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JBL on WWE’s AAA Acquisition: ‘Don’t WWE It, Preserve Lucha Libre’s Heritage’

Michael Reichlin
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JBL on WWE’s AAA Acquisition: ‘Don’t WWE It, Preserve Lucha Libre’s Heritage’

WWE legend JBL has enthusiastically endorsed WWE’s acquisition of Mexican wrestling promotion AAA, calling it a “fantastic partnership” while emphasizing the importance of preserving lucha libre’s unique cultural identity.

Speaking on Conrad Thompson’s Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL expressed excitement about the business move while cautioning against completely transforming the product as WWE has done with past territory acquisitions.

“I’m excited about them with Triple A. I think it’s great,” JBL said during the interview. “I always thought that WWE should have done this maybe back in the day where you acquire a territory like Mexico that is completely different that wants their own culture and wants their own heritage and wants their own history, but wants to be a part also.”

The former WWE Champion elaborated on his vision for the partnership, emphasizing cultural preservation.

“Not where you WWE it… but where you buy it and you have a WWE influx into it, but you leave the culture and heritage the same with Lucha Libre,” he stated, highlighting a key concern among wrestling fans about corporate acquisitions.

JBL also used the opportunity to spotlight rising talent he’s observed through his visits to Triple A events.

“That [Vikingo], I think that’s how you say his name. I watched him have a match down there with Del Rio. That kid is freaking amazing,” he raved.

This acquisition, scheduled to close later this year, represents a significant step in WWE’s global strategy under Triple H’s leadership.

The first AAA event under the WWE banners is taking place in less than six weeks at WWE NXT x AAA: Worlds Collide on June 7, 2025.

Triple H Reveals Intentions Behind WWE’s AAA Acquisition

JBL: Paul Heyman-Seth Rollins Alliance ‘Perfect’ Move for WWE’s Future

Michael Reichlin
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JBL: Paul Heyman-Seth Rollins Alliance ‘Perfect’ Move for WWE’s Future

WWE Hall of Famer JBL has given his emphatic approval of Paul Heyman’s shocking alliance with Seth Rollins at WrestleMania, calling it the “perfect” creative direction for everyone involved.

Speaking on Conrad Thompson’s Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL explained why pairing Heyman with Rollins makes strategic sense, especially with Roman Reigns and CM Punk currently positioned as fan favorites.

“Seth Rollins was the right choice. I thought that was the way… that was 100% the way I would go,” JBL stated firmly. “Paul Heyman, I think is a separate issue. But if you want to put a fresh coat of paint on Paul, which is really hard to do after 30, 40 years in the business of being constantly in main events, all of a sudden now Paul Heyman is just as rejuvenated as ever.”

The former World Champion further praised Heyman’s legendary career while noting how this new alliance continues his unprecedented success as a manager.

“He’s got the greatest run of a manager in the history of the world and he’s done it again and he’s on fire again with a new guy that went over two incredible legends,” JBL added.

This alliance could significantly impact WWE’s main event scene moving forward, with Heyman once again positioned to influence championship storylines despite his decades-long career already being considered the most successful managerial run in wrestling history. The move gives Heyman a fresh start after his iconic pairings Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.

Karrion Kross Teases Joining Seth Rollins’ New Power Alliance After Sami Zayn’s Rejection

Karrion Kross Teases Joining Seth Rollins’ New Power Alliance After Sami Zayn’s Rejection

Michael Reichlin
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0
Karrion Kross Teases Joining Seth Rollins’ New Power Alliance After Sami Zayn’s Rejection

WWE’s newest power alliance may soon be adding another member to its ranks. Following Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman, and Bron Breakker’s brutal attack on Sami Zayn during Monday Night Raw, Karrion Kross has begun teasing his potential interest in joining the dominant faction through cryptic social media posts.

Sami Zayn’s Confrontation

On Monday’s Raw (April 28), Sami Zayn confronted Seth Rollins about his hypocrisy in allying with Paul Heyman and Bron Breakker, calling the new faction a “load of crap” and pointing out that Rollins was just becoming another “Paul Heyman guy” like Roman Reigns and CM Punk.

Rollins offered Zayn an ultimatum: move to SmackDown or face consequences. Heyman sweetened the deal by promising Zayn a championship match against the Cena-Orton winner at Backlash if he accepted. When Zayn refused, Breakker delivered multiple devastating spears before Rollins finished with a Curb Stomp.

Karrion Kross Shows Interest

Following the confrontation, Karrion Kross took to social media asking fans if they thought Zayn made the right choice. When a fan suggested Kross should join Rollins’ faction due to their aligned visions, Kross responded with intrigue, posting: “Oh really? Elaborate. You have my attention?” before sharing a telling GIF that suggested further interest.

While initial reports indicated the faction would remain a three-man team, Kross’s social media activity suggests potential expansion. WWE is reportedly planning to elevate Kross in a “unique manner” with focus on character development after he “turned heads” with his viral WrestleMania 41 rant.

Kross’s Recent Character Evolution

Since the disbandment of his previous faction, The Final Testament, in February 2025, Kross has been involved in backstage segments trying to convince various superstars to “embrace their dark side” – making this potential alliance with the Rollins-Heyman-Breakker group a natural progression.

With recent rumors mentioning “Karrion Kross opportunities” in WWE’s future plans, his potential inclusion in what some are calling the new “Dangerous Alliance” could represent a significant elevation on the roster.

AEW Dynamite Preview: April 30, 2025

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Dynamite Preview: April 30, 2025

AEW Dynamite roars into the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia tonight (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) at 8 p.m. ET on TBS and streams simultaneously on Max, bringing a card head-lined by Hangman Page vs. Kyle Fletcher in the Owen Hart Cup semifinal, an All-Star eight-man tag that pits Kenny Omega’s crew against The Elite, and a “Timeless” Toni Storm eliminator bout—all while MJF and The Hurt Syndicate promise volatile mic time.

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite airs live on TBS (8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT) with streaming on Max, emanating from the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, VA. The show serves as AEW’s final Dynamite of April and sets the table for next month’s Double or Nothing, as tournament spots and simmering rivalries collide under one roof.

AEW Dynamite April 30 2025
Match / SegmentPreview
Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Semifinal
Hangman Adam Page vs. Kyle Fletcher		Page looks to punch his ticket to the finals and a potential rematch with Will Ospreay, while Fletcher fights to keep Don Callis Family momentum rolling.
All-Star 8-Man Tag
Kenny Omega, Mark Briscoe, “Speedball” Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight vs. The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada & Ricochet		Omega seeks payback on The Elite, adding the high-flying Bailey, Knight and Briscoe to counter Okada and Ricochet’s debut Dynamite alliance with the Bucks.
AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator
Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Miyu Yamashita		Storm’s red-carpet open challenge at the TCM Film Festival lures Japan’s “Pink Striker”; if Yamashita wins, she earns a future title shot.
MJF appearanceStill desperate to impress Bobby Lashley, Max promises “something unforgettable” in Norfolk as he angles for Hurt Syndicate membership.
The Hurt Syndicate speakAEW World Tag Champions will respond to MJF’s overtures and address their next title defense.

Catch real-time results, backstage updates, and post-show analysis all night long here on SEScoops.com – your home for the latest AEW news.

Real American Freestyle Wrestling: Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff Unveil Izzy Martinez

Michael Reichlin
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Real American Freestyle Wrestling: Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff Unveil Izzy Martinez

In a bold move that merges Olympic-style grappling with professional wrestling spectacle, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff have officially announced elite coach Israel “Izzy” Martinez as the third partner in their new venture: Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAFW). The announcement came via an nWo-inspired teaser video that has already generated significant buzz.

The High-Profile Partnership

During the announcement, Bischoff highlighted Martinez’s impressive credentials, describing him as a “nine-time state high-school champion” and “coach of eight UFC champions.” Hogan promised fans a “black-and-blue” fight scene where athletes “get paid to beat people up.”

Martinez himself addressed viewers directly: “You’ve seen what these two have done before. We’ve got the cash, we got the talent, we got real American freestyle wrestling.”

The video concluded with Hogan’s iconic delivery style: “Whatcha gonna do when Real American Freestyle comes for you?”

Who Is Izzy Martinez?

Martinez brings over two decades of elite wrestling coaching experience to the partnership. As the founder of Izzy Style Wrestling in Illinois, he has developed numerous NCAA All-Americans through his program.

He currently serves as the head wrestling coach at Jackson-Wink MMA, where he helped shape the career of Jon Jones, who captured eight UFC titles under his guidance. Martinez has also worked with other MMA champions including Holly Holm and top contender Yair Rodríguez.

His coaching philosophy blends traditional folkstyle fundamentals with freestyle techniques—an approach that Hogan indicates will form “the backbone of RAFW.”

What to Expect from RAFW

The new promotion aims to create a unique format that bridges the gap between amateur wrestling and professional entertainment. Bischoff has teased the possibility of open-weight freestyle tournaments alongside traditional card-style events featuring crossover stars from MMA and collegiate wrestling.

According to Hogan, Martinez will oversee a developmental system designed to “turn mega-stars loose” under the RAFW banner.

While specific launch dates and media partnerships remain under wraps, industry sources suggest a summer debut may be in the works. There are also reports of interest from retired Olympic wrestlers looking to join the promotion.

As Hogan enthusiastically put it: “Izzymania is gonna go wild on the whole world of wrestling.” With the combined industry expertise of these three figures, RAFW’s debut could represent one of the most significant crossovers between amateur and professional wrestling in recent memory.

These Are The Good Guys: Bryan Danielson Reveals AEW Moment That Made Him Leave WWE

Anutosh Bajpai
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These Are The Good Guys: Bryan Danielson Reveals AEW Moment That Made Him Leave WWE

Bryan Danielson has revealed the AEW moment that made him want to leave WWE and join the promotion owned by Tony Khan.

The wrestling veteran spoke to Talk Sport for a new interview. He opened up about the perceived war between the two American wrestling promotions, claiming that AEW does not approach other companies in a warlike fashion.

The former AEW World Champion said that he doesn’t feel like they are at war with anyone but he noted how this feeling is not mutual. Bryan Danielson explained that since WWE always perceives the competition between the companies as a real war, he finds that AEW is constantly in the defense:

“I don’t know the right strategy, but I like the way Tony Khan handles things because that it in my mind, it makes us the good guys. But I don’t know if at some point we need to go more on the offensive. I’ve had friends bring that up to me like, ‘Oh, you guys should attack.’ I’m like, wait a second.

Like one, that’s not my personality. Two, that’s not Tony Khan’s personality. And I think that’s one of the things that drew me to AEW.”

It Touched Something In Me: Bryan Danielson

Bryan Danielson noted that sharing this mindset with Tony Khan is what first attracted him towards his promotion. He then revealed the one moment that finally convinced him that AEW was the place to be:

“We had a wrestler, Brodie Lee, who had passed away. They did this incredible tribute show. At that point, I was still with WWE. And the way that they did that show — Brodie was my friend — it touched something in me and in my mind. I was thinking like, ‘Oh, these are the good guys of professional wrestling.’”

The former WWE star mentioned that anyone can make mistakes or take bad decisions. As a company however, AEW tries to be good without ever trying to market themselves as the same.

Apart from this, Bryan Danielson also talked about his in ring status after retiring from full time wrestling last year. The 43-year-old noted how he had been in a lot of pain towards the end of his full time run in AEW. On the topic of retirement, Bryan explained that he doesn’t want to put the word out there but claimed that he feels very comfortable where he is right now.

Adam Copeland Reveals Tentative Retirement Age

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Adam Copeland Reveals Tentative Retirement Age

Adam Coepland believes he will retire after his current contract ends.

The wrestling veteran has been part of some memorable storylines since returning to in ring action in 2020. He’s also dealt with some serious injuries however. With all damage he’s done to his body over the years now catching up, the WWE Hall of Famer knows that he doesn’t have a lot of time left in the squared circle.

The former World Champion was asked how long he sees himself continuing wrestling during an interview with First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo. Replying to it, Cope said that he doesn’t plan to be active much longer:

“I mean, not much longer. The schedules are far better now than they it used to be. If you asked me to try and pull off over 200 days a year that I pulled before, there is absolutely no way because the recovery just takes too long now. I’ll have a match and it’ll take me a good week to finally start walking normal.”

Get Out While I Can: Adam Copeland

The AEW star discussed how he feels pretty beat up when he wakes up in the morning and it takes a while for him to start feeling normal. Per Adam Copeland, he’s likely to retire when his current contract ends:

“I’ve realized now, I’m 51 years old, I figure I got till maybe 53, the end of this contract, and then it’s probably time to call it a day and get out while I can still limp away [laughs]. Then lick my wounds and do a whole lot of yoga after,”

The former WWE star will be turning 53 in October 2026. Earlier this year he discussed who would be his ideal opponent for a retirement match. You can check out his remarks on the matter here.

Another Top WWE Star Poised For Big Movie Role (Report)

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Another Top WWE Star Poised For Big Movie Role (Report)

Another WWE star may soon be taking time off for a movie role.

One half of the current women’s tag team champions Liv Morgan told General Manager Nick Aldis on Raw this week that she needed time off from WWE programming to film ‘a big Hollywood movie.’

Insiders have hyped up the yet unknown movie project saying that that it’s something significant that will turn people’s heads when revealed. While not a superhero film, the project is said to be backed by a prestigious studio involving some high-profile acting names.

Now a new report from PWinsider has provided a similar update about Drew McIntyre, saying that the Scottish Warrior is also ‘lined up for a major film role.’

“For months, we’ve heard that McIntyre — also repped by Paradigm and recently announced as the new face of Project Rock — is lined up for a major film role. He may very well be the next WWE talent to break into large-scale film or television work.”

WWE talent crossing over to the acting world is not a new phenomenon as wrestlers have long history of appearing on movies and TV shows, though very few have made a full transition successfully.

There have been an increase in wrestling talents exploring their potential outside the industry recently as the raise of AEW has forced WWE to also allow talents the freedom to take the required time off.

CM Punk explained recently how his other relationships are baked into his WWE contract now which allow him to take time off when needed, unlike before.

No solid details are available on either Drew McIntyre or Liv Morgan’s movies at the time so it’s hard to say how long they might stay out of action once the projects start filming

Dakota Kai Provides Puzzling Health Update Amid WWE Absence

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Dakota Kai Provides Puzzling Health Update Amid WWE Absence

Dakota Kai has provided an update on her WWE status.

The former tag champ has not wrestled for the company for over a month. Her last match came at the March 24 Main Event tapings where Kai defeated Ivy Nile in a singles match.

The WWE star got people talking about her status on Monday when Dakota made a tweet claiming that she misses wrestling. When people started speculating about her health, Dakota Kai confirmed that she is not injured in any way, making fans question her absence:

The former Damage CTRL member is not the only name missing from WWE programming without an explanation. Names such as Alexa Bliss and Omos have also been off TV for some time for no apparent reason.

Bliss who only returned to action earlier this year after a 2-year hiatus, is reported to be set for a return soon alongside the Wyatt Sicks.

The fate of Omos however, remains a mystery. The Nigerian Giant was abruptly called back from his successful Japan trip before Royal Rumble, but he has not appeared on any WWE shows since then.

All this comes at a time when WWE President Nick Khan claimed that their company does not bench talent, raising questions about the validity of his statement.

Trick Williams Goes Hollywood, Confirms Heel Turn on WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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0
Trick Williams Goes Hollywood, Confirms Heel Turn on WWE NXT

Trick Williams confirmed his heel turn during the April 29, edition of WWE NXT as the two-time NXT Champion claimed that he is now ‘Hollywood.’ To back up his silver-screen moniker, Williams bragged about appearing in the season finale of All American on the CW Network.

Getting down to business, Williams took aim at Joe Hendry, who he compared to being a ‘local talent.’ After assaulting Hendry at TNA Rebellion, Williams shared that he was moving on and set his sights on a shot at WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi.

WWE NXT General Manager Ava arrived but instead of giving him what he wanted, scolded Trick for his actions at Rebellion. Williams bit back, declaring himself the biggest star, not only in WWE NXT but also in TNA Wrestling. Ava declared that a 25-man battle royal will take place next week, with the winner earning a title match at Battleground against Femi. This match won’t just be for NXT Superstars, as it will include talent from TNA, and WWE LFG.

Williams plans on becoming a three-time NXT Champion, but his journey back to the top won’t come easy if the 24 other wrestlers in the battle royal have anything to say about it.

Internal Reaction And More Backstage News On SmackDown TLC Main Event

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Internal Reaction And More Backstage News On SmackDown TLC Main Event

The incredible TLC main event at this past Friday’s SmackDown after WrestleMania 41 from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas was received as well as you’d expect.

The WWE management under Triple H has tried to pull back on the number of matches on each PPV in favor of increasing the quality of bouts. Talents have felt the adverse effect of this approach as well, however, as many stories and matches that deserve a spot at the PLEs have been relegated to the weekly programming.

The TLC match featuring DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, and Street Profits on Friday was big example of it. The match was highly praised by the fans and many questioned why it wasn’t featured on the Show of Shows.

Fightful Select provided an unsurprising update on this match. They noted that the bout got incredible reviews internally as well with many knowing that the trio being left off Mania card would become a big talking point.

The stipulation match, produced by Jamie Noble and Kenny Dykstra featured many high-risk spots, but everyone involved emerged from the match ‘relatively healthy’ per the report.

The ending of the TLC match saw Chris Sabin and Johnny Gargano fighting at the top of the ladder before the latter was thrown out. Montez Ford jumped in at the last second and retained the championship for his team after taking Sabin out.

Backstage News On Plans For New Seth Rollins Stable

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Backstage News On Plans For New Seth Rollins Stable

Paul Heyman surprised everyone when he betrayed not only CM Punk but Roman Reigns as well to join hands with Seth Rollins in the main event of WrestleMania 41.

This new alliance gained another member on the following episode of Raw when Bron Breakker took out CM Punk and Roman Reigns to became part of the group.

The creative team under Triple H has had a larger focus on factions than the previous management. So the group instantly drew comparison to past stables such as Evolution with many fans speculating who could be the next member to join this dangerous alliance.

In a new update, however, Fightful Select notes that the comparisons are not something that is intended by the management. The higher-ups wish for this team to become its own thing, instead of reminding people of other groups from history.

Furthermore, the site reports that as of WrestleMania weekend, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman were the only names planned for this group. 

WWE had teased Roman Reigns making an unlikely alliance with arch rival CM Punk to tackle this challenge after the two stars were taken out by Rollins & Company on Raw after Mania.

Though they also started a feud with Sami Zayn on this week’s Raw so we’ll have to see how these two stories progress and if they overlap in coming times.

Joe Hendry Appears on WWE NXT, Attacked By Dark State

Thomas Lowson
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0
Joe Hendry Appears on WWE NXT, Attacked By Dark State

Say his name, and he’ll appear, but the April 29, edition of WWE NXT was not a show Joe Hendry will wish to remember. Hendry opened this week’s NXT with a promo that highlighted his recent appearances in WWE. He also proudly noted his successful defense of the TNA World Championship at Rebellion. During his segment, Hendry called out Trick Williams, referencing Trick’s attack at Rebellion as well as their other previous altercations.

However, instead of Williams, Dark State appeared and launched a surprise attack on Hendry. The TNA World Champion was overwhelmed by the NXT faction in a brutal assault that clearly painted a target on his back.

While Williams has come to the aid of Hendry in the past, the two-time former NXT Champion was nowhere to be seen during this ambush. At Rebellion, Williams attacked Hendry following the show’s main event and teased going after the TNA World Championship. Now, Hendry has not only the TNA roster to deal with, but also Trick Williams and the combined might of Dark State.

Reason Why Plans for Joe Hendry on WWE Raw Were Nixed

Jey Uso Reveals Neck Tattoo After WWE World Title Win

Thomas Lowson
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0
Jey Uso Reveals Neck Tattoo After WWE World Title Win

Jey Uso captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41, and now the new champion also has some new ink. On April 29, Jey shared footage on Instagram from his latest tattoo session. The WWE star unveiled a striking new neck tattoo that extends his existing tribal design, connecting intricate patterns from his shoulder and chest up along the side of his neck.

Created by @samoanmike, the detailed work adheres to traditional Polynesian tattoo styles, marked by sharp geometric flow and deep cultural symbolism. The tattoo wraps upward in tight, layered lines, aligning perfectly with Jey’s already signature body art. The tattoo also features the bible passage Proverbs 17:17, which reads “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Jey is hardly the first wrestler to get ink on their neck. In 2020, Cody Rhodes debuted his infamous tattoo, which the American Nightmare has since admitted was bigger than he’d expected. More recently, WWE Hall of Famer The Great Khali introduced the world to his neck tattoo.

Jey Uso is expected to defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Backlash against Logan Paul, where he seeks to prove that his victory over GUNTHER in Las Vegas was no fluke.

Sheamus: I’d Rather Risk Liver Failure Than A Neck Tattoo

The Undertaker Confronts Oba Femi on WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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The Undertaker Confronts Oba Femi on WWE NXT

The Undertaker just made a surprise appearance on WWE NXT—and he came with a message for WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi.During the April 29 episode of NXT, Femi was backstage sharing his thoughts on next week’s 25-man battle royal. The winner of that match will earn a shot at Femi’s NXT Title at Battleground. But before Femi could finish, the Phenom entered.

The Undertaker came face-to-face with Oba Femi and kept it brief. He acknowledged the success of the champion in his title reign so far but then issued a warning:

“This is your yard for now. Just so you know, I’ve got some guys in LFG, and they’re gonna be coming for you soon.”

LFG is WWE’s new reality series based out of the Performance Center, where The Undertaker serves as a coach. His appearance on NXT served as both a promotional moment and a serious signal: someone from the LFG roster may be eyeing the NXT Championship.

Oba Femi has been dominating the competition since winning the title, but now it seems new challengers could emerge from outside the standard NXT lineup.

Meta-Four Disbands on WWE NXT Following Noam Dar’s Return

Michael Reichlin
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Meta-Four Disbands on WWE NXT Following Noam Dar’s Return

A WWE faction disbanded on the April 29 episode of NXT on The CW, as Meta-Four—comprising Noam Dar, Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson, and Oro Mensah—agreed to go their separate ways.

Noam Dar returned last week in Las Vegas to capture the NXT Heritage Cup Championship from Lexis King, marking his first appearance since a May 2024 injury. However, he was notably unaccompanied by the rest of Meta-Four during his comeback.

During Dar’s absence, Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson made strides on the main roster, including competing for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles at Crown Jewel and participating in the Royal Rumble. Oro Mensah, meanwhile, has shifted focus to WWE’s new Evolve brand, where he’s become a consistent presence.

On this week’s episode, the group briefly reunited backstage. Legend addressed how each member had started moving in different directions and suggested it might be time to officially part ways. The group shared a final hug, leaving Dar standing alone with the Heritage Cup trophy as the segment closed.

Jeff Jarrett Criticizes MJF Feud in AEW: ‘A Massive Mistake on Many Levels’

Michael Reichlin
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0
Jeff Jarrett Criticizes MJF Feud in AEW: ‘A Massive Mistake on Many Levels’

Jeff Jarrett did not enjoy working with MJF in AEW. On the latest episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett reflected on his return to AEW Collision last week and took the opportunity to address his brief feud with MJF earlier in the year.

Double J described the experience in blunt terms, calling it detrimental both creatively and professionally.

“Ever since [MJF] got involved in anything that had to do with myself, it’s turned to absolute shit,” Jarrett said.

He noted that he had warned MJF about avoiding lowbrow material and expressed frustration that the direction of their program didn’t align with his vision or values.

Jarrett also suggested MJF resented his aspirations for AEW gold and implied that interactions with the former world champion tend to negatively affect other talent.

“He always leaves everyone worse than when he started being associated on any level,” Jarrett added.

While acknowledging MJF’s talent, he labeled him “toxic” and “selfish,” and admitted the experience harmed his own momentum in AEW. Looking more broadly at his AEW tenure, Jarrett admitted to listening to the wrong people and losing creative focus.

“I think us as a group in a lot of ways lost our way, and I’m the veteran—I should take more responsibility for that.”

As he considers the next phase of his run and a potential final contract, Jarrett made clear that some internal matters remain private. However, he firmly concluded that the storyline with MJF was a misstep.

“The MJF situation was a massive, massive, massive mistake on so many levels. That goes without saying. We’ll see.”

Quotes – Fightful

Sami Zayn Sends Warning: ‘I Am Not Going Anywhere, I Will Become A World Champion’

Andrew Ravens
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Sami Zayn Sends Warning: ‘I Am Not Going Anywhere, I Will Become A World Champion’

Following a brutal end to his night on WWE Monday Night Raw, Sami Zayn has taken to social media to issue a statement regarding his future and championship goals.

On this week’s episode, Seth Rollins, alongside Paul Heyman, attempted to persuade Zayn to leave Raw for the SmackDown roster, an offer Zayn ultimately rejected by telling Rollins to “go to hell.” This refusal led to a main event clash with Rollins’ new associate, Bron Breakker. 

The match ended abruptly when Breakker took out Zayn with a relentless series of spears, prompting a referee stoppage. Rollins then added insult to injury, delivering a Stomp to the downed Zayn as Raw went off the air.

Despite the assault and the clear threat from Rollins’ new faction, Zayn posted a clear message on Twitter outlining his intentions. 

“Yes, there is a target on my back,” Zayn wrote. “Just know this – you can throw everything you’ve got at me, I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE. I will become a world champion.”

It’s unclear whether Zayn will stay off television for a few weeks or if he will be back as soon as next week.

Liv Morgan Secures Major Movie Role: What We Know So Far

Michael Reichlin
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Liv Morgan Secures Major Movie Role: What We Know So Far

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan is making a significant career move beyond the wrestling ring as reports confirm her involvement in a major Hollywood film project. The crossover opportunity represents another milestone for the 30-year-old star, who has been steadily building her entertainment resume alongside her wrestling accomplishments.

Official Announcement and Timeline

Liv Morgan herself announced on WWE Raw that she will be taking time away from television to film what she described as a “big Hollywood movie.” Following this revelation, WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis confirmed on-air that her request for time off has been approved, with all necessary paperwork filed.

According to PWInsider, which broke the original story, Morgan’s role in the film is substantial, with the site characterizing it as a “major role” in a project that “will be officially unveiled next week.” This development comes shortly after Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez captured the Women’s Tag Team Championships for a record fourth time on last week’s episode of Raw.

Film Details and Production Schedule

While specific details about the film remain tightly guarded, several key pieces of information have emerged:

  • According to additional reporting from PWInsider, sources within Hollywood have confirmed that Morgan’s project is not a superhero film, but rather a major dramatic role. The significance of the opportunity has been emphasized by industry insiders, with one source describing Morgan landing the role as “one of the most impressive ‘gets’ imaginable.”
  • PWInsider’s Hollywood contacts further noted that when the studio and talent involved—both on screen and behind the scenes—are revealed, the prestigious nature of the project will become evident. Another source told PWInsider that this opportunity “could cement” Morgan as the next “it girl” in Hollywood if she and the project perform as internally projected.
  • Fightful has corroborated these reports, adding that people with knowledge of Morgan’s upcoming film project claim that “a lot of people’s jaws will drop” when the full details are revealed.

Production appears to be imminent, explaining Morgan’s immediate hiatus from WWE programming. This timing aligns with reports from Fightful that “cameras roll imminently,” necessitating her absence from television commitments.

Morgan’s Growing Entertainment Portfolio

This upcoming film role adds to Morgan’s expanding entertainment credentials beyond professional wrestling:

The New Jersey native has already established herself in the acting world with previous screen appearances. In 2022, Morgan made a guest appearance on the second season of the horror television series “Chucky.” In 2023, she made her feature film debut in “The Kill Room,” where she appeared alongside an impressive cast including Maya Hawke, Samuel L. Jackson, and Uma Thurman.

Morgan’s rise in WWE has been equally impressive. After beginning as part of The Riott Squad, she has distinguished herself as a singles competitor, capturing the SmackDown Women’s Championship in 2022 by successfully cashing in her Money in the Bank contract against Ronda Rousey. More recently, she has been involved in a high-profile storyline with Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley as part of The Judgment Day stable.

Industry Context

Morgan’s Hollywood opportunity comes during a period of increased crossover between WWE and mainstream entertainment, particularly as the company has entered its partnership with Netflix. Wrestling analysts have positioned her film role as part of WWE’s broader strategy to expand its talent’s visibility across entertainment platforms.

Looking Ahead

Wrestling fans can expect more details about Morgan’s film project next week when it will be officially unveiled. Additionally, the May 5th episode of Raw on Netflix may address her on-screen absence and potentially provide storyline context for her temporary departure.

With her combination of in-ring credentials and growing acting experience, Morgan appears well-positioned to capitalize on this significant opportunity while maintaining her status as one of WWE’s most prominent female performers.

Samoa Joe Reflects on Jon Moxley’s Evolution From WWE Star to AEW Staple

Thomas Lowson
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Samoa Joe Reflects on Jon Moxley’s Evolution From WWE Star to AEW Staple

Jon Moxley has been a staple of AEW since 2019 and has established himself as one of the company’s biggest stars ever. In a recent interview with Express U.S. Sports, Samoa Joe discussed what it’s like to be an adversary of the Death Riders leader, including their confrontation at the recent Beach Break.

“Moxley’s without a doubt a very chaotic and very unpredictable opponent. But you know, the best way to handle guys like that is just to keep walking forward straight, [and] smashing them in the face.”

Joe’s strategy recently paid off as The Opps captured the AEW Trios titles from the Death Riders, with Moxley substituting for the injured PAC. As far as Samoa Joe is concerned, there’s never a bad time to share the ring with the reigning AEW World Champion.

“As far as timing goes, when it comes to a guy like Jon Moxley, it’s always the perfect time to get in a fist fight with him. The only major difference between Jon Moxley then [in WWE] and now is that he has become more unrestrained. In my mind, he may have taken some shortcuts to achieve the success he has. Others just say that he stacked the deck in his favor and he’s embraced a more effective form of getting what he wants. So, I mean, that’s literally the only big difference with him.”

Moxley and Joe have battled before, and many fans anticipate they will clash again. Will Samoa Joe earn his second AEW World Championship at the expense of Jon Moxley? Only time will tell.

Samoa Joe Reflects on Champion Pressure and AEW Success

CM Punk Set for Vampire Horror Film ‘Night Patrol’ & SyFy’s ‘Revival’ Series

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk Set for Vampire Horror Film ‘Night Patrol’ & SyFy’s ‘Revival’ Series

CM Punk has revealed he’s expanding his acting portfolio with two major upcoming projects – a vampire horror film and a new television series. In a post-WrestleMania 41 interview with Deadline, Punk confirmed his involvement in “Night Patrol,” a horror film he describes as featuring “night patrol, LAPD, Bloods, Crips, vampires.”

“It’s a total throwback, old-school fun horror movie. I can’t wait for my fans to see it; as much as I love it, I know they will too.”

Punk was coy about whether he’ll be playing a vampire in the film, though Deadline confirmed through sources that Punk will indeed be sporting fangs and an aversion to garlic in the production. The film is written and directed by Ryan Prows, known for his work on the anthology horror film “V/H/S/85” and the crime thriller “Lowlife.”

In addition to “Night Patrol,” Punk also revealed his involvement in “Revival,” an upcoming television series set to air on Syfy. While details about the show remain scarce, its placement on Syfy suggests the series may feature elements of science fiction or the supernatural, both staples of the network.

The WWE star also expressed hope for a third season of Starz’s wrestling drama “Heels,” where he portrayed journeyman wrestler Ricky Rabies. Punk shared that efforts are underway to bring the show to Netflix for another season, stating, “We’re trying to petition Netflix to do a third season of ‘Heels.'”

These projects mark a continuation of Punk’s parallel careers in both wrestling and acting. When discussing how he balances these pursuits, Punk explained that his current WWE contract allows for more flexibility than in the past.

“It’s a lot easier now. It was harder back in the day because wrestling was the lion’s share of what I did, and I wasn’t allowed to do other stuff. I have pre-existing relationships and projects I work on that are grandfathered into my contract.”

Punk typically appears on “Monday Night Raw” live on Netflix, but his flexible deal with WWE allows him to “dip out for two weeks to shoot an independent film” when necessary. Whether in the ring or on screen, CM Punk remains highly accessible to his fans across multiple entertainment platforms.

Former WWE Superstar Carmella and Corey Graves Expecting Second Child

Michael Reichlin
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Former WWE Superstar Carmella and Corey Graves Expecting Second Child

Leah Van Dale, known to WWE fans as Carmella, and Corey Graves are expanding their family with the announcement of Van Dale’s second pregnancy. The couple shared the news on Instagram, revealing they are expecting their newest addition this fall.

Their son, Dimitri, was born in November 2023. Van Dale is also stepmother to Graves’ three children from a previous marriage.

“All in perfect time,” they wrote alongside the announcement. “Our new chapter begins this fall.”

It has been over two years since Van Dale last competed in the ring. Following Dimitri’s birth, she has been managing drop foot, a post-pregnancy complication that affects mobility. Although she’s spoken about difficulties with activities like running, Van Dale has maintained a positive outlook and remains hopeful for an eventual in-ring return.

Janel Grant files to keep Vince McMahon, WWE, John Laurinaitis from pausing discovery

BJ Bethel
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Janel Grant files to keep Vince McMahon, WWE, John Laurinaitis from pausing discovery

Representatives for Janel Grant filed a motion in federal district court in Connecticut on Friday in opposition to pausing discovery in her civil case against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and World Wrestling Entertainment.

Grant is suing McMahon and the other defendants for sex harassment, sex trafficking and other allegations.

Discovery is the gathering of evidence and information to be shared by both parties for a trial, and which both parties would base their arguments.

“Defendants can’t have it both ways,” reps for Grant said in a statement to SEScoops on Tuesday. “When it comes to safety in the workplace, they can’t assert that allegations of harm are taken seriously while using stall tactics to delay an examination of facts. These are irreconcilable paths. Unlike avoidance, there is dignity and integrity of process for all parties in discovery. Ms. Grant’s fight for justice continues.”

SEScoops asked representatives for Vince McMahon for a statement on Tuesday, but hadn’t heard back at the time this article was published.

Earlier this month, McMahon, Laurinaitis and WWE filed motions to stay discovery in the case pending whether Judge Sarah F. Russell would allow Grant’s amended complaint to move forward in the case and on the expectation they would file motions to compel arbitration. The defendants believe Grant’s case should be a matter for an arbitration process per the rules of a non-disclosure agreement she signed with McMahon. A hearing was scheduled for a similar motion last year, but the case was stayed at the request of federal prosecutors.

“Defendants argue that this court should stay discovery simply on the basis of a motion to compel arbitration that has not yet been filed, is not pending before this court and that the court has explicitly instructed them not to renew at this time,” the Grant motion said.

The complaint said the “anticipated” arbitration motion raises material issues regarding the legality of the arbitration clause in the NDA signed by Grant and McMahon, issues of duress and coercion placed on the plaintiff and “communications recently found to be subject to the crime-fraud exception.”

The motion said the court and precedent “expect parties to move their cases forward while it considers dispositive motions,” referring to the anticipated arbitration motion.

“The sweeping stay relief sought by Defendants here is unwarranted and should not be granted.”

‘From A Character Perspective, I Was Okay With It:’ Drew McIntyre On Losing CM Punk Feud

Andrew Ravens
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‘From A Character Perspective, I Was Okay With It:’ Drew McIntyre On Losing CM Punk Feud

Speaking recently on the “High Performance” podcast, WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre offered insight into his character’s mindset regarding his recent feud with CM Punk and the current state of WWE storylines.

McIntyre addressed losing the feud to Punk, stating, “From a character perspective, I was okay with it. For anyone’s been following our show, you know, with Drew McIntyre, the journey that I’ve been on, I was the number one good guy, world champion, all that jazz and was wronged in a lot of ways by certain people who were bad guys at the time,” McIntyre explained.

“Then these bad guys became good guys all of a sudden for no particular reason other than they took a vacation,” he said, specifically mentioning Reigns returning after a hiatus and Jey Uso gaining popularity thanks to his Yeet chants. 

“From my character perspective, those guys made my life a living hell,” McIntyre continued. “They screwed me up with the world title multiple times, beat me down with chairs violently. Those chairs are real. Multiple times, and suddenly, they were getting cheered. So I had certain issues. Usually, historically in wrestling, if you’re good, you just get on with the good guys you’re bad you’re going with the bad guys.

McIntyre also commented on the shift in WWE’s creative direction under Triple H. 

“You know, since Triple H took charge of the creative process it’s very much based in reality now. These days, it’s not just the good guys and the bad guys fighting each other like it used to be.”

CM Punk ‘Dying’ to Work with Dave Bautista, Teases Potential Rom-Com

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk ‘Dying’ to Work with Dave Bautista, Teases Potential Rom-Com

Fresh off his WrestleMania 41 main event, CM Punk has revealed he’s eager to reunite with former WWE colleague Dave Bautista – but this time on the silver screen rather than in the ring. Speaking to Deadline’s Rosy Cordero following WrestleMania, Punk shared that he and “The Animal” are actively exploring a collaboration outside the WWE universe.

“Me and Dave Bautista are trying to do a rom-com, maybe not together, but it’s a race. He really wants to do one, and I really want to do one too.”

A romantic comedy would mark a significant departure from the acting roles both men have pursued thus far. Nevertheless, Punk believes that a heartfelt film would allow audiences to see a more authentic side of both himself and Bautista.

“Dave and I are two emotional b**ches. We would absolutely kill that genre, guaranteed, him especially. I’m dying to work with him. What if we were romantically involved? Who’s not going to pay to see that?”

While Bautista has established himself as the more prominent acting star with roles in blockbuster franchises like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Dune,” Punk has been steadily building his acting resume alongside his wrestling career. He received high praise for his performance in “Girl on the Third Floor” and also appeared in “Heels” portraying a journeyman wrestler.

The potential Punk-Bautista collaboration would represent a noteworthy reunion for the former WWE colleagues, both of whom have successfully navigated between wrestling and acting throughout their careers. Bautista has primarily focused on his Hollywood career since retiring from in-ring competition, while Punk surprised fans with his return to WWE in late 2023.

Given both performers’ star power and their established chemistry from their WWE days, a romantic comedy featuring this unexpected duo could potentially appeal to wrestling enthusiasts and mainstream movie audiences alike.

CM Punk Teases What’s Next After WrestleMania 41 Loss

Bautista Impressed With CM Punk’s Acting

When asked which other WWE star could become a successful actor, Dave Bautista spoke highly of CM Punk (Phil Brooks), emphasizing both his talent and untapped potential in acting. During a September 2024 interview with Buzzfeed Celeb, the man formerly known as “The Animal” said this about Punk:

“You know who I think I really overlooked as an actor? I don’t know if he hasn’t pursued it as much as he’d like to because he’s still heavily pursuing professional wrestling, but it is CM Punk, Phil Brooks. His potential in acting is pretty unlimited. I really want to see more from him in acting. I’d actually love to work with him because I think he has a passion for acting, but I think still his heart is in professional wrestling, and until he’s able to let that go a little bit, he’ll never be able to fully envelop himself in acting, but I think Phil Brooks is a great actor”

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