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WrestleMania 40: Cody Rhodes May Have Special Entrance for the Show of Shows

Aaron Varble
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WWE’s showcase of the immortals will be here in a matter of days at this point. Fans should expect the company to bring out the best product they can for the show of shows, and that could include a special musical performance.

Cody Rhodes’ theme song, The Kingdom by Downstait, will be heard at WrestleMania 40 a couple of times. Now, Downstait has teased a significant announcement tied to WrestleMania 40, hinting at their involvement during the weekend. This could result in an epic live performance for one of The American Nightmare’s entrances.

Downstait Teases WrestleMania 40 Appearance

Cody Rhodes has risen as a top babyface in WWE, partly due to his theme song, The Kingdom, performed by the band Downstait. The song has become synonymous with Rhodes, with fans wait for their crowd participation part every week, as each city seemingly tries to top the last with a gigantic “WOAH!”

Downstait has hinted at a significant announcement linked to WrestleMania 40. During an interview with Steve Fall, Daren Zack Call, the band’s lead singer, teased their involvement in WrestleMania 40 weekend. He didn’t say anything definite, but he strongly hinted at an upcoming announcement on April 5, 2024.

“So we’re gonna leave that to our announcement on 4-5-24 and all of our teasers. We’ll have to wait and see what’s going on there.” Call said in a coy manner. Then he followed that up by revealing, “I can tell you this. I will be in Philadelphia WrestleMania weekend.”

Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40

Cody Rhodes is set to wrestle twice during WrestleMania 40 weekend. He will be in a tag team match with Seth Rollins against The Rock and Roman Reigns during the first night of the show of shows this year. He will follow that up on night two, as he tries to finish his story.

We will have to see which night Downstait performs on, if they get a live performance. WWE is known to bring special entrances for WrestleMania 40 events, and hearing The Kingdom live may produce the biggest “WOAH” ever from the WWE Universe.

SEScoops will keep our eye on this story for further updates. Keep checking back throughout the day, because you never know what will break as we head down the road to WrestleMania. 

Erick Rowan: WWE Hall of Fame Induction for The Wyatt Family Is Premature

Aaron Varble
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The WWE Hall of Fame has inducted a few stables into their halls of history. It seems only natural that the Wyatt Family will eventually receive that honor, but Erick Rowan believes it is too early for that.

The 2024 WWE Hall of Fame is set to include Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, The U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda), Muhammad Ali, and Thunderbolt Patterson. Lia Maivia is also expected as an inductee this year, but Bray Wyatt is still absent, along with the Wyatt Family.

Bray Wyatt’s Legacy

Since Bray Wyatt’s passing last year, the WWE Universe has urged the company to acknowledge The Wyatt Family. Now, Erick Rowan, one of the group’s members, has addressed the rumors and speculation.

It was thought that Wyatt would be a likely lock for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. At this time, he has not had his name called. One would argue that Wyatt deserves three inductions, one for himself, with The Wyatt Family, and another as The Fiend, because that character broke out of the pro wrestling bubble as well.

Led by The Eater of Worlds, The Wyatt Family engaged in battles against notable opponents like The Shield and John Cena, etching a significant legacy in WWE. Despite fans and his peers advocating for Wyatt or the group’s Hall of Fame induction this year, it seems unlikely to happen this time.

During an interview with Counted Out, the former SmackDown Tag Team Champion commented on the fan-driven campaign, noting that it reflects the impact Wyatt and Harper had on people’s lives.

“I wouldn’t even begin to think about it [who would induct us]. It’s so soon since everything, with the passings and to even think about something like that, is just ridiculous to me, but I’m holding a tiny microphone talking to you about this, I feel ridiculous in that sense as well. So it’s just not something that really crossed my mind.”

2024 WWE Hall of Fame

On March 4, 2024, Paul Heyman was revealed as the inaugural inductee. Heyman had previously declined WWE’s proposal due to his active wrestling career but accepted the honor in 2024 due to WrestleMania’s location in Philadelphia.

The following day, Triple H announced Bull Nakano as the second inductee. Then, on March 8, The U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda) were named as the next inductees, and on March 11, Muhammad Ali was announced as an inductee into the Celebrity Wing. Finally, on March 13, Thunderbolt Patterson was revealed as the fifth inductee.

The Rock is expected to have a hand in his grandmother, Lia Maivia, receiving an induction this year as well. As of this writing, Maivia has not been officially announced.

It only makes sense that Bray Wyatt will receive a WWE Hall of Fame induction, and quite possibly the Wyatt Family as well, but they may have to wait. Bray Wyatt’s upcoming documentary, Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal, will drop on April 1st. We will have full coverage of the program here at SEScoops.

Daily Drop (3/20): WWE’s Big Plans For Jade Cargill, TK Gushes Over His CEO, CM Punk Health Update, Dynamite Preview & More

Aaron Varble
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Welcome the Daily Drop, your daily roundup of wrestling news and rumors for Wednesday, March 20. 

Last night’s NXT saw a big match added to the upcoming Stand & Deliver PLE over WrestleMania 40 weekend. In just a matter of hours, All Elite Wrestling presents a 3-hour live block of AEW Dynamite and AEW Rampage from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

WrestleMania 40 Countdown: 17 DAYS

Let’s get into it…

WWE News

Jade Cargill: I’ve been informed that Jade Cargill is not dealing with any injuries. Upon inquiry, I was informed that significant plans are in place for her future, described specially as “big plans.” They have a plan in place for her, so fans need to be a bit more patient. 

CM Punk Injury Update: Also, on a related note, CM Punk was spotted training without his arm brace on. That is a great sign for his recovery progress, but we’re still MONTHS away from that happening.

AJ Lee Rumor: I ran an exclusive story last night about AJ Lee’s current status with WWE. A report was going around saying that talks are ongoing, but I had to clear everything up. At this time, there are no such discussions.

WWE Scripts: SEScoops ran an exclusive story about exactly how long WWE has been having their scripts approved. It seems that this practice hasn’t been going on for too long at all.

Bray Wyatt Documentary: We’re going to keep mentioning this, because everyone needs to see this. Bray Wyatt’s upcoming documentary, Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal, will drop on April 1st. WWE made the official announcement yesterday, and fans should expect quite a presentation for that passion project.

Blue Chipper: WWE higher ups are seeing big things in Oba Femi’s future. He’s a massive star for the company with years to go on him.

Apology: NXT star Brooks Jenson has been getting backlash for wearing an Ole Anderson t-shirt on television after the legend’s recent death.  Despite his accomplishments in wrestling, Anderson has a well-documented history of racially insensitive comments and general ‘old-school’ / caveman opinions. \

Jenson issued an apology for wearing the shirt and said he wasn’t aware of Anderson’s questionable behavior.

RAW Ratings: The March 18th episode of WWE RAW, which took place at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, attracted 1.69 million viewers, marking a 4% decrease from the previous week’s broadcast. The 0.55 rating in the P18-49 demographic was essentially even with the previous week’s 0.56.

AEW:

AEW Dynamite Preview: Matches for tonight’s broadcast include:

  • TNT Championship I Quit Match: Christian Cage (c) vs. Adam Copeland
  • AEW Continental Championship: Eddie Kingston (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada
  • Deonna Purrazzo & Thunder Rosa vs. Toni Storm & Mariah May
  • Chris Jericho vs. HOOK

Plus, we’ll hear from Mercedes Mone and will see more build for next month’s AEW Dynasty pay-per-view.

Tony Loves His CEO: Tony Khan endorsed Mercedes Mone as the next face of AEW. He gushed about her being one of the top signings in company history and said she’s got all the tools to help grow the company. 

Lost In The Jungle? Speaking of TK, it seems that he’s still upset with ‘Jungle Boy’ Jack Perry for his role in CM Punk’s departure from AEW. That said to be the reason why we haven’t seen him on TV since his suspension.  Perry still under contract with AEW, and competing in NJPW. 

Matt Hardy at RAW: Matt Hardy and his wife Reby were spotted in a luxury box during WWE RAW in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was there visiting friends and sources backstage said they didn’t see Matt mingling. Hardy later claimed that he was only in the building for about an hour and a half.

Suspended Star Grateful:  Sammy Guevara issued a statement, where he explained how grateful he is for the wave of fan support after his AEW suspension. 

Upcoming Major Pro Wrestling Events

Looking ahead, here are some of the major upcoming shows on the horizon:

April 6: NXT Stand & Deliver and WrestleMania XL Saturday from Philadelphia, PA.

April 7: WrestleMania XL Sunday from Philadelphia, PA.

April 21: All Elite Wrestling presents AEW Dynasty live on pay-per-view from St. Louis, Missouri at the  Chaifetz Arena.

May 4: WWE Backlash France from Décines-Charpieu, France at the LDLC Arena.

We’ll see you back here tomorrow for another installment of the Daily Drop.

Silas Mason Vacates NWA National Title, Sets Sights On EC3’s World Championship

Thomas Lowson
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NWA wrestler Silas Mason has surrendered the promotion’s National Championship to keep himself focused on EC3’s NWA World Championship. 

On the March 19, episode of NWA Powerrr, Mason relinquished the title and stated he was coming for the gold held by EC3. NWA President Billy Corgan then announced a tournament to determine the next NWA National Champion. The eight-man competition will see two finalists advance to a title match at NWA Hard Times. 

The NWA National Title Tournament

Paul Burchill, Thom Latimer, ‘Magic’ Jake Dumas, Carson Drake, AJ Cazana, Blake Troop, Bryan Idol, and Zyon were announced for the tournament. In the main event of NWA Powerrr, Troop defeated Idol to qualify for the next round. 

Silas Mason’s Title Reign

Mason captured the title at the NWA 75 anniversary event in August of last year. Ironically, Mason won the title which had been vacated by EC3. The reigning NWA Worlds Champion gave up the gold in order to challenge (and later defeat) Tyrus to become NWA World Champion. 

Mason held the title for a collective 205 days. His reign surpasses several notable names in the NWA including Ted DiBiase Sr., Paul Orndorff, Terry Taylor, and Tully Blanchard.

Silas Mason’s Setback

Mason is focused on becoming NWA Worlds Champion, which comes at a unique time in his life. Earlier this month, Mason’s home was destroyed by a fire. On Twitter, the NWA brought awareness to the tragedy and shared a GoFundMe for fans who want to help. Generous fans have already raised over $16,000, far surpassing the initial $10,000 goal. 

NWA Hard Time 4

Mason will challenge EC3 at NWA Hard Times 4. The show has already been filmed at the  Dothan Civic Center in Dothan, Alabama. The show was initially announced as a pay-per-view but will instead air as a special NWA Powerrr episode. 

NXT Star Apologizes After Wearing Ole Anderson T-shirt Amid Racism Accusations

Bishal Roy
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NXT youngster Brooks Jensen apologized to the fans after he found himself in hot water for donning Ole Anderson shirt on NXT. 

Last month, Four Horsemen member Ole Anderson passed away. While the legendary superstar had a decorated career, it was tarnished by several allegations of racism, especially his demeanor towards the Black wrestlers.

Jensen was spotted sporting an Ole Anderson shirt on the March 12 edition of NXT when he challenged North American Champion Oba Femi in a losing effort. It turns out Jensen sparked a firestorm of criticism from the fans on social media for what seemed like a tribute to the late wrestler.

One of the fans on Twitter/X questioned Brooks Jensen why he thought it was fitting to wear a shirt in support of Ole Anderson.  The fan wrote:

so @BrooksJensenWWEwhy do you think it’s appropriate to wear a t-shirt of a massive racist in 2024

Brooks Jensen responds to the criticism

The 22-year-old superstar responded to the flak by admitting that he was not aware of the allegations surrounding Ole Anderson. In his statement on social media, Brooks clarified that he would never support racism, hate, or bullying. Furthermore, the former one-half of the NXT UK Tag Team champs expressed his regret to those who were offended by his actions. Here is what he wrote:

Livin, learnin, and lovin – thanks guys

I will never support any racism, hate, or bullying. While I respected Ole for his wrestling it was news to me after wearing the tshirt that he was associated with these allegation’s. Ive noticed my “looks” and where I’m from are frequently stigmatized with the underbelly of our society (i.e racists) but this mullet just likes to give love and party. My apologies to anyone who knew the allegations prior and were offended by the shirt. I’m learning and this was noted.

https://twitter.com/BrooksJensenWWE/status/1770158999716892945

This incident is certainly a learning curve for Brooks Jensen and the apology was the right course of action.

No.1 Contender’s Match for NXT Tag Team Titles Set For Next Week

Bishal Roy
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Three tag teams will soon collide in a triple-threat action to determine the challengers for the NXT Tag Team Champions, The Wolf Dogs (Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker).

A few weeks back, NXT General Manager Ava made the announcement that as many as six talented tag teams would lock horns, and after the brutal fights, now three teams stand tall. They are all set to compete in the #1 contender’s match and the winning team will be declared as the challengers. They will then head to NXT Stand & Deliver for the tag team title opportunity. 

Teams competing in the #1 Contender’s match

Last night’s edition of NXT saw a couple of tag team matches. Hank Walker and Tank Ledger squared off against The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson). On the other hand, the No Quarter Catch Crew (Charlie Dempsey and Myles Borne) battled Axiom and Nathan Frazer. 

After the intense contests, The O.C. and the team of Axiom and Frazer were triumphant in their respective matches. The winning teams are all geared up to join LWO’s Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro in a triple-threat tag-team bout on the April 2 edition of NXT.

Alpha Academy could get into the mix

Alpha Academy’s Otis and Akira Tozawa endured a disappointing loss against The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) on this week’s Raw, failing to punch a ticket for the WWE Tag Team titles at WrestleMania 40. They have now decided to go after the NXT Tag Team titles. The duo alongside Maxinne Dupri showed up backstage on the yellow and white brand to issue a challenge to Breakker and Corbin. Dupri coaxed The Wolf Dogs into accepting and they have a high-stakes match next week.

Tozawa and Otis are all set to face The Wolf Dogs on next week’s NXT and the stipulation suggests that should the Alpha Academy prevail, they will be added to the NXT Tag Team Championship match at the Stand & Deliver premium live event.

NXT Stand & Deliver takes place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, April 6.

Trish Stratus & Lita Eyeing Up WWE Women’s Tag Titles, Vow to Beat the Title ‘Curse’

Thomas Lowson
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Trish Stratus & Lita, affectionately known as ‘Team Bestie’ have their eyes on the WWE Women’s Tag Titles and breaking the ‘curse’ that often befalls champions. 

The pair of WWE Hall of Famers were at Monopoly Events’ ‘For the Love of Wrestling’ convention that took place this month. During a Q&A with the fans in Manchester, England, the pair were asked about winning the tag titles, which Lita was all for. 

“People like to talk about this imaginary curse of the [women’s] tag titles, but I think that if Trish and I were tag champs, that somehow the curse would magically disappear.”

Stratus was similarly enthusiastic at the notion of challenging for the titles, warning the Kabuki Warriors “You’re not ready for Team Bestie.”

The Curse of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles

While Lita described the ‘curse’ as imaginary, it’s hard to ignore the setbacks that various champions have faced. The titles were stripped from Sasha Banks & Naomi after they walked out of WWE in May 2022. The titles would be left vacant for months before being won by Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez. That pair would lose the titles mere weeks later. 

In May 2023, Rodriguez and Liv Morgan were stripped of the titles when Morgan suffered a shoulder injury. Less than two months later, Sonya Deville would suffer an ACL tear as champion which has kept WWE’s first openly lesbian Superstar out ever since. 

Another Injury

This curse has shown no sign of slowing down, as we’ve learned in recent days. Four-time and current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Asuka is dealing with an injury and was recently pulled from live events. It’s unclear how extensive the injury is, but with WrestleMania 40 growing closer, this could not come at a worse time for the Empress of Tomorrow. 

WWE Had Plans for Mercedes Mone Vs. Megan Thee Stallion, Claims Ex-Superstar

Thomas Lowson
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WWE once had plans for a blockbuster match pitting Mercdes Mone against Megan Thee Stallion, according to WWE alum Mojo Rawley. 

Rawley was in attendance for the recent Crunchyroll Anime Awards and was there to support Mone, who presented alongside Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. The All-Elite talent presented the Best Slice of Life Award and was spotted with Megan Thee Stallion. 

Megan Thee Stallion Vs. Mercedes Mone

Appearing on Mandy Rose & Tino Sabatelli’s Power Alphas podcast, Mojo Rawley spoke about meeting Megan Thee Stallion, who was also at the awards ceremony. The former WWE 24/7 Champion then shared that WWE had something planned for her at a previous year’s SummerSlam.

“She was going to do something with Mercedes at WWE SummerSlam in years previous, and it just never materialized and fell through for one reason or another. We all know how those situations can go.”

Mojo added that Stallion was “cool” and far taller than he first thought. He didn’t give a year as to when she was going to be involved with WWE. It was reported in 2021 that WWE had planned to have Stallion do something, though that never materialized. 

Mercedes Mone Today

Mone never had her match with Megan Thee Stallion in WWE, and left the promotion in 2022. She joined AEW earlier this month at the Big Business Dynamite and is reportedly the highest-paid woman in wrestling. Despite her AEW arrival, Mone has said she’s sure she’ll compete for WWE again one day, which unsurprisingly went down poorly with those in AEW. 

Mojo Rawley Outside WWE

Rawley, the winner of the 2017 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, was released from WWE in 2021. The following year, he got engaged to Gracie Tracy and the couple married in Florence, Italy that October. 

Rawley has remained in the public eye outside WWE and appeared in the G.I. Joe prequel film, Snake Eyes. He is currently a co-host for TMZ Sports which airs on Fox Sports FS1. 

Celebrity Matches

While Stallion never competed for WWE, several artists have stepped between the ropes over the years. Grammy Award-winning artist Bad Bunny has competed multiple times in WWE, while Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan appeared on ECW on TNN in 1999, years before he acquired the NWA. For TNA’s first event, country singer Toby Keith got physical with Jeff Jarrett and delivered a vertical suplex to Double-J. 

H/T – Fightful

Sammy Guevara Grateful for Fan Support Amid Latest Suspension from AEW

Thomas Lowson
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AEW’s Sammy Guevara has expressed his gratitude to fans who have shown their support amid his ongoing suspension from the All-Elite promotion. 

Guevara was suspended earlier this month from AEW for going against protocol during a match with Jeff Hardy. Hardy would suffer a broken nose during the match and was suspected to have suffered a concussion. While Jeff did not suffer a concussion, Guevara did not stop the match like he should have to allow for immediate testing, resulting in his suspension. 

Sammy Guevara Speaks

In his latest Vlog, Guevara shared some of the highlights of his life outside of the ring, including spending time with his wife Tay Melo, and their child. At the end of the video, Guevara shared a message of appreciation to the fans. 

“To the people who support me, whether it be at the beginning or in the beginning it in the middle or maybe this is your first video you’ve watched of mine, I just want to say thank you.”

Guevara added that he acknowledges he has made mistakes, but is trying to be better. 

“I understand that I am a person who has made mistakes but I am also a person who has tried to be better.

“‘Roll with the punches’ is a saying that I truly understand now at 30 years old. Life will throw a lot at you. But it’s how you deal with those adversities that make you who you are. I know who I am and I know what I’m going after.

“See you at the top.”

Guevara’s Past Controversies

The incident with Jeff Hardy is hardly the first piece of notoriety for Guevara in AEW. Back in 2020, a chairshot from Guevara who used the wrong type of chair resulted in Jeff’s brother Matt requiring 13 staples. Hardy also took a nasty spill during a forklift spot at All Out that September.

In June 2020, Guevara was suspended for comments made in 2016 in which he said he wanted to “go r*pe” Sasha Banks. Guevara underwent sensitivity training and his salary at the time was donated to the Women’s Center of Jacksonville. Guevara would apologize publicly and in private to Banks, who recently joined AEW as Mercedes Mone. 

WWE NXT Stand & Deliver Grows With Addition Of Important Title Match

Aaron Varble
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WWE is gearing up for the road to WrestleMania 40, and that will include Stand & Deliver on April 6th. This afternoon show will be a big one, and it grew by one important match this week.

NXT Stand & Deliver will now feature an NXT Women’s Title match. Lyra Valkyria will put her title on the line against a freshly turned Roxanne Perez.

The Set-Up

Roxanne Perez explained her heel turn in detail last week during NXT. This brought on a new side of her character, and she was able to demonstrate even more of that mean streak as she took on Tatum Paxley, who she beat via submission. Then she had a lot to say about her quest to regain the NXT Women’s Title.

Perez told Ava to come out and give her the NXT Women’s Title. She claimed to have taken out Lyra Valkyria already, so she wanted the belt.

That is when Lyra made her return instead. Then, Paxley’s brief unintentional distraction opened the door for Perez, who capitalized by applying the Crossface on Valkyria. After securing the hold, Perez triumphantly displayed the NXT Women’s Title over her vanquished opponent. Later on, Ava confirmed that the two will battle for the NXT Women’s Title.

Another Possible NXT Stand & Deliver Match

Later on, Oba Femi came out for a promo, and Josh Briggs joined him. Briggs wants a shot at the NXT North American Title. Dijak entered the conversation next, and it looked like the three were going to throw down. That match was not booked, but NXT Stand & Deliver is taking shape.

It certainly appeared that Oba Femi is going to defend his NXT North American Title against Josh Briggs and Dijak at Stand & Deliver on Saturday, April 6. Only time will tell what they book for the big show.

WWE NXT Stand & Deliver Card (so far):

  • Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tony D’Angelo: Singles match for the NXT Championship
  • Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker (c) vs. Tournament Winners: Tag team match for the NXT Tag Team Championship
  • Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes: Singles match
  • Lyra Valkyria vs Roxanne Perez – NXT Women’s Title

AJ Lee Return Rumors Swirl: Fact Check on Trailblazer’s Potential WWE Comeback

Aaron Varble
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AJ Lee left WWE in 2015 due to ongoing back issues, and things weren’t okay with the company for a while due to their feud with her husband, which included serving his release papers on their wedding day. AJ Mendez’s name is not on any banned list, because her husband, CM Punk, made his miraculous return in November last year. That was, and still is, no guarantee that the former Divas Champion will follow him.

As the rumor mill churns, another report about AJ Lee, now going as AJ Mendez, has started going around. I can confirm that there are no talks to bring her into WWE at this time, but she is still loved internally.

Fact Check: AJ Lee Return Rumor

There’s been talk circulating on social media that AJ Lee might return to WWE following CM Punk’s comeback, with discussions reportedly initiated through Punk prior to the Royal Rumble, but ultimately, they didn’t materialize. 

A rumor going around is that ‘despite ongoing efforts from WWE, AJ wants a memorable return run rather than a one-time appearance.”  Upon investigating this topic, we can report this one is not true.

I reached out to inquire about any talks of bringing AJ Lee back into the fold. After all, CM Punk was introduced as “AJ Lee’s husband” during the WrestleMania conference in the T-Mobile Arena. He has also made mention of his wife a couple of times on television. 

As much fun as an AJ Lee return might be, I am told that there is no talk in that direction internally, nor with AJ about wrestling again.  I was also told by a tenured source within the company that:

“She’s very well liked, and respected. Just not a topic at the moment.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP-cHNq8Hc0

Retirement & Latest Work in Wrestling

AJ Lee had to retire due to health reasons, and her back needed the rest.

On March 30, 2015, at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, AJ Lee, Naomi, and Paige emerged victorious against Natalya and The Bella Twins. That match marked AJ Lee’s final outing in the ring to this date. Based on this latest rumor killer, it doesn’t seem like she will be ending that hiatus any time soon.

WOW brought AJ Mendez in as an Executive Producer for the company. Her involvement with WOW brought a lot of eyeballs, but she did not compete for the company. Tessa Blanchard, who did compete for WOW, had some disagreements with AJ during their time together.

AJ announced in August 2023 that she was moving on from WOW, but she wishes them the best and thanked them for the opportunity and the big payday. She has no shortage of projects, writings, and other things to keep her busy.

SEScoops will continue to monitor this story and will provide an update if new information becomes available.

WWE NXT’s Next Big Thing: Oba Femi Gains Big Attention From Higher-Ups

Aaron Varble
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WWE has a ton of potential on their NXT roster. It seems that Oba Femi has attracted some big attention during his quick rise to the top of the roster.

NXT’s Oba Femi is garnering praise for his performances as the NXT North American Champion, with officials tipping him as a future WWE champion. Despite his surging popularity, WWE plans to continue developing Femi’s potential in NXT before considering a move to the main roster.

Oba Femi Set For Greatness in WWE NXT

According to a new report from Fightful Select, sources within NXT have expressed admiration for Femi’s performances, anticipating significant success for him in WWE’s future, even tipping him as a potential WWE champion.

Femi’s rapid development on television has caught the attention of NXT officials, who frequently refer to him as the “total package” backstage. Despite his rising popularity, WWE remains committed to nurturing Femi’s untapped potential, opting not to hasten his ascent to the main roster.

Who is Oba Femi

At a towering 6 feet tall and weighing in at 310 pounds, Oba Femi hails from Lagos, Nigeria. With his sights set on domination, Femi’s journey to wrestling began after a successful stint as a track and field athlete, where he previously showcased his athleticism on the SEC playing fields.

Transitioning his talents from the track to the wrestling ring, Femi has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, securing victory after victory. Emerging triumphant as the winner of the 2024 NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament, Femi’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable.

Fueled by a relentless drive to succeed, Femi made history by becoming the youngest NXT North American Champion, adding another accolade to his rapidly growing list of achievements. With each match, Femi demonstrates his determination and unwavering resolve, leaving no doubt that his potential knows no bounds within the realm of professional wrestling.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more from all over the pro wrestling world. You never know what will break next, so please keep checking back for more updates on the stories you need!

Arm Brace Removed: CM Punk Makes Important Step In Tricep Injury Recovery Process

Aaron Varble
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WWE lost a big time player when CM Punk went out of action with a triceps injury, but he is working hard toward his return to the ring. A new video should give fans hope that they will see him compete again sooner than later.

CM Punk suffered a triceps injury, forcing him out of action after the Royal Rumble. However, he recently showcased his progress by shedding his cast six weeks post-surgery and returning to training without his arm brace, signaling positive strides toward his comeback.

Punk is Working Hard Toward His WWE Return

CM Punk sustained a triceps injury following an incident at the Royal Rumble, leading to his sidelining. Despite this setback, Punk embarked on a diligent rehabilitation journey, recently marking a significant milestone by shedding his cast six weeks post-surgery.

Although Punk’s absence from WrestleMania 40 disappointed fans worldwide, he has been transparent about his recovery progress, regularly updating them. It appears that he is making very good progress on his return to the ring.

Punk took to his Instagram story to showcase his rehabilitation, and show off the fact that he is now pushing weight in training without his arm brace.

What’s Next For CM Punk After His Injury

CM Punk might have a return feud ready-made for him. Drew McIntyre has been throwing jabs at him on social media for weeks. He also dropped some merchandise to get under Punk’s skin even more.

Only time will tell if CM Punk will walk right into a World Heavyweight Championship program, but he may not miss WrestleMania. He made it clear that he is showing up at the show of shows, whether he’s invited or not.

Punk is slated to appear at WWE The World, the company’s first joint effort with Fanatics, for an autograph signing. Only time will tell if he gets involved in the showcase of the immortals this year as well.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more as we get closer to WrestleMania. You never know what will break next as the show of shows approaches. 

Tony Khan Endorses Mercedes Mone as Perfect Face of AEW

Aaron Varble
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Mercedes Mone just made her debut for AEW at Big Business in Boston, but she is already on her way to becoming the face of the company. Tony Khan certainly seems to think that she has all the makings it takes.

Tony Khan sees Mercedes Mone as a perfect candidate to be a face of AEW. He had plenty of reasons for this decision, and the fact that she was sitting right next to him only added to the moment. 

Mone is Over with Khan

Tony Khan sees Mercedes Mone as an ideal representative for AEW. He made this very clear as he also called her one of the greatest pro wrestlers in the world. 

Following her debut at Big Business last week, Khan and Mone participated in an interview with NBC Boston, where Khan highlighted Mone’s qualities as a wrestler, her charisma, passion for wrestling, and connection with the fans.

Mercedes, one of the greatest wrestlers in the world. She’s going to help bring in new audiences from all over the world. It’s such a great question, because I think not only is she going to come in as one of the faces of AEW, one of the top stars, but she’s also one of the best wrestlers, one of the most charismatic people, somebody who loves wrestling. And I’m so glad you asked, because to me Mercedes not only is somebody who loves the wrestling business, loves getting in the ring and wrestling, but loves the fans. And I think that’s what we’re all about in AEW, and I think that’s why Mercedes is perfect to be the face of AEW.

Mone in AEW So Far

Mone made her AEW debut by delivering a promo at the beginning of Big Business and later intervened to rescue Willow Nightingale from an attack. With her return to action, Mone is ready to compete in her first AEW match since recovering from an ankle injury in May 2023.

Her debut match date is yet to be announced by AEW. The former Sasha Banks is scheduled to appear on this Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite from Toronto.

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

Brian Gewirtz Supplying The Rock With Ammo Against Cody Rhodes & His ‘Goofy A** Dog’ Pharaoh

Dominic DeAngelo
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Brian Gewirtz may be the former WWE head writer, but he’s not afraid to put the pen down and speak up when his name gets mentioned.

On Monday’s WWE Raw, the wrestling world was waiting to hear what Cody Rhodes had to say in response to The Rock and “The American Nightmare” pulled zero punches. Like The Rock has done in the past, Rhodes decorated his words with some colorful language and got more than one eyebrow raised other than The Rock himself. That included putting his “Final Boss” moniker into question.

“You have referred to yourself as ‘The Final Boss’, kudos to Brian Gewirtz for that nickname, perhaps you are the actual, literal ‘final boss. ‘Perhaps I am too naive to see that, but at WrestleMania, I don’t think you’re going to be the ‘final boss.’ At WrestleMania, I think you’re just Roman’s side chick.”

However, Gewirtz took to Twitter/X that he wasn’t the originator of that nickname, but did put something else on Rocky’s radar.

“Final Boss” isn’t anything I came up with. The Rock calls himself that because he is that. If it makes you feel better Cody Rhodes, I was the first to tell him about your spectacularly stupid goofy ass dog.”

The Rock has arguably garnered the most heat by taking shots at Pharaoh, Rhodes’ lovable white husky dog who many fans are familiar with since the early AEW days. Rhodes would notoriously bring Pharaoh along to Starrcast events and have meet and greets with the pooch in order to raise money for charity, but The Rock has been unabashed in his targets. 

So far on Rock’s list, he’s taken shots at Pharaoh and Cody’s mom, Michelle Rubio, who on Raw, Cody made clear that Michelle isn’t afraid of “The Final Boss.” The Rock will be on the “go-home” show of WWE Raw.

TNA Departures: Veteran Tag Team On Verge Of Possible Exit

Aaron Varble
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The pro wrestling world is always changing, and it appears that two veteran performers may be entering the free agency pool soon. The Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley do not seem to be attending TNA’s next television tapings.

TNA Wrestling faces potential losses as company changes and discontent among talent is seemingly leading to impending departures. Now, the Motor City Machine Guns seem to be leaving.

Talent May be Leaving TNA

It appears that TNA Wrestling is facing the looming departures of two of its key stars. Impact Wrestling’s revival of the TNA brand at the Hard to Kill pay-per-view event in January marked a significant milestone for the promotion. Some would argue that the firing of Scott D’Amore was an even bigger event.

After the subsequent removal of Scott D’Amore as TNA President and the appointment of Anthony Cicione, this sparked discontent among talent. With the upcoming Rebellion PPV event scheduled for April 20 at the Palms Casino Resort, uncertainty is certainly present over the company’s future direction with these big internal changes.

PW Insider reported indicating that The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, are slated to appear for Smash Wrestling in London, Ontario, on April 21, coinciding with TNA’s post-PPV TV tapings. This is interesting timing that they will missing those tapings. After all, TNA tapes weeks worth of content in one or two nights.

Their existing deals are rumored to expire soon, possibly by the end of March. Now that they will not be around for the tapings, some are under the opinion that the TNA mainstays may be out.

Sabin & Shelley

Having formed their tag team in 2007, Shelley and Sabin have achieved success across various companies as veteran performers. Those stints included ROH and NJPW.

Their tenure in TNA saw them capture the World and X-Division Titles, solidifying their status as three-time Tag Team Champions. Now, we will have to see if they take their talents elsewhere at this point.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more from all over the pro wrestling world. You never know what will happen next, especially with so many talented performers making headlines.

Undertaker Explains Vince McMahon’s Decision to Pass on Dream Match with Sting

Aaron Varble
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Pro wrestling fans have got to see a lot of dream matches over the years. Sadly, they can’t all happen, and that included Sting vs The Undertaker. Although there was a window of time when the match could have seen the light of day, Vince McMahon simply never booked it.

The Undertaker explained that the match between him and Sting never happened due to Vince McMahon not seeing it as a fit for WWE, despite fan anticipation. By the time Sting arrived, Calaway felt he was nearing the end of his career, and the timing didn’t align for the matchup.

Why Sting vs The Undertaker Never Happened

During his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker opened up a bit about why that legendary dream match against Sting didn’t happen. It seems that it was all Vince McMahon’s call, and he never went that direction.

In discussing why he never faced Sting, Mark Calaway mentioned that the opportunity simply didn’t materialize. Despite the anticipation from fans and artwork depicting the potential matchup, Vince McMahon didn’t see it as a fit for WWE, and Calaway felt it wouldn’t live up to the high expectations. He noted that by the time Sting arrived, he was already nearing the end of his career, and the timing didn’t align for the match to happen.

“It just didn’t work out. He had a short run in WWE and Vince didn’t want it. For whatever reason, I don’t know what it was. He didn’t feel it. Everybody else was clamoring for this match for quite a few years. A year or two into that character change, I mean, people were already sending me artwork with the billboard or the poster. It just never worked out. The match would have been good, but I don’t think it would have lived up to the expectations that people have for it. People always think about things in a certain sense. I think they thought in their mind of Undertaker, 2007 or 2008 versus Sting. It was later on than that. I can say I was way on the backside of what I was going to do when he got there.”

Sting vs The Undertaker in the Future

The Undertaker recently commented on how Sting retiring from in-ring competition “ruined” the idea of him coming back. It seems that a match against the Stinger is the only thing that could get The Phenom to wrestle again.

Only time will tell if Sting and The Undertaker ever share the ring for any reason. It would take a lot, but odds are we are years past the idea of that match ever going down for real.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more. You never know what will happen next in the pro wrestling world, so keep checking back throughout the day for more updates!

The Reviews Are In: WWE Stars & Legends Praise Becky Lynch’s ‘The Man’ Memoir

Thomas Lowson
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Becky Lynch’s new memoir is proving to be a hit with WWE Superstars and legends alike with glowing reviews pouring in for the new book. 

Becky Lynch: The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl is due to release later this month, and will tell the tale of how young Rebecca Quin became the internationally recognized WWE Superstar she is today. The book is 384 pages long. 

The Reviews Are In

Lynch’s memoir will hit shelves on March 26 but some WWE stars have been able to get their hands on an advanced copy of the book. In reviews from Simon & Schuster Publishing WWE Hall of Famer ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin was impressed with how well The Man writes about her life. 

“Becky’s writing style is infectious and contagious. Just like her personality. From hard times and hard decisions, to changing the landscape of sports entertainment, the self-described ‘underdog’ has always been destined to do great things. I’m sure there is more to come.”

John Cena, somebody Lynch shared the ring with for a segment in 2018, believes the memoir shows the merits of a three-word mantra of his. 

“Her authenticity allows us to feel her struggles and mature alongside her as the story unfolds… It might just be the new Underdog’s Guide to the Galaxy. A trailblazer, a groundbreaker and a great example of my 3 favorite words, Never Give Up.”

Lynch’s husband Seth Rollins said that the book shares plenty in common with its author. 

“Effortlessly authentic, poignant without ever trying too hard, and a little rough around the edges—that’s my lovely wife, and it’s also her lovely book… Between being a full-time WWE Superstar, a full-time mother, and a GOAT life partner, my one and only somehow casually found the bandwidth to pen a perfect memoir…because of course she did.”

Mick Foley, who knows a thing or two about writing a gripping memoir, was very impressed with the tome. 

“Becky Lynch: The Man is one of the finest wrestling books—or memoirs of any kind—I have had the pleasure to read… I am so glad she has chosen to share that voice and her remarkable life story with all of us.”

Stephanie McMahon is confident about how the book will fare once readers get their own copies. 

“Becky Lynch: The Man is the story of a remarkable woman who had the guts to put it all on the line… Becky Lynch defies every stereotype. The crowd loves her because she is vulnerable and real, and I have no doubt you will too!”

The Man at the White House

One person who may be reading the book soon is U.S. President Joe Biden. The Man was recently a guest at the White House as part of the recent St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Lynch even left a copy of her book in the White House, as she made clear with a tweet. 

It’s fitting that Lynch was at the White House this past week as she’s been feeling a lot more American as of late. After this week’s Raw, Lynch had some big news to share with the WWE Universe. 

Heartfelt Confession: Mandy Rose Reveals What She Misses About Pro Wrestling

Aaron Varble
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WWE fans have been asking about Mandy Rose’s return to pro wrestling since the moment the company released her. Now, she is speaking on the subject, but it may require some patience for fans who want to see the former NXT Women’s Champion compete again.

Mandy Rose appreciates her current endeavors but admits to missing the adrenaline rush of wrestling. Reflecting on her time with Toxic Attraction, she expresses a desire to potentially return to the ring in the future. She also spoke about what she misses about the pro wrestling business, even though that itch to return full-time isn’t there.

Mandy Rose Speaks on Possible Pro Wrestling Return

Mandy Rose has seen significant developments in her career and personal life since leaving the company. Her departure was linked to content shared behind a premium paywall, but despite this setback, Rose has been thriving in her various endeavors. While she hasn’t competed in wrestling since her termination in 2022, Mandy Rose isn’t closing the door on a return.

While speaking to Jamal Niaz, Mandy said that she doesn’t have any itch to make a return to the ring right now. That being said, there are things about the business that she certainly misses.

”Today I will say there was a part of me when I was sitting in the ring doing the Q&A and all the fans were there, I do miss it I will say. I said in an interview not too long ago that I didn’t really have the itch, I don’t know if I have the itch to go back and wrestle full-time right now. However, I do miss the fans, I miss the camaraderie, I miss that adrenaline rush I’m doing a lot of amazing things.”

She acknowledges her current path with gratitude but admits to feeling a lack of excitement. Reflecting on her time with Toxic Attraction, she expresses some remorse for not fully seizing their potential. Despite this, she hasn’t ruled out a return to wrestling and remains open to the idea in the future, driven by a desire to fulfill any unfinished business and for the fans’ sake.

Mandy Rose’s Future Is Bright

We will have to see if Mandy Rose ever makes a return to pro wrestling. She is still making a ton of cash on her OnlyFans, so she does not need to return to pro wrestling at all. At this point, the only thing that would make Rose return is if she wants to wrestle, and fans are still waiting for that.

Mandy Rose still misses her fans, and interactions with the locker room. She is missed, and was a huge contributor to the NXT locker room during her time with the brand. Sadly, her run with the company ended abruptly. It seems that she is okay with how everything panned out at this point.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more, from all over the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back throughout the day for more updates and headlines that you need. 

WWE Contract Quandary: Drew McIntyre Confirms Reports About His Uncertain Future

Aaron Varble
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WWE has a lot of things going on, and contract situations always add a bit of intrigue to any situation. Drew McIntyre is on top of his game, comfortable, and able to perform at a high level every time he steps in the ring. The veteran performer’s future with WWE has a big question mark hovering over it at this point.

Drew McIntyre’s contract situation remains uncertain despite WWE reportedly extending it, adding intrigue to his upcoming WrestleMania 40 title match. McIntyre himself confirmed the ongoing speculation but remains focused on giving his all to WWE, emphasizing his intent to continue performing at his peak.

Drew McIntyre Speaks on WWE Contract Status

Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre holds significant value within the company. However, recent updates on McIntyre’s contract status have stirred speculation, as while WWE reportedly extended his contract, there’s no confirmation of a new deal, fueling rumors of his potential departure.

With a World Heavyweight Championship match ahead of him at WrestleMania 40, McIntyre is in line for a huge match. That being said, no deal has been inked, so the result of the match may be a very interesting one.

McIntyre revealed on The Ringer’s Masked Men Show that the buzz about his contract status is legit. He has no new deal with WWE at this point, but he intends to continue giving everything he can to WWE because he’s having fun.

“It’s very important to me, having a new contract. It’s been talked about for a very long time on the internet. I’m not the only one whose contract comes up every few years or whatever, but you would think it, reading the internet. There is nothing I can say right now. I can say that I’m having fun. I can say that I intend to continue having fun and I’m in my prime. I’m younger than everyone thinks I am because I’ve been around for such a long time. I have years to go. No matter what, you’ll still see Drew McIntyre wrestling. I can say ‘or Drew Galloway’ and that would get everyone’s attention.”

Drew McIntyre vs CM Punk

Drew McIntryre’s constant jabs at CM Punk have led fans to assume that a new contract will be signed. After all, Punk is out of action with a triceps injury, and his return date isn’t expected until after McIntyre’s current deal expires.

Due to time off, WWE was able to extend McIntyre’s deal until after WrestleMania 40. At this time, it is unknown exactly how much time he has left, but one would assume that he wants that match against CM Punk.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more, in the future. Keep checking back throughout the day for more updates and headlines for the stories you need.

Booker T Comes Clean: Claim Of ‘Run In’ With CM Punk Was “Just Playing Around”

Thomas Lowson
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WWE NXT commentator Booker T was just playing around when he claimed he had a run-in with CM Punk during a recent episode of the gold brand. 

Booker claimed during a recent edition of his Hall of Fame podcast that he and Punk “almost got into it” when the Chicago-Made star attended the March 12, taping. Booker did not share details of what transpired but said he’d speak more on the matter at a later time. 

Suspicions Arise

Immediately, suspicions arose regarding Booker’s claim of a backstage altercation with Punk. The ex-AEW star has been well-behaved since his return to WWE in November of last year and has been especially helpful with the WWE NXT roster.

 Nobody on said roster, or anyone at the taping, could recall any confrontation between the two. Booker would also waste no time in downplaying the seriousness of this alleged altercation. 

Booker T Comes Clean

On the most recent edition of his podcast, Booker T shared the truth about this so-called altercation with Punk. Booker admitted that he wasn’t exactly being honest when he claimed there was a ‘run in’ with the Raw Superstar. 

“I’m trying to entertain my fans… Because that story, that 40-second story that people wrote, it was clickbait, guys.

“Did I put it out there? Did I say it? As far as I had a beef, I was gonna run up? Yeah, I said [it] But I’m entertaining you guys. Entertaining. Just playing around.”

Booker’s (Real) Run-In

While two backstage altercations would ultimately doom CM Punk’s AEW run, Booker is hardly faultless when it comes to trouble backstage. In 2006, Booker and Batista had a legitimate fistfight at a SummerSlam commercial shoot. 

The issues between them seemed to stem from Batista suggesting that he was superior to Booker (and others on the roster) because of his quick rise to the top of WWE. The fight left both men bloodied, according to sources at the time. 

What’s Next? 

When not making up stuff for his podcast, Booker can be found behind the desk as an NXT commentator and will continue to call the action at WWE NXT, including at the Stand & Deliver show that’ll take place on April 6. 

CM Punk will be on the March 25, episode of WWE Raw that will take place in his hometown of Chicago, IL. Punk has also vowed that he’ll be at WrestleMania 40, even if he’s not invited.

When WWE Started Having FOX Approve Scripts To Prepare For Profanity

Aaron Varble
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WWE has to keep a lot of things in mind when they are producing live television. The words that talent say on the microphone can get heated, but they shouldn’t get profane. That changed for a couple promos in recent memory.

Dave Meltzer confirmed that there was a memo sent out to everyone regarding using profanities in promos. Cody Rhodes was allowed to use profanity to maintain his babyface persona, because he had to fire back at The Rock’s recent promo.

Why Cody Could Swear

Cody Rhodes took the microphone this week on WWE RAW, and he had a lot to say. He dropped a few profanities that the company isn’t allowing on their shows anymore. There is a good reason why Rhodes got to swear, because he was answering The Rock.

Dave Meltzer mentioned on Wrestling Observer Radio that there was indeed a memo circulated to everyone, confirming the situation regarding Cody Rhodes’ promo. Despite the memo, Rhodes was given the opportunity to deliver the promo with profanity because WWE wanted to maintain his babyface persona. This decision aimed to prevent Rhodes from appearing negatively compared to The Rock, who had a successful promo the previous week.

No, there was a memo. Everyone got it. I asked, “What was the deal? And it’s like, they knew that he [Rhodes] had to come back. But there’s absolutely a memo. I got that from several different guys, there’s been other reporters who have too. That’s not nothing. No one else is allowed to do that. But he was given the opportunity to do it because basically they wanted him to stay babyface, essentially. And I mean, if he came off badly on this promo and Rock came off so great in Memphis (last week’s SmackDown), it’s like, that’s not what they want. But he was fine. You know, he brought his dog in. I mean, it’s like, that’s all it is.”

The Rock raised a bit of controversy when he was allowed to drop profanities in his promos on television, and even more online, after WWE sent out a memo telling talent to cut out the language. Since he’s The Rock, then he can get away with a lot more.

When WWE Started Approving Scripts (Exclusive)

It was later reported that The Rock can get away with so many profanities because WWE sends the scripts into FOX for approval beforehand. Therefore, they know what dirty words are coming, and the bleep button is ready.

I was told by a tenured member of the creative team that, “We only started giving FOX The Rock’s promos in advance this week after they went to total blackness every time he cursed last time.”

WWE’s Memo About Profanities

I exclusively reported that Nick Khan, Paul Levesque, Dan Ventrelle sent out a memo “the other week” about how talent needs to adhere to PG guidelines on TV and also on social media. The Rock, like most things in his life at this point, is getting a bit of special treatment, and he got to say whatever he wanted to, regardless of guidelines.

There was an idea that a double standard is going around when it comes to promos. Now, it appears that Cody Rhodes is allowed to loosen up with the profanities as well.

Jack Perry is Still With AEW But Tony Khan Remains “Really Mad” Over All In 2023 Brawl

Thomas Lowson
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Jack Perry is still with AEW, despite what may have been suggested, but fans should not expect to see him any time soon. 

Perry last appeared for AEW at All In 2023, where he lost the FTW Championship to Hook. This match, like much of the show, was overshadowed by the backstage confrontation Perry had with CM Punk. Their fight led to both men being suspended from AEW and Punk ultimately being released following his second suspension in less than a year. Punk has since gone on to return to WWE. 

Jack Perry Outside AEW

At NJPW Battle in the Valley 2024, Perry made a stunning appearance, his first in any wrestling company since AEW All In. Perry, clad in a “scapegoat” armband, tore up an AEW contract. This was a surprise to everyone, including the security. Guards at Battle in the Valley first thought Perry was a fan entering the ring, but were quickly told this was part of the show. 

Jack Perry’s Current Status. 

Perry’s appearance at the NJPW show understandably led many to believe his time with AEW had ended. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer gave some clarification on Perry’s current status. The former FTW Champion is still with AEW but is simply not being used. 

Meltzer added that Tony Khan is still “really mad” at Perry over what transpired at AEW All In. The general gist of things is that Perry cost AEW CM Punk, who for his issues in AEW, is one of the biggest names the company had on its roster. With Punk not around, the lion’s share of the blame has fallen on the former Jungle Boy. 

Has Tony Khan Gone Too Far? 

Meltzer argued that Perry should have been suspended for a month or two and then brought back to programming. Instead, we are now seven months into Perry’s absence from AEW programming. Meltzer said that the punishment for Perry doesn’t fit the ‘crime’ he committed last August in Wembley. 

Daily Drop (3/19): Becky Lynch Makes Life-Changing Announcement, AEW Star Spotted At WWE RAW

Aaron Varble
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Welcome to SEScoops: the Daily Drop, your go-to for the latest news and rumors in wrestling for Tuesday, March 19. Yesterday saw some big headlines, and today will be another big one on the road to WrestleMania. Let’s get right into today’s Daily Drop!

Days until WrestleMania 40: 18

Bray Wyatt’s upcoming documentary, Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal, will drop on April 1st. WWE made the official announcement yesterday, and fans should expect quite a presentation for that passion project.

WWE:

– Becky Lynch is now a U.S. citizen. She made that big announcement after WWE RAW this week.

– Raquel Rodriguez was pulled from the active WWE roster due to her Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

– Cody Rhodes cut a pretty profane promo on RAW this week. He said a ton of words that other members of the roster are not.

– CM Punk claims he will be at WrestleMania, even if he’s not invited.

– Nikkita Lyons said that she hopes to have her current injury situation cleared up by November so she can make an in-ring return.

WWE NXT Card for 3/19:

  • Roxanne Perez vs. Tatum Paxley
  • Sol Ruca vs. Brinley Reece
  • Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Hank Walker & Tank Ledger
  • Axiom & Nathan Frazer vs. No Quarter Catch Crew
  • One member of No Quarter Catch Crew vs. Riley Osborne for the Heritage Cup
  • Trick Williams vs. Noam Dar
  • NXT North American Champion Oba Femi speaks.

AEW:

– Matt Hardy and Reby Hardy were at WWE RAW this week in Raleigh, North Carolina.

– Dustin Rhodes announced two more members of the Rhodes Family will start their pro wrestling journeys very soon.

– Speaking of Dustin Rhodes, he also had quite a message for The Rock during Raw this week. He dropped a short video on Twitter/X, where he simply said “F*ck The Rock.”

–March 20 will see AEW Dynamite and Rampage air a three-hour block. There will be no Collision on March 23 due to NCAA March Madness.

Upcoming Major Pro Wrestling Events:

  • 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.

How Did Cody Rhodes Get Away with Expletive Promo on 3/18 WWE Raw?

Thomas Lowson
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0

WWE was willing to make a special exception for Cody Rhodes on the March 18, episode of Raw, given his high-profile ongoing war of words with The Rock. 

During the show, Rhodes held nothing back in his scathing comments about The Bloodline’s newest member. Rhodes, dressed in an all-dark suit, dubbed the Brahma Bull an “asshole” and added that the Hollywood megastar is deep down a “little b*tch!” Still not finished, Rhodes said that The Rock will have a case of LDS (Little d*ck syndrome) when WrestleMania 40 comes around. 

Cody Rhodes on WWE Raw

Cody’s comments shocked fans given WWE’s recent memo reminding talent about the importance of adhering to PG guidelines. This memo has led to some in WWE feeling frustrated, believing that The Rock, who has been cursing up a storm on social media, should be forced to play by the same rules as everyone else in WWE.

The apparent double standard between The Rock and the full-time roster is hard to ignore. Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed that there had been a memo. It was stressed that WWE realized that Rhodes had to have something big on Raw in rebuttal to Rock’s expletive-laden promos fans have been seeing regularly. 

“They knew that he [Rhodes] had to come back… [Cody] was given the opportunity to do it because they wanted him to stay babyface… if he came off badly on this promo and Rock came off so great in Memphis, that’s not what they want.”

What’s Next? 

Rhodes & The Rock will be on opposing sides of a tag-team match that will almost certainly headline WrestleMania 40: Saturday. The next night, Rhodes will challenge Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. This will be Cody’s final opportunity at Reigns, a stipulation made by the Brahma Bull. 

Rhodes and Reigns will come face-to-face on the March 22, episode of WWE SmackDown. Paul Heyman has promised that no Bloodline members other than himself and Reigns will be there, as long as Cody shows up to the confrontation alone. 

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