Home Blog Page 353

LA Knight Has A Special Idea For Usher’s Involvement At WrestleMania 40

Bishal Roy
-
0

WWE superstar LA Knight has a unique idea for Usher to perform at WrestleMania 40. But he wants it to be a collaboration. 

‘The Megastar’ has become one of the most popular superstars in recent times. He is currently on a meteoric rise. He receives a warm ovation from the fans irrespective of the venue. LA Knight has everybody saying, “YEAH!” along with him, and now he is trying to bring more energy at WrestleMania 40 with Usher. 

The R&B singer recently grabbed the attention with his stunning performance at Super Bowl LVIII. It seems that LA Knight feels there could be a collaboration between him and Usher at ‘The Show of Shows.’

LA Knight wants to come out to Usher’s ‘Yeah’

LA Knight recently made an appearance on WWE: The Bump and Megan Morant told Knight that she was thinking about Knight when Usher was performing “Yeah” at the summit clash. Usher’s “Yeah!” single was released in 2004 with rappers Lil Jon and Ludacris. 

After this, LA Knight pitched an amusing idea about performing at WrestleMania with Usher. He said:

“Wait a minute. Can we get this set up? Is he coming to WrestleMania for my entrance or what?… I’m coming out and I’m [performing ‘Yeah’] with him. Let’s go.”

As the WrestleMania 40 lineup is still being finalized, LA Knight is yet to have an opponent. However, ahead of that, he will compete in the Elimination Chamber match to determine the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40. He recently revealed his aim to capture gold at ‘Show of Shows.’ 

You can read more about his comments below:

Bron Breakker’s WWE Main Roster Status After NXT Tag Title Win

Aaron Varble
-
0

Bron Breakker replaced Brock Lesnar in the 2024 Royal Rumble match. He got all of Lesnar’s spots, even destroying JD McDonagh after his elimination. That being said, his recent big win in NXT has cast doubt on his main roster placement. 

Bron Breakker’s WWE Main Roster Call-Up

I previously reported that the 2024 Royal Rumble marked Bron Breakker’s main roster call-up. He will finish up his time in NXT, but he is now a part of main roster angles. The first one is determining where he will call his new brand home,

After Breakker made his main roster debut at the Royal Rumble, it became evident that he still had unresolved matters in NXT. Despite winning the NXT Tag Team Championship this week, that has not derailed his main roster plans.

During this week’s episode of NXT, Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker picked up the NXT Tag Team Titles, marking a significant milestone for both Superstar. Corbin celebrated his first championship victory in years, coinciding with Breakker’s impending move to the main roster. 

While Breakker has hinted at deciding between RAW and SmackDown, no definitive choice has been made in the storyline. I was told after his call-up that creative was leaning toward placing him on the RAW brand.

PW Insider reported that Bron Breakker is still scheduled to participate in Friday’s double SmackDown tapings in Salt Lake City. He will be around for the blue brand’s show this week, as they are taping two shows due to the fact that the Elimination Chamber event will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

What’s Next

Bron Breakker is a second generation Superstar with a ton of potential. He did practically everything there is to do in NXT, even picking up a tag team titles. Breakker isn’t the only Superstar who was called up to the main roster with stories to wrap up in NXT. Only time will tell how long his reign with Corbin as champions lasts, but he will soon have a full-time home on the main roster.

WWE NXT Management Left “In A Panic” After Shotzi’s Injury During Latest Taping

Thomas Lowson
-
0

WWE NXT management was left “in a panic” after Shotzi suffered an injury during next week’s taping of the gold brand. 

The February 20, 2024, episode was taped this week as WWE wants several notable people around for WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth next week. During the tapings, Shotzi challenged NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria.

 Unfortunately, Shotzi suffered a knee injury while attempting her apron DDT. This resulted in the match being stopped midway. It was later confirmed that, unlike Ridge Holland and Ilja Dragunov, this injury is not a work. 

Update on Shotzi’s WWE NXT Injury

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer addressed Shotzi’s injury and said those at the taping were left in a panic when her situation arose. 

“They were in a panic. They were stalling to try to figure out what to do. And maybe nobody else was ready. And she had just wrestled. Maybe she was in her gear. Maybe nobody else was in their gear.”

Meltzer added that Shotzi has been pulled from the Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match on this week’s SmackDown she was supposed to be a part of. He added:

“I don’t know the severity of the Shotzi injury. But I do know that she left the building on crutches. And it was a knee injury.”

There’s no word on when fans can expect to see Shotzi back in the ring. We at SE Scoops would like to wish her a full and speedy recovery. 

Shotzi recently got married in Las Vegas and celebrated in a very WWE way… 

H/T – Wrestling News

Daily Drop (2/15): Elimination Chamber Shakeup, WWE Release, Scary Moment For Jeff Hardy After AEW Dynamite & More

Aaron Varble
-
0

Welcome to a new feature for SEScoops, the Daily Drop – a rundown of the top stories in pro wrestling all in one place. 

Our mission is to provide our readers with the most important and interesting news from WWE, AEW and more that’s timely, informative and engaging. The Daily Drop is a destination where you can catch up and the wrestling news you need.

WrestleMania 40 COUNTDOWN: 51 days days away

Here’s the Daily Drop news report for Wednesday, February 15, 2024:

WWE News

– The Rock and Roman Reigns are advertised for tomorrow’s WWE SmackDown from Salt Lake City, Utah. (Tickets)

– WWE released Matt Camp from his contract sometime last week. This news broke on February 14th, and it was also a big shock for many. Camp never missed an episode of The Bump, and his departure was not mentioned on this week’s show, either.’  We’ve updated our WWE Releases tracker to reflect this departure.

– Jade Cargill was removed from her planned spot in the Elimination Chamber match. Cargill made her in-ring debut at the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble and was slated to be part of the upcoming Chamber match from Australia, based on a graphic that leaked on WWE.com showing the participants. This would have been another chance to feature Cargill in a multi-person match that would have protected her, but it seems those plans have been scrapped.

– Shotzi Blackheart was legit injured during the NXT television taping this week. She seriously hurt her knee, and reports later confirmed that she left the NXT Arena on crutches. We’re still awaiting word on her condition.

– The new WWE Experience exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia opens tomorrow. WWE-themed events center will be located at Boulevard City.  (Tickets)

“Dive into the world of WWE, where fans walk in the footsteps of legends, immersing in sights, sounds, and epic stories of global stars. Every guest will enjoy a front-row seat, unparalleled access to exciting opportunities, and moments exclusive to WWE.”

AEW News

– During AEW Dynamite this week, they finally announced Sting’s final match. The Icon will team with Darby Allin to take on The Young Bucks in an AEW World Tag Team Title match at AEW Revolution on March 9th.

– Jeff Hardy was possibly injured during the AEW Rampage taping this week. Sammy Guevara went for a shooting star press, and it appeared that his knee struck Hardy in the head. The match was then called off. We do not have any more updates at this time.

– QT Marshall is returning to AEW. He will not be wrestling, but he will work with the company in a backstage capacity. Marshall left the company at the end of 2023, but came to terms on a revised role. 

Marshall’s ‘new’ promotion Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling is expected to continue. TCW held its return event last week at the Nightmare Factory training facility, where they crowned inaugural champions.

– Rob Van Dam returns next week in an all-star 6-man tag match on AEW Dynamite. The ECW legend will team with Hook and Hangman Page against Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland and Brian Cage.

What’s Next

– WWE Elimination Chamber takes place next weekend, Saturday, February 24 from Perth, Australia. This will be the final stop on the road to WrestleMania 40.

– The following weekend, All Elite Wrestling presents AEW Revolution 2024 live on pay-per-view from the historic Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The event will feature Sting’s retirement match and Samoa Joe defending the AEW World championship against Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland.

Check back tomorrow for the next installment of the Daily Drop wrestling news report and make sure to Follow SEScoops on Google News, Facebook and Twitter.

Latest On QT Marshall’s Backstage Role With AEW After Surprising Return

Thomas Lowson
-
0

More has come to light over the role of QT Marshall now that he has made his return to All Elite Wrestling. 

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Marshall would be returning to AEW in a behind-the-scenes role. This is quite a surprise, given that Marshall left AEW relatively recently in late 2023. The former leader of QTV had reportedly not been at AEW for weeks prior to his official exit from the company.

QT Marshall’s New Role with AEW

Marshall has previous experience working behind the scenes for AEW, which will come in handy upon his return. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shared what Marshall will be responsible for under his new role with the promotion. 

“QT, his key role is going to be talent development as well. Trainer and everything like that. He left (on) December 31 and Tony Khan said, if he wants to come back, the door’s open, and I guess he wanted to come back.”

Meltzer also acknowledged part of Marshall’s decision to leave AEW was because he felt he would not be pushed any further on TV. It was confirmed that he is free to still work independent shows following his AEW return.  

Rocky Romero in AEW

Rocky Romero also recently began a backstage role with All Elite Wrestling. On his show, Meltzer explained the kind of roles he will be working under. 

“Romero’s role is gonna be talent development, so essentially training wrestlers and working with the younger talent, and also international liaison obviously with New Japan and CMLL.”

QT Marshall has a huge project outside of All Elite Wrestling… 

H/T – Wrestling News

Nic Nemeth On WWE Departure: I got to a point where I was ready to go

Bishal Roy
-
0

Former WWE star Nic Nemeth (previously known as Dolph Ziggler) recently revealed that he was ready to leave WWE to explore new avenues.

Nemeth had a storied career in WWE but that’s all in the past. He recently ended a 19-year run with the company as he was part of the first wave of releases after the launch of TKO Group Holdings.

Following his release, Nemeth arrived in New Japan Pro Wrestling where he introduced his ‘Wanted Man gimmick.’ He eventually showed up in TNA Wrestling. Nemeth had previously disclosed that several individuals contacted him after his release and wanted to sign him into their company.

Nemeth will be a part of Title Fight Friday on night one of New Beginning in Sapporo on February 23. 

Nic Nemeth revealed he had been planning to exit WWE

Ahead of his debut, Nic Nemeth spoke to NJPW on whether there had been a big culture shock in that adjustment after his exit from WWE, or if was it more of an exciting process. Here is what he said:

“It’s a little bit of both. The first six or seven years of my career, I would get to every Monday after Wrestlemania thinking ‘well, this is the day when I’m gone!’ (laughs). So I would think about, OK, I can go back to school, go to law school, be a manager at Chipotle… you start thinking about all these things and get ready to go so you’re not blindsided by being told you’re released.”

The former World Champion revealed that he was well aware that he was a mainstay in WWE but still got to a point where he was determined to leave. He said: 

“But after about ten, 15 years of that I started realising, OK I’m a mainstay here, I’m needed. But I got to a point where I was ready to go. I’d asked the company a few different times whether I was ready to go, and they told me I was signed, and they weren’t letting me go. So I started asking them, ‘hey, can I start doing this, can I start something else’. So I was prepared to be done and to start exploring other avenues.”

Nic Nemeth further outlined how he prepared himself to attain what he’s been planning to. He said:

“I spent the last six, eight months, a year, saying ‘I’m going to be in the best shape of my life when all this goes down,’ and when it finally got to the point where I asked (WWE) enough and they gave me my release, then it became ‘OK, well you asked for this for the last five years, you’d better deliver.’ So, OK, I’ve got this, I’m doing this, I have insurance ready, I’ve been training in the ring, watching different things, and I’m ready to go. So let’s go.”

At New Beginning, Nic Nemeth is all set to challenge the inaugural NJPW Global Champion David Finlay for the title. 

Drew McIntyre Hasn’t Re-Signed With WWE Despite Being Promoted for Event Past Expiration Date

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Drew McIntyre’s future with WWE remains uncertain despite being advertised for an event past his current contract’s expiration date. 

The Scottish Warrior’s future with WWE has been under speculation for some time. Last year, it was reported that his contract was going to expire in early 2024. In September, McIntyre said that has no intentions to work elsewhere. It was also reported that time has been added to Drew’s WWE contract due to his post-WrestleMania 39 hiatus.

Drew McIntyre Has Yet to Re-Sign

Earlier this week, WWE announced an event on May 1 in Bologna, Italy that McIntyre is being advertised for. This led to speculation that Drew had signed a new contract given that his current deal expires in April. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer made clear this is not the case. 

“The answer to that is no he has not signed a new deal, but he seems very happy so far with his new character and he’s really excited about it, and they’re working with the idea that he’s not going anywhere.”

Addressing reports that McIntyre could let his WWE deal expire so he can have time to go back to Scotland, Meltzer said it was unlikely.

“I think the talk of him taking a lot of time off and everything like that – probably not. He’ll probably sign a new deal. But it’s still just a ‘probable’ until it happens.”

What’s Next for Drew McIntyre?

During a recent episode of SmackDown, McIntyre earned a spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. The winner will earn a World Heavyweight Championship match against Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins at WrestleMania 40. 

WWE in Bologna, Italy

WWE will host its Italy live event on May 1, mere days before WWE Backlash: France on May 4. Other names being advertised include Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY, LA Knight, Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, and Jey Uso. 

Ticket and VIP packages are already being advertised for the event. As always, the talent is subject to change. At this time, no matches have been confirmed.

Zilla Fatu Returning to Reality of Wrestling After Fixing “Irreconcilable” Differences

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Fans of Reality of Wrestling will soon see Zilla Fatu back in action despite his previous exit from the promotion being over “irreconcilable” differences. 

Fatu is part of the famed Anoa’I wrestling family, which includes industry staples such as The Rock, Rikishi, Roman Reigns, and the late Yokozuna. Zilla is the son of the late WWE Superstar Edward ‘Umaga’ Fatu, who would become a two-time Intercontinental Champion and challenged for the WWE Championship multiple times before his passing in 2009.

Returning to Reality of Wrestling

In late 2022, Zilla began training in professional wrestling to follow in the footsteps of his father. The following year, Zilla made his in-ring debut for the Reality of Wrestling promotion, which he was also training with. In September of last year it was announced that Fatu had left ROW due to irreconcilable differences. Fatu would later explain that his vision for his wrestling career differed from what ROW had planned. 

It now appears that these irreconcilable differences could be reconciled after all. Taking to Twitter, Zilla shared that after “heartfelt discussions” he and ROW head Booker T have agreed to work together again. Fatu tagged the two-time WWE Hall of Famer and the official ROW account. 

Fatu Outside Reality of Wrestling

ROW isn’t the only place fans have been able to see Zilla Fatu. Last month, Fatu made his debut for GCW. Zilla teamed with his relative Jacob Fatu to defeat Jay Lyon and Midas Black at the Look At Me event. 

Ex-WWE Diva Claims Higher-Up Encouraged Her to Oil Her Body to Get Vince McMahon’s Attention

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Francine may have portrayed a sex-heavy character in ECW, but there was a line she wouldn’t cross when she arrived in ECW. 

The ECW original joined WWE in 2006 following the relaunch of the extreme promotion as a third brand. After appearing at that year’s One Night Stand event Francine made a handful of appearances, mostly in bikini contests or similar segments. Her in-ring debut would be in an ‘Extreme Catfight’ during the September 26, 2006, edition of ECW on Sci-Fi. She was released from WWE the following month. 

Absolutely Not!

Francine’s time with WWE was underwhelming, but the former ECW ‘vixen’ wasn’t going to degrade herself to get ahead in the company. During a recent edition of her Eyes Up Here podcast, Francine recalled a member of management encouraging her to use oil on her body to get the attention of Vince McMahon. 

“I mean when I worked there were stories floating around. And again, when I worked there I was told by somebody higher up that if you want to be seen, go get a bottle of oil… rubbing oil all over my b**** and knocking on Vince’s door and going in there and leaning on his desk and trying to get noticed. That’s what I was told to do. And, I said absolutely not. I’m not doing that.” 

There has been renewed interest in McMahon’s relationship with women in WWE due to the lawsuit filed against him by Janel Grant. McMahon resigned from TKO and WWE last month after it was alleged that he had been sexually abusive to Miss Grant and trafficked her to other men in WWE. 

McMahon has denied the allegations against him and, via a spokesperson, has claimed the lawsuit is rife with “obscene made-up instances that never occurred.”

Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins To Appear On Grayson Waller Effect At WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes will have a unique role at this month’s WWE Elimination Chamber PLE as the guests on the Grayson Waller Effect. 

In a video shared on WWE’s Twitter account, Waller spoke about being sick and tired of hearing about ‘stories.’ Waller also poked fun at Cody for being slapped by The Rock during the WrestleMania 40 kick-off press conference last week. Despite this, Waller recognized Cody’s quest against the Bloodline as “the biggest story in entertainment.” 

The self-professed Prime Minister of Australia then said that he’d bring this story to his home country. Waller then confirmed that he will be giving the ‘Grayson Waller Rub’ to Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth. 

The Grayson Waller Effect

Waller will no doubt be hoping that this edition of the Grayson Waller effect goes better than the last time he hosted Cody Rhodes. At WWE Payback, Rhodes was the guest on Waller’s show but would introduce Jey Uso as Raw’s newest Superstar. After Waller got in Jey’s face, the ‘Main Event’ talent would attack the Australian.

WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth

Here is the card for WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth as it currently stands: 

  • The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (c) vs. Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate (Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships)
  • Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan vs. 3 TBD (Elimination Chamber match for a Women’s World Championship match at WrestleMania XL)
  • Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax (WWE Women’s World Championship)
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley vs. LA Knight vs 2 TBD (Elimination Chamber match for a World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania XL)

What other events can the WWE Universe look forward to in 2024… 

Jeff Hardy Possibly Injured After Brutal Spot During AEW Rampage Taping

Aaron Varble
-
0

Jeff Hardy recently made headlines when he expressed apparent disappointment about how the Hardys are booked on AEW television. He wrestled on Rampage this week, but that match sadly ended with an apparent injury.

Jeff Hardy Possibly Injured

After the February 14th episode of AEW Dynamite, the company recorded the upcoming Rampage episode airing on February 19th. That match featured Hardy taking Sammy Guevara in singles action.

At the H.E.B. Center in Cedar Park, Texas, where the taping took place, fans captured footage of Sammy Guevara striking Jeff Hardy directly in the face with a knee. This went down as Guevara nailed a top rope move on the Charismatic Enigma.

The match was promptly ended to provide Hardy with immediate medical attention, as he was visibly bleeding from the mouth and appeared disoriented when trying to stand. Fans in attendance also noted that Hardy appeared to be out of it, and Guevara is taking some blame online.

What’s Next

Because of NBA All-Star weekend, Rampage will air this week on February 16th at 7 PM EST. The episode will also feature Anna Jay against Queen Aminata.

The entire staff of SE Scoops is sending our best to Jeff Hardy during this time. Hopefully, he isn’t injured and won’t miss any time.

Will Ospreay’s Opponent Announced For AEW Revolution

Dominic DeAngelo
-
0

Will Ospreay’s first official match as an AEW talent will be against a rising star and he may have the decked stacked against him.

On Wednesday night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, the diabolical Don Callis revealed that Konosuke Takeshita will challenge Ospreay on March 3 at AEW Revolution in Greensboro, NC.

Callis claimed that everyone on the roster was afraid to take on Takeshita or Powerhouse Hobbs and so he had to take it upon himself to facilitate the bout between Konosuke and Ospreay.

Ospreay announced that he signed with AEW all the way back in November, but had several obligations to fufill with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Ospreay did work for TNA as well during his lame duck period and was greatly praised for his influence on the locker room.

Claudio Castagnoli recently did an interview with Adrian Hernandez where he considered Ospreay’s thought process in signing with AEW.

“I’m sure there was something for Will where it’s like … Tokyo Dome, New Japan, he’s been there for, I believe, it was seven plus years, there’s the same thing of like, ‘okay I’ve done this, I know I can do this, if I want to challenge myself …’ that’s always the scary part,” Castagnoli said. “Do you choose comfort or do you want to challenge yourself and take that leap of faith?” 

On the Valentine’s Day episode of Dynamite, it was also revealed who Sting’s final opponents will be at AEW Revolution.

Please credit Adrian Hernandez and h/t to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.

Sting’s Final Match Set For AEW Revolution

Aaron Varble
-
0

AEW is preparing for Sting’s final match, marking the end of his iconic career. The Stinger has done a lot in his career, and now we know who he will wrestle at the big AEW pay-per-view.

Sting’s Final Match

Sting & Darby Allin will defend the AEW World tag team titles against The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution on March 3, 2024, at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

This event will mark AEW’s inaugural Pay-Per-View in North Carolina. It was revealed a while ago that Sting will wrestle for the last time at the event.

Sting and Darby Allin won the AEW Tag Team Titles from Big Bill and Ricky Starks, giving them their first title run in AEW. They will now defend those titles at AEW Revolution, and they have a big match planned.

Nick and Matt Jackson turned heel in a big way, making themselves known to Sting and Darby Allin. This week on AEW Dynamite, they made their upcoming match official.

The Young Bucks confirmed during AEW Dynamite that they will wrestle Sting and Darby Allin at AEW Revolution. That match will be for the AEW Tag Team Titles. The Jackson Brothers seemed very confident about their chances.

What’s Next

Sting impressed many people with performances in AEW. Few saw a flying Stinger in his later years, but he certainly gave his all for Tony Khan’s company. Now, he is set for this one final match, and odds are he will make it an iconic performance.

SE Scoops will have continued coverage of this story, and everything else involving AEW Revolution, as more information is made available. 

QT Marshall Returns To AEW In A New Role

Aaron Varble
-
0

QT Marshall was one of the names that left AEW last year. His departure was due to differences that he had with the job he was given to do. He lost a lot of pull backstage since Cody Rhodes’ departure, and many expected him to seek out another home for his talents. Now, he is back in AEW.

QT Marshall’s AEW Return

According to Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select, QT Marshall is set to return to All Elite Wrestling, albeit in a different role. 

It’s been reported that Marshall and AEW have resolved their previous issues, and he will be resuming his former position as vice president. However, there are no plans for him to return to the ring as a wrestler.

Sources familiar with the matter have also reportedly confirmed that an agreement was reached a couple of weeks ago, although Marshall has not yet officially rejoined the company. He is also able to take bookings outside Tony Khan’s company.

We’re told that Marshall is free to wrestle outside of AEW, with the exception of WWE. The 38-year old Marshall hadn’t wrestled since his AEW deal officially ended on December 31 until this past week’s TCW show, but has shown off his physical transformation on Twitter.

What’s Next

In collaboration with Teil Rhodes, Marshall has joined efforts to revive Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, originally founded by Dusty Rhodes. Their inaugural show took place on February 8 in McDonough, GA, featuring former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona, Scotty Riggs, Glacier, Aaron Solo, and others.

We will have to see if AEW provides any assistance to Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling in the time to come.

Athena Needs That Mercedes Mone Dream Match: “I Don’t Care If I Have To Go To Japan, I Just Have To Get It”

Ella Jay
-
0

Last week, AEW President Tony Khan announced that the company will be heading back to Boston, Massachusetts on March 13 for a special edition of AEW Dynamite.  According to Khan, the show which is titled Big Business, will be “one of the most important nights in AEW.” 

While AEW has yet to reveal further details on the event, recent reports have indicated that “The CEO” Mercedes Mone (formerly known as WWE’s Sasha Banks) is expected to make her AEW debut at Big Business. AEW previously showed Mone in attendance for their August 2023 All In event in London.

Athena Wants “The CEO” 

Given these recent developments, Sunday Night’s Main Event asked the ROH Women’s Champion about the possibility of Mercedes Mone becoming ‘All Elite’ in her hometown of Boston, MA in just a matter of weeks.

Athena is “immensely curious” to see if Mercedes Mone arrives at Big Business. She said she and the entire AEW locker room are hoping it happens, but Tony Khan is keeping things close to the vest and nobody knows for sure.

ROH Women’s Champion Athena

Ember Moon and Sasha Banks crossed paths a few times in WWE, but they never squared off one-one-one. She considers Mercedes Mone a dream opponent and may finally get her wish later this year in an AEW ring.

“I might finally get one of my dream matches,” she said. “That is one of the coolest things because I’ve shared the ring with this person for many times, and whether we were on the same tag team at live events in WWE, to us getting to briefly touch at Money in the Bank, to us briefly touching in this awesome fatal four-way we had on Raw, I just wish the world for this person because she is someone that I think is one of the absolute best wrestlers in the world.” 

Stacking Up

Athena considers herself to be “immensely” humble, despite the talent and work ethic its taken to establish herself as one of the top wrestlers in the world. As much as she’s accomplished, she’s eager to see how she’d stack up against someone she’s looked up to for so long. Aside from that, she wants to see what they can create together. 

“I’m a firm believer of, when you have two dedicated women, to the cause, it’s going to be money and it’s going to be magic. I just have to have it. I don’t care if I have to go to Japan for it. I just have to get it one time.”

Athena is far from the only AEW wrestler who is eager to mix it up with Mercedes Mone. As you can read about below, former AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker is also on that list. Mone, Baker, WWE Superstars Bayley and Naomi were all spotted together at the Super Bowl this past weekend in Las Vegas.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

Velveteen Dream Emerges in Surprising Setting to Advocate for New Cause

Aaron Varble
-
0

Velveteen Dream was released from WWE in 2021, and he hasn’t made any noise for another pro wrestling company since. That being said, headlines about the former NXT North American Champion were not hard to come by as arrests and other allegations followed him. Now, he is onto his next venture, and he’s advocating to preserve rural America. 

Velveteen Dream’s Next Phase

According to Star Exponent, Patrick Clark frequently visits Culpeper to reunite with family and appreciates its rural ambiance. Recently settling in the county for three months, he is introduced as the cousin of Don Haight, a Stevensburg farmer advocating for local farmer programs and the preservation of the county’s rural essence.

Although Clark originally hailed from Washington D.C, he has seemingly found a new home in Culpepper, and he loves the vibe there. During the February 6th Culpeper County Board of Supervisors meeting, he urged the board to prioritize the collective desires of the county’s residents and suggested potential drawbacks of implementing large-scale solar power. 

While expressing apprehension about technological and political changes, he cautioned against external influences jeopardizing Culpeper’s distinct identity.

“I’m afraid that there is a technological and a political gentrification that may occur if we allow outside forces to corrupt Culpeper.”

“Culpeper has this sweet nature to it, sweet as black garlic if you will. It’s got this nature that I’m afraid is going to be corrupted if you all let personal interest affect the decisions that affect the citizens of Culpeper.”

Clark also noted the backing the board receives from residents on this issue, drawing a parallel to his own encounter with dwindling support.

“I lost my job because I took for granted the support that was given to me by the people who paid good money to see me perform.”

In May 2017, Clark debuted a new Prince-inspired persona on NXT named Velveteen Dream. He gained traction and clinched the NXT North American Championship once. However, after a lengthy hiatus due to WWE’s investigation into allegations of Clark’s misconduct involving children, he was released from WWE in May 2021.

Allegations Against Patrick Clark

Patrick Clark was making reference to the allegations that surrounded his WWE departure. In April 2020, there were allegations of misconduct involving minors against Clark. He denied these allegations, and the WWE conducted an investigation, which found no evidence supporting the claims. He was never formally charged.

Allegations of drug use and setting up a camera in a bathroom to snap photos of male Superstars without consent were also made. His name has been ripe with controversy, and he has addressed these accusations in the past.

WWE tried to use Velveteen Dream on television after that, with Triple H even saying that they determined that nothing out of line happened after concluding an investiation. Still, #FireVelveteenDream popped up and trended on Twitter every time he made an appearance on television.

Surprising Release: WWE Fires Matt Camp After Years With The Company

Aaron Varble
-
0

WWE has made some surprising moves this year, and they’ve already seen some notable exits. Now, the company has fired another long-time employee in a rather surprising manner.

Matt Camp Was Released By WWE

PW Insider reports that WWE made a decision to release one of their key on-air personalities. Matt Camp, who had been with the company for years, serving as the host of WWE’s The Bump and other roles, was reportedly released last week.

Camp joined WWE in 2019, and he never missed an episode of The Bump during his tenure with the show. Despite his consistent presence, there was no mention of his departure on last week’s episode. 

Prior to his time with WWE, Camp had worked on various WWE shows, including Raw Talk and Smackdown Lowdown. His most recent appearance was on the WWE NXT Vengeance Day Kickoff.

Reaction To Matt Camp’s Release

The reaction to Camp’s release has reportedly been a shock to several people within WWE. As of right now, there is no explanation provided by the company for his release, and there have been no internal statements made regarding the matter.

Before joining WWE, Matt Camp had worked as the lead announcer for Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore promotion and served as the lead Fantasy Football Analyst for Bleacher Report. Odds are, he will land on his feet, and we are wishing him the best in his future moves.

Jade Cargill Nixed: WWE Reportedly Changes Up Elimination Chamber Plans

Aaron Varble
-
0

WWE signed Jade Cargill away from AEW after Tony Khan offered her more money than she asked for to stay. Her 2024 Royal Rumble in-ring debut brought here a lot of attention, and WWE certainly noticed that huge pop for her in Tropicana Field. She was expected for the Elimination Chamber, but now that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Jade Cargill’s Elimination Chamber Plans Change

According to PW Insider, as of yesterday, Jade Cargill is no longer slated for the Women’s Elimination Chamber on February 24th in Perth. 

I was able to confirm that Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, and Jade Cargill were originally slated for the Women’s Elimnation Chamber match. Now, it appears those plans for Cargill have changed.

As of this writing, I am still awaiting confirmation on Cargill’s Chamber status, and what might have happened to faciliate this change.

Elimination Chamber Date, Location, and Start Time

The 2024 Elimination Chamber event is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia. This marks WWE’s return to Australia since Super Show-Down in October 2018 and is the sole WWE event in the Asia–Pacific region for 2024. 

The event will start at 4:30 AM for fans in the Eastern Time Zone. It will certainly be an interesting time for a premium live event, but anything can happen on the road to WrestleMania.

Adriana Rizzo Gets Breakout Attention After February 13th WWE NXT

Aaron Varble
-
0

WWE fans are paying attention to Tony D’Angelo new associate, Adriana Rizzo. Her name trended like wildfire after her appearance during the February 13th episode of WWE NXT.

Fans Want Rizzo

After Rizzo’s match with Jaida Parker on NXT this week, fans wanted to know more about her. Her name was a breakout topics on Google’s search engine, and this is a very good thing for her.

WWE pays attention to search trends, and it was pretty impossible to miss the fact that fans wanted to know more about Adriana Rizzo. Odds are, this extra attention will also be great for The Family, even if Tony D’Angelo and Stacks lost the NXT Tag Team Titles to Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin this week as well.

Who Is Adriana Rizzo

Anna Keefer, now known as Adriana Rizzo in WWE, took an unexpected path to signing with a pro wrestling company. As a high school graduate in 2017, she excelled in track and field, securing four individual state outdoor titles. During her time at the University of North Carolina, she achieved first-team All-America honors in the indoor long jump in 2022 and second-team All-America recognition in the 200m event.

https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:ChIM_D1thBD

Following the conclusion of her collegiate track and field career, Rizzo had aspirations of pursuing a professional athletic career. However, she decided on a whim to attend a WWE SummerSlam Tryout in Nashville. After that tryout, she was offered a contract to join the WWE Performance Center Fall 2022 Rookie Class. Now, she is a regular on NXT television on a consistent basis.

Darby Allin Reveals Two Of His Goals In AEW

Ella Jay
-
0

The ever-fearless Darby Allin will begin his quest to climb Mount Everest this April. Upon his return, though, Allin will be focused on fulfilling a pair of goals in All Elite Wrestling. 

During a recent interview with Denise Salcedo, Allin revealed the two professional goals he’s aiming to reach after he conquers Mount Everest. Given that Allin is already a former TNT Champion, and one-half of the current AEW Tag Team Champions, Allin believes the next step would be to move toward the company’s top prize — the AEW World Championship.  

“So to be the face of a company, I believe you have to be World Champion, so that is the next logical step when I get back from Everest because Everest is almost like a vision quest in a way,” Allin said. “I’m going to go dig deep down inside the mountains and find out what it’s really like inside of here.”

Allin Wants ‘The American Dragon’

Outside of his championship aspirations, Allin is also keen on facing ” The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson before his full-time wrestling run ends later this year. 

Despite being in the same company for over two years, Danielson and Allin have yet to share a ring together.

“Wrestling-wise, before this man’s career is done: Danielson. That’s the next thing.

It has nothing to do with us being from the northwest, it’s just his work ethic. He’s another man, his career was supposed to be over. He came back and he’s better than ever. So those are my two things that I want to hit in AEW.”

Update On Scott D’Amore’s Exit From TNA

Dominic DeAngelo
-
0

Scott D’Amore clearly had a love for TNA which further fueled the shock as to why the veteran was let go from the company’s top executive. 

Last week, the wrestling world was astonished to learn that Anthem decided to terminate D’Amore, who to many, has been the primary factor as to why Impact Wrestling (and now TNA) still exists. Even in just the past six months, D’Amore has been a heavy proponent for change in the company product, complete with bringing in new acts, old faces, and bringing back the three familiar letters in TNA. 

Despite all that, Anthem replaced D’Amore with Anthony Ciccone, a longtime Anthem executive. A new report from Fightful Select shines further light on the matter as the plan for D’Amore’s exit was put in place for over a month.

Latest on D’Amore Leaving TNA

Anthem wanted the ending of D’Amore’s run to be a mutual departure, but Scott remained steadfast in keeping his position. The reported reason for D’Amore not agreeing to a mutual departure is because it put him in a better position for future opportunities.

Despite Ciccone taking over for D’Amore, Scott has reportedly held Ciccone in high-regard but still didn’t want to relinquish his position as TNA President. There were rumors of D’Amore attempting to buy the company outright from Anthem, but that was clearly denied if the effort was actually made.

When it comes to budget upgrades for TNA, it only appears that Anthem may be making an effort to do so in the software department. The reported plan is for Anthem to strip back TNA’s budget to even less than what they had for 2023.

Details on a WrestleMania Main Event Wrestler’s Negotiations with TNA

Dominic DeAngelo
-
0

While there’s been a clear change of the guard at the top of TNA with Scott D’Amore getting fired, the returning brand may be making an effort to see if a new star could join the promotion.

A new report from Fightful Select shined further light on the exit of D’Amore as TNA President, but also had another interesting tidbit about a certain “Monster Among Men.”

Several TNA sources have confirmed with Fightful that the company actually has had talks with Braun Strowman, who is actually still under contract with WWE. TNA reportedly spoke with Strowman’s lawyer but there was no talk in the “seven-figure” range.

Strowman has been on the shelf due to a severe neck injury, but did make his return to WWE back in 2022 and notably formed an “odd couple” tag team alongside Ricochet.

Braun underwent neck fusion surgery which has sidelined the big man for seven months.

In a recent January interview with “The Ranveer Show,” Strowman said he was on the road to recovery and could start lifting weights, but as of then couldn’t take any bumps or knocks to the head.

“So it’s still going to be another month and two before we start easing back in the ring. But when it’s time to go, we’re going.”

Former WWE Stars in TNA

TNA Wrestling has worked with several high-profile WWE Superstars in recent months. WWE Superstar Naomi  (Trinity Fatu) recently returned in the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble after wrapping up a run with TNA that included a reign as Knockouts champion.

Former WWE World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler has ‘crossed’ the line and now competes in TNA as Nic Nemeth.

Mustafa Ali debuts for TNA later this month. He challenges Chris Sabin for the X-Division championship at the TNA No Surrender PPV (2/23).

Please credit “The Ranveer Show” and h/t to Wrestling Inc for the transcription

Drew McIntyre Mocks The Walking Dead After Hit Series Uses His Line to Promote New Show

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Fans of The Walking Dead may be thrilled to see the show return with ‘The Ones Who Live‘ but Drew McIntyre isn’t pleased. 

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live will see series regulars Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) return to the post-apocalyptic United States that has been ravaged by a zombie apocalypse. The show will serve as a direct sequel to the original The Walking Dead series. 

The Ones Who Live will be the sixth spin-off and overall seventh television series in The Walking Dead franchise. The show will premiere with its first episode ‘Years’ on AMC and AMC+ on February 25. 

Drew McIntyre Takes On The Walking Dead

This week, the Walking Dead Twitter account shared a promo video featuring Rick Grimes in combat gear. Borrowing a line from the first Scottish-born WWE Champion, those behind the Walking Dead’s Twitter account prayed for the return of Rick and it happened. 

Unimpressed, McIntyre shared a prayer of his own, saying he wanted the show to end after its third season in 2013. 

WWE and Zombies

No WWE Superstar has appeared in The Walking Dead but the promotion is no stranger to Zombies. In the 2010s, WWE released a series of Zombified action figures, depicting the Superstars of the time as members of the undead. In 2021, zombies would infamously invade the WrestleMania Backlash match between The Miz and Damian Priest, in which Priest was the victor. Despite being devoured by the thronga of the undead, The Miz later told people he was feeling great. 

Netflix & Chill? WWE Superstars Reveal Their Favorite Shows to Binge (Exclusive)

Thomas Lowson
-
0

The Superstars of WWE are kept plenty busy in the ring, but they also find the time to unwind by binging their favorite Netflix shows. 

Last month, it was announced that Raw will move to Netflix as part of a $5 billion deal with the streaming giant. Fans in the U.S. will have access to Monday Night Raw each week, while those outside of the States will receive Raw, SmackDown, WWE NXT, and Premium Live Events. Netflix will not cover monthly PLEs in areas where deals are already in place with other distributors, such as India.

The Superstars’ Favorite Shows 

Alpha Academy’s Maxxine Dupri said that she had just finished The Crown, the historical drama series based on the lives of the British Royal Family. The show’s sixth and most recent season addresses 1997 to 2005 and covers the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the early relationship of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. Dupri said the show was “so good” and that she was “obsessed.”

‘Big’ Bronson Reed has been enjoying an Australian show called Boy Swallows Universe. The story revolves around Eli Bell, a working-class youth who enters Brisbane’s underworld to save his mother from danger. It is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Trent Dalton. When not watching that, the former NXT North American Champion enjoys the relaxed competition of the Great British Bake Off. 

Ivy Nile enjoys documentaries but has also been watching You, which the Raw Superstar admits is not her typical kind of show. The four-season show follows Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager who obsessively follows a woman he becomes infatuated with in the show’s first season. 

Nia Jax loves stirring up some drama, so it makes sense that she enjoys Safe. The show focuses on Tom Delaney (played by Dexter’s Michael C. Hall) who uncovers a web of secrets as he frantically searches for his missing 16-year-old daughter. Jax also enjoys Peaky Blinders. the period crime drama about the Birmingham, UK-based gang of the same name and their escapades following World War 1. 

Rhea Ripley Would “110% Be Down” For Challenging For WWE’s Men’s Championships

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Rhea Ripley has dominated as WWE Women’s World Champion and now ‘Mami’ has made clear she’s open to winning titles from the men. 

Ripley captured the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39, with a victory over Charlotte Flair. In June, the title was rechristened the Women’s World Champion after Ripley was drafted to Raw, and Asuka (then the Raw Women’s Champion) was placed on SmackDown. The Women’s World Championship shares a similar design to the Men’s World Heavyweight Championship held currently by Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins.

Challenging for the Men’s Gold

In an interview with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Ripley was asked about possibly challenging for championships held by men. The Australian Superstar was more than up for the challenge. 

“Oh, 100%. I’m always down for a challenge. I love a good challenge. So if that opportunity were to arise, I would 110% be down.”

What’s Next? 

When it comes to her own sex, Ripley’s next title match will come in her native Australia. Ripley will face Nia Jax at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth on February 24. The WWE Women’s World Champion will defend her title against the winner of the Women’s Elimination Chamber match at WWE WrestleMania 40 this April.

Women Holding Men’s Gold

In WWE, there have only been a few examples of women holding gold which was traditionally for male Superstars. During her career, Chyna became a two-time Intercontinental Champion, while Jaqueline captured the Cruiserweight Championship in 2004. From 1998 to 2002, four women held the Hardcore Championship (Molly Holly, Trish Stratus, Terri Runnells, and a ‘ho’ of the Godfather.)

Could Rhea Ripley’s title reign come to an end at WrestleMania 40…

1...352353354...3,340Page 353 of 3,340