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WWE Makes Big Change For Bobby Lashley & Street Profits Direction On SmackDown

Aaron Varble
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WWE Superstars will sometimes get a fresh character change to help them along. It appears that Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits are now babyfaces after engaging in a battle for supremacy between stables.

Karrion Kross and AOP’s Final Testament stable is taking it to Lashley’s faction. This week on SmackDown, fans saw the beginning of a big transition, as The Pride is now fighting from the babyface side of things.

How WWE Turned Them Babyface (Exclusive)

Bobby Lashley faced Karrion Kross on WWE SmackDown this week. Despite Lashley’s efforts to fight back against Kross, The Authors of Pain interfered, leading to Lashley winning by disqualification.

The Street Profits entered the fray to help Lashley and brawled with the AOP. Meanwhile, Lashley and Kross were left alone until Scarlett and B-Fab got involved. Although Lashley attempted to apply the Hurt Lock on Kross, the AOP intervened and attacked Lashley.

Despite another attempt by the Street Profits to assist, they were overpowered by the AOP. Eventually, Kross and the AOP joined forces to overwhelm Lashley, with Kross delivering the final blow and standing tall alongside the AOP. This sent the Final Testament stable packing to end the segment.

I have been able to confirm that Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits have been transitioned to the babyface side of the SmackDown roster. Consequently, fans are expected to rally behind The Pride during their matches.

The Final Testament assumes the role of heels in this scenario, positioning them as the heels within the narrative.

What’s Next

We will have to see how long The Pride stable maintains their babyface status. At this time, it seems that Lashley and The Street Profits are enjoying this new burst of momentum on the roster.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more updates on stories you need.

Brock Lesnar’s WWE Status Revived: Former UFC Champion Back on Roster Page

Aaron Varble
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WWE is well on the road to WrestleMania, and we haven’t heard a peep from Brock Lesnar. His name was scrubbed from WWE programming after his controversial involvement in a lawsuit against Vince McMahon, but now it appears that Lesnar may be getting closer to a return.

There was a belief within WWE that Brock Lesnar is 100% done with the company. Now, it appears that there may be some light at the end of the tunnel, because the Beast Incarnate popped up on the company’s official roster once again.

Lesnar’s Current Status

WWE’s official website updated their roster today, and Brock Lesnar’s name is back on the list. He was removed from the list and placed on the alumni page before. Now, he is on the current roster once again.

The company removed Lesnar from all future creative plans. Nothing was being pitched for him, but you never know if this new development is a sign that his hiatus could be coming to an end.

The company took efforts to erase Brock Lesnar from history after his name was attached to Janel Grant’s lawsuit. He was also removed from WWE 2K24 as a playable character, although his model and data are still in the game files.

Allegations Involving Brock Lesnar

The decision to exclude Lesnar from creative plans comes in the wake of his association with Janel Grant’s legal action against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis. 

The lawsuit accuses McMahon of involvement in various forms of misconduct, including sexual assault, abuse, degradation, and trafficking. Grant alleges that her involvement in sexual activities was discussed in negotiations involving Lesnar, facilitated by McMahon without her consent. 

It’s claimed that Lesnar requested a video of her urinating before a planned encounter that never materialized. The lawsuit details McMahon providing Lesnar with Grant’s personal cellphone number and explicit content. 

Brock Lesnar’s Scrapped Plans

At this time, Brock Lesnar is not booked for WrestleMania 40. He was previously booked to take on GUNTHER for the IC Title. That match was reportedly nixed after the controversy surrounding that lawsuit came up. 

Brock Lesnar was removed from the 2024 Royal Rumble match as well. He was replaced by Bron Breakker during that match, and the former NXT Champion got Lesnar’s spots. Also, the Beast Incarnate was supposed to take on Dominik Mysterio at the Elimination Chamber premium live event, but that match didn’t happen.

We will have to see if this means Brock is closer to making a return to WWE. The fact that he appeared on their official roster once again is certainly a better sign for his return than we had a couple of days ago.

SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and so many more, in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for constant updates on the stories you need.

AEW Dynasty: Bryan Danielson vs. Will Ospreay Confirmed For St Louis Pay-Per-View

Aaron Varble
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AEW is adding another pay-per-view to their schedule this year, and April 21st will see a big show in St Louis. Dynasty is coming at fans, and now there is a massive match scheduled for the show.

Bryan Danielson stood up to Will Ospreay during the conclusion of AEW Dynamite this week. It was expected that the two will throw down, and now we know that April 21st is the date in St Louis.

AEW Dynasty Match Gets Booked

Bryan Danielson and Will Ospreay are set to clash in the ring for the first time. During Saturday’s Collision, Ospreay officially issued a challenge to Danielson for a match at AEW Dynasty on April 21 in St. Louis. Danielson promptly accepted, and AEW swiftly confirmed the match.

Danielson secured victory against Shane Taylor in the opening match of Collision when Ospreay made his presence known. Ospreay mentioned that he anticipated Danielson had something to discuss with him after Danielson entered the ring during the conclusion of Dynamite. 

Danielson then informed Ospreay that he’s heard of him being hailed as the best in the world and wants to afford him the opportunity to validate that claim. The legend of Ospreay obviously traveled around the world. Now, he will lock up in St Louis.

Will Ospreay in AEW

Ospreay made his AEW debut at Revolution last weekend, triumphing over Konosuke Takeshita. He followed this with another victory against Kyle Fletcher on AEW Dynamite. Following the latter match, Danielson confronted Ospreay in the ring, setting the stage for their impending clash.

Ospreay turned down WWE interest in order to lock down a deal with AEW. He recently commented that he was a big banged up after his first tour with Tony Khan’s company, but he went home for a little rest.

Like Ospreay, Bryan Danielson also competed at Revolution, where he suffered a defeat to Eddie Kingston. In accordance with the match’s stipulations, Danielson extended his hand to Kingston in a display of sportsmanship following his loss. We will have to see how Danielson vs Ospreay pans out at Dynasty.

SEScoops will have more on this story and many more from all over the pro wrestling word. Keep checking back for more information.

Ex WWE Star Making AEW Return At Dynamite Big Business On 3/15

Aaron Varble
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AEW fans are well aware of the fact that there are a number of stars who are out of action for one reason or another. The long wait for PAC’s return to AEW television is now over, and he’s in line for a big match.

PAC returned to AEW television this week during Collision. He did so by squaring off with Kazuchika Okada. Now, he is set to compete in a huge six-man tag team match at AEW Big Business on March 13th.

PAC’s AEW Return

PAC is set to return to in-ring action at Big Business. During Saturday’s Collision, he made his comeback, assisting Penta El Zero Miedo and Eddie Kingston against opponents like The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada. Following this, PAC issued a challenge to the newest iteration of The Elite for a trios match scheduled for this Wednesday’s Big Business event.

A video teasing PAC’s return aired during the AEW Revolution Zero Hour pre-show last Sunday, marking the end of his months-long absence from AEW television since July. Fans knew it wouldn’t be long until he showed up again after that teaser video dropped.

More Backstory on PAC’s Return Situation  & Big Business

The Young Bucks made waves on Dynamite last Wednesday by revealing Hangman Page’s suspension without pay and Kenny Omega’s dismissal from The Elite. They introduced Okada as the newest member, who attacked Eddie Kingston and aligned with Nicholas and Matthew Jackson, solidifying his new heel persona in AEW.

Additionally, a tag team match featuring Chris Jericho and Hook against the Gates of Agony was confirmed for Big Business. Hook came to Jericho’s aid on Collision after members of the Mogul Embassy targeted Jericho following his match with Titan.

The updated Big Business lineup includes expectations for Mercedes Mone’s AEW debut, AEW World Champion Samoa Joe defending against Wardlow, Darby Allin facing Jay White, The Elite versus Eddie Kingston, PAC, and Penta El Zero Miedo, and a matchup between Hook & Chris Jericho and The Gates of Agony. Plus, a showdown between Willow Nightingale and Riho is also anticipated.

AEW Big Business Dynamite 3/15 Card: 

  • Mercedes Mone’s AEW debut is expected
  • AEW World Champion Samoa Joe defends against Wardlow
  • Darby Allin vs. Jay White
  • The Elite (The Young Bucks & Kazuchika Okada) vs. Eddie Kingston, PAC, and Penta El Zero Miedo
  • Hook & Chris Jericho vs. The Gates of Agony
  • Willow Nightingale vs. Riho

How Close Was Kazuchika Okada To Signing With WWE?

Dominic DeAngelo
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Kazuchika Okada has been one of several big-name free agents AEW has locked down and Tony Khan is hoping it helps signifies a new era for the company, but could he have gone to WWE?

A new report from Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated states that there was a real consideration on Okada’s behalf to ink a deal with WWE. He especially loved the idea of being apart of WrestleMania, however, there were several factors coming to to play with him signing with AEW instead.

Okada has been friends with The Young Bucks for nearly a decade-and-a-half so that obviously came into play. Another added element is that Okada was not expected to relocate to the United States if he did sign with AEW.

Not only that, but The Rainmaker believes that he’ll be given the greatest chance at succeeding in AEW and has a lot of trust in AEW President Tony Khan.

Okada made his greatly-anticipated debut for AEW this past week on AEW Dynamite and did so in a memorable way, swerving the fans with an immediate heel turn. 

After The Young Bucks made several announcements following their loss at AEW Revolution, Eddie Kingston came out to confront the brothers. Matt and Nick Jackson began attacking Eddie when The Rainmaker entered, making it seem like he was there to help Kingston. However, he joined in on the assault and aligned with The Bucks, officially becoming a member of the Elite.

With him attacking Kingston and indicating an interest in his AEW Continental Championship, one would likely believe that it could be Okada vs. Kingston at AEW Dynasty on April 21 in St. Louis, MO.

Former WWE Stars Madcap Moss and Tenille Dashwood Begin New Chapter After Dream Hawaiian Wedding

Aaron Varble
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The pro wrestling world is full of couples, and one of them just made their union official. Madcap Moss and Tenille Dashwood went through a lot together, and they were also released on the same day in September 2023. Now, they are husband and wife.

People got the exclusive tip that the former WWE Superstars are now married. They are starting their lives together and are very happy about that.

Emma and Madcap Moss Married

Former WWE Superstar Emma was released by WWE in September 2023, a move that surprised some fans, but they were largely absent from television prior to that. Her fiancé Riddick Moss also departed from WWE. Recently, it seems the couple has gotten married.

According to People, Tenille Dashwood and her longtime boyfriend, Mike Rallis, got married in a beautiful mountainside ceremony at Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii. The outlet also had exclusive photos of the nuptials.

The location held significance as it symbolically connected Melbourne, Australia, and Minnesota, the places where Dashwood and Rallis are from.

Ahead of their wedding, Dashwood expressed her anticipation for what she believes will be an extraordinary wedding, emphasizing that the primary focus is on creating a joyous atmosphere. “There’s no doubt it’s going to be an epic wedding, but the most important thing is it’s going to be so much fun,” she stated. “We want a celebration where our family and friends can enjoy themselves and have a great time.”

Rallis echoed her sentiments, highlighting the elements they have planned for the event. “Stunning scenery, delicious food, live music, and the best company we could ask for,” he added.

What’s Next for Emma and Madcap

We will have to see what Madcap Moss and Emma do next. They are doing a lot of traveling right now. Their adventures will continue as a married couple now.

We’re sending out our best to Tenille Dashwood and Mike Rallis, from everyone here at SEScoops.

WWE Took Extra Steps To Protect Surprises During NXT This Week

Aaron Varble
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WWE included a couple surprises for this week’s episode of NXT, and it seems that they tried their best to keep those things under wraps.

William Regal and Trick Williams both showed up for the episode, and many fans were shocked to see them. That being said, neither of them were noted in any backstage rundown, either.

WWE Protecting NXT Surprises

In the latest WWE NXT episode, the No Quarter Catch Crew, holding the Heritage Cup, made a strong presence in the ring. Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp, and Myles Borne delivered a message to the rest of the NXT roster.

The stable declared their intention to defend the Heritage Cup as a group, allowing any member to defend the title. They emphasized their commitment to uphold the championship’s prestige as genuine athletes.

Unexpectedly, William Regal’s entrance music played, signaling his return. Regal received a warm welcome from the NXT crowd, with chants of “Welcome back” filling the arena. Clearly, the fans hadn’t forgotten the former General Manager.

Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightful Select that, “William Regal was not listed for the No Quarter Catch Crew Promo. His promo is expected to play a key part in Charlie Dempsey’s next few weeks.”

Trick Williams did a run-in during the main event segment as well. He still wants to hash things out with Carmelo Hayes. It seems that WWE wanted to keep his appearance a secret as well.

It was also noted that Trick Williams was not included on any rundown for the show, either. His absence during rehearsals raised eyebrows, but he was at the show.

Why William Regal Had To Wait

When William Regal moved from AEW to WWE for an office position, a notable condition arose in his departure agreement. It dictated that Regal couldn’t make appearances on WWE television for a year, explaining his absence during the WarGames announcement. Now that this condition has expired, Regal has made his return to NXT.

The timing of Regal’s reappearance on WWE television remains uncertain, but his impromptu appearance during NXT Roadblock was met with praise. Currently serving as the company’s Vice President of Global Talent Development, Regal’s involvement, particularly in Charlie Dempsey’s storyline, is anticipated in the coming weeks. We will have to see how this pans out.

SEScoops will have more coverage of this story, and so many more from all over the pro wrestling world. Please keep checking back for more updates!

MJF Pulls Out of Major Fan Convention Amid AEW Absence

Aaron Varble
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MJF hasn’t been seen on AEW television in a while. As fans wait for his return to television, it seems that some fans who were expecting to see him in Lexington, Kentucky were a bit bummed out by having the former AEW World Champion pull out of an appearance.

It seems that MJF pulled out of a major fan event for the Lexington Toy & Comic Con recently. AEW was able to come up with a substitution with Swerve Strickland.

MJF’s Missed Event

Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightful Select that MJF opted out of another comic con appearance this week, marking a notable absence from the event lineup. In response, Swerve Strickland stepped in to fill the vacancy at the upcoming Lexington Toy & Comic Con in Lexington this weekend.

It was not noted if MJF gave any reason for him pulling out of the event. Fans will get a chance to meet Swerve instead, so it’s a good trade. Still, some fans were probably a bit upset that The Salt of the Earth pulled out.

MJF’s Last Match

On December 30, 2023, at All Elite Wrestling’s AEW Worlds End pay-per-view event held at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, USA, MJF faced off against Samoa Joe in a high-stakes battle for the AEW World Title. In a match lasting 17 minutes and 52 seconds, Samoa Joe emerged victorious, clinching the championship title.

Adam Cole also revealed himself as The Devil, and that put a huge nail in the coffin for his partnership with the former NXT Champion.

This outcome marked a significant shift in the AEW landscape, with MJF conceding the title to Samoa Joe in a memorable showdown. That was also MJF’s last match to date. Only time will tell when he will re-emerge.

SEScoops will have more information on MJF’s status if new details are made available. Keep checking back for more on the stories that you need from the pro wrestling world.

Surprise Sighting: CM Punk Spotted at Chicago Indie Wrestling Event

Aaron Varble
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CM Punk is currently out of action, but he’s still getting around. He loves pro wrestling, and you never know if he’ll be around if there is an event in his city.

Chicago is CM Punk’s home, and he’s been spending a lot more time there with his current injury status. Freelance Wrestling recently had a show in Chicago, and the Second City Savior couldn’t miss it.

CM Punk Spotted At Indie Wrestling Event

Sean Ross Sapp noted on Fightful Select that CM Punk was backstage at the Freelance Wrestling show in Chicago this week. It was not noted who he was there to see.

You never know where Punk will show up next. He is obviously welcomed backstage at Freelance Wrestling. Then again, practically any indie wrestling company on the planet would love to have CM Punk around.

CM Punk’s WrestleMania 40 Status

Punk will be around for WrestleMania, as he has an appearance planned at the company’s fan event before the show of shows. Sadly, his planned single match against Seth Rollins couldn’t happen, but Punk will likely be around for WrestleMania next year.

SEScoops will have more on this story in case there are more updates on CM Punk’s status. It seems that he is doing his best to stay active during his injury hiatus.

Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda Discuss Their Upcoming WWE HOF Induction

Dominic DeAngelo
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The Hall Of Fame reveals came as a surprise to both Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda, but both couldn’t be happier about doing so together.

It was revealed on Friday that the U.S. Express would be the third Hall Of Fame induction announcement for 2024.

Speaking with Peter Rosenberg on “Cheap Heat,” Mike Rotunda comments how he didn’t see it coming.

“It was kind of out of the blue. I wasn’t expecting it. It means a lot. You’re getting rewarded for a lifetime of work. So a nice honor to have and have the respect of the officials that elect to put you in there and all the guys that I worked with to make me look good.”

Going in with Rotunda will be Windham’s second induction into the Hall as he went in as a member of the Four Horsemen originally. Despite that, Windham notes how much this particular induction means to him.

“It was a really big surprise and this one is special because I get to go in with my best friend and that makes it all that much bigger.”

Rotunda then went on to detail how he and Windham came to meet and talked about wrestling Jesse Ventura for only a minute and a half. Then him and Barry ended up bonding in Toronto.

They didn’t see one another for about a year-and-a-half, but then Dusty Rhodes called and got Rotunda down in Florida. Dusty ultimately put them together as a tag team. Rotunda would note that he and Windham would go thirty minutes while Dusty would work a main event that was seven minutes.

As of now, Windham and Rotunda join Bull Nakano and Paul Heyman as the current class for 2024.

Please credit Peter Rosenberg and h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Hammerstone Labels Josh Alexander “A Walking Liability” After TNA Sacrifice Win

Dominic DeAngelo
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The winds of change may be coming for TNA Wrestling and could be courtesy of Alex Hammerstone.

TNA Sacrifice took place Friday evening and one of the featured fights was a rematch between Hammerstone and former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander. The Walking Weapon walked out with the first victory at TNA Hard To Kill in January but this time it was Hammerstone who came out victorious, but not without nefarious actions.

During the match, the official was down in the corner as Alexander had Hammerstone in a standing switch, and Hammerstone decided to rip a page out of Ric Flair’s book by low-blowing Josh and then hitting him with his Nightmare Pendulum for the 1-2-3 victory.

As a means to rub salt to the wound, Hammerstone stole Alexander’s signature wrestling headgear as a “souvenir,” but Alex was far from being in a jovial mood in a post-match promo.

“You were looking past me like I was insignificant. Well who’s insignificant now, Josh? You talk about how you wanna be World Champion again using me as a stepping stone? Look at me! I’m what world champions are made out of.”

Hammerstone then went to go over Alexander’s extensive list of injuries he’s sustained recently in his career and decided to give him a new moniker.

“You are not the Walking Weapon, you are a walking liability. The future has started, Josh and it’s leaving you behind. You’ll be lucky if you step into the ring with me again and the only thing I take from you is head gear.”

Being a former MLW World Champion, one can only imagine that Hammerstone has the TNA World Title in his sights. He may have to go through Moose, who retained his gold against Eric Young in the main event of Sacrfice.

Please h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Matt Cardona Says A Match With Mick Foley Would Be The Biggest In Independent Wrestling History

Dominic DeAngelo
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Matt Cardona wants a piece of Mick Foley. Not just that, but he wants to be the man to send the Hardcore Legend packing for good.

Before his ‘Foley Is Pod” series ended, Foley legitimately expressed an interest in having one final match and made an added note that he’d like for it to be a deathmatch. Enter “The Deathmatch King” Matt Cardona.

The Indy God has truly set the bar for how to establish oneself on the independent wrestling scene and speaking with Sports Illustrated, Cardona makes the case for him being the man to put an end to Mick Foley’s in-ring career.

“It’s no secret I’ve been politicking for this match. Go back to the Hammerstein ballroom a couple years ago, I was wearing a flannel that said ‘F— Mick Foley’. If he wants a deathmatch, it would only be fitting to have one against the deathmatch king. It would be the biggest match in the history of independent pro wrestling.”

Cardona happens to not be the only star to make a pitch to be Foley’s final opponent. 

A fellow WWE Hall Of Famer in Rob Van Dam laid out a compelling case as to why he should face Foley. RVD noted that he and Foley never competed against one another in singles action despite being notable main eventers in ECW. RVD also added that while he was the man to actually retire the WWE Hardcore Championship, Foley happens to have it in his possesion.

Kevin Von Erich Credits Tony Khan: “Every Company Needs A Guy Like That”

Dominic DeAngelo
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Kevin Von Erich is all too familiar with what it takes to run a wrestling promotion and the wrestling legend credits Tony Khan for a strong ability to hit the reset button.

Speaking on the A2TheK, Von Erich talked about what he thought of AEW, who happened to showcase his sons, Ross and Marshall on their programming.

“I love those people. It’s a great company. I know this isn’t anything, but the catering was great! What good food. The people are really nice.

“Tony Khan is something else. Every company needs a guy like that. Somebody that loves the business. That can look at the business like it was his first day every morning. That’s that guy. I have a lot of admiration for him. The wrestlers, all great, old friends,”

The Von Erichs starting appearing on AEW programming back when The Iron Claw was being released in theaters. Marshall and Ross actutally recently appeared on an episode of AEW Rampage as they teamed with Dustin Rhodes in triple tag action.

The Von Erichs would certainly be a great fit for the upcoming AEW World Tag Team Title Tournament. Already in the mix is Orange Cassidy and Trent Barretta as well as the AEW EVPs, The Young Bucks, who inserted themselves into the equation. Both Ross and Marshall are former MLW World Tag Team Champions as they actually defeated Richard Holliday and MJF to become the champions. 

If you haven’t gotten to see The Iron Claw, we have several reviews on the site, including a recent write-up from B.J. Bethel.

H/t to Fightful for the transcription.

Paramore At WrestleMania? Hayley Williams Gives WWE Star Permission to Use Song

Thomas Lowson
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0

WWE WrestleMania 40 could see music from rock sensations Paramore if the band’s lead singer Hayley Williams has her way. 

WrestleMania 40 will take place in just four weeks time from the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. The show will be the fifth-annual WrestleMania to take place across two nights, a tradition that bean thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Paramore and WrestleMania? 

Last month, A movement began on social media for Paramore to perform at WrestleMania 40. This caught the attention of Bayley, who expressed her support for the fan campaign.

Now, the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble winner has once again taken to social media, this time with a message from the band itself. Bayley shared a video of Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams who made clear that she was aware of wrestling fans wanting Paramore at WrestleMania. Williams gave the Role Model permission to use the band’s hit ‘Simmer’ for her entrance next month. 

”Bayley says ‘Dude, I wanna play Simmer for my entrance at WrestleMania.’ You have our permission, that’s sick, holy s***.”

Bayley and Paramore

The Role Model is a huge fan of Paramore and has made no secret of her devotion. In 2018, Bayley wore a Paramore-themed attire for WWE Evolution, the company’s first (and to date, only) event to feature an all-female card. Bayley teamed with Sasha Banks and Natalya to defeat the Riott Squad at the event. 

Bayley at WrestleMania 40

Paramore or no Paramore, Bayley will compete for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40. The Role Model will challenge former Damage CTRL ally IYO SKY who has held the title since SummerSlam 2023. This will mark Bayley’s first singles match at the Show Of Shows. 

The Next WWE Hall of Fame 2024 Inductee Could Be Related To The Rock

Aaron Varble
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The Rock has a lot of pull in WWE as a member of TKO’s board of directors. That is a shoot, and so is the idea that he may place someone very close to him in the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

It was previously noted that The Rock has a say in picking the WWE Hall of Fame this year. He apparently pulled for one name in a big way and now we know who it is. His own grandmother.

Lia Maivia Rumored For 2024 WWE Hall of Fame

Reports from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select suggest Lia Maivia as a potential inductee into this year’s class. While not confirmed, this speculation aligns with previous reports indicating The Rock’s involvement in selecting this year’s inductees.

Maivia’s legacy is noteworthy, and she had a big hand in pro wrestling history as a promoter. She took over Polynesian Pro Wrestling in 1982 following the passing of her husband, “High Chief” Peter Maivia. As one of the first female wrestling promoters, Maivia led PPW to its best year in 1985, drawing a crowd of 20,000 fans. She sadly passed away in 2008, but she remained a part of the pro wrestling world until her death.

2024 WWE Hall of Fame Inductees

WWE has already started the process of unveiling names for the upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony, with Paul Heyman notably taking the spotlight as the first announcement under the Triple H era.

Additionally, The US Express (Mike Rotunda & Barry Windham) and Bull Nakano have been confirmed. More names are expected to follow in the upcoming weeks. Haku is also rumored for this year’s class.

The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled to coincide with WrestleMania weekend, following SmackDown on April 5th, at the Wells Fargo Center, the night before Mania’s first night.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so many more. Please keep checking back for the stories you need.

McKenzie Mitchell’s Musical Move: Ex-NXT Name Lands Role in ‘The Last Match’ Show

Thomas Lowson
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0

McKenzie Mitchell may no longer be a part of WWE, but the former interviewer has landed on her feet with a new musical role. 

Mitchell was released from WWE in December of last year in a shock to fans as she had been a regular presence on programming right until her exit. WWE NXT head Shawn Michaels would later say he was sad to see her cut and that he hadn’t been part of the decision. WWE Superstars also shared their support to Mitchell, the wife of WWE NXT commentator Vic Joseph. 

McKenzie Mitchell’s Musical Move 

Mitchell will be a part of ‘The Last Match,’ a new rock musical centered on professional wrestling. On Twitter, Mitchell, in character as commentator Scarlett Sublime, shared her excitement for the project.

The Last Match

Mitchell won’t be the only notable name on stage for The Last Match. Popular Wrestling YouTube personality Simon Miller will be portraying Alexander Swagger. In addition to his work online, Miller has also gotten in the ring from time to time, including at IMPACT Wrestling’s Turning Point show last year. 

The show’s inaugural performance will take place on April 26, from the Temple in Rochester, New York. The show tells the story of Ben Vengeance who is walking into his final wrestling pay-per-view event to challenge for the BTD Championship held by Swagger/Miller. 

For more information about The Last Match, including news on tickets and how to buy them, click here. 

Vince McMahon’s TKO Stock Sale Made Official: How Many Shares Does He Still Own?

Aaron Varble
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0

Vince McMahon is no longer officially associated with WWE, a company he boosted into an internal publicly traded company. He recently sold a ton of stock, but what is his standing in the company now?

TKO disclosed today that Vince McMahon sold 5,350,000 TKO shares at $77 each, generating $411,950,000 from the transaction. According to the filing, McMahon retains ownership of 15,002,105 shares. As of today’s closing price of $81.39 per share, McMahon’s total investment in TKO is valued at $1,221,021,326.

McMahon’s Big Pay Day

Vince McMahon’s association with WWE came to an abrupt turning point following his resignation from his role within the company. Now, he is cashing in after leaving the company he helped build and merge into a global conglomerate.

In a recent disclosure, it was revealed that McMahon opted to sell a substantial portion of his TKO shares, totaling an estimated $412 million. This strategic move not only serves to enhance McMahon’s financial standing but also raises a lot of questions about how he will spend that money.

With the sale of 5,350,000 shares, McMahon’s remaining stake in TKO now stands at around 15 million shares, constituting approximately 9% of the total outstanding TKO stock. So, he doesn’t own enough of the company to perform any kind of takeover in the future, as he did after his first “retirement” when the story first broke that he had a ton of NDAs and hush money agreements floating around.

Vince McMahon’s Resignation From WWE

Vince McMahon was forced to resign from WWE after Janel Grant’s lawsuit went public, along with the heinous allegations against him. The minute Slim Jim pulled their Royal Rumble in the eleventh hour before the big event, WWE knew they couldn’t have that slippery slope.

TKO CEO Ari Emanuel and TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro reportedly “urged” Vince to step down, and leave the company. Not long after his resignation was announced, Slim Jim returned to sponsor the Royal Rumble, and they even got an advertisement as part of LA Knight’s entrance during the show.

Vince McMahon has since been removed from WWE content to the best of their ability. His face was even blurred during cut scenes in WWE 2K24.

SEScoops will have more updates on this story, and so much more in the coming months. Keep checking back for more details on the stories you need.

The Rock’s Daughter Ava Takes on Amanda Huber’s Remark After SmackDown with Fierce Response

Aaron Varble
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The Rock is going all out when it comes to being a big time heel this time around in WWE. He took a shot at Cody Rhodes this week that drew a lot of attention, and it cut deep for some people.

There was a bit of outrage when The Rock dropped his line about Cody Rhodes being a “mistake,” because of the age gap between him and his siblings. Amanda Huber made a crack at this line as well, and Dwayne Johnson’s own daughter read the message.

Ava Claps Back

Ava is an NXT Superstar now, and he is currently serving as the brand’s General Manager. She was formerly with The Schism, but that faction disbanded as their members found new places in the pro wrestling world. The Rock’s daughter was watching her father on SmackDown this week, and she also paid attention to social media.

Amanda Huber fired back at this line from The Rock about Cody being a mistake. She said, “Talking about an age gap when your own daughters are almost 20 years apart is a weird choice.”

When Ava saw that post on Twitter/X, she only commented back to say, “What a mark,” with a re-post. It seems that she isn’t going to let this negative backlash shake her. 

Ava Received Death Threats Over The Rock’s WrestleMania Story

Ava is back on Twitter/X after leaving the platform. She actually deactivated her account for a minute after heat on her father’s WWE return was so severe that she started getting death threats. 

The Rock actually commented on Ava getting death threats, so it was a serious situation. He said it was a “crazy” situation. Thankfully, she is back on social media to chime in on matters like this. 

WrestleMania 40 Plans & Beyond

WWE confirmed this week that WrestleMania 40 will see The Rock and Roman Reigns take on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins in the main event of night 1 this year. If the heels win, then it’s Bloodline Rules in the night two Mania main event. However, if Cody and Seth can defeat Rock and Roman, then the Bloodline will be barred from ringside during night 2. 

It is also rumored that The Rock may wrestle again, next time in Saudi Arabia. So, he may still get that singles match against Roman Reigns after all, or he may just have to take Cody Rhodes up on that one-on-one challenge. 

SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and everything else in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more updates on the stories you need.

Daily Drop (3/9): WWE Makes History With Logan Paul’s Prime Deal, Backlash Over The Rock’s SmackDown Promo

Aaron Varble
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Welcome to SEScoops: the Daily Drop, your go-to for the latest news and rumors in wrestling for Saturday, March 9. WWE SmackDown was last night, and we have AEW Collision tonight. There are also a ton of great stories to take a look at.

Days until WrestleMania 40: 28

Before we get started, we have to address Ricky Stanicky. John Cena’s new movie, directed by Peter Farrelly, is a brilliant R-rated comedy. If you loved movies like There’s Something About Mary and Me, Myself & Irene, then this is a movie for you. It dropped on Amazon Prime a couple of days ago, and we have a great review of the film on SEScoops.

WWE:

– WWE’s YouTube subscribers hit 100 million. The Rock posted about this as he said the channel is “Only the 10th channel globally to ever do so! Helluva milestone that deserves the well-earned flowers of recognition.”

– The Rock really upset a lot of people by calling Cody Rhodes “a mistake” on SmackDown this week. Tons of people have reacted online.

– Rey Mysterio will return to WWE SmackDown next week for their show in Memphis.

– Speaking of SmackDown in Memphis, WWE is reportedly planning a Rock Concert. So, we should expect The Rock to break out some of his musical chops next week.

– In other news about The Rock. It was reported that he has a big hand in picking the WWE Hall of Fame inductees this year. It was said that the intention of those choices will be made clear eventually. We will have to wait and see how that pans out.

– WWE and Prime’s new deal is the largest in company history. This will secure center ring placement for the first time for any advertiser as well. The exact details and money numbers of the deal were not disclosed, but it’s likely they will come out when the next financial earnings report drops.

AEW:

– Will Ospreay said he’s a bit banged up after his first AEW tour. He’s on his way back to the UK now to rest up and spend some time at home with his family,

– Tony Schiavone confirmed on his What Happened When podcast that Tony Khan did ask Martha Hart’s permission before Sting’s final descent from the rafters. He said, “Tony [Tony Khan] did call Martha Hart, I was there when he fucking called her. He told me, ‘Go let Sting, Darby, and the Bucks know that Martha Hart and I have talked and she has given it her blessing.’ I went and told them what the communication was. Would not have done it without first talking to Martha Hart.”

– Santana made his first remarks since his AEW departure. He dropped a length text graphic in a post on Twitter/X. You can check that out below.

– Matt Hardy took a moment to address his current AEW contract situation.

– Former WWE Superstar Elias, now going as Elijah, said to For The Love of Wrestling that he would like to go to NJPW, but also, “The same with AEW, or TNA, I mean I love the idea. I have plenty of ideas about how to evolve my character and take it to the next step, and I feel like you need a TV audience in order to show that. So we’ll have to see what kind of opportunities come my way and which way we go, but all three of them are very appealing.”

AEW Collision March 9th, 2024 Lineup

  • Atlanta Street Fight: Mark Briscoe, Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal vs. House of Black’s Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews
  • Chris Jericho vs. CMLL star Titan
  • Bryan Danielson vs. Shane Taylor
  • Mistico vs. Angelico
  • Kazuchika Okada & The Young Bucks in trios action
  • Mariah May will wrestle this week
  • Toni Storm presents the first-ever Toni Award

Upcoming Major Pro Wrestling Events:

  • AEW Dynamite: Big Business will be hosted at Boston’s TD Garden on March 13th.
  • WWE NXT Stand & Deliver is slated for the afternoon of April 6th, just before the start of WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia.
  • WrestleMania XL is set to take place on April 6th and 7th at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a two-part event.
  • AEW is coming to St. Louis, MO with AEW: Dynasty LIVE on PPV on Sunday, April 21st at Chaifetz Arena
  • Backlash France is scheduled for May 4th at LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, France.
  • WWE NXT Battleground is booked for May 26th at Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia, exclusively available on the WWE Network and Peacock.
  • WWE Money in the Bank will be held on July 6th at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, followed by WWE NXT Heatwave on July 7th at the same venue.
  • WWE Bash In Berlin is marked for August 31st at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, Germany.

“The Best is Yet to Come!” Mike Santana Grateful to Fans & Ortiz After AEW Exit

Thomas Lowson
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Mike Santana has shared his gratitude to the fans, Ortiz, and others following the Inner Circle alum’s exit from AEW.

Earlier this month, . The tag-team specialist had been with the company since 2019 and had been a regular fixture of programming during the days of the Inner Circle. 

Mike Santana is Grateful

Taking to Twitter, Santana reflected on his exit from AEW. The wrestler was immensely grateful for the opportunities he received in the company. 

”Took a few days to reflect and I can’t tell you how truly blessed and grateful I feel. It’s been 5 years full of ups and downs, but above all it taught me so much about myself and this business. I’m thankful for the opportunity I was given to be a part of history at the ground level. I can say that I’ll forever be a part of that legacy right at day one. But as you know, there comes a time in life where you have to make decisions and take a bet on yourself. We only get one chance at this life thing and life is about taking risks.

You’ll never know your true potential unless you really put it to work. I’m a big believer in “When one door closes, a bigger door opens”, and im so excited for what the future holds for me. With that being said, I want to thank God and my father for continuing to guide me. My family for their endless support.”

”All the fans who have backed me endlessly no matter what. To Ortiz, for the years. And AEW for the knowledge and opportunity.

“I TOLD YOU THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”

While Santana is gone from AEW, fans can still find him in other promotions. He is the current House of Glory World Champion. 

Who Made the Call for Kazuchika Okada to Debut As A Heel in AEW?

Thomas Lowson
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Kazuchika Okada is in AEW and is a heel, and this creative direction came from those at the very top of the company. 

The Rainmaker made his much-anticipated debut as an AEW wrestler on this week’s edition of Dynamite. While it has been rumored that he’d be joining WWE and potentially starting in NXT, it was reported last month that Okada had signed with AEW. His arrival on Dynamite came less than a month after Okada finished his lengthy career with New Japan Pro Wrestling. 

Kazuchika Okada Joins The Elite

Okada’s debut this week saw him tease aligning with Eddie Kingston who was on the show to confront the Young Bucks. Instead, Okada attacked Kingston, certifying his role as a heel and shook hands with the AEW EVPs. With Kenny Omega fired as a member of The Elite during the same segment, Okada has seemingly replaced the absent former World Champion. 

There was no hesitation in bringing in Okada as a heel, Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports. All parties involved, that being the Bucks, Okada, and Tony Khan agreed that being a heel was the better fit, especially given his original big run in Japan being as a playboy heel. The idea that he should start as a heel came directly from Khan. Multiple sources confirmed that Okada has immense trust in the AEW President’s vision. 

What’s Next?

Okada competed in a six-man-tag at this week’s AEW Collision tapings, which will air tonight. SI reports that all indicators are that Okada will feud with Kenny Omega once the Canadian wrestler is ready to wrestle again. 

Jim Ross Says “It’s Time To Move On” From Vince McMahon Amid Disturbing Allegations

Thomas Lowson
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It’s time for the wrestling world to move on from Vincent Kennedy McMahon, at least according to AEW commentator and ex-McMahon employee Jim Ross. 

McMahon stepped down from WWE in January 2024 due to the shocking allegations made against him in Janel Grant’s lawsuit. Grant alleges that she was sexually abused by McMahon and was trafficked to other influential men in the company. Brock Lesnar is suspected to be one of the alleged men, resulting in the Beast being pulled from all WWE plans. 

Vince McMahon’s Response

McMahon has claimed that the litigation is rife with fabrications and has claimed he is completely innocent. Former WWE executive John Laurinaitis, who is named in the suit, has claimed he is a victim, not a predator, in this situation. Brock Lesnar has not commented publicly on the allegation against him. 

Jim Ross Weighs In

Ross worked closely with McMahon for decades and in addition to being a commentator, served as WWE’s Head of Talent Relations for years. On a recent edition of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross spoke about McMahon’s sullen exit from the company he created. 

 “I’m tired of it. It’s embarrassing in a lot of ways that it’s happened this way. It’s affected a lot of innocent people. That’s my take on it.”

Ross added that he hopes the wrestling world can look to the future and leave the alleged activity of McMahon in the past. 

“It’s time to move on. It’s time to move on and cause some rest and peace for some people and it’s time to move on in my opinion.”

H/T – POST Wrestling

Teil Rhodes, Amanda Huber & More Fire Back After The Rock Brands Cody “A Mistake”

Thomas Lowson
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Teil Rhodes, the sister of Cody, has fired back at The Rock following scathing comments from the Bloodline member made on this week’s SmackDown.

During the March 8, episode of the blue brand, The Rock and Roman Reigns came face to face with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, in the first confrontation between the four since the explosive WrestleMania 40 kick-off event. Amid a barrage of insulting comments, The Rock questioned why there is a 20-year age difference between Cody and his older brother Dustin Rhodes (it is actually a gap of 16 years.) The Rock concluded that such a gap shows that Cody was an unplanned child or a “mistake” as the Brahma Bull put it. This infuriated Rhodes who slapped The Rock to close the show. 

Teil Rhodes on The Rock’s Comment

The Rock’s comment against Rhodes would catch the attention of Teil, who often weighs in on storylines surrounding her brother. Taking to Twitter, Teil reminded The Rock that there is only a three-year difference between herself and Cody. 

Teil, the EVP of Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, also responded to a fan who questioned why Rhodes didn’t bring her up on SmackDown. 

More Responses

Teil Rhodes wasn’t the only woman connected to Cody to have a strong response to what The Rock has had to say. AEW’s Amanda Huber questioned the Great One’s comment about an age gap, considering the notable gaps in his own family. 

Not satisfied with just mocking Cody, The Rock has had some insulting comments about Rhodes’ dog Pharoah. In a tweet, Brandi Rhodes made it clear she’s ready to fight for her beloved pet. 

What’s Next? 

The Rock didn’t just insult Rhodes this week, but also flexed his muscles as a TKO board member. On SmackDown, Rock announced that if Rhodes loses to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, he’ll never get another opportunity at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. 

And New: Former WWE Duo Wins First Titles After September 2023 Release

Thomas Lowson
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A former WWE tag team has scored their first taste of championship gold following their release from the promotion in September of last year. 

September 2023 saw the first wave of talent releases following the launch of TKO Group Holdings that same month. These releases came shortly after WWE cut over 100 employees from its corporate offices. These cuts were made as part of synchronization efforts with UFC to ensure that there was as little unnecessary staff in TKO. 

New Champions

Mace and Mansoor, collectively known as the Maximum Male Models, were among the names cut from WWE in September of last year. Now the pair have captured championship gold. At an event for Beyond Wrestling, the pair won the promotion’s tag titles. WWE NXT Superstar DIJAK was in attendance at the show to commemorate the win for the models. 

In WWE, neither Mace nor Mansoor won championship gold. Mace’s only title opportunity in WWE came at a 2020 WWE NXT live event where he unsuccessfully challenged NXT Champion Adam Cole. Mansoor would never even get an opportunity at a title in WWE, with his biggest win being the 51-Man battle royal victory at WWE Super Showdown 2019. 

Championship Releases

Notable names cut at the time included Matt Riddle and Nic Nemeth, both of whom have gone on to capture championship gold in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Nemeth is the current, and second-ever IWGP Global Champion while Riddle is currently the NJPW World Television Champion. 

Mustafa Ali has gone on to join TNA Wrestling and is the reigning TNA X-Division Champion. The Retribution leader captured the title, his first championship in a major wrestling promotion, in the main event of TNA No Surrender. 

Everything that happened with The Rock after 3/9 SmackDown

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