WWE fans are in for a healthy dose of Stratusfaction this weekend. Trish Stratus will serve as the official host for Saturday’s WWE Money in the Bank premium live event.
She announced the news on her official website and released the following teaser video of her arriving at the Scotiabank Arena:
Wrestling fans who are on hand for Money in the Bank can meet Trish before the show as part of a ‘hospitality meet & greet’ package available from OnLocation.
“She’s Back! More than 17,000 fans are expected. Limited tickets are still available. Order today to get a double dose of Stratusfaction with a hospitality meet & greet before the show.
Trish last captivated the WWE Universe nearly a year ago with an unforgettable Steel Cage Match against Becky Lynch, a bout that many consider a Match of the Year candidate. What will the WWE Hall of Famer have to say? Tune in Saturday at 8pm ET, streaming live on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else.”
Visit our WWE Money in the Bank section for information about this weekend’s event, including the full match card, how to watch and more.
WWE Shop has released two exclusive Funko Pop! figures. The latest drops feature the likenesses of WCW legend “Hollywood” Hogan and the late Samoan Bulldozer, former Intercontinental champion Umaga.
Availability: Ships no later than Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Description: At Hog Wild 1996, ”Hollywood” Hulk Hogan defeated The Giant with the help of his nWo cohorts Scott Hall and Kevin Nash and spray painted the group’s infamous letters across the face of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Commemorate the legacy of Hulk Hogan and the three letters that forever changed the sports entertainment landscape with this by grabbing this “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan Fanatics Exclusive Funko Pop! vinyl figure. This miniature version of the WWE Hall of Famer comes complete with fitting black and white gear, making it a must-have for any devout sports entertainment fan and avid collector.
Description: The Samoan Bulldozer wasn’t just a clever moniker for Umaga, it’s what he was! He relentlessly attacked any unfortunate Superstar that stood opposite him, a habit that took him all the way to two Intercontinental Championships reigns and a Battle of the Billionaires match at WrestleMania 23. Fortify your WWE collection by grabbing this Umaga Fanatics Exclusive Funko Pop! vinyl figure. This miniature version of the deceptively quick super heavyweight features authentic details, making it a must-have for any devout sports entertainment fan and avid collector.
WWE President Nick Khan and TKO executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro attended Michael Rubin’s lavish July 4th White Party in the Hamptons
The event, hosted by Fanatics CEO Rubin, featured A-list celebrities and is significant due to Fanatics’ lucrative merchandise deals with WWE and UFC
WWE President Nick Khan and TKO executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro joined a host of A-list celebrities at Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin’s annual July 4th White Party in the Hamptons.
The star-studded event, held at Rubin’s $50 million oceanfront mansion in Bridgehampton, saw attendees adhering to an all-white dress code. Notable guests included Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, Jake Paul, Emily Ratajkowski, and Megan Fox. The party featured performances by Mary J. Blige and a fireworks display.
Rubin, whose company Fanatics has lucrative merchandise partnerships with both WWE and UFC, has turned this into a yearly tradition. The gathering highlights the close business relationships between Fanatics and major sports entertainment brands like WWE and UFC under the TKO umbrella.
Michael Rubin has good reason to invite Nick Khan, Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro to his epic Hamptons gathering. Back in April, Rubin called WWE’s growth and potential “absolutely insane” and said the “insatiable demand” for WWE merchandise leaves the world’s top sports leagues in the dust.
Fanatics works with the NFL, NCAA, MLB, NASCAR and countless other leagues, but Rubin couldn’t contain his excitement about WWE.
“The biggest growth sport in my mind Well, are we looking at percents, dollars? What’s wild, I’ll tell you honestly, what’s going on with WWE is insane. If I look at the growth in our WWE business, and it’s a big business already, it’s absolutely insane.”
“NFL is a multi-billion dollar business. Baseball is a multi-billion dollar business. We look collectively within our overall business, if you talk about growth percent, what’s going on with WWE is spectacular.”
WWE descends upon Toronto, ON tonight to kick off a big weekend of wrestling at the Scotiabank Arena. WWE SmackDown marks the start of three consecutive nights at the venue, with Money in the Bank following on Saturday and NXT Heatwave on Sunday.
Tonight’s advertised SmackDown card features these matches:
DIY will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships
The Street Profits take on Pretty Deadly
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair face Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae
As the final WWE television show before Saturday’s PLE, we can also expect a hard-sell for the two high-stakes ladder matches that will headline Money in the Bank.
SEScoops is your go-to source for WWE news all weekend, including our coverage of WWE SmackDown, Money in the Bank and NXT Heatwave.
What Happened Last Week?
Last week’s WWE SmackDown (June 28, 2024) from Madison Square Garden ended in explosive fashion. The Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony descended into chaos when Paul Heyman refused to recognize Solo Sikoa as his new Tribal Chief. This led to Heyman’s forceful removal from the group and subsequent hospitalization, leaving fans wondering what’s next for The Bloodline.
However, this is just scratching the surface of what went down. Check out this video from WWE looking at the Top 10 Moments from the show:
Dijak has called the legality of WWE contracts in question after his WWE release.
The former WWE star exited the company earlier last month after the officials decided not to renew his contract. The surprising part of this decision was that Dijak was not informed of this until last minute. He was being used by the company only days before he confirmed his departure from the promotion.
The 37-year-old talked about the implications of his sudden release in a new interview with Forbs. He was asked if it was a blessing in disguise that he could appear for other promotions so soon after leaving the company vs. talents who have to wait 90 days for their non-compete to expire.
It’s Made-Up Nonsense: Dijak
Dijak explained that it’s a double-edged sword and there are pros and cons of both approaches. He said that he is not a fan of WWE releasing people, before questioning the legality of their contracts:
“I don’t think it’s a secret at this point that nobody’s a fan of the WWE contract. That isn’t a real contract, because they can just release you at any point for any reason. I think that’s silly nonsense. I don’t know why that’s allowed to be legal. It just feels illegal to me, and I feel like nobody’s taken the time and monetary effort to challenge the legality of it.”
The former NXT star also commented on the infamous independent contractor status given to talent signed by the company. He said that it’s the most ‘made up nonsense’ in the history of the world:
“We’re so clearly not independent contractors. That’s the most made-up nonsense in the history of the world, and people have talked about this ad nauseum. Something needs to be done about it. It’s just silly. It’s silliness.”
The wrestling star later explained that officials should inform talents earlier if they don’t plan on re-signing them. He mentioned how people like Lacey Evans and SCRYPTS were given a month’s notice and it’s not ethical to inform him of his release at the last second.
Wrestling is not a love story, it’s a fairy tale for masochists
The now-immortal words from the late Bray Wyatt is a perfect description of what people should be ready for while entering the business. For every success story, there are many heartbreaks to go along with it. For every superstar who makes a successful career in the business, there are many who have to live with the regret. It’s especially true for someone like Mohammad Hassan, who had to pay the price of being too good.
The former WWE star, real name Marc Copani recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He prominently talked about his career with the company formerly owned by Vince McMahon and the abrupt end of his run due to pressure from media and the TV Network.
When asked why he decided to leave the wrestling business altogether after WWE, Hassan explained that he was heartbroken and depressed at the way his run came to an end:
“It took me a while to really figure it out. I think I was a little depressed. I was definitely heartbroken; you know turned off. The constant traveling and the spotlight, it was fun while it lasted but it wasn’t for me. It took me a while to figure out that I just didn’t want to get back in there because it really was a huge heartbreaking moment for me.
You work so hard, you spend so much time just training, preparing and then it’s all taken away kind of for no reason. Like I didn’t do anything, I didn’t bomb any place. And I understand why the character was taken off TV, it absolutely had to be but I think that was the heartbreak for me. I was just out there doing the best that I could and the rug was pulled out from under me.”
It Changed My Perspective: Mohammad Hassan
Mohammad Hassan played his character to perfection and became one of the most talked about talents in WWE in a very short amount of time. When asked why the company didn’t consider repackaging him, the former wrestling star explained that he had moved on from wrestling by the time it would have been possible for fans to accept him in a new role:
“I had that conversation with several people at the time and it was possible but I wasn’t gonna be on TV for a long time because Hassan came so quick and had such a huge impact. They didn’t feel like anybody would recognize me as another character at least for a long time.
So that’s why I was off TV and I was home and then we ended up parting ways maybe a year later the WWE. After that I just didn’t want to do it anymore you know I wanted to do other things and like I said that huge letdown. I think kind of just changed my perspective on things.”
The 44-year-old also explained how the whole thing made him fall out of love with wrestling. According to him, it took him a long time to come to terms with it.
Mohammad Hassan made his debut in December 2003. He was presented as a heel who complained about anti-Arab prejudice in society and WWE. The character quickly became one of company’s top heels, sharing the ring with the likes of Shawn Michaels and Hulk Hogan.
His run came to an abrupt end due a segment where masked men attacked Undertaker on Hassan’s behalf. The pre-taped episode that aired on July 7, 2005 coincides with the London bombings, leading to huge backlash from main stream media. The pressure forced the company to keep him off TV and the character was written off after one final match against Taker at Great American Bash later that month.
Matt Hardy made clear he’s grateful to be an American alongside some photos of himself and his family.
I am grateful to be an American. I feel fortunate that I was born into the United States. I still & will always believe in the American Dream because I was able to make it into a reality. I am blessed in so many ways that it doesn’t always seem real. I am unapologetically proud… pic.twitter.com/F8OrVzI03F
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has ensured that a fan with a disability will attend this weekend’s WWE Money in the Bank event in Toronto, Ontario.
Mike Ashkewe was stunned when he received a phone call from the American Nightmare who informed the long-time fan that there were tickets for Money in the Bank. Not only that, but Rhodes informed Mike that WWE would pay for his transportation. You can check out a click of the pair’s conversation here.
As he explained on Twitter, Mike had won tickets to Money in the Bank through Toys R Us Canada and was excited to see the WWE Superstars in action. Just days before the show, he was informed that the offer of tickets had been rescinded as they wouldn’t be able to get accessible seating for Mike, who uses a wheelchair. Later on, Mike said that WWE had apologized and made amends.
Update:
WWE has contacted me directly and apologized profusely for what has happened.
I am going to Money in the bank with all my accessibility needs covered.
This is a good ending, whatever happens next is magical and unexpected.
THANK ALL of you who posted and helped
— Mike Ashkewe (Heart of the River / O’dah ziibing) (@BirdmanODST) July 4, 2024
Cody Rhodes was also pleased to know that Mike will be able to attend the show after all and the American Nightmare made sure to credit WWE and the Scotiabank Arena.
Mike won’t just have a great seat at WWE Money in the Bank on July 6, but will also get to see Rhodes in non-title action. The American Nightmare will team with Kevin Owens and Randy Orton to face three members of The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu.)
WWE Money In The Bank 2024 will be the promotion’s 15th event under the name and the second to take place outside of the United States (following last year’s event in London, England.) Five matches have been confirmed for the show including two titular ladder matches as well as bouts for the World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships.
An independent professional wrestler has been arrested after he allegedly attempted to meet with a minor before being caught in a sting operation.
Boston teacher Darren Benedick has been charged with child enticement and one count of dissemination of matter harmful to minors, Boston Channel 25 reports. Benedick was allegedly caught in a sting operation to meet who he believed was a 14-year-old girl he had been chatting with online. This was in fact an undercover police operation. Benedick works as a physical health teacher at the Salem Academy Charter School and has been placed on administrative leave.
Darren Benedick In Wrestling
Benedick has competed on the independents as Reginal Kensington III and has done commentary for Chaotic Wrestling. A statement from the promotion reads:
“Today we received word that Chaotic commentator Darren Benedick was arrested on charges of child enticement and dissemination of matter harmful to minors. Chaotic has a strict Zero Tolerance Policy and terminated all dealings with him immediately.
“It is an unfortunate reality that this type of behavior has been prevalent in the history of the industry. Chaotic Wrestling stands resolute in the effort to cultivate a safe environment and will continue to take active steps to steer the business into a better future.”
On social media, Benedick also lists himself as the Coach for The New England Pro Wrestling Academy though the NEPWA doesn’t list him as such. A statement from The Academy shares the same sentiment as Chaotic Wrestling and describes Benedick as a “former assistant trainer.”
MXM, the team of Mason Madden and Mansoor are set to join Ring of Honor Wrestling, in the duo’s highest profile since their WWE release.
On the latest episode of ROH Wrestling, a video aired highlighting the impending arrival of the duo. Madden was described as the “mahogany hunk” and the “height of fashion.” Meanwhile, Mansoor was deemed the “sultan of suave” and “the man who will make you sore.” You can check out the video below.
MxM Collection Mason Madden & Mansoor have arrived in Ring of Honor!
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) July 4, 2024
Madden and Mansoor, collectively known as the Maximum Male Models in WWE, were released from the promotion on September 21, 2023. The pair had began teaming as models in the summer of 2022 and their comedic antics proved popular with fans. The pair’s first post-WWE event saw them appear for Deadlock Pro Wrestling in December 2023.
The arrival of MXM should not come as a huge surprise to fans. It was only recently that Fightful Select reported there had been talks of the pair joining and it was believed (though not confirmed) at the time that they had signed a contract. Mansoor joins ROH with nine years of experience under his belt after beginning his career in 2015 while Madden, a former football player, joins with eight years to his name.
WWE Talent In ROH
MXM are just the latest names associated with WWE to arrive in Ring of Honor. Mike Bennett, Tony Nese, and Claudio Castagnoli are all on the official roster as is reigning ROH Women’s World Champion Athena. The former Ember Moon has held the title since December 2022 and her reign is the longest of any ROH Women’s Champion and the longest of any champion working for a Tony Khan-owned company. It remains to be seen if MXM can match that success now they are associated with ROH.
Here are some news and notes coming out of this week’s AEW Dynamite Beach Break special from Chicago, IL:
Backstage at Dynamite: Former WWE Superstar Mustafa Ali was backstage at visiting at Dynamite, according to PWInsider. Ali currently wrestles for New Japan Pro Wrestling and TNA, where he’s the reigning Division Champion. As previously reported, his former Retribution factionmate Dijak was backstage at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.
Man in the Black Hat: Hangman Adam Page’s new theme music is “Black Hat” by Vincent Pedulla for AEW Music.
Page made a surprise return on this week’s AEW Dynamite: Beach Break special. The former AEW World Champion was revealed as Jeff Jarrett’s mystery opponent in the Owen Hart Cup men’s quarterfinals. He was victorious and Jay White in the semi-finals this Saturday on AEW Collision.
Hangman Adam Page finishes off Jeff Jarrettat AEW Dynamite, July 3, 2024 (by Ricky Havlik/AEW)
World on Fire: In addition to a new entrance tune, ShopAEW is selling a new Hangman t-shirt featuring the tagline, “World on Fire.”
Hayabusa: AEW has released a letter they received from Takanori Ezaki, brother of Japanese wrestling legend Hayabusa, prior to Sunday’s Forbidden Door PPV.
Hello, This is Takanori Ezaki, a younger brother of Hayabusa.
I heard that Will Osprey would like to use Hayabusa’s costume and entrance theme for Forbidden Door. We, the family of Hayabusa, felt very proud.
It’s been more than 20 years since he was injured in 2001. Many people still sent him their respects over seas. We greatly appreciate it.
I wish the AEW wrestlers safety. Please keep showing us good fights, and be careful not to get injured. I also wish that both Forbidden Door and AEW will be successful.
Takanori Ezaki
Before the #ForbiddenDoor , we received a letter from Hayabusa's brother, which we would like to share with you. —– Hello,
This is Takanori Ezaki, a younger brother of Hayabusa. I heard that Will Osprey would like to use Hayabusa's costume and entrance theme for Forbidden… https://t.co/NOPxX1aCv1
Angel Garza says he recently signed a 3-year WWE contract extension.
The third-generation Superstar is one-half of Los Lotharios with his cousin Berto and is a member of Legado Del Fantasma. He took part in a live stream on Facebook this week and fielded questions from fans. When asked about his status with the company, the Legado del Fantasma member dropped the big news.
“Yes, as a matter of fact my contract was about to expire like many of you know, but I have renewed. I have renewed my contract, we came to a very good agreement that I could not reject….
Yeah, we got to a very, very, very good agreement, so how could I say no to that?”
Mercedes Mone confirms that she bumped into Shane McMahon over the weekend at New York City’s LaGuardia Airpot.
Mone defeated Stephanie Vaquer at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door on Sunday to capture the Strong Women’s Championship. She’s now a double-champion and has held the TBS title since her win over Willow Nightingale at Doubule or Nothing back in May.
Mone she couldn’t believe her eyes when she came face-to-face with an old friend. The CEO sent the following message to subscribers of her weekly newsletter:
“My first day being a double title holder and the first wrestler and former WWE Superstar I see is [Shane] McMahon….come on, if that isn’t the universe working in divine timing, I don’t know what else it could be,
I’ve always loved Shane. When we locked eyes, we both kind of looked at each other like IS THAT YOU? Our faces lit up as we got to talking a bit and before he boarded his flight, he gave me his number… the rest as they say [is] history or maybe a mystery!”
Shane McMahon & AEW
The idea of Shane McMahon appearing for All Elite Wrestling is far-fetched, but this is pro wrestling and stranger things have happened.
During a recent edition of the Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson discussed the possibility of Shane McMahon in AEW. JR said the idea is so crazy it might just work, but it would all hinge on the creative storytelling. The hypothetical scenario became a hot topic of conversation online and is not out of the realm of possibility.
“There was a friend of ours, I shouldn’t say their name, but he went out of his way to text me and say, ‘Hey, that’s not as crazy as you think. I know for sure that Shane McMahon has reached out to wrestlers on the AEW roster to at least hypothetically discuss the idea.’ Are we saying that’s going to happen? No. We are saying it’s not that crazy of an idea,” said Conrad.
Tony Khan has spoken about Shane McMahon publicly a few times over the years, most recently during an interview with Justin Barrasso for SI. Khan said he’s heard the rumors about Shane asking around about AEW and he’d welcome the opportunity to meet.
“I have a lot of respect for him as an executive and a professional wrestler. Shane is always welcome in AEW.”
Hangman Adam Page returned on this week’s AEW Dynamite as Jeff Jarrett’s mystery opponent in the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
Marking his first AEW appearance since Revolution in March, the former AEW World Champion battled the veteran Jarrett, a former tag partner of the late Canadian legend.
Page was a surprise entrant, chosen by The Elite as their wild card. He showed no signs of ‘ring rust’ as he executed his signature moves, the Buckshot Lariat and the Deadeye, en route to a dominant victory.
With this win, the cowboy advanced to the semifinals, where he’ll face Jay White this Saturday, July 6 on AEW Collision.
Is Hangman Elite?
After the match, Page was in a backstage segment with the Young Bucks. Page looked pretty aggressive, and the Bucks said they lifted his suspension and got him a spot in the tournament. They hinted at a partnership moving forward for their upcoming Blood & Guts match as the Elite.
Page declined their proposal and let them know things are different these days. He warned the EVP’s that he is not their child, puppet, nor is he associated with the Elite. He’s focused on winning the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and won’t be distracted by them.
Former #AEW World & Tag Team Champion 'Hangman' Adam Page is BACK!
Baker, who hadn’t been seen in AEW for months, addressed her absence on Beach Break on July 3. She revealed on Dynamite that her condition towards the end of 2023 was not good. She suffered from burnout, two herniated disks, and an injured hip labrum.
The Dentist explained that she started feeling sick and experienced symptoms such as blurry vision and a numb and tingly right arm. She was diagnosed with a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), which worsened, causing her entire right side to stop working, leading to a week-long hospital stay.
Fortunately, Baker’s health has improved, allowing her to return to AEW. The 33-year-old stated that she is now in good health and ready for in-ring action. Her first target upon return is Mercedes Mone, who she challenged for a match at AEW All In: London in August. However, Mone wasn’t keen on giving Baker a chance at her title and the match is not official just yet.
CEO vs. DMD
Mercedes Mone and Britt Baker have spoken about wanting to work together before, but their on-screen dynamic is far more tense now that this match is likely happening this summer.
At Sunday’s AEW Forbidden Door post-show media scrum, Mone spoke about the significance of winning the Strong Women’s Championship. She took the opportunity to address Baker’s surprise return after her match, which she felt was a poor choice.
“Well, I know a certain bitch wanted to come out and decided to steal my spotlight, right? But that’s not gonna happen, because I’m gonna party all night long and show her that I am Mercedes Mone for a reason. And there’s a price to pay when you interrupt me, ok.”
AEW All In 2024 takes place Saturday, August 25 from London’s historic Wembley Stadium.
Will Ospreay proudly identifies as autistic, describing it as a ‘superpower’ that has elevated his wrestling abilities to a ‘superhero’ and ‘super genius’ level.
The reigning AEW International Champion recently spoke with Alistair McGeorge of Metro and explained why he doesn’t view the condition as a hinderance. Instead, he embraces being neurodivergent and feels it’s enabled him to become one of the top wrestlers today.
“I feel like it’s excelled my abilities to the point where I do think I’m at a superhero level, super genius level of pro wrestling now.”
Ospreay opened up about the way his mind works, and said his autism has helped him dive into something he genuinely loves and (wrestling) and become so great at it that he can share his passion with others. He enjoys being a role model and showing fans th hopes some of his fans they should fight through things holding them back.
“I do understand when people see someone and go, “I’ve got the same thing as you do and you’re on this stage. If anyone is struggling with that and is struggling to find their joy and their happiness, because they feel like this is holding you back – don’t let it hold you back. Look straight ahead at where you want to get to and then you’ll find a way of getting there.”
Earlier this year, Ospreay appeared on the Hey! EW digital series and discussed his the challenges he faced growing up with learning difficulties. Even as an adult, he needed to have someone his AEW contract to him.
“I just want to show people that, yeah, I’ve got autism,” Ospreay said. “I have ADHD as well. I’m super dyslexic. I can’t read. I had to have someone read my contract out for me.”
Ospreay is proud to show people that you can still achieve your dreams, no matter what obstacles you may face.
The former IWGP Champion became emotional after his bout with Swerve Strickland at AEW Forbidden Door 2024. You can check out what happened after the show went off the air here.
This week’s AEW Dynamite from Chicago, IL went out with a bang, as MJF revealed his true colors, proving that his recent positive streak was a carefully crafted illusion. The night’s main event saw Will Ospreay successfully retain his International Championship against Daniel Garcia in a hard-fought match.
Post-match, MJF entered the ring, initially appearing supportive of Garcia. He raised Garcia’s hand and embraced him, seemingly showing respect for his effort. However, this facade quickly crumbled as MJF suddenly delivered a vicious low blow to Garcia. What followed was a brutal assault that left Garcia bloodied and battered.
MJF’s attack escalated, targeting anyone who tried to intervene, including security personnel. The violence peaked when MJF executed a devastating piledriver on Garcia, necessitating medical attention and a stretcher job.
Ospreay attempted to come to Garcia’s aid, but MJF had already made his exit through the crowd, even engaging in heated exchanges with fans along the way.
This unexpected betrayal cements MJF’s position as one of AEW’s top heels, shattering any notions of a genuine face turn. The dramatic attack sets the stage for intense storylines in the months ahead as AEW marches towards Blood and Guts on July 24 and All in: London on August 25.
MJF will kick off AEW Collision this Saturday, July 6 on TNT from Southaven, MS. We can be sure he’ll have plenty to say about his ‘new’ attitude.
Michaels comments on the departure of Gulak and Stevenson from WWE.
The WWE roster is going through some significant changes this year. Several notable talents featured prominently on TV have either become free agents or are getting close to their contracts expiring. One of the recent talents to depart from WWE is Ricochet, who reportedly chose not to re-sign with the company.
In the case of Drew Gulak and Gable Steveson, their departure from the company in May has left fans wondering why. The reason for the former Olympic gold medalist freestyle wrestler has been unclear, as he only had one match against Baron Corbin for NXT that fans didn’t receive well. However, it has been reported that he could’ve been let go because of the lack of progression as a talent on the roster.
For Gulak, he was let go after spending nearly eight years in WWE and was being featured on NXT. The timing was also interesting as it came after former WWE superstar Ronda Rousey shared that Gulak had inappropriately touched her pants’ drawstring in 2022. In addition, after Rousey spoke out about Gulak, he was noticeably removed from TV until his departure. However, Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque(AKA Triple H) noted during the Backlash post-conference on May 4 that Gulak’s exit from the company was due to his contract expiring.
In a media call ahead of NXT Heatwave, POST Wrestling’s John Pollock asked Shawn Michaels about the departure of both Gulak and Steveson. Michaels shared that both talent contracts were set to expire, and the company chose not to keep them on the roster.
“…From my understanding, nothing on anyone’s part other than contracts being up, certainly in the place of Drew Gulak, and from a company’s standpoint, they’re not being anything from a main roster standpoint that they were going to be using him in and that’s certainly as we, here in NXT, over the last year and a half, two years, we’ve been trying to again get into a process of really keeping it fluid,” said Michaels.
He then touched on NXT’s shift towards deciding to let go of talent they believe isn’t progressing enough to be on the main roster.
“…It’s all about getting, I guess, to the main roster when everything is said and done, and if in two or three years that doesn’t happen, we have to see, you know what I mean, either bringing other people in or see if we’re ready to move on,” said Michaels.
He also congratulated Steveson on his transition to the NFL and wished him the best. That said, he echoed the new direction WWE is taking of letting go of talent they believe doesn’t have a place on the main roster or NXT.
What’s Next For Drew Gulak?
While Steveson is set to begin his career with the Buffalo Bills, Gulak is looking for success on the independent wrestling scene. He accepts bookings and trains wrestlers at Catchpoint Philadelphia alongside All Elite Wrestling superstar Wheeler Yuta and ‘Hot Sauce’ Tracy Williams.
WWE’s new stance may lead to more superstars being let go on the main roster and NXT, as they’ll evaluate when the talent contract expires. That said, there are still opportunities on the indie scene and from other promotions where talent can succeed.
AEW: Blood & Guts 2024 comes to Nashville, TN on Wednesday, July 24 at the Bridgestone Arena. The event will air live on TBS as part of a special edition of AEW Dynamite. This year, the dreaded 5-on-5 double cage match will pit Team Elite against Team AEW.
Team Elite will be The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry and one more partner TBA.
ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe is the first member to declare his participation on Team AEW. The four remaining spots will be announced in the week ahead.
#ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe the first member of Team AEW for #BloodAndGuts!
Blood & Guts is an annual TV special produced by All Elite Wrestling since 2021.
The Blood and Guts match is AEW’s version of the classic WarGames match. This involves two teams fighting inside a roofed cell structure surrounding two rings.
The event was originally scheduled for March 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually debuting in May 2021. It has since become an annual mid-year event, with subsequent shows held in June 2022 and July 2023.
The annual WWE Money in the Bank PLE takes place this Saturday, July 6 at 7 ET / 4 PT. MITB is one of the most highly-anticipated wrestling events of the year and this will be no exception. The Money in the Bank 2024 match card is stacked, with two high-stakes championship matches and of course the Men’s and Women’s MITB matches.
Count us amongst the fans excited for this weekend. Similar to the Royal Rumble, the unpredictability stemming from the ‘stipulation’ element sets MITB apart.
Stay tuned to SEScoops all weekend for our comprehensive coverage of WWE Money in the Bank 2024 and head over to our Money in the Bank hub for much more, including the full match card, match rules, a detailed explanation of what the winners get and more.
Interesting Facts about Money in the Bank:
CM Punk is the only superstar to win Money in the Bank twice consecutively (2008 and 2009).
WWE Hall of Famer Edge is the only superstar to win Money in the Bank twice without winning the ladder match (he won in 2005 and then took the briefcase from Mr. Kennedy in 2007).
The briefcase has changed hands without being cashed in three times: Mr. Kennedy lost it to Edge (2007), Otis lost it to The Miz (2020), and James Ellsworth retrieved it for Carmella, leading to a controversy and rematch (2017).
John Cena was the first superstar to unsuccessfully cash in his contract (2012).
Seth Rollins made history by cashing in during a match at WrestleMania 31, turning a singles match into a triple threat (2015).
Carmella held her contract for 287 days, the longest of any superstar (2017-2018).
Three superstars have cashed in on the same night they won the contract: Kane (2010), Alexa Bliss (2018), and Bayley (2019).
The 2020 Money in the Bank matches were uniquely held at WWE Headquarters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asuka’s 2020 win resulted in her being awarded the Raw Women’s Championship without a cash-in match, as Becky Lynch relinquished the title due to pregnancy.
Theory became the first superstar to attempt cashing in on a non-world championship when he challenged for the United States Championship in 2022.
The 2023 event was the first to be held outside the United States, taking place in London, England.
There have been 30 Money in the Bank ladder matches in total since the concept’s inception in 2005 through 2023.
Money in the Bank Craziest Moments
WWE released a new video highlighting the Top 10 most devastating crash landings in Money in the Bank history. Check it out now while it lasts, because this list will almost certainly be outdated after what’s in store this weekend.
It’s Wednesday and you know what that means – AEW Dynamite will be live tonight on TNT from Chicago, Illinois at the Wintrust Arena. This will be as special Beach Break edition of Dynamite, presented by Shark Week, which is hosted by none other than John Cena.
AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door is in the history books. Swerve Strickland remains the AEW World Champion, while TNT Champion Mercedes Mone now also holds NJPW’s Strong Women’s Championship. Dr. Britt Baker is back and has sights on getting her title back.
Dynamite Preview (July 3, 2024)
Tonight on AEW Dynamite: Beach Break 2024, the Owen Hart Foundation tournaments continue, we’ll hear Britt Baker and more:
Matches
Daniel Garcia challenges Will Ospreay for the AEW International Championship
Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Semifinals
Bryan Danielson vs. PAC
Jeff Jarrett vs. Wild Card (chosen by The Young Bucks)
Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Semifinals
Kris Statlander vs. Willow Nightingale
Segments
We’ll hear from Dr. Britt Baker
Mercedes Mone will host a Double Championship celebration. She now holds the AEW TBS Championship and the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship.
WWE may be bringing back another WCW pay-per-view to give it a new paint job in the PLE era.
The company has filed for the trademark “SuperBrawl” under the United States Patent and Trademark Office and it’s not for merchandise purchases, but for broadcast media purposes.
WCW SuperBrawl became one of the company’s most notable PPVs during its run with Ric Flair battling Tatsumi Fujinami in the inaugural SuperBrawl I out of St. Petersburg, FL. SuperBrawl VIII was actually where Scott Steiner infamously turned on his brother Rick to join the NWO. Serendipituosly enough, Scott Steiner competed in main event against Kevin Nash at SuperBrawl Revenge, the final version of the event before WCW ultimately closed its doors in 2001.
Back in 2019, Cody Rhodes attempted to secure the rights to the SuperBrawl name, but he and WWE came to an agreement on the situation.
In the past WWE has used the Starrcade name to promote live events, but it’s been the NXT brand who has really embraced the nostalgia of notable PPVs from the past. Halloween Havoc and Great American Bash has been an appointment events for NXT as has the classic WWE property In Your House.
With SuperBrawl having it’s obvious ties to “Super Bowl” WWE could be angling for a PLE around February which is also when the original SuperBrawl fell on WCW’s calender. WWE’s trademark following for “SuperBrawl” reads as follows:
“Exhibition of professional wrestling events rendered through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing wrestling news and information through broadcast media including television and distributed via various platforms across multiple forms of transmission media; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information.”
WWE’s NXT Heatwave is set to take place on Money in the Bank weekend and it’s looking like a pretty decent card on paper.
We’ll be going over every match confirmed for the card in this article, including the main event Fatal Four Way match that sees Je’Von Evans get his first ever PLE main event spot (deservedly!).
NXT Heatwave Main Card Matches
NXT Championship Match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Ethan Page vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Shawn Spears
In the main event, Trick Williams will defend his NXT Championship against three opponents: Ethan Page, Je’Von Evans, and Shawn Spears.
NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Nathan Frazer & Axiom (c) vs. Chase U (Andre Chase & Duke Hudson)
The dynamic duo of Nathan Frazer and Axiom will defend their NXT Tag Team Championships against the ever-popular team of Chase U, comprised of Andre Chase and Duke Hudson.
NXT North American Championship Match: Oba Femi (c) vs. Wes Lee
Oba Femi will put his NXT North American Championship on the line against Wes Lee. Femi’s power and intensity have made him a formidable champion, but Wes Lee’s agility and in-ring prowess present a serious threat for his title reign.
NXT Women’s Championship Match: Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Lola Vice
Roxanne Perez will defend her NXT Women’s Championship against the rising star Lola Vice. Perez has shown resilience and skill in her title reign, but Vice’s recent run seems to indicate that she is ready to seize the spotlight.
NXT Women’s North American Championship Match: Kelani Jordan (c) vs. Sol Ruca
In another exciting championship match, Kelani Jordan will defend her NXT Women’s North American Championship against Sol Ruca.
Pre-Show Tag Team Match: Arianna Grace & Karmen Petrovic vs. Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx
The pre-show will feature a tag team match where Arianna Grace teams up with Karmen Petrovic to take on Jacy Jayne and Jazmyn Nyx.
Olympic gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock made her highly anticipated in-ring debut for WWE this evening from Orlando, FL. She competed against Wren Sinclair in a match taped for the NXT Level Up digital series.
Vic Damone Jr. was in attendance for the match and shared that Tamara Mensah-Stock is using the name Tyra Mae Steele in WWE.
Tamyra Mensah-Stock won a gold medal in wrestling for Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021). She dominated the 68kg women’s freestyle wrestling category, defeating Nigeria’s Blessing Oborududu in the final match. Her Olympic greatness caught the attention of many, including WWE.
In 2023, she signed with WWE. This move marked the beginning of her transition from amateur wrestling to the world of professional wrestling entertainment.
Its OFFICIAL. I've signed with the @WWE WHAT A FREAKING AWESOME OPPORTUNITY! @USAWrestling Sweep Queen out! ?? ?
— Tamyra Mensah Stock (Tyra Mae Steele WWE) (@MensahTamStock) May 6, 2023
While fellow Olympian Gable Steveson’s WWE journey derailed (he signed with the Buffalo Bills in May), Mensah-Stock’s journey from Olympic champion to WWE prospect has excited fans eager to see how her athletic skills and charismatic personality will translate to the unique world of pro wrestling.
Mercedes Mone loves the WWE, but she says they were difficult to deal with when she was offered a role in The Mandalorian.
Speaking on HOT 97 in promotion for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, the former Sasha Banks talked about her time under the Star Wars banner as Koska Reeves, and how WWE wasn’t as enthused with her being in a galaxy far, far away.
“I love WWE but they tried so hard to not make me do the Mandalorian and put me on house shows when I was supposed to film.”
Mercedes noted that WWE would put her on house shows to further complicate her Mandalorian aspirations.
“It was pulling teeth just to get on that show.”
So happy they didn’t succeed in stopping her and she’s in a good place now, absolutely crazy. pic.twitter.com/4yoHl0giHz
Someone who is familiar with pulling teeth is Mone’s next big rival in AEW, Britt Baker, DMD. Mone secured a solid victory against Stephanie Vacquer on Sunday before Baker walked out to make clear she has her eyes on Mercedes multiple gold.
In the past, WWE garnered a reputation for not being supportive of talent outside the “WWE Universe.” Even back when Batista first got casted as Drax The Destroyer in Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy franchise, WWE didn’t do any promotion for the film despite the fact that “The Animal” made his return for WrestleMania XXX.
Another talent familiar with WWE stonewalling their silver screen aspirations was The Rock. Aside from his WWE film projects, WWE didn’t exactly herald The Rock’s initial rise stardom until he came back into the company fold. On the flip side of that, The Rock had to distance himself a little from his pro wrestling past when he tried his hand at Hollywood.
Circumstances may be greatly different in WWE without Vince McMahon at the helm. With The Rock now on the TKO Board Of Directors and Triple H being more open-minded, Mone and other modern talent could be getting the WWE support from outside ventures.
