Home Blog Page 257

WWE NIL Athlete Masai Russell Wins Olympic Gold By 1/100th of a Second

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Masai Russell, an athlete who is part of WWE’s NIL program, has captured Olympic Gold at the ongoing Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Russell won the medal in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 12.34 seconds, just 0.01 seconds faster than Cyréna Samba-Mayela of France who took silver. Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico took the bronze with a time of 12.36 seconds. This year’s games is Russell’s first time competing at the Summer Olympics.

On Twitter, WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque congratulated Russell on her gold medal-earning performance in her first Olympic Games.

This isn’t the first time that Russell has impressed on the track. Back in January 2023, the 24-year-old set a new collegiate record for the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.75 seconds. This historic victory also gained the attention of WWE’s Chief Content Officer.

WWE NIL Program

The Next-In-Line program was launched in December 2021 with Russell being a part of the inaugural class of signings. The program aims at recruiting and developing college athletes into potential WWE Superstars. Those who join receive access to the WWE Performance Center as well as guidance on how to present themselves as athletes in the media and beyond. Upon graduation, athletes in the NIL program may have the opportunity to sign with WWE as full-time talent, though that is not guaranteed.

WWE’s Olympic Gold Medalists

Should Russell join WWE full-time, she will be the latest Gold Medalist under contract. Three years after winning gold (with a broken freakin’ neck!) in Atlanta, Kurt Angle made his in-ring debut at Survivor Series 1999. Gable Steveson signed with WWE in 2021 mere months after his gold medal win in Tokyo, though he has since been released. Tamyra Mensah-Stock, who also won gold in Tokyo, signed with WWE in 2023 and has reportedly been impressive in her training. Stock made her in-ring debut as Tyra Mae Steele last month at a WWE NXT live event.

Bryan Danielson Expects To Have Neck Surgery Later This Year

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Bryan Danielson will require neck surgery before the end of the year, the American Dragon confirmed on the latest episode of AEW Collision. In a sit-down interview with Jim Ross, Danielson spoke about his career and the toll his style has had on his health.

“Odds are I’m going to have to get neck surgery before the end of this year. That’s the reality of it. And that’s kind of something that I’ve accepted is coming down the pipe relatively soon.”

Danielson’s history of neck injuries is well-documented at this stage of his career. It was these issues that resulted in Bryan being stripped of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in 2014 and vacating the Intercontinental Title the next year. In early 2016, Danielson was forced to retire from wrestling due to such issues though he was cleared to wrestle again two years later.

Before Danielson goes under the knife, he will compete at AEW All In in two weeks time, where he will challenge for the AEW World Championship. This match with Swerve Strickland will also see Bryan put his career on the line. Whether he wins or loses, Danielson has said this year will be his last as a full-time talent in wrestling to fulfill a promise to his family to be there for them more.

Bryan Danielson is one of the top talents in AEW, but a reign as World Champion may unfortunately be cut short if this surgery goes ahead. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on the American Dragon and his road to All In on August 25.

Finn Balor & JD McDonagh Heading to OTT Wrestling 10th Anniversary Show

Thomas Lowson
-
0

WWE World Tag Team Champions Finn Balor & JD McDonagh will be part of Over The Top Wrestling’s 10th anniversary show this October. During the most recent event from OTT Wrestling, it was confirmed that the Judgment Day allies will be part of the October 26 show.

The upcoming event will mark Balor’s debut for the Irish-based promotion. McDonagh, as Jordan Devlin, debuted for OTT in 2014 and is a former OTT World Champion. His reign began in December 2017 and would see McDonagh retain against notable names like ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey, Timothy Thatcher, Angelico, Tyler Bate, and Zack Sabre Jr. McDonagh’s 253-day reign came to an end in August 2018 when he lost the gold to current WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER.

WWE And Other Promotions

The October 26, show is WWE’s latest example of working with other promotions which has become a trend for the company in 2024. Deals with Marigold, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH has seen WWE talent compete outside their usual stomping ground. TNA Wrestling has reached an agreement with WWE NXT that has seen talent from both promotions step through the ‘prohibited portal.’

Having WWE talent at OTT’s 10th Anniversary event is a huge get for the Irish promotion and will increase interest in the show. After decades of Vince McMahon’s ‘don’t play well with others’ mentality, WWE’s willingness to collaborate with other has proven to be a breath of fresh air to fans. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on WWE working with other promotions.

AEW Collision Preview (08/10/2024): Texas Bull Rope Match and More

Jake Skudder
-
0

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) returns to Arlington, Texas, on August 10, 2024 for tonight’s episode of AEW Collision.

The show promises some decent matchups with ALL IN just a few weeks away, including a highly anticipated Texas Bull Rope Match.

AEW Collision Matches Tonight

AEW Collision Main Event: Texas Bull Rope Match

One of the highlights of the evening will be the Texas Bull Rope Match featuring Thunder Rosa and Deonna Purrazzo.

House of Black vs. Bang Bang Gang

In another high-stakes bout, House of Black will face off against Bang Bang Gang in a #1 Contenders Match for the AEW World Trios Championships at the upcoming ALL IN PPV from Wembley Stadium.

Swerve Strickland Open Challenge

Swerve Strickland will also be in action, issuing an open challenge in an Eliminator match.

Additional Matches

The night will also feature several other exciting matches:

  • Darby Allin & Hologram vs. Premier Athletes
  • FTR vs. The Outrunners
  • Rush vs. Preston Vance
  • Hikaru Shida in action

Giulia On NXT Stand & Deliver Pop: ‘I Thought The Rock Had Shown Up!’

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Japanese sensation Giulia was blown away by the reaction she received at NXT Stand & Deliver, which she thought must’ve been for someone else. Speaking to Creators, Giulia recalled the ovation at the NXT event over WrestleMania weekend.

 “I didn’t think they were cheering for me. When I stood up, the whole venue was like, ‘Whoaaaaaa!’ so I thought, ‘Maybe some amazing celebrity has come?’… I was like, ‘There’s no way people would cheer for me this much!’ The scale is different from Japan, and I was just like, ‘Did someone come? Dwayne Johnson?'”

Giulia’s appearance at the event came after months of reports indicating that she would be joining WWE. On the same day of Stand & Deliver, it was reported that the former STARDOM attraction had indeed signed with WWE. Before she makes the move though, Giulia has been competing in Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold promotion and will finish her time competing in Japan later this month.

Giulia In WWE

WWE reportedly intends to bring Giulia in via NXT with plans to push her strong from the very start as “the female face of the brand.” One source has claimed that Giulia’s role in NXT will surpass what Asuka achieved during her tenure which saw the Empress hold the NXT Women’s Title for 510 days.

Aside from her NXT Stand & Deliver appearance, Giulia has been referenced in WWE a handful of times already. This includes NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez claiming that she, not Giulia, is the best in the world after retaining her title over Thea Hail at Great American Bash (Week One.)

WWE’s Female Signings

Should she compete for WWE, Giulia will be part of something of a renaissance with the hiring of female talent. Stephanie Vaquer, who dethroned Giulia as NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, has signed with WWE mere days after appearing at AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door. It has also been reported that DELTA has signed with WWE. The Australian wrestler reportedly impressed during tryouts in Perth over Elimination Chamber weekend in February of this year.

Latest On Jacob Henry After Second-Generation Star Signs With WWE

Thomas Lowson
-
0

More has come to light about the WWE status of Jacob Henry following his signing with the promotion in recent weeks. Henry is on an NIL deal, Dave Meltzer reports, meaning he’ll be paid by WWE while he goes to college. Henry, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, will compete as a heavyweight for the University of Oklahoma, which Meltzer called “one of the best programs in the country. In February 2024, Jacob committed to wrestling for the University of Oklahoma.

The younger Henry will reportedly also try out for the University’s football team in the spring. If successful, Henry won’t be the first WWE name to play for the University of Oklahoma team as ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams played for the team before entering the squared circle.

Expectations are high for Henry who has already seen success in the world of amateur wrestling. Last month, Mark Henry said that his son plans to headline WrestleMania one day, a feat the World’s Strongest Man did not accomplish in WWE. Jacob also aspires to be an Olympic champion, his father also told TMZ, so it may be some time before we see him in a WWE ring.

WWE has seen several multi-generational Superstars reach or even eclipse their parents, with Randy Orton, Charlotte Flair, The Rock, and Roman Reigns all seeing massive success. Time will tell if Jacob Henry will join that list, but the young athlete has plenty of tools to make a name in the world of professional wrestling.

Scott D’Amore Has Spoken With Len Asper Since TNA Outing, Suggests There Are “Hard Feelings”

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Scott D’Amore has spoken with TNA higher-ups since being unceremoniously cut from the promotion in January of this year. Appearing on the Busted Open Radio, D’Amore shared that two days before the Hard to Kill pay-per-view, he was informed that he would be replaced as TNA President.

“I was about to get on a plane, I found out kind of what was in the cards. [Anthem CEO] Len Asper and I had a chat about it. Even though I had seen some signs, it still hit me pretty hard, but I did what professionals do.”

What professionals do, as D’Amore explained in the interview, was fly to Las Vegas and do his best to make TNA Hard to Kill a success. The event marked the relaunch of TNA after years as IMPACT Wrestling and saw the debuts of Ash By Elegance and Nic Nemeth. Speaking to SE Scoops after the event, Killer Kelly said morale had been very high as the show was considered a rousing success.

Speaking With TNA

While D’Amore’s time with TNA has ended, he’s not entirely left the promotion behind. In the interview, Scott said he’s spoken with Asper, but that things are not entirely fine between the two men.

“I’ve spoken with Len Asper since then. Like as I said to him the day we talked about it, or it might have been the day the announcement went ahead, he said I hope there is no hard feelings. I said I can’t say there are no hard feelings, but there are no personal feelings.”

D’Amore has since relaunched Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling in his native Canada. The promotion will host its first two events this October and will stream live on Triller TV on pay-per-view. TNA’s Josh Alexander, Gisele Shaw, and KUSHIDA have been announced for these tapings, as well as former WWE World Champion Rah Dhesi.

Dwayne Johnson At Disney’s D23, Shares Moana 2 Trailer & Monster Jam Film

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson surprised attendees of D23 with an appearance to reveal the latest trailer for Disney’s Moana 2 animated film. The ‘Final Boss’ of WWE was at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California and danced with others on stage.

After the performance by Johnson, fans saw the newest trailer for Moana 2 which was later shared online. Johnson, as Maui, appears half way during the trailer and delivers quips amid clips of action scenes from the film.

Moana 2 follows on from 2016’s Moana and sees Johnson return as the voice of Maui, a legendary demigod who works alongside Moana (Auli?i Cravalho) to recover a missing relic that she believes will save the people of her island. Much like its predecessor, Moana 2 takes inspiration from Polynesian myths. 

Another Moana Project

Moana 2 won’t be Johnson’s only project related to the popular Disney franchise, as he will also be starring in a live-action remake of the first film. Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, hardly a surprise given that like the demigod, he too is an impressive specimen. Catherine Laga‘aia will portray Moana herself, replacing Cravalho in the role. The live-action Moana will follow a trend of other animated projects brought to life by Disney including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King, and Cruella. Live-action adaptations of Lilo & Stitch and Hercules are also in the works.

Johnson’s Other D23 Announcement

Dwayne Johnson wasn’t at D23 just to promote Moana 2. During the event, it was confirmed that a Monster Jam project is in the works and that The Rock will be involved.

During the conference, Johnson shared his love for motorsports and monster trucks and said he wants to create something that is “immersive and fun.” A logo was shown for the projects well as some of the trucks that’ll make up Monster Jam.

WWE Speed Women’s Title Announced, Tournament To Start Next Month

Thomas Lowson
-
0

The women of WWE will have a new championship to compete for soon with the impending introduction of the WWE Speed Women’s Championship. A tournament will kick off on the September 4, edition of the Twitter/X exclusive show, which will premiere at the usual time of 12 PM ET/9 AM PT.

In May, WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque shared that there were plans for women’s matches on episodes of WWE Speed. After the Game shared plans for women’s matches on WWE Speed, Piper Niven poked fun at the women of the company being granted only a handful of minutes for their matches.

WWE Speed sees Superstars compete in matches with a three-minute time limit, ensuring there’s no wasted time in these high-octane bouts. Title matches are given a five-minute time limit. Ricochet was the first WWE Speed Champion though he would lose the title to Andrade shortly after. The title is not present on WWE TV tapings and is exclusive to Twitter/X.

WWE’s Fastest Matches

Three minutes may not seem like a lot of time, but there are some matches that more than fit this time limit. On the September 4, 2000, episode of Raw, Chris Jericho and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler defeated Tazz and Mideon, with Lawler getting the roll-up over Tazz and his team winning in three seconds. 

Aliyah scored a 3.17-second win over Natalya during a January 2022, edition of SmackDown. WWE would lean heavily into the win, with the now former Superstar receiving an ‘Aliyah 3:17’ shirt to celebrate her victory.

Watch: What Happened With Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan After (8/9) SmackDown Went Off Air

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0

Dirty Dom got a beating after this week’s episode of SmackDown from BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma went off air.

The post-SummerSlam episode of the Blue Branded show followed up on the events coming out of the PLE, with names such as Roman Reigns making their return to the brand.

If that wasn’t enough, the audience in attendance also got to see a bonus match featuring Raw stars Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio after the broadcast ended.

The duo faced the team of Braun Strowman and Kairi Sane in a mixed tag team match and Sane ended up pinning the Women’s World Champion to win the bout for her team:

What Happened on SmackDown

The latest episode of the Friday night show was very much centered around the developments that happened during the closing moments of the SummerSlam PPV.

The opening segment featured the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes being interrupted by Solo Sikoa. Sikoa demanded a rematch for the title but Rhodes said that he had no claim over it.

When the Bloodline surrounded Cody, Kevin Owens came out to help him, sending the group retreating. The American Nightmare then offered a title shot to KO instead but he refused, saying that a title match needs to be earned.

The main event of the show again featured The Bloodline with Solo calling out Roman Reigns for costing him the world title match on Saturday. The Head of The Table made his way out and he single handedly took out the faction.

The show also featured names such as the new US Champion LA Knight, Jade Cargill and more. You can check out the full SmackDown results here.

Cody Rhodes Shares Stacked WWE Schedule for August 2024

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Cody Rhodes will be one busy individual for the month of August as he continues to represent WWE as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Fresh off a successful title defense at SummerSlam which saw the return of Roman Reigns, Rhodes shared his WWE schedule for this month.

The American Nightmare will appear at every episode of WWE SmackDown this month, as well as seven WWE live events. Five of these untelevised events will be part of the ‘Road to Bash In Berlin’ tour that will see Cody and others compete in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany ahead of the August 31 show in Berlin. On the August 9, edition of WWE SmackDown, it was confirmed that Rhodes will defend against Kevin Owens at the event.

Rhodes will also be at the final day Fanatics Fest NYC event that will run from August 16, to August 18. The event will continue WWE’s relationship with Fanatics as the latter already produces and distributes WWE merchandise on its website. Despite appearing at the event, Rhodes will still make the WWE live event in Fort Myers, Florida that same day.

Rhodes’ busy schedule represents his desire to be a workhorse champion who is willing to represent WWE as much as he can, whether it be on PLEs, at untelevised live events, or out of the ring entirely. This reign has proven to be in stark contrast to Roman Reigns who competed just eleven times in 2023 and has had just three matches so far in 2024.

Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno Attends 8/9 SmackDown, Triple H Reacts

Thomas Lowson
-
0

The stars came out for this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown which dealt with the fallout of an explosive WWE SummerSlam 2024 Premium Live Event. At the show in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s BOK Center, actor Lou Ferrigno was spotted in the crowd.

Ferrigno is best known for playing The Hulk in the Incredible Hulk TV series that ran from March 1978 to May 1982. The show marked the first live-action portrayal of the iconic MARVEL Comics character who has since been played by Eric Bana, Eric Norton and Mark Ruffalo.

It was a deal in 1984 between MARVEL and Titan Sports that allowed for Hulk Hogan to use the ‘Hulk’ name that the comic book giant owned. This unique situation was referenced in Marvel Comics Presents #45 (1988) when the Hulk threw a wrestler resembling Hogan off of an arena roof as the wrestler had “picked the wrong name.”

Years after playing the Hulk, Ferrigno would appear in I Love You, Man, where he would break out the Tazmission submission hold.

image 3

Triple H Reacts

Ferrigno’s appearance at SmackDown got a loud pop from the crowd while Wade Barrett and Corey Graves fought among themselves to see who’d get the actor’s autograph first. On Twitter, Triple H was pleased that his friend made it to the show in Tulsa.

WWE SmackDown – August 9

Ferrigno had quite the view for a massive episode of SmackDown that dealt with what transpired at WWE SummerSlam. Roman Reigns returned on the show and laid waste to the New Bloodline, while Cody Rhodes rejected Solo Sikoa’s demand for a rematch. Instead, Rhodes shared that he plans to face Kevin Owens at WWE Bash In Berlin with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line. The show will take place from the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany and mark WWE’s first Premium Live Event in the European country.

Major Championship Match Confirmed For WWE Bash in Berlin

Joey Galizia
-
0

The WWE Bash in Berlin event has just been given another major title matchup.

The August 9th WWE SmackDown opened up with Cody Rhodes once again getting confronted by Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline, with Solo demanding another title shot after he lost to the American Nightmare at SummerSlam. The group approached the ring to beat down the champ, but Kevin Owens ran out and helped chase The Bloodline off.

The excitement didn’t end there. Before Owens could leave Cody told the Prizefighter that he wanted to reward him for helping him fight The Bloodline off for the last year, and offered him a title shot at Bash in Berlin. However, Owens said no, as he felt he didn’t deserve it, even though the WWE Universe disagreed.

Cody and Owens then went backstage to speak with SmackDown General Manger Nick Aldis, who told the duo that he was planning to offer the Bash in Berlin title shot to Roman Reigns. This angered Owens, who said that so many people were more deserving than Reigns, and if Aldis needed proof, he need to just look in the locker room. Aldis, impressed by KO’s fire, agreed and offered him the shot instead. This time, KO said yes.

This will be the first time Kevin Owens has challenged for the Undisputed Universal Championship since it was held by Roman Reigns during his epic run. In 2024, Owens was mainly targeting Logan Paul and the United States Championship but was unsuccessful at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania XL.

Updated lineup for WWE Bash in Berlin:

-Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship

-GUNTHER (c) vs. Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

WWE SmackDown Results (08/09)

Joey Galizia
-
0

The August 9th episode of WWE SmackDown takes place from the Bok Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is being broadcast on FOX. Follow along with our coverage and enjoy the show!

-Cody Rhodes is out first and begins to cut a promo about what happened at WWE SummerSlam. Before he can get another word out Solo Sikoa, Tanga Loa, and Tama Tonga interrupt, with Solo demanding he get another crack at the title, stating that the only reason he wasn’t champion was Roman Reigns. The Bloodline approaches the ring but Kevin Owens runs out with a chair and stands next to Cody. Solo and company depart.

-Cody then tells Kevin Owens that he wants to defend the title against him at Bash at Berlin. KO is initially reluctant, stating that he doesn’t deserve an opportunity due to his win/loss record over the last year. However, Cody says that KO is deserving for helping him out in his war against The Bloodline, adding that he will speak to Nick Aldis about making the match official.

Match 1: Street Profits defeated A-Town-Down Under in a #1 contender’s qualifier. Dawkins scored the pinfall after the team hit their top-rope blockbuster. They will now face the winner of DIY and Pretty Deadly, who wrestle later tonight.

-Backstage Nick Aldis, Cody Rhodes, and Kevin Owens are chatting. Owens tells Aldis the same thing he told Cody, that he doesn’t deserve a shot at the title at Bash at Berlin. Aldis states that he was considering offering the shot to Roman Reigns, which sets Owens off. He goes on a rant stating that Reigns is not deserving, and that if Aldis really needed to find a challenger he need only look in the locker room. Aldis, impressive with KO’s fight, officially gives him the title opportunity for Bash at Berlin.

-After a commercial break, we see Tiffany Stratton planning Nia Jax’s title celebration, which happens next week. Pretty Deadly pops up and ask Stratton if she’ll plan their celebration after they win the tag titles. Stratton walks away, but Chelsea Green and Piper Niven approach Stratton and tell her that they see right through her act, and know that she wants to cash-in on Jax at some point.

Match 2: Jade Cargill defeated Alba Fyre after hitting the Jaded. Blair Davenport and Isla Dawn attacked Cargill after, but Naomi and Bianca Belair evened the odds and the babyfaces stood tall to end the segment.

-Footage is played of LA Knight’s huge victory at SummerSlam, where he dethroned Logan Paul to become the new WWE United States Champion. Knight then comes for his title celebration and receives a huge ovation from the WWE Universe, who chant “You deserve it” to the Megastar. The new champ says that now that he has gold he’s a marked man, but that he’s always been a marked man since he joined WWE.

-Santos Escobar interrupts the champ’s celebration and tells him that he deserves to hold the title and has ever since he joined WWE. Knight puts him in his place, then tells Escobar to earn the shot tonight. This brings out Andrade for the #1 contender’s match.

Match 3: Santos Escobar defeated Andrade via roll-up thanks to an assist from Carmelo Hayes. This means that Escobar will now face LA Knight for the WWE U.S. title at a future date.

-Footage shows The Bloodline (Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga) winning the tag team titles one week ago from DIY. We cut back to the live show, where DIY makes their entrance for their matchup against Pretty Deadly.

-WWE airs a video package honoring Kevin Sullivan, who recently passed away.

-After a commercial break WWE announces that Blair Davenport will face Naomi and that Nia Jax will have her women’s title celebration. A-Town-Down Under approach Nick Aldis and ask him when are they going to get some respect. Aldis then books Grayson Waller in a singles matchup against Kevin Owens.

Match 4: DIY defeated Pretty Deadly in a #1 contender’s qualifier. DIY will next face the Street Profits, with the winner of that match becoming the new official #1 contender’s for the tag team titles.

-Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa are backstage. Solo says “he will be here,” then makes his entrance into the arena.

-Commentary says that Jacob Fatu is still not there due to the minor injury he suffered at SummerSlam. Solo asks the fans in Tusla to acknowledge him, which prompts tremendous boos. He then calls out Roman Reigns, saying that he is the Tribal Chief now. He invites Reigns out to come and take the back his spot as the head of The Bloodline. Reigns is HERE.

-Solo sends Tama and Tanga out to fight Reigns, but he takes them both out with ease. He and Solo have an intense staredown, with Reigns slowly getting into the ring and circling Solo. Reigns opens up with vicious right hands, then connects with a Superman Punch. The O.T.C. goes for a spear, but Tanga pulls Solo out of the ring. Tama and Tanga then gain the advantage on Reigns and beat him down, but he fights them off, hitting two Superman Punches and a Spear. He then puts Tama through the barricade with a vicious spear. The show ends with Reigns beating Tanga down with a chair as Solo watches from the entrance patch, screaming that he is still The Tribal Chief.

Update on LA Knight’s WWE Future Amid Contract Talks

Tyriece Simon
-
0

LA Knight will stay in WWE for the long term, according to a new report that says the newly-crowned WWE United States Champion has reached a new contract with the company. WWE is currently going through an interesting period as several talents’ contracts are expiring. The company has re-signed talent like Finn Balor and Seth Rollins to new deals, while Becky Lynch and Ricochet are available to test free agency. WWE has shown interest in signing new talent, with one recent interest being to hire the All Elite Wrestling tag team, The Lucha Brothers (Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo). 

Fightful Select has reported that WWE has locked in LA Knight to a new deal to keep him in the company. The WWE United States Champion was set to have his contract expire in 2025, and both sides have been working towards a new agreement since last year. The report notes that Knight was given a restructuring and an extension on his expiring contract to keep him around longer and increase his salary.

What’s Next For LA Knight?

Knight is coming off the biggest win of his WWE career as he finally won a title on the main roster. The charismatic superstar defeated Logan Paul in a back-and-forth matchup at SummerSlam on August 3 to become the WWE United States Champion. The victory comes after months of the company building him as one of the top “Babyfaces” on the main roster. 

As champion, Knight will have plenty of challengers ready to end his reign. One potential opponent could be a rematch against Paul.

The YouTuber turned wrestler shared a legal letter on X regarding the champion’s theft of his Prime Truck. The incident occurred on the August 2 episode of Friday Night Smackdown, where the “Babyface” took his truck during the show.

Although the lawsuit could be Paul’s attempt to troll the champion on X, WWE can utilize the X post to further the rivalry between the two superstars. The social media influencer has also expressed how much he misses being a champion, so he’ll likely want a rematch.

Regardless, WWE fans will continue to see what challenges await Knight as he continues his career in the company.  

Why Bobby Lashley Prefers Vince McMahon’s Booking Over Triple H

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Many Superstars have benefitted from the creative direction of Triple H, though Bobby Lashley would prefer the booking of Vince McMahon. Speaking with the Laboratory Podcast, the All Mighty was asked who he “rocks with” between McMahon and his son-in-law.

“Vince understood me. Vince was big on the show. He looked at people that were stars. He saw that in… He looked at me like a star. I like Vince.

“I haven’t really had too much of a connection with Hunter. Hunter has his guys. I’ve tried to, but we haven’t really worked enough together to get to know each other.”

It’s hard to ignore how Lashley’s role has diminished since McMahon’s departure from WWE in January of this year. Since then, the former WWE Champion has been used sparingly with little in the way of significant feuds. Lashley’s most recent match on WWE TV came on an April edition of SmackDown where he lost a triple threat match.

Lashley’s contract with WWE will reportedly expire this weekend and it’s said many in the company believe he will go, potentially to join AEW. Lashley’s name has allegedly come up backstage in AEW, but as he is still under a WWE contract, no offer has been made to the Superstar.

The All Mighty is also said to have interest from Japan and the future looks bright for him should he leave WWE. Lashley, alongside MVP, was reportedly removed from the internal roster earlier this year, which was seen at the time as a sign that he’d be exiting the promotion.

Bobby Lashley Vs. Vince McMahon

It’s not just behind the scenes where McMahon worked with Lashley. In 2007, the pair feuded after Lashley (representing Donald Trump) defeated McMahon’s representative Umaga at WrestleMania, resulting in McMahon’s head being shaved bald.

Seeking revenge, McMahon would capture the ECW Championship from Lashley at the following month’s Backlash, albeit in a three-on-one handicap match. Lashley regained the gold at One Night Stand 2007, ending McMahon’s unlikely reign at 35 days.

John Cena Is Hoping For UK Dates On WWE Retirement Tour in 2025

Thomas Lowson
-
0

WWE icon John Cena hopes to compete in the United Kingdom at least one more time before he calls it a career in 2025. Speaking to TalkSPORT, Cena spoke about his fondness for the UK and shared his aspirations for the tour.

“I’m retiring from in-ring performing next year and we’ll start in January and we’ll do our last match in December 2025. I really hope there are some UK dates involved in that farewell.”

This is arguably the most specific John Cena has been about his farewell tour since announcing his departure during the Money in the Bank PLE. Cena has also stated that despite his lofty status as a WWE icon, he does not feel it’d be right to make specific requests for opponents as part of his retirement.

John Cena and the United Kingdom

The 16-time WWE World Champion has competed in the UK several times, including having an hour-long war on the April 23, 2007, episode of RAW with Shawn Michaels. At WWE Money in the Bank 2023, Cena surprised fans in London’s O2 Arena and shared his aspirations to bring WrestleMania to the UK.

Cena’s comments in the O2 have been echoed by Cody Rhodes and support continues to grow towards an international WrestleMania. WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque and WWE CEO Nick Khan recently met with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, reportedly to discuss a WrestleMania in the UK capital. While Nick Khan had previously said that WWE’s Big Four PLEs would be sticking in North America, anticipating continues to grow, especially among UK fans, that a WrestleMania will come to London down the line.

Hulk Hogan Reportedly Open To Suing Gawker Lawsuit Film Over Privacy

Thomas Lowson
-
0

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan could sue those behind the planned Gawker lawsuit film if the project goes too far, it has been claimed. Sources who spoke with TMZ claimed that Hogan has no involvement with the film and that he is “indifferent” about the project. With that said, Hogan could sue those behind the film if they broach too far into his private life.

TMZ’s sources added that Hogan is in a “really good place right now,” thanks in part to his recent new wife and reconnecting with religion. Hogan is also doing charitable work with a homeless shelter in Tampa, the source claims.

Killing Gawker

Killing Gawker is being set up with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Artist Equity and hopes to launch production in January 2025. Affleck is “eyeing” the role of 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.

Full Details On MLW’s Return To NYC On August 29

Dominic DeAngelo
-
0

MLW is heading back to New York City and the promotion has some big plans set to close out the summer.

MLW recently revealed that they’d be popping the Big Apple territory on August 29 with Summer Of The Beasts that feature a big fight between KENTA and AKIRA as both fighters continue to battle for the Opera Cup in a quarterfinals match. Tickets are now on sale for the event that takes place at the Melrose Ballroom.

Satoshi Kojima has been on a historic run since returning to MLW as he became the company’s first-ever two-time World Heavyweight Champion when he defeated Alex Kane, but he also became the first wrestler to hold multiple titles simultaneously in the promotion. Both he and his COZYMAX comrade Okumura won the MLW Tag Titles. Now they’ll defend that gold against Minoru Suzuki and Ikuro Kwon of CONTRA Unit.

RELATED: MLW Blood & Thunder Results: KENTA Debuts, Riddle vs. Callihan

Matt Riddle happens to be the number one contender for Kojima’s aforementioned World Title but will have to go up against Matthew Justice beforehand. Justice has been perfectly paired with the five-star referee and manager of the extreme in Bill Alfonso.

Janai Kai of CONTRA has been on a massive winning streak with the World Featherweight Championship but she’ll have a literally big formidable contender in Hanako. Also on tap is Bobby Fish going up against Timothy Thatcher and scheduled to appear is World Middleweight Champion Mistico.

RELATED: Paul Walter Hauser ‘Excited’ After Being Added To MLW Roster

WWE Reportedly Interested In Ricky Starks & Other AEW Names

Dominic DeAngelo
-
0

Could Ricky Starks revolution indeed be televised by WWE? A new report has WWE expressing interest in the current AEW star.

Starks has been unseen on AEW television since a scary DDT spot occured between he and Top Flight in a World Tag Team Title tournament, but ‘Absolute’ has seen absolutely healthy and ready to wrestle since then.

A new report from Mike Johnson of PWInsider notes that WWE has interest in Starks, but there is no confirmation as to if WWE has been in contact with Ricky. Starks is still under contract with AEW despite not being on television and there is no details as to when that contract expires.

Ricky has made the most of his opportunities while he was on television and it all began in him challenging Cody Rhodes for the TNT Championship during the global pandemic. He later turned heel by teaming with Team Taz before later transitioning into a babyface run before turning heel once more and aligning with Big Bill.

RELATED: Update On Ricky Starks And His Relationship With AEW

Another name stirring around in the pot according to PWInsider is Daniel Garcia, who AEW fans have seen recently. Garcia was teased to be MJF’s opponent at ALL IN which initially seemed like a match of mutual respect, but MJF backstabbed Garcia and bloodied him off television. Garcia has not signed a new deal with AEW and WWE remains interested in the boy from Buffalo.

Along with Starks, two other major names reportedly on WWE’s radar are The Lucha Brothers as both Penta El Zero M and Rey Fenix’s contracts are on the verge of expiring.

RELATED: Penta El Zero M & Rey Fenix Trademark Names As AEW Contracts Wind Down

WWE SmackDown Preview (08/09/2024): Roman Reigns Returns

Jake Skudder
-
0

Following a monumental SummerSlam event, tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown looks set to see the return of the ‘Tribal Chief’ Roman Reigns to television. Here is everything that is confirmed to be taking place tonight.

Roman Reigns Returns: The Tribal Chief’s Impact

Roman Reigns’ return to WWE SmackDown is expected to dominate the evening. After being absent for several weeks, the Tribal Chief is back to address the ongoing issues within The Bloodline.

With tensions rising and the Civil War storyline heating up, Reigns’ return couldn’t have come at a more critical time.

WWE SmackDown Preview: Cody Rhodes Appearance

Cody Rhodes is also scheduled to appear on this week’s SmackDown. After his intense rivalry with Solo Sikoa seemingly concluded at SummerSlam, Rhodes is likely to set his sights on new challenges.

L.A. Knight Will Appear

L.A. Knight, one of SmackDown’s hottest stars, is set to make an appearance. Known for his electrifying promos and undeniable charisma, Knight has been on a meteoric rise that continued with his massive win over Logan Paul at SummerSlam for the United States Championship.

A.J. Styles and Nia Jax to Appear

A.J. Styles is also scheduled for this week’s show. As one of WWE’s most consistent performers, Styles’ match or segment is always a highlight.

Additionally, Nia Jax will be celebrating her recent championship victory over Bayley at SummerSlam.

Confirmed Segments this week

Here are all of the segments that have already been confirmed:

  • Roman Reigns will return
  • Cody Rhodes is set to appear
  • L.A. Knight is set to appear
  • A.J. Styles is set to appear
  • Nia Jax is set to appear for a Championship Celebration

What happened last week?

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

Kevin Sullivan: Everything You Need to Know About the WCW Legend

Jake Skudder
-
0

Kevin Sullivan left an indelible mark on the pro wrestling industry through his in-ring performances and his role behind the scenes as a booker.

Known for his dark, occult-inspired gimmicks and intense feuds, Sullivan was a key player in the wrestling world, particularly during his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This article explores his storied career and lasting legacy.

Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings

Born Kevin Francis Sullivan on October 26, 1949, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sullivan started his wrestling journey in 1970.

He initially competed in various National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories across the United States.

Standing at 5’9″ and weighing around 250 pounds, Sullivan was not the largest wrestler, but he compensated with his ferocity and character work.

The “Prince of Darkness” in Championship Wrestling from Florida

Sullivan truly began to make waves in the wrestling world during his time with Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) from 1982 to 1987.

It was here that he developed the “Prince of Darkness” persona, a gimmick that played into the 1980s Satanic Panic.

Adopting the role of a cult leader, Sullivan’s character was steeped in mysticism and the occult, making him one of the most intriguing heels of the era.

His “Army of Darkness” stable, which included wrestlers like “Maniac” Mark Lewin, Luna Vachon, and Bob Roop, was infamous for its eerie promos and intense rivalries with the likes of Dusty Rhodes and Barry Windham.

WCW and the Dungeon of Doom

In 1987, Sullivan joined Jim Crockett Promotions, which would later become World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

Here, he formed The Varsity Club, a stable that included Mike Rotunda and Rick Steiner. However, Sullivan’s most memorable contribution to WCW was the creation of the Dungeon of Doom.

This faction, which included notable wrestlers like The Giant (Big Show) and The Barbarian, was formed with one goal in mind: to destroy Hulk Hogan and the legend of Hulkamania.

The Dungeon of Doom was involved in some of WCW’s most famous storylines of the mid-90s, including the WarGames match at Fall Brawl 1995.

Kevin Sullivan Booking and Behind-the-Scenes Influence

Sullivan’s influence extended beyond his in-ring persona. He became a pivotal figure in WCW’s booking team, particularly during the Monday Night Wars.

His booking style was known for its unpredictability and willingness to push boundaries. In 2000, he was promoted to head booker of WCW, a role that placed him at the center of several controversies, most notably his professional rivalry with Chris Benoit, who had an affair with Sullivan’s then-wife, Nancy (known in the ring as Woman).

Retirement and Later Years

After losing a retirement match to Chris Benoit at Bash at the Beach in 1997, Sullivan shifted his focus entirely to booking and behind-the-scenes roles.

He continued to work in various capacities for WCW until its eventual sale in 2001. Post-WCW, Sullivan remained active in the wrestling world, working in independent promotions and making sporadic appearances.

He also co-hosted a podcast, “Kevin Sullivan’s Helluva Deal,” which gave fans insight into the mind of one of wrestling’s most creative bookers.

Kevin Sullivan’s Legacy and Passing

Kevin Sullivan’s legacy in professional wrestling is one of innovation and intensity. His work as a heel wrestler and booker left a lasting impact on the industry, influencing how characters and storylines were developed.

Sullivan passed away on August 9, 2024, at the age of 74, after dealing with health issues stemming from an accident earlier that year. His death was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, marking the end of an era in professional wrestling.

Read More – Pro Wrestling Legend Kevin Sullivan Passes Away At 74

Triple H & WWE Honor Kevin Sullivan After His Passing

Dominic DeAngelo
-
0

Triple H is well aware of the impact Kevin Sullivan left on pro wrestling after the legend passed away at the age of 74.

Sullivan suffered several health complications after being involved in a car accident back and the news broke Friday morning that ‘The Taskmaster’ had passed.

WWE made a post on social media extending their condolences to the Sullivan family following the tragic loss and Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque penned a nice tribute to Sullivan, as ‘The Game’ respected the pro wrestling game of his influential colleague.

“Kevin Sullivan had one of the most unique minds in the history of our industry, pushing creative boundaries and developing some of the most intriguing characters to step into the ring. He had an unwavering passion for what we do. My thoughts are with his family, friends & fans.”

Sullivan never had an extended run in WWE, but his impact in the world of wrestling is clearly indelible. While working with Championship Wrestling from Florida, Sullivan designed a persona stemming off the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s. The act caused plenty of controversy and he also stemmed that into the cult-like Varsity Club faction. It’s pretty undeniable that the Wyatt Family and the new Wyatt Sicks faction would have never taken place if it wasn’t for Sullivan laying the groundwork decades ago.

Sullivan can also be credited as one of the names to have WWE against the ropes during the Monday Night Wars as he was a major part of the development of the NWO.

We at SEScoops would like to send our prayers and thoughts to Sullivan, his family, friends and fans at this time.

RELATED: Pro Wrestling Legend Kevin Sullivan Passes Away At 74

Pro Wrestling Legend Kevin Sullivan Passes Away At 74

Dominic DeAngelo
-
0

The wrestling world lost a master storyteller and booker in Kevin Sullivan, who sadly passed away at 74.

Florida wrestling personality Barry Rose confirmed the news, “With the heaviest of hearts, we are devastated to have to report the passing of the legendary Kevin Sullivan. May he RIP and his family, friends and fans find comfort in how much he was loved.”

The legend’s heath took a turn for the worse as he developed sepsis and encephalitis while hospitialized. Ric Flair took to social media last night sending out prayers and well wishes to his long-time colleague.

Sullivan transcended pro wrestling by shocking the Championship Wrestling from Florida territory by leaning into the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s. He’d notoriously go to the grocery store in Kayfabe attire to make residents feel uncomfortable. Sullivan would also go on to form the cult-like varsity club that featured Mike Rotunda and Rick Steiner.

“The Taskmaster” remained an active wrestler in the heyday of WCW and was vital in the formation and development of the NWO. While never apart of the faction, Sullivan notoriously quarantined Hulk Hogan until it was time for him to turn heel at Bash At The Beach 1996. Kevin Nash also greatly credits Sullivan for his ability to book and helped to make NWO one of the hottest acts in pro wrestling history.

Before his health took an unfortunate decline following a car accident earlier this year, Sullivan was an active podcast voice on “The Taskmaster Talks” with Jon Pozarowski and “Tuesdays With The Taskmaster” on AdFreeShows.com. He also appeared as a priest in recent vignettes shot by Karrion Kross.

Fans and wrestlers alike came to the aid of Sullivan after he remained hospitalized as they raised over $20,000 to help pay for his expenses.

We at SEScoops would like to send our prayers, thoughts and condolences to Sullivan, his family, friends and fans at this time.

RELATED: Wrestling Community Raises Over $20K For Kevin Sullivan GoFundMe

How Many Times Has Seth Rollins Been Injured in WWE?

Jake Skudder
-
0

Seth Rollins has been a WWE main eventer for quite some time, but his run at the top has been hampered by several major injuries during his illustrious career. Such issues have meant that Rollins has missed out on major PPV events, including WrestleMania and Royal Rumble shows in the past.

We’ll be looking at Rollins’ injury history here, including his most recent issue in August 2024 where he needed to be written off of television.

Major Injuries in Seth Rollins’ Career

Seth Rollins has suffered multiple injuries throughout his wrestling career, but a few stand out due to their severity and impact on his time in WWE.

Torn ACL, MCL, and Medial Meniscus (2015)

One of the most severe injuries in Rollins’ career occurred in November 2015 during a match against Kane at a WWE live event in Dublin, Ireland.

Rollins attempted a sunset flip powerbomb, but the landing caused his knee to buckle, resulting in a torn ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus.

This injury was devastating, as it required surgery and forced Rollins to vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

The injury kept him out of action for approximately six to nine months, sidelining him from the main event of WrestleMania 32, where he was expected to play a major role.

Re-Injury and Subsequent Surgery (2016)

Shortly after his return in 2016, Rollins reinjured his knee during a match with Samoa Joe. While the injury was not as severe as the previous one, it still required him to take some time off and undergo minor surgery.

This re-injury raised concerns about the longevity of his career, given the intense physical demands of professional wrestling.

However, Rollins worked diligently to recover and made a triumphant return to WWE television, solidifying his status as one of the company’s top stars.

Lower Back Issues (2018)

In 2018, Rollins began experiencing lower back problems, which were likely exacerbated by years of intense physical activity and high-risk maneuvers.

Although this issue did not lead to a prolonged absence, it did cause Rollins to modify his in-ring style to some extent, focusing more on mat-based wrestling and less on high-flying.

This adjustment helped him maintain his status as a top performer while reducing the risk of further injury.

MCL Injury in January 2024

In January 2024, Seth Rollins suffered a significant MCL injury during a match on WWE RAW.

The incident occurred when Rollins took a bad landing, leading to a partial tear of his medial collateral ligament (MCL).

Despite the severity of the injury, Rollins chose to continue performing, albeit with a reduced in-ring schedule.

The decision to manage the injury conservatively allowed him to avoid surgery, but it did impact his performance throughout the early part of the year.

Latest Injury in August 2024

In August 2024, Seth Rollins sustained another serious injury during an on-screen attack by Bronson Reed on WWE RAW.

This storyline injury, however, masked a real and underlying issue Rollins had been dealing with—persistent lower back pain.

WWE used the angle to write Rollins off television, giving him time to recover from his ongoing back issues.

This injury has raised concerns about his long-term health and his future in the ring, though details on his recovery timeline remain unclear as of writing.

1...256257258...3,372Page 257 of 3,372