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Fact Check: Detroit Sports Commission Denies Plans To Bid For WrestleMania 43

Thomas Lowson
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Detroit is not preparing a bid to host WrestleMania 43 despite ongoing speculation, according to the city’s Sports Commission. 

It was recently reported that the Motor City is preparing to make a bid to host the Showcase of the Immortals in 2027. If successful, it would be the third time WrestleMania comes to Michigan, following WrestleMania 3 in Pontiac and WrestleMania 23 in Detroit. 

While there’s no shortage of fans who’d love to see WrestleMania return to Detroit, that, apparently, won’t be happening just yet. In a statement, to The Detroit News, the Detroit Sports Commission denied that a bid is in the works. 

”Contrary to recent speculation, the DSC is not currently in the process of preparing a bid to host WrestleMania in 2027. However, we remain enthusiastic about the prospect of hosting future major WWE events. The Detroit Sports Commission values its strong relationship with WWE and is proud to have hosted some of their premier events across the Metro Detroit region.

“We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with WWE and welcoming more thrilling events to our vibrant city in the years to come.”

The show will apparently not come to Detroit.

While WrestleMania 43 won’t be coming to Detroit (or at least those in the city claim,) the city has hosted plenty of WWE events. The Motor City is one of a select few cities to have hosted the promotion’s ‘Big Four’ events. In addition to WrestleMania, Detroit hosted Survivor Series in 1991 and 1999, the Royal Rumble in 2005 and 2009, and SummerSlam in 2023. 

Philadelphia Would Love to Host WrestleMania Again, Will Have Talks with WWE

The Future of WrestleMania

WrestleMania 41 will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 19 and April 20, the latest in a calendar year that the show has taken place. Las Vegas bested Minneapolis for the event, despite the latter city once being considered a favorite for the 2025 event. 

It’s no secret that the UK is eager to host WWE’s first non-North American WrestleMania, an idea endorsed by John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and recently re-elected London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Saudi Arabian officials is also interested in bringing WrestleMania to their nation as part of a revamped deal with WWE. With that said, Nick Khan has said WWE’s Big Four will remain in North America for the time being. 

SGW Uganda Star Sanjuki Inks Contract of Honor To Face Will Ospreay

Bishal Roy
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Soft Ground Wrestling (SGW) Uganda is making a mark on the pro wrestling world and one of its wrestlers Sanjuki The Bull is looking for a match against AEW’s Will Ospreay.

SGW, the promotion based in Uganda has gained some massive popularity on social media in recent months and several prominent wrestlers have supported the promotion. They have gone the extra mile as Sanjuki has already inked a contract of honor and has challenged ‘The Aerial Assassin’ for a Forbidden Door Centurion Match. 

In a video clip posted on SGW’s X account, Sanjuki delivered a passionate promo and said that Ospreay has no idea what’s coming for him. He made it clear that he’s not afraid of the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and it’s “bad news” for the latter.

SGW features a soil ring instead of a traditional pro wrestling ring. They also use string ropes similar to pro wrestling ropes. The steel posts are replaced by bamboo posts at the four corners. This is a unique setup that garnered attraction on social media. SGW Uganda is not only a wrestling promotion but they also train over 180 aspiring wrestlers. 

Fans on social media were impressed with the effort of the promotion and set up a GoFundMe campaign to extend support. It soon came to light that the ground where they perform is rented and faced financial issues. Will Ospreay was among the first wrestlers who came across SGW. ‘The Aerial Assassin’ had contributed $2,000 to the promotion. 

Will Ospreay is heading to SGW 

Last month, during the AEW Dynasty Media Scrum, Ospreay said that he was eager to wrestle in Uganda. Recently, speaking on Swerve City Podcast, the 31-year-old confirmed that he would make an appearance in the Ugandan promotion. He said:

“You have no idea what’s coming lads. Listen I will come. Don’t you worry”

It was recently revealed that wrestlers have been able to raise a whopping amount for SGW which will help them keep the momentum going for the better things to come.

WWE SmackDown Preview: King and Queen of the Ring Tournament First-Round Matches

Thomas Lowson
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WWE’s search for its next King and Queen of the Ring will continue with an exciting line-up for the May 10, episode of WWE SmackDown. 

The two tournaments began on this week’s episode of Raw and will conclude at WWE King and Queen of the Ring 2024 later this month. The show will be the latest event from WWE to take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the first PLE related to the King of the Ring stipulation since 2002. 

Five exciting tournament matches have been confirmed for this week’s SmackDown. 

Men’s Matches on SmackDown

Two men’s division matches have been confirmed for the upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown with royal stakes on the line:

In a WrestleMania 35 rematch, AJ Styles will face Randy Orton in what will likely be an epic collision between former WWE World Champions.

With Bobby Lashley pulled due to an injury, Angelo Dawkins will take the All Mighty’s place in a first-round match against the Bloodline’s Tama Tonga. 

 Women’s Matches on SmackDown

New WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Bianca Belair will look to keep her winning ways going when she takes on Candice LeRae. 

Belair’s partner will also hope to advance when she faces Piper Niven, who was a finalist in the 2021 Queen’s Crown Tournament but lost to Zelina Vega. 

It’ll be a battle of the Anoai-Fatu family when Naomi takes on Nia Jax with a spot in the Queen of the Ring quarter-finals up for grabs. 

More from SmackDown

Tonight’s SmackDown will also see Cody Rhodes seek a new challenger for his Undisputed WWE Championship. The American Nightmare retained against AJ Styles at WWE Backlash France. Names advertised for tonight’s show at the Mohegan Sun Arena include U.S. Champion Logan Paul, Women’s Champion Bayley, LA Knight and AJ Styles. As always, the card is subject to change. 

Skye Blue Grateful For Support After Being Harassed By Unruly Fan At AEW/ROH Event

Thomas Lowson
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Multiple names from Ring of Honor were commended backstage for their conduct during an unfortunate incident at the most recent tapings. ROH tapings took place after the May 8, episode of Dynamite and saw a ‘fan’ act inappropriately during a match between Skye Blue and Rachel Ellering. The man, who had a child with him, made a series of sexual comments at Blue and focused on her appearance. Blue would later tell the man to “not be such a pervert” and later told the man to “f*** off” when the action spilled to the outside, according to one live report from PWInsider. 

Skye Blue

While Blue and Ellering were battling on the floor, referee Aubrey Edwards spoke with security who confronted the man who grew increasingly angry. The man was ejected from the show.

Skye Blue was said to be visibly upset as she headed to the backstage area immediately after the match according to a different fan’s account of the situation shared to Reddit. AEW officials praised Skye and Ellering for keeping the match together despite the obvious distraction at ringside. 

Support for Skye Blue

The clearly-inappropriate conduct from the fan has spawned a lot of responses on social media. On Twitter, Rachel Ellering said she’d never heard such vulgar comments said about a wrestler and made clear this went beyond mere heckling. 

Aubrey Edwards made clear she wouldn’t tolerate such comments made at anyone, stating that inappropriate conduct has no place in professional wrestling. 

Skye Blue Reacts

Skye Blue herself was appreciative of the support she received and hopes that there’ll be a time when women in wrestling aren’t treated this way. 

This unfortunately wasn’t the only time lines were crossed at the taping. During the AEW Dynamite match between Harley Cameron and Mariah May, fans in the front row were heard making vulgar comments at the pair. This was pointed out on the show by Saraya. While it’s unclear if this incident was caused by the same person in Blue’s situation, Saraya made her views clear on social media. 

https://twitter.com/Saraya/status/1788534963526087142

The comments aimed at Blue and others at the taping were highly inappropriate and do not reflect the vast majority of people who attended the tapings of AEW Dynamtie and ROH. Hopefully, this will be the last time Blue, Cameron, Saraya, May, and others have to deal with this individual as his harassment was certainly not wanted at the show. 

Champions Challenge Set for 5/16 Show in Biggest TNA iMPACT Main Event in History

Thomas Lowson
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Fans attending the May 16, episode of TNA iMPACT will more than get their money’s worth as they’ll be witness to the “biggest” main event in the show’s history. 

The Champion’s Challenge has been announced by TNA’s resident Director of Authority Santino Marella and will see all champions in TNA Wrestling face their challengers in a colossal 16-person intergender tag-team match. The teams break down as follows

At this time, there’s no word on whether there will be any type of prize for the winning team, and it’s believed that this will be a non-title match. With that said, the winning team will have plenty of bragging rights going forward. 

What’s to Come? 

This match could have huge ramifications for TNA’s next monthly special event, which will be Against All Odds. The show will take place on June 14, from the Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois. At this time, no matches have been confirmed for the show. 

The May 16, episode of TNA iMPACT will also see Ash By Elegance take on second-generation star Xia Brookside. Alan Angels will face off against the high-flying Leon Slater on the show. 

SmackDown’s Return to USA Network Confirmed For 9/13, WWE Week Announced

Thomas Lowson
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WWE SmackDown will return to the USA Network on September 13 after five years on FOX, a press release from NBC Universal has confirmed. 

It was last year that it was confirmed that SmackDown will return to the USA Network in 2024, ending the blue brand’s five-year tenure on FOX. In the statement, it is confirmed that the first episode back on the USA Network will come this September. 

“Starting in September and through the end of 2024, USA Network will serve as the exclusive linear home of the WWE’s two tentpole franchises, “WWE Monday Night RAW” and “WWE SmackDown,” which returns to the network on Sept. 13 as part of a new multi-year partnership.”

Fans will get just more than WWE SmackDown on the USA Network, as the press release also confirms that a ‘WWE Week’ will commence on September 9. The network will air films from the “Fast and the Furious” franchise starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, “Blockers” starring John Cena, and the Peacock documentary “Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal. 

SmackDown will return to the USA Network this September. 

The Future of WWE’s Broadcasts

WWE SmackDown isn’t the only show that will soon find itself a new home. This year, WWE NXT will move to the CW Network after years as part of the USA Network. The five-year broadcast deal sees NXT become the latest sports show on the CW as the network also broadcasts ACC football and basketball games airing every Saturday throughout the season and LIV Golf.

The biggest change coming will affect Monday Night Raw, which will leave syndicated broadcast programming and move to Netflix in January 2025. The ten-year deal is estimated to be worth $5 billion and can be shortened or extended depending on how the parties involved feel. Those outside of the U.S. will see Netflix host Raw, SmackDown, WWE NXT, and PLEs. 

Wheeler Yuta Health Update

Dominic DeAngelo
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Fans haven’t seen Wheeler Yuta on AEW television for months and unfortunately, it’s unknown when the young star could be returning.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Yuta is reportedly dealing with concussion symptoms and there is no update as to when he could return.

Yuta hasn’t wrestled since January when he lost to Eddie Kingston for the Triple Crown Championship.

Even despite him being a heel, Yuta has been a fan favorite ever since arriving to AEW. He originally was a babyface as he found himself alongside The Best Friends, but now the group is greatly fractured.

Yuta found a new version of himself once he joined The Blackpool Combat Club. Working alongside the likes of Claudio Castagnoli, Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley and even William Regal, Yuta had his game elevated and in turn, his personality as a wrestler. Danielson noted that he’s really appreciated seeing the growth of Yuta since they joined Blackpool Combat Club forces.

Wheeler was the ROH Pure Champion before getting hurt and was making a memorable run with the title. His last post on X was on January 13 and actually involved his hatred for the aformentioned Kingston as well as some respective New York sports teams.

“I hate Eddie Kingston, the Yankees, and the New York Football Giants.”

However, Yuta did like a Tweet at the end of April, indicating that he’d like to square off against fellow AEW star Ortiz in singles action, a name who also hasn’t been seen on AEW television in awhile.

Cost-Cutting Ordered For Warner Bros. Discovery After Ending 2023 In Debt

Dominic DeAngelo
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Warner Bros. Discovery will be undergoing some financial shifting in 2024 and it’s from the order of their CEO David Zazlov.

Bloomsberg is reporting that Zazlov has told the WBD brass to look for viable cost-cutting opportunities so the company can hit its financial targets over the course of the next couple of years.

This includes the possibilty of layoffs, something in which WBD had done over the last year. The company laid off 2,000 employees through 2023. By the end of the year, WBD was $44.2 billion with $4.3 billion cash-on-hand.

According to sources from Bloomsberg, Warner Bros. Discovery streaming department alone contains a great deal of the budget, adding up to over hundred of millions of dollars. A huge portion of that is focused in the marketing and technology work that’s involved.

Warner Bros. Discovery could be seeing some major changes forthcoming as they were unable to negotiate a new deal with the National Basketball Association within their exclusive window. Being a live sports entity, NBA will be a hot ticket to acquire from competitors with several names mentioned to be in the mix including NBCUniversal and Amazon.

The fact that the NBA could be gone from WBD’s catalogue initially seemed promising for AEW, but if the company lieutenants feel AEW isn’t delivering as a return on investment, “cost-cutting” may be applied. to their weekly pro wrestling product.

NBC will be sitting pretty with a big live sports entity as not only will SmackDown be heading to USA Network in 2025, but RAW will also be sticking around until they make the leap to Netflix.

MLW Lucha Apocolypto Coming To Chicago November 9

Tyriece Simon
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0

 This Saturday, Major League Wrestling returns to Triller TV+ on May 11 for Azteca Lucha in Cicero, Illinois. The May 11 event will occur at the Cicero Stadium with an exciting card mixed with MLW and CMLL talent. As the event draws near, the company has shared that it will be coming back to the venue later this year for Luca Apocolypto. 

MLW’s decision to host Azateca Lucha in Cicero, Illinois, has proven successful, as the company has touted that they have sold out the venue. In a press release, it was revealed that it took half a month to fill the Cicero Stadium. 

MLW Lucha Apocalypto

In celebration of their achievement, MLW announced on their website that they’ll return to Cicero Stadium on November 9 for Lucha Apocolypto. The company shared that tickets will go on sale on May 14, starting at $10. 

“…As a thank you to Chicago fans for selling out Chicago for our May 11 event a half-month in advance, the November return will be a special fan appreciation event with tickets starting at $10,” wrote MLW in a press release. 

In addition to the announcement, MLW revealed that it will be another collaborative event with CMLL. MLW partnered with the popular Lucha Libre promotion and New Japan Pro Wrestling last year. Wrestling fans have seemingly enjoyed the collaborative events, as MLW aims to open the ‘Forbidden Door’ to create dream matches. 

At this time, no matches have been announced for Lucha Apocolypto, but MLW has shared that more announcements will be coming about it on their website. 

MLW Azteca Lucha: Mistico vs. Barbaro Cavernario

More On MLW Azteca Lucha Card

Although MLW looks forward to the November 9 event, all eyes are focused on their show this weekend. MLW Azteca Lucha will feature seven matches, including three championship matchups. 

The main event of Azteca Lucha has MLW MLW World Middleweight Champion Mistico defending his title against Barbaro Cavernario. The match will mark Mistico’s second time putting his championship on the line. He won MLW gold after defeating  Rocky Romero at MLW Intimidation Games on February 29. Cavernario aims to achieve the big upset win and put an end to Mistico’s reign as champion. 

Full MLW Azteca Lucha Card

(Match Card Is Subject To Change)

  • (C) Rickey Shane Page vs. Bad Dude Tito-MLW National Openweight Championship Match
  • Second Gear Crew (1 Called Manders & Mathew Justice) vs. CozyMAX(Satoshi Kojima & Okumura)-Vacant MLW Tag Team Championship Match

  • Matt Riddle vs. Josh Bishop with Saint Laurent

  • Averno & Magnus with Cesar Duran vs. Fuego & Star Jr.

  • Atlantis, Guerrero Maya Jr. with Cesar Duran & Jesus Rodriguez vs. Felino, Villano III Jr. & Virus-Six-Man Tag Team Match

  • Ultimo Guerrero with Cesar Duran vs. Atlantis Jr. 

  • (C) Mistico with Cesar Duran vs. Barbaro Cavernario-MLW World Middleweight Championship Match

Adam Copeland On Being ‘Really Close’ To Signing With AEW In Late 2019

Tyriece Simon
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0

After signing with them late last year, Adam Copeland is having a career resurgence in All Elite Wrestling. He is currently the AEW TNT Champion and is competing against great wrestlers he’s never faced before in the company. Although AEW fans are enjoying his run, they could have seen him on the roster a lot sooner than 2023. 

In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Copeland shared that he was in talks with AEW in late 2019 and almost joined then. At the time, he was trying to get medically cleared to wrestle after retiring from wrestling in 2011. While he was having talks with WWE about returning, he admitted that he had great conversations with AEW and was “really close” to signing with them. 

“…So when I first started talking with AEW, I wasn’t yet cleared,” said Copeland. He continued, “…I still wasn’t cleared by company doctors, right? So once all of those clearances started to come, I was like, Oh, this is real now. Okay. So before I did anything, I had to go kind of get the final clearance needed for either company, and I had negotiated with everybody.” 

Ultimately, Copeland had a sit down with former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and he was able to convince him to make his return at the WWE Royal Rumble on January 26, 2020. He acknowledged that he had no regrets about signing with WWE because of the moment he had made his entrance in the match. 

Copeland would stick around with WWE for over three years before jumping to AEW on October 1, 2023. 

Adam Copeland On What’s Next After AEW Contract Expires

Copeland’s contract with AEW is a multi-year, full-time deal with the expectation that it will expire in 2026. Although he looks in great shape at 50, he is still uncertain if he will wrestle after his deal ends. 

In the interview, he shared that he is balancing his career and family life well. That said, it will depend on how he feels when it’s time to renew. 

“…If I can keep performing at a level, but more importantly on a level I can feel proud of. I just don’t want to get to a point where I’m really struggling, and it’s just pulling teeth to get it done. I don’t want to do that, and thankfully, I’m at a point in my career where I don’t have to do that,” said Copeland. 

The AEW TNT Champion also mentioned how he hopes his work ethic can be a life lesson for his daughters and that he can inspire them. That said, he also wants to make sure he is there for them, and thankfully, his schedule hasn’t impacted his family time.  

Copeland is having fun and is motivated to compete with the best in AEW. For fans wondering about his future, he seems open to re-sign if he can still compete at a high level and manage his life outside wrestling.  

Adam Copeland Tried To Get Gangrel Involved In WWE Brood Return

Dominic DeAngelo
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Adam Copeland wanted to get Gangrel back in the mix with WWE, even if it was brief.

The former Edge spoke with Chris Van Vliet on Insight and gave a little “insight” as to him bringing back the notorious Brood entrance for WWE Day 1 2022. Copeland made the play to get Gangrel to rise back up alongside him much akin to the Attitude Era, but revealed that idea was shot down by WWE.

“So this isn’t a knock on WWE, but I’d always get the, ‘Well nobody remembers.’ People remember, wrestling fans remember and I think wrestling fans want to be rewarded for remembering. And that’s a way to reward them. That’s what I’ve always felt.”

Copeland cited the recent return of Matt Cardona to AEW who challenged Adam for his TNT Championship on an episode of AEW Collision. Copeland knows that fans remember Cardona’s time as an ‘Edge Head’ and it was a way to bring something special back for the audience. However, he just couldn’t get WWE behind bringing back Gangrel, the original leader of The Brood.

“That was one I just kept getting shut down. I realised, okay, that was not a hill to die on because it didn’t get to happen. It’s not my sandbox, I got to do with what I’ve been given.”

Gangrel did happen to show up for The Young Bucks’ entrance back when they were feuding with The Hardys so the possibility of The Brood boiling up certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Copeland could use some extra help as he continues to feud with House of Black in build to Double or Nothing in Las Vegas.

Please h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.

Bobby Lashley Drops Out From King of the Ring Due To Injury, His Replacement

Thomas Lowson
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The 2024 King of the Ring tournament will continue on this week’s SmackDown, but will go on ahead without Bobby Lashley. 

Taking to social media, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis shared news that Lashley has been pulled from the tournament as he is not medically cleared to compete. Aldis stated that the two-time former WWE Champion suffered a training-related injury but did not share any further details. In his place, fellow The Pride member Angelo Dawkins will be a part of the tournament.

This is a huge setback for Lashley, who has gotten tantalizingly close to being crowned King in the past. In 2006, Lashley made it to the finals of that year’s royal tournament before losing to Booker T. 

While this is a blow to Lashley, his removal has provided Angelo Dawkins with a golden opportunity. Known predominantly as a tag-team wrestler, a strong performance in the King of the Ring tournament could put a lot of eyes on the Street Profits member. In October 2022, it was said that Dawkins was impressing a lot of the right people backstage, but a singles push has yet to emerge.

Lashley won’t compete in this year’s King of the Ring tournament. 

Tournament Replacements

Lashley is the latest name in this year’s regal festivities to be replaced. Drew McIntyre was scheduled to face Finn Balor in a first-round match before also being pulled. Balor instead faced Jey Uso and lost to the ‘Main Event’ talent in the first round on Raw.

 Xavier Woods, the 2021 King, has been replaced by Kofi Kingston as the UpUpDownDown leader is also not cleared to compete. Kingston will face Rey Mysterio on next week’s Raw. Asuka was scheduled to compete in the Queen of the Ring tournament but due to her injuries, has been replaced by Dakota Kai. The Kiwi Superstar was defeated by Lyra Valkyria in the first round. 

WWE SmackDown Matches 

Dawkins will have a lot to prove on this Friday’s SmackDown, as will the man he faces in the first-round match: Tama Tonga.

In a WrestleMania 35 rematch, AJ Styles will face Randy Orton in what will likely be an epic collision between former WWE World Champions. 

The newly-drafted Carmelo Hayes hopes to make an impact after his recent loss to Cody Rhodes when he faces 2019 King of the Ring Baron Corbin.

The Megastar LA Knight hopes to advance but will face to overcome Santos Escobar (and likely interference from Legado Del Fantasma) to do so. 

Ricardo Rodriguez Reflects on WWE Exit A Decade Later & Finding A Home in MLW

Scott Fishman
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It’s been almost a decade since Jesús Rodríguez (Ricardo Rodriguez) was released from WWE. Since then, he has gone on a soul-searching journey that has led him to Major League Wrestling. 

A company Rodriguez was grateful to find at this stage of his career, taking all he has learned and experienced to put forth the best version of himself. I recently spoke with the talented performer about his experience wrestling for WWE and what he’s enjoying in Major League Wrestling (MLW).

His WWE Exit

“It’s honestly amazing thinking back 10 years ago,’ Rodriguez said. “The story is, I called the [WWE] office and told them, ‘Hey I’m done. I’m not happy. I’m still at home. I didn’t get on the plane.’ When they just said, ‘Well stay home and we’ll talk and figure it out.’ They called me back a few days later and said, ‘Yeah, we’ll grant you your release.’ I was like thank you.”

At the time he was in his late 20s. He likened it to your first big breakup in high school. A time when you think your life is over and that you’ll never find love again. The ring announcer and pro wrestler learned that the only thing he could control was how he reacted to things.

“Life is going to happen on life’s terms. I didn’t react the proper way,” Rodriguez recalled. “I was very angry and bitter. I just hated life and wrestling and anybody that was, in my mind, opposing me in what I wanted to accomplish. It took a while to control how I reacted. I had to learn that aspect. 

It’s no secret because I am very open about it, my addiction issue. Getting sober and clean was a huge step forward and realizing all that. I am grateful in hindsight that I went through all that to appreciate what I have now. Opportunities I was given when I learned to appreciate things and being more mindful. Now I’m in a situation now with an amazing company that we are leading into.”

Rather than leave the business, Rodriguez found a renewed motivation. He worked with The Great Khali to open the market up in India. This wasn’t the only stop on his international travel with stops in Europe, Australia, and of course, Mexico. Rodriguez, who had a great run with Alberto Del Rio, took his knowledge to helping run schools including a year in Cairo, even maneuvering through the uncertainty of COVID.

MLW

Looking back, Rodriguez is happy to go through the lows in order to truly appreciate the highs, many of which the veteran is getting in MLW as a member of Salina de La Renta’s Promociones Dorado. Rodriguez, who also helps as a producer and behind the scenes like de La Renta, can’t be happier to watch her success onscreen and offscreen working with the women’s division. 

“It’s amazing because I’ve known her for her entire career,” Rodriguez said. “The same for Janai Kai, who I’ve know since the very first day she walked into a wrestling school. It’s rewarding to see their growth and development now…and the presence they have. It’s so admirable if you look at it and the presence they carry with them. I feel like this is portrayed on camera which is very hard to teach.”

MLW in Chicago at Cicero Stadium

Rodriguez, who helps the next generation through Three Legacies Wrestling, takes pride in seeing so much representation across the board in regards to the Latin American community. So much MLW has built a brand and show Azteca Lucha on May 11 when the company returns to a sold-out Chicago’s Cicero Stadium. Rodriguez will team with Atlantis, and Guerrero Maya Jr. to face El Felino, Virus, and Villano III Jr. as the war with Cesar Duran continues.

“It’s amazing to me as a lucha libre fan because I grew up on lucha libre. To be in a trios match with partners like this is amazing to me. The very first wrestling hero I had was Atlantis. To be partnered up with him is a dream come true…I did spend a lot of time with a top heel in the industry so I may have a trick or two to secure that victory.

“We have Azteca Lucha and sold out. We’re building this relationship with CMLL which is very important. We’re able to provider great luchadors from Mexico, the United States, and internationally. Who is to say there isn’t going to be an MLW takeover in Mexico and Arena México? It would be huge. We have a lot of amazing events coming up.”

MLW Azteca Lucha airs airs at 10 p.m. ET, May 11 on Triller TV+

WWE 2K24: Terry Funk Entrance Video From First DLC Pack Out 5/15

Aaron Varble
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We have a first look at the DLC character of hardcore legend Terry Funk in WWE 2K24. The all-time great is part of the the first DLC pack for the game, the ECW Punk Pack that will be available Wednesday, May 15. 

WWE and 2K have been giving first looks at the ECW Punk Pack characters, including The Sandman and The Dudley Boyz. Today, it’s a screenshot of the great Terry Funk. CM Punk is the final remaining member of the pack.

Terry Funk’s contributions to the pro wrestling business are vast, and he picked up championships all over the globe in over 50 years in the pro wrestling business. Sadly, he passed away on August 23, 2023. While the specific cause of his death has not been disclosed, it is known that he was dealing with health problems and was living in a nursing home at the time. He will forever be remembered as a legend and a trailblazer, one who influenced generations after him.

Future WWE 2K24 DLC Packs:

After the ECW Punk Pack release on 5/15, here’s the release schedule for the remaining WWE 2K24 DLC packs:

  • June 26: DLC Pack #2 (“Post Malone & Friends Pack”)
    • Includes Post Malone, Sensational Sherri, Mosh, Thrasher, Honky Tonk Man, Jimmy Hart Manager, MyFACTION Superstar Cards
  • July 24: DLC Pack #3 (“Pat McAfee Show Pack”)
    • Features Pat McAfee, Ty Schmit, Boston Connor, AJ Hawk, Darius Butler, additional MyFACTION Superstar Cards
  • September 20: DLC Pack #4 (“Global Superstars Pack”)
    • Includes Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, Michelle McCool, Carlito, Kairi Sane, Lyra Valkyria, Dragon Lee, MyFACTION Superstar Cards
  • November 13: DLC Pack #5 (“WCW Pack”)
    • Features Diamond Dallas Page, Iron Sheik, Mr. Perfect, Great Muta, Lex Luger, MyFACTION Superstar Cards

WWE 2K24 Release & Reception

WWE 2K24 dropped on March 8, 2024, with Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley leading the promotional charge as the game’s cover Superstars. Cody was featured on the standard edition of the game. Ripley and Belair were on the special edition, making history as the first females to share the cover in the process. The special 40 Years of WrestleMania cover of the game saw an alteration after Brock Lesnar was scrubbed from the game.

The game is available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Critics have responded positively to the game. They highlight its improvements and refinements from previous versions.

IGN and GameSpot each gave the game a score of 8 out of 10. Metacritic has given it a score of 81%. Users have also shared their opinions, rating it 3.7 based on 316 reviews. In our exclusive review, we gave WWE 2K24 a score of 8.5 out of 10:

Tony Khan On How AEW Interviews Differ From WWE

Dominic DeAngelo
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Tony Khan continues to embrace the “challenger brand” identity of AEW and think that’s conveyed in his roster interviews.

The AEW President spoke with Rich Ucchino on Cincy 360, and Khan continued to praise his company for exciting matches, but also the ability for his stars to speak behind the microphone. Khan also made reference that unlike WWE, their promos can lead towards organic cadence.

“In AEW, I think people really feel a connection with the wrestlers. We don’t script the interviews here. People go out, they’re talking about, maybe they got bullet points and key pieces of information they’re trying to get out, but it feels like you’re hearing a real person talk, which isn’t always the way it feels with some of the competition’s interviews. I think that’s one major difference.

Khan goes on to state that while the AEW athleticism is top-tier, he puts over the personalities of the roster too, something that he believes is conveyed through their unscripted promos.

“I think our biggest strength is the quality of athletes and the charisma of our biggest stars. Some of the biggest names in wrestling are in AEW, and there’s a reason why these big free agents want to come here to AEW. It’s because this is where the best wrestle.”

Khan is hoping that charisma comes out at AEW Double Or Nothing when Team AEW aims to battle The Elite in an Anarchy In Arena match in Las Vegas. On Wednesday’s Dynamite, Eddie Kingston, FTR and Bryan Danielson stepped up to challenge The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada and Jack Perry.

Please h/t to WrestleZone for the transcription.

Randy Orton Praises Creative Changes In Paul Levesque Era Of WWE

Dominic DeAngelo
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Randy Orton enjoys the consistency of the new WWE product since Triple H has fully taken over of the company’s creative, but thanks two other employees for helping with that direction.

Speaking with “Adam’s Apple,” ‘The Viper’ gave his thoughts on the fresh, new and steady direction that Paul Levesque has implemented under his watchful eye.

“With Nick Khan, HHH, and Bruce Prichard, so many things have changed from a creative standpoint. They’re thinking months and months in advance. Before, we were flying by the seat of our pants. Creative was changed mins before we went live each week. I don’t mean sometimes. I mean, each week.”

Orton said that there’d be days where it would be 5:00 PM on the east coast and changes were still be made to the show that was airing in just a few hours. That aspect created for some very stressful moments. Under the Triple H regime, there’s more time laid ahead for talent to implement their own creativity.

“So just purely from a creative standpoint, you’re able to let it marinate and think about, okay, how am I gonna do this? Or how can I make this better? Or maybe there are tweaks, but you don’t do it ten minutes before you go live.”

Randy Orton has clearly been enjoying his time back in WWE has he got a gigantic reaction while he and Kevin Owens opened WWE Backlash in France and although the two lost, Orton remains in a top babyface role in WWE SmackDown.

Please h/t the transcription to WrestlingNews.co

UFC’s Derrick Lewis Says He’s “In Talks” with WWE, Wants To Use Rikishi’s Finisher

Thomas Lowson
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Derrick Lewis, a fighter for the UFC could become the next athlete to jump from the Octagon to the Squared Circle and become a WWE Superstar. 

The 39-year-old Lewis, dubbed the ‘Black Beast’ boasts a 27-12 win/loss record in the Octagon, with one fight going to a no contest. Speaking at a recent Fight Night press conference ahead of this Sunday’s contest with Rodrigo Nascimento, the UFC star was asked about a possible collaboration with WWE given that both companies fall under the TKO banner. 

“Yeah, we are actually in talks right now and we’ve been talking for a few months now. I was supposed to go down there in February to check everything out.”

When asked about a potential finishing move, Lewis saw himself using the Stinkface made famous by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi. 

“It had to be something like Rikishi you know, you might see it man you know somehow I like taking off my shorts so we might see something like that.”

If Lewis does make the move, he’ll hardly be the first UFC fighter to join WWE. Matt Riddle transitioned from the Octagon to wrestling and was part of the WWE roster from 2018 to 2023. Ronda Rousey made headlines in 2018 by joining WWE after the end of her UFC career saw back-to-back losses in the cage. 

WWE & UFC Collaboration

WWE and UFC came together in September 2023 in the culmination of a $9.3 billion deal that saw WWE acquired by Endeavor. Since then, WWE Superstars have been seen at UFC events and fighter Michael Chandler used the February 19, 2024 Raw to call out Conor McGregor. 

The two companies will grow even closer this June when WWE NXT Battleground takes place at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada. The show will see the crowning of the first WWE NXT Women’s North American Champion in a six-woman ladder match. 

SummerSlam 2024 Tickets Now On Sale, Logan Paul Promises A-List Celebrities

Aaron Varble
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WWE SummerSlam tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster. The company’s hot streak of running stadium shows continues, as the event takes place Saturday, August 3, 2024 from Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The venue opened in 1999 and has max capacity of approximately 67,000 people. 

If you’re looking to attend SummerSlam as a true VIP, On Location sells Priority Pass packages that premium seating, meeting WWE Superstars, photo opportunities and more. Here’s an early look at the seating chart for this year’s SummerSlam, with some of the most desirable seats going up for sale during this week’s 2-day pre-sale event.

SummerSlam 2024 seating chart

SummerSlam is one of WWE’s original ‘big 4’ events, along with WrestleMania, Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble. Cleveland’s own Logan Paul, the reigning WWE United States champion, says wrestling fans should expect a star-studded roster of celebrity guest appearances. 

“I wanna bring my brother Jake. I want MGK to be there, I want the Kelce brothers to be there. I want it to be one of the biggest events Cleveland has ever seen.”

He added, “Oh, Dave Chapelle will absolutely be there” and hopes to secure an opponent that he can “bring the house down” with. Who could that be?

SummerSlam Attendance

Last year’s SummerSlam was held at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, with an attendance of 51,477 and a gate of $8.5 million. Cleveland Browns Stadium has a listed capacity of 67,431 and WWE should have no problem packing fans into another huge NFL stadium.

WWE SummerSlam 2023 at Detroit’s Ford Field. (August 5, 2023)

WWE continues to break records, most recently with WrestleMania XL. The event generated gate receipts totaling $38.5 million from two nights at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. WWE also sold 44,569 tickets, generating $7.3 million, for the 2024 Royal Rumble at Tropicana Field. 

Check out our exclusive video from SummerSlam 2023 with Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar shaking hands after their match. 

WWE Backlash France 2024 Breaks All-Time Low Record For the Company

Thomas Lowson
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Backlash France will go down in the annals of WWE’s history books, though not entirely for all the right reasons. 

WWE’s first Premium Live Event in France took place at the LDLC Arena in Lyon and marked the first televised title defense of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare retained against AJ Styles, over two decades after the Phenomenal One faced (and defeated) Cody’s father Dusty. Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair captured the WWE Tag Team Championships at Backlash; the first title in WWE for the ex-AEW star. 

An Unfortunate Record

The crowd in the LDLC Arena was electric for Backlash France and the proceeding night’s SmackDown, prompting a noise level warning sent to Triple H. Unfortunately, that excitement wasn’t shared among fans watching at home, or at least those without access to the WWE Network or Peacock. As explained on Wrestling Observer Radio, the event saw the lowest amount of pay-per-view buys for any WWE event in history. Dave Meltzer added that there is a “considerable margin” between Backlash and the previous record-holder for the worst pay-per-view buys. 

While this isn’t fortunate for Backlash France, it’s no secret that pay-per-view buys have dwindled over the past decade. Thanks to the creation of the WWE Network and its subsequent acquisition by Peacock, audiences worldwide have ditched traditional viewing methods in favor of streaming platforms. 

Backlash France set an unfortunate record in WWE history. 

The time of the event will have also played into how many people watched the show. Because of the time difference between the U.S. and France, the show started at 1 pm for fans in the States. Nevertheless, the show proved to be a success in other ways, including the largest gate for any arena event in WWE history. WWE will host two more PLEs in Europe this year, a sign that the company is all in on international events. 

Daily Drop (5/9): WWE Receiving WrestleMania 43 Proposal, AEW Fight Forever Delivers New DLC Content

Aaron Varble
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It’s time for the Daily Drop on May 9, 2024. There is a lot to unpack from all over the pro wrestling world, as always. This is why SEScoops has this daily round-up and update for you.

First off, it WWE RAW isn’t leaving USA Network this year. The red brand will start on Netflix in 2025, but there was a big question about where RAW will go when their deal is up at the end of October. Now, USA Network has secured the remaining months of 2024 with a $25 million deal, per TKO’s latest financial call. Many are seeing that as a steal for the USA Network’s part, but it is a small amount compared to the 5 billion Netflix is giving WWE as part of their 10-year deal that starts in January.

WWE:

WrestleMania 43 Proposal: The Detroit Sports Commission is drafting a proposal to host WrestleMania 43 in their city. This would be a big deal historically, as it would be 40 years after WrestleMania 3, and 20 years following Detroit’s last WrestleMania event.

WWE Isn’t Using GoD: SEScoops exclusively reported that WWE has no plan to use Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa’s Guerillas of Destiny name. Loa debuted at WWE Backlash as part of the Bloodline stable, but the GoD moniker isn’t coming with him, despite the fact that he is aligned with Tonga once again.

TKO Financial Update: In the first quarter of 2024, TKO reported earnings of $629.7 million but incurred a net loss of $249.5 million, primarily due to a $335 million settlement of an antitrust lawsuit. The lawsuit claimed that UFC functioned as an illegal monopsony, suppressing fighter wages and hindering rival promotions, with over 1,200 individuals involved. Meanwhile, UFC generated $313 million in revenue, slightly less than WWE’s $316.7 million. UFC’s highlight for the quarter was the UFC 300 event, which brought in $16.5 million at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

CM Punk Blocked Music Change: During a recent interview, Living Colour vocalist Corey Glover stated that WWE wanted to do a sound-alike song for “Cut of Personality,” but Punk blocked it. He wanted to use his actual song, which is what ended up happening thanks to the Second City Savior putting his foot down.

AEW:

Ric Flair Reacts: After his Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza blowup, The Nature Boy released a public statement on the matter. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer said that things “just escalated.”

AEW Fight Forever Update: AEW released the Fight Forever Season Pass 4 bundle, capturing attention worldwide. This release includes not just Samoa Joe but also two new arenas: the Japanese Shrine Arena and the Fright Forever Arena. Players can also access new characters Adam Copeland and Jay White. AEW Fight Forever is available on all consoles and PC, and fan reactions to this update will reveal how much AEW has improved its game and how it compares to 2k.

Kenny Omega’s Announcement: Although he is far from being medically cleared, Omega appeared on AEW Dynamite from a hospital bed, where he booked an Anarchy in the Arena match for Double or Nothing on May 26.

Current AEW Double or Nothing 2024 Card:

  • Swerve Strickland (c), with Prince Nana, vs. Christian Cage with The Patriarchy for the AEW World Championship
  • Mercedes Moné vs. Willow Nightingale (c), for the TBS Championship
  • Will Ospreay Vs. Roderick Strong (c) for the International Championship
  • ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm (c) vs. Serena Deeb
  • Anarchy in the Arena match: The Elite vs. Team AEW.

Here are the upcoming major wrestling events

  • Saturday, May 25: King & Queen of the Ring (PLE)
  • Sunday, May 26: AEW Double or Nothing (PPV)
  • Sunday, June 9: NXT Battleground (PLE)

Josh Alexander Cancels Upcoming Dates: Not Injured, But In ‘Constant Pain’

Bishal Roy
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TNA star Josh Alexander has decided to withdraw himself from independent promotion appearances as he is dealing with health concerns. 

‘The Walking Weapon’ recently took to X and announced that he is forced to pull out his indie dates for the remainder of May. The former 2-time TNA World Champion divulged that he has been dealing with personal health issues that leave him in “constant pain.” Alexander clarified that he is not injured but the time off is precautionary. He further added that he would deal with the issues and return as early as possible. He wrote: 

“Hey all, I’ve had to pull out of my Indy dates for the rest of the month. I’m not injured. It’s all precautionary. I’ve been dealing with some personal health issues that leave me in constant pain. I’ll deal with it & be back ASAP.”

Prestige Wrestling soon made an announcement on X about Josh Alexander pulling out from their ‘Alive or Just Breathing’ event which is set to take place on May 16 in Los Angeles. Alexander was scheduled to face former WWE star, Shelton Benjamin. However, the TNA star has been replaced by ‘Filthy’ Tom Lawlor. 

Ahead of the announcement, Alexander’s last match took place at TNA Under Siege on May 3. At the show, he joined forces with Eric Young and defeated Frankie Kazarian and Steve Maclin.

There had been speculation surrounding Alexander’s future with TNA Wrestling. However, he will remain with the promotion for at least another year as he recently signed a new deal in February. He also cleared the air regarding the contract situation. Read more below:

Ric Flair Admits He Was Wrong For Piesanos Blowup: “It just escalated..”

Aaron Varble
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Ric Flair’s blowup at Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza caused a chain reaction that resulted in video of the incident surfacing. Now, the Nature Boy is making no excuses for his behavior.

The 16x World Champion expressed regret about his recent outburst at a Gainesville pizza restaurant. He mentioned on “The MJ Morning Show on Q105” that he should have left the restaurant the moment things turned sour.

Flair admitted, “It just escalated, and I was wrong for getting mad, but I kind of felt like I was defending my position.” He also reconsidered his initial negative review of the restaurant, acknowledging that he had enjoyed his time and meal there before the conflict arose.

Despite his enjoyment, the incident escalated after Flair, who had taken pictures with customers and spent $1,500, was asked to leave following a disagreement with the kitchen manager about bathroom use. This disagreement led to a heated exchange, captured in a video that portrayed Flair negatively.

The incident, captured on video, showed Flair yelling at a Piesanos staffer following an alleged bathroom incident with the kitchen manager. A patron even suggested taking the argument outside.

The restaurant’s co-owner defended the decision to ask Flair to leave, supporting the staff’s actions. During the incident, Flair used strong language towards the manager and even challenged him to a physical altercation outside. He concluded the incident by offering a $1000 tip to a staff member.

TNA’s Joe Hendry Credits Success of Viral Theme Song to “A Series of Fortunate, Random Events”

Thomas Lowson
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0

TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry is grateful for the success of his hit song I Believe in Joe Hendry which came about after a series of fortunate events. 

Hendry’s track has proven popular with fans and non-fans alike and reached #1 on the iTunes charts in the UK, toppling Taylor Swift and others. Hendry’s track also reached #1 in other countries and did very well in the United States also.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Hendry shared how his viral song came about. 

“It is a series of fortunate, random events. People had always liked my song, my entrance song, I’ve had it for some time now. But I noticed on TikTok, people were making videos with it and it was getting literally millions of hits. And I thought ‘Maybe I should put this up on Spotify.’

“So I put it up on Spotify one evening, didn’t really think much of it. When it came out on the Monday, I woke up and it was #20 in the iTunes charts. I thought that’s pretty cool and I tweeted it out and then it just caught fire.”

Hendry went on to explain how his music helps get him in the right head space before his matches and spoke of wrestlers and musicians who use music to help combat performance-related anxiety. The former TNA Digital Media Champion from Edinburgh was also grateful for his brother who is often ‘roped in’ to help create his music videos. 

I Believe In Joe Hendry isn’t the Scottish wrestler’s only foray into music. Earlier this year, Hendry produced a song for Francis that featured the TNA theme song for AJ Styles. This song mocked Francis’ infamous, though life-saving botched dive in WWE. Hendry said that the former Top Dolla nullifies TNA Wrestling’s insurance whenever he goes sailing over the top rope.

Hendry’s success with his song can’t be denied, with non-wrestling fans growing increasingly aware of him. This will no doubt bode well for Hendry’s prospects in the ring, with TNA Hall of Famer Bully Ray even stating that TNA would be wise to consider a title run given Hendry’s popularity. 

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops.

Adam Copeland: ‘I Started Talks With AEW The Day After My WWE Contract Expired’

Thomas Lowson
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0

AEW TNT Champion Adam Copeland wasted no time in making moves towards joining the promotion after his WWE deal expired in September 2023. 

After over 25 years as Edge, Copeland debuted for AEW at the inaugural WrestleDream event and immediately entered a program with former friend Christian Cage. The pair’s lengthy feud culminated with Copeland dethroning Cage for the TNT gold in March 2024. 

On the Insight podcast, Copeland discussed the end of his WWE career and made clear he left on great terms. The Hall of Famer explained how quickly the turnaround was for him to go from WWE to its main rival. 

“It happened so quick. My contract with WWE was up on, I want to say September 21st. That’s when I started talking to Tony [Khan.] It was September 22nd. And WrestleDream was October 1st. So it all happened within a week.”

Copeland’s All-Elite arrival wasn’t the first time his name had been tied to AEW. In 2019, the Canadian came close to joining AEW, then a young upstart, before ultimately opting to stick with WWE. In the interview, Copeland was asked why he went for the younger promotion four years later. 

“It felt like I’d done everything that I was going to do with WWE. I’d worked [with] the people I wanted to work, 95 percent anyway. And it really just felt that they were on a direction and I was on a direction and they were kind of going separate ways.”

Adam Copeland wasted no time joining AEW. 

Ultimately, Copeland made his choice and opted for the road less traveled in 2023 and has clearly been having a blast in the company so far. Currently, the TNT Champion is feuding with the House of Black and has retained against Buddy Matthews and Brody King. 

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

Living Color Vocalist: ‘CM Punk Refused WWE’s Attempts to Rip-Off ‘Cult of Personality”

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk was adamant that WWE used Cult of Personality in all its original glory, Living Color’s lead vocalist Corey Glover. 

After ‘leaving’ WWE at Money in the Bank 2011 as WWE Champion, Punk returned eight days later to Cult of Personality, a track he had previously used as a theme during his days in Ring of Honor. The song has gone on to be closely associated with Punk, who used the track in UFC, All Elite Wrestling, and in his most recent return to WWE. 

Sitting down with the Drinks With Johnny podcast, Glover discussed Punk’s use of the theme. He explained that upon his 2011 ‘return,’ WWE wanted to make a track similar to Cult of Personality, an idea the Best in the World was against. 

“They had their own music division of the WWE and they were gonna have somebody make up a song that sounded similar to Cult of Personality. But that was gonna be his entrance music. ‘No, I don’t want that. I want the real thing.’ He’s like one of the talent that actually got that in his contract that wherever he goes, that goes with him.”

CM Punk had no interest in WWE’s cover of his iconic theme.

The track is very fitting for Punk, who has developed a cult of personality of his own. It was this charisma that kept fans chanting his name during what would be a seven-and-a-half year absence from pro-wrestling. Nowadays, fans can hear the tune in all its glory in WWE as the Best in the World continues to be a hot commodity in pro wrestling. 

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