AEW star Daniel Garcia is yet to sign a fresh deal with the promotion while his contract set to expire next month. It has come to light that his contract status played a huge role in the outcome of the match against MJF at AEW All Out pay-per-view.
Daniel Garcia was written off the storylines at AEW Dynamite: Beach Breaka few months ago. We reported that he was written off until he decided to re-sign. Garcia returned at AEW All In: London as he distracted MJF and cost him the ‘American’ Championship against Will Ospreay. Garcia went on to face ‘The Salt of The Earth’ in a losing effort at AEW All Out. Garcia was initially considered to win his match against MJF at All Out, but his hesitance to re-sign led to a change in the outcome.
“Garcia was considered for the win, and that those in AEW say he’s not signed a new deal. Garcia has been offered a new deal, and AEW were hopeful he’d sign it before All Out, which didn’t happen.”
MJF vs Daniel Garcia kicked off AEW All Out. The final moments of the match saw MJF hit a low blow followed by a Jacknife Pin to secure the victory as he pulled off his his signature heel tactic. Following the match, Garcia exacted revenge on the champ, who tried to attack him after the bell. The former ROH Pure Champion would intercept MJF’s kick and hit a low blow of his own. He then hit a piledriver from the second rope on MJF.
Daniel Garcia has also drawn interest from WWE and there is a huge possibility that he could jump ship to AEW’s rival promotion. In recent months, a handful of AEW stars have moved to WWE and Garcia could certainly follow suit.
Two more pro wrestlers have gotten engaged as Lyra Valkryia got quite the proposal to kick off the weekend. While in New York City, the former NXT Women’s Champion happened to walk into a hotel room adorned with rose pedals and photos of her and her long-time boyfriend LJ Cleary. Rose pedals were laid out on the bedspread asking Lyria, “Will you marry me?”
Valkyria clearly said yes as Cleary took to Instagram to share the big news that also shows Valkyria wearing a beautiful engagement ring.
“Yes. 10 years together celebrated by getting engaged to the person I will be spending the rest of my life with, and she is the love of mine.”
Several names like Scotty Too Hotty, Flash Morgan Webster and Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson all took a moment to congratulate Cleary and Valkyria on the happy news.
Valkyria was just showcased on WWE Raw as she teamed with a returning Natalya in Calgary to defeat the Pure Fusion Collective in a six-woman tag match.
Congratulations to Lyra Valkyria and LJ Cleary on this exciting news!
While Valkyria has been busy on WWE Raw since after WrestleMania, LJ Cleary has been honing his wrestling craft overseas both in Ireland and NOAH. Cleary just actually celebrated his one year anniversary in being with NOAH, but back in June made his debut in New Japan. Just a week ago, Cleary competed in London under the NOAH & Progress banner taking on Amakusa.
WWE is teasing the return of a forgotten stipulation match for Chelsea Green that might get a mixed reaction from fans on its revival. The company brought in a number of veterans for last night’s SmackDown season premiere on USA Network including RVD, Ron Simmons, Teddy Long, and Vickie Guerrero.
The show also featured a singles match between Piper Niven and Michin with Green being at the ringside. When Chelsea confronted Michin during the bout, the female star took the diva out with a kendo stick. Michin went on to win the match but Green attacked her after the bell rang. After Niven landed a senton on her opponent, Green finished the segment off by bringing out a garbage can and delivering an Unprettier to Michin on the top of the can.
In a SmackDown lowdown segment after the show, Vickie Guerrero praised Green and suggested that she should face Michin in a Dumpster match.
Green didn’t take the suggestion kindly. She went off on Vickie claiming that the former GM didn’t even belong there. The current SmackDown GM Nick Aldis who was around heard the whole conversation, however, and he thought that it was a fantastic idea.
A Dumpster match is very similar to a Casket match. It’s a no-disqualification hardcore match where the sole purpose is to force your opponent into a dumpster and close the lid.
The first Dumpster match took place at WrestleMania XIV in 1998. Cactus Jack teamed up with Chainsaw Charlie for the bout and they defeated the New Age Outlaws to win the WWF Tag Team Championships.
A match of this type has not been seen on WWE programming since April 2017 when Braun Strowman defeated Kalisto during an episode of Raw.
Another Stipulation Match Returning
WWE’s regular calendar features several stipulations matches, including the Royal Rumble, WarGames and Money in the Bank. With Chelsea Green teasing the return of the dumpster match, another rare and unusual match type is making a comeback: the Bull Rope Match.
The Great Khali is not interested in engaging in debates of wrestling being fake or real and he believes that if you’re a fan you should ignore others and just enjoy the sport.
The Punjabi Playboy recently sat down with RJ Rohan for an interview. He discussed topics such as if he misses the life of WWE, his new restaurant in Punjab, and more.
When asked about the constant debate about wrestling being fake vs real, Khali said that it all depends on your own mindset. He explained that wrestlers have to train for years and they go through many hardships. If someone still calls it fake, you should ignore them and enjoy the sport:
“What do you think? I believe it is as you think it is. If you think it’s fake then it’s fake. It’s fake for you but for me it’s real. If you think it’s fake then I’m saying it’s fake. See you have to spend many years on this. You have to spend a lot of time; a lot of injuries happen. It’s the toughest game. I say it’s alright if people still think it’s fake, just enjoy it.”
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) September 14, 2024
I Can’t Change Your Perspective: The Great Khali
The former World Heavyweight Champion mentioned how it’s fruitless to try to convince someone that wrestling is real. He explained that wrestling is one of the most popular sports in the world watched by millions.
Even if you think it’s fake, you should leave the wrestlers who make their livelihood from it and fans who enjoy it alone. He also joked that anyone who is still not convinced can get into the ring with any of his CWE wrestlers and find out:
“If you think it’s fake then I can’t change your perspective. I have CWE. My wrestler will come and powerbomb you four times. He’ll give you a tombstone like Undertaker. If you still get up it’s fake, if you stay down then it’s real. It’s simple.”
Continental Wrestling Entertainment or CWE is a wrestling school and independent promotion in Punjab, India which was founded by the WWE alumnus in 2015 after he returned from America.
The former WWE star has also gotten into politics and acting since returning to his home country. He has starred in a number of Bollywood and regional movies since retiring from active competition.
WWE SmackDown, one of professional wrestling’s most iconic weekly shows, unveiled a new logo ahead of its premiere on the USA Network. This redesign marks a significant moment in the show’s visual identity, prompting fans and visual design-heads alike to examine how it stacks up against its predecessors.
The New SmackDown Logo: A Closer Look
The new WWE SmackDown logo features a bold, modern design that sets it apart from previous iterations. The most striking element is the stylized “S” and “D” that form the centerpiece of the logo.
Key Design Elements
Stylized S/D: The logo’s focal point is a cleverly designed “S” that seamlessly transitions into a “D”.
Color Scheme: While the full color palette hasn’t been revealed, the logo appears to maintain SmackDown’s signature blue hues.
Typography: The word “SMACKDOWN” is presented in a strong, angular font that complements the stylized initials.
Fan Reception
Initial reactions to the new logo have been mixed. Some fans appreciate the modern approach, while others find it less appealing than previous designs. One Reddit user commented that the logo could be read as “CMACKDOWN” or “SMACKSOWN,” highlighting potential legibility issues.
Evolution of the SmackDown Logo
To truly understand how the new logo ranks against the classics, it’s essential to look back at the evolution of SmackDown’s visual identity over the years.
The Original (1999-2001)
SmackDown’s first logo was a product of its time, featuring an edgy, graffiti-inspired design that perfectly captured the attitude era of professional wrestling.
The Fist Era (2001-2008)
The “Fist Era” of SmackDown from 2001 to 2008 had a sleeker design than the more Attitude Era focused one from before, but it wasn’t anywhere near as iconic.
The HD Era (2008-2016)
As WWE transitioned to high-definition broadcasts, SmackDown’s logo became sleeker and more modern, featuring a metallic 3D effect. There was also a SmackDown X design to celebrate ten years of the show.
SmackDown Live Era
The SmackDown Live era from 2016-2019 had a more minimalist look, with a lot of emphasis on the word LIVE being thrown in there.
The Current Era (2019-2024)
The most recent logo before the current redesign featured a bold, all-caps “SMACKDOWN” with a slight tilt, giving it a dynamic feel.
Comparing the New Logo to the Classics
When ranking the new SmackDown logo against its predecessors, several factors come into play:
Visual Impact
The new logo certainly makes a statement with its bold design. However, it may lack the immediate visual punch of the Original logo, which many fans consider the gold standard.
Brand Recognition
One of the strengths/weaknesses (depending on your view) of the new logo is its unique “S/D” design, which could become instantly recognizable over time. However, it may take some getting used to for long-time fans who are accustomed to more traditional designs.
How Does It Rank?
Ranking the new SmackDown logo against its classic predecessors is subjective and will likely vary among fans. While it may not have the nostalgic appeal of the original logo or the energy of the fist era logo, the new design brings SmackDown firmly into the modern era…kind of.
Its unique approach means that it will probably stand out in the crowded media landscape, and its simplicity should serve it well across various applications. However, its true test will be how it’s received by fans over time and how effectively it represents the SmackDown brand in the years to come.
Having said that, it isn’t the best logo, but it arguably isn’t the worst, but it screws more towards the bottom end of the overall ranking.
In a groundbreaking move that’s set to reshape the landscape of professional wrestling entertainment, WWE’s flagship show RAW is making the leap from traditional television to streaming. This transition marks a significant milestone in WWE’s history and Netflix’s foray into live sports programming. Let’s dive into the details of this monumental deal and what it means for wrestling fans worldwide.
The Netflix Deal
Start Date and Duration
WWE Raw is slated to debut on Netflix in January 2025. This multi-year agreement is reportedly a 10-year deal, signaling a long-term commitment from both parties.
Financial Details
The deal between WWE and Netflix is valued at approximately $5 billion over the contract’s duration. This translates to roughly $500 million per year, doubling the value of WWE’s current agreement with NBCUniversal.
Global Reach
Initially, the Netflix deal will cover the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America. However, there are plans to expand to additional territories throughout the contract’s lifespan.
Content Included in the Deal
WWE Raw
As the centerpiece of the agreement, Raw will stream live on Netflix every week. This marks the first time in its 31-year history that Raw will leave linear television for a streaming platform.
Additional WWE Programming
While Raw is the headline attraction, the deal also includes international rights to other WWE content outside the United States. This encompasses:
SmackDown
NXT
WWE’s premium live events (including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble)
WWE’s award-winning documentaries
Original series and forthcoming projects
Airtime and Format
Show Length
There has been speculation about potential changes to Raw’s format once it moves to Netflix. While the show recently announced a temporary shift to a two-hour format on USA Network, it’s currently expected to return to its three-hour runtime on Netflix.
Streaming Flexibility
One of the advantages of moving to a streaming platform is the potential for more flexible runtime. Netflix could potentially allow the show to run slightly under or over three hours as needed, without the strict time constraints of traditional TV broadcasting.
Live Streaming
RAW will continue to be broadcast live, maintaining its status as one of the longest-running weekly episodic television shows in the world.
Impact on WWE and the Wrestling Industry
Viewership Potential
Raw consistently draws significant viewership, with WWE reporting that it attracts 17.5 million unique viewers annually on USA Network. The move to Netflix, with its vast global subscriber base, has the potential to expand this audience significantly.
Revenue Boost
Combined with its other media rights deals, WWE is poised to earn up to $800 million annually for its U.S. rights alone starting in 2025. This influx of revenue could lead to increased production values and (hopefully) talent compensation.
Advertising Opportunities
The move to Netflix opens up new advertising avenues for WWE, particularly during intervals not previously available on traditional TV. This could create additional revenue streams for both WWE and Netflix.
What This Means for Fans
Accessibility
For Netflix subscribers in the covered territories, accessing Raw will become more convenient than ever. No cable subscription or additional pay-per-view purchases will be required to watch WWE’s flagship show and other included content.
Potential for Innovation
The streaming format could allow for more interactive features or supplementary content that enhances the viewing experience.
International Availability
While the initial rollout covers specific regions, the plan to expand to more territories over time means that more international fans may gain easier access to live WWE content.
Challenges and Considerations
Adapting to Streaming
Both WWE and Netflix will need to navigate the transition from traditional TV to streaming for a live weekly show. This includes ensuring stable streaming quality for live events and managing potential technical issues.
Content Strategy
WWE will need to balance its content strategy across different platforms, as SmackDown and NXT will remain on traditional TV networks in the U.S. while moving to Netflix internationally.
Fan Adaptation
Some fans may need to adjust to the new platform, particularly those accustomed to watching Raw on cable television for decades.
WWE has an electrifying lineup of Premium Live Events (PLEs) scheduled for the rest of 2024, including the return of a classic PPV name we haven’t seen in over 20 years.
On October 5, 2024, it’s the return of WWE Bad Blood from Atlanta, GA.
Historically, Bad Blood has been known for brutal matches, including the first ever Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels way back in 1997.
CM Punk vs Drew McIntyre has been confirmed for inside the HIAC structure, and it should be an absolute barnburner.
WWE Crown Jewel
Rounding out the currently announced PLEs, WWE Crown Jewel is scheduled for November 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Crown Jewel has now become a staple in WWE’s annual schedule, featuring marquee matches and star-studded lineups for the live crowd in Saudi.
WWE Survivor Series: WarGames
WWE Survivor Series: WarGames returns on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from Vancouver, B.C. at the Rogers Arena.
This page will be updated as WWE announces the remaining shows of the year.
In October, WWE NXT will move to The CW, ending a five-year tenure on the USA Network. WWE has been stacking the card for the first two weeks of WWE NXT in its new era, but one of these shows has now undergone a significant change.
The second episode of WWE NXT on The CW was scheduled to take place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis on October 8, but that show has since been moved. WWE has confirmed that the event will now take place at The Factory at The District in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Fans who had already purchased tickets for the St. Louis event can seek refunds or exchanges. Tickets for the relocated event in Chesterfield will go on sale on September 18th at 12 PM CT via Ticketmaster.
For concerts and basketball, the Enterprise Center can hold 22,000 fans, while The Factory at The District has a capacity of 3,000 fans. Though WWE has not confirmed a reason for the move, the promotion will have an easier time filling the much smaller venue where the October 8, edition of WWE NXT will now take place.
WWE NXT – October 8
Wherever the show takes place, the October 8, edition of WWE NXT will be an exciting two hours for fans. When the show had been announced for St. Louis, it was announced that Randy Orton would be appearing in front of his hometown crowd.
The October 8, episode will also deal with the fallout from the previous week’s premiere episode of WWE NXT on The CW. That show will see the NXT and NXT Women’s Titles on the line, as well as an appearance by CM Punk in Chicago, Illinois. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on WWE NXT and its move to The CW.
Roman Reigns will be teaming up with an unlikely ally for his WWE return match against Bloodline at the upcoming Bad Blood PLE event.
The SmackDown season premiere on USA Network opened with Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa in a cage match.
The Bloodline didn’t like it when Cody managed to beat Solo once again with a Cross Rhodes to retain his title. The group attacked the American Nightmare once the bell rang. After Jacob Fatu landed a moonsault off the top rope, Sikoa ordered him to get to the top of the cage.
Before Fatu could fly, however, Roman Reigns’ music hit, and the Original Tribal Chief came out to a huge pop. He brawled with the Bloodline for a bit and took out the group with help from Cody. The two stood in the ring unsure of each other to end the segment.
Later in the episode, Nick Aldis revealed that Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu have challenged Rhode & Reigns for a match at the upcoming PLE. At first Cody declined the offer saying that he was done with The Bloodline and they were Roman’s problem.
The final segment of the show saw Roman Reigns taking the contract from Aldis and declaring that he didn’t need a tag team partner to take care of family business. Reigns proclaimed that he remains the Tribal Chief and that the WWE ring still belongs to him.
Cody Rhodes took an exception to this claim. He came out to tell his WrestleMania 40 opponent that WWE is not his anymore since he got dethroned at the Show of Shows. Solo Sikoa then came out with Jacob Fatu while Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga tried to take out Rhodes and Reigns from behind.
Roman and Cody sent the two crashing before Reigns signed the contract. Cody stared at him for a second before extending his hand to ask for the papers. The WWE Champion signed it as well, making the Head of the Table’s return match official.
WWE Bad Blood will take place at the State Farm Arena in Cody’s hometown of Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, October 5. You can check out the other matches announced for the show here.
The first night of WWE SmackDown’s return to USA Network was pretty eventful with Roman Reigns’ big return opening the show and a big Bad Blood match being made official at the end of the episode.
The Original Tribal Chief made his return to confront the Bloodline after Cody Rhodes scored another victory over Solo Sikoa in the cage match. He made the save for the Undisputed WWE Champion and the two worked together for a bit to take out the faction.
Nick Aldis then announced that Cody and Roman will be teaming to take on The Bloodline at the upcoming WWE PPV. The American Nightmare declined the offer at first, claiming that he was done with the group.
The main event of the show then saw a confrontation between the two top stars being cut short by an attempted sneak attack from Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga. Realizing that he had no other choice, Rhodes finally agreed to the tag bout, signing the contract to end the broadcast.
WWE released a video of Roman Reigns after the show went off air. The former champion was the first to exit the ring and his expressions say that he is still not sure about the team up:
WWE is home to some of the most talented tag-teams in the world, with The Bloodline, the Judgment Day, Nathan Frazer & Axiom, and Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair currently holding gold. Now, the promotion is set to welcome one of the most successful tag teams in history which has held gold in several promotions.
The Motor City Machine Guns have signed with WWE, several sources within the promotion have confirmed to both PW Insider and Fightful Select. The reported plan is for the pair to debut by the October 1, edition of WWE NXT, which will serve as the gold brand’s debut on The CW.
The team of Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley became free agents in April of this year after finishing their time with TNA Wrestling. After their departure, it was speculated that the pair would join AEW, two years after competing at the infamous All Out 2022 event. PWN reports that there were talks between the two sides for a short time, but talks had fallen through.
In July, it was reported that Shelley and Sabin ha been in talks with WWE, and Shelley himself hinted as much on social media. In an Instagram post, Shelley spoke of spending July 4, competing in what’d be his final match for Beyond Wrestling “for a while” fuelling speculation that he’d signed somewhere that wouldn’t let him on the indies (WWE.) Days later, Shelley told fans at a West Coast Pro event that “I might not be coming back here” and called the announcement a “spoiler alert” on his future.
Shelley and Sabin are considered one of, if not the greatest tag-teams in TNA history and the pair have held the company’s tag gold multiple times. Both men are also former X-Division and World Champions with Sabin becoming World Champion in 2013 and Shelley in 2023. Now, fans can expect the pair to bring their skills as a tag team and as individual talents to WWE NXT.
WWE NXT – October 1
Should the Motor City Machine Guns debut on NXT’s debut on The CW, they will be just one part of a stacked show. Here is the current lineup for the much-anticipated event next month.
NXT Championship Match: Ethan Page (c) vs. Trick Williams
NXT Women’s Championship Match: Roxanne Perez vs. Giulia
TNA Wrestling presented Victory Road 2024 on Friday night. The sold-out show was TNA’s highest-attended U.S. event of the year, another great sign of momentum for the company. Here are the results
KUSHIDA defeated Slater: Both wrestlers traded early offense, with KUSHIDA focusing on submission holds. Slater gained control with an enziguri but missed a high-flying move. KUSHIDA turned things around with a Spanish Fly into an armbar, forcing Slater to tap out for the win.
Hammerstone & Jake Something defeated Eric Young & Steve Maclin: The match began with a brawl before the bell. Hammerstone and Something took control early, but Young got the hot tag, firing up the crowd. A blind tag allowed Hammerstone to hit the Into the Void to win.
The Hardys defeated First Class (AJ Francis & KC Navarro): The Hardys controlled much of the match, countering First Class’s attempts to mock them. Jeff Hardy hit a top-rope Swanton Bomb on Francis for the win.
“Speedball” Mike Bailey defeated Zachary Wentz to become X-Division Champion. A back-and-forth contest saw Wentz targeting Bailey’s arm. Bailey responded with high-impact moves and ultimately hit the Flamingo Driver to capture the gold.
Spitfire defeated Masha Slamovich & Tasha Steelz: Spitfire’s Jody Threat and Dani Luna were initially isolated but made a strong comeback with double-team maneuvers. They won the match and we’ve got new Knockouts Tag-Team Championships.
Joe Hendry defeated Josh Alexander: Alexander dominated with submissions and power moves, but Hendry fought back. After some interference and near-falls, Hendry applied an ankle lock, forcing Alexander to tap out.
The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) defeated ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey): The System utilized frequent tags to isolate Bey. Despite ABC’s attempts to rally, Alisha Edwards’ interference led to a Boston Knee Party, allowing The System to recapture the TNA Tag-Team Championships.
Jordynne Grace (c) defeated Wendy Choo: Grace maintained control despite Choo’s tactics. After a series of power moves, Grace hit the Juggernaut Driver to retain the Knockouts title.
Nic Nemeth (c) defeated Moose: In a chaotic main event, JBL made a surprise appearance and unleashed a few Clotheslines from Hell. This distraction led Moose to gain a near-fall, but Nemeth eventually hit his Danger Zone finisher to retain the World title to end the show.
In 2012, WWE transitioned to airing Raw for three hours every week. The move was a clear business decision. As streaming services started finding their footing and television viewer became less reliant on cable, there was drive to fill a lot of hours with live TV that ran year round and had a loyal following. Three hour Raws were very good for WWE’s business.
The move was controversial from fans’ perspectives, though, with some already complaining about a high volume of three-hour Raw specials, only to see the issues of bloated shows exacerbated by three-hour broadcasts every week. WWE recently announced a transition back to two hours, with early rumblings suggesting that change will hold into the move to Netflix in 2025. This transition is ultimately the best thing for the show and its viewers.
Three Hours Always Felt Too Long
Wrestling fans will readily consume a three-hour super card, as has often been the standard for the pay-per-view or Premium Live Event models. When these events only happened a few times a year, or even when they ballooned to monthly occurrences, it was nonetheless fun for fans to come together, order some pizza, and enjoy this occasional experience.
A three-hour weekly television show is a much tougher sell. Whether it’s for working adults, younger people in school, or a variety of other demographics, it can be hard for a viewer to dedicate that much time to their TV in a sitting, and to do so on that regular of a basis.
A two-hour block is much more natural fit for the average fan’s weekly schedule and viewing habits. While the occasional longer special episode can work, a transition from three, back to two hours marks a potential end to the days when watching Raw feels like a chore or a slog to endure, but rather scales things back to more moderate, consistently enjoyable viewing experience.
WWE Can Tighten Its Focus With Two-Hour Shows
(WWE)
It’s a matter of personal opinion which era of Monday Night Raw was the best and factors like nostalgia as well as individual preferences around in-ring action, storytelling, and character work all coming into play when people pick favorites. It is difficult to deny, however, that the hottest period in Raw’s history—when the product had the most eyes on it and was subject to the most water cooler talk, roping in casual fans–came during The Attitude Era.
There were a lot of factors that contributed to the Attitude Era’s success, but it’s no coincidence that the roughly five-year stretch that encompasses this period saw Raw air for two hours. Two hours was enough time to tell stories and include compelling matches, but also a short enough time that it hardly ever felt as though there was filler dragging the product down or testing viewers’ patience.
WWE has been on a hot streak since Triple H took over creative and there are justifiably some concerns that fewer minutes will result in fewer opportunities for a wide swathe of talents to shine. While there is some legitimacy to this concern, there’s also a real case to be made that the cream will always rise to the top. Moreover, if having just two hours of TV times makes talents step up their game to earn their minutes or leads to unexpected partnerships for talents to share TV time, there’s a lot of potential for great TV ahead.
The Netflix Platform May Afford WWE The Best Of All Worlds
Photos: Twitter ; Illustration: SEScoops
One of the selling points of Raw on Netflix that has already been established is a no-commercial model, which will open up a lot of storytelling possibilities, including big matches airing without interruption and opportunities to have one match or promo flow into another in ways that are traditionally pretty challenging to pull off.
The move to Netflix also opens the possibility of more flexible timing. A two-hour standard baseline makes sense for Raw. But what if a match or a promo segment runs long? While WWE will surely have to work within reasonable parameters for the sake of the live audience and venue, it looks feasible an episode could run two hours and fifteen minutes when it needs to. By contrast, if everything were to occur within an hour and fifty minutes, that would probably be fine as well. Just as Netflix shows like Stranger Things have famously had episode run times ranging from around the forty-five-minute mark in season one to the season four finale that clocked in at two hours and nineteen minutes, Raw may well be able to organically expand and contract according to the needs of the show as opposed the constraints of a cable television broadcast.
Only time will truly tell if two hours is the better fit for WWE Raw, but this is a change that entails plenty of reasons for optimism in watchability, focus, and the potential for flexibility that a streaming platform affords.
The new era of WWE SmackDown on the USA Network kicked off with a new logo, a new introduction video and theme song.
“Neva Play” by Megan Thee Stallion featuring RM is the theme song for the latest SmackDown intro video package:
SmackDown kicked off with Cody Rhodes successfully defendeing the Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa in a steel cage match. This match saw the dramatic return of Roman Reigns, who interrupted The Bloodline from attacking Cody Rhodes.
WWE SmackDown airs Fridays at 8/7c on the USA Network.
WWE SmackDown returns to the USA Network tonight at 8/7c. It’s Friday the 13th and a new era begins in just a few hours.
With just 3 weeks until WWE Bad Blood, SmackDown will feature a match worthy of a premium live event: Cody Rhodes puts his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line inside of a steel cage against the Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa. This match will kick off the broadcast, so fans should be sure to tune in promptly.
There’s also a surprise in store, with Kevin Owens teaming up with a mystery partner to face A-Town Under. Who will Owens call to have his back?
Matches scheduled for tonight’s SmackDown on USA include:
Steel Cage Match: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa
Mystery Tag Match: Kevin Owens and a Mystery Partner vs. A-Town Down Under’s Austin Theory and Grayson Waller
Best of 7 Series: Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes
Roman Reigns, The Bloodline, LA Knight, Nia Jax, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill are also advertised to appear.
For more information about tonight’s SmackDown and ongoing WWE storylines, visit our WWE News section.
Woke up with a feeling that tonight is gonna be special. Here. We. Go.#Smackdown@USANetwork
There has been a lot of chatter about how different WWE Raw would be on Netflix but one thing that won’t be changing is the inclusion of commercials.
Many fans have been hoping that the show will ditch the ads once it moves to the streaming giant but it won’t be the case according to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
In the latest edition of his newsletter, the wrestling journalist noted that one of the reasons Netflix has picked up the wrestling show is to make the incorporation of ads to their service easier:
“One of the reasons Netflix picked up Raw is because they are trying to add commercials to programming and the Raw and pro wrestling audience is used to commercials on the shows.”
The difference with Netflix would more be about the order of the commercials as they will be able to adjust the length of breaks and the placement of ads more freely.
Another thing that fans have been discussing is the expected runtime of the Red Branded Show after it was announced that Raw would be reverting back to 2 hours for the rest of the year on USA Network from October 7.
The belief is that the program will have a variable run time once it leaves the traditional cable network and they’ll be able to extend or reduce the time as needed.
The flexibility will allow the company to change the length of the show to not only fit in things as required but also make the finish of matches less predictable.
There has been no update on how the programming itself will change with the freedom of content offered by Netflix. A number of stars such as Roman Reigns and Dominik Mysterio have spoken in favor of keeping things family-friendly instead of opting for more mature content immediately.
Matt Riddle has explained why he didn’t want to join AEW after being fired from WWE and detailed the one awkward conversation he had with Tony Khan.
Many expected the former WWE star to land a deal with the company’s biggest rivals when he was released. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, however, he explained that he was actually relieved after being fired from the TKO-owned promotion.
Riddle mentioned how he is a very provocative character and being on TV was stressful for him because it magnified everything. The reason he didn’t go into AEW straight away was because he didn’t want to get the attention for a while.
Though the former US Champion didn’t completely rule out the possibility of an AEW appearance in the future. He mentioned how MLW works with NJPW which in turn works with the promotion of Tony Khan.
Matt Riddle’s Strange Encounter With Tony Khan
Matt Riddle explained that it’s possible for him to make an AEW debut that way before revealing an awkward conversation he had with Khan at New Japan’s Windy City Riot show in April:
“I talked to Tony, I don’t know if he likes me. He seemed happy. I wrestled Zach Sabre Jr. in Chicago. He seemed cool about it. I don’t know. When you meet me, I’m very sarcastic. But when I met him, I was like, ‘Oh, you like that match’?
But I said it a different way, and he looked at me all confused. And I was like, ‘Never mind, dude’. I just walked away. So that was my experience with that.”
The former WWE star later also explained why he hasn’t made a TNA appearance so far either. Riddle mentioned that he took a lot of indie bookings following his release.
So when he talked to Tommy Dreamer about potentially working for the Anthem-owned promotion, they couldn’t find dates where he was free to participate in TNA tapings.
Matt Riddle joined WWE back in 2018 and found a lot of success in the company. He was involved in a lot of controversies as well, however. Following one such controversial incident at the JFK airport in September 2023, Riddle was released from his contract.
The goal of any wrestling talent is generally to get to a bigger promotion and continue growing their brand but Moose has a different mindset.
The 3-time TNA World Champion has spent the majority of his wrestling career working for the Anthem-owned promotion and his plan is to continue wrestling for them until the time comes to hang his boots.
The wrestling star recently appeared on the Battleground podcast to promote tonight’s Victory Road PPV event. He is set to challenge Nic Nemeth for the world title in the main event of the show.
During the interview, the former champion explained that in time he wants people to think of himself when they think of TNA, just like they think of AJ Styles right now.
This is why he has dedicated his career to the company instead of going elsewhere. Unlike many other wrestlers who continue competing long after their prime, the 40 year old plans to retire with the promotion once his current contract ends:
“That’s the plan. I’m not one of those guys that wants to keep wrestling until he’s 50 or 60, I want to hang those boots up and ride into the sunset and enjoy some of this money I made with pro wrestling and pro football.”
After retiring from professional football, Moose started training under Mr. Hughes. He made his pro wrestling debut in 2012 and he was competing for promotions such as ROH and NJPW by 2015.
He has been a regular part of the Impact roster since making his debut in 2016. He has won a number of titles in the promotion since then while also winning the company’s signature matches such as Call Your Shot Gauntlet.
The former NFL star confirmed that he signed a new 5-year deal with Impact back in February 2024. Barring any injuries or other unforeseen circumstances, that would put the timeline of his retirement sometime in early 2029.
The rivalry between Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson is one of the most storied and intense feuds in professional wrestling history. Spanning nearly two decades, their conflict has evolved from in-ring battles to a war of words, captivating fans across multiple promotions. This article delves into the origins, key moments, and current state of this legendary feud.
Origins in Ring of Honor
Early Encounters
Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson first crossed paths in Ring of Honor (ROH) during the mid-2000s. Their initial matches were characterized by technical prowess and a mutual respect for each other’s abilities. As both wrestlers rose through the ranks of ROH, their rivalry intensified, leading to several high-profile encounters.
Title Unification Matches
The feud reached new heights when McGuinness and Danielson held the ROH Pure Championship and ROH World Championship, respectively. Their attempts to unify these titles produced some of the most memorable matches in ROH history. The pure wrestling rules added an extra layer of strategy and intensity to their encounters, showcasing both men’s unreal technical skills.
Unified: The Pinnacle
The culmination of their ROH rivalry came at the aptly named “Unified” event. This match, fought under pure wrestling rules with additional stipulations, is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in ROH history. The bout exemplified the chemistry between McGuinness and Danielson, solidifying their status as two of the best wrestlers in the world.
Diverging Paths
WWE Signing and Fallout
In 2009, both McGuinness and Danielson were set to sign with WWE. However, only Danielson passed the medical screening, mainly because he was able to conceal his long-running history of concussions, whereas Nigel’s injuries were more obviously apparent to WWE staff.
Career Trajectories
While Danielson went on to achieve great success in WWE as Daniel Bryan, McGuinness’s career took a different path. He continued wrestling on the independent circuit and even TNA before retiring in 2011 due to health issues. This stark contrast in their fortunes added a layer of real-life tension to their rivalry.
List of Notable Matches
Here’s a bullet point list of some of the most significant matches between Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson:
Weekend of Champions Night 2 (April 29, 2006) – McGuinness won by countout
Generation Now (July 29, 2006) – Danielson won by pinfall
ROH Unified (August 12, 2006) – Danielson won by referee’s decision (Title Unification Match)
Driven (June 23, 2007) – 60-minute draw
6th Anniversary Show (February 23, 2008) – McGuinness won by pinfall
Rising Above (November 22, 2008) – McGuinness won by pinfall
AEW Revival
Commentary Rivalry
The feud found new life in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where McGuinness of course serves as a commentator. He frequently takes verbal jabs at Danielson.
Rumors had been circulated about a potential in-ring confrontation between McGuinness and Danielson in AEW. While McGuinness had previously downplayed the possibility, stating that Danielson is “afraid” of him, fans continued to speculate about a dream match.
The match would finally be confirmed for AEW Grand Slam, with Danielson set to defend his AEW Championship against his bitter rival.
Wednesday, 9/25 New York, NY#AEWDynamite Grand Slam TBS, 8pm ET/7pm CT
2 weeks from tonight Wednesday 9/25, only if doctors clear Bryan to fight before showtime, then it will be Danielson vs McGuinness in 2024 in New York! pic.twitter.com/yDt6RDjrFV
WWE Bad Blood, a pay-per-view event that originated in the Attitude Era, has left an indelible mark on professional wrestling history. Despite only having three editions, this event has produced some memorable matches in WWE history.
As Bad Blood makes its return to the WWE schedule after a 20-year hiatus, let’s take a look at the best matches from this iconic event, ranked in order of their impact and quality.
5. Randy Orton vs. Shelton Benjamin (Intercontinental Championship Match, Bad Blood 2004)
While Bad Blood is often associated with brutal encounters, this pure wrestling match between two rising stars stands out for its technical brilliance. Randy Orton and Shelton Benjamin, both considered among the brightest prospects on the roster at the time, delivered a nearly flawless performance.
This match showcased the incredible athleticism and in-ring prowess of both competitors. Despite being overshadowed by some of the more gimmick-heavy matches on the card, this contest remains a hidden gem that deserves recognition for its crisp execution and storytelling.
4. Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels (Bad Blood 2003)
Five years before their emotional clash at WrestleMania XXIV, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels put on a clinic at Bad Blood 2003. This match featured a more traditional heel/face dynamic, with Flair representing the villainous Evolution stable.
The Nature Boy, five years younger than in their WrestleMania encounter, was able to keep up with the Heartbreak Kid’s pace, resulting in an athletic contest filled with great back and forth action and storytelling.
The match exemplified the type of performance fans had come to expect from these two legends, with Flair securing a victory through his trademark underhanded tactics.
3. Triple H vs. Kevin Nash (World Heavyweight Championship Hell in a Cell Match, Bad Blood 2003)
While Kevin Nash’s return to WWE was marred by physical limitations, this Hell in a Cell match against Triple H stands out as the best of his second tenure.
The bout leaned heavily on brutality and the use of foreign objects to compensate for Nash’s reduced mobility. Special referee Mick Foley added to the carnage, with all three men getting busted open during the contest.
Despite its limitations, this match delivered on the promise of violence that fans expected from a Bad Blood event, proving that sometimes spectacle can overcome technical shortcomings.
2. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Hell in a Cell Match, Bad Blood 2004)
The blood feud between former best friends Triple H and Shawn Michaels reached its zenith in this epic Hell in a Cell encounter. Clocking in at a grueling 47 minutes, this match was a war of attrition that pushed both men to their absolute limits.
From the outset, both competitors wore the crimson mask, setting the tone for a brutal and unforgiving battle. No weapon was off-limits as Triple H and Michaels sought to destroy one another.
The match’s length, while potentially daunting on paper, was necessary to fully convey the hatred and determination of both men. Only through sheer exhaustion did this war finally come to an end, leaving an indelible mark on the Bad Blood legacy.
1. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell Match, In Your House: Bad Blood 1997)
Topping our list is the match that started it all – the very first Hell in a Cell encounter between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. This groundbreaking match set the standard for all future cell matches and remains one of the most influential bouts in WWE history.
The Undertaker dominated much of the match, finally getting his hands on the elusive Michaels. HBK’s legendary bumping ability was on full display as he was thrown from pillar to post, creating iconic moments that would be replayed for years to come. The match took the competitors to all sides and even the top of the cell, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in a WWE ring.
Adding to the match’s legacy was the debut of Kane, The Undertaker’s long-lost brother, who tore the door off the cell and laid waste to his sibling. This shocking conclusion added an extra layer of drama to an already unforgettable contest.
Return of Bad Blood
As WWE prepares to revive Bad Blood in October 2024, fans can only hope that the event will produce matches that live up to the legacy of these classics. With the Hell in a Cell match confirmed to return, there’s every chance that a new generation of superstars will add their names to the illustrious history of WWE Bad Blood.
The return of Bad Blood after two decades is a testament to the enduring appeal of its brutal, no-holds-barred approach to professional wrestling. As we look forward to the future of this iconic event, we can’t help but marvel at the incredible matches that have defined its legacy, setting a high bar for all future Bad Blood encounters to aspire to.
Dalip Singh, best known to wrestling fans as The Great Khali, is a time-traveling, sword-wielding warrior in the upcoming Indian sci-fi film, Raduaa Returns.
The storyline draws inspiration from classic science fiction tales, including H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine. The movie follows a group of characters as they journey through time, from 1955 to the distant future of 2255, and back into the past.
Scheduled for release on November 22, 2024, the highly anticipated sequel will see Khali taking on a significant role. Khali plays the character Mohd. Khan in the film, which is written and directed by Nav Bajwa.
Raduaa Returns is the sequel to Bajwa’s 2018 film Raduaa, which combined comedy and time travel in a story where the characters found themselves trapped in 1955 after an experiment gone wrong. In this new installment, the original cast, including B.N. Sharma, Gurpreet Ghuggi, and Satinder Satti, reunites for another adventure through time.
A Blueprint for WWE Stars to Follow
The film marks another chapter in The Great Khali’s successful post-WWE career, further highlighting his popularity in the entertainment world. Since leaving WWE in 2014, Khali has built a strong fanbase in India, where he is widely recognized as a national icon.
According to his IMDB page, Khali has four other acting gigs in the works. As you can see, he’s such a recognizable figure that he portrays himself in several of these projects:
The Great Khali, along with stars like Dwayne Johnson, Dave Bautista and John Cena, have created the blue print for today’s WWE Superstars to transition to a thriving acting career after they hang up their boots.
Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Damian Priest, Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton are all represented by the Paradigm agency to help them further branch out into the entertainment world.
The worlds of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts will overlap once again at this weekend’s UFC 306: O’Malley vs Dvalishvili pay-per-view.
Rey Mysterio, one of WWE’s most iconic stars, has confirmed that he will attend UFC 306 this Saturday, which takes place Saturday, September 14 at The Sphere in Paradise, Nevada, as part of the Las Vegas Valley’s “Riyadh Season Noche.”
The crossover between WWE and UFC continues to grow following the merger of both organizations under the TKO umbrella last year, with stars from both promotions increasingly appearing at each other’s events.
Rey Mysterio at UFC 306
In a post on the official TKO Group Instagram page, Mysterio appeared alongside UFC fighter Brandon Moreno. The two confirmed they were in Las Vegas for the fights. Mysterio, an avid fight fan who attended a UFC event from Mexico City earlier this year, said:
“Yo, what’s up guys! This is Rey Mysterio, WWE Hall of Famer, and this is Brandon Moreno, UFC fighter. We’re very excited to be here in Las Vegas for Noche UFC 306. Let’s go, we’re ready!” Mysterio said in the video.
UFC 306: O’Malley vs Dvalishvili, also known as Riyadh Season Noche UFC, is set to take place on September 14, 2024 at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Here is the main pay-per-view fight card, and visit our affiliate site MMANews.com for more UFC news.
Bantamweight Title Bout Sean O’Malley (c) vs. Merab Dvalishvili
The main event sees bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley defending his title against Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley is known for his striking skills, while Dvalishvili is a relentless wrestler on a 10-fight win streak
Women’s Flyweight Title Bout Alexa Grasso (c) vs. Valentina Shevchenko
This trilogy fight for the women’s flyweight championship pits current champion Alexa Grasso against former champ Valentina Shevchenko. Their first two bouts resulted in a submission win for Grasso and a draw.
Featherweight Bout Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
Former title challenger Brian Ortega faces rising contender Diego Lopes.
Lightweight Bout Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics
The undefeated Mexican fighter Daniel Zellhuber takes on Argentina’s Esteban Ribovics.
Flyweight Bout Ronaldo “Lazy Boy” Rodriguez vs. Ode Osbourne
Paola Mayfield made a name for herself by appearing on the first season of TLC’s hit series 90-Day Fiancé. Now, the Columbian reality TV star is ready to show her skills in the ring as part of WOW – Women of Wrestling.
Speaking to TMZ, WOW co-founder David McLane shared his excitement over Mayfield’s involvement.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Paola Mayfield join WOW – Women Of Wrestling. I have been following her wrestling journey and her success on reality TV for some time now, and we can’t wait to see her take her talents and flare to the WOW ring in the new season.”
A press release from WOW adds that Mayfield has “raw athleticism and undeniable skill” in addition to an “on-camera charisma” that is “bound to turn heads.”
Paola Mayfield In Wrestling
Mayfield’s impending debut for WOW won’t be the first time fans get the chance to see her in the ring. In 2021, Mayfield made her in-ring debut as ‘Paola Blaze.’ She has competed for the NWA in eleven matches so far and has challenged for the NWA Women’s World Tag Team Championships.
As part of the NWA, Mayfield has worked with the likes of Angelina Love, Kamille, Marti Belle, and Chelsea Green. So far, she has an unfortunate 1-10 win/loss record but is eager to turn that around in WOW – Women of Wrestling.
WOW – Women of Wrestling will kick off its tenth season this Saturday, September 14, with episodes that were taped last December. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from WOW – Women of Wrestling.
Michael Sharrer, a wrestler who was once signed to a developmental contract with WWE, has passed away at the age of 47. Sharrer’s passing was shared publicly by former WWE star Mike Mondo, who stated the following on Facebook.
“This one isn’t easy. Still doing my best to process this. Mike Taylor was the first friend I made in OVW which carried over into a close friendship/brotherhood for the next 20+ years. We were just texting a couple weeks ago. You always looked and treated me like your younger brother. You’ve always had a huge heart. I’m grateful for all the great times we had in Louisville & of course the countless shoots on the west coast doing mocap. Those memories will last forever. I pray for Mikes family during this difficult time especially his kids Isaiah & Mina. I love you Big Mike. A-team for life. RIP buddy.”
A former marine, Sharrer joined the world of wrestling in 2003 and signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2006. Assigned to OVW and Deep South Wrestling, Sharrer was named Micah Taylor and worked with future big names including MVP and Jake Hager. The peak of this run came in May 2006 when he and Tony Santarelli captured the DSW Tag Team Championships. Their five-month reign ended with them losing the gold to Deuce and Domino.
On-screen, Sharrer competed on the October 21, 2003, edition of WWE Velocity where he teamed with Rob Begley in a losing effort to Paul London and Brian ‘Spanky’ Kendrick. He also lost a tag-team match in a dark match before the February 6, 2006, edition of WWE Heat.
On Twitter, WWE Raw General Manager paid tribute to Sharrer and recalled performing motion capture with him for WWE video games.
I’m at a loss. Micah Taylor was my friend. So many mocap days and nights. Hawaiian BBQ. Brothering in small towns. THANK YOU. For your service to our country and for the good times. For all of the memories.
