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Kofi Kingston Shares How WWE Roster is Feeling Amid Sales Talks

Thomas Lowson
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A lot is going on in WWE right now, but according to Kofi Kingston, the roster isn’t trying to think about rumors of a potential sale.

A veteran of WWE’s main roster since 2008, Kingston has seen plenty go down during his WWE tenure, including the recent retirement and return of Vince McMahon.

Kofi is in his first reign as NXT Tag Team Champions with Xavier Woods, and the New Day is the third WWE tag-team triple crown winner (behind FTR and the Street Profits.)

Focus

The past two weeks of wrestling news have been dominated by Vince McMahon’s return and his attempts to sell the promotion.

Speaking with SHAK Wrestling, Kingston said that no matter what happens, the roster’s focus remains the same.

“I think we all kind of have the same mentality Whatever happens outside of the company is going to happen. We really have no idea what’s transpiring. But our role, again, remains the same. It’s to go out there and put on great matches.”

Kofi Kingston.

Kingston added that the most important thing for him is to put on great matches for fans to enjoy.

“That’s the one thing, regardless of whoever’s in charge, or whoever owns this, that’s what we’re going to do. That’s what we’re always going to do. That is the most important thing. I think the mentality for us is just to kind of have laser vision and keep putting on great matches. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Kofi Kingston.

WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER has also responded to reports of a possible sale of the promotion.

Names rumored to be interested in purchasing WWE include Comcast, FOX, Disney, Netflix, the Saudi Arabia PIF, Shahid & Tony Khan, and Endeavor, among others.

How Much Money is Vince McMahon Planning to Sell WWE For? (Report)

Dominik Mysterio Says He’s Got in Trouble in WWE for Missing Flights

Thomas Lowson
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Dominik Mysterio may be a hardened ex-convict (at least in his own mind) but the young Superstar has been getting into some actual trouble with WWE.

At WWE Clash at the Castle last September, Mysterio turned heel by attacking his father Rey Mysterio and Edge and has since joined the Judgment Day.

After being ‘arrested’ for showing up to his father’s home over the holidays, the younger Mysterio has adopted an ‘ex-con’ character despite being bailed out after a few hours.

Missing Flights

Mysterio’s arrest was of course just for show, but there has been a slight issue with the young Superstar’s organization and punctuality.

Appearing on the latest K100 podcast, Dominik was asked by Konnan if he has been scolded backstage by WWE management yet.

“I don’t think so but they have gotten on me because I’ve gotten a reputation of missing some flights.”

Dominik Mysterio.

Interestingly, many have compared Mysterio’s attire on this week’s Raw to Konnan during the latter’s WCW days.

What’s next?

During this week’s Raw, Mysterio competed on behalf of the Judgment Day in a tag-team gauntlet main event.

Replacing Finn Balor, who was deemed unable to compete mid-match, Mysterio and Damian Priest won the match and earned a shot at the Raw Tag Team Championships.

The fact that the match was specifically to determine who will challenge for the Raw Tag Team titles has led to speculation that the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles will be split soon.

On SmackDown, a tournament will begin next week to determine the number one contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team titles.

Dominik Mysterio Announces Engagement

h/t – BodySlam

Cody Rhodes Training at The WWE PC Ahead of in-Ring Return

Andrew Ravens
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Cody Rhodes is nearing his return to WWE.

Rhodes made a special return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 last April after making the hard decision not to re-sign with AEW, a company he helped launch in 2019, to make a return to WWE, where he was booked as the surprise opponent of Rollins. 

“The American Nightmare” has been out of action since last summer due to a torn pectoral injury that required him to undergo surgery and has forced him to sit on the sidelines for the last several months. 

Rhodes last wrestled Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell back in July, a bout he won in a highly praised performance. Because he suffered the injury before the match and couldn’t further damage the muscle, he decided to put forth a gutsy performance by going through with the bout. 

Back in The Ring

However, a positive update has been released. Fightful Select reports Rhodes has been at the WWE Performance Center preparing for his return. 

The report states that the former three-time AEW TNT Champion handpicked NXT stars Joe Gacy and Carmelo Hayes to help get him back into ring shape. 

The report also noted that Rhodes is still heavily factored into WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 39. Although not confirmed, many people believe Rhodes may return at the Royal Rumble. 

First Look at WWE 2K23 Video Game Coming During Royal Rumble Weekend

Andrew Ravens
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WWE 2K23 news could be on the horizon as fans look forward to seeing what the game developers have in store for them. 

WWE 2K22 was an important game in the WWE 2K franchise as it marked a new day for the series that was released in early 2022. News for that game came out at the start of the year. This year, WWE Games is continuing that approach.

Mike Straw of Insider Gaming reports that the game’s reveal is coming on the same day as the WWE Royal Rumble, which is January 28, 2023.

First Details

The report notes the event will have hands-on gameplay available. The gameplay will feature “select” bouts from this year’s showcase mode and a look at a new game mode.

More information will be released as soon as Wednesday, February 1, 2023. The game is reportedly slated for a release at the end of March, but a release date has yet to be confirmed.

WWE 2K22 featured the return of GM Mode after similar modes were absent for over a decade. After the disappointment of  WWE 2K20 due to several glitches, the franchise took a year off and skipped WWE 2K21.

Jinny Announces Her Retirement From Pro Wrestling

Andrew Ravens
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Former WWE NXT UK wrestler Jinny is stepping away from the ring as she has announced her retirement. 

In a post on social media today, Jinny said that after being away for a long time due to injury, she decided to hang up her boots. She hasn’t worked a match in over a year. It’s unclear what is next for her as a career. 

Statement

“After a long time away due to an injury, I have made the decision to hang up my fashionable boots,” Jinny wrote. Thank you for all the memories. I’ll remember that chapter for the rest of my life. Every journey has an end, but in life, every ending is just a new beginning. I’m excited about what’s next.”

Before signing with WWE in 2018, Jinny was one of the most prominent women’s wrestlers on the United Kingdom indie scene. She held the PROGRESS Wrestling Women’s Championship twice and Revolution Pro Wrestling’s Undisputed British Women’s Championship once. 

While competing on the independent scene and in NXT UK, her character was nicknamed “The Fashionista.”

She last wrestled for NXT UK in November 2021. Jinny is married to WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther. 

Kurt Angle Shares his Pick for the Greatest Heel in Pro-Wrestling

Thomas Lowson
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Kurt Angle is no stranger to dastardly actions in wrestling, but he believes that wrestling’s greatest heel, isn’t even a wrestler.

In late 2002, Angle captured his third WWE Championship, dethroning the Big Show at that December’s Armageddon Pay-Per-View.

Big Show had only won the title a month earlier, defeating Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series in the Beast’s first loss in WWE.

Greatest Heel

Lesnar’s loss inside Madison Square Garden came about after Paul Heyman turned on Brock, ending their alliance that had existed since Lesnar’s debut earlier that year.

After his title win at Armageddon, Kurt revealed Lesnar as the head of his management team (Team Angle) turning heel in the process.

Speaking on The Kurt Angle Show, the Olympian spoke about working with Heyman.

“It was a great idea. It’s not that I needed Paul to speak for me, not at all, but he draws a lot of heat. At this particular time I was kind of a babyface so that I was having Paul on my side would draw a little bit more heat for me.

“He is the best heel in the business, he really is.”

Kurt Angle on Paul Heyman.

“He was, he is, the best heel in the business, he really is. And it is because he draws a lot of heat. He’s the best promo guy I’ve ever been around. When you’re around him you learn a lot, so I was really happy to have Paul as my manager.”

Working with Brock

While Angle’s victory over Big Show came thanks to a big assist from Lesnar, Kurt and Heyman declared that they would refuse to face the Beast.

On his podcast, Angle spoke about the WrestleMania 19 match he’d have with Lesnar, and despite his declaration, knew the plan all along.

“I knew after I won that title [at Armageddon 2002] that Brock and I were gonna wrestle four or five months later at WrestleMania.”

Kurt Angle.

Angle added that their match was extra special for both men given their similar backgrounds.

“We’d got in a ring a little bit here and there you know, with tag matches and stuff but this is our first singles match. Both of us were looking forward to it.

“I saw how talented Brock was and how quickly he picked it up and he knew I was really talented so we were really looking forward to it. Especially with our amateur wrestling backgrounds we really wanted to showcase that at WrestleMania.”

Lesnar would dethrone Angle at WrestleMania 19, in the only example of a WrestleMania main event where all competitors used their birth names.

Kurt Angle Reveals How Much Money He’d Wrestle In Saudi Arabia For Now

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Heat on Mercedes Moné for Promoting Non-NJPW Stars & Companies

Thomas Lowson
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New Japan’s Mercedes Moné may be the promotion’s next Women’s Champion, but she’s also ruffling some feathers backstage.

Moné debuted for New Japan last week at Wrestle Kingdom 17 by attacking IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI after a successful title defense.

The two will face off at New Japan’s Battle in the Valley event on February 18 for the title.

Heat

Moné is one of the biggest names signed to a NJPW contract but her actions have garnered heat for the former WWE Superstar.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that some in the company believe she has been promoting Sendai Girls and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling more than STARDOM, New Japan, and the IWGP women’s title.

On social media, Moné has shared photos of herself at the Sendai Girls dojo and said that she would love to wrestle women for that promotion and TJPW.

The feeling within NJPW is that as a contracted worker for Bushiroad (the parent company of NJPW and STARDOM,) Moné should be only promoting Bushiroad companies in Japan.

It is also reported that Moné did not attend any STARDOM events during her tenure in Japan.

Mercedes Moné in New Japan

Moné’s deal with NJPW will reportedly see her work a handful of matches a year, allowing the ex-Superstar free time to pursue other projects.

It has been reported that Moné is the highest-paid individual to ever be under contract with a Bushiroad promotion.

Moné will seemingly be allowed to seek other non-wrestling work, including being announced for ‘The Collective’ film.

Konnan: Mercedes Moné Will be Big in AEW “For a Couple of Weeks”

Vince McMahon Could Lose WWE Job if Two Potential Buyers Make Purchase

Thomas Lowson
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Vince McMahon is back in WWE and is back in charge once more, but for how long?

McMahon’s shocking return to WWE came last week when he was appointed to the Board of Directors and he has since been appointed Executive Chairman of the company.

It has been reported that McMahon did not work well with WWE’s previous Chairwoman (and his daughter) Stephanie McMahon, with WWE CEO Nick Khan serving as a buffer between them.

Out of a Job

The 77-year-old billionaire is back to oversee a sale of WWE, with numerous big names being listed as potential buyers.

While McMahon fought to get his roles back with WWE, he could be out of a job again if two of the listed buyers end up in control.

Sources within Disney and Comcast told Fightful that they are well aware of the rumors of both companies being interested in a purchase.

Those sources added that it would be hard to believe any major company would want to retain Vince’s services in any capacity in the event of a sale.

Disney and Comcast

To many, Comcast makes the most logical sense as a potential buyer of WWE, given the close connection already existing between the two.

Comcast is the parent company on NBC-Universal, which owns the USA Network, the current home of Monday Night Raw and WWE NXT.

NBC-Universal also owns Peacock, the home of the WWE Network in the United States.

As for Disney, the House of Mouse is no stranger to collecting IPs, including internationally known brands like Marvel and Star Wars.

A sale to Disney would not just mean WWE content on Disney+, but also the use of WWE’s property at theme parks around the world.

WWE Talent Meeting Before SmackDown Amid Executive Shakeup

WWE Continues to Tease Splitting Undisputed Tag Team Titles

Thomas Lowson
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The era of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships is coming to an end according to last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown on FOX.

The Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Titles were unified when The Usos (SmackDown) defeated RK-Bro (Raw) on the May 20, 2022 episode of SmackDown.

No other Superstars have held the titles, and the Usos have retained them against the likes of Hit Row, the Brawling Brutes, and Kevin Owens & Matt Riddle.

SmackDown

During this week’s SmackDown, a number-one contenders tournament was set up to determine the next challengers to The Usos.

It was announced that the Banger Bros. (Sheamus and Drew McIntyre) will face the Viking Raiders in the first round of the tournament next week.

This tournament will determine the next challengers for the SmackDown Tag Team titles, not the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships.

Raw

This week’s SmackDown seemingly confirmed plans to split the titles, but talk of a split first began with this week’s Raw.

In the main event, the Judgment Day went the distance in a gauntlet match to become the number one contenders for the Raw Tag Team Titles.

The show ended with Jimmy and Jey having a face-off with Finn Balor’s faction, and raised only their Raw Tag Team gold.

On commentary, Kevin Patrick repeatedly stated that the match would determine the next challengers for the Raw Tag Team titles.

It remains unclear as to when this title match will take place.

The Usos Succeeded in WWE “In Spite” of Vince McMahon

Mickie James Wins Knockouts Title at Impact Wrestling’s Hard to Kill PPV

Thomas Lowson
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Mickie James’ career lives on, and the wrestling veteran has now added another reign as Knockouts World Champion to her impressive resume.

In the main event of the show, James dethroned Jordynne Grace to start off her fifth reign as Knockouts Champion.

The finish saw Grace lock in a sleeper on the veteran, who slammed Grace into the ring post to break the hold, and leveled her with a tornado DDT to become the new champion.

Speaking backstage after the match, James spoke about the odds being stacked against her going into Hard to Kill.

Last Rodeo

In September of last year, James kicked off her Last Rodeo, vowing to retire from wrestling the next time she lost a match in pursuit of the Impact Knockouts World Championship.

The list of opponents James has defeated in that time includes Mia Yim, Taylor Wilde, and Gisele Shaw, among others.

What’s Next?

image 11
Masha Slamovich became the number one contender for the Impact Knockouts World Championship at Hard to Kill.

Mickie James’ career continues on, but the new Impact Knockouts World Champion will soon face a mammoth challenge.

Hard to Kill also saw Masha Slamovich become the new number-one contender for the Knockouts title, winning a fatal four-way.

Slamovich demolished Deonna Purrazzo, Taylor Wilde, and Killer Kelly to earn a spot at James.

Impact Wrestling has yet to confirm when their title match will take place.

Slamovich debuted for Impact Wrestling in June 2019, but it was only after impressing Impact Wrestling official (and Hall of Famer) Gail Kim) that she was offered a contract in 2021.

Results

Here are the results for Impact Wrestling Hard to Kill 2023.

  • [PRE-SHOW] Kushida defeated Angels, Delirious, ”Speedball” Mike Bailey, Mike Jackson and Yuya Uemura by submission
  • [PRE-SHOW] Impact X-Division Champion Trey Miguel (c) defeated Black Taurus by pinfall (title match)
  • Impact World Champion Josh Alexander (c) defeated Bully Ray by submission (Full Metal Mayhem. Title Match.)
  • The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) (c) defeated Heath and Rhino, The Major Players (Brian Myers and Matt Cardona) and Bullet Club (Ace Austin and Chris Bey) by pinfall (Fatal Four-Way. Title Match)
  • Impact Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry (c) defeated Moose by pinfall (Title Match)
  • Masha Slamovich defeated Deonna Purrazzo, Killer Kelly, and Taylor Wilde by pinfall (Number One Contenders Match)
  • Steve Maclin defeated Rich Swann by pinfall (Falls Count Anywhere Match)
  • Eddie Edwards defeated Jonathan Gresham by pinfall
  • Mickie James defeated Jordynne Grace (c) by pinfall (Title Change)
Mickie James on Possibly Calling It a Career at Impact’s ‘Hard to Kill’

Impact Roster Pays Tribute to Don West at Hard to Kill PPV

Thomas Lowson
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Those working at Impact Wrestling gave a touching tribute to the late Don West at last night’s Impact Hard to Kill Pay-Per-View.

West joined Impact (then NWA:TNA Wrestling) in 2002 and was the voice of the promotion for years.

On December 30, 2022, West died from lymphoma of the brain at the age of 59.

During last night’s show, Impact’s first Pay-Per-View since Don’s passing, the roster gathered on the entrance ramp and a ten-bell salute was given in West’s memory.

Don West

Before coming to wrestling, West made his name on the Shop at Home Network, joining the channel as a knife salesman in 1991.

In 1993, West would be promoted to Sports Collectibles, a position he had applied for years earlier, but had been rejected due to his “scrabbly voice.”

West won over viewers with his passionate, often frantic sales pitches, which were parodied by the likes of Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan on Saturday Night Live.

After turning down an offer to join WCW in early 2001 (wisely seeing that the promotion’s days were numbered) West joined Impact a year later, after Vince Russo introduced him to Jeff Jarrett.

West debuted for Impact on the June 19, inaugural Pay-Per-View, and would later host the YouTube series ‘TNA Today.’

Using his Shop at Home Network skills, West would promote new TNA merch as part of his ‘Don West Brown Bag Specials’ and would be made Head of Merchandise development in 2009.

In May 2012, West parted ways with TNA, having accepted a role as director of sales and marketing for the Wenatchee Wild ice hockey team.

In 2017, West returned to Impact as part of the merchandise team and would commentate one last time at Slammiversary XV that July.

Former TNA Commentator Don West Has Passed Away

Jade Cargill Makes History as AEW’s Longest Reigning Champion

Andrew Ravens
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Jade Cargill has reached a historic milestone in AEW as her dominant run as TBS Champion continues. 

She has been the AEW TBS Champion for 373 days, making history by becoming the longest-reigning champion in company history. Cargill broke former AEW Women’s World Champion Hikaru Shida’s previous record of 372 days. 

Throughout her time at AEW, she has accomplished several impressive feats. She had her first wrestling match in March 2021. Another impressive aspect of this accomplishment is that she has held a title longer than she has not in her short career thus far.

Another Impressive Stat

Cargill remains the only TBS Champion in history, as she won a tournament to be crowned the inaugural champion in January 2022 by defeating Ruby Soho in the finals. 

She also broke  Shida’s record when she was the AEW Women’s Champion, as Cargill has defended the TBS Championship 17 times. That’s also a record in AEW with the most title defenses by any champion in the company’s history. 

Over that time, she has defended against various talents such as The Bunny, and Willow Nightingale. Her most recent title defense came against Skye Blue at Battle of the Belts V. Shida only defended her title eight times successfully during her 372-day reign as champion.

Former WWE Star Named New Impact Director of Authority at Hard To Kill

Andrew Ravens
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Santino Marella, a former WWE United States, Intercontinental, and Tag Team Champion, is the new Director of Authority in Impact Wrestling.

The former WWE star was announced as the temporary replacement for the injured Scott D’Amore at the Hard To Kill 2023 pay-per-view on Friday night. 

His first piece of business was to restart the Digital Media Championship match between Joe Hendry and Moose after the title was awarded to Moose when he used a low blow and spear to Hendry.

The Announcement

In the early days of TNA Wrestling, Dusty Rhodes was once the director of authority. Now, Santino proudly carries the mantle.

Impact Wrestling, via its parent company of Anthem Sports, recently filed to trademark the name. Anthony Carelli had previously appeared in Impact Wrestling out of character, but now, he is playing the same persona he portrayed for over a decade in WWE. 

He was hired by WWE in 2005 and given an opportunity at Ohio Valley Wrestling, one of the company’s development brands. During a Raw episode from Milan, Italy, he made his debut. He won the Intercontinental Championship in his first match after being chosen as a fan from the audience and defeating Umaga. In the years that followed, he also took part in either a storyline as Santina Marella, Santino’s twin sister. He left WWE in 2015 after announcing his retirement in 2014. He founded Battle Arts Academy.  

Santino Marella Trademark Obtained by Impact Wrestling’s Parent Company

Impact Wrestling will hold a set of TV tapings on Saturday night that will feature the fallout from this show. 

WWE Talent Meeting Before SmackDown Amid Executive Shakeup

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H held a talent meeting backstage at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, ahead of the live SmackDown episode on Friday night. 

Fightful Select reports that Triple H thanked the wrestlers for all they do and said he understood there was some concern. He told them that the role of new WWE Chairman Vince McMahon since returning to the company last week is to spearhead the search to see if they will sell the company and to whom they may sell.

As previously noted, WWE is looking to sell the company by the middle of this year, and several companies are interested in potentially buying WWE. 

Not a Done Deal

Triple H also made an attempt to squash the story of the WWE sale being a “done deal” and said even if it happened, it would take a lot longer. This comes after the rumors about the Saudi Arabia Investment Fund buying the company, only for those rumors to be squashed. 

Triple H reiterated that this would not affect the current WWE creative team or process. This calmed many of the talent’s concerns over the last week. 

He kept it open by noting anything could change, but Vince defers the final creative say-so to Triple H. He noted that while he and his father-in-law may have discussions, Triple H makes the final call.

Mercedes Mone to Star in ‘The Collective’ Film

Andrew Ravens
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0

Mercedes Mone (real name Mercedes Varnado) has booked a new acting role.

Deadline reported today that Mone (real name Mercedes Varnado) has a role in the upcoming action-thriller film “The Collective.” The movie has already wrapped filming.

It is a movie from Yale Entertainment. Lucas Till, Ruby Rose, Tyrese Gibson, Don Johnson, and Paul Ben-Victor are also part of the cast. Deadline wrote about the film:

The Film

“In the recently-wrapped film from director Tom DeNucci, a group of righteous assassins called The Collective take aim at a highly sophisticated human trafficking ring backed by a network of untouchable billionaires. With their backs against the wall, The Collective has no choice but to put their most important mission in the hands of rookie assassin, Sam Alexander (Till). What he lacks in experience he makes up for in savvy, grit, and a keen ability to improvise in the most dangerous situations. He is aided on his journey by Hugo (Gibson) and Liam (Johnson), former CIA operatives turned rogue vigilantes. They face off against Daisy (Rose), the cunning general manager of this evil, clandestine organization. Sam must prove to himself, Liam and Hugo that he’s Collective material on this life-or-death, take-no-prisoners mission.”

Ben-Victor will play Miro Lindell, a character who serves as auctioneer to a seedy underground cabal of billionaires bidding on human lives. Mone will play Nikita, who watches his back at all times and is the blade wielding company pit-bull and chief of security.

Mone was previously used in two episodes of “The Mandalorian,” playing the character Koska Reeves in the Star Wars series.

Several months after walking out of WWE and negotiating her WWE release, Mone returned to pro wrestling when she appeared at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 earlier this month. 

Mone will challenge KAIRI for the IWGP Women’s Championship at NJPW Battle in the Valley on Saturday, February 18, from the San Jose Civic in San Jose, California, and will be available as a live Fite TV pay-per-view.

How Much Money is Vince McMahon Planning to Sell WWE For? (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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0

How much money would cause Vince McMahon to part ways with the creation he has overseen for close to half a century?

Last week, McMahon shocked the world with his return to WWE, months after his retirement in July of last year.

McMahon returned to oversee a sale of the promotion but has since been appointed Executive Chairman, replacing Stephanie McMahon.

Money Talks

For the right price, you could be the next owner of WWE, but it won’t come cheap.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that Wall Street analysts expect WWE to sell for anywhere between $7.4 to $8.2 billion.

WWE is optimistic and is hoping for a sale figure of around $8.5 billion.

The Observer added that the acquisitions market has cooled off in recent days.

Meltzer also pointed out that a purchase from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund would bring a lot of bad publicity to the promotion, but that would likely be temporary.

It is pointed out that the Saudis have purchased Newcastle United, and things have been business as usual since that purchase.

Going Private

It has been reported that if the Saudi PIF does purchase WWE, they intend to turn the company private once again.

In the Observer, Meltzer adds that Tony and Shahid Khan are also interested in taking the promotion private.

It was reported this week that the AEW President and his father are interested in a merger with WWE, but would pool their finances and resources with other groups.

Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Had Issues Working Together (Report)

Stephanie McMahon Undergoes Ankle Surgery Days After WWE Resignation

Thomas Lowson
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0

Former WWE Chairwoman and CEO Stephanie McMahon will undoubtedly be putting her feet up after undergoing surgery.

On Twitter, McMahon informed her followers about her procedure, which has come after a “busy week.”

McMahon thanked her surgeon Dr. Waldrop and her rehab specialist Kevin Wilk and mentioned her “amazing caregiver” and husband Triple H.

Resignation

McMahon’s procedure comes not long after her resignation from WWE as co-CEO and Chair of the Board.

McMahon was appointed Interim CEO in June 2022, after her father stepped down due to the investigation.

A month later, McMahon was appointed Chair of the Board and shared responsibilities as CEO with Nick Khan.

Resigning this month, Vince McMahon has replaced his daughter as Executive Chairman while Khan serves as sole CEO.

Before being appointed Interim CEO last June, Stephanie announced that she would be taking an extended break from WWE to spend more time with her family.

Andrews Medical Center

Judging by her tweet, McMahon went under the knife at the Andrews Sports Medicine Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

Named for Dr. James Andrews, the center has been the go-to place for injured WWE talent for decades.

Names who have had surgery at the center include Dave Batista, CM Punk, and Bobby Lashley.

After testing his quads in 2001 and 2007, Triple H would report to the Andrews Center for surgery.

More recently, Cody Rhodes made the trip to Birmingham after tearing his pectoral prior to Hell in a Cell last June.

Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Had Issues Working Together (Report)

We here at SEScoops are wishing Stephanie a full and speedy recovery.

Top Star No Longer Advertised for WWE Raw 30th Anniversary Show

Andrew Ravens
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WWE is gearing up to celebrate 30 years of Monday Night Raw on January 23rd. 

One big name won’t be making the show as the company plans to bring in several top stars and legends for the special occasion. 

WWE Hall of Famers Sean ‘X-Pac’ and the Big Red Monster Kane are scheduled to appear on the show that night. Tatanka and Ric Flair have also publicly stated that he received an invitation.

Ronda Rousey Pulled

Pwinsider.com reports that Ronda Rousey is no longer being advertised for the show. This serves as a bit of a surprise, but backs up the disclaimer that the card is subject to change. It’s unclear what WWE had in mind for her at the show nor why she was pulled. 

The current advertised Main Event for the special is Austin Theory vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE United States Championship. 

In recent months, Rousey has been paired with Shayna Baszler. She lost the SmackDown Women’s Title to Charlotte Flair last month on Friday Night SmackDown. 

We will have to see what WWE does to celebrate 30 years of Raw, but it is presumed that Triple H will still be in charge of things when the day comes around and load up the event. 

Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon Had Issues Working Together (Report)

Andrew Ravens
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0

Stephanie McMahon quickly resigned from WWE this week, days after her father, Vince, returned to the company. A new report noted that the two did not work well together.

For years, the company had the dynamic of Vince as the Chairman and CEO, Stephanie working as an executive, and Paul “Triple H” Levesque overseeing developmental. 

Last summer that changed when Vince resigned from his duties amid the hush money scandal, Triple H took over main roster creative, and Stephanie was named co-CEO with Nick Khan.

Vince brought himself back last week by electing himself to the WWE Board Of Directors as he looks to sell the company. A sale of the company is something Stephanie and Triple H reportedly opposed. 

Stephanie resigned from the company this past Tuesday, while Vince was officially named Chairman of the Board, and Khan was named the sole CEO. 

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that those close to the situation “in WWE tried to present her [McMahon] decision to leave as being related to the decision last year.” 

Buffer

Before taking over as co-CEO and Chairwoman, Stephanie announced a leave of absence with the idea of focusing on her family life. She returned once the hush money scandal broke. 

“But that doesn’t explain why this was a resignation, and she left the board and cut all ties with the company she has worked for since she was a teenager. It was also conceded that she and Vince did have issues in working together as family members and how Khan was a buffer who kept things smooth between them and between Vince and Levesque,” Meltzer wrote. 

WWE is looking at selling the company by the middle of this year. 

Jim Ross Recalls Having Scott Steiner Feud With Triple H So Soon

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross has looked back on having Scott Steiner feud with Triple H so soon after signing with the company.

Ross took to his podcast, “Grilling JR,” to discuss Steiner’s signing to WWE in 2002 after WCW’s demise. Steiner was thrown right into a feud with Triple H, who was the World Heavyweight Champion at the time.

The former longtime voice of WWE explained that the thinking behind having Steiner feud with a World Champion so soon was to showcase him as a star. Of course, ultimately the situation didn’t work out as they’d hoped.

“Well, if you want the perception to be he’s a star and he could be the next world champion and he comes in very lauded, very high expectations not a bad place to start. I also think it made him comfortable a little bit more comfortable because it that WWE was very serious when we were talking about with him that you know we’re going to use you.

“You’re going to be in a top spot and let’s let the cards fall where they may. I don’t think it was a bad thing. I mean there’s, hey there’s a lot of right ways to do a wrestling angle. A lot of right ways to get some skin the cat so to speak. I don’t, in hindsight, I had no major issues with that pairing.”

Scott Steiner

Steiner made a name for himself during his run with WCW from 1996 to 2001. He saw a great deal of success with WCW, establishing himself as one of their top stars after seven WCW Tag Team Title wins alongside brother Rick Steiner, a World Title run, and two United States Title wins.

Although his singles run in WWE didn’t pan out, Steiner was still recognized for his historic career in 2022 when he was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. His nephew, Bron Breakker, currently competes in WWE as the NXT Champion.

Quotes via 411Mania

Nikki Bella And Artem Chigvintsev Reportedly Not Legally Married

J. Cunningham
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Former WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella and partner Artem Chigvintsev recently got married on the aptly titled Nikki Bella Says I Do.

The four-part series focuses on the couple’s wedding from August 2022. This is the latest in a long line of reality TV ventures starring the Bella twin. Along with her sister Brie, Bella was a leading star in Total Divas before moving onto a spin-off show about just the two of them. Her relationship with John Cena during the 2010s was often a key focus of both shows.

Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella first met when she went on the 25th season of Dancing With The Stars. Chigvintsev, a dancer on the show, was partnered with the Total Bellas star. In the years since, they have also had a son together.

The new series touches on Bella’s own issues with commitment as she moves forward with getting legally hitched. Now, though, it appears the reality TV series may not be quite as real as viewers might have initially hoped.

I Do?

Fans of the series recently discovered that, according to public records, Artem Chigvintsev is not legally married. Given the nature of the show, this has certainly come as quite a shock to viewers.

Considering the entire show revolves around the pair marrying, it calls into question the realism of the reality TV series. With Total Bellas coming to an end in 2021, this new series was expected to mark Nikki Bella’s return to the reality TV medium.

Despite the new 4-part series coming to E! on Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsevs wedding, they’re not legally married. Fans found recent public records post-“wedding” listing him as legally unmarried and are upset they feel lied to. WWE Star framed this show as her finally overcoming commitment issues and getting legally married, but really, its just a cash grab in front of 10 guests claiming to say I Do.

– Deuxmoi

In more recent years, the former WWE Superstar has been focusing more on game shows. Last year, she was a judge on America’s Got Talent: Extreme and the host of Barmageddon. Bella’s WWE career saw many highlights including the longest WWE Divas Championship reign in history and headlining WWE’s first all-women’s PPV, Evolution.

Nikki Bella
(via WWE)

It remains to be seen what sort of blowback this recent reveal about her news series will receive.

Do you think Nikki Bella’s marriage was just for TV?

Chris Adonis Reminded Vince McMahon Of Paul Orndorff

Jon Fuentes
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Chris Adonis, formerly known as Chris Masters, apparently reminded Vince McMahon of Paul Orndorff.

Adonis was recently interviewed on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet to discuss several professional wrestling topics. During the interview, Adonis touched on his time with WWE. He revealed that he actually reminded Vince McMahon of WWE Hall Of Famer “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff.

“I know for certain that I reminded Vince of Paul Orndorff,” Chris Adonis said. “To the extent where they even had Paul Orndorff work with me when we did WrestleMania 21. Coincidentally out here in LA, which is going to be here again now, 20 years later.

“It was really interesting though. So like, they have the ring set up for Wrestlemania if you need to go over anything or whatever. But they specifically designated some time for me to work with Paul, which looking back, was unbelievable to be able to work with Paul Orndorff.”

As for what Orndorff taught him during their time together, Adonis explained that the legend really helped him understand how to properly channel his anger and rage in a healthy way.

“I just remember him trying to teach me about like real intensity and how to translate that in the ring and me just being so young and green though that it was just so next level for me like I wasn’t, you know, I was hearing it but being able to receive that as a 20-year-old and under all these different circumstances and pressure.

“What he was trying to show me, I think, is what you build up when you go through life. Because you build up this edge because good stuff happens but also bad things happen, right? And then those bad things, you build those calluses, and you build that rage, that anger.

“And not necessarily negative anger but anger that can be channeled in positive ways like through pro wrestling, so I just think I was too young to really receive what he was giving me, but it was still useful information to take in.”

Previously, Adonis signed with WWE in 2003 where he competed under the ring name Chris Masters. That initial run lasted until 2007 when he was released. After competing on the independent circuit for a few years, Adonis again returned to WWE in 2009, but was again released in 2011.

That marked his final run with WWE to date, as he has since worked for promotions such as IMPACT Wrestling and the NWA.

Quotes via WrestleZone

Divisive Former Superstar Teasing WWE Return This Year

Michael Reichlin
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Former WWE Superstar Eva Marie (Natalie Eva Marie Nelson) is teasing that we could see her back with the company in the near future.

Eva Marie’s first joined WWE a decade ago after winning the 2013 Diva Search competition. Her first run spanned from 2014-2019. She re-signed in October 2020, but did not return to television until June 2021. She was released in November of that year.

Late Thursday evening, Eva Marie tweeted that she’s headed into 2023 with purpose and tagged multiple WWE-related accounts and hashtags.

Where Does Eva Marie Fit In?

Eva Marie has been a controversial figure throughout her time in pro wrestling. She was tailor made for the Divas era of the early 2000’s, which prioritized looks and sex appeal over technical wrestling abilities. However, a lot has changed since then.

Ever since the Women’s Revolution in 2015, WWE has featured well-rounded performers and pulled back on pushing bikini model types. Despite her questionable ring work, there’s always a place in wrestling for charismatic personalities. Marie has not shied away from owning who she is and has generated a great deal of heel heat owning the fact that she’s more Diva than wrestler.

WWE has brought back over a dozen former Superstars over the past year who were let go during the various rounds of budget cuts. Based on her latest social media post, it looks like Eva Marie is looking to follow this trend.

WWE Names More Advisors to Aid with Potential Sale

Thomas Lowson
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WWE and the promotion’s new Executive Chairman Vince McMahon are bringing in some heavy hitters to aid in the potential sale of the promotion.

McMahon returned to WWE’s Board of Directors last week to aid with a potential sale, alongside former co-Presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios.

The return of the controversial 77-year-old founder resulted in multiple resignations from the board from individuals who disagreed with the decision for McMahon to return.

Advisors

Earlier this week, WWE issued a statement confirming that legal and financial titan J.P. Morgan has been hired to advise on a sale.

Now, a new statement from WWE has announced that more names are working with them, including The Raine Group, LLC as the promotion’s financial advisor.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP will serve as legal advisor and August LLC as strategic communications advisor to support WWE’s management team.

In a quote from Vince McMahon, the Executive Chairman spoke about the future of the promotion.

“WWE’s upcoming media rights cycle will take place amid a rapidly evolving media and entertainment landscape, and we believe exploring our strategic alternatives at this critical juncture will enable WWE to fully capitalize on the significant value of our intellectual property.

“I am highly confident that our outstanding Directors, outside advisors, and executive team will provide valuable expertise and counsel to help guide the Company through this important process while our management team and employee base continue to deliver results and content our fans love.”

Despite reports earlier this week that WWE had been purchased by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, it has since been clarified that no deal has been reached at this time.

AEW President Tony Khan & Father Shahid Interested in Merger with WWE

AEW President Tony Khan & Father Shahid Interested in Merger with WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Could WWE the company be the next big name to be announced as ‘All-Elite?’

Last week, Vince McMahon returned to WWE to oversee a sale of the promotion and has since been appointed as Executive Chairman.

Names listed as potential buyers of the multi-billion-dollar promotion include Comcast, FOX, Disney, Amazon, Netflix, and the Saudi Arabia PIF.

AEW-WWE

This week, it was reported that AEW President Tony Khan, alongside his father Shahid, were named as “is in the pool of potential buyers for WWE.”

In an update from CNBC, they are reporting that several sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that the Khans are interested in a merger.

The report adds that the Khans would not seek to buy WWE themselves, but would team with a financial group and pool their resources.

The idea is described by CNBC as a “long shot” given the hostility between WWE and AEW that has existed since the latter was founded in 2019.

Shahid Khan is said to have a net worth of $7.56 billion, and in addition to AEW, the Khans own the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, and the soccer club Fulham FC.

If this merger went ahead, it is unclear if the Khans would cease WWE production, keep the brand going, or create a new hybrid brand of WWE and AEW.

Competition

The Khans are interested in merging with WWE, but they’re not the only ones open to a deal.

This week, it was reported that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund had purchased WWE, but those reports were later clarified to be premature.

As Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE CEO Nick Khan recently spoke to Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Nick Khan has Met with “Heavy Hitters” Named as Potential WWE Buyers (Report)
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