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Bayley Addresses WWE Cutting Her Steel Cage Match From Raw 30

Andrew Ravens
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Bayley had been scheduled to work a steel cage match with Backy Lynch on this week’s WWE Raw 30 show, but the bout didn’t take place. An angle was booked instead, where Bayley, Dakota Kai, & IYO SKY attacked Lynch and laid her out before the bout started.

It was reported that the Trial of Sami Zayn segment went long, which led to the rest of the card being trimmed. Unfortunately for the ladies, their cage bout was impacted the most. The decision was made to do the angle instead of booking a short match. 

While speaking to Ariel Helwani of BT Sport, this was something that Bayley was asked about:

“The outcome of it? Yeah, I felt good. I honestly think it put our story in a whole different place. I think it did a lot for Damage CTRL. So I’m super happy with it,” Bayley stated. 

Bayley noted she wasn’t bummed at all because the match got cut. However, she did see the fan backlash. 

“I did, which is cool. They have our backs and stuff, but I don’t want them to think that women’s wrestling is moving backward or that we’re not seen in the same light of Roman Reigns or anybody like that. We are very appreciated backstage, we’re treated super well, and we are a part of big conversations when it comes to big stories, big matches, big pay-per-views, and big premium live events. We’re in conversations with that. I don’t want the fans to get the wrong idea about what happened, and it was just what happened.  We’re going to make the best of it, and they’re going to see how it made everything so much bigger and better.”

If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit with an h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Potential Update on The Rock’s Status for Royal Rumble Tonight

Anutosh Bajpai
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The Rock has been long rumored for a match against Roman Reigns. Despite recent discouraging updates, people have been holding on hope for the Great One to make surprise appearance somewhere on the road to WrestleMania. His latest post however, suggests that he won’t be showing up at least at Royal Rumble.

The Great One recently shared a video on his Instagram account. The footage shows him shooting a scene for his upcoming Christmas movie late on Friday night:

“2 am on a Friday night and we’re still going strong. May not look very sexy right now but in our Christmas movie, this will become a thing of beauty.”

Red One is an upcoming Christmas action movie featuring The Rock, Chris Evans and J.K. Simmons among others. The film is said to reimagine the holiday mythology but the plot for it has not been revealed yet.

The Rock vs Roman Reigns?

It’s been established before that The Rock cannot risk taking part in active competition while shooting a movie. The risk of potential injury can cause the insurance costs to skyrocket and put financial pressure on the producers. During an active shooting session, even a non-wrestling appearance seems out of question.

The Rock had been the frontrunner for ending Roman Reigns’ record-breaking championship reign for long. People expected this match to take place at WrestleMania 39. These plans seem to be off the table after the former world champion informed WWE that he won’t be able to get in shape for a match in time.

Would you like to see The Rock making an appearance on the road to WrestleMania if he doesn’t wrestle Roman Reigns? Let us know your thoughts in comments.

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

Thomas Lowson
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Roman Reigns has spoken candidly about the possibility (or lack thereof) of facing his cousin The Rock at WrestleMania 39.

A showdown between the two members of the Anoa’I family has been a dream match for years, and it was reported last year that WWE was actively pursuing the match.

The Rock’s most recent match was an eight-second win over Erick Rowan in 2016, while his most recent full match saw him lose to John Cena at WrestleMania 29.

Roman Reigns

While The Rock Vs. Reigns was once considered a virtual lock for WrestleMania, that is no longer the case.

Earlier this month, it was reported that The Rock has informed WWE that he does not believe there is enough time for him to prepare for the Mania match.

Speaking on the Tonight Show to promote tonight’s Royal Rumble, Reigns addressed the match seemingly being off the table.

“I believe he just came out with a statement saying that he’s not gonna be ready in time, which, that’s the face that everyone’s making, like, ‘Hold on! He trains every single day. He’s huge!’ In his defense, it’s one thing to train with weights, the bodybuilding, the look, the part… but, to be able to get in the ring and do a main event match, a championship match, it takes a lot of conditioning, it beats up your body.

“So there’s more that goes into it than training in the weight room. It’s a professional athlete type of situation where you have to condition. He does two out of three things perfectly. His nutrition and weight training is on point, but you have to condition yourself, you gotta be ready to fall down.”

With The Rock not expected at WrestleMania, (and therefore tonight’s Rumble) other favorites to win the Men’s Rumble match include Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn.

Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship tonight against Kevin Owens.

Triple H Provides Update on Upcoming WWE NXT Europe Brand

Thomas Lowson
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WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque has provided an update for the much-anticipated NXT Europe.

The new brand was announced last August and coincided with the end of NXT UK as WWE’s overseas brand.

Following the announcement of NXT Europe, almost all talent from NXT UK was released, with only a select few being moved to WWE NXT in the U.S.

NXT Europe

With considerable backlash from fans over the mass releases from NXT UK, a lot is riding on NXT Europe to be a runaway success.

Speaking to Variety, Triple H shed light on WWE’s plans for NXT Europe.

“There’s been a lot of progress on it. We are very excited about the prospect of taking NXT in a larger global direction. I would like to be able to find the best athletes and the largest personalities and the most entertaining people from every place in the world, and bring them into what we do.”

Triple H.

Triple H, who is also WWE’s Head of Talent Relations, also spoke about the importance of searching all over for talent to bring to NXT Europe.

“When you begin to create those characters and those stars from every region, those regions become more engaged in what we do. If you can begin to go to all these places, and begin to find athletes there that can resonate on a global stage, some will make it big.”

Triple H.

The Game did not provide any date for when NXT Europe will premiere, though the brand is expected to air at some point in 2023.

Amale Discusses Wrestling Meiko Satomura, Possible NXT Europe Involvement, NXT UK Mentors, & More

WWE’s Saudi Deal “Absolutely a Factor” in Possible Sami Zayn World Title Push (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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Could WWE’s relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia snuff out plans for a World Championship push for Sami Zayn?

Zayn is arguably the most popular WWE Superstar competing today, having won over audiences with his work as the Honorary Uce.

With tensions continuing to boil in the Bloodline, many feel it is a matter of time before Zayn challenges Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Sami and Saudi Arabia

Sami Zayn is a regular on WWE TV, but due to his Syrian heritage, the decision was made years ago to keep him away from events in Saudi Arabia.

That didn’t stop fans from chanting for the Honorary Uce during the press conference for last November’s Crown Jewel event in Riyadh.

When Dave Meltzer was asked on Wrestling Observer Radio whether the Saudis could prevent Sami from becoming World Champion, the veteran journalist said that it could be a factor.

“Yes, because Saudi Arabia would want the top guy and the champion. But John Cena hasn’t gone to Saudi Arabia lately [since 2018’s Greatest Royal Rumble.] And he’s a much bigger star than Sami. It’s something, but it’s not a death knell to him.”

Dave Meltzer.

Meltzer echoed recent comments from Zayn himself that even if he is to become champion, that won’t make the Honorary Uce the next face of the company.

“They’re not going to make him the top guy. They can still make him the champion. Does Saudi Arabia play a part in the sense that they don’t want him in Saudi Arabia and he doesn’t want to go to Saudi Arabia anyway? And if he’s the champion, and they have a show coming up? Yes, that’s absolutely a factor. And it’s a really good point.”

Getting Over

Whether the Saudis will admit it or not, Sami Zayn is the most naturally ‘over’ star competing in WWE today.

On his show, Meltzer discussed Zayn not having ‘the look’ of a top guy, and recalled when Bryan Danielson and CM Punk got ‘over’ years earlier.

“Even if they’re over, in the minds of the people making the decisions, it’s ‘they’re over with our audiences, but they can’t really be over [in the mainstream.’] I’ve always argued that the test of who can get over is who gets over. There is no set thing.

“I’ve always argued that the test of who can get over is who gets over.”

Dave Meltzer.

“Guys have gotten over and drawn big, big, giant, giant [numbers.] Mainstream stars have gotten over in different parts of the world and the country and everything like that, and they didn’t necessarily have to fit into this Roman Reigns look, not that there’s anything wrong with Roman Reigns.”

After being found not guilty during the trial on this week’s Raw, Zayn will face a final challenge at tonight’s WWE Royal Rumble event.

Zayn isn’t confirmed for the Men’s Rumble match, but his real-life best friend Kevin Owens will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Sami Zayn: Becoming WWE Champion is “Not Totally Unrealistic”

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

Yet Another WWE Vice President Departs Company

Thomas Lowson
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WWE’s promise that nothing would change following the return of Vince McMahon is seeming pretty hollow with the departure of another name backstage.

McMahon returned to WWE as a member of the Board of Directors on January 6, 2023, and has since been appointed as Executive Chairman.

In a meeting in WWE’s offices, Stephanie McMahon said that little would change with Vince’s return, days before her resignation as Chairwoman and co-CEO of the company.

Departure

WWE’s now former Vice President of International Matthew Drew has parted ways with the company, PW Insider was first to report.

Drew took on the role in June 2021 and his departure is said to have come last week.

Part of his role as VP of International was to work on “growing WWE’s brand and business outside of the United States.” 

In addition, Drew worked “with other company leaders to devise WWE’s international strategy for live events, digital, consumer products, and new revenue opportunities.”

Other Departures

Matthew Drew is hardly the only person to part ways with WWE following the return of Vince McMahon.

McMahon being reappointed to the Board saw the billionaire return with Michelle Wilson and George Barrios, and the departures of JoEllen Lyons Dillon, Jeffrey Speed, and Alan Wexler.

Ignace Lahoud and Man Jit Singh (the latter having overseen the investigation into McMahon) resigned the following morning.

Drew is the latest vice president to part ways with the company after Stefanie Fiondella and Adam Hopkins tendered their resignations as Vice Presidents of Communication.

The company also recently laid off multiple names from their offices in Stamford, though no Superstars have been released at this time.

Stephanie McMahon Was Slated For Demotion Before WWE Exit (Report)

Latest on Why Warner Bros. Discovery Banned The Briscoes from AEW TV

Thomas Lowson
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Mark Briscoe was allowed to compete on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, but only after a lot of pushback from Warner Bros. Discovery.

In the main event of the show, Briscoe defeated Jay Lethal in a tribute match to Mark’s brother Jay, who died earlier this month.

It has been reported that the match was not approved until the day before Dynamite and that multiple segments were shortened to give the main event plenty of time

Warner Bros. Discovery Ban

Jay Briscoe unfortunately never got the chance to compete on AEW TV, due to a ban against the brothers implemented by Warner Bros. Discovery.

This ban was due to controversial tweets made by Jay a decade ago, comments that Briscoe would apologize for and explain as part of his heel character.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WBD also had an issue with Jay and Mark’s use of the Confederate flag for their wrestling attire in the past.

It’s noted that as part of their agreement with AEW, Warner Bros. Discovery has the power to remove anyone from TV they do not wish to appear.

Following Mark’s debut, it was said that the ban on him is lifted and he is free to appear on future AEW programming.

What’s Next?

Jay’s daughters, who were in the car at the time of the accident, have undergone surgery and both are said to be doing okay despite what’s happened.

A fundraiser has been created to support Jay’s family, as well as the family of the other driver, who was also killed in the crash.

Mark has spoken about his brother, saying that Jay is still with him in spirit, and that he’s going to keep pushing forward.

AEW Dynamite Results (1/25/23): Jay Briscoe Tribute, Darby Allin vs. Buddy Matthews

Chris Jericho Named One of the Top 50 Heavy Metal Singers of All Time

Thomas Lowson
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Chris Jericho has yet another impressive accolade to his name after being listed one of the 50 greatest heavy metal singers of all time.

When not in the ring competing for All Elite Wrestling, Jericho can be found performing with his band Fozzy, who he founded in 1999.

The band’s track ‘Enemy’ was used for the WWE No Way Out 2005 Pay-Per-View, while Jericho has used ‘Judas’ as his theme in AEW.

Making the List

Jericho’s musical talents may have been overshadowed by his impressive wrestling career, but he has made it into the Top 50 heavy metal singles.

In a ranking from ‘ThisDayInMetal.com’ Jericho squeaks in at the #50 spot, with the following description:

Who? Yes, that’s right, before you say Jericho can’t sing I suggest you go listen to his version of Iron Maiden’s Aces High. Right Sebastian Bach?

Other notable names on the list include KISS’ Paul Stanley (#40,) Alice Cooper (#22,) and WWE Celebrity Wing Hall of Famer Lemmy Kilmister (#12.)

The ranking sees Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden take bronze, Rob Halford of Judas Priest ranked second, and former Black Sabbath member Ronnie James Dio take first place.

Fozzy

Originally christened ‘Fozzy Osbourne’ Jericho’s band would begin when Rich ‘The Duke’ Ward had a chance encounter with the AEW star at a wrestling show in 1999.

It would be a year later that the band’s name was shortened, and the group would release their first of eight albums with ‘Fozzy’ in 2000.

So far, the only track to be certified gold is Judas, and the song’s sales were likely helped by Jericho’s use of the theme in AEW.

Chris Jericho Reacts to Being Featured in Raw Is 30 Promo

Stephanie McMahon Was Slated For Demotion Before WWE Exit (Report)

Anutosh Bajpai
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WWE has seen some big management changes since the return of Vince McMahon. A number of big names have parted ways with the company in recent days. The biggest departure has been the resignation of former Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon.

There have been a lot of rumors as to the reason behind her decision to leave her post. Latest reports claim that it was to avoid being demoted.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer recently provided some insight on McMahon’s exit. He claimed that Stephanie was about to be demoted:

“This comes from those unhappy that she left, is that she had done a great job thrown into the co-CEO role, and with Vince back, was about to be demoted.”

Meltzer noted that the female executive didn’t need the money or the job. He mentioned that she had already decided to take a leave last year.

The last time Stephanie McMahon took a leave of absence from WWE in May 2022, she hadn’t resigned from her position on the board of directors. So this is considered a much stronger move.

Vince McMahon announced his return to WWE on January 9 this year. Two days later Stephanie McMahon resigned from her post and from the board of directors. Vince was elected the chairman once again later that day.

SmackDown Star Returns After 2 Months Absence, Declares Royal Rumble Entry

Anutosh Bajpai
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Lacey Evans returned to the ring after a hiatus of two months on this week’s episode of SmackDown and declared her entry into the Royal Rumble match.

The Sassy Southern Belle last competed on TV during the November 11, 2022 episode of SmackDown. She took part in a six-pack challenge that was won by Shotzi.

After the loss, Evans had said that she was “done trying to please everybody” and no longer be comfortable in the “glitz, glamour and the lifestyle” of being a WWE star.

The company then started airing vignettes of the SmackDown star where she was seen undergoing rigorous training with fellow United States Marine Corps.

Lacey Evans is Back

Lacey Evans finally returned to the ring on the January 27th episode of SmackDown. She competed in a singles match against Jazmin Allure.

The female star used the Cobra Clutch submission to defeat her opponent before declaring entry into the upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble.

WWE Legend Sgt. Slaughter had recently discussed the idea of managing Evans on WWE TV. With her adopting the Cobra Clutch, it’s very much possible that we will see this pairing on WWE programming very soon.

Lacey Evans wasn’t the only name to announce her entry into Royal Rumble on SmackDown. A former Universal Champion also confirmed himself for the show. Click here to find out more.

Brock Lesnar Declares Entry Into Royal Rumble 2023

Anutosh Bajpai
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Trying to win Royal Rumble just became much harder for the other 29 contestants, because Brock Lesnar has announced his entry into the match.

This week’s episode of SmackDown featured a segment with US Champion Austin Theory. He was interrupted by Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston and The Miz.

All four of these men started brawling before Bobby Lashley came out. The All Mighty levelled all other stars. He mentioned that Brock Lesnar cost him the US title on Raw and said that he will terrorize everyone until he gets what he wants.

The Beast Incarnate then made his entrance through the crowd. He delivered an F5 to Lashley before declaring his entry into the battle royal.

Royal Rumble Updated Match Card

A total of 5 matches have been announced for Royal Rumble this year. You can check out the full match card for the show below:

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Match: Roman Reigns (C) vs Kevin Owens
  • Raw Women’s Championship Match: Bianca Belair (C) vs Alexa Bliss
  • Pitch Black Match: Bray Wyatt vs LA Knight
  • Men’s Royal Rumble Match: Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston, Ricochet, Bobby Lashley, Seth Freakin Rollins, Austin Theory, Baron Corbin, Santos Escobar, Rey Mysterio, Drew McIntyre, Karrion Kross, Sheamus, Braun Strowman, Omos, Gunther, Brock Lesnar and TBD.
  • Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Rhea Ripley, Candice LeRae, Shayna Baszler, Zelina Vega, Emma and TBD.

Royal Rumble 2023 will be coming live from Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas this Saturday from 8 p.m. ET.

Bianca Belair Speaks on Possibly Facing Charlotte Flair

Tyriece Simon
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WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair wants to get a win over Charlotte Flair.

Belair has goals to defeat all Four Horsewomen(Sasha Banks, Bayley, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair). So far, she has beaten everyone except for Flair cleanly. Her only two wins against the current Smackdown Women’s Champion happened via disqualification. However, Flair holds a clean victory over Belair.

The Raw Women’s Champion confronted Flair on the Jan. 23 episode of Monday Night Raw to tease a future feud. Belair spoke about the confrontation with Lucha Libre Online’s Diva Incarnate.

“I was very excited to get the ring with Charlotte. We all know that my long-time goal, or maybe short-time goal, we don’t know, is to eventually defeat all Four Horsewomen. I’ve defeated three. The last one is Charlotte Flair. I feel like she’s at that mountaintop, and I was excited to get in that ring with her because when I very first got into WWE, she was the first people that I looked up to. I see myself in her so much. Ric Flair is her father, but people sometimes forget that she came in not knowing anything as well. She was a former collegiate athlete just like me, so to be able to be in the ring with the most decorated woman in women’s wrestling, it was an honor, but I still have my goal in sight,” said Belair.

Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair

Could Bianca Belair’s Next Feud Be Against Charlotte Flair?

The confrontation on the Jan. 23 episode of Monday Night Raw was interesting. Both Flair and Belair are champions of separate brands. It doesn’t seem like they will be working with each other soon.

However, Fightful Select reported that WWE’s initial plan for Flair as of early December was to work with Belair. The program changed, and Flair defeated Ronda Rousey for the Smackdown Woman’s Championship in her return on the Dec. 30, 2022, episode of Friday Night Smackdown. WWE could try to make the feud happen between Belair and Flair, but it’s unclear how they could do it with both of them holding titles.

For now, Belair will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss at the Royal Rumble on Jan. 28.

Hulk Hogan Can’t Feel His Legs After Back Surgery, Says Kurt Angle

Andrew Ravens
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Hulk Hogan has put himself through a ton of damage in his wrestling career, where he made himself a household name. After decades of wrestling, he has had to have countless surgeries. 

During the latest episode of his podcast on AdFreeShows.com, WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle talked about his appearance at the WWE Raw 30th anniversary show this past Monday night that also saw the company bring in other legends, including Hogan. 

What Hogan Said

Angle revealed that while speaking with Hogan, the fellow Hall Of Famer told him that he had back issues and had to walk around with a cane because he no longer can feel his legs. 

“Hogan had his back surgery again. He had the nerves cut from his lower body. He can’t feel his lower body, so he has to use his cane to walk around. I thought he was using the cane because he has pain in his back. He doesn’t have any pain. He has nothing at all. He can’t feel anything. So now he can’t feel his legs, so he has to walk with a cane. That’s pretty serious, man. I mean, I really feel for Hogan. He put his heart and soul into the business and it ate him up.”

In the past, Hogan has discussed the back and hip issues he’s dealt with. It doesn’t help that his finisher was a leg drop that he’s performed thousands of times. 

H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription

Watch: Bella Twins Continue Speaking Out About Lack of Women’s Representation in WWE

Andrew Ravens
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The Bella Twins got people talking this week when they were critical of how WWE represented the women on this past Monday’s episode of Raw during the 30anniversary episode. 

After Raw on an Instagram live video, The Bella called out the company for not showcasing the women’s evolution on the show and how Mercedes Mone and Saraya were people who WWE didn’t want to feature.

Although The Bellas was initially advertised for the show, they were pulled due to media commitments this week to promote Nikki’s new reality show on E! Madusa was the only female legend to appear on Raw. 

Nikki started out by noting that whenever you love and have passion for something you want to be appreciated. She said that women have done a lot to make Raw what it is. 

Make Time

“So when you have a three-hour show, and it’s male-dominated and women aren’t being honored, pretty much at all, you just sit back and you’re like, ‘Why aren’t we being appreciated? Like, why don’t you even have a video package showcasing what all these incredible women have done?”

Nikki continued, “I just, I’m someone who they’ve always called ‘No Filter Nikki.’ I know sometimes my team is back there like, ‘Oh my gosh if we could just take her phone.’ It made me upset for all the women, because I know that feeling of walking out to the ring. It happens to some of the men, but where you walk out, and you put your body on the line, you give it your all just to entertain the fans and the TV viewers, and you just come back, and you want to feel appreciated for that.”

Sacrifice 

Nikki stated that some wrestlers have had career-ending injuries, and we shouldn’t go away.

“And even if I feel that if a wrestler even leaves the company or they’re no longer there, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be remembered. I wished and I hoped, and maybe that will be more in the future, we still have a way to go, but that women will finally be appreciated for what they do.”

Brie stated that women from the past have paved the road for today’s wrestlers, who are doing amazing things in the company. She added that it’s not about them but the other women that should’ve been at the show. 

If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit with an h/t to SEScoops for the transcription.

Watch: WWE Royal Rumble Opening Video Package featuring Hardy

Michael Reichlin
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WWE has released a “cold open” preview for Saturday’s Royal Rumble premium live event. This video, hosted by country music singer Hardy, will air at the start of the Royal Rumble broadcast on Peacock.

“I know what it’s like to want to make a name for yourself,” says Hardy. “To be on the road, grinding. Success don’t come easy. You gotta fight for it.”

Hardy, who will perform his song “Sold Out” live at the Rumble, narrates over footage hyping the Owens vs. Reigns and Bliss vs. Belair title matches, as well as the men’s and women’s Rumbles.

Country music sensation Hardy helps set the stage for Royal Rumble 2023 in San Antonio.

Watch: Mascots Brawl at WWE Night at Houston Rockets Game

Tyriece Simon
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0

A mascot dressed as WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin saved a Houston Rockets’ mascot from taking a severe beating during their “WWE Night.”

WWE is holding this year’s Royal Rumble event in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 28. As the state of Texas prepares for the special occasion, the Houston Rockets took part in the wrestling activities. For their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 26, they had their “WWE Night.”

The Rockets worked alongside Reality of Wrestling, founded by NXT Announcer Booker T, to hold matches during the game. The team cheerleaders danced to WWE themes, and the organization sold Undertaker bobbleheads. During halftime, The Rockets also had a mini royal rumble for a replica WWF Championship with other mascots and people dressed as other wrestlers like John Cena.

Video of The Mascot Brawl at WWE Night

The Houston Rockets’ mascot won, but the Cavaliers’ mascot wasn’t happy. The Cavaliers’ mascot attacked the winner from behind and took the belt. However, a Stone Cold Steve Austin mascot made the save and ran the Cavaliers’ mascot off the basketball court.

WWE Royal Rumble Preview

This Saturday, WWE will hold its annual Royal Rumble event. The card will have a Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble match, with the winner of the respective matches earning a title opportunity at WrestleMania. The event will also have Roman Reigns defending his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens.

To check out who the SEScoops team thinks will win at the Royal Rumble, check out our predictions here.

Cody Rhodes Getting in Peak Cardio Shape Ahead of WWE’s Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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Cody Rhodes will step back inside of the squared circle to wrestle again for the first time in several months on Saturday night by competing in the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. 

Rhodes has been sidelined since June and wants to return in the best shape possible, especially heading into WrestleMania season. 

Rhodes last worked a match when he beat Seth Rollins in Hell in a Cell due to a torn pectoral muscle he suffered heading into the match. Rhodes underwent surgery for his injury.

WWE has been hyping his return through several video packages and confirmed his entry in the Rumble match ahead of the show. 

Great Shape

In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that “Rhodes went through what was described as a boxing training camp to get into shape for the show and has dropped from 17.7 percent bodyfat under nine percent.”

Just because Rhodes is training like a boxer doesn’t mean that he’s training to be in the match for a long period of time, but rather would indicate that Rhodes is preparing his body to go hard for an extended period of time now that he’s working a tougher schedule in WWE with more dates compared to what had been used to in recent years.

Austin Theory Reveals When He Found Out About Vince McMahon’s WrestleMania Match

Jon Fuentes
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Austin Theory didn’t know that Vince McMahon would be wrestling at WrestleMania 38 until last-second.

McMahon had an impromptu match with Pat McAfee at WrestleMania shortly after McAfee defeated Theory in a match of their own. McMahon picked up a quick win over the already exhausted announcer, which was a surprise to many.

However, even though Theory was involved in the angle, he didn’t know about it until the last second, as he explained during an recent interview with Busted Open Radio.

“The egg started everything. I just heard, ‘Mr. McMahon wants to film this segment with an egg.’ I heard about it, it was him arriving with the egg and the story was somebody stole the egg. Literally, that day they were like, ‘You stole the egg.’ ‘I stole the egg, alright.’

“We filmed the segment with Vince and I was super nervous for that. ‘I stole the egg? $100 million egg? Alright.’ I’m trying to figure all this out and it’s my first thing with Vince. It was almost like anytime we filmed anything, it felt so fast. We’d do it and that would be it. Onto the next one.

“Especially, WrestleMania was interesting because we had no idea if we were going to have Vince in the match until like the night before. I remember that day showing up, I met Stone Cold for the first time. ‘Hey, how’s it going, Austin, nice to meet you.’ ‘Hey, nice to meet you, I’ll be seeing you later tonight.’

“He got on the golf cart and kept driving. ‘What is going on?’ I got to Gorilla, he told me the business, that’s it. Went out there and he gave me that look.“

Austin Theory

Of course, since Vince McMahon’s departure from the creative side of the company, Austin Theory is no longer featured as prominently as he once was for a potential World Title run. He does, however, currently reign as the United States Champion.

Quotes via Fightful

Sami Zayn Answers: Can He Be The Face of WWE?

Thomas Lowson
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Is a 38-year-old Montreal-born wrestler who once donned the masked persona of ‘El Generico’ on the cusp of becoming the next face of WWE?

Sami Zayn’s popularity with wrestling fans is truly impossible to deny, with the Honorary Uce winning over crowds around the globe with his role in the Bloodline.

Zayn’s journey with the group began in April 2022 when he tried to curry favor with Roman Reigns’ faction, a plan that has clearly paid off.

The Face of WWE?

Since losing their tag match to John Cena and Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn has felt the ire of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

After being found not guilty on this week’s Raw (thanks to a last-minute defense by Jey Uso) Zayn was told that he will face a final challenge at tomorrow’s Royal Rumble.

While Zayn has proven his loyalty to the Bloodline time and time again, many feel it is just a matter of time before e and Reigns face off.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Zayn was asked about the prospect of dethroning the most dominant champion of the last three decades.

“If we’re being honest, I mean, I don’t know, I can win the World title. I could carry it for a while. I could go do talk shows, I could do all that stuff. I don’t know if I’m the guy you could necessarily hitch your wagon to for the next five to ten years and like face of the company for the next five to ten years.”

“I’m not as big as say Roman or Cena or Brock or whoever and that’s typically the guy who’s the head.”

Sami Zayn.

“If nothing else, I’m somewhat realistic about my physical [appearance.] I’m not as big as say Roman or Cena or Brock or whoever and that’s typically the guy who’s the head at that scene. Because they [WWE] want a certain projection for the long haul.”

World Champion

Zayn may be pessimistic about becoming the next face of WWE, but that doesn’t mean World Championship glory will allude him.

In the interview, Zayn spoke about the possibility of being champion, and says it would be an excellent payoff, as long as the story is done correctly.

“Could I win the world title? I think, especially because of the way the story’s done… if you do it right, fans will buy it and get into it. So I think at this point, the way it’s been built, and I’m not saying this is what’s going to happen. But if it was me and Roman at WrestleMania, and I beat Roman, if we did it right like we’ve been doing it right the past nine month, nobody’s going to go ‘bogus. I’m out. I can’t take that.’ Because we’ve done it right.”

Even if he wasn’t to become the ‘face’ of WWE, Zayn was confident he would represent the company proudly as champion.

“I think I could be a guy who carries that title six months. Go on Jimmy Fallon, make a couple of jokes, have him do that fake laugh that he does. All that good stuff. Sure I could do that. Sure. I could probably do that in my sleep to be honest. But it’s just I understand the company’s projection of what they see as the face of the company.”

“I could be a guy who carries that title.”

Sami Zayn.

“Being the champion and being the face are almost two different things, and I think I could be the champion. No problem. As far as being the guy that they’re like ‘number one, he’s our guy, he’s the poster-boy. He’s the ultimate representation of what our company is.’ I know physically I don’t fit that mold.”

Reigns will face Zayn’s real-life best friend Kevin Owens with the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship tomorrow night at the Royal Rumble.

Banger Bros. No More: WWE Drops Ill-Conceived Tag Team Name

J. Cunningham
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Former WWE Champions Sheamus and Drew McIntyre’s on-screen reunion has been greeted by respectable fan fare and a rather unfortunate choice of team name.

In a nod to Sheamus’ ‘Banger after banger after banger’ meme, his newly reformed team with Drew McIntyre was initially named The Banger Bros. The real-life pals were previously portrayed as allies back in 2020. At the time, Drew McIntyre was riding high as the lead babyface on RAW.

The usually heelish Sheamus enjoyed a quasi-face turn as the then-WWE Champion’s main ally. ‘The Celtic Warrior’s subsequent betrayal of McIntyre in early 2021 was poorly received by fans, with many feeling it had come too soon and ruined the angle.

Sheamus and the rest of his Brawling Brutes team turned babyface following notable fan support during his acclaimed feud with Intercontinental Champion Gunther last year.

Sheamus Gunther Imperium Brawling Brutes Clash at the Castle

Ahead of Survivor Series, he was reunited with McIntyre to feud with The Bloodline heading into Survivor Series. The pair unsuccessfully challenged The Usos for the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships earlier this month. While the team garnered support from audiences, their-ill-fated team name recently caused some trouble.

WWE Drops Banger Bros. Due To XXX Connotations

It turns out there’s a pornographic website with an eerily similar name to Sheamus and Drew McIntyre’s team moniker. As a PG company, the prospect of a WWE act potentially leading to Google searches turning up something adults-only would be disastrous.

With this in mind, WWE have quickly vetoed the Banger Bros. moving forward. A similar incident occurred back in the summer of 2015. Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch were called up from NXT to form a faction with Paige dubbed The Submission Sorority. The name turned out to also belong to a pornographic, leading to a similar slew of search engine mishaps for those who wanted to look the team up.

The Submission Sorority were subsequently renamed Team PCB to sidestep any further confusion.

For now, the new moniker for the team remains unconfirmed. Both Sheamus and Drew McIntyre have joked about the name on social media in recent days.

Mercedes Mone Addresses Her WWE Departure, Why She Signed With NJPW

Andrew Ravens
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Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, is in a new chapter of her wrestling career after departing from WWE last year and joining NJPW this month when she made her promotional debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17. 

The debut happened when she attacked IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI, after her successful title defense against Tam Nakano. 

This set up a championship bout between KAIRI and Mone for a match at February’s NJPW Battle in the Valley. 

The Reason

While speaking with NJPW’s website, Mone noted that working in Japan became her number-one goal even before WWE. 

“I was so amazed by them that Japan became my number one goal even before WWE. I managed to achieve what I wanted to achieve in WWE, and now I get to live out this international dream.”

Mone noted that she was surprised by how quickly people have taken to her new monicker.

Mone walked out of WWE last May alongside Naomi due to creative differences. However, that doesn’t mean she’s been relaxing, as she noted she’s been working every day since she left, whether that be modeling, making movies or wrestling.

Booker T: Rhea Ripley Is The Future Of The Women’s Division

Jon Fuentes
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WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T believes Rhea Ripley is the future of the women’s division.

Booker T took to his podcast, “The Hall Of Fame,” and offered up some predictions for this weekend’s Royal Rumble. He picked Rhea Ripley as the winner for the Women’s Royal Rumble, going as far as suggesting Ripley is the future of the division.

“Of course in the men’s, it’s gonna be Cody Rhodes,” Booker said. “In the women’s, it’s going to be the Rhip (Rhea Ripley). It’s time for the Rhip to get that push. It’s time for the Rhip to come out of that shadow of the women.

“Being able to just sit back in the wings, watch and wait, you know, with Judgment Day as of late, has given her a little bit of time to get that hunger back to go out there and really take control of that women’s division. I really think she can. I really think Rhea Ripley is the future of the women’s division.”

Ripley has certainly made a name for herself since joining the WWE’s main roster in 2021. After making a name for herself in NXT UK and NXT, winning the women’s title for both brands.

Upon making it up to the main roster, Ripley went on to defeat Asuka for the RAW Women’s Title at WrestleMania 37. She also won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles alongside Nikki A.S.H.

Currently, Ripley is a member of The Judgement Day alongside Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio.

Quotes via WrestlingNews.co

Matt Riddle Earns His BJJ Black Belt, Update on WWE Return

Andrew Ravens
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Matt Riddle has been making progress in his personal life while away from WWE. 

The WWE star has been gone from television since December 5, when Solo Sikoa attacked him on Monday Night Raw to cover up his absence from television. WWE announced at the time that he would be away for six weeks. 

Outside The Ring Problems

In reality, WWE did the angle because he failed a second drug test in 2022 with the expectation that he would be going to rehab. Riddle reportedly violated WWE’s wellness policy for the first time over the summer.

An adult film star confirmed he was in rehab while also alleging that he cheated on her to do drugs with another woman, something Riddle later issued a statement on

Riddle recently noted on Instagram that he got his BJJ black belt while training under Daniel Gracie. 

“Finally got my BJJ black belt and I couldn’t be happier, thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way #bro #danielgracie #wwe #mma #bjj #stallion.”

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer questioned whether Riddle would be back in time to be a surprise entrant in the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match as WWE announced his absence on the December 12th show.

“Riddle was announced as returning in six weeks after the injury angle on 12/12. That would indicate a Rumble return, although if he’s suspended two months, he wouldn’t make that time line.”

Liv Morgan: I’m Pitching to Enter the Women’s Rumble at #1

Thomas Lowson
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Liv Morgan is hoping to prove just how tough she is by entering tomorrow’s Women’s Royal Rumble match from the #1 spot.

Tomorrow’s show will be the 36th Royal Rumble event in total (37 if you include 2018’s Greatest Royal Rumble) and the sixth to feature a women’s match.

Since 2018, Asuka, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, and Ronda Rousey have all won the Rumble and punched their ticket on the road to WrestleMania.

Number One

Statistically speaking, #1 is the worst possible spot for a Rumble entrant, though that didn’t stop Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit, and Edge from winning.

Speaking to Denise Salcedo, Morgan shared her plans for the Rumble, and will have a long night ahead.

“I am hoping and I have been pitching myself to come out first. I want to come out first and make a statement. To not only endure all the pain and physicality that it will take to get to me to be the last woman standing, but just to leave a message that, bring all 29 women on, but at the end of the day, I’m still going to be the last one standing in that ring. And who knows what title I’d want to wrestle for.”

The earliest Women’s Rumble victory goes to Bianca Belair, who lasted 56:42 in 2021 to win from the number 3 position.

2022

It was in January 2022 that Morgan was challenging for the Raw Women’s Championship, that started a milestone year for her.

Winning the Women’s Money in the Bank contract and the SmackDown Women’s Title that July, Morgan spoke about accomplishing her goals in 2022.

I feel like all the obstacles just made the end goal and the end result so much sweeter. I feel like there are so many times in my career where I felt like I’d never be Champion, or I wasn’t good enough to be Champion. Other people thought I wasn’t good enough to be champion.

“Other people thought I wasn’t good enough to be champion.”

Liv Morgan.

“At the end of the day [I knew] I will be Champion so that’s exactly what I did. I’ve had an incredible, amazing, blessed year and I couldn’t be happier.”

Change of Character

After losing the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey, Morgan underwent a change of character that has shown her more extreme side.

Addressing the change, Morgan appreciated how she’s been able to push the boat out from what fans are used to seeing.

“I just feel more free if that makes sense? Especially right now with what I’m doing on TV. Liv is very extreme, she’s willing to go the extra mile to get what she needs done and with that I just feel like there are no handcuffs. No cage.

“I just feel like there are no handcuffs. No cage.”

Liv Morgan.

“I can do anything and everything to accomplish my goal, to get what I want. So with that is such an intense feeling of just freedom which I’ve had so much fun with.”

Liv Morgan Shares Big Plans for When she Retires from Wrestling

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

Update On Why Wardlow Has Been Off AEW Television

J. Cunningham
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Former TNT Champion Wardlow has not been seen on TV since his loss to Samoa Joe on Dynamite last month.

The big man was taken out in brutal fashion by ‘The King of Television’. Along with getting the win, Samoa Joe also assaulted him before and after the match. After choking the former champ out, ‘The Samoan Submission Machine’ clobbered Wardlow with a belt shot before cutting off his top knot. Since then, Joe has dropped the TNT belt to Darby Allin. Wardlow, meanwhile, has remained curiously absent.

2022 proved to be a breakout year for ‘Mr Mayhem’. Starting the year as MJF’s trusty henchman, the powerbomb symphony maestro connected with audiences during a slow burn babyface turn on ‘The Salt of the Earth’.

Wardlow MJF
Wardlow and MJF (Photo: AEW)

After squashing the Long Island loudmouth at Double or Nothing, Wardlow was moved into the TNT Title picture. His title reign and booking was met with a polarized reception. Regardless, he remains one of AEW’s more over homegrown babyface acts.

Wardlow Reportedly Out With An Injury

According to famed wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the angle with Samoa Joe was booked to write Wardlow off TV. ‘Mr Mayhem’ has been dealing with an injury of late. He will remain out of the picture while he heals up. Within the story of the match, his knee was injured due to a pre-bout attack courtesy of ‘The King of Television’.

While the injury is severe enough to warrant giving the former TNT Champion some time off, he reportedly won’t be out for long.

Upon returning, it’s highly likely the Samoa Joe feud will resume, presumably with the babyface getting his revenge. The decision to move the title from Joe to Darby Allin so suddenly becomes even more eyebrow-raising with this in mind.

Will you be excited to see Wardlow return?

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