In the main event of WWE Monday Night Raw, Braun Strowman defeated Bronson Reed in the Last Monster Standing match, thanks to a timely assist from the returning Seth Rollins. While Braun proved to be the true monster of WWE, more has come to light about the former Universal Champion’s condition after this match.
On Wrestling Observer Live, it was reported that Strowman suffered an injury during the match with Reed. Braun was seen grabbing his thigh/groin area after being hit with a Samoan Drop by Reed and was seen limping for the remainder of the match. Similarly, Braun was unable to build momentum when running, and after knocking Reed off the apron for a spot, the referee was “furiously communicating with the back” about an issue.
The concern within WWE is that Strowman has suffered a torn groin and that’s “certainly what they thought” after the match. This comes mere months after Braun returned to WWE programming in April after a year-long hiatus following neck fusion surgery. In July, Strowman shared that his knees have been ‘banged up’ and that he would be visiting a doctor to learn more.
Losing Strowman to the injured list is the last thing WWE Raw needs, especially with Ilja Dragunov set to miss months of action with an ACL injury. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Braun Strowman and the physical condition of the Monster Among Men.
WWE has been under scrutiny recently due to a lack of representation for African American wrestlers in the company’s PLEs, and now Jinder Mahal has spoken up about similar treatment for South Asian talent.
The former WWE Champion who now goes by the name Raj Dhesi recently responded to the reports about representation on Twitter.
Mahal noted that despite the huge population of the region, there is currently only one South Asian talent signed to the promotion. He explained that talents from other sports can become stars if given the opportunity to be themselves:
There is only one South Asian currently in WWE (@SunnyDhinsa). With over 2 Billion population, 1/4 people in the world are South Asian. Not a single talent in NXT/Performance Center. This is an issue.
The former champion is not the only one who has spoken up about this issue recently. Former WWE star Sanga had previously criticized the company for wanting the viewership from India but not giving any representation to talents from the country.
The debate about lack of people to sign doesn’t work when Indian talents have shown their abilities on the international stage many times. Indian wrestlers have won at least one medal in the last 5 summer Olympics.
Names such as Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Aman Sehrawat are proving every day that talents from the region can make it big when given an opportunity.
This is not even counting someone like Vinesh Phogat who unfortunately missed her chance at a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics after being disqualified due to being above the stipulated weight on the day of the finals.
The unforeseen events led to many veteran wrestlers speaking up in support of Phogat. Prior to that, she had ended the incredible 82-0 international winning streak of Japan’s Yui Susaki in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Editor’s Note
Forced inclusivity at the top at the cost of someone more deserving is never the goal of these talks. Mahal is not saying that people should be forced into the position because of their background. The question that we ask is how are talents supposed to reach that level without a fair opportunity to showcase their potential.
With the general lack of resources for people in these parts of the world, its industry leaders like WWE who have to step up to provide a chance to talents from all backgrounds to truly become global in every sense of the word.
WWE presented the CW Premiere episode of NXT tonight from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. One of the featured bouts on the show was Roxanne Perez defending the NXT Women’s Championship against Giulia.
The Japanese star was making her official in-ring debut for the development brand in the opening match of the episode. As expected, she dominated most of the bout.
Giulia sent Perez crashing onto the outside floor towards the ending of the fight. The referee started a ten count but both competitors beat it. Roxanne Perez then grabbed the Women’s title belt to hit her opponent but the ref stopped her.
When the referee was busy, however, a hooded figure dragged the former Stardom star out of the ring and delivered a DDT on the floor. The mysterious star dumped Giulia back into the ring where Perez picked up the victory with a Pop Rox. The figure then revealed themselves to be a returning Cora Jade.
The 23-year-old had been out of action since January this year. She tore her ACL during an NXT Live Event match against Lyra Valkyria.
Jade previously won the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships with Roxanne Perez. Though their team didn’t last long as Cora Jade turned on her partner and then dumped the NXT tag title in a trash can.
It’s not clear if the events of tonight are leading towards a reunion between the teammates or if Jade has a different intention in mind. We’ll have to tune in to NXT in coming times to find out.
The NWA World’s Championship has been held by some of the all-time greats with Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and Harley Race among its esteemed lineage. Now, Thom Latimer can add his name to that illustrious collection after finning the gold at NWA 76.
Latimer dethroned EC3 to capture the NWA World’s Championship at NWA 76, which is being aired as part of NWA Powerrr on X. The show had been taped on August 31, but was aired on a delay on October 1. EC3 had held the gold for 370 days at the time of the match after ending the reign and career of Tyrus at NWA 75 in August 2023.
Latimer is the third British wrestler to capture the NWA World’s Championship and follows in the footsteps of Gary Steele and Nick Aldis. Steele’s win at NWA 51 in September 1999 only saw him hold the gold for seven days and never defended the title in the UK. Aldis on the other hand, held the title for a combined 1,309 with the SmackDown General Manager boasting two reigns.
Now, it’s Latimer’s time to hold the coveted ten pounds of gold and lead the National Wrestling Alliance into the future with Billy Corgan at the helm. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on the NWA and the reign of new NWA World’s Champion Thom Latimer.
In recent days, Hurricane Helene has ravaged the United States, with at least 125 people losing their lives and many more being affected. Alongside national assistance, individuals have been trying to do what they can to help out, and the world of wrestling is opening its hearts, and its wallets, to those in need.
AEW’s Cash Wheeler has launched a GoFundMe to help those affected by Hurricane Helene which has proven to be a huge success. The fundraiser has already smashed past its original goal of $25,000 USD and at this time, is sitting at over $53,000.
Here are some notable names from wrestling who have pitched in:
AEW President Tony Khan – $10,000
Chris Jericho – $5,000
Nick Massie (aka Nick Jackson) – $2,000
Orange Cassidy – $1,500
Pamela Martinez (aka Bayley) – $1,250
MJF – $1,000
Matt Cardona – $500
Cezar Bononi – $300
Hurricane Helene has affected several plans in the world of wrestling, with MLW canceling its October 4, event due to the storm. TNA has similarly canceled its upcoming tapings in Spartanburg, South Carolina, that had been scheduled for October 4. CJ Perry’s mother was left stranded due to the storm, as was her father, though Perry has since shared that her mom and dad have now been reunited.
Hurricane Helene has devastated lives, and Wheeler’s GoFundMe will do a lot of good to help those most in need. We here at SEScoops are sending our very best wishes to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
The Straight Edge star is known to be very generous when it comes to promoting local businesses and treating fans of his hometown of Chicago.
He famously treated all the fans with ice cream bars, when they attended his AEW debut from the United Center during the August 20, 2021 episode of Rampage.
So when NXT’s CW premiere rolled around from the Allstate Arena with Punk as a special guest on the episode, fans just knew that there would be surprises in store and the former world champion didn’t disappoint.
Fans leaving the arena after tonight’s show noted that they were all given free Lou Malnati’s Pizzas along with C4 Energy drinks:
CM Punk played the role of the special guest referee for the main event of tonight’s show. The bout saw Trick Williams challenging Ethan Page for the NXT Championship.
Williams was able to defeat Page and he became a 2-time NXT Champion in the process. The confetti rained down as Trick celebrated his victory and the show went off air with Punk giving a GTS to Page.
Apart from this, the show also featured the official in-ring debut of Giulia who challenged Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Title.
Everyone expected the Japanese star to pick up the victory in the bout but Perez retained the title with some help from a returning Cora Jade.
WWE NXT is home to a talented roster of women with names including Roxanne Perez, Giulia, the recently returning Cora Jade, and many more. Now, Australian wrestler Delta is on her way to the silver brand after being teased on WWE NXT’s premiere episode on The CW.
News of Delta’s signing was first broken by Fightful Select in July of this year, after she attended WWE’s tryouts in February during the week of Elimination Chamber: Perth. Delta was allowed to finish her independent dates after signing with WWE, with her final match being in her native Australia for Riot City Wrestling against her brother.
Now, Delta will be joining the ranks of WWE NXT which has kicked off its new era on The CW, and will bring her signature hard-hitting style to the women of the silver brand. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Delta and future changes to the WWE NXT roster.
After five years as part of the USA Network, WWE NXT has launched on The CW with an exciting two-hour show from the All-State Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The move marks the dawn of a new era for WWE NXT so it’s fitting that the gold brand has received a brand-new look.
New Logo
The new NXT logo is a silver logo, ending the use of black, yellow, and gold that has been in use since the show was first introduced as a game show back in February 2010.
With a new logo, WWE has created new championship designs for WWE NXT featuring the silver re-design. The company was wasted no time in releasing the brand-new NXT and NXT Women’s Championships on WWEShop.com.
New Entrance
The opening video includes some of the top names currently found in WWE NXT including Ethan Page, Trick Williams, Oba Femi, Roxanne Perez and many more. The new theme song for WWE NXT is ‘Millions From Now’ by 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne.
Neither man is a stranger to WWE, with 2 Chainz Gold Rush being used as the theme song of SummerSlam 2013 while We Own It (Fast & Furious) was the song for Royal Rumble 2014. Lil Wayne appeared on Let It Rock, the theme of Royal Rumble 2009, and Champion, the theme of Night of Champions 2012. He also appeared in person earlier this year, performing at WrestleMania 40 ahead of Jey Uso’s victory over his brother Jimmy.
WWE NXT has undergone a lot of changes with its relaunch on The CW, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the brand’s mission to provide entertaining matches and prepare talent for a future on WWE’s main roster. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on WWE NXT in its new home on a new network.
Pentagon Jr. has confirmed that he remains under contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and is fully focused on his current role in the promotion. Speaking with Mas Lucha, he stated that he has not yet considered his future beyond AEW.
“Everyone defends their interests,” Pentagon said. “Tony [Khan] is defending his interests, and we are defending ours.”
He continued, “I’ll tell you about my situation at present: I’m still under contract with AEW. That is my current focus. As for the future, I haven’t even started thinking about it because I prefer to live in the here and now, and my ‘now’ is AEW.”
These remarks come in response to rumors circulating about The Lucha Bros. potentially moving to WWE. However, regardless of what may happen in the future, Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix remain committed to AEW for the foreseeable future.
In the 2010s, no catchphrase took the wrestling world by storm like ‘YES YES YES’ as used by Daniel Bryan during his rise to the top of WWE. The three-word phrase was used on countless pieces of merchandise during Bryan’s time with the company, and though that tenure ended over three years ago, WWE isn’t ready to part ways with the phrase.
WWE has filed a trademark for YES YES YES with the USPTO for the use on various pieces of merchandise. WWE’s move to own the term comes after Bryan (now Bryan Danielson in AEW) filed for the term in July of this year. Speaking ahead of All In: London 2024 with Luke James Chats, Danielson shared that his manager told him that the term was available and didn’t cost much to trademark.
Following his application, Bryan claims he was sent a legal form of some kind by WWE that insinuated that he was infringing on something WWE owned, despite the term being available to be trademarked. As of September 20, the filing was labeled as abandoned.
Danielson certainly has shown no sign of returning to WWE, as he not only holds the AEW World Championship but has actively spoken about winding down his career in the ring. Nevertheless, WWE is seeking the term for the use on merchandise that one would assume would be about AEW’s resident American Dragon. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest trademark news as well as news on the AEW World Champion.
Wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett is a valued member of the All Elite Wrestling roster as AEW Dynamite celebrates its 5th Anniversary this Wednesday night on TBS. Five years ago, Double J was a WWE employee – and watched the premiere episode of AEW Dynamite at the old Titan Towers with his co-workers.
On the latest episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett recalls his first impressions of AEW, and the surreal sight of WWE power brokers getting their first glimpse at their new competition.
The first episode of AEW Dynamite took place Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. About 250 miles north up I-95, a late-night creative meeting was being held at WWE HQ. Jarrett recalls them taking a break to see what Tony Khan was serving up. The first thing he remembers was how fresh the product felt.
“The freshness… it brought back so many memories since a non-WWE program had been on cable television in prime time.”
Jeff Jarrett on his first impressions of AEW Dynamite when it launched in 2019
AEW’s first primetime broadcast had him reminiscing about TNA Wrestling’s early days on Spike TV in the mid-2000s. Jarrett had worked with a lot of people in AEW previously, including Cody Rhodes, Keith Mitchell and a lot folks on the production side.
Drawing parallels to past moments in wrestling history, Jarrett likened the excitement to the debut of WCW Nitro, which competed against WWE’s Monday Night Raw.
Potential From Day 1
Jeff Jarrett is a third-generation wrestling promoter and knows quality when he sees it. Nobody was expecting “perfect,” but AEW accomplished what it set out to do. For all the hype up until that point, the first Dynamite delivered and it’s no accident that the company is still going strong to this day.
“You knew from day one that man, this thing’s got some juice behind it,” Jarrett said. He explained that AEW had all the pieces in place: the talent, the financial backing, and equally important, a television partner that believed in the product.
Tony Khan appeared on the Quinn & Cantara podcast to promote Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite’s 5-year Anniversary special.
During the conversation, the AEW & ROH President was asked if he’s had a chance to check out the Netflix “Mr. McMahon” docu-series that’s been dominating the news cycle since its release last week. Khan says he’s been too busy to see what all the fuss is about, and was quick to point out he’s never met him or worked with him.
“No, I’ve been so busy with football and wrestling that I have not seen that documentary.”
– Tony Khan on the Netflix “Mr. McMahon” docuseries
Khan was quick to distance himself from the former WWE boss, stating:
“I’ve never met him and have never really worked with him.”
– Tony Khan on Vince McMahon
AEW As the Challenger Brand
Khan has long prided himself in All Elite Wrestling being the “challenger” brand to the decades-long industry leader, WWE. Ahead of Wednesday’s big event, Khan took a moment to reflect on the journey thus far.
“I have grown up as a wrestling fan and historian of the pro wrestling business, so absolutely, we love being the challenger promotion and trying to grow and build AEW from the ground up.
It’s only been five years and we’ve done a lot in that time.”
– Tony Khan on AEW being the “Challenger Brand” to WWE
Black Label Pro Wrestling is an Indiana-based promotion that since 2017 has hosted shows and built up a loyal legion of fans. Unfortunately for those fans, they’ve seen the last of Black Label Pro for the time being as the company is going on a hiatus.
On Twitter, Black Label Pro shared that its Fancy Wrestling event, scheduled for October 12, has been canceled, as have all other upcoming events. The statement also confirmed that tickets have been submitted and refunds and fans were thanked for their support.
Unfortunately we have decided to cancel Fancy Wrestling and the rest of the events upcoming.
We are going on a hiatus for the time being.
All tickets have already been submitted for refunds.
Fancy Wrestling was set to take place at Crown Point, Indiana and was set to feature a stacked card including Raj Dhesi. The former WWE Superstar debuted for BLP shortly after his non-compete clause expired, and captured the BLP World Championship in his first post-WWE match in July of this year.
Though a relatively new company compared to the likes of WWE, TNA Wrestling, or Ring of Honor, Black Label Pro has seen its share of top names. Notable alumni include TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth, TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace, Mike ‘Riddick Moss’ Rallis, Moose, Mustafa Ali, and self-professed Indy God Matt Cardona. The company’s most recent event, Crowning Glory, saw many of these top names with Dhesi and Grace emerging victorious in their respective matches.
Seeing a wrestling company close shop is never fun and hopefully this hiatus proves to only be a temporary setback for those working at Black Label Pro. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from the world of independent pro wrestling.
AEW Dynamite airs tonight at 8/7c on TBS, live from Pittsburgh, PA, at the Petersen Events Center. This episode will feature some big matches and the return of Britt Baker.
The biggest thing to be confirmed for the show is AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada, which has a twist attached to it. Okada’s Continental Championship is on the line for the first 20 minutes of the bout.
This only adds to the drama that every Danielson match carries these days, with the stipulation that the next match Danielson loses will be his last as a full-time wrestler.
AEW Dynamite Preview
(airs live Wednesday, October 2 at 8/7c on TBS)
AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada – Okada’s Continental Championship is on the line for the first 20 minutes
AEW International Champion Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. vs. Serena Deeb
Hangman Page vs. Juice Robinson
Dynamite launched in October 2019 that helped launch the company as the second biggest promotion in the world. Although not confirmed, there has been speculation that AEW’s new television deal with Warner Bros. Discovery could be announced on this show. Former AEW World Heavyweight Champion Swerve Strickland also seemingly confirmed the rumored AEW-FOX deal for a new one-hour program.
WWE Bad Blood is making its long-awaited return after a 20-year hiatus, promising an action-packed night of intense rivalries and high-stakes matches. Set to take place on October 5, 2024, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, this premium live event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated shows of the year.
Arguably the headline match of the evening will see CM Punk face off against Drew McIntyre inside the unforgiving structure of Hell in a Cell. This brutal contest marks the culmination of a long-standing feud between the two superstars, with each now having secured one victory against the other. The hellacious environment of the cell promises to bring their rivalry to a violent conclusion.
Championship Matches
WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
Liv Morgan will defend her WWE Women’s World Championship against the formidable Rhea Ripley. This match adds an intriguing twist with Dominik Mysterio suspended above the ring in a shark cage, potentially influencing the outcome of this high-stakes title bout.
WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax (c) vs. Bayley
Nia Jax puts her WWE Women’s Championship on the line against Bayley. This contest pits the dominant champion against a seasoned challenger looking to reclaim gold and cement her legacy.
Tag Team Showdown
Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns vs. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu)
In a surprising turn of events, former rivals Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns will join forces to take on The Bloodline, represented by Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu.
This unexpected alliance adds an intriguing dynamic to the event, as fans wonder if the current and former Undisputed WWE Champions can coexist as a team.
Singles Matches
Finn Bálor vs. Damian Priest
Two members of The Judgment Day collide as Finn Bálor faces Damian Priest in what promises to be a hard-hitting contest. This match could have significant implications for the future of the ‘Street Trash’ version of the Judgment Day, and Balor desperately needs a win here.
Event Details
WWE Bad Blood 2024 is scheduled to begin at 6 PM ET (11 PM BST) on Saturday, October 5th. The event will be available for streaming on Peacock in the United States and on the WWE Network internationally.
The earlier start time is due to counter-programming with UFC 307, which is taking place on the same night. This adjustment allows fans to potentially enjoy both events without conflict.
WWE Bad Blood 2024 Tickets: Availability, price and moreWWE is bringing back a classic event with Bad Blood 2024, set to take place on October 5 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This highly anticipated Premium Live Event marks the return of the Bad Blood brand after a 20-year hiatus, promising an unforgettable night of action-packed wrestling entertainment. Here’s everything you need to know about securing your spot at this historic event.
Event Details
Bad Blood 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The event will begin at 5:30 PM, with doors opening at 4:30 PM2. This date is particularly significant as it falls exactly 27 years after the original Bad Blood event, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for long-time WWE fans.
Ticket Availability
Tickets for WWE Bad Blood 2024 are currently on sale through various platforms. Fans can purchase tickets directly from Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner for the event. Additionally, tickets are available through resale marketplaces such as StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for Bad Blood 2024 vary widely depending on the seat location and the platform used for purchase. Here’s a breakdown of the price ranges:
Official Ticketmaster Prices
On Ticketmaster, ticket prices start at around $286 for upper-level seats and can go up to $4,500 or more for better locations.
Resale Market Prices
StubHub: Prices start at $244 and range up to $14,093 for premium seats.
Vivid Seats: Tickets begin at $231.
SeatGeek: The lowest price available is $338.
It’s important to note that resale prices can fluctuate based on demand and may change as the event date approaches.
Seating Options
The State Farm Arena offers a variety of seating options to accommodate different preferences and budgets. The arena can hold up to 21,000 people, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for this WWE PLE.
VIP and Premium Experiences
For fans looking for an enhanced experience, suite rentals are available. These offer all-inclusive food and beverage options, premium views, and exclusive amenities.
Additional Information
Parking
Parking is available at various locations around the State Farm Arena. Fans are encouraged to purchase parking in advance through ParkMobile for the best rates and convenience. Options include:
State Farm Drive: Closest to the entrance
Diamond Deck: VIP parking with exclusive access
Sapphire Deck: Prime location across the street
Ruby Lot: Easy and convenient arena access
Bag Policy
The State Farm Arena has a specific bag policy for events:
Bags must be 14″ x 14″ x 6″ or smaller
All bags are subject to screening
Medical bags and diaper bags are exempt from size requirements but will be searched
Strollers are allowed but must be checked at the Guest Service Center
Cashless Environment
The State Farm Arena operates as a cashless venue. All transactions for tickets, food, beverages, and merchandise require card payments.
Everybody is tuning into the Mr. McMahon docuseries on Netflix and that includes top sports media personailty Colin Cowherd who like many, is getting a whole new perspective on Vince McMahon.
Cowherd broke the mold while at ESPN with a show like SportsNation, but eventually ventured his way to Fox Sports to help establish that company as an alternative outlet for sports media. Since then he has started his own sports media company called The Volume that plays host to popular podcasts like “Club Shay Shay,” “Night Cap,” “The Draymon Green Show,” “Daniel Cormier TV,” and “3 And Out With John Middlekauf.” The Volume also previously hosted Renee Paquette’s podcast, “The Sessions.”
On his own podcast, Cowherd was talking about the passing of baseball legend and WWE Hall Of Famer Pete Rose. Cowherd weighed in how he grew up a fan of Rose, but did note of his character flaws in and out of the wild time that was 1970s baseball. This prompted him to bring up “Mr. McMahon,” something he’s been tuning into. He gave a little insight on his thoughts about the docuseries and also his connections with WWE.
“I have friends connected to the WWE and you’ll hear a lot if you watch this documentary on Vince McMahon. It’s not the half of it. It is not the half of it.”
Cowherd formed a connection with WWE when the company inked a deal for SmackDown airing on Fox and actually attended a show. Cowherd noted that he was very impressed with Charlotte Flair. Not only that, but his former agent happens to be the current WWE President Nick Khan.
Cowherd caused a lot of ire with wrestling fans when he playfully called them “booger eaters.” Colin added how he really leaned into the term to needle a bit, but did say on Renee’s podcast that he forsees pro wrestling becoming more prominent on sports channels.
WWE has one of the largest and most diverse rosters in all of professional wrestling with talent coming from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life. Recently, a lot has been said about the representation (or lack thereof) of black male Superstars at PLEs, which many fans have found lacking.
A black male wrestler has not won a singles match at a WWE PLE since Elimination Chamber 2023 where Bobby Lashley earned a DQ victory over Brock Lesnar. For the last time a black, male wrestler won via pinfall or submission, fans must go back to WWE SummerSlam 2022 where Lashley retained the U.S. Title against Austin Theory.
WWE has been made aware of the growing criticism regarding its handling of black, male Superstars, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reports.
One source within WWE is reported to have said “Well that’s obviously something that will be addressed now.” This weekend’s Bad Blood event will be WWE’s third consecutive PLE to feature no black, male Superstars.
This response from WWE comes after Swerve Strickland, AEW’s first black World Champion, had choice words for his former employer. Responding to a report that claimed WWE believes Strickland’s newly-signed AEW contract is above the market value, Swerve told The Breakfast Club “They only complain when a Black person gets paid.”
The topic of race and WWE’s handling of black wrestlers has been a topic of discussion for years. The important thing is that all talent of all backgrounds are treated with respect and given a fair opportunity to succeed in wrestling’s largest and most recognized promotion.
During the WWE SuperShow on September 28th in Columbus, Georgia, ‘The Ring General’ faced ‘The Mad Dragon’ in a title match. Gunther successfully retained his title but Dragunov sustained a major injury that will keep him on the shelf for several months. On last night’s WWE Raw, footage from their match aired and the injury was confirmed.
WWE recently shared the footage of the announcement about Dragunov’s injury on social media and Gunther mocked him in a Tweet. Check it out below:
Gunther used the same phrase that was seen on the wall at Carozza Fitness gym in Stamford, Connecticut during a video showing GUNTHER’s training for WWE Bash in Berlin where he faced Randy Orton.
The former NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov will be absent from in-ring action for the remainder of the year and he is likely to miss next year’s PLEs including Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. It has been announced that he will be gone for six to nine months. A minimum of six months recovery time indicates that he will be absent for WrestleMania 41 season as well.
On the other hand, Gunther is enjoying his World title run and Sami Zayn poses a threat to his title reign. Last night on WWE Raw, ‘The Ring General’ finally accepted Zayn’s challenge and they will face each other at this weekend’s WWE Bad Blood PLE.
In recent years, WWE has embraced hosting Premium Live Events outside of North America with shows in England, Scotland, Wales, and Germany proving to be huge successes. Fans in Europe are excited to see the next stage of the promotion’s expansion, which is just getting started according to World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER.
The Austrian powerhouse has done well at WWE’s overseas events, as he boasts victories over Sheamus, Randy Orton, and Matt Riddle in Europe. Speaking to Metro, the 2024 King of the Ring teased much more to come for WWE outside North America.
“We’re just getting started. The whole European expansion, it’s not the last of it we’ve seen… I’m excited and I’m happy that I was able to position myself as one of the front runners of representing the company.”
Where Next?
WWE reportedly has plans to host a Premium Live Event in Italy in 2025, and Cody Rhodes teased an event coming to Belgium at an August 2024 live event in Brussels. The American Nightmare has also thrown his weight behind the UK hosting a future WrestleMania, an idea John Cena spoke of at Money in the Bank 2023 in London, England.
Multiple Superstars have also spoken about a WWE PLE coming to Ireland; a natural follow-up to already hosting shows in Scotland, Wales, and England. Last month, Lyra Valkyria put forward Dublin’s 3 Arena as a venue when speaking to Video Game Chronicle. Fellow Irish Superstar JD McDonagh told Irish Wrestling and Entertainment that “Any chance I get, I bring up” hosting a PLE in his home country.
NXT Europe
While WWE could soon be hosting more PLEs in Europe, plans for NXT Europe remain stagnant. The brand was announced in 2022 and coincided with the closing of NXT UK with the vast majority of names associated with the brand being released. In the two years since NXT Europe was launched, however, developments on the brand have been slow, and plans for the program were delayed indefinitely in July 2023.
Events in Ireland, Italy, Belgium, and beyond seem more likely under WWE’s new administration than ever before in the company’s history. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE and its expansion into Europe and even further.
Karrion Kross has discussed his new goal for his career. The former NXT Champion was previously called up to the WWE main roster in July 2021. However, he ended up getting released from the company in November. He returned to the company in August 2022, and has been leading the Final Testament on WWE Raw.
In a WWE Raw Exclusive, Karrion Kross discussed his career up to this point. Kross pointed out the history is written by the winners but he hasn’t felt like a winner lately. The former two-time NXT Champion has eviscerated everyone in NXT and was called up to the main roster before getting released.
Since his return, his run has been lackluster. He said that he felt suffocated by the presence of legends, who hadn’t offered advice or guidance. He believes nature’s true process is to kill the old and make way for the new. Kross wants to oust the veterans and make way for emerging talents.
‘History is always written by the victors, and lately, I haven’t always felt like the victor. I could pinpoint the exact moment things shifted. I eviscerated everyone in NXT. I mean every single person they put in front of me, I chainsawed right through them. Then, my name gets called. Very exciting. With the whole world watching, I’m humiliated. I’m lost, I’m very confused. I don’t understand what’s happening. Nobody cared. Every legend that tells you they’re here for the new, upcoming talent, they didn’t do anything for me. They just watched me suffocate. I went from being an undefeated champion to ‘your services are no longer required’ in just four months. You know why? Because I was a threat.
He added:
“I was a threat to all the boys in the back that were afraid for their spots. They’d be happy to undercut a new fresh face coming up. To all of you, these guys are legends. But to me, they’re all liars. They didn’t offer any advice, no help, no guidance. Couldn’t even make eye contact in the hallway. They can go to hell. I don’t want you to misunderstand, don’t confuse this. I’m not jealous or bitter. I, in fact, am nature’s true process. I’m here to kill the old to make way for the new. Their vanity prevents them from understanding and seeing that they’re wilting on the vine. Your time is up. I’m just here to show you the truth, the devil you know versus the devils you don’t.”
Kross was featured on last night’s edition of WWE Raw when The Miz betrayed R-Truth during their match against Authors of Pain, who got the victory.
For weeks Kross has been playing mind games with The Miz and urging him to embrace his darker side and he has succeeded. In the past, he has also manipulated New Day’s Xavier Woods, who has been showing his aggressive side lately and even picked up a win over WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio by unmasking him.
Winning the NXT Championship was a very emotional moment for Trick Williams.
The WWE star recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet’s Insight podcast. He discussed things such as Shawn Michaels comparing him to Scott Hall, NXT moving to CW, a potential main roster call up and more.
When asked about his NXT title win earlier this year, Williams first gave a shout-out to Ijla Dragunov for taking his career to the next level:
“Unreal. Shout out to Ilja Dragunov, who I would say really took my career to the next level, especially at that time, all three to four of our matches showed people that I had that next level in me. The day I did take the title from Ilja Dragunov, it was a beautiful moment.”
Trick Williams won the NXT Championship at the Spring Breakin’ event in April this year. The 30-year-old had put his NXT career on the line and with an outpouring support from the fans, he was finally able to defeat Dragunov to win the title.
According to the young star, the whole moment was unreal, and the emotion he felt during the time will be very hard to replicate in his life:
“I’m not sure if you saw but the whole arena was shaking from the Whoop That Trick chants, people stomping, people screaming, people crying. It was unreal, man, and the emotion that I felt in that ring at that time, it’s gonna be hard to duplicate, because it was just 100% everybody was behind, and that’s a special moment. Man, that’s why I wanted to do this.”
Though Williams’ reign didn’t last very long. He dropped the title to Ethan Page at the Heatwave event in July, after only 74 days. Trick will get a shot at redemption when he challenges Page for the title at tonight’s CW premiere episode of WWE’s third brand.
The Nintendo 64 (N64) is often regarded as one of the greatest gaming consoles of all time, and for wrestling fans, it was home to some of the best wrestling games ever made.
Titles like WWF No Mercy, WCW/nWo Revenge, and WWF WrestleMania 2000 have left an indelible mark on wrestling game history.
Here, we’ll explore the rich legacy of N64 wrestling games and delve into an exclusive interview with YouTube gaming content creator RGT85, where we discuss the newly released book The Art of N64 Wrestling Games.
The Golden Era of N64 Wrestling Games
The late 1990s was a golden era for professional wrestling. Both WWE (formerly WWF) and WCW were at their peak, and the rise of video game adaptations brought wrestling action to fans’ fingertips.
The N64 was home to some of the most beloved wrestling games, developed by THQ and AKI Corporation. These games were more than just button-mashing brawls; they revolutionized wrestling mechanics with smooth gameplay, deep customization, and engaging multiplayer options.
WWF No Mercy – A Timeless Classic
Of all the N64 wrestling games, WWF No Mercy remains a fan favorite to this day. Released in 2000, the game featured an impressive roster, innovative storylines, and a create-a-wrestler mode that allowed players to craft their own dream matchups.
The intuitive grappling system set it apart from its competitors, making it a go-to for both casual gamers and die-hard wrestling fans.
This title, along with others like WCW/nWo Revenge and WWF WrestleMania 2000, helped define what wrestling games could be—strategic, immersive, and fun.
The Legacy of AKI’s Engine
What truly separated these N64 wrestling games from the competition was the engine developed by AKI Corporation. The AKI engine’s fluid grappling and submission systems, combined with a stamina-based combat model, created an experience that felt incredibly authentic for the time.
Players had to master timing and strategy rather than simply mash buttons, leading to a more rewarding experience that resonated with wrestling fans around the world.
The Art of N64 Wrestling Games – A Collector’s Treasure
For those who fondly remember this golden age of wrestling games, The Art of N64 Wrestling Games is a must-have.
This book, available through CastleMania Games, is a deep dive into the development, history, and lasting impact of these iconic titles. The book features high-quality artwork, developer insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how these games were made. It’s a celebration of what made these wrestling titles so unique, with detailed information and visuals that will appeal to collectors and gamers alike.
The book not only pays homage to the games but also documents their cultural relevance. It covers everything from design challenges to marketing strategies, offering a comprehensive look at how the magic of N64 wrestling games was crafted.
The nostalgia and passion packed into every page make it more than just a book, it is a tribute to a beloved era in gaming history.
Exclusive Interview with RGT85
We caught up with RGT85, who is a well-known figure in the gaming community and just like us a long time wrestling fan. His passion for N64 wrestling games runs deep, and in this exclusive interview, he shares his thoughts on his new The Art of N64 Wrestling Games book and why these titles have stood the test of time. Check it out below:
WWE NXT airs tonight at 8/7c on the CW Network, live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL. This episode will feature two title bouts, an appearance from WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair, and a Miz TV segment.
WWE has loaded up the card to set the tone for what fans can expect on the CW Network compared to what they’ve been used to seeing on the USA Network.
WWE NXT Preview
NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez vs. Giulia will open the show
NXT Champion Ethan Page vs. Trick Williams – CM Punk to be Special Guest Referee
Street Fight: Wes Lee vs. Zachary Wentz
Miz TV segment with Oba Femi and Tony D’Angelo
Fatal Attraction (TBD) vs. Jaida Parker and Lola Vice
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair to appear
Expectations are high for the gold brand in its new journey. Fans look forward to seeing the program be rated TV-14, according to The CW’s official listings.
Shawn Michaels has confirmed that big aesthetic changes are coming to the show. We’re expecting a renovated ‘NXT Arena’ at the WWE Performance Center, refreshed on-screen graphics and more.
R-Truth still has The Miz’s back despite the latter’s betrayal on last night’s WWE Raw.
During the latest edition of the show, R-Truth made his surprise return and teamed up with The Miz. They squared off against faced Authors of Pain. During the match, Truth was left behind by the former WWE Champion following a big boot to his face. AOP capitalized on the situation and scored a pinfall win.
In a WWE Raw Exclusive, R-Truth was asked to share his thoughts on The Miz, who attacked him. Truth feels that ‘The A-Lister’ might have got confused that Truth is still a part of The Judgment Day and that his actions were not on purpose. He then said that he would reach out to The Miz for clarification.
“Yeah, I’m okay. I think he got confused. Miz got confused. He thinks I’m still in Judgment Day. [Cathy Kelley says it looked intentional.] Wait a minute. Are you saying that was done on purpose? Cathy Kelley, don’t you put no blasphemy on Miz. Miz did not do that intentionally. He was merely confused over which team I was on because I used to be in the Judgment Day a while back. But I left them, and I’m in Awesome Truth. I don’t think he did that on purpose. Did it look like it? I hope he didn’t. I need to find out. I’ll text him. As a matter of fact, I need to go find him. I don’t think he would do nothing like that, not to me. Better not have done it on purpose.”
Ahead of their match, The Miz was surprised by R-Truth’s return last night. Truth, who had been on the shelf for weeks following Bronson Reed’s brutal assault announced that he got them a match with AOP’s Akam and Rezar. He explained that he did not like how Karrion Kross was trying to manipulate the two-time Grand Slam Champion.
The Miz had been confused about his future due to his losing streak. Last week on WWE Raw, ‘The A-Lister’ was set to face ‘Big’ Bronson Reed. However, the match never started as Braun Strowman attacked Reed before the match. This left The Miz quite frustrated.
On the other hand, for weeks Kross has been playing mind games with the former WWE Champion and trying to make him realize that he could be a monster in his own way. The Miz’s heel turn has finally culminated and the eight-time WWE Intercontinental Champion could finally go a different direction by portraying a villainous role, something he has thrived on.
