WWE News

518 days ago

6202 views

Unused Wrestlers Discovered In WWE 2K24 Files

Data miners have uncovered a treasure trove of unused character renders in the files of WWE 2K24, hinting at potential plans that never came to fruition. ## Content creators JoeMashUps and WhatsTheStatus revealed their findings on Twitter, showcasing renders for both current and former superstars. These names suggest these wrestlers might have been slated to appear in the game at some point during development. ## The list includes stars currently signed to AEW, like Adam Copeland (Edge) and Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks), as well as those wrestling for TNA, such as Ash By Elegance (Dana Brooke). Additionally, renders for wrestlers no longer with WWE were found, including Matt Riddle, Brie Bella, Emma, Mace, Mansoor, and Lacey Evans (who even has a complete in-game model). ## Interestingly, the unused renders extend beyond former WWE personnel. NXT talents Eddy Thorpe and Jakara Jackson were also discovered, alongside already-announced future DLC character Nia Jax.## Existing wrestlers featured in the final game also had alternate renders in the files, including different attires for Seth Rollins and Triple H.## For a more comprehensive look at these findings, you can check out the tweets embedded in this article. ## More left over renders in #WWE2K24 pic.twitter.com/xnfKLLKzXm— 𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖚𝖘™ (@WhatsTheStatus) March 24, 2024 ## More left over renders in #WWE2K24 pic.twitter.com/j1U0RVDwGs— 𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖚𝖘™ (@WhatsTheStatus) March 24, 2024 ## Brie BellaMatt RiddleSasha BanksJagger Reid Left Over Renders in #WWE2K24 pic.twitter.com/4iC1GgynK3— 𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖚𝖘™ (@WhatsTheStatus) March 24, 2024 ## Looks like Eddy Thorpe was planned at one point for #WWE2K24 pic.twitter.com/TofXfm4vay— 𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖚𝖘™ (@WhatsTheStatus) March 24, 2024 ## WWE2K24 Planned/Cancelled WrestlersJakara Jackson: Was in the main Menu tilesEmma: Was in the main Menu tilesNia Jax: Was in the main Menu tilesLacey Evans: Jakara Jackson: Was in the main Menu tiles/ has a new gear ingame pic.twitter.com/KqDOizFTJB— Joe Mashups (@JoeMashups) March 24, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

534 days ago

4534 views

Matt Riddle On Forbidden Door: 'Never Say Never' But Cautious About Taking Someone's Spot

Matt Riddle, since his WWE release in September 2023, has found success in both MLW and NJPW, even capturing the NJPW World TV Championship. ## With the ongoing partnership between NJPW and AEW, speculation has swirled about a potential Riddle appearance at the upcoming Forbidden Door event. ## In a recent interview with Jamal Niaz at For The Love of Wrestling, Riddle addressed the Forbidden Door talk. He acknowledged the excitement surrounding the event but expressed reservations about disrupting the AEW roster. ## "People keep saying this ‘forbidden door,’” Riddle said. "They keep telling me to go through forbidden doors, and I feel like, ‘Guys, I’ve done this before and I get in trouble.’" ## Riddle seems wary of stepping on toes, highlighting the talent already on the AEW roster.## "They got a stacked roster. There’s plenty of people that can fill in any gaps, and I personally don’t like to be the guy that comes in and rains on someone else’s parade or takes someone else’s spot as they’re working hard." ## He referenced his own experience in NJPW, where he, along with Minoru Suzuki (Nic Nemeth), arrived following the departures of Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay.## "Not saying we’re going to be those guys, but they’re already moving in that direction, right. So that’s how I kind of look at it."## However, Riddle did leave the door open for a future appearance. ## "But never say never," he concluded. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

543 days ago

3912 views

Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Opens Up About WWE Exit, Admitting Drug Test Failures

Former WWE star Matt Riddle recently appeared on The MMA Hour and shed light on his departure from WWE in September 2023. While not definitive on a potential return, he acknowledged the complex factors surrounding his release, including multiple failed drug tests. ## Riddle expressed mixed feelings, viewing the termination as both opportune and challenging. He highlighted both the demanding WWE schedule and the recent birth of his son as contributing factors. He further elaborated, "There were multiple variables that played into my departure... failing a couple of drug tests, you know. For me, at least, the writing was on the wall." ## The interview delved into the specifics of his failed tests. Riddle revealed, "You're allowed to smoke weed. I went to the strip club and did some cocaine a couple of times, and I failed a drug test." He clarified that these instances involved cocaine use and were isolated events. He noted WWE's random testing protocol, attributing a double failure to overlapping test periods. ## While acknowledging his talent and entertainment value, Riddle conceded, "I don't think I was a good fit [for WWE], at least at the time," especially considering the company's image-conscious approach.## The conversation also touched upon the financial implications of Riddle's release. He mentioned a contract structure suggesting potentially higher earnings in the year following his departure. This detail, coupled with his drug test failures, seemingly contributed to WWE's decision.## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

NJPW

548 days ago

3411 views

Hiroshi Tanahashi Set To Miss NJPW New Beginning In Sapporo Due To Injury

Hiroshi Tanahashi has been sidelined due to an ankle injury, forcing him to miss NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo scheduled for February 24th. The event was set to feature Tanahashi in Kazuchika Okada's farewell match, marking Okada's departure from the company. ## New Japan Pro-Wrestling's official announcement revealed that Tanahashi sustained the injury, but specific details remain under wraps. This unexpected turn of events throws a wrench into the planned card and leaves fans wondering who will replace Tanahashi in Okada's final NJPW bout. ## While the nature of the injury and Tanahashi's recovery timeline are unknown, his absence undoubtedly leaves a significant void in this momentous occasion. ## Below check out the full announcement from NJPW; ## Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.## Hiroshi Tanahashi, who was scheduled to wrestle on today’s card in Sapporo, has sustained an injury to his right ankle and will be unable to compete.## We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing Tanahashi wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.## The following change has been made to tonight’s card:## Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii vs Callum Newman, Jeff Cobb, Matt Riddle, Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira–>## Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii vs Callum Newman, Jeff Cobb, Matt Riddle, Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

559 days ago

2708 views

Former WWE Star Matt Riddle Confirms He's Had Talks With TNA Wrestling

New York, NY - February 13, 2024 - Since his WWE departure last year, Matt Riddle has been a whirlwind, hopping between promotions like MLW, NJPW, and independents. ## His tenure in NXT and on the main roster, where he even snagged the Raw Tag Team Titles with Randy Orton, was flourishing. However, things took a turn when Orton's severe back injury and substance abuse issues sidelined him for rehab last summer.## While appearing on Sunday Night's Main Event, Riddle confirmed that he had talks with TNA Wrestling. ## "When I got done with WWE, it's kind of stressful working on TV all the time, especially with the travel. The money is awesome, it's definitely worth it, and the experience. Now, I want to take a break from TV. After the 90 days and during the 90 days, I'm setting some dates up. I talked to some places. I've talked to TNA, I've worked with New Japan and MLW.## You do film for TV, but it's not the same as Monday Night Raw, three hours live, anything can happen, people are changing the script. You have ten minutes for your match, now you have five minutes. It's extremely stressful. I like the pressure, but at the same time, I kind of wanted a little break from all that. I'm choosing places more pay-per-view based where I don't have to worry about going to commercial so we can get that Fritos advertisement."Transcription via Fightful ## Riddle, along with other stars, was let go by WWE in the subsequent shake-up. Despite talks with various companies, including the resurgent TNA Wrestling, Riddle opted for a breather from the demanding weekly TV grind. ## He's found a different pace in MLW and NJPW, which prioritize event-based schedules rather than the relentless rhythm of WWE. This allows him to showcase his talents while avoiding the burnout he experienced. ## ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

561 days ago

5061 views

Top 10 WWE Wrestlers With Most WrestleMania Wins

WWE WrestleMania stands as the pinnacle event in WWE history, making it a dream for many wrestling stars to grace its card and headline the spectacle.## As the 2024 WrestleMania approaches, let's examine the top 10 wrestlers who have not only made the most appearances but also secured the most victories.## Across the 39 WrestleMania events, The Undertaker stands tall with an impressive 25 wins. Below, let's take a look at the top 10 wrestlers with the most victories. ## 1. The Undertaker - Won 25 And Lost 2 ## The Deadman himself, The Undertaker, reigns supreme at WrestleMania with a staggering 25 victories. His legendary undefeated streak of 21 consecutive wins, etched forever in wrestling history, solidifies his position as the undisputed king of the grandest stage. With a total of 27 matches under his belt, it's highly improbable that his record will ever be eclipsed.## Throughout his WrestleMania career, The Undertaker has conquered an impressive roster of opponents, leaving a trail of defeated legends in his wake. From Triple H, whom he's vanquished thrice, to Shawn Michaels and Kane, who each fell twice to his power, his dominance is undeniable. Other giants like Ric Flair, John Cena, Batista, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Edge, Bray Wyatt, and AJ Styles have all tasted defeat at the hands of The Phenom. ## 2. John Cena: Won 10 And Lost 6 ## No discussion of WrestleMania legends is complete without John Cena, the iconic figure known by various personas like "The Champ," "Super Cena," and "Big Match John." He served as his generation's Hulk Hogan, consistently taking center stage in the event's most prestigious matches.## Cena's WrestleMania dominance is undeniable. He boasts victories over wrestling royalty like Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Batista, JBL, Edge, and the formidable duo of Big Show and Edge in thrilling World Title matches. This impressive list doesn't end there. He emerged victorious in United States Title bouts against The Big Show and Rusev, further showcasing his championship prowess. Moreover, his triumphs over Bray Wyatt and the controversial partnership of The Miz and Maryse (with Nikki Bella by his side) solidified his versatility and adaptability in the grand arena. ## 3. Triple H - Won 10 And Lost 13 ## Triple H has a unique WrestleMania legacy, boasting the third most victories despite having the most losses. With the second most matches in WrestleMania history, he's defeated iconic names like Brock Lesnar, Batista, Randy Orton, Sting, Chris Jericho, and Booker T. ## Notably, he was the first heel to win the WrestleMania main event in 2000, retaining his WWE Title against The Rock, Mick Foley, and The Big Show. ## 4. Hulk Hogan: Won 8 And Lost 3 And 1 Went Draw ## Hulk Hogan's WrestleMania legacy is defined by his presence in eight of the first nine main events, winning seven of them. Memorable victories include triumphs over Andre the Giant and Randy Savage, as well as notable wins against Sid, Sgt. Slaughter, and King Kong Bundy. ## In 2002, his return to the company culminated in his eighth and final WrestleMania victory in a highly anticipated match against Vince McMahon, billed as "20 years in the making." ## 5. Edge: Won 9 And Lost 5 ## Edge holds a WWE record with 31 title reigns. He began his career with a streak, winning his first five WrestleMania matches, including memorable victories in the fabled triangle ladder and TLC matches, as well as against Booker T and Mick Foley. ## In his final match before retirement in 2011, he defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Alberto Del Rio. Since returning in 2020, he has secured victories over Randy Orton and AJ Styles at WrestleMania. ## 6. Bret Hart: Won 8 And Lost 6 ## Bret "The Hitman" Hart competed in 14 WrestleManias over 24 years, with several historic moments. He secured his first major singles victory by defeating Roddy Piper for the Intercontinental Title in 1992, with Piper later refereeing his wins over Yokozuna and Bob Backlund. ## His classic match against Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 is often cited as one of the best and featured a memorable double turn. Hart returned in 2010 to defeat Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 26, concluding their on-screen rivalry. ## 7. Kane: Won 8 And Lost 9 ## Kane, despite having a losing record, has been a consistent presence just below the top tier throughout his career. ## At WrestleMania, he's had notable victories over Triple H (by DQ) and Randy Orton. His quickest triumph came at WrestleMania 24, defeating Chavo Guerrero for the ECW Title in just 11 seconds, making it the shortest title match (and second shortest overall) in WrestleMania history. ## 8. Randy Orton: Won 8 And Lost 10 ## Despite more losses than wins, Randy Orton has secured memorable victories at WrestleMania, including defeating The Rock and Mick Foley at WrestleMania 20. He's added wins against CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt (twice), Triple H, and John Cena (in a triple threat WWE Title match).## His latest victory was with Matt Riddle as "RKBRO," successfully defending the Raw Tag Titles. Fans speculate if Orton and Riddle could face off at WrestleMania 2023 upon Orton's hopeful return from injury. ## 9. Roman Reigns: Won 8 And Lost 2 ## Roman Reigns boasts a strong WrestleMania record with seven wins from nine outings. His victories include triumphs alongside The Shield and as a singles star, defeating top names like Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, Triple H, Drew McIntyre, Edge, and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match. Reigns is poised to continue his dominance in the years ahead. ## 10. Rey Mysterio: Won 8 And Lost 6 ## Mysterio has appeared in a total of 14 WrestleManias, which ties him with several other legends like Edge for the third most appearances overall. His win-loss record sits at 8 wins and 6 losses. He has some major accomplishments at the Grandest Stage of Them All, including: Winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for the first time in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 22. Defeating John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) for the Intercontinental Championship in a record-breaking 21 seconds at WrestleMania 25 and Becoming the twenty-first Triple Crown Champion in WWE history with his Intercontinental Championship win. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

572 days ago

2989 views

Gunther Now Hits 600 Days As WWE Intercontinental Champion

The "Ring General" reigns supreme! ## Gunther has cemented his legacy as the Intercontinental Champion for a staggering 600 days, utterly pulverizing the record that stood for 35 years. Back in June 2022, he snatched the title from Ricochet on SmackDown, and hasn't looked back since. ## This historic reign hasn't been a cakewalk. Gunther has fended off a who's who of wrestling royalty, including Chad Gable, the Celtic Warrior Sheamus, the Scottish Psychopath Drew McIntyre, the masked enigma Rey Mysterio, the Artist Shinsuke Nakamura, the Original Bro Matt Riddle, and even Xavier Woods of the New Day. He's weathered every storm, proving his ironclad grip on the coveted Intercontinental Championship. ## So, how do we describe this feat in a slightly different way? We could say Gunther has dominated the Intercontinental scene for 600 days, eclipsing the legendary Honky Tonk Man's record with a resolute reign. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

592 days ago

3099 views

Matt Riddle Comments On The Infamous Promo With Seth Rollins; 'Not Only Was It Scripted, I Told Seth Rollins To Say It'

Matt Riddle shared his thoughts on the well-known promo with Seth Rollins. On the August 29, 2022, episode of WWE Raw, Rollins and Riddle recreated a memorable MMA moment involving Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. ## In an "off-air" segment, Rollins targeted Riddle, bringing up personal aspects, including Riddle's wife leaving him and his kids allegedly not wanting to see him. When asked about the promo on Signed By Superstars, Riddle discussed the incident. ## "Not only was it scripted, I told Seth Rollins to say it. I go, 'There is already all this flack and whatever crap going on. Sure. ## I abandoned my family.' I got divorced and kicked out of my house, and my son's pee-wee football coach was living there two days later when my kids called me. I guess I'm a really bad person, but whatever, dude," Riddle said. ## Transcription via Fightful ## Riddle and Rollins eventually settled their differences inside the Fight Pit at WWE Extreme Rules 2022. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

614 days ago

3645 views

Matt Riddle Eyes MMA Comeback As WWE Non-Compete Clause To Set Expire

Stamford, December 20 - Former WWE superstar Matt Riddle is set to become a free agent as his non-compete clause expires this Thursday, marking the end of his tenure with the company since his release in September. Before making a name for himself in the world of professional wrestling, Riddle was a prominent MMA fighter, notably competing in the UFC. With his non-compete clause ending, Riddle has hinted at a potential return to the MMA scene in 2024. ## During the MMA Awards, Riddle spoke with MMA Junkie about the possibility of returning to MMA competition. Expressing his interest, Riddle mentioned ongoing discussions with several promotions and stated, "I’ll say this. There’s been a lot of talk. I’ve been talking to a couple of promotions. I don’t want to get into it until it’s official, but I think 2024 is a very big possibility that I get back in the ring or cage and fight again." ## Riddle reflected on his departure from the UFC, stating that he left on a four-fight win streak and a subsequent victory in Titan FC before transitioning to professional wrestling. He expressed the desire to have a proper exit, stating, "I feel like you gotta get beat up to leave... Pro wrestling's awesome but [I] still wanna get beat up. I wanna have my exit." ## Despite a history of tension with UFC President Dana White, Riddle remains open to a possible UFC return if the opportunity arises. He acknowledged their past decisions, emphasizing that he doesn't hold a grudge and would be open to doing business if the circumstances are right. ## Commenting on the return of CM Punk to WWE, Riddle expressed no surprise, citing the promotion's affinity for profitable opportunities. He drew parallels to his own potential return to MMA, asserting that, like Punk, he could sell tickets and contribute to the business side of the sport. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

619 days ago

4873 views

Roman Reigns' Dominance: Over 1,200 Days As Undisputed WWE Universal Champion

Stamford, December 15 - In a remarkable career reinvention as "The Tribal Chief," Roman Reigns has been on an extraordinary run, holding the Universal Championship for nearly two years and continuing his reign as the WWE Champion. The journey began with a victory in a triple threat match at the 2020 WWE Payback, where Reigns defeated Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt to claim the Universal Championship. ## Reigns further solidified his status as a dominant force by unifying the WWE Universal Championship with the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 38, triumphing over Brock Lesnar. This victory marked him as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, a title he has since defended against an array of formidable opponents. ## During his tenure as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Reigns has successfully defended his title against a formidable roster, including Daniel Bryan, Edge, Kevin Owens, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Cesaro, Finn Balor, John Cena, Goldberg, Sami Zayn, Matt Riddle, and others. His list of challengers reads like a who's who of WWE, showcasing the depth of his dominance in the squared circle. ## In recent months, Reigns has faced off against the likes of Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Brock Lesnar, LA Knight, and more. His most recent title defense against Knight at Crown Jewel underscored his ability to overcome diverse opponents. ## As Reigns returns to WWE television on SmackDown, he is set to further the storyline with Randy Orton. Speculation abounds that this feud will culminate in a marquee matchup at the Royal Rumble next month.## Wrestle Ops recently highlighted Reigns' extraordinary achievement, noting that he has now surpassed an impressive 1,200 days as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. This milestone solidifies Reigns' legacy as one of the most dominant and enduring champions in WWE history. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

633 days ago

4022 views

WWE Officially Announces Randy Orton For 12/1 WWE SmackDown

Stamford, November 30 - WWE has officially announced the highly anticipated return of Randy Orton to the upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown on December 1. The Viper is set to make a grand comeback after his absence from in-ring action since May 20, 2022.## During that time, Orton and his tag team partner Matt Riddle faced a challenging bout against WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso), resulting in the loss of the WWE Raw Tag Team Titles in a unification match. ## As the WWE Universe eagerly awaits Orton's return, the current lineup for Friday's SmackDown promises an electrifying show. Alongside Orton's appearance, YouTube sensation Logan Paul is scheduled to make a guest appearance, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Additionally, the aftermath of WWE Survivor Series will be explored, providing fans with insights and fallout from the recent pay-per-view. ## This episode of SmackDown is poised to be a must-watch, with the return of the seasoned veteran Randy Orton and a dynamic mix of elements that promise to keep the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats. ## WWE SmackDown (12/1) Current Lineup ## - Logan Paul to appear ## - Fallout from WWE Survivor Series ## - Randy Orton to appear ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

WWE News

701 days ago

3283 views

Predicting The Top 3 Stars Who Could Replace AJ Styles At WWE Fastlane 2023

Indianapolis, September 24 - With Fastlane 2023 still two weeks away, no matches have been confirmed except one that's still up in the air. On the September 22 episode of SmackDown, John Cena voiced his frustration with "The Bloodline" and expressed his desire to face them in a match. ## Cena later asked AJ Styles to team up with him against Solo and Jimmy, and Styles agreed. Later that night, WWE arranged a contract signing to make their match official for Fastlane. Unfortunately, Styles was attacked by The Bloodline before he could make it to the arena to sign the contract. ## After the incident, Styles received a thorough medical evaluation, and WWE officials rushed him to the hospital. The severity of his injury remains unknown, and there's no word on whether Styles will be able to join Cena at the event. ## However, there is speculation that other superstars might step in to replace Styles and team up with Cena against The Bloodline at the event. ## Let's check out the top 3 stars: ## #1. The Rock ## The WWE Universe is buzzing with excitement at the thought of The Rock teaming up with Cena to take on The Bloodline. Just two weeks back, fans were in for a massive surprise when The Rock, one of the all-time wrestling greats, unexpectedly returned in Denver. ## During his return, The Rock didn't confront The Bloodline because he had a scheduled segment involving Austin Theory and Pat McAfee. However, there's a strong chance that The Rock might face Roman Reigns at this year's WrestleMania event. So, it's possible that he could team up with Cena as a teaser for what's to come. ## If The Rock joins, Fastlane will be a huge card. ## #2. Cody Rhodes ## Cody Rhodes seems like the top choice to step in for Styles because he's a familiar face and has a significant rivalry with The Bloodline. There's also talk of a storyline involving Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso, but I'm sticking with the idea of Cody Rhodes teaming up with Cena to face The Bloodline. ## #3. Randy Orton ## Randy Orton is making waves on social media as there's buzz about his potential return, and it would be a big deal if he makes his comeback at Fastlane. Recently, he was spotted at the WWE Performance Center. There have been rumors swirling about his return for a while, but as of early August, he still hadn't received clearance for in-ring training. ## In May 2022, Orton injured his back and had to undergo fusion surgery. He's been quite vocal about his desire to step back into the ring since then. Prior to his injury, he teamed up with Matt Riddle, and they held both the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team titles. Sadly, they lost those titles to The Usos, and the belts were combined. That marked the end of their partnership in the ring. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...