Tag: WWE

Report: Federal Prosecutors Actively Investigating Former WWE Boss Vince McMahon

Vince McMahon, who was last week accused of sex trafficking and sexual assault by former WWE employee Janel Grant, is reportedly being investigated by federal authorities. According to the Wall Street Journal, individuals close to the investigation have revealed that New York prosecutors have spoken with women who have accused the 78-year-old of sexual misconduct. That investigation is said to have been going on in “recent months.” WSJ reached out to WWE about the matter, but the promotion did not respond.

Last summer, federal agents issued a search warrant for McMahon’s phone. They also served a subpoena relating to allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination against past and present WWE employees. WSJ claims that the grand jury subpoena “offers the first window into the investigation, which began in 2022.” It reportedly includes details of alleged hush-money payments made to those who accused McMahon of sexual misconduct, as well as communications between him and his accusers, including Grant.

Grant filed a 67-page lawsuit against McMahon, WWE’s former Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis, and WWE itself on January 25, just days before the promotion’s Royal Rumble event at St. Petersburg, Florida’s, Tropicana Field. The following day, after one of WWE’s key sponsors Slim Jim paused their involvement with the organization, McMahon tendered his resignation from TKO (WWE’s parent company), where he was a board member and Executive Chairman. Slim Jim has since reactivated its partnership with WWE. Despite resigning, McMahon has denied the allegations and has vowed to clear his name. Meanwhile, Laurinaitis has claimed that he is also a victim in the McMahon case.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

John Laurinaitis Seemingly Confirms Vince McMahon Allegations, Says He’s Also A Victim

Last Thursday, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a 67-page lawsuit against Vince McMahon, WWE, and former WWE executive John Laurinitis outlining allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and a number of other abuses. McMahon has since resigned from his corporate positions at TKO Group Holdings despite denying the accusations against him. Laurinitis, on the other hand, has seemingly confirmed the allegations against McMahon — though not the allegations against himself.

According to a statement provided by Laurinitis’ lawyer, Edward Brennan (via VICE News), the former WWE Head of Talent Relations maintains that he is a victim in this case, much like the plaintiff, Janel Grant.

“Mr. Laurinaitis denies the allegations in the misguided complaint and will be vigorously defending these charges in court, not the media,” Brennan wrote on Laurinaitis’ behalf. “Like the plaintiff, Mr. Laurinaitis is a victim in this case, not a predator. The truth will come out.”

When Brennan was then asked to clarify whether he was claiming McMahon was the predator in this case, he wrote, “Read the allegations. Read the Federal Statute. Power, control, employment supervisory capacity, dictatorial sexual demands with repercussions if not met. Count how many times in the complaint Vince exerts control over both of them.”

As cited in the lawsuit, Laurinaitis was named as one of the men that McMahon allegedly recruited for Grant to regularly have sex with, both with and without McMahon himself involved. Grant was supposedly told to create “explicit content” for Laurinaitis, who she also claims raped her alongside McMahon inside Laurinaitis’ office in WWE Headquarters. Grant’s lawsuit charges Laurinaitis with civil battery, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, and violation of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage Update – Kazuchika Okada In Talks With WWE, AEW Confident About Signing Him

Kazuchika Okada’s contract with NJPW expired at midnight Japan Standard Time, making him a free agent.

Pro Wrestling Tees announced that Okada’s shirts will be pulled from the site, which caused fans to speculate about the future of the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

Fightful is reporting that Pro Wrestling Tees pulling Okada’s merchandise is connected to the expiration of his NJPW contract.

Additionally, while Okada was still technically under contract with NJPW, the Bushiroad promotion was said to be “very understanding” with the 36-year-old wrestler negotiating with other companies since he made it clear he won’t be re-signing. Things are reportedly amicable between both sides.

There have been talks between WWE and Okada. According to certain WWE talents, Okada has spoken to roster members to gauge his potential offers, learn more about WWE’s approach, and help decide his future.

It is to be noted that WWE has not put any creative plans in place for Okada, and no pitches have been made in this regard.

AEW has been fairly confident about signing Okada. In fact, Tony Khan was so confident that AEW put tentative plans together for Okada’s potential debut. AEW has reportedly made a “substantial offer” to Okada.

Barry Bloom is representing Okada and acting as his agent.

Despite the expiration of his NJPW contract, Okada still has some New Japan dates he will be finishing up next month including a final match with Hiroshi Tanahashi scheduled for NJPW’s The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11.

Source: eWn

Kevin Owens Reportedly Worked WWE Royal Rumble Match With Injury

After outlasting seven other competitors in a fierce tournament, Kevin Owens was rewarded with a title match against United States Champion Logan Paul at the 2024 Royal Rumble. Unfortunately for Owens, his title pursuit didn’t go quite as planned as the referee caught him using a pair of brass knuckles, resulting in a disqualification victory for Paul. Additionally, a new report has also indicated that Owens worked through an injury during this premium live event performance.

According to the Wrestling Observer, Owens challenged Paul while battling a fractured foot. Owens’ injury was reportedly sustained during his last match, which occurred on the January 5 episode of “WWE SmackDown” against Santos Escobar. While Owens remained out of in-ring action in the weeks following, he was involved in several physical on-screen segments with Paul, such as their brawl at the WWE Performance Center, in the lead-up to their title match. 

As of this writing, it remains unknown if Owens’ injury will cause him to miss any television time. In the wake of his loss, though, Owens appeared in a digital exclusive (via WWE’s YouTube channel), making it clear that his issues with the “The Maverick” were far from finished.

Paul took possession of the United States Championship in November by defeating WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio at WWE’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia. Following Paul’s victory, WWE announced that his first challenger would be determined through a number one contenders tournament, with the winner (which later turned out to be Owens) earning themselves a title shot at the Royal Rumble event.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE NXT Preview 1/30/2024

The lineup for tonight’s episode of WWE NXT in Orlando, Florida at the Performance Center on the USA Network: 

  • Ilja Dragunov, Trick Williams face-to-face
  • Noam Dar defends the Heritage Cup against Von Wagner
  • Lola Vice vs. Elektra Lopez
  • Roxanne Perez vs. Tatum Paxley
  • Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic semifinals: LWO’s Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde vs. Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams
  • Chase U says goodbye

The Garcia Twins Issue Statement On Vince McMahon & John Laurinaitis Allegations

The Garcia Twins (The Bella Twins in WWE) took to Twitter today to issue a joint statement regarding the recent allegations made against Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis.

On Friday, McMahon resigned from his positions at TKO Group after a lawsuit from a former WWE employee accused him of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and more. WWE and John Laurinaitis are also named as defendants in the lawsuit.

For those unaware, Nikki and Brie’s mother Kathy married John Laurinaitis in 2016.

You can check out the official statement below:

“We are shocked and disheartened with the recent allegations against members of the WWE. It has been a lot to process since we found out this past week just as you all did. This is something we don’t stand for or condone from anyone no matter who they are. We want all women to feel safe and supported in the workplace and in their everyday lives.”

https://twitter.com/NikkiAndBrie/status/1752094887904772569

Source: eWn

Wade Barrett To Join Corey Graves On SmackDown Announce Team

It was revealed last night on “WWE Raw” that Michael Cole and Pat McAfee will be the commentary team on Monday nights going forward, with the former NFL player replacing Wade Barrett. According to PWInsider, Barrett will now move to “WWE SmackDown” and work alongside Corey Graves. It’s said that Graves will become the lead play-by-play announcer for the show, while Barrett will be the color commentator. 

The changes have been made following the release of former “SmackDown” lead announcer Kevin Patrick last week. Patrick initially joined WWE as a backstage correspondent, but later moved to the announce booth, calling “Raw” and later “SmackDown.” However, the Irish-born commentator had been under the microscope as the lead announcer on “SmackDown,” with WWE reportedly deciding it “just wasn’t working out” for him. Despite being assigned the role of leading the commentary team on “SmackDown,” there were some behind the curtain who allegedly believed that Patrick wasn’t suited for the role.

Meanwhile, Cole and McAfee are reunited behind the desk after appearing together on “SmackDown” between 2021 and 2022. In a past interview, Cole mentioned working with McAfee had reinvigorated his love for the business. McAfee returned to WWE this past Saturday at the Royal Rumble, joining Cole and Graves at the commentary table. He also briefly entered the men’s Royal Rumble match as entrant #22. For Barrett and Graves, it will be the first time the duo has worked together at the announce desk in WWE. Barrett previously worked as a color commentator with Cole and Patrick, respectively, on WWE’s main roster.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

CM Punk Confirms He Will Miss WWE WrestleMania 40 Due To Injury In Emotional Raw Promo

The Royal Rumble match is a transformative one. Alliances are broken, feuds are set up, and at the end of it all, the winner is cemented in history with a guaranteed title shot at WrestleMania. CM Punk was transformed by this past Royal Rumble match, but not in a positive way.

Punk opened up the latest edition of “WWE Raw” with a sobering announcement regarding a speculated injury. “The Best in the World” confirmed that he tore his right tricep during Saturday’s Royal Rumble match, and that despite attempts to perform in spite of his injury, he is slated to miss not only Elimination Chamber, but WrestleMania 40 entirely.

Despite being expected to miss most, if not all, of this year’s road to Wrestlemania, Punk did not leave the Tampa crowd wanting. He cut a promo targeted towards the masses, and acknowledged the struggles of those with cancer and pedestrian jobs such as teachers and garbage workers. He reassured the WWE Universe of an inevitable return by comparing himself to the Chicago Cubs, and claimed that there was “always next year”.

Drew McIntyre interrupted Punk near the tail-end of his speech. McIntyre acknowledged Punk’s grit, but said with glee that he would take Punk’s place on this road to WrestleMania, and “live CM Punk’s dream again”. McIntyre then assaulted the injured Punk, and it took interference from a recently-returned Sami Zayn to defuse the situation. The segment ended with Zayn helping Punk to his feet.

This is not the first time Punk’s tricep specifically has been injured. At AEW All Out 2022, Punk tore his left tricep after his match with Jon Moxley.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Pat McAfee Officially Re-Joins WWE, Will Serve On Raw Announce Team With Michael Cole

Fresh off his appearance on commentary for WWE Royal Rumble, as well as briefly appearing in the men’s Royal Rumble match itself, former “WWE SmackDown” commentator Pat McAfee is back and will be on the desk with Michael Cole on Monday nights for “WWE Raw” moving forward.

Just like Royal Rumble, McAfee’s music once again kicked off the show on Monday, and he headed down to join Cole, who made the announcement. Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett was previously on the call with Cole. McAfee, who hosts “The Pat McAfee Show” throughout the week on ESPN, had previously teased a return to commentary following Kevin Patrick’s release.

The former punter for the Indianapolis Colts began his career with WWE in 2018 as a pre-show analyst for “WWE NXT” TakeOver events. In 2021, McAfee moved to “SmackDown” as a color commentator alongside Cole. He’s also previously mixed it up in the ring, feuding with Adam Cole when the now-AEW star competed in “NXT.” McAfee even wrestled at WrestleMania 38, defeating Austin Theory before losing to Vince McMahon (in what’s likely his final WrestleMania appearance in light of his recent resignation following allegations of abuse and sex trafficking) and taking a stunner from “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. McAfee took a hiatus from his commentary gig when he joined ESPN’s “College GameDay” in 2022.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Raw Preview 1/29/2024

WWE Raw airs live tonight on the USA Network from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

  • Fallout from the Royal Rumble
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Kofi Kingston
  • WWE Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damain Priest) (c) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa
  • Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso