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Some Cable Subscribers Won’t Get WWE Wrestlepalooza Without Additional Payment

Andrew Ravens
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Some Cable Subscribers Won’t Get WWE Wrestlepalooza Without Additional Payment

The launch of WWE Premium Live Events on ESPN’s new streaming platform is set to begin with significant confusion and frustration for many fans this Saturday. The first exclusive event, WWE Wrestlepalooza, will be unavailable to subscribers of several major television distributors, including Comcast and YouTube TV, which represent a combined total of over 20 million subscribers. This access issue will force many WWE fans to, in essence, pay twice for ESPN if they wish to watch the show, creating a rocky start for the new partnership.

The problem stems from the new app’s premium tier, “ESPN Unlimited,” which will house the exclusive WWE content. During a press availability on Wednesday, September 17, JT Lasker, SVP of direct-to-consumer at ESPN, confirmed that no form of limited accessibility would be offered this weekend to pay TV subscribers whose providers have not yet reached a deal for the new tier. This means customers of Comcast, YouTube TV, Cox, Sling TV, and other providers will be blocked from viewing Wrestlepalooza through their existing cable or streaming subscriptions and would need to purchase a separate subscription directly from ESPN to gain access.

According to Lasker, this issue is expected to be short-term. The ESPN executive stated that the “vast majority” of distributors would have access for their subscribers by the end of the year, a timeline he described as a “worst case scenario”. The resolution may come much sooner, as ESPN and parent company Disney have distribution deals with Google (YouTube TV) and Comcast that are set to expire as early as next month, which will likely accelerate negotiations to avoid potential blackouts. ESPN’s communication strategy for the launch has been to focus on informing customers who do have access—such as those with Charter, Verizon, and DirecTV—while planning no specific outreach to the customers who will be blocked from viewing the event.

The launch is reportedly the result of two converging factors: a hasty rollout of the new ESPN app to coincide with the start of the football season, and the WWE PLE deal beginning much sooner than its original April 2026 start date. This accelerated timeline did not leave enough time for ESPN to finalize distribution deals with all of its key partners before the first app-exclusive live event, leading to the current situation where a large group of wrestling fans is expected to be angry and confused this Saturday evening.

The fans who are unable to watch this weekend will miss a stacked card for the inaugural Wrestlepalooza. The event is scheduled to feature Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre, a battle of married couples as CM Punk and AJ Lee take on Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, John Cena facing Brock Lesnar, and the crowning of a new Women’s World Champion in a match between Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer.

Lola Vice: NXT No Mercy Title Match Is My WrestleMania

Thomas Lowson
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0
Lola Vice: NXT No Mercy Title Match Is My WrestleMania

Lola Vice has a golden opportunity at WWE NXT No Mercy to capture the NXT Women’s Championship when she challenges Jacy Jayne. Just days before the biggest match of her career, Vice spoke with Going Ringside‘s Scott Johnson about her mindset heading into the title bout.

“This is my third opportunity challenging for the title and I believe now more than ever, I’m ready. Jacy is a very tough champion. She took the title off of Stephanie.”

Vice won’t just have to contend with Jayne on September 27. If history is any guide, she’ll also have to deal with Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx of Fatal Influence—something she’s fully aware of.

“[Jayne has] Fallon and Jazmyn, even though I’ve knocked them both out already. I think I have my hands full next Saturday.”

Over her time in NXT, Vice has risen through the ranks to establish herself as one of the brand’s top competitors. Now, in her hometown of Miami, she has the chance to achieve her dream in front of friends and family.

“Next Saturday is my WrestleMania in Miami. Like this is my moment and this is my opportunity to bring that title home… it just really feels like the stars aligning and this is my moment.”

After signing a new contract earlier this year, Vice is confident she has the tools to dethrone Jayne. But with the champion’s track record and the looming presence of Fatal Influence, leaving Miami as the new NXT Women’s Champion will be no easy task.

Damian Priest and Lola Vice Fuel Dating Rumors at Bad Bunny Concert

ESPN’s Chris Fowler Botches John Cena and Brock Lesnar Names Ahead of Wrestlepalooza

Thomas Lowson
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0
ESPN’s Chris Fowler Botches John Cena and Brock Lesnar Names Ahead of Wrestlepalooza

WWE and ESPN have entered a major partnership that begins this weekend with WWE Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis. The stacked event is expected to feature what many believe will be the final showdown between John Cena and Brock Lesnar. However, ESPN’s Chris Fowler appeared unfamiliar with the two icons while promoting the show.

Sayna vs. Lester

During a broadcast, Fowler mispronounced their names, referring to Cena as “John Sayna” and Lesnar as “Brock Lester.” Between them, the two Superstars hold 27 World Championships and four Royal Rumble victories, making the blunder all the more noticeable.

Fans on X quickly mocked Fowler’s slip, calling it an awkward way to kick off WWE’s new partnership with ESPN.

Cena and Lesnar were part of the same OVW class and both debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2002. Their rivalry reignited in 2012 following Lesnar’s return, with Cena defeating him in his first match back.

Now, the two legends are set to meet once more. With Cena’s retirement tour nearing its end, this encounter is widely expected to be their last. Fans can anticipate a memorable clash at Wrestlepalooza—and hopefully, Fowler will have the names right this time.

WWE Wrestlepalooza, the inaugural premium live event on the the ESPN app, streams live this Saturday, September 20 starting at 7PM ET.

Watch: Brock Lesnar Suffers Hilarious Accident On SmackDown

Drake’s “Nokia” Named Official Theme Song For WWE Wrestlepalooza

Andrew Ravens
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Drake’s “Nokia” Named Official Theme Song For WWE Wrestlepalooza

WWE has announced a major music partnership for its inaugural Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event this Saturday, September 20. In a post on his social media accounts, WWE Chief Creative Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque revealed that the song “Nokia” by superstar recording artist Drake will serve as an official theme song for the show.

The move continues WWE’s strategy of integrating high-profile music artists into its programming, following appearances and involvement from stars like Travis Scott, Jelly Roll, and Cardi B earlier this year. In his announcement, Triple H highlighted the significance of the partnership for the big event.

“An event as big as #Wrestlepalooza needs an artist as big as @Drake and the song to match. “NOKIA” is an Official Theme Song of @WWE’s Wrestlepalooza.”

The event, which takes place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, is set to be one of the biggest of the year. The card features the in-ring return of AJ Lee after more than a decade, as she teams with her husband CM Punk to face Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. It will also feature anencounter between John Cena and Brock Lesnar. The previously unconfirmed WWE Championship match has also been added to the official lineup. The full card for WWE Wrestlepalooza is below:

  • WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (champion) vs. Drew McIntyre
  • John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
  • Women’s World Championship Match: IYO SKY vs. Stephanie Vaquer
  • Mixed Tag Team Match: AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch
  • The Usos (Jey and Jimmy) vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed)

Dana White On WWE: “I’m Not A Fan. I Don’t Watch”

Andrew Ravens
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Dana White On WWE: “I’m Not A Fan. I Don’t Watch”

UFC President Dana White, a key figure in the TKO Group Holdings company that also owns WWE, has made it clear that despite the corporate connection, he is not a fan of professional wrestling. White, whose career has been dedicated to the world of combat sports, recently attended WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas and was admittedly blown away by the spectacle of WWE selling out Allegiant Stadium. However, the experience did not convert him into a fan of the product.

During a recent appearance on Logan Paul’s “IMPAULSIVE” podcast, White was asked if he watches WWE as a fan or from a business perspective.

“I’m not a fan. I don’t watch WWE. I’m into fighting, man. That’s what I do. You know how when you go on Instagram and then you go on your search page? My whole search is like, street fights and [stuff like that], that’s what I’m into.”

While he doesn’t enjoy the product itself, White was quick to state that he has a great deal of respect for the athleticism required to be a professional wrestler. He specifically praised Logan Paul for his successful transition into the industry.

“I am definitely — I respect the athleticism [of pro wrestling]. I told you when you first started doing it, ‘Man, you’re a hell of an athlete. You’re good.’ Yeah, it’s impressive to see what these guys do. It’s just not my thing.”

White noted that he enjoyed wrestling when he was a child but has since grown out of it. The attendance record set by WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium, which impressed White, was recently surpassed by the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford boxing match that took place in the same venue on September 13.

ESPN Open To Adding More WWE PLEs To Schedule

Andrew Ravens
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0
ESPN Open To Adding More WWE PLEs To Schedule

Executives from ESPN have stated that the network is open to the possibility of adding more WWE Premium Live Events to its broadcast calendar in the future. The comments were made during a media call on September 17, held to promote the upcoming WWE Wrestlepalooza event, which marks the beginning of a major five-year deal between the two companies. The new partnership will see all of WWE’s PLEs move to ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service, marking a significant shift in how fans will access WWE’s biggest shows.

During the call, ESPN executives Matt Kenny and J.T. Lasker were asked by WrestleZone’s Bill Pritchard about the potential for expanding the current PLE schedule. Pritchard noted that WWE has a Saturday Night’s Main Event special scheduled for Peacock in December, which is not a full-fledged PLE, and asked if ESPN would be interested in placing a premium event in a similar open slot. Matt Kenny, ESPN’s Programming and Acquisitions Lead, responded by confirming that while they are happy with the current schedule, the door is open for future discussions with WWE about evolving their event calendar.

“Yeah, I think anything along those lines will bear itself out in just more forward-looking scheduling conversations that we’ll get into with the WWE over time,” Kenny said. “But I think just to put a fine point on that answer, we knew what we were signing up for when we acquired the PLEs. The PLEs are incredibly invaluable and we understand the importance of those shows to help fuel our direct-to-consumer business so, we’re excited about the schedule of events that WWE puts forth for the PLEs, and if there’s conversations to be had about evolving that, then we’re certainly game to doing that”.

The current WWE premium live event schedule has largely settled into a rhythm of one major event per month, with occasional international shows added throughout the year. The structure was established during the company’s time with Peacock and Netflix, which allowed for an increase in the number of events compared to the traditional pay-per-view model.

As of the media call, the remainder of WWE’s 2025 premium live event schedule is set. Following Wrestlepalooza on September 20, the company will head to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for WWE Crown Jewel on Saturday, October 25. The final PLE event of the year will be WWE Survivor Series, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 29 in Chicago, Illinois before WWE wraps things up with Saturday Night’s Main Event in December.

AEW Dynamite September To Remember Preview: Go-Home Show Before All Out: Toronto

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Dynamite September To Remember Preview: Go-Home Show Before All Out: Toronto

All Elite Wrestling kicks off AEW All Out: Toronto week with a bang: an AEW Dynamite: September to Remember special live from London, Ontario. With ten matches and segments, Wednesday’s Dynamite gives fans a lot to look forward to.

Scheduled Matches & Segments:

  • No Holds Barred: Thekla vs. Queen Aminata. AEW President Tony Khan has sanctioned this grudge match with no rules.
  • Riho vs. Robyn Renegade
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Toa Liona
  • Timeless Toni Storm Feature
  • Jon Moxley vs. Roderick Strong
  • FTR Face-To-Face with Adam Copeland & Christian Cage
  • All Out Unified Title Match Qualifier: The Beast Mortos vs. Mascara Dorada
  • All Out Tag Title Match Qualifier: Top Flight (Darius & Dante Martin) vs. Josh Alexander & Hechicero
  • All Out Tag Title Match Qualifier: Luchasaurus & Kip Sabian vs. JetSpeed (Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight)
  • All Out Tag Title Match Qualifier: Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. Gunn Club (Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn)

Tune in live at 8/7c on TBS and HBO Max.

New “Attitude Era Superstars” DLC Released For WWE 2K25

Andrew Ravens
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New “Attitude Era Superstars” DLC Released For WWE 2K25

A new downloadable content pack has been released for the WWE 2K25 video game, bringing a host of legendary superstars from the Attitude Era to the current generation of gaming. The “Attitude Era Superstars” DLC pack was officially made available for download today, September 17, adding five iconic wrestlers to the game’s already extensive roster. The new additions include former World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry, the New Age Outlaws (Billy Gunn & Road Dogg), former Women’s Champion Victoria, and former European Champion D’Lo Brown.

To celebrate the release, WWE 2K also dropped a new trailer showcasing the new superstars in action. The trailer confirmed that in addition to the five new roster members, the DLC pack also includes over 50 new moves and taunts that can be used in the game’s creation suite. The video also revealed several new additions to “The Island” mode, including new playable characters and arenas for players to explore.

In other news for WWE 2K25 players, it was recently announced that the full game has been added to the PlayStation Plus game catalogue. This means that any fans who subscribe to the PlayStation Plus service will now be able to download and play the game at no additional cost. This follows a recent update to the game’s MyFaction mode, which added several new persona cards, including a popular retro version of AJ Styles that features his iconic TNA theme music, “Get Ready To Fly.”

Guide to ESPN’s Wall-to-Wall Wrestlepalooza Weekend Coverage

Michael Reichlin
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Guide to ESPN’s Wall-to-Wall Wrestlepalooza Weekend Coverage

ESPN kicks off its WWE partnership with wall-to-wall Wrestlepalooza coverage across multiple platforms. WWE Superstars including Triple H, Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, and others will appear across ESPN programming throughout the week.

Here’s your complete guide to the week’s events:

Friday, September 20

  • SportsCenter from Indianapolis
    6:00 p.m. (ESPN)
    Hosted by Elle Duncan with Tyrese Haliburton
  • ESPN Wrestlepalooza Special
    3:00-4:00 p.m. (ESPN2 / ESPN App)
    Hosted by Peter Rosenberg and Tyrese Haliburton with WWE Superstar guests
  • Hall of Fame’s Countdown to Wrestlepalooza
    10:00 p.m.-midnight (ESPN Radio)
    Hosted by Booker T and Brad Gilmore

Saturday, September 21

  • Road to Wrestlepalooza Pre-show
    3:00-5:00 p.m. (ESPN social media / ESPN App)
    Hosted by O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson
  • WWE Pre-show
    5:00 p.m. (ESPN App)
  • Wrestlepalooza Premium Live Event
    7:00 p.m. (ESPN App ESPN Unlimited subscribers only)
  • Post-event Show
    Immediately following (ESPN App)

Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news coverage ahead of Wrestlepalooza, WWE’s inaugural premium live event available with ESPN.

Bret Hart Wishes He’d KO’d Triple H After The Montreal Screwjob

Thomas Lowson
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Bret Hart Wishes He’d KO’d Triple H After The Montreal Screwjob

Bret Hart infamously gave Vince McMahon a black eye after being “screwed” at Survivor Series 1997, but the Hitman now wishes he could have landed another knockout punch. Speaking in Manchester at an Inside The Ropes event, Hart revealed he would have liked to knock out Triple H as well, speculating that WWE’s history might have been very different if he had.

“Triple H, I wish he’d been in the dressing room when I knocked Vince out… because he might not be married to Stephanie [today].”

Hart has often been critical of Triple H, now WWE’s Chief Content Officer and one of the most influential figures behind the scenes. Addressing a packed crowd at New Century Hall, Hart described Triple H as “a guy I had very little respect for” and claimed there wasn’t a single match from WWE’s “King of Kings” that he would consider great.

The Hitman branded Triple H a “phony” who “became Vince’s hit guy” during his WWE career. Returning to the events of Montreal, Hart placed Triple H among those who “screwed” him before and during Survivor Series 1997.

“They were all such scumbags. Triple H, Shawn [Michaels], Vince [McMahon]. They were set out to destroy me.”

Hart acknowledged that speaking so candidly about WWE’s CCO may not help his chances of working with the company again. Still, he once more made it clear that he has little regard for the 14-time WWE World Champion.

Bret Hart Knocks GUNTHER’s In-Ring Style, Calls Him ‘Unprofessional’




Andrade Makes Challenge For First Post-WWE Match

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Andrade Makes Challenge For First Post-WWE Match

Andrade has seemingly set up his first post-WWE match.

The former US Champion was quietly released from his WWE contract earlier this month, after having returned to the company only last year.

The 35-year-old has not officially announced his next move since the news came out, but he has been involved in a twitter fight with MJF the last few days.

Andrade seemingly confirmed this as his first feud after his WWE exit on Tuesday when he challenged the former AEW Champion to a Mask vs. Hair match in Mexico:

The AEW star is the reigning CMLL Light Heavyweight Champion. He is set to defend the belt in a mask vs. title match against Mistico in Arena Mexico this Friday.

Andrade also has a long history with the promotion, where he previously wrestled under a mask as La Sombra. So it would be the perfect promotion for a match between the two.

Though the former NXT Champion did not use the masked persona when he returned to CMLL for a short run back in 2023. So we’ll have to see if he really brings the mask back in his return.

The WWE departure of Andrade is also shrouded in mystery with reports suggesting that it was not a mutual decision. You can check out more about it here.

Bret Hart Was Sure He’d Failed WWE Tryout

Thomas Lowson
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Bret Hart Was Sure He’d Failed WWE Tryout

Bret Hart may be WWE’s first and only three-time Hall of Famer, but his career with the company had an uncertain beginning. Speaking at an Inside The Ropes event in Manchester, Hart recalled his first WWE match, which he wrestled while injured.

Determined not to miss the opportunity, he competed despite having a bad knee—a decision he quickly regretted.

“He totally ignored me… I knew then they I’d failed my audition… It was a big mistake wrestling with a bad knee.”

What made the experience worse was seeing McMahon praise Dynamite Kid Tom Billington, who was also trying out that night. Fortunately, Hart’s second WWE match went much better, setting the stage for his legendary career as a multi-time World Champion.

After establishing himself in WWE, Hart was turned heel and paired with Jim Neidhart. While Hart embraced the change—since heels typically called the matches for their babyface opponents—his father Stu wasn’t pleased.

“He thought they’d turn me into a heel in a way to p*ss him off.”

Despite Stu’s reservations, Hart enjoyed showing a more villainous side in the ring. His mother, meanwhile, loved the new persona and had fun watching her son play dirty when she and Stu were able to see their son in action in person.

“[I’d say] You shut your face you old b***h… She had so much fun watching me cheat the whole match.”

Today, Hart is remembered as “the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be,” having excelled for decades as both a hero and a villain in WWE.

Bret Hart Feels Underappreciated by WWE After SummerSlam Snub











Main Roster Star Announces New Championship Match For NXT No Mercy

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Main Roster Star Announces New Championship Match For NXT No Mercy

A new championship match has been added to NXT No Mercy.

The development brand presented a special Homecoming episode of NXT this week, with the show coming live from its old stomping ground of Full Sail University.

The night featured appearances from a number of big main roster names who were previously a part of the Black & Silver show. One such name was the former NXT North American Champion Damian Priest.

Priest spoke to Tavion Heights during a backstage segment on the show, and announced that the 28-year-old will be challenging the current North American Champion Ethan Page for the title at the upcoming special.

NXT No Mercy Match Card

NXT No Mercy will be taking place from the FTL War Memorial in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, later this month on September 27. Apart from the NA title match, Lola Vice has been announced to face Fatal Influence leader and current NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne at the PPV.

Candice LeRae and Lainey Reid are the two finalists of an ongoing tournament. The winner is expected to receive a shot at Sol Ruca’s Women’s Speed title at the show.

Ricky Saints has also earned the right to challenge for the NXT Championship at No Mercy. The current champion, Oba Femi, however, has a title defence scheduled before that, which might be the start of a huge storyline. You can check out more about it here.

Multiple TNA Stars Speak Up Against NXT Control In Cryptic Posts

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Multiple TNA Stars Speak Up Against NXT Control In Cryptic Posts

It appears a new chapter in the NXT-TNA partnership will be beginning soon.

The WWE development brand returned to its old stomping ground at Full Sail University this week for a special episode of the show titled Homecoming.

The episode saw a number of main roster stars making appearances and getting involved in the action, including the likes of Charlotte Flair, The Miz and Rhea Ripley.

Another major thread of the show was the references to TNA that were made throughout the night, though most of them were disrespectful towards the Anthem-owned promotion.

TNA Stars Speak Out

Potentially the ultimate disrespect for TNA talents was the announcement of a title vs. title match between NXT Champion Oba Femi and TNA Champion Trick Williams for next Tuesday’s episode of the show.

A number of top TNA talents took to Twitter to voice their displeasure at NXT officials being in control of TNA’s booking. Names such as Mustafa Ali, Cassie Lee, Mike Santana and more warned Shawn Michaels and the NXT brand about the result of their actions:

The synchronized effort of TNA talents suggests that it’s the start of a new chapter between the two brands, one in which we’ll see both the rosters competing with each other instead of just individuals.

The announced title vs. title match would give officials the perfect opportunity to kick-start this feud, and we’ll have to see which stars join this new brand war.

MLW News: Fightland Fallout, Hammerstone Banged Up

Michael Reichlin
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MLW News: Fightland Fallout, Hammerstone Banged Up

MLW Fightland did strong business this past weekend, with merch sales way up from the last time they were in the Dallas market. MLW returns to the area on January 10, 2026, for Kings of Colosseum. Tickets go on sale this Friday.

Alex Hammerstone got a small chunk of a table in his bicep this past weekend during his Texas Deathmatch win over Matthew Justice. He received medical attention but won’t miss any ring time. He’ll be in MLW on a CMLL-affiliated show in Mexico later this month.

Shoko Nakajima vs. HIMAWARI has been signed for MLW Slaughterhouse from Long Beach, California on October 4, 2025.

MLW World Tag Team Champions Bishop Dyer and Donovan Dijak recently had their belts restored and repainted. The Skyscrapers have been champions since June 26, 2025, when they defeated Los Depredadores (Magnus & Rugido) at MLW Summer of the Beasts from New York City.

AJ Lee Shares “Day In The Life” On Her Road To In-Ring Return

Andrew Ravens
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0
AJ Lee Shares “Day In The Life” On Her Road To In-Ring Return

AJ Lee is back on the road with WWE, and she has given fans a behind-the-scenes look at her preparation for her first match in over a decade.

In a series of posts to her Instagram stories on Monday, September 15, Lee documented a whirlwind day that included travel, training, a photoshoot, and her dramatic appearance on Monday Night Raw. Lee is set to have a comeback match this Saturday at the WWE WrestlePalooza Premium Live Event, where she will team with her husband, CM Punk, to face Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.

Her day began with a 5:00 AM trip to the airport for a 6:30 AM flight. By 10:00 AM, she was in a ring in Connecticut, “attempting to train the ring rust away.” She then shared a photo of herself reuniting with an “old friend” – the WWE Divas Championship, a championship she held three times during her career. After a photoshoot, her day ended with her appearance on RAW.

She posted a photo of her giving a “stank eye” to the camera, followed by a picture of her slapping Seth Rollins with the caption “Tried to wreck,” and a final image of Becky Lynch hitting her with the Manhandle Slam, captioned “Got wrecked.” Her documented day ended at midnight with a photo of her dog, Larry. The posts paint a picture of a grueling return to the life of a WWE superstar.

Released WWE Star Makes Surprise Return On NXT Homecoming

Andrew Ravens
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Released WWE Star Makes Surprise Return On NXT Homecoming

Shayna Baszler made a surprise appearance on tonight’s WWE NXT Homecoming special, confronting the tag team of Zaria and Sol Ruca in a backstage segment. Baszler was released from her WWE contract in May of this year and is currently a free agent. While it has been reported that she has been assisting with training at the WWE Performance Center, this marks her first on-screen appearance for the company since her departure, sparking immediate speculation about her future.

The segment took place as Zaria and Sol Ruca were arguing about a loss in a tag team match from last week’s episode. Baszler interrupted them and, in her signature intimidating style, told them to get their act together. She reminded them of her own history in NXT and on the main roster. Candice LeRae also appeared briefly during the segment.

Baszler’s return, even in a non-wrestling capacity, could signal a new role for the former champion as a mentor for the next generation of NXT talent, or it could be the first step towards an official in-ring comeback.

Ricochet On WWE Counter-Programming AEW: “Let’s Get A Little Crazy”

Andrew Ravens
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0
Ricochet On WWE Counter-Programming AEW: “Let’s Get A Little Crazy”

AEW star Ricochet has weighed in on the ongoing “wrestling war” and WWE’s recent strategy of scheduling its premium live events on the same day as major AEW pay-per-views. Ricochet, who is known for being outspoken on social media, has not been shy about sharing his own opinions on the matter. The most significant scheduling conflict to date is set for this Saturday, September 20, when AEW’s All Out pay-per-view will take place on the same day as WWE’s new WrestlePalooza event.

During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show on Tuesday, Ricochet was asked if his critical social media comments about the competition are part of his on-screen heel persona.

“To be honest with you, that’s a little of both. That is a little where is the line drawn? Where is it real, where is it, you know? Every company’s goal is to make the most money possible, that’s the goal of every company, that’s why you make a company. So, you can’t argue against that. But when we feel things are being done in bad faith, that’s when I feel, like, okay then let’s get a little crazy.”

He also shared his confidence in AEW’s current direction and its focus on being a true alternative for wrestling fans.

“But at the end of the day, I think AEW is in a great spot. I think AEW is focused on us. Now more than ever, I think they’re trying to figure out ways to create new stories and drama and suspense and while keeping it still sports-based, still creating an alternative to what people have known for years.”

Mercedes Mone On Her NXT Takeover Match With Bayley: “We Changed The Game”

Andrew Ravens
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0
Mercedes Mone On Her NXT Takeover Match With Bayley: “We Changed The Game”

AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone has reflected on the 10-year anniversary of her historic match against Bayley at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, a bout that is widely considered one of the most important moments in modern women’s wrestling history.

In the latest edition of her online “Mone Mag,” the multi-time champion looked back on the match, calling it a “pivotal moment” that changed the landscape of the entire industry. The match, which took place on August 22, 2015, not only stole the show but also demonstrated that women’s wrestling could be a main event attraction. In her heartfelt post, Mone credited Bayley for their shared journey and the history they made together.

“This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of a match; it’s a celebration of a pivotal moment that forever changed the landscape of women’s wrestling. Happy 10th anniversary to the match that altered the course of my life and the trajectory of women’s wrestling! I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to my wrestling soulmate, Bayley. Thank you for being my partner in this journey—both in and out of the ring. The bond we share is unlike any other, and I can’t imagine navigating this incredible business without you. You have challenged me, inspired me, and, most importantly, stood by me. Together, we changed the game.”

She also revealed that they took major risks in the match, even keeping some of their planned spots a secret from their trainers.

“Bayley and I took risks that night—pushing boundaries that had never been crossed by women in North America before. We didn’t even share half of our ideas with our trainers because we were too scared that they’d tell us no. But we believed in what we were doing and knew that we had a chance to make history.“

Seth Rollins On Working With Becky Lynch: “Iron Sharpens Iron”

Andrew Ravens
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Seth Rollins On Working With Becky Lynch: “Iron Sharpens Iron”

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins recently opened up about his experience working alongside his wife, WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, in their current top storyline. The real-life couple has been reunited on-screen for the first time since 2019 to build towards a mixed tag team match at the upcoming WWE WrestlePalooza Premium Live Event. Their on-screen chemistry has been a focal point of Monday Night Raw as they prepare to face another married couple, the returning AJ Lee and her husband, CM Punk.

During an appearance on ESPN on Tuesday, Rollins was asked what it’s like to work so closely with Lynch in a wrestling capacity, given their personal relationship. He explained how their shared history and mutual respect for their craft make them better performers.

“I think what it boils down to for me is iron sharpens iron. We met through this industry, we met in 2015 or something like that, 2014, became friends, both started to kind of rise up at the same time, found each other romantically. And then we’ve been able to really use each other as a resource, and to get out there and perform with her, the way she preps is different than how I prep, and the way she performs and interacts is different – so we get to learn from each other, we get to bounce stuff off of each other.”

He also noted that their shared understanding of the unique demands of the wrestling business makes their partnership, both on and off screen, a seamless one. “And another thing is we understand the grind. We understand what it takes on the other side of it. So there’s no pressure. The ease with which we’re able to communicate, I think makes the partnership on-screen fantastic, obviously off-screen makes life super easy and fun.”

Rollins and Lynch are scheduled to face CM Punk and AJ Lee this Saturday, September 20, at WWE WrestlePalooza in Indianapolis.

Eric Young Accuses WWE Of Stealing His Idea For Another Wrestler

Andrew Ravens
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Eric Young Accuses WWE Of Stealing His Idea For Another Wrestler

TNA star and former World Champion Eric Young recently reflected on his time on the WWE main roster, revealing the specific reason he stopped pitching creative ideas for his character. Young, who had a successful run in NXT as the leader of the popular SAnitY faction, found his momentum stalled after the group was called up to the main roster and later disbanded.

During an appearance on the “Developmentally Speaking” podcast, the veteran performer explained the incident that led him to stop contributing his own creative concepts.

“I had pitched some really cool ideas, they ended up stealing one of them and using them for other people. I’m not going to get into that, that made me stop pitching ideas because if they’re just going to take them and give them to other people, there’s no sense of me wasting my breath.”

Young’s time in WWE began in 2016. In NXT, he formed SAnitY and, alongside Alexander Wolfe, captured the NXT Tag Team Championships at TakeOver: Brooklyn III in 2017. The group was called up to SmackDown in April 2018 but was disbanded a year later. Young was then drafted to RAW as a singles competitor, where he was primarily featured in the 24/7 Championship picture before being released from the company in April 2020. He made his return to TNA Wrestling at the Slammiversary pay-per-view later that same year and has been a cornerstone of the promotion ever since.

Bryan Danielson On Violence In Swerve vs. Hangman Feud: “I Never Want To See Again”

Andrew Ravens
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Bryan Danielson On Violence In Swerve vs. Hangman Feud: “I Never Want To See Again”

AEW star and commentator Bryan Danielson recently shared his thoughts on the brutally violent feud between Swerve Strickland and “Hangman” Adam Page, offering a perspective that praised the performers while also critiquing the extreme nature of their matches. The rivalry between Page and Strickland, which dominated AEW programming in late 2023 and early 2024, is remembered for its intense and levels of violence in their encounters, most notably their Texas Death Match at the Full Gear pay-per-view.

The feud elevated both men to the main event scene, but for a technical purist like Danielson, it was at times difficult to watch.Speaking in a new interview with Wrestle Radio Australia, “The American Dragon” discussed how AEW presents a “variety show” of wrestling styles, and used the Page vs. Strickland feud as a prime example of a style that, while effective, is not one he personally enjoys.

“Tony Khan really believes in having great in-ring pro wrestling, but there are different great styles of pro wrestling. You get that in AEW. You get the variety show, it’s just a different form of a variety show. You get the in-ring performance that can be more comedic, now you’re getting Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Bryan Danielson. Now you’re getting a Jon Moxley match or a Darby (Allin) match. Now you’re getting Hangman Page and Swerve, which I never want to see again.

Not that it wasn’t good, but I don’t want…those guys are incredible, two of the best guys I’ve ever been in the ring with, but please, I don’t want to see you staple somebody’s tongue, but some people do. Those matches, for our audience, have been incredible. You see Swerve and Hangman getting to the next level because they are willing to do these things that I never would have been willing to do. There is something to wrestling being a variety show, but you also have to know what your variety is and not stray from your identity. It’s a hard balance to find.”

NXT Homecoming Preview: Rhea Ripey, Charlotte Flair & Tyler Breeze at Full Sail

Michael Reichlin
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NXT Homecoming Preview: Rhea Ripey, Charlotte Flair & Tyler Breeze at Full Sail

WWE returns to Full Sail University tonight for a special NXT Homecoming episode of NXT on The CW.

The show features the in-ring returns NXT alums Tyler Breeze, and several main roster stars including Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair. Two title matches are scheduled, and the show celebrates NXT’s legacy with top talent from its history.

Confirmed Matches and Segments

Wrestling fans who tune in tonight will see:

  • NXT North American Championship match: Ethan Page (c) vs. Tyler Breeze
  • Rhea Ripley, Lyra Valkyria & Stephanie Vaquer vs. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx)
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Tatum Paxley & Izzi Dame
  • #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) vs. Trick Williams & Carmo Hayes
  • (Note: Lyra Valkyria replaces Tiffany Stratton, who is not medically cleared)
  • The Grayson Waller Effect with NXT Champion Oba Femi and Ricky Saints as guests

What Happened Last Week (September 9, 2025)

Ahead of tonight’s NXT Homecoming special, catch up on the Top 10 Moments from last week. Stay tuned to SEScoops for our coverage of Homecoming and all things WWE.

Nigel McGuinness & Partner Expecting First Child: Our Crumpet is Toasting!

Thomas Lowson
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Nigel McGuinness & Partner Expecting First Child: Our Crumpet is Toasting!

Nigel McGuinness is thriving both in and out of AEW, and now the British star has shared some major personal news. On Instagram, McGuinness’ partner, Kaori Takee, revealed that the couple is expecting a child. Alongside photos of the two together—featuring a visibly pregnant Takee—she wrote that “something magical has happened” and playfully referenced Nigel’s English roots by adding, “our crumpet is toasting.”

The announcement was quickly met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues across the wrestling world. WWE’s Natalya shared her best wishes, while AEW’s Taya Valkyrie expressed her excitement. Dustin Rhodes, PROGRESS Wrestling, and Jimmy Jacobs were among others who also sent messages of support.

McGuinness and Takee are the latest to join wrestling’s wave of baby announcements in 2025. Pete Dunne and his partner Demi welcomed another child in May, Roman Reigns became a father for the sixth time in July, Naomi stepped away from her WWE Women’s World Title reign due to pregnancy, and Mark Briscoe celebrated the arrival of a baby boy in August.

This is a joyful new chapter for McGuinness and Takee as they prepare for parenthood. Everyone at SEScoops sends their congratulations and best wishes to the couple at this exciting time.

Couple Names Baby After Joe Hendry

Dax Harwood Says He’ll Retire if FTR Loses at AEW All Out

Thomas Lowson
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Dax Harwood Says He’ll Retire if FTR Loses at AEW All Out

Dax Harwood is ready to put it all on the line at AEW All Out in his and Cash Wheeler’s efforts to take down Adam “Cope” Copeland and Christian Cage. A fan recently asked Harwood on X what his plan would be if he and Cash came up short against the pair of former World Champions. Showing just how serious he is about the match, Harwood replied: “I’ll retire from being an in-ring competitor.”

FTR turned on Copeland at AEW Dynasty in April after the group failed to win the AEW Trios Titles from the Death Riders. Following the loss, the pair delivered a piledriver to Copeland, and Wheeler added a brutal con-chair-to. On the following episode of Collision, FTR explained their actions, accusing Copeland of being selfish and only caring about himself.

With his former allies determined to destroy him, Copeland has formed an uneasy alliance with Christian Cage, despite their long and turbulent history. Once celebrated as one of the greatest tag teams of all time, the two now face the challenge of whether they can truly co-exist.

Whether Harwood will follow through on his retirement vow if FTR loses at All Out remains to be seen, but his comments make it clear how high the stakes are. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from AEW All Out, including breaking news and live results.

FTR Refutes Jake Hager’s Claims About Tony Khan And Talent Meeting
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