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Nikki Bella Confirms Extended WWE Return, Not A One Off

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Nikki Bella made her WWE television return during the June 9th edition of Monday Night Raw and fans can expect to see much more of her. Speaking with PEOPLE, Bella revealed that this comeback won’t be limited to a single appearance, as is often the case with WWE Hall of Famers.

“You’ll definitely see me for a bit,” Bella said. “It’s not a quick in and out.”

The WWE Hall of Famer has not competed inside the ring since her appearance at the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Now, with a major storyline unfolding opposite Liv Morgan, fans are eagerly anticipating their upcoming clash at the Evolution 2 Premium Live Event.

Nikki Bella clearly aims to prove she can still perform at a high level. Whether she competes beyond Evolution 2 remains to be seen, but fans can expect plenty from the former Divas Champion.

Watch: Tiffany Stratton Throws Wild First Pitch At Mets Game

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Tiffany Stratton’s first pitch did not go as planned.

The current WWE Women’s World Champion was present for a New York Mets baseball game at Citi Field, wearing the custom WWE Mets championship instead of her world title.

The female star threw the honorary first pitch before the game, though she missed the mark completely. The ball was too far away from the catcher and it almost landed on a cameraperson

Tiffany Stratton is not the first celebrity to botch the ceremonial first pitch. Back in 2014, rapper 50 Cent made a similar mistake, with his pitch going nowhere near the catcher.

Making her SmackDown debut in February 2024, Tiffany quickly secured her position in the main roster. The fan reaction for her at the Elimination Chamber: Perth event, only weeks after her main roster debut, first ensured that the 26-year-old was booked like a top star.

This led to the former NXT Women’s champion winning the Women’s Money In The Bank match later that year and aligning herself with the then-champion Nia Jax.

After teasing it for months, she finally turned on Jax during the January 3 episode of SmackDown this year. She cashed in her guaranteed contract on her former best friend and has held the title since then.

Jade Cargill Set for Acting Debut in Action Thriller ‘True Threat’

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WWE Superstar Jade Cargill is making the leap from the squared circle to the silver screen, landing her first major acting role in the upcoming action thriller “True Threat” opposite Jonathan Majors.

The film follows Special Forces operative Vernon Threat, who returns home seeking justice after his teenage son is murdered by Harlem’s Apollo Kids gang. Threat infiltrates The Carter, a twenty-story project building controlled by the gang, and fights his way toward a confrontation with its leader and his former mentor, Shallow.

Deadline reports Cargill will portray Meeka, a key lieutenant in the Apollo Kids and one of the film’s central antagonists. Her character controls the building’s red light district and operates as a power broker inside The Carter, positioning her as a significant force in the story rather than a typical wrestler cameo appearance.

From WWE Champion to Hollywood Antagonist

The casting represents a strategic career expansion for Cargill, who has established herself as one of WWE’s most dominant performers since joining the company. Known for her imposing presence and athletic prowess in the ring, Cargill’s transition to playing a complex antagonist role showcases her versatility beyond professional wrestling.

The role of Meeka appears tailor-made for Cargill’s skill set, combining her natural commanding presence with the opportunity to explore dramatic acting. As a power broker character who controls territory within the gang’s stronghold, the role offers substantial screen time and character development opportunities.

Joining the Wrestling-to-Hollywood Pipeline

Cargill joins a growing list of WWE superstars who have successfully transitioned into acting careers. Her casting in “True Threat” follows the Hollywood success of wrestlers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista, who have all leveraged their wrestling personas into major film careers.

The action thriller genre provides an ideal launching pad for Cargill’s acting debut, allowing her to utilize her physical capabilities while developing her dramatic range. Working alongside established actor Jonathan Majors also positions her to learn from an experienced performer in a high-profile production.

The film’s setting in Harlem’s project buildings and focus on gang warfare creates an intense urban thriller environment that should showcase both Cargill’s physical presence and acting abilities as she takes on her first major antagonist role.

Production details and release dates for “True Threat” have not yet been announced, but the casting news signals Cargill’s commitment to expanding her entertainment career beyond the wrestling ring while maintaining her WWE presence.

Mercedes Monè Claims Status as Highest-Paid Women’s Wrestler

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Mercedes Monè has made a bold declaration about her position in professional wrestling, claiming to be the highest-paid women’s wrestler in the industry while reflecting on her recent tournament victory and upcoming championship opportunity.

Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Triumph

The CEO successfully captured the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation tournament, earning her way to AEW All In in Texas on July 12, where she will face Toni Storm in what she describes as another “dream match.” Monè’s path to victory included notable wins over several top competitors.

Her tournament run began with a highly anticipated match against Athena in her hometown of Boston, a bout she had been eagerly awaiting.

“I had dreamed of facing for years, and to do it in my hometown of Boston made it all the more special,” Monè said in her latest Monè Mag newsletter, adding that the match left her craving a rematch where she plans to “show her that I am the true God of Wrestling.”

The former WWE star then defeated Julia Hart, the former TBS Champion, followed by a standout performance against Jamie Hayter at AEW Double or Nothing. Monè praised Hayter’s abilities, noting that fans had warned her about the competitor’s talent level. “Jamie has heart, resilience, and an unyielding fighting spirit,” she acknowledged while emphasizing her own preparation methods.

Double or Nothing Highlights

Reflecting on the recent pay-per-view, Monè expressed particular enthusiasm for several matches, including Mina Shirakawa versus Toni Storm and the chaotic Anarchy in the Arena bout. She credited Shirakawa as “such an incredible addition to our AEW women’s division, bringing charm and a vibrant charisma that lights up the ring.”

The event holds special significance for Monè, as it marked the anniversary of her AEW in-ring debut and TBS Championship victory from the previous year.

NJPW Championship Loss and New Opportunities

Despite her recent success, Monè recently lost her NJPW IWGP Women’s Championship in a three-way match to Mayu, a defeat that came without her being pinned or submitted. The loss of what she calls “the title that truly launched my global journey as Mercedes Moné” led to reflection on her post-WWE career path.

Her involvement with NJPW stemmed from a childhood fascination with Japanese wrestling, particularly women’s competitions. “Since I was 13, I’ve had a deep love for Japanese wrestling,” she explained, noting her inspiration from promotions like AJW and dreams of competing in the Tokyo Dome.

Following her championship loss, Monè contributed to the creation of the NJPW Strong Women’s Title, which is currently held by top competitors including Willow Nightingale, Gulia, Stéphanie Vaquer, and AZM.

Career Reflections and Future Plans

In a candid assessment of her career trajectory, Monè addressed previous doubts about leaving WWE, referencing advice from a company higher-up who told her “The grass isn’t greener on the other side.” Her response was definitive:

“Well, let me tell you, every seed I’ve planted over the years is growing and flourishing like never before. Becoming the highest-paid women’s wrestler is a beautiful flower that has blossomed, and I couldn’t be prouder.” – Mercedes Monè

The wrestler emphasized that her passion extends beyond any single promotion, stating that while WWE was once everything to her, she has realized “it’s not WWE I can’t live without; it’s pro wrestling itself.”

Monè hinted at future revelations about her career journey, promising that when she shares her complete story, “it’s going to be one for the books.” She encouraged fans to trust their instincts when facing major decisions, reflecting on her own experience of following signs from the universe that led to her current success.

As she prepares for her championship opportunity against Toni Storm at AEW All In, Monè’s message remains consistent with her CEO persona: “Keep chasing your dreams because no one will stop mine.”

Injured WWE Star Expected Be Back In Time For SummerSlam

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WWE is hoping that former champion Bianca Belair will return to the ring by SummerSlam this August, or possibly sooner. This is according to a report from PWInsider.com. Her injury forced a key women’s division storyline to be changed.

According to the report, WWE Creative had to “recalibrate” its plans for Belair’s involvement in the rivalry between Naomi and Jade Cargill.  Initial plans reportedly had Belair as a key figure in that feud.

The injury happened during the chaotic match, which Naomi ultimately won. Belair has been recuperating since the event. However, the injury required her to be written off television for recovery. 

Belair has been off WWE television since her injury at WrestleMania 41 this past April. Belair sustained several broken fingers during the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 41.

A return by SummerSlam, scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd, would place her comeback just over three months post-injury. This timeframe aligns with a potential recovery window. However, it has yet to be confirmed. We wish her a speedy recovery. 

5 Wrestling Stars Join Amazon Prime’s American Gladiators Cast

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Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming American Gladiators reboot has added major star power with the casting of five professional wrestlers who will serve as Gladiators in the competition series hosted by The Miz.

Wrestling Royalty Joins the Arena

The Hollywood Reporter exclusively revealed that five prominent wrestlers from WWE and other promotions have been cast as Gladiators, bringing their athleticism and entertainment experience to the revived franchise:

  • Eric Bugenhagen (Rick Boogs) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Michael Wardlow from Middlefield, Ohio
  • Jessie Godderz (Mr. PEC-Tacular) from Weed, California
  • Jessica Roden (The Ultimate Athlete, J-Rod) from Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Kailey Latimer (Kamille) from Durham, North Carolina

Perfect Fit for Competition

The casting of professional wrestlers makes strategic sense for the reboot. As Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media and Big Fish Entertainment, explained to The Hollywood Reporter: “Pro wrestlers must have the physique to look good in spandex, as well as the athleticism and microphone skills required for the role.”

Complete Gladiator Roster Revealed

The five wrestlers join 11 other competitors to form the complete 16-person Gladiator lineup, featuring eight women and eight men aged 22 to 38. The diverse cast was selected from across the country and includes bodybuilders, former Division I athletes, CrossFit champions, and military veterans.

“The original Gladiators were iconic, so our search for the new Gladiators had to be exhaustive. Every Gladiator in this lineup embodies what it means to be a modern warrior — relentless, inspiring, and ready for the challenge of a lifetime. They are real-life superheroes.” – Barry Poznick

Classic Meets Modern

The reboot will feature both new competitive events and classic favorites from the original series including “Gauntlet,” “Hang Tough,” and “The Eliminator.” The series will air on Amazon Prime Video with The Miz as host, alongside sideline reporter Rocsi Diaz and play-by-play commentator Chris Rose.

Ron Killings Fires Back at Critics: “I’m Driving Now”

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WWE veteran Ron Killings delivered a fiery response to critics during his appearance on Busted Open Radio, defending his recent character transformation and career decisions.

The 53-year-old superstar, who shed his R-Truth persona and cut his signature dreadlocks on WWE Raw this week, didn’t hold back when addressing those questioning his choices.

“How you gonna tell me why I cut my hair?! I do what I wanna do. It ain’t that nice time no more. I’m not angry. I just won’t be taken advantage of no more. Things gon’ change around here. I’m driving now.”

Killings’ comments came after Busted Open Radio host Bully Ray suggested he shouldn’t reference his “Truth” persona anymore. The veteran fired back with explicit language, asserting his independence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQNCZPCUa94

“Who the f*** he talking to? Who is he telling me who I am? I know who I am. They better put some respect on my name. I feel different. I feel more alive than I have ever felt.”

The transformation follows Killings’ dramatic WWE return at Money in the Bank on June 7, just one week after reports of his release sparked fan outcry. WWE subsequently offered him a new contract, allowing him to perform under his real name.

Wrestling legends Mark Henry and others have praised the reinvention as a powerful career move for the two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Goldberg Set to Return to WWE Programming This Monday on RAW

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WWE legend Goldberg is set to make his return to WWE programming this Monday when RAW heads to Green Bay, Wisconsin. The announcement confirms that the former WCW and WWE Champion will be making regular appearances on Monday Night RAW as the company builds toward their upcoming Atlanta weekend.

This marks a significant return for Goldberg, who has been absent from regular WWE television programming. The news was reported by PWInsider.

The timing of Goldberg’s return is strategic, with WWE positioning his appearances to build momentum into their Atlanta weekend for the legend’s expected final match.

Goldberg’s presence on RAW will bring some extra star power into the summer.

Fans can expect to see Goldberg when WWE RAW broadcasts live from Green Bay, Wisconsin this Monday, marking the beginning of his regular appearances leading into his retirement match.

Hikuleo Expected to Make First Backstage Appearance at SmackDown

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Hikuleo is reportedly set to be backstage at tomorrow’s SmackDown, marking a significant development for the WWE talent who has remained off television since signing with the company.

According to PWInsider.com, the former NJPW star will be present backstage at the June 13th SmackDown taping. This would represent Hikuleo’s first backstage appearance since joining WWE’s roster in 2024.

Despite signing with WWE over a year ago, Hikuleo has yet to make any on-screen appearances for the company. His backstage presence at SmackDown could signal that WWE is preparing to finally utilize the talent in upcoming programming.

The 6’7″ wrestler, who is the real-life brother of Solo Sikoa and son of Rikishi, brings a strong wrestling pedigree and international experience to WWE’s roster. His extended absence from television since signing has been notable among wrestling fans who have been anticipating his debut.

Tomorrow’s SmackDown will be closely watched to see if Hikuleo’s backstage presence leads to any on-screen developments or if this represents the beginning of his integration into WWE’s active programming.

Natalya Praises Liv Morgan’s Attack on Nikki Bella

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WWE veteran Natalya has praised Liv Morgan’s passionate confrontation with Nikki Bella from this week’s WWE RAW, calling it authentic and compelling in her latest column for the Toronto Sun.

The Queen of Hearts, who is widely regarded as a prominent figure in the WWE locker room, expressed her admiration for how Morgan handled the situation when she was excluded from Bella’s Evolution 2 promo.

Natalya Approves

Natalya praised the authenticity she witnessed in Morgan’s promo and subsequent attack on the former Divas Champion.

“When she was cutting that promo on Nikki Bella for being forgotten and she didn’t mention my name, and I’m the best. It was coming from her soul, I felt it. She was just in the zone. Nikki needed that energy because Liv is like, you know what b****, this is where we are now and you need to step up your game. It kicked off the story to where now I want to see them fight.”

Natalya on the Toronto Sun

Natalya emphasized that Morgan’s emotional response felt genuine and that the confrontation effectively established a compelling storyline between the two wrestlers.

The RAW Incident Recap

Nikki Bella returned on Monday’s WWE Raw to promote the upcoming Evolution 2 premium live event, delivering a promo where she named current stars carrying on the legacy of WWE legends. However, Bella notably excluded Morgan from her list, which led to the former Women’s World Champion confronting her about the omission.

The verbal exchange escalated when Morgan laid out Bella with her signature Oblivion finisher, making a statement about her standing in the women’s division.

Setting Up Evolution

Natalya’s comments reinforce speculation about a potential match between Morgan and Bella at the upcoming Evolution event. The veteran wrestler believes the confrontation successfully launched a storyline that fans want to see continue.

Reports suggest Morgan may receive backup from Raquel Rodriguez, while Nikki Bella could turn to her sister Brie Bella for assistance, potentially setting up either a singles match or tag team contest at Evolution.

Natalya’s endorsement of Morgan’s actions adds credibility to the storyline and highlights the respect the former Riott Squad member has earned from her peers in the locker room.

Seth Rollins Set for New Entrance Theme (Report)

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WWE fans have grown accustomed to, “Burn it down!” for Seth Rollins’ grand entrances, but the iconic phrase and theme song might be retired soon.

According to BodySlam.net’s Cory Hays, WWE is collaborating with a mainstream music artist to create a new entrance theme for Rollins, moving away from his current “The Vision” track produced by WWE’s in-house team Def Rebel.

“WWE is working with a mainstream artist to create a new theme for Seth Rollins. The exact artist is unknown at this time,” Hays reported.

Seth Rollins Paul Heyman Bronson reed new faction

The theme change aligns with Rollins’ recent heel turn, leading the dominant upstart faction alongside Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. The group is also expected to receive an official faction name in the near future, signaling WWE’s commitment to the storyline.

Rollins currently holds the Money in the Bank briefcase after winning the ladder match, giving him the opportunity to cash in for a championship match at any time.

New Bloodline Member To Debut On WWE SmackDown?

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Hikuleo is slated to be at tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown taping in Lexington, Kentucky, according to a new report from PWInsider. This could signal the long-awaited debut for the star, who has been with WWE for nearly a year.

Hikuleo, the 34-year-old son of wrestling legend Haku and brother of current WWE star Tama Tonga, signed with the company in July 2024. Despite being under contract with WWE and in NXT, he has yet to make an official on-screen appearance for the brand.

The Masked J of BodySlam.net confirmed his travel to SmackDown. The report stated, “Hikuleo has transportation scheduled for SmackDown tomorrow. “

Hikuleo had a decorated career in NJPW from 2016 through 2024. During his time there, he held the IWGP Tag Team Championship with El Phantasmo and also had a run with the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. His arrival may be related to joining Solo Sikoa or Jacob Fatu following their split at the Money in the Bank PLE, when Fatu turned on Sikoa after months of building to it.

James Storm Reveals Real Reason He Never Signed With WWE

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James Storm has explained why he never signed a contract with WWE, despite having an offer on the table.

The former Beer Money star is one of the few TNA originals who never made the jump. He made a couple of appearances for the NXT brand back in 2015, defeating names such as Danny Burch and Adam Rose in singles matches.

A number of other top TNA stars, including his former tag team partner Bobby Roode and AJ Styles, ended up joining the company around the same time, but the Cowboy opted to return to TNA instead. Now he has explained the reason why.

The former TNA World Champion had an interview with Chris Van Vliet where he went into details of his talks with the promotion back in the day. James Storm revealed that he was prepared to join the NXT roster full-time and even worked on his fitness on instructions from William Regal. Things started going south, however, when the company changed their initial offer:

“They gave me a contract; I went home and I got a call from Regal. He goes, ‘Hey, we definitely want to sign you.’ I was like, Oh, great. So I was going to sign the contract and all that stuff, and then he asked me, ‘Can you tighten up a little bit? Lose a little weight?’

I was like, ‘Yeah.’ I busted my ass and I lost 20 pounds. I got in really good shape when I got back down there. Everybody’s like, ‘Oh, my God, you look totally different.’ Because I always tell people, you give a man motivation, he’ll work his ass off if. So I did it, and then when I got down there, the contract had changed. They added 25 more dates, but the money didn’t move.”

I’m Going Home: James Storm

James Storm noted how TNA, at the same time, had offered him a deal to return to the promotion with more money than WWE was offering, and he made NXT officials aware of the same. The wrestling veteran revealed that his wife wanted to have another child at the time, and he ultimately decided to choose his family over the WWE deal:

“Because my wife, she wanted to have another child at the time, but she had to take the shots and all this stuff, so I was basically kind of giving that up as well, because I was going to be on the road a lot.

We came to an agreement, and she was like, ‘Well, if they can just give you this, then you have my blessing to sign.’ Hunter is like, ‘I just can’t do it.’ I was just like, ‘All right, well, I’m sorry, my wife gave me permission not to sign, so I’m going home.’”

The 48-year-old later noted that he had one final conversation with Triple H about signing with the brand. The Game told him that Vince McMahon was a fan of characters, and with his experience, he’d be called up to the main roster sooner than later.

The WWE Executive however, claimed that he did not have the authority to offer him the deal Storm was asking so he declined the proposal. James said it was one of the hardest phone calls of his life, but in hindsight, it was the right decision for him and his family.

Brie Bella In Talks For WWE Return

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WWE Hall of Famer, Brie Bella, is reportedly in talks for a return.

According to a report from TMZ Sports, Brie is considering coming out of retirement to be with her sister, Nikki Bella, at the all-women’s Evolution premium live event on July 13. The motivation for her return comes after Liv Morgan made their feud personal by referencing Nikki’s highly publicized and difficult split from her ex-husband, Artem Chigvintsev.

Morgan attacked Nikki after a heated verbal exchange on this week’s Raw. Should they agree on a deal, it would be Brie’s first time getting physical in a WWE ring since the 2022 Royal Rumble match. A Bella Twins reunion would add major star power to the Evolution card and raise the stakes for their program with Morgan.

Bella is a former WWE Divas Champion and a WWE Hall of Famer, inducted as part of The Bella Twins with her sister Nikki in the Class of 2020. Alongside her sister, Brie was a central figure in WWE branching off into reality television. She was a main cast member of the hit reality shows Total Divas and its spinoff, Total Bellas.

James Storm Reveals Which Recent Wrestling Moment Made Him Emotional

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James Storm got emotional over a wrestling moment recently.

The TNA original recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as making a career in acting, how he was put together with Bobby Roode in the Beer Money tag team and more.

The Cowboy, who is a former TNA World Champion himself, was also asked about the company’s partnership with WWE. Specifically, James Storm was asked about the then-TNA Champion Joe Hendry appearing at the 2025 Royal Rumble PPV.

The wrestling veteran revealed that he felt so happy for the company that he almost shed a tear over it. The Beer Money star also dismissed any criticism of the spot:

“I actually almost shed a tear. Because I was happy for Joe, but I was really happy for TNA. People can say whatever they want to say about oh, this was not a good look.

No, it was a good look. It’s the biggest show of the year, and they have another company’s belt in shot.”

Joe Hendry would later also appear at WrestleMania 41, being revealed as Randy Orton’s surprise opponent. The viral star would go on to lose the short match, but he insists that his loss did not undermine the TNA title.

Apart from this, James Storm also discussed never signing with WWE himself. He revealed that Triple H had offered him an NXT deal, which he had agreed on. The officials however, later added 25 more dates to the contract without more money, and the deal fell through.

James Storm Reveals Origin of Beer Money Tag Team

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The duo of James Storm and Bobby Roode, collectively known as Beer Money, is one of the most iconic tag teams in modern wrestling history, and there is a crazy story behind the two TNA originals becoming partners.

The Cowboy recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet where he talked about things such as his start in wrestling, never signing with WWE in his career, his TNA World title run, and more.

During the interview, the former TNA star also talked about the origin of the Beer Money tag team. He revealed that Dutch Mantel put them together because their contract was coming up. According to the former champion, the company actually intended to let both of them go if the pairing did not work:

“We were coming to the end of our contracts, and I don’t think they really knew what to do with us. So Dutch, he was just like, ‘Just put them together. If anything, we fire them together.’ That’s how I got the Dutch was looking at it.”

Just Act Fools: James Storm

James Storm and Bobby Roode were both TNA originals, and they had worked with each other on occasion before. Though they really became a proper tag team and got their name in 2008. Together, they would go on to win the TNA tag titles a record five times. Beer Money also holds the record for both the longest single and combined title reigns as tag champions in TNA history.

In his early run with the company, Storm was part of another tag team dubbed America’s Most Wanted with Chris Harris. He explained that Beer Money was different because both the stars had been established by that point, and they could just go out there to have fun:

“So they put us together, and me and Bob was like, You know what? We’re gonna make the best of this. We’re gonna do what we can to it. The thing with Bobby is, whereas me and Chris had to rely on each other, me and Bobby was already kind of established, so we can just go out there and have fun and just act fools. So they had us as heels, and I made up some dumb merchandise that said Beer Money on it.”

Apart from this, James Storm also revealed that they came up with the team name during a casual conversation with Eric Young. They originally intended to annoy the audience with it but it soon caught on and became a popular phrase.

Mariah May Confirms Inspiration Behind New WWE Name

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Mariah May has seemingly confirmed the inspiration behind her new name.

A name change was expected for the former AEW star when she made her NXT debut a couple weeks ago. The same was confirmed with a video package on this week’s episode of the development brand, with Blake Monroe being revealed as the new name for the female star.

The second part of her new name was obviously inspired by Iconic actress Marilyn Monroe. The fans, however, were not sure about the first name, with many believing that she should have kept the AEW name for better recognition.

The 26-year-old then posted a photo with her niece on Wednesday with the caption ‘B,’ seemingly confirming that the first part of her name is inspired by the little one:

Blake Monroe confronted the current NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne upon her NXT debut during the June 3 episode, clearly indicating that winning the title was her goal in the Black & Silver brand.

The company, however, did not include her in the mini tournament they have announced to determine Jayne’s opponent for the upcoming Evolution 2 PPV

So it appears that the former AEW Women’s Champion will have to wait some time to get her first title shot in WWE. It’d be interesting to see who she feuds with in the meantime.

Mr. Iguana Reveals What He’s Been Told About His WWE Future

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Mr. Iguana made an appearance at this week’s episode of NXT after becoming an internet sensation but according to the high-flying star himself, the developmental brand will not be his new home.

The Mexican pro wrestler recently spoke to Línea Directa TV, where he confirmed what’s next for him. The AAA star discussed his visit to the WWE Performance center and revealed that the company is planning for him to join the main roster soon:

“I’m there effectively. Like literally, I was in the Performance Center yesterday and they told me, you’re not going through NXT — you’re heading straight to the main roster.”

All this comes out of Mr. Iguana’s appearance at the Worlds Collide event, which went viral. The officials were quick to capitalize on his popularity, bringing him in for an appearance at the Money In The Bank PPV.

During the talk, Mr. Iguana confirmed previous reports that his merchandise was among the bestselling merch over the PPV weekend and the company is now looking into ways to capitalize on his popularity:

“I was literally taking pictures with Shawn Michaels and they told me they need you here because your shirt is the top seller in WWE, and you’re also the fastest-rising star when it comes to action figures and trading cards.”

It’s unknown what the company’s plans are for Mr. Iguana on the main roster, but it seems likely that he’ll be working with top WWE stars very soon.

Watch: What Happened With Tony Khan After AEW Summer Blockbuster Went Off Air

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Tony Khan addressed the crowd after two back-to-back successful shows.

AEW presented the 4-hour-long Fyter Fest special on TBS last week. They followed it up with the Summer Blockbuster this week, making history in terms of broadcast length for a wrestling TV show.

After the end of the second show, the company president came out to address the crowd. He told fans at the Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon that they’ve all become part of history by attending the show.

After praising the performers who were part of the broadcast, Tony Khan talked about the tradition of pro wrestling in Portland. He mentioned how the city has been the home to some iconic talents, including names such as Playboy Buddy Rose and ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper:

The two shows featured many notable moments and announcements, though the biggest one of them all was probably the announcement of a rematch between Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada.

The two stars who hold the International Title and the Continental title, respectively, were announced for a winner-takes-all match at the upcoming All In Texas PPV.

They took part in a contract signing segment this week where the company confirmed that both the championships will be unified at the upcoming event. Though the segment ended on an unexpected note after one of the competitors joined a faction. You can check out more about it here.

7 Years Later, WWE 2K18 Is Playable On Nintendo Switch

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WWE 2K18 is at long last playable on a Nintendo Switch console, as long as players are willing to pay big-money for a new console. The game, WWE 2K’s first and so far only attempt at handheld console gaming, proved to be a nightmare for fans to play as the system lacked the necessary processing power. Instead of exciting matches and compelling moments, fans were treated to painfully slow sequences and matches that often crashed the game befor a winner could be decided.

Now, the game is playable, at least on the new Nintendo Switch 2. YouTuber RGT 85 has uploaded a video of the worst games from Nintendo Switch and revealed that WWE 2K18 finally plays as planned on the new console.

2K Games have announced they plan to release new WWE 2K titles on the brand new Nintendo Switch 2. It remains to be seen if they prove to be playable at launch, or if fans will have to wait another seven years before a new game actually works on a Nintendo console.

Legitimate Injury Behind AEW Summer Blockbuster Angle

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A legitimate injury was the reason behind tonight’s segment at AEW Summer Blockbuster.

The Hurt Syndicate were part of tonight’s show, competing in a six-man tag team match against Kevin Knight, “Speedball” Mike Bailey & Mascara Dorada.

Before this match however, the group was featured in a backstage segment. The segment featured MVP in a hallway who proceeded to open a door. Behind the door were the rest of the Hurt Syndicate members, beating down Komander.

MJF had the high-flying star’s mask in his hand as Lashley and Benjamin were hunched over him. As the trio left, the commentary explained that the footage was from earlier in the night.

Komander Injured

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select has revealed that Komander is dealing with a real-life injury, and the segment was a way to write him off TV.

The masked star’s last TV match came during the June 4 episode of Dynamite, where he teamed with Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey to defeat the La Faccion Ingobernable faction.

According to an unconfirmed story, he suffered the injury while competing in a match over the weekend in Oaxaca, Mexico. Komander apparently slipped while attempting a rope walk dive and wasn’t able to finish the bout.

SEScoops wishes a speedy recovery to the AEW star.

MJF Slams Mistico’s WWE Run Ahead of Dynamite Showdown

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The June 18, edition of AEW Dynamite will take place in Arena Mexico with a stacked card announced including MJF Vs. Mistico. On the June 11, episode, the two met in the ring and MJF held nothing back against the masked star.

Mistico made his AEW return this week and picked up a clean win. But things heated up after the bell when The Hurt Syndicate and MJF made an appearance. After the pair traded digs, MJF said that he only knows Mistico as “sloppy Sin Cara,” a swipe at his WWE run.

Mistico’s WWE run as Sin Cara was plagued by injuries, botched moves, and criticism as he failed to live up to the hype of ‘the next Rey Mysterio.’ He was ultimately released in 2013 amid a combination of issues, including a wellness policy violation and reported difficulties adapting to WWE’s in-ring style.

After Mistico’s release, WWE kept the Sin Cara character, who’d be played by Hunico. With tensions rising, it remains to be seen who stands tall when the pair battle in Mexico.

AEW Lawsuit Filed By Kevin Kelly & The Tates Moves to Arbitration

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Kevin Kelly and the Tate Twins just hit a legal roadblock in their lawsuit against AEW, which will now play out behind closed doors. A federal judge in Florida has ruled that Kelly and the Tates must take their dispute into private arbitration. Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger writes:

“All disputes between Talent and AEW… [to] be resolved for final, binding, and conclusive arbitration conducted before a single arbitrator in Duval County, Florida.”

Attorney Stephen P. New, representing the plaintiffs, told POST Wrestling that “We look forward to pursuing the plaintiffs’ claims in arbitration.”

This lawsuit was filed in August 2024 against AEW, Tony Khan, and commentator Ian Riccaboni. Kelly has claimed that Riccaboni falsely painted him as a QAnon supporter, which allegedly played a role in Kelly’s exit from AEW. The Tate Twins, better known as Dalton Castle’s ‘Boys,’ claim that Khan damaged their reputations when he claimed they had missed events, mere hours after the pair were cut from AEW in April 2024.

Now, this case will play out in arbitration, making a public fallout unlikely, if not impossible. It remains to be seen whether the two sides can come to terms in arbitration.

Watch: Mercedes Mone Shares Sensual Moment With Toni Storm At Summer Blockbuster

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Mercedes Mone has some mind games of her own.

The reigning Women’s World Champion Toni Storm competed at tonight’s Summer Blockbuster event, squaring off against Julia Hart in a singles bout.

Mercedes Mone, who will be challenging Storm for the Women’s title at All In, was in commentary for this bout. Mone joined Storm in the ring after she pinned Hart with a small package.

The Timeless One is known to get intimate with her opponents but this time it was Mone who initiated the sensualities. The TBS champion whispered something in Toni’s ear before dropping her opponent and beating her down.

Mina Shirakawa came out to make the save, and Mercedes seemed to retreat as the Japanese star entered the ring. As Shirakawa was looking after Storm however, Mone entered the ring again and took Mina out as well. She then picked up the AEW Women’s title and made Toni kiss goodbye to it to end the segment.

Though this wasn’t the last of the former Sasha Banks we saw during the show. She appeared in a backstage segment later on, challenging CMLL Women’s World Champion Zeuxis to a title match.

Zeuxis came out to accept the challenge and this time, it was the CMLL star who laid out Mone to end the segment. Tony Khan has since confirmed that the title match will be taking place at next week’s Dynamite.

AEW Introduces New Title Belt Ahead of Big All In Match

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AEW has unveiled a new championship belt.

The company announced last week that the current International Champion Kenny Omega, will be facing the Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada at the upcoming All In PPV in a Winner Takes All match.

Tonight’s Summer Blockbuster special of Dynamite then featured a contract signing between the two NJPW veterans. The promotion also confirmed that the upcoming match will be a title unification bout by introducing the new unified belt for the winner during the show:

Prior to this segment, Okada was seen arguing with the Don Callis Family backstage which ended with the former IWGP World Champion calling the group ‘bitches.’ So it wasn’t a surprise when Callis showed up during the contract signing segment and engaged in a promo battle with Omega.

Just as it looked like Kenny was done with his former associate, however, Okada surprised his arch rival by attacking him from behind. Callis then provided the Japanese star with a retractable police baton to confirm their new alliance.

Okada went on to unleash a brutal attack on his All In opponent, hitting Kenny multiple times with the baton. He followed up with multiple diving elbows.

As the medics looked to take Kenny out on a stretcher, Okada delivered one final diving elbow. This led to the former AEW champion coughing blood as the commentators reminded everyone of his recent battle with diverticulitis.