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Trick Williams Goes Hollywood, Confirms Heel Turn on WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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0
Trick Williams Goes Hollywood, Confirms Heel Turn on WWE NXT

Trick Williams confirmed his heel turn during the April 29, edition of WWE NXT as the two-time NXT Champion claimed that he is now ‘Hollywood.’ To back up his silver-screen moniker, Williams bragged about appearing in the season finale of All American on the CW Network.

Getting down to business, Williams took aim at Joe Hendry, who he compared to being a ‘local talent.’ After assaulting Hendry at TNA Rebellion, Williams shared that he was moving on and set his sights on a shot at WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi.

WWE NXT General Manager Ava arrived but instead of giving him what he wanted, scolded Trick for his actions at Rebellion. Williams bit back, declaring himself the biggest star, not only in WWE NXT but also in TNA Wrestling. Ava declared that a 25-man battle royal will take place next week, with the winner earning a title match at Battleground against Femi. This match won’t just be for NXT Superstars, as it will include talent from TNA, and WWE LFG.

Williams plans on becoming a three-time NXT Champion, but his journey back to the top won’t come easy if the 24 other wrestlers in the battle royal have anything to say about it.

Internal Reaction And More Backstage News On SmackDown TLC Main Event

Anutosh Bajpai
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Internal Reaction And More Backstage News On SmackDown TLC Main Event

The incredible TLC main event at this past Friday’s SmackDown after WrestleMania 41 from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas was received as well as you’d expect.

The WWE management under Triple H has tried to pull back on the number of matches on each PPV in favor of increasing the quality of bouts. Talents have felt the adverse effect of this approach as well, however, as many stories and matches that deserve a spot at the PLEs have been relegated to the weekly programming.

The TLC match featuring DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, and Street Profits on Friday was big example of it. The match was highly praised by the fans and many questioned why it wasn’t featured on the Show of Shows.

Fightful Select provided an unsurprising update on this match. They noted that the bout got incredible reviews internally as well with many knowing that the trio being left off Mania card would become a big talking point.

The stipulation match, produced by Jamie Noble and Kenny Dykstra featured many high-risk spots, but everyone involved emerged from the match ‘relatively healthy’ per the report.

The ending of the TLC match saw Chris Sabin and Johnny Gargano fighting at the top of the ladder before the latter was thrown out. Montez Ford jumped in at the last second and retained the championship for his team after taking Sabin out.

Backstage News On Plans For New Seth Rollins Stable

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Backstage News On Plans For New Seth Rollins Stable

Paul Heyman surprised everyone when he betrayed not only CM Punk but Roman Reigns as well to join hands with Seth Rollins in the main event of WrestleMania 41.

This new alliance gained another member on the following episode of Raw when Bron Breakker took out CM Punk and Roman Reigns to became part of the group.

The creative team under Triple H has had a larger focus on factions than the previous management. So the group instantly drew comparison to past stables such as Evolution with many fans speculating who could be the next member to join this dangerous alliance.

In a new update, however, Fightful Select notes that the comparisons are not something that is intended by the management. The higher-ups wish for this team to become its own thing, instead of reminding people of other groups from history.

Furthermore, the site reports that as of WrestleMania weekend, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman were the only names planned for this group. 

WWE had teased Roman Reigns making an unlikely alliance with arch rival CM Punk to tackle this challenge after the two stars were taken out by Rollins & Company on Raw after Mania.

Though they also started a feud with Sami Zayn on this week’s Raw so we’ll have to see how these two stories progress and if they overlap in coming times.

Joe Hendry Appears on WWE NXT, Attacked By Dark State

Thomas Lowson
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Joe Hendry Appears on WWE NXT, Attacked By Dark State

Say his name, and he’ll appear, but the April 29, edition of WWE NXT was not a show Joe Hendry will wish to remember. Hendry opened this week’s NXT with a promo that highlighted his recent appearances in WWE. He also proudly noted his successful defense of the TNA World Championship at Rebellion. During his segment, Hendry called out Trick Williams, referencing Trick’s attack at Rebellion as well as their other previous altercations.

However, instead of Williams, Dark State appeared and launched a surprise attack on Hendry. The TNA World Champion was overwhelmed by the NXT faction in a brutal assault that clearly painted a target on his back.

While Williams has come to the aid of Hendry in the past, the two-time former NXT Champion was nowhere to be seen during this ambush. At Rebellion, Williams attacked Hendry following the show’s main event and teased going after the TNA World Championship. Now, Hendry has not only the TNA roster to deal with, but also Trick Williams and the combined might of Dark State.

Reason Why Plans for Joe Hendry on WWE Raw Were Nixed

Jey Uso Reveals Neck Tattoo After WWE World Title Win

Thomas Lowson
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Jey Uso Reveals Neck Tattoo After WWE World Title Win

Jey Uso captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41, and now the new champion also has some new ink. On April 29, Jey shared footage on Instagram from his latest tattoo session. The WWE star unveiled a striking new neck tattoo that extends his existing tribal design, connecting intricate patterns from his shoulder and chest up along the side of his neck.

Created by @samoanmike, the detailed work adheres to traditional Polynesian tattoo styles, marked by sharp geometric flow and deep cultural symbolism. The tattoo wraps upward in tight, layered lines, aligning perfectly with Jey’s already signature body art. The tattoo also features the bible passage Proverbs 17:17, which reads “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Jey is hardly the first wrestler to get ink on their neck. In 2020, Cody Rhodes debuted his infamous tattoo, which the American Nightmare has since admitted was bigger than he’d expected. More recently, WWE Hall of Famer The Great Khali introduced the world to his neck tattoo.

Jey Uso is expected to defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Backlash against Logan Paul, where he seeks to prove that his victory over GUNTHER in Las Vegas was no fluke.

Sheamus: I’d Rather Risk Liver Failure Than A Neck Tattoo

The Undertaker Confronts Oba Femi on WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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The Undertaker Confronts Oba Femi on WWE NXT

The Undertaker just made a surprise appearance on WWE NXT—and he came with a message for WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi.During the April 29 episode of NXT, Femi was backstage sharing his thoughts on next week’s 25-man battle royal. The winner of that match will earn a shot at Femi’s NXT Title at Battleground. But before Femi could finish, the Phenom entered.

The Undertaker came face-to-face with Oba Femi and kept it brief. He acknowledged the success of the champion in his title reign so far but then issued a warning:

“This is your yard for now. Just so you know, I’ve got some guys in LFG, and they’re gonna be coming for you soon.”

LFG is WWE’s new reality series based out of the Performance Center, where The Undertaker serves as a coach. His appearance on NXT served as both a promotional moment and a serious signal: someone from the LFG roster may be eyeing the NXT Championship.

Oba Femi has been dominating the competition since winning the title, but now it seems new challengers could emerge from outside the standard NXT lineup.

Meta-Four Disbands on WWE NXT Following Noam Dar’s Return

Michael Reichlin
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Meta-Four Disbands on WWE NXT Following Noam Dar’s Return

A WWE faction disbanded on the April 29 episode of NXT on The CW, as Meta-Four—comprising Noam Dar, Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson, and Oro Mensah—agreed to go their separate ways.

Noam Dar returned last week in Las Vegas to capture the NXT Heritage Cup Championship from Lexis King, marking his first appearance since a May 2024 injury. However, he was notably unaccompanied by the rest of Meta-Four during his comeback.

During Dar’s absence, Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson made strides on the main roster, including competing for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles at Crown Jewel and participating in the Royal Rumble. Oro Mensah, meanwhile, has shifted focus to WWE’s new Evolve brand, where he’s become a consistent presence.

On this week’s episode, the group briefly reunited backstage. Legend addressed how each member had started moving in different directions and suggested it might be time to officially part ways. The group shared a final hug, leaving Dar standing alone with the Heritage Cup trophy as the segment closed.

Jeff Jarrett Criticizes MJF Feud in AEW: ‘A Massive Mistake on Many Levels’

Michael Reichlin
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Jeff Jarrett Criticizes MJF Feud in AEW: ‘A Massive Mistake on Many Levels’

Jeff Jarrett did not enjoy working with MJF in AEW. On the latest episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett reflected on his return to AEW Collision last week and took the opportunity to address his brief feud with MJF earlier in the year.

Double J described the experience in blunt terms, calling it detrimental both creatively and professionally.

“Ever since [MJF] got involved in anything that had to do with myself, it’s turned to absolute shit,” Jarrett said.

He noted that he had warned MJF about avoiding lowbrow material and expressed frustration that the direction of their program didn’t align with his vision or values.

Jarrett also suggested MJF resented his aspirations for AEW gold and implied that interactions with the former world champion tend to negatively affect other talent.

“He always leaves everyone worse than when he started being associated on any level,” Jarrett added.

While acknowledging MJF’s talent, he labeled him “toxic” and “selfish,” and admitted the experience harmed his own momentum in AEW. Looking more broadly at his AEW tenure, Jarrett admitted to listening to the wrong people and losing creative focus.

“I think us as a group in a lot of ways lost our way, and I’m the veteran—I should take more responsibility for that.”

As he considers the next phase of his run and a potential final contract, Jarrett made clear that some internal matters remain private. However, he firmly concluded that the storyline with MJF was a misstep.

“The MJF situation was a massive, massive, massive mistake on so many levels. That goes without saying. We’ll see.”

Quotes – Fightful

Sami Zayn Sends Warning: ‘I Am Not Going Anywhere, I Will Become A World Champion’

Andrew Ravens
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Sami Zayn Sends Warning: ‘I Am Not Going Anywhere, I Will Become A World Champion’

Following a brutal end to his night on WWE Monday Night Raw, Sami Zayn has taken to social media to issue a statement regarding his future and championship goals.

On this week’s episode, Seth Rollins, alongside Paul Heyman, attempted to persuade Zayn to leave Raw for the SmackDown roster, an offer Zayn ultimately rejected by telling Rollins to “go to hell.” This refusal led to a main event clash with Rollins’ new associate, Bron Breakker. 

The match ended abruptly when Breakker took out Zayn with a relentless series of spears, prompting a referee stoppage. Rollins then added insult to injury, delivering a Stomp to the downed Zayn as Raw went off the air.

Despite the assault and the clear threat from Rollins’ new faction, Zayn posted a clear message on Twitter outlining his intentions. 

“Yes, there is a target on my back,” Zayn wrote. “Just know this – you can throw everything you’ve got at me, I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE. I will become a world champion.”

It’s unclear whether Zayn will stay off television for a few weeks or if he will be back as soon as next week.

Liv Morgan Secures Major Movie Role: What We Know So Far

Michael Reichlin
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Liv Morgan Secures Major Movie Role: What We Know So Far

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan is making a significant career move beyond the wrestling ring as reports confirm her involvement in a major Hollywood film project. The crossover opportunity represents another milestone for the 30-year-old star, who has been steadily building her entertainment resume alongside her wrestling accomplishments.

Official Announcement and Timeline

Liv Morgan herself announced on WWE Raw that she will be taking time away from television to film what she described as a “big Hollywood movie.” Following this revelation, WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis confirmed on-air that her request for time off has been approved, with all necessary paperwork filed.

According to PWInsider, which broke the original story, Morgan’s role in the film is substantial, with the site characterizing it as a “major role” in a project that “will be officially unveiled next week.” This development comes shortly after Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez captured the Women’s Tag Team Championships for a record fourth time on last week’s episode of Raw.

Film Details and Production Schedule

While specific details about the film remain tightly guarded, several key pieces of information have emerged:

  • According to additional reporting from PWInsider, sources within Hollywood have confirmed that Morgan’s project is not a superhero film, but rather a major dramatic role. The significance of the opportunity has been emphasized by industry insiders, with one source describing Morgan landing the role as “one of the most impressive ‘gets’ imaginable.”
  • PWInsider’s Hollywood contacts further noted that when the studio and talent involved—both on screen and behind the scenes—are revealed, the prestigious nature of the project will become evident. Another source told PWInsider that this opportunity “could cement” Morgan as the next “it girl” in Hollywood if she and the project perform as internally projected.
  • Fightful has corroborated these reports, adding that people with knowledge of Morgan’s upcoming film project claim that “a lot of people’s jaws will drop” when the full details are revealed.

Production appears to be imminent, explaining Morgan’s immediate hiatus from WWE programming. This timing aligns with reports from Fightful that “cameras roll imminently,” necessitating her absence from television commitments.

Morgan’s Growing Entertainment Portfolio

This upcoming film role adds to Morgan’s expanding entertainment credentials beyond professional wrestling:

The New Jersey native has already established herself in the acting world with previous screen appearances. In 2022, Morgan made a guest appearance on the second season of the horror television series “Chucky.” In 2023, she made her feature film debut in “The Kill Room,” where she appeared alongside an impressive cast including Maya Hawke, Samuel L. Jackson, and Uma Thurman.

Morgan’s rise in WWE has been equally impressive. After beginning as part of The Riott Squad, she has distinguished herself as a singles competitor, capturing the SmackDown Women’s Championship in 2022 by successfully cashing in her Money in the Bank contract against Ronda Rousey. More recently, she has been involved in a high-profile storyline with Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley as part of The Judgment Day stable.

Industry Context

Morgan’s Hollywood opportunity comes during a period of increased crossover between WWE and mainstream entertainment, particularly as the company has entered its partnership with Netflix. Wrestling analysts have positioned her film role as part of WWE’s broader strategy to expand its talent’s visibility across entertainment platforms.

Looking Ahead

Wrestling fans can expect more details about Morgan’s film project next week when it will be officially unveiled. Additionally, the May 5th episode of Raw on Netflix may address her on-screen absence and potentially provide storyline context for her temporary departure.

With her combination of in-ring credentials and growing acting experience, Morgan appears well-positioned to capitalize on this significant opportunity while maintaining her status as one of WWE’s most prominent female performers.

Samoa Joe Reflects on Jon Moxley’s Evolution From WWE Star to AEW Staple

Thomas Lowson
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0
Samoa Joe Reflects on Jon Moxley’s Evolution From WWE Star to AEW Staple

Jon Moxley has been a staple of AEW since 2019 and has established himself as one of the company’s biggest stars ever. In a recent interview with Express U.S. Sports, Samoa Joe discussed what it’s like to be an adversary of the Death Riders leader, including their confrontation at the recent Beach Break.

“Moxley’s without a doubt a very chaotic and very unpredictable opponent. But you know, the best way to handle guys like that is just to keep walking forward straight, [and] smashing them in the face.”

Joe’s strategy recently paid off as The Opps captured the AEW Trios titles from the Death Riders, with Moxley substituting for the injured PAC. As far as Samoa Joe is concerned, there’s never a bad time to share the ring with the reigning AEW World Champion.

“As far as timing goes, when it comes to a guy like Jon Moxley, it’s always the perfect time to get in a fist fight with him. The only major difference between Jon Moxley then [in WWE] and now is that he has become more unrestrained. In my mind, he may have taken some shortcuts to achieve the success he has. Others just say that he stacked the deck in his favor and he’s embraced a more effective form of getting what he wants. So, I mean, that’s literally the only big difference with him.”

Moxley and Joe have battled before, and many fans anticipate they will clash again. Will Samoa Joe earn his second AEW World Championship at the expense of Jon Moxley? Only time will tell.

Samoa Joe Reflects on Champion Pressure and AEW Success

CM Punk Set for Vampire Horror Film ‘Night Patrol’ & SyFy’s ‘Revival’ Series

Thomas Lowson
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0
CM Punk Set for Vampire Horror Film ‘Night Patrol’ & SyFy’s ‘Revival’ Series

CM Punk has revealed he’s expanding his acting portfolio with two major upcoming projects – a vampire horror film and a new television series. In a post-WrestleMania 41 interview with Deadline, Punk confirmed his involvement in “Night Patrol,” a horror film he describes as featuring “night patrol, LAPD, Bloods, Crips, vampires.”

“It’s a total throwback, old-school fun horror movie. I can’t wait for my fans to see it; as much as I love it, I know they will too.”

Punk was coy about whether he’ll be playing a vampire in the film, though Deadline confirmed through sources that Punk will indeed be sporting fangs and an aversion to garlic in the production. The film is written and directed by Ryan Prows, known for his work on the anthology horror film “V/H/S/85” and the crime thriller “Lowlife.”

In addition to “Night Patrol,” Punk also revealed his involvement in “Revival,” an upcoming television series set to air on Syfy. While details about the show remain scarce, its placement on Syfy suggests the series may feature elements of science fiction or the supernatural, both staples of the network.

The WWE star also expressed hope for a third season of Starz’s wrestling drama “Heels,” where he portrayed journeyman wrestler Ricky Rabies. Punk shared that efforts are underway to bring the show to Netflix for another season, stating, “We’re trying to petition Netflix to do a third season of ‘Heels.'”

These projects mark a continuation of Punk’s parallel careers in both wrestling and acting. When discussing how he balances these pursuits, Punk explained that his current WWE contract allows for more flexibility than in the past.

“It’s a lot easier now. It was harder back in the day because wrestling was the lion’s share of what I did, and I wasn’t allowed to do other stuff. I have pre-existing relationships and projects I work on that are grandfathered into my contract.”

Punk typically appears on “Monday Night Raw” live on Netflix, but his flexible deal with WWE allows him to “dip out for two weeks to shoot an independent film” when necessary. Whether in the ring or on screen, CM Punk remains highly accessible to his fans across multiple entertainment platforms.

Former WWE Superstar Carmella and Corey Graves Expecting Second Child

Michael Reichlin
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Former WWE Superstar Carmella and Corey Graves Expecting Second Child

Leah Van Dale, known to WWE fans as Carmella, and Corey Graves are expanding their family with the announcement of Van Dale’s second pregnancy. The couple shared the news on Instagram, revealing they are expecting their newest addition this fall.

Their son, Dimitri, was born in November 2023. Van Dale is also stepmother to Graves’ three children from a previous marriage.

“All in perfect time,” they wrote alongside the announcement. “Our new chapter begins this fall.”

It has been over two years since Van Dale last competed in the ring. Following Dimitri’s birth, she has been managing drop foot, a post-pregnancy complication that affects mobility. Although she’s spoken about difficulties with activities like running, Van Dale has maintained a positive outlook and remains hopeful for an eventual in-ring return.

Janel Grant files to keep Vince McMahon, WWE, John Laurinaitis from pausing discovery

BJ Bethel
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Janel Grant files to keep Vince McMahon, WWE, John Laurinaitis from pausing discovery

Representatives for Janel Grant filed a motion in federal district court in Connecticut on Friday in opposition to pausing discovery in her civil case against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and World Wrestling Entertainment.

Grant is suing McMahon and the other defendants for sex harassment, sex trafficking and other allegations.

Discovery is the gathering of evidence and information to be shared by both parties for a trial, and which both parties would base their arguments.

“Defendants can’t have it both ways,” reps for Grant said in a statement to SEScoops on Tuesday. “When it comes to safety in the workplace, they can’t assert that allegations of harm are taken seriously while using stall tactics to delay an examination of facts. These are irreconcilable paths. Unlike avoidance, there is dignity and integrity of process for all parties in discovery. Ms. Grant’s fight for justice continues.”

SEScoops asked representatives for Vince McMahon for a statement on Tuesday, but hadn’t heard back at the time this article was published.

Earlier this month, McMahon, Laurinaitis and WWE filed motions to stay discovery in the case pending whether Judge Sarah F. Russell would allow Grant’s amended complaint to move forward in the case and on the expectation they would file motions to compel arbitration. The defendants believe Grant’s case should be a matter for an arbitration process per the rules of a non-disclosure agreement she signed with McMahon. A hearing was scheduled for a similar motion last year, but the case was stayed at the request of federal prosecutors.

“Defendants argue that this court should stay discovery simply on the basis of a motion to compel arbitration that has not yet been filed, is not pending before this court and that the court has explicitly instructed them not to renew at this time,” the Grant motion said.

The complaint said the “anticipated” arbitration motion raises material issues regarding the legality of the arbitration clause in the NDA signed by Grant and McMahon, issues of duress and coercion placed on the plaintiff and “communications recently found to be subject to the crime-fraud exception.”

The motion said the court and precedent “expect parties to move their cases forward while it considers dispositive motions,” referring to the anticipated arbitration motion.

“The sweeping stay relief sought by Defendants here is unwarranted and should not be granted.”

‘From A Character Perspective, I Was Okay With It:’ Drew McIntyre On Losing CM Punk Feud

Andrew Ravens
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‘From A Character Perspective, I Was Okay With It:’ Drew McIntyre On Losing CM Punk Feud

Speaking recently on the “High Performance” podcast, WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre offered insight into his character’s mindset regarding his recent feud with CM Punk and the current state of WWE storylines.

McIntyre addressed losing the feud to Punk, stating, “From a character perspective, I was okay with it. For anyone’s been following our show, you know, with Drew McIntyre, the journey that I’ve been on, I was the number one good guy, world champion, all that jazz and was wronged in a lot of ways by certain people who were bad guys at the time,” McIntyre explained.

“Then these bad guys became good guys all of a sudden for no particular reason other than they took a vacation,” he said, specifically mentioning Reigns returning after a hiatus and Jey Uso gaining popularity thanks to his Yeet chants. 

“From my character perspective, those guys made my life a living hell,” McIntyre continued. “They screwed me up with the world title multiple times, beat me down with chairs violently. Those chairs are real. Multiple times, and suddenly, they were getting cheered. So I had certain issues. Usually, historically in wrestling, if you’re good, you just get on with the good guys you’re bad you’re going with the bad guys.

McIntyre also commented on the shift in WWE’s creative direction under Triple H. 

“You know, since Triple H took charge of the creative process it’s very much based in reality now. These days, it’s not just the good guys and the bad guys fighting each other like it used to be.”

CM Punk ‘Dying’ to Work with Dave Bautista, Teases Potential Rom-Com

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk ‘Dying’ to Work with Dave Bautista, Teases Potential Rom-Com

Fresh off his WrestleMania 41 main event, CM Punk has revealed he’s eager to reunite with former WWE colleague Dave Bautista – but this time on the silver screen rather than in the ring. Speaking to Deadline’s Rosy Cordero following WrestleMania, Punk shared that he and “The Animal” are actively exploring a collaboration outside the WWE universe.

“Me and Dave Bautista are trying to do a rom-com, maybe not together, but it’s a race. He really wants to do one, and I really want to do one too.”

A romantic comedy would mark a significant departure from the acting roles both men have pursued thus far. Nevertheless, Punk believes that a heartfelt film would allow audiences to see a more authentic side of both himself and Bautista.

“Dave and I are two emotional b**ches. We would absolutely kill that genre, guaranteed, him especially. I’m dying to work with him. What if we were romantically involved? Who’s not going to pay to see that?”

While Bautista has established himself as the more prominent acting star with roles in blockbuster franchises like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Dune,” Punk has been steadily building his acting resume alongside his wrestling career. He received high praise for his performance in “Girl on the Third Floor” and also appeared in “Heels” portraying a journeyman wrestler.

The potential Punk-Bautista collaboration would represent a noteworthy reunion for the former WWE colleagues, both of whom have successfully navigated between wrestling and acting throughout their careers. Bautista has primarily focused on his Hollywood career since retiring from in-ring competition, while Punk surprised fans with his return to WWE in late 2023.

Given both performers’ star power and their established chemistry from their WWE days, a romantic comedy featuring this unexpected duo could potentially appeal to wrestling enthusiasts and mainstream movie audiences alike.

CM Punk Teases What’s Next After WrestleMania 41 Loss

Bautista Impressed With CM Punk’s Acting

When asked which other WWE star could become a successful actor, Dave Bautista spoke highly of CM Punk (Phil Brooks), emphasizing both his talent and untapped potential in acting. During a September 2024 interview with Buzzfeed Celeb, the man formerly known as “The Animal” said this about Punk:

“You know who I think I really overlooked as an actor? I don’t know if he hasn’t pursued it as much as he’d like to because he’s still heavily pursuing professional wrestling, but it is CM Punk, Phil Brooks. His potential in acting is pretty unlimited. I really want to see more from him in acting. I’d actually love to work with him because I think he has a passion for acting, but I think still his heart is in professional wrestling, and until he’s able to let that go a little bit, he’ll never be able to fully envelop himself in acting, but I think Phil Brooks is a great actor”

Samoa Joe Reflects on Champion Pressure and AEW Success

Thomas Lowson
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0
Samoa Joe Reflects on Champion Pressure and AEW Success

Samoa Joe has reached the pinnacle in several wrestling promotions, having held top championship titles in AEW, TNA Wrestling, WWE NXT, and beyond. In an interview with Express US Sports, the veteran reflected on the pressures that accompany being the main event performer and world champion.

“When you are the main event and world champion, you’re expected to make sure that the fans are given their full and greatest amount of satisfaction and happiness. That solely falls on your shoulders,” Joe explained.

Being a world champion extends far beyond merely headlining a card. As Joe elaborated, carrying the top title also means shouldering a significant responsibility for the promotion’s future.

“Holding top championships in professional wrestling is about being the reason people buy tickets and stay glued to their screens.”

Samoa Joe and Hollywood

While Samoa Joe is firmly established in the world of professional wrestling, he has recently ventured into entertainment beyond the ring. With roles in Twisted Metal and Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza, Joe is expanding his brand—yet he remains firmly grounded in his roots.

“It’s all about knowing when and where the bread gets buttered,” he remarked.

Joe is currently in his first reign as AEW Trios Champion, teaming with HOOK and Katsuyori Shibata. Together, the trio known as the Opps has established themselves as a formidable force on the AEW roster.

Samoa Joe Hints at Retirement, Says AEW Deal May Be His Last

Joshi Legend Meiko Satomura Concludes 30-Year Career with Emotional Farewell

Michael Reichlin
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Joshi Legend Meiko Satomura Concludes 30-Year Career with Emotional Farewell

The wrestling world bid farewell to a true pioneer on Tuesday as Meiko Satomura officially hung up her boots after an illustrious 30-year career. The Sendai Girls founder wrestled her final match at Tokyo’s historic Korakuen Hall in an event aptly titled “Meiko Satomura The Final.”

Career-Defining Final Victory

In her retirement match, Satomura teamed with her 20-year-old protégé Manami to defeat Aja Kong and current Sendai Girls Champion Chihiro Hashimoto. The finish came when Satomura delivered her signature Scorpio Rising kick to Kong, securing the victory in a match loaded with emotion and historical significance.

The celebration took an unexpected turn when Kong, Satomura’s longtime rival, requested an impromptu exhibition match where the two legends would team together.

This five-minute handicap contest saw Satomura and Kong face the formidable lineup of Hashimoto, Mika Iwata, Takumi Iroha, Senka Akatsuki, and YUNA, providing fans with one final memory of these joshi icons sharing the ring.

Stars Pay Tribute

The retirement ceremony featured a parade of wrestling royalty. WWE stars Kairi Sane, IYO SKY, Asuka, and Shinsuke Nakamura sent video messages honoring Satomura, while NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi and joshi legend Devil Masami also contributed tributes.

The in-person attendance was equally impressive, with Japanese wrestling icons including The Crush Gals, Bull Nakano, Akira Hokuto, and Kenta Kobashi present to pay their respects.

In traditional Japanese wrestling fashion, fans showered Satomura with colorful streamers following the ceremonial ten bell salute, creating a visually stunning backdrop as the 45-year-old star addressed the audience one final time as an active competitor.

A Legacy Continues

Despite retiring from in-ring competition, Satomura made it clear she remains committed to professional wrestling’s future, promising to continue her work with Sendai Girls. In her emotional speech, she vowed to help make the next era of wrestling “even more amazing” while expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to her legendary career.

Satomura’s remarkable journey took her from Japan to wrestling rings across the globe. Her career highlights include appearances for WCW in the 1990s, becoming a fixture on the European independent scene, and eventually joining WWE where she captured the NXT UK Women’s Championship and worked as both a performer and coach.

As one of the most technically gifted wrestlers of her generation, Satomura leaves behind a legacy of excellence that helped shape women’s wrestling worldwide. While fans will no longer see her competing in the ring, her influence will continue through the next generation of talent she has mentored throughout her distinguished career.

Rusev’s WWE Return Match Set for Monday’s Raw

Michael Reichlin
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Rusev’s WWE Return Match Set for Monday’s Raw

Rusev’s WWE return match is set for next week’s edition of Monday Night Raw. This match marks Rusev’s first WWE in-ring appearance since February 17, 2020, when he teamed with Humberto Carrillo in a losing effort against Angel Garza and Bobby Lashley on Raw.

On the April 28 episode of Raw, WWE confirmed that Rusev will face Otis in his first match back, scheduled for May 5.

The Bulgarian Brute made his surprise return to the company on Raw the night after WrestleMania 41. He viciously attacked Otis and Akira Tozawa, laying the groundwork for his comeback.

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A vignette aired during the show, with Rusev reflecting on his time away from WWE. He described his absence as “falling into an abyss” before redeeming himself and issued a stern warning to the Raw roster.

Rusev Vows to Hunt, Forgive, and Fix

WWE Backlash 2025: Preview, Matches, and How to Watch

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Backlash 2025: Preview, Matches, and How to Watch

WWE storms into St. Louis for WWE Backlash 2025 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, marking the first major PLE following WrestleMania 41. Hosted at the Enterprise Center, this year’s event is headlined by a generational clash as John Cena defends his record-setting 17th world title against hometown icon Randy Orton.

Backlash 2025 is stacked with personal grudges, title matches, and the first major steps into WWE’s post-WrestleMania landscape. With John Cena’s farewell run, Orton’s hometown pride, and the emergence of new alliances, every match carries weight.

How to Watch

Start Times:

  • United States: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT (Kickoff at 6:00 PM ET)
  • United Kingdom: 12:00 AM BST (Sunday)
  • India: 4:30 AM IST (Sunday)

Broadcast Details:

  • United States: Peacock
  • International: Netflix

Undisputed WWE Championship Match: John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton

John Cena captured his 17th world title at WrestleMania, surpassing Ric Flair’s legendary record. But his celebration was short-lived, as Randy Orton-St. Louis’s own-ambushed Cena with an RKO on Raw, reigniting a rivalry that defined a generation. Now, these two veterans write the final chapter of their story in Orton’s hometown.

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch

Fresh off a dramatic split as tag champions, Becky Lynch’s heel turn on Lyra Valkyria has set up this all-Irish showdown. Valkyria, the rising star, faces her toughest test yet against a now-vicious Lynch, who’s determined to add more gold to her legacy.

Pat McAfee vs. Gunther

Gunther, frustrated after his WrestleMania loss, targeted commentator Pat McAfee on Raw, leading to this unlikely but highly anticipated showdown. McAfee, a fan favorite and former NFL star, steps back into the ring to settle the score with “The Ring General”.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE News on the road to WWE Backlash 2025.

Gunther is Not Taking His WWE Backlash Match Against Pat McAfee Seriously

Michael Reichlin
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Gunther is Not Taking His WWE Backlash Match Against Pat McAfee Seriously

Gunther may be absent from WWE television, but he is well aware of the upcoming challenge awaiting him at WWE Backlash.

Following his storyline suspension for attacking Pat McAfee on the April 21 episode of Raw, Gunther has remained off-screen. On the April 28 broadcast, McAfee officially challenged the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion to a match at Backlash on May 10, 2025. As he put it, “If I die, I die.” SmackDown General Manger Nick Aldis, who was filling in for the injured Raw GM Adam Pearce (also Gunther), reluctantly made the match.

Gunther, who did not appear live, thoroughly enjoyed watching the scene unfold. In response to McAfee being his next opponent, he wrote on Twitter: “??”.

Gunther vs. Pat McAfee

The match comes just weeks after Gunther 259-day reign as WWE World Heavyweight Champion ended with a loss to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41. Since his suspension, Gunther has reportedly been seen in London, indicating he may be spending time in Europe during his hiatus.

Pat McAfee, who transitioned to wrestling in 2020, brings experience from his matches at NXT TakeOver 30 and WarGames, as well as his main roster appearances. Notably, McAfee holds singles victories at WrestleMania 38, SummerSlam 2022, and WrestleMania 39, with his only premium live event loss coming against Vince McMahon.

Gunther, meanwhile, remains one of WWE’s most decorated competitors, having previously held the WWE Intercontinental Championship, WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and NXT United Kingdom Championship.

WWE NXT Preview (April 29, 2025)

Michael Reichlin
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WWE NXT Preview (April 29, 2025)

Tonight’s WWE NXT airs on The CW at 8/7c live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

Last week’s action-packed fallout from NXT Stand & Deliver saw Stephanie Vaquer retain the NXT Women’s Title against Roxanne Perez, Noam Dar reclaimed the Heritage Cup, and Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez successfully defended the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles-the April 29 episode of WWE NXT promises more high-stakes competition and unresolved tensions.

Tonight, the spotlight shifts to two major title defenses: Ricky Saints puts the NXT North American Championship on the line against a determined Lexis King, who is eager to rebound after losing the Heritage Cup, while the new NXT Tag Team Champions Hank & Tank face their first challenge from Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura.

The show will also feature a heated face-to-face confrontation between Tony D’Angelo and Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, and an appearance by Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky, who is expected to address the aftermath of her recent Raw attack and possibly confront Roxanne Perez and Giulia.

Matches and Segments

  • Ricky Saints vs. Lexis King for the NXT North American Championship – Ricky Saints defends his title against Lexis King, a match that could shift the landscape of the North American division.
  • Hank and Tank vs. Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura for the NXT Tag Team Championships – Hank Walker and Tank Ledger will put their tag team titles on the line against challengers Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura.
  • Tony D’Angelo and Stacks Face-to-Face – A confrontation between Tony D’Angelo and Stacks is scheduled, potentially escalating their ongoing feud.
  • IYO SKY Appearance – IYO SKY is confirmed to appear, bringing anticipation for her involvement in NXT storylines.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for coverage of tonight’s WWE NXT on the road to NXT Battleground, scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida

Buddy Matthews On Managing Rhea Ripley Relationship Despite Opposite Schedule

Anutosh Bajpai
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Buddy Matthews On Managing Rhea Ripley Relationship Despite Opposite Schedule

Buddy Matthews feels lucky to have Rhea Ripley as his wife.

Managing relationships within the wrestling communities has always been a hard task for talents. Even though the schedule nowadays is much more relaxed than it was back in the day, being signed to different companies with opposite schedule can still make things tricky.

The relationship of Matthews and Ripley is a prime example of it. The wrestling stars signed to AEW and WWE respectively, have different work schedules, which leaves them with limited free time to be with each other. During a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Buddy opened up about managing their relationship, admitting that it can be a pain sometimes:

“Sometimes it becomes a bit of a pain in the ass. But we just kind of lock in that well, she’s definitely on a Monday, whether she’s on live events or not, depends. But then if I’m on a Wednesday or a Saturday, then we get a couple of days in there. But we learn to work it out.”

I Don’t Need Approval: Buddy Matthews

After breaking up with Alexa Bliss in 2018, Buddy Matthews, known as Buddy Murphy in WWE began his relationship with Rhea Ripley. The former Cruiserweight champion was unfortunately released from the company as part of the 2021 budget cuts. He joined AEW in 2022. Despite the opposite schedule, the two stars continued their relationship and got married in June 2024.

Speaking on how they make things work, the AEW star explained that he’s truly married to his best friend. According to him, he’s very comfortable with Rhea and don’t need anyone else to feel content:

“I get kind of emotional talking about it; I’ve married my best friend. There isn’t anyone that I’d want to spend any more time with. I only need her. That’s it. I don’t need a massive group of friends. I don’t need approval. As long as I have her I could be the clown too, and we can just be chilled. I don’t need to go out.

Give me a pizza, my wife, a horror movie, and we are good. I’m on cloud nine, and then generally, I’ll fall asleep, but that’s because I’m comfortable. That’s a good thing for a guy, if a guy could fall asleep. So yeah, but she’s my best friend, and now I’m very lucky.”

Later in the interview, Buddy Matthews also talked about going on honeymoon with Ripley right after suffering a foot injury in his Grand Slam Australia match with Kazuchika Okada and more.

Receipt Is Coming: CM Punk Breaks Silence On Paul Heyman’s WrestleMania 41 Betrayal

Anutosh Bajpai
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Receipt Is Coming: CM Punk Breaks Silence On Paul Heyman’s WrestleMania 41 Betrayal

CM Punk has warned Paul Heyman after his WrestleMania 41 betrayal.

The Straight Edge Star cashed in his favor to force the former ECW Owner to be in his corner at the Show of Shows. The tactic did not work in favor of Punk, however, as Heyman ended up betraying him and Roman Reigns, to align with Seth Rollins.

Punk then appeared on the April 21 episode of Raw but he didn’t waste any time talking. The former AEW star attacked Heyman and Rollins only to be taken out by Bron Breakker in return.

The former World Champion talked about this turn of events among other things in an interview with Deadline. CM Punk warned his former advocate, saying that a receipt is coming:

“Heyman has betrayed me before. We’ve been friends for a very long time, and friends fight. Since he’s betrayed me before, he knows how this plays out. He knows there’s receipts coming for him, too.

The betrayal and the mental pain, I think, are worse than the physical. I almost wish he would’ve done all that and stuck with Roman, because going with Seth was the real pain. But you know what? Seth needs him.”

Paul Heyman had been associated with CM Punk during his historic 434-day-long WWE Championship reign that ended in January 2013. Heyman betrayed the Chicago native later that year, costing him the Money In The Bank match and getting Brock Lesnar to attack him.

While Punk did not win at WrestleMania 41, it was still a monumental night for him as the WWE star fulfilled his lifelong goal of main eventing WrestleMania. You can check out how he celebrated after the show here.

CM Punk Reveals What He Did After His First WrestleMania Main Event

Anutosh Bajpai
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CM Punk Reveals What He Did After His First WrestleMania Main Event

CM Punk’s post-WrestleMania celebration was not what you’d expect at all.

The Straight Edge Star got to fulfil a lifelong dream when he main evented night 1 of WrestleMania 41. Punk went up against Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in a triple-threat match that revolved around their relationship with Paul Heyman.

Speaking to Deadline in his first interview after the Show of Shows, Punk said that the whole thing was like a dream. When asked how he handled all the adrenaline after getting to the back following the show, the former World Champion explained that he needs to decompress after any such big moment:

“I’m 100% an introvert, and I think a lot of my fellow entertainers are too. Everyone’s always shocked, or they tell me that I’m not [an introvert], but I know me. For every hour I spend with people, I need two hours by myself. So when you’re having this intimate moment with 61,000 people, I live for those moments, but I need to balance and decompress afterward.”

The activities didn’t end with WrestleMania this year and WWE had booked many programs such as exclusive meet & greets as well as a roast for fans to attend after the Show of Shows. For CM Punk, however, the night after Mania looked very different as he spent the time in his hotel room with a few of his close friends:

“That’s why when I get invited to cool spots to eat and stuff like that, honestly, that’s the last thing you want to do after that. I went back to my hotel with four or five friends, and we ordered everything on the room service menu and just sat around the table and bullshit like family. That’s how I decompress from all that adrenaline.”

Punk ended up losing the match after being betrayed by Heyman. The former ECW owner turned on Roman Reigns as well and ended up joining hands with Seth Rollins instead.

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