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CM Punk’s WWE Return Made Randy Orton Proud (Of Himself)

Rayan Saayed
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Randy Orton expressed pride in the way he handled receiving the news of CM Punk’s return, mentioning that the old Orton would have been upset.

When Punk made his return at WWE Survivor Series last year, Orton had just made his comeback himself for his first match following an 18-month recovery from a serious back injury. He participated in the event as part of the WarGames match, teaming up with Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, and Sami Zayn to defeat The Judgement Day and Drew McIntyre’s team.

So when Punk made his return the very same night, it created a clash between two comebacks and overshadowed Orton’s return. Speaking to Justin Barrasso for Sports Illustrated, Orton revealed he was told about Punk’s Survivor Series return the day of the event.

“The day of Survivor Series, I’m about to get my boots on. I’m feeling the nerves, it had been a year-and-a-half. Triple H is like, ‘Hey Randy, I’ve got to talk to you for a second.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, what’s up, man?’ So he told me a couple things. And then he went, ‘One more thing–Punk’s returning tonight.’ I thought he was f—— with me. I said, ‘You’re joking,’ and he was like, ‘No, I’m not. This is something that just happened in the last few days, yada yada yada.’”

Orton admitted that if this were the older, hotheaded version of him, he would have lost his cool upon hearing the news. However, the mature and calmer incarnation of The Viper handled it well and didn’t let it become a problem, even though he was excited about returning to the ring.

“I was so excited for this surprise return. That’s never really been the case. They’ve always kind of stooged off the fact I was returning; they wanted those views. So I’d never had that surprise return.

I could have been really pissed, and old Randy would have been pissed. It was a defining moment for me. I went out there, we had a great WarGames match, everybody was excited that I returned, everybody was excited that Punk returned, and neither return stepped on each other. It was a testament to how much I’d grown. It would have been an issue only if I made it one, so I was proud of the way I handled it.”

While Punk is currently sidelined with an injury, you can catch Orton this Saturday at the men’s Elimination Chamber, set to be held in Perth, Australia.

The full interview with Randy Orton is at SI.com

Ric Flair Biopic Coming From The Rock’s Seven Bucks Productions

Aaron Varble
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Ric Flair has two WWE Hall of Fame rings for a reason. His landmark career broke boundaries and records for years. Now, fans should prepare themselves for a cinematic retelling of his life story. 

Upcoming Ric Flair Movie

The Wrap reports that the project will be produced by The Rock, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia, partnering with Misher Films’ Kevin Misher. Misher and Seven Bucks Productions had previously worked together on “Fighting With My Family,” a movie based on the life of Saraya, also known as WWE’s Paige.

The yet-to-be-named Ric Flair biopic will see The Nature Boy’s story told in a new way on the silver screen. While hyping this upcoming project, Dwayne Johnson said, “As a kid who grew up in professional wrestling, I idolized, ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair. He was a hero to me.” He went on to really expand on The Nature Boy’s career

“He was a hero to me. And once I broke into the wrestling business and began to spill my own sweat and blood – my reverence for Ric turned to respect. Because I realized just how rare and impossible it is to disrupt the wrestling business, culture and truly change the game – and that’s exactly what Ric Flair did. This project is personal, and we can’t wait to tell his unbelievable story. As always, thank you for the house, Ric.”

What’s Next For Ric Flair

Ric Flair is known for his decades-long career, as he holds the record for being a 16-time World Champion. Now that he’s with AEW, Flair remains a captivating figure, no matter what he is doing on Tony Khan’s show.

Flair’s autobiography “To Be The Man…” is still a great read. He also co-wrote “Second Nature,” a second autobiography with his daughter, Charlotte Flair. Only time will tell what stories this new film picks to focus on, because Flair’s career could fill a docuseries by itself. 

Watch: Wrestling Match Breaks Out At Screening of The Iron Claw in Brazil

Thomas Lowson
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Moviegoers who attended a screening of The Iron Claw in Brazil got more than they bargained for when a real wrestling match happened live.

The biopic delves into the lives, careers, and many tragedies of the Von Erich family. Zac Efron plays Kevin Von Erich alongside Jeremy Allen White (Kerry) and Harris Dickinson (David). Several wrestlers appear in the film including MJF (as Lance Von Erich), Chavo Guerrero Jr. (Ed ‘The Sheik’ Farhat), and Ryan Nemeth (Gino Hernandez).

Match at The Iron Claw

During a screening of the biopic in Brazil, a wrestling match broke out in a video clip that has gone viral on social media. The moviegoers in Brazil were certainly surprised by the match but cheered for both wrestlers. It’s currently unclear which wrestler won the match.

Cut Role

In the run-up to the release of The Iron Claw, much was said about MJF, who was confirmed to have a role as Lance Von Erich. MJF would even reference the role during his post-World Championship win appearance after Full Gear 2022. When the film hit screens though, fans learned that MJF’s role had been greatly reduced. While initially planned for three scenes, MJF has no dialogue in a blink-and-you-miss-it role.

The Iron Claw

The Iron Claw was snubbed in the Academy Award nominations but has been a hit with audiences. Music sensation Adele had high praise for The Iron Claw, calling it her favorite film of 2023. One aspect of the film fans didn’t like was the portrayal of Ric Flair which wrestling fans felt was nothing like the actual Nature Boy. 

Fight at The Iron Claw Screening

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John Cena Still Loves Vince McMahon Despite ‘Super Unfortunate’ Accusations – “I’m Also A Big Advocate Of Accountability”

Thomas Lowson
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John Cena, like many, has been shocked by the allegations against Vince McMahon but will continue to love the ex-WWE head.

Last month, McMahon resigned from WWE due to the allegations made by Janel Grant in her damning lawsuit. Miss Grant alleges that she was sexually abused by McMahon during her tenure with the promise of a high role in the company. 

Grant alleges that she was trafficked by McMahon other men in WWE. John Lauriniatis and a former UFC Heavyweight Champion (believed to be Brock Lesnar) are also mentioned in the suit.

The accusations against McMahon have put a spotlight on many in WWE and how the business ensures safety for women on and off camera. 

John Cena Weighs In

The 16-time WWE Champion appeared on the Howard Stern Show on Wednesday. Unsurprisingly, Stern brought up the disturbing scandal involving McMahon, other executives the company itself.

“I’ve openly said, I love the guy, I have a great relationship with the guy, and that’s that. It’s largely my construct of operating with honesty and communication. The whole thing is super unfortunate and it sucks. It deals with an individual I love and an entity I love.”

Cena also made clear that while he loves his former boss, there must be accountability McMahon is found to have acted inappropriately. 

“I can say this, I’m a big advocate of love and friendship and honesty, and communication, in the same breath, I’m also a big advocate of accountability,” Cena said.

“If someone’s behavior lies so far outside of your value system that the balance shifts of, ‘I can’t operate in a world where this works.’ That’s the end result of being accountable.”

This isn’t the first time Cena has addressed allegations of misconduct by his former boss. Following McMahon’s retirement in 2022, Cena said that when you love somebody, you take their imperfections. Cena was also seen with McMahon for a 2022 birthday dinner, mere weeks after his initial resignation from WWE. 

McMahon, Laurinaitis & Lesnar

Vince McMahon has denied all claims of misconduct and has stated that Janel Grant’s lawsuit is rife with fabrications. 

John Lauriniatis has stated that he is a victim in this difficult situation, not a predator. 

Brock Lesnar has been pulled from all WWE plans and has not commented publicly on the matter.

Tony Khan Responds To O’Shea Jackson Jr’s Comments By Inviting Him to Discover the Diversity of Wrestling

Aaron Varble
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AEW doesn’t have the same buzz that they did a few years ago, and that has resulted in a few heated discussions online. Tony Khan has often been known to throw fuel on the fire, which is an interesting look as company President. Now, he is replying to another recent controversy that was sparked by a Straight Outta Compton star.

AEW Fans Get O’Shea Jackson Jr’s Attention

O’Shea Jackson Jr has been speaking his mind on Twitter/X, and fans have also responded with a lot of aggression. He also spoke to Chris Van Vliet about his opinion on pro wrestling, and that stirred up a bit of backlash.

While speaking to Chris Van Vliet, O’Shea Jackson Jr. expressed his frustration, noting that while he understands some fans may be deeply entrenched in certain wrestling companies, but he feels there’s a lack of inclusivity for those who may not be as familiar. He emphasized the importance of informative storytelling within wrestling programming, similar to how UFC provides background on fighters before matches. O’Shea then highlighted the need for wrestling shows to engage viewers with compelling narratives, rather than solely relying on commentators to provide information while wrestlers make their entrances.

Ice Cube’s son also suggested that without this level of engagement, it’s easy for newcomers to pro wrestling to feel alienated, especially when met with backlash for asking questions. Ultimately, he stressed the importance of captivating storytelling to draw in a broader audience.

Tony Khan Responds

Tony Khan saw what O’Shea Jackson Jr. had to say, and he responded in kind. While taking to Twitter/X, Khan said that hopes that Jackson will check out wrestling in “wider circles” soon.

@OsheaJacksonJr You might enjoy checking out new experiences + entire worlds of international graps out there, I think learning about them is fun. All wrestling is awesome; I hope you enjoy whatever you like, + maybe someday you’ll be interested in wider circles!

What’s Next

Tony Khan received some negative feedback from fans after he posted that reply to O’Shea Jackson Jr. It will be interesting to see what is said next, but Jackson doesn’t seem willing to back down from his stance on the discussion.

Pro wrestling fans are very passionate about their favorite company, whether it is WWE, AEW, TNA, NJPW or anywhere else. It can also be a tough fandom to crack, because there is so much someone needs to know in order to really understand everything that is going on. Either way, the important part is that fans enjoy themselves and have fun.

Ken Shamrock Resurfaces in WWE 2K24 After 7-Year Hiatus From Game

Aaron Varble
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WWE 2K24 is coming soon, and the roster reveals are ongoing. Thanks to a recent announcement, we know that fans won’t have to create Ken Shamrock in this year’s game, because he will be included as a playable legend.

Ken Shamrock is Coming to WWE 2K24

According to the SmackDown Hotel, this is the first main-line WWE video game that Ken Shamrock has appeared in since WWE 2K16 in 2015. He was a part of the legend’s roster for that game.

Shamrock has been on the company’s Supercard game, and he also made a non-WWE affiliated appearance in The Wrestling Code. Now, he is back in a main 2k game.

SmackDown Hotel screenshot of Ken Shamrock’s appearances

WWE Games’ posted on Twitter/X to ask fans who they are most excited to see in the game. Along with Shamrock, this post also included Undertaker, The Rock, Triple H, Lita, George “The Animal” Steele, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, and Mankind.

Ken Shamrock is a WWE legend, but he is not a Hall of Famer yet. He was inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame. Of course, he has touted for his induction in the past, so we will have to see if his inclusion in WWE 2K24 is a sign of that being more of a possibility.

Showcase of the Immortals Mode

WWE 2K24 will present a Showcase of the Immortals mode, which allows players to replay 21 matches from five decades of WrestleMania history. Each match unlocks upon completing the previous one. The game features iconic battles like Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant, alongside modern clashes such as Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair, providing a comprehensive journey through WrestleMania’s storied past.

With so many amazing moments in WrestleMania history getting a highlight in this game, we will have to see if Ken Shamrock makes an appearance in that feature.

WWE 2K24 Release Details

WWE 2K24 will offer three editions: Deluxe, Forty Years of WrestleMania, and Standard. These editions will roll out globally on March 8, 2024. Keep an eye out for updates on the game’s soundtrack, roster, Superstar ratings, and other details.

CM Punk On His Plan For WrestleMania, The Rock Back in WWE, UFC

Rayan Saayed
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CM Punk was on the road to WrestleMania 40, where he was going to have a match against Seth Rollins. However, he went out of action because of his triceps injury.

Punk attended UFC 298 on February 17 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. There, he spoke to ESPN about a number of topics, such as his arm’s recovery process.

“I’m only about two weeks post-op. It’s more mental than anything. Pain is, whatever, you know? Like, we all deal with it. I’m just more heartbroken. Was kinda on a roll, was looking forward to a lot of cool opportunities coming up and for that to get paused while I had just returned to the WWE sucks. But I know those same opportunities will be there, and it’s just life. It’s an occupational hazard, you get knocked down, you get back up. Wash, rinse, repeat.”

Punk revealed that he has to have an attitude like that about his injury, otherwise he would go crazy. He admitted that he did have a “good cry about it” the night it happened.

How Punk looks at The Rock’s return and Roman Reigns-Cody Rhodes storyline

Punk talked about the return of the Rock and the Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes storyline, talking about how the talent react when an “old timer” comes back.

CM Punk and The Rock have history

“I’m the guy that ten years ago was across the ring from Rock. So there’s very much a line drawn in the sand when the ‘old timers’ come back. You have a whole crew of young guys that have been carrying the burden, carrying the shows, carrying the company on their back 365 days a year and man, who do these guys think they are?”

However, he admitted that his attitude regarding this has changed.

“It’s kinda funny now my perspective is obviously a little bit different. I am now one of those guys. But obviously, The Rock is next level. Biggest box office movie star in the world. So I understand that. But I also understand where Cody’s coming from. So it’s interesting to be on the outside looking in on that. 

I just wish I was still in the mix because I know I was gonna be. I’ll still be around, cus the wing’s broken, [but] the mouth still works. I’ll still get to talk a bunch of trash. No one’s going to pick on the one-armed guy, right?”

On his expectations about the comeback

CM Punk vowed to have the greatest comeback of all time after his triceps surgery. Speaking about his expectations and progress, he said:

“I take a lot of inspiration from a lot of UFC fighters. Tonight we saw Ilia Topuria who very much put into the world that he was going to be undefeated and become champion. So when I say that my comeback will be the greatest of all time I’m doing that for the explicit purpose of putting my money where my mouth is. I’m saying it, I’m letting everybody know, and I have to live up to that. I won’t come short of anything but the greatest comeback of all time.”

Punk said it’s important to listen to people who know more than he does, such as doctors, and giving his time enough rest to recover so that he can start pushing it again.

“It’s exciting being my age, back in the WWE and being able to not only prove people wrong but prove myself right. I’m gonna have fun doing it and it’s going to be the best comeback of all time.”

Randy Orton Breaks His Silence On The Accusations Against Vince McMahon and WWE

Aaron Varble
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The allegations against Vince McMahon in Janel Grant’s blockbuster lawsuit sent shockwaves in the pro wrestling business that were so massive that mainstream news outlets picked up on the story. Plenty of people have commented on the matter, and now Randy Orton is speaking out as well.

Orton took a very long break from WWE as he had back fusion surgery. By the time he returned at November 2023’s Survivor Series event, things were very different.

Not only was Matt Riddle, his former partner, released from the company, but TKO was also overseeing the operation. The accusations against Vince McMahon were shocking, and Orton saw the news along with everyone else. It was also incredibly troubling news to read.

While speaking to SI, Randy Orton admitted that he wouldn’t be where he is today without Vince, but those allegations were heartbreaking to read. 

“I’ve got to say this–I wouldn’t be where I am without Vince McMahon taking a chance on me a handful of times. I would not be where I am today without Vince McMahon. But, f*ck, I’m reading this sh*t. What you’ve seen and read, I’ve seen and read. As far as commenting on that, it f*cking hurts my heart. It hurts my heart.” 

WWE’s New Era

Orton also commented on the new era of WWE, as he said that so much has happened, especially in the months that he was out of action with a back fusion surgery. In that time, WWE saw new ownership and Vince McMahon left, came back, and now he has departed once again.

“So much happened while I was out. When I left, the old guard was still doing its thing. Vince was still around. TV’s were getting rewritten over and over again. The writers were being held up until all hours in the morning. And all that changed.”

“I am excited to work for WWE. Nick Khan is amazing. Triple H being in charge of creative is amazing. I’ve had a relationship with him for over 20 years. I went to his wedding back in ‘03. We’ve been at odds before when I was a f*cked up when I was young, and I won him back. He’s seen me go from an adolescent assh*le prick who didn’t know what I was doing–I was an insecure punk, that’s what I was. I’m the oldest sibling in my family, but he’s like an older brother to me in many ways. He’s always been there and had the best of advice.”

What’s Next for WWE

Randy Orton is still going strong, as he hits another road to WrestleMania. Only time will tell what kind of match The Viper has on the card, but he will certainly give his all on the show of shows this year. 

Vince McMahon is gone from WWE, and the company is carrying on without him. Efforts are being made to erase as much of The Chairman from company history, and it’s anyone’s guess if that will ever change. 

Bill Simmons’ upcoming six-part docuseries about Vince McMahon will also likely become a breakout success on Netflix. Vince’s story is a troubling tale of success and cutthroat business. The docuseries promised to pull no punches, and it will be interesting to see how this helps WWE RAW’s upcoming Netflix deal.

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Unseen 1997 Footage Emerges – Scott Hall’s Daughter Shares Rare Video With Triple H & Kevin Nash on TikTok

Aaron Varble
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Pro wrestling history includes many stories that fans will never know about. Some of those moments were also captured on video, and now Scott Hall’s daughter is sharing one amazing moment that she’s had around all these years.

Unseen Video Of Scott Hall, Triple H, and Kevin Nash

Cassidy, the daughter of Scott Hall, posted TikTok videos showing Scott and the family alongside Triple H and Kevin Nash in 1997. This video was locked away in family video footage, but we are very glad she shared it with us.

At that time, Hall & Nash were part of WCW, while Triple H was still with WWE. This was after Triple H befriended Shawn Michaels and Sean Waltman, who were part of the Kliq, during their time in WWE prior to Hall & Nash’s departure the previous year. Needless to say, this was a very special time in pro wrestling, and this video captures a rare moment.

Along with a TikTok post with this unseen footage, Cassidy also included a shot caption to sum up her video drop.

little throwback to ‘97 with dad, kevin, and paul #scotthall

The KLIQ spanned two companies at that moment of pro wrestling history, as The Outsiders were doing their thing in WCW and Triple H was making a name for himself in WWE. Pro wrestling battle lines didn’t matter as they enjoyed that moment at home.

The Tragic Events Of Scott Hall’s Passing

Scott Hall’s health took a terrible turn in March 2022 when he fell and broke his hip, leading to hospitalization. For several days, he remained incapacitated on the floor until his friend Diamond Dallas Page discovered him during a wellness check. Following this event, Hall underwent hip replacement surgery, but complications arose when a blood clot became dislodged, resulting in three heart attacks on March 12, 2022. He was placed on life support at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia.

On March 14, 2022, with his family by his side at the hospital, the decision was made to remove the WWE Hall of Famer from life support. He passed away approximately 4 to 6 hours later at the age of 63. Later that day, during the WWE RAW episode, the company announced his death and paid tribute to him with a video. He will be forever missed, but his legend will also never fade.

IYO SKY Reaches Impressive Milestone As WWE Women’s Champion

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY hopes to remain with the title for a long time to come after reaching a milestone this week. 

Sky captured the title at WWE SummerSlam 2023 by defeating Bianca Belair. The EST had captured the title from Asuka before SKY cashed in her Women’s Money in the Bank contract that she won last July in London. The title win marked SKY’s first taste of singles gold on the main roster. 

IYO SKY’s Milestone

As of today, SKY has reached 200 days as WWE Women’s Champion. The Damage CTRL member has now held the title for longer than some of WWE’s top stars who held the title when it was the Raw Women’s Champion. Superstars SKY has surpassed include Sasha Banks, Nia Jax, Nikki Cross/A.S.H, Bayley, and current WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley. 

IYO SKY’s Title Reign By the Numbers

Since capturing the gold at SummerSlam, SKY has defended the title 28 times. Six of these matches have taken place on TV or Premium Live Events with the rest being at untelevised live events. SKY’s most recent televised title match saw her retain against ‘Michin’ Mia Yim on the New Year’s Revolution edition of SmackDown last month. 

What’s Next? 

IYO SKY will defend the WWE Women’s Championship against former ally Bayley at WrestleMania 40. The Role Model chose to face SKY during a segment earlier this month which also marked Bayley’s exit from Damage CTRL. Bayley won the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble to earn the right to choose her WrestleMania opponent. 

Raquel Rodriguez Shares Fight with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) in Emotional Video

Thomas Lowson
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WWE Raw Superstar Raquel Rodriguez has shared her battle with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome in an emotional video online.

During this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw, Rodriguez returned to action to win a Women’s Battle Royal. This win secured the former NXT Women’s Champion the final spot in this weekend’s Women’s Elimination Chamber Match at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth.

Raquel Rodriguez’s Emotional Video 

Rodriguez returned this week after spending a month out with MCAS. Taking to Twitter, Rodriguez shared her battle with the disease. The WWE Superstar’s skin was red and swollen in most of the clips, but they were gradually getting better. Raquel made it clear that her fight isn’t over and had some words of support for others facing hardship.

What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?

MCAS is a condition in which the patient experiences repeated episodes of the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as allergies. These episodes may include hives, swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and severe diarrhea. High levels of mast cell mediators are released during those episodes.

What’s Next?

Rodriguez will face some steep competition this weekend at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth. She will be joined inside the Chamber by Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, and Naomi. The winner will challenge for the WWE Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 40.

That title will also be on the line at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth. Current champion Rhea Ripley will no-doubt receive a thunderous response from her fellow Australians when she defends against Nia Jax. 

“I’ve got The Rock” – Michael Chandler Makes Unique WrestleMania 40 Prediction

Bishal Roy
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UFC fighter Michael Chandler recently made a bold prediction about The Rock’s involvement at WrestleMania 40.

Cody Rhodes recently won the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble for the second time and he’s determined to ‘finish his story’ this time around. ‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes had made the way for The Rock to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 but that saw a massive twist. 

The main event was changed back to the original plan of Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal title match at ‘The Show of Shows.’ However, The Rock is still involved in the storyline as he has now joined forces with Roman Reigns and become a part of The Bloodline.

A decades-long pro wrestling fan, Chandler recently showed up on this week’s edition of Monday Night Raw in a move that nobody saw it coming. He grabbed a mic and went on to call out former UFC Double Champion Conor McGregor as the Anaheim crowd cheered. 

Michael Chandler feels The Rock will claim the World title

Now, while speaking with Sports Illustrated, he shared his prediction for WrestleMania 40 which is unique. Many fans believe that Cody Rhodes will finally finish his story at ‘The Show of Shows’ while another set of fans feel Roman Reigns will continue his dominance as the champ. 

But Chandler offered an out-of-the-box prediction. Chandler believes that ‘The Great One’ will work his way into the world title match and take the title. 

“I got The Rock taking the title. He’s coming back to shock everybody. All the doubters, all the naysayers, all the crybabies, The Rock is about to put an ass-whooping on all of them.”

WrestleMania 40 is still more than a month away. But WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth, the final stop before ‘The Show of Shows’ is taking place this weekend. 

Fans can catch the Elimination Chamber event on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia. The show will start at 5:00 AM EST. Keep checking SEScoops for the coverage of the show.

Daily Drop (2/21): WWE Descends On Perth, Shotzi Injury Fallout, Cash Wheeler Gun Charge

Aaron Varble
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Welcome to a new feature we’re running here at SEScoops, the Daily Drop – a rundown of the top news and rumors in wrestling. It’s Wednesday, February 21, 2024 and we’ve got AEW Dynamite tonight from Tulsa, Oklahoma (Preview below).

The big item on our radar is Saturday’s WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 premium live event from Perth, Australia. 

Here are the special Elimination Chamber 2024 start times:

WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 Start Times
  • WrestleMania Countdown: 45 days away

WWE

– Carlito turns 25 years old today. He was born February 21, 1979.

– We’ve added exclusive interviews with Bianca Belair and Omos to the SEScoops YouTube channel. These interviews were conducted at the WWE 2K24 media event that was held over Royal Rumble weekend.

– I exclusively reported WWE’s current booking plan for Omos. Now, fans will have to wait to see him on television again.

– Here’s footage of WWE talent arriving in Perth, Australia for Saturday’s Elimination Chamber 2024 premium live event:

– Shotzi Blackheart headed for surgery for a torn ACL. She will be back for a while, and WWE aired the episode of NXT where she was injured last night. She announced on Instagram that she’ll be out for around 9 months.

– The Rock is back wearing those ‘$500 shirts’ that he made famous during the Attitude Era. We wanted to know how much they’d cost in 2024. calculated the value of The Rock’s $500 shirts in today’s dollars, adjusted for inflation. 

– Vanilla Ice (yes, THAT Vanilla Ice) bought Eddie Guerrero’s low rider car. He also got it for a steal.

– Natalya posted this incredible throwback photo on social media looking back at the first time she met Becky Lynch 20 years ago.

AEW News

– Here’s what’s on tap for tonight ‘s AEW Dynamite from Tulsa, Oklahoma:

  • Samoa Joe & Swerve Strickland & Brian Cage vs. Hook & “Hangman” Adam Page & RVD – Trios match
  • Blackpool Combat Club (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. FTR
  • “Timeless” Toni Storm in singles match
  • Deonna Purrazzo in singles action

– Cash Wheeler’s gun charge is coming back to haunt him. Now, he will go to court and the charge against him is classified as a third-degree felony in Florida.

– Jim Ross said that his broken hip is responding well to treatment. We’ll have to see how long it takes him to make a return to AEW television. 

Upcoming Events

  • WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth is scheduled for next Saturday, February 24.
  • AEW Dynamite: Big Business will be hosted at Boston’s TD Garden on March 13th.
  • AEW Revolution is planned for the following weekend, on Sunday, March 3.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Steve Austin Names UFC Fighters Who Can Crossover To WWE

Bishal Roy
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Steve Austin wants to see UFC fighters Colby Covington and Sean Strickland in WWE and that’s the bottom line. Why? Because ‘Stone Cold’ said so. 

A crossover between WWE and MMA has been quite common as a bunch of former MMA fighters have been a part of WWE. Now, with the recent formation of TKO Group Holdings, WWE and the UFC come under one umbrella which means more crossovers are likely to happen. 

At UFC 298, WWE stars Bianca Belair and Montez Ford were spotted in attendance. Meanwhile, on this week’s Monday Night Raw, UFC lightweight Michael Chandler made an appearance and went on to call out former UFC Double Champion Conor McGregor.

Now, Steve Austin has stated that he feels that the aforementioned UFC fighters could taste success in the squared circle as well.

Steve Austin outlines why he wants Sean Strickland and Colby Covington in WWE

Speaking with ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Stone Cold Steve Austin highlighted former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland’s mic skills while he said Colby Covington backs his trash-talking with incredible athletic ability which could help in WWE.

“If I’m going right now, I’m going Sean Strickland,” Austin said. “I like Sean Strickland. Boy, he stays economic in the Octagon right now, but what a promo. And so, then I go with Colby Covington. All the trash talk, all the athletic ability. Guy never runs out of gas, he’s always in shape, talks a mean streak and can back it up. He’s very exciting, he has that X-factor that you always look for. He’s double tough.”

Strickland has built a reputation for speaking his mind without any reluctance which has garnered a lot of attention lately. It is something that could come in handy for him in WWE. Meanwhile, Covington’s trash talk could be put to the test against some of the biggest mic workers if he decides to ever step foot in WWE.

While they are being highlighted to crossover to WWE, former WWE tag-team Champion Montez Ford expressed his desire to compete in UFC.

Jim Ross On His Recovery: ‘Broken Hip Responding Well’

Bishal Roy
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AEW veteran commentator Jim Ross recently shared positive updates on his health.

Ross has been facing health issues recently but he has now disclosed that he’s making good progress in his recovery. ‘Good Ol’ JR has combated skin cancer multiple times. He first underwent a skin procedure in 2016 and after a couple of years he revealed that the cancer had been completely removed from his shoulder.

In an unfortunate turn of events, the WWE Hall of Famer was diagnosed with skin cancer again in October 2021. On December 29, of that year, he yet again shared a good news that he was cancer-free.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Jim Ross confirmed the news of his surgery on his right hip which was said to have gone well and he expressed gratitude to his fans for their support.

Jim Ross provides an update on his recovery

Recently, taking to his Twitter/X account, Jim Ross revealed that it was his first day out of the rehab facility and said he is improving daily. He went on to disclose that he was using a cane. However, his recovery is going well. He wrote:

“First full day on Jax Beach and out of the rehab facility! Using a cane for now. Improving daily. Broken hip responding well. Excited for my future with @AEW!” Ross tweeted.

Ross has been with AEW since 2019, after his controversial firing from WWE. He has lent his iconic voice to several memorable AEW matches. However, a concern remains for him as he is yet to pen a contract extension with the promotion. JR is willing to stay with AEW for a long time to come but he recently spoke about contract renewal being pending.

We at SEScoops wish Jim Ross a full and speedy recovery.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Plans On Delivering “Amazing Spring Football” With Inaugural UFL Season

Thomas Lowson
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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is excited about the excellent action and the opportunities that the new United Football League will provide. 

In December 2023, the Brahma Bull announced that his XFL would be uniting with the USFL to form the UFL, which aspires to cement the future of spring football. It is hoped that the joining of the leagues will improve the quality of football and give a better product to fans and players. 

Johnson and business partner Dany Garcia acquired the XFL in 2020 after Vince McMahon’s second attempt at the world of professional football was snuffed out by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, it was confirmed where the new teams will be based. 

Amazing Spring Football

The UFL’s inaugural season will kick off on March 30, less than two months after an explosive NFL Super Bowl LVIII that saw WWE and AEW stars in attendance. Taking to Instagram this week, Johnson shared his excitement for the UFL which he hopes will deliver exciting football as well as opportunities for the players. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C3l4umHrByA

What’s Next for The Rock?

The Rock is expected to be on several WWE shows on the road to WrestleMania 40. With that said, neither Rock nor Roman Reigns are being advertised for this weekend’s WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth event. Outside of the ring, The Rock recently launched the ‘Big Dwayne Energy’ brand of his ZOA Energy drinks.

One thing fans shouldn’t expect from The Rock is a match with Triple H. Following the chaotic scenes at the WrestleMania 40 kick-off event, The Rock had a tense staredown with the WWE CCO. While some have suggested that this would lead to a match, Triple H remains retired after suffering a cardiac event in 2021 and will not be wrestling The Rock. 

Francine On Segment Where She Was Nearly Blinded: “Nothing Compares To The Original ECW!”

Thomas Lowson
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ECW alum Francine has reflected on a moment from the company in which she nearly lost her sight, stating nothing compares to the original promotion. 

Francine was a staple of the original ECW and was one of the most featured women in the promotion’s history. This week marked 25 years since one of ECW’s most dominant tag teams, the Impact Players was formed. The duo of Lance Storm and Justin Credible. 

During their formation, Credible and Storm brawled with Shane Douglas, who was being managed by Francine at the time. During a shocking moment (even by ECW standards!) Credible swung for Douglas with a cane but clocked Francine in the face. Taking to Twitter, Francine recalled nearly being blinded by the shot and named Paul Heyman as someone who told her not to block. 

What Came Next for Francine? 

By the time ECW closed its doors in 2001, Francine was managing Justin Credible, though was not signed to the WWF as part of the Invasion angle. Instead, Francine debuted for NWA: TNA in June 2002 and would feud with fellow ECW alum Elektra. 

In 2005, Francine appeared for WWE as part of the ECW One Night Stand event, where she was attacked by Beulah McGillicutty. The next year, she signed with WWE as part of the revamped ECW brand. After competing in house show bikini contests, Francine would face Ariel to a no-contest on the September 26, 2006, edition of ECW on Sci-Fi before being released the next month. 

In July 2021, Francine appeared in a backstage segment in Impact Wrestling via a video call with Brian Myers. 

Watch: Heartbreaking Moment Shotzi Suffers Torn ACL Injury On 2/20 WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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WWE opted to air the heartbreaking moment Shotzi suffered an injury on this week’s NXT which resulted in her match being called off. 

This week’s episode of WWE NXT was actually filmed last week to allow NXT higher-ups time to travel to Australia for this weekend’s WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth premium live event. During the taping, Shotzi’s match with NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria was called off and it was reported that she’d suffered a severe injury. 

Shotzi’s Injury

With this week’s NXT being taped in advance, there were questions as to whether WWE would air the spot in question or even the match. During last night’s show, those questions were answered as the match did air. The unfortunate spot saw Shotzi bounce from the ring to the outside and immediately clutched her foot, proving that it doesn’t take some high-risk move in wrestling for an injury to happen. 

A Replacement Match

Shotzi’s match had to be called off due to the injury. WWE NXT General Manager Ava announced that the fans deserved to see a title match and made an open challenge. This was answered by Lash Legend who had competed earlier in the show. Despite having no prep time, Legend and Lyra Valkyria put on a fine match that saw the Valkyrie retain her title. 

What’s Next? 

Taking to Instagram after WWE NXT, Shotzi confirmed her injury and said she suffered a torn ACL. This injury will keep the popular Superstar out for an estimated nine months. This is a huge blow for Shotzi, who will be forced to miss WrestleMania 40. Shotzi has said that she is devastated that this injury caused her to miss her WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth qualifying match. 

Rhea Ripley’s Trainer Weighs In On Her Rise Ahead of WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth

Thomas Lowson
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Mat Basso, the head trainer of Riot City Wrestling could not be happier for the success of his former student Rhea Ripley as a WWE Superstar. 

After signing with WWE in 2017, Ripley has become one of the company’s top stars. Not only is she the reigning WWE Women’s World Champion, but her star power has also extended to social media with 2.6M followers on TikTok and another 3.4M on Instagram.

Rhea Ripley’s Rise to the Top

This weekend, Ripley will return to her native Australia as part of the WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth event. The Women’s World Champion will get a thunderous ovation from her native Aussies when she defends against Nia Jax in Optus Stadium. Speaking to ABC Australia, Basso addressed Ripley’s success. 

“We always knew that there was a possibility for her because she had that special spark and that magic to her… Her rise through the ranks has been crazy and I just couldn’t be happier for her. She’s absolutely going to be a future Hall of Famer.”

Basso also recalled Ripley’s time with RCW, which she continues to visit when she’s back home and helps new talent. 

“That’s one of my favorite things about her, she’s still a girl from Adelaide… She was essentially a toned-down version of what she is now. While she was with us, she was still finding her feet a little bit.”

What’s Next for Rhea Ripley? 

Ripley is the heavy favorite to retain her title when she faces Nia Jax at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth. If she wins, Ripley will go on to WrestleMania 40 and defend against the winner of the upcoming Women’s Elimination Chamber match. Ripley is also set to be one of the cover stars of WWE 2K24 when the game releases next month. 

WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth takes place this Saturday. 

7-Figure Tax Credit From US City Hints At Location for WWE SummerSlam 2024

Tyriece Simon
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WWE is currently on the ‘Road to WrestleMania’ as the company prepares for its biggest event of the year. That said, fans have also been interested in when the company will announce where WWE SummerSlam will be located. 

The annual Summer event is expected to occur this August, but WWE has yet to provide more information. However, Cleveland, Ohio, has been rumored to be the host of ‘The Biggest Party of the Summer.’ 

Cleveland Scene’s Vince Grzegorek reports that WWE was awarded a $1.6 million tax credit from the Ohio Department of Development last week. While the company has yet to confirm, this hints towards Cleveland, Ohio, being this year’s WWE SummerSlam location. 

“…WWE was awarded $1.6 million in credits for an unspecified TV series, but with rumors continuing to build since last year that Cleveland would be the home for WWE’s second-biggest pay-per-view event, it seems more than plausible that the credit is for SummerSlam,” said the report. 

WWE has held events at stadiums for WWE SummerSlam for the last three years. If the company continues the trend, the event will likely occur either at the Cleveland Browns Stadium or Progressive Field.  

The company has tickets on sale for two events in August, including WWE Bash In Berlin at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Berlin, Germany, on August 31. WWE SummerSlam will likely occur within the first two weeks of the month. ‘The Biggest Party of the Summer, ‘ which takes place earlier in August, would allow the company to build towards their first premium live event in Germany. 

Current Ticket Status For WWE Elimination Chamber 

On February 24, WWE will head to Perth, Australia, for the WWE Elimination Chamber. The event will occur at the Optus Stadium and looks far from sold out. 

WrestleTix reported on February 19 that 46,242 tickets had been sold and had 2,867 left available. While impressive, Optus Stadium could have a capacity of 60,000. It’s worth noting that the structure of the elimination chamber could have resulted in fewer seats being available. However, the event tickets have not sold quickly and successfully as other events like WWE WrestleMania 40 or even WWE Royal Rumble. 

This weekend’s event won’t shatter attendance records the Optus Stadium has had previously, but it is still great. An announcement for WWE SummerSlam in Cleveland, Ohio, could continue WWE’s hot streak of impressive turnouts for their 2024 live event schedule. 

Vanilla Ice Bought Eddie Guerrero’s Famous Low Rider For Insanely Low Price

Aaron Varble
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WWE history is full of incredible artifacts, and some of them have hit the open market. Of course, WWE has their legendary warehouse, but they didn’t have Eddie Guerrero’s low rider, because that is now property of Vanilla Ice.

Eddie Guerrero’s Low Rider Has A New Owner

One of Eddie Guerrero’s low riders, previously showcased on WWE television, has been acquired by Vanilla Ice. Of course, the famous one-hit wonder rapper was very happy to show off this item.

Vanilla Ice revealed in a video on his YouTube channel that he acquired the vehicle for $15,000 from someone who seemingly underestimated its value, unaware of its connection to Eddie Guerrero. 

Ice speculated that the seller may not have realized the potential six-figure worth of the car. He also mentioned that the seller had already invested $30,000 in improvements. In the video, Ice showcased the car, complete with a custom Eddie Guerrero WWE Championship. Obviously, he knew the connection to pro wrestling history, and he wants to make sure that the low-rider is in good hands.

The ownership history of the car remains uncertain, but Ice apparently has the real McCoy. When low riders were featured in Eddie’s entrances on television, WWE typically rented them from local car dealers in each city. Additionally, the specific car was featured in a photoshoot for Low Rider Magazine, with Eddie posing alongside it. So, it got special attention from Latino Heat.

Eddie Guerrero and His Low Riders

Eddie Guerrero frequently incorporated low riders into his persona and entrances. These customized vehicles, known for their lowered bodies and unique features, added flair and authenticity to Guerrero’s character. Notably, a Chevrolet Impala was often seen as his preferred low rider during his time in WWE, becoming iconic among fans. 

Beyond wrestling, Guerrero was known to have a genuine passion for low riders, collecting and enjoying them as a reflection of his cultural identity and personal interests. His association with these custom cars remains a cherished aspect of his legacy in both wrestling and automotive enthusiast circles. Now, Vanilla Ice has a piece of that history himself.

AEW Star Cash Wheeler Faces Trial for Alleged Firearm Assault

Aaron Varble
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Cash Wheeler is facing the consequences of his gun charge as the prosecutor moves forward with legal proceedings. Now, he is headed to court as prosecutors have opted to pursue the case.

Cash Wheeler Going To Trial

Daniel Wheeler, also known as Cash Wheeler, faces one count of aggravated assault with a firearm following his arrest in 2023. A warrant for his arrest was issued on July 28, the day after the incident occurred on July 27. 

The FTR member already asserted his innocence through his attorney during his initial court appearance on August 3. All firearms belonging to Wheeler were mandated to be surrendered to the local sheriff’s department until the resolution of the case.

During a road rage incident, Wheeler purportedly brandished a firearm. His attorney emphasized that the altercation was not of a domestic nature and that Wheeler was not acquainted with the individuals involved. The charge against him is classified as a third-degree felony in Florida.

According to court documents obtained by PW Insider, Wheeler was absent from his arraignment today. The trial is scheduled to commence on May 20th, with pre-trial proceedings set for May 7th, where Wheeler has been directed to attend.

What Happened During This Incident

On July 27, 2023, Orange County in Florida issued an incident report. Officer M. Bowhay arrived at the scene of an aggravated assault involving a firearm and interviewed the victim, Daniel Matta.

Matta claimed that Wheeler aimed a gun at him while both were driving on Interstate 4. After positively identifying Wheeler from a photo lineup, Matta’s statement resulted in the charge of aggravated assault with a firearm against Wheeler.

SEScoops is sending out our best for Cash Wheeler at this time. Hopefully, he can get this matter taken care of.

Kevin Owens: Elimination Chamber 2024 Will Give WrestleMania A Run For Its Money

Ella Jay
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On February 24, WWE will head to the land down under to host the 2024 Elimination Chamber premium live event from the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia. 

As usual, the Elimination Chamber marks a key stop on the Road to WrestleMania, as a trio of upcoming matches have WrestleMania 40 implications. This PLE also marks WWE’s first Australia-based event since Super Show-Down in October 2018, making this show all the more exhilarating for Australian WWE fans. As of February 15, WWE’s 2024 Elimination Chamber had distributed over 45,000 of the 49,000 tickets currently up for the event (h/t WrestleTix).

The Magnitude Of Elimination Chamber

Who will survive to face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania?

One of the marquee matches will see Logan Paul, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley compete inside the Men’s Elimination Chamber. The winner of this grueling contest will then move on to challenge Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40. Despite the danger that lies ahead, Kevin Owens is ready to give it his all, and ready to step onto a stage that seems to parallel that of WrestleMania.

“This may very well be the biggest Chamber event – the biggest Chamber match we’ve ever had as well,” Owens said in a WWE SmackDown digital exclusive. ‘It’s in Perth, it’s going to be in front of thousands and thousands and thousands of people that have been waiting for a PLE in their city, in their country, on their continent for a very long time. It really does not get much bigger than this.”

“WrestleMania is huge, but Elimination Chamber is going to give WrestleMania a run for its money as far as the sheer magnitude of the event and what it means to everybody. Chamber, bring it on. As risky as it is, as dangerous as it is, I’m all in. I’m going to give everything I have. I’m going to leave it all in Perth.”

2024 WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth Card

The 2024 Elimination Chamber will broadcast this Saturday, with the main show beginning at 5:00 AM EST. The current lineup is as follows:

  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (c) vs. Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate
  • Elimination Chamber match (winner earns shot at Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 40): Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. TBD
  • WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax
  • Elimination Chamber (winner earns shot at World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40: Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley vs. LA Knight vs. Kevin Owens vs. Logan Paul
  • The Grayson Waller Effect: Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins as special guests

Rob Van Dam On Wrestling Samoa Joe 14 Years After Their First Meeting

Dominic DeAngelo
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It’s been almost a decade-and-a-half since Rob Van Dam first grappled up with Samoa Joe in TNA and now the roles are somewhat reversed this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite.

RVD first wrestled Samoa Joe on the July 8, 2010 episode of TNA Impact. Back then, Van Dam was the World Heavyweight Champion of the promotion and he took on Samoa Joe in a non-title match main event. 

RVD came out victorious after he pulled a “Bret Hart to Roddy Piper at WrestleMania VIII” 1-2-3 when Joe had him in the Kokina Clutch, but Van Dam used the turnbuckle to flip over and pin the then “Samoan Suplex Machine.”

RVD on Working with Samoa Joe in 2010

On his latest “1 Of A Kind With RVD” podcast, Van Dam commented on that previous bout.

“Samoa Joe is awesome by the way, you know, and it doesn’t seem like that long ago to me having that match. So when you put the year in like that it makes sense, then it’s like, ‘Wow, okay.’ So I guess 14 years ago, that’s a pretty big chunk of time. You only get so many 14 [year] blocks of time in your life.”

Now this Wednesday RVD will tag up once again with HOOK and the wild card, Hangman Page as they take on Joe, Swerve Strickland and Brian Cage. However, this time, it’s Joe who’s the World Champion in this full-circle situation.

Does Van Dam Have His Eyes On AEW Gold?

RVD later makes note that he isn’t one to shy away from making firsts in pro wrestling and getting hold of the AEW “Big Platinum” isn’t something he’s ruling out of the cards forthcoming.

“So if I go after the AEW Championship, say I collect that f***ing gold and add that and become the only wrestler to have held the WWE, TNA, ECW and AEW Championship. I mean, I do s*** like that. I’m always finding new ways to stand out and be one of a kind. Imagine if that happened, how inspired people would be in general to think they grew up watching me decades ago. And then here at 53, they’re seeing me, perspectively, maybe having the best matches or the best year of my career.”

An AEW World Title match could certainly fit the bill for Rob Van Dam forthcoming as Mr. Monday Night is scheduled for Saturday night when AEW Collison takes place on 4/20.

Tune into “1 Of A Kind With RVD” every Monday at 4:20 PM ET at RVDTV.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

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