WWE Superstar Julius Creed has been named to Daniel Cormier’s coaching staff for The Ultimate Fighter 33, where Cormier will lead a team against fellow MMA veteran Chael Sonnen.
A former two-time NCAA All-American wrestler at Duke, Creed previously trained with Cormier ahead of his UFC 214 bout against Jon Jones.
Creed will now be part of a coaching team that includes Bob Cook, Rosendo Sanchez, Michael Chiesa, Tiago Beowulf, and John Wood.
Ricky Starks shocked fans by debuting in WWE NXT on the February 11, episode, close to a year after his final appearance for AEW. On Busted Open Radio, The Undertaker was a guest and shared his live reaction to Starks’ WWE NXT debut.
“I’ve seen him a few times here and there. I’ve always had great conversations with him. He’s such a good kid, such a respectful kid. So that [Starks’ NXT debut] caught me completely off guard.”
While The Undertaker and Starks have yet to share the screen, the Phenom recalled meeting Starks in the gym when training for his WrestleMania 32 Hell in a Cell showdown with Shane McMahon.
“I noticed this kid is there every day and [he] doesn’t say anything, really respectful. As the training went along and we needed different spotters and different help, he was always right there.”
During their meet-ups in the gym, Starks shared that he was trying to break into the business and The Undertaker gave him some pointers about “different things.” Years later, the pair would reconnect as Starks would train with Michelle McCool ahead of her appearance in a Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Starks’ arrival comes after a mixed relationship with AEW that saw the 2023 Men’s Owen Hart Cup winner go unused for months despite being cleared to wrestle. Now, Starks has joined those who’ve left WWE for AEW and is ready to make an impact in WWE NXT.
For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SEScoops.
Ricky Starks has arrived in WWE NXT, after a complicated exit from AEW that saw him go unused for close to a year. While Starks made a name for himself as part of Tony Khan’s promotion for years, WWE may have an entirely different name in mind for the former Tag Team Champion.
Fans who watched Starks’ WWE debut on the February 11, edition of WWE NXT may have noticed (or rather not noticed) his name. The commentary team did not mention Starks by name, and Starks himself did not say his name during his promo. Similarly, WWE’s upload of his debut on X (formerly known as Twitter) did not mention Starks by name.
Backstage at the Performance Center, Starks declared that “The Absolute One is here” but again opted not to say what his name is. Similarly, WWE’s tweet did not mention the name of the invidual in the video.
This post spawned several responses by fans, pleading for somebody to say Starks’ name so that they can confirm what he’ll be known as in WWE. One fan asked WWE “Bro say his name,” while another feared an unfortunate name change to ‘Trill London’ or some other WWE creation.
Starks’ arrival was also shared by WWE’s account on YouTube. Once again, the promotion didn’t name the person being spotlighted and instead referred to Starks in the description as a “new competitor.”
While the arrival of Ricky Starks is a huge get for WWE NXT, he may not be known as Ricky Starks for much longer. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Starks, or rather, whatever he’ll be known as going forward.
Ricky Starks has become the latest AEW alum to arrive in WWE as the former tag champion debuted during the February 11, edition of WWE NXT. Starks is not the only AEW name to go on to call WWE home, as he follows in the footstps of the following talents:
Cody Rhodes: A founding member of AEW, Cody Rhodes made a high-profile return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, reigniting his quest for a WWE World Championship.
Jade Cargill: After a dominant run as AEW’s TBS Champion, Cargill signed a multi-year contract with WWE in September 2023. She made her in-ring debut at the Royal Rumble in January 2024 and is a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.
CM Punk: Following a tumultuous tenure with AEW, CM Punk made a surprising return to WWE at Survivor Series in November 2023, marking a significant comeback after nearly a decade away from the company.
Penta: Formerly known as Pentagon Jr. in AEW, Penta debuted on WWE’s Raw in January 2025, securing a victory over Chad Gable. Becoming the Iron Man in this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble demonstrates WWE’s faith in the masked star.
Shawn Spears: After his AEW contract expired at the end of 2023, Spears returned to WWE in February 2024, appearing on NXT and continuing his “Chairman” persona. He has since been involved in various storylines, including a notable feud with Ridge Holland.
Blair Davenport: Briefly part of AEW under her real name, Bea Priestley, Davenport signed with WWE in 2021. She won the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge in 2023 and moving to the SmackDown roster in 2024 before her recent release from WWE.
Lexis King: After making waves in AEW under his real name of Brian Pillman Jr., Lexis King signed with WWE in 2024. He debuted on NXT, where he is the reigning NXT Heritage Cup holder, and retained the cup on this week’s NXT against TNA’s JDC.
Andrade: Andrade returned to WWE in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match after a handful of years in AEW. He has since gone on to hold the WWE Speed Championship.
Many former AEW names have gone on to hold championships in WWE while some are awaiting their big break. It remains to be seen what direction Starks’ future takes in the company but his arrival has left fans excited to see what’s to come.
Drew McIntyre’s actions at the 2025 Royal Rumble made headlines as the Scottish Warrior was reportedly furious that his elimination in the Men’s Rumble match did not go as planned. McIntyre was also said to be disappointed about plans to feud with Damian Priest going into WrestleMania 41, though that may soon change.
According to a report by Chris Featherstone, WWE officials are having internal discussions about changing Drew McIntyre’s WrestleMania 41 opponent. Sources within the company noted that the online backlash surrounding McIntyre’s rumored match has led to a reevaluation of current plans.
Many fans now believe that McIntyre could face LA Knight in Las Vegas instead, as Knight was the source of the issues surrounding Drew’s Royal Rumble appearance. While tensions have since cooled, with the pair even acknowledging their issues during the latest SmackDown, WWE might be looking to capitalize on their history.
McIntyre made an immediate impact during the February 7th edition of Friday Night SmackDown, defeating LA Knight and Jimmy Uso to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. Though Drew is not expected to win the Chamber match that will include CM Punk, John Cena, Logan Paul and two others, his place at WrestleMania 41 is practically guaranteed, though his opponent is far less certain.
During the February 11, edition of WWE NXT, Ricky Starks stunned the wrestling world by debuting for the silver brand. Starks’ arrival came shortly after it was reported that he’d been released from AEW. On X, Starks had just four words in response to his stunning WWE NXT debut.
Starks isn’t the only name in wrestling to react to his WWE NXT debut this week. On Instagram, CM Punk, who like Starks has his own issues with AEW, was pleased to see his former colleague make the jump to the silver brand.
Starks hadn’t been used in AEW since March 2024 after he and Big Bill lost the AEW World Tag Team Championships to Darby Allin and Sting. Though Starks was dealing with an injury for a time, he was fully cleared to compete for much of his absence. In November 2024, Starks shared that he’d not been given a reason for why he wasn’t being used, but had theories as to why this was the case.
Now in WWE, Starks will hope to follow other AEW-to-WWE success stories including Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Lexis King, and Ethan Page. At the very least, Starks can expect to be seen on TV and be allowed to wrestle, far more than he was receiving during his final year as part of AEW.
Viewers of this week’s WWE NXT received a blast from the past as Bayley’s old ‘Hugger’ persona was featured on the show, but not by the former Women’s Champion.
As Bayley ascended the ropes to deliver her signature flying elbow against Cora Jade, the ‘Turn It Up’ theme song played and out came Roxanne Perez. This unexpected appearance momentarily distracted Bayley, allowing Cora Jade to capitalize. Jade executed two Double-Arm DDTs, one on the ringside floor, securing a notable victory over the former champion.
Bayley’s Hugger persona proved immensely popular with fans both in NXT and after her move to the main roster in 2016. In 2019, Bayley turned heel and ‘murdered’ the Bayley Buddies, ending her time as the Hugger so that she could become the ‘Role Model. This isn’t Perez’s first time dressing as Bayley’s lighter side, as she performed as Bayley during a WWE NXT live event near Halloween in 2022.
Bayley and Perez will challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship held by Giulia during this weekend’s WWE NXT Vengeance Day event. After costing Bayley her match this week with these mind-games, it remains to be seen if Roxanne Perez becomes a record-breaking three-time NXT Women’s Champion at the event.
“Best Damn Wrestler” Roxanne Perez Hypes Huge Career Week After Raw
Additional matches have been confirmed for the upcoming WWE NXT Vengeance Day event.
Eddy Thorpe has challenged Trick Williams to a Strap Match at Vengeance Day, citing Williams’ numerous opportunities compared to his own lack of recognition from Ava, Shawn Michaels, and the fans. This challenge follows weeks of Thorpe using a strap to attack Williams on NXT.
Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) will defend their NXT Tag Team Championships against Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura. Briggs & Inamura secured this title shot by defeating Hank Walker & Tank Ledger and the No Quarter Catch Crew (Myles Borne & Tavion Heights) on the February 11 episode of NXT.
Additionally, Cora Jade has been added to the NXT Women’s Championship match, making it a Fatal 4-Way. Jade earned her spot by defeating Bayley on the February 11 episode of NXT, thanks to a distraction from Roxanne Perez, who disguised herself as “Hugger” Bayley. Taking advantage, Jade secured the victory with two Double-Arm DDTs, including one on the ringside floor. Following the match, NXT General Manager Ava made the Fatal 4-Way official.
WWE NXT Vengeance Day 2025 takes place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. The event will air live on Peacock, with the pre-show starting at 5 PM ET and the main card beginning at 6 PM ET.
Ricky Starks made his debut in WWE NXT on the February 11, 2025, edition of the show.
He appeared in the crowd and announced his arrival with a statement emphasizing his status as a free agent and his intention to impact the future of NXT.
”It’s obvious you know who I am. If NXT is the future of professional wrestling, well guess what? You need an absolute superstar of the future.
If this is the hottest brand, well you need the hottest free agent right now, baby. Do not let the handsome face and the expensive fragrance fool you. I am here to turn this place upside down.”
This debut takes place just one day after he was released from his AEW contract following a lengthy dispute. He also just won the DEFY World Championship.
Toni Storm has never been one to hold back, and her latest interview with Renee Paquette for AEW Close-Up was no exception. With her highly anticipated AEW Women’s Championship match against Mariah May at Grand Slam: Australia this Saturday, Storm made her intentions brutally clear.
“I’m finally going to get my hands on that broad. I’m going to rip her tits off—it’s as simple as that,” Storm declared, leaving no doubt about the personal nature of their rivalry.
Storm and May’s history is deeply intertwined, with May once idolizing Storm before ultimately betraying her. The betrayal sent Storm into a spiral, forcing her to reevaluate everything—including her persona.
Now, as she reclaims her identity as “Timeless” Toni Storm, she’s ready to settle the score once and for all.
“No more trauma—we finally get to move on,” Storm added, suggesting that this showdown will be the definitive end of their bitter feud.
AEW Grand Slam: Australia promises to be a landmark event, and with Storm fighting in front of her home country’s fans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether or not she can reclaim the title, one thing is certain—Mariah May is in for a fight.
AEW star Keith Lee has responded to recent speculation regarding his presence at AEW events. A report from PWInsider suggested that Lee was backstage at a recent episode of AEW Dynamite in Athens, Georgia, fueling rumors of his potential return. However, Lee took to social media to clarify the situation.
“For the record… this isn’t true,” Lee wrote. “I was at Collision in Houston. But I was at Dynamite in Austin briefly. I do live in Texas after all.”
Lee has been out of action since December 2023, after being pulled from his scheduled match against Swerve Strickland at AEW Worlds End due to lingering health issues.
WWE fans won’t have to wait long to see Jordynne Grace, a multi-time TNA Knockouts World Champion, make her presence felt in NXT.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Grace is set to begin working with the NXT brand in the near future. She is currently in Orlando, the location of tonight’s WWE NXT broadcast on The CW.
Grace’s potential involvement in WWE’s developmental brand has generated significant buzz among fans, as she has built a strong reputation through her work in TNA. Her in-ring ability and accomplishments have made her one of the most recognizable names in women’s wrestling outside of WWE.
Her presence in Orlando suggests that her debut could happen sooner rather than later.
Jordynne Grace on Letting Her TNA Contract Expire: ‘It Was Time to Move Forward’
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WWE made it official on this week’s Monday Night Raw – Jey Uso will challenge GUNTHER at WrestleMania 41 for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. However, this matchup was not decided overnight.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Uso’s Royal Rumble victory and GUNTHER’s selection as his opponent had been planned for quite some time—even before Saturday Night’s Main Event. The two last clashed at Saturday Night’s Main Event in January, where GUNTHER successfully retained his title in the main event.
Uso secured his WrestleMania title opportunity by winning the 2025 Royal Rumble. During Raw, Uso was making his entrance and “yeeting” on the announce table when GUNTHER launched a surprise attack from behind. This led to a brawl before Uso officially announced their WrestleMania showdown.
Despite having the option to challenge Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Uso has opted to pursue GUNTHER’s title. Although not confirmed, reports suggest that John Cena is expected to win Elimination Chamber and go on to challenge Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. If successful, Cena would break the all-time record for most World Heavyweight Championship reigns.
WrestleMania 41 will be a two-night event, taking place on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dustin Rhodes has built a legendary career, with championship reigns and accolades across decades promotions. At 55 years old, Rhodes knows the end of his career is coming and has shared when he’ll be hanging up his boots.
In an interview on Battleground with Tim & Eli, Rhodes shared that he’s known for years who he wants his final match to be with. The Natural added that the end of his career will come within the next three years, meaning fans won’t see him in action past 2028.
“By no means am I anywhere on Sting’s level, but I want that same kind of out. I think I’ve earned it.
To finish it off on a pay-per-view and cut a heart-wrenching, emotional promo after—that’s what people like.”
While many wrestlers take a loss in the final match to ‘pass the torch’ to somebody else, Rhodes hopes to win his final-ever match. Though his final match will come in 2028 if not sooner, it won’t be the last fans see of him in wrestling.
“I’ll be coaching and still producing, which I’m doing right now anyway. I love that. Passing all my knowledge to the young kids—that’s the payoff.”
Dustin Rhodes signed a multi-year contract with AEW in December 2024, ensuring his continued presence in the company as both a wrestler and a mentor for younger talent. Though much of his retirement plans remain a mystery, fans know that they only have three more years, at max, to enjoy the veteran in the ring.
Jacob Fatu’s WWE arrival has already sent shockwaves through the locker room, and if you ask Nia Jax, everyone should be on high alert.
In an interview with Muscle Man Malcolm on Muscle Memory during Royal Rumble weekend, Jax didn’t mince words when discussing her cousin’s impact on WWE.
“You should be scared of Jacob. I am,” she said, before calling him “one of the most talented human beings I’ve ever seen step into a ring.”
Fatu, a dominant force in MLW before signing with WWE, has been tearing through the competition since his debut. Jax shared a personal story about his journey, revealing that before making it to WWE, Fatu had to overcome significant personal struggles.
“When he was going through his troubles, he was watching the boys on TV and changing his life around,” Jax recalled. “Look at him now—he had the opportunity, and he took it upon himself to get better. Now he’s almost at the top.”
Her words only add to the mystique surrounding Jacob Fatu, whose intensity and in-ring ability have made him an instant threat in WWE. Given his history of dominance and the backing of the legendary Anoa’i family, it seems only a matter of time before he re-claims championship gold.
Joe Hendry’s surprise appearance in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble was one of the most talked-about moments of the night. But for the TNA World Champion, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just the massive crowd reaction—it was the fact that WWE and TNA even made it possible in the first place.
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Hendry reflected on how rare a moment like this is in pro wrestling.
“TNA and WWE did not have to do this. Any of them could have said no at any point,” Hendry said. “I’m just very grateful because I think both parties knew they were really giving me a special moment there.”
Hendry noted that while he hasn’t yet had a full debrief with TNA management, those he has spoken to have been thrilled with the exposure. On WWE’s side, the most important feedback came directly from the fans.
“Ultimately, when we go out there, our job is to get reactions,” Hendry said. “I was welcomed with open arms backstage. I got great advice from some of the biggest names in the business and had a very warm reception. It was a really special moment in my life.”
The significance of Hendry walking into a WWE ring with the TNA World Championship wasn’t lost on him either. He compared it to AJ Styles’ legendary WWE debut in 2016, calling it “a ridiculous notion” to think he’d one day follow in those footsteps.
With TNA and WWE’s working relationship continuing to evolve, Hendry’s Royal Rumble moment may be just the beginning.
Catch Joe Hendry’s full thoughts on the Rumble and more in his interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri:
Joe Hendry has set his sights on the biggest match of his career, and John Cena has thrown down the gauntlet. Following his surprise appearance in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble, the TNA World Champion told CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri that Cena has left it up to him to generate the momentum needed to make their match a reality.
“John laid down the challenge and said it’s on me to make it happen, and I accept that challenge,” Hendry said.
“If I can generate enough buzz where the right people want that match to happen, he’ll be there for it. So, it’s very much on me.”
For Hendry, this isn’t just another dream match—it’s personal. He recalled how Cena was the first wrestler he ever spoke to when he was just 15 years old. Now, two decades later, he’s doing everything he can to turn that moment into a full-circle showdown.
Hendry is no stranger to viral marketing and grassroots fan engagement. He has already hinted at “publicity stunts” and has even considered putting up a billboard outside WWE events to keep the hype alive.
“I don’t think I’ve done anything too crazy yet,” Hendry admitted. “But the publicity stunts may get more interesting as it goes on. I might overstep the line, but I’m willing to take that risk because I think it’s the right thing to do.”
If the match happens, it could be one of Cena’s final bouts before retirement. Hendry’s next challenge isn’t just in the ring—it’s making the world believe in him enough to get Cena to say yes.
Watch the full interview with Joe Hendry on CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri:
Former WWE star Tegan Nox, now wrestling as Nixon Newell, has spoken for the first time about her release from the company. The 30-year-old Welsh wrestler, who competed on Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, was released in November 2023 as part of WWE’s talent cuts.
In an interview with Metro, Newell revealed that she had been dealing with an undiagnosed illness before her departure, which kept her out of action for months. Despite being medically cleared, she was never given the chance to return to the ring, citing miscommunication between WWE’s medical team and outside doctors as a major factor.
“I’m giving myself two years to either find the love, find myself, or just call it a day. That’s what’s driving me right now—trying to find this happiness again.”
Newell admitted she saw the release coming and struggled to gain creative momentum in WWE. Despite pitching multiple character changes, including a football hooligan-inspired heel persona, she was often portrayed as an underdog due to her history of injuries.
She also faced online harassment, with some trolls sending her cruel messages after her knee injuries in the Mae Young Classic tournaments.
With her 90-day noncompete clause expired, she is set to return to wrestling in May for ATTACK! Pro Wrestling, facing former WWE colleague Dani Luna.
While training with top stars like Pete Dunne and receiving advice from veterans such as Sheamus and William Regal, Newell remains uncertain about her long-term future in wrestling. She has given herself two years to rediscover her passion for the sport or consider retirement by mid-2027.
“I tried to change everything—new gear, new look, a new style—but it always came back to commentary mentioning my knee injuries.”
WWE has officially announced that WWE Roadblock will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event will be a special episode of WWE NXT and will air live on The CW at 8 PM ET.
Tickets for Roadblock will be available to the general public starting Friday, February 14, at 10 AM ET/7 AM PT. Fans can gain exclusive presale access beginning Wednesday, February 12, at 10 AM ET/7 AM PT.
WWE Roadblock has a rich history dating back to 2016, when it debuted as a WWE Network exclusive event in Toronto featuring a memorable WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Triple H and Dean Ambrose. The event later evolved into a Raw brand pay-per-view with “Roadblock: End of the Line” in December 2016, which saw several historic moments including the end of The New Day’s record-setting tag team championship reign.
After a six-year hiatus, WWE reimagined Roadblock as an annual television special for the NXT brand, typically serving as a key event leading into NXT Stand & Deliver during WrestleMania season. The event’s legacy continues as WWE prepares to bring Roadblock to The Theater at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2025, marking another significant chapter in the event’s history.
Dave Bautista is set to star in a movie that will see him reunite with his Bushwick directors, Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott, after finding success with the 2017 project.
Deadline reported today that the future WWE Hall of Famer will star in the dystopian thriller Dreadnought. Joseph Greenberg wrote it. The plot summary for ‘Dreadnought’ can be found below:
“Max (Bautista), whose world was devastated when an alien species crash-landed on Earth, unleashing a deadly plague that claimed his wife and much of humanity. In the fragile society that remains, humans have learned to coexist with their extraterrestrial invaders. But for Max, survival isn’t enough.
“His older daughter, Greta, is dying from the disease. As her body weakens, an alien Sentinel lurks outside their home, drawing nearer and nearer as Greta takes her final breaths. This silent, unyielding predator is on a mission to collect her body to fulfill an unstoppable metamorphosis ritual. The government sanctions it. Society accepts it. But Max refuses to have anything else taken from him.”
Bautista’s breakout moment came when he was cast as Drax the Destroyer in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). His portrayal of the literal-minded but lovable alien warrior won audiences over and showcased his comedic timing. Drax became a fan favorite, and Bautista reprised the role in subsequent Marvel films.
Bautista’s In The Lost Lands movie will hit theaters on March 7, 2025.
AEW’s Lance Archer is as tough as they come in the ring, but the Murderhawk Monster this week became the victim of crime. On X (formerly Twitter), Archer shared that his SUV was stolen in broad daylight in Duncanville, Texas.
Archer’s situation is sadly only the latest example of theft affecting those in the pro wrestling industry. In December 2023, Slim Jim’s ‘Fast Meat’ car was reported stolen. The car had been used at that year’s Survivor Series: WarGames and had been featured in promotional videos alongside LA Knight and Bianca Belair. In 2024, former WWE Superstar Mandy Rose shared that her Louis Vuitton boots had been stolen and pointed the finger of blame at her delivery driver.
Lance Archer signed with AEW in February 2020 and would debut with the promotion the following month as a client of Jake Roberts. While he is yet to hold AEW gold, Archer won the IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship in a Texas Deathmatch against Jon Moxley during Night Two of AEW Fyter Fest 2021.
Archer’s situation is unfortunate and hopefully he will be reunited with his SUV and the thieves brought to justice. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this ongoing situation.
Professional skateboarder and Jackass star Bam Margera is prioritizing his health and recovery by training with wrestling legend Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) in Atlanta. In early February 2025, Margera participated in yoga sessions alongside DDP and AEW star Darby Allin as part of his ongoing wellness journey.
DDP Yoga, a program known for rehabilitating athletes and former wrestlers, has become a key component of Margera’s recovery plan. His training at DDP’s facility includes a combination of yoga exercises, structured fitness routines, and cold plunge therapy to aid in physical and mental well-being.
Margera has reportedly maintained sobriety for eight months, marking a significant milestone in his personal transformation. His collaboration with DDP is particularly notable, as the program has helped wrestling legends like Jake Roberts and the late Scott Hall overcome addiction and health struggles.
With a renewed focus on skateboarding and fitness, Margera continues to travel and stay active, reinforcing his commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Former TNA Wrestling World Champion Josh Alexander is set to become a free agent this weekend. The Walking Weapon’s final match for the promotion will is scheduled for Thursday, where he’ll face TNA legend Eric Young.
Alexander had previously signaled his intention to leave TNA, discussing potential opportunities in WWE, AEW, and Japan during a recent podcast interview. Alexander reportedly requested TNA Wrestling not to exercise his 2024 contract option, though the company initially opted to extend it. Despite this, he fulfilled his obligations, with his deal officially concluding on February 14. TNA officials have spoken highly of Alexander as he prepares to move on.
A two-time Impact World Champion, Alexander originally signed with TNA in 2019. His accolades include reigns as World Tag Team Champion alongside Ethan Page and as X Division Champion. His second Impact World Championship reign, which began in April 2022 after defeating Moose at Rebellion, stands as the longest in the promotion’s history. The title was vacated in March 2023 due to an injury that required surgery.
Alexander has recently expressed interest in reuniting with former tag partner Ethan Page, who currently competes in WWE NXT. He also confirmed that past plans for a WWE debut fell through, which could have seen him appear on NXT.
As of now, it remains unclear where Alexander will land in the coming months.
During the February 10, edition of WWE Raw, Liv Morgan suffered a nasty cut to her eyelid during a tag team match. That match saw Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez come up short against Damage CTRL’s IYO SKY and the returning Dakota Kai, who had been out of action with a concussion.
Morgan’s injury didn’t go unnoticed by the fans in Nashville, with Pat McAfee quipping on commentary that Liv was “gushing her own blood!” Despite this, Morgan was pleased to share that she’s still cute on X, alongside some photos of her cut.
Morgan’s cut won’t prevent her from entering this year’s Women’s Elimination Chamber match, a bout she qualified for last week with a controversial win over IYO SKY. Morgan’s place was secured by Rhea Ripley, who attacked Morgan during the match and caused a disqualification. On this week’s Raw, Ripley was confronted by SKY, who was promised a title match for the Raw after Elimination Chamber.
Liv Morgan Mocks “Obsessed” Rhea Ripley After WWE Raw Win
Morgan will be joined in the Chamber by Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, and two women yet to be decided. SmackDown will see Chelsea Green battle Naomi while next week’s Raw will Morgan’s ally Raquel Rodriguez against NXT’s Roxanne Perez. Stay tuned to SEScoops to see who earns their spot in the Women’s Elimination Chamber, a match that Liv Morgan is hell-bent on winning.
In 2004, Carlito made his startling WWE debut by defeating John Cena in his first match to win the WWE United States Championship. On the Insight podcast, Carlito recalled believing Cena was pranking him upon his call-up to WWE’s main roster.
“I first thought that Cena had pranked me because as soon as I got there he was the nicest guy to me… Then we get in the ring, the bell rang, and he kicked me in the stomach so hard, that’s like, oh, okay I see what’s going on here.”
Carlito shared that it was “great” to defeat Cena in his debut, in what would be John’s final match for months. To explain his break from WWE to film The Marine, WWE crafted the narrative that Cena had been stabbed in a night club. Though Carlito and his then-bodyguard Jesus were suspects, the Cool Superstar denied doing the devilish deed.
“I don’t know what the official story is nowadays, they changed it over the year… I don’t think it was me that stabbed him, or my my buddy Jesus. I don’t think it was Jesus, or maybe it was, I don’t know.”
Cena would return to action after weeks away to take back the U.S. title from Carlito before winning his first of 16 WWE World Championships the next year. And with Cena embarking on his final year in the ring, fans can’t count out Carlito getting payback for the ‘prank’ by Big Match John early into his career.
Carlito on Judgment Day Pairing & What He Likes About WWE Today
