Home Blog Page 519

Sources: Rumors about AEW roster attitude toward Regal, coaching ‘completely inaccurate’

BJ Bethel
-
0

All Elite Wrestling and its roster’s attitude toward coaching has been a hotly debated subject since the All Out “Press Conference From Hell,” when CM Punk vented frustrations – among a number of subjects – at Hangman Adam Page for not being open to coaching from the former AEW, WWE, and ROH champ.

The latest controversy was from Ethan Carter III, who said William Regal was frustrated with talent not taking up offers to coach them prior to AEW shows and said management had maturity issues.

Several AEW sources said the story wasn’t true and blasted Carter for floating it. One source with the company described it as, “completely inaccurate.” One source noted Carter and James being frustrated themselves at not landing jobs in AEW and neither them or Russo have ever been with the company.

“There was no formal coaching session, where it was something that was scheduled or anything like that. Usually he would go down to the ring to help someone, and word would spread, like, “Hey, Regal is down in the ring.” The source said Dustin Rhodes trains younger women’s wrestlers on the roster. He also said Danielson has worked with people regularly and sessions included talent that appeared regularly on Dynamite or Rampage.

“I can’t believe this is a story,” another source said. “It’s complete bullshit. There was never some schedule you had to be down at the ring and people blew it off, and (Regal) was never going to flat tell someone they had to come to the ring so he could coach them. Regal would work with someone, people would go down and show up, a lot of people took advantage of it. Other vets do it all the time. It’s always the younger women and men. Sometimes someone would work with someone one on one, other times there could be quite a few people down. It was totally informal.”

“Regal would even sit in the stands with guys to talk about the fans point of view, or the point of view of watching on TV,” another source said. “He would tell you about making sure to know how you are looking to fans as you come to the ring or how you would look on TV. He said to make sure you’re always really nice to the camera guys, they’re the ones who make you look good (laughing).”

Regal was the on-screen manager of the Blackpool Combat Club since debuting with AEW in March. Several wrestling news sites have reported Regal will be leaving AEW for a return to WWE and would begin work there in 2023. Regal was released by WWE nearly a year ago.

Since then, his friend Paul Levesque has been named head of creative after Vince McMahon was investigated for multiple sex scandals and subsequent payoffs within the company. His son, Charlie Dempsey – who had wrestled as Bailey Matthews was brought to NXT from NXT UK in August. Dempsey scored his first win in the company early last month. Regal’s contract status is unknown, but it’s been speculated he will exercise an out clause. Regal’s relationship with Levesque goes back to the early 1990s in WCW, when Regal mentored him when the two were tag team partners. The two have been close friends for 20 years. Levesque was instrumental in bringing Regal to WWE in the early 2000s and making him a mainstay in WWE’s developmental system after he retired from wrestling.

Cain Velasquez Working Additional Dates With AAA (Report)

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Cain Velasquez’s run with Lucha Libre AAA is set to continue after wrestling this past weekend at AAA’s live event in Arizona while out of jail on a $1 million bail.

Velasquez requested permission for him to wrestle at the show because the event was held at his alma mater, Arizona State University. He had to take and pay for a law enforcement officer with him on the trip to make it happen.

In a trios bout, he teamed with Blue Demon Jr. and Pagano to defeat Gringo Loco, Sam Adonis & Taurus.

More Dates

Cain Velasquez
Cain Velasquez

Wrestling Inc reports that the two sides are set to work together for further dates as Velasquez has reached a verbal agreement with the promotion where he is slated to do five shows with the option of wrestling at more beyond that. 

It is a per-appearance agreement with no full-time deal yet agreed to, and Velasquez is “in the mix” to work their upcoming show in Carson, California, on WrestleMania weekend.

The former UFC Heavyweight Champion/former WWE star is facing attempted murder charges stemming from a February incident. He allegedly chased down a man and fired a weapon into a truck that contained several people. In the vehicle was a man who allegedly sexually assaulted both his child and one of his relatives.

The Usos Wins PWI Tag Team 100 for the First Time

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Pro Wrestling Illustrated officially announced that its PWI Tag Team 100 list has been finalized, and The Usos have been named the No. 1 tag team in the professional wrestling world for the year.

The list was expanded from 50 to 100 teams for 2022. This marks the first time The Usos earned the honor and the first time a WWE team was honored.  

The award was first introduced in 2020, and over the past two years, it was won by AEW’s FTR and The Young Bucks. The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) were ranked #1 in 2021, while The Usos were #4.

FTR had a strong argument to win the award again this year as they’re the current ROH, IWGP, and AAA Tag Team Champions. However, it’s hard to argue that the accomplishments Jimmy and Jey didn’t make them the best tag team in the world. 

The Usos’ Run

They unified the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships and broke The New Day’s record for the longest tag title reign in WWE history as they surpassed 500 consecutive days last week.

The Usos competed against the likes of RK-Bro (Matt Riddle & Randy Orton), The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins), The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods), and more while being part of The Bloodline alongside Roman Reigns during the evaluation period.

They defended the titles on Monday Night Raw against Matt Riddle and Kevin Owens. 

WWE Raw Results, Takeaways (12/5/22): The Usos Defend Undisputed Tag Titles, Alexa Bliss

Robert Lentini
-
0

WWE Raw airs live tonight from the Capital One Arena in Washington DC. JBL will hold a high-stakes poker tournament on this week’s edition of Raw. Akira Tozawa recently took all of JBL & Baron Corbin’ money during a poker game but later lost to Corbin in a singles match.

WWE Raw Results

  • The Usos def. Matt Riddle & Kevin Owens to retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships
  • Bayley def. Asuka & Rhea Ripley in a Triple Threat match to advance to the #1 contenders match next week
  • Austin Theory def. Mustafa Ali via DQ to retain the US Title
  • The OC def. Alpha Academy & Baron Corbin
  • Dominik def. Akira Tozawa
  • Alexa Bliss def. Nikki Cross & Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat match to advance to the #1 contenders match next week

Here are the takeaways from this week’s WWE Raw:

The Bloodline Attacked Elias

The Bloodline kicked off tonight’s show and beat Elias down in the parking lot. The Usos were set to defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against Riddle and Elias tonight but The Drifter was ruled out after the attack.

The Usos Retained, Solo Sikoa Brutally Attacked Matt Riddle

The Bloodline made their way to the ring and Matt Riddle interrupted. Matt said their attack wasn’t very Ucey but Sami Zayn disagreed. The Honorary Uce hyped up The Bloodline members as being Ucey. Riddle introduced Kevin Owens as his tag team partner for the match tonight against The Usos.

Owens and Jey Uso started off the match. KO and Riddle dominated as RAW went to a break. When Raw returned, The Usos battled back and Jey planted Riddle with a Neckbreaker as RAW went to another break.

When Raw returned, Jimmy hit KO with a Superkick as WWE tweeted out Butch will be replacing Drew McIntyre as Sheamus’ partner this Friday.

Back in the ring, The Usos isolated Riddle in the middle of the ring. The Usos hit the 1D for the pinfall victory. After the match, The Bloodline attacked Riddle in the middle of the ring. Kevin Owens broke it up with a steel chair and chased everyone to the back. Solo Sikoa stayed behind and attacked Riddle. Sikoa hit the Samoan Spije and then a Senton in the corner. Sikoa grabbed a steel chair and slid it into the ring. Sikoa put a steel chair on Riddle’s head and hit another Senton.

Bayley won the First Triple Threat Match

Bayley came to the ring during WWE RAW but was interrupted by Becky Lynch during her entrance. The Role Model complained about Becky always getting the spotlight and claimed she didn’t care about the WWE Universe. Lynch noted that Damage CTRL have been successful because of Dakota Kai and IYO SKY, while Bayley has failed to capture a title.

The two traded some more words before Becky exited the ring as Rhea made her entrance. Ripley and Lynch had a stare down on the entrance ramp.

Bayley, Asuka, and Rhea Ripley battled in a Triple Threat match tonight on Raw. Ripley launched Bayley into the turnbuckle and did the same to Asuka. Rhea posed for the crowd but it allowed The Empress time to hit her with a Dropkick. Bayley followed it up with a Clothesline and the two briefly teamed up to send Ripley into the ring post.

Asuka went for a Hip Attack but Bayley got out of the way. The Role Model and Asuka battled outside the ring but Rhea took them both out with a Cannonball off the ring apron as WWE Raw went to a commercial break.

When Raw returned, Rhea went for a Splash but Asuka got out of the way. Asuka leveled Bayley with a Shining Wizard and delivered a Codebreaker on Ripley for a near fall. Bayley dragged Asuka out of the ring and tried to form an alliance with Rhea Ripley. Ripley didn’t buy it and grabbed Bayley by the throat.

Bayley battled back and sent Ripley out of the ring. Asuka got Bayley in a submission hold but Ripley broke it up with a Dropkick. The Empress of Tomorrow got Ripley in an Armbar but Bayley broke it up with an Elbow Drop for a near fall.

The Role Model connected with a Bayley to Belly but Ripley broke up the cover. Ripley delivered a slam but Asuka kicked out at two. Ripley hit Bayley with a Dropkick to knock her off the apron and went for a Cannonball off the steel steps but Bayley got out of the way. Back in the ring, Asuka hit a Superkick and went for a Dropkick but Bayley got out of the way. Bayley hit Asuka with the Rose Plant for the pinfall victory.

Bobby Lashley Will Face Seth Rollins Next Week

Seth Rollins made his way to the ring for a promo tonight on Raw. Rollins said that he will go one on one with Bobby Lashley next week on Raw in a #1 contender’s match for the United States Championship.

Rollins suggested that Bobby Lashley is jealous of Brock Lesnar. This led to a brawl breaking out between the two superstars before WWE security separated them. United States Champion Austin Theory was interviewed backstage but was interrupted by Mustafa Ali backstage. Theory challenged Theory to a match tonight.

Austin Theory Retained the US Title after Dolph Ziggler Interfered

Austin Theory defended the United States Championship against Mustafa Ali tonight on WWE Raw. Theory dominated early but the challenger battled back. Ali hit a dropkick that knocked Theory out of the ring and caught him with a dive through the ropes. Dolph Ziggler interfered and attacked Austin Theory to end the match in a DQ. After the match, Theory still managed to beat Ali and Ziggler down.

The OC Picked Up A Win

Baron Corbin’s poker game turned into a disaster that was won by Dexter Lumis. Corbin and Alpha Academy argued with The OC and it led to a 6-man tag team match.

The OC isolated Chad Gable in the ring and took turns beating him down to start off the action as JBL joined commentary. Otis tagged in and elbowed AJ Styles in the face. Baron tagged in and hit Deep Six for a near fall. The action went back and forth until The Good Brothers trapped Gable again. Anderson and Gallows it the Magic Killer for the pinfall victory.

Dominik. def. Tozawa

Dominik Mysterio battled Akira Tozawa tonight after the poker game. Tozawa got in some offense but went for a big move off the top rope but Mysterio got out of the way. Dominik followed it up with a Frog Splash for the pinfall victory. After the match, Judgment Day beat Akira Tozawa down before Street Profits made the save. Judgment Day retreated to end the segment.

Alexa Bliss Advanced to Next Week’s Triple Threat match

Nikki Cross, Alexa Bliss, and Becky Lynch battled in a Triple Threat match in the main event. The winner will go on to face Bayley to become #1 contender for the RAW Women’s Champion next week. Lynch booted Alexa in the face and knocked Nikki Cross off the ring apron.

Bliss hit Double Knees but Nikki sent her to the corner. Cross hit Splashes on Lynch and Bliss in opposite corners of the ring. Lynch beat Nikki down in the corner of the ring and connected with an Exploder Suplex as RAW went to the final commercial break of the night.

When RAW returned, Nikki applied a Headlock on Alexa Bliss in the middle of the ring. Becky broke it up and connected with a Bulldog on Cross.

Alexa knocked Becky to the floor and climbed to the top rope. Nikki Cross joined her up there and the two traded punches. Becky got back in the ring and Powerbombed Cross as she delivered a Superplex to Alexa. Cross set up for a Neckbreaker as Becky climbed to the top rope. Lynch hit a Dropkick at the same time and tried cover Alexa but Bliss kicked out at two.

Becky planted Nikki Cross with a Manhandle Slam on the ring apron. IYO SKY and Dakota Kai rushed the ring and beat Becky Lynch down. Damage CTRL got Becky up and Powerbombed her through the announce table. Alexa then hit Twisted Bliss on Nikki Cross for the pinfall victory.

Drew McIntyre Pulled From Title Match on Friday’s WWE SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Drew McIntyre has revealed that he is not medically qualified to compete at this week’s WWE SmackDown.

The former WWE Champion was slated to team with Sheamus to challenge the winners of the Undisputed Tag Team Championship match on tonight’s Raw between The Usos and Matt Riddle & Elias this Friday night on SmackDown. 

The Announcement

Drew McIntyre

He promised to return soon because he doesn’t like missing shows. However, he didn’t provide any specifics as to what the exact issue is. McIntyre wrote the following: 

“Unfortunately I am medically disqualified to compete this Friday on #Smackdown. I don’t like to miss any shows as everybody knows but I promise I’ll be back soon.”

His last televised match was at Survivor Series in the Men’s WarGames match when the Bloodline (Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn & Solo Sikoa) defeated McIntyre, Kevin Owens & The Brawling Brutes (Butch, Ridge Holland & Sheamus). His last match happened on November 27 in a six-man tag team match at a house show. 

Shayna Baszler (w/Ronda Rousey) vs. Shotzi (w/Raquel Rodriguez) and Kurt Angle’s birthday celebration is still advertised for this week’s SmackDown from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

We wish the best to McIntyre and hope to see him back in the ring soon. 

AEW Entering New Markets in 2023

Andrew Ravens
-
0

AEW has been criticized for running the same markets every few months, but that will be changing next year. The reason for AEW having this past strategy was to save money on production cost for its weekly shows.

Except for the Dynamite show on January 11 from The Forum in Los Angeles, CA, AEW has announced new market dates for its 2023 touring schedule thus far. 

The list of shows in new markets includes Seattle, Portland, Fresno, Lexington, Dayton, El Paso, Phoenix, and San Francisco.

For their remaining 2022 shows, the markets they are heading to haven’t had shows there since earlier this year. The last time they went to Cedar Park and San Antonio was in March while they last ran Garland in April 2022. They haven’t held a show in Broomfield since March 2020. 

AEW Touring Schedule

AEW Arena Fyter Fest
(via AEW)

Here’s an updated look at AEW’s touring schedule through March 2023. Head over to AEWTix.com if you’re located in any of these markets and interested in attending

  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage: December 7 – H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, TX
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage (Winter is Coming): December 14 – Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage (Holiday Bash): December 21 – Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage: December 28 – 1STBANK Arena in Broomfield, CO
  • AEW Dynamite: January 4 – Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA
  • AEW Rampage and Battle of the Belts: January 6 – Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, OR
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage: January 11 – The Forum in Los Angeles, CA
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage: January 18 – Save Mart Center in Fresno, CA
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage: January 25 – Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage: February 1 – Nutter Center in Dayton, OH
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage: February 8 – El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, TX
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage: February 15 – TBA
  • AEW Dynamite and Rampage: February 22 – Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ
  • AEW Dynamite: March 1 – Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA
  • AEW Rampage: March 3 – Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA
  • AEW Revolution: March 5 – Chase Center in San Francisco, CA

Thunder Rosa Still Has a Long Road Ahead Before AEW Return

Michael Reichlin
-
0

Thunder Rosa says her injury rehabilitation is going “really well,” but don’t expect her back in All Elite Wrestling any time soon. She’s jogging, is finally able to lift weights again, but still has done any in-ring training.

Rosa has been on the sidelines since August 2022 when an undisclosed injury put her on the shelf. A lot has transpired since then, when she was the reigning AEW Women’s World Champion.

A tournament was held to crown an interim champion during her absence. Toni Storm won the tournament at All Out, but lost the interim title to Jamie Hayter at Full Gear. AEW has since stripped Rosa of her championship, retired the interim title and declared Hayter the official Women’s World Champion.

Several AEW stars have been critical of Rosa during her hiatus, including former champions Storm and Dr. Britt Baker.

Lifting Weights, 5K

Rosa has provided an update on her recovery. She’s back in the gym doing squats with 2-pound dumbbells, which she considers a huge win after so many months without lifting.

“The recovery is going really well,” Rosa said. “This week I was just able to do squats with a two-pound dumbbell. I haven’t done any lifting for the last four or five months so this is huge.”

She also participated in a 5k race two weeks ago. Doctors are not allowing her to do any running, but she jogged half of it and walked the rest. Despite these recovery milestones, she still has a ways to go.

I have not been able to be in the ring yet so we’re working on that.

– Thunder Rosa Injury Update

Rosa is as tough as they come. Her injury and long road back to AEW are further reminders that pro wrestlers put their bodies and health on the line every time they step through the ropes.

SEScoops wishes Thunder Rosa a speedy recovery.

Saraya Teases Plans Outside Of The Ring For 2023

Ella Jay
-
0

Saraya has relished in her recent return to professional wrestling, but she’s eager to do more outside of it as well.

The former WWE Divas Champion announced her clearance to re-enter in-ring competition last month. Then, she went on to wrestle Britt Baker at AEW Full Gear in her first match in nearly five years. With Saraya’s comeback in professional wrestling now officially underway, she’s ready to further explore professional opportunities with her newfound “freedom” in All Elite Wrestling.

Prior to signing with AEW, Saraya felt she “shackled” by the restrictions put on by WWE during her nine-year tenure there. Outside projects often remained limited for WWE Superstars, which prevented “The Glampire” from pursuing certain opportunities or aspirations. However, Saraya did find some leeway to start up her own Twitch channel under her real name, and aid in the production of her biopic, “Fighting With My Family.” Despite dipping her toes into some exciting ventures, Saraya craved more.

Now signed with AEW, Saraya developed more creative and professional freedom, with some future projects already lined up. In an interview with TMZ Sports’ Dean Muhtadi (Mojo Rawley), Saraya hinted at what fans can expect from her in the new year.

Plans For 2023

Saraya
(AEW)

“I can’t really give away too much. But now I have 100% freedom to do whatever I want. I did all that stuff [before] being shackled,” she explained. “I kind of had to go do that stuff [with approval]. As you know, Mojo, as much as it’s incredible being in WWE, you’re kind of limited to what you can and can’t do outside the company. So you have to like get permission to do things. It was during a pandemic too. Since I was sitting at home and not being used on TV, I was like, ‘I need to try and do something with my life and try and continue to do stuff.'”

“Even though it was limited, I still got things done, which is great. But now that I have no shackles, no nothing, and I have so much freedom, it feels really good to have people approach me — so many production companies approach me. So many book editors [and] production come up to me. There’s just so many different people that [come up to me]”

“Then obviously I work with UTA (United Talent Agency) and stuff like that. They were just like, ‘I can’t believe all these people [approach you]. We don’t even have to ask them to do it. They’re coming to us to work with you’. And I was just like, ‘That feels incredible’ because I got really scared that I was kind of like — I felt like a bum after a while because I was sitting around so much and I hate not working. So, now I’m working constantly.”

“I have like 25 friggin calls today, but I’m just very excited about the future. There’s so much more to come. 2023 is going to be a huge year for sure for Saraya,” she declared.

Saraya previously discussed her ongoing process of writing a book, presumably an autobiography, during a recent appearance at Starrcast V in Nashville, Tennessee. SEScoops was on-site to capture the star’s media scrum, prior to her signing with All Elite Wrestling.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit TMZ Sports and give a H/T to SEScoops for the transcription.

Kevin Nash Reveals How Much WWE Paid Marvel For ‘Hulk’ Trademark

Jon Fuentes
-
0

Kevin Nash has revealed how much WWE dished out to Marvel for use of the “Hulk” trademark for Hulk Hogan.

The WWE Hall Of Famer took to his “Kliq This” podcast and shed some light for fans on the trademark issue side of the professional wrestling business. Nash dove into the complexities of trademarks, including how some stars, such as 16-time World Champion John Cena, have their real names trademarked by WWE.

“It should only be able to be registered, but not trademarked. And then you would have to sign a merchandising agreement. I don’t see how they can trademark it.”

nWo
(via WWE)

Having been a part of one of the most famous professional wrestling factions of all time, the NWO, Nash was asked by co-host Sean Oliver how valuable the faction’s trademark is. Nash said that if he had the option to own the NWO trademark or his own name, he’d choose the NWO.

“[WWE] owned the nWo. So we got a percentage of that from the WWE. The faction makes way more money than “Kevin Nash” does. The nWo was the homerun. If I could pick owning either the nWo trademark solely 100%, or owning “Kevin Nash” in the realm of wrestling? I’ll take the nWo.”

Finally, Nash noted that WWE actually had to pay Marvel for the use of the “Hulk” trademark for Hulk Hogan – who was one of the most famous people on the planet during his run atop the WWE mountain.

Apparently, the professional wrestling juggernaut had to dish out six figures for the use of the trademark.

“It was Marvel, and [WWF] paid, I wanna say one hundred grand, to use the Hulk trademark.”

Quotes via 411Mania

Sami Zayn Reveals When Idea To Join The Bloodline First Formed

Ella Jay
-
0

Sami Zayn’s contributions to The Bloodline have gradually garnered the respect and attention of many professional wrestling fans. In addition, Zayn’s clutch performance at Survivor Series: WarGames granted his team the win, and perfectly encapsulated the much-needed payoff after months’ worth of pleading his way into the faction.

After Zayn’s loss to Johnny Knoxville at WrestleMania 38 in April, he needed to get himself back on the right track personally, and with the SmackDown locker room. So, he turned to “The Head of the Table” Roman Reigns. In the months that followed, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion emerged as a serious star and integral member of The Bloodline stable — later earning the title of “Honorary Uce.”

Now, Zayn, Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Jimmy and Jey Uso remain atop WWE programming, holding possession of the company’s stop prizes, the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and Undisputed Tag Team Championships.

Planting The Seeds

The Bloodline WWE WarGames
The Bloodline

Before Sami Zayn and Roman Reign’s on-screen relationship even budded, the seeds for the storyline were planted six months before. In a recent appearance on Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg, Zayn provided some insight into when the idea first sprung up.

“Well, I won’t pull the curtain back too much, but the idea was kicked just about a year ago actually….The first time I think there was any interaction between myself and the Bloodline was just after WrestleMania [38]. But in actuality, the idea was first discussed going into Survivor Series of last year,” he revealed.

“I was doing this whole thing where I was on SmackDown, I was the longest-tenured member of SmackDown as the locker room leader,” Zayn continued.” I thought there’d be something interesting there with the locker room leader and ‘The Head of the Table’. The premise sort of being, the ‘Head of the Table’ isn’t in that locker room anymore.”

“I wasn’t originally envisioning being a full-blown member of the Bloodline or anything like that, just something to where Roman and I can occasionally get on screen together in sort of a light-hearted way and I’m giving him these reports of what’s going on and here’s what he needs to be careful for. Every once in a while, I get things kicked my way too. That was sort of the idea. That was the kernel, or the little seed.”

Getting ‘The Tribal Chief’ On Board

roman reigns

Zayn then revealed that Roman Reigns was also aboard the early discussions, noting Reign’s prior public statement to work with him someday. “It was talked about with Roman as well,” Zayn confirmed.

“We were sitting at catering one day, and I heard an interview that he did with Ariel Helwani where he was very kind towards me and just saying nice things about me as an on-screen character, and thinks he’d like to do something down the road with me one day. We got to talking and I don’t remember exactly how it went, but it was a mutual thing.”

Details on Sasha Banks’ First Movie Project, Footage from the Set

Michael Reichlin
-
0

Sasha Banks (Mercedes Varnado) has landed her first movie role. Details have been scarce, but we’ve been able to piece together some details based on clues we’ve tracked down on social media.

On Sunday, December 4, Banks tweeted that she just wrapped her first movie in her hometown of #Bosston.

Actor Mike Messier noted on Twitter that Banks was filming a movie in the city for actor/director Tom DeNucci.

DeNucci’s latest project in development is, The Collective. IMDB lists Yale Productions as the production company, First Row Filmed Entertainment as the distributor and 2024 as a tentative release date. The synopsis reads:

“A young recruit to a mysterious agency of assassins finds himself going rouge on his first assignment, tracking down a dangerous group of human traffickers.”

The Collective (IMDb)

We also have this (brief) behind-the-scenes clip of Sasha Banks on set:

Sasha Banks in Hollywood

Sasha banks

While this is Banks’ first film role, she isn’t new to Hollywood. In 2020, she set the internet ablaze when she appeared in two episodes of Disney’s The Mandolorian. She played Koska Reeves.

Banks left WWE this past May, but is still training. Last month, it was revealed that she had been training with Juventud Guerrera in Mexico. While in Mexico, she was spotted backstage at a non-televised WWE show.

In her time away from wrestling, she has walked in New York Fashion Week for the first time alongside Naomi. Her CBD company with former WWE Superstar, Kalisto, won an award.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest.

Claudio Castagnoli Addresses William Regal’s Future with AEW

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Claudio Castagnoli has spoken about the reports regarding William Regal’s wrestling status as he is expected to leave AEW to make a return to WWE. 

Castagnoli became a member of the Blackpool Combat Club at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door when he replaced Bryan Danielson against Zack Sabre Jr and made his promotional debut. Regal founded BCC alongside Jon Moxley and Danielson.

Regal is reportedly leaving AEW and returning to WWE as his AEW contract reportedly expired in December, where he will be working in a backstage role again. 

In an interview with Joey Hayden of Dallas Morning News, Castagnoli was asked about the current status of the BCC and Regal.

Claudio Castagnoli On William Regal

Claudio Castagnoli as the ROH champion

“I mean, I guess we have to … we have to wait and see. You know, we’re still talking, I think we have to have a little group meeting to figure out what’s next, or if there’s a next. So yeah, I’ll leave it at that,” he said.

Claudio also talked about what it means to him to work with Regal since he arrived in AEW. He said he never stopped learning from Regal and he was the reason he got into WWE in the first place. He was also the man to end Regal’s in-ring career. 

Claudio is set to challenge Chris Jericho for the ROH World Title at ROH Final Battle this Saturday.

WWE Should Revive Starrcade As A Major PPV

Mike Chin
-
0

2022 was quite arguably the most tumultuous year in WWE history. Most notably, the unthinkable happened when Vince McMahon announced his retirement. While Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan took on shared responsibility as the co-CEOs at the tip-top of WWE, an even more immediate impact felt by fans saw Triple H take the reins of both creative and talent relations.

Helmsley’s presence was felt in a series of surprise returns from late summer through the fall. Moreover, Survivor Series saw the emergence of the first ever War Games matches on the WWE main roster after decades of the company owning that intellectual property. That’s not to mention the choice not to run a December PPV, not to mention canceling the Day 1 New Year’s show.

Between Triple H’s sensibilities as a wrestling traditionalist and the changes to the PPV calendar, the question arises—should WWE bring back Starrcade, the former flagship annual PPV of WCW?

The History Of Starrcade

Greg Valentine Roddy Piper Magnum TA Tully Blanchard Starrcde

Starrcade predates WrestleMania, with its first iteration going down in 1983, and immediately establishing itself as a truly top tier annual event. Over the years, the event saw main events like Harley Race vs. Ric Flair and Flair vs. Dusty Rhodes, as well as legendary undercard attractions like the Dog Collar Match between Roddy Piper and Greg Valentine and the I Quit Match between Magnum TA and Tully Blanchard. Later, Flair would represent tradition against monster heel Big Van Vader, and the year-and-a-half-plus Sting vs. Hollywood Hogan angle would come to a head at Starrcade 1997. Starrcade also infamously played host to the end of Goldberg’s streak at the hands of Kevin Nash, as well as the end of Bret Hart’s full-time wrestling career when Goldberg gave him a stiff kick to the head.

While Eric Bischoff has, on his podcast 83 Weeks, denied that he viewed Starrcade as the biggest show of the year (alternately putting more weight on Halloween Havoc and Bash at the Beach), the consensus among fans still placed Starrcade as The Grandaddy of Them All. As the longest continual running PPV under the NWA and WCW banner, it certainly earned its place in history.

WWE Has Revisited Starrcade

Dustin Rhodes Starrcade

WWE actually has promoted its own Starrcade-branded events. Starrcade was a SmackDown house show in November 2017. The company did broadcast this show via the WWE Network in 2018 and 2019, but it was contextualized as more of a novelty show—largely inconsequential to ongoing storylines—than a proper PPV-style event.

Indeed, WWE seemed mostly concerned with tapping into nostalgia. In 2017, Goldust shed his garb and signature entrance music in favor of returning to his old school WCW gimmick as The Natural to callback to not only his own earlier WCW performances, but his family’s—and specifically his father’s—history with the event. Moreover, the 2017 edition emanated from WCW stronghold, Greensboro, North Carolina, and 2019’s happened in Duluth, Georgia, another area favored WCW and Jim Crockett Promotions.

A New Vision For Starrcade

Ric Flair Hall Of Fame

Triple H finally bringing War Games to the WWE main roster seems to bespeak his commitment to wrestling history and his own past enjoyment of the traditional style Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, and others were historically known for. Reviving Starrcade would be a natural extension of representing that aesthetic.

More than a specially promoted house show or quietly marketed WWE Network special, though, the Starrcade brand deserves to be recognized with a proper PPV event. The PPV calendar is already crowded, and it seems The Game means to be more critical about promoting fewer events more soundly. Nonetheless, running Starrcade, particularly in its traditional spot around the holidays (it originally happened in November, then moved to December to not conflict with Survivor Series) would be a powerful way of tapping into old school wrestling nostalgia at a time of year when the general public is already predisposed to feeling nostalgic.

To offer Starrcade a distinctive identity, it would only make sense to focus on tapping into the past. WWE is no stranger to bringing back part-time legends to work matches here and there. Additionally, they could conceivably could tap into some of the ethos of another WCW PPV, Slamboree, by focusing its new vision of Starrcade on legends past returning to work matches with each other, or with current talents. There have been rumblings about WWE seeking to move its Hall of Fame proceedings away from WrestleMania weekend, given how crowded the two-night structure of the event has made the weekend. Starrcade’s history as a premium event and this focus on nostalgia could make it fitting new home for when inductions would happen.

The future of the Starrcade brand is unclear. The nostalgia-based smaller events WWE ran from 2017 to 2019 served a niche audience and casually took advantage of the intellectual property at WWE’s disposal. Like so many things, Starrcade’s continuity was disrupted by the pandemic in 2020. As the world continues to settle back into  sense of normalcy, there’s a real opportunity for WWE relaunch this event under a new vision.

The Bloodline Honors Umaga on the Anniversary of his Passing

Michael Reichlin
-
0

Sunday, December 4 marked the 13 years since the passing of former WWE Superstar Umaga (Edward Smith Fatu). He was a member of legendary Anoa?i family.

Bloodline member Jey Uso honored The Samoan Bulldozer on social media on the anniversary of his untimely death.

As seen below, he posted photos on Instagram remembering his late uncle. The caption reads, “Dec 4th be a sad day. Then, ALL the great memories brightens it up.??? Love u mane.”

Several wrestling personalities liked and commented on the post, including Chris Jeriocho, Chavo Guerrero, Bayley and Renee Paquette.

Jey Uso is very proud of his uncle and his family heritage. In a 2021 interview with Yahoo! Sports, he credted the Samoan people for ‘making’ wrestling.

“I think the Samoan people have made wrestling,” he said. “Pro wrestling is right down our alley, we’re just physical people, strong, quick. I feel like we were just made to do this. Being a part of it now and seeing all of the blood that has been laid before me, the whole family tree, it’s very humbling and I’m so proud I am part of this.”

Both Uso brothers have spoken candidly about the way Umaga changed their lives:

Umaga Lives on

The Bloodline faction is comprised of Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, The Usos, Solo Sikoa (plus honorary Uce, Sami Zayn). WWE broadcaster Corey Graves recently compared Sikoa to Umaga on the After the Bell podcast.

“His reactions reminded me very much of Umaga,” said Graves. “I said it on the air with all due respect, because I know in what regard the family looks at Umaga and with what reference he is viewed within the family. So I would never say that as a flippant comment. A smaller, more compact version, but the same hard-hitting impact. The same savagery once he gets going.”

Remembering Umaga

WWE has created this playlist recapping some of Umaga’s greatest in-ring moments. He was an active Superstar from 2001-2003 (as Jamal of the ‘Three Minute Warning’ tag team) and later 2005-2009 (as Umaga).

AEW Files to Trademark the Phrase “Hat Trick”

Michael Reichlin
-
0

AEW filed a new trademark application last week. On Wednesday, November 30, filed an application on the phrase, “Hat Trick.” These trademark applications often provide a glimpse what wrestling companies and wrestlers have planned in the coming months.

According to the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) database, the Attorney of Record for the live trademark is Bradley M. Stohry.

The Goods and Services usage description for the Hat Trick trademarks includes:

  • Entertainment services in the nature of live wrestling performances; Entertainment services in the nature of production of television shows and multimedia entertainment content featuring wrestling programs and events;
  • Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a group or individual wrestlers;

Hat Trick is a phrase that means, “three similar successes” and is often used in sports when three goals are scored in a game/match.

AEW has utilized sports-related phrases for its special events, including Grand Slam and The First Dance, so it could be an event name. There’s also Jake Hager of the Jericho Appreciation Society, who really likes his purple hat.

Jake Hager Hat

Wrestling Trademarks

Here’s some more recent news about pro wrestling trademarks:

WWE Expected to Struggle with Plans for Global Expansion (Report)

Thomas Lowson
-
0

WWE’s new regime may have big plans internationally, but don’t count on seeing a promotion be acquired anytime soon.

Last month, WWE co-CEOs Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan appeared at the Wells Fargo TMT Summit to address plans in the post-Vince McMahon era.

At the event, Stephanie McMahon spoke about plans for WWE to branch out “international is the focus for us.”

Problems

WWE’s plans to stretch its reach even further across the world is nothing new, but the company has yet to establish its brand with a promotion outside of the U.S. and the UK.

Speaking on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained why WWE will continue to struggle.

“The key is that they have a lot of money right now, and so they want to do mergers and acquisitions and stuff like that. Their business is wrestling so they’re looking at buying some wrestling companies. Them trying to run something in Mexico is probably a bad idea.

Japanese companies do not want to sell to Americans.

Dave Meltzer on one of WWE’s potential struggles for global expansion.

“Them buying a Japanese company [is a bad idea] if they can because it’s already so hard. Japanese companies do not want to sell to Americans. It’s hard to do. They tried to buy Stardom, but Stardom sold to Bushiroad. They tried to buy NOAH, but NOAH sold to [CyberFight.] There are a million companies in Japan they could buy. I suppose they could run them, but there’s not really a lot of money to be made. I think they would screw up in Mexico. I don’t think they would understand the culture, and Japan has an even more difficult culture to understand than Mexico.”

Boxing

WWE’s talk of branching out internationally is nothing new, but talk about boxing took everyone by surprise.

At the event, McMahon said that WWE is interested in getting into the world of professional boxing, saying it would need to line up with WWE’s standards.

On his show, Meltzer explained that boxing is an industry WWE would be wise to avoid.

Boxing would be the one that would surprise me. Dana White is a big Boxing fan and for years he’s talked about doing something in boxing. And when push came to shove [he didn’t.] If you want to get into boxing, you have two choices. You either work at such a small level and make no money, or you try and do something at the big level. And the problem is at the big level there’s high risk because the guarantees for the big-name fighters are so high. They’re way higher than UFC guys are used to paying their fighters. And they are WAY higher than WWE is used to paying.

“I don’t know if that’s a business they want to get into. Especially right now.”

Dave Meltzer.

“I don’t know if that’s a business they want to get into. Especially right now, because boxing’s not really that popular. They have a few names that are big. If they go into the gimmick side, they are late in the game. We’ve already seen the Anderson Silva Vs. Jake Paul Pay-Per-View didn’t do well.”

Meltzer concluded that he expects WWE to back off the idea of getting into boxing once they have a closer look at the financials of the matter.

Stephanie McMahon Discusses Potential WWE Stadium Show in Australia

Kevin Nash Claims Larry Zbyszko Got Stoned for WWE Hall of Fame Induction

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Larry Zbyszko’s contributions to the wrestling world earned him a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2015, but the ‘living legend’ was reportedly high throughout the ceremony.

On the night before WrestleMania 31, Zbyszko was inducted by his good friend Bruno Sammartino, who had been inducted two years earlier.

Zbyszko’s induction was part of a stacked class, which included the late ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, Rikishi, Alundra Blayze, The Bushwhackers, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Stoned

That year’s WWE Hall of Fame also saw the singles induction of Kevin Nash for his work in WWE as Big Daddy Cool Diesel.

Speaking on his Kliq This podcast, Nash recalled Zbyszko mellowing out for his induction speech.

“I went into the Hall of Fame. So it’s 2015 and [Mean] Gene’s next to me, and Zbyszko had gotten stoned before [the show began.] Larry had gotten stoned before he went out and did the Hall of Fame. Of course, you think in your mind ‘I’ll get stoned and I’ll be really entertaining.'”

While Zbyszko believed that being high would help, Nash gave Mean Gene’s scathing review when the three were on a plane to leave San Francisco.

“I’m in [Row] C. Gene is D and Larry is on the other side of Gene in the aisle. And he says ‘how did I do Gene?’ And he replies ‘it was the absolute drizzling sh*ts. The worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life Larry.’ And Larry was waiting [for Gene to say something good about the speech] and he just turned back to me and was talking.”

“It was the absolute drizzling sh*ts!”

Mean Gene Okerlund’s review of Larry Zybszko’s WWE Hall of Fame induction.

WWE and Marijuana

WWE has always had an interesting relationship with marijuana and has both allowed and banned the substance multiple times.

Speaking about his own experiences, Nash recalled being able to use it during his first run, and not being allowed when he returned in 2002.

“The first three years we could smoke. The three years after that we couldn’t smoke. WWE had the ‘no steroid, no marijuana’ policy.”

Kevin Nash.

Nash also named his favorite person to smoke with, and picked someone fans wouldn’t have expected.

“One of my favorite people to hang out with on the road that I never got a chance to do much with is Chris Masters. The Masterlock. We were at a signing somewhere in Jersey. He made a pipe out of an apple and he and I got whacked! We ended up in lookers drinking Coronas. It was a good signing, a couple of hours. We went up the room and got baked.”

In April 20, of this year, it was reported that WWE would no longer be penalizing talent for the use of marijuana.

Jake Roberts Says Vince McMahon Banning Marijuana Led to Wrestlers Using Hard Drugs

Kurt Angle is Willing to Wrestle Shane McMahon Again… For the Right Price

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Kurt Angle is ready to don his singlet and wrestling boots for a rematch with Shane McMahon, but the match won’t come cheap.

At the 2001 King of the Ring Pay-Per-View, Angle wrestled three times, defeating Christian in the titular tournament semi-finals, before losing to Edge in the finals.

Angle’s third match of the night saw him defeat Shane McMahon in a Street Fight which continues to be considered one of the best matches of both men’s respective careers.

Shane McMahon

Shane McMahon did not spend years honing his craft on the independents before wrestling for his father’s company, but he made up for any lack of experience in the ring.

McMahon’s death-defying stunts would not look out of place in any hardcore indie promotion, and on his podcast, Angle had nothing but praise for Shane O’Mac.

“Shane was great. I always loved working with him. Whether we were wrestling or cutting promos. We’ll never live down the match at King of the Ring. No matter how many times I wrestle Shane we will never duplicate that match, ever.”

Kurt Angle.

The King of the Ring match is perhaps best remembered for Shane being thrown through the show’s glass staging, twice.

The Rematch

In total, Kurt Angle wrestled for 45 minutes and 9 seconds at King of the Ring 2001, an impressive feat considering he’d been a WWF Superstar for little over a year.

Speaking about facing Shane in a rematch, Kurt said that to do so would cost a lot of money.

“man, that’s tough. Well, that would have to be a lot of money, I’m talking ten million.”

Kurt Angle.

Angle hasn’t competed since his WWE WrestleMania 35 loss to Baron Corbin in April 2019.

New Details on Shane McMahon’s Controversial Conduct at the Royal Rumble

h/t – eWrestlingNews

Tyson Fury Wants WWE Tag Team Match With Jake & Logan Paul

Thomas Lowson
-
0

Boxing star Tyson Fury is ready to get back in a WWE ring if it means getting his hands on Jake and Logan Paul.

In 2019, Fury competed in his first (and to date, only) WWE match, defeating Braun Strowman at that year’s Crown Jewel Premium Live Event via count out.

Fury’s most recent appearance came at WWE Clash at the Castle in September of this year, preventing then-Mr. Money in the Bank Austin Theory from cashing in.

The Paul Brothers

In the years since Crown Jewel 2019, Fury has teased a return to WWE, something the promotion’s management would love to see.

Speaking to Boxing Social this past week, Fury again expressed his excitement at a return to the WWE ring.

“I can’t wait, smashing a chair on somebody’s head.”

Tyson Fury.

When asked about a tag-team match, pitting the Pauls against Tyson and his father, the former boxer John Fury, the ‘Gypsy King’ was on board.

“Yeah that sounds good, let’s do it!”

Tyson Fury.

This past weekend, Fury retained the WBC World Heavyweight Championship and dominated Derek Chisora before the referee stopped the fight in the tenth round.

Fury’s Other Match

Tyson Fury may have his sights set on the Paul brothers, but Drew McIntyre is also a potential opponent for the Boxing megastar.

Over the years, both McIntyre and Fury have teased a match that would take place at a WWE Premium Live Event in the United Kingdom.

While both men appeared at Clash at the Castle, they didn’t come to blows but instead serenaded the crowd in Cardiff, Wales to close out the show.

Drew McIntyre Believes Tyson Fury is “Custom Fit” for WWE

Triple H’s Creative Team “Almost Never Mentioned” the WWE 24/7 Championship

Thomas Lowson
-
0

The WWE 24/7 Champion is officially retired as part of Triple H’s new regime as Head of Creative and Head of Talent Relations.

The championship debuted in 2019 and despite initial hostility by fans over the design, became popular for providing comedy segments during WWE programming.

After winning the title last month, Nikki Cross dumped the title in the trash, signifying the end of the championship.

The End of the WWE 24/7 Championship

After Triple H took the creative reins from his father-in-law Vince McMahon in July, the 24/7 Championship was immediately featured less and less on TV.

The green-and-gold title played no part in the Game’s plans for WWE in the post-McMahon era, Fightful Select reports.

A source who spoke to Fightful said that the title “was almost never mentioned in a creative sense” backstage in production meetings, but allowed for some fun moments at live events.”

The source added that “the future of the title seemed to be up in the air and it wasn’t something that we heard Triple H ever talked about.”

Despite the title appearing on TV during the Triple H era, no championship matches were held until Dana Brooke lost the title to Nikki Cross.

The WWE 24/7 Championship

After being introduced by Mick Foley, Titus O’Neil became the first 24/7 Champion by winning a battle royal but quickly lost the title moments later.

R-Truth holds the records for both the most reigns (53) and the most combined days as champion (415 days.)

Pat Patterson’s win at Raw Reunion in July 2019 aged 78 made him the oldest champion in WWE, while Kelly Kelly would become the first woman to hold the gold, also winning at Raw Reunion.

The Revival (now AEW’s FTR) was the only tag team to win the title together, while Maria Kanellis-Bennett’s reign made her the first pregnant champion in WWE.

Jeff Hardy Felt “Ashamed” Chasing the WWE 24/7 Championship

Former WWE Star Claims William Regal Regretted Signing with AEW due to “Maturity Issues” in Management

Robert Lentini
-
0

Former WWE NXT GM William Regal is reportedly returning to WWE following a short stint with AEW.

Regal formed the Blackpool Combat Club with Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson. It appeared that AEW was onto something with the group but the booking quickly made them an afterthought. Claudio Castagnoli and Bryan Danielson chased after the ROH Championship and have been feuding with Jericho Appreciation Society for an eternity while Moxley was doing his own thing as AEW World Champion.

William played a prominent role in the AEW World Championship match at Full Gear. Regal betrayed Jon Moxley and slid him the brass knuckles. MJF would then betray William Regal on this past Wednesday’s edition of Dynamite and bashed him in the back of the head with the brass knuckles.

There have been reports of AEW talent questioning the decision to have Regal be the focal point of the AEW World Championship storyline when it was known he was leaving the company.

AEW Talent Questioning Recent Tony Khan Booking Decision (Report)

EC3 Claims William Regal Regretted Joining AEW

Former WWE Superstar EC3 joined former WWE writer Vince Russo and Dr. Chris Featherstone for the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s The Wrestling Outlaws Show.

During the conversation, EC3 stated that Regal’s value is in a developmental system where the talent listen and that was not the case in AEW.

He’s too valuable to not be in a developmental system. And I know we can say ‘oh he’s there mentoring the people in AEW’, the thing is they are not listening.

The talent doesn’t listen to veterans for the most part. The ones that do are knocking him in the back of the head with brass knuckles and are the World Champion.

The other ones are doing moves all the way from Dynamite to Rampage to Dark, and nobody cares.

His value is grooming future generations in NXT, like I think he loved it there. I think he was super comfortable. If people are paid money to listen to him, well maybe they will actually listen to him.

EC3 added that he heard William Regal immediately regretted joining All Elite Wrestling once he signed with the promotion. The former WWE star claimed that he heard those words verbatim.

The word was he said ‘I immediately regret this decision, there’s very much a maturity issue here within management’. Verbatim.

Seth Rollins Paid Tribute to Brodie Lee at WWE Show from Rochester, NY

Samantha Schipman
-
0

On Saturday night, WWE had a house show in Rochester, NY. That is the hometown of the late, great Brodie Lee.

After a match with Austin Theory, an emotional Seth Rollins paid tribute to his late friend. “Mr. Brodie Lee, aka Luke Harper, was from here and he passed away a couple years ago, about this time. This is the first time that I’ve been here with a microphone in my hand, in this city to tell him much I miss him and how much I love him.” The crowd began chanting, “Brodie. Brodie. Brodie.”

“The Architect” continued with, “I just wanted to say tonight was for him. Every single time we’re in Rochester, in my heart, that means we’re here for him. It’s Saturday and you know what that means.”

Brodie Lee’s Death

Brodie Lee
Brodie Lee

As Rollins mentioned, it’s getting close to the anniversary of Lee’s untimely death. He passed away December 26, 2020. Lee’s wife, Amanda, detailed his health issues that started in October 2020. His health declined rapidly and he was not approved for lung transplants. On Christmas Eve, they began preparing him for end of life care.

A funeral was not held due to COVID-19. AEW’s “Celebration of Life” episode was his funeral, according to Amanda.

Amanda now works for AEW in their Community Outreach department. Negative 1 still appears on AEW programming, including the Black Friday edition of Rampage where his mentor, Preston “10” Vance, turned on Dark Order and threw the mask his father gave him down at his feet.

Photos: Bianca Belair Impresses in Bodybuilding Competition, WWE Superstars React

Robert Lentini
-
0

RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair competed in a fitness competition over the weekend and showed off her impressive physique on social media today.

Belair’s team defeated Damage CTRL, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross in the Women’s WarGames match this past Saturday. Becky Lynch returned to the company as the mystery teammate and wound up winning the match for Team Bianca at the premium live event. The Man connected with a Leg Drop off the top of the steel cage on Dakota and IYO below for the pinfall victory.

  • 8 Best Moments from WWE Survivor Series WarGames

Bianca took to Twitter to share several photos from the competition. She disclosed that she has been training for the past 10 weeks for the WBFF Pro Atlantic City Pro Am and got to show off her hard work on the stage over the weekend.

Belair also noted that she is a part of the WBFF Pro Card Family now and received first place in wellness, and 2nd in fitness at the competition.

WWE Superstars React to Bianca Belair Competing in Bodybuilding Competition

Several WWE Superstars from the past and present praised Bianca on social media today. Charlotte Flair responded with a bunch of emojis and Impact producer Lance Storm praised The EST.

https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/1599478159350837248?s=20&t=iIYp1d1ZE39vEHhEbsJ3RQ

WWE authority figure Adam Pearce said that Belair was inspiring and congratulated her.

Former WWE Superstar and current producer Shane “The Hurricane” Helms also complimented Belair.

Bianca just wrapped up a long rivalry with Bayley over the RAW Women’s Championship. She defeated The Role Model in a Last Woman Standing match at WWE Crown Jewel and got the better of Damage CTRL once again at Survivor Series WarGames.

Triple H was “Very Unhappy” with William Regal’s WWE NXT Release

Thomas Lowson
-
0

William Regal is expected to return to WWE soon, after his release in January of this year left Triple H “very unhappy.”

This week, Regal was written off of TV with an attack by AEW World Champion MJF, who chastised the British veteran for making a deal with ‘the Devil.’

It was reported not long after that Regal is expected to finish with the company and return to WWE when he is able to.

Done

Sources in AEW all are operating on the assumption that he’s leaving the company, Fightful Select has reported.

On the other side, sources from WWE who spoke to Fightful are all under the impression that Regal is rejoining their promotion.

One AEW source said that after the MJF angle that ran last week, William Regal was “done” with the company, and will not be appearing on-screen again.

Unhappy

Regal’s imminent return to WWE comes after the former King of the Ring was released in January of this year.

A WWE source said that it does not come as any surprise that William Regal is likely headed back, given how close he was to Triple H.

Working as a tag team in WCW in 1994, Regal would serve as one of the Game’s groomsmen in 2003, and the pair worked together in NXT until Regal’s release.

That same WWE source added that Triple H was “very unhappy” when Regal was let go, and those in NXT said they believed the Gentleman Villain would be a “lifer” with the brand.

Those in WWE expect him to resume an advanced role similar to the one he had before, but that wasn’t confirmed.

AEW Talent Questioning Recent Tony Khan Booking Decision (Report)

Kurt Angle Reveals Brock Lesnar Was Interested in Joining TNA Wrestling

Andrew Ravens
-
0

Brock Lesnar was once interested in crossing the line to work for TNA Wrestling. This is according to Kurt Angle, who has been friends with him for years due to their amateur wrestling backgrounds and pro wrestling careers. 

Throughout 2003, they had some classic matches over the WWE Title, including Lesnar winning the championship from Angle at WrestleMania 19. 

In 2007, Angle wrestled Lesnar for one final time in a match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. That could’ve been different if Lesnar got the money he wanted from TNA Wrestling. 

The Talk

Kurt Angle

While speaking on the latest episode of his Kurt Angle Show podcast, Angle revealed that Lesnar reached out to him about potentially joining TNA Wrestling in 2007.

“Okay, Brock calls me. He’s not in WWE,” Kurt Angle recalls. “He says, ‘Listen, man, can you get me in TNA? —’ I probably shouldn’t even be saying this, but you know what, Brock doesn’t care. So he said, ‘Hey, what are you making?’ I told him what I was making and he said, ‘If you can get me that, I’ll come. I approached TNA, and they said, ‘No, we’re not going to give him that kind of money.”

Angle said that he thinks TNA was at the top of their budget and couldn’t give any more money out at the time. He stated the Carter Family funded the venture for a long time and when TNA started making their own money,  it wasn’t enough for them to be able to afford Lesnar. 

Angle added that “TNA would have lit up” if a deal could have been reached to bring in Lesnar.

Lesnar would not return to professional wrestling until 2012 when he returned to WWE on the WWE Raw after WrestleMania 28 as he focused on his MMA career.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

1...518519520...3,384Page 519 of 3,384