fightful

TNA Slammiversary SCOOPS THREAD

TNA Slammiversary is tonight, and Fightful Select has a ton of scoops.

• Alex Hammerstone is on the scene, and is likely to be factored back in to plans.
  
• There were numerous wrestlers who faced travel woes getting into town. As of this morning there were still a couple talent who hadn't made it in, but they were hopeful.
  
• Some talent ended up driving in and getting in during the wee hours of the morning. There were some flight cancelations that forced s...
  2024-07-20 17:58:42 +0000 UTC View Post

Alex's SOUR GRAPS: SmackDown Review & Rampage WatchAlong 7/19 | Standing on Bees Knees

Kevin Owens is back and he's looking for a fight.

Andrade vs Carmelo was the main roster TV match of the year?

Tiffany Stratton takes on Michin. Didn't anyone ever tell Bayley that babyfaces aren't supposed to have any friends?

Logan Paul & Larry Knight are having a contract signing, and I'm sure there will be no shenanigans whatsoever.

The Conglomeration is in action on Rampage. Will Orange Cassidy continue his turn to the dark side?

AEW is now on HBO Max, b...

SPOILERS: Next week's WWE Smackdown Plans

Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp has learned the following details for next week's WWE Smackdown, subject to change.

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers.

• LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar

• Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair in ring promo with Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn

• Top Contender Gauntlet match: Street Profits, Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews, Good Brothers Pretty Deadly, Legado Del Fantasma, Bloodline

• A Town Down Under p...

  2024-07-19 22:58:53 +0000 UTC View Post

Travel issues and how they affect this weekend in wrestling

A global IT issue will cause wrestling to look a lot different this weekend.

A worldwide issue that affected flights and planes is already affecting things for wrestling promotions. GCW announced that there were changes to their weekend shows, and they likely won't be the only ones.

Chelsea Green faced delays as she highlighted on social media, but was still featured on Smackdown. Everyone ended up making that show.

TNA Slammiversary this weekend benefited by happening on...

EARLY Smackdown Scoops Thread

Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp has learned the following details for tonight's WWE Smackdown, subject to change.

THIS WILL BE UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT!

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers.

• Cody Rhodes segment
  
• Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes
  
• Bayley-Nia Jax interview
  
• SPOILER BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
  
• SPOILER MATCH
  
• Logan Paul-LA Knight contract signing
  
• Michin vs. Tiffany Stratton
  2024-07-19 22:03:22 +0000 UTC View Post

Hikuleo's WWE agreement confirmed

A NJPW veteran and common sense hiring has been confirmed to Fightful Select.

Hikuleo finished up with New Japan Pro Wrestling a month ago, dropping the NJPW Strong Tag Team Titles. Hikuleo hasn’t been seen since, and was heavily implied as leaving the company. Fightful had previously reported that his deal was up in June, and was expected to leave the company.

Hikuelo was widely expected to join WWE as his brothers Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa did in the previous months. WWE source...

Streaming Platform Interested In Wrestling Product

A television platform could be dipping its toes back into the wrestling world.

Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp has learned that Fox streaming platform Tubi has shown interest in investing in a wrestling product on its platform. Details are few and far between, but we’re told that the discussions haven’t been with an active company, as opposed to wanting to try out something new from scratch.

Back in 2021, Tubi was poised to bring MLW onto the platform. However a lawsuit ens...

Sidelined AEW talent backstage at the show

A long-injured AEW talent was backstage at this week's Dynamite.

Fightful Select has learned that Charlette Renegade was backstage at the July 17 episode of AEW Dynamite. We're told that she was taking steps to finally get cleared after being out of action throughout all of 2024.

Sources that Fightful spoke to indicated that she's been working to get cleared for quite some time. Both of the Renegades were backstage at the show, and sources had indicated that the two have gotten cl...

AEW Talent Could Be Back Soon

A pillar could be back on tv soon.

Former AEW TNT Champion Sammy Guevara has been out of action since February, when he was suspended due to a protocol issue regarding his match with Jeff Hardy. Over a month after Hardy himself left the company, Guevara could be poised to return. Or at least it’s been discussed.

Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp has learned that Guevara’s return to tv has been discussed over the last few weeks. It should be noted that Guevara has not been sus...

Fightful Select Q&A with In The Weeds, Joel Pearl & Jeremy Lambert

Joel and Jeremy of In The Weeds are filling in for Sean Ross Sapp and recorded this week's Q&A! 

Sean could have perhaps recorded the Q&A this week, but he will likely be recovering after his match tomorrow night with Effy at GCW's Believe Me 2024 in Louisville.

MXM BURY THE WORLD

Fightful Select caught up with Mason Madden and Mansoor at the Squared Circled Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. The former WWE tag team and Retribution stablemates joined Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp for an exclusive interview, that ended up having a delayed release as they quickly headed to Uganda for SGW and spoke with Fightful then.

The interview began with Sean mentioning Mason Madden and Mansoor have done shows at Fightful, but none with him. Madden asked if Sean was shaming them for ...

Update on the state of Ring of Honor

If you’ve been wanting more care given to Ring of Honor, the claim is there’s good news for you.

In recent weeks, Fightful Select has inquired about the future of Ring of Honor, whether it be generally, or as it relates to AEW’s upcoming media rights deal. At least in the short term, we’re told that ROH is likely to have more care given to it. The upcoming Arlington tapings were pointed to as what could be a turning point, as the brand is getting dedicated taping shows.

Wh...

WWE Raw, Injury Updates, Producers, More

• For those looking for how to join our discord, the link will follow. Aggregation of items in the discord is prohibited. https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-join-102146416

• Independent wrestler Jake Omen appeared as a security guard on WWE Raw this week.

• Natalya was not backstage at Raw, which has been the norm since signing her new WWE contract.

• Figh...

  2024-07-16 20:36:54 +0000 UTC View Post

Alex & Kate's SOUR GRAPS: Raw 7/15 | Making Up Is Easy To Do

There were tornado warnings where I live, so I couldn't watch Raw in real time.

Also, Kate wanted to wach Fancy Batting Practice.

So both of us will be underprepared for this review.
But what else is new?

The Wyatt Sicks had their first in-ring segment, and Bron decided to ruin the IC Title match, but the main thing is that Mami's back, and Dom lost a match defending her honor, so ... THEY'RE BACK TOGETHER!?!?

Wait that can't be right.

Everything sucks. Let's...

Fightful Weekender (7/15): SCI, ACTION, TWE, AIW, MLW, DPW, NXT LEVEL UP, TNA SLAMMIVERSARY PREDICTIONS

STEPHEN JENSEN is back with a new episode of the WEEKENDER!

- SCI: "Scenic City Invitational Tournament" results

- ACTION: "Futures Showcase Tournament" results

- TWE: "The Night Before" results

- AIW: "Absolution" results

- MLW: "Blood & Thunder" results

- MLW: "Never Say Never" TAPING SPOILERS (53 min-55 min)

- DPW: "Tag Festival" results

- NXT Level Up (7/12) results

- TNA: "Slammiversary" predictions

WWE Raw Plans For Tonight

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select has learned the following plans for tonight's WWE Raw, subject to change.

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers

• Rhea Ripley promo

• Sheamus vs. Bronson Reed

• Gunther vignette

• SPOILER match

• Damian Priest and Gunther face to face

• Damian Priest vs. Braun Strowman

• SPOILER TAG TEAM match

• Drew McIntyre & Adam Pearce meets 2024-07-15 23:59:37 +0000 UTC View Post

FREE POST: Clearing up confusion regarding WWE/trademarked names

On Monday there was discussion that WWE had decided to turn over use of wrestler names that got massively misconstrued online. During a conversation regarding Ethan Page's ring name being trademarked, it was noted elsewhere that WWE was allowing talent to use ring names after leaving the company. Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado were then cited.

However, that's not the case. A good example is in Metalik and Lince Dorado themselves. WWE does not have the ability (in most cases) to prevent a...

MLW and former champion part ways

An independent wrestling standout it a free agent.

Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp has confirmed that Rickey Shane Page is now a free agent, and is no longer under contract with Major League Wrestling. We're told that the departure was an amicable one and the two sides are still on good terms.

Page last wrestled at Battle Riot on June 1, and had appeared for the company over the last two years. Page had also served as an agent, and got very positive reviews for doing so. Along t...

AEW Planning Major Event In New City

AEW is planning another major show.

Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp learned more about All Elite Wrestling's agreement with the Dallas/Arlington/Ft. Worth area, and spoke to many in the know about details that led to Ring of Honor and AEW Collision effectively leading to a residency there. As of now, that's not the only event headed to the area.

Fightful spoke with numerous people with knowledge of the situation in the Dallas/Arlington area that All Elite Wrestling is planning to...

Jeremy and Joel Q&A questions

Hey guys! SRS here. I'm pretty sure I'll get beat to shit in this match with Effy Thursday (Please donate to the Dementia Society of America) so I'm trying something different. I'll be back next Monday with a hybrid Backstage Report Q&A show.

I'm not leaving you guys without a Q&A this week. Jeremy and Joel will be doing one

Jeremy has been our lead news guy and Director of Content, and has covered numerous shows with me, including Wrestlecade.

Joel is set to cov...

SRS Backstage Report Podcast 7/14: ContractaPALOOZA

• Racheal Ellering

• Jordynne Grace

• Joe Hendry

• Marigold

• MXM

• Damon Kemp

• NWA

• Shane Haste

• Jamie Hayter

• Ric Flair

• CJ Perry

• Backstage at NXT

• Natalya contract

• Raw & Smackdown

• Euro news

• Rascalz

Details On Wrestler Signed To AEW

Rachael Ellering hasn’t gotten an All Elite graphic, but she is All Elite, by golly. 

A Fightful Discord subscriber asked about Ellering’s status with the company after ROH’s website included her on their official roster page. 

Sources have indicated to Fightful that Ellering has been signed to an AEW/ROH deal for quite some time. In many circumstances, there are “All Elite” graphics applied, though that isn’t always the case. Whenever we find out of situatio...

WWE Star Backstage At Marigold: Summer Destiny, Update On Zayda Steel, Bozilla, Myla Grace.

On July 13th, Marigold presented their latest event, Summer Destiny. The event was a resounding success, with WWE’s IYO Sky defeating Utami Hayashishita in singles action and Sareee defeating Giulia to become the inaugural Marigold Women’s Champion. In addition, another WWE name was backstage at the event.

Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan has confirmed that Kairi Sane was backstage at Summer Destiny visiting and supporting Iyo Sky. We have not heard if there are plans for Kairi to ...

FREE Post: Trent sidelined with injury

Unfortunate injury news out of AEW tonight.

Tonight's AEW Collision saw Trent taken out by Orange Cassidy with a monkey wrench after months of feuding. However, Trent hasn't competed in the ring in months, since AEW Double or Nothing. Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp confirmed that Trent has been sidelined with an injury.

Trent was in line for a push before he was put out of action, and hasn't been cleared to compete for quite some time.

We wish Trent a speedy recovery.

Smackdown News, Notes, Producers: WWE Speed, More

• Though Natalya has signed with WWE, she's not been at any shows since her new deal started.

• Gallows & Anderson were listed as "The OC" internally.

• WWE is expecting to do big business at this weekend's Mexico shows.

• Angel & Berto are not on this weekend's shows in their hometown. The reasoning was that the cards were already packed because they're "super-shows." Obviously the duo wanted to be on them

• Angel & Berto...

  2024-07-13 21:25:43 +0000 UTC View Post

Natalya Staying With WWE, More Details

A longtime WWE Superstar will remain a WWE Superstar.

Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp has confirmed PWInsider's report that Natalya Neidhart has re-signed with WWE. The deal was completed in late June shortly before it expired. We noted that she was not at WWE Raw last week, but we’re told that there was already a deal in place by then. She has not been at any WWE shows since re-signing

Sapp learned that WWE started talks with Natalya in May. We’re told that Natalya wa...

Alex's SOUR GRAPS: SmackDown Review & Rampage WatchAlong 7/12 | RIP Randy Orton

Randy Orton got murdered by the Bloodline just now.
Jacob Fatu murdered Gargano & Ciampa by himself like five minutes ago.

But that's okay because I'm sure Cody Rhodes will Avenge them.

Rampage looks like an episode of Rampage. Cool.

Everything sucks. Let's talk about it.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/JItgC9Z_jcg

WWE Smackdown Plans

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select learned the following plans for WWE Smackdown, subject to change.

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers

• Tiffy in the Bank celebration

• Michin vs. Nia Jax

• SPOILER TAG MATCH

• SPOILER PROMO

• SPOILER MATCH

• Tag Team Titles: DIY vs. A-Town Down Under

• Solo Sikoa promo

Backstage News

• Braun Strowman vs. Carli...

  2024-07-12 23:44:51 +0000 UTC View Post

SRS Q&A 7/12: Over 30 minutes of your questions!

• Stephanie Vaquer

• MCMG

• Judgment Day

• Wyatts

• Evolution 2

• Shane McMahon

• Kamille

FREE POST: AEW returning to Kentucky

AEW is headed back to Kentucky.

Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp has learned that All Elite Wrestling has secured a date for the September 18 AEW Dynamite in Lexington, Kentucky at Rupp Arena.

Fightful will be on hand for the event.