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.
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.
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.
A single post on X from WWE referee Daphanie LaShaunn led to harassment and threats, according to the official. LaShaunn initially shared a message that read, “It’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later,” alongside a broken heart emoji. Many fans interpreted this as a sign that she had left WWE, prompting her to issue a clarification.
Bro I lost my grandma not everything is about wrestling good God!
Despite her explanation, LaShaunn’s follow-up received a mixed response. Some fans expressed condolences, while others criticized her for being unclear. In another post, LaShaunn revealed that the situation escalated, claiming she was harassed and threatened. Disturbingly, she shared that some individuals went as far as saying they would spit on her late grandmother’s grave.
Never in my life did I think I would ever be harassed, threatened, and even be told they would spit on my grandmothers grave….All bc of a misinterpreted tweet and I said not everything is about wrestling… Yall got it.? I’ll see y’all when I see yall.??
As LaShaunn mourns the loss of her grandmother, she should not have to endure this type of abuse from fans. Our thoughts are with Daphanie during this difficult time.
AJ Lee will compete for the first time in over a decade at WWE WrestlePalooza, in one of the year’s most anticipated matches. Ahead of teaming with CM Punk to face Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, Lee has expressed her gratitude to the fans eager to see her return.
On X, Lee reacted to a compilation of emotional fans watching her comeback during the September 5 episode of WWE SmackDown. Thankful for the outpouring of support, she wrote that “you all made my year.”
Lee’s return has been a talking point since her departure from WWE in 2015. With years of tension between WWE and her husband CM Punk, many believed she would never step back into a WWE ring. Now, not only is she back, but a new contract ensures fans will be seeing much more of AJ Lee on WWE programming.
Despite her decade-long absence, Lee’s bond with wrestling fans never faded. With her in-ring return just days away, the former Divas Champion remains deeply appreciative of those who have supported her every step of the way.
John Cena has found a home in the DC Comics Cinematic Universe, and now the Peacemaker star wants fans to use their voices. At the recent Boston Fan Expo, the WWE “GOAT” was asked who he hopes will don the cape and cowl of Batman in the shared universe helmed by James Gunn.
“Gosh, I would just like to see Peacemaker and Batman in the in the same room. Uh I don’t care who Batman is. I might get one of my old younger brothers to put on a Batman costume. I’ll steal the Peacemaker outfit just so we can make it happen.”
While Robert Pattinson portrayed the Dark Knight in 2022’s critically acclaimed The Batman, it’s believed that a different actor will take on the role in Gunn’s universe. Whoever that may be, Cena hopes fans will have their say in the casting.
“If I’ve learned one thing about entertainment, when you guys are interested, eventually someone hears you. So, I’m crossing my fingers and hopefully that can happen.”
Cena first entered the DC world in 2021 with The Suicide Squad, portraying Christopher “Peacemaker” Smith. The jingoistic antihero is willing to kill as many people as he deems necessary in his twisted pursuit of world peace. Since then, Smith has headlined his own Peacemaker series, also overseen by Gunn.
With Gunn’s DC Universe recently scoring another success with Superman, fans are optimistic about the future of several beloved characters. As for Cena, he continues to carve out his niche as Peacemaker—while quietly hoping for a showdown with the Caped Crusader.
A major title match for WWE Wrestlepalooza has finally been made official, just days before the highly anticipated event airs on ESPN. On Instagram, IYO SKY confirmed that the contract for her bout with Stephanie Vaquer has been signed. The two will meet in Indianapolis on September 20 to crown the next WWE Women’s World Champion.
The contract signing was originally scheduled for the September 8 episode of WWE Raw but did not take place, leaving both fans and talent questioning the reason. Rumors circulated that Vaquer was dealing with an injury, though the former NXT Women’s Champion later denied those claims.
Will SKY reclaim the championship she held for much of 2025, including a successful defense at WrestleMania 41? Or will Vaquer seize the moment and establish herself as a force on the main roster? Stay tuned to SEScoops for full coverage of WWE Wrestlepalooza.
Payback was the theme for Jey Uso on the September 15 episode of WWE Raw, where he was blindsided by LA Knight. In the closing moments of the show, Jey and Knight shared a handshake—only for Knight to drop the former World Heavyweight Champion with his signature BFT.
Backstage after the show, Knight explained his actions. Rather than a shocking betrayal of his tag team partner in the main event against Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, Knight said he was simply evening the score after being speared by Jey the previous week.
“I came out with the outcome I wanted. Cos I wanted that other little taste, that receipt you were talking about. Yeah, I got that back, right there! Dropping you on your head. And guess what? At this point, now we’re good. Now we’re even. Now walk off into the sunset and I wish you the best.
Whether this leads to a one-on-one showdown between the two remains to be seen. If that’s the plan, it won’t happen at WWE Wrestlepalooza. At the upcoming PLE, Jey and his brother Jimmy Uso are set to face Reed and Breakker. Knight isn’t currently booked, but that may not stop him from pursuing his growing feud with “Main Event” Jey.
With two of WWE Raw’s top stars expected to collide soon, fans can expect some heavy hitting if Jey doesn’t feel he’s ‘even’ with LA Knight after this attack.
A change has been made to the card for tomorrow night’s WWE NXT Homecoming special on Tuesday, September 16. In a social media post released shortly before Monday Night Raw, NXT General Manager Ava announced that the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton, is not medically cleared to compete and has been removed from her scheduled six-woman tag team match.
The injury is a result of the aftermath of her championship match on last Friday’s episode of SmackDown.In her announcement, Ava confirmed Stratton’s status and named her replacement for the bout. “After her WWE Women’s Championship Match on SmackDown, Tiffany Stratton is not medically cleared to compete at Homecoming. As a result, former NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria will be taking her place in the six-woman tag team match against Fatal Influence.”
The storyline injury occurred on the September 12 episode of SmackDown, where Stratton defended her WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill. That match ended in a double countout after both competitors crashed through a ringside barricade. Following the match, Nia Jax launched an assault on the champion, leaving her lying with an Annihilator.
The six-woman tag team match was originally set up on last week’s episode of NXT, which ended with Stratton, Rhea Ripley, and Stephanie Vaquer making a surprise appearance to confront Jacy Jayne and the Fatal Influence faction.
After her WWE Women’s Championship Match on SmackDown, Tiffany Stratton is not medically cleared to compete at Homecoming. As a result, former NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria will be taking her place in the six-woman tag team match against Fatal Influence.
The road to WWE WrestlePalooza took a heated turn on the September 15 episode of Monday Night Raw, as the four participants in the mixed tag team match had an in-ring confrontation. The segment saw World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch come face-to-face with CM Punk and the returning AJ Lee, with the war of words ultimately turning physical just five days before their match this Saturday.
The segment kicked off the second hour of Raw, with Rollins and Lynch in the ring. They were quickly interrupted by CM Punk and AJ Lee, who received a massive ovation from the Massachusetts crowd, marking Lee’s first appearance in the state since 2014. The verbal battle was intense, with Lynch targeting Lee’s history of neck injuries, and Lee responding with candor about her uncertainty but vowing that Rollins couldn’t predict what she was capable of. Rollins then took a personal shot, reminding Lee of Punk’s history of “leaving with things let him down.”
This prompted Lee to slap Rollins across the face. Rollins then motioned for his wife, Becky Lynch, to attack Lee, but Lynch appeared to abandon her husband, leaving the ring by herself. However, this was revealed to be an elaborate ruse. As Punk was distracted, chasing Rollins out of the ring, Lynch slid back in and blindsided AJ Lee from behind, planting her with a Manhandle Slam. The show’s segment ended with Rollins and Lynch standing tall on the entrance ramp.
Bayley made her return to WWE programming on the September 15 episode of Monday Night Raw, and it appears she has made a decision about her character’s future by embracing her past. The former multi-time champion returned to make a save for Lyra Valkyria and then seemed to revert to her fan-favorite “Hugger” persona that made her a star in NXT. The character shift comes after a series of vignettes that have aired in recent weeks, which have depicted Bayley struggling with an internal dilemma over which of her past personas to use as she moves forward in her career.
The moment occurred following a singles match between Lyra Valkyria and The Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez. After Valkyria secured the victory, she was subjected to a two-on-one post-match assault by Perez and her partner, Raquel Rodriguez. This led to Bayley’s music to hit, and she ran to the ring to even the odds, fighting off both members of The Judgment Day and clearing them from the ring.
After the save, Bayley had a stare-down with Valkyria, appearing to still be in conflict with herself. However, she then suddenly broke character, exited the ring, and began enthusiastically hugging everyone at ringside. Her targets included commentators Joe Tessitore and Corey Graves, ring announcer Alicia Taylor, referee Jessicka Carr, members of the security team, and several fans in the front row.
Andrade’s time with WWE has officially come to an end, though the former NXT Champion appears to be leaving without hard feelings—at least publicly. Taking to X, Andrade expressed his gratitude to WWE now that his second run with the company has concluded.
It wasn’t just X where Andrade shared his gratitude to WWE. Taking to Instagram, the former Superstar again shared that he appreciates all WWE has done for him.
Andrade’s profile was moved to WWE.com’s Alumni section, an act that left fans believing his time had ended. Fightful Select later confirmed the news, marking the end of Andrade’s second run, less than two years after his surprise comeback in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
While Andrade’s public statement suggested no ill will toward WWE, reports indicate that the situation behind the scenes was more complicated. According to The Takedown on Sports Illustrated, Andrade was “effectively released” by WWE in what was described as a non-mutual decision. The report also noted that Andrade had not been backstage at TV tapings for nearly a month, further signaling a disconnect between him and the company.
Andrade’s departure has already sparked reactions across the wrestling world. AEW’s MJF referenced him in a post on X while promoting a match against Mistico.
With his WWE run over and his AEW tenure in the past, Andrade’s next move remains uncertain. Whether he returns to Mexico or pursues opportunities elsewhere, the future of the former NXT Champion will be closely watched.
The Young Bucks’ are continuing to rack up wins on AEW programming, but now the brothers have a ghost from their past to deal with. During the latest episode of Being The Elite, the brothers tried to double their recent $500,000 winfall. The Bucks won their money during the September 10 edition of AEW Dynamite as part of the show’s stacked ten-man tag-team main event.
Unfortunately for the Bucks, gambling their money did not prove fruitful. In the closing moments of the vlog, a mysterious package was discovered in their suitcase. Inside was a knife accompanied by a chilling note that read: “For the next time you want to stab me in the back.”
Given the Bucks’ past actions, there’s no shortage of individuals who might feel betrayed by the brothers. One possibility is Kenny Omega, who was ousted from The Elite by the Bucks in 2024. If so, this could signal that Omega is seeking revenge on the men who were once his closest allies.
Whatever the note’s origin, it could mean troubling times ahead for the Young Bucks. Despite their current streak of three consecutive wins on AEW weekly programming, the duo may need to watch their backs both inside and outside the ring.
Jerry “The King” Lawler is dealing with the serious effects of a recent stroke, the latest health setback for the WWE Hall of Famer. On Friday, September 12, Lawler suffered a stroke at his home in Florida. Speaking to Action News 5, Lawler recalled the moment he realized something was wrong.
“I knew something was bad wrong at that time, but I didn’t feel it happening when it was happening. It just happened while I was asleep and when I woke up, I knew I had to call somebody so they could get there and help me out with the situation.”
As a result, Lawler has withdrawn from planned events for the next month. While fans may be disappointed by his absence, it’s clear that The King must put his health first.
This marks Lawler’s third stroke in the past seven years and comes just two years after he suffered one at his home in February 2023. He previously suffered his first stroke in 2018, and many fans remember the heart attack he experienced live during WWE Raw in September 2012.
Lawler’s situation highlights the importance of prioritizing health, as both past and recent health issues continue to affect him. We at SEScoops send our best wishes to Jerry Lawler during his recovery.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair recently opened up about her future in professional wrestling and her desire to one day start a family. “The Queen,” who has been a dominant force in the WWE women’s division for the past decade, was a guest on the “Nightcap” podcast where she was asked how much longer she plans to compete in the ring.
Speaking on the podcast, Flair explained her thought process on the matter. “I don’t know. I want kids one day. That’s the thing. I can do both, but it just depends on the time. I think wrestling’s in my blood. I don’t know any different. Like, I love it, but I do want to be a mom.”
She then pointed to fellow WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus as a source of inspiration, seeing her as a trailblazer who has proven that a successful wrestling career can still be possible after motherhood.
“But I think Trish Stratus coming back and having all these one-offs and she’s 50, look better than half the roster. She’s killing it. So I don’t think that door will ever close, it’s just, I do know I want to step away to have children, when that time is.”
Despite her thoughts on the future, Flair’s present is very much focused on her current championship reign. She is scheduled to make her in-ring return from a recent storyline injury tomorrow night, September 16, at the NXT Homecoming special, where she and her partner, Alexa Bliss, will defend their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm recently shared her thoughts on WWE’s recent strategy of scheduling its events on the same day as major All Elite Wrestling pay-per-views. Throughout 2025, WWE has positioned its NXT Premium Live Events directly against AEW’s major shows, and the upcoming WWE WrestlePalooza on September 20 will take place on the same day as AEW’s All Out.
During a recent appearance on The Sandman’s podcast, Storm was asked about the counter-programming efforts from the rival promotion. She responded with a challenge.
“I think it’s great. Come on, fight me! Be a bit weird of them as a large corporation to just do nothing. Of course they are. Of course they will. It’s their job. We’re the old hot ticket, we’re the talk of the town.”
In the same interview, Storm also declared that she plans to be an “AEW lifer,” further cementing her loyalty to the company in the face of the ongoing “wrestling war.” In response to the scheduling conflict, AEW has moved the start time of its All Out pay-per-view on September 20 to 3:00 PM Eastern, avoiding a direct head-to-head clash with WWE’s evening event.
WWE superstar Kevin Owens made a surprise appearance via video message at the inaugural event for the Vermont-based independent promotion, Green Mountain Wrestling, on Sunday, September 14. The company held its “Green Mountain Classic” tournament to crown its first-ever champion, and the show opened with the video from the former WWE Universal Champion. In the message, Owens introduced himself by his former independent wrestling name, “Kevin Steen,” a nod to his long and storied career before joining WWE.
Owens stated in the video that he wished he could have been at the event in person to present the new championship belt to the tournament winner. He also alluded to a move he performs being featured on one of the side plates of the new Green Mountain Wrestling Championship.
“He stated that he wishes he could have been at the show to present the tournament winner with the belt.”
The appearance is particularly notable given Owens’s current injury status. He has been out of action since April after being sidelined with a serious neck injury that required surgery. In a media appearance over the summer, Owens was open about his uncertain future, stating that it would be “untruthful” to say that he is absolutely returning to the ring. His last match was an Unsanctioned Match against his long-time rival and friend, Sami Zayn, at the Elimination Chamber event.
As one of the few legends to have worked for both Vince McMahon’s WWE and Tony Khan’s AEW, Jake “The Snake” Roberts has a valuable perspective on the management styles the two men.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Games Hub, Roberts broke down the key differences between the two promoters, praising Khan for his treatment of talent but also offering a critique of his “hands on” booking approach. Roberts has been a part of the All Elite Wrestling roster since 2019, serving as a manager and a mentor to the younger talent.
“Well, I think Khan has it in the way he treats talent. Vince was a great delegator. He would come up with the idea or use somebody else’s idea and spread it around to where everybody could work on it. Tony Khan doesn’t do that. He wants us to be all hands on him doing it. And a lot of times things get missed, no way one man came up with this stuff 24/7, seven days a week. You know, how many shows are they doing now? You know, that’s a lot of TV time.”
When asked if he thinks Khan will take his advice on board, Roberts joked, “Either that or he’ll fine me.”
WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels discussed the challenge of transitioning from performer to coach during his Nightcap appearance, revealing why natural talent often struggles with instruction.
“What came easy is hard. Those that can do, those that can’t teach, you did because you could do. Now, how do you show patience, show grace, and say, ‘What came so easy to Shawn Michaels? What was a God-given gift? How do I convey that?'” Michaels explained.
The NXT leader emphasized timing as wrestling’s most crucial yet unteachable element.
“The hardest thing for us is a very natural feel and also as you gentlemen know you almost can’t teach timing. Timing is something that our business as yours sort of hangs on.”
Changing Wrestling Culture, Finding Fulfillment
Michaels expressed determination to improve wrestling’s working environment for future generations.
“We want the culture of our business to be different and to be more positive than it was when we got into it. We want to leave it better off than the way we came into it,” he stated.
His role at the WWE Performance Center focuses on developing complete performers rather than just athletes. Through repetition and mentorship, Michaels helps translate raw talent into television-ready superstars.
Physical Sacrifice for the Craft
Despite his legendary status, Michaels paid dearly for his in-ring career. “I have had my back fused. I’ve had my shoulder replaced. I got two knees that I’m getting replaced in probably a month. And I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world,” he revealed without regret.
His dedication extended to an exhausting schedule that few modern performers could match.
“When I worked on the road, we did 286 days. When I got a part-time schedule, it was 150 days… I enjoyed every minute.”
Perfect Retirement Timing
Michaels found peace in his final match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25.
“I had a match… with Undertaker WrestleMania 25 in Houston that made me feel so peaceful in a way that I’d never felt after a match in my entire life,” he reflected. “I was able to leave, as they say, on a high note… I’ve never looked back and regretted it.”
The wrestling legend found fulfillment in developing others after his own career concluded.
“I do one thing well in this lifetime and it’s wrestle. I’m able to use that gift to give other young men and women… the opportunity to have the amazing life that I’ve been given through this line of work.”
Shawn Michaels responded humbly to Ric Flair recetly declaring him the greatest all time.
“Ric Flair says your understanding of the moment and the timing and the theatrics of it… there’s no one close to Shawn Michaels. He’s the greatest,” Shannon Sharpe quoted, adding “That’s no disrespect to Hogan. That’s no disrespect to anyone… But Shawn Michaels is the greatest wrestler.”
Michaels accepted the compliment graciously while maintaining perspective.
“It’s the greatest compliment a guy could have to even be in the conversation,” he replied, acknowledging the significance of Flair’s endorsement.
WWE Raw airs live tonight from the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, at a special start time of 7:00 PM ET on Netflix.
Tonight’s go-home show for Wrestlepalooza is loaded with major segments, star appearances, and final hype for Saturday’s premium live event.
Major Segments & Star Appearances
CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch: All four will share the ring for an intense face-to-face segment, fueling one of Wrestlepalooza’s most talked-about storylines. Expect fireworks as this mixed tag feud reaches a boiling point.
Jey Uso Heel Tease: The fallout continues from Jey’s shocking spear to LA Knight last week, with fans awaiting further signs of a Bloodline split or heel turn.
Confirmed Match Card
John Cena’s Final Springfield Raw: Cena says farewell to Springfield ahead of his final clash this weekend with Brock Lesnar.
Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez: Valkyria looks to bounce back from defeat in a singles contest against Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez.
Penta vs. Kofi Kingston: The rivalry continues with high-flying action showcased in this anticipated bout.
Dragon Lee vs. El Grande Americano: General Manager Adam Pearce announced this match following the World’s Collide fallout, promising a fast-paced affair.
What To Expect
Fireworks. Expect fireworks. It’s the go-home show before Wrestlepalooza, WWE will have all hands on deck to hype the PLE, and John Cena makes his final appearance in Boston. Keep the tissues nearby.
Viewing Details:
Location: MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA
Start Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT (special early start due to the NFL season)
Streaming: Netflix (Worldwide)
Stay with SEScoops for live coverage, results, and breaking news throughout Raw and all Wrestlepalooza weekend.
The Undertaker supplied his unfiltered opinion about the most important aspect of professional wrestling during his recent interview with Nightcap. The Deadman explained to Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson that technical execution serves a larger narrative purpose.
“Wrestling isn’t about wrestling moves. Wrestling is about telling stories. We use the moves to help tell the story, but it’s all about the connection.”
Professional wrestling is a business, and Undertaker argues there’s bigger factors at play than snug ring work and a killer move set.
“If you love somebody you pay money to see him kick the other guy’s ass, or if you hate him, you pay to see him get beaten. That’s the gist of what we do.”
Modern Recruitment Challenges
Storytelling is important, but athleticism is still WWE’s canvas. Charisma is the X factor, but Undertaker detailed how WWE still aggressively scouts collegiate athletes instead of waiting for independent wrestlers to show up on their radar.
“We recruit at the combine, go to colleges, pro days…because we have to continue to feed the system.”
This approach creates unique teaching challenges.
“When I came up, either you had it or you didn’t. Now we get people from ground zero who don’t understand the business, so you have to break it down.”
Remembering Bray Wyatt’s Unique Presence
When asked about potential supernatural character successors, The Undertaker immediately thought of the late Bray Wyatt.
“Do I see any young Undertakers coming up? Hard to say, but the closest in the past few years was Bray Wyatt. He was in that category. We lost him last year.”
Dominik Mysterio is now pulling double duty as both the WWE Intercontinental Champion and the brand-new AAA Mega Champion — and his latest win has only escalated his feud with his legendary father, Rey Mysterio. Shortly after the event, Rey took to Instagram to remind his son that he wasn’t the first young Mysterio to hold multiple championships at once.
Dominik wasted no time firing back with trademark sarcasm, highlighting that his father never held the AAA Mega Championship.
“Good job son. Maybe one day you’ll be as great as me. Now post a pic of you holding the AAA Mega Championship ?”
Dominik’s victory at Worlds Collide saw him dethrone El Hijo del Vikingo to win the gold, much to the delight of the AAA crowd who are far from fond of Vikingo. After the match, Dominik had Rey place the title around his waist before ordering his father out of the ring.
This war of words is the latest development in the Rey-Dominik feud that has been simmering for over three years. Dominik turned on his father at WWE Clash At The Castle 2022 in Cardiff, Wales, following Rey and Edge’s win over the Judgment Day. Dominik would join the faction shortly after, where he remains a member to this day.
Now, with two championships around his waist, Dominik’s stock is at an all-time high. Meanwhile, Rey is inching closer to an in-ring return, and another clash between father and son feels inevitable.
Jake Hager’s time in AEW may be over, but fans hoping for a WWE comeback shouldn’t hold their breath. Speaking with Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge, the former World Heavyweight Champion dismissed the idea of entering a future Men’s Royal Rumble match, saying bluntly
“I don’t think they like me very much.” When pressed to clarify, Hager didn’t name names, instead replying “Whoever books the Royal Rumble.”
Hager, then competing under the name Jack Swagger, made his Royal Rumble debut in 2010 as the #26 entrant. His run was short-lived, as John Cena tossed him out in just over two minutes. His last Rumble outing came in 2016, when he entered at #24 but was eliminated in just 15 seconds by Brock Lesnar.
After leaving WWE in 2017, Hager transitioned to mixed martial arts, signing with Bellator MMA. Fighting under his real name, he went unbeaten with a professional record of 3-0 (1 NC) between 2019 and 2020. His debut win came via first-round submission at Bellator 214.
Hager’s comments come after he shared that he finished with pro wrestling and has started his own trucking company based out of Tampa, Florida. Hager himself isn’t driving the trucks in his new company ‘Hauling Oats’ but is overseeing those who do.
Hatton also worked with Floyd Mayweather, another boxing name with ties to pro wrestling., We at SEScoops would like to share our condolences to his family at this sad time.
Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, the former world boxing champion who made a memorable crossover into WWE in 2009, has died at the age of 46. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that officers were called to an address in Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, September 14, where they discovered Hatton’s body. Authorities have stated that his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Hatton was one of the fiercest and most popular boxers of his generation, achieving major success in the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions. His career peaked in 2005, when he defeated Kostya Tszyu in Manchester to claim the IBF light-welterweight championship — a win that cemented him as a British sporting hero.
In the world of professional wrestling, Hatton made a guest appearance as host of WWE Monday Night Raw in Sheffield in 2009. During the broadcast, he stepped into the ring for a special “boxer vs. wrestler” match against Chavo Guerrero. The match ended with Hatton knocking out Guerrero to a thunderous ovation from the UK crowd.
Reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair recently opened up about her current tag team run, admitting that while she has always preferred to be a singles competitor, she is greatly enjoying her current partnership with Alexa Bliss. The duo won the championships at SummerSlam in August.
During a recent appearance on the “Nightcap” podcast, “The Queen” was asked about her chemistry with Bliss and their championship reign. She was candid about her usual preference but made it clear that her current partner is the exception.
“Personally, I like solo. I don’t like sharing the spotlight, but I am in a tag team with the one person I don’t mind sharing the spotlight with, and that’s Alexa Bliss. And I’m having so much fun. She’s great. She brings out definitely a different side of my character for TV, so it’s great.”
Flair is scheduled to be back in action tomorrow night, September 16, at the NXT Homecoming special, where she and Alexa Bliss will defend their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against the NXT duo of The Culling (Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley).
Rob Gronkowski praised WWE’s audience engagement during his interview with Steph McMahon, drawing sharp contrasts with NFL fan behavior based on his WrestleMania experience. The former Patriots star found wrestling crowds more consistently invested in the action.
“NFL fans sometimes grabbing beer if their team’s not on offense… WWE fans, they’re ready at all times, truer fans.. energy is kinetic, nothing like it,” Gronkowski said.
Behind-the-Scenes Wrestling Mishap
Gronkowski shared details of a security miscommunication during his WrestleMania involvement that created unscripted drama.
“My favorite was the security guy didn’t know I was part of the show. She looked at me, grabbed me, and I could tell she wasn’t tipped off,” he recalled.
The confusion led to improvised moments that enhanced the segment.
“So I played back—it was fixed, but I wasn’t going to fight her. Eventually, she realized, and I got to level [Jinder] Mahal. Wasn’t supposed to kick him—did it anyway.”
Attitude Era Influence
Gronkowski referenced wrestling’s cultural impact through his DX tribute at recent events.
“I chose to do a DX crotch chop entrance at Fanatics Fest—’Can’t really do that anymore, but I can’… Attitude Era, best era—kids sent home for crotch chops.”
His foundation work includes gifting equipment to youth organizations, continuing his philosophy of turning opportunities into positive outcomes for others.
Gronk Nation Youth Foundation
Beyond the gridiron and the ring, Rob Gronkowski’s passion for giving back is embodied in the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. Established with his family, the foundation is dedicated to supporting youth through sports, education, fitness, and community engagement.
Recent initiatives include a $315,000 donation to the Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund for regional disaster relief, as well as numerous community sports equipment drives and regular visits to children’s hospitals. Gronkowski’s foundation also partners with organizations such as Kids 2 Camp to provide scholarships and memorable camp experiences for disadvantaged youth.
Gronkowski’s commitment to philanthropy extends far beyond his own organization. In 2025, he participated in charity pickleball events to raise funds for cancer research, and he frequently lends his voice to causes close to his heart, including The Jimmy Fund and ALS awareness.
Rob Gronkowski’s WWE Career Highlights
Gronkowski’s journey from NFL superstar to WWE personality is marked by several memorable moments that underscore his genuine love for professional wrestling. Gronkowski made his WWE debut at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, storming the ring to help longtime friend Mojo Rawley claim victory in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Three years later, Gronkowski officially signed with WWE and was named the host of WrestleMania 36, where he stunned fans by capturing the WWE 24/7 Championship in a daring on-screen leap – reportedly only after WWE Chairman Vince McMahon demonstrated the jump himself to boost Gronk’s confidence.
