Home Blog Page 376

Historic WCW Home Sold: AT&T’s $164 Million CNN Center Sale Makes Headlines

0

CNN’s era has reached its conclusion in their famous Atlanta building. That same building also housed significant pieces of pro wrestling history.

Significant media attention surrounded the removal of the CNN initials from the former CNN Center in Atlanta, GA this week. This building previously served as the heart of the Ted Turner empire, housing the headquarters of WCW during Turner Broadcasting’s ownership of the promotion.

End of an Era for CNN

Fox Atlanta reports that the recognizable red letters that adorned the media giant’s Downtown Atlanta headquarters have vanished.
Those letters marked the CNN Center since 1987.

Last year, the cable giant disclosed plans to relocate from the expansive complex to the Techwood Turner Broadcasting campus in Midtown. It seems that those plans are well underway now, because the building no longer carries CNN’s branding.

In 2021, CNN’s former parent company, AT&T, sold the CNN Center for almost $164 million to two Florida-based real estate firms, CP Group and Rialto Capital. The duration for which the Downtown building will retain the title of the CNN Center remains uncertain.

CNN’s New Home

While the channel’s weekday anchors have already transitioned to New York or Washington, CNN maintains digital and CNN International operations in Atlanta. This is a big transition, and one that took some time to coordinate.

A spokesperson from Turner informed AdWeek that the signage would undergo several weeks of refurbishment before finding its place at the Midtown campus in due time. We will have to see how the letters look outside the network’s new home.

WWE Job Opening: Company Seeks Coordinator for Creative Writing in Executive Director’s Office

0

It takes a lot of people working in the same mindset to produce successful television. Now, WWE is on the search for someone who can help things run smoothly, while contributing valuable experience to the product at the same time.

WWE has announced a job opening for the position of Coordinator – Creative Writing Office of Executive Director. It appears that this role will be responsible for maintaining the production of WWE’s weekly television shows.

WWE On The Job Search

In the new listing, it details that this role entails managing, coordinating, and administrating the Office of the Executive Director, responsible for overseeing the development and production of 52 weeks of original programming, including the long-running Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown.

Key responsibilities of the Coordinator include coordinating logistical elements such as travel and meetings for the Executive Director’s office, providing light assistance to the Executive Director’s direct reports, managing the Executive Director’s daily workflow and calendar, and establishing a system for prioritizing items for the Executive Director and the team.

Additionally, the Coordinator will provide strategic counsel to the Executive Director, serve as a chief messenger for communication within the team, manage travel and technology for the Executive Director, and liaise with other departments within WWE, including Creative Writing and Producers, on items requiring the Executive Director’s approval.

New Job Requirements

Requirements for the position include a minimum of three years of experience, with TV/Film experience being advantageous, administrative assistant experience, and a strong knowledge of WWE shows, talent, storylines, and audience demographics. A BA/BS in relevant fields such as Film, TV, Drama, Media Studies, Communications, or equivalent experience is preferred. Obviously, they are looking for someone who already has their foot well in the door, as this is not an entry-level position.

The ideal candidate should possess strong organizational skills, discretion in handling confidential information, and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment. We will have to see who WWE decides to bring in to fill this role, but as with any internal hiring, it’s very likely that the information will not become public.

SEScoops will have more updates on WWE, and everything else going on in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for constant updates.

AEW’s Stealthy Secret: Behind Okada’s Game-Changing Dynamite Debut

0

AEW and WWE were both interested in Kazuchika Okada’s services, but it was Tony Khan who pulled down the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Now Okada is a heel in AEW alongside the Young Bucks, and they are off to the races.

Although AEW didn’t really hype Okada’s impending debut, they had time to do so. For whatever reason, they declined to tease this huge moment in company history, so fans didn’t know that this week’s episode, a week before Big Business, would be anything special.

Tony Khan’s Plan for Okada

Kazuchika Okada shocked the pro wrestling world when he finally debuted for AEW during the March 6th episode in Atlanta. This was a huge surprise, but it was also something they had in the pipeline for a while.

During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer remarked that Tony Khan had this plan in place for Okada months ago. It was still a secret, but the plan was certainly in place.

“The Young Bucks’ segment with Okada, that has been known for — not by me — but it has been known by the Young Bucks and Okada and Tony Khan for literally months. It was Tony Khan’s idea to do this a long time ago, like it was the show after Revolution.”

It was noted that they could have announced that the Young Bucks had a big surprise weeks ago. For some reason, they didn’t announce that the Bucks had any kind of surprise until the day of the show. That is when Okada rumors started really churning, but this was the plan for a long time.

What’s Next For Okada in AEW

We will have to see what Okada and The Young Bucks do together. This situation is seemingly setting up another Okada vs Kenny Omega match as well, whenever The Cleaner can get medical clearance.

SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and everything else going on in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more details as additional updates are made available. 

Daily Drop (3/7): AEW Sees Massive Debut, Ex WWE Superstar Arrested For Murder

0

Welcome to SEScoops: the Daily Drop, your go-to for the latest news and rumors in wrestling for Thursday, March 7. AEW Dynamite was last night and Okada debuted. There is a lot of news to get to, so let’s get to it.

Days until WrestleMania XL: 30

WWE:

Bull Nakano was announced as the second inductee in the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame after Paul Heyman.

The Rock and Cody Rhodes have dropped dueling t-shirt designs. They’re pretty great and worth checking out.

Corey Graves detailed how much different Triple H is dealing with announcers than Vince McMahon was.

– Former Tough Enough competitor Daniel Rodimer has been arrested for murder.

– John Cena has said he’s free for WrestleMania 40 day. I previously reported that he was going to try to do something for Mania this year. 

WWE 2K24 actually burred out Vince McMahon’s face to get him out of the game.

AEW:

– Kazuchika Okada’s debut for AEW brought a ton of reactions from all over.

Sting was okay with the idea of losing to The Young Bucks at AEW Revolution. 

– Matt Hardy’s AEW contract is ticking down.

– In another piece of AEW contract news, Jim Ross has decided to ink a brand-new deal.

– AEW made a lot of money with Revolution. You can check out the numbers here.

– Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara’s team is not happening anymore after The Spanish God’s suspension. 

Lufisto dropped a lengthy post on Twitter/X, where she claimed that companies have not booked her because they want to keep a good relationship with AEW.

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.

Sting Shares Unseen Photos from His Final Match and Backstage at AEW Revolution 2024

0

Pro wrestling legend Sting recently shared some unforgettable pictures from AEW Revolution 2024 ahead of his final match.

‘The Icon’ recently bid adieu to the squared circle at AEW Revolution 2024 pay-per-view where he competed in his final match, alongside tag team partner Darby Allin. It was nothing but a fitting tribute to his legendary career which spanned decades.

Sting and Darby Allin faced off against The Young Bucks for the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Sting yet again defied his age and showcased some spectacular moves inside the ring. While Sting’s retirement was the center of attraction, Darby Allin grabbed the headlines with his terrifying spot where he took a scary fall through panes of glass

During the match, Sting’s sons also got involved.  Pro wrestling legends Ric Flair and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat couldn’t help but involve themselves as well. Ultimately, Sting and Darby Allin were triumphant and with the win, ‘The Icon’ ended his AEW career undefeated.

Sting reflects on the memorable night at AEW Revolution

Taking to Twitter/ X, Sting shared some backstage pictures from the event. He went on to reflect on his final match at AEW Revolution. He claimed that he had hoped that the night would be memorable for the fans it was a night he would never forget.  He also thanked the AEW staffs and all the fellow wrestlers. He also thanked the audience. 

With Sting’s retirement, it’s the end of a memorable chapter in pro wrestling history. His immense contribution to pro wrestling will resonate for the time to come and fans will cherish the beautiful memories ‘The Icon’ has scripted during his decorated career.

Charlotte Flair Announced for WrestleMania Week Appearance

0

Multi-time Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair is set to make an appearance at WWE World during WrestleMania week. 

‘The Queen’ is currently in the recovery process after she recently suffered a significant injury. She suffered the injury in a singles match against Damage CTRL’s Asuka on the Tribute to the Troops edition of SmackDown on December 8 last year. The injury occurred when Flair tried to hit her signature Moonsault outside the ring. 

Fans have certainly missed her. As  WrestleMania 40 is approaching, WWE has officially announced that her next appearance in the company will be taking place soon. It will be during WrestleMania week.

Charlotte Flair set to make WWE World appearance

On Saturday, April 6, WrestleMania 40 night one takes place and it has been announced that Charlotte Flair will be showing up at WWE World in Philadelphia. She hasn’t competed for months now and she will miss this year’s WrestleMania as well. As the WrestleMania festivities get along, fans will have a chance to witness ‘The Queen’ ahead of ‘The Show of Shows.’

Charlotte Flair’s recovery update

It’s unlikely that Charlotte Flair will be returning to the ring anytime soon. She has suffered multiple knee injuries including tears to her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. She was even spotted on crutches at the CMLL event ahead of her surgery. 

Post-surgery, ‘The Queen’ has been pushing herself to the limits to make her comeback to the squared circle. She is expected to be out for at least 9 months but she could return ahead of her schedule.

Taking to Twitter, she has once against provided an update on her recovery as she shared a video clip of working out in the gym. 

We will now have to wait and see when Charlotte Flair manages to make her return.

Will Ospreay Pays Tribute to Mad Kurt on AEW Dynamite

0

AEW star Will Ospreay recently came up with a heart-touching gesture as he paid tribute to the late Kurtis “Mad Kurt” Chapman on this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite.

The wrestling world was recently saddened as Kurtis “Mad Kurt” Chapman tragically passed away at the age of 26 in December 2023. His final match took place in June last year and he had successfully retained his Resurgence Arthouse Championship.

Will Ospreay honors Kurtis “Mad Kurt” Chapman

Will Ospreay headlined last night’s AEW Dynamite against ROH World Television Champion Kyle Fletcher. During the match, ‘The Aerial Assassin’ decided to honor Mad Kurt. 

It was nothing but a touching gesture as he danced and dabbed in the ring, paying homage to Mad Kurt in the process. The crowd certainly recognized the value of this heartfelt moment.

The hard-fought bout saw some intense action with both Ospreay and Fletcher showcasing their talent. At the end of the match, it was Will Ospreay, who emerged victorious by pinning Fletcher with his signature move, the Hidden Blade. 

Following the match, he displayed sporting spirit and showed respect to his opponent. Don Callis joined the celebration but it was short-lived as it was interrupted by none other than The Blackpool Combat Club’s Bryan Danielson

Danielson confronted Ospreay, leading to a staredown that has created a buzz. This staredown left the fans speculating about their future storyline. Fans are wondering what Danielson has to do with Ospreay. We will have to wait and see as the drama unfolds.

YouTube Milestone: Official WWE Channel Hits 100 Million Subscribers

0

WWE’s YouTube channel has proven to be a hit with wrestling fans after reaching 100 million subscribers today. 

The channel was launched in May 2007, but the first video wouldn’t be published until February the following year. The video in question is a promotional video for the No Way Out 2008 pay-per-view, which marked the return of the Elimination Chamber which hadn’t been used in over a year. 

WWE’s YouTube Channel by the Numbers

In the 5,873 days since the No Way Out video, WWE’s channel has amassed 82,222,053,762 (and counting!) That equates to approximately 14 million views every single day. The channel currently has 74,394 videos available to watch. 

The most popular video on WWE’s YouTube channel comes from Raw 2009 when Randy Orton handcuffed Triple H to the ring rope. The Viper would make things personal in his war with the then-WWE Champion by RKO’ing Stephanie McMahon and kissing the knocked-out wife of the Game. The video currently sits at 315,000,000 views, far ahead of the second most-watched video (Stunning in-ring proposals) at 230,000,000 views.

Affecting WWE Programming

While WWE’s YouTube channel documents the storylines fans see on TV, it also has the power to shape those same storylines and production. WWE’s Vice President of Digital Content, Steve Barband recently told Jacob Feldman of Sportico that production thinks deeply about what will work on social media when booking events. 

“We’re very strategic through each match and each segment of each show, to pull the moments that we think will succeed on the internet while also driving back to linear television.”

Fans won’t have to wait long to see more YouTube videos, with new videos added daily, in addition to snippets of SmackDown set to be shared this Friday night. 

AEW Revolution 2024 By the Numbers: $1m Gate, Merchandise, Concessions & More

0

AEW Revolution 2024 proved to be a lucrative night for the promotion as well as a fitting send-off for the Icon Sting’s legendary wrestling career. 

The March 4, pay-per-view took place from the Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, North Carolina. In the show’s main event, Sting and Darby Allin defeated the Young Bucks to retain the AEW World Tag Team Championships. This marked the final match for the Stinger and the AEW World Tag Titles have since been vacated. 

AEW Revolution 2024 Attendance 

AEW’s most recent pay-per-view was attended by 16,118 fans, according to Venues Now. This is up significantly from the previous year’s event, which saw 9,000 gather in San Francisco’s Chase Center. 

This year’s event was the highest-attended AEW Revolution pay-per-view in history. It was the highest-attended AEW pay-per-view since last year’s record-breaking All In event inside London’s Wembley Stadium. 

 AEW Revolution 2024 Gate

Last weekend’s show generated a gate of over $1 million, another huge win for Tony Khan’s first promotion. The average ticket price was $55 for the pay-per-view. 

On-Site Purchases

OVG Hospitality’s food and beverage per capita spending averaged at $19, excluding suites, resulting in $306,242 in concessions revenue. In terms of merchandise, the average amount per attendee was $21.64 and was said to be largely driven by Sting’s final match in the main event. This resulted in approximately $349,000 in gross sales. 

Nearly all merchandise items sold out. The report stated that the commercial performance was at the higher end for family-oriented shows and more in line with the revenue generated by concerts

Kenny Omega Reacts to Being Fired from The Elite

0

Kenny Omega is not so impressed after The Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) fired him from The Elite.

‘The Cleaner’ is currently out of action for an indefinite period after he was diagnosed with diverticulitis. However, The Young Bucks don’t care about it. During this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, EVPs The Young Bucks addressed the fans and went on to speak about one of their old friends, Kenny Omega.

While Omega recuperates from diverticulitis, The Young Bucks raised questions about his absence as he has been missing dates which they think have baseless reasons. After that, they announced Omega has been fired from his position in The Elite.

Kenny Omega reacts

Taking to his Twitter/X account, Kenny Omega posted his picture from a match in which his facial expression doesn’t look too impressed. He didn’t add any caption as the image was self-explanatory.

Omega was diagnosed with Diverticulitis following his match with Ethan Page last year. The former AEW World Champion was hospitalized immediately after the match. Omega was set to team up with Chris Jericho at AEW Worlds End last December but that match had to be nixed off due to Omega’s absence.

We had previously reported that Omega has a long road ahead for recovery. Well, his condition is bad enough that surgery could be risky at the time and a decision of the surgery hasn’t been made

We will have to wait and see what the future holds for Kenny Omega. We at SEScoops wish him a speedy recovery.

Giant Swing in the Ring DLC Brings Claudio Castagnoli to AEW Fight Forever

Players of AEW Fight Forever can now bring the Big Swing, European Uppercuts, and more to the game with the inclusion of Claudio Castagnoli as DLC.

First announced in 2020, AEW Fight Forever is the promotion’s first console video game follows on from the company’s mobile games ‘AEW Elite: General Manager‘ and ‘AEW Casino: Double or Nothing.’ Fight Forever’s development would take longer than many fans expected, before hitting shelves and online stores in June of last year. 

Giant Swing in the Ring

In a YouTube video, it was confirmed that the newest DLC will bring Claudio Castagnoli to the popular game. The Swiss wrestler narrates over footage of himself in the game to a remix of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. 

The Blackpool Combat Club member mentions that he is coming to the game with a bunch of new skins for characters as well as the rare ‘Gold Attire.’ This unique attire is available for all playable characters but can only be unlocked by winning the AEW World Championship 20 times in the game. 

AEW Fight Forever’s Roster

Many fans weren’t happy when AEW Fight Forever was released that the playable character roster was noticeably smaller than expected (and far smaller than WWE’s 2K games.)

Noticeable omissions from the launch date roster included Inner Circle alum such as Jake Hager, Santana, and Ortiz and reigning Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion Athena. In October, it was said that work was being done on adding new talent to the game. The following month, AEW Trios Champions The Acclaimed were added to the game as DLC

Tony Khan & More React to Kazuchika Okada’s AEW Debut on 3/6 Dynamite

0

Kazuchika Okada’s arrival in All Elite Wrestling has had the wrestling world talking following this week’s edition of Dynamite. 

On the most recent edition of AEW Dynamite, the Young Bucks were furious following their loss to Sting & Darby Allin at AEW Revolution 2024. The EVPs exercised their authority by suspending ‘Hangman’ Adam Page and firing Kenny Omega. 

This diatribe brought out Eddie Kingston, who was quickly joined by the debuting Okada. While the Rainmaker teased being on Kingston’s side, he attacked the AEW Continental Champion and shook hands with the Jackson brothers.

Wrestling World React to Okada’s AEW Debut

On Twitter, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson were pleased to share a photo with Okada and made clear that they were prepared to “change the world.”

Konosuke Takeshita made clear that he was paying attention to Okada, also known as the Rainmaker. 

AEW President Tony Khan took great pleasure in response to a tweet alleging that Okada was set to debut for WWE in January of this year as part of the Men’s Royal Rumble match. 

Khan would also confirm Okada’s status by sharing the All Elite graphic while adding that the Rainmaker is a ‘business partner’ of Matthew and Nicholas Jackson. 

Shinsuke Nakamura took to social media to express his surprise at Okada’s arrival in the All-Elite promotion. 

TNA Wrestling, who have often made use of Search Engine Optimization, shared a video of Okada taking on Generation Me (the future Young Bucks) during a TNA Xplosion match from 2010.

And Okada himself had a one-word greeting for the AEW fans and roster while sharing a graphic confirming that he is All Elite. 

Lex Luger Appreciates “Classy” WWE Allowing Him The Chance to Attend Sting’s Last Match

0

Lex Luger is grateful that WWE allowed him the opportunity to attend Sting’s final match, despite being under a ‘Legends’ deal with the promotion. 

The Icon competed for the final time at AEW Revolution 2024. In the main event, Sting and Darby Allin defeated the Young Bucks to retain the AEW World Tag Team Championships. This win meant that Sting was able to end his AEW career undefeated. On this week’s AEW Dynamite, Darby Allin vacated his AEW World Tag Team Championship. 

Lex Luger On Attending Sting’s Last Match

Lex Luger was one of several wrestling legends who were able to attend Sting’s final match and had a blast at the event. On a recent edition of the Busted Open Radio podcast, Luger made it clear that WWE had no issue with him attending, as long as he opted to keep off of the show. 

“WWE is classy. They said you can go and everything, just don’t be on camera or be a part of the match. It was an incredible evening. A wonderful sendoff.” 

DDP on Darby Allin

While Sting’s retirement was the focus of the show, Darby Allin made headlines with his spot that saw him fall through panes of glass. On the same episode of the show, ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page spoke about the spot in question. 

“I love him to death but damn, he’s a different animal bro.” 

Luger was similarly amazed by the work of the former AEW TNT Champion and said that Allin’s attempt to climb Mt. Everest later this month is “unbelievable.” 

Brian Pillman’s Grandson, Lexis King’s Nephew To Attend State of the Union Address After Thwarting School Shooting

0

Boom ‘Jackson’ Swallen, the grandson of Brian Pillman and nephew of WWE NXT’s Lexis King, will be a guest at a State of the Union speech following an immense show of bravery. 

Last month, Swallen was honored for his efforts in thwarting an attack on Mariemont High School near Cincinnati. The 14-year-old came across another teen who was planning an attack on students and staff. Despite being threatened to keep quiet, Swallen contacted his father who called 911 and alerted school officials. 

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers said the teen was deep in the stages of planning an attack with help from an adult who was located out of state. On Twitter, Lexis King praised his nephew as a hero. 

Boom Swallen at the State of the Union

Boom Swallen showed immense courage and will be a guest at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address. Swallen will be the guest of Congressman Greg Landsmen for the address that will take place later today. In a statement, Congressman Greg Landsman (D) praised Swallen’s quick thinking and bravery at the time. 

“Boom serves as a testament to the principle of ‘if you see something say something.’ Students should never feel unsafe at school, and we must be the generation of parents to end the national gun violence nightmare.”

Speaking to FOX 19, Swallen shared why he informed his father despite the threat made against him. 

“He said that he would kill me immediately if I told anybody. [But] I care about the kids at my school’s lives and I knew that it was the right thing to do.”

In February 2023, Landsman joined the House Gun Violence Task Force to advocate for gun violence prevention reform. Currently, firearms are the leading cause of death for children in the United States.  

Dead Meat Pays Tribute to Bray Wyatt During Annual Horror Awards

0

The hit YouTube channel Dead Meet paid tribute to Bray Wyatt during its most recent Horror movie awards. 

Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, passed away in August of last year at the age of 36. The three-time former WWE World Champion had returned to WWE at Hell in a Cell 2022 the previous October. He was pulled from programming in early 2023 due to an illness. 

Bray Wyatt Honored

This month, the popular Dead Meat YouTube channel hosted its annual Horror Awards, celebrating the best (and most gruesome) moments from the world of Horror media in 2023. During the Awards, the channel paid tribute to those who died in 2023, celebrating those who had made an impact to the genre both on and off-screen. Rotunda was among the many who were paid tribute to, as seen in the video below.

It’s fitting to see Rotunda be memorialized in Dead Meat’s annual Horror Awards. Rotunda’s Wyatt character and reinvention as The Fiend in 2019 was praised by fans as the most legitimately frightening character portrayed in WWE in years. Rotunda had worked with horror effects legend Tom Savini to create the Fiend character. Wyatt had also been working on a horror film in the final years of his life

Who Are Dead Meat? 

Dead Meat tallies up kills in horror films and other media in comedic, informative ‘Kill Count’ videos. The channel is hosted by James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca, who also have their own Dead Meat Podcast. The pair’s YouTube channel boats over 2.6 billion views and over 6 million subscribers. 

Janisse and Rebecca are wrestling fans and make no secret of their love for the industry. References to wrestling can be found in the Kill Count videos and the couple host a Horror Royal Rumble via a WWE 2K video game every January. Several WWE Superstars have made appearances on the channel as well. 

John Cena Continues to Tease WWE WrestleMania 40 Role: “I’m Free That Day”

0

Fans may (or may not) see John Cena at WrestleMania 40 after the former WWE Champion disclosed that he is free for the event. 

This week, Cena appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to discuss his new film Ricky Stanicky. As a leading man in wrestling, the topic of WrestleMania 40 came up. In the interview, Cena delivered a master class in dodging a question when asked about possibly being at the two-night spectacle. 

“It’s April 6, I know exactly where it is. I mean I’m free that day. I’m just saying to you guys out there… Maybe you won’t see me there [Does ‘You Can’t See Me’ gesture.]” 

John Cena at WrestleMania 40?

Cena is hoping to do something at WrestleMania 40 which will take place on April 6, and April 7, from Philadelphia, PA. With that said John’s commitments to filming Peacemaker’s second season may keep him from the Showcase of the Immortals. The second season of the hit show based off the jingoistic Peacemaker character Cena portrayed in 2021’s The Suicide Squad is expected to begin shooting very soon. 

WWE WrestleMania 40

This year’s WrestleMania will be the fifth annual two-night WrestleMania, a tradition that began with the Covid-19 pandemic. The show will also be the first WrestleMania following the launch of TKO Group Holdings last September. The card for the show so far is as follows:

  • Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
  • Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley (WWE Women’s Championship)
  • Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch (WWE Women’s World Championship)
  • Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
  • GUNTHER (c) vs. Winner of Next week’s WWE Raw Gauntlet Match (WWE Intercontinental Championship)

WWE Tough Enough Alum & Ex-GOP Candidate Daniel Rodimer Arrested for Murder

0

A former WWE Tough Enough participant and developmental talent has turned himself in after being wanted in connection to a Las Vegas murder. 

Daniel Rodimer has been accused of the murder of Christopher Tapp, who was killed in October of last year, KLAS reports. Tapp’s death at a Resorts World suite was initially ruled as an accident but the Clark County Coroner’s Office later determined it a homicide after discovering ‘blunt force trauma’ to his head.

Tapp was a recently exonerated man who had served 20 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of killing his friend Angie Doge in 1996. Carol Doge, Angie’s mother, had previously stated she did not believe he had killed her daughter.

Rodimer turned himself in to Clark County Detention Center on Wednesday evening. His legal team said he “vigorously contests” the allegations. PW Insider reports that he was released from prison on a $200,000 bond and is due for a court hearing on April 10. 

Daniel Rodimer in the Ring

Rodimer was part of WWE’s 2004 season of Tough Enough which also featured The Miz, Ryback, and Marty’The Boogeyman’ Wright. Despite not winning, he was signed to a developmental contract in 2006. His debut match would be in Deep South Wrestling where he defeated Heath ‘Slater’ Miller. In 2007, he was moved to OVW and debuted on Heat that same year with a win over Eugene. After two more Heat appearances, he was released in August 2007. 

Daniel Rodimer and the Law

Rodimer has been accused of assault three times, but has no convictions. He was arrested on charges of battery in 2010 and admitted to committing the offense. After a six-week anger management course, the charge was dropped. 

Daniel Rodimer in Politics

Rodimer ran for Nevada State Senate on the Republican ballot in 2018 but despite outspending his rival nearly two-to-one, lost to Valerie Weber. The following year, he lost to the incumbent Susie Lee in a bid for Nevada’s 3rd congressional district. 

In March 2021, Rodimer announced his candidacy for Texas’s 6th congressional district special election. His campaign caught attention as he dramatically changed his accent and persona in his campaign ad to appear more Texan. He also claimed that he had been personally endorsed by former President Donald Trump, which Trump’s team denied. He placed eleventh in the primary with 2.6% of the vote share. 

Drew McIntyre Channels CM Punk’s Infamous Hangman Page Tirade To Call Out Seth Rollins

0

Drew McIntyre continues to twist the knife in two of his most recent rivals in CM Punk and Seth Rollins 

McIntyre continues to show the manipulative new side of himself with a recent social media post. The Scotsman pulled an old chestnut out of CM Punk’s pocket when stealing a quote from his notorious airing of grievances on Hangman Page during AEW All Out 2022

During the now-famous press conference, Punk laid out his laments on Hangman for going into business for himself in a promo from AEW Dynamite earlier in the year, however, it is McIntyre who repurposed Punk’s words so he to disparage Rollins for not minding his own business on WWE Raw this Monday.

McIntyre headlined WWE Raw this past Monday against Jey Uso. McIntyre took advantage of a distraction by Jimmy Uso to defeat Jey and get another win to follow up his big WWE Elimination Chamber victory.

Post-match, The Bloodline beat down Jey when Seth Rollins ran past McIntyre to make the save.

Ever the opportunist, McIntyre made the most of Rollins’ run-in to save Jey Uso by catching the WWE World Heavyweight Champion with a Claymore Kick. 

Drew is set to challenge Rollins at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, but the road still has over a month to go.

Young Bucks Fire Kenny Omega From The Elite During AEW Dynamite, Hangman Page Suspended

0

The Young Bucks are living it up as heels, and this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite was no different. Coming off their loss to Sting and Darby Allin at AEW Revolution, they took credit for retiring Sting. Then they took care of some business on live television.

Hangman Page beat up some referees after he failed to win the AEW World Title at Revolution. Kenny Omega has not been on AEW television for a while due to suffering from a bout with diverticulitis. It seems that the Young Bucks don’t care about their excuses, because they still laid down punishments for their former stablemates.

The Young Bucks Speak

During this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, The Young Bucks seized the spotlight in the ring, stepping up to address the audience in their roles as EVPs. Their purpose was clear: to convey their stance on Hangman Page’s recent altercation with AEW officials during Revolution, and this resulted in his suspension. However, their message extended beyond this initial incident to another one of their old friends: Kenny Omega.

The Young Bucks redirected their attention to Kenny Omega. They raised concerns about his absence from scheduled appearances, attributing it to purportedly baseless reasons. It’s worth noting that Omega is currently in the process of recuperating from diverticulitis. Nevertheless, in a bold move, they proceeded to announce Omega’s termination from his position within The Elite.

It should be noted that The Young Bucks said “The Elite” and not “AEW.” So, this wasn’t a termination from the actual company. Only time will tell how this plays out.

This is when Eddie Kingston came down to play the part of a babyface trying to take on the massive heel EVPs. That didn’t turn out too well for him, and he was jumped.

Then Kazuchika Okada made his way to the ring, swiftly turning heel in the process.

Kenny Omega and Hangman Page’s Situation

Kenny Omega won’t be around AEW for a while as he recovers. We are not sure what Hangman Page is going through, but he will get some time off as well.

SEScoops will have additional information on this story as more details are available. 

Kazuchika Okada Sends Shockwaves Through AEW With Debut on Dynamite Season Premiere

0

AEW has their eye on several people who could really do numbers for the company. It was reported last month that Tony Khan beat out WWE’s offer for Kazuchika Okada, and this week finally saw The Rainmaker’s debut, and he has a very Elite role.

Kazuchika Okada made his big return to AEW television, and this time he was not under NJPW contract. Now, Okada is All Elite, and this was a big surprise.

AEW’s Big Debut

During AEW Dynamite this week, The Young Bucks took the microphone in the ring, and they cut a promo as EVPs. They had something to say about Hangman Page assaulting AEW officials at Revolution, and he was suspended. That was only the beginning.

The Young Bucks then turned their focus to Kenny Omega. They said that he has missed all of his dates recently for no reason. Of course, Omega is still recovering from diverticulitis. Then they fired Omega.

Eddie Kingston then came out and he started something with The Bucks. This was followed by Nicholas and Matthew Jackson ganging up on Kingston. Suddenly, Kazuchika Okada’s music hit.

This was a massive shock as The Rainmaker made his way to the ring. Suddenly, it was very clear that he was not a babyface. Okada turned his aggression toward Kingston, and then The Young Bucks announced that he is the newest member of The Elite.

What’s Next

It turns out that Omega is out of The Elite, and Okada is in. The segment ended with a shocked crowd as the newest member of the AEW roster posed in the ring.

The Young Bucks and Okada got to be close friends while they were all being misused in TNA Wrestling years ago. Now, they have a chance to work with each other again.

WWE tried to get Okada, but AEW offered him a better deal. Now, he will get to do his thing in Tony Khan’s company. We will have to see what is next for him after linking up with The Young Bucks.

SEScoops will have more on this story as additional information is available. 

Jim Ross Staying Put: WWE Hall of Famer Signs Brand-New AEW Contract

0

AEW has lost a few people in recent memory, and others are reportedly on their way to the company. Now, we know that Jim Ross is not leaving the Land of All Elite. 

Jim Ross is not leaving AEW. He signed a brand-new deal with the company. This was not a renewal, but a full new contract, and he seems very pleased with things.

Jim Ross’ New AEW Contract

During the latest episode of Grilling JR, Ross revealed that he has inked a new deal with AEW, as his previous contract was due to expire on February 14. He also commented on how smooth the whole process was.

“We wrote a new deal. We wrote a completely new deal. No extension. New contract. It was probably the quickest and easiest negotiation I have ever done in my career of 50 years. That’s all because of Tony Khan’s commitment to me as a broadcaster. He’s always been a fan of my work, which helps your cause when your boss is a fan of your work. We got a new deal.”

AEW may lose some people in the coming months, as Matt Hardy’s contract is up. We will have to see how everything pans out, but the landscape of Tony Khan’s company will not be losing JR. 

What’s Next

Jim Ross is a WWE Hall of Famer who gave decades of his life to the pro wrestling business. He’s held positions all over the business as well, and now he will continue with AEW as an announcer for a long time to come.

Although Ross is not used as much as he once was with AEW, he seems to be content with what he is given. We know that JR isn’t ready to hang up his hat just yet, and this new deal with AEW will make sure of that.

SEScoops will have additional information on this story if it is made available. 

Contract Countdown: Matt Hardy’s AEW Deal Nearing Expiration Date

0

AEW has lost a few people in recent memory, but they are also picking up a few stars as well. It seems that Matt Hardy’s time in AEW may be numbered at this point, as his deal is set to expire this month.

Matt Hardy recently made headlines when he showed his displeasure about how Sammy Guevara injured Jeff Hardy during their match on Rampage. Now, Matt’s contract is set to run out long before Jeff’s.

Matt Hardy’s Contract Situation

Sean Ross Sapp revealed on Fightful Select that Matt Hardy’s current contract with AEW is due to expire in March.

Initially signed in March 2020, Hardy’s deal was originally intended to align with his brother Jeff Hardy’s contract length. However, due to various factors such as injuries and inactivity, adjustments were made, resulting in an extension of Matt’s contract duration.

It was noted that there have been discussions between the two sides about a new deal. At this time, it is unclear how far along those talks are, and how likely it is that a deal will be arranged.

Matt Hardy’s Time in AEW

Despite his lengthy tenure in the wrestling industry, the 49-year-old Hardy has seen limited in-ring action in 2024, with only one match under his belt thus far. However, his involvement in 2023 was more consistent, with over 40 matches both in and out of AEW.

Hardy’s wrestling career spans three decades, dating back to his matches against notable opponents such as Undertaker, IRS, and Razor Ramon in 1994. We will have to see what he does next, but his days in the Land of All Elite may be numbered.

SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and so many more, as additional information is made available. 

Sting Disagreed With The Idea Of Winning His Final Match At AEW Revolution 2024

0

AEW’s Sting ended his career with an epic victory at Revolution 2024, despite being more than willing to lose to the Young Bucks last weekend. 

In the main event of AEW’s most recent pay-per-view, Sting and Darby Allin retained the AEW World Tag Team Championships against Matthew and Nicholas Jackson. This win means that Sting has ended his AEW career undefeated. After the show, Sting spoke passionately to the fans in attendance and was grateful for all the support he has been shown during his retirement tour and throughout his professional wrestling career. 

Willing to Lose

With this being Sting’s final match, there were plenty of talks during the planning process, Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports. It is noted that everyone involved, including Tony Khan, felt it was very important for Sting to win the match, though the Icon himself disagreed. During the post-show media scrum, Sting admitted that he had some resistance to winning his last match and ending his career as a champion. 

Reasons For the Finish

Sting wanted to lose so that he could give the major moment to the Young Bucks, in a sign of selflessness from the notoriously giving Icon. However, Khan and the Bucks believed that Sting deserved to go out on top and everyone agreed that the show called for a happy ending that would be best for AEW. 

The report adds that the commentary team was not told what to expect and only a small group knew of the finish to the match in advance. 

AEW Dynamite Set for Explosive Night: Major Debuts and Huge Announcements Expected

0

Tony Khan has a lot of plans for AEW, and that includes bringing in even more talent. He could have plans to debut someone this week, and it might break the pro wrestling world wide open.

Kazuchika Okada is reportedly on his way to AEW, and that debut may happen tonight. A new report says that he is in the United States, and only time will tell if tonight’s AEW Dynamite is his landing pad.

Major Debut on the Horizon

A major name is expected to make their full-time debut with the company, although details remain undisclosed. Tony Khan has hinted at exciting plans for AEW fans in the coming weeks, suggesting significant developments on the horizon.

According to PW Insider, former IWGP Champion Kazuchika Okada recently traveled to Los Angeles and is currently in the United States. It is widely speculated that Okada will be present at tonight’s Dynamite episode in Atlanta, potentially signaling a significant moment for the promotion. 

Additionally, there are expectations for the debut of Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, in Boston next week for the company’s Big Business special. With these developments on the horizon, anticipation is high for tonight’s Dynamite episode and the future direction of AEW.

AEW Dynamite For 3/6

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite promises to be eventful, with several notable announcements and developments anticipated. Among the highlights are scheduled matches such as Riho vs. Kris Statlander and Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher. Moreover, The Young Bucks have teased a “Huge Announcement,” adding to the intrigue of the evening.

They also added Hook vs Brian Cage for the FTW Title to the show in the afternoon. More matches should be expected as we approach the two-hour program. 

SEScoops will have more coverage of AEW Dynamite, and everything else in the pro wrestling world. Check back often for more updates! 

Battle of the Shirts: The Rock & Cody Rhodes Take Beef to WWE’s Merchandise Store

0

The Rock and Cody Rhodes have taken their WrestleMania feud to a whole new level: WWE Shop, pro wrestling’s premiere merchandise store.

At last month’s WrestleMania XL Kickoff event from Las Vegas, the ‘American Nightmare’ announced his intention to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The decision enraged The Rock, who envisioned himself battling Reigns in what he saw as the biggest match in WWE history. 

Rhodes delivered a scathing message to the Bloodline, claiming their ancestors would be ashamed of them. The Rock responded by slapping the lips off Cody’s face in what Paul Heyman would later dub, The People’s Slap. 

Battle of the Shirts

If you’ve been following WWE television as closely as most of our readers, you know things haven’t quieted down since then. 

The Rock’ “Slap” T-Shirt

First, The Rock released a new t-shirt mocking Cody Rhodes, his ‘Cody Crybabies’ fanbase and the The People’s Slap. As seen below, the shirt invokes the popular ‘Batman slapping Robin’ meme.

WWEShop: The Rock “Slap” T-Shirt

Cody Rhodes “Slap” T-Shirt

Now, Rhodes has fired back with a shirt of his own. While this one still includes The Rock’s slap last month, the defiant Rhodes makes clear that the Brahma Bull should ‘get ready to learn the lyrics to Kingdom.’

Rhodes’ message is clear: No matter what, his theme will be playing after the main event of WrestleMania 40 with Cody standing tall as the new Undisputed WWE Champion

WWEShop: Cody Rhodes “Slap” T-Shirt

What’s Next? 

Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins will be at this Friday’s episode of SmackDown, where they will confront The Rock and Roman Reigns. The show will be the first face-to-face between the four men since the WrestleMania 40 kick-off event. It is believed that Rhodes and Rollins will respond to the challenge laid out last week for a tag match at WrestleMania 40.