Britt Baker was the first woman signed to an AEW talent contract in 2019 and for a while, was the top star of the women’s division. Baker’s days on top are now a distant memory, and her recent social media activity may have teased a bold move.
Baker has removed all references to AEW in her Instagram bio, distancing herself from the All-Elite promotion. On X, Baker’s bio is similarly AEW-free and makes reference to her role as a wrestler and a dentist.
Baker’s alterations come amid an interesting time in the DMD’s career. Baker hasn’t competed since November 2024, and has competed just five times over the past year. Baker remains active on social media though rarely makes reference to AEW.
Interestingly, her latest reference to AEW on social media saw her throw support behind Saraya following the British wrestler’s exit from AEW.
— Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (@RealBrittBaker) March 26, 2025
Baker’s absence has left fans wondering as to whether her time with AEW may also be coming to an end. In January, Chris Jericho cast doubt on the idea that Baker will leave AEW, following reports of alleged heat on the former Women’s World Champion.
If Baker does end her time with AEW, fans can expect WWE to make an effort to sign Baker who could also see interest from promotions overseas such as STARDOM. Whatever’s next, Britt Baker remains a talking point among wrestling fans, even with her hiatus from AEW growing day-by-day.
Aleister Black has fired back at the narrative about his time in AEW.
The former NXT champion was part of the AEW roster for 4 years before his contract expired in February this year, and he returned to WWE. Many fans found his run with the rival promotion to be underwhelming, and there have been many rumors as to why the company did not use him to his full potential.
The 40-year-old addressed some of these speculations during his interview with The Ringer ahead of SummerSlam. He discussed how some have been pushing the narrative that he was only biding his time in AEW until he could return to WWE which is not true:
“It becomes this thing where people want to desperately have a narrative. ‘He never wanted to be in AEW.’ That’s completely false. That’s absolutely not true.
I had a great time in AEW. I had a lot of fun. Did I do everything that I wanted to do? No, but that’s okay. At the end of the day, that’s not my company and I don’t have any say.”
Despite making his name as a singles star prior, Aleister Black only had a limited number of singles matches in Tony Khan’s promotion. In the last three years, the former champion had only wrestled 4 singles matches under the AEW banner, and some claimed that the refusal to put over other people was the reason behind this.
The wrestling veteran, however, questioned this belief, saying that he would have been positioned higher on the card if he had that kind of pull with the management:
“It’s the same way, ‘He didn’t want to lay down for people.’ If you really think that I have so much pull in the company that I can say who I’m not going up against or lay down against, you think I’m not going to vouch for myself or put myself in the main events? You think I’m going to politic, ‘I’m not going to lay down for this person.’ It doesn’t make sense.”
Aleister Black is currently not booked for the SummerSlam PPV and he is yet to be featured in a PLE match since his return to the company in April.
The company presented the SummerSlam go home episode of the Blue Branded show from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey tonight.
The episode featured the final build for the upcoming PPV including a segment between John Cena and Cody Rhodes with the former seemingly turning face before his upcoming title defence.
The broadcast ended with a brawl between the teams of Randy Orton & Jelly Roll and Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul, before their battle at the PPV.
Though the show didn’t end there for the fans in attendance, as there were multiple dark matches after SmackDown went off air. The first dark match saw Sheamus defeating Rusev in singles competition.
The second dark match saw Jimmy and Jey Uso reuniting for a tag team match against the duo of Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh.
The brothers spent a long time playing the crowd during their entrance before the heels attacked them to get the match going. In the end, The Usos picked up the victory to send the crowd home happy.
This is the first time The Usos have reunited since before WrestleMania 41. They last competed together in a tag team match against A-Town Down Under during the March 24 episode of SmackDown.
Kylie Rae’s name will be forever etched in history as the first-ever WWE ID Women’s Champion. Rae made history at GCW Presents WWE ID Showcase by winning the gold in a fierce triple threat that included Zayda Steel and Zara Zakher. Rae’s moment of glory came when Steel was forced to tap out to a crossface submission.
The WWE ID Women’s Championship comes with a unique stipulation — it’s open to all independent talent. That means that non-WWE contracted talent will regularly have the opportunity to capture WWE gold. Rae, already part of the WWE ID program and a regular on WWE EVOLVE, now becomes the division’s first champion.
— Stone Cold Harbor ?? (@StoneColdHarbor) August 1, 2025
For Rae, this victory is as big for her personally as it is professionally. This win comes close to four years as Rae announced that she’d be taking a break from wrestling due to mental health concerns. At the time, it was unclear when fans would see the fun-loving wrestler in the ring again, but now she’s both back, and a champion.
Rae’s victory not only cements her place in WWE ID history but also opens the door for a wave of new challengers from across the independent scene. It remains to be seen who from the Independent Wrestling scene steps up to the new champion.
WWE Chief Creative Officer Triple H provided comments on the Vince McMahon sexual assault allegations, taking a dismissive stance while emphasizing the company’s forward momentum despite the controversy.
“Sure. And and all we can do is move forward for us as a company creative um you know all we can do is move forward and allegations are allegations right it’s a complicated relationship for anybody in life,” Triple H stated during an exclusive UK interview on “The Sports Agents.”
The wrestling executive acknowledged the complexity of the situation but maintained focus on WWE’s business operations, adding, “Nobody is perfect. Um, but accusations are made and they that that’s a that’s a whole legal thing that is totally separate and aside from what we do.”
Triple H emphasized his role in maintaining WWE’s creative direction amid the scandal:
“My job is to put on the best creative product that WWE can do.” He highlighted the company’s current success, noting business is “in an incredible place right now and continuing to grow.”
The comments represent Triple H’s most direct address of the McMahon situation since serious allegations of sexual assault and trafficking emerged. McMahon has consistently denied all allegations, but the scandal led to his departure from WWE operations.
Triple H pointed to WWE’s strengthened partnerships as evidence of stability, specifically mentioning “our partners at Netflix and NBC and CW and and everyone in between.” The company recently secured a major Netflix deal for Monday Night Raw.
“It’s a wonderful time in our business and and fans are enjoying it,” Triple H concluded, suggesting WWE has successfully navigated the transition period.
WWE Chief Creative Officer Triple H sparked controversy during a UK interview by praising Donald Trump as “one of the most intuitive people” he’s ever encountered, defending the former and current president’s decision-making abilities.
“I think there is as you move through life you continue to learn and um you know I think that over time everybody learns he is one of the most intuitive people I think that I’ve met,” Triple H stated during an exclusive interview on “The Sports Agents.”
The wrestling executive elaborated on Trump’s strategic approach, saying, “When he has a plan and he knows that it’s correct he will stick to that and I think over time many times that’s proven to be correct but I think he admits when it’s wrong also.”
Triple H attempted to distance himself from political commentary, clarifying that “my my my world is not a political world. My world is a world of entertainment.” He noted Trump’s inclusion in the WWE Hall of Fame and emphasized his respect for world leaders regardless of political affiliation.
The comments come as Trump recently visited the UK, prompting questions about WWE’s relationship with political figures. Triple H expressed admiration for anyone in leadership positions, stating, “I can only imagine what it is to be a world leader in this day and age.”
Trump’s history with WWE spans decades, including hosting WrestleMania events and appearing in storylines. His Hall of Fame induction in 2013 cemented his connection to the wrestling world.
Triple H concluded by offering support to all leaders: “God bless them and the job that they do.”
WWE Chief Creative Officer Triple H stopped short of confirming WrestleMania’s arrival in London but indicated the company is actively exploring the possibility following recent meetings with Mayor Sadiq Khan.
“I cannot confirm. But like you know we’re wide open for business and as we said with the mayor when we were there Nick Khan myself uh WWE President Nick Khan and myself um when we went to see him we’re open for business,” Triple H revealed during an exclusive UK interview on “The Sports Agents.”
The WWE executive emphasized that any London WrestleMania would need “the right time with the right uh opportunity and the right uh terms for everybody involved where it works.” His comments come after WWE leadership met directly with London’s mayor to discuss bringing major events to the UK capital.
Triple H highlighted WWE’s global expansion strategy, stating, “We’re a global company and we want to bring uh our biggest events and our best events all around the globe.” He praised London as “always been a second home for us” with “amazing” fans.
WrestleMania, WWE’s flagship annual event, has never been held outside North America despite the company’s international reach. A London WrestleMania would represent a seismic shift in WWE’s event strategy and could significantly boost the UK’s sports tourism profile.
The wrestling executive concluded by expressing optimism about future discussions:
“We’re open for business and we look forward to hearing from the mayor again and continuing our conversations.”
AEW star Swerve Strickland has confirmed his future plans in professional wrestling, stating in a new interview that he intends to retire when his current multi-year contract with All Elite Wrestling expires in 2029.
While speaking to Wrestle Figure News, Strickland was asked if he was serious about his new five-year contract, which he signed in 2024, being his last. He confirmed that is the case and explained his loyalty to AEW.
“I meant every word. I’ve never lied to the fans about that kind of stuff,” Swerve said. “Honestly, I don’t want to give my talent, my ability, my mind, my body, or my soul to anyone else. I want to give all of that to AEW, because they’ve given me everything I need.”
Strickland elaborated on what motivates him, stating that he is driven by the challenge of helping AEW grow in every aspect. He also noted his interest in a future backstage role where he can help mentor talent and explore new ideas.
“I don’t want to be just a part in the machine—I want to help run it,” he explained. “But the cool thing is, I can still be hands-on. I can still be with the people, helping, teaching, exploring new ideas. Not just repeating what’s always been done, but crafting new ways and exploring uncharted territory.”
Strickland’s long-term commitment to AEW comes as he is positioned for a major championship opportunity. At the All In: Texas pay-per-view on July 12, he and Will Ospreay defeated The Young Bucks in a high-stakes match. The victory now allows Strickland to challenge for the AEW World Championship, currently held by “Hangman” Adam Page, whenever he chooses.
Charlotte Flair has been enjoying a renewed connection with the WWE fans in recent weeks, and in a new interview, she has opened up about the personal shift that has led to this change in her on-screen character.
Speaking with Fightful, “The Queen” explained that for years, she felt she lost what originally made her character connect with the audience. She believed that trying to be “untouchable” and “perfect” ultimately disconnected her from the fans.
“I think I’ve kind of over the years lost the importance of what made Charlotte special. I thought it was being untouchable,” Flair said. “Charlotte was in her own box trying to be perfect all the time and [I think] that disconnected her from the audience.”
Flair continued by saying that embracing her real-life struggles and being more open has allowed her to reconnect with the fans. “With everything that I’ve been through personally that I’ve tried to hide or not talk about or pretend wasn’t happening, was really what made my character so tough,” she explained. “It was like, you know what, these scars or trauma or whatever I’ve been through is what has made her special. Owning that and opening up… Really, that’s all it took was to be yourself, not pretending to be some perfect queen. It’s been great.”
Flair’s new perspective will be on display this weekend as she steps onto one of wrestling’s biggest stages. At the two-night SummerSlam premium live event, she is scheduled to team up with her new partner, Alexa Bliss, to challenge Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
One of WWE’s most controversial characters, Muhammad Hassan, was written off TV in 2005 after a year on the main roster. Two decades later, fans are yet to see Hassan step back in the ring, but could that change one-day?
Speaking to TheA2theK Wrestling podcast, Mark Copani, the man behind the Hassan character, reflected on a potential return. Given the controversy of the character two decades ago, and the ongoing political climate, Copani would be wary about revisiting the role of the Arab-American heel.
“It depends how it’s presented because I can never go out there and pretend to be Muhammad Hassan. I mean, crying out loud, I’m the director of human resource. My job is the rules and perception.”
Copani’s days of angering fans worldwide with themes of racial discrimination and prejudice are behind him, but wrestling may not. Copani would be lying if he said he wasn’t interested in returning in a way “without p*ssing anybody off.”
“You miss that energy from the crowd. You know, I I miss everything about being in the ring. I miss everything about wrestling. I don’t miss the travel, at least the extent to which you have to travel… I’d be lying if I said I’d never want to have that experience again.”
For Copani, any kind of return would not be the start of a second run, but instead a “one and done” situation. But with tensions in politics continuing to rage, it remains to be seen if Copani will ever get the tactful one-off return he hopes for two decades after his WWE exit.
Muhammad Hassan’s sole WrestleMania appearance saw him share WWE’s grandest stage with WWE’s biggest star: Hulk Hogan. After assaulting Eugene at WrestleMania 21, Hassan was laid out by the Hulkster in an epic moment at the April 2005 PLE.
Battling Hassan would serve as Hogan’s final time getting physical at the show he headlined for years. Speaking to The A2theK Wrestling podcast, Hassan reflected on his experience with the late legend.
“He was never anything but great to Shawn [Daivari] and I, and he was never anything but great for us to work with.”
Hassan found Hogan to be very gracious when doing business, and shared that his experience with Hogan was hardly an isolated one. Instead, Hassan struggled to recall anyone who had a bad experience working with the two-time WWE Hall of Famer.
“I don’t really know a lot of people who worked with Hulk Hogan or met with Hulk Hogan that had a really bad experience with him.”
Hassan, now an assistant principal, recalled being interviewed about Hogan mere days before the icon’s death in July 2025. While this loss has hit many in wrestling, Hassan shared that it has allowed people to bond over their respect for the former WWE Champion.
“People started coming up to me or messaging me to talk about the experiences they had with Hulk Hogan. One of my one guy that I know bumped into him twice. Once in New York City and once at a restaurant locally here in Syracuse. And he had nothing but great things to say.”
While Hassan’s days in the ring are behind him, he will never forget his time working with Hulk Hogan. For a lifelong fan of wrestling, sharing WWE’s grandest stage with the Hulkster was a dream come true.
WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has made a bold declaration about today’s wrestling landscape, naming CM Punk as the best pro wrestler in the world during a recent interview with Complex Sports over SummerSlam weekend.
“There’s a lot of really good wrestlers. I’m a forever Rey Mysterio fan, you know, like I always—I love watching Rey, even now today, especially as he gets older. But I’m also a big fan of Roman Reigns. I think if I had to answer the question, I’d say CM Punk.” – Bret Hart
Hart’s endorsement carries significant weight in the wrestling community, particularly given his legendary status and critical eye for in-ring talent. The “Hitman” praised several current stars, showing particular appreciation for Rey Mysterio’s longevity and Roman Reigns’ recent work.
However, it was CM Punk who ultimately earned Hart’s top spot, a notable choice given the Chicago native’s controversial WWE departure and recent return to the company.
Country music star Jelly Roll is putting an end to the “wrestling is fake” debate after experiencing the brutal reality of professional wrestling training firsthand.
Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up alongside his SummerSlam tag team partner Randy Orton, the slimmed-down singer offered a defense of the sport’s legitimacy, backed by personal experience that left him with an actual injury.
“Listen man, that wrestling is fake stuff gotta go out the door,” Jelly Roll declared emphatically. “There’s no fake way to land on a piece of plywood in front of 60,000 people. There’s no fake way to go over a cable rope in front of 65,000 people. I broke my pinky week one of training by accident. It’s a constant collision.”
The broken pinky wasn’t just talk – Randy Orton confirmed the injury during their joint interview, adding credibility to Jelly Roll’s claims about wrestling’s physical demands.
Orton also expressed pride in his partner’s dedication to getting in shape and preparing for their upcoming match, highlighting the commitment required for celebrity crossovers into professional wrestling.
Jelly Roll’s transformation from fan to participant has given him newfound respect for the craft.
“These men and women put their body through hell,” he explained. “I knew it, and I’m a real fan, that’s how I ended up here, but I really understand it now that I’ve went in there. I dedicated my whole life to it for a couple of months, and I still can’t crack half the code, a quarter of the code, that actually is this thing.”
The country star’s authentic account of wrestling’s physical reality, complete with documented injury, provides compelling evidence against long-standing misconceptions about the sport’s legitimacy.
WWE’s Alexa Bliss recently spoke with Steve Fall of Ten Count Media for an intimate conversation that revealed a more personal side of the wrestling superstar. From childhood memories to unconventional pets, Bliss shared stories that showcase her unique personality beyond her in-ring persona.
Childhood Nostalgia and Pop Culture Icons
When asked about her favorite childhood toy, Bliss revealed a touching detail about her early years. “I had this doll named Hannah that I named her. She was like one of those life-sized dolls and she went with me everywhere because I always wanted a sibling,” Bliss explained. “So, my poor parents had to take this doll everywhere.”
Her childhood bedroom told the story of a typical 90s kid, decorated with posters of Taylor Swift, *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and even an Eminem CD. When pressed to choose between *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys in a hypothetical street fight, Bliss diplomatically declined: “I’m friends with people in both. I don’t know. I can’t make that call. I’m too biased.”
Bliss also revealed her childhood heroes were Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, particularly admiring their TGIF era. “I loved styling my hair like them. I loved all the sleepover movies. I wanted to be them,” she shared.
The Reality of Pet Pig Ownership
One of the most surprising revelations came when discussing her experience owning a pet pig named Larry. Bliss offered valuable insights for anyone considering this unconventional pet choice.
“They are very socially needy, so you have to be able to interact with them at all times,” Bliss explained. “They are very clean. Larry used to wipe his feet before coming inside. He didn’t like mud for some reason. He did not like dirt.”
She painted a picture of a particularly refined pet: “He wouldn’t lay down on just regular ground. He had to have like a pillow or a blanket. I raised a very bougie pig.” However, she warned about their demanding nature: “They’re creatures of habit. And if you mess up their schedule, they are not nice.”
Connecting Past and Present
The interview revealed interesting connections between Bliss’s childhood and her current WWE character. When discussing her life-sized doll Hannah, she made a playful connection to her current wrestling persona: “Maybe that’s why I carry Lily now. I don’t know. It’s that childhood still coming out.”
Bliss also shared that she wasn’t a rebellious child, admitting she was “too afraid” to do anything crazy that her parents wouldn’t find out about. As a collector, she gravitated toward Pokemon cards, though she confessed she “didn’t even really play with the cards. I just liked having the collection.”
WWE continues to monitor Ethan Page and Ricky Starks as potential candidates for main roster call-ups, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Both wrestlers have established themselves as key players in their respective divisions, with Page making a significant impact since joining WWE and Starks building momentum following his AEW departure. The ongoing evaluation suggests WWE sees long-term potential in both performers for Raw or SmackDown.
Page has demonstrated versatility in his WWE tenure, showcasing the character work and in-ring ability that originally caught the company’s attention. Meanwhile, Starks brings a unique combination of charisma and technical skill that could translate well to the main roster environment.
The timing of potential call-ups remains uncertain, as WWE typically evaluates roster needs and storyline opportunities before making such moves. Both wrestlers continue their current developmental work while remaining on management’s radar for future main roster integration.
With WWE’s expanded programming schedule and ongoing roster rotations, opportunities for call-ups continue to present themselves throughout the year. The Observer’s report indicates both Page and Starks remain strong candidates when those opportunities arise.
During the July 28 episode of WWE Raw, Nikki Bella participated in an 8-women tag team match where she sustained a breast implant injury due to Piper’s elbow drop.
“Anyone see that heat spot Monday night? Piper’s elbow drop? Yeah… put the implants right into the ribs. It’s been hard to laugh and cough, but it’s okay, we’re gonna get it fixed one day.”
– Nikki Bella, Nikki and Brie Show
“I was in pain but I didn’t want the match to end. I think my implant is stuck in my ribs.”
– Nikki Bella, Nikki and Brie Show
Despite being in pain, Bella continued the match and later sought medical attention. This injury has made it difficult for her to laugh or cough, but she’s optimistic about getting it fixed eventually.
“I went to the doctor yesterday to get my tit looked at. I was just telling Brie I was having conversations with my shirt off—I didn’t think I’d be here today in New York City getting my boobs looked at, knowing that my implant has moved.”
Former World Wrestling Entertainment owner Vince McMahon’s reputation as a driver was horrible among employees, according to stories over the years from former WWE employees.
McMahon, 79, was in a crash with two other vehicles on July 24, according to an incident report from Connecticut State Police. McMahon was said to be driving 80-to-85 mph according to a witness who saw the crash. He was cited for Reckless Driving and Following Too Closely Resulting in an Accident on July 24 while on Route 15, also known as the Merritt Parkway, which runs along the Gold Coast in Connecticut. This is according to an incident report filed with the Connecticut State Police.
Connecticut State Police say McMahon, driving a 2024 Bentley Continental GT, struck the rear-end of Barbara Doran, who was driving a 400 series late-model BMW. McMahon’s car, after striking the rear of Doran’s, hit a wooden guardrail separating the northbound lane from the south. Debris from the collision hit a third driver, a Dylan Zimmerman. All three vehicles were towed following the incident.
According to a witness at the scene, McMahon’s Bentley was traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic. The witness said an unmarked CSP car turned on its lights and attempted to pull McMahon over before he struck the rear end of the BMW. Another witness said CSP was going to give McMahon a speeding infraction, but cited him for Reckless Driving.
According to Connecticut General Statute, “The operation of a motor vehicle upon any such highway, road or parking area for ten cars or more at a rate of speed greater than eighty-five miles per hour shall constitute a violation of the provisions of this section.”
Vince McMahon on the Road
McMahon was notorious for dangerous driving in his days with WWE.
Former WWE referee Mike Chioda said on his podcast in 2021 that McMahon once drove the WWE ring truck while intoxicated and in a snow storm, doing donuts.
Former WWE employee Jim Cornette said McMahon, outraged over a re-directed flight, recounted McMahon’s horrible driving in a podcast five-years ago. Cornette said McMahon drove with a car full of top WWE staffers, hitting 100 MPH in some areas while driving in a rainstorm.
Cornette said he was traveling with McMahon once when he was pulled over by what he believed was a younger, rookie cop. Outraged at getting a ticket and pulled over, McMahon took off from the side of the road, kicking up gravel on the road side at the officer.
Jim Ross wrote in his book, “Slobberknocker,” he was a passenger of McMahon’s when they were leaving a Raw show in Columbus Ohio and were pulled over by an Ohio State Trooper. According to Ross, McMahon tried playing up his own name and Ross himself, “Good Ol’ J.R.” as stars to get out of a speeding ticket.
The Ohio State Trooper replied, “I guess this makes me the Big Boss Man,” before handing McMahon a ticket.
McMahon is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Aug. 26.
Stephanie McMahon has explained why she stepped away from WWE in 2022.
The WWE Executive sat down with John Cena for a chat on the latest episode of her podcast. They talked about things such as Cena’s issues with his father, his retirement tour and more.
During the session, McMahon also opened up about her husband Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque’s 2021 cardiac event. The Game underwent a heart procedure following it that led to his retirement from the ring. Stephanie mentioned how Levesque almost lost his life:
“I almost lost Paul, my husband, and what’s weird and I haven’t talked about it, is I always had a feeling that I was going to lose him early. I just had that feeling. After we got through everything, that feeling went away. It’s like a pattern that was supposed to happen changed.”
Stephanie McMahon then explained how the whole event led to a change in her perspective and prompted her to step away from the company in May 2022:
“It was such a gift, truly. Then I started going through all this stuff in the company and I realized – there is nothing more important to me than my family, than my husband and my kids. That’s what matters most. I want to give as much time as I possibly can [to them].
I’ve given everything I possibly have to the business my whole life. And I wanted to give back to them. And that’s when I took that first leave of absence, which didn’t last very long.”
A new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has shed light on the creative plans for the El Grande Americano character in Lucha Libre AAA. The report indicates that the masked superstar is set to be positioned as a “major player” in the Mexican promotion, rather than a comedy act.
In the latest edition of the newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported on the future of the character as the WWE and AAA partnership continues. “More WWE wrestlers will appear on AAA shows. Grande Americano now speaks and sings in Spanish and will be there as a major player and not a comedy figure,” Meltzer wrote. This was on display during his recent AAA debut, where he was cheered after singing the popular song ‘Cielito Lindo.’
The El Grande Americano persona was originated by Chad Gable before he was sidelined with a rotator cuff injury. In his absence, WWE Raw superstar Ludwig Kaiser has been portraying the character, including making the well-received debut in AAA. The storyline took another twist on this past week’s Raw, when Pete Dunne appeared in a different mask, adding more mystery to the situation.
The plan to position El Grande Americano as a major player will be put to the test at AAA’s biggest show of the year. On August 16th at Triplemania XXXIII, he is scheduled to compete in a four-way match for the AAA Mega Championship against the champion, El Hijo del Vikingo, and fellow WWE superstars Dominik Mysterio and Dragon Lee.
WWE officials remain split on whether to pursue Alberto El Patron for a potential return to the main roster, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. While some within the company are impressed by his recent work in AAA, concerns about negative public perception continue to create hesitation.
Sources indicate that “there are those in WWE who want Alberto El Patron on the main roster as they see his work as excellent in AAA.” However, the former WWE Champion’s social media controversies and past issues have created significant pushback from other decision makers within the company.
Currently, WWE has no concrete plans for El Patron in the U.S. wrestling market, though that position could evolve based on changing circumstances. The expectation is that he will continue his run with AAA in the immediate future.
Interestingly, some WWE officials view a potential “loser leaves AAA” storyline as an ideal way to write El Patron off television, either temporarily or permanently. This approach would allow AAA to move forward while giving WWE the option to reassess the situation later.
The internal divide reflects WWE’s ongoing challenge of balancing talent evaluation with public relations concerns. While El Patron’s in-ring abilities remain highly regarded, his controversial history continues to influence booking discussions behind the scenes.
For now, El Patron appears set to remain with AAA as WWE monitors both his performances and public reception moving forward.
WWE superstar R-Truth has revealed a scrapped creative pitch that would have seen John Cena play a pivotal role in his recent character change. The veteran star wanted the 17-time world champion to be the one to cut off his iconic dreadlocks.
Speaking on The Ringer Wrestling Show, R-Truth explained that he had pitched for John Cena to be the one to cut his hair on television, an idea that ultimately did not happen. “(I was) actually trying to get (John) Cena to cut my hair. For real,” he said. The haircut was part of a repackaging for Truth after he was briefly let go by WWE in June, only to be brought back less than a week later after a massive fan and peer outcry.
Truth also shared a humorous anecdote about a joke from Triple H that spurred him on. He recounted Triple H joking about his and Cena’s hairlines, saying, “Oh, we can [tell you apart]. One’s going bald on the top and one’s going bald on the front.” Truth said the joke was so funny that it sealed his decision to go through with the haircut. “It felt good cutting it, dog. I got the reaction I want. I got that emotion from people that I want,” he said.
While the pitch for Cena to be involved in the haircut was scrapped, the two were briefly involved in a program upon Truth’s return, with Cena criticizing fans for wanting Truth back. R-Truth is now in a feud with Aleister Black on Friday Night SmackDown, while John Cena is scheduled to defend his WWE Title against Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight at SummerSlam this Sunday.
WWE superstars Becky Lynch and Mick Foley are making their mark in children’s television today, voicing characters in a new episode of Nickelodeon’s animated series “Wylde Pak.” The episode, titled “Meats of Strength,” showcases an unexpected collaboration between wrestling entertainment and family programming.
The crossover was revealed by Nickelodeon animator Bryan Arnett through an Instagram post, where he expressed his excitement about working with the WWE legends. Arnett, who designed the characters voiced by Lynch and Foley, shared a personal connection to the project that resonates with many wrestling fans.
“Excited for tomorrow’s’ new episode of #wyldepak ‘Meats of Strength’ As a kid growing up in 80’s I loved watching WWF! So it was pretty amazing getting to design characters that were voiced by @realmickfoley @beckylynchwwe #nickelodeon,” Arnett posted on Instagram. The collaboration represents a unique intersection between WWE’s mainstream appeal and Nickelodeon’s family-friendly content. For Arnett, the project came full circle – transforming from an 80s WWF fan into a professional animator working directly with wrestling icons he once watched on television.
Both Lynch and Foley have demonstrated versatility beyond the wrestling ring throughout their careers. Lynch, known as “The Man” in WWE, continues to expand her entertainment portfolio, while Foley has long been recognized for his storytelling abilities and crossover appeal in various media formats.
The “Wylde Pak” episode aired today on Nickelodeon, giving young viewers and their wrestling-fan parents a chance to enjoy this unique entertainment blend together.
WWE SmackDown returns to Newark, New Jersey tonight live from the Prudential Center.
This episode serves as the final destination in the build towards ‘The Biggest Party of the Summer’, SummerSlam 2025, with most of the major storylines getting their final push before this weekend’s premium live event.
John Cena and Cody Rhodes will face off for the final time ahead of SummerSlam, where they’ll clash for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Street Fight
Jelly Roll has been previously announced for the show, as he’ll team with Randy Orton against Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam
Plus, multiple top names are confirmed including Logan Paul, Charlotte Flair, Randy Orton, and Tiffany Stratton
Confirmed Matches
WWE Women’s United States Championship Match
Giulia (c) vs. Zelina Vega – This is a rematch after Giulia took the title from Vega in Riyadh. Giulia is now represented by Kiana James.
Singles Match
Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black – The animosity between these two has been boiling for the past month, beginning when Damian Priest went to bat for an unhinged R-Truth.
AAA World Tag Team Championship Open Challenge
Los Garza (Angel & Berto) will issue an open challenge for the tag titles for stars from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and AAA.
All Elite Wrestling has officially announced the first championship matches for AEW Forbidden Door 2025, with the event scheduled to take place in London on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The pay-per-view will broadcast live at 6PM BST, 1PM ET, and 10AM PT.
The main event will feature AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada defending his title against former champion Swerve Strickland. This highly anticipated rematch promises to deliver the technical excellence and storytelling that both competitors are known for on the international stage.
Timeless vs Athena
In the women’s division, AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm will put her title on the line against challenger Athena. Storm’s current character work and championship reign have been standout elements of AEW programming, while Athena brings her own intensity and skill to this title opportunity.
ROH Women’s World Champion @AthenaPalmer_FG has chosen the perfect time and place to execute her guaranteed title shot, at AEW x NJPW #ForbiddenDoor!
The Forbidden Door event represents AEW’s continued partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling and marks another significant international pay-per-view for the promotion. London’s wrestling fanbase has consistently shown strong support for major wrestling events, making it an ideal location for this cross-promotional showcase.
Additional matches for the card are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as AEW builds toward their August return to the UK market.
Cody Rhodes has added a new layer of intrigue to one of the most infamous incidents in wrestling history, revealing that he has a conspiracy theory that the Montreal Screwjob may have been a work.
The Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, which saw Vince McMahon conspire with Shawn Michaels to take the WWE Championship from Bret Hart, has long been accepted as a legitimate, unscripted event. However, while speaking on The Ringer, Rhodes explained that the unprecedented presence of a documentary crew backstage at a WWE event makes him question the official story.
“Whenever I tell somebody high level confidential stuff, I use Chris, who’s in the corner, has probably heard me say this. I say Bret-Shawn level. I have never heard from either that it wasn’t as real as it possibly could get, and maybe it was. It certainly ended up being real, no doubt, however, I have questions. There was a documentary crew backstage at a company that never, ever allows anything like that. There’s mics in the room.”
Rhodes, who grew up in the business as the son of Dusty Rhodes, explained his belief in the “work within the work,” suggesting that making something appear real on a show that is otherwise scripted is the ultimate form of performance. He even suggested that Vince McMahon getting punched by Bret Hart could have been a necessary part of the deception if it was planned.
“My position, to me, is always the work within the work. And Sean, Sean Michaels was my favorite wrestler growing up… then you get to him and Hogan, when they wrestled SummerSlam, and they’re like, ‘Oh, you can tell he’s mad at Hogan’… But is he or is this just seemed like the one real thing on the show where you knew everything else was fictional… We’re talking about, you saw Rhea and Bianca talking about, there’s no way to pull that. It’s coming. It’s coming… If the whole thing was a work from beginning, and yeah, then part of it is he has to hit him.”
The aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob had massive, real-world consequences, including Bret Hart’s departure for WCW and the birth of the villainous “Mr. McMahon” character, which became a cornerstone of the Attitude Era. Despite being dissected for nearly 30 years, Cody Rhodes’ theory adds a fresh perspective on the controversy from one of today’s top stars.
Zilla Fatu posted a now-deleted tweet directed at Rikishi on July 31st, 2025, expressing frustration about being criticized publicly. In the tweet, Zilla wrote:
“FOR YOU TO TALK DOWN ON ME AND CHASE FOR CLOUT IS OUTTA POCKET… YOU GOT MY NUMBER SO WHY YOU AINT TEXT ME OR CALL ME PERSONALLY AND PUT ME ON GAME? @TheREALRIKISHI instead you went on your podcast & do the most”
He also referenced his late father, stating “MY POPS IS HERE… He ain’t never left”
Background Context
The tension stems from Rikishi’s recent criticism of Zilla Fatu’s TNA Slammiversary debut on his “Off The Top” podcast. Rikishi, who is Zilla’s uncle, publicly critiqued his nephew’s decision to wear face paint during his TNA debut, saying it was “not good marketing” and compared it unfavorably to Jeff Hardy’s look.
On his podcast, Rikishi critiqued: “I didn’t see why he would put the paint on his face. For me, it wasn’t good marketing. I felt like you were marketing Jeff Hardy”
He also expressed disappointment with how the match was structured and suggested he wished he could have helped orchestrate Zilla’s performance.”
The Family Dynamic
This dispute highlights the complex family dynamics within the Anoa’i wrestling family. Rikishi has been vocal about Zilla’s wrestling development, previously stating that while Zilla has potential, he needs more time on the independent circuit to find his “extra talent”
Zilla, being the son of the late Umaga, is part of the extended Bloodline family but has been working to establish his own identity in wrestling.
Deleting the tweet suggests he may have reconsidered airing family grievances publicly, but the message clearly showed his frustration with being criticized on a public platform.
