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Cesar Duran Teases Big Plans for Major League Wrestling

Scott Fishman
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When Cesar Duran arrived in Major League Wrestling (MLW) in the summer of 2021, it didn’t take long for his presence to be felt. Fans knew he would take the unique opportunity to use his prior business experience in Boyle Heights and the Lucha Underground Temple for a new company.

 The former Dario Cueto signed on in the role of MLW matchmaker, as well as owner and proprietor of Azteca Underground. A brand of Azteca Lucha that he plans to grow stronger. Duran teased in a recent interview that the ruthless mogul looks to bring in more familiar faces. 

“They are going to make this show something that will take the audience from other promotions very fast. You wait and see,” he said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to. We are having a big component of lucha libre to MLW. The audience will love it. I’m trying to put more lucha libre style into the mix. 

It’s hard to believe next year will mark 10 years since Lucha Underground arrived on the scene. Duran came in from an acting background and, admittedly, zero pro wrestling experience and minimal product knowledge. 

“Immediately, it caught my attention,” he said, “It’s like a bunch of people putting their lives at risk for our enjoyment. Beat that. I started to get a lot of respect for the wrestlers because people don’t know what they have to go through. Then unfortunately we had an incident where Hijo del Perro Aguayo died at the tapings. For me, that was life-transforming. From then on, it became like a religion.” 

Getting that behind-the-scenes perspective really opened Duran’s eyes to this new world. His openness to listen and learn attributed to his success. He built an organic connection to the audience as a popular, yet extremely villainous figure.  Elements of Cueto could certainly be seen in Duran, but for the performer, they are also different in ways. 

“All I learned about wresting I did through Dario Cueto and Lucha Underground,” he said. “… This character is not Dario Cueto. Cesar Duran has his own visions. I think Dario Cueto was more devilish. I was literally the devil reincarnated.” 

Duran may be somewhat more grounded, at least from what we’ve seen now. Yet he is not above backdoor dealings onscreen. For the star, there are other similarities between one show’s atmosphere and the other. He gets the same sense that everyone working to produce the events and programming is part of a big family. One that continues to get bigger with the addition of more talent including former coworkers like the returning John Hennigan. The popular wrestler joins his wife and former LU alum Taya Valkyrie. 

“I feel like I grew up with them,” Duran added. “…Everyone on Lucha Underground wants to come with us, even those from WWE. When they knew I joined MLW they called. I think you know who I’m talking about.” 

MLW continues to grow as a new era recently began with MLW Underground joining the Reelz. There is excitement felt backstage. “You get the feeling everyone wants to make this a big thing,” Duran added. There is a sense on his end that this is only the beginning for the company, saying “I think it’s going to go to big places.” 

Duran is happy to be a part of the team, bringing his diverse acting resume to the table. His experience no doubt helps when working with new and emerging talent. 

“Before shooting a scene I always share a background story we may have,” he said. “Moments or something that may have happened before, even when it’s not in the script. I like to share that with them because then they get in the mood without knowing it. Then when the camera is rolling, they are present…”

Duran believes MLW stars including champ Alexander Hammerstone could do well in Hollywood because of their expansive abilities to entertain and tell stories. He himself works on projects along with other MLW dealings. In fact, Duran took time from shooting Mayans M.C. for this very interview. He’ll also play a boarding school principal for an upcoming summer project. 

“Whoever is a fan of wrestling when I get to a set they are, ‘Oh my god.’ They want t a picture or something. There are big stars on sets…the ones that do follow are very happy they see me on set. And I’m very happy to see them around.”

MLW Underground airs at 10 p.m. ET Tuesdays on Reelz. MLW Fusion airs at 8 p.m. ET Thursdays on Pro Wrestling TV

Tony Khan’s Big Announcement is an “Exciting Development” for AEW

Michael Reichlin
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AEW President Tony Khan says he’s excited to deliver some big news on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. He teased that it’s something that will be “great for the company” and has given a hint about what it’s about.

Dynamite will take place from Phoenix, Arizona just weeks before Revolution, the company’s next pay-per-view event scheduled for Saturday, March 5.

AEW is advertising a number of matches and segments for the broadcast, including:

  • Jon Moxley vs. Evil Uno
  • Orange Cassidy defends the AEW All-Atlantic Championship against ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta
  • A Tag Team Battle Royale to determine who challenges the Gunn Glob at Revolution
  • Saraya vs. Skye Blue
  • The Acclaimed vs. Big Bill & Lee Moriarty
  • We’ll hear from Bryan Danielson, the #1 contender to MJF’s AEW World Championship
  • Christian Cage speaks with Tony Schiavone about his AEW return

TK spoke with the Phoenix New Times to hype Dynamite and continued to hype up this mystery revelation.

Tony Khan’s Big Announcement

When asked about the big announcement, Khan told Benjamin Leatherman of the Phoenix New Times, “Hah. Well, I can’t tell you right now, but it’s something I’m very excited about and it’s great for the company.”

That’s not very substantive, but the ‘hint’ came when Khan was asked about the possibility of AEW collaborating with New Japan Pro Wrestling again for another Forbidden Door PPV.

Without answering the Forbidden Door question directly, he circled back to the announcement.

“There are a lot of exciting things in the near future for AEW,” said Khan. “All I can say is we have an important announcement coming at this show in Phoenix. And it’s an exciting development for the company, and I’m excited to share it with the fans in Phoenix and all over the world.”

The Undertaker Nearly Lost his Eye Due to an Injury

Andrew Ravens
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The Undertaker has dealt with his fair share of injuries throughout his wrestling career. 

The WWE Hall of Famer recently detailed how he suffered a concussion, a broken nose, and issues with his vision in a match with Rey Mysterio thanks to Myster’s butt crushing his face. 

During an appearance on the Hawk vs Wolf podcast, the legendary wrestler explained how he suffered orbital bone damage during a WWE match with Mabel in 1995. This is where he revealed that if he got hit in the head again there was a good chance he could’ve lost his eye. 

“The doctor goes, ‘you’ve lost about 50 percent of your orbital floor’. ‘Excuse me?’ ‘You need to go home and find an ophthalmologist and a surgeon’. Come to find out, I ended up losing 90% of my orbital floor. My optic nerve is setting on a jagged piece of bone. If I got hit on the right side of my head again, there is a good chance I would have lost my eye. Took two surgeons, they go in, take out all the bone fragments, and they put in a fake one.”

Rey Mysterio’s Backside

Several years later, Taker found himself wrestling Mysterio in May 2010 on an episode of SmackDown in a World Heavyweight Title number one contender match. Taker took damage when Rey hit a senton move. 

“Rey Mysterio, tiny guy, sweetheart of a guy, he ended up jumping off the top rope, and his ass was supposed to hit me in the chest, but it hit me right in the face. It was a bony ass. Bony ass, right on the bridge of my nose. He lands, I have all of his weight on my head, I hit the mat and blew out the other one. I broke my nose and I was concussed. It’s hard being injured by an anus. My nose was broke, I fixed my nose right there, I just squeezed my nose back. The second one, to this day and it’s probably been 15 years, I still have double vision”.

Because of the injury, Taker had to take three months off and couldn’t compete for the World title as expected. 

H/T to Fightful for the transcript

Kurt Angle Undergoing Back Procedure Next Month

Andrew Ravens
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Kurt Angle is slated to undergo the knife again, this time on his back, after years of pro wrestling. 

The WWE Hall Of Famer walked away from the wrestling business in 2019 after successful runs in WWE and Impact Wrestling. With WWE, he was a six-time World Champion, while in TNA, he doubled that number. 

His retirement match happened when he lost to Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35, a match that Vince McMahon pushed for as Angle wanted to wrestle John Cena instead.  Angle dealt with health issues for years after winning a gold medal with a broken neck. He also broke it in 2003. 

While speaking on The Kurt Angle Show, Angle stated that he’s getting a procedure on his back done on March 21, where the doctor is going to clean his back out. The pain in his back also affects his leg. 

The Surgery

“On March 21, I’m having it done, the day after my vacation. All they’re doing, they’re not going to do any fusion or anything like that, thank God. They’re going to clean it out. They’re going to clean all the arthritis out because I have a nerve going down my leg, and it’s bothered me, and there’s pain in my lower back. So they’re going to clean all that stuff out, take the bone chips out and the calcium and stuff like that. He said I should be good to go after that. I’ve had a lot of damage done to my back, but it’s not to the point where I need fusion,” Angle said.

The doctor has told him the surgery won’t get rid of all of the pain in his back, but it will help out with pain run down his leg.

H/T to Fightful for the transcript

Nikkita Lyons Reveals How Long Knee Injury Will Keep Her Sidelined

Michael Reichlin
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NXT star Nikki Lyons says she will most likely be out of action for the remainder of 2023.

Lyons sustained a serious knee injury during her most recent match, which took place on the January 20 edition of NXT Level up.

She later revealed on social media that she tore her ACL and meniscus. She’s keeping a positive attitude about the setback and expressed gratitude for the people who are supporting her during this tough time.

She wrote, “This comeback is personal. Thank you to all who consistently show love & genuine support every week. You have know idea how much it means to me.”

Nikki Lyons Delivers the Bad News

As seen in the above video, Lyons appeared on Tuesday’s edition of NXT TV. During a backstage segment involving Tiffany Staton, she explained that doctors have pegged her recovery time at around one year.

WWE used Lyons’ announcement as a chance to get heat on Stratton, who said Lyons would be gone from action permanently if she had anything to say about it.

It’s a tough break for the 23-year-old star from Las Vegas, but injuries are a very real aspect of this business. She’s pretty active on social media and will surely keep her fans apprised of her recovery journey. Follow her on Twitter at @Nikkita_WWE.

Check out our full recap from this week’s NXT:

Rumor Killer on Trish Stratus’ Nixed Segment on WWE Monday Night Raw

Thomas Lowson
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Trish Stratus did not appear on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw, but some reports regarding what happened backstage have been greatly exaggerated.

The seven-time WWE Women’s Champion was scheduled to be on this week’s Raw as part of an edition of Bayley’s talk show Ding Dong Hello, with Damage CTRL.

Instead, that segment saw Becky Lynch and WWE Hall of Famer Lita appear and lay out the challenge for a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match.

Rumor Killer

As previously reported, “creative changes” led to Stratus’ segment on Raw being nixed, and the Hall of Famer left the show before Ding Dong Hello with Lynch and Lita.

Given that she left Raw early, a rumor has spread that Trish walked out of the taping over creative differences, unhappy with her segment being cut.

In an update, Fightful clarified that Stratus did not walk out because of frustrations over her segment being cut, but reiterated that it was a “creative change” that was made, and then she chose to leave as she was no longer needed at the event.

There is no evidence to suggest that Trish’s exit from this week’s Raw was anything but amicable.

What’s Next?

While Trish Stratus was not on Raw in Ottawa this week, her return to programming may just be a matter of days away.

The aforementioned WWE Women’s Tag Title match will take place on next week’s Raw, despite the match seemingly being big enough for the WrestleMania 39 card.

Many believe that Stratus will make her return on Raw next week, coming to the aid of Lynch and Lita against Damage CTRL, setting up a six-woman tag for WrestleMania.

While a six-woman tag match looks likely, it has been reported that WWE plans on ITO SKY and Dakota Kai defending their titles this April against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.

Trish Stratus Calls for Former WWE Star to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Former WWE/ECW Star Stevie Richards Dealing with Health Issues

Thomas Lowson
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Former WWE Superstar Stevie Richards has shared that he is dealing with some severe health issues.

On Instagram, Richards shared an image from a medical facility where he is wearing a hospital gown and is using a walker.

In the post, the former wrestler shared the following message:

“The last 4 weeks, especially the last one, have really been something else. We aren’t quite at the finish line yet, but hopefully the road to recovery starts asap. I will be explaining what has happened and documenting my road to recovery on the YouTube channel as well as here. Speaking of the YouTube channel, we have plenty of videos to edit/publish- so there will still be new content as we work through this. Please subscribe to stay updated and for the normal fitness reviews.”

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com added that spinal issues are just part of the problems Richards has been dealing with.

 “The word making the rounds is that Richards has been facing a number of issues related to his back/spine that have gotten more and more pronounced in recent weeks.”

Mike Johnson.

Stevie Richards

Best known for his time in the original ECW, Richards is a founding member of the Blue World Order, a parody of WCW’s New World Order.

Ironically, Richards would briefly join WCW in 1997, feuding with fellow ECW alum Raven, before returning to the Extreme promotion that same year.

Joining the WWF in 1999, Richards would form the Right to Censor the following year, a take on the Parents Television Council that were trying to get WWF TV off the air.

Following the WWF’s legal win over the PTC, Richards’ group was disbanded, and he would remain with the promotion until 2008.

Post-WWE, Richards has appeared for various indie promotions, as well as Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling.

Stevie Richards Comments On His Favorite Run In Wrestling, Talks About The Undertaker Vs Goldberg

We at SEScoops would like to send Richards our very best at this time.

Latest On The Rock’s WWE Relationship After Turning Down WrestleMania 39

Thomas Lowson
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The Rock won’t be competing at WrestleMania 39, but there isn’t any bad blood between the Brahma Bull and WWE.

For months, it was rumored that The Rock would be competing at WrestleMania to have the long-awaited dream match with his cousin Roman Reigns.

In January, the Great One informed WWE that he did not believe there was time for him to get into sufficient ring shape for a match in April.

Animosity?

While WWE was actively pursuing The Rock for one more match, there isn’t any animosity between the two sides.

While speaking to Louis Dangoor of GiveMeSport.com, Twitter account @WrestleVotes, who has broken stories in the past, said there is no animosity, and added:

“Like with Stone Cold Steve Austin, that door is always open. Maybe he said let’s do it next year? When those guys say yes, WWE is going to say okay.”

WrestleVotes.

Instead of his cousin, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will defend against Cody Rhodes at WWE’s biggest two-night event of the year.

Never Confirmed

While WWE wanted the Brahma Bull in Los Angeles, a match between The Rock and Reigns was never on the card, as WrestleVotes explained:

“There were obviously talks, but I don’t believe any point in Triple H’s tenure that the match was set in stone. How do you plan for something that you don’t think it’s gonna happen? The internet thought it was going to happen, but it was never really alluded to on TV.“

WrestleVotes.

Last weekend, the XFL, which The Rock co-owns with business partner Dany Garcia, kicked off their latest season.

Roman Reigns Addresses The Rock Not Being Ready for WWE WrestleMania 39

MLW Underground Results (2/21/23): Alex Hammerstone vs. YAMATO, and Much More

Tyriece Simon
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Major League Wrestling held their weekly episode Underground on Feb. 21 at 10 PM ET/ 7 PM PT on Reelz TV.

The episode saw Yamato challenge MLW Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone in the main event. Another match on the card had Calvin Tankman take on Sam Adonis.

MLW fans can watch Underground if they have select cable providers like Direct TV, Verizon Fios, or Spectrum. For people without cable, you can only watch it on Sling TV or Philo. Reelz TV has a page on its website for where to find the channel, depending on your zip code.

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

MLW Underground Quick Results (2/21)

  1. The episode starts with Mance Warner hitting Real1 with a car. Warner comes out of the car and tells Real1 that their rivalry isn’t over.
  2. We start with Cesar Duran and Sam Adonis, who cut a promo before Adonis’s match with Calvin Tankman. They talk down to the crowd until Tankman interrupts them to start the match.
  3. Sam Adonis with Cesar Duran def. Calvin Tankman with a low blow followed by a 450 Splash.
  4. After the match, Adonis cuts another promo, talking down to the crowd, and calls out Davey Richards. Richards comes out to confront Adonis but gets beaten down by Adonis and the Azteca Henchman. John Hennigan comes out with a steel chair to act like he’s going save Richards but attacks him with the weapon. Adonis and Hennigan continue to assault Richards while Duran berates the crowd until they decide to leave.
  5. The Billington Bulldogs (Thomas & Mark Billington) def. FBI (Little Guido & Ray Jaz) with a Heart Attack/Dropkick combo.
  6. We get a backstage interview with Alex Hammerstone. He shares that he is ready for Yamato, but also says that he is willing to take on Jacob Fatu, if Fatu tries to go after Hammerstone after the match.
  7. We get an interview on the stage ramp with Richards. He calls out Hennigan to a future match. Duran responds backstage and says that he thinks Richards is scared. Hennigan agrees to face Richards next week on MLW Underground.
  8. MLW airs a video package with Fatu showing how he lost the MLW world title to Hammerstone and his rise back to contention. After the video package, Jacob has a off-site promo segment and challenges Hammerstone to a title match at Superfight.
  9. (C) Alex Hammerstone def. Yamato to retain MLW World Heavyweight Championship match with the Nightmare Pendulum.
  10. After the match, a person in a gas mask confronts Hammerstone and gives him a box. The person walks away, and Hammerstone opens it to find an octopus inside. Disgusted, Hammerstone puts the octopus on the ground and walks up the ramp. However, Fatu comes out to address the crowd and the champion. He says that he is coming for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship and adds that if Hammer wants to fight, they could do it tonight. Fatu and Hammerstone get into a brawl before getting seperated by MLW staff to end the show.

MLW Underground Match Highlights

Sam Adonis with Cesar Duran def. Calvin Tankman

The Billington Bulldogs(Thomas & Mark Billington) def. FBI (Little Guido & Ray Jaz)

(C) Alex Hammerstone def. YAMATO to Retain the MLW World Heavyweight Championship

WWE NXT Results (2/21/23): Breakker vs. Mahal, Hartwell vs. Jayne

Andrew Ravens
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The February 21, 2023 episode of WWE NXT aired live on the USA Network from Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center. 

WWE NXT Results 

  • Ilja Dragunov def. Trick Williams.
  • The DYAD def. Chase U.
  • Gallus def. Malik Blade & Edris Enofe.
  • Tony D’Angelo def. Von Wagner.
  • Alba Fyre def. Ivy Nile
  • NXT Champion Bron Breakker def. Jinder Mahal

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

NXT Champion Bron Breakker vs. Jinder Mahal

2 nxt

NXT Champion Bron Breakker vs. Jinder Mahal took place. 

WWE set up this bout last week when Breakker was about to call out Trick Williams only for Mahal to interrupt and told him he would become NXT Champion, leading to the match being booked. 

The main event match saw the Creed Brothers brawl with Saurav and Veer to the backstage area. Bron blocked Mahal’s finisher and hit a spear for the win. 

Post-match, Grayson Waller took over the TV truck and invited Shawn Michaels to appear on the Waller Effect next week.

Indi Hartwell vs. Jacy Jayne

1 nxt

Indi Hartwell vs. Jacy Jayne in a singles match took place. 

Jayne gave an explanation of her reasons for turning against her Toxic Attraction partner Gigi Dolin two weeks ago. She stressed how tired she was of playing the role of the third wheel. Jayne claimed that she was the last lady left in Toxic Attraction and that she was the talk of the town. Hartwell responded to Jayne’s message later in the show and made it obvious that she wouldn’t just skip to the front of the line that quickly.

The match took place in the second hour of the show with Jayne getting most of the offense before putting her away with her finisher. Post-match, Dolin returned and attacked Jayne. 

Ilja Dragunov vs. Trick Williams

3 nxt

Ilja Dragunov wrestled Trick Williams on this show. 

Dragunov had been out since October due to an injury, but he made a comeback on NXT two weeks ago and cost JD McDonagh his bout with Carmelo Hayes. he was en route to the ring. Williams was defeated by Dragunov, and the next week, the former NXT UK Champion was declared eliminated by Hayes’ hype man. Williams ambushed Dragunov from behind after McDonagh caused a distraction, setting up their match for the next week.

JD McDonaugh came out and joined commentary. The opening contest came to a close when Dragunov went over with his finisher. 

Tag Team Match

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Chase U (Andre Chase & Duke Hudson) vs. The Dyad (Jagger Reid & Rip Fowler) was booked. 

It had a lead-in of Tyler Bate doing an in-ring promo thanking the fans for supporting him on his journey. hase U saved Bate from Schism, who were about to attack him. Ava Raine played mind games with Thea Hail at ringside leading to the heels hitting their tag team finisher to Hudson. 

Backstage Morale Said to be Waning Ahead of Potential WWE Sale (Report)

Andrew Ravens
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It’s been said by countless people over the years that when you work in WWE whether that be talent or staff, you have to walk on eggshells to avoid getting any heat that will lead to you being put in the dog house or getting fired.

This has been the atmosphere for years due to Vince McMahon being in charge. Once Triple H took over creative and Stephanie McMahon was named co-CEO last summer, it was said that the atmosphere improved and things were looser backstage as it comes across as more of a family atmosphere than a corporate environment.

McMahon returned to WWE as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors last month with the intent of selling the company ahead of WWE’s media rights deal coming up. 

The Mood

PWInsider‘s Mike Johnson reports that the mood backstage has begun to change as McMahon continues to work towards a sale and the uncertainty of what will happen should a sale go through has led to “waning morale.”

Johnson described things backstage as the eggshells starting to return and the “unbridled energy” is fading from where it started when Triple H and Stephanie McMahon took power. 

Although he doesn’t hear this as much from wrestlers, it does come from those who work backstage at shows. While things are not as terrible as things once were, they know changes will come if a sale goes through. 

Details on Why WWE Star Missed Monday’s Raw

Andrew Ravens
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Chelsea Green made her return to WWE at the Royal Rumble in January and she has been appearing on Monday Night Raw since then with her new Karen gimmick, which has gained her attention. 

She wasn’t seen this week on television, and there is a good reason for that absence.

Fightful Select reported today that Green was kept off Raw n this week because she couldn’t travel to Canada until her green card situation is figured out. WWE stated in an angle on the broadcast that Green was sent to Ottawa, Illinois instead of Ottawa, Canada as a way to bridge the gap. 

“With absolutely NO help from WWE management, I found my way out of Ottawa, IL and into a city that’s more my style!” the WWE star tweeted. “Jokes on you, Adam Pearce … but neither of us will be laughing when I pay you a visit about this.”

The Report

Green is currently landlocked and unable to return to Canada. The report noted “Chelsea is still waiting for her Green card, and then will be able to return. Green has been landlocked for months, dating back to last Summer.”

Instead of being at Monday Night Raw, Green was with her husband, Matt Cardona, in New York City for the screening of The Last Match: A Pro Wrestling Rock Musical.

Because Green is living in the US while on a work visa from Canada, if she went back into Canada while having visa issues then she wouldn’t be allowed to get back into the US. 

Mercedes Moné and Naomi Announced For Bar Rescue Premiere

Tyriece Simon
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Free agent Mercedes Moné and WWE talent Naomi will appear on the Bar season premiere of Bar Rescue this weekend.

Both Moné and Naomi are keeping themselves busy outside of professional wrestling. They stepped away from WWE on May 16 due to reportedly creative differences. Wrestling fans saw both participate in Fashion Week in New York last year in September. They’ve also been seen together for movie premieres and other events. However, they will soon be making their reality TV debut.

Bar Rescue will have its season 9 premiere on Feb. 26. In a clip to promote their upcoming premiere; the show put out a teaser. Wrestling fans have spotted Moné and Naomi in the episode, watching the host, Jon Taffer, berate a bar owner.

Why Were Mercedes Moné and Naomi There?

Since the teaser came out, fans have wondered why Moné and Naomi were in that bar. In response to the Public Enemies Podcast, both superstars shared what led them there. It may be a joke, but they seemingly were there to get some drinks and food. It’s unclear if they will be featured more than what was shown in the teaser.

Sasha Banks and Naomi
(via WWE)

What’s Next for Moné and Naomi?

Since they departed from WWE, they both have found success. Moné is working as a free agent and looking to compete worldwide. She recently defeated Kairi at NJPW: Battle in the Valley on Feb. 18 to win the IWGP Women’s Championship. Moné has also teased going against Impact Knockout’s Champion Mickie James in the future. She also has Stardom talent AZM is looking to take her title away.

Naomi’s status is unclear. She is still doing work outside of WWE but is still listed on their website as a Friday Night Smackdown roster member. On Jan. 19, Fightful Select reported that a source within WWE has shared they are confident she will return to the company. However, the report didn’t share when she could return to WWE.

Both Moné and Naomi seem to be enjoying their time together and pursuing other opportunities. They will appear at the Emerald City Comic Con on March 4 and 5. Wrestling fans can look forward to seeing the two on TV again on Feb. 26 on the Paramount Network channel at 10 PM ET/ 7 PM PT.

Matt Riddle’s Girlfriend Addresses Online Harassment

Tyriece Simon
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Adult film actress and girlfriend of WWE superstar Matt Riddle, Misha Montana, has shared her perspective on fans’ online harassment.

Riddle is currently on hiatus from pro wrestling. He’s been focusing on healthy living and seemingly is doing well with that effort. He recently earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been with his girlfriend, Montana, who Riddle shared has helped him during his time in rehab.

While Riddle is on the road to recovery and possibly redemption, it hasn’t stopped fans from harassing himself and Montana. He posted a selfie of them both on Twitter, with grills in his mouth, on Feb. 4. The fan’s reception of them together was both met with well wishes and criticism. The criticism and online harassment of Riddle and Montana being together had negatively affected her.

Montana spoke with the Cheap Heat Production Podcast’s Maurice Shortall about dealing with harassment from wrestling fans from being in a relationship with Riddle.

“…I never anticipated that it would be what it was, and it’s just like how huge the stories were, and it wasn’t even how big the stories, were they were big, but how consuming it was like in our lives and speaking strictly for myself too that it just consumed my life for months and it was nothing but toxic and negative and just lies and slander and you know, threats and harassment, and it’s just like relentless, and it would escalate, said Montana.

She also shared, “…It impacted my career. People or an adult had opinions about it, therefore, had opinions about me. Part of the reason why I’m not with XPW is because of this situation. She added that her life has “drastically changed.”

Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle

When Will Riddle Return to WWE?

Riddle has been taken off WWE TV since Dec. 5, 2022. He got attacked by Solo Sikoa in the storyline so that he could serve his suspension. Since his departure, WWE has yet to mention Riddle very much.

WWE could try to have Riddle return after WrestleMania 39 in April. The company seems to have a plan for the upcoming event, but it doesn’t look like Riddle is a part of it. However, Riddle is seemingly in a healthy space with his girlfriend, despite the hate from fans.

Booker T: ‘WWE Would Make Kenny Omega’s Star Shine Brighter Than Any Other Place’

Andrew Ravens
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Booker T has weighed in on the possibility of AEW’s Kenny Omega going to WWE. 

As previously reported, some in AEW have overheard the promotion’s founder Tony Khan say that Omega has substantial injury time that “could be” added to his deal if he decides to extend it this year.

Those in AEW don’t believe the injury time has been added yet. Several in WWE believe that they can land Omega as it’s been said Omega had a positive relationship with WWE. 

On his latest Hall Of Fame podcast, the WWE Hall Of Famer commented on the reports of WWE being interested in signing the former AEW World Heavyweight Champion. 

Booker T on Kenny Omega

Booker T thinks while it would be a big loss for All Elite Wrestling, they could recover from Omega’s departure and Omega could be a big star in WWE

“I don’t know how many years Kenny Omega has left in the ring. WWE would make Kenny Omega’s star shine brighter than any other place he ever could be in. If Omega was to sign with WWE, he would likely be presented as one of their biggest stars and potentially work at WrestleMania.

Booker continued: “If you don’t work at WrestleMania, you know throughout your career, you missed out on something. I can understand why Kenny Omega would want to mix it up with AJ Styles, two of the best at what they do, at WrestleMania.”

Omega is currently an AEW Trios Champion along with The Young Bucks. 

Kenny Omega Comments On Current AEW Role Amid WWE Interest

H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcript

Paul Wight Was in a Wheelchair for Weeks After Having Knee Replacement Procedure

Andrew Ravens
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In February 2021, Paul Wight aka The Big Show, shocked a lot of people when he left WWE after being with the company for 20 years for AEW. 

Since then, he has mainly worked as an announcer on AEW Dark: Elevation, although he has worked a handful of matches. 

He made his in-ring debut at All Out, where he beat QT Marshall. Since then, he’s only worked three other matches, all of them happening on Dark Elevation. 

Since August 2022, the former WWE Champion has been recovering from a knee replacement procedure, which kept him from competing inside of the squared circle. During that time, he has continued his duties as a commentator on AEW Dark: Elevation episodes.

The Journey

While doing a new interview with Metro UK, Wight revealed that the procedure kept him in a wheelchair for eleven weeks.

“Well, I spent 11 weeks in a wheelchair because I was waiting for them to build the implant for my knee because of my size. I had crushed all the bone in the knee, I was bleeding into my shin. So, I’ve got a good pain tolerance, but when I say I rode the tire down to the rim, that’s exactly what I did. But, luckily I still have all my ligaments in that knee, everything’s good there, it’s a nice, brand new titanium joint so it’s good for 35 years. So, I can parachute if I want to – not that I’ll ever jump out of an airplane, we all saw the movie Operation Dumbo drop, I don’t think that’s me, we’re good!”

Roman Reigns Set to Make Rare WWE Live Event Appearance

Thomas Lowson
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Fans in Canada will be treated to a rare appearance by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns next month.

Last year, Reigns signed a new deal with WWE, one that has seen him make fewer appearances on TV and even fewer matches on WWE’s weekly programming.

Reigns appearances at WWE live events have almost dried up entirely, but the Head of the Table will be at next month’s show in Toronto.

The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will compete on March 4, at The Coca-Cola Coliseum but his opponent is yet to be named.

Both local advertising and WWE’s website has Reigns confirmed for the show.

This will mark Reigns’ first house show match since September 24, 2022, when he beat AJ Styles at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Whoever Reigns faces in March, it will mark the Champion’s fourth untelevised match since signing his new contract with WWE last year.

Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Title against Men’s 2023 Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39 in April. 

WWE Toronto

Roman Reigns will unquestionably be the biggest name on the upcoming show in Toronto, but he isn’t the only Superstar confirmed for in-ring action.

WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER will defend against Drew McIntyre, while WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will put her title on the line against Sonya Deville.

Bray Wyatt will face his nemesis LA Knight in what is being promoted as a ‘Lights Out’ Street Fight.

Bray Wyatt Reacts to Roman Reigns’ Latest Undisputed WWE Universal Title Defense

WWE Makes Hidden Reference to Vince McMahon on Monday Night Raw

Thomas Lowson
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Vince McMahon may not have returned to WWE TV (so far!) but eagle-eyed fans spotted a subtle reference to the Executive Chairman on this week’s Raw.

The post-Elimination Chamber of Monday Night Raw saw appearances by the likes of Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes, as well as Hall of Famers Edge and Lita.

In the show’s main event, Edge lost to United States Champion Austin Theory thanks to interference by Finn Balor, continuing the Rated-R Superstar’s feud with the Judgment Day.

Vince McMahon

Since his shocking return to WWE less than two months ago, Vince McMahon has been huddled away in his office, trying to find a new owner for the company.

With this year’s WrestleMania airing from Los Angeles, WWE has gone all-in with a Hollywood aesthetic for the show, as reflected in the advertising.

WWE aired an advertisement for Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title during Raw, and fans noticed that at the bottom of Reigns’ poster read the words “Directed by Vince McMahon.”

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McMahon has reportedly not attended any WWE tapings since his return from retirement and has also kept away from creative meetings.

WrestleMania 39

This year’s WrestleMania will be the first (in theory) without McMahon making creative decisions behind the scenes.

In addition to Reigns Vs. Rhodes, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will face 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley.

Asuka hopes to regain the Raw Women’s Championship and score her first win at WrestleMania when she takes on Champion Bianca Belair.

Matches rumored for the show include U.S. Champion Austin Theory Vs. John Cena and Seth Rollins Vs. Logan Paul.

Rumored Big Match Not Locked In For WrestleMania

Nikki Bella “Shocked” WWE Resented Their ‘Total Divas’ Success

Michael Reichlin
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Brie Bella is opening up about backlash they received in WWE as the Bella Twins’ popularity exploded thanks to the success of the Total Divas.

WWE had a monster hit on their hands with the launch 2013 launch of Total Divas. The E! Network reality series exposed a new audience to WWE’s female stars, but it was the Bella Twins who enjoyed the most success and were catapulted into the mainstream. They’d eventually get their own spinoff, Total Bellas. You’d think that WWE would have been thrilled with the situation, but Nikki tells Renee Paquette that this was not the case.

Nikki was Renee’s guest on the latest episode of The Sessions podcast. Renee brought up the fact that The Bella Twins were pulled from WWE’s RAW 30th Anniversary special at the last minute, a sign that WWE’s relationship with the twins was less than ideal.

Renee says The Bella Twins have plenty of respect from women in the locker room, but it doesn’t seem like WWE gives them nearly the credit they deserve.

“I remember one time Triple H saying, ‘Perception is reality in this business’ and we perceive people however we want,” said Nikki. “I think that’s what’s happened to Brie and I. At that time, they made people believe so much that like, Brie and I only care about reality TV, we are only there because of our men, because they were super cool in doing amazing things as well.

I think when we were in the run, and I know AJ [Lee] has spoken about it in her book and I think she’s regretted a lot, because that could have been a time where we could have empowered women even more and created more change. That was still a fight and that locker room was really difficult.

A lot of women could speak about that. I think that was the time when I saw so many women with their heads down and I was like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna fight real hard for this.’ I didn’t have to come back with reality cameras. I already had them with E! but I chose to came back to showcase women’s wrestling because what I thought women were doing was so badass and they weren’t being appreciated for it.”

WWE’s Control of the Bella Twins Slipping Away

Nikki Says Total Divas was delivering viewership on par with Keeping Up With The Kardashians, the E! Network’s hottest property. Instead of embracing their success, the company shunned them, because they were gaining freedom and independence.

“Honestly, Total Divas should have been praised even more. We were literally at a point where we were almost beating [Keeping Up With] The Kardashians in the ratings. We were shaking the world up. What a great time. We could have had the industry behind us, but instead, they used it to turn it against us, and that was really shocking to me, because I was like, ‘But wait, we’re making great change to women’s wrestling, why are you hating on it?”

Renee asked what Nikki thinks that was all about. She says “the boss” didn’t like his control over them slipping away.

“I think a lot, as far as the boss [Vince McMahon], is that he lost control of what he could make and not make, because when Brie and I won Diva of the Year, we got in trouble and I got yelled at, and I remember we came back so happy, and it was like, ‘Oh, because you brought in all these new viewers, and the women are now voting for you and all these new women are here.'”

Success and Resentment

Renee said her jaw must have been on the floor, to be getting negative backlash for bringing WWE new female viewers.

“On the floor! Everyone’s around was on the floor, like, ‘The Bella Twins are getting yelled at for getting successful?’ Because it wasn’t it what they wanted, cause they were the story tellers. They push who they want the crowd to be behind, just .. perception is reality. That is WWE, to a T. Even though the fans think they own it, no. They laugh in the back. ‘No, we own you at the end of the day.’ So, I truly believe Total Divas was the first thing they couldn’t control. They couldn’t control the success, they couldn’t control what mainstream was saying. There was no control, so that was hard on one said, because they lost that. And then, I think, everyone backstage truly thought we were going to fail. I don’t like to use the words ‘envy’ or ‘jealousy’ but i think there was a bit, and we all kind of get that.”

“[Our success] brought in a lot of hate within people in the back. Some people were super supportive, and then some that were hate. And then some got the mic and they just really expressed it and it gave me great fire and it made for great story, but I wish people wouldn’t have believed it beyond that, but it was also sad for me because people just slut shame or tear a woman down. I was not for that.”

Listen to Nikki Bella’s full appearance on The Sessions with Renee Paquette:

Please credit SEScoops.com if you use any of the quotes we transcribed for this article

The Undertaker Would “Absolutely” Wrestle Again If Not For This One Reason

Michael Reichlin
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The Undertaker says he’d “absolutely” be wrestling right now if his body could handle it. After a legendary WWE career spanning three decades, he doesn’t see himself lacing up the boots again.

Undertaker has been doing the media rounds to promote 1deadMAN Show, his one-man live stage shows. His latest stop was for the Hawk vs. Wolf podcast, where he spoke with skateboarding legends Tony Hawk and Jason Ellis.

The Dead Man’s most recent ‘match’ took place nearly three years ago at WrestleMania 36, when he and AJ Styles clashed in the cinematic Boneyard Match. Even then, he physical limitations restricted him to a format that allowed for ‘smoke and mirrors’ and heavy editing.

Countless pro wrestlers have spoken about how difficult it is to step away from the sport they love so dearly. The desire to compete is still there, but there’s one key factor preventing him from wrestling again.

“I Know I Can’t” Deliver

The Undertaker takes a lot of pride in his matches. When asked if he wants to continue wrestling, The Undertaker didn’t mince words. He’d do it in a heartbeat, if he felt that he could deliver a performance that have fans have grown to expect from him.

“Absolutely,” he said enthusiastically. “If I was physically able to do it, I would be out there right now. There is a huge amount of our fanbase that will grade you on a curve. They understand that you’re getting long in the tooth, you have a lot of miles on you, but they just want you out there.

Then there is one part of that fanbase, ‘Ah man, he’s old, he shouldn’t be out there, he shouldn’t be doing this.’ Without any hesitation at all, if I felt like I could go and deliver, and deliver a performance that people expect when they see my name on the card, I would do it, but I know I can’t.”

Listen to The Undertaker’s appearance on the Hawk vs. Wolf podcast:

‘Hangman’ Adam Page Shares How He Deals With Harassing Fans

Thomas Lowson
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AEW’s ‘Hangman’ Adam Page appreciates having a large and loyal fanbase but has spoken about fans who cross the line to invade his privacy.

Page signed with AEW at the start of the promotion in January 2019, and the company planned from the get-go for a World Title run for the Cowboy.

That reign came at Full Gear 2021, when Page dethroned Kenny Omega to win the gold, and would hold the Championship until AEW Double or Nothing 2022.

Dealing with Fans

As various wrestlers have experienced, there are some fans who cross the line when they meet wrestlers, often tracking them down at airports or at a hotel.

During a recent Highspots virtual signing, Page talked about his response to fans who disturb him, including giving them a less-than-stellar autograph.

“I’ll tell you a little secret — if you ever buy one that doesn’t have the Hangman underneath, it’s because someone harassed me in the hotel lobby and I give them the halfway, house show signature… Don’t come in my hotel lobby. That’s my front door, you know what I mean? Leave me alone.”

‘Hangman’ Adam Page.

Recently, Rey Mysterio was confronted by ‘fans’ who arrived with a large sheet of card covered with merchandise packaging for him to sign.

Mysterio signed one item but refused to sign any others, believing that these fans were looking for autographs to sell online.

Days after the Mysterio situation, fellow WWE Superstar Zelina Vega shared a similar interaction with fans who wanted her autograph to sell on eBay for a profit.

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h/t – eWrestlingNews

Jeff Hardy Set For Court Appearance This Week Over DUI Arrest

Thomas Lowson
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Jeff Hardy is scheduled to appear in court this week, stemming from his arrest in June of last year.

Within months of making his AEW debut, Hardy was arrested and charged with his third DUI within a decade.

The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion has been suspended from AEW ever since, and will not be allowed to appear until he can prove his sobriety.

Court Date

In August of last year, Hardy waived his right to a speedy trial, and his case has faced some delays.

PW Insider reports that the Charismatic Enigma’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, February 23rd at 1:30 PM EST in Florida.

Hardy submitted a written plea of “not guilty” on June 28, 2022 and it had been reported that the two sides could come to a plea deal, though that has not been confirmed.

Hardy has been charged with DUI (Alcohol or Drugs), third offense within ten years, driving while license canceled/suspended/revoked, and violation of restrictions placed on a driver’s license.

Punishment

While most of the charges Hardy is facing are misdemeanors, the DUI charge to his name is a felony offense.

Under Florida law, Hardy would face a minimum 30 days behind bars and could face up to five years in prison if convicted of the DUI.

Other potential punishments include a minimum 10-year driver’s license revocation and up to $5,000 in fines.

Tony Khan has said he supports Hardy’s choice to try and seek help for his substance-abuse issues, but has said that this will be Jeff’s one and only chance to improve in AEW.

Jeff Hardy’s AEW Future Uncertain – “Maybe he Comes Back, Maybe he Doesn’t”

Mercedes Moné Reveals Details of New Japan Pro Wrestling Contract

Thomas Lowson
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IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné is enjoying much more freedom as part of her contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling than she was afforded in WWE.

The former Sasha Banks made her NJPW debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January, over six months after walking out of WWE Raw in May 2022.

Last weekend, Moné dethroned KAIRI to win the IWGP Women’s Champion, in her first match since parting ways with WWE.

Free Agent

Even while in WWE, Moné was able to stretch her muscles outside of the ring, and appeared as Koska Reeves in Disney+ hit The Mandalorian.

Speaking to TV Insider, Moné spoke about being allowed much more freedom away from WWE and as part of New Japan.

“I’m a free agent. It doesn’t matter with New Japan. I can go anywhere. I can go to New Japan, Impact, Mexico, Germany, Europe. The potential matchups are endless. The same for New Japan. I know they have partnerships with CMLL, Impact, AEW.

“I can go anywhere. I can go to New Japan, Impact, Mexico, Germany, Europe.”

Mercedes Moné.

“To be a fan and watch all these matchups from all parts of the world is amazing. I know there is a little woman in Impact I would love to face one day, Mickie James! We’ll see what is in the stars.”

Support

Moné debuting at Wrestle Kingdom 17 was a huge moment for her, and several friends were in Japan to see it happen.

WWE Raw Superstar Bayley attended NJPW Wrestle Kingdom in person to support her best friend, while Naomi (whose WWE future remains unclear) also attended.

In the interview, Moné shared her appreciation to those who have continued to support her.

“That meant everything to me. Wrestling is such a small, tight-knit circle of friends you would call your friends and family. For those girls and my best friend Manny [Samuray Del Sol] to fly all the way over to Japan from the United States to just cut a little promo. They did that because they knew how much it meant to me.”

Mercedes Mone.

Bayley was also at NJPW Battle in the Valley (though donned a mask for much of the show to avoid detection) to watch her best friend’s title victory.

Mercedes Moné Comments on Possible WWE Return

WWE Facing Fan’s Lawsuit Over WrestleMania 38 Injury

Thomas Lowson
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WWE’s biggest two nights of 2022 was far from the grandest spectacle of them all for one fan in attendance.

WrestleMania 38 took place from April 2 to April 3 in Dallas, Texas last year, and saw the return of Cody Rhodes to WWE.

Other highlights of the show include ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin winning his first match in 19 years, and Roman Reigns unifying the WWE and Universal Championships with a victory over Brock Lesnar.

Lawsuit

Across both days, WWE claimed that a total 156,352 fans came to AT&T Stadium, but Marvin Jackson didn’t enjoy the show.

PW Insider has learned that Jackson filed a lawsuit last month in Texas, alleging that he has damaged hearing in his left ear due to his time as an “invitee” to WrestleMania 38.

The suit claims that the loud blast of pyrotechnics caused Jackson to “lose almost all hearing” in his left ear.

It is also claimed that the defendant, WWE, “failed to notify anyone or place any warnings to warn of the existence of the dangers associated with pyrotechnics.”

Jackson’s legal representative is requesting a jury trial and seeking monetary relief of more than $1,000,000, including damages of any kind, penalties, costs, expenses, prejudgment interest, and attorney’s fees.

WWE filed a request on February 17, to have the lawsuit moved to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.

More Legal Trouble

This is by no means the only legal matter that the top names in WWE are having to deal with.

In addition to the various legal challenges that have stemmed from Vince McMahon’s return to WWE, the promotion is set to go to trial next week over a lawsuit filed in June 2021.

That lawsuit from Jackson Parsons alleges that he was struck by a WWE van, driven by employee Gaitan Thomas, in July 2019, while Parsons was riding his bicycle.

In the lawsuit, Parsons claimed he suffered permanent issues, namely “physical injuries, pain-and-suffering, disability and the inability and loss of the capacity to lead and enjoy a normal life.”

Third Lawsuit Filed Against Vince McMahon Since Return

WWE Hall of Famer Cut from Appearing on Monday Night Raw

Thomas Lowson
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Fans in Ottawa, Canada were left very ‘unstratusfied’ during last night’s edition of Monday Night Raw, which didn’t see an appearance by Trish Stratus.

The post-Elimination Chamber 2023 edition of the red brand saw appearances by Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, and Paul Heyman, among others.

The main event saw Canada’s own Edge make a rare in-ring appearance on Raw, coming up short against U.S. Champion Austin Theory thanks to interference by Finn Balor.

Trish Stratus

In the run-up to Raw, fans were excited to see the return of seven-time WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus, who had been reported to be appearing on the show.

Raw’s three hours came and went without Trish, but Fightful Select reports that she was supposed to be on the show.

In fact, Trish was present at the event in Ottawa, and was scheduled to be on the card for the night’s events.

A source within WWE said that a “creative change” led to Trish being cut, and her spot with Bayley during an episode of Ding Dong Hello! not making it to air.

While Ding Dong Hello! did take place, the segment saw Lita and Becky Lynch appear, and lay out the challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

It is reported that Trish had already left the arena by the time that segment took place.

What’s Next?

In the run-up to WWE Elimination Chamber, it had been rumored that Trish would appearing on the go-home Raw before the PLE, setting up a six-woman tag match for the Montreal-based event.

That did not happen, and there is speculation that this rumored six-woman tag could happen at WrestleMania 39.

This would explain why Lynch and Lita challenging for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, a match that would fit right in on the WrestleMania card, is happening on Raw.

With that said, it has been reported that WWE’s plan for WrestleMania 39 is for Kai and SKY to defend their tag titles against Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler.

Trish Stratus has not been confirmed for any future appearances on Raw.

Trish Stratus Calls for Former WWE Star to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame
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