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Darby Allin Is Training Sting’s Son To Wrestle

Nick Lombardi
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Sting and Darby Allin’s bond continues even after the Icon’s unforgettable retirement back at AEW Revolution. Sting has kept a low profile since then, but we may not have seen the last of his bloodline. 

During a recent interview with Sean Ross Sapp for Fightful Allin said he’s helping Steve Borden Jr. follow in his father’s footsteps. Sting’s son has spent time at his house learning the basics of wrestling and working out in his ring. The full interview  drops this Thursday on Fightful’s YouTube. 

Sting’s son was so inspired by his father’s match at Revolution that he wanted to begin his own wrestling journey. Allin noted further that Steve had never considered becoming a professional wrestler before Revolution, but that event provided an intense emotional rush for him. When Sting asked if he’d help train his son, he jumped at the chance.

Sting’s Retirement

In March, Steve and his brother Garrett participated in an emotional farewell match for their father Sting. Sting and Darby Allin successfully retained the AEW World tag titles against The Young Bucks in a Tornado Tag match. Sting’s career ended with him celebrating as a champion, a final chapter that was worthy of his legacy.

As part of Sting’s entrance, Steve and Garrett dressed as different versions of Sting that fans had seen throughout the years. Garrett played the part of “Surfer Sting”, the babyface star that Sting portrayed in WCW, with Steve embodied “Wolfpack Sting”, when The Icon joined nWo Wolfpack. 

Sting and his sons make a grand entrance at AEW Revolution 2024

Sting’s face-painted sons even got physical in the match, hitting The Young Bucks with a flurry of their dad’s infamous Stinger Splash in the corner.

The Aftermath

Watch what happened after Sting’s retirement match at AEW Revolution 2024:

SummerSlam Tickets Nearly Sold Out 2 Months In Advance

Thomas Lowson
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WWE SummerSlam tickets are selling fast with more than two months to go until the Biggest Party of the Summer. SummerSlam 2024 takes place Saturday, August 3 from  Cleveland, Ohio from the historic Cleveland Browns Stadium. United States champion and Cleveland native Logan Paul went into hype mode as soon as the event was announced and called out one of most famous athletes in the world to face him in the ring at SummerSlam.

According to WrestleTix, WWE has distributed approximately 46,000 tickets, approaching 90% sold from the current total available (52,679). WWE should have no problem filling another 7,000 seats with 73 days until bell time.

WWE & Cleveland

WWE SummerSlam 2024 is off to a very strong start.

WWE has a rich history of hosting Premium Live Events in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. WWE’s first PLE in the city was the aforementioned SummerSlam 1996 which saw then-WWF Champion Shawn Michaels retain his gold against Big Van Vader. Other WWE events hosted in Cleveland include No Mercy 1999, Survivor Series 2004, Unforgiven 2008, and WWE TLC 2014.

Hornswoggle Recalls His Biggest Moment In WWE

Nick Lombardi
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WWE’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view had several big stories going into it. The Shield’s War with a newly reformed Evolution, Bray Wyatt continuously trying to get John Cena to follow the Fireflies, and Daniel Bryan’s first title defense following the Miracle on Bourbon Street at WrestleMania 30.  

However, almost no one was talking about the budding feud between 3MB and the Los Matadores. Despite this complete lack of appreciation, it was 10 years ago this month that these teams would clash in what is widely considered one of the greatest “Pre-Show” matches in WWE history: Wee LC.

The bout was built as a punny version of WWE’s Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match (TLC), with Hornswoggle taking on Los Matadores’ El Torito. WWE went all out with smaller ladders, chairs, and tables; even going so far as to bring in other Little People for the roles of ring announcer and even commentary table. 

While the match’s construction has middle-school-level humor written all over it, the participants took it very seriously. They wanted to prove that they could turn what could easily be a lemon of a match into delicious lemonade and that they did! During a recent interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, former WWE Superstar Hornswoggle spoke about the match, which he describes as the “coolest” match he’s ever done. 

“Wee LC. That’s the most talked about match I’ve ever done. I will never top it. I will never do anything cooler have never done anything cooler than that match…

One of those moments where I was like, okay, it was pretty awesome. And then I remember being in my gear literally to like, two matches left and Torito was leaving. He goes ‘You Okay?’ I go I’m okay…I’m still in the moment, man.”

The match was filled with exciting and chaotic moments, as Superstars smashed through tons of tables and ladders, with each competitor’s team members getting involved in the action themselves. Although the former Cruiserweight Champion is proud of the match in hindsight, he admitted that he was very nervous about how it would be received. He feared that the fans would dismiss it or even boo.

“I didn’t know how they would react, it’s two midgets. One a bull, a midget bull and a midget Rockstar going into a match on the pre-show. First thing that crowd sees that night. With mini ladders and mini tables, mini chairs, mini commentary and mini announcer I didn’t know how they’d react. I thought they’re gonna blow the sh*t up. I really did.

And I remember being backstage in my heart knowing we’re going to kill it. In my mind going, if they start booing, we’re done. The coolest moment of my life match of my life, going into it is gonna be the worst thing ever.” – Hornswoggle

As fate would have it, the crowd did just the opposite. Instead, the New Jersey crowd in the Izod Center that night went wild for the Pre-Show Classic. Respecting the innovation, humor, and physical action that came with the match. 

Hornswoggle notes that the match was a tremendous source of pride for him, a match where people backstage didn’t just enjoy the match ironically, but sincerely. The former Superstar looked back on the evening as a “shove it” moment, where they got to prove everyone wrong. 

“I never thought it would hold up like it has I never thought it would be such a not even talked about thing. [It was] A shove it up the a** moment. I’ll say to the fans, I guarantee the locker room didn’t take it seriously. Shove it up their a**. I get to gorilla and everyone is on their feet clapping for us. One of those moments where I was like, okay, it was pretty awesome.”

For those interested, Dave Meltzer himself awarded the match 3 stars, tied for the second-highest-rated match on the entire 2014 Extreme Rules card, tying with Wade Barrett and Big E’s Intercontinental Championship match. Both though lost out to the epic Shield vs Evolution 6-man-tag match, which gained a 4.75 rating. 

Regardless of one’s affinity for “star ratings”, it does reflect how highly people respected and enjoyed the first and only Wee LC match to date. The bout is looked back on incredibly favorably by the WWE Universe and consistently referenced as a gem of a match. 

Could we see another Wee LC match in WWE? Most likely not. However, if the company’s new regime has taught its fans anything, it’s “Never Say Never!”

Watch WWE’s infamous WeeLC Match (Full Match):

Randy Orton Reveals Discussions When Inventing The RKO Finisher

Thomas Lowson
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Randy Orton’s devastating RKO may never have come to exist had it not been for a discussion with the matter of the ‘Ace Crusher’ John Laurinaitis. 

For over two decades, Orton has put opponents away with the move whose name is crafted from the Viper’s initials (Randy Keith Orton.) The Viper has used the move to capture WWE World Championships and it has taken out top names including The Undertaker, Mick Foley, Triple H, and many more. 

Speaking to Bill Apter of WrestleBinge, Orton shared the origins of his iconic maneuver. 

“Diamond Dallas Page had the Diamond Cutter, but John Laurinaitis had the Ace Crusher. At the time [the RKO was being invented] he was the Head of Talent Relations and we were trying to think of something that I could do to everybody no matter how big or how small they were. And the RKO was the move.”

While the move has seen countless opponents dispatched of (outta nowhere!) Orton did address the key issue with hitting the RKO. 

“Unfortunately it requires me to take a bump every time I give the yeah so yeah, there’s that.”

Orton was interviewed at the St. Louis Hall of Fame ceremony where he inducted his father Bob Orton Jr. The elder Orton had plenty of praise for his son and described the RKO as a “beautiful move.”

What’s to Come? 

Randy Orton will look to continue hitting RKOs on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown where he will face Tama Tonga in the King of the Ring semi-finals. The winner will advance to face GUNTHER for the crown at WWE King And Queen Of The Ring in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

AEW Dynamite Preview: Time To Go Double Or Nothing

Thomas Lowson
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Tonight’s edition of AEW Dynamite will be one to watch as the All Elite roster sprints to the finish line at Sunday’s Double or Nothing 2024 PPV from Las Vegas. This go-home show will feature in-ring action from top stars including AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland, ‘birthday boy’ Bryan Danielson and Will Ospreay. Plus, we’ll hear from Mercedes Moné, IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moley and World Trios champions Bullet Club Gold. 

AEW Dynamite Preview (May 22, 2024)

Nick Wayne vs. Swerve Strickland

AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland will get a taste of what awaits him at Double or Nothing when he faces off against Nick Wayne on Dynamite. Strickland will put the title on the line this weekend against Christian Cage. 

Bryan Danielson vs. Satnam Singh

In a battle of two very different opponents, Bryan Danielson will take on Satnam Singh. Danielson will compete at AEW Double or Nothing in the Anarchy in the Arena match but Singh could get the biggest win of his career tonight. 

HOOK vs. Bryan Keith vs. Katsuyori Shibata

With Chris Jericho on commentary, these three wrestlers will face off for a shot at the FTW Championship on the line. The victor will go on to face Jericho at AEW Double or Nothing. 

Kyle O’Reilly vs. Malakai Black

Black hopes to gain momentum heading into Double or Nothing when he faces Kyle O’Reilly. This weekend, Black will challenge O’Reilly’s ally AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland in a barbed wire steel cage match.

Toni Storm & Mariah May vs. Saraya & Harley Cameron

Ahead of her Women’s World Title match with Serena Deeb, ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm will team with Mariah May to face Saraya and Harley Cameron. Storm and Saraya are no strangers as they were part of the Outcasts with Ruby Soho. 

Will Ospreay & Orange Cassidy vs. Trent Beretta & Roderick Strong

Ospreay will face Roderick Strong for the AEW International Title at Double or Nothing while Cassidy and Beretta will face off in a “wrestling match.” Tonight, the two sides will be at odds in a tag-team match. 

Final Hype for Mercedes Moné vs. Willow Nightingale

In a rematch a year in the making, Mercedes Moné will face AEW TBS Champion Willow Nightingale at Double or Nothing. With tensions at their highest between the two, fans will get a preview of their upcoming match on Dynamite. 

Here’s the latest Control Center for a more in-depth look at what we can expert when AEW comes through Bakersfield, California:

SEScoops is your destination for everything pro wrestling. Stay tuned over the next few days for our comprehensive coverage of AEW Double or Nothing 2024.

Giulia’s WWE Debut Likely Delayed Due To Her Injury

Bishal Roy
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WWE are hoping to move ahead with the original plans set for their newest signing, Giulia. However, the plans might have to be altered due to her recent injury.

Giulia sustained a fractured right wrist during a match on Monday, May 20 at the Marigold Fields Forever event. She teamed up with Utami Hayashashita and faced former NXT star Sareee and Bozilla in a losing effort. Fightful’s Corey Brennan has reported some new details on Giulia’s status with WWE after the injury.

Brennan reported that WWE are hopeful that Giulia will recover in time for NXT Heatwave which will take place on July 7. There is a belief within NXT that Giulia would face Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at the show. However, it has come to light that “these plans are not set in stone” and might be changed due to Giulia’s current injury.

The Japanese star had to pull out from her upcoming matches, including the Hana Kimura tribute show. However, she’s still scheduled to face Sareee at Marigold’s Summer Destiny event on July 13. Brennan also confirmed the reports that Giulia will be available to work with the promotion following her arrival in NXT. He reported that “the match with Sareee was expected”, and shouldn’t affect Giulia’s arrival in WWE before that. 

It has come to light that Giulia is expected to lead the next class of wrestlers at the Performance Center and the batch is likely to have wrestlers from the recent Australia tryouts.

Character and presentation

It is also reported that Giulia was signed for ‘who she is’, and that WWE are not aiming to “fix something that isn’t broken.”

Giulia made an appearance for WWE for the first time at Stand & Deliver as she was in  attendance. She also made her presence felt backstage and was “outgoing and polite to NXT talent and higher-ups alike.” She is also said to have a lengthy conversation with NXT Head Shawn Michaels backstage.

Regarding her English speaking skills, it is said that “the language barrier” isn’t a major issue as IYO Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and more speak in their native language in WWE. However, Giulia’s effort to learn the language has seemingly impressed WWE. 

Fans are eager to witness Giulia in NXT but her debut depends on her recovery.

Cody Rhodes Kept Mementos From Brodie Lee Dog Collar Match

Bishal Roy
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0

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has penned a heartfelt tribute for his former rival in AEW, Brodie Lee. 

‘The American Nightmare’ took to his X account and reminisced his epic battle against ‘The Exalted One.’ He responded to a fan-made video package of his classic Dog Collar Match against Brodie Lee which took place on October 7, 2020 edition of AEW Dynamite. He showered praise for the late wrestler, who showcased a remarkable performance that night. Cody revealed that he kept his collar and the jacket from the match as mementos and labeled Lee as the ultimate family man and pro wrestler. Check out the post below:

Cody Rhodes and Brodie Lee had a fiery feud back in 2020. The pair locked horns over the TNT Championship several times during their time in AEW. The former Dark Order leader defeated Cody for the title in August 2020. However, ‘The American Nightmare’ Rhodes dethroned Lee a few months later in the aforementioned Dog Collar match. Brodie Lee tragically passed away at the age of 41 in 2020 and Cody Rhodes was his final opponent. 

Brodie Lee and his family shared a close relationship with Cody Rhodes. ‘The American Nightmare’ has remained close with Lee’s family, who were also present when Cody finished his story at WrestleMania 40.

Cody Rhodes set to defend his title 

Cody Rhodes will be putting his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against the WWE United States Champion Logan Paul at this weekend’s WWE King & Queen of The Ring PLE in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This will mark Cody’s second title defense at a PLE after retaining against AJ Styles at Backlash: France. Meanwhile, this is Paul’s second World title shot after facing the former Universal Champion Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel 2022.  

WWE had previously teased a title vs title match between Cody and Logan. But why? Read below:

Sidney Akeem Debuting For GCW

Rayan Saayed
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Sidney Akeem, who was known as Scrypts or Reggie during his time in the WWE, has been announced for his first post-WWE booking. As part of it, Akeem will be making his way to Game Changer Wrestling.

GCW announced on Tuesday that starting June, Sidney Akeem will make his debut for the promotion on three shows. Here is the lineup:

  1. Saturday, June 15: GCW Hit Em Up in Los Angeles
  2. Saturday, June 29: GCW Crime Wave in Dallas
  3. Friday, July 19: GCW So High in St Louis

The now-free agent commented on the GCW announcement, stating that “it’s time.”

Akeem was released from WWE on May 1, 2024. He confirmed his exit from the company with a video on Instagram, confirming that he is a free agent.

Life After WWE

During a recent chat with Sean Ross Sapp for Fightful, Akeem said that he’s “very positive” about the release and he’s been in “really good spirits” about it. Sidney Akeem added that he’s looking forward to the next chapter of his career.

“I am full-on excited for this next chapter in my story. People don’t know this, but I did circus for 16 years. I was ready to lay that career aside and go on the independent circuit if WWE didn’t offer me a contract. I was willing to dive into this head first from the very beginning. But I was fortunate enough to get a contract with WWE, so that didn’t happen.

Now, I’m here, and I’m excited to do that. Lots of companies have hit me up. Lots of projects in the works. The future is very very bright.”

Earlier this week, Akeem training in the ring with Mercedes Moné ahead of her her AEW in-ring debut this weekend at AEW Double or Nothing.

Check out Sidney Akeem’s first post-WWE interview with SRS:

Brandi Rhodes Recovering From Endometriosis Surgery

Thomas Lowson
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Brandi Rhodes is recovering from Endometriosis surgery and hopes her story can inspire others to listen to their bodies when they know something is wrong.

The former wrestling executive shared details of her personal health journey on social media this week. Rhodes explained that she’s been experiencing painful symptoms for years, but had no idea what exactly was wrong. She was ultimately diagnosed with stage four Endometriosis, a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. She shared a photo of herself after undergoing surgery for the condition and now seeks to help others.

Rhodes was inspired by fellow WWE alum Maryse, who recently shared her own story with a rare pre-cancerous condition that affects the ovaries. The two-time WWE Divas Champion underwent laparoscopy surgery earlier this year during which doctors found and removed eleven implants located around her uterus, ovaries, and connective tissues in her abdominal cavity. 

Endometriosis: What Is It? 

Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Symptoms include pain in the lower stomach or back, period pain that prevents normal activities, pain when urinating or defecating and pain during or after sex. 

Brandi had stage four endometriosis, the most serious level of the condition. Causes of endometriosis can include genetics or a problem with the immune system though it is often a condition caused by a combination of different factors. 

Lower versions of endometriosis can be treated with painkillers or hormone medicines but more severe forms can lead to surgery (such as in Rhodes’ case.) While Rhodes just needed the implants removed, the worst cases can result in surgery to remove part or all of the organs affected by endometriosis. 

Dominik Mysterio On Liv Morgan Romance Rumors: ‘I’m Innocent Until Proven Guilty’

Thomas Lowson
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Dominik Mysterio is maintaining his innocence amid speculation that he and Liv Morgan may be getting ‘close’ now that Rhea Ripley isn’t around. 

In recent weeks, there have been clues on WWE TV that Morgan and Mysterio may be a lot chummier than it first seems. The pair were seen leaving the same room backstage during an episode of Raw. More recently, Liv was seen leaving a vehicle, and later on, Dominik’s Judgment Day ally Finn Balor exited the same car. Speculation of the pair has run rife on social media, especially after Morgan shared a photo of herself with Dominik’s signature bandana. 

Innocent Until Proven Guilty!

Given Mysterio’s (kayfabe) relationship with Rhea Ripley, many have been highly suspicious of how close he and Liv have seemingly been getting. When confronted about the rumors on the Ringer Wrestling Show, Mysterio took a legal approach to the accusations. 

“I think at the end of the day, everyone is innocent till proven guilty. And I’m just… I’m here protecting Mami. And I’m trying to make sure she’s good when she comes back and that everything is all set in order.”

Ripley and Mysterio have been spotted together in recent weeks. 

Rhea Ripley has been out of action since April after she suffered an injury at the hands of Morgan during a backstage attack. This injury led to Ripley vacating the WWE Women’s World Championship, a fact that Morgan (the last woman to pin Ripley) has relished in.

Could Morgan’s ‘revenge’ tour see her try and replace Rhea Ripley, not just as Mysterio’s partner but also as a member of The Judgment Day? Time will tell… 

Reason WWE Teased Cody Rhodes Vs. Logan Paul Being Title For Title

Thomas Lowson
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WWE had no intention of having one man leave Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with two championships, but that didn’t stop them from teasing the idea. 

On the May 10, edition of WWE SmackDown, Paul, the reigning United States Champion, was revealed as the next challenger for Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Immediately, fans speculated that their match at WWE King And Queen of the Ring would see both titles on the line. On Twitter, Cody would tease going for the United States Championship.

During the May 17, edition of SmackDown, Rhodes spoke of his desire to capture the coveted ‘Grand Slam’ and is only missing the U.S. title from his collection. Despite these teases, it was confirmed during the contract signing later in the night that the upcoming match would ONLY be for Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship. 

Why WWE Teased Title For Title

WWE never had any intention of having both titles on the line, despite what was being teased on TV and social media, Dave Meltzer reports. The reason behind the teases is that it was WWE’s way of getting extra ‘heat’ on Paul. The idea is that after fans were led to believe both titles would be on the line, Paul ‘backtracking’ by ensuring he wouldn’t be at risk of losing his gold would rile up the fans against him. On SmackDown, it was made clear that Paul’s lawyers had drafted the contract that means only Rhodes’ title will be on the line. 

What’s Next? 

Paul and Rhodes will face off this weekend at the WWE King And Queen of the Ring PLE. The show will be Rhodes’ second title defend his title at a Premium Live Event after defeating AJ Styles at Backlash France. The match will also be Paul’s second World Championship opportunity after facing then-Universal Champion Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel 2022. 

Austin Theory: ‘WWE Today Has Surpassed The Attitude Era’

Thomas Lowson
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The current era of WWE is proving to be better than the much-acclaimed Attitude Era, at least according to WWE Tag Team Champion Austin Theory. 

WWE officially launched its ‘new era’ at WrestleMania 40, though this came months after Vince McMahon’s second resignation from the promotion in January 2024. With the 78-year-old billionaire no longer around, production changes have been well-received by fans as have the storylines we see on TV. 

Speaking to the Battleground Podcast, Austin Theory had plenty of praise for the current era which he believes has surpassed the Attitude Era. 

“We do all these things, and every show is packed. Even when I’m just doing meet-and-greets, like in Australia, I did one where 300 people came to see me in the middle of a mall. WWE is at an all-time high now, and you can’t deny it. I think we’ve surpassed the Attitude Era. This era has solidified a new world of professional wrestling.”

Theory went on to describe Triple H as “The Man” and appreciates the “innovative” ideas of WWE’s Chief Content Officer. The former U.S. Champion also praised the passion of everyone in WWE today and believes that with Triple H ‘”in the pilot seat” that there’s no stopping WWE. 

It’s hard to ignore the success of the current era of WWE. In November 2023, it was reported that the average attendance of WWE events have now matched the Attitude Era attendance. WWE is certainly making far more money now than it did during the era of the late 1990s and early 2000s, thanks in part to its lucrative TV deals and relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Several Updates To The NXT Battleground Card

Aaron Varble
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This week’s episode of NXT built toward Battleground, with Fallon Henley defeating Thea Hale to secure a spot in the ladder match for the new Women’s North American Title at the PLE.

Joe Coffey replaced Ivar in the North American Title number one contender’s triple threat match. Both Coffey and Wes Lee emerged as the winners in a triple threat match, and that led General Manager Ava to make a big decision. A match featuring Coffey, Lee, and Oba Femi was officially set for NXT Battleground, but the champ wasn’t thrilled about it.

Jaida Parker and Brinley Reece also had a match to qualify for the Women’s North American Title match at Battleground. In the end, Parker pulled down the win to advance into the championship ladder match.

The night ended with Shayna Baszler and Lola Vice losing to Natalya and Karmen Petrovic. After the match was over, Lola and Baszler brawled, and they had to be separated. Ava then made the announcement that they two will throw down at Battleground, and the Queen of Spades made it an NXT Underground match.

NXT Battleground Card

NXT Battleground: Las Vegas – June 9: 2024 from the UFC Apex
  • Ladder Match for the Inaugural NXT Women’s North American Championship
    • Sol Ruca vs. Lash Legend vs. Jaida Parker vs. Fallon Henley vs. 2 TBD
  • Triple Threat Match for the NXT North American Championship
    • Oba Femi (c) vs. Joe Coffey vs. Wes Lee
  • NXT Underground Match
    • Shayna Baszler vs. Lola Vice

NXT Battleground is scheduled to take place on June 9, 2024 from Enterprise, Nevada at the UFC Apex. NXT at the UFC Apex is the latest example in WWE and UFC’s ongoing collaboration following their corporate ‘merger’ under Endeavor’s TKO Group Holdings.

Sexyy Red Announced To Appear During 5/28 WWE NXT

Aaron Varble
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Rapper Sexyy Red has made headlines across the entertainment world and will bring her star power to next week’s episode of NXT.Red has been tuning into NXT and recently expressed her displeasure over about Noam Dar’s attack on Trick Williams. Now, she’ll get the chance to be more than just a spectator when she visits NXT next Tuesda Sexyy for the May 28 episode of NXT.

https://twitter.com/wwenxt/status/1793087685747163155

As NXT moves closer to NXT Battleground on June 9, 2024, at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, Sexyy Red’s appearance adds an extra layer of excitement. We will have to see what she gets into next week. 

Although Sexyy Red tweeted out to hype her NXT appearance, she didn’t reveal her intentions. She did, however, tease pulling off an RKO outta nowhere.

WWE has a long history of celebrity appearances, and the company’s recent success is attracting personalities from various fields, especially the music industry. NXT is no exception, and next week, a well-known face will grace the show.

The St. Louis rapper’s new EP, “In Sexyy We Trust,” is set to release on May 24, coinciding with the start of Memorial Day weekend.

Eddie Kingston Names Current WWE Stars As One Of His Modern Favorites

Dominic DeAngelo
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Eddie Kingston wants to push back against pro wrestling tribalism and did just that on his Instagram profile.

Kingston is notorioiusly out of this weekend’s AEW Double Or Nothing Anarchy In The Arena match with a fractured tibula, and tears in his ACL and meniscus.

The injury has not hampered Kingston’s love for the one true sport, however as he’s clearly an active watcher of all wrestling. That’s all kinds of indicated on his latest Instagram post.

While on YouTube, Kingston happened to share a screenshot of Asuka, adding the caption that the Damage CTRL member is “One of my modern day favorites.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C7PRly2uahl

Kingston suffered his devastating injury during his unsuccessful NJPW Strong Openweight title defense against Gabe Kidd at Resurgance. The Elite took Kingston out in an attack after the match, which opened up a spot to be filled for Double Or Nothing. The surprise entrant to fill in for Kingston will be Darby Allin, who returned in the closing moments of last week’s AEW Dynamite.

Kingston isn’t the only member of the AEW roster to tip the cap to WWE names. Kenny Omega recently praised Triple H for being a “body guy” and using that physical presence to his advantage. 

Although they also worked together, Ricky Starks recently just went to bat for CM Punk, saying that he was sick of the tribalism that continues to go down in pro wrestling.

Transversely, former AEW EVP Cody Rhodes has taken plenty of opportunities to credit some of his former colleagues.

WWE Doesn’t Want Hard Questions At Press Conferences, Says Ex-Host

Dominic DeAngelo
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Since their inception, pro wrestling press conferences has been a hot-button issue amongst fans and one former WWE employee stated what his ex-company’s intent is with having them after major PLEs.

Matt Camp, former host of The Bump, started a new daily wrestling news series titled The Wrestling Matt and kicked off his debut episode by talking about those press conferences. Camp was actually a media member of WWE’s first presser after Survivor Series 2022 in Boston. Camp made clear that he was a WWE employee at the time, but did ask to be apart of the media scrum. He asked questions to several names, including Paul Heyman, but did say there’s a matter of intent with WWE at utilizing the press conferences.:

“They want fans in there, they want people that want to be part of the show, that don’t want to mess with their part of the show. The press conference is part of the show … but they want this just to be an addendum to the end of the show, we wrap things up and we let people speak a little bit and show their excitement and for the most part, they want softballs, right?” (h/t Andrew Thompson)

Camp noted that WWE does get some “fans” presented as media in the press conferences, noting that one member member asked him for a photo after the event was over. He also said there are a contingency of media people there to get themselves over.

“I’ve heard people at press conferences for WWE, I’ve heard people at press conferences for AEW use their stage name or use their nickname. You’re killing your credibility doing that kind of stuff. Then you are playing into everything they want.”

Matt Camp was released from WWE in February 2014. He’d been with the company since 2019. WWE sources were surprised by the departure.

Polarizing Political Commentator Alex Jones Defends Pro Wrestling

Dominic DeAngelo
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Alex Jones went on his soapbox for pro wrestling in a recent social media post. The political commentator known for his polarizing opinions happened to see a clip of a very athletic, yet debatably realistic headscissors takedown being executed. The original poster included the caption, “If wrestling isn’t fake, explain this.”

Jones, who has found himself in hot water before with several of his viewpoints, decided to defend pro wrestling as an artform.

“Wrestling isn’t fake. It’s a choreographed art form. Thinking you need to convince people that wrestling isn’t real means you’re not in on the joke.”

Jones has been very big into conspiracy theories and accrued quite an audience with his Info Wars show, but like pro wrestling, has created some division amongst people, creating some followers and some haters. Much like former President Donald Trump, plenty of people could make an argument that Jones’ on air persona has been patterned greatly off of pro wrestling.

While pro wrestling gets plenty of pop culture support, the genre has had some notable detractors outside of the pro wrestling realm. 

Before WWE signed on with FOX, Colin Cowherd notoriously called wrestling fans “booger eaters.” 

In 2017, bassist of the band Kings of Leon, Jared Followill, received a great deal of backlash after he Tweeted, “hey, adults. Let’s maybe not watch professional wrestling. Ya know?”

Just this year, Curb Your Enthusiam‘s Larry David pushed back at the appeal of pro wrestling, telling Bill Simmons that he watched wrestling when he was a kid, but stopped when he realized it was fixed. However, David’s co-creator of Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld, recently credited WWE for helping fund the first four episodes of the the series.

Mercedes Moné Prepares for AEW Debut with Help from Ex-WWE Wrestler

Tyriece Simon
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All Elite Wrestling superstar Mercedes Moné puts in extra work at the gym as she prepares for her in-ring debut. The ‘CEO’ will have her long-awaited rematch against AEW TBS Champion Willow Nightingale for the title at AEW Double or Nothing on May 25.

The rematch against Nightingale marks Moné’s first match since she suffered an ankle injury in their first encounter at New Japan Pro Wrestling Resurgence on May 21, 2023. The former IWGP Women’s Champion has shared that the injury was so severe it could’ve ended her career. Luckily, she recovered and will be motivated to get her revenge at the upcoming AEW pay-per-view. 

Ahead this very important matchup, Moné has shared that she’s training with former WWE superstar Sidney Akeem (FKA Scrypts).

Moné has been honing her skills and shaking off the last traces of ring rust at the House of Champions Pro Wrestling Training Center in Seminole County, Florida. 

Mercedes Moné & Sidney Akeem’s History

Longtime WWE fans may recall that Akeem has worked with Moné. He started his WWE career as Reginald, working for Carmella as a sommelier/ ringside manager in 2020. During this time, Carmella was involved in a feud with Moné, and Akeem would get involved in trying to aid his client unsuccessfully. 

Akeem also competed against Moné in a losing effort on the January 22, 2021, WWE Friday Night Smackdown episode. 

After the feud with Carmella ended, Akeem and Moné teased working together. However, Moné felt she didn’t need him, and they went their separate ways. 

 WWE recently decided not to renew Akeem’s contract after it expired on June 1. He has since started to look for opportunities on the independent wrestling scene. It’s interesting timing that Akeem and Moné have reunited as he prepares for his next career path, and she looks to avenge her last defeat. Akeem debuts for Game Changer Wrestling next month.

It seems in the end, they’ll need each other to accomplish their next career goals. For Moné, she’ll need to be at her best if she hopes to dethrone Nightingale at AEW Double or Nothing. 

Braun Strowman Plans to Add JD McDonagh to His Funko Pop Collection Next Week

Aaron Varble
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WWE has seen some big returns over the past few months. Braun Strowman’s comeback is poised to be a massive one, as the Monster of All Monsters re-entered the fold during the 2024 WWE Draft.

The former WWE Universal Champion was assigned to the RAW brand, where he has been a persistent challenge to the Judgment Day. This conflict led to JD McDonagh challenging him to a match next week during the May 27 episode.

In a post-show interview, Braun Strowman accepted JD McDonagh’s challenge for next week’s WWE RAW. He stated that McDonagh will face the consequences of his actions. Strowman also promised to put the Judgment Day member in a box when he’s finished with him, so he can place him on a shelf with the rest of his Funk Pop collection.

The Judgment Day is experiencing a transitional phase, with Damian Priest holding the WWE World Heavyweight Title. Meanwhile, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh lost the Tag Team Titles, Dominik Mysterio is out with an elbow injury, and Rhea Ripley is sidelined with an AC joint injury. We will see what Braun Strowman does to JD McDonagh next week. JD has been running his mouth, but it’s nearly time for him to back it up in the ring.

WWE Returns To Japan This Summer After 5 Years

Aaron Varble
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WWE returns to Japan this summer for the first time in five years. The WWE Super Show Summer Tour is a 3-show tour taking place over three consecutive nights, from July 25-27, 2024. Here is the schedule:

  • July 25: Osaka, Japan (Edion Arena)
  • July 26: Tokyo, Japan (Ryogoku Arena)
  • July 27: Tokyo, Japan (Ryogoku Arena)

? Tickets for WWE’s return to Japan go on sale next Saturday, June 1. Advance sales information is available at Eplus.jp/wwe.

Promotional materials for the WWE Supershow Summer Tour of Japan feature several prominent Japanese Superstars, including Asuka, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kairi Sane, and IYO Sky. Other top Superstars advertised include Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre (injured), Bobby Lashley and Rhea Ripley (injured).

WWE Japan Supershow Tour Announcement via WWE

The Last Time WWE Was In Japan

This summer’s Super Show Summer Tour will occur over five years since WWE ran shows in Japan. The most recent events took place from Tokyo on June 28 and 29, 2019. Attendance for the two shows averaged around 7,100. Top matches on the tour, gathered from results we reviewed from Cagematch.net, included:

  • Seth Rollins retaining the Universal title against Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Becky Lynch retaining the Raw Women’s title  against Alexa Bliss
  • Ricochet retained the United States title against against Cesaro
  • The Revival (FTR) retaining the Raw tag titles over Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows

Here’s a fun moment from when WWE visited Osaka, Japan during the 2018 tour:

Asuka’s Status

The inclusion of Asuka in the promotional material is particularly noteworthy, as she is currently sidelined due to a knee injury. About two months ago, Asuka tweaked her knee during a WWE SmackDown episode. Despite continuing to wrestle since then, the injury has persisted. Asuka is taking time off to fully recover. After participating in WrestleMania 40 and Backlash in Lyon, France, where she and Kairi Sane lost the Women’s Tag Team titles to Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, Asuka is now focusing on getting back to 100%. 

Giulia’s Status

Additionally, some fans are buzzing about Giulia possibly attending the tour. Giulia, who recently concluded a notable stint in STARDOM and has been linked to Rossy Ogawa’s new promotion, is reportedly NXT bound. She was spotted in the crowd at NXT Stand & Deliver over WrestleMania XL weekend. However, her start date might be uncertain due to a wrist fracture sustained during her last match for Ogawa’s Marigold Pro Wrestling company.

First Look At Dwayne Johnson In A24’s The Smashing Machine

Thomas Lowson
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Wrestling fans and moviegoers alike have been granted their first look at Dwayne Johnson in the upcoming The Smashing Machine biopic. 

The new film is based on Mark Kerr, a former wrestler and MMA fighter who in addition to his fights in the ring, fought personal demons as well. Johnson will play Kerr in the film while his Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt will portray Keers’ wife Dawn Staples. The film is being produced by Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and will be distributed by A24. Benny Safdie (Oppenheimer, Uncut Gems) is directing, writing and co-producing. 

Kerr (Johnson) in the ring while Dawn (Blunt) watches him from ring-side.

The film marks quite the shift for Johnson who is more commonly associated with family-friendly projects such as Moana or action-packed blockbusters like the Fast and the Furious franchise. In January 2024, Johnson told Variety of his desire to stretch his acting chops further. 

“I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity, and explore struggle [and] pain.”

Johnson will have the chance to do just that in the role of Kerr. The MMA fighter, now 55 years old, has faced addiction to painkillers, brought on in part due to the ‘no holds barred’ style of early mixed martial arts competition. The Smashing Machine was released as a documentary in 2002 and expectations are high for the new film that is currently without a release date.

Cody Rhodes: ‘The Undertaker Moved Like A Lion To Make WrestleMania Role Happen’

Thomas Lowson
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The Undertaker moved at a cat-like pace to ensure his spot at WrestleMania 40 went off without a hitch, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has revealed. 

In the emotional main event of WrestleMania 40: Sunday, Rhodes ended the 1,316-day run of Roman Reigns, who has not been seen since the event. Both men had help with The Undertaker appearing to chokeslam The Rock after the Final Boss tried to assist his cousin. 

The Undertaker dealt with The Rock at WrestleMania 40 before Cody’s story was finished. 

Though not decked in his usual Undertaker regalia, the WWE Hall of Famer did appear in the ring in an instant when the lights went dark. On the Babyfaces podcast, Rhodes shared some new information about the Phenom’s infamous appearance. 

“When the blackout happens in the arena, your eyes are adjusted to where you actually can see kind of what’s going on in the ring… I saw out of the corner of my eye, The Undertaker roll in the ring at a speed that was like a Ricochet would roll in the ring. A Chad Gable would roll in the ring. 

“A speed that if anyone’s wondering, ‘Oh, I wonder if it’s still there.’ Oh my gosh. It was like a lion, legit like watching a lion who’d been sleeping on the rock all day and then he just went out and did it.”

Rhodes then recalled a ‘moment’ that he likes to believe he shared with his fellow WWE World Champion

“When he chokeslams The Rock, I got to make eye contact with him ever so briefly. And I think he maybe wanted to have a moment, maybe not. I could be overestimating my importance to The Undertaker here, but he winked at me. He winked at me and then the lights went out.”

With the Phenom clearing the field, Rhodes was able to defeat Reigns and finally ‘finish the story.’ He has since retained against AJ Styles at WWE Backlash France. His next title defense will come against Logan Paul at WWE King And Queen Of The Ring. 

Giulia Injured And Out Indefinitely With Fractured Wrist

Thomas Lowson
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Giulia was injured week while wrestling on the inaugural card for Rossy Ogawa’s new Marigold promotion. On Monday, May 20, Giulia teamed with Utami Hayashashita at the Marigold Fields Forever event against NXT alum Sareee and Bozilla. Giulia’s team took the loss but the real story is that Giulia fractured her right wrist.

The injury will force her to cancer her upcoming matches, including the upcoming Hana Kimura tribute show. She’s still scheduled to face Sareee at Marigold’s Summer Destiny event on July 13, but we’ll see how her recovery goes. A statement by Marigold reads:

“Giulia’s right wrist was injured in yesterday’s inaugural match. Today, her doctor examined her and diagnosed her with a fracture. Unfortunately she will miss the Hana Kimura show on the 23rd, and upcoming shows for the time being. We apologize and thank you for understanding.”

Giulia Update

Giulia appeared at Japanese fighting sports memorabilia store Toudoukan and delivered the following message (translated):

“Today was Giulia’s first event at Todoukan! I’m really happy that there were so many people, and it seems like it sold out in the fastest time in Weekly Pro history. I also came to Todoukan for the first time… it’s amazing! I hope that Giulia’s prize that was won in the lottery today will be lined up here someday! Yes, I would like to visit again! Thank you! Arrivederci! See you!”

This injury is a significant setback for Giulia, who was poised to help get Marigold off the ground before testing her skills in WWE. The Japanese sensation appeared at NXT Stand & Deliver 2024 alongside Ogawa, her first appearance for the company.

Giulia out with a fractured arm

Giulia is (or potentially was) expected to make her in-ring debut for WWE at the upcoming NXT Heatwave event held on July 7. Not only that, but she is expected to compete in a championship match at the show, either the NXT Women’s Championship or the NXT Women’s North American Championship. All of these plans, however, now hinge on her condition and it remains to be seen whether her arrival in WWE will have to be delayed.

Cody Rhodes Regrets Not Having This One Person In Ring For WrestleMania 40 Celebration

Anutosh Bajpai
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Cody Rhodes has said that he regrets not having Shawn Spears in the ring for his celebration after the WrestleMania 40 win over Roman Reigns.

The American Nightmare recently had an interview with The Babyfaces podcast. He discussed things such as The Miz throwing him a crazy party for his 21st birthday and more.

Cody has long history with The Chairman, going all the way back to their time in Ohio Valley Wrestling. Spears was one of Rhodes’ first mentors after Dusty Rhodes decided to put them in a tag team because Spears had more experience than his son.

The American Nightmare talked about this time and mentioned how Shawn Spears was the one who carried him through the rivalry with former WWE tag team Deuce ‘n Domino:

“You mentioned Shawn Spears. So Shawn Spears, during the Deuce-Domino-Cherry, during this rivalry, I had no fundamental experience. I couldn’t tell you a top wrist lock from a double quarter. I had no fundamentals. But they didn’t mind because they were teaching me from the story perspective first. That’s how Al [Snow] would like to teach and Shawn was there to lead me through it, and he does not get enough credit from me for how special he is.”

He Is A Blessing To The Business: Cody Rhodes

The Undisputed WWE Champion later recalled meeting Shawn Spears backstage on the day of his big win over Roman Reigns. Cody Rhodes claimed that he regrets not having Spears with him for the post-match celebration at the Show of Shows:

“He is the only person that I regret I didn’t have in the ring after WrestleMania because I saw him that day and we just took a picture together and he was just like he always was. He knew what this day was, he knew it was big and the opportunity to go and I could take it all if I wanted to and gosh dude, I wouldn’t be where I’m at without Shawn Spears. He is a blessing to the business and I am so glad to see him in NXT.”

The American Nightmare is scheduled to defend his title against Logan Paul at the upcoming King and Queen of The Ring Premium Live Event from Saudi Arabia on May 25.

After leaving AEW at the start of the year, Shawn Spears returned to WWE during the February 27 episode of NXT. He has been active on the brand as an on-screen talent ever since and has also been helping produce the shows behind the scenes.

Dave Bautista & Drew McIntyre Film, ‘The Killer’s Game’ Gets Release Date

Bishal Roy
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Pro-wrestler-turned Dave Bautista-starred ‘The Killer’s Game’ is set to release within a matter of few months and the movie will also mark the first time that former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre works in a feature film.   

Bautista has taken up the lead role in the new movie while ‘The Scottish Warrior’ will be working in a supporting role. This will also be the first time that Bautista will share the silver screen with a fellow wrestler. The ensemble cast of the upcoming movie also includes Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, Scott Adkins and Ben Kingsley. Variety has reported that the movie will be released in theaters on September 13, 2024. It has come to light that the action-comedy movie is distributed by Lionsgate and produced by Andrew Lazar, Steve Richards and Kia Jam.

The Killer’s Game

The movie is based on the original namesake novel which was first published in 1997 by author Jay Bonansing. It has been revealed that in the movie, Dave Bautista will portray the role of Joe Flood, a hitman who’s been diagnosed with a terminal disease and wants to take the matters in his own hands. Joe takes a hit on himself. However, things go south when the hitmen target his ex-girlfriend (Sofia Boutella). Now, Joe must fend off the assassins to win back the love of his life before time runs out.

Bautista was recently a part of Dune: Part Two, which released earlier this year. After tasting massive success with on-screen roles, the former WWE star is hoping to make a directorial debut next year. 

Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre sparked speculations of his departure from WWE. However, he recently inked a new deal with the company and he is going nowhere. While he recuperates from an injury, ‘The Scottish Warrior’ has remained involved in a feud with CM Punk.

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