Rhea Ripley has sustained an injury, unfortunately.
PWInsider reported that Rhea Ripley was injured on WWE Raw last week, and may be forced to vacate the Women's World Championship she's held for over one year.
We're told that word had emerged shortly after the segment within WWE that Ripley was injured, and as far back as last Wednesday there was internal discussion that she may need to vacate the title.
Early indications were that the situation was a freak accident, and ha...
2024-04-15 19:40:33 +0000 UTC
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We’ve learned more about the process of Drew McIntyre’s WWE contract after we reported last week he’d yet to re-sign with the company.
As highlighted last year, his deal was originally set to expire before WrestleMania, before having time added to it that took him further than that. However, it doesn’t take him much further than that, as Fightful Select has learned that the deal is actually up before June. Those that we’ve spoken to in WWE said that McIntyre has been pro...
2024-04-15 19:31:45 +0000 UTC
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The WWE Draft is fast approaching, with a renewed focus on NXT’s part in the event on WWE television.
There have been a few question marks over NXT’s role in the draft, one being the possibility of main roster talent being drafted to NXT. Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan has learned from sources close to the NXT creative process that this is not just a tease, with The Final Testament and Ivar’s appearances on this past Tuesday’s edition of NXT setting the stage for other main r...
2024-04-14 22:00:04 +0000 UTC
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STEPHEN JENSEN is back with a new edition of the WEEKENDER!
- NJPW: "Windy City Riot" results
- ACTION: "DEAN~!!!" results
- ICW NHB: "No Holds Barred Vol. 61: International Death Summit" results
- TNA: "Rebellion" predictions
- NWA: "Powerrr" (4/9) results
- NXT Level Up (4/12) results
- GLORY PRO: "Ascend" (Ep. 31) results
- AEW: "Dynasty" predictions
- ROH HONORCLUB SPOILERS (58 min-end)
2024-04-14 19:29:55 +0000 UTC
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There was fear of Julia Hart being injured this past week on Dynamite, but she's still advertised for this upcoming week's match. We're told that isn't an error and she is expected at the show.
We're told that ahead of his AEW contract expiring, Matt Hardy had not been backstage at recent AEW shows.
Those that we spoke to from around WrestleMania said that Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga both made good impressions last week. Tama Tonga has many friends within ...
2024-04-14 17:00:09 +0000 UTC
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This year has seen some big changes for New Japan Pro Wrestling, and that might not be ending.
Friday night on Smackdown, Tama Tonga debuted for WWE, joining the Bloodline. After years of playing footsie with WWE, Tonga finally joined. He'd previously confirmed to Fightful that both he and Hikuleo had conversations with WWE in 2023.
Fightful Select has learned that although his tag team partner El Phantasmo’s NJPW contract was only through January (as of Wrestle Kingdom when w...
2024-04-13 23:37:45 +0000 UTC
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Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp spoke with Natalya, the former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion, before WrestleMania XL in Philadelphia for an exclusive interview with Fightful Select.
Sean mentioned to Natalya that she was seen backstage at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X event. She excitedly said, “I just love that we can all celebrate wrestling this weekend. I mean, this is the biggest WWE WrestleMania in WWE history, and when we have WrestleMania, we all come together and celebrate ...
2024-04-13 22:35:29 +0000 UTC
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Tama Tonga was backstage and wasn't hidden throughout the day
Pete Dunne has been producing all the WWE Speed matches
While Michael Hayes and Bobby Roode have usually been tasked with producing Bloodline segments, this week it was Jason Jordan
There were producers listed for multiple segments that didn't have physicality, which usually isn't the case.
We've heard WWE were happy with Tama Tonga getting the reaction he d...
2024-04-13 16:00:09 +0000 UTC
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Cody said ... something. I didn't catch it.
There's a bunch of guys vying to be his first challenger, but they're all kind of boring options, tbh.
Solo has usurped the throne at the head of the table, and Tama Tonga's coming along for the ride.
Just give Bianca & Jade the Tag Titles now and save us all some time.
Bron is back to squashing guys, and Baron is chopped liver, apparently.
But hey, we got Naomi vs Tiffany, so that was pretty good.
Rampage is ...
2024-04-13 01:55:17 +0000 UTC
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Tama Tonga is in WWE, and the Bloodline.
Tama Tonga has been eyed for WWE for quite some time, and is now inserted in one of the top storylines in the company. Solo Sikoa introduced him into the Bloodline, kicking Jimmy Uso out. Tonga's official WWE debut was a long time coming, and one that has been expected over the last few months.
Thus far we haven't heard any info on if his brothers Hikuleo or Tonga Loa are targeted by WWE. However, Jacob Fatu has been signed by WWE, and was ...
2024-04-13 01:12:57 +0000 UTC
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Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp has learned the following plans for WWE Smackdown, subject to change
Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers
-- Cody Rhodes promo
-- Contender Tourney: LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar vs. Bobby Lashley
-- Bloodline in ring promo
-- Cameron Grimes vs. Bron Breakker
-- Bayley Promo
-- Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton
-- SPOILER TAG TEAM MATCH
-- Contender Tourney: Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles vs. Rey Myst...
2024-04-12 23:45:22 +0000 UTC
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Dan Ventrelle, EVP of Talent is out from WWE after a year and a half with a the company.
Ventrelle was seemingly not adored by talent on a professional level, as we’ve heard several pointing the finger at him as a reason why many deals have nearly reached expiration. We’re told that he was actively discussing several new deals at the time of his return, but several within the industry didn’t feel as if he was an appropriate fit in the position he was in, negotiating deals with tal...
2024-04-12 23:11:02 +0000 UTC
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WrestleMania documentary
Perry/Punk footage
Malakai Black
Mania 41
Zilla Fatu
Britt Baker
Athena
CM Punk
Talent relations shakeup
Rossy company
2024-04-12 13:00:16 +0000 UTC
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Rob Wilkins and Kaden Lee will preview NJPW's Windy City Riot.
YOUTUBE LINK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=575wyy8piB8
2024-04-11 23:37:18 +0000 UTC
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Drew Gulak Update
Drew Gulak is currently under scrutiny due to allegations of sexual misconduct levied at him by Ronda Rousey, and we have an update on Gulak’s status.
As noted by many during last night’s NXT, No Quarter Catch Crew’s titantron was changed to omit Gulak’s name. Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan is told this is a relatively easy change to make and that the choice to use Charlie Dempsey’s music was also an intentional one.
Brennan has learned that...
2024-04-11 22:40:35 +0000 UTC
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For those asking about WrestleMania XL Behind the Curtain, we sort of have an answer.
The documentary, chronicling the changes to WrestleMania XL, was advertised for a Wednesday debut on YouTube. However, that came and went.
Fightful spoke with WWE sources who said that the move has been made to add footage from this past weekend to the show. We were not given an update on the new release time or date.
2024-04-11 21:35:32 +0000 UTC
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Dan Ventrelle is out of WWE.
Aaron Varble of SEScoops reported the news today, which Fightful Select has confirmed that EVP of Talent Dan Ventrelle is out of the role he's been in since September 2022.
WWE sent out a memo saying the following:
"WWE has begun the process of reorganizing its Talent Relations group. Moving forward, Chris Legentil, in addition to his role in Comms, will help us in leading this new group. Matt Altman, in addition to his role in marketing, will be...
2024-04-11 20:51:00 +0000 UTC
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Ask Away!
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK46tcofSF4
2024-04-11 18:43:02 +0000 UTC
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AEW Dynamite this week featured a few WWE shots, references and answers.
One of which was from Will Ospreay, where he responded to a shot Triple H took at him saying "When I see people trying to make it, and they pick the job where they go, 'Well I work less and the schedule's lighter,' okay I'm glad I didn't get you. Because if you're not in it for the grind in that point in your career, you have no business being here."
Ospreay responded on AEW Dynamite, saying "Normally I would...
2024-04-11 17:11:03 +0000 UTC
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The CM Punk/Jack Perry footage aired on AEW Dynamite. It certainly happened.
As Fightful reported last weekend, it was the actual footage and not a bait and switch. Regardless of how you feel about the footage, or the decision, we've collected reactions from the wrestling world.
Most of the reactions we heard were very tepid, with many saying it was much of what they expected, that that it was a one night ratings ploy. There was talk of the mood decreasing backstage at AEW Dynamit...
2024-04-11 17:00:45 +0000 UTC
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For those having trouble, our friend Mike Staw helped us out with this tutorial.
To join the Fightful Select Discord, members need to do the following:
-- Go to your settings
-- Click More and choose "Connected Apps"
-- There will be an option to link your discord account.
-- It can't be done via the app. Has to be via mobile browser or on their computer
Once the link happens, they will be able to open Discord and see the server is there. There role will automati...
2024-04-11 14:45:21 +0000 UTC
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Since our last Drew McIntyre contract update, McIntyre has won and lost the World Heavyweight Title, and a major show for Scotland has been announced. Leading to many believing he's re-signed a new contract.
Well, the update is that there's no update, as at least according to what McIntyre has told talent and those close to him, he still has no new contract with WWE. However, even though this isn't customary of previous eras of WWE, we're told it's not cause for alarm with the new regim...
2024-04-10 17:48:09 +0000 UTC
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SRS and Jimmy keep things going!
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/dDzOqNrFdow
2024-04-10 17:35:37 +0000 UTC
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Notes and producers courtesy of Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan.
- Last night was Bron Breakker’s final night in NXT, and had a send off both in the ring and backstage. There have been pitches for Baron Corbin to join Breakker on SmackDown and continue their tag team on the main roster.
- Tatum Paxley’s heel turn was not rehearsed and was kept to those involved in NXT’s opening segment.
- Oba Femi’s promo and Brinley Reece vs Jaida Parker were swapped around from t...
2024-04-10 15:55:17 +0000 UTC
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NXT Plans
Fightful Select's Corey Brennan has learned the following plans for tonight's NXT, subject to change.
Please be cognizant of those who wish to avoid spoilers.
Segment Order
- Roxanne Perez Promo
- Kelani Jordan and Fallon Henley vs Izzy Dame and Kiana James
- Je’Von Evans vs SCRYPTS
- NXT Women’s Championship Match: Roxanne Perez vs Natalya
- The Family (Stacks and Luca Crusifino) vs No Quarter Catch Crew (Damon Kemp and Myles Borne)
- ...
2024-04-09 20:45:32 +0000 UTC
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Cody Rhodes finished his story, and set some records along the way.
WrestleMania XL saw Cody Rhodes win the WWE Championship over Roman Reigns, avenging his WrestleMania 39 loss. However, he bettered another WrestleMania 39 performance along the way.
An internal WWE memo went out to several members of WWE stating that between WWE World and Shop, Cody Rhodes sold over $1 million in merchandise throughout WrestleMania weekend. It was noted that this broke his WrestleMania weekend re...
2024-04-09 19:10:08 +0000 UTC
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2024-04-09 16:51:54 +0000 UTC
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- Andrew Zarian on the first ever edition of Beyond the Bell on Fightful, reported that Forbidden Door is no longer planned for Arthur Ashe Stadium. We
were
- told NJPW didn't want to split the high production costs of running that
enue, but NJPW denies this
thought they claim that aspect ...
2024-04-09 16:46:46 +0000 UTC
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At NXT Stand And Deliver on Saturday afternoon, Giulia was shown in the same capacity as former free agents of the past on NXT programming, appearing in the crowd during the show.
Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan has learned that Giulia has agreed to join WWE officially, and will finish out her remaining dates which will include some time in Rossy Ogawa’s upcoming promotion. Sean Ross Sapp has also been told that Giulia did not seek an agent during her free agency.
Sources...
2024-04-09 16:00:12 +0000 UTC
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Several beach balls were confiscated from WWE Raw
Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green was originally scheduled after the Ilja Dragunov match. At the top of hour one, the match was moved.
Ricochet's improvisation to apologize to Samantha Irvin before his spot went over well.
Triple H gave a heart felt thank you to the crews after WWE Raw signed off
John Cena is expected to be gone from WWE programming again.
We're t...
2024-04-09 12:00:07 +0000 UTC
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