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Alexa Bliss Makes WWE Return In Women’s 2025 Royal Rumble Match

Thomas Lowson
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Alexa Bliss Makes WWE Return In Women’s 2025 Royal Rumble Match

The WWE Royal Rumble is typically a night of surprise returns and the 2025 Women’s Rumble is proving to be no exception. After over two years away, Alexa Bliss returned as part of the match as the #21 entrant.

Bliss had been out of action since the 2023 Royal Rumble PLE, where she had unsuccesfully challenged then-Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. The following month, Bliss shared that she and her husband Ryan Cabrera were expecting. In November 2023, the couple welcomed their daughter Hendrix into the world.

Bliss’ return comes after reports and speculation on the future of the former Women’s Champion. Bliss and WWE had reportedly been at odds over contractual issues. While Bliss reportedly wanted a new deal, WWE wanted her to continue on her previous contract with time added. This issue resulted in Bliss’ return on the January 13, Raw being nixed and plans for her to work with the Wyatt Sicks being scrapped.

On commentary, Bliss’ contract issues were alluded to, with Michael Cole saying he thought that Bliss was never going to return. Now, the Goddess of WWE is back and ready to take the WWE Women’s roster by storm.

Spoiler On The Return Of Big Star Planned For The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble

Andrew Ravens
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WWE fans should anticipate a surprise appearance by Alexa Bliss at tonight’s Royal Rumble. PWInsider.com reports that Bliss has been spotted backstage at the WWE Royal Rumble PLE and is expected to appear on the broadcast.

Although Bliss has posted social media content suggesting she is at home, that is reportedly not the case. This marks a shift from earlier reports stating there had been no movement in negotiations between Bliss and WWE regarding her return, and there had been no discussions about her appearing tonight.

Initial plans called for Bliss to return on Raw in San Jose several weeks ago, but stalled contract negotiations led to those plans being scrapped. Talks reportedly hit a standstill when Bliss’ representatives pushed for a new deal, while WWE preferred she fulfill the terms of her previous contract, which was in place before she took maternity leave in January 2023.

On Friday, the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter featured a report from Dave Meltzer stating that the two sides remain far apart in negotiations, with sources doubting a new agreement will be reached. Clearly, things have changed.

Bliss has not appeared on WWE television since January 2023 due to her maternity leave.

Kevin Nash’s Bold 2025 Royal Rumble Picks: CM Punk and Nia Jax

Michael Reichlin
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Kevin Nash’s Bold 2025 Royal Rumble Picks: CM Punk and Nia Jax

Wrestling legend Kevin Nash recently shared his predictions for the upcoming Royal Rumble on the Kliq This Podcast, picking CM Punk as his top choice for the men’s match and Nia Jax as the likely winner in the women’s division.

“I think I’m gonna go with CM Punk as my choice in the men’s Rumble,” Nash stated. “And I think—how does Jax not win the women’s Rumble?”

CM Punk’s return to WWE has been one of the most talked-about moments in recent wrestling history. If Nash’s prediction holds, a Rumble victory would set up a potential WrestleMania main event for Punk, continuing his redemption arc. Given Punk’s past success and star power, many fans see him as a natural fit for the win. However, with top-tier competitors like Cody Rhodes and Gunther in the mix, it won’t be an easy road to victory.

Nash’s belief in Nia Jax as the likely women’s Rumble winner is based on her sheer physical dominance. Jax has been positioned as one of WWE’s most powerful female superstars, and a victory could solidify her as a major player heading into WrestleMania season. However, challengers like Bayley and Becky Lynch remain strong contenders.

The John Cena Factor

Beyond the Rumble, Nash also weighed in on John Cena’s potential future in WWE, suggesting that if he were booking, Cena would win his record-breaking 17th world title in his final opportunity.

“He would win on his last opportunity possible to break the record of 17, and he would leave on a win just the same way he left and never turned heel,” Nash explained.

With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, fans are eager to see if Nash’s predictions hold true. Will CM Punk make a triumphant return by winning the Rumble? Can Nia Jax power through the competition? And will WWE set the stage for John Cena’s historic moment? The road to WrestleMania is heating up, and all eyes are on Indianapolis tonight.

Roman Reigns Declares: “I’m in My Prime, Bloodline Story Isn’t Ending”

Michael Reichlin
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Roman Reigns Declares: “I’m in My Prime, Bloodline Story Isn’t Ending”

Roman Reigns has responded to WWE fans questioning if the Bloodline storyline is winding down. The Tribal Chief makes it cyrstal clear: there’s still plenty left to explore.

The latest chapter in the Bloodline saga unfolded during WWE’s Raw debut on Netflix (January 6), where Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat to reclaim the Ula Fala and reaffirm his status as the Tribal Chief. With the storyline dominating WWE television since his return in August 2020, fans have speculated about when it might come to an end.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Reigns dismissed the idea that the story is nearing its conclusion, emphasizing its continued potential:

“I think there is so much meat left on the bone and so many different ways to go. I’ve only given X amount. There are so many more layers for me to showcase. There are so many more layers for Jey, Jimmy [Uso], Solo [Sikoa], Jacob, or Tama [Tonga].

We have so many great characters. For the Wiseman. There are so many more layers to showcase. We’re all in our prime. I’m in the best shape of my life. Wiseman is getting into the best shape.”

Reigns further reinforced his confidence in the storyline’s longevity. For someone who has done it all and been the company’s top box office attraction for a few years, he’s not looking to hang it up any time soon.

“It’s one of those things where, I think we can do this forever. I really do. A lot of people were like, ‘3rd inning.’ That was game one. It’s a seven-game series. I’m not trying to bring up these analogies to pinpoint timelines. That’s me saying confidently I can run this thing for two more years, no problem.”

As WWE’s top attraction, Reigns’ belief in the Bloodline story’s continued success suggests that fans can expect more twists and turns in the coming years. He’ll compete in his first Royal Rumble match in five years in just a matter of hours.

Roman Reigns Drops Supremely Confident Message Before the Royal Rumble

Roman Reigns Drops Supremely Confident Message Before the Royal Rumble

Michael Reichlin
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Roman Reigns Drops Supremely Confident Message Before the Royal Rumble

Roman Reigns is making his long-awaited return to the WWE Royal Rumble match tonight, marking his first appearance in the iconic battle since 2020. In anticipation of his historic return, Reigns took to Twitter, posting a message that strike fear into the other 29 participants. Make not mistake about it: Roman Reigns is locked in.

“In due time… It will all be mine. My way. Again. Believe That.”

Since his return to WWE in 2020 as the ‘Tribal Chief,’ Reigns has dominated as champion, holding the Universal Championship for a historic 1,316 days. His lengthy reign kept him out of Rumble matches for the past four years, with his last appearance in 2020 ending as the runner-up to Drew McIntyre.

Now, for the first time under his current persona, Reigns is set to enter the high-stakes match with the potential to reclaim his dominance. With WWE legends like John Cena, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre also competing, the 2025 Royal Rumble promises to be an electrifying event filled with surprises.

Will the ‘Tribal Chief’ make a statement in his first Rumble match in five years? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.

John Cena Counting Down the Minutes Before Tonight’s WWE Royal Rumble

Michael Reichlin
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John Cena Counting Down the Minutes Before Tonight’s WWE Royal Rumble

John Cena is amped up for his WWE return match tonight at the 2025 Royal Rumble. Just hours before the event, the 16-time world champion took to social media to share his excitement and readiness for the chaos ahead.

“No day quite like #RoyalRumble. The countdown to THE countdown begins! The road to #WrestleMania begins TONIGHT!!!”

Tonight marks Cena’s return as an active competitor, kicking off his 2025 retirement tour—his final year in the ring. He has vowed to win the Royal Rumble and go on to challenge for his record-breaking 17th World Championship at WrestleMania 41.

Whether that plan comes to fruition will be revealed in just a few hours.

Top NXT Star In Town Ahead Of The 2025 Royal Rumble

Michael Reichlin
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Top NXT Star In Town Ahead Of The 2025 Royal Rumble

With the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble just hours away, former NXT Champion Trick Williams has been seen in Indianapolis, sparking speculation about a potential main roster debut. According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, Williams has been spotted in the Royal Rumble’s host city. With only 17 competitors officially announced, WWE often reserves spots for surprise entrants, making Williams a prime candidate.

Trick Williams

Williams has made a significant impact in NXT, securing the championship twice. His latest reign ended at NXT New Year’s Evil on January 7, when he lost the title to Oba Femi. Since then, he has openly expressed his desire to regain the championship, but many believe his next step could be a move to WWE’s main roster.

In a recent interview on Tailgate Talks, Williams addressed his future, stating, “I like to believe that a main roster call-up is in my near future.” Now, with his presence in Indianapolis, speculation about his Royal Rumble participation has intensified.

WWE has a history of using the Royal Rumble as a launching pad for NXT stars, with past debuts leading to breakout careers. If Williams enters the match, it could mark the beginning of his journey on RAW or SmackDown, elevating him to a new level in WWE.

As the countdown to the Royal Rumble continues, fans will eagerly watch to see if Williams’ moment has arrived.

Natalia’s Cat Challenge: Can Stephanie McMahon Be Swayed?

Michael Reichlin
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Natalia’s Cat Challenge: Can Stephanie McMahon Be Swayed?

WWE’s charismatic star Natalia has set her sights on converting fellow wrestling figures into cat lovers. After her success with Bailey, Natalia is now targeting none other than Stephanie McMahon.

During a fun chat with Denise Salcedo for Instinct Culture over Royal Rumble 2025 weekend, Natalya spoke proudly about her mission:

“I changed Bailey’s mind, I converted Bailey from being a dog person into a mega cat lover. All it takes is one cat and you will turn into a cat lover.”

The Royal Rumble

Beyond her feline advocacy, Natalia reminisced about her favorite moments competing in the Royal Rumble. One of her proudest achievements was the year she stood as the “Royal Rumble Iron Woman.”

“One of my proudest moments in the women’s Royal Rumble was the year that I was the iron woman… I was in there for over 55 minutes,” she recalled.

The Women’s Royal Rumble has become a symbol of female empowerment within WWE. As anticipation builds for future Royal Rumbles, Natalia hinted at exciting possibilities,

“I’ve been hearing rumblings of women from the past coming back… I would love to see L cool and Mickey James and Melina and the Bellas.”

Stay tuned to SEScoops all weekend for our coverage of the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble.

Bailey on WWE’s Growing Women’s Division: “I Really Need to Step Up My Game”

Michael Reichlin
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Bailey on WWE’s Growing Women’s Division: “I Really Need to Step Up My Game”

WWE’s women’s division is expanding, and veteran superstar Bailey is feeling the competitive pressure. During a recent interview with Denise Salcedo for Instinct Culture, Bailey shared her thoughts on WWE’s push for diversity, the inclusion of talent from different wrestling backgrounds, and the growing excitement among fans.

“We all wanted more women, we wanted more people from all outside, all different kinds of wrestling worlds and people from all over the world,” Bailey stated, emphasizing the industry’s shift toward inclusivity.

With WWE’s ongoing collaboration with promotions like TNA and new signings such as Jordynne Grace, the company is fostering a more dynamic women’s roster. For Bailey, this evolution serves as motivation.

“I really need to step up my game,” she admitted, acknowledging the increasing level of competition.

As WWE integrates talent from different wrestling circuits, established stars like Bailey are pushing themselves to adapt and excel. Beyond the roster changes, Bailey highlighted the enthusiasm of WWE fans.

“It’s so refreshing to see, and I love seeing the fans get more excited for all the women and just get invested in what we’re doing,” she said.

The audience’s engagement plays a crucial role in the division’s success, reinforcing the importance of diverse representation. As WWE continues to build a more inclusive and competitive women’s division, Bailey’s sentiments reflect the evolving landscape—one where established stars and rising talent alike are driven to reach new heights.

Cody Rhodes ‘Dreads’ Idea of Facing John Cena On His Retirement Tour

Anutosh Bajpai
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Cody Rhodes has explained why he is not overly enthusiastic about potentially facing John Cena during his retirement tour in 2025.

The Cenation Leader has announced that he’ll be competing in WWE throughout the year before calling it a career at the end of 2025. Top names such as CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and Randy Orton have expressed interest in sharing the ring with Cena one more time before he hangs his boots for good.

The Undisputed WWE Champion was also asked about potentially getting in the ring with Cena during an interview with Theonemona. Cody Rhodes noted that he is one of the people who has not expressed the same interest in a potential John Cena match as many other:

“One thing that’s been on my mind I think, when he announced he was retiring, is a lot of guys jumped to the line of, ‘I want to wrestle John.’ A lot of guys jumped to the ‘I want to do something with John.’ Of course I’m probably the one who didn’t hold his hand up, and that’s simply because John is everything to me.”

I Don’t Love This Is It: Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes explained that John Cena is one of his biggest heroes and someone who he learned a lot from during his early years in WWE. According to the American Nightmare he almost dreads the idea of being tasked with defeating the 16-time world champion if the two do come face to face:

“There’s been so many guys I’m a product of, who I took a little something from. The most that I’ve taken from anybody ever would be from John. That was from driving those few years with him, seeing how he did his interactions with fans, seeing how he would do main events, seeing how he was the quarterback, the leader, all those things. So when I hear this is it, it’s still not fully for me.

I don’t love this is it, and I know it is. I know he means it when he says it, but I want to watch like a fan. I almost dread the idea of what that would look like, because when you’re up against John now, you’re tasked to beat John Cena in his final run. That’s why I’m not raising my hand to be in that spot.”

Dominik Mysterio Reveals His ‘Real’ Plan For Raw Netflix Premiere

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Dominik Mysterio Reveals His ‘Real’ Plan For Raw Netflix Premiere

Dominik Mysterio has cleared up the misunderstanding about his conduct on Raw’s Netflix premiere episode earlier this month.

The January 6 episode of the Red Branded Show saw Rhea Ripley dethroning Liv Morgan to win back the Women’s world title.

Dirty Dom entered the ring after the bout. When the Mami looked at him, he opened his arm for a hug. The former Judgment Day star, however, kicked him instead and hit a Riptide on Mysterio before leaving.

The young veteran was asked about his actions during an interview with Theonemona at the Royal Rumble press event. Dominik Mysterio claimed that people misunderstood his intentions and he was actually trying to get the title belt back for Morgan:

“So there is a huge misunderstanding there. Liv and I had agreed that if, for whatever reason, she did not end up with the title, I would steal it and run away and we would figure it out. So that’s what I was going for. I was going in for the sneak hug, steal the title, and dip. But she caught on, I guess. That’s the real story.”

The 27-year-old was also asked about his status for tonight’s Royal Rumble match. He claimed that the officials don’t share their plans with him so he doesn’t know if he’ll be entering the battle royal.

While Dirty Dom is not sure about entering the big match at the show, there are several other names who could be participating in the bout. You can check out our Royal Rumble hub for the latest updates on the PPV whole day.

Tiffany Stratton Eyes WrestleMania 41 Match Against Charlotte Flair

Thomas Lowson
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Tiffany Stratton Eyes WrestleMania 41 Match Against Charlotte Flair

Recent reports have suggested that Tiffany Stratton could face Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 41 with the Women’s Championship on the line. Speaking to The Takedown On SI, Stratton addressed rumors of a showdown with WWE’s Queen.

“Honestly, I think we could have a banger match. I feel like that’s a given… we would probably have one of the best matches on the entire WrestleMania card.”

Stratton is certainly hopeful that the match will happen, in what would be the Buff Barbie’s debut match at WrestleMania. While the pair have never faced off in the ring before, a match with Flair would be years in the making for Stratton.

“I got into wrestling because of her. I saw her on an episode of SmackDown one day and she inspired me… It would just mean so much to my younger self if she would be my WrestleMania opponent.”

Flair will make her return from injury at the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE, where she hopes to become the first-ever two-time winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble match. The Queen will face some stiff competition, however, including fellow former Rumble winners Bianca Belair and Bayley.

2025 Royal Rumble: Preview, Matches, How to Watch

Stratton is in her first reign as WWE Women’s Champion, after cashing in her Money in the Bank contract during the first SmackDown of 2025. The reigning champion will certainly be watching tonight’s Women’s Rumble match closely, especially once Charlotte Flair finally steps foot back in the squared circle.


Joey Janela Issues Statement On Viral Video of Fan Altercation

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Joey Janela Issues Statement On Viral Video of Fan Altercation

Former AEW star Joey Janela has responded to the viral video of him being attacked by a fan during a meet-and-greet event for GCW.

In the video as seen below, the fan was seen flipping the table the wrestling star was using for the event. Janela in response threw the table at the person and the two then got into a physical altercation before being separated by people around.

The Bad Boy issued a statement about the confrontation on X. He claimed the person who attacked him was upset about extra work after the passing of Brodie Lee 4 years ago:

“Gonna nip this in the butt there’s a Video circulating of me getting ambushed at my table while I was meeting fans after the show tonight, it stems from him airing his grievances about his experience doing AEW extra work the day after brodie lee’s death that a lot of us were very upset about. I took to Twitter because I thought it was disgusting and we went back and forth.”

Joey Janela also confirmed that he came out at the other end of the confrontation unscathed and the other person was eventually ‘carried out like a crying baby.’

The Hardcore star was one of the first signings of the Elite promotion, being announced as part of the company’s roster in January 2019. He had some high-profile feuds early on but left AEW in May 2022 when his deal expired.

AEW presented the Brodie Lee Celebration of Life episode of Dynamite on December 30, 2020, after the wrestling star, real name Jonathan Huber passed away a few days earlier on December 26. While Janela did not compete at the show, he was present at the event to pay tribute to the late star.

CM Punk Comments On Difference Of Triple H And Vince McMahon Running Creative

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
CM Punk Comments On Difference Of Triple H And Vince McMahon Running Creative

CM Punk says the big difference between Vince McMahon and Triple H running WWE creative is that the latter listens to other people.

The Straight Edge Star was the latest guest on Pat McAfee Show ahead of tonight’s Royal Rumble PPV. He talked about things such as performing in front of big crowds, his 2024 injury, and more.

When asked about Triple H taking over the creative and how The Game’s process differs from his father-in-law, Punk explained that the Attitude Era star is more receptive to other people’s ideas:

“I think he’s receptive to other people’s ideas, whereas maybe Vince wasn’t. He was like, ‘I’m the boss. We’re doing this, and this is how we’re doing it.’ And that’s great. If you run a company, you need somebody who is the yes and no man and [has] the final say.”

The Best Idea Always Wins: CM Punk

CM Punk claimed that Triple H has surrounded himself with people who have Bonafide resumes and it allows him to filter the best ideas:

“But I think Triple H thinks he’s surrounded, and oftentimes is, by a lot of really, really genius wrestling minds. If he has an idea or see something one way, he’ll look at Michael Hayes and be like, ‘What do you think?’ He’ll turn and look at Paul Heyman.

These are people who have Bonafide resumes. They have literally done everything you possibly could do in the sport. I think their voices should be heard. Not all the time everybody’s going to have this dynamite idea. But I think the best idea always wins in today’s WWE.”

Apart from this Punk also talked about John Cena announcing his retirement tour for 2025. You can check out his comments on the matter here.

Why Saraya and Ronnie Radke Ended Their Six-Year Relationship

Thomas Lowson
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Why Saraya and Ronnie Radke Ended Their Six-Year Relationship

Saraya and Ronnie Radke of Falling in Reverse were in a relationship for six years, but it came to an end in January 2025. Fans were curious about the reasons behind their breakup, and now Saraya has shed light on the matter.

While speaking to TMZ Sports, Saraya revealed that the breakup was due to the couple simply drifting apart over time.

“I’m doing great, it was meant to be. We’re good friends, though. It ended amicably. We just drifted apart in a way; we’re just better off as friends.“

Saraya added that the couple’s respective schedules played a role in the split as both are “geting bigger and so much busier. While Radke was “really sweet,” the pair simply weren’t compatable any more.

“We’re just better off as friends. We were friends beforehand and tried to make it work as a relationship. It worked, and then it didn’t.”

Following the breakup, Saraya responded to a fan on X asking if she was trawling for boyfriends, stating “Nope, I’m good.” Only time will tell what the future holds for Saraya, but she remains determined to make 2025 a big year for her, both in pro wrestling and in her personal life.

Saraya Reflects on WWE Career, Teases Possible Comeback

CM Punk Hopes For Royal Rumble Moment With John Cena

Anutosh Bajpai
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CM Punk Hopes For Royal Rumble Moment With John Cena

CM Punk feels spoiled at getting to witness John Cena’s retirement tour up close.

The Second City Saint appeared on Pat McAfee show ahead of Saturday’s Royal Rumble PPV event. The former world champion talked about things like AJ Lee potentially being in the Rumble, Triple H being in charge of creative and more.

When asked about John Cena’s retirement tour and his feeling towards the Cenation Leader, CM Punk claimed that he loves Cena to death. Punk, who has previously expressed interest in facing John one more time before his retirement, also hoped that the two come face to face at the PPV this weekend:

“Ah, love [him] to death. I feel spoiled that I get to witness whatever journey he’s about to embark on. I think it’s exciting. I selfishly am looking forward to Saturday. Hopefully there’s a moment where me and him can have a moment. You know, but there’s just so many guys, so many bodies. I don’t know if it’s in the cards, but we’ll see.”

We’re Still Doing It Too: CM Punk

CM Punk is part of a special group of wrestling veterans who started working in the business more than two decades ago and are still doing it at the highest level. Other names in the list includes people like Rey Mysterio, R Truth, and Randy Orton.

When asked how he feels about being part of this fraternity, Punk recalled running into Mysterio at this past Monday’s Raw. He explained that they all marvel at the longevity of their careers whenever they meet:

“I remember I walked into one of the locker rooms or something like that, and there’s just Rey Mysterio, you know what I mean? Every time I see Rey, it could be like an old guy thing, because every time I see Rey, or every time I see [R] Truth, like in the hallway, we all just look at each other. We just like, grab each other and just give each other a big hug. Like, ‘Hey man, look at us. This is crazy. Can you believe this?’ Because I’ve known those guys [for a long time].

I think I wrestled Rey [in] 2001. I’ve known him a quarter of a century. Truth, same thing. I knew him when I was doing Wednesday night TNA pay-per-views at Nashville fairgrounds. There’s a bunch of us that it’s just, it’s cool to look around and kind of go ‘Hey man look at us. We’re still here, we’re still doing it too.'”

Sheamus Shares Historic Plan For Men’s Royal Rumble Victory

Thomas Lowson
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Sheamus Shares Historic Plan For Men’s Royal Rumble Victory

The 2025 Royal Rumble is mere hours away with 30 men and 30 women hoping to secure a championship match at WrestleMania 41. On a recent edition of the Pat McAfee Show, however, Sheamus shared what he’ll do should he stand tall in Indianapolis.

“I’m going right back after Bron Breakker… I need to be complete and become WWE’s first ever Ultimate Grand Slam Champion.”

Sheamus’s quest to become a Grand Slam Champion has fuelled the Irishman for years, as he is only missing the Intercontinental Championship from his collection. The ‘Ultimate Grand Slam’ is a term for someone who’s held a World title, both mid-card titles, a tag-team title, in addition to winning the Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, and King of the Ring.

2025 Royal Rumble: Preview, Matches, How to Watch

Sheamus won the 2012 Royal Rumble match and would follow-up by winning the World Heavyweight Champion in just 18 seconds at WrestleMania 28. A victory this weekend would make Sheamus the eleventh two-time winner of the iconic match-type. This will prove easier said than done, however, as this year’s Men’s Rumble will be a stacked affair including Roman Reigns, CM Punk, John Cena, and more.

No wrestler has ever used their Royal Rumble opportunity on a mid-card title, but Sheamus is ready to make history this April. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Sheamus and his unlikely quest to the Intercontinental Championship that stars at the 2025 Royal Rumble.

Sonya Deville Advocates For Stricter Stalking Laws After Harrowing Experience

Anutosh Bajpai
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0
Sonya Deville Advocates For Stricter Stalking Laws After Harrowing Experience

Sonya Deville believes laws around stalking need to be changed.

WWE star Asuka recently opened up about her experience with obsessed fans. Her vocalization of the issues has reignited the debate about fans invading the privacy of wrestlers and potentially putting them into dangerous situations.

Deville who experienced one of the most extreme cases of this kind back in 2020 opened up about it during a recent interview with Fox 5 New York. She noted that it is something that she doesn’t wish upon anybody:

“It was a crazy time period. It was what? Like 5 years ago now. Yeah, it was an unfortunate incident that I don’t wish upon anybody. I think there’s a lot that can be done to change some laws and regulations around stalking victims.”

I Was Very Fortunate: Sonya Deville

Police arrested a man named Phillip Thomas back in August 2020 on charges like armed burglary and attempted armed kidnapping after an incident with Sonya Deville, real name Daria Rae Berenato. In 2023, the man was proven guilty on multiple charges and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The WWE star discussed how the whole thing was kind of a best-case scenario for her because the perpetrator couldn’t have been arrested and put on trial had he not crossed the boundary:

“I think it’s really hard sometimes when…I always say and this is gonna sound weird but I was very fortunate the man did break into my house, did have weapons, did show intent to harm and so he’s locked up and he’s in jail for a long time.

That’s like a best-case scenario in a sense because a lot of people deal with stalking for years and years and if the person doesn’t cross that one boundary, then you can’t put them behind bars or you can’t get a restraining order.

I think that is more terrifying than anything. Just living with that over your head. That’s celebrities and non-celebrities, people dealing with that. So, yeah, I think there’s a lot that could be changed in the future.”

When asked if the incident is something that she still lives with every day, Sonya Deville claimed that she’s secured her life to a place where she can feel comfortable and safe for herself and her family. The wrestling star also advised anyone dealing with such issues to never post their live location online.

Triple H Teases Tyrese Haliburton’s Royal Rumble Role: “Let’s Talk”

Thomas Lowson
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Triple H Teases Tyrese Haliburton’s Royal Rumble Role: “Let’s Talk”

Could NBA star Tyrese Haliburton make his presence felt in the upcoming Men’s 2025 Royal Rumble match? Don’t count it out. This week, the Indiana Pacers star made time to attend the Royal Rumble kickoff show. He confirmed that after his game, he plans to handle media obligations, freshen up, and head straight to Lucas Oil Stadium to attend WWE’s first PLE of 2025.

Haliburton then introduced Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Levesque, a two-time winner of the Royal Rumble, closed his spirited promo bu reminding fans that you never know who will show up in a Royal Rumble match. He then approached Haliburton and said “Let’s talk,” teasing that the NBA star will do much more in Lucas Oil Stadium than watch the show.

Haliburton is a known WWE fan, and stirred up drama with comments about Orlando during a WWE NXT appearance last year. In September 2024, Haliburton teased “surprises” for the Royal Rumble PLE, with fans now waiting to see if he steps in the ring.

2025 Royal Rumble: Preview, Matches, How to Watch

The Indiana Pacers star was also present on this week’s WWE SmackDown, again demonstrating his deep love for all things WWE. Stay tuned to SEScoops to find out if Haliburton is just a visitor at tonight’s Premium Live Event or if he gets in the ring.

Watch: What Happened With Cody Rhodes After SmackDown

Anutosh Bajpai
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Watch: What Happened With Cody Rhodes After SmackDown

Cody Rhodes made the save for Damain Priest and LA Knight after this week’s SmackDown from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana went off air.

The main event of the Royal Rumble go-home show saw Knight and Priest battling Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga in a tag team match. This came after the former Bloodline duo interrupted Priest’s promo earlier in the night and declared that they were ‘off the leash.’

Priest managed to win the match for his team by pinning Tonga after Knight took out Fatu with a clothesline through the barricade. The Samoan Warewolf, however, didn’t stay out for long. Fatu attacked Priest immediately after the bell, and the show ended with the former Bloodline star standing tall.

What Happened After SmackDown

The duo of Fatu and Tonga kept attacking their opponents even after the broadcast had ended. This continued till Cody Rhodes came out to make the save. The Undisputed WWE Champion sent Fatu retreating with a Cody Cutter. The babyface trio then took turns hitting Tama Tonga to end the segment:

Apart from this, the show saw a surprise appearance from CM Punk. The Straight Edge Star confronted Kevin Owens and the two had an intense promo battle before Owens backed off from a fight with Punk.

More names such as Chelsea Green, Zelina Vega and Candice LeRae also declared their entry into Royal Rumble tonight. You can check out our Royal Rumble hub for all the latest news regarding the show.

Saraya Confirms Her Current In-Ring Status

Anutosh Bajpai
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Saraya Confirms Her Current In-Ring Status

Saraya says she is ready to compete now and only waiting for the right opportunity to make her AEW return.

The former women’s champion has not wrestled for AEW since last October. After her feud with Jamie Hayter that started at All In London, the wrestling veteran took time off to focus on other projects.

In a new interview with TMZ, Saraya was asked when she would be returning to the ring. The female star confirmed that she is medically cleared to compete and they’re just waiting on the right storyline to reintroduce her on TV:

“I don’t know. I’m ready to go now. It’s just trying to find the best way to introduce me again. Which I think I would love to go against Mercedes. I think it’s important. She ended my career in a way. It’s wrestling, it happens. But coming back I feel like it’d be really great to face off against her.”

Saraya known as Paige in WWE had to retire from active competition in December 2017 after battling neck issues for a long time. Her last match in the company came at a live event where she suffered a neck injury while taking a kick from Sasha Banks now known as Mercedes Mone in AEW.

Apart from this, the former Total Divas star discussed Nikki Bella’s separation with her husband and the former champion teasing her return to WWE. She also revealed that her current contract with AEW expires later this year. You can check out her comments on the matter here.

New Janel Grant complaint accuses McMahon, WWE of using her ‘like commodity;’ new texts and communications

BJ Bethel
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Janel Grant, the former World Wrestling Entertainment employee who filed a complaint against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE last year, filed an amended complaint on Friday in Connecticut federal district court.

The new complaint accused McMahon of using Grant like a “commodity” through sex assault and sex trafficking.

In a press release, attorneys for Grant accused McMahon of the following:

  • “McMahon sent a text message to Grant, where he fantasized in graphic detail about watching as a group of men are “surrounding” her and leaving her physically “wrecked,” underscoring how he viewed her as a commodity to offer to others.”
  • “A text message from McMahon to Ms. Grant where he makes clear that only McMahon has the power to “arrange” Ms. Grant’s sexual encounters.”  
  • “An occasion where McMahon video recorded Ms. Grant while nude for Laurinaitis, without Ms. Grant’s knowledge or consent.” 
  • “Details about the sham investigation WWE proclaimed to conduct in 2022 after it became public that McMahon signed NDAs with multiple women, in which “investigators” refused to interview Ms. Grant.”
  • “The transcript of a voice message from McMahon to Ms. Grant, where he attempts to coerce her into signing an NDA “really f***in’ fast” so he doesn’t get kicked out of his own “f***in’ company.”

Representatives for Vince McMahon sent SEScoops the following statement from his attorney Jessica T. Rosenberg: “As expected, the proposed amended complaint is nothing more than the latest publicity stunt in an ongoing smear campaign. It is filled with desperate falsehoods from a team that continues to disregard the law and the truth.”

The complaint included additional text messages and communications between McMahon and Grant and gave more details on the allegations against McMahon, Laurinaitis and a physical therapist at Peak Wellness. It also included communications with other WWE staff.

One portion of the complaint said McMahon forced Grant to film material for him to give to Michael Hayes and other WWE employees on the production crew.

The complaint said a new office, designed with knowledge of WWE execs Nick Khan and Brad Blum, was built for Laurinaitis that gave him an internal door to Grant’s office. The office was said to be located on the same wall as an office for Paul Levesque.

It also alleged McMahon could be seen looking at photos of Grant while being filmed for the 2024 Mr. McMahon Netflix documentary.

“McMahon recklessly obtained Ms. Grant’s nude photos while being filmed for a documentary and shots of him viewing her nude images aired on Netflix in 2024 for the world to see,” the complaint said.

The amended complaint said McMahon had originally violated the non-disclosure agreement signed by him and Grant, accusing McMahon of leaking the information to a media blogger.

Judge Sarah F. Russell denied Grant’s motion for a status conference on Jan. 16 and also denied McMahon, WWE and Laurinaitis’s request to hold a motion for arbitration hearing until after Grant filed her amended complaint.

SEScoops has reached out to The Ringer, which produced the Mr. McMahon documentary for Netflix for comment.

CM Punk On SmackDown, Teases WrestleMania Showdown With Kevin Owens

Thomas Lowson
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CM Punk On SmackDown, Teases WrestleMania Showdown With Kevin Owens

The January 31 episode of WWE SmackDown took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, just one day before the highly anticipated 2025 Royal Rumble. Monday Night Raw’s CM Punk made an appearance on the show and the Best in the World had plenty to say.

The night kicked off with an interview segment featuring Joe Tessitore and Kevin Owens who continued to fuel his storyline with Cody Rhodes. Owens blasted Tessitore as a “Cody Rhodes fanboy” and grabbed the Winged Eagle title he had previously handed over at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Before Owens could leave, CM Punk made his entrance to a thunderous reaction from the Indianapolis crowd. A “holy s***” chant erupted as the two had their first face off since Punk’s return to WWE in November 2023.

Punk made clear that if he wins the Royal Rumble and Owens defeats Cody Rhodes, the WrestleMania main event would be CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens. Once again, Punk made clear that he plans on challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship should he win the Men’s Royal Rumble match.

2025 Royal Rumble: Preview, Matches, How to Watch

Owens liked the idea of beating Punk at WrestleMania, but said he hopes Punk doesn’t win the Royal Rumble. The Prizefighter explained that he wanted Punk to live with the fact that he’s never main-evented WrestleMania—something Owens has done twice. Punk fired back by mocking Owens’ past defeats at the Royal Rumble, including last year’s loss to Logan Paul. After this intense face-off, it remains to be seen if fans get to see these two trade blows at WrestleMania 41.

Drew McIntyre Reveals How His Mother’s Struggles Became His Wrestling Motivation

Anutosh Bajpai
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Drew McIntyre Reveals How His Mother’s Struggles Became His Wrestling Motivation

Drew McIntyre has opened up about his mom’s struggles with cancer and how it inspires him to continue pushing the envelope in his wrestling career.

The former world champion spoke to BBC recently to promote Saturday’s WWE Royal Rumble event. He reiterated his comments about wanting to confront John Cena and discussed the possibility of WrestleMania in Scotland.

Speaking about his late mom Angela, McIntyre talked about her battle with the rare brain condition cerebellar ataxia. Drew mentioned how his mom’s fighting spirit became the example that led to him achieving his dream of becoming the first name from Scotland to be signed by WWE:

“I guess her example is what pushed me to do the unattainable. She was living a normal life, working in Littlewoods and suddenly she couldn’t walk properly (through cerebellar ataxia). She was told perhaps she’d never live a normal life. She fought through, she met my dad and had my brother and I.”

Superhero For A Mum: Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre discussed how his parents supported his dream when most people thought that he was insane. While his mom passed away from cancer in 2012 at the age of 51, she remains the biggest motivation for him to continue working hard:

“When she became sick the cancer didn’t slow her down. Just observing her growing up, and everything she went through all the way to the end of her life, keeping her chin up and keeping a positive attitude, had an effect on me. If I’ve got a superhero for a mum this wrestling dream’s easy.”

The Scottish Warrior has declared his entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble alongside other big names such as CM Punk, John Cena and more. You can check out our Royal Rumble hub for the latest news regarding the event.

Stephanie McMahon Makes Surprise WWE SmackDown Appearance

Thomas Lowson
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Stephanie McMahon Makes Surprise WWE SmackDown Appearance

Stephanie McMahon made a rare on-screen appearance during the January 31 edition of WWE SmackDown, the go-home episode of the blue brand ahead of the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE.

After Chelsea Green retained her Women’s United States Championship against Michin via disqualification, WWE aired a package hyping Charlotte Flair’s return in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. After that, Stephanie McMahon was shown sitting ringside, smiling, as WWE spotlighted her upcoming ESPN+ series, Stephanie’s Places. McMahon wasn’t alone for the show as she was with Nick Khan’s son.

McMahon didn’t cut a promo or get physical, but her presence alone generated a lot of buzz from the fans. After SummerSlam 2024, McMahon’s husband Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque said that while she did not have an established role in WWE, the promotion would love to have her back. McMahon parted ways with WWE in January 2023 around the time her father Vince McMahon forced his way back.

Stephanie’s Places

Stephanie’s Places will launch on ESPN+ this March and see McMahon team with several WWE Superstars and legends. McMahon has said that she hopes the show will prove useful for fans, not only giving them insight into a wrestler but advice on how to overcome obstacles. A trailer for the show has confirmed The Bloodline and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin as guests on the show.

Learn More About Stephanie’s Places, Coming to ESPN+ This March

McMahon’s appearance on SmackDown is the latest for Stephanie and follows on from her presence at WrestleMania 40, SummerSlam 2024, and WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Stephanie McMahon, including any future appearances on WWE TV.

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