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Roman Reigns Booked for Big Match at Upcoming WWE House Show

Andrew Ravens
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Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will be working a rare house show next month ahead of WrestleMania 39. 

“The Tribal Chief” defeated Sami Zayn to retain the championship in Zayn’s hometown of Montreal at the Elimination Chamber PLE earlier this month. Post-match,  Kevin Owens returned to television after the bout to make the save for Zayn, who had been beaten down further by Reigns and Jimmy Uso. Owens hit a stunner to Heyman while Zayn laid out Reigns to send the crowd home happy. 

On this week’s Raw, the show opened with Zayn doing a promo segment with Owens where he tried to reignite their friendship and form a reunion to go after The Usos’ Undisputed Tag Team Titles. However, because Owens tried to tell Zayn what was going on months ago with The Bloodline using him and Zayn shut him out, he turned down the offer and walked away. 

The Match

According to PWInsider, the Coke-Cola Coliseum in Toronto has announced that Reigns will be teaming with Solo Sikoa to face Zayn and Owens in the headliner of the March 4th house show. 

WWE hasn’t used Solo on television since the February 3 edition of SmackDown. Reigns is slated to make his next Undisputed WWE Universal Championship defense against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39 this April.

Two WWE PLEs Including ‘King and Queen of the Ring’ Planned for May

Andrew Ravens
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WWE will run two premium live events in one month this year, according to a new report. 

This May, two notable shows will take place. Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reports that WWE is planning to present Backlash on Saturday, May 6, an event that dates back to 1999. 

In recent years, WWE has renamed it WrestleMania Backlash. For 2023, the WrestleMania branding is being dropped for the upcoming event, which is Mania’s follow-up show. 

WWE is also bringing back King of the Ring under the King and Queen of the Ring name on Saturday, May 27. WWE hasn’t used the tournament theme as a pay-per-view event since 2002. Instead, they’ve used it on TV. 

Competition

It should be noted that the event will fall on Memorial Day weekend. AEW has held its Double Or Nothing pay-per-view event on this weekend and it will do so again. AEW President Tony Khan recently stated that fans should expect to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, during Memorial Day weekend to see the show live. 

The tournament was originally held on a single night. In later years, WWE spread out the opening round matches on television and saved the semi-finals and finals for the night of the event. 

WWE Expected to Bring Back King of the Ring as Premium Live Event

Spoiler: WWE Planning Injury Angle for Tonight’s SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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WWE is seemingly writing off Tegan Nox on this week’s episode of SmackDown, an episode that will feature the Elimination Chamber fallout for the SmackDown brand. 

Nox returned to WWE TV on the December 2nd edition of SmackDown where she worked three TV matches that month. So far this year, she has only worked two TV matches including a win over Xia Li on January 13 and working this year’s 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match. Since returning in December, she worked several TV matches. 

The Idea

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports Nox is in town for the show and booked to do some sort of injury angle, although it’s unclear whether this is being done to write her off TV for a legitimate injury or not.

WWE has yet to announce anything for Sami Zayn or Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Here is the updated card for the show that will be held at the Ford Center in Evansville, IN

  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley come face-to-face ahead of their WrestleMania 39 match. 
  • Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Funhouse
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Karrion Kross
  • Braun Strowman, Ricochet and Madcap Moss vs. Imperium

Update on Saudi Arabia’s Interest in Buying WWE

Andrew Ravens
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There is “definite interest” from Saudi Arabia about potentially buying WWE, a decision made by Vince McMahon when he forced his way back into the company last month as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors ahead of the next media rights deal being made. 

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that “We know someone involved on the Saudi side about the sale this past week and there is definite interest.”

Saudi’s Plan

Meltzer noted that WWE is not considered as important as Formula 1, which is something Saudi Arabia wanted, or LIV Golf, for Saudi. However, Saudi does want to buy properties in the number one in their market or be in the top five. They also have an interest in the EPL, the biggest and most well-known soccer league in the world, as well as the highest-profile soccer team in the world, Manchester United. 

Meltzer pointed out that Saudi is looking to buy franchises that have a worldwide fan base and they are not looking at them for revenue or profitability as they view it as simply getting publicity for their country and normalizing the world views of their country.

If Endeavor, the parent company of UFC, bought WWE they would focus on growing revenue and turning bigger profits. 

Meltzer mentioned that if Saudi bought the company it would change the salary structure just like they did with golf as they pay way more than the PGA tour. 

Meltzer added, “While those in WWE have told me they prefer to sell to a media company, most stories indicate media companies aren’t looking for that level of a purchase because of uncertainty over the future changes in consumption.”

If WWE is sold to Saudi then it raises questions regarding the future of Sami Zayn, who hasn’t worked any of the WWE events in Saudi Arabia since the partnership began in 2018 due to his Syrian descent. 

Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania Match Was Changed Recently (Report)

Anutosh Bajpai
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Brock Lesnar continues to be one of the biggest stars WWE has to offer. One would think that the company would have solid plans for him going into the WrestleMania season but it doesn’t appear to be the case.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed some details about the conversation around The Beast Incarnate ahead of the Show of Shows.

Meltzer wrote that the company wasn’t planning on a match between Gunther and Brock as many expected. The original plan for him was changed just recently as well:

“The only thing we know is that whatever the Lesnar plan was, and it wasn’t Gunther, that is that it changed in the last week or two.”

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This past Monday’s Raw saw MVP challenging Brock Lesnar for a match against Omos at WrestleMania 39. The former US Champion asked the retired MMA star to show up on Raw next week to give his answer.

It’s still possible that this may be a swerve and the company may be planning something completely different for the former Universal Champion.

The programming so far however, leads us to believe that the Nigerian Giant will be the one who will face the Alpha Male this year.

WWE’s Argument On Why Sami Zayn Lost At Elimination Chamber

Anutosh Bajpai
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Many fans are still confused and angry about WWE’s decision to not pull the trigger on Sami Zayn and have him lose to Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber in his hometown of Montreal.

Dave Meltzer provided an update on this in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He explained the company’s internal argument on why this is the right move.

Meltzer mentioned how Sami Zayn’s story coming off of his match with Johnny Knoxville at WrestleMania 38 has been a huge success. The officials asked how it would affect the ratings if he ended up defeating Reigns:

“The argument was that the ratings Zayn is drawing are in conjunction with being linked with the Bloodline, and would he draw television viewers away from storyline?

But the argument is that they could do that and the storyline continues particularly with the Usos and Sikoa along with Reigns now trying to eliminate Zayn, which should be the storyline now as well.”

The Bloodline continues to be the top merchandise seller for WWE. At the same time, Cody Rhodes is very hot as well.

Sami Zayn was unable to defeat Roman Reigns and capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Elimination Chamber on February 18.

The post-Elimination Chamber Raw then saw Zayn proposing an alliance to Kevin Owens to take down The Bloodline. Owens however, refused this offer.

WrestleMania 39: Latest on WWE Reshuffling Plans for Remaining Matches

Tyriece Simon
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It seems WWE may have a new match in mind for WrestleMania 39 in April.

As we get closer to WrestleMania, WWE is making clear decisions on what matches will be on the card. The company has confirmed three matches for WrestleMania 39, including the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes.

They have also started teasing potential matchups like Brock Lesnar vs. Omos and Logan Paul vs. Seth Rollins. However, it also seems like WWE could be changing their minds on one particular match.

WrestleMania 39 Match Change

On Feb. 6, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler would challenge Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai and IYO Sky) for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 39. Since Rousey’s return, WWE has started to have her and Baszler team up more instead of positioning her as a singles competitor.

Fans may remember that she lost her Smackdown Women’s Championship to Charlotte Flair on the Dec. 31, 2022 episode of Friday Night Smackdown. WWE has moved on to Flair defending her title against Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania, instead of a rematch with Rousey.

However, a new report from WON claims that Rousey will in fact have a marquee match at WrestleMania 39.

Ronda Rousey’s WrestleMania Match

“Shayna Baszler & Ronda Rousey will challenge for the women’s tag titles. It was originally against Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai, the champions, said the report. It continues, “… Lita & Becky Lynch face Sky & Kai, and WrestleMania is about marquee matches, and Lita & Lynch as a team against Baszler & Rousey is a bigger match.”

Lita and Becky Lynch will face Damage CTRL on the Feb. 27 episode of Monday Night Raw for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. If the report is accurate, Lita and Lynch may defeat Damage CTRL to win the tag titles, and WWE could start to build toward Lita and Lynch against Rousey and Baszler. It’s also unclear what the entire Damage CTRL (including Bayley) group will do for WrestleMania 39 if the WON report is accurate.

It’s important to note that WWE has yet to share the entire card, and while it’s reported, it has yet to happen. Fans must see how this upcoming Monday Night Raw episode will play out for the women’s tag titles.

Backstage News On Which Matches Could Main Event WrestleMania 39

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

WWE has switched to a two-night schedule for WrestleMania since 2020, which means that we get to see not one but two Mania main events every year now.

It’s almost certain that the match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes will be one of the main events this year, but the place for the other marquee match is not fixed yet.

Dave Meltzer provided an update on this in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He revealed which match could be the second main event for WrestleMania 39.

Meltzer mentioned how both the nights last year were headlined by men. Due to political reasons, there is a feeling within the company that night 1 of the show should be main evented by female stars this year.

The SmackDown Women’s Championship match between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley is the favorite for this spot, compared to the bout between Bianca Belair and Asuka for the Raw Women’s Title.

The other possible main event is the expected tag team match between The Usos and Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens for the Undisputed Tag Titles.

The main event of WrestleMania 38 night 1 featured the in-ring return of Stone Cold Steve Austin, who faced Kevin Owens in an impromptu match. Night 2 saw Roman Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Title against Brock Lesnar.

Which one of these matches do you think should main event the show of shows this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Update On Kenny Omega’s AEW Contract

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

There has been a lot of talk about Kenny Omega’s future recently. Amid reports about his AEW contract and rumors of WWE interest, people have been wondering if The Cleaner could be the next big AEW star to jump ships.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently provided an update on the matter, confirming that Omega will not be going anywhere at least in the next few months.

Per Meltzer, the company has decided to add time to Kenny Omega’s deal for whatever time he has missed due to injury over the past four years.

It’s estimated that The former AEW World Champion’s contract could be extended by 9 months but the exact timeframe for it ‘hasn’t been finalized’ yet.

Omega missed the longest amount of time when he dropped the AEW world title to Adam Page and took time off to deal with multiple nagging injuries.

His hiatus from the company lasted from November 2021 to August 2022. He underwent both hernia and knee surgeries during this time.

Kenny Omega was also off TV from September 2022 to November 2022 in the fallout of the backstage brawl at All Out. Though it’s unknown if that time is also being factored into the decision.

Matt Hardy on Jeff: ‘He’s committed himself to getting better’

Samantha Schipman
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0

On Thursday, Jeff Hardy’s 2022 DUI case was closed.

The same day, a special AdFreeShow for Patreons only episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy was released. One of the questions was asking for an update on Jeff. The episode was recorded a day ahead of Jeff’s court date.

“He’s doing great. (…) He just wants to get this all behind him. Y’know, they feel like they’re in a pretty good position because he’s done like, all the work necessary. Rehab for many, many days. He did outpatient treatment for months. He has really dedicated himself and he’s committed himself to getting better. And the biggest barometer — my biggest judge — is how happy his wife is with him and where his life is. Every time I’ve talked to him, he’s been very good, very positive.”

What’s next for Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy
(via AEW)

While it’s too early to say if Jeff ever returns to AEW or wrestling in general, he may potentially have something lined up with his brother outside of the ring.

“Actually, I had a very long conversation with him today about some stuff myself and Reby are working on as far as business goes about expanding the House Hardy brand. He was definitely on board, he just has to get past this. (…) He just wants to get it all behind him and try and right his wrongs. He’s just, so to say — I can’t really compare these because they’re different things — but he’s ready to like pay his penance and move past it and begin anew.”

Early on Friday morning, Matt also tweeted about how proud he is of his brother. He praised how hard Jeff has worked on himself over the last nine months.

We hope for the best for Jeff Hardy moving forward.

Jeff Hardy June 2022 DUI Case Closed

Colby Faria
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0

It appears as if Jeff Hardy’s recent court case has been closed.

According to records from the Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court, Jeff Hardy’s DUI case stemming from an incident in June 2022 was closed on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

Following ‘unreliable breath test results’, a motion to suppress was filed this past Monday on February 21, 2023:

  • 20. Mr. Hardy’s breath tests did not comply with FDLE’s requirements established in FDLE’s administrative rules to ensure reliable quantitative breath tests.
  • 21. There is insufficient probative evidence that the breath tests in Mr. Jeff Hardy‘s case were performed substantially in accordance with methods approved by FDLE and with a compliant machine approved by FDLE.
  • 22. For the above reasons, this Court should enter an order excluding any evidence of a breath test and breath test results obtained in this case.

On the morning on Wednesday, February 23, 2023, Jeff Hardy signed a written plea of ‘no contest’ for the charges of 3rd DUI offense in the last 10 years, driving with a suspended license, and causing a driving violation with a restricted driver’s license.

Jeff Hardy was credited with 38 days served in jail and will be on probation for two years (24 months), and fined $4,000 with an additional $586 to cover court costs. Hardy’s driver’s license has been suspended for 10 years and has had his vehicle impounded for 90 days.

Jeff Hardy was originally arrested on June 13, 2022 in Volusia County, Florida and was charged with DUI, driving with a suspended driver’s license, and allegedly violated restrictions that were placed on his driver’s license. The following day on June 14, 2022, Hardy was subsequently suspended without pay by AEW and it was noted that he cannot return to the company until he completes substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation.

SEScoops will provide any updates on the condition and status of Jeff Hardy as they become available.

Impact Wrestling Results (2/23/23): Monster’s Ball Match, Beat The Clock Challenges

Tyriece Simon
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The Feb. 23 episode of Impact Wrestling aired on AXS TV at 8 PM EST/5 PM PT.

The episode saw X Division Champion Trey Miguel defend his title against Crazzy Steve in a Monster’s Ball match. Impact Wrestling had built the feud up for several weeks when Steve confronted Miguel on the Jan. 26 episode. The episode also had Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer compete in Beat the Clock Challenges to determine who would speak first at their live Busted Open show at No Surrender on Feb. 24.

Impact Wrestling also aired on their Youtube channel for Impact Insider subscribers. The company offers a monthly subscription to watch weekly episodes on Youtube for $1.49. Unfortunately, it aired at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT.

If you would like more results for this week’s events in wrestling, please check back on our results section.

Impact Wrestling Results (2/23)

We started the episode with Miguel and Steve locked in their rooms as they prepared for Monster’s Ball.

“Speedball” Mike Bailey & Jonathan Gresham vs. Motor City Machine Guns(Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley)

The match started with Jonathan Gresham and Alex Shelley. They tried to outpace each other until Gresham caught Shelley in a Dragon Leg Whip in the corner. Gresham brought his opponent to his corner and tagged in Mike Bailey to start working on his leg. Bailey Irish Whipped Shelley on his side, which Chris Sabin blind tagged in to land a Chop Block/Clothesline combo with Shelley.

Sabin worked over Bailey briefly but tagged Shelley back into the match. Shelley beat down Bailey and tagged Sabin back in. They tried to go for a tag team move, but Bailey counterd to tag in Gresham. Sabin and Gresham exchanged forearm strikes in the middle of the ring until Gresham hit Sabin with a kick to the gut. He Irish Whipped Sabin to a corner, and Shelley tried to help his partner by kicking Gresham. However, Gresham caught the kick and swung it to Sabin and hit him with a Enzugiri, which made Sabin land a Dragon Leg Whip on his partner.

Gresham tried to pin Sabin, but Shelley stopped him. Bailey tried to help but gets thrown out the ring. Sabin picked up Gresham in a Fireman’s Carry, and Shelley did an assisted neckbreaker. They followed it up with the Magic Killer for a two-count. Sabin tried to go for a Suplex, but Gresham countered with his Suplex on his opponent. Gresham and Sabin tagged out to their partners, but Bailey started to take control of Shelley. Sabin tried to help his partner, but Bailey took care of them. Bailey put Shelley in a Leg Lock and Sabin tried to go after him. Still holding on to Shelley, Bailey caught Sabin and did a Spinning Brainbuster and kept his hold on Shelley.

Shelley can make it to the ropes to break the hold. The action continued as both teams tried to gain the advantage. The match finished when The Motor City Machine Guns landed the Dirt Bomb on Gresham, and Sabin pinned him for the win.

We get a video package promoting the Impact World Championship match between Rich Swann and champ Josh Alexander at No Surrender.

We get a backstage promo with Deanna Purrazzo warning Gisele Shaw, who she faces at No Surrender.

Tommy Dreamer vs. Jason Hotch- Beat the Clock Challenge

Jason Hotch started the match by taking advantage of his speed against Dreamer. He hit a neckbreaker on Dreamer for a one-count. Hotch tried to go to the top rope but got stopped by Dreamer. Dreamer hit the Death Valley Driver from the top rope to beat Hotch in 1:15.

Allysin Kay with Marti Belle vs. Taya Valkyrie with Jessicka & Rosemary

Allysin Kay tried to go after Taya Valkyrie, but Valkyrie sent her to the corner. They exchanged blows in the corner, but Valkyrie landed a big chop on her opponent. Valkyrie Irish Whipped Kay, but Kay countered with a Clothesline. Kay tried to run the ropes but got caught with a Back Elbow. Valkyrie did a Snapmare into a unique Armbar, but Kay put her foot on the rope. Kay tried to gain momentum on her side but got caught with a Spear for a two-count.

Valkyrie continued to control the match until we went to a commercial break. However, when we returned from break, Kay controlled the match(We don’t see how she turned things around). It doesn’t last long as Valkyrie rallied back into the match. She landed a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Valkyrie followed up with an STF submission, but Kay got to the ropes. The finish came when Marti Bells distracted Valkyrie, which lead to Kay landing the AK47 for the win.

We had a contract signing backstage between Swann and Alexander. The champion tried to walk away with the title. However, Swann stopped him to apologize for accidentally kicking him last week. Alexander said it’s not a problem and that Swann doesn’t have it in him to attack Alexander like that. Swann took offense as he feels Alexander doesn’t think Swann can do what he needs to beat him. Steve Maclin interrupted their talk and told them that he will face the winner after he wins the Fatal Four Way number one contender match at No Surrender. Maclin called Swann a choke arrest, which led to Maclin and Swann getting into a brawl until it’s broken up by backstage officials.

Deaner & Sami Callihan with The Design(Kon & Alan Angels) vs. Frankie Kazarian & Yuya Uemura

The match started with Frankie Kazarian and Deaner until Deaner tagged in Sami Callihan. Deaner yelled at Callihan to take him out, which led to Kazarian telling him to shut up. Callihan took the opportunity to hit Kazarian and beat him down briefly. However, Deaner yelled at his partner to tag him back in.

Deaner started to work over Kazarian until he got caught with three Arm Drags and a big Clothesline from Kazarian. Kazarian tagged Yuya Uemura, and they landed a tag team move on Deaner for a two-count. Uemura started to work on Deaner’s arm, but Deaner grabbed his hair and sent him to the corner to Callihan. After Deaner tagged out, Callihan gouged the eyes of Uemura. Callihan and Deaner tagged in and out to control their opponent. Uemura and Callihan are the legal men in the ring and Uemura caught his opponent with a Pele Kick. Uemura tried to tag out, but Kon hit Kazarian with a Clothesline outside of the ring, while the referee is distracted.

Callihan tagged Deaner to go to the top rope for a Diving Headbutt. However, Deaner missed, and Uemura tagged in Kazarian. Deaner tagged in Callihan, but Kazarian started to get the better of him. Alan Angels distract Kazarian for Callihan to land an Exploder Suplex. Callihan tagged in Deaner, and they tried to go for a tag team move, but Kazarian countered to tag in his partner.

Uemura took offense to both of his opponents. He went to the top rope and landed a Crossbody on Deaner for a pin, but Callihan stopped the count. Callihan and Kazarian tagged in the match as both teams struggled to take control of the match. Callihan prepared to go for the Cactus Driver on Kazarian, but Deaner yelled at his partner to tag him in. He went to tag Deaner, but his partner left the ring apron. Kazarian took advantage and put Callihan in the Crossface Chicken Wing for the submission win.

We get a video package hyping up Impact Knockout Champion Mickie James defending her title against Masha Slamovich at No Surrender.

We got a backstage segment with Callihan confronting Deaner for leaving him. Deaner told him it’s part of his steps to join The Design. Callihan expressed his loyalty to The Design. Deaner said that Callihan has two more steps left before being a member.

Bully Ray vs. Bhupinder Gujjar- Beat The Clock Challenge

The match ended quickly as Hotch and John Skyler distracted the referee and Gujjar. As the referee is distracted, Ray hit his opponent with a steel chain to win in 0:45 to win the Beat the Clock Challenge.

We get a backstage segment with Gujjar and Dreamer. Dreamer motivated Gujjar and says he won because Ray had to cheat.

(C) Trey Miguel vs. Crazzy Steve- Monster’s Ball match for the X-Division Championship

The match started with Steve taking Miguel down with an STO. The challenger fought Miguel outside the ring as we cut to a commercial break. We come back from back to see four chairs set up. Steve lands a Suplex on Miguel through the chairs, but the champion counters, and Steve gets caught with a Drop Toe Hold into the chairs.

Miguel picked up Steve, who is also busted open. The champion tried to hit Steve with a chair to the face against the ring post, but Steve moved. Miguel tried to run at his opponent but got caught with a Back Body Drop through the chairs. They rolled back into the ring, and before Steve can capitalize, he got caught with a Dropkick by Miguel. The X-Division Champion went outside to get more weapons. He tried to hit his opponent with a trash can, but Steve used a Staple Gun to the groin of Miguel. He followed up his attack by put the trash can over the head of the champion, put him in the corner and landed the cannonball on Miguel. We go to another commercial break.

We returned from a commercial break with Steve trying to attack Miguel with a fork. The champion stopped him and landed a Neckbreaker. Miguel took the Fork and tried to stab his opponent’s eye unsuccessfully. He settled with landing a Double Foot Stomp. The X-Division Champion went to get thumbtacks and spread them in the center of the ring. He tried to run at Steve in the corner, but his opponent caught him with a strike. Steve landed the Black Hole Slam on Miguel into the thumbtacks and goes for the pin. Before the referee can count three, Steve stopped the pin to punish Miguel more.

However, Miguel kicked Steve to the point where he was on his knee near the Thumbtacks and landed a double foot stomp to have his opponent land chest first into it. The champion went for the cover but got a two-count. Miguel went to the floor for a table to place the weapon in the corner. They both tried to avoid crashing into the table until they simultaneously landed a Clothesline falling into the thumbtacks.

They both went outside for a weapon. Miguel got a spike, and Steve got Janice(a spiked wooden object). Steve missed Miguel with Janice but caught him in a Death Valley Driver through the table in the corner for the near fall. Steve went to bring chairs into the ring and positions it near the center of the ring. The champion recovered to hit Steve in the gut with a chair, but Steve fought back. Steve put Miguel on the top rope, but Miguel slid underneath him to hit his opponent with a Superkick and a Tiger Feint Kick. While Steve is down, the champion went to the top rope. However, the challenger recovered and tried to go after Miguel, but the champion jumped and rolled from the top rope into the thumbtacks.

Steve followed up with a Canadian Destroyer on Miguel into a chair and thumbtacks. While laying in the thumbtacks, Steve briefly did a snow angel and pinned Miguel for a two count. The challenger used Janice to scrape Miguel’s forehead. Steve took the champion to the ring apron as a wooden board with barbed wire is laid on top of chairs. Before Steve could slam Miguel through it, the champion hit Steve in the groin and landed the Roll of the Dice through the wooden board with barbed wire. Miguel put Steve back in the ring to pin for the win.

WWE Cautious About Balancing Cody Rhodes’ Storyline with Sami Zayn’s Popularity

J. Cunningham
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0

Sami Zayn’s immense popularity has reportedly become cause for concern behind-the-scenes in WWE.

At WrestleMania 39, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will lock horns with Royal Rumble-winner Cody Rhodes. ‘The American Nightmare’ has been a big hit with WWE audiences since he returned at last year’s WrestleMania.

Cody Rhodes backstage at Royal Rumble

Rhodes’ Hell in a Cell bout with Seth Rollins last year solidified him as a top dog in waiting. His return last month was greeted with huge cheers and his segments with Paul Heyman and Sami Zayn in the weeks since have garnered critical acclaim.

However, Zayn’s own rise to babyface stardom appears to be threatening Rhodes’. After a slow-burning run as ‘The Honorary Uce’ in The Bloodline, Zayn turned on faction head Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble. The segment and subsequent feud between the pair was highlighted as a strong ratings mover for WWE in 2023.

Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber

While the rivalry seemingly came to an end at Elimination Chamber, there are concerns that Zayn’s connection with the audience could potentially derail the Reigns/Rhodes build.

“They Were Very Concerned About Sami Chants” – Dave Meltzer On Cody Rhodes Segment

On a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer discussed the segment Cody Rhodes had with Paul Heyman on this week’s RAW. He revealed that the pacing of the segment was designed to give fans little breathing room to potentially launch chants for Sami Zayn into the situation.

“The stuff with Cody and Heyman – they [WWE] were very concerned about Sami chants, which is one of the reasons why they got Heyman out there in seconds. They did not want Cody in there by himself because they thought that – it didn’t happen – but they did everything in their power to make sure they kept that moving, they did not allow the audience a chance to start chanting or anything like that, it was just back-and-forth.”

Meltzer went on to add that the general consensus is that Zayn chants potentially hijacking the show would hinder Rhodes’ momentum.

“It was designed to give the audience no chance to chant because of the feeling that if they did it would hurt Cody’s momentum. And perhaps it would, and then it could create that groundswell [for Zayn] which is exactly what they don’t want right now.”

‘The American Nightmare’ himself later commented on the segment. Seemingly in kayfabe at first, Rhodes joked about the segment being cut short due to Heyman getting under his skin during the exchange. The son of a son of a plumber then made mention of his high merchandise sales of late.

Do you think Cody Rhodes will go over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania?

All quotes from WrestleTalk.

Top WWE SmackDown Star Rumored for WrestleMania Angle at Monday’s Raw

Andrew Ravens
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WWE has added SmackDown star Ronda Rousey to the lineup for Monday’s episode of Raw.

Both WWE’s Events website and the Van Del Arena website are advertising Rousey for the show from Grand Rapids, Michigan. As of this writing, Shayna Baszler is not currently listed for the show, although that doesn’t mean she won’t be there with her good friend. 

As of this writing, WWE has not officially announced Rousey for the show.  WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Dakota Kai and IYO SKY are scheduled to defend against Becky Lynch and WWE Hall of Famer Lita on Monday’s Raw. 

The Angle

It’s been reported that Rousey and Baszler are expected to challenge Kai and SKY for the titles at WrestleMania 39 this April so it’s possible that WWE shoots an angle to set up the future title match on this show. 

Here is the updated card for Monday’s episode: 

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai & IYO SKY) vs. Becky Lynch & Lita
  • Asuka vs. Carmella
  • Candice LeRae vs. Piper Niven
  • Will Brock Lesnar show up and accept Omos’ challenge to a match at WrestleMania?
  • WrestleMania edition of Miz TV

WWE NXT Star Waiting on Creative Plans for Main Roster Call-Up

Andrew Ravens
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Cameron Grimes is on the sidelines while waiting to see what WWE comes up with creatively for him on the main roster. 

The WWE NXT star has not wrestled since November 8, 2022, when he lost a singles match to Joe Gacy on an episode of Joe Gacy. WWE originally planned for him to be called up after the feud ended. However, that hasn’t happened. 

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE creative has nothing for him and Grimes is waiting for that to change, but he is done with NXT. 

Creative has Nothing for You

“Cameron Grimes was finishing up in NXT because he was being called to the main roster and right now what’s going on is that they are waiting for an idea on the main roster so he’s in limbo,” Meltzer stated (H/T to F4Wonline.com). “He’s finished with NXT, he’s supposed to be on the main roster but they don’t have a story for him so they haven’t debuted him yet and they’re waiting to come up with a story for him.”

In October on an episode of Main Event, Grimes beat Akira Tozawa. Since then, he’s only wrestled two matches. 

Before going to WWE, he found success in Impact Wrestling as he is a three-time X-Division Champion, and once won the TNA Tag Team Titles along with Brian Myers. In WWE, he’s a former NXT North American Champion.

AEW Revolution Updated Card: Championship Match and More Announced

Andrew Ravens
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All Elite Wrestling has announced new matches for their upcoming Revolution pay-per-view event on March 5, 2023, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California during this week’s Dynamite. 

Jamie Hayter will defend her AEW Women’s Championship against Saraya, and Ruby Soho in a triple threat match. This comes after Soho’s loyalty has been the focal point of a storyline between Saraya and Toni Storm as outsiders, a play on their WWE history, against hometown talent such as Hayter and Britt Baker. Now, Soho will have to decide which side she’s on. 

Also confirmed for the show is Chris Jericho vs.Ricky Starks in a bout where “everyone” will be banned from ringside. This comes after Starks beat Jericho last month on Dynamite while Jericho scored a victory against Starks and Action Andretti in a recent tag team bout.

For the last several weeks, Starks has since been feuding with the Jericho Appreciation Society. 

AEW Revolution Card

  • AEW World Heavyweight Champion MJF vs. Bryan Danielson – Sixty Minute Iron Man Match.
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Gunn Club vs. The Acclaimed vs. Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal vs. TBA
  • AEW TNT Champion Samoa Joe vs. Wardlow.
  • Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Page – Texas Death Match.
  • Chris Jericho vs. Ricky Starks – Everyone is banned from ringside
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter vs. Ruby Soho vs. Saraya

Ric Flair Has Made Big Money on Cameo

Andrew Ravens
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Ric Flair has found success in a lot of different ventures throughout his career, whether it’s pro wrestling, his To Be The Man podcast, and cannabis line, Ric Flair Drip.

The WWE Hall of Famer has also made a significant amount of money on Cameo. 

The 16-time world champion was discussing his promo skills on a recent edition of his To Be The Man podcast when he noted that he was so good at speaking that he made a lot of money while doing two-minute messages on the Cameo platform before revealing that he made $700,000 over 21 months.

Show Me The Money

“Listen, I made $700,000 doing Cameos. They’re just a minute long [laughs]. That’s just talking for two minutes. That is 21 months,” Flair said.

The legendary wrestler proceeded to show the camera the front of his phone that revealed he had made $669,000 on Cameo. He joked with co-host Conrad Thompson about how fans were saying that Flair returned to the ring last July at Ric Flair’s Last Match in 2022 because he needed the money.

Flair’s most recent appearance on WWE television came when he introduced his daughter, Charlotte, on the Raw 30 Anniversary show. 

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

Pat McAfee Uncertain About WWE Future Amid Ongoing Sales Talks

Thomas Lowson
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Pat McAfee has proven to be a hit with fans as part of the WWE SmackDown commentary team, but will a new owner push Pat out of the company?

The former NFL punter began serving as a guest commentator for WWE NXT TakeOver events in 2018, before signing with the promotion the following February.

In 2021, McAfee was moved to the SmackDown commentary table, but has been absent as of late due to his commitments to ESPN’s College Game Day.

In addition to commentary, McAfee has had a handful of matches in WWE, with his most recent bout seeing him defeat Baron Corbin at Summerslam 2022.

Unsure

At the WWE 2023 Royal Rumble, McAfee made his surprise return to commentary but did not appear on the following edition of SmackDown.

In a tweet, McAfee reflected on various parts of his life, including his role with WWE.

The Smackdown commentator said that while he loves working for WWE, the possibility of a new owner could make him reconsider his position with the promotion.

“Baby girl on the way… what’s that mean for my future with @WWE? I LOVE it but, they’re allegedly gonna be sold, who’s buying them? Do I want to work/make money for those people?”

Pat McAfee.

Other Plans

Of course, WWE is just part of McAfee’s life, and he has various successful ventures away from the ring.

Speaking about College Game Day, McAfee called it a “good time” but acknowledged that there was no long-term deal in place.

McAfee also spoke about reports of a defamation lawsuit from Bret Farve, saying that he is “allegedly” being sued.

Pat McAfee Was Originally Supposed to Return in WWE Royal Rumble Match

MJF’s AEW Dynamite Promo About Fiance Leaving Him Was Not a Work (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman’s recent comments about his engagement to Naomi Rosenblum being ended were not just part of the show during Dynamite.

During Dynamite, MJF hyped up his upcoming title defense at AEW Revolution against Bryan Danielson, which will be the promotion’s first sixty-minute Iron Man match.

The upcoming title defense will mark MJF’s first title defense on Pay-Per-View since capturing the AEW World Championship last November at Full Gear 2022.

Ended Engagement

During his promo on Dynamite, MJF called himself a guy who has got stranded by, and looked down upon by everyone he once looked up to.

The Salt of the Earth added that he met a girl (Rosenblum) who was his only source of comfort, only for her to leave him as well.

This comment left fans questioning whether their engagement has really ended, and both MJF and Rosenblum have unfollowed one another on Instagram.

Taking to Twitter, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful confirmed that MJF’s comments about his engagement being ended by Rosenblum was honest.

MJF and Rosenblum announced their engagement in September of last year, with the always-in-character AEW star saying that other women shouldn’t worry, and that “just cuz there’s a goalie doesn’t mean you can’t score.”

What Else Was Said?

In his promo, Friedman also addressed Bryan Danielson’s children, saying he would rip their father’s arm out of its socket and ensure he could never play with them again.

He stated that during their Iron Man match, he would make sure that he could never use his arm to pick them up again and that he would also land multiple shots to his head as a present.

Danielson interrupted the promo by taking MJF down, resulting in a brawl that had to be separated by referees and security guards.

MJF Asked to Sign a Female Fan’s Chest – Hilarity Ensues (Watch)

GUNTHER to Face Battle Royal Winner at WWE MSG Event

Thomas Lowson
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20 Superstars, including eight former WWE World Champions, will look to earn a shot at GUNTHER’s Intercontinental Championship next month.

Debuting on WWE’s main roster in early 2022, GUNTHER was a stand-out star of last year, and captured the Intercontinental Championship in June.

Recently, the Austrian broke the record for the longest tenure in a traditional Royal Rumble match, reaching over 70 minutes and shattering the record set by Rey Mysterio in 2006.

WWE has announced a special attraction match for the company’s upcoming return to Madison Square Garden:

The names listed for the match are as follows:

Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods,) Rey Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, Finn Balor, The Miz, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, Johnny Gargano, Omos, Dexter Lumis, Bronson Reed, Rick Boogs, Santos Escobar, Braun Strowman, Ricochet, Baron Corbin and Karrion Kross.

Out of the combatants, eight (McIntyre, Sheamus, Kingston, Mysterio, Lashley, Balor, Miz, and Strowman) have held World Championship gold on the main roster.

Eight of the Superstars (McIntyre, Kingston, Mysterio, Lashley, Balor, Miz, Strowman, and Ricochet) are former WWE Intercontinental Champions.

Jon Moxley Makes History On AEW Dynamite with Latest Victory

Thomas Lowson
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Jon Moxley already has multiple records to his name in All Elite Wrestling, and now the Blackpool Combat Club member has another accolade.

Since arriving in AEW in 2019, Moxley has become a staple of the brand and is seen as one of the most loyal stars the company employs.

Despite plans for a vacation in late 2022, Moxley cut his time-away short to return following the suspension of CM Punk and the Elite following last year’s All Out

New Record

On this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite, Moxley defeated Evil Uno, dispatching of the Dark Order member with extreme brutality.

With this win, Moxley has accomplished 100 victories in AEW, the first person in the company’s four-year history to do so.

Post-match, Moxley refused to break the hold, which brought out Alex Reynolds and John Silver, and the former World Champion had backup with BCC member Claudio Castagnoli.

It was the arrival of ‘Hangman’ Adam Page that escalated things, and the Cowboy pummeled Moxley, busting him open as the show went off the air.

Page and Moxley will face off at AEW Revolution 2023 next week in a Texas Death Match.

Record Breaker

Achieving 100 wins on AEW programming is an impressive accolade, but is by no means Moxley’s only record.

The former WWE Superstar also holds the record for the most reigns as AEW World Champion, holding the title three times (as well as one Interim title reign.)

Moxley’s three title reigns have also given him the record for the most days as AEW World Champion, holding the title for a collective 347 days (406 days if you include the reign as Interim AEW World Champion.)

Latest on Vince McMahon’s Role with WWE Creative After Shock Return

Thomas Lowson
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Is Vince McMahon secretly overseeing WWE’s Creative department now that he is back with the promotion?

Following the billionaire’s retirement last July over misconduct allegations and ‘hush-money’ payouts, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque was appointed the new Head of Creative.

It was days later that the Game was appointed WWE’s Head of Talent Relations, replacing John Lauriniatis who was dismissed from the company for his alleged role in the McMahon scandal.

Creative Return

Upon his return to WWE in January 2023, the company frequently told a concerned roster that McMahon was back solely to find a new owner of the promotion.

It was stressed that McMahon would not be resuming his role as part of WWE’s creative team, though a WWE talent who spoke to Sean Ross Sapp has said they believe McMahon is back in creative.

Sapp later shared his own belief that McMahon is not back in charge of Creative, nor does he have a role in the department, stating:

“There are a lot of people that believe that Vince can’t help himself but that’s a lot different than saying well he’s back in creative and he’s definitely guiding this creative. I don’t believe he’s guiding this creative.

“people say ‘Oh, what makes you think that?’ Cause we’re not seeing the same match every week. I don’t think Vince would be able to help himself but to do the same matches every week. That was the most identifying booking point of Vince.”

Sean Ross Sapp.

The Update

In an update from Fightful Select, it was noted that when Sapp reached out to several members of Creative they hadn’t heard anything about Vince being back on the team.

Some of the sources asked for Sapp to inform them if he learns that McMahon is back with the creative team, but nothing has been confirmed so far.

Sapp added that McMahon does have “input” on creative, something Triple H has informed talent, but it is not in any official capacity with the promotion.

Speaking about the initial source, who remains nameless at this time, Sapp said that this member of talent said that they were told Vince is back and there is another power struggle, but nobody would confirm it.

WWE did not respond when Sapp asked for a comment, but a higher-up in the company told him that the tweet above was “absolutely false.”

Sean Ross Sapp added that the source who has claimed McMahon is back in Creative has been honest in the past.

In an update, Wade Keller of PW Torch flat-out refuted the claim that McMahon has a role with WWE’s Creative team.

WWE Makes Hidden Reference to Vince McMahon on Monday Night Raw

WWE Superstar Sonya Deville Announces Engagement

Thomas Lowson
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Sonya Deville may not have had the best of luck on WWE TV as of late, but the Superstar’s personal life has never been better.

Last year saw Deville’s tenure as an authority figure come to an end, and the former MMA fighter has resumed her role as a full-time member of the WWE roster.

Recently, Deville tried (in vain) to dethrone Charlotte Flair and capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship, which would have been Deville’s first taste of WWE gold if successful.

Engagement

Speaking to People, Deville broke the news of her engagement to girlfriend Toni Cassano, as the wrestler popped the question on February 15, at a wine cellar cave in Towaco, New Jersey.

Deville with understandably excited to speak about the proposal, and add that Cassano had been waiting for the right moment herself.

“I proposed, then Toni’s like: ‘Grab my purse.’ And she pulls out a freaking ring box, and she’s like: ‘I’ve been carrying this around in my purse for four months. So whenever you proposed, I could give you a ring immediately back.'”

Sonya Deville.

Deville began dating Cassano last April, and the pair first met at a WWE event.

“I got her a front-row ticket to my show, and I was going to take her out to dinner after. But I didn’t have time to meet her before the show, so the first time I ever saw Toni was when I was coming out doing my entrance ready to wrestle and I looked into the crowd.”

Sonya Deville.

While the pair first locked eyes at a WWE event in April, Cassano wouldn’t see her future bride emerge victorious, as Deville was winless at WWE shows for the entire month.

Deville went on to say that Cassano’s two daughters also played a role in the proposal.

 “I wanted to make it something that they were super involved in,” she says. “But I also wanted them to be surprised because I wanted them to have a memorable moment too.”

Sonya Deville.

Coming Out

It was during 2015’s edition of WWE Tough Enough that Deville was asked if she had a boyfriend, and publicly came out as lesbian.

The first and to date only openly lesbian WWE Superstar, Deville told People about how much has changed for her since she came out.

“It’s so cool to me to be in this position right now, to be engaged as a gay female in the WWE, and to have proposed to my fiancée.

“I look back at seven years ago, eight years ago when I wasn’t even openly out yet, and I was hiding relationships, and I was still trying to figure out my comfortability with being gay and who I was.”

Sonya Deville.
Sonya Deville Suffers Facial Injury at WWE Pensacola Live Event

We here at SEScoops would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sonya and Toni at this joyous time.

Young Bucks vs. Aussie Open, Lance Archer Return Set For 2/24 AEW Rampage

Colby Faria
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All Elite Wrestling is stacking the deck for the 2/24 edition of AEW Rampage.

During the 2/22 episode of AEW Dynamite, several matches were announced for the ensuing Friday’s edition of Rampage. The show will feature the Young Bucks facing Aussie Open in tag-team action in addition to the in-ring return of ‘The Murderhawk Monster’ Lance Archer.

AEW Rampage (2/23) Updated Card

  • Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. Aussie Open (Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher)
  • Sammy Guevara vs. Action Andretti
  • Willow Nightingale vs. Toni Storm
  • The Elite and House of Black Face-to-Face Confrontation
  • We Hear From Keith Lee and Dustin Rhodes
  • Lance Archer’s In-ring Return

Archer hasn’t been featured on AEW programming since he was defeated by Ricky Starks in the AEW World Championship eliminator tournament on the 11/18 episode of AEW Rampage. While Archer’s lengthy absence was rumored to be to nurse some nagging injuries, the man himself noted that him being left off of the company’s programming for the duration of 2023 was ‘not by choice’.

SEScoops’ full report on the 2/22 episode of AEW Dynamite can be found by clicking here.

SEScoops will have complete coverage of the next edition of AEW Rampage on Friday, February 24, beginning at 10:00 p.m. EDT/7:00 p.m. PDT.

AEW “All Access” 1-hour Weekly Show Will Air After Dynamite

Samantha Schipman
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AEW and Tony Khan having been teasing an “important announcement by Tony Khan” since last week.

Just minutes before the main event, Tony Khan was backstage with Renee Paquette hyping “huge news”. Khan said it was so huge, that he was letting a “major AEW star” make the announcement. Adam Cole announced that beginning in March, AEW: All Access would air on TBS after AEW Dynamite.

AEW “All Access” is unscripted

Sammy Guevara and Tay Conti

It’s an unscripted series that will follow certain AEW stars. According to Variety, the show will follow Cole, Britt Baker, DMD, Eddie Kingston, Wardlow, Tay Melo, Sammy Guevara, Saraya, Young Bucks, and Khan.

“We’re always looking for new ways to engage with fans and give them unique access to our incredible talent,” Khan said. “With the new ‘AEW: All Access’ series, they’ll have a chance to peek behind the curtain and into the lives of their favorite wrestlers like never before. To show the human side of some of these larger-than-life figures will give fans a rare perspective about who these wrestlers are when the cameras aren’t typically on.”

“AEW has such an amazingly loyal and dedicated fan base that brings in more than 4 million viewers to TBS every Wednesday night,” added Jason Sarlanis, president of Turner Networks, ID, & HLN, linear and streaming. “With ‘All Access,’ we are bringing that incredible audience a whole new way to experience the wrestling universe they love. We have a powerful partnership with Tony Khan and AEW. With this new series we are expanding the franchise in a way that invites viewers inside the world of wrestling like never before.”

Cole also had another big announcement. He’ll be returning to the ring the same night that All Access debuts.

Will you be watching AEW: All Access?

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