CM Punk has worked with a variety of legends in his wrestling career, but perhaps, the biggest confidence booster came when Punk was paired to work with “The GOAT” — John Cena.
Recently, Punk joined Elite Comics11 for a live stream on Instagram, in which he was asked to recount a match that helped fit the pieces together for him as a wrestler. In response, Punk referenced a three-way bout he had with WWE Hall of Famers Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero in 2002 at IWA Mid-South.
In addition to learning some valuable performance elements from his two opponents, Punk also believes this match put his name on the map, setting the stage for him to eventually sign with WWE a few years later.
After joining WWE in 2005, Punk steadily raised his stock, later earning himself an opportunity to work with the arguable face of the company, John Cena. While their feud was rather intense on-screen, Punk’s work with Cena actually came with a refreshing sense of ease. It also further motivated him to step up his game.
CM Punk on working with John Cena
During the Instagram live stream, Punk spoke about working so closely with WWE’s top attraction and felt it was a sign the company trusted him to be in that coveted spot. Here’s what Punk said, transcribed by Post Wrestling:
“Now I’m here [in WWE] and then being trusted enough to work with John Cena pretty much every day, every night for quite some time,” said Punk. “We were married to each other and it was always a night off and it was always easy.
When you’re tasked with working with the guy who pretty much is the engine that makes the company go at that point, it’s kind of just like, ‘Okay, I figured it out then.’ I was like, “Alright, I know. They trust me enough and I’m not gonna do anything stupid, I’m not gonna hurt the guy.’
It’s always good and it’s quality and it was fun and it was different and they trusted me to keep it different and it wasn’t the same thing all the time.”
Watch: CM Punk vs. John Cena WWE Championship match:
Mustafa Ali has to be itching to get back into the wrestling ring. Ali (real name Adeel Alam) was one of the many WWE talents to be released back in September and an indication of his eagerness was displayed on Monday. Ali took to social media to make a post of a video with a countdown, likely teasing the day he becomes a free agent or he will reveal something regarding his pro wrestling future.
Ali is likely going to be a hot commodity in the world of wrestling considering his resume and tenure in WWE. Mustafa Ali dealt with his fair share of frustration while working with WWE as he constantly had acts that were started and stopped, most notably may be the failed Retribution faction during the global pandemic. Ali was revealed to be the leader of the short-lived group, but following its dispersement, he floated on and off television.
However, Ali saw a resurgence when he began working with Shawn Michaels and NXT, and Michaels expressed how big of a fan he was of Ali personality and work ethic.
A great landing spot for Ali could be the returning TNA. His athleticism fits the brand and the stars are aligning for the company to announce some significant names as the company looks forward to its Hard To Kill PPV on January 13.
Fellow former WWE Cruiserweight Champion KUSHIDA has been announced to sign with TNA, and Ali could likely become a major player within the promotion considering both his skillset and his promo ability.
WWE is gearing up for the road to WrestleMania, and the event is set to kick off on January 27th at the Royal Rumble in Tropicana Field. Although we still have over a month until they really put the wheels in motion, other wheels on the road have provided a glimpse at what is to come.
Brock Lesnar’s Current WWE Situation
Brock Lesnar’s last appearance on WWE television took place during the SummerSlam, where he faced Cody Rhodes. Ultimately, Lesnar was defeated by The American Nightmare, and he praised Rhodes in an impromptu post-match celebration. The Beast Incarnate’s absence has persisted since that event in Detroit’s Ford Field.
Despite Brock Lesnar’s current absence from WWE television, promotional materials featuring him for WrestleMania 40 were spotted on the back of a WWE production truck. This observation is noteworthy considering the proximity of the Royal Rumble next month, adding an intriguing layer to Lesnar’s potential involvement in upcoming events.
Exclusive Details About Brock Lesnar’s WWE Future
I was told by a tenured source within WWE after SummerSlam that Brock Lesnar won’t be back to wrestle for the rest of 2023. Now that we are closing out December, it seems that came to pass.
The Royal Rumble event is the next big event on WWE’s schedule. I could not get a definite confirmation that Brock Lesnar will be a part of the January 27th Royal Rumble event, but it was not denied to me, either.
I was told that Brock Lesnar is slated to be on the WrestleMania 40 card. That being said, WWE is obviously gearing up for a big night in Philadelphia for the Beast Incarnate. His opponent is another question, as a lot of things are shifting within WWE right now, especially after CM Punk’s return. So, nothing is locked into place yet.
I was able to confirm, as I previously reported, that Roman Reigns’ plan for WrestleMania 40 has not changed, but anything is possible until it is “locked in.”
UPDATE: Allegation Involving Brock Lesnar
In the blockbuster lawsuit from Janel Grant, it was noted that Vince McMahon allegedly used her as a bargaining chip to secure a contract renewal. The Superstar in question was not named, but they were referred to as a former UFC Heavyweight Champion.
In March 2020, McMahon began sharing sexually explicit photographs and videos of Ms. Grant (including pornographic content he recorded) with other men both inside and outside the company, including with members of the television production “tech” team, executive(s), 4 producer(s), and a world-famous athlete and former UFC Heavyweight Champion with whom WWE was actively trying to sign to a new contract (and ultimately did sign that contract).
The upcoming clash between CM Punk and Mysterio is slated to unfold at WWE’s Holiday Tour house show at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday, December 26th, followed by a live event at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA on Saturday, December 30th. Those two matches will give Punk and Dirty Dominik a real familiarity with each other.
How CM Punk & Dominik Mysterio’s Match Was Booked
Dominik Mysterio is known for drawing insane amounts of heat from WWE fans. Naturally, he is going to lay it on thick for CM Punk, even if the two aren’t slated to wrestle on television yet.
CM Punk’s return to WWE marks his first match since the 2014 Royal Rumble, with his latest taking place at AEW All In, where he beat Samoa Joe following a backstage altercation with Jack Perry in Wembley Stadium. Now, Punk is set to dust off his long bois with Dominik Mysterio.
During CM Punk’s recent commentary for the CFFC, he revealed a longstanding desire to punch Mysterio, tracing back to their past feud that involved a young Dominik and culminated in Punk getting his head shaved. In response, Dominik Mysterio took to Twitter, playfully mocking Punk by sharing a clip from an AEW match where Punk experienced a misstep in the ring.
Dominik Mysterio captioned the post with a little request for CM Punk to replicate the punch, adding a playful nod to Punk’s self-proclaimed title of Best in the World.
“Punch me like this please…@CMPunk #bestintheworld.”
CM Punk just got off of a stint with AEW, so it’s not like he would have a tremendous amount of ring rust on him. Still, it appears that he will knock off what WWE ring rust he may have with Dominik Mysterio at Madison Square Garden on December 26th.
CM Punk has his eyes set on Seth Rollins in the television storyline, which is why he entered the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match. We will keep our eye on CM Punk and Dominik Mysterio’s set of matches here at SE Scoops, just in case anything eventful happens.
WWE Hall of Famer Afa undergoes medical evaluation for a concern related to his heart.
Afa Anoa’i, one-half of the original Wild Samoans tag team, recently completed two procedures aimed at checking out his heart valves. The 81-year-old is currently scheduled for a follow-up appointment later this week, where doctors will then determine the next course of action. Despite the uncertainty, Afa has since returned to the comfort of his home and seems to be in good spirits.
“Yesterday Afa had two exploratory heart procedures to check his valves. In his own words: “I kicked out before the 1!” He is home and doing very well. Nothing keeps a Wild Samoan down! His follow up appointment is on the 20th to go over next steps. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he may need a valve replacement. But he’s up and at it, working hard on the WXW Seminar on January 13th and the first show of the year, February 17th, with proceeds to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Afa was joking with and signing autographs for the hospital staff.”
As mentioned in the aforementioned Facebook statement, Afa is also in the midst of preparing for an upcoming seminar he will be hosting at WXW Wrestling in Minneola, Florida on Saturday, January 13. The following month, WXW Wrestling will be holding a live wrestling event, in which proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
SEScoops would like to extend our sincerest well wishes to Afa Anoa’i as he soon undergoes further evaluation.
WWE has seen many women travel through the company that changed history. Chyna turned heads in the late-90s for WWE, proving that women can be more than Divas. In today’s company, Rhea Ripley is taking the idea of what it means to be a female Superstar to another level.
Rhea Ripley’s Place In WWE Today
Rhea Ripley currently stands among the prominent female WWE Superstars, steadily gaining momentum each week. As the lone woman in Judgement Day, she has often been compared to another amazing female talent who once backed a stable, Chyna. The Eradicator doesn’t mind those comparisons at all.
While speaking to The West Australian, Rhea Ripley spoke about the comparisons she receives to Chyna. She considers those comparisons to the WWE Hall of Famer “amazing” and she is “very proud of” the fact that she is in that conversation.
“I don’t think getting compared to Chyna is a bad thing at all. I think it’s amazing. I’m actually very proud of that fact. The only problem that I’m having at the moment is that, I’ve done all these amazing things with men that have been so good to me, and let me do these things. While I was doing that, the women’s division was suffering a little bit, and not getting built the right way. It was at a weird time where things weren’t certain and things were changing constantly, so the women’s division suffered a little bit, and now we’re trying to build it back up.”
“Obviously we have like our Becky Lynches, we have Nia Jax, we have our Charlotte Flairs, our Asukas, all of that, but it’s time to make some new stars as well, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to make new names and get the women’s division rocking and rolling.”
“So there’s lots of great challenges, but for me, I love doing everything. I love beating the men up. I love beating the women up. It makes me different, it makes me stand out, and it’s a lot of fun.”
Rhea Ripley will keep doing her thing, while remaining true to herself. If that means she is compared to a trailblazing legend like Chyna, then so bet it.
Chyna’s Tragic Groundbreaking Story In WWE
Chyna rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a groundbreaking figure in professional wrestling. Debuting in WWE in 1997, Chyna quickly shattered gender norms by competing against male wrestlers. Billed as the “Ninth Wonder of the World.” Chyna achieved significant success, becoming the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble and winning the Intercontinental Championship.
Sadly, despite her accomplishments, personal struggles and conflicts led to her departure from WWE in 2001. Chyna faced challenges post-wrestling, including ventures into reality television and adult entertainment. Her life took a tragic turn, and she battled substance abuse and mental health issues, contributing to her untimely death in 2016.
Chyna’s legacy remains complex, marked by both her groundbreaking contributions to wrestling and the challenges she faced in her personal life. After her death, in a moment that was a long time coming for many pro wrestling fans, Chyna was finally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of DX in 2019.
WWE fans are still waiting on a solo induction for Chyna, and Rhea Ripley would probably love to see that happen, too.
Fans in the United States will soon get to see Masato Tanaka back in the ring as part of WrestleMania weekend next April.
The 50-year-old continues to wrestle to this day and is looking for a role during the already-stacked weekend. On Twitter, Kikataru, the agent for Tanaka, shared that the Japanese wrestling legend is open to bookings for WrestleMania Weekend.
for US Promoters,
i doing booking agant for FMW&ECW Legend Masato Tanaka,
he is available international booking for Wrestle mania weekend,
Masato Tanaka began his wrestling career in July 1993 as part of FMW and would later find his way to ECW. In December 1999, Tanaka captured the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first champion not to be an American citizen. Tanaka has competed twice for WWE, with these matches being at the ECW One Night Stand shows in 2005 and in 2005.
WrestleMania Weekend
The highlight of WrestleMania weekend in April 2024 will, of course, be WrestleMania 40. The two-night event will take place on April 6, and April 7 from Lincoln, Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. This will be WWE’s fifth annual two-night WrestleMania, a concept introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PW Insider reports that Dominik Mysterio has signed a new WWE contract. The signing actually took place about a month ago, marking a significant development in Mysterio’s career within the wrestling powerhouse.
While it hasn’t been confirmed, the general reported belief is that Dominik Mysterio inked a five-year deal with WWE. That will keep Dominik Mysterio with WWE until 2028 when he is 31-years-old.
Dominik Mysterio’s History In WWE
Although Dominik Mysterio really established himself as a WWE Superstar over the past few years, He was a part of Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero’s classic “I’m Your Papi” storyline.
During that time, Dominik Mysterio played integral roles alongside his father, Rey Mysterio, in compelling storylines involving wrestling luminaries such as Eddie Guerrero and CM Punk.
Dominik Mysterio officially entered the WWE scene in 2020, making a noteworthy debut that set the stage for his ongoing journey in the world of professional wrestling.
This new contract signifies not only a continued commitment between Dominik Mysterio and WWE, but also a testament to the company’s recognition of his contributions and potential within the industry. As the wrestling landscape evolves, Dominik’s presence will continue, meaning that Triple H sees Dominik Myserio as a part of WWE’s future for years to come.
Pro wrestling fans love collectibles, and action figures are always hot items. Fans also love grabbing any historic line of figures, and TNA Wrestling is about to roll out a brand-new batch of action figures with a new partnership.
TNA Wrestling Upping Their Action Figure Game
TNA Wrestling is making a notable return to the action figure market with a new contract with PowerTown Wrestling. The two parties have joined forces to produce collectible TNA Action Figures & Accessories, marking an exciting collaboration for wrestling fans.
The announcement revealed that pre-sale orders for Series One are slated to commence in March 2024, with the figures set to be shipped in August 2024. Series Two of the TNA Wrestling Action Figures from PowerTown is scheduled for shipment in December 2024. Details about the specific talent included in each series will be disclosed in the coming weeks.
TNA Wrestling President Scott D’Amore conveyed the excitement shared by TNA fans, who have eagerly anticipated the release of the next TNA Action Figures. The collaboration with PowerTown Wrestling is expected to deliver figures that meet the high standards set by the fans.
“TNA fans have been asking when the next TNA Action Figures will be released. Finally, we have the answer: 2024 – and we’re very confident that fans worldwide will be thrilled with these new TNA Action Figures from PowerTown Wrestling. PowerTown delivers high-quality collectibles and we are very excited to work with the entire team there.”
The TNA Wrestling Action Figures from PowerTown will belong to the Ultra series, similar to the popular Ultras Series 1 figures, which are already sold out.
These Ultra figures feature a 7-inch scale, sculpted to represent the real-life height of the wrestlers in scale with other figures. With 30 modes of articulation, moveable elbows, rotating wrists, and various other features, the Ultra figures are designed to provide an authentic and engaging experience for collectors and fans alike. Rosenthal, a key figure in the wrestling action figure industry from the 1980s, has made a successful return to the business through strategic partnerships, introducing a series of impressive action figures featuring legends from the sport’s rich history.
The Return Of TNA Wrestling In 2024
Impact Wrestling is re-branding back to TNA Wrestling in 2024. This change was a long-time coming for some fans. The company has filmed a lot of vignettes, and they are gearing themselves up for this new phase in the company’s history.
Now, those new fans will be able to pick up action figures with the TNA Wrestling branding. We will have more updates at SE Scoops as more information is made available.
Bret Hart famously left WWE in 1997 after an incredibly controversial exit. That departure still lives on in pro wrestling fandom, but it seems that the incident is water under the bridge for everyone involved.
The Montreal Screw-Job
The Montreal Screwjob went down during the 1997 Survivor Series match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. In the closing moments of the bout, there was a controversial and unexpected turn of events. Despite Bret Hart not intending to drop the WWE Championship in his home country of Canada, Vince McMahon, the owner, and operator of WWE at the time, instructed the referee, Earl Hebner, to ring the bell and declare Shawn Michaels the winner.
This decision, which was made without Bret Hart’s knowledge, stirred immense controversy and changed the landscape of professional wrestling. It became one of the most talked-about incidents in the industry’s history. Not only did it inspire the legendary “Bret Screwed Bret” promo before memes existed, but it also lives on in pro wrestling history.
The Aftermath of the Montreal Screw-Job
During an interview with Steve Fall, Earl Hebner opened up about his current relationship with Bret Hart. It seems that the two have mended their bridge after that controversial Survivor Series main event in 1997.
“I have a merch shirt that says ‘Damn right I did.’ And a lot of people want me to say, Can you write on it ‘I screwed Bret?’ I go, ‘No. I can’t do that.’ A while back, maybe three or four years ago, I would do it but Bret and I made up. And before my brother passed, we were at a house show, or indie show and he was there and he called us into the ring and he put us over like big time. So now Bret calls me now and then and I’ll call him and we got a good relationship back and I’m not gonna screw it up by writing something over a dumb ass shirt. It’s gonna destroy our friendship.
Earl Hebner was questioned about any concerns he had before reuniting with Bret and the possibility of Bret being upset with him.
“For a long time it honestly it bothered me. It was bad for me, you know, cuz I carried it with me for a lot of years. We met one time an airport, and I wanted to talk to him and he said, ‘I don’t want to talk to you.’ … I said, ‘can I talk to you for a minute?” He goes, ‘I don’t want to talk.’ I said okay, so I let it go and that was it. And as time went on, you know, it finally worked out well. We got to see each other [and] communicate.”
Working With Randy Savage
Earl Hebner went on to speak about some talent who weren’t so easy to work with. One of those people was “Macho Man” Randy Savage, because he was such a perfectionist, and Savage wrote everything out in his matches move-by-move.
“Well, from the old referees and today’s referees and today’s matches back then in there, it’s a world of difference. It’s not the same. It’s just it’s like old school and new school. You know and the old school you had to work and be smart because they never gave you everything. You know a lot of times back then I’d go in there and I go, ‘What’s the finish?’ They said, ‘just count.’ Okay. We did know the finish a lot of times. I mean 99 percent of the time. We knew the finish Some of the old guys just come through and tell you what it was. They said watch the match and count.”
“Macho Man. I mean when it comes to WrestleMania, he gives you a sack of papers that thick of the whole match way before it was ever gonna go on. I mean two weeks before WrestleMania and then he comes back and I’ll go, ‘damn, this is a joke here.’ But that’s how he was, he was a perfectionist.”
Steve Fall went on to note how Diamond Dallas Page wrote his matches out move by move before bell time. This caused Earl Hebner to reply, “Oh Randy was the same way about like TVs and house shows, you know same thing…If you screwed up he’d go, ‘What the hell’s going on here?'”
Earl Hebner is full of stories, and he was a part of pro wrestling history along the way. It’s also nice to see that he was able to mend some of those relationships that he tarnished along the way.
Earl Hebner’s book titled “Earl Hebner: The Official Story” can be purchased at this link.
Fans are buzzing after former WWE star Chris Masters recently dropped a video clip on social media. It seems that he is teasing a return to the company.
Masters debuted on WWE Raw in 2005 and was a standout superstar due to his impressive physique. He used a Full Nelson finisher known as the Masterlock which gave his opponents no choice but the tap out in many matches.
‘The Masterpiece’ had a couple of runs in WWE from 2005 to 2007 and then again from 2009 to 2011. Following his departure from the company, Masters went by his ring name Adonis, and has been competing on the independent circuit. He also became the NWA National Heavyweight Champion twice.
Chris Masters teasing the fans
Chris Masters took to Twitter and shared a video of himself inside a hallway which sparked speculation that he could be returning during the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event next year.
Chris Masters on the possibility of a return to WWE
Earlier this year, during an interview with Chris Van Vliet, the former WWE star spoke about his run at WWE and discussed the possibilities of a return to the company. He said:
“I’ve never even thought about going back to WWE, honestly, because, and it’s not out of anything bitter. It’s just, you know, I had a couple of runs there and it ended the way it did. And, you know, I just realized that my love is for professional wrestling even if it’s not with WWE. But you know, with everything that I’ve learned in the last couple of years and then also seen Shelton, Carlito, MVP all my buddies you know, I finally started you know, looking at it and it was more out of this what you just mentioned.”
“It was more not out of Chris Masters coming back, it was more out of because I remember getting in touch with that young wrestling fan. I remember what is it that we’re always looking for? We’re looking for that oh sh*t moment you know, I mean, like that Ultimate Warrior comeback at WrestleMania 8. It’s not to say anything I could do can measure to that but the Bobby Lashley scenario is fascinating because I haven’t been there for so long though.”
WWE is planning to make this year’s Royal Rumble more special. CM Punk recently announced that he will be in the namesake match. The event is certainly generating massive hype among the fans with big ticket sales already recorded more than a month before the show.
Kairi Sane made her return to WWE, and she joined Damage CTRL. That also meant that Sane reunited with her former tag team partner, Asuka, and now the two are the Kabuki Warriors once again. Of course, that name has some baggage attached, but Asuka isn’t afraid to take on her critics.
The Kabuki Warriors’ Return to WWE
Last month, Asuka turned heel on SmackDown, aligning herself with Damage CTRL, particularly due to her connection with Kairi Sane. Fans, naturally, expressed their desire to see The Kabuki Warriors return. They didn’t have to wait long for that to happen.
In the recent episode of Friday Night SmackDown, The Kabuki Warriors, consisting of Asuka and Kairi Sane, were in action for the first time in over three years, marking their reunion.
Asuka Shuts Down Critical WWE Fan
However, a fan on Twitter ridiculed the name of The Kabuki Warriors, suggesting that women don’t participate in traditional Kabuki plays. A private X account called, “SpineOnThePine” posted to say, “It’s funny because women don’t act in Kabuki plays.”
Asuka took to social to respond, shutting down the fan and emphasizing that the fan lacked Japanese knowledge.
It’s funny because Not that Kabuki.
We know more about Japanese culture than you do.
The Future of the Kabuki Warriors in WWE
The future booking of Asuka and Kairi Sane on Friday Night SmackDown remains uncertain, and fans are eagerly anticipating their continued presence on WWE television. The return of the duo has been well-received by the audience.
Asuka isn’t afraid of any opponent, she steps in the ring with. The same is true for haters online, or people who want to throw knowledge at her that she’s really not looking for.
Former WWE star Matt Riddle recently spoke about the possibility of facing YouTuber Jake Paul in a boxing bout.
YouTubers such as KSI, Logan Paul and his brother Jake Paul are trained boxers. There has been a buzz that ‘The Original Bro’ and Jake Paul could lock horns and it seems we can’t rule out that match.
Riddle has immense experience in combat sports including Muay Thai and kickboxing. Riddle recently revealed that he would love to face Paul in a boxing bout.
Matt Riddle comments on Jake Paul
Speaking with MuscleManMalcolm, Matt Riddle was asked if he would like to fight Jake Paul in a boxing match to which he replied that he would grab the opportunity. He made it clear that he would accept any fight for money. He said:
“I mean yeah, I’ll do anything for some money.”
He further added that he would prefer a mixed martial arts fight instead of a conventional boxing match. He said:
Before joining WWE, Riddle had a run with UFC when he debuted at UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter 7 in 2008. He remarkably combined Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing techniques in his fights. In 12 matches inside the octagon, Riddle won eight times.
Jake Paul is supposed to make his MMA debut in 2024 as a part of the PFL’s newly created Super Fight division. He is set to face former UFC star Nate Diaz. Last weekend, Paul also emerged victorious via TKO over Andre August in a boxing bout.
Meanwhile, Riddle parted ways with WWE back in September after embroiling in controversial matters. He has since teased the fans about a return to MMA.
Recently, reports emerged that ‘The Problem Child’ rejected an offer to face Riddle after being contacted by the latter’s camp. With Jake Paul making his MMA debut in 2024, the possibility of facing Matt Riddle remains in place.
If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription
CM Punk did a lot in AEW during his short time with the company. While many fans remember his backstage fights, others point toward the introduction of the “long bois” wrestling gear as one of the most notable moments of his AEW tenure. That look just might follow Punk to WWE.
CM Punk’s WWE Return
The Second City Saint has made appearances on Monday Night RAW, Friday Night SmackDown, and NXT Deadline since his recent return to the company last month. It’s evident that Punk is a significant draw for the company, and fans consistently express their joy at seeing him. His merchandise is selling fast, and fans can’t wait to see him mix it up in the ring again.
CM Punk also is scheduled to compete at Los Angeles’ KIA Forum against Dominik Mysterio on December 30th. Punk wanted that match with Dirty Dom, as he teased having a desire to punch Dominik in the face since he was 8-years-old.
CM Punk Reveals WWE Return Ring Gear
In a now-deleted Instagram story post, The Second City Saint hinted at wearing his long pants for his WWE in-ring return. He captioned that post with “LFG.” He also tagged MSG in the process. Then, he deleted the post. Obviously, Punk knew that some fans would see this, and the screenshot got out in a big way.
CM Punk is apparently looking forward to facing Dominik Mysterio in their upcoming matches. He also has the Royal Rumble coming up on January 27th, and it’s anyone’s guess what gear he will rock for that match.
You can check out CM Punk’s deleted Instagram story. For more of the top headlines in the pro wrestling world, keep checking back with SE Scoops.
The pro wrestling world has dealt with many tragedies over the years. Few have been as shocking and sudden as Brodie Lee’s passing. Now, as we get closer to another year without the former Exalted One from the Dark Order, tributes are pouring in. Of course, the loss of Bray Wyatt is still fresh on everyone’s minds as well, leaving half of the Wyatt Family gone.
Seth Rollins Pays Tribute To Brodie Lee and Bray Wyatt
Seth Rollins is the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and he is a locker room leader through and through. The Visionary demonstrated his camaraderie with the roster by paying homage to the late Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee at a recent WWE house show.
During a WWE event in Rochester, a place with special significance to Brodie Lee as his hometown, Seth Rollins engaged with the audience’s passionate side. He asked if there were any fireflies in the crowd, prompting fans to take out their phones and illuminate the arena with their lights as a tribute to Wyatt. Rollins also paid homage to Brodie Lee by incorporating his signature “Yeah yeah yeah!” catchphrase into the tribute.
“The mood is set. Anybody got any fireflies among the audience tonight? I see a couple. I see a few now. This time of year loved ones are always on our minds, man, you know what I’m saying? Yeah yeah yeah!”
Brodie Lee and Bray Wyatt’s Legacy
Brodie Lee, who passed away on December 26th, 2020, due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, continues to be fondly remembered by anyone he ever met. Similarly, the sudden and untimely demise of Bray Wyatt at the age of 36 on August 24th, 2023, had a profound impact on fans and the wrestling community. The loss of two out of the four Wyatt Family members left fans in disbelief.
We will have to see how the pro wrestling world continues their tributes for Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee. Rochester is certainly a special place for Brodie Lee, and Seth Rollins understood that all too well.
You can watch Seth Rollins’ tribute below, and keep coming back to SE Scoops for more of the pro wrestling world’s most important stories.
Drew McIntyre hasn’t competed for ICW in years but recently gave a message to the promotion. In a video to the Scottish-based promotion, McIntyre reflected on his favorite ICW moments, as the company will no longer be hosting its Fight Club events.
On last week’s SmackDown, Randy Orton made it clear he’s coming for the Bloodline but was in no hurry to get in the ring. During his entrance, WWE cut to a commercial and in off-air footage, fans can see Orton taking his time at ringside while Roman Reigns stands in the ring.
That ad break was so awkwardly placed on Smackdown.
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle may be a huge name in wrestling, but the Olympian recently went viral as part of a meme. The meme itself shows a frazzled-looking Kurt, which Angle reacted to on his podcast.
“I know that that video you know, it’s kind of a weird-looking face, but for some strange reason everybody caught on and wanted to throw out some memes and I was the butt of the joke, I guess.”
Kurt later joked that he could just get paid to make that facial expression all day. Merchandise of the meme is already available.
The Undertaker Adds Shows
As reported earlier this month, The Undertaker will be heading to Australia next February to host his 1deadMan show. WWE has now confirmed that the Deadman will be hitting three more towns. The Phenom will be appearing in Peth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. WWE will be in Australia in February for the WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth event.
Nyla Rose & Serpentico may not be champions in AEW, but the pair ‘accidentally’ captured gold at a recent independent event.
Taking to Twitter, Rose shared that she had been ‘forced’ to team with Serpentico at last weekend’s Pandemonium: Pro Wrestling’s Holiday in LA event. Not only was she forced to team with the masked wrestler, but Rose and Serpentico ‘accidentally’ won the promotion’s Tag Team Championships.
Septentico was hardly thrilled with teaming up with Rose. In a separate tweet, he questioned why Rose was more interested with tweeting on her phone during their match rather than helping him out.
Rose and Serpentico have had a long-running feud that dates back to a segment in which Rose threw some burgers while Serpentico was hungry. Serpentico has even accused Rose of being part of a ‘conspiracy theory’ to keep him off of TV, claiming the former AEW Women’s World Champion is in the ear of Tony Khan. The pair often take shots at each other on Twitter, as seen in the posts below.
Things I hate:
Serpentico Elden Ring Cole slaw wipes that just won’t end when you gotta fart in the middle of getting it Serpentico Being rushed Black licorice
— Viper Perabo ???? (@KingSerpentico) July 3, 2022
Nyla Rose joined AEW in 2019. She is a former AEW Women’s World Champion and the first openly transgender World Champion of a major wrestling promotion. Serpentico debuted for AEW in March 2020. He won his first match for AEW in July of that year and made his AEW Dynamite debut that December in the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royal.
After departing WWE in 2014, CM Punk’s name continued to echo in chants from fans, persisting over the years. The audience’s unbreakable support reached a point where WWE could not avoid hearing CM Punk chants break out during any given event, especially if fans were unhappy with what they were seeing.
CM Punk Explains Why He Returned To WWE
During an Instagram Live session for Elite Comics and Kulture City, CM Punk opened up about his WWE return, emphasizing that it’s not driven by personal motives. Instead, Punk highlighted that the return is a tribute to the fans who passionately chanted his name for an entire decade.
“This isn’t about me, this is about us. This about everybody that is behind me. That for ten years didn’t forget, chanted my name. I’m going to put the boots back on for all of ya’ll. We’re going to go on this journey together.”
CM Punk recently made appearances on Monday Night RAW, Friday Night SmackDown, and NXT Deadline after rejoining WWE last month. It’s evident that Punk’s presence is a significant draw for the company, and he expresses genuine enjoyment in being back.
Although CM Punk is a RAW Superstar now, after signing an exclusive contract with the red brand, he is still listed internally as a free agent. We will have to see if he decides that going to SmackDown is a good option for him, because anything is on the table regarding this run that many thought was impossible.
CM Punk is enjoying himself during this WWE run as well. All signs point to the idea that he is down to do business. While the jury is still out for many fans, there certainly seems to be a lot more reasons to be optimistic about the situation this time around.
Bandido has had a challenging year, as his career is put on hold in All Elite Wrestling. He is currently dealing with a wrist injury. However, he has shared that he recently underwent another surgery.
The AEW talent started dealing with visa issues this year, making him inactive for the company until the Spring. Bandido returned to the company on the April 26 episode of AEW Dynamite to take on Orange Cassidy for the AEW International Championship.
Bandido Makes Entrance For AEW
The return made fans hope he would be a featured talent on the roster. Unfortunately, he broke his wrist on June 16 in a match against Konosuke Takeshita at AEW Rampage. He shared the news of his injury on Facebook and that he would need surgery.
On December 16, Bandido shared on social media that the surgery was a success and thanked his supporters, notably AEW President Tony Khan. He didn’t share his timetable for a return to action, but he expressed gratitude for what Khan did for him.
“… A very special mention
@TonyKhan for all the attentions that he’ve had to me and my family THANK YOU VERY MUCH,” wrote Bandido.
2nd surgery was successfull In first place a wanna say thank you to God for always keep with me! To @AEW workers and fans!! who always support me!! and in a very special mention @TonyKhan for all the attentions that he’ve had to me and my family THANK YOU VERY MUCH pic.twitter.com/mC1knyAHJ9
It’s unclear when Bandido will start rehab, but he’s likely to want to ensure he can fully recover before wrestling again.
The expectancy to recover from a broken wrist is estimated to be between 6-8 weeks after surgery, according to Angela M. Bell, MD, who shared her medical advice for Medical News Today. Bandido could start the rehab process soon and look to regain strength in his hand for the next two months. After dealing with two surgeries on his wrist, he may take his time coming back and possibly return by April.
Regardless, Bandido is on the road to recovery and will likely want to be at 100 percent ready to make an impact in AEW next year.
Charlotte Flair suffered an injury during the December 8th episode of WWE SmackDown. That match with Asuka did not turn out the way she wanted it to at all, and it will be her last contest for over half a year.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that Charlotte Flair is out of action with three different injuries, all of them surrounding her knee. This is not a good situation, and 9 months seems like a generous estimation for her return.
“Let me touch on Charlotte Flair really quick. She has not had surgery yet, but she has a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, so that is her injuries.”
“I just wanted to get that out. Hopefully, she can get that out — I know they said on the SmackDown show, 9 months … it’s a while, and it’s never a good time to have an injury.”
What’s Next For Charlotte Flair After Her Knee Injury
Charlotte Flair was on her way to the Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania after that. Now, she will have to watch all of those events from the sidelines, and it’s anyone’s guess if she will make it back by SummerSlam.
WWE has lost a few key members of their roster due to injury. Charlotte Flair’s absence will be felt in the locker room. Thankfully, WWE also has a loaded women’s roster to help fill some of those holes while The Queen recovers.
Keep checking back with SE Scoops for more on Charlotte Flair’s injury and other updates.
All Elite Wrestling superstar MJF is having the best year of his career. He started the year as the AEW World Champion and may potentially hold the title heading into 2024. MJF has also received acclaim for his matches against Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole, and Kenny Omega.
While MJF has achieved accolades in wrestling, he will soon be honored by the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
The AEW World Champion shared on social media a poster announcing that he will be inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame on December 18. MJF is open about his religion and has also been referenced in AEW, notably the MJF Re-Bar Mitzvah segment.
In the post on Twitter, MJF said that getting inducted was “An incredible honor.” The induction ceremony will occur at Suffolk YJCC in Commack, New York. It’s unclear if the event will be recorded or streamed live. However, the poster shared that fans can attend the ceremony.
The event is interesting as MJF prepares for his upcoming title defense against Samoa Joe in a rematch at AEW Worlds Collide on December 30.
His last appearance for the company was on the December 6 episode of AEW Dynamite. The company did an angle where he was taken out backstage by “The Devil.” Since his attack, he hasn’t been seen on TV.
He is still slated to defend his title against Joe at the upcoming pay-per-view, but it’s unclear if he will appear ahead of the event. He’s currently not advertised for the December 20 episode of AEW Dynamite, but it’s possible that could change.
Although it’s unclear when he’ll appear for AEW, fans can see MJF get inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall Of Fame next week.
Mick Foley is known for his Hardcore Legend persona and iconic characters like Mankind and Dude Love in WWE. He left a lasting mark on professional wrestling with his dedication in the ring. All the while, Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy never stopped loving Christmas.
While Mick Foley gained fame through death matches as Cactus Jack in Japan, WCW, and ECW, his WWE roles are perhaps the most memorable. He took on a variety of faces for WWE, and continues as a positive light in the pro wrestling business to this day.
Mick Foley Is Coming To Town
Mick Foley is also good at surprising fans, as the WWE Hall of Famer made an unanticipated appearance at the ICW No Holds Barred event. He was dressed as Santa Claus, and attacked fellow wrestler John Wayne Murdoch, delivering a double-arm DDT and a barbed wire back. The match concluded with Tara Zep securing the victory.
Foley’s occasional appearances and unexpected in-ring moments continue to keep fans intrigued. He remains connected to the wrestling world, so you truly never know when he will show up next.
In 2019, Mick Foley made his latest appearance on WWE television, and he also featured on Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions show in 2021 on Peacock. In 2022, Foley ventured into the podcasting world with “Foley is Pod,” a weekly show with Conrad Thompson, reflecting on his extensive wrestling career. Although he hasn’t been actively competing in the ring, he remains vocal about his perspectives on various aspects of the wrestling industry.
We will keep a close eye on Mick Foley’s whereabouts to see if he surprises any more fans at indie shows. He can do as he pleases at this point in his career, as he continues spreading his own brand of holiday cheer wherever he goes.
AEW is missing several stars already, and they did not plan to have Kenny Omega out of action at all. The Cleaner’s sudden medical emergency will cost AEW another top star, during a time when they need that star power more than ever.
Kenny Omega received a diverticulitis diagnosis, affecting AEW’s plan for the World End 2023 pay-per-view scheduled on Saturday, December 30th, 2023, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York. At this time, we do not know how Tony Khan will book around Omega’s medical situation.
The Truth Behind Kenny Omega’s Recent Health Scare
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer spoke about Kenny Omega’s situation. Apparently, Omega thought that his diverticulitis was a hernia acting up again on him. Thankfully, he sought out medical assistance, because they discovered the root of his issues.
“I did not hear if he had surgery yet on it. But he was rushed to the hospital on Friday. He had been in a lot of pain, and he thought what happened was, as you probably all remember, that he had the hernia [in 2022] that was really, really bad, which caused him that long period off. And he had been hurting really, really bad. And he had presumed it was a hernia. He had had bloating, which he presumed was [another hernia], and he thought he may have messed up his diet somehow and was eating something wrong. He kept training on it, working on it. Did the match with Ethan Page [on last week’s Collision]. He was hurting really bad on Wednesday when he did the promo with Jericho [on Dynamite].”
“By that point, it was really bad. So he went to the hospital and found out he had diverticulitis. It was in a really bad situation. I mean, in the sense of, if he had not gone in another day or so, it could have been horrendous. He’s I guess he’s fine. I heard from him, and just kind of said that, like, he was in pain, had had trouble sleeping, but he just thought it was the hernia acting up again.”
“And once he found out it was and he said, [it] could have been really, really bad complications. I don’t know how long he’s going to be out, and I don’t think anyone does. It was a very, very serious situation by the time he got to the hospital,” Meltzer stated.
What’s Next For Kenny Omega in AEW?
The AEW World Tag Team Champions, Ricky Starks & Big Bill, were initially set to defend their titles against The Golden Jets at Worlds End. Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega’s team was just heating up, but now they are forced to take a break.
There is no return timetable for Kenny Omega right now. We’re sending out our best, so hopefully he can heal up fast and get back to the ring without any more complications.
SE Scoops will have continued coverage of Kenny Omega’s medical situation as more information is made available.
AJ ‘Top Dolla’ Francis’ unfortunate botch on SmackDown may have become a meme among wrestling fans, but it also saved the young wrestler’s life.
During the December 16, 2022, edition of WWE SmackDown, Top Dolla attempted a dive to the outside of the ring that didn’t go as planned. Dolla didn’t reach the necessary elevation and flopped outside of the ring, with his mistake being mocked online. The mistake was also made into an angle, as WWE Superstars would mock Dolla for the botch, bringing out a more aggressive side of the Superstar.
The Botch That Saved His Life
Reflecting on the one-year anniversary of what happened, Top Dolla said that in the past, he’d performed the dive and his legs had felt “off” but didn’t think about it. After the mistake on SmackDown, he decided to see a doctor and learned he had Type II Diabetes.
The botch saved my life. I made that dive a dozen times before, legs felt off but I didn’t think about it. After I failed I went to the doc & found out I had Type II diabetes & my blood sugar was 626.
I almost lost my life & was about to lose both feet. The botch saved my life. https://t.co/NV1zxspjr2
In the weeks that followed, Michael Cole would routinely mock Top Dolla for the botch and would poke fun at the Superstar . Last month, Top Dolla revealed that Cole’s comments were never malicious and that he was always on board with them. The plan, according to the ex-Superstar, was a PLE match, in which Cole would beat him after Dolla was distracted by a wrestler.
Top Dolla felt disappointment and shame after his initial release from WWE in late 2021, mere weeks after being called to the main roster. Click here to find out more.
Sean Durkin made the most difficult decision of his career when working on The Iron Claw, the director/writer/producer has revealed.
The Iron Claw delves into the lives and numerous tragedies of the Von Erich wrestling family. The wrestling lineage began with Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson,) and his sons would also find success in the squared circle. The Von Erichs are still a force in wrestling today with Marshall & Ross Von Erich competing to this day.
Sean Durkin’s Hardest Decision
While The Iron Claw features plenty of members of the legendary wrestling family, Chris Von Erich isn’t featured in the A24 biopic. The smallest of the brothers, Chris faced several health problems that limited his success in the ring. Following the suicide of his brother Mike in 1987, Chris took his own life on September 12, 1991.
Speaking to Uproxx, Durkin was asked about the decision not to include Chris and admitted it was a tough call for him to make.
“I’ve never had a more difficult decision to make as a writer. I care so deeply, so it was painful. But you have to make tough decisions and you have to do what’s best to get the film made. I wrote this script for seven years and Chris was in it for a long time.
“So there was a point where it became clear that if you separate yourself from the emotional connection to the family and to real life, you have to separate and say, okay, well, this is a movie, these are characters, and the movie just cannot withstand another death at that point in the movie.”
The Iron Claw will be released in cinemas across the United States next week. For a behind-the-scenes look at the new film, click here.
