian while trying to get into the main event of WrestleMania that year, so she was extra-concerned about her privacy at that time. Now, it’s time for her to begin the next chapter of her life.
AEW star Mercedes Moné and her husband Sarath Ton have filed for divorce (dissolution of marriage). They were married on August 4, 2016.
Varnado and Ton, a WWE costume designer best known as Mikaze, met in 2010. He’s credited with designing some of the most iconic outfits worn by her former persona, Sasha Banks.
According to records available at the Clark of the Circuit Cort and Comptroller of Seminole County, Florida, the divorce proceedings were filed Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
WWE and Aires Tech have announced a multi-year global marketing partnership aimed at enhancing the performance and recovery of WWE Superstars while educating fans about the potential health effects of electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs). This collaboration, visible during WWE SummerSlam on August 3, will feature extensive social media promotion and integrations on WWE programming.
WWE® AND AIRES TECH ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR GLOBAL MARKETING PARTNERSHIP
TORONTO, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Aires Tech and WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today unveiled a momentous new partnership aimed at bolstering the personal performance regimens of WWE Superstars. The collaboration will educate fans worldwide about safeguarding against ubiquitous electromagnetic frequency (EMF) sources’ potential long-term health effects and support WWE Superstars in enhancing their physical performance, maintenance, and recovery.
The agreement names American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTCQB: AAIRF) (“Aires Tech” or “Aires”) as an official WWE partner, building on Aires Tech’s dedication to performance and wellness innovation. The partnership will be visible at WWE SummerSlam which takes place Saturday, August 3 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland.
Aires Tech’s agreement with WWE, effective as of June 11 and runs through the end of 2025, will prominently feature across WWE properties, emphasizing extensive social media promotion. The partnership launches with prominent placement on “WWE NOW,” the WWE Universe’s essential news roundup, airing weekly ahead of WWE programming. Aires will be highlighted in segments of “Celtic Warrior Workouts” on WWE Superstar Sheamus’s YouTube channel, featuring fitness routines with top WWE athletes. Fans can catch these integrations by following WWE’s platforms regularly, which broadcasts to more than 180 countries in 30 languages and can be seen in 1 billion television households worldwide each week. WWE creates seven hours of original programming that is watched by approximately 11 million diverse fans in the United States.
Earlier this year, Aires Tech became an official partner of UFC, facilitated by WME Sports as part of its comprehensive collaboration with Aires Tech to shape the company’s brand strategy in sports and entertainment. Together, these partnerships will further fuel Aires’ market awareness and sales growth, in pursuit of transforming the brand into a household name.
“We are excited to expand TKO’s partnership with Aires Tech to include WWE,” said Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President & Head of Global Partnerships for TKO. “Aires’ attention to detail on innovation coupled with health and wellness practices aligns with WWE’s approach to safety for its athletes.”
“Our collaboration with the WWE sheds further light on the invisible dangers of EMFs as digital connectivity is more deeply entwined into our daily lives,” said Josh Bruni, chief executive officer of Aires Tech. “Aires’ technology protects against the negative effects of EMF and amplifies the positive, helping athletes feel and perform their best. The WWE represents the pinnacle of athleticism and we’re proud to partner with them to heighten the awareness of the potential health effects of EMF.”
The company has also partnered with Canada Basketball and individual athletes as part of their #AiresAthletes campaign that connects the brand with peak performance and health in the minds of consumers. The athlete partners appear in programming and content to engage athletes and tens of millions sports fans around the world to promote the Aires brand and its EMF protection products. The #AiresAthletes roster includes Toronto Raptors’ RJ Barrett, 6-time NHL All-Star John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maycee “The Future” Barber of the UFC’s Women’s Flyweight division and NFL Legend and 3-time NFL Pro Bowler Tiki Barber.
For more information on Aires’ partnership with the WWE and its innovative EMF protection technology, please visit www.airestech.com.
CM Punk is just days away from his first televised one-on-one match in WWE in over a decade. WWE’s digital team caught up with Punk prior to Monday’s WWE Raw at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
We know that CM Punk has been spotted at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando several times over the past several months, but we haven’t seen much of him in the ring until now.
CM Punk Trains for SummerSlam
Punk reflects on starting his pro wrestling career in Minnesota 24 years ago as he tapes his wrists and prepares to move around. He says, “I’m going to give them a show tonight before we see the multi-time WWE & AEW Champion jump from the apron into the ring and run the ropes at a healthy pace.
He said, “arm feels great” as he smiled to the camera, a promising sign he’ll be in top shape this weekend.
CM Punk & Jesse Venutra
We then see new footage of CM Punk meeting WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura. Punk is shown telling Ventura that they met once about a decade ago and introducing himself again. He extended his hand and said, “CM Punk, Phil” and Ventura recalled, “Oh yeah, you’ve got that unique name. I always tried to figure that name out, how in the hell did you come up with a name like CM Punk?”
Punk agreed it’s a stupid name and said it was his nickname as a child, because he was a little brat kid. “Well, good for you, it served you a purpose then, you can’t forget it.”
Ventura later jokes, “When you get to be my age, you’re just another old man.”
During a separate conversation with with Jimmy Traina for the SI Media podcast, Punk commented on the surreal meeting with The Body:
“I saw Governor Ventura the other day, said Punk. Absolutely, 100% blown away, one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me in my life is when he tells me that he saw I came back, and he said, ‘The place must have changed. If Punk is back, I’ll go back.”
During an appearance on 10 Essentials from GQ Sports to promote WWE SummerSlam, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes shared broke down his daily essentials and the things he just can’t live without.
Among his essentials were Rolex watch, his American flag hat, a special pair of cufflinks, and his prized Nintendo Switch (“I can play Donkey Kong all day long”). This led to the American Nightmare naming his picks for the Top 10 Video Games of all time. The list is strong, showcasing a range of genres and eras that highlight his diverse gaming tastes.
Cody’s Top 5 Video Games
#5 Ghost of Tsushima (PlayStation 4, 2020)
“Ghost of Tsushima” transports players to feudal Japan in a beautifully crafted open-world action-adventure game. Its striking visuals, immersive combat, and poignant story of honor and sacrifice have earned it critical acclaim and a place among the all-time greats.
#4 Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox, 2001)
The game that put the Xbox on the map, “Halo: Combat Evolved” revolutionized first-person shooters with its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and multiplayer experience. Its impact on the gaming industry and its lasting legacy make it a standout title in Cody’s list.
#3 Red Dead Redemption 2 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, 2018)
“Red Dead Redemption 2” is a masterful open-world game that immerses players in the life of an outlaw in the late 1800s. Praised for its stunning visuals, rich narrative, and detailed world-building, this game is considered one of the finest achievements in modern gaming.
#2 Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation, 1998)
A pioneer in the stealth game genre, “Metal Gear Solid” introduced players to the tactical espionage action of Solid Snake. With its groundbreaking storytelling, cinematic presentation, and complex gameplay mechanics, this game remains a beloved classic.
#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 1998)
No surprise here, Cody is a super-fan of the Legend of Zelda series, and “Ocarina of Time” is often hailed as one of the greatest games of all time. This classic adventure game from Nintendo set a new standard for 3D action-adventure games with its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and memorable characters.
Cody Rhodes defends the WWE Undisputed Championship against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa this Saturday at WWE SummerSlam.
Bonus
Cody Rhodes and Steve Austin disagree on the best Legend of Zelda game:
Cody Rhodes and other WWE Superstars answer, “Which game was better: WCW/nWo Revenge or WWF No Mercy?”
WWE Survivor Series is headed to Vancouver for the first time ever on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the the Rogers Arena. Once again, we’ll see the return of WarGames, the dangerous double-ring steel cage match that pits two teams against one another in an anything-goes battle.
This will be WWE’s second premium live event from Canada this year after Money in the Bank was held from Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, July 6.
To get a taste of what WarGames is all about, we tracked down these Full Matches that WWE uploaded of last year’s Men’s and Women’s WarGames matches from Survivor Series:
Press Release
Here’s the official press release for the event sent in to SEScoops:
VANCOUVER TO HOST SURVIVOR SERIES: WARGAMES® ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
First-Ever Survivor Series to Emanate From Vancouver
STAMFORD, Conn., August 1, 2024 – WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), in partnership with Destination Vancouver, today announced Survivor Series: WarGames® 2024 will take place Saturday, November 30 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, making it the first-ever Survivor Series to emanate from the city.
To learn more about registering for Survivor Series: WarGames pre-sale opportunities, please visit: Survivorseries-2024-presale.
The announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking Money In The Bank®which was held in July at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Premium Live Event became the highest-grossing WWE arena event in Canada in company history.
WWE may be more willing than ever to work with other promotions, but fans shouldn’t expect a crossover event with AEW wrestlers anytime soon. Speaking to the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch, Chris Legentil, WWE’s executive vice president of talent relations and head of communications, was asked about whether an event with AEW talent could be in the works.
“No interest. I just want to make clear. There is definitely a variety of excellent talent that don’t currently reside in WWE. There is no shot there that is being fired.It’s just to say, the answer to your question is no conversation has been had in relation to that.”
While AEW isn’t on WWE’s list, 2024 has already seen the Sports Entertainment juggernaut forge partnerships with various promotions. Bloodsport, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Marigold Wrestling and TNA Wrestling have all featured WWE talent and fans have been able to see TNA stars appear at NXT TV tapings and PLEs.
WWE & AEW
Though Tony Khan’s first promotion has been WWE’s biggest competition since the demise of WCW, the two sides have put their differences aside in the past. In 2019, Billy Gunn was allowed to attend the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony to be inducted as part of D-Generation X. In 2022, AEW talent, including Paul Wight, Chris Jericho, and Bryan Danielson, appeared via videos on RAW to celebrate John Cena on the 20th anniversary of his main-roster debut.
AEW and WWE won’t be hosting a crossover event (at least not yet,) but such a show would feature some of the best names working in the business today. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest from both companies.
Nic Nemeth’s ‘Wanted Man’ moniker fits him like a glove these days as the reigning TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Nemeth has vowed to be a fighting champion, and he’s not just waiting for top competitors to call him out. The company is asking fans on social media who they want to see step up and put themselves to the test. Nemeth wasted no time chiming in with his own pick for a future challenger: AEW star Kenny Omega.
If his World Title win was any indication, Nemeth has made the most of his opportunities outside of WWE, fully embracing his free agency by wrestling on the independents, but also in New Japan Pro-Wrestling before finding more of a residence in TNA. Nemeth has also flexed his commetary and comedic muscles by staying busy in stand-up comedy and as a host on Busted Open Radio.
Omega vs. Nemeth would certainly draw some eyes as Kenny happened to have a memorable heel run as TNA World Champion during the global pandemic. Omega took on several challengers while champion after he defeated Rich Swann for the title. Omega’s timetable for an in-ring return is quite blurry as he’s been aiming to recover from a bout with diverticulitis.
TNA is currently working relationship with WWE, which is the biggest factor prohibiting this TNA vs. AEW dream match. We’ll follow up if Kenny Omega replies to Nemeth’s call-out.
Wrestling fans had a lot to enjoy at last weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 event. The top stars from WWE and AEW participated in discussion panels. We got a first-look at dozens of upcoming action figures. Even the blockbuster reveal that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to portray the iconic villain Doctor Doom featured elements of a wrestling angle
“New mask, same task.”
Robert Downey Jr. surprises Hall H to announce his return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. pic.twitter.com/j1SEjzse3p
Here are the pro wrestling highlights from San Diego Comic Con 2024:
WWE Panel
WWE stars CM Punk and Zoey Stark participated in the Mattel panel, which included a Q&A session with fans in the audience.
CM Punk talks Vince McMahon and Darby Allin
In an interview with Denise Salcedo, Punk discussed how much it meant to work with a rising star like Darby and considered him a great friend.
“Being a straight-edge kid, being the one that kind of lured CM Punk back to the ring and getting my first match back after six or seven years or whatever it was. That’ll always be my number one with a bullet because I think Darby is a talented kid and I was happy to share the ring with him. I think we told a nice little story.”
“Vince being out of the picture probably illuminated the way,” he said. “That might have been one of the biggest things. That’s both ways, for everybody who is going to sensationalize a headline. It wasn’t me, it wasn’t him, there’s just a lot of history there. All of a sudden, one of us is removed from the equation, and I think it changed a lot of things.”
Punk also shared this photo of a backstage meetup with AEW’s Darby Allin and Brody King:
All the while this was going on Drew McIntyre was trolling his SummerSlam rival while in Nashville, making sure he got a photo-op with Jack Perry who was still cooling down from his AEW Blood & Guts battle.
AEW Panel
All Elite Wrestling ”maximized their minutes’ at the convention, with a Jazware panel that featured a big wrestling angle and a massive rollout of upcoming wrestling figures.
A skirmish occurred during the panel with all stars such as Swerve Strickland and Ospreay tried to break it up. The only man to remain neutral was Darby Allin who thought the two recent rivals should duke it out.
The CEO was in full villain mode as she was in a Poison Ivy from Batman cosplay and appropriately alongside her was her new enforcer, Kamille, who donned the mask and jacket of other Batman baddie Bane.
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) July 26, 2024
Wrestling Figures Galore
The reason wrestling had such a presence at SDCC was for the aforementioned line of figures both companies have in store and it’s quite a bit.
Mattel and WWE have several CM Punk figures set to release including a modern day version, but also the notorious Money In The Bank 2011 Punk blowing a kiss to Cena. Additionally, there is a variation of Punk wearing Randy Savage gear and the masked Straight Edge Society CM Punk.
There were tons of new & upcoming @Mattel@WWE Ultimates on display at San Diego Comic Con 2024! Which was your favorite? ?
Legends included in Mattel’s upcoming Monday Night Wars include Syxx, Curt Hennig, DDP, Ultimate Warrior, Big Bossman and Dusty Rhodes.
A lot of newer faces on the roster are getting the WWE figure treatment, including Zoey Stark, Jade Cargill, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci, Chase U and others.
???
Repost from @ZoeyStarkWWE • The little girl inside of me is still freaking out…I grew up playing with action figures and to FINALLY get one of my own is surreal! This also shows that I reached a stepping stone….BLESSED
AEW was far from resting on their laurels as plenty of special edition figures were revealed. A big release was a special pre-order of Mark and Jay Briscoe. There’s also a silver screen Toni Storm, House of Black three-pack and three eras of the recently retired Sting.
Pharaoh the Dog, the beloved pet of Cody & Brandi Rhodes and Very Good Boy, is taking his final work road trip this weekend. The Undisputed WWE Champion shared on Instagram that the 13-year old husky is still thriving, but slowing down a bit and is content living a more domesticated life at home.
Pharaoh has appeared on both WWE and AEW programming during his time on the road. On the June 26, episode of WWE Monday Night RAW, the husky was with Cody in a backstage segment that saw Rhodes challenge Damian Priest to a match. Pharaoh’s popularity even resulted in him receiving his own plushie on WWEShop.com.
Pharaoh’s appearance in AEW was not as pleasant, as pyro during Cody’s entrance at All Out 2019 spooked the dog. Rhodes later said on an episode of WWE’s The Bump that he did not intend for pyro to be used during this particular entrance.
Like much of Cody’s family, Pharaoh would become a target of The Rock’s barbs in the build-up to WrestleMania 40. The Final Boss even went as far as to call the good boy a “s***head“, infuriating fans and dog owners alike. Cody would get his revenge in the end though as he’d win the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania 40, ending Roman Reigns’ 1,316-day run with the gold.
