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Sami Zayn Reveals Why He Name-Dropped AEW On WWE TV

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Sami Zayn has explained why he decided to name-drop AEW during an episode of Monday Night Raw.

Back in May 2019, Zayn mentioned AEW during a segment on Raw. This took place just one night after AEW’s Double or Nothing PPV event.

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was reportedly furious over the name-drop.

https://twitter.com/The_JF0319/status/1506399363895070721

Why Sami Zayn Mentioned AEW

Speaking to Cultaholic Wrestling, Sami Zayn reflected on dropping those letters on a WWE show (h/t Wrestling Inc).

“What happened is the timing of that is sometimes forgotten. You’re referring to the electric chair segment which was a totally unscripted segment. The timing of that segment was very interesting because it was the next day after AEW had just had their first-ever pay-per-view. It was a very hot topic at the time. It was hot off the heels of their first pay-per-view and it was hot off the announcement that AEW was going to be a company.

“It was so new and so fresh and we felt that it was going to be on everybody’s minds. I felt like it was bound to come up, and it kind of weirdly didn’t. At that point in the segment, some of the questions I thought would’ve been a lot more provocative because it was unscripted. While I was out there, I felt like a lot of the questions were a bit flat. Me using my judgment, I figured this needed some pizzazz, so I brought it up myself.”

Zayn admitted that his AEW line wasn’t provoked by any of the fans. He simply went with his instincts. The former NXT Champion expressed his belief that his hunch was correct since people still talk about it today.

Pat McAfee Says Creative Freedom Needs To Be Earned

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Pat McAfee is set to compete at WrestleMania 38, as revealed by Vince McMahon when he appeared on his show this month. McAfee will face Austin Theory, and he talked about this match and more when he appeared as a guest on Busted Open Radio this week.

McAfee hyped up his match against Theory and also discussed creative freedom in WWE. McAfee said that he has a good relationship with a producer at the company, who has been in the business for a long time. McAfee said that even though he and the producer are opposites, he always made sure to say hello to him because he has enjoyed his work as a fan. McAfee then further talked about creative freedom saying that it isn’t as bad as people outside WWE make it out to be.

“For a couple of years now, I’ve gotten a chance to chat with said producer. I think he understands me pretty good,” Pat McAfee said (via Fightful). “Austin Theory, he’s just going to get his ass beat. There hasn’t been anything yet in this entire WWE existence that I’ve said, ‘Hey, we should try this’ that has been completely ruled out. There has been a couple things that I have brought to the forefront and said, ‘This would be cool,’ and I’ve been told, ‘that might be happening…we have to dance around.’ Cool, I completely understand. I feel like the creative and conversation get pooped on a lot outside of WWE. Going in, I assumed that everything was going to be impossible.”

McAfee added that he is a creative person and therefore his ideas are also good when he puts them forward. McAfee essentially made the point that people who cry about not getting creative freedom in WWE were just pitching bad ideas. McAfee also said that freedom has to be earned and it’s not just handed to you.

“I thought I was going in there and it was going to be tooth and nail trying to get everything done. I haven’t experienced that at all. I know other people haven’t had the exact same results, but I’m also not 100% sure that people have what I’m bringing to the table as well. That gets lost in a lot of the conversation. If you don’t like what’s going on, you can leave. I did that to the NFL, I did that to Barstool, a couple different places. Freedom is something you earn, it’s not something you’re given. I’m very fortunate to be at that particular spot. The people I’m working with for this match are awesome. We’re going to put together a classic, we’re going to try out best at least, to do WrestleMania some respect.”

Pat McAfee will face Austin Theory on Night Two of WrestleMania 38 on April 3. After Vince McMahon personally invited McAfee to compete at WrestleMania, Theory belittled the SmackDown commentator just one night later. McAfee has competed on NXT, with his most memorable appearance being at NXT TakeOver WarGames 2020. Other matches on the same night include WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns in a Winner Takes All match to unify the titles, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos, Edge vs. AJ Styles, and Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn among others.

The Hardys Are Headed to AAA Triplemania Tijuana

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The Hardys are headed south of the border.

Back in January, Mexico’s AAA promotion announced the company would be holding three TripleMania events this year to commemorate its 30-year anniversary:

  • April 30th (Monterrey)
  • June 18th (Tijuana)
  • October 15th (Mexico City)

A press conference on Tuesday where it was revealed that Matt and Jeff Hardy will face Dragon Lee & Dralistico at Triplemania Tijuana.

This will be the Hardys’ first match under the AAA banner. The decorated tag team has only worked in Mexico during their time with WWE.

The Hardys are not the only AEW tag team working for AAA this year. Former AEW tag champions The Young Bucks will face Rey Fenix and AAA Mega Champion Hijo del Vikingo at Triplemania Monterrey next month.

Watch Tuesday’s Triplemania Tijuana press conference:

Booker T Says He Will Slap Dax Harwood Like Will Smith Did

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Booker T has called out AEW’s Dax Harwood, saying that he will slap him across the face just like Will Smith did to Chris Rock during the Oscars. FTR of the AEW had called out Harlem Heat before their release from the WWE. Booker T and Dax Harwood are at it again, trash-talking each other.

Harwood sent out a message and called out Booker T for ignoring FTR’s challenge when they were known as The Revival in WWE. This came about when Booker mentioned the idea of a match between the two teams during WrestleMania weekend in Dallas.

Harwood had sent a message saying that Booker needs to call daddy Vince McMahon and set up a match if he wants to face the FTR, as they don’t answer to anyone but Booker might need permission to do things. This is Harwood to previous remarks from Booker which said that FTR should get permission from Tony Khan to set the match up. “I don’t have to get permission from anybody, I run my life! Nobody else tells me what to do, I run my life! […] You’re the corporate man, okay? I’m the one who rocks the boat, you stand in a straight line. If you want FTR, if you want me and Cash [Wheeler], if you want the absolute best tag team of all time walking this earth today, you and your brother, Just get on the phone. Call daddy Vince. Until then, stay off my mentions,” Harwood said in the video.

ALSO READ: Booker T Reacts To Sharmell’s Hall Of Fame Induction

Booker T felt the need to set the record straight and on the latest episode of his Hall Of Fame podcast, he responded to the message sent with some choice words.

“Dax Harwood, right? He called me, and actually said, ‘hey, this, that, whatnot and the other. They are willing to do this, they don’t have to answer to anybody. If anything I have got to answer to my daddy.’ Let’s just get that straight real quick,” he said. “I don’t have to answer to anyone. Of course, I work for a company, and they treat me very well. But when it comes time to having to deal with someone on a personal level, like Will Smith, I will slap the taste clean out of your mouth,” Booker T said (via WrestlingInc).

As far as the Harlem Heat reunion goes, Booker said that it all depends on his brother. However, if that doesn’t pan out, Booker gave Harwood the option of facing him in the ring one-on-one.

“My thing is this, I can’t make my brother do anything, I can’t make Harlem Heat reform like old school back in the day. But I just want to put this out there, and Dax Harwood I want you to know personally. I have nothing personally against you. But, as far as stepping inside the squared circle and schooling you, I would love to do that, Booker said. “So my thing is this, if my brother can not step up and be partners, may I have a partner of my choosing, and we still get this done? Or, Dax, you and I handle this like men, one on one. Let me know, hit me in the DMs.”

WWE Made Paul Heyman a Contract Offer He Couldn’t Refuse

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Paul Heyman will be with WWE for many more years to come.

The WWE public relations machine is overdrive this week to promote this weekend’s WrestleMania 38 pay-per-view from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Heyman is the best mouthpiece WWE has on its payroll, so it’s no wonder that Roman Reigns’ right-hand man is part of this effort.

During an appearance on the Sports Media podcast with Richard Deitsch, Heyman revealed that he signed a new multi-year contract with WWE last year. According to Heyman, WWE made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“I re-signed with WWE last year,” said Heyman. “It was a long-term agreement and they created a situation where I would have been a fool not to take them up on their offer. So, I’m locked in for a while.”

As we know, Paul Heyman is no fool. The mastermind behind the rise of ECW has been a prominent player on WWE television for the past decade. He’s spent virtually all of that time aligned with the sport’s top box office attractions, including Brock Lesnar, CM Punk and Roman Reigns.

With everything Paul Heyman does for his clients on and off camera, he also stays busy with projects outside the auspices of WWE.

When Heyman put pen to paper on his latest WWE contract, it was important that he could continue working on side projects.

“I do have outside projects, just because I like to multi-task and I’m very ADD and I just can’t concentrate on one thing at a time ever in my life,” said Heyman.

Heyman has had ups and downs with WWE in the past, but that’s ancient history. The two sides have settled into a mutually beneficial, and highly-lucrative relationship.

Listen to Paul Heyman’s appearance on the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch:

Montez Ford Got Emotional After The Rock Labeled Him A Future World Champion

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Montez Ford admits he was a bit teary-eyed when The Rock gave him high praise.

Back in February, “The Great One” caught wind of Montez Ford telling Ryan Satin on the Out of Character podcast that Rock served as a huge inspiration for his wrestling career.

“The People’s Champion” took to his Instagram account to call Ford a future world champion.

“Just taking a moment to tell this man Montez Ford how much I appreciate his kind and beautiful word. We’ve never shared the ring together, but pro wrestlers all have a very special bond.

“Pro wrestling is a very unique, intense, and wild culture that’s not for everybody. When you love the wrestling business, you become very respectful about the wrestling business.

“And when you’re respectful about the wrestling business, you become PASSIONATE about the wrestling business. It seeps deep into your DNA.

“Fans can always sense who’s passionate inside that squared circle ~ and who’s not. This man is passionate. We share that DNA.

“(And he flys like the Superfly).

“Keep kicking ass brother and give my love to your family. And when you become world champion one day, I’ll be right there rooting ya on.”

Montez Ford On The Rock’s High Praise

During an appearance on Bleav in Pro Wrestling podcast, Montez Ford discussed being emotional after The Rock’s kind words (h/t Sportskeeda).

“I can’t even put into words [how much The Rock’s words meant to me]. But, I did cry a little bit. I ain’t gonna lie, you know? Cause it was a big, it was big for me man. It’s just cool to see your heroes recognize you and say like, ‘Hey man, I see you man.’ And I appreciate that. I still do, like, to this day. Because like I said, I’ve been through a lot of stuff in my life. And Rock has been there, in his own way, just him being himself. He’s been there and helped me to be who I am today and inspired me to who I am today. The successes, everything.”

Ford competes under the WWE banner. He is one-half of The Street Profits.

Reality Of Wrestling Is Rescheduling Their WrestleMania Weekend Events

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Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling has announced that they will be rescheduling their WrestleMania weekend events that were scheduled to take place in Dallas, Texas.

ROW WrestleMania Weekend Events

ROW’s Texas Showdown, Sherri Martel Classic, and Texas Legends events will be rescheduled due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Reality of Wrestling’s events were scheduled for April 1, 2, and 3. The shows were scheduled to air live on FITE TV. Rob Van Dam, AQA, Kenny King, Chavo Guerrero Jr, Charlie Haas, HitMakerz (fka Hit Row) and more were scheduled to be part of the shows.

ROW’s Statement On Rescheduling

On their Facebook, Reality of Wrestling said:

Due to unforeseen circumstances we are rescheduling the Texas Showdown Event, Texas Legends & Sherri Martel Classic. The new dates will be announced once we have rescheduled and confirmed with talent. All tickets will be refunded through Eventbrite within the next few days.

We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to putting on these great events at a future date.

Once a future date is announced, SEScoops will cover it.

Cesar Duran Will Face Alex Hammerstone At MLW Azteca Underground

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Cesar Duran will be stepping in the ring this Friday in Dallas, Texas at Major League Wrestling’s Azteca Underground supercard event.

The company announced the booking of the match, stating that it will have a no holds barred stipulation.

The proprietor of Azteca Underground and MLW matchmaker Cesar Duran will make his in-ring debut for the promotion. Duran has booked himself in a match against the MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone.

According to the announcement, Duran has stated that Hammerstone will be begging to quit in under 5 minutes as he will showcase his lucha skills in the ring.

Ever since Alex Hammerstone won the World Championship at the Winner takes all match in MLW Fightland in October, Cesar Duran has been after him. Hammerstone has rejected Duran’s offer to be under his control, earning the ire of the MLW matchmaker.

El Jefe has said that this match is not a publicity stunt, and there will be “violent consequences” at the event for Hammerstone.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1508803927646552079?s=20&t=I-JeitbWhgxZR1m8CpsgFA

Alex Hammerstone is already booked in a six-man tag team match on the event, teaming up with The Von Erichs (Marshall Von Erich and Ross Von Erich) going against the team of King Muertes, Mads Krügger, and Richard Holliday.

“Seeing the Von Erichs wrestle in Dallas is a rite of passage; like seeing Elvis in Memphis, if you’re a fan of the sport, this is an experience you can’t afford to miss,” MLW CEO Court Bauer said about the tag-team match. “And what better way than a six-man clash featuring some of MLW’s top-ranked and most dangerous.”

MLW will also hold the Intimidation Games event as a FUSION taping on Thursday, March 31 at Gilley’s Dallas in Dallas, Texas. A triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship has been set with the champion Alex Hammerstone defending his title against Jacob Fatu and Mads Krugger. MLW also said that several mystery matches will be revealed on the night of the event. The next day on Friday, April 1, MLW will hold the Azteca Underground event. It is the second event held under the “Azteca” banner. The Azteca/The Crash show from 2021 is the first one.

The Ringer And WWE Are Teaming Up For The New ‘Book of Wrestling’ Podcast

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WWE is currently teaming up, once again, with the Ringer to expand their current selection of WWE presented podcasts. 

The Book Of Wrestling

Hosted by David Shoemaker, ‘The Book Of Wrestling’ is going to be based on the history of wrestling catchphrases. The series is scheduled to have 25 episodes and will debut on Monday, April 4, 2022.

In the announcement, The Ringer described the podcast as the following: 

Based off of Bill Simmons’s highly popular book, which evolved into a podcast, the Book of theme has established a brand that is known to fans. This theme focuses on the history of a sport and the people who have defined that history. The Attitude Era is one of the most celebrated in WWE history, and the catchphrases that helped define it live in the memory of every fan. This show looks to tell the stories behind those words and sounds that propelled wrestling to new heights. Each episode will focus on one catchphrase, with David Shoemaker serving as the host. He will set up the story, use audio to help bring the story to life, and talk to the people who either played a part in the creation of the catchphrase, or were there to witness its impact on the wrestling community.

WWE & The Ringer’s Partnership

The podcast will be a part of the partnership between WWE and The Ringer that was announced back in August 2021.

This podcast joins the other Ringer and WWE collaboration podcasts like WWE After The Bell with Corey Graves and The New Day: Feel The Power.

Velveteen Dream Wants To Work With WWE Again

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Velveteen Dream (Patrick Clark) got released from WWE NXT in May 2021 following several reports ranging from allegations to behavioral issues. Dream still wants to work with WWE, as he took to his Instagram and posted a story with the message for the company and the fans.

In the message, Dream mentioned that the allegations that were made against him are not true. He said he beat those “trashy and unsavory” allegations. Dream concisely added that he’d still like to have a career with the WWE. He wrote:

“Despite trashy and unsavory allegations against me that I have beat! I’d still like to have a career with n the E. @wwenxt I was never guilty and I got a hell of a lot of talent. I’m only 26. LFG IM READY TO GO THE SHOW WHAT IT SHOULD BE [sic]”

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From Velveteen Dream’s Instagram story.

Velveteen Dream was one of the biggest names in WWE NXT. He is a one-time NXT North American Champion. Dream was pretty popular during his stint with the brand. He had big potential and had a promising future in the company, had he stayed. His last match with the promotion was at against Adam Cole in a losing effort on December 23, 2020 edition of NXT.

There were reports that suggested that Dream was released due to some behavioral issues that one of the top stars reported to the management, and not because of any accusations. However, Dream has stated that the accusations against him were the reason that he was fired. In January, he opened up in an interview Dishing Drama with Dana Wilkey and called the allegations “100% bullsh*t”.

“WWE, in the middle of cancel culture, found itself at a loss. Money talks and they have shareholders. Even if they found me to be innocent, now, I’m affecting the bottom line, at least the bottom line they have with me, the money they can make with me, the way they can utilize me on TV. That’s what it cost me. It cost me my career. It cost me a chance to not only continue a dream, but almost have guaranteed support for my family. It was horrible. As soon as I got fired, the air cleared. Everyone deleted their messages, everyone deleted their vlogs. No one had nasty, rude hateful messages to send. It all stopped. It was as if the job got done and now we can all live our lives, except for the guy playing Velveteen Dream, me.”

Lana Says She Was “Brainwashed” By Toxic WWE

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Lana, who is best known for her time with the WWE, spent eight years with the company. “The Ravishing Russian” joined the promotion in 2013 and was released in 2021. She recently reflected on her journey with the WWE and stated that she had a really tough time working there, and went as far as to say that she was “brainwashed” by the toxic environment in the company.

Lana, who now goes by CJ Perry, shared her mental health struggles in a candid message posted on her Instagram for her birthday. She revealed that she allowed her work at WWE to define her identity and self worth. Lana said she can’t believe how far her life has come since leaving WWE.

In her message which she posted to reflect on her journey, she also thanked several co-workers from WWE who helped her when she was down. She named Liv Morgan, Natalya, and Tyson Kidd, and mentioned her best friend Naomi too. You can read Lana’s message below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbiad75PMFp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lana was released from the WWE as part of the trimming costs from WWE’s budgets back in June. Apart from her, Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Ruby Riott, Santana Garrett, and Buddy Murphy were also released at the same time. While the other names have remained in wrestling, Lana has moved on from the ring. In the post she has mentioned that she did two movies in the past year. Her movie with Bruce Willis, “Cosmic Sin”, won a Razzie award too.

Lana revealed that after she got released from the company, she had received a text from Vince McMahon, thanking her for her incredible work ethic:

“I did. I got a text; I definitely got emotional about it because it was a slight goodbye for me. He thanked me for my incredible work ethic,

And for my unrelentingly desire to be the best that I could be and all the contributions I gave to WWE. So that really meant a lot to me,” said Lana, “and I thanked him for everything that he’s taught me because I learned so much.”

Ricochet Has Friendly Reminder For Rude Fans

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The life of a celebrity can be a bit tough, especially when you’re out. You could be enjoying your time with friends or co-workers, or just relaxing and need some time away from all the attention, and the next thing you know you are bombarded by fans wanting you to take pictures with them and sign things for them.

It could be especially bothersome to deal with when you’re about to exit a hotel or are at the check in area of an airport at 4 am in the morning, and it seems like that’s exactly what Ricochet has experienced.

Most fans know to respect their favorite wrestler’s boundaries when they see them outside. Unfortunately, however, there’s always the few who don’t know of the phrase “to be in the right place and the right time”.

Ricochet took to Twitter earlier to send a stern message to fans, telling them that he would be the first to say no when fans approach him to get multiple things signed (probably to sell them off at eBay later) at 4 am in the morning at hotels or airports.

“Let me be clear. If you and a group of people are waiting in the lobby of my hotel, or in the check in area at the airport at 4-5am (sometimes earlier) in the morning, to ask for multiple autographs, is such an invasion of privacy. I will be the FIRST person to say no.”

Ricochet did add that it’s totally okay to approach him and chat when he is out and about someplace else. He just wants to set a boundary regarding approaching him near the place he’s staying and hoarding him at the check in area of the airport.

“However, If you happen to see me out & about somewhere please come say hi & chat! I love interacting, just don’t wait in the lobby of where we are staying. Don’t wait & hoard us in the check in areas at the airport etc. Treat us with respect and respect is what you will receive.”

Ricochet is the current WWE Intercontinental Champion but things have been shaky for him in WWE. This past week on SmackDown, Ricochet lost to both Angel and Humberto in consecutive matches. He appeared on this week’s Raw to face Austin Theory. He lost again, in under two minutes. This has been his third loss since last Friday. He is set to face Humberto and Angel in a triple threat match this SmackDown, and he may not eve n make it to WrestleMania.

Court Filing Reveals WWE Tour Schedule From April 2022 To January 2023

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Through a WWE court filing, WWE’s tour schedule for the next nine months has been revealed. 

WWE has filed a “verified complaint” against potential counterfeiters prohibiting the sale of bootleg merchandise within five miles of any WWE event nationwide. As a result, WWE had to reveal their tour schedule from April 2022 to January 2023.

The court documents were obtained by Heel By Nature.

2022-Early 2023 WWE Tour Schedule

Below is the schedule listed in the documents:

  • WWE 2022-2023 Tour Dates
  • 04/08/2022 Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee,WI
  • 04/11/2022 Little Caesar’s Arena, Detroit,MI
  • 04/12/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 04/15/2022 DCU Center, Worcester,MA
  • 04/16/2022 Erie Insurance Arena, Erie,PA
  • 04/17/2022 War Memorial Arena, Syracuse,NY
  • 04/18/2022 KeyBank Center, Buffalo,NY
  • 04/22/2022 MVP Arena ,Albany,NY
  • 04/23/2022 Santander Arena, Reading,PA
  • 04/23/2022 Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery,AL
  • 04/24/2022 Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, Binghamton,NY
  • 04/24/2022 James Brown Arena, Augusta,GA
  • 04/25/2022 Thompson/Boling Assembly Arena Knoxville,TN
  • 04/26/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 04/30/2022 RP Funding Center, Lakeland,FL
  • 05/01/2022 EagleBank Arena, Fairfax,VA
  • 05/02/2022 Greensboro Coliseum , Greensboro,NC
  • 05/03/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 05/06/2022 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale,NY
  • 05/06/2022 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale,NY
  • 05/07/2022 CURE Insurance Arena , Trenton,NJ
  • 05/08/2022 Dunkin Donuts Center , Providence,RI
  • 05/09/2022 XL Center ,Hartford,CT
  • 05/10/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 05/13/2022 Mohegan Sun Arena @ Casey Plaza, Wilkes Barre,PA
  • 05/14/2022 Florence Civic Center, Florence,SC
  • 05/15/2022 Berglund Center Coliseum, Roanoke,VA
  • 05/16/2022 Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk,VA
  • 05/17/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 05/20/2022 Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids,MI
  • 05/21/2022 BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford,IL
  • 05/21/2022 Canton Mem Civic Cntr, Canton,OH
  • 05/22/2022 Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids,IA
  • 05/22/2022 Allen County War Mem. Coliseum, Fort Wayne,IN
  • 05/23/2022 Ford Center Evansville, Evansville,IN
  • 05/24/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 05/27/2022 Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock,AR
  • 05/30/2022 Wells Fargo Arena ,Des Moines,IA
  • 05/31/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 06/03/2022 Schottenstein Center, Columbus,OH
  • 06/04/2022 State Farm Center, Champaign,IL
  • 06/05/2022 Allstate Arena, Chicago,IL
  • 06/06/2022 Resch Center, Green Bay,WI
  • 06/07/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 06/10/2022 Raising Cane’s River Center , Baton Rouge,LA
  • 06/11/2022 Pan American Center, Las Cruces,NM
  • 06/11/2022 Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau,MO
  • 06/12/2022 Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque,NM
  • 06/12/2022 JQH Arena ,Springfield,MO
  • 06/13/2022 Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita,KS
  • 06/14/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 06/17/2022 Target Center, Minneapolis,MN
  • 06/18/2022 The Monument, Rapid City,SD
  • 06/19/2022 First Interstate Arena , Billings,MT
  • 06/20/2022 Pinnacle Bank Arena ,Lincoln,NE
  • 06/21/2022 WWE Performance Center ,Orlando,FL
  • 06/24/2022 Moody Center, Austin,TX
  • 06/25/2022 Taylor County Coliseum, Abilene,TX
  • 06/25/2022 Amarillo Civic Center, Amarillo,TX
  • 06/26/2022 Ector County Coliseum, Odessa,TX
  • 06/26/2022 Payne Arena, Hidalgo,TX
  • 06/27/2022 Sames Auto Arena, Laredo,TX
  • 06/28/2022 WWE Performance Center, Orlando,FL
  • 07/01/2022 Footprint Center, Phoenix,AZ
  • 07/02/2022 Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas,NV
  • 07/03/2022 Tucson Convention Center, Tucson,AZ
  • 07/04/2022 Pechanga Arena , San Diego,CA
  • 07/08/2022 Dickies Arena ,Ft. Worth,TX
  • 07/09/2022 Golden 1 Center, Sacramento,CA
  • 07/09/2022 Brookshire Grocery Arena, Bossier City,LA
  • 07/10/2022 Reno -Sparks Event Center, Reno,NV
  • 07/10/2022 Extraco Events Center,Waco,TX
  • 07/11/2022 AT&T Center,San Antonio,TX
  • 07/15/2022 Amway Center,Orlando,FL
  • 07/16/2022 Hertz Arena,Fort Myers,FL
  • 07/16/2022 Donald L. Tucker Civic Center,Tallahassee,FL
  • 07/17/2022 FLA Live Arena,Ft. Lauderdale,FL
  • 07/17/2022 Ocean Center,Daytona Beach,FL
  • 07/18/2022 Amalie Arena,Tampa,FL
  • 07/22/2022 T.D. Garden,Boston,MA
  • 07/23/2022 Total Mortgage Arena,Bridgeport,CT
  • 07/24/2022 Adirondack Bank Center,Utica,NY
  • 07/25/2022 Madison Square Garden,New York,NY
  • 07/29/2022 State Farm Arena ,Atlanta,GA
  • 07/30/2022 Nissan Stadium,Nashville,TN
  • 08/01/2022 Toyota Center,Houston,TX
  • 08/05/2022 PNC Arena,Raleigh,NC
  • 08/06/2022 North Charleston Coliseum,North Charleston,SC
  • 08/07/2022 Crown Coliseum,Fayetteville,NC
  • 08/08/2022 Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse,Cleveland,OH
  • 08/12/2022 Wells Fargo Center,Philadelphia,PA
  • 08/13/2022 WYCC,Salisbury,MD
  • 08/14/2022 Mark Etess Arena @ Hard Rock Hotel,Atlantic City,NJ
  • 08/15/2022 Capital One Arena,Washington,DC
  • 08/19/2022 Bell Centre,Montreal ,QC
  • 08/20/2022 Canadian Tire Centre ,Ottawa,Canada
  • 08/20/2022 Lyons Centre,Kingston,ON
  • 08/21/2022 Colisee Pepsi,Quebec City,QC
  • 08/21/2022 Budweiser Gardens,London,Canada
  • 08/22/2022 Scotiabank Arena,Toronto,ON
  • 08/26/2022 Little Caesar’s Arena,Detroit,MI
  • 08/27/2022 Mass Mutual Center,Springfield,MA
  • 08/28/2022 SNHU Arena,Manchester,NH
  • 08/29/2022 PPG Paints Arena,Pittsburgh,PA
  • 09/05/2022 T-Mobile Center,Kansas City,MO
  • 09/09/2022 Climate Pledge Arena,Seattle,WA
  • 09/10/2022 Pacific Coliseum,Vancouver,Canada
  • 09/10/2022 Spokane Arena,Spokane,WA
  • 09/11/2022 Save On Foods Memorial Centre,Victoria,BC
  • 09/12/2022 Moda Center,Portland,OR
  • 09/16/2022 Honda Center,Anaheim,CA
  • 09/17/2022 Mechanics Bank Arena,Bakersfield,CA
  • 09/18/2022 Oakland Arena,Oakland,CA
  • 09/19/2022 SAP Center ,San Jose,CA
  • 09/23/2022 Vivint Smart Home Arena ,Salt Lake City,UT
  • 09/24/2022 Stockton Arena,Stockton,CA
  • 09/25/2022 Save Mart Center,Fresno,CA
  • 09/25/2022 Bonnetts Energy Centre,Grande Prarie,AB
  • 09/26/2022 Rogers Place,Edmonton,Canada
  • 09/30/2022 Canada Life Centre,Winnipeg,MB
  • 10/01/2022 Brandt Centre @ Evraz Place,Regina,SK
  • 10/01/2022 Bismarck Event Center,Bismarck,ND
  • 10/02/2022 SaskTel Centre,Saskatoon,SK
  • 10/02/2022 Ralph Engelstad Arena,Grand Forks,ND
  • 10/03/2022 Target Center,Minneapolis,MN
  • 10/07/2022 Enterprise Center,St. Louis,MO
  • 10/10/2022 Smoothie King Center,New Orleans,LA
  • 10/14/2022 Paycom Center,Oklahoma City,OK
  • 10/17/2022 United Center,Chicago,IL
  • 10/21/2022 Greensboro Coliseum ,Greensboro,NC
  • 10/24/2022 Spectrum Center,Charlotte,NC
  • 10/28/2022 KFC Yum Center,Louisville,KY
  • 10/31/2022 American Airlines Center,Dallas,TX
  • 11/04/2022 Norfolk Scope Arena,Norfolk,VA
  • 11/07/2022 Barclays Center,Brooklyn,NY
  • 11/11/2022 Gainbridge Fieldhouse,Indianapolis,IN
  • 11/12/2022 Grossinger Motors Arena ,Bloomington,IL
  • 11/13/2022 Wright State University’s Nutter Center ,Dayton,OH
  • 11/14/2022 Lexington Cntr Rupp Arena,Lexington,KY
  • 11/18/2022 XL Center,Hartford,CT
  • 11/19/2022 War Memorial Arena,Syracuse,NY
  • 11/20/2022 PPL Center,Allentown,PA
  • 11/21/2022 MVP Arena,Albany,NY
  • 11/25/2022 Dunkin Donuts Center ,Providence,RI
  • 11/26/2022 T.D. Garden,Boston,MA
  • 11/27/2022 Cross Insurance Arena, Portland,ME
  • 11/28/2022 Mohegan Sun Arena @ Casey Plaza, Wilkes Barre,PA
  • 12/02/2022 KeyBank Center, Buffalo,NY
  • 12/03/2022 FirstOntario Centre ,Hamilton,Canada
  • 12/05/2022 Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia,PA
  • 12/09/2022 Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland,OH
  • 12/10/2022 Wesbanco Arena, Wheeling,WV
  • 12/11/2022 Appalachian Wireless Arena, Pikeville,KY
  • 12/11/2022 Peoria Civic Center, Peoria,IL
  • 12/12/2022 Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee,WI
  • 12/16/2022 Allstate Arena, Chicago,IL
  • 12/17/2022 World Arena,Colorado Springs,CO
  • 12/17/2022 Bancorpsouth Arena, Tupelo,MS
  • 12/18/2022 Budweiser Events Center, Loveland,CO
  • 12/18/2022 First National Bank Arena, Jonesboro,AR
  • 12/19/2022 Fedexforum, Memphis,TN
  • 12/23/2022 PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh,PA
  • 12/26/2022 Madison Square Garden, New York,NY
  • 12/26/2022 Nationwide Arena, Columbus,OH
  • 12/27/2022 Giant Center, Hershey,PA
  • 12/28/2022 Little Caesar’s Arena, Detroit,MI
  • 12/29/2022 FTX Arena, Miami,FL
  • 12/29/2022 Place Bell , Montreal,QC
  • 12/30/2022 Amalie Arena, Tampa,FL
  • 12/30/2022 Coca-Cola Coliseum, Toronto,ON
  • 01/01/2023 State Farm Arena , Atlanta,GA
  • 01/02/2023 Bridgestone Arena, Nashville,TN
  • 01/06/2023 BOK Center, Tulsa,OK
  • 01/09/2023 CHI Health Center , Omaha,NE

As this is the wrestling business, plans and dates may change. 

SEScoops will work to keep fans updated on the WWE tour schedule.

Dolph Ziggler On Why He Moved To NXT: ‘I Felt Stale”

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Prior to Dolph Ziggler’s successful run in NXT 2.0, he was a mainstay and long time veteran on the main roster. Dolph added to his list of career achievements by becoming the NXT Champion by defeating Bron Breakker and Tommaso Ciampa in a triple threat match at NXT Roadblock.

Before heading down to NXT, Ziggler was in a tag team with Robert Roode on Monday Night Raw.

Ziggler On Working In NXT

Ziggler joined Corey Graves on WWE After The Bell to talk about heading down to NXT and how it’s impacted his career.

“Everyone is asking, ‘how do you feel about being surprised?’ Surprised? I came here to scout talent and two weeks later, I’m the NXT Champion. That wasn’t in the cards, that wasn’t even a thought process. 

I’m constantly working, I’m never out sick, but I felt stale. Roode and I are really good at what we do and it didn’t seem like we were doing anything that important right now and it’s ‘what have you done for me lately?’ At the moment, we’re not crushing it. It didn’t seem like we were going to have a match on WrestleMania unless we made something happen. We saw an opening and said, ‘Let’s try this out, let’s go see NXT.’ 

Half the time, anybody who shows up from NXT, their first match is with me anyway. Especially Roode, he even had a match with me. 

Now, I’m going to cut out the middle man and go to NXT and start wrestling there. I really came to scout talent, see if a few people had some up and coming things that I could possibly work with that aligned, and got thrown right into the mix. It’s crazy. It’s so funny, if you’re surprised that I’m NXT Champion, normally if you’re surprised I’m United States Champion or World Champion, I’m not, I’m blown away,” he said.

Dolph On Working With Bron Breakker

Ziggler also spoke about sharing the ring with the top prospect Bron Breakker.

The former World Champion said, “I did not plan on this. I’m very happy to be in this moment with Breakker, who has 20 matches under his belt, but somehow can go. He has this insane speed and power that…I’ve been speared by Goldberg and I’m like, ‘This guy, you kidding me,’ and has knocked the wind out of me and put me down. This kid hits harder. That spear put me down. I was happy to kickout and keep moving, but I go, ‘Holy Crap.’ 

He has that, in that prime of his career, linebacker closing speed for every movement. When he figures out how to hone that in a year or two or three, he’s going to be someone who is kind of unstoppable.”

The current WWE NXT Champion is set to defend his title against Breakker at NXT Stand & Deliver on Saturday, April 2.

H/T to Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription

Bianca Belair Reacts to Cutting Becky Lynch’s Hair During WWE Raw

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For the final to their match at WrestleMania 38, Bianca Belair ended up cutting off some of Becky Lynch’s hair Monday night during WWE Raw.

After Raw went off the air, Belair appeared on Raw Talk with Sarah Schreiber. Belair commented on the segment in an effort to continue to build interest in the pair’s WWE Raw Championship match this weekend at WrestleMania.

“Tonight was wild,” Belair said. “I thought I’d seen all of Becky’s tricks, but never in a million years did I think she’d show up with a pair of scissors to try and cut my braid. I’ve told her so many times already, ‘Don’t you dare touch my braid.’ And she dared anyway, and this is what happens [Belair then held up Becky’s hair].”

Belair also said, “If Becky hasn’t learned yet, there’s nothing she can do to stop me from taking her title at WrestleMania.”

As noted, Lynch attempted to cut Belair’s hair first in their brawl after a steel chair shot. However, Belair fought back and hit two KODs before grabbing the scissors and going a little Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake on her opponent instead. After cutting Lynch’s hair, the Raw live crowd chanted “you deserve it” at Lynch.

Here are the cards for both nights of WrestleMania 38 this weekend as things stand right now:

Night One

  • WWE RAW Women’s Championship Match
    Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bianca Belair
  • The Miz and Logan Paul vs. Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
  • WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match
    The Usos (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs
  • WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship Match
    Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
  • Seth Rollins vs. An Opponent of Vince McMahon’s Choosing
  • KO Show Featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin

Night Two

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
    Queen Zelina and Carmella (c) vs. Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan vs. Natalya and Shayna Baszler
  • Anything Goes Match
    Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn
  • Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
  • WWE RAW Tag Team Championship Match
    RK-Bro (c) vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy
  • Edge vs. AJ Styles
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Omos
  • WWE Championship vs. WWE Universal Championship – Winner Take All
    Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns (c)

As you prepare for WrestleMania, be sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Tyson Kidd Returns to WWE Producer Role, Backstage at Raw

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The WWE locker room was overjoyed Monday night as Tyson Kidd (TJ Wilson) made his return to the company backstage as a producer for a match during this week’s Raw broadcast.

Kidd was noted for the tremendous work he has done over the years with the women’s division in particular. However, he took some time off in the weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble. Per Fightful Select, Molly Holly, Pat Buck and Shawn Daivari had taken up much of the work that Kidd previously was responsible for on a weekly basis.

Fit Finlay was also brought in to help produce the women’s Royal Rumble match this year as Kidd had left several weeks before that event. Finlay had previously been working at WWE NXT.

The specifics of why Kidd took some time off were not publicly revealed initially, but since that time, the general consensus has been that he needed to take some time to rest his neck. There were rumors at the time that he could be quitting the company or had been unhappy, but those reports were quickly dismissed as inaccurate. In the end, it appears that that old neck injury occasional requires some rest and treatment.

Kidd suffered a career ending neck injury in a dark match with Samoa Joe back in June of 2015 in San Antonio, Texas. After having surgery and recovering from the injury, Kidd eventually transitioned to his current role as a backstage producer where he has received rave reviews over the years.

Kidd’s return means he is back just in time for the biggest show of the year — WrestleMania 38 this weekend in Arlington, Texas. SEScoops will have full coverage of all of the news leading in to WrestleMania, as well as full results from both nights (Saturday and Sunday), so make sure to check back with us as the event nears.

As you prepare for WrestleMania, be sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Report: Steve Austin and Kevin Owens to Main Event at WrestleMania 38

Report: Steve Austin and Kevin Owens to Main Event at WrestleMania 38

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As Stone Cold Steve Austin prepares to return to the WWE scene this weekend at WrestleMania 38, it looks like he’s going to get the brightest lights of all on Saturday night.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, the KO Show featuring Austin will headline night one of WrestleMania this weekend. Many had assumed the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship match between Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey would close the show.

Last year, Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks headlined one night, so it was assumed that a women’s match would also headline one of the nights this year. However, that does not appear to be the plan as of right now.

In addition to Meltzer’s report, a Reddit user who has broken several wrestling stories in the past has also confirmed that Owens/Austin is the plan for the main event slot during night one. That user indicates that Belair vs. Becky Lynch will open night one.

During tonight’s edition of WWE Monday Night RAW, Owens commented on his segment with Austin this weekend. He said that if Austin tried anything out of the ordinary with him, Owens vowed to stun him and pour beer on his body.

Night two of WrestleMania 38 will be headlined by Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns. Here are the cards for both nights of WrestleMania as it stands right now:

Night One

  • WWE RAW Women’s Championship Match
    Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bianca Belair
  • The Miz and Logan Paul vs. Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
  • WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match
    The Usos (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs
  • WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship Match
    Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
  • Seth Rollins vs. An Opponent of Vince McMahon’s Choosing
  • KO Show Featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin

Night Two

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
    Queen Zelina and Carmella (c) vs. Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan vs. Natalya and Shayna Baszler
  • Anything Goes Match
    Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn
  • Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
  • WWE RAW Tag Team Championship Match
    RK-Bro (c) vs. The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy
  • Edge vs. AJ Styles
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Omos
  • WWE Championship vs. WWE Universal Championship – Winner Take All
    Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns (c)

As you prepare for WrestleMania, be sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

WWE RAW Results (3/28): Lesnar & Reigns, Lashley Returns, Bianca Belair, RK-Bro

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WWE RAW aired live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. It was the final RAW before WrestleMania 38 this weekend. In case you missed it, Seth Rollins visited Vince McMahon’s office earlier in the day in his tireless effort to get a match at WrestleMania. McMahon said Rollins will have a match at the show but will not find out his opponent until he’s in the ring.

RAW Results (3/28)

  1. Rey Mysterio def. The Miz
  2. Omos def. Viking Raiders in a Handicap match via count out
  3. Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Sasha Banks, Naomi def. Queen Zelina, Carmella, Shayna Baszler, Natalya
  4. Austin Theory def. Ricochet in a non-title match
  5. Drew McIntyre def. Madcap Moss & Happy Corbin in a Handicap match
  6. RK-Bro def. The Usos via DQ

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Brock Lesnar Vowed To Leave WrestleMania As Champion

WWE Champion Brock Lesnar kicked off the show and greeted the crowd with a tip of his cowboy hat. The champ got a great reaction as he raised the WWE title in the air before entering the ring. Brock welcomed everyone to RAW with a smile on his face and said he wants to spoil his gameplan for the match against Reigns on Sunday.

Lesnar stated that he is going to take a trip down memory lane with Roman and down the streets of Suplex City. Brock added that he will introduce him to the Beast of Broadway before he takes him for a ride on the F5. Lesnar joked that their titles will then get married and have a Unified title baby that he will have custody of. Lesnar closed the promo by saying there will be nowhere for Roman to run and hide on Sunday and that he will be leaving WrestleMania as the Unified Champion.

The Mysterios Sent A Message To The Miz & Logan Paul

Rey Mysterio faced The Miz in the first match of the night. The Mysterios will battle Miz & Logan Paul at WrestleMania 38. Before the match, Miz introduced Logan Paul and he came to the ring with Rey Mysterio’s stolen mask. Dominik and Rey interrupted and tackled The Miz as Logan Paul rolled out of the ring. Dominik got in some punches but the referee decided to throw him out from ringside and Paul remained.

Rey controlled the match early and beat Miz down in the corner. Mysterio connected with a Hurricanrana and tried to Dropkick Logan through the ropes. Rey chased Logan around and Miz capitalized by throwing Mysterio into the barricade. Miz followed it up with a DDT on the floor outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, The Miz was in control and the action had returned to the ring. The Miz set up for a Powerbomb but Rey countered into a roll-up for the pinfall victory. After the match, Dominik snuck up from behind and rolled Logan Paul into the ring. Rey and Dom had Logan set up for a 619 but he retreated to the outside. Dominik was able to rip Rey’s mask off of Logan Paul. The Mysterios hit The Miz with a 619 and two Splashes was Logan Paul refused to get into the ring to help Miz.

Lashley Returned & Will Face Omos At WrestleMania

Omos faced Viking Raiders in a Handicap match tonight on RAW. Omos beat Erik down and hit him with a big Clothesline. Erik was in pain and Ivar checked on him and the Viking Raiders were counted out. Ivar hopped on the ring apron and Omos punched him in the face. Omos posed in the ring after the match.

After the match, Omos was interviewed in the ring and said he still wanted an opponent for WrestleMania. Bobby Lashley’s theme hit and he got a big pop from the crowd. Omos was talking trash as Lashley made his way to the ring. Lashley stared at Omos before taking a look at the WrestleMania sign. Omos shoved Lashley away before launching him to the corner of the ring.

Lashley exploded out of the corner and ducked under a Clothesline. Lashley leveled Omos with a shoulder tackle and sent him out of the ring. The two superstars pointed at the WrestleMania sign to end the segment.

24/7 Title & Marriage Proposals

24/7 Champion Dana Brooke and Reggie were backstage. Reggie proposed and Dana Brooke said yes. Tamina showed up out of nowhere and attacked Dana. Reggie broke up the cover and the two ran away. Akira Tozawa then arrived and proposed to Tamina. She accepted but her finger was too big to get the ring on. Tozawa eventually idd and the two danced as R-Truth watched with binoculars from five feet away. R-Truth said he had an idea to end the segment.

Roman Reigns Warned Brock Lesnar

Universal Champion Roman Reigns and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos made their way to the ring with Paul Heyman. The Bloodline were all wearing red tonight. Roman asked Pittsburgh to acknowledge him and they started giving him the “what?!” chant. Reigns got mad and threatened to smash everyone in the crowd just like he would smash Steve Austin.

Roman noted that he hasn’t defeated The Beast at WrestleMania and that pisses him off. The crowd chanted “Suplex City!” as Roman said Lesnar has already spilled his blood at WrestleMania 34 when he busted his head wide open.

Reigns claimed his kids didn’t recognize him and his wife didn’t want him in the business any more. Roman said it is now just a game to Lesnar and that his cool because he changed the game. Reigns said he has taken his advocate and upgraded him to a wise man, taken his blood, and on Sunday he will take his title. Reigns added that Lesnar will find out that this has always been personal to him on Sunday.

Ripley, Morgan, Banks, Naomi Picked Up A Win

Sasha Banks, Naomi, Rhea Ripley, and Liv Morgan faced Queen Zelina, Carmella, Shayna Baszler, and Natalya in an 8-woman tag team match. Zelina & Carmella will be defending the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Ripley & Morgan, Baszler & Natalya, Banks & Naomi at WrestleMania.

Natalya and Naomi started off the action. Natalya took control and tagged in Zelina. Naomi battled back and sent Zelina to the corner. Banks tagged in and hit Double Knees and went for the cover but Carmella broke it up. A brawl then broke out between all the superstars and Carmella & Banks were the last two in the ring. Zelina dragged Sasha to the outside and threw her into the barricade as RAW went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, Sasha Banks was trapped in the ring and Baszler sent her to the corner. Shayna slammed her to the mat but Zelina went for the cover. Shayna got jealous and dragged her off. Carmella dragged Baszler to the outside as everyone took turns beating Zelina down. Rhea hit Zelina with the Riptide for the pinfall victory.

Kevin Owens & Stone Cold Will Main Event Night 1 Of WrestleMania

WWE aired a video package for Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kevin Owens stormed to the ring. Owens said nobody does video packages like the “angels in the WWE production truck”. Kevin claimed that the video package was nothing compared to his tribute to Austin last week.

Owens announced that Stone Cold will be a guest on the KO Show in the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania. Kevin shouted that the Austin that everyone loved has been gone for 19 years and that “Steve” is coming on the KO Show and not Austin.

Kevin added that has been drinking himself into oblivion and begging people to come on his podcast. Owens claimed that he is a good person and will just have a nice little chat about Steve’s career to give him the sendoff he thinks he deserves.

Owens stated that he hates beer and the crowd booed. Kevin said that they can share a beer together and Austin can officially pass the torch to him. Owens claimed that his Stunner is better than Stone Cold’s and warned him not to try anything or Austin will be on the receiving end of a Stunner at WrestleMania.

The Intercontinental Champion Lost Again

Ricochet faced Austin Theory tonight in a non-title match. Ricochet will be defending his Intercontinental Championship this Friday in a Triple Threat match against Angel Garza & Humberto. Before the match, Austin Theory had a backstage promo and vowed to take the most “stupendous” selfie of his career over Pat McAfee at WrestleMania.

Theory booted Ricochet in the midsection and stomped him down in the corner of the ring to begin the match. The Intercontinental Champion battled back and connected with a flying Clothesline off the top rope. Ricochet followed it up with a standing Shooting Star Press for a near fall.

Austin tried to battle back but Ricochet caught him with an Enziguri. Ricochet climbed to the top rope but Theory tripped him up. Theory then hit the ATL for the pinfall victory.

Bianca Belair Cut Off Some Of Becky Lynch’s Hair

Bianca Belair returned and made her way to the ring and got a great reaction from the crowd. Bianca claimed that Lynch is threatened by her and that is why she is willing to do anything to keep the RAW Women’s Championship from her. Belair said she was taking the title from Lynch on Saturday and there isn’t anything Becky can do about it.

RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch interrupted and got in the ring with a chair. Belair saw it coming and beat her down. Becky battled back and struck Bianca with the steel chair a couple times. Becky pulled out some scissors and went to cut Bianca’s braid but Belair escaped. Belair planted Lynch with two KODs and cut off some of Lynch’s hair.

Lynch eventually got up and flipped out after realizing that Belair hat cut some of her hair off. Becky picked up some of the hair and shouted that she is going to end Belair at WrestleMania. Lynch had a brief interview backstage and called Belair a “b*tch”.

Happy Corbin Stole Drew McIntyre’s Sword Again

Drew McIntyre faced Madcap Moss & Happy Corbin in a Handicap match tonight. McIntyre will face Happy Corbin at WrestleMania. Corbin avoided McIntyre and rolled out of the ring. McIntyre beat Moss down and slammed him into the turnbuckle. Happy Corbin exited and left Moss behind in the ring. McIntyre hit the Claymore for the pinfall victory. After the match, Happy Corbin attacked McIntyre and planted him with End of Days. Corbin stole Angela the sword again and retreated with Madcap Moss.

Edge & AJ Styles Had Promos Ahead Of Their Match At WrestleMania

Edge cut a promo in a black suit, behind a black desk, with a black scale on it. Edge said he had the chance to face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania but he had to take fate into his own hands and it had to be Styles. Edge claimed he was already in AJ’s head and Sunday is Styles’ judgement day and his judgement is already sealed.

AJ Styles responded in a backstage interview and brought up Edge cracking him over the head with a steel chair a couple times a month ago. AJ said that Edge wanted to destroy him and the feeling is now mutual. Since the con-chair-to, Edge’s music has changed and he has gotten inside his head. Styles said his judgement isn’t coming because the verdict is already in. Styles vowed to give Edge a beating that he and the WWE Universe will never forget at WrestleMania.

RK-Bro Stood Tall To End The Show

RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro faced SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos tonight. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs were ringside for the match. Usos will defend against Boogs & Nakamura at WrestleMania. Randy Orton and Jimmy Uso started off the action.

Orton took control and tagged in Riddle as The Usos retreated out of the ring. Jimmy and Jey got distracted by Boogs & Nakamura by the announce desk. Orton and Riddle capitalized and slammed The Usos on the desk as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Uso connected with a slam on Riddle and isolated him in the corner of the ring. The Usos took turns beating the hell out of Riddle as Orton pleaded for a tag. Randy Orton eventually got the tag and planted Jimmy with a Powerslam. Orton connected with the draping DDT after Riddle hit Jey with a Senton.

Orton set up for an RKO but Street Profits rushed the ring and attacked RK-Bro to end the match in a DQ. Boogs and Nakamura attacked The Usos and battled on the entrance ramp. Riddle hit Dawkins with an RKO and then Orton planted Montez Ford with an RKO of his own. The crowd chanted for another one and both Riddle & Orton hit another RKO to end the show. RK-Bro will defend the RAW Tag Team Championships against Street Profits & Alpha Academy at WrestleMania.

Bret Hart Comments on Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Upcoming Return at WrestleMania

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There are few men who know Stone Cold Steve Austin in the ring better than Bret Hart.

The feud between Hart and Austin in 1996 and 1997 is what helped turn business around for the WWE at the start of the Attitude Era. Austin and Hart first worked together at some house shows in 1996; the Hitman then faced Stone Cold at the 1996 Survivor Series in Madison Square Garden.

That Survivor Series match was an all-time classic, but the duo followed it up with arguably the greatest match in WrestleMania history at WrestleMania 13 in Chicago. They continued to feud throughout 1997 until Hart left the company following the “Montreal Screw Job” at Survivor Series.

During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Hart commented on Austin’s pending “return” to the ring at WrestleMania 38 this weekend with Kevin Owens.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Hart says. “I’m proud of him. It takes a lot of courage to come back and do what he’s trying to do. I’ll be there to cheer him on.”

Hart has been hitting the road again recently as the Covid-19 pandemic has eased up. He’s been appearing at fan festivals and is glad to interact with his fans once again, commenting about how he’s never taken his fans for granted.

“I always appreciate every fan I’ve ever had,” Hart says. “People might laugh, but I remember a time when I didn’t have many fans, so I never take any fan for granted. That’s one of those values I learned from my parents, to treat people the way you want to be treated.

“I remember what it was like to be a fan, and I remember meeting my favorite wrestlers. A lot of fans have special memories, and hearing those mean a lot to me.”

Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

Bret Hart Names the Greatest Match of His Career

Bobby Lashley Returns on WWE Raw to Set Up WrestleMania Match With Omos

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Bobby Lashley is back on WWE television as he returned on Monday Night Raw to make his match against Omos official at WrestleMania 38 in Dallas, Texas this weekend. 

Omos squashed The Viking Raiders, Erik and Ivar, on the show, which ended quickly and awkwardly as Omos won via count out when Erik failed to make it back in the ring after getting hit with a clothesline. It appears that was not the finish and Erik may have been injured.

Lashley made his return following the match and got manhandled by Omos. Lashley fought back and took him off his feet. They both pointed at the WrestleMania sign. 

This was expected as it was reported the former WWE Champion was returning on this show to set up the match. There had been some concern that Lashley may not be cleared in time for the match, but obviously, he’s good to go for Mania. 

Lashley has been out of action since WWE Elimination Chamber in February where he suffered a storyline concussion, which was done to cover up his shoulder injury with the expectation that he would need surgery, but he didn’t undergo the knife. 

The Undertaker Remembers Scott Hall: “One Of The Great In-Ring Workers”

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The Undertaker has taken some time to reflect on Scott Hall.

Hall passed away on March 14 due to complications from a hip procedure. A blood clot got loose and Hall suffered multiple heart attacks. He was 63 years old.

The Undertaker Looks Back On Scott Hall

Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri, The Undertaker heaped praise on Scott Hall for his in-ring abilities.

“Man, one of the great in-ring workers,” Undertaker said. “He was really gifted, him and Shawn’s ladder match at Madison Square Garden was one of those legendary iconic matches. It’s just another sad example, we lose and have lost way too many guys, at way too young of age. Some of our choices that we make early on we don’t see the ramifications later on in our lives. You can’t foreshadow that. But it’s just sad to lose a guy that you’ve been in the trenches with, that you come up with.”

Taker then recalled the time he and Scott were touring Japan.

“I was on my first tour of Japan with Scott, Scott kind of took me under his wing,” he said. “Showed me the ropes in 1988 or 89 whenever it was. You know, where to go to eat, it was a really sad day. And I know it was sad for Nash, and Shawn, and Triple H, and X-Pac, all those guys. They were all so tight, and I know what it’s like to lose guys like that who you’re really close with. I feel bad for them, I feel bad for Scott’s family, it’s just another sad loss that our business has suffered.”

“The Deadman” is set to be inducted into the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame on April 1. It’s a distinction that Hall earned back in 2014.

Hall found great success in WWE as Razor Ramon. In 1996, he jumped ship to WCW and helped form the nWo, one of the most iconic factions in wrestling history.

Quotes via Wrestling Inc

We Won’t Know Seth Rollins’ Opponent Until He’s in the Ring at WrestleMania

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Seth Rollins is going to WWE WrestleMania 38 and as expected, his opponent won’t be confirmed until he’s in the ring at the show.

WWE previously announced over the weekend that Rollins would be meeting with Vince McMahon this morning. WWE released a video of the meeting on social media where McMahon informed Rollins that he’ll have a match on the WrestleMania card. 

Rollins wanted to know who it would be, but McMahon didn’t name the person. He did say it would be someone of McMahon’s choosing and Rollins will learn his opponent when his opponent is introduced the night of the show. 

It’s expected that Cody Rhodes will be facing Rollins at WrestleMania as Rhodes has signed with the company. It had been reported that WWE holding off on Rhodes’ return until WrestleMania was the plan. 

Rollins has been involved in a storyline over the last few weeks where he’s failed to find a path to WrestleMania. He lost matches against Kevin Owens and AJ Styles in attempts to get on the WrestleMania card. 

Following a loss to Styles, Rollins threatened that tonight’s Raw wouldn’t get started unless he gets his WrestleMania moment.

Tony Khan Reportedly Has “Heated Discussion” With MJF About Recent Interview

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AEW President Tony Khan reportedly had a heated discussion with MJF over the weekend.

Fightful Select reported today the discussion was said to have left both men frustrated and stemmed from MJF’s interview with Ariel Helwani. The hour-long interview covered various topics from his contract status with AEW to liking WWE’s Bruce Prichard and more. 

2024 is when MJF’s deal expires, which looks to be a big year for the pro wrestling industry as WWE reportedly has an interest in signing the top AEW star. MJF admitted that he’s not afraid to “stir the pot” until his deal is up. 

MJF said he knows for a fact that the company is interested, but he can’t discuss why for legal reasons.

The report noted, “we’re told that the contract status of MJF is what has left the young star frustrated of late, but that Tony Khan took issue with the interview being set up without notifying AEW’s PR team of such.” T

Sources in AEW didn’t think there would have been an issue with the subject matter or the interview in general if it were set up with AEW’s PR team first.

Bret Hart Names the Greatest Match of His Career

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Bret Hart is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and some even think of him as the GOAT. With so many memorable matches from battling Owen Hart to Shawn Michaels, Hart has shared what he thinks is the greatest match of his legendary career and that’s the submission match he had with Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 in 1997. 

Hart went over in the match after locking in the sharpshooter and Austin passing out because of the “pain and blood loss.” It was a double turn as Austin went on to be a babyface and Hart turned heel. 

“The match with Steve, that’s the greatest song I ever sang,” Hart said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “When I watch it back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I still love seeing that spot where I’m punching the daylights out of Steve in the corner and he kicks me in the groin. It was a beautiful, violent piece of art. Working with Steve was easy, it was fun, and it was memorable.

“We put a lot of heart into that match. It captures every element you see in a back-and-forth UFC fight. I always love the Iron Man match [against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XII, too. Pound-for-pound workload, was the hardest match of my career, but I love the psychology of my match with Steve. I think of the expression, ‘No animals were harmed in the making of the movie.’ There were some hard falls and good shots with Steve, a fight between two warriors.”

Austin will make his return to WWE when he confronts Kevin Owens on the KO Show this Saturday night at WrestleMania 38 in AT&T Stadium. Hart added in this interview that he will be cheering on the fellow WWE Hall Of Famer when he steps into the ring. 

WrestleMania Music Acts Announced, Watch at Dave & Busters

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WWE has announced the music acts who will perform America The Beautiful this weekend at WrestleMania. Brantley Gilbert will do the honors on WrestleMania Saturday, while Jessie James Decker will kick off the action for WrestleMania Sunday.

“Brantley and Jessie are the latest in a long line of renowned artists who have opened WWE’s biggest event of the year and we look forward to them continuing this great tradition across consecutive nights at WrestleMania 38,” said Neil Lawi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, WWE Music Group.

“It’s such a pleasure to be invited to perform at WrestleMania 38,” said Gilbert. “I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday night, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. See you there!”

“It is always an honor to sing America the Beautiful,” said Decker. “It is a song that means so much to me, celebrating the country I love. Thank you WWE for having me. I can’t wait to be a part of WrestleMania 38.”

WWE has already announced DJ Valentino Khan will perform at the event.

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WWE Partners with Dave & Busters

WWE is bringing its monthly premium live events to Dave & Busters locations across the United States, starting with WrestleMania 38.

“Dave & Buster’s is a staple of fun and entertainment in the United States and that matches the energy of WWE Premium Live Events such as WrestleMania,” said Emilio Revelo, WWE Vice President. “We are excited about this year-round partnership and meeting new and existing fans at a place they truly enjoy.”

Dave & Buster’s has over 140 locations nationwide. To locate a Dave & Buster’s showing WrestleMania, JoeHandPromotions.com.

WrestleMania 38 is also being shown in select movie theaters across the United States, presented by Fathom Events.