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Steph De Lander talks TNA appearances, contract status, Cardona injury

Steph De Lander, one-half of the Fightful Award Winning 2023 Indie Act of the Year, joined Fightful for an exclusive interview. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp spoke with the Australian native for over thirty minutes.

Sean kicked the interview off by asking De Lander what it is like knowing that people might know her more now as Steph DeLadner than when she was Persia Pirotta in the WWE. She said, It feels good, but it's also by design; everything that I do is intentio...

WWE Draft, Smackdown News

Night one of the WWE Draft is complete.

As Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported throughout the week, talent did not know until the day of the WWE Draft where they were headed, and many didn't find out until the show was on the air. As of Saturday, the talent in the Raw Draft Pool still weren't given any indication. Most had a pretty good idea Carmelo Hayes was heading to Smackdown, as he was on the travel list for that day and on internal rundowns throughout the afternoon.

We asked...

Alex's SOUR GRAPS: SmackDown 4/26 | DRAFT DAY

It's the first day of the WWE Draft, which--if past occasions have taught us anything--will give us plenty of nonsensical things to be sour about.

Not sure what else we have on tap tonight, but whatever it is...

Everything sucks. (Just like, as a general rule.) Let's talk about it.

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bIWR1sJoXA

Select Portions: Tony Khan/NFL Network, Max Caster, More

• As things stand, there will not be a Smackdown rundown before the show tonight. It will return on Monday.

• Max Caster is not suspended, and is scheduled to perform this weekend.

• As of this afternoon, talent we'd spoken to in WWE did not know where they were being drafted to.

• Fightful is dropping our interview with Steph De Lander Sunday, and Ivar next week.

• For those asking about Tamina and Omos' status after not being listed ...

  2024-04-26 20:46:26 +0000 UTC View Post

SRS Q&A 4/26

• WrestleMania

• Tony Khan angle

• WWE Draft

• Kenny Omega

• CM Punk

• Jack Perry

FREE POST: Shelton Benjamin's Return To Europe Revealed

Shelton Benjamin is coming back to Europe.

For the first time since his WWE release, Shelton Benjamin is returning to Europe. Fightful Select has learned that Benjamin is competing in Super Strong Style 16 on 26th and 27th May alongside the likes of Simon Miller, KC Navarro, Tate Mayfairs, Man Like Dereiss, RKJ and Luke Jacobs. With others also due to be announced soon.

The event will be available to watch on Demand PROGRESS PLUS.

Lots of WWE Draft News!

The WWE Draft is upon us, and we have some more details of how talent learned about the Draft processes.

As of Wednesday, talent that Fightful had spoken to had not been told about how the draft would work, what brand they would be going to or any other details, besides the upcoming bookings that were set in their talent relations app. WWE did not provide any insight into the method as to whether a few stars would be drafted to specific brands or if a full re-draft would take place. Tal...

SRS Q&A Questions

Ask away, one per subscriber!

To make it easy, I don't know where anyone is being drafted at this moment

Notable Omissions And Inclusions In WWE Draft Pools

The WWE Draft pools have been announced, and there are some interesting inclusions and omissions.

Omissions:

Omos & MVP- Omos appeared in several battle royals since the last draft, but has primarily been used on live events. Both were free agents after last year's draft, with the kayfabe explanation that MVP negotiated their status'.

Rhea Ripley- Rhea Ripley is sidelined for months with an injury, but is expected to rejoin Raw down...

Details on top TNA star's contract

It's official, Steve Maclin is staying with TNA Wrestling.

At TNA Rebellion, Steve Maclin came out with a new contract that was offered to him by the company. He noted that he hadn't signed it, and demanded a match, which he lost to the returning (and signed) Mike Santana. However, Maclin hadn't signed the deal, at least in kayfabe.

In reality, Maclin has signed a new contract to remain with TNA Wrestling, Fightful Select can confirm. Maclin joined the company in 2021 and in 2023 ...

Get Your Questions In! Ask Grapsody, Today @ 5 PM EST.

*The audio issue has been resolved. Apologies for the delay.

Phil and Righteous Reg are back with another Fightful Select Q&A! Get your questions in!

AEW Dynasty Questions?
WWE Draft Questions?
NBA Playoffs?

YOUTUBE LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Yoein8Eto

Update on top indie wrestler's contract status

A top independent wrestler remains a free agent after their recent appearances on TNA Wrestling.

Steph De Lander has been a regular on TNA TV of late, competing against Jordynne Grace in a Knockouts Championship match on TNA Rebellion. However, De Lander tells Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp that she remains a free agent. As of now, she's also expected to work the TNA Under Siege show, as well as the Albany tapings, and they'll see where things go from there.

De Lander has worked...

More on Swerve Strickland/Dynamite/Collision

Swerve Strickland's title reign started off with a match this week, leading many to wonder why he didn't get a promo or a celebration.

Fightful inquired after readers had asked, and we were told that the plan was to give Swerve Strickland a big lead in from the NBA on Collision for his first promo as champion. That segment has since been announced.

The idea that was relayed to us was that hopefully Swerve would benefit from the best lead in of AEW's 2024 year, as Celtics vs. Heat...

News on Tony Khan AEW angle

Tony Khan is selling the effects of his injury, even on a closed set.

Fightful Select has learned that Tony Khan didn't just immediately sell the effects of his attack at the end of AEW Dynamite, but did all through the night, as well.

We're told that the advertised Chucky T and Trent Parking Lot Brawl was filmed early Thursday, and Tony Khan was on scene for it. However, he was selling and in a neck brace after being beaten down by The Elite.

There were wrestlers immediat...

FREE POST: Jimmy Uso injured

Some unfortunate news to emerge out of the WWE Draft Pool announcements.

Fightful Select has learned that Jimmy Uso has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury. We weren't given details on how long he's out, but it was enough to keep him out of the WWE Draft Pool after being booted from the Bloodline.

We wish Jimmy a speedy recovery.

Details behind Cameron Grimes' release and future

Cameron Grimes was unfortunately the latest WWE release.

Grimes revealed on April 23 that WWE called him and informed him of his release. Fightful Select reiterated this week that despite it being reported by other outlets, we’d not confirmed that releases were done, or if and when there would be more. Von Wagner, Saurav, Veer, Jinder Mahal, Xia Li and Xyon Quinn were also release.

We’re told that Cameron Grimes’ release was unexpected by many in the company for various reas...

Backstage Notes And Producers For This Week’s NXT

Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan has found out the following details from last night’s WWE NXT.

- Much like Carmelo Hayes and Bron Breakker, Ilja Dragunov received a send off once he got backstage.

- The simple internal title for this week’s episode was “Spring Breakin’ 2024”.

- As teased on last night’s show, Baron Corbin is expected to be drafted to RAW or SmackDown in the WWE Draft.

- There was a somewhat somber atmosphere backstage due to...

NXT Spring Breakin' Night One Plans And Scoops Thread

Fightful Select's Corey Brennan has learned the following plans for tonight's special Spring Breakin’ episode of NXT.

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers.

Match Order, subject to change.

- NXT Women’s Title: Roxanne Perez vs Lyra Valkyria vs Tatum Paxley

- D’Angelo Family vs No Quarter Catch Crew

- Fallon Henley vs Jaida Parker

- NXT Underground Contract Signing: Lola Vice vs Natalya

- Beach Brawl Match: Sol Ruc...

New Name Begins Producing In NXT

Producing in WWE has become a job that has been assigned to several in-ring talents in recent weeks, as Fightful Select has previously reported Pete Dunne and Shawn Spears learning how to produce matches for WWE Speed and NXT, respectively.

Now, there is another new face listed as a producer for tonight’s edition of NXT. Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan has learned that Robert Stone is set to produce for the first time and is listed to co-produce a match between Fallon Henley and Jai...

WWE Raw Backstage News, Producers, More

• As highlighted last night, Dominik Mysterio's injury is legit.

• After not being listed since WrestleMania, Michael Hayes was back on the producer lists.

• Several wrestlers were given the night off following a tough European tour.

• Fightful is set to interview Steph De Lander tomorrow. Let us know if you have any questions for her.

• For those asking, Sheamus was said to be okay with the "burgers after burgers" line.

• 2024-04-23 17:00:07 +0000 UTC View Post

Fightful Weekender (4/22): ICW NHB, GCW, AIW, DPW, NXT LEVEL UP, TNA & ROH SPOILERS

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

- ICW NHB: "No Holds Barred Pitfighter X19" + "No Holds Barred Vol. 62" results

- GCW: "How High" + "Breaking GCW" results

- TNA IMPACT! SPOILERS (50 min-54 min)

- AIW: "When The Smoke Clears" results

- DPW: "No Pressure" results

- NXT Level Up (4/19) results

- ROH HONORCLUB SPOILERS (61 min-end)

Alex's SOUR GRAPS: Raw 4/22 | A New Era of Sour

Kate is off tonight, because her immune system is running from the grind. You hate to see it.

So the Sour will be solo tonight, but there's much to discuss, including a new Women's Champion crowned in a Battle Royal tonight, Gunther declaring for the King of the Ring, Imperium breaking up (yes really, and no, I'm not okay about it), and of course, Dominick's new mustache.

Everything sucks. Let's talk about it.

Youtube Link: 2024-04-23 02:15:00 +0000 UTC View Post

Free Post: Dominik Mysterio update

Dominik Mysterio is sidelined with an injury.

Last week, Fightful Select reported that former NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio was off the European tour, and replaced by Ricochet. We'd also reported tonight that Santos Escobar was set to team with JD McDonagh on WWE Raw instead of Dominik as previously advertised.

Dominik Mysterio appeared on WWE Raw with a sling, in what we're told is a legitimate injury. We've not heard of a timetable for his return as of yet.

...

WWE Raw Plans

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

Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers

• Damian Priest promo

• Tag Titles: Awesome Truth vs. DIY

• Gunther promo

• SPOILER TAG MATCH

• Drew McIntyre promo

• Sheamus vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

• Chad Gable promo

• Ricochet & Andrade vs. Judgment Day (SPOILER)

  2024-04-22 23:53:16 +0000 UTC View Post

Finn Balor re-signs with WWE.

WWE is retaining a big name and a former Universal Champion.

Finn Balor posted on X Monday, "I would like to take this moment to say thank you to WWE for 10 incredible years. And after much thought and consideration , I have decided that now is the right time to say ‘I ain’t going nowhere!"

Fightful had heard Monday that Balor was staying with WWE, and was signing a long-term contract extension with the company. Balor's deal was set to be up within the next couple of months. 2024-04-22 23:36:51 +0000 UTC View Post

SRS Backstage Report 4/22: WWE Releases, More

• WWE releases

• AEW Dynasty

• Adam Cole

• Jeff Hardy

• Drew McIntyre

• Trick Williams

• MXM and SGW

• Kyle O'Reilly

• WrestleMania 41

• Giulia WWE

• Shawn Spears

• Raw/Smackdown/NXT

Details Behind Von Wagner, Other Releases

WWE conducted releases last week, with us finding out about another one on April 22.

Fightful Select confirmed that Von Wagner was released, after spending five years in WWE.

Fightful followed up about the main roster status of Von Wagner at the end of the year after the longtime NXT talent was included in the WWE main roster draft last year. In the draft, Wagner was included in the pool, but listed as a free agent, only to quickly return to NXT.

Wagner competed in one main...

Free Post: Another WWE release from last week

Unfortunately, there were more WWE releases that took place last week.

We'd noted on Select that we'd not verified that all of the releases had been announced, and we've heard of another. Longtime NXT talent Von Wagner was released from the company.

Wagner had been included in the WWE Draft last year, but never had main roster plans

Alex & Kate's SOUR GRAPS: AEW Dynasty 2024 | In The House Of The Rising Sun

Did Swerve finish the story against Samoa Joe?
Who won the Battle of the Best, Ospreay or Danielson?
Did Toni Storm manage to retain, or has Thunder struck twice?
Is Willow your new TBS champion?
Who won the ladder match for the Tag Titles, Bucks or FTR?
Did PAC & Okada wrestle an absolute classic?
Was Roddy vs KOR an emotional slugfest?
Did the House of Black cast a shadow of darkness over Adam Copeland-and-two-guys-he-has-absolutely-nothing-in-common-with?

And...

AEW Dynasty SCOOPS THREAD

Welcome to the Fightful Select AEW Dynasty scoops thread. We'll constantly update this throughout the night with more info!

• We're told that Adam Cole is in town for the show.
  
• We're told AEW has creative set for numerous top talent months ahead as things stand.
  
• There is at least one special entrance planned for this show.
  
• We've not heard of MJF being involved in this show.
  

There had been other venues considered for Dynasty...