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Triple H: The Trick Williams Era Looks Bright

Bishal Roy
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WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H believes Trick Williams’ future looks bright after the latter captured the prized NXT Championship.

Williams defeated Ilja Dragunov to claim the coveted title during this week’s NXT Spring Breakin’ Week One. The stipulation stated that Williams would be banished from the brand had he lost the bout. However, he came out on top and was crowned the new champion. 

WWE has ushered in a new era with Triple H at the helm and it’s the dawn of a new era for WWE’s developmental brand as well with Trick Williams claiming the top prize of the brand. Hunter is quite impressed with the “well-deserved victory” after a “hard-fought” match and feels the era of Trick Williams is “looking bright”. Check out this Tweet below:  

The match featured some thrilling moments which ultimately culminated into Trick Williams securing the coveted title. In the final moments of the match, Williams hit the finisher to get the pinfall and bagged the title. Following the match, Dragunov showed sportsmanship and hugged his opponent as the fans chanted ‘Whoop that, Trick.’ The brand-new champ also explained what this title win means to him.

With this triumph, Williams put an end to Dragunov’s 206-day reign and became the 30th man to capture the title. Williams and Dragunov previously fought for the title at Vengeance Day in February. That night, the Mad Dragon was able to successfully defend his title. 

What’s next?

Trick Williams had all the momentum by his side heading into the title match. He scored a couple of massive wins in matches against his former buddy, Carmelo Hayes. They had squared off at NXT: Stand & Deliver and then in a cage match on NXT. It will be worth witnessing how his championship reign pans out.

On the other hand, Ilja Dragunov is heading to the main roster as he declared himself for the 2024 WWE Draft which commences on Friday, April 26 on SmackDown and will conclude on Monday, April 29 on Raw. It will be interesting to see which brand lands the signing of Mad Dragon.

Trick Williams Says NXT Title Win Is For Everybody After Victory At Spring Breakin’

Thomas Lowson
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Trick Williams’ emotional victory at NXT Spring Breakin’ Night One was the culmination of years of fighting, the new NXT Champion has said. 

Williams captured the gold at NXT Spring Breakin (Night One) with a main event victory over Ilja Dragunov. This match was a rematch from their previous showdown at NXT Vengeance Day. The stakes were high for the match, as Trick had vowed to leave NXT if he came up short against the Mad Dragon.

When WWE’s camera crew caught up to Trick, the new NXT Champion was understandably excited about the win.

“It means the world to me man, I have been fighting a long time for this, this is a testament of hardwork. I have been fighting for this and I come from fighters. I have been fighting my whole life.

Williams also gave a shout-out to his mother who’s currently fighting her own battle in hospital and mentioned his brother who’s been fighting for a long time as well. 

“My mamma’s fighting right now, she is in the hospital, my brother has been fighting for a long time it’s all good, so I just did this, it’s not just for me, it’s for everybody, people who love me, the people for having my back for a long time, they taught me how to fight and I am gonna keep fighting, I am never gonna stop fighting, believe that.”

Williams’ win is a feel-good moment, especially as he’s the most popular star in WWE NXT and one of the most popular stars in the entire company. The question now though is what will his reign on top look like. With Dragunov expected to be moved to the main roster in the upcoming draft, Trick will now have to cement his reign as NXT Champion without one of the best in the world by his side. 

Winnipeg Venue Claims Kenny Omega’s AEW Return Will Happen at 5/1 Dynamite

Thomas Lowson
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Fans attending the May 1, episode of AEW Dynamite are in for a treat as they’ll get to see the return of none other than Kenny Omega. 

On Twitter, the Canada Life Centre confirmed the news that Omega will be at the upcoming show in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It’s fitting that Omega will be at AEW’s upcoming event in the Great White North given that he is from Winnipeg. 

Omega has been out of action since late 2023 with diverticulitis. The condition affects the large intestine and causes abdominal pain, which is why Omega mistook his situation for a hernia at first. It can be caused by diverticula, which are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system.

The big question for Omega is whether he’ll undergo surgery to deal with his diverticulitis. Doing so will extend how long he is out of action and he has already been out for months. On the plus side, going under the knife will decrease the risk of this issue happening again. Ultimately, Omega will have to weigh up what he thinks is in his best interest both in terms of his health and on a professional level. 

This isn’t the first time that Omega has been advertised for an event in his native Canada during his absence from AEW. While Omega was advertised for an event in March 2024, Tony Khan made clear that fans shouldn’t have expected him at the show. Sure enough, AEW’s recent tapings in Canada came and went without the AEW EVP. 

More on Kenny Omega

Here are some recent articles about Kenny Omega and what the former AEW World Champion has had to say during his break from the ring: 

FTC Approves Ban On Non-Compete Clauses In Potential Landmark Change for WWE

Thomas Lowson
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The days of wrestlers having to wait at home after being released from WWE may be over following a landmark ban on non-compete agreements. 

The Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to implement a ban on noncompete agreements for all workers, with these new rules set to come into place within the next 120 days. This could be a milestone change for WWE, who use non-compete clauses that range between 30 to 90 days when a talent is released. 

These clauses essentially mean that the ‘buzz’ around a wrestler cools down after they are released. Rather than a WWE release generating excitement by showing up in AEW or TNA mere days after being cut, they’re forced to wait for months doing nothing in wrestling as the business moves forward. 

While this ban is a huge victory for workers, it remains unclear how it’ll impact those in the wrestling business. Several promotions classify their talent as “independent contractors” rather than typical employees. If this ban does affect professional wrestling, then it’ll mark a massive victory for the wrestlers and quite a blow to how WWE conducts business. 

The FTC and WWE are no strangers. Last year, the FTC approved the merger of WWE and UFC into TKO Group Holdings. This massive deal has led to a promotional crossover between the two sides with WWE talent being spotted at UFC events and vice versa. The two companies will grow even closer later this year when an upcoming NXT event is hosted at a UFC venue. 

Kevin Nash ‘Absolutely’ Wants AEW To Succeed

Dominic DeAngelo
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Kevin Nash has never been one to pull punches and the two-time WWE Hall Of Famer hasn’t pumped the breaks on expressing his thoughts regarding the modern squared circle.

Speaking on the latest episode of “Kliq This,” Nash assessed the 4/15 episode of WWE RAW and the 4/17 episode of AEW Dynamite. Nash was critical of both shows and gave his forthright thoughts on Tony Khan deciding to air the CM Punk footage almost three weeks ago, noting that it’s Khan’s choice to do what he pleases, but he does say the AEW product can be difficult to watch.

“You know, it’s his ball. He can kick it. He wants to go kick it over onto the f***ing freeway, then kick it on the freeway. I’ve got no skin in that game, but it’s just a very hard show to watch. It’s very hard to get involved. It just feels so fragmented.” 

Kevin Nash Wants AEW To Flourish In Pro Wrestling

Nash went on to review both shows, adding that he made an observation on social media about AEW, and then went on to give reasons why he wants the company to become a bigger and bettter product.

“In all honesty, man, I absolutely want AEW to succeed.” 

“Number one, I’ve got friends that work there, you know, in production and in all different aspects, not just guys that are there in front of the camera. And I think they’re being a viable option is huge for the longevity of the business.”

Please credit Kliq This and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Trick Williams Wins NXT Championship at Spring Breakin’

Aaron Varble
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Trick Williams’ rise to the top of NXT was an amazing story to watch, and it reached a peak during Spring Breakin’ Week One on 4/23. Williams defeated Ilja Dragunov to become the new NXT Champion.

This match had a special stipulation for Trick, because he would be banished from NXT if he lost. In the end, he walked out of the NXT Arena as the brand’s top champion.

Before he went out, Williams was on the phone with his mother, who is in the hospital. She was certainly a source of inspiration for him during this match.

Williams entered this match 0-3 against his opponent. He and Dragunov last battled for the NXT Title at Vengeance Day in February. That match ended with the Mad Dragon retaining his championship.

After ending Dragunov’s 204-day reigns as champion, Trick Williams is the 30th man to hold the NXT Title. He was elated to speak about his win after Spring Breakin’ was over.

The Match Finish

This match had a big-fight feel to it as it main evented the Spring Breakin’ special. The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile were also sitting in the front row, cheering Trick on.

This match saw many high-intensity spots, including Williams putting Dragunov through the announce table with a Rock Bottom. They continued in the ring, where Trick kicked out of two H-Bomb finishers from the Russian.

Finally, Williams nailed a Trick Shot to secure the clean win and become the new NXT Champion. After the match, Dragunov hugged Trick before he left the ring while the NXT Arena chanted, “Whoop that, Trick!”

Trick Williams’ Rise in WWE NXT

After entering WWE as Carmelo Hayes’ right-hand man, Trick quickly gained a following of his own. He eventually broke the news to Hayes that he wanted to maintain their alliance, but he needed to do things on his own.

Trick Williams is coming off of two big matches against Carmelo Hayes. He defeated HIM at NXT: Stand & Deliver on April 6 during WrestleMania 40 weekend. He then met, and defeated, Melo once again last week in a cage match on NXT. Those matches paved the way to this big match for Trick.

Trick Williams has been on WWE’s radar for quite a long time, and in line for a push. Shawn Michaels also gave special care to his program with Carmelo Hayes, ensuring that they snagged the main event spot at Stand & Deliver.

It was previously reported that WWE has paid attention to Trick Williams, and officials took notice of the reaction he got in his surprise SmackDown appearance back in January. There have also been pitches for Trick and Melo to continue their rivalry on the main roster.

The 29-year-old Williams actually entered WWE by way of an XFL tryout. He had aspirations on the gridiron in his eyes prior to accepting an offer to test his abilities at the Performance Center.

2024 WWE Draft

Ilja Dragunov already declared that he will be in the 2024 WWE Draft. Those important dates are coming up sooner than mater, as it will kick off with Friday, April 26 for SmackDown and Monday, April 29 for RAW.

We will have to see if Carmelo Hayes has his name called during the 2024 WWE Draft. SEScoops‘ own Muscleman Malcolm had a chance to speak with Hayes during WrestleMania weekend, where he dove into a little-known part of his personal pro wrestling history.

Trick Williams may not be a part of the WWE Draft this year, because he has a brand-new assignment as NXT Champion.

SEScoops will have continued coverage of the upcoming Draft festivities. Odds are, it will be an exciting time as WWE shakes things up.

Chris Jericho Calls Swerve Strickland “The Right Guy For The Job”

Dominic DeAngelo
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Swerve Strickland is not only an AEW first, but he also joins an “elite” club that includes Chris Jericho.

During AEW Dynasty on Sunday, Strickland defeated Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship, making him the first African-American World Champion in the company’s history and it certainly marked for a celebatory occassion.

Footage was taken of Swerve having dinner with his AEW co-horts following his historic win and Chris Jericho took some time to honor Strickland, noting that he saw Swerve’s star power right off the bat of entering AEW. Not only that, but Jericho made note  of the creative efforts that Swerve makes in and out of the wrestling ring. He then made clear that Strickland is the right man to currently hold the gold, something that only eight people have done since the inception of All Elite Wrestling.

“We don’t change the titles to the World Title very often unless it’s the absolue right guy. He is the right guy for the job, he’s got the cool X-factor and if I was the big wig in AEW (like I am), I would put you on every other fucking talk show, I’d promote you in every single way because you have what we need which is the ability to cross over in the mainstream and I’m super proud of you, man. I knew you had it since day one.”

Jericho happened to be the first-ever AEW World Champion and is in the thick of a feud with HOOK after defeating Taz’s son for the FTW Championship at Dynasty.

Please h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Swerve Strickland To Put #1 Contendership On The Line At 4/24 Dynamite

Dominic DeAngelo
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0

Swerve Strickland isn’t getting much of a breather after winning the AEW World Championship as the new champ will be in action this Wednesday.

Tuesday evening AEW President Tony Khan announced that Strickland will be going up against Kyle Fletcher in an AEW World Title Eliminator match on this week’s Dynamite.

“Will AEW’s home venue be Swerve’s House when ROH World TV Champion Kyle Fletcher challenges the NEW AEW World Champion in an Eliminator TOMORROW?”

Fletcher is the current ROH TV Champion and the big youngster will have a shot to showcase his skills in yet another high-profile match. Previously, Fletcher faced fellow Don Callis Family member Will Ospreay all the way back at the beginning of March. Ospreay came out on top in that bout, but Fletcher has been building quite a match resume as a member of the AEW roster.

AEW is fresh off its Dynasty PPV this past Sunday where it was Swerve Strickland taking on Samoa Joe for that very World Title Fletcher hopes to challenge for. The fight between Joe and Strickland was intense as it had to take Swerve two top rope double stomps to secure the 1-2-3 against Joe.

What Else Is On Tap For 4/24 AEW Dynamite

Tony Khan is looking to get an audience with the fallout from Dynasty as the headline match will have Jon Moxley putting his freshly won IWGP World Title on the line against Don Callis Family member Powerhouse Hobbs.

Also on tap is an advertised segment between The Best Friends and Anna Jay will face Mina Shirakawa.

Becky Lynch Hopes WWE Success Makes Her Daughter Proud

Bishal Roy
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Becky Lynch has made her daughter proud after capturing WWE Women’s World Champion on last night’s Raw. She has said that all the sacrifice and hard work have been worth it. 

‘The Man’ competed in the battle royal to crown the new Women’s World Champion in the main event of this week’s edition of Raw. She outlasted superstars like Natalya, Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, and many more to capture the World title. 

Following the match, she told Jackie Redmond in a Raw Exclusive that she is delighted after the championship victory. Becky talked about “burning the candle out” and went on to mention that her book, Becky Lynch: The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl became the New York Times best seller. 

Lynch had been away from her daughter Roux but she has made it clear that it was worth it. She says it feels great to hear her introduced as WWE Women’s world champion, a title she’s never held before. 

“Look at it, it’s beautiful, it’s beautiful. Look, for the last few months, Rhea even said it, I’ve been burning the candle all out. I’ve been away from my daughter for weeks on end. Got myself a New York Times bestseller for a damn near month. But man, it’s worth it. It’s worth it because the words of my book are written on my gear. It reminds me why I do this, where I started, where I’ve gotten to. We’re just going up, baby.”

Lynch further added that she hopes her daughter is proud of her and is excited to bring the gold back to their household once again. She said:

“Everything that I do, I want to make her proud. I hope she’s proud. She did [stay up late to watch the match]. I got a text from my husband [Seth Rollins], who’s recovering from surgery. At all stages, we need at least one champ in the house, so I’m bringing it home, baby.”

What’s next for Becky Lynch?

Rhea Ripley’s injury forced her to vacate the title and Becky Lynch didn’t miss her opportunity to capture the title. It’s worth noting that Ripley had successfully defended her title against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 40. It’s going to be interesting to witness how things pan out when ‘The Eradicator’ makes her return as she surely will go after the gold. 

However, concerns remain in place as ‘The Man’ has been vocal about her contract with WWE expiring soon. 

Keep an eye on SEScoops to stay updated on the situation. You can also read contract details of other superstars as well below:

Cameron Grimes Released By WWE, Matt Hardy’s Supportive Message

Aaron Varble
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Cameron Grimes has been released from WWE. He announced the news in a video he released on Tuesday shortly after learning the news. 

After introducing himself as Trevor Lee, he delivers the news that he’s been released from WWE and thanked everybody he worked with. It’s been difficult being off television for a year, but he’s spent that time honing his skills and learning everything he can from whoever he can. He plans to get back out there soon and show the fans what he can do. 

The former Million Dollar Champion also told a heartfelt story involving his father, who is no longer alive. Lee says the last thing he told his father before he passed away is that he signed with WWE, which meant a lot to him then and still does today.

Support from a lifelong friend

Wrestling legend Matt Hardy replied to Trevor Lee’s video with a supportive message for his longtime family friend. Hardy was very close with Lee’s father Tracy Caddell, the wrestling promoter and OMEGA Wrestling co-founder who passed away in July 2018. 

The Hardy Boyz and Trevor Lee (2013)

Hardy has known Lee his entire life and visited him in the hospital the day he was born 30 years ago. The ‘Broken’ one wrote on X:

“Trevor, I love your passion & your raw emotion. I’ve been in your life & known you since you were literally born. I am IMMENSELY proud of you. So is your father. The first release from your dream hits hard, but it ushers in a period of personal growth & mandatory change. It’s also a great time to show the world exactly who you are.”

Hardy commented Lee as, “one of the most gifted pro wrestlers I’ve ever seen.” He’s got a bright future in the business because, “It’s in your blood, in your soul.”

WWE’s Recent Releases

Cameron Grimes’ WWE release joins a recent list of roster cuts over this past week, including Jinder Mahal, Sanga, Veer Mahaan, Von Wagner, Xyon Quinn and Xia Li. 

Additional office/other departures include Dan Ventrelle, Trent Wilfinger, Sue Aitchison, Sid Scala and Rob Schamberger, who already has something in the works with AEW.

Tommaso Ciampa Walks Out of WWE Interview: “There’s No Next Step”

Bishal Roy
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0

Tommaso Ciampa is having a hard time processing that he and Johnny Gargano blew their opportunity to claim the World Tag Team championship on this week’s WWE Raw. DIY were unsuccessful in dethroning Awesome Truth. 

Despite the disheartening loss, sportsmanship was on display in some capacity, as Gargano shook hands with the champs after the battle. However, fans were surprised to Ciampa did not express the same level of sportsmanship. He  turned his back on the winners and left the ring frustrated and leaving his tag-team partner behind. 

Backstage after their match DIY spoke to Jackie Redmond, who sought information about where they go from here. Ciampa said that the plan was to win the World tag team titles.

“What’s the next step? This was the next step. Becoming the World Tag Team Champions was the next step. There’s no next step.” 

Ciampa was also asked to explain why he didn’t shake hands with The Miz and R-Truth following the match. He said that it would be a waste of time and walked out on Gargano. Johnny Wrestling defended his partner saying that he was emotional and had a tough night.

Ciampa and Gargano have had multiple tag-team runs in the company whether it’s in NXT or on the main roster. However, they have held the NXT tag team titles only once and the tag team titles on the main roster have eluded them.

What’s next? 

Sometimes heartbreaks lead to gimmick changes for WWE superstars. Is a similar transformation waiting for DIY as well? 

In the past, both Ciampa and Gargano have tasted success during their heel runs and there is a huge possibility that they could embrace their darker side once again, dropping DX-inspired gimmick in the process.

 

Daily Drop (4/23): WWE Crowns Becky Lynch Champion, Paige VanZant’s AEW Status

Aaron Varble
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Welcome to the Daily Drop for Tuesday, April 23, 2024. WWE brought another episode of RAW this week, and there is a lot to talk about as we get this week started.

First off, Becky Lynch is the new WWE Women’s World Champion. She won a battle royal in the main event of RAW this week, defeating Liv Morgan as the last competitor. Since Rhea Ripley already promised to come after her title upon her return, it looks like we may have a WrestleMania 40 rematch waiting for us down the line.

Let’s get into today’s edition of the Daily Drop!

WWE:

  • Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Trick Williams – NXT Championship Match
  • Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Tatum Paxley – NXT Women’s Championship Triple
  • The D’Angelo Family (Tony D’Angelo, Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo & Luca Crusifino) vs. No Quarter Catch Crew (Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp & Myles Borne) – Six-Man Tag Team Match
  • Sol Ruca vs. Blair Davenport – Beach Brawl

WWE Releases: Although Xyon Quinn and Von Wagner never made it to RAW or SmackDown, their releases came down from the main roster. They were both free agents, so this was not an NXT call. It also makes us wonder whether they will be under 90-day non-compete clauses, since NXT releases only require a 30-day waiting period before they can appear for another company.

Dominik Injured: Dirty Dom showed up on RAW this week in a sling. That was a big surprise, and he was pulled from his scheduled match. Although he did appear on television, Dom did not get physical. It was later confirmed that not only was Dominik Mysterio injured, but he was also pulled from action on the European tour for an undisclosed injury.

QR Codes Continue: There was another QR Code during RAW this week, and fans are intrigued. This week’s tease also included a blatant reference to Bray Wyatt and Uncle Howdy within the hidden messages. Obviously, WWE is planning something big for this angle, and we’re here for it.

AEW:

Tony Khan’s Memory Lane: The AEW President recently recalled an email exchange he once had with legendary pro wrestler Lou Thesz.

Max Caster’s Mouth: The rap that Caster laid down during AEW Dynasty got a lot of attention. It was noted how this line about Jay White may land him in some hot water this time around.

PVZ’s AEW Status: Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant is not with AEW anymore. She may still appear on the company’s roster page, but Dave Meltzer confirmed during Wrestling Observer Radio that she didn’t want to be a pro wrestler, so she is no longer All Elite. For the record, VanZant is making a killing with her NSFW OnlyFans content.

Scapegoat Spotted: Footage of Jack Perry in the AEW Dynasty crowd before his big return to television started making the rounds online. He walked around with a popcorn bucket with a Sting mask on for a minute before rushing the ring. As you can hear from the voices behind the camera, they were certainly not fooled by Perry’s disguise.

Upcoming PPV’s and PLE’s:

Here are the upcoming major wrestling events

  • Saturday, May 4: WWE Backlash France (PLE)
  • Sunday, May 26: NXT Battleground (PLE)
  • Sunday, May 26: AEW Double or Nothing (PPV)

Paige VanZant Gone From AEW Despite Still Being Listed On Company’s Roster

Thomas Lowson
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The AEW career of Paige VanZant is well and truly over despite her profile still being listed on the promotion’s website. 

VanZant was a high-profile arrival in AEW when she debuted for the promotion in 2021, but it has been a long time since fans last saw the MMA fighter. As Dave Meltzer disclosed on Wrestling Observer Radio, her time with AEW has ended despite her presence on the active roster website. 

“No [she’s not with AEW.] Even though she’s still on the roster she’s not with AEW anymore.”

When asked why VanZant left, Meltzer explained that the fighter decided that wrestling was not for her. 

“She decided she didn’t want to be a wrestler. If she wanted to be a wrestler she’d still be there.”

VanZant’s one and only match for All Elite Wrestling came at Double or Nothing 2022. At the event, she, Ethan Page, and Scorpio Sky defeated Tay Melo (Tay Conti at the time), Sammy Guevara, and Frankie Kazarian. 

Wrestling & MMA Crossover

While wrestling wasn’t in the cards for Paige VanZant, several names from the world of MMA and UFC have had successful, lengthy careers in the squared circle. 

Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey would both headline WWE WrestleMania after establishing their dominance in the Octagon first (though in Brock’s case, he’d headline WrestleMania before and after UFC.) 

While her AEW run may have been brief, VanZant left an impact during her run and fans will be eager to see where she appears next, whether it be in or out of professional wrestling. 

Jinder Mahal Reveals How He Found Out About Day 1 Segment With The Rock

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Jinder Mahal has revealed the lengths WWE Creative went to keep his segment with The Rock a surprise and when he actually found out that he was working with The Great One.

Officials had announced the return of a ‘former WWE Champion’ for the Day 1 episode of Raw. The segment was planned for the Hollywood star, but the Maharaja came out first to swerve the audience. This created even more excitement for The Rock when he came out and delivered a people’s elbow to Mahal after a verbal exchange.

The 37-year-old spoke to Chris Van Vliet over the WrestleMania 40 weekend. In the interview that was released on April 23, Mahal was asked if he ever thought he was intended to be the announced former WWE champion for Day 1.

Jinder explained that he pieced together the fact that he was going to be involved in the segment somehow after the travel department messaged him personally instead of their group chat with Indus Sher:

“So I put it together, I kind of pieced it together. I got a text from creative ‘Hey, you guys have nothing this week.’ And then actually travel text says ‘Hey you guys are not flying out.’ I’m in a group chat with Indus Sher with our travel department.

Then 20 minutes later I get a separate text saying, ‘Actually, you are going’ I thought it was a little weird that it was just me and not Indus Sher but I didn’t think anything of it.

Then like a few hours later, I see the announcement on Twitter – Former WWE champion returns. I knew it wasn’t gonna be me but I figured like I’m going to be a part of it. So I texted Indus Sher ‘Hey, are you guys going to Raw?’ They said, ‘No.’ Alright, it’s just me going.”

The Segment With The Rock

Jinder Mahal revealed that the creative plans were not relayed to him even after this. He found out about the segment with The Rock only a couple of days before the show:

“So I’m like, ‘okay, good chance. I think it’s me.’ And actually it was Christmas week. I was with my family in Calgary. I flew back I think on the 30th. Yeah, I was flying back on the 30th. When I was in my flight, I got a text from one of the writers ‘Hey, can you talk on the phone?’

I said ‘I’m in the plane for a few more hours when it lands I’ll call you.’ When I landed just one of the writers he said ‘Yeah, so we got you in a segment….with the Rock.’ They’re like ‘Kayfabe.’ I said ‘Yes. Yes. 100%. Looking forward to it.’ So that’s how I found out. I found out two days before.”

The segment led to a prolonged buzz for Jinder Mahal. He was put in a world heavyweight championship match with Seth Rollins right after it. Many people came to his defense when Tony Khan decided to name-drop him on Twitter to defend his booking of AEW star Hook.

Mahal unfortunately has been released from his WWE contract since then and the former champion is currently waiting for his non-compete clause to expire.

WWE Had A Unique Evaluation When Deciding To Release Von Wagner & Xyon Quinn

Thomas Lowson
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Xyon Quinn & Von Wagner’s time with WWE ended after being evaluated for their work (or lack thereof) on the promotion’s main roster. 

The two wrestlers were among those cut by WWE as part of the first wave of talent releases since the launch of the new era. Quinn and Wagner were joined on the proverbial chopping block by Jinder Mahal, Veer Mahaan, Sanga, and Xia Li.

Reasons for Release

Quinn and Wagner had been making waves as part of WWE NXT, but that wasn’t taken into consideration when the promotion decided to release them. Dave Meltzer reports that the pair were considered to be main roster talent when WWE was reevaluating its rosters. Since these so-called main roster talents were not being used on the main roster, the decision was made the “dump” the pair of Superstars. 

Despite being best known for their runs in WWE NXT, both Wagner and Quinn had sporadic runs on the main roster. Wagner (under his real name Cal Bloom) would be used as enhancement talent on Raw and SmackDown in 2020 and, as Wagner,  appeared on WWE Main Event years later. 

Quinn similarly was used as an enhancement talent on the main roster before he was brought into WWE NXT. Like Wagner, he had been making appearances on WWE Main Event before being released. His final match outside NXT was on the March 1, 2024, SmackDown in a decisive loss to Bron Breakker. 

If Wagner and Quinn were indeed considered main roster talent, then they are likely subject to a main roster non-compete clause. While NXT talent only have to wait 30 days after being cut, those on the main roster have to wait 90 days. This means those released will be free agents in late July 2024. 

What’s Next for Those Released?

Here are some articles revealing what those cut from WWE can look forward to after being released by the promotion:

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Giving Away Ford F-150 Truck To Mark ZOA Mango Flavor Launch

Thomas Lowson
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0

One lucky WWE fan could soon be in possession of a new Ford F-150 truck, courtesy of none other than Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. 

Taking to Twitter, the Final Boss shared the giveaway in association with his ZOA Energy line of beverages. Fans hoping to win the ‘People’s Truck’ need to scan the in-store QR code at a 7-11 store near them to be in for a chance at winning. Not only is The Rock giving away the car, but the Brahma Bull has a “cool idea” of how he plans to deliver the truck to the winner. 

This giveaway is hardly the first sign of generosity from the TKO board member/WrestleMania headliner. In June of last year, The Rock bought a home for WWE’s Tamina Snuka, and has previously bought a car and other massive purchases for his mom. Last September, he ensured that a fan who a U.S. serviceman who received a fake autograph received a genuine one, among other gifts. More recently, The Rock gave big to the foundation of a couple that lost their young daughter to cancer. 

The Rock may be focused on his ZOA beverage range right now, but the Final Boss still has an eye on the world of WWE. During the post-WrestleMania Raw, The Rock confronted Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and made clear that he’ll be back and is coming for the American Nightmare. A match between the two is expected with some speculating it could be later this year. 

What’s New with The Rock? 

Here are some recent articles about Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and what the Final Boss has been up to as of late: 

NJPW Star Questions Decision To Put IWGP Heavyweight Title On Jon Moxley

Anutosh Bajpai
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Jon Moxley made history when he won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Tetsuya Naito at NJPW Windy City Riot, but it appears that at least one star is not happy with this call.

NJPW star Yota Tsuji had an interview with Tokyo Sports where he shared some interesting thoughts on the booking of the company’s top title.

The 30-year-old first questioned the decision to put the title on Moxley even if he agreed to hold the belt. He said that the problem lies with officials of New Japan:

Where did the value of IWGP go? If Moxley agreed to be the champion, he certainly has the right to have a championship match. The problem is New Japan Pro Wrestling, which doesn’t say anything about it.

Moxley already has title defenses set against Ren Narita and Shota Umino. Before these matches that will be taking place on NJPW shows, however, he will be defending the title against Powerhouse Hobbs on this Wednesday, May 24 episode of Dynamite.

‘We Have To Find A Way Out of This Situation’: Yota Tsuji 

The 2024 New Japan Cup winner asked why Hobbs who has never been to NJPW himself is suddenly eligible to challenge for the top prize of the company:

Then what are the NJC and G1 for? He may be a great player, but even if he doesn’t win the NJC, a player who has no connection to New Japan or has never been to New Japan will suddenly reach the top. It would be strange for him to challenge for the belt of Hobbs.

In the first place, I wonder if that player has a visa. Even if he wins the belt, will he be able to come to Fukuoka? How long will he be under the influence of AEW, who have no respect for IWGP? I think we have to find a way out of this situation.

Jon Moxley became the first person to hold the heavyweight gold in WWE, AEW, and NJPW when he picked up the IWGP title at the April 12 event.

Yota Tsuji defeated Hirooki Goto to win the 2024 New Japan Cup in March. It was his first big accolade in the company that earned him the right to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Tsuji, however, was defeated by Naito when he challenged for the title at Sakura Genesis on April 6.

The quotes in the article have been translated through Google translate

Goldberg Calls WWE’s Regime Without Vince McMahon ‘Favorable’ To The Masses

Thomas Lowson
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It isn’t Bill Goldberg’s place to comment on the scandal surrounding Vince McMahon but he believes that the new leadership in WWE is for the better. 

McMahon stepped down from WWE & TKO in January 2024 over the shocking allegations in Janel Grant’s lawsuit. McMahon has denied the allegations against him and has vowed to clear his name in court. 

Speaking to 93.7 The Ticket, Goldberg was asked for his thoughts on the allegations against McMahon. The WWE Hall of Famer was quick to make clear that it wasn’t his place to weigh in on the claims Grant has made. 

“The allegations and the things that have come to the forefront over the past six months or a year, I have no comment on it. It’s not my place.”

McMahon’s exit has seen a new ‘era’ in WWE launch, one that has been well-received by fans and those in the industry. In the interview, Goldberg agreed that audiences are doing well with McMahon out of the picture. 

“I think that the current owners of the WWE are going to make decisions based upon what they believe, and I think the decisions they have made have been favorable to the masses.”

McMahon is no longer with WWE and appears ready to break from TKO Group Holdings completely. The ex-CEO recently listed his remaining stock in TKO for sale after months of selling huge chunks of his portfolio in the company.

As for Goldberg, WWE’s new era will seemingly not involve the two-time former Universal Champion. Goldberg recently gave up his pursuit of a final match. The WCW alum had been seeking one last match after his WWE contract ended in late 2022. 

Wrestlers on Vince McMahon’s Resignation

Here are some  articles about wrestlers and what they have had to say in response to the lawsuit against Vince McMahon: 

H/T – Fightful

Rhea Ripley Relishing In “Forever Runner Up” Liv Morgan’s Setback On 4/22 WWE Raw

Thomas Lowson
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0

Rhea Ripley may no longer be the WWE Women’s World Champion, but ‘Mami’ is relishing in the fact that Liv Morgan doesn’t hold the gold either. 

The Australian Superstar vacated the gold last week after being injured during a backstage assault by Morgan. On this week’s Raw, Becky Lynch won the vacated gold, marking The Man’s ninth championship win in WWE. 

Lynch’s victory on Raw saw her last eliminate Morgan, who alongside The Man was considered a favorite ahead of the battle royal. Taking to Twitter, Ripley was delighted to see her former friend-turned-rival once again come up short. Ripley added that Lynch was an “interim champ,” suggesting that she plans to swiftly regain the gold once she is healed up. 

Ripley may have had plenty to say after this week’s Raw but the same can’t be said when it comes to Morgan herself. When a WWE camera operator attempted to catch Morgan after the match, Liv was livid as seen in the clip below. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C6FsfaYs4E-

Did WWE Make the Wrong Call? 

While Lynch was a favorite going into the battle royal, many feel that Liv Morgan should have left Raw as the new Women’s World Champion. Morgan has been embroiled in a feud with Ripley for some time, and it was an attack by ‘Mami’ that forced Liv to miss months of action. On Twitter, WWE/TNA Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared his belief that WWE made the wrong call. 

Whether it should have been Liv Morgan or not, Becky Lynch is now once again on top of WWE Raw’s women’s division. With this being her first singles title reign of a main roster title in two years, Lynch is hoping for a nice, long run, though is quickly finding herself a long list of challengers. 

Dominik Mysterio Pulled From Announced Match On 4/22 Raw Due To Legitimate Injury

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Things do not seem to be going Judgement Day’s way and it appears that after Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio has also suffered an injury.

The former NXT North American Champion was expected to work the European Tour last week. Ricochet replaced him on the shows. The unannounced change concerned people. 

The latest episode of Monday Night Raw from Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio further confirmed that Dirty Dom is not 100%. The Judgement Day star was announced to team with JD McDonagh on tonight’s episode of the Red Branded Show. 

He appeared on the screen, however, wearing a sling on his left hand. Santos Escobar then replaced Dominik in the match against Ricochet and Andrade. The faces won the match when Andrade delivered The Message to McDonagh for the pin.

What’s next for Judgement Day

The last couple of weeks have not been good for Judgement Day. It all started when Rhea Ripley had to relinquish her Women’s World Title due to a shoulder injury.

The opening segment of this week’s Raw then saw Damian Priest confronting his Backlash opponent Jey Uso. After a heated exchange between the two, JD McDonagh emerged out of nowhere and tried to blindside the former Bloodline member.

Priest appeared to have no knowledge of the attack. He ended up on the business end of a superkick when he was trying to stop McDonagh from going after Uso.

The World Heavyweight Champion made another appearance on the show after McDonagh’s tag team match. He told both JD and Dominik that he didn’t need either of them.

Elsewhere in the show, a backstage segment also teased a potential collaboration between Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan in the absence of the Mami.

With all the teases of tensions within the Judgement and the new alliance between Morgan and Dom, it won’t be a surprise if we see the group imploding sooner rather than later.

It will also depend on the health of Mysterio. Though considering that the company is keeping him on screen and teasing plans for him it doesn’t seem likely that he will miss a lot of ring time.

We wish a speedy recovery to Dominik Mysterio

Giovanni Vinci Kicked Out of Imperium Upon Gunther’s Return To Raw

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Giovanni Vinci has seemingly been kicked out of the Imperium after tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw from Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.

This week’s episode of the red-branded show saw the first appearance of Gunther after he lost his Intercontinental Championship to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 40.

The Ring General said that people expected him to talk about his loss but he had something else in mind. The former champion then officially declared himself as the first entrance for the upcoming King of The Ring tournament.

The New Day then made their way to the ring and Xavier Woods talked about being the last King of The Ring winner. The back and forth between the two groups lead to a tag team match featuring Ludwig Kaiser and Vinci taking on Woods and Kofi Kingston.

By The Orders of The Ring General?

The ending of this bout saw Wood delivering a double stomp on Vinci and pinning the Raw star for the victory. Gunther who was at the ringside was seemingly disappointed with this result and he stormed to the back after throwing his chair.

Kaiser helped Vinci get back up at the ringside and hugged him. He followed this up, however, by attacking his tag team partner. Kaiser continued the assault for a while and sent his partner crashing through the ring post and the announce desk before the officials sent him back.

Until this point, it appeared that Kaiser had snapped but as the German star returned to the Gorilla position, he ran into Gunther once again. Both the men smiled upon seeing each other suggesting that it was a pre-planned attack.

Elsewhere in the show, we saw the crowning of the new women’s world champion after Rhea Ripley relinquished her title due to an injury last week. You can click here to know who became the new champion.

QR Code Mystery Continues On 4/22 WWE Monday Night RAW, References Bray Wyatt

Thomas Lowson
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0

WWE’s ongoing mystery continued on the April 22, episode of Raw but this QR code gave the most concrete tease to date that plans will reference Bray Wyatt. 

Since the post-WrestleMania Raw, glitches and QR codes have been appearing on WWE’s main roster programming, giving clues as to something big that’s in the works. These QR codes have led to videos with fans deciphering hidden messages and clues to figure out what’s really going on. 

This mystery continued on Raw as a QR code appeared ahead of an in-ring segment with Chad Gable and the Alpha Academy. Scanning the code brings you to a binary text prompt that features some hidden easter eggs. Typing ‘BRAY’ into the binary script will give you the response ‘Remembered’ while typing ‘WYATT’ will give you the response ‘Forever.’ 

The QR Code’s Binary Script with Bray Wyatt prompts. 

Inputting the number of sensory organs will bring you to a video that starts with a cheesy ‘Coming Soon’ message. Things take a dark turn as a POV shot shows somebody approaching a house with a message reading ‘REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE.’ The video ends with the imagery of a cave, a raven, and the symbol for the dwarf planet Pluto which have been prevalent in previous videos. 

Many believe this is leading to the return of Uncle Howdy, the character previously portrayed by Bo Dallas who was introduced following Wyatt’s return in 2022. It’s been rumored that a faction could be in the works, especially with Erick Rowan, a Wyatt Family alum, recently re-signing with WWE. 

WWE’s QR Code Mystery

Here are some recent articles about WWE’s previous QR codes and the symbolism behind the eerie videos behind them: 

Promotions Are ‘Foaming At The Mouth’ to Work with Jinder Mahal After WWE Exit

Thomas Lowson
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0

Jinder Mahal’s release from WWE could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the former World Champion as he’s already garnered significant interest. 

Mahal was part of the first wave of releases in WWE’s new era. Other names cut include Xia Li, Veer Mahaan, Sanga, Xyon Quinn, and Von Wagner. This exit marks Mahal’s second release from WWE as he was previously cut from the promotion in 2014. 

While Mahal’s days in WWE are over, it appears that he won’t struggle to find work elsewhere. Fightful Select reports that Mahal has already received “heavy interest” from promotions eager to work with him now that he is a free agent. Game Changer Wrestling is said to be “foaming at the mouth” to bring him in when his 90-day non-compete clause expires this July. The report adds that eagerness to work with Mahal could be partly down to Matt Cardona being out of action and GCW needing a new heel for its roster. 

It’s promising for Mahal that companies are already interested in working with him given how his second WWE run ultimately fizzled out. Upon announcing his exit from WWE, Mahal declared that he’d ‘quit’ the promotion, leaving fans to believe that there were some underlying issues between the two sides. Talent in WWE are said to have liked Mahal and believe that he wasn’t given a fair go at things considering he did everything the company asked of him. 

WWE Releases

Here are some more recent articles about wrestlers who were released from WWE and what they have had to say:

Becky Lynch Wins Vacant WWE Women’s World Title In Battle Royal During 4/22 RAW

Aaron Varble
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Rhea Ripley’s sudden injury created a need for a new Women’s World Champion. The April 22 episode of RAW ended with a battle royal to help the company decide a new top female on Monday nights.

After a chaotic battle royal match, Becky Lynch pulled down the win to become WWE Women’s World Champion. The Man now holds the title that she failed to snag at WrestleMania 40.

The 4/22 episode of WWE RAW marked the first occasion in WWE history where a vacant women’s championship was claimed in a battle royal. Previously, the only woman to win a title in a battle royal was Gail Kim, who beat then-champion Jazz and five other women during her WWE RAW debut in 2003.

The next WWE draft is from April 26, 2024 (SmackDown) to April 29, 2024 (RAW). It’s anyone’s guess how the upcoming roster shake-up will mold the women’s division for the red brand.

The Battle Royal Match Finish

The battle royal included several notable spots. Natalya eliminated Chelsea Green, but she got back in without the referee seeing her. Then Becky Lynch was put through the announce table by Nia Jax, leaving her out of commission, but still in the match.

The final five women in the match included Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Liv Morgan Zoey Stark and Becky Lynch, who was KOed thanks to that table spot. Then Jax took Stark and Baszler out of the match.

As Nia Jax and Liv Morgan set themselves up to be the last two in the match, Becky Lynch crawled back into the ring. The three of them continued as Liv and Becky tried to take out Nia. Then The Irresistible Force was finally sent to the floor after a collaborative effort.

Becky and Liv made eventually made their way to the apron, where Morgan nailed a Codebreaker, but Lynch reversed Morgan’s follow-up into a Manhandle Slam to win the match.

Why Rhea Ripley Vacated Title

Rhea Ripley looked to be a strong, and unbeatable, Women’s World Champion coming out of WrestleMania 40. Then Liv Morgan jumped her backstage during the RAW after the show of shows, and the Nightmare was injured.

Recent reports suggest that Ripley might need four to six weeks to regain shoulder mobility following a sprained AC joint injury. The incident is considered a “total fluke.” Typically, recovery from such an injury requires up to three months before she can resume ring activities.

Ripley had to make the sad announcement last week on RAW that she was vacating the Women’s World Championship. Before she left, Ripley also made it very clear that she will target whoever is champion when her return comes around.

Jacob Fatu’s WWE Debut Expected Very Soon

Dominic DeAngelo
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0

The Bloodline may be welcoming a new family member into the mix very soon. Over the past month, there’s been a lot of talk that Jacob Fatu is headed to WWE and may have even inked a deal already. The latest update comes from PWInsider, which states the former MLW World Heavyweight Champion is slated to debut within the week. Unless he turns up on Tuesday’s NXT, Friday’s 4/26 edition of WWE SmackDown would be the setting.

This potential debut would only be around two weeks removed from when Tama Tonga, a longtime keystone in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, made his WWE debut on SmackDown. He and Solo Sikoa viciously attacked Jimmy Uso,  eliminating him from the group. Last week, Sikoa and Tonga set their sights on Kevin Owens, and left the prizefighter a bloody mess.

It would make sense for Jacob Fatu to align himself alongside Sikoa and Tonga as Solo seems to be seeking control of the faction while Roman Reigns is away and that has started with the debut of Tonga.  However, with The Usos having their back against the wall, Fatu could be a family member that Jimmy or Jey align themselves with.

In addition to a lengthy run with MLW’s top title Fatu has been a force on the independent wrestling scene for years. Known as the Samoan Werewolf, Fatu is notorious for having amazing athleticism, a hard-hitting style and a visually impressive leaping top rope moonsault as his finisher. 

Jacob Fatu has spoken about wanting to wrestle for WWE. During an interview with SEScoops correspondent MuscleManMalcolm, he said, “All of my family has been there. If I ever had the chance to go there, absolutely. I would love to go there. My father, my uncle, my cousins, are there, so absolutely. If I had the chance, I would go.”

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