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AEW Suspends Britt Baker Over Backstage Incident

Nick Lombardi
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AEW has been working hard to regain momentum after facing backstage issues in 2022 and 2023. Unfortunately, another backstage incident involving two of the company’s top stars has been brought to public light, posing a challenge for company president Tony Khan.

According to reports from the Wrestling Observer and Fightful Select, former AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker has been suspended by AEW due to a backstage incident last month involving her, current AEW American Champion MJF, and his real-life partner and AEW broadcast talent Alicia Atout. The situation reportedly stems back to previously unresolved issues between the two talents, as the two are said to have had a “falling out” sometime in 2023.

Allegedly, Baker made comments about MJF inside the women’s locker room, which Atout, who was present at the time, overheard. This led to confrontations between Baker and MJF, Atout, and even AEW star Will Ospreay. Per Fightful, Human Resources was brought to investigate the situation, leading to Baker’s eventual suspension.

As of this writing, neither the parties involved nor the company itself have made any public comments on the situation. The suspension is said to have no effect on Britt Baker’s availability for AEW’s biggest pay-per-view of the year in ALL IN, where she is set to take on Mercedes Moné for the self-proclaimed CEO’s TBS Championship.

Britt Baker surprised All Elite Wrestling fans by making her return at the company’s cross-promotional pay-per-view Forbidden Door after a nine-month hiatus. On July 24th, Baker competed in her first match of 2024, taking on Hikaru Shida on AEW Dynamite. She stepped into the ring for the first time since September 2023.

Ben Affleck Reportedly Eyeing Hulk Hogan Role In Gawker Lawsuit Film

Thomas Lowson
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Hollywood A-Lister Ben Affleck is reportedly interested in playing Hulk Hogan in an upcoming film based on the infamous Gawker lawsuit. PW Insider reports that Killing Gawker is currently being set up with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Artist Equity and hopes to launch production in January 2025.

Affleck is reportedly “eyeing” the leading role as Hulk Hogan, while Damon is said to be interested in playing venture capitalist Peter Thiel. A screenplay was reportedly written by Charles Randolph based on Ryan Holiday’s book Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue.

The Hulk Hogan-Gawker Lawsuit

In October 2012, Gawker posted a sex tape of Hogan with Heather Clem, the wife of Bubba The Love Sponge. In response, Hogan sued the company and several employees and affiliates who had shared portions of the tape. Hogan sought $100 million in damages and in March 2016, a jury of four women and two men voted in his favor. The wrestling legend was awarded  $115 million in compensatory damages, which included $60 million for emotional distress. Three days later, Hogan was awarded an additional $25 million in punitive damages.

Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal, paid $10 million to help finance lawsuits against Gawker, including Hogan’s litigation against the company. In 2007, Gawker had published an article outing Thiel as gay without his consent.

Gawker attempted to file an appeal, but in June 2016, three months after the Hogan verdict, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and put itself up for sale. Gawker CEO Nick Denton would also file for personal bankruptcy.

Hulk Hogan And Films

Killing Gawker isn’t the first film project to be tied to the two-time WWE Hall of Famer. In 2020, it was announced that Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Cabin in the Woods) would portray Hogan in a biopic of his life. Four years later though, the film has not been made and Hemsworth has admitted that he isn’t sure what is happening.

Gunther Reveals The WWE Feud That Was Pivotal To His Rise

Bishal Roy
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Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther has revealed that his rivalry with The Miz was a significant chapter in his career. The reign that lasted an historic 666 days. During his remarkable run as the champion, ‘The Ring General’ defended the title against the likes of Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Chad Gable, Jey Uso, and many more. This helped him to transform into the top star that he is today. However, one name that deserves a special mention is The Miz.

The Austrian powerhouse acknowledged that his feud with ‘The A-Lister’ benefitted his career. Speaking on The Ringer Wrestling Show, Gunther said that his matches with The Miz hold massive importance and fans loved it.

“I would say the matches I had with Miz were something that was very important for me. Miz is the total opposite of me. It’s 100 percent the other side of professional wrestling than I am. I was really proud of the matches we had to get to those really competitive, dramatic matches. … The people ate it up. They were there for it.”

Gunther and The Miz
(WWE)

Gunther holds his rivalry with The Miz in high regard for not only the matches but also for how the veteran wrestler helped him develop his promo skills. He said:

“Miz was a fantastic counterpart because he’s one of the best in doing that ever on the microphone. He’s maybe the most versatile talent the company has. That was a big challenge for me.”

The Miz is arguably one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. A 20-year veteran of the sport, ‘The A-Lister’ has had a decorated career. He is the first two-time Grand Slam Champion in the company. ‘The Ring General’ had successfully defended his title against The Miz and it certainly elevated him to a top draw.

What’s next for Gunther?

Gunther’s record-breaking title reign came to an end when Sami Zayn dethroned him at WrestleMania XL. Now, Gunther has his sights set on the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He will be heading to Cleveland for SummerSlam where he will challenge Drew McIntyre for the title. Meanwhile, it has been announced that the hometown hero, The Miz will be hosting this Saturday’s WWE Premium Live Event.

Trish Stratus Responds To Tiffany Stratton Being ‘Ready’ To Face Her

Bishal Roy
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0

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus has addressed the challenge issued by Ms. Money In The Bank 2024 Tiffany Stratton.

During the Money in the Bank PLE, Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus had a backstage encounter. The young star wasn’t respectful towards the veteran. Later on during the post-show media scrum, Tiffany Stratton was asked about a potential match against Trish Stratus. The rising superstar stated that she was ready to face the veteran.

While speaking on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, Trish Stratus was asked about a possible bout against Tiffany Stratton. Stratus said that her return checked a few boxes and it was dependent on some factors. She said:

“Hey listen, I told you I checked some boxes when it’s time for a comeback. It’s not about nothing; it’s about something, right? It’s about a few things. Will the fans be interested? Is this a challenge for me as a performer? Going back as a heel was a challenge for me and something different for the fans.”

She highlighted how working with Zoey Stark influenced a different generation. The 7-time Women’s Champion didn’t rule out a possible return and added that if Tiffany Stratton keeps running her mouth then she might come back to put her in place. Stratus stated:

“Working with Zoe checked the box of influencing a different generation or impacting someone else along the way. So, yeah, as I’m saying these out loud, it’s checking those boxes. There are a few boxes being checked, you know? And again, like I said, if I can go back, 100%, I will and I’ll consider it. But I don’t know; if she [Tiffany Stratton] keeps running her mouth, maybe you’ve got to put some people in their place. What can I say?”

Stratton has been one of the fastest-rising wrestlers in the company. She had a successful run in NXT, where she became the NXT Women’s Champion. The youngster was then called up to the main roster and she has been making waves on SmackDown.

Facing Trish Stratus would certainly elevate Tiffany Stratton’s career. However, the WWE legend hasn’t stepped foot inside the ring in a while. Trish Stratus, who recently hosted WWE Money In The Bank PLE, last competed in September. She faced Becky Lynch in a Steel Cage match in a losing effort.

Manchester City Stars Train At WWE Performance Center

Thomas Lowson
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Some of the top players for the Manchester City soccer team made a surprise appearance at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando this week, mere weeks after the launch of an exclusive WWE x ManCity merchandise collaboration at WWE Shop. The team shared photos of the players at the state-of-the-art training facility:

WWE referee Chris Sharpe also shared a few photos with the Machester City players:

The team met with some of the top names in WWE NXT, including Trick Williams, Thea Hail, Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez, and North American Champion Oba Femi. England’s very own Robbie Brookside, who now works as a trainer in the PC, was also in attendance.

WWE and Manchester City

This meeting of WWE and the soccer team comes mere weeks after the two sides signed an agreement that has seen exclusive merchandise created. CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin have all seen Man City-themed merchandise created and the original announcement also named Becky Lynch, who has since parted ways with WWE.

Manchester City and WWE® launch exclusive merchandise collaboration

The highly successful club is currently on a tour of the United States with a kit that features the WWE logo and a red outline to signify the red swipe of WWE’s branding. The tour was announced via a video of WWE icon John Cena and Man City megastar Erling Haaland.

WWE’s merchandise collaboration with Manchester City is a unique agreement but one that has made fans of both entities very happy. It remains to be seen who WWE will collaborate next, but clearly, the promotion’s merchandising efforts won’t be confined to just the wrestling industry.

Don’t miss any news about wrestling merchandise in and out of WWE by checking in with our Merchandise hub right here on SE Scoops.

Bayley Wants ‘TLC’ For Women’s Tag Titles Before Main Roster Secondary Belt

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Women’s Champion Bayley believes there is work to be done with the Women’s Tag Team Titles before WWE looks at introducing a mid-card championship. On Booker T’s Hall of Fame podcast, Bayley said would “love” for women on the main roster to have a mid-card championship of their own, believing it would help “a lot of other women shine.” Before then though, the Role Model feels more needs to be done with the already-established Women’s Tag Team Titles.

“As proud as I am of the Women’s Tag Team Titles, they also don’t always get that time. They don’t always get those matches… I just feel like they need a little more TLC (tender loving care), a little more love because so many women have been able to hold them but we haven’t been able to like have that match yet where it’s like ‘Okay, we solidified the women’s tag team division, now it’s bringing in another one.'”

Bayley’s support for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships is hardly a surprise. The Role Model was one of the more vocal proponents for introducing the titles during the late 2010s. In 2019, she and Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Mone) became the first-ever Women’s Tag Team Champions and would hold the gold again the following year.

The ‘Curse’ of the Women’s Tag Team Championships

Many have said that the Women’s Tag Titles are ‘cursed’ thanks to a mix of stop-start focuses on the division as well as other unfortunate factors. The titles were stripped from Sasha Banks & Naomi after they walked out of WWE in May 2022. The titles would be left vacant for months before being won by Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez. That pair would lose the titles mere weeks later and Aliyah would vanish from TV before her release the next year.

In May 2023, Rodriguez and Liv Morgan were stripped of the titles when Morgan suffered a shoulder injury. Less than two months later, Sonya Deville would suffer an ACL tear as champion which ended WWE’s first openly lesbian Superstar first title reign in her nine years with the company.

A Women’s Mid-Card Championship

It was at NXT Battleground that Kelani Jordan became the first NXT North American Women’s Champion, but the idea of a WWE mid-card Women’s title on the main roster is not new. In 2022, Dana Brooke (now TNA’s Ash By Elegance) said that during her tenure with the 24/7 Championship, she hoped to transition the gold into a women’s Intercontinental Championship. While Brooke believed the change would motivate women outside the main title picture to strive for something, the idea never got off the ground. In April of this year, WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker said women’s mid-card titles on both Raw and SmackDown would benefit WWE’s deep women’s division.

Raquel Rodriguez, who has held gold in both WWE NXT and the main roster, said in 2022 that she was pushing for a mid-card title for women. In July 2024, it was reported that the idea has been discussed within WWE and that a number of talents have pushed for titles over several years. It was also stated, however, that at this time, plans are not in motion for women’s mid-card titles on the main roster.

GUNTHER: ‘Entering Bash In Berlin As Champion Would Be My Biggest Accolade’

Thomas Lowson
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2024 King of the Ring GUNTHER is ready to walk into Bash in Berlin as World Heavyweight Champion and believes doing so will be an all-time career high. During a recent interview with Shakiel Mahjouri for CBS Sports, GUNTHER addressed what it’d mean to return to Germany as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

“It’d be the biggest achievement of my career. I think that’s quite obvious. It’s the world’s heavyweight championship. It’s the biggest prize there is to win in this sport. That would be a huge accomplishment but also a big responsibility and challenge.”

GUNTHER has the opportunity to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam when he takes on Damian Priest. The Ring General earned this title opportunity by winning the 2024 King of the Ring tournament and defeated Randy Orton in controversial fashion in the finals. Priest has held the gold since WrestleMania 40 where he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on Drew McIntyre.

WWE Bash in Berlin will take place on August 31, from the Uber Arena in Germany’s capital, and will mark WWE’s first PLE in the European country. GUNTHER has close ties to Germany as he competed for Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw) from 2007 to 2020, when he would join WWE. As part of the German promotion, GUNTHER became a three-time Unified World Wrestling Champion and four-time World Tag-Team Champion, with one of those reigns being with future NXT UK rival Ilja Dragunov.

Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on GUNTHER’s quest to become World Heavyweight Champion and all the latest on WWE Bash in Berlin.

Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa Surprise Fans At AIW Event

Thomas Lowson
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Fans who attended a recent AIW event were surprised to see the WWE Tag Team Champions #DIY made an appearance during the show. At AIW’s Against The World on August 1, the WWE Tag Team Champions surprised fans and earned a loud ovation from those in Cleveland. The show also featured the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) who are reportedly set to join WWE after finishing with TNA earlier this year.

Gargano started with AIW in 2005 and was a mainstay for the promotion for years before joining WWE in 2016. During his tenure, he won the AIW Absolute Championship once and the Intense Championship twice. It was during his AIW tenure that Gargano would feud with future WWE names including Tyler Black (now Seth Rollins) and AEW’s Bryan Danielson.

#DIY will defend the WWE Tag Team Championships on tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown against The Bloodline (Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu.) The Bloodline earned the title opportunity by winning a gauntlet match during last week’s edition of the blue brand and marks the first title shot for both Tonga and Fatu since joining WWE earlier this year. Gargano and Ciampa have held the gold since dethroning A-Town Down Under on the July 5, edition of SmackDown.

Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa and for results and more for tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown.

Jacob Henry Signs With WWE: “It’s Official, I’m Locked In”

Michael Reichlin
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Jacob Henry, son of WWE legend Mark Henry, is joining the WWE family. The 18-year-old wrestler committed to the University of Oklahoma broke the news Thursday night at his father’s set at Remix Rumble in Cleveland.

He teased some big news, which prompted an NXT chant from the crowd. He’s going to be a future superstar and it’s been put on paper.

“I have officially signed a deal with the WWE,” he said. “It’s official, I’m locked in.”

Watch Jacob Henry announce he’s signed with WWE:

Mustafa Ali Finishing Up With TNA Wrestling

Michael Reichlin
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Mustafa Ali is finishing up with TNA Wrestling and released the following ‘political statement’ addressing his run with the company.

Ali debuted for TNA in the main event of No Surrender, where he challenged and defeated Chris Sabin for the TNA X-Division Championship. He is ‘stepping down’ to focus on independent bookings.

MUSTAFA ALI

August 1, 2024

My Fellow Citizens of TNA,

Over the past six months, we have made great progress as a company.

Today, TNA has the strongest fanbase in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our X-Division, in lowering the number of senior citizens on our roster, and in expanding affordable tickets to a record number of fans worldwide. We’ve provided critically needed entertainment to millions. Passed the first “limits” rule for the X-Division in 22 years. Featured the X-Division Championship on the cover of Pro Wrestling Illustrated for the first time since 2006. Appointed the first Pakistani-Indian American as champion. Main evented recording breaking attendance shows. TNA has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.

I know none of this could have been done without you, the citizens of TNA. Together, we overcame unfit and unfair leaders. We’ve protected and preserved our X-Division. And we’ve revitalized and strengthened our alliances with promotions all around the world.

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your X-Division Champion. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the X-Division for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my independent obligations for the remainder of my term.

I will not speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.

For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I want to thank Campaign Singh for being an extraordinary campaign manager in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the Citizens of TNA for the faith and trust you have placed in me.

I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing that TNA can’t do-when we do it together. We just have to remember we are TNA.

– Mustafa Ali

Trent Beretta Got His Neck Fusion Surgery Screws Swapped Out

Michael Reichlin
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AEW star Trent Beretta underwent neck surgery on Thursday to replace two broken screws from his previous neck fusion surgery (June 2021). He was reportedly injured at AEW Double or Nothing during his grudge match against Orange Cassidy.

Beretta has unfortunately dealt with neck injuries dating back to his time doing motion capture work on the WWE 2K16 video game. During an appearance on Chris Jericho’s Talk is Jericho podcast last summer, he explained that while practicing some of his moves on a crash pad, another wrestler attempted and botched dragon suplex, causing Beretta to land on his head.

Over the next five to six years, that injury combined with the bumps he took in the ring led to severe symptoms that led him to undergo the fusion surgery in June 2021.

We wish Trent Beretta a full and speedy recovery.

Mercedes Moné on Her Divorce: “I’m Just Ready To Be Free”

Michael Reichlin
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AEW star Mercedes Moné is speaking about her divorce for the first time.

Moné actively communicates with her fans on social media and via her official newsletter. In a has new video on her YouTube channel, the AEW TBS Champion shares the details about why she and Sarath Tan are separating.

“Tomorrow finally, after a long, long time, I’ll be finally signing my divorce papers.”

“I’m excited, happy and for me.. I’m just ready to be free. I’m ready to be free of not being afraid. For long, i’ve kept this secret because of how fast life has been going… I just didn’t want the outside world to judge or say anything, especially during a time while all of this is happeninG”

She credits Sarath with saving her life and being an incredible guy that she’s so thankful for.

“Sarath, my ex-husband now, we had such a great relationship, and he’s such an amazing, incredible guy, that I’m so thankful for, he’s another person that changed and saved my life.”

She’s excited to be free and to say that she’s finally getting a divorce. She recalls being asked about her marriage regularly during interviews and not knowing how to handle the subject. They had been separated for a long time, around December 2020. He moved out the following month while she was shooting The Mandalorian while trying to get into the main event of WrestleMania that year, so she was extra-concerned about her privacy at that time. Now, it’s time for her to begin the next chapter of her life.

Mercedes Moné & Husband Mikaze File For Divorce

Michael Reichlin
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AEW star Mercedes Moné and her husband Sarath Ton have filed for divorce (dissolution of marriage). They were married on August 4, 2016.

Varnado and Ton, a WWE costume designer best known as Mikaze, met in 2010. He’s credited with designing some of the most iconic outfits worn by her former persona, Sasha Banks.

According to records available at the Clark of the Circuit Cort and Comptroller of Seminole County, Florida, the divorce proceedings were filed Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

The case is currently open.

mercedes mone divorce

WWE Partners With Aires Tech

Michael Reichlin
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WWE and Aires Tech have announced a multi-year global marketing partnership aimed at enhancing the performance and recovery of WWE Superstars while educating fans about the potential health effects of electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs). This collaboration, visible during WWE SummerSlam on August 3, will feature extensive social media promotion and integrations on WWE programming.

WWE® AND AIRES TECH ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR GLOBAL MARKETING PARTNERSHIP

TORONTO, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Aires Tech and WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today unveiled a momentous new partnership aimed at bolstering the personal performance regimens of WWE Superstars. The collaboration will educate fans worldwide about safeguarding against ubiquitous electromagnetic frequency (EMF) sources’ potential long-term health effects and support WWE Superstars in enhancing their physical performance, maintenance, and recovery.

The agreement names American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTCQB: AAIRF) (“Aires Tech” or “Aires”) as an official WWE partner, building on Aires Tech’s dedication to performance and wellness innovation. The partnership will be visible at WWE SummerSlam which takes place Saturday, August 3 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland.

Aires Tech’s agreement with WWE, effective as of June 11 and runs through the end of 2025, will prominently feature across WWE properties, emphasizing extensive social media promotion. The partnership launches with prominent placement on “WWE NOW,” the WWE Universe’s essential news roundup, airing weekly ahead of WWE programming. Aires will be highlighted in segments of “Celtic Warrior Workouts” on WWE Superstar Sheamus’s YouTube channel, featuring fitness routines with top WWE athletes. Fans can catch these integrations by following WWE’s platforms regularly, which broadcasts to more than 180 countries in 30 languages and can be seen in 1 billion television households worldwide each week. WWE creates seven hours of original programming that is watched by approximately 11 million diverse fans in the United States.

Earlier this year, Aires Tech became an official partner of UFC, facilitated by WME Sports as part of its comprehensive collaboration with Aires Tech to shape the company’s brand strategy in sports and entertainment. Together, these partnerships will further fuel Aires’ market awareness and sales growth, in pursuit of transforming the brand into a household name.

“We are excited to expand TKO’s partnership with Aires Tech to include WWE,” said Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President & Head of Global Partnerships for TKO. “Aires’ attention to detail on innovation coupled with health and wellness practices aligns with WWE’s approach to safety for its athletes.”

“Our collaboration with the WWE sheds further light on the invisible dangers of EMFs as digital connectivity is more deeply entwined into our daily lives,” said Josh Bruni, chief executive officer of Aires Tech. “Aires’ technology protects against the negative effects of EMF and amplifies the positive, helping athletes feel and perform their best. The WWE represents the pinnacle of athleticism and we’re proud to partner with them to heighten the awareness of the potential health effects of EMF.”

The company has also partnered with Canada Basketball and individual athletes as part of their #AiresAthletes campaign that connects the brand with peak performance and health in the minds of consumers. The athlete partners appear in programming and content to engage athletes and tens of millions sports fans around the world to promote the Aires brand and its EMF protection products. The #AiresAthletes roster includes Toronto Raptors’ RJ Barrett, 6-time NHL All-Star John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maycee “The Future” Barber of the UFC’s Women’s Flyweight division and NFL Legend and 3-time NFL Pro Bowler Tiki Barber.

For more information on Aires’ partnership with the WWE and its innovative EMF protection technology, please visit www.airestech.com.

Video: CM Punk Trains for SummerSlam and Meets Jesse Ventura

Michael Reichlin
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CM Punk is just days away from his first televised one-on-one match in WWE in over a decade. WWE’s digital team caught up with Punk prior to Monday’s WWE Raw at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.

We know that CM Punk has been spotted at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando several times over the past several months, but we haven’t seen much of him in the ring until now.

CM Punk Trains for SummerSlam

Punk reflects on starting his pro wrestling career in Minnesota 24 years ago as he tapes his wrists and prepares to move around. He says, “I’m going to give them a show tonight before we see the multi-time WWE & AEW Champion jump from the apron into the ring and run the ropes at a healthy pace.

He said, “arm feels great” as he smiled to the camera, a promising sign he’ll be in top shape this weekend.

CM Punk & Jesse Venutra

We then see new footage of CM Punk meeting WWE Hall of Famer Jesse “The Body” Ventura. Punk is shown telling Ventura that they met once about a decade ago and introducing himself again. He extended his hand and said, “CM Punk, Phil” and Ventura recalled, “Oh yeah, you’ve got that unique name. I always tried to figure that name out, how in the hell did you come up with a name like CM Punk?”

Punk agreed it’s a stupid name and said it was his nickname as a child, because he was a little brat kid. “Well, good for you, it served you a purpose then, you can’t forget it.”

Ventura later jokes, “When you get to be my age, you’re just another old man.”

During a separate conversation with with Jimmy Traina for the SI Media podcast, Punk commented on the surreal meeting with The Body:

“I saw Governor Ventura the other day, said Punk. Absolutely, 100% blown away, one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me in my life is when he tells me that he saw I came back, and he said, ‘The place must have changed. If Punk is back, I’ll go back.”

Cody Rhodes Names His Top 5 Video Games of All Time

Michael Reichlin
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During an appearance on 10 Essentials from GQ Sports to promote WWE SummerSlam, WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes shared broke down his daily essentials and the things he just can’t live without.

Among his essentials were Rolex watch, his American flag hat, a special pair of cufflinks, and his prized Nintendo Switch (“I can play Donkey Kong all day long”). This led to the American Nightmare naming his picks for the Top 10 Video Games of all time. The list is strong, showcasing a range of genres and eras that highlight his diverse gaming tastes.

Cody’s Top 5 Video Games

cody rhodes top 5 games

#5 Ghost of Tsushima (PlayStation 4, 2020)

“Ghost of Tsushima” transports players to feudal Japan in a beautifully crafted open-world action-adventure game. Its striking visuals, immersive combat, and poignant story of honor and sacrifice have earned it critical acclaim and a place among the all-time greats.

#4 Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox, 2001)

The game that put the Xbox on the map, “Halo: Combat Evolved” revolutionized first-person shooters with its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and multiplayer experience. Its impact on the gaming industry and its lasting legacy make it a standout title in Cody’s list.

#3 Red Dead Redemption 2 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, 2018)

“Red Dead Redemption 2” is a masterful open-world game that immerses players in the life of an outlaw in the late 1800s. Praised for its stunning visuals, rich narrative, and detailed world-building, this game is considered one of the finest achievements in modern gaming.

#2 Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation, 1998)

A pioneer in the stealth game genre, “Metal Gear Solid” introduced players to the tactical espionage action of Solid Snake. With its groundbreaking storytelling, cinematic presentation, and complex gameplay mechanics, this game remains a beloved classic.

#1 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64, 1998)

No surprise here, Cody is a super-fan of the Legend of Zelda series, and “Ocarina of Time” is often hailed as one of the greatest games of all time. This classic adventure game from Nintendo set a new standard for 3D action-adventure games with its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and memorable characters.

Cody Rhodes defends the WWE Undisputed Championship against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa this Saturday at WWE SummerSlam.

Bonus

Cody Rhodes and Steve Austin disagree on the best Legend of Zelda game:

Cody Rhodes and other WWE Superstars answer, “Which game was better: WCW/nWo Revenge or WWF No Mercy?”

WarGames Returns: WWE Survivor Series 2024 Set for Vancouver on Nov. 30

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Survivor Series is headed to Vancouver for the first time ever on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the the Rogers Arena. Once again, we’ll see the return of WarGames, the dangerous double-ring steel cage match that pits two teams against one another in an anything-goes battle.

This will be WWE’s second premium live event from Canada this year after Money in the Bank was held from Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, July 6.

To get a taste of what WarGames is all about, we tracked down these Full Matches that WWE uploaded of last year’s Men’s and Women’s WarGames matches from Survivor Series:

Press Release

Here’s the official press release for the event sent in to SEScoops:

VANCOUVER TO HOST SURVIVOR SERIES: WARGAMES® ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

First-Ever Survivor Series to Emanate From Vancouver

STAMFORD, Conn., August 1, 2024 – WWE®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), in partnership with Destination Vancouver, today announced Survivor Series: WarGames® 2024 will take place Saturday, November 30 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, making it the first-ever Survivor Series to emanate from the city. 

To learn more about registering for Survivor Series: WarGames pre-sale opportunities, please visit: Survivorseries-2024-presale.

The announcement comes on the heels of a record-breaking Money In The Bank®which was held in July at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Premium Live Event became the highest-grossing WWE arena event in Canada in company history.

WWE Survivor Series War Games 2024

WWE Exec Says There’s “No Interest” In AEW Crossover Event At This Time

Thomas Lowson
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WWE may be more willing than ever to work with other promotions, but fans shouldn’t expect a crossover event with AEW wrestlers anytime soon. Speaking to the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch, Chris Legentil, WWE’s executive vice president of talent relations and head of communications, was asked about whether an event with AEW talent could be in the works.

“No interest. I just want to make clear. There is definitely a variety of excellent talent that don’t currently reside in WWE. There is no shot there that is being fired. It’s just to say, the answer to your question is no conversation has been had in relation to that.”

While AEW isn’t on WWE’s list, 2024 has already seen the Sports Entertainment juggernaut forge partnerships with various promotions. Bloodsport, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Marigold Wrestling and TNA Wrestling have all featured WWE talent and fans have been able to see TNA stars appear at NXT TV tapings and PLEs.

WWE & AEW

Though Tony Khan’s first promotion has been WWE’s biggest competition since the demise of WCW, the two sides have put their differences aside in the past. In 2019, Billy Gunn was allowed to attend the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony to be inducted as part of D-Generation X. In 2022, AEW talent, including Paul Wight, Chris Jericho, and Bryan Danielson, appeared via videos on RAW to celebrate John Cena on the 20th anniversary of his main-roster debut.

AEW and WWE won’t be hosting a crossover event (at least not yet,) but such a show would feature some of the best names working in the business today. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest from both companies.

Nic Nemeth Wants To Defend TNA Title Against Top AEW Star

Dominic DeAngelo
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Nic Nemeth’s ‘Wanted Man’ moniker fits him like a glove these days as the reigning TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Nemeth has vowed to be a fighting champion, and he’s not just waiting for top competitors to call him out. The company is asking fans on social media who they want to see step up and put themselves to the test. Nemeth wasted no time chiming in with his own pick for a future challenger: AEW star Kenny Omega.

Nick Nemeth vs. Kenny Omega

If his World Title win was any indication, Nemeth has made the most of his opportunities outside of WWE, fully embracing his free agency by wrestling on the independents, but also in New Japan Pro-Wrestling before finding more of a residence in TNA. Nemeth has also flexed his commetary and comedic muscles by staying busy in stand-up comedy and as a host on Busted Open Radio.

Omega vs. Nemeth would certainly draw some eyes as Kenny happened to have a memorable heel run as TNA World Champion during the global pandemic. Omega took on several challengers while champion after he defeated Rich Swann for the title. Omega’s timetable for an in-ring return is quite blurry as he’s been aiming to recover from a bout with diverticulitis.

TNA is currently working relationship with WWE, which is the biggest factor prohibiting this TNA vs. AEW dream match. We’ll follow up if Kenny Omega replies to Nemeth’s call-out.

SDCC 2024 Had Pro Wrestling Written All Over It

Dominic DeAngelo
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Wrestling fans had a lot to enjoy at last weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 event. The top stars from WWE and AEW participated in discussion panels. We got a first-look at dozens of upcoming action figures. Even the blockbuster reveal that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to portray the iconic villain Doctor Doom featured elements of a wrestling angle

Here are the pro wrestling highlights from San Diego Comic Con 2024:

WWE Panel

WWE stars CM Punk and Zoey Stark participated in the Mattel panel, which included a Q&A session with fans in the audience.

CM Punk talks Vince McMahon and Darby Allin

In an interview with Denise Salcedo, Punk discussed how much it meant to work with a rising star like Darby and considered him a great friend.

“Being a straight-edge kid, being the one that kind of lured CM Punk back to the ring and getting my first match back after six or seven years or whatever it was. That’ll always be my number one with a bullet because I think Darby is a talented kid and I was happy to share the ring with him. I think we told a nice little story.”

Punk also touched upon getting back into the WWE fold, noting that Vince McMahon leaving “illuminated” the way for him returning.

“Vince being out of the picture probably illuminated the way,” he said. “That might have been one of the biggest things. That’s both ways, for everybody who is going to sensationalize a headline. It wasn’t me, it wasn’t him, there’s just a lot of history there. All of a sudden, one of us is removed from the equation, and I think it changed a lot of things.”

Punk also shared this photo of a backstage meetup with AEW’s Darby Allin and Brody King:

CM Punk Darby Allin and Brodie King

All the while this was going on Drew McIntyre was trolling his SummerSlam rival while in Nashville, making sure he got a photo-op with Jack Perry who was still cooling down from his AEW Blood & Guts battle.

AEW Panel

All Elite Wrestling ”maximized their minutes’ at the convention, with a Jazware panel that featured a big wrestling angle and a massive rollout of upcoming wrestling figures.

A skirmish occurred during the panel with all stars such as Swerve Strickland and Ospreay tried to break it up. The only man to remain neutral was Darby Allin who thought the two recent rivals should duke it out.

Mercedes Mone Cosplay

The CEO was in full villain mode as she was in a Poison Ivy from Batman cosplay and appropriately alongside her was her new enforcer, Kamille, who donned the mask and jacket of other Batman baddie Bane.

Wrestling Figures Galore

The reason wrestling had such a presence at SDCC was for the aforementioned line of figures both companies have in store and it’s quite a bit.

Mattel and WWE have several CM Punk figures set to release including a modern day version, but also the notorious Money In The Bank 2011 Punk blowing a kiss to Cena. Additionally, there is a variation of Punk wearing Randy Savage gear and the masked Straight Edge Society CM Punk.

Legends included in Mattel’s upcoming Monday Night Wars include Syxx, Curt Hennig, DDP, Ultimate Warrior, Big Bossman and Dusty Rhodes.

A lot of newer faces on the roster are getting the WWE figure treatment, including Zoey Stark, Jade Cargill, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci, Chase U and others.

AEW was far from resting on their laurels as plenty of special edition figures were revealed. A big release was a special pre-order of Mark and Jay Briscoe. There’s also a silver screen Toni Storm, House of Black three-pack and three eras of the recently retired Sting.

Cody Rhodes’ Dog Pharaoh Retiring From Wrestling Travel Due to Age

Thomas Lowson
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Pharaoh the Dog, the beloved pet of Cody & Brandi Rhodes and Very Good Boy, is taking his final work road trip this weekend. The Undisputed WWE Champion shared on Instagram that the 13-year old husky is still thriving, but slowing down a bit and is content living a more domesticated life at home.

Pharoah Rhodes

Pharaoh has appeared on both WWE and AEW programming during his time on the road. On the June 26, episode of WWE Monday Night RAW, the husky was with Cody in a backstage segment that saw Rhodes challenge Damian Priest to a match. Pharaoh’s popularity even resulted in him receiving his own plushie on WWEShop.com.

Pharaoh’s appearance in AEW was not as pleasant, as pyro during Cody’s entrance at All Out 2019 spooked the dog. Rhodes later said on an episode of WWE’s The Bump that he did not intend for pyro to be used during this particular entrance.

Like much of Cody’s family, Pharaoh would become a target of The Rock’s barbs in the build-up to WrestleMania 40. The Final Boss even went as far as to call the good boy a “s***head“, infuriating fans and dog owners alike. Cody would get his revenge in the end though as he’d win the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania 40, ending Roman Reigns’ 1,316-day run with the gold.

Will Ospreay Vows To Restore Honor To AEW International Championship

Bishal Roy
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Will Ospreay has vowed to reclaim the AEW International Championship and restore honor to the title after MJF disrespected it.

Last week, MJF threw the title in the trash and introduced the AEW American Championship. ‘The Aerial Assassin’ now wants to bring back the AEW International Championship. During the latest edition of AEW Dynamite, ‘The Salt of The Earth’ hyped up America and proclaimed to be the American hero. Ospreay received a negative reaction from the crowd when he said that he would bring the AEW International Championship back.

In an AEW Digital Exclusive, ‘The Aerial Assassin’ reflected on the crowd’s response and said that he understood why the fans booed him. However, he is fighting for the legacy and history of the AEW International title. He said:

“I know I’m doing the right thing. I know that I am fighting for the legacy and the history and the lineage of the International Champion. It’s bigger than just than the flag that is on the belt, it’s bigger than the country. It represents not only my country, but Japan, America, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, everywhere. It represents all of it, and yet I’m in this weird mind games battle right now where no one wants to boo the guy with a flag around his waist. But I understand, and I get it. I understand that there’s gonna be boos coming my way, but you need to understand that this bigger than just one country. It’s about all of us.”

He further stated that he will continue fighting for the belt for the ones who made the title significant and vowed to earn everyone’s respect. Will Ospreay made it clear that it’s his duty to ensure that he captures the AEW International title and restores honor. He said:

“I understand the American dream is something that is talked about, it’s unachievable, yet somehow I am doing. Somehow, they’re still cheering for me. Somehow, I am fighting a losing battle but day by day, I will gain everybody’s respect because they will understand that this is a battle worth fighting for. For everyone that has made that championship and for everyone that has made AEW the place to be, it is my duty, it is my due diligence to ensure that at Wembley Stadium, I restore honor to the International Championship. Trust me, America, I will not throw that championship in the trash like he did the International Championship. I will hand it back to Tony Khan, and I will say, ‘Keep it in a safe place.’ But the International Championship needs to be restored, and I’m the guy to do it.”

During the 250th edition of AEW Dynamite, MJF dethroned Will Ospreay and captured the AEW International Championship. They fought in a gruesome match that lasted an hour. In the final moments of the match, MJF laid out Ospreay with his Dynamite Diamond Ring before pinning him for the win.

AEW International Champion MJF will now defend his title in a rematch against Will Ospreay at AEW All In: London 2024 on August 25 at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

Joey Janela Reveals He Has Been Diagnosed With Gallstone Pancreatitis

Bishal Roy
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Former AEW wrestler Joey Janela has informed fans that he has been diagnosed with Gallstone Pancreatitis.

Taking to his social media on Wednesday, Janela announced that he had been dealing with insane pain and vomiting. He went to the hospital and was diagnosed with Gallstone Pancreatitis. ‘The Bad Boy’ mentioned that his wrestling schedule in August is uncertain and he will release some merchandise for the fans to help him with the medical bills.

“Well I’ve been in pain for quite a while, worst the past couple days along with insane vomiting. I braved through it to do a something at the limp bizkit concert and today had to check into a hospital. Turns out I have gallstone pancreatitis, my August schedule is uncertain for the time being, and bills gonna be through the roof. I’ll be trying to get some merch out there, should be in here for a minute.”

Johns Hopkins Medicine defines Gallstone Pancreatitis as a disease that causes inflammation and pain in the pancreas. It also makes enzymes that help digest and break down the foods you eat. This is part of the digestive process. However, sometimes a gallstone gets stuck in the common bile duct which blocks the pancreatic duct. This is known as gallstone pancreatitis.

Janela has been one of the prominent stars on the indie circuit. He has been performing in GCW and his last match took place at GCW Don’t Tell Me What To Do 2024. At the event, he teamed with Effy and faced Blake Christian and Shane Mercer in a losing effort. In the past, he has a had run with AEW and he departed the promotion after his contract expired in 2022.

Earlier this year, Janela talked about his desire and the possibility of signing with WWE. The 35-year-old wrestler said that joining WWE remains his goal and a dream. He also said that he aims to work with NJPW and perform at the Tokyo Dome.

We here at SEScoops wish Joey Janela a full and speedy recovery.

Shane McMahon Reportedly Tried To Return to WWE Before Tony Khan Meeting

Thomas Lowson
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More has come to light about Shane McMahon following his surprising meeting with Tony Khan that took place earlier this week. McMahon recently broke the internet after it was revealed that he has met with the AEW President to discuss future business opportunities. Shane has since shared that the pair discussed wrestling, their respect for the business, and the challenges of working for family members. This meeting came months after it was reported that McMahon had spoken with AEW talent about his possibly working with the promotion.

Latest On Shane McMahon

McMahon attempted to return to WWE programming after WrestleMania 39, Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio. It was said that people in charge of WWE “have no interest in him,” and there’s still “a lot of negativity” surrounding McMahon in WWE. Shane was infamously let go after reportedly creating chaos backstage at the 2022 Royal Rumble PLE.

Meltzer argued that this opposition to Shane within WWE could change if they believe he’s joining AEW. Meltzer added that it would not be a surprise if his meeting with Khan was a “leverage” play on McMahon’s behalf to make a WWE return happen. Tony Khan has spoken publicly on his respect for Shane as both a performer and an executive as there’s clearly a lot of respect between the two.

Could Shane McMahon join AEW? Or will his recent meeting convince WWE higher ups to give him the return he reportedly has been pining for? Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on this developing situation.

Shane McMahon AEW Rumors Explained: Tony Khan Meeting and More

Jake Skudder
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Earlier this summer, rumors began circulating about Shane McMahon potentially joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW). These rumors were initially sparked by comments on Jim Ross’ Grilling JR podcast, where the possibility of McMahon joining AEW was discussed.

AEW CEO Tony Khan later stated that McMahon would be “welcome” in the promotion, fueling speculation about this potential collaboration.

Shane McMahon and Tony Khan: The Arlington Meeting

According to a report from Fightful Select and WrestleTalk, Shane McMahon and Tony Khan recently met for the first time in Arlington, Texas.

The meeting took place in an airport, where they discussed the possibility of McMahon joining AEW. This meeting occurred on Monday, July 29, marking a significant step in the ongoing rumors.

Details of the Meeting

The meeting was described as a preliminary discussion, with both parties exploring potential opportunities. A surreal photo surfaced online to legitimize this story, showing McMahon and Khan in a conference room together, with Khan seated and McMahon standing.

Khan appeared amused in the photo, while McMahon had a more serious expression. As of now, the talks are in the early stages, and sources within AEW had not been briefed on the details of the meeting as of Tuesday.

Shane McMahon: “We Had a Great Meeting”

McMahon would issue a statement following the ‘leak’ of the meeting to Bully Ray of Busted Open After Dark, which was read on air:

“Tony and I were connected through a mutual friend and we had a great meeting. We talked about many things, but mostly about our shared love for the business and the rewards and challenges of working with family. I congratulated him on the five-year anniversary of AEW and look forward to see how he evolves the business moving forward.”

So, who was the mutual friend that linked up Shane McMahon and Tony Khan?

The Latest

As of writing, there is no confirmation that McMahon has signed any sort of the deal with All Elite Wrestling, although there is clearly interest from both sides.

We will update this page as and when more information becomes publicly available.

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