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Ronda Rousey Enjoying “Easier” Time in WWE After Paying Her Dues

Michael Reichlin
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Ronda Rousey is really enjoying herself in WWE, but it wasn’t always this way.

The reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion has had some ups and downs since joining the company on a full-time basis in January 2018. She’s had a contentious relationship with fans and even got some heat from her co-workers by calling pro wrestling “fake fighting.”

During the latest episode of her “Ronda on the Road” YouTube series, Rousey explained that she’s finally feeling more comfortable in WWE. It took some time to get there, but she believes she’s paid her dues and has earned the right to speak up for herself behind the scenes.

“I think this run is easier because I kind of know how things work around here and I’ve kind of paid up more of my dues.” 

– Ronda Rousey

Paying Her Dues

Rousey was a global sports icon when she made the leap into pro wrestling. She was a natural from the moment she first step foot in the ring, but being a high-paid rookie can come with some drawbacks. At times, she’s felt like she couldn’t fully speak up for herself.

Several years into her WWE career, she feels confident enough to speak up for herself and is humble enough to accept pushback as well.

“I have put enough time here that they’ll at least hear me out and explain to me why I’m wrong (if I am), you know, and that way I learned something. I think I feel like I have more of a voice this time and confidence to use it.”

The Baddest Woman on the Planet has been feuding with Shotzi in recent weeks. They’ll battle for Rousey’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at WWE Survivor Series later this month.

Rhea Ripley Wants To Kick Michael Cole’s Ass

Michael Reichlin
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Michael Cole may have bitten off more than he can chew with a recent remark he made about Rhea Ripley.

The 26-year-old grappler from Adelaide, Australia is one of the most feared Superstars in WWE – and we’re not just talking about the women’s division. Ripley’s career was growing stagnant earlier this year, and she even spoke about the need to get herself back on track. She did just that earlier this year when she joined the Judgment Day faction, which also includes Finn Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio.

The group has been feuding with AJ Styles and The OC. The Judgment Day has gotten the upper hand in this gang warfare so far, with OC leader stating that Ripley is the reason the group has been so dominant.

At WWE’s recent Crown Jewel premium live event, announcer Michael Cole said that someone needs to kick Ripley’s ass. That didn’t go over so well with Ripley. She’s letting Cole know comments like that won’t be tolerated and has since challenge him to a fight.

On Saturday morning, Ripley wrote on Twitter, “Fight me @Michael Cole”

Doin’t expect to see Cole take her up on this challenge. However, one thing is for sure. You can’t just run your mouth about the Judgment Day’s toughest member.

The OC recently brought in Mia Yim to feud with Ripley as part of this ongoing feud.

Eric Bischoff on Rumors About CM Punk Returning to WWE: ‘I Wouldn’t Touch him With a 10-Foot Pole’

Andrew Ravens
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CM Punk’s future in wrestling remains unclear as he could stay with AEW, return to WWE or never wrestle again following his backstage fight with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks after AEW’s All Out pay-per-view.

As a result of his involvement in the fight, he was stripped of the World Title and suspended. Punk is reportedly in talks with AEW about a contract buyout. 

Eric Bischoff shared his opinion on CM Punk while speaking with Wrestling Inc. According to Bischoff, he doesn’t think Triple H should bring him back. 

Eric Bischoff on CM Punk

Eric Bischoff
(A&E)

“I don’t know what Paul Levesque is thinking, I don’t know what their plans are, their strategies are, so I have no idea. I can tell you from my perspective, I wouldn’t touch him with a 10-foot pole. I think CM Punk had a mystique because of WWE, and because of the pipe bomb interview, and because he walked out, that created this aura and mystique that [AEW CEO] Tony [Khan] brought to AEW and took advantage of for a minute. And once that mystique was gone, once you kind of let that air out of the balloon, and now you’re just performing every week, I didn’t see it in Punk. I just didn’t see it in him as a character, I didn’t see it in him in the ring –- he was good, but he wasn’t phenomenal.”

Bischoff also shared a handful of reasons he doesn’t think Punk would find success in returning to the company ranging from his age, lack of being in great shape, and WWE being more intense and physical than AEW with its style. 

Bischoff also thinks the fans turned on Punk and left a bad taste in their mouth, and they realize that that mystique is no longer there as he’s just another guy. Bischoff doesn’t see value in Punk anymore. 

Cody Rhodes Makes Interesting Claim About his Time in AEW

Andrew Ravens
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Cody Rhodes recently responded to a tweet from a fan about Cody’s reason for leaving AEW, a shocking move at the time as he was one of the key people to help launch the promotion in addition to Tony Khan, Kenny Omega, and The Young Bucks. 

A story that had made the rounds over the last few months claimed that Cody had a rift with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, and they are the reason why he left AEW. There was another story regarding how Rhodes had issues with CM Punk. There have also been stories about money and the way he was booked.

Cody Rhodes on his AEW Run

Cody Rhodes

Rhodes took to Twitter to debunk those rumors. In a recent response, Rhodes responded to a fan who wrote, “Was the personal issue being booed? Because I still have no clue why people booed you out of nowhere.”

Rhodes dismissed and noted that he was a true heel despite being portrayed as a babyface. 

After returning to WrestleMania 38 in April, Rhodes had solid matches with Seth Rollins before being sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle. His last match happened at Hell in a Cell before he underwent surgery.

Although it’s been reported that Rhodes is little ahead of schedule in healing, there is no firm date for his return.

WWE Wants A Lot of Celebrity Involvement For WrestleMania 39 (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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WWE WrestleMania 39 will be a star-studded event, and we’re not just talking about the Superstars who’ll be competing.

WrestleMania 39 will take place on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, marking the fourth year in a row WrestleMania will be over two nights.

The show will air from the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, marking the seventh time WWE’s biggest event of the year will be in the Golden State.

Celebrities

WrestleMania and celebrity culture have been intertwined since the very first event in 1985, which saw Mr. T, Liberace, Muhammad Ali, Cyndi Lauper, and others on the show.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it’s reported that WWE wants a lot of celebrity involvement in the show, given that WrestleMania 39 will air from Hollywood.

WWE wants a lot of mainstream attention for WrestleMania 39 and believes that this attention will come with celebrities involved.

The Observer adds that WWE co-CEO Nick Khan has several connections with people in the sports and entertainment industries from his time working as an agent.

WrestleMania 39 Plans

WrestleMania 39 will likely see a lot of celebrities appear, but the biggest question now is who?

Depending on whether he is recovered from his Crown Jewel injury, Logan Paul could be on the card, and has teased interest in a match with John Cena.

Cena will reportedly be wrestling on the show, but it is unclear at this time who he will face.

Arguably the biggest celebrity WWE is seeking for the show is The Rock, who many predict will face Roman Reigns at the event.

Steve Austin Open to Wrestling Again Following WWE WrestleMania 38 Match?

Spoiler: WWE Films Surprise Show After SmackDown Goes Off Air

Thomas Lowson
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NOTE: This Article Contains Spoilers for an Upcoming WWE Televised Event. You Have Been Warned!

Fans at last night’s taping of WWE SmackDown on FOX got an extra treat once the blue brand went off the air.

Last night’s SmackDown took place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, and saw WWE continue on the road to Survivor Series WarGames.

The main event of the show saw Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos retain their titles against the New Day.

After the Show

After SmackDown went off the air, WWE filmed their annual Tribute to the Troops special.

The shows results are as follows:

Braun Strowman defeated L.A. Knight.

WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler defeated Emma and Tamina.

Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, and Ricochet defeated Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER, Giovanni Vinci, and Ludwig Kaiser of Imperium.

Tribute to the Troops

WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops event began in 2003 when John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield pitched the show to then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

From 2003 to 2009, events were held in various U.S. military bases across the middle east but WWE began hosting domestic events in 2010.

A day before the 2006 event at Baghdad’s Camp Victory, a mortar attack resulted in 14 people being injured but none were WWE talent or crew.

WWE has received several awards for its efforts, and has received recognition from U.S. Presidents including George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Since 2015, WWE has presented custom WWE Championship to serving personnel as part of the Tribute to the Troops events.

AEW Rampage Results, Takeaways (11/11/22): Road to Full Gear, Title Match, Eliminator Tournament

Robert Lentini
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AEW Rampage was taped in the Agganis Arena in Boston, MA. In addition to the takeaways below, another vignette for House of Black aired during tonight’s episode of Rampage. Orange Cassidy defended the All-Atlantic Championship against Lee Johnson in the main event.

Rampage Results

  • Brian Cage def. Dante Martin to advance in the World Title Eliminator Tournament
  • Bandido def. Rush to advance in the World Title Eliminator Tournament
  • Nyla Rose def. Kayla Sparks
  • Orange Cassidy def. Lee Johnson to retain the All-Atlantic Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Jungle Boy Will Battle Luchasaurus in a Steel Cage match at Full Gear

Christian Cage and Luchasaurus made their way to the ring to begin the show. Cage called out Jungle Boy and boasted about squashing him at All Out and Luchasaurus beating him at Dynamite in Toronto.

Jungle Boy said that the two of them have cost him everything and Luchasaurus wasted three years of his life that he will never get back. Jungle Boy challenged Luchasaurus to a Steel Cage match at Full Gear. Cage accepted the challenge and said Luchasaurus will put him down for good.

Cage suggested that Jungle Boy’s mother will be in the front row for the match and said that Jungle Boy is all looks like his father. Luke Perry, Jungle Boy’s father, passed away recently. Jungle Boy tried to attack Cage but Luchasaurus beat him down. Cage brought a chair into the ring and Luchasaurus delivered a Chokeslam on top of it.

  • AEW Full Gear 2022 Preview

Brian Cage Advanced in the World Title Eliminator Tournament

Dante Martin battled Brian Cage in the first round of the World Title Eliminator Tournament tonight on Rampage. Brian did curls with Dante as if he weighed five pounds to start off the action. Dante hit a Dropkick and knocked him out of the ring. Marin flexed in the ring and went for a dive. Cage caught Dante and delivered a Suplex on the floor outside the ring as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Cage went for an F10 but Dante countered into a Tornado DDT as Jim Ross claimed Martin will be a huge star in AEW someday. Dante connected with a diving Crossbody and went for the cover but Cage kicked out at two. Cage charged but Dante got out of the way and The Machine tumbled out of the ring.

Dante hit a big Crossbody and rolled Cage back into the ring. Martin followed it up with a Splash and went for the cover but Cage kicked out at two. Dante hit an Enziguri and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Cage got out of the way and turned Dante inside out with a Clothesline for a near fall.

Cage couldn’t believe Dante kicked out but stayed on the attack. Brian connected with the Weapon X for the pinfall victory. Cage will meet the winner of Lance Archer versus Ricky Starks in the semifinals. The finals of the tournament will take place at Full Gear on November 19th. The winner of the tournament will get an AEW World Championship match at Dynamite: Winter is Coming.

Bandido def. Rush to Advance in the Eliminator Tournament

Bandido battled Rush in the first round of the World Title Eliminator Tournament. Rush dominated the action early and beat Bandido down outside the ring. Rush rolled Bandido into the ring after beating him down and poured some water over his head. Rush stomped on Bandido in the corner of the ring and booted him in the face. Rush then posed in the ring as Rampage went to a commercial break.

When Rampage returned, Bandido was in control and connected with a Frog Splash for a near fall. Bandido went for a Suplex but Rush countered with a knee to the face. Rush hit a rolling elbow and attempted a lazy cover but Bandido easily kicked out at two.

Rush barely hit a Dropkick off the top rope for a two count and started arguing with referee Aubrey Edwards. Bandido connected with a slam for a two-count. Bandido hit a Crucifix Bomb but Rush responded with a leg lariat and both wrestlers fell to the canvas.

Rush hit a Splash and followed it up with a DDT but Bandido somehow was able to kick out at two and the tournament match continued. Jose the Assistant slid a steel chair into the ring for a distraction and choked Bandido. John Silver of the Dark Order showed up and leveled Jose. Bandido rolled up Rush for the pinfall victory and advanced in the tournament. Bandido will face The Firm’s Ethan Page in the semifinals on next week’s Dynamite.

Nyla Rose Picked Up a Win

Nyla Rose wore the stolen TBS Championship to the ring for a match against Kayla Sparks. Rose leveled Kayla with a big boot and posed for the crowd. Rose hit a Splash and continued to flex as the crowd booed. Nyla sent a message to TBS Champion Jade Cargill and hit Jaded to win the match via pinfall. Jade Cargill and the Baddies rushed the ring. Jade booted Nyla in the face and knocked her out of the ring to end the segment. Jade will defend the TBS Championship against Nyla Rose at Full Gear on November 19th.

Orange Cassidy Retained the All-Atlantic Championship

Orange Cassidy defended the All-Atlantic Championship against The Factory’s Lee Johnson. Mark Henry interviewed the competitors in split screen before the match. The title match began with just ten minutes left of the show.

Cassidy avoided Lee’s attack early and hit a shoulder tackle for a one count. Lee launched Cassidy into the turnbuckle but the champion battled back. Orange bounced Johnson’s head off the top turnbuckle as Best Friends brawled with The Factory. Nick Comoroto sent the champion flying over the barricade as Rampage went to the final commercial break of the night.

When Rampage returned, Lee hit a Suplex on Cassidy in the middle of the ring and went for the cover but Orange kicked out at two. Both men connected with a Clothesline at the same time and fell to the canvas.

Cassidy sent Lee out of the ring and onto Comoroto with a massive Back Body Drop. Orange followed it up with a springboard Moonsault onto The Factory outside the ring. Back in the ring, Lee hit a Blue Thunder Bomb and went for the cover but the champ kicked out at two.

Comoroto lifted Cassidy up Trent leveled him with a Spear. The Factory beat Trent down but Chuck Taylor broke it up with a dive. Orange Cassidy hit Lee with a DDT and went for the Orange Punch but Lee dodged it.

Lee hit a Superkick but Cassidy responded with Beach Break for the pinfall victory. Orange Cassidy is still the All-Atlantic champion. Best Friends shared a hug with Orange Cassidy to as QT Marshall watched on in disgust. Best Friends and Orange Cassidy hugged Cole Karter before hitting him with a Powerbomb to end this week’s Rampage.

Former WWE Superstar Returns on SmackDown

Robert Lentini
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WWE has been airing vignettes for the Viking Raiders for the past few weeks featuring a mysterious woman and tonight it was revealed to be Sarah Logan.

Zelina Vega and B-Fab were scheduled to have a singles match tonight on WWE SmackDown. Before the bell rang, the Viking Raiders attacked Legado del Fantasma and Hit Row ringside.

Sarah Logan arrived and attacked B-Fab as the referee called for the bell. Ivar hit Del Toro with a Splash against the barricade and then delivered another one to Ashante Adonis of Hit Row in the ring. Sarah Logan, Erik, and Ivar then posed in the ring to end the segment.

Sarah Logan was released from WWE in 2020 as the company made budget cuts during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a part of the Riott Squad with Liv Morgan and former WWE Superstar Ruby Riott. Ruby is now a part of the All Elite Wrestling roster and performs as Ruby Soho.

Logan married Erik of the Viking Raiders in December 2018. Sarah and Erik also welcomed a child to their family last year. The wedding was a Viking Ceremony and you can check out photos in the link below.

Sarah Logan & Ray Rowe Married In Viking Ceremony (Photos)

If you missed tonight’s episode of SmackDown, you can check out the full show results here.

Title Match Set for WWE Survivor Series: WarGames

Robert Lentini
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Liv Morgan, Shotzi, Raquel Rodriguez, Xia Li, Lacey Evans, and Sonya Deville competed in a Six-Pack Challenge on this week’s edition of SmackDown to determine the #1 contender for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Sonya Deville attempted to steal the victory several times by sneaking in the ring for a cover but it didn’t pan out. Raquel Rodriguez brought Deville out of the ring and set up for a Powerbomb through a table set up next to the ring.

Former SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan went for a Crossbody move but it was botched and all three superstars fell to the floor. Shotzi and Lacey then battled inside the ring. Shotzi connected with the Never Wake Up for the pinfall victory and it was announced she will battle Rousey at Survivor Series: WarGames.

Ronda Rousey Confronts Shotzi

Emma approached Shotzi backstage after the match and wished her luck against Ronda Rousey. She returned to the company by accepting an Open Challenge from Ronda on a recent episode of SmackDown but came up short. Emma asked if Shotzi had seen Madcap Moss around and Shotzi joked that she is crushing on her. Madcap and Emma are a couple in real life.

Shayna Baszler then confronted Shotzi backstage. Baszler said Ronda will give Shotzi is a beating of a lifetime and all she won tonight is a broken limb at Survivor Series. Shotzi vowed to endure whatever Ronda dishes out at the premium live event and might just surprise the entire world at Survivor Series.

SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey then had a stare-down with Shotzi. Shayna choked Shotzi out from behind with the Kirifuda Clutch. Rousey said “clean up on aisle green” to end the segment.

Ronda will defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Shotzi at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames on November 26th at the TD Garden in Boston.

3 Tag Teams Who Could Dethrone The Usos in WWE

Robert Lentini
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The Usos defeated New Day tonight on WWE SmackDown and are just a couple of days away from becoming the longest-reigning tag team champions in WWE history. Jimmy and Jey seem unbeatable at the moment and on top of that, they have The Bloodline in their corner.

  • Best Moments of The Usos’ Historic Tag Title Reign in WWE

It will be a tall task for any tag team on RAW or SmackDown to dethrone The Usos. Here are a few teams that may be able to accomplish that goal in the near future:

#3. RK-Bro

Randy Orton and Matt Riddle formed an unlikely bond in WWE. For whatever reason, the pairing worked and RK-Bro was a wildly entertaining duo. Randy Orton and Riddle battled Jimmy and Jey in a Tag Title Unification match on the May 20th episode of WWE SmackDown.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was ringside for the match and wound up getting involved. Riddle and Jey Uso were battling on the top turnbuckle when Roman hopped on the ring apron. The Tribal Chief held onto Jey as Matt went for a Superplex. Riddle crashed to the canvas and Jey was able to capitalize on the interference with a Frog Splash to unify the titles.

It was Orton’s last appearance on the show as he has been out of action with a concerning back injury. Hopefully, The Viper is able to come back to WWE in the near future and reunite with the Original Bro on RAW. Riddle won his rivalry with Seth Rollins and defeated The Visionary at Extreme Rules.

However, Seth Rollins has already become United States Champion since the Fight Pit match last month. Riddle is still hovering around the tag title division and teamed up with New Day on this past Monday’s episode of RAW in a loss to The Bloodline. RK-Bro versus The Usos would be a great match at next year’s WrestleMania in Hollywood.

#2. The Viking Raiders

Erik and Ivar of the Viking Raiders have had one of the strangest main roster runs for a tag team in recent memory. They were known as the War Raiders in NXT and were a dominant tag team to be taken seriously.

They debuted on the main roster on the April 19th edition of RAW as “The Viking Experience”, a ridiculous name that never caught on with fans. Erik and Ivar now use the name for their finishing move.

After having their names changed to The Viking Raiders, they captured the RAW Tag Team Championships from Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler on WWE RAW on October 14, 2019. Their title reign lasted 98 days before dropping them to Seth Rollins and former WWE Superstar Buddy Murphy.

The team then went downhill fast and turned into a comedy act. They entered a feud with the Street Profits that was more focused on playing basketball against each other and trying to make fans laugh rather than get invested in the tag team division.

It appears that the Viking Raiders are about to receive another reset in WWE, this time with Sarah Logan by their side. Erik and Sarah are married and she has been featured in a couple of vignettes on SmackDown. The former Riott Squad member was released in 2020. If the Viking Raiders are able to finally recapture what made them a great team in NXT on the main roster, they could pose a legitimate threat to the title reign of The Usos.

#1. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens

The underlying tension within The Bloodline is certainly going to boil over at some point. Jey Uso let his true feelings about Sami Zayn be known to the WWE Universe on a recent edition of SmackDown. He noted that he doesn’t like Sami’s hair, face, or anything about him. The tag champion added that Sami can’t be part of The Bloodline when he isn’t blood.

The Honorary Uce asked for peace and pointed out that Roman Reigns asked them to work out their differences. Jey shouted that he doesn’t give a damn what the Tribal Chief said and instantly regretted it. Roman threatened to make Sami a full-blown Uce and rename him “Sami Uso” if Jey doesn’t get his head right. Zayn calmed everything down by saying Jey hasn’t been feeling very “Ucey” lately.

Triple H and WWE reportedly had plans for Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to team up but they were put on hold due to the incredible popularity of the Honorary Uce at the moment. KO approached Sami backstage while he was wearing an Honorary Uce shirt recently and told him that he needs a new shirt.

There will come a time when The Bloodline will turn its back on Sami Zayn and boot him out of the group. It would be awesome to see Sami’s old friend Kevin Owens show up and fight by his side. KO main-evented WrestleMania against Stone Cold Steve Austin and has done very little of note since.

He was involved in a goofy storyline with Ezekiel before disappearing from WWE TV. The Game thinks highly of KO as he quite literally handed him the Universal Championship back in the day, so one has to believe it is only a matter of time before the Prizefighter returns to the product in an impactful way.

The Usos Vow to Make History on Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

Robert Lentini
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The Usos are set to battle the New Day tonight on WWE SmackDown in a historic match for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships.

Jimmy and Jey enter the match as Undisputed Tag Team Champions for 481 days. The New Day currently holds the record for longest-reigning champions at 483 days. If The Usos win tonight’s match and don’t drop the titles at a random WWE Live Event over the weekend, they will be the new record holders in the company.

Our live results will begin alongside tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown. The SmackDown World Cup and a Six-Pack Challenge to determine Ronda Rousey’s next opponent have also been announced for tonight’s show.

WWE SmackDown Results, Takeaways (11/11/22): Road to Survivor Series, The Usos Make History, Sarah Logan

The Usos Deliver Message to WWE Universe ahead of Historic Title match

Cathy Kelly caught up to Jimmy and Jey Uso as they arrived at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown.

She wondered if fatigue could possibly play a role in the title match tonight for The Usos. Jimmy and Jey successfully defended their Undisputed Tag Team Championships against the Brawling Brutes this past Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.

“I think, of course, fatigue is a factor,” said Jimmy Uso. “You know what I’m saying? We’re tired. I’m sure the New Day is tired. But when it is go time out there, it is all about which team wants it the most.”

Jey Uso added that they will make history tonight on SmackDown and tonight is for the family.

That is real talk Cathy,” said Jey Uso. “It is about to get rough, rugged, and raw out there tonight. This right here, we make history tonight. This right here is for the family, this right here is for the ones.

H/T: Sportskeeda Wrestling

Details on How Triple H Originally Felt About Judgment Day

Andrew Ravens
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Paul Levesque (Triple H) wasn’t always on board with Judgment Day as he reportedly “changed his mind” about pushing a particular WWE act since he took over main roster creative from Vince McMahon. 

WrestleVotes discussed Levesque’s current perception of the group while doing an interview with GiveMeSport. Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, and Dominik Mysterio make up the current group after kicking out Edge, the original leader, weeks ago.

Triple H Changed His Mind

Triple H

“I know back in late July or early August, whenever this whole shift happened, from what I was told Hunter wasn’t really cool with Judgment Day. Not personally, but he just didn’t like the idea. But since he’s grown behind it, I think that they’re going to be around for longer than anticipated.”

The group has since Triple H has taken over creative as there is a dynamic between Ripley and Dominik, and now they’re feuding with The OC. 

This past Monday night on Raw, the feud was pushed forward as Mia Yim returned to WWE and aligned with the OC as a female equalizer to Judgment Day’s Rhea Ripley. It looks like WWE is building to another match between the groups at Survivor Series later this month. 

Indie Wrestler Being Considered for Private WWE Tryout

Andrew Ravens
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KC Navarro has made a name for himself on the independent wrestling scene and is now seemingly close to getting a tryout with the largest pro wrestling company in the world, WWE. 

Fightful Select reports that a WWE source told them that Navarro is on WWE’s radar and Navarro is even being considered for a private WWE tryout. WWE usually holds tryouts with several wrestlers at one time, so this could be a good sign the company wants to sign him if a private tryout set up. 

KC Navarro’s Background

KC Navarro
MLW

Navarro has wrestled almost 300 matches since his wrestling debut, including for the likes of Impact Wrestling, MLW, Warrior Wrestling, and DEFY.

The independent standout has also wrestled a handful of matches for AEW’s Dark brand between October 2020 and March 2021. 

On Thursday, WWE announced its Fall 2022 class of Performance Center recruits as 14 people have joined the promotion on developmental deals where they will be training at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. 

Many of the names announced were part of the July set of tryouts in Nashville, TN, ahead of the SummerSlam premium live event. These recruits are hopeful that they will one day make their WWE TV debuts on NXT.

Gunther Names Top WWE Star as his Dream Opponent

Andrew Ravens
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There are many dream matches for Gunther on the main roster that fans are looking forward to seeing happen. For the WWE Intercontinental Champion, he has shared a dream opponent: Brock Lesnar. 

Gunther’s success in WWE has followed him from NXT UK where he was a top star, to NXT to the main roster. He’s been booked as a dominant force on the main roster, winning the Intercontinental Title in June.

GUNTHER has defended the title in several dream matches, most recently putting on banger after banger with Sheamus.

Gunther vs. Lesnar

Gunther

While speaking with WMBD News, Gunther revealed he has his eye on a match with Brock Lesnar.

“If I had to pin it down to one name, I’d say it’s Brock Lesnar at the moment. When I was young and watching WWE, I enjoyed watching his matches. Later on when I progressed in my career, I was able to watch wrestling and analyze how people work. He’s always been somebody I was impressed with. He’s one of the best to ever do it. I think that’s the biggest possible challenge for me at the moment.”

Lesnar last wrestled at the Crown Jewel premium live event on November 5th by defeating Bobby Lashley.

Transcription via Fightful.

The Good Brothers Were “Offended” by Being Released After the Boneyard Match

Thomas Lowson
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Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are back with WWE, but only after a tumultuous exit from the company.

The former Raw Tag Team Champions returned to WWE last month to aid AJ Styles in his feud with The Judgment Day.

The pair had been released from WWE in April 2020 as part of the first wave of releases explained as ‘budget cuts.’

Offended

Gallows and Anderson’s final appearance for WWE before being released came at WrestleMania 36, during the much-acclaimed Boneyard match between Styles and The Undertaker.

Speaking about being released on After the Bell, Luke Gallows explained why it was kind of offensive to be cut after such a popular match.

“It’s eleven days removed from this Boneyard match that we got all this praise for. so we didn’t see it coming. It offended him and it offended me too a little bit. We’re eleven days out from main eventing Wrestlemania.”

Luke Gallows.

The match, which would also be The Undertaker’s final match, saw the Deadman win in the main event of WrestleMania 36: Night One.

A Total Surprise

Gallows and Anderson were one of dozens of names cut in April 2020, which included Matt Cardona, Miro, Kurt Angle among many more.

During the podcast, Anderson explained that when he was called, he did not figure he would be one of the many released.

“When the Talent Relations person called that day, I saw them ringing my phone. I said ‘you must be having a bad day and wanting to hear a good voice.’ He goes ‘well it’s not so good for you either.’ I go ‘Huh?!'”

Like Anderson, Gallows had no idea he was going to be released, even as more names were added to the list of cuts.

“He [Gallows] doesn’t even know what’s going on because he’s outside mowing his lawn. The guy rings and the HR guy goes ‘I just got off the phone with your partner’ and Gallows go ‘why?’ It just came as a surprise to us.”

Hitting the Ground Running

Gallows and Anderson’s departure in 2020 came less than four years after the joined WWE, which in Gallows’ case, was a return.

Anderson explained on After the Bell that he and Gallows immediately went to work after receiving the dreaded call.

“Those kind of things set people back for days. But after that first hour, we had CBD Oil, we had a beer, and we had a wine label. We had an Impact Wrestling offer. We had New Japan on the phone. All of this was rocking. By the end of the day, I had almost forgotten what had happened.”

Gallows and Anderson would return to New Japan, debut for AEW, and compete for Impact Wrestling before their return to WWE this year.

Latest on Good Brothers’ Status with WWE & NJPW

Natalya to Miss WWE Royal Rumble After Getting Nasal Surgery?

Andrew Ravens
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Natalya could be out of action for at least three months following surgery, which may mean missing the WWE Royal Rumble in January. 

The SmackDown star underwent nose surgery on November 7th and shared a photo from her hospital bed. WWE covered the surgery by doing an injury angle on television that saw Natalya receive the end of a knee to the face from Shayna Baszler during a recent edition of SmackDown. 

Out of Action

Natalya Neidhart
Natalya Neidhart

At the time of the surgery being revealed, it was not clear how long Natalya would be out following the surgery.

An indication of the timeframe has now emerged as Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that “she will be out of action a minimum of three months and perhaps a little longer because they will be waiting for it to fully heal and this isn’t the three weeks back after ankle surgery she did a few years back to prove she could.”

Natalya will miss Survivor Series: War Games later this month from Boston and potentially the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio. We wish her a speedy recovery. 

Natalya Can Breathe Again After Recent Nasal Surgery (Photo)

The Undertaker’s Dead Man Show Announced for Royal Rumble Weekend

Andrew Ravens
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0

The next Undertaker 1 deadMAN SHOW is planned for January, ahead of the Royal Rumble premium live event.

WWE confirmed today that on January 27, The Undertaker will host another edition of his 1 deadMAN SHOW at the Tech Port Center + Arena. WWE’s first premium live event of 2023 will be Royal Rumble, which will take place on January 28 at San Antonio’s Alamodome.

The Show

The Undertaker

The show “will feature The Phenom in an intimate setting, sharing never-before-heard stories from his Hall of Fame career and taking questions from the WWE Universe in attendance.”

Tickets for it will go on sale this Tuesday, November 15 at 10 AM CT via Techportcenter.com. A limited number of VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a meet-and-greet with the legendary wrestler, will also be available.

This will be the fourth time that WWE has held the Royal Rumble in San Antonio and the third time the event has been hosted at the Alamodome. It will feature 30-men and 30-women Royal Rumble matches, with the winners of both receiving a Championship match opportunity at WrestleMania 39 in April from SoFi Stadium in LA. 

The Undertaker last held a 1 deadMAN SHOW ahead of the Extreme Rules premium live event in October.

Deonna Purrazzo and Steve Maclin Get Married

Andrew Ravens
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0

Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo have been dating since 2020 and were engaged this past February.

The former two-time Knockouts World Champion and a former Knockouts World Tag Team Champion has now tied the knot with the former WWE star. 

The Wedding

Deonna recently posted photos from her wedding on Instagram that revealed several wrestlers were in attendance for it, such as Chelsea Green, Dr. Britt Baker, Wendy Choo, McKenzie Mitchell, and Tasha Steelz.

meme 1
meme 2

She also shared photos from her bridal party. In one post, Maclin is holding a glass of wine as they kissed on the stairs, and she captioned her post, “Let’s do the DAMN THANG.” 

Deonna opened up about her marriage with Maclin recently as she announced the date and explained why they chose it. The explanation was, “It is November 10th, which is also the Marine Corps birthday, so he is excited because it is a double whammy for him.”

From all of us here at SEScoops, we wish the happy couple the best as they embark on a new chapter in their life together. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckw5iufoF21/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkwszwoIff0/

The Elite Filming AEW Reality Show While Awaiting Television Return

Andrew Ravens
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0

Although The Elite (The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega) have yet to make their return to AEW television, they have been backstage at recent AEW Dynamite events. 

As previously reported, Warner Bros. Discovery is filming a behind-the-scenes reality TV show with AEW, although at the time, the talent involved in the show was unknown.

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that filming is underway, and it’s believed The Elite will be featured on the show. This may explain why the trio has been backstage at recent events before returning to TV following their suspension.

Latest Development

Kenny Omega Young Bucks AEW Trios Titles
(via AEW)

Meltzer wrote, “They are now filming the AEW reality show each week, starting with the 11/2 show in Baltimore. I believe the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega are part of the show, which may be why they have been in despite not appearing on the television show. At least when the show was conceived, they were a part of it.”

The Elite hasn’t been seen on AEW programming since capturing the Trios Championships at the All Out PPV on September 4th. They were suspended and stripped of the titles due to their involvement in the ‘Brawl Out’ situation with Ace Steel and CM Punk.

In recent weeks, vignettes have aired teasing the trio’s return, leading many fans to believe that The Elite will finally be returning at the Full Gear PPV on November 19th.

Nick Aldis Reveals His Reaction To Being Suspended By NWA

Anutosh Bajpai
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The public feud between Nick Aldis and NWA owner Billy Corgan has become a trending topic of discussion very fast. It all started when the former NWA champion announced on social media earlier this week that he had given his notice to the company. In response to this, the promotion suspended the heavyweight star.

Aldis recently appeared on the Not Sam Wrestling podcast. He opened up about his issues with Billy Corgan and NWA in detail. When asked how he reacted to his suspension from the organization, Nick claimed that he didn’t even know about it, until someone reached out to him:

“‘Okay’ That’s pretty much what I said ‘Okay.’ One of the wrestling media guys [reached out]. Like, ‘Can you comment on being suspended?’ I went ‘Hein? Wait, I just gave my notice.’

It’s kind of like, to me I just likened it to be like when you’re in like high school or grade school. It’s like, ‘I broke up with him.’ ‘No, I broke up with him'”

– Nick Aldis

Apart from this, Nick also detailed the issues that led to him making the decision to leave NWA. According to him, he was wearing a lot of hats in the company without being compensated for it. The former TNA star claimed that Billy Corgan also put him in an uncomfortable position by asking to intervene when Corgan had a fallout with Thunder Rosa, which wasn’t his job.

You can watch Nick Aldis’ full interview below:

More Originals From SEScoops:

If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

WWE & 2K Appealing Randy Orton Tattoo Lawsuit Defeat (Report)

Thomas Lowson
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0

WWE and their gaming partner 2K are appealing a courtroom defeat over the use of Randy Orton’s tattoos in video games.

In April 2018, artist Catherine Alexander filed the suit, alleging that she was not properly reimbursed for the use of tattoos on the Viper’s body used in gaming.

In 2015, Alexander submitted applications to register copyrights on each of the tattoos she inked on the former World Champion’s body.

The Appeal

Last month, after years of delays thanks in part to the Covid-19 pandemic, a jury ruled in Alexander’s favor.

WWE had argued that the tattoos came under ‘fair use,’ and were necessary to depict Orton in video games.

Despite the lengthy case, Alexander was awarded just $3,750 in damages.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that WWE and 2K will appeal the result.

WWE and 2K claim that a judge, not a jury should preside over the case.

It is also argued that Alexander should not have been allowed to trademark part of Orton’s body, even if she drew on it.

Landmark Case?

WWE may seem vindictive for trying to recover their $3,750, but that isn’t their only reason for the appeal.

The Observer adds that WWE fears that Alexander’s victory could be a landmark case, and could see other tattoo artists follow her example.

The belief is that other artists could sue WWE for the use of their tattoos on talent used for video games and merchandise.

At this time, no other tattoo artist has filed a lawsuit against WWE or 2K since the Alexander ruling.

WWE’s Original Plans For Randy Orton Injury Return (Report)

Latest on Why Bandido Chose to Sign with AEW over WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Bandido’s decision to sign with AEW over WWE was thanks in part due to the wrestler not wishing to relocate to Flordia.

Bandido made his AEW debut during the September 28, 2022, episode of AEW Dynamite, challenging Ring of Honor World Champion Chris Jericho in a losing effort.

After the match, Tony Khan reportedly offered him a contract on the spot, and WWE was said to have made waves to try and bring him in.

Choosing AEW

Last month, it was reported that Bandido has signed a deal with All Elite Wrestling, and competed on this week’s AEW Rampage taping.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Bandido’s decision was influenced by having a family in Mexico, who would not want to move to Florida.

The belief is that had he signed, Bandido would have gone to WWE’s Performance Center first and later competed in NXT, both of which are based in Florida.

It was also noted that if/when he was called up to the main roster, Bandido would have far fewer opportunities to spend time with his family than by signing with AEW.

Bandido’s Contract

Now officially part of the AEW roster, Bandido’s deal is reported to be the standard three years, typical for now AEW signings.

The Observer adds that Bandido has a “maximum number of dates,” which is more matches than most AEW wrestlers work in a year.

It was also noted that the maximum number of matches an AEW star can do a year could change if the promotion introduces house shows.

Bandido Breaks Silence On No-Showing GCW Event

Alexa Bliss Wants More WWE Character Changes in Her Future

Thomas Lowson
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Alexa Bliss has had many characters during her years with WWE, and that’s expected to continue if the former Women’s Champion has her way.

Bliss debuted for WWE in 2013 and is a former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion, a WWE Women’s Tag Champion, and a one-time 24/7 Champion.

More recently, Bliss has been aligned with Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair and Asuka in their war with Damage CTRL, and the two teams will face off inside WarGames.

Going Through Changes

Bliss has undergone several changes since her debut as a glitter-loving babyface, and that trend is likely to continue.

Speaking to Sebastian Hackl of WWE Deutschland, Bliss explained that her current character on TV is something she hopes to change.

“I think about it [changing her character] a lot more recently because I don’t really know where I’m at right now when it comes to character-wise.

“So I think about like, ‘Man, I’ve been eight to nine different personas in my career. I tried to always evolve, and I am actually trying to even change from what I’m doing now.”

Bliss captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles last week (her third reign overall) but she and Asuka lost the titles days later at WWE Crown Jewel.

Bliss’ Personas

It was on the July 24, 2013 episode of NXT that Bliss would make her on-screen debut and would remain a glitter-loving face who wore a tutu to the ring.

Turning heel in 2015, Bliss would align with Blake and Murphy (she was dating Buddy Murphy at the time) and would often associate cosplay with her attires.

This trend continued upon her call-up to SmackDown in 2016 as a heel, where she would be compared to DC’s Harley Quinn for her colorful hair and persona.

After a run as ‘The Goddess’ Bliss would miss months of action due to injuries and would adopt various roles, including being WWE’s head of the Women’s division.

Bliss’ biggest character change came in 2020 when she became her ‘Dark Alexa’ persona and aligned with Bray Wyatt.

Earlier this year, Bliss ditched the Dark Alexa character, though some believe it will return now that Wyatt has been rehired by WWE.

Alexa Bliss Opens Up On ‘Disheartening’ Targeting From WWE Fans

h/t – 411Mania

“I Just Want to Wrestle” – Anthony Ogogo Addresses Lack of AEW TV Time

Thomas Lowson
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0

Anthony Ogogo is an established fighter, but that hasn’t translated into TV time on AEW Dynamite or Rampage.

Ogogo joined AEW in 2019 and comes from a boxing background, having won Silver at the 2010 New Dehli Commonwealth Games and Bronze at the London 2012 Summer Olympics.

A 2017 fight resulted in one of Ogogo’s eye sockets being fractured and he would be forced to retire from professional boxing years later.

I Just Want to Wrestle

In March 2021, Ogogo would make his AEW TV debut and would immediately enter a program with Cody Rhodes.

Despite the prominent feud, that saw Rhodes win at Double or Nothing 2021, Ogogo has all but vanished from AEW TV.

Speaking to Fightful, the Olympic Bronze medalist reflected on how little he’s been featured over the past 18 months.

“I just want to wrestle. I want to get good and have time. I just want to be on TV and show people how hard I’m working and how good I can be.”

Anthony Ogogo.

Ogogo added that he’s being “patient” and continues to make appearances for indie promotions and PROGRESS Wrestling.

Everything has Changed

Ogogo was away in the UK from June 2021 to December 2021 dealing with his passport and visa issues, after both items were stolen during his time in the States.

Speaking about his return to AEW, the British star explained how nothing is quite the same as it once was.

“When I came back, everything had changed. They signed Bryan Danielson, the best wrestler who has probably ever lived, they signed (CM) Punk and this, that, and the other person.

“The whole landscape changed. Cody left, me coming back and doing something with him, that was gone because he’s not there. Everything just changed and with me, I think I’m such a unique talent that it’s hard to know what to do with me.”

Ogogo’s most recent match for the promotion saw him defeat Luke Kurtis via knockout on the August 21, 2022 taping of AEW Dark.

Anthony Ogogo Speaks About Boxing Retirement – Finding “Fun” In AEW

Absent WWE Superstar Returning to TV on Tonight’s SmackDown

Thomas Lowson
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0

Tonight’s episode of SmackDown will have a touch of class added to the broadcast as Lacey Evans will be making her return to TV.

PW Insider reports that Evans will be part of a six-pack challenge, with the winning earning a title shot at WWE Smackdown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey.

The Sassy Southern Belle will face Xia Li, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Sonya Deville and Shotzi.

This will mark Evans’ first match in close to two months, and only her third televised match since July.

Evans’s Wild Year

In 2021, Evans was on the cusp of becoming Raw Women’s Champion, before she was pulled from programming due to her pregnancy.

Mere months after giving birth, Evans returned to SmackDown on the April 8, episode, initially as a babyface.

The former U.S. Marine spoke about being a mother and her time serving her country but was moved to Raw shortly after and as a heel.

Before she could appear in person on the red brand, Evans was moved back to SmackDown, and despite being listed as a heel, returned as a face.

After failing to win the Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase, Evans would turn heel once more, attacking Aliyah.

SmackDown

Evans’ return to TV isn’t the only big thing coming to tonight’s SmackDown in Indianapolis.

It’s been confirmed that the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos will put their titles on the line against the New Day.

The SmackDown World Cup Tournament will also begin tonight.

Shinsuke Nakamura will face Santos Escobar on the show, and there will also be an appearance by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Lacey Evans Talks Experiencing Her First Money in the Bank on a Roof
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