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.
Chelsea Green was screwed out of the Women’s United States Championship, at least according to Green’s husband Matt Cardona. On the April 25 edition of WWE SmackDown, Green’s 132-day reign was ended by Zelina Vega, making Vega the second-ever champion.
On X, Cardona argued that a travesty akin to the Montreal Screwjob had occurred, though he didn’t know the location of SmackDown.
Green had held the title since WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2024, beating Michin in the finals of a tournament. Vega was not part of the tournament, making her victory even more special.
As for Cardona, rumors have circulated for years about his potential return to WWE. Green has said that she is confident Matt will return, though has agreed with Cardona’s declaration that “Zack Ryder is dead.” Both the new and former Women’s U.S. Champions know what it is like to be released from WWE, proving that fans shouldn’t count out Cardona being a Superstar again.
In a WWE Digital Exclusive, Ford reflected on the victory. The high-flying star confidently declared that this is just the beginning of a long and dominant reign for himself and Dawkins.
“This is just the beginning. We know we’ve got a target on our backs. We know everybody wants the smoke. We know everybody wants these. But truth be told, Byron, they look too damn good on us, and quite frankly, they ain’t going nowhere.”
The year 2025 marks the silver anniversary of the first TLC match, which saw The Hardyz, the Dudleyz, and Edge & Christian dazzle fans at SummerSlam 2000. Dawkins explained that he, Ford, the Guns, and DIY understood the expectations that come with competing in such an iconic match.
“We knew we had big shoes to fill and all three teams went out there and laid it all on the line… Just like those three teams did.”
This was a WrestleMania-worthy match, and the decision to leave it off WWE’s biggest event left many fans frustrated. Dawkins expressed hope that WWE management realizes their oversight after witnessing the performance these teams delivered.
“We gave them [WWE management] a reason to say, ‘Damn, we shouldn’t have left those three off ‘Mania. We should have put those boys on the big show.'”
While Ford and Dawkins were not part of the Showcase of the Immortals, the team made themselves immortal in this TLC match, Dawkins added. It remains to be seen which team will be next to challenge the Street Profits.
On the April 25 edition of WWE SmackDown, Zelina Vega achieved a career milestone by capturing the Women’s United States Championship. Vega won the gold from Chelsea Green, ending the inaugural reign that had began at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2024.
In a heartfelt WWE Digital Exclusive interview following her victory, Vega held back tears as she reflected on her long road from hopeful dreamer to champion.
“I’m looking at it, and it doesn’t feel real because this was something that lived only in my dreams—and now it’s real life, and I’m holding it. It’s crazy, y’know? I can’t believe it’s real. I can’t believe I’m holding this right now.”
This triumph marks Vega’s first taste of singles gold, more than seven years after signing with WWE in 2017. When asked about her mindset heading into the match, she admitted she tried to stay hopeful, but realistic.
“It’s one of those things you always pray for, but you never really know if it’s going to happen. I think hearing the words ‘You deserve it’ as I was walking up the ramp really shocked me. Because honestly, I felt like maybe the fans had given up on me.”
Vega’s win over Chelsea Green is the culmination of years of perseverance and personal sacrifice. She dedicated the victory not just to herself, but also to her family, friends, and LWO allies. Now that she holds the gold, the question becomes: how will Zelina Vega handle life with a target on her back?
The tag team Fraxiom is now officially part of the SmackDown roster, and they made a strong first impression with a victory over Los Garza on the April 25 episode. In a backstage interview following the match, Nathan Frazer was clearly overwhelmed with emotion as he tried to describe the moment.
“I’m so proud to be part of the SmackDown roster, and I’m even more proud to be doing it with my best amigo here.”
Axiom echoed Frazer’s excitement, reflecting on what the debut meant for them both—especially coming just days after they lost the NXT Tag Team Championships at NXT Stand & Deliver.
“Tonight was the night for me. Tonight was the night for us. Our dreams came true tonight.”
Though losing their titles was a tough pill to swallow, the call-up to SmackDown capped off a monumental week for Fraxiom. Despite the bittersweet timing, they knew the opportunity was too good to pass up as Frazer explained:
“When the opportunity came, we were like, ‘We’ll take it! Right now, we’ll take it!’”
Now, Fraxiom can set their sights on the WWE Tag Team Championships, currently held by the Street Profits. But after Ford and Dawkins retained in a brutal TLC match, it’s clear that taking the gold will prove to be no easy feat for SmackDown’s newest tag team.
Carmelo Hayes is the latest Superstar to claim victory in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal—and the former NXT Champion now has a new nickname to match. On the April 25 edition of WWE SmackDown, Hayes was presented with a special Andre the Giant pendant by his ally, The Miz. The pendant features the face of the iconic WWE Hall of Famer, who tragically passed away in 1993.
Embracing his growing connection to the legendary giant, Hayes declared himself the “Tenth Wonder of the World.” The nickname pays homage to Andre, long recognized as the Eighth Wonder of the World, and Chyna, who held the title of the Ninth. On social media platform X, Hayes even teased a tweaked version of his new moniker, further solidifying his brand.
While it was a big night for Carmelo Hayes, things didn’t go as well for his “Melo Don’t Miz” tag team partner, The Miz. The two-time Grand Slam Champion suffered a loss to the returning Aleister Black on the same episode of SmackDown.
Seth Rollins stunned wrestling fans at WrestleMania and trolled football fans at this year’s NFL draft. The newest Paul Heyman guy was a special guest pick announcer for the Chicago Bears, who selected at number 56 in the second round.
Before he revealed the pick, though, Rollins had some fun with the fans in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Rollins reminded the fans that Caleb Williams, the quarterback of the Chicago Bears, is undefeated in Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers.
After having his fun, Rollins revealed that the Bears had selected Ozzy Trapilo in the 2025 NFL Draft. An Offensive Tackle from Boston College, Ozzy is a legacy prospect. His father, Steve Trapilo, also played in the NFL. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 315 lbs, Ozzy is “every bit the prototype of an NFL offensive tackle,” according to the Chicago Football Connection.
Rollins’ love for the Bears runs deep, with the WWE star regularly tweeting that he loves or hates football, depending on if the Chicago team won their game or not. Now, Seth can sit back and enjoy seeing his beloved Bears in action.
Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena’s first title defense will come against Randy Orton, reigniting one of WWE’s most storied rivalries. On the Raw after WrestleMania 41, Cena celebrated his record-breaking 17th WWE World Championship win—only to be blindsided by an RKO from his longtime adversary. Orton then posed with the title, making his intentions crystal clear.
Cena and Orton have clashed 21 times on WWE programming in various match types, including Hell in a Cell, TLC, and an “I Quit” match. Cena currently leads the rivalry with a 13-7-1 record and has won the last four encounters, including their most recent bout on WWE SmackDown in 2017.
This upcoming match could mark the final chapter in their legendary feud, as Cena has announced plans to retire from WWE at the end of the year. The 16-time world champion has vowed to walk away as champion, a goal that has reportedly prompted WWE to introduce a new title for other talent to compete over. Cena has referred to this secondary title as a “toy,” claiming it lacks the history and prestige of the one he holds—what he calls “the last real championship.”
WWE Backlash will stream live on Peacock in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally, broadcasting from St. Louis at 7 ET / 4 PT.
The Street Profits are still the WWE Tag Team Champions after surviving a brutal Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match on the April 25 edition of WWE SmackDown. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins successfully defended their titles against both DIY and the Motor City Machine Guns in an intense triple threat showdown.
As expected in a TLC match, tables, ladders, and chairs were all legal and heavily featured. However, the chaos didn’t stop there — at one point, a fan’s prosthetic leg was even used as a weapon, adding to the unpredictable nature of the bout.
The match reached its climax when Angelo Dawkins delivered a devastating spear to Tommaso Ciampa, who was suspended from the title belts high above the ring. Moments later, Montez Ford ascended the ladder and retrieved the titles, ensuring the Street Profits’ reign as champions continues.
A notable return happened on Friday’s WWE SmackDown, as Aleister Black, aka Malaki Black, is back.
On the show, Black came out to interrupt a segment with The Miz, who had been talking. Miz went to get into Black’s face, but Black laid him out with a Black Mass and then sat down in the ring to end the segment. Black came back to his old entrance theme song.
Black first gained prominence in WWE’s NXT from 2017 to 2021. During his time in NXT, he achieved significant success, capturing the NXT Championship and winning the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic alongside Ricochet.
Following his stint in NXT, Black transitioned to WWE’s main roster. However, his time there was cut short, and he was released in 2021. From 2021 to early 2025, he wrestled for AEW under the moniker Malakai Black. Several weeks ago, his tenure with AEW came to an end when he was granted his release from the company.
— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) April 26, 2025
Vega defeated Green in two consecutive non-title matches on SmackDown in the weeks leading up to their championship bout. These victories established Vega as a credible challenger for Green’s newly won title.
One of Vega’s non-title victories over Green occurred under controversial circumstances, with Green getting counted out Green did not have a match at WrestleMania 41, despite being the Women’s United States Champion, although Fightful reports that several pitches were made for her, whether that be to wrestle or to have a segment.
Green won the inaugural WWE Women’s United States Championship on December 14, 2024. She defeated Michin in the tournament final at Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXVII.
Nia Jax has returned to WWE TV, immediately setting her sights back on Tiffany Stratton and the WWE Women’s Championship. On the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Jax blindsided the reigning champion, Tiffany Stratton, and delivered an AnNiahilator.
Before the attack, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton squared off against Jade Cargill, the former AEW TBS Champion riding high after securing her first singles victory over Naomi at WrestleMania 41.
Naomi stormed the ring and launched an assault on Cargill, declaring the match a no-contest. Naomi’s attack culminated in her driving Cargill into the steel ring post before engaging in a tense staredown with the reigning WWE Women’s Champion.. This distraction created the perfect opportunity for the returning Jax to strike, blindsiding Stratton from behind.
This marked Jax’s first appearance in a WWE televised match since Elimination Chamber, where she teamed with Candice LeRae in a losing effort against Stratton and Trish Stratus.
In 2005, Shelton Benjamin battled Shawn Michaels on Raw in a match that the Showstopper would win with spectacular flair. Michaels delivered Sweet Chin Music to a mid-air Benjamin in a stunning spot that fans continue to celebrate two decades later.
Appearing on Maven’s YouTube channel, Benjamin discussed several defining moments of his career. Reflecting on the iconic spot, Shelton revealed that even Vince McMahon couldn’t contain his enthusiasm backstage.
“[Vince gave us a] standing ovation. Clapping. Everyone was really high.”
The spot, according to Benjamin, was conceived by WWE veteran Michael P.S. Hayes, who was “over the moon” with the audience response. In the video, Benjamin also explained how he achieved perfect timing while sharing the ring with the Heartbreak Kid.
“The whole time, I’m looking at Shawn’s foot. One thing I do to protect myself is this [waves arms in circles]. The signal for me was when my hands hit Shawn’s foot, that’s when I started bumping.”
Benjamin shared the ring with Michaels several times throughout his career, but this 2005 showdown remains the most memorable. The match stands as a testament not just to the wrestling prowess of both men, but also to the exceptional athleticism and timing that earned Benjamin the nickname “The Gold Standard.”
Natalya is a veteran of the WWE ring, but now the Canadian star is hungry to win NWA gold. On Friday, March 25, the NWA announced that Natalya will challenge NWA Women’s Champion Kenzie Page at the 2025 Crockett Cup event on May 17.
NWA President Billy Corgan commented on the upcoming match:
“It’s always our distinct honor to host this modern version of the Crockett Cup, but holding the event in this great and historic building in Philadelphia, with the addition of a WWE Superstar such as Natalya, in an NWA title match no less, shows how far we have come.”
While this will be Natalya’s first match against Page, it won’t be the first time the pair have come to blows. Following Natalya’s victory at Bloodsport XII, she brawled with Page, who was seated at ringside.
Natalya is a former WWE Divas Champion, SmackDown Women’s Champion, and Tag Team Champion, but it has been over seven years since the veteran last held singles gold. Now, the Queen of Harts has an opportunity to demonstrate why she remains a respected figure in women’s wrestling and to establish her dominance over the talent of the NWA.
Bryan Danielson hasn’t wrestled for AEW since WrestleDream, but the American Dragon still has an ‘All Elite’ role to play. In recent days, Danielson has been engaging with several UK-based media outlets, promoting the upcoming AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door event. The fourth crossover event of its kind will take place at the O2 Arena in London, England on August 24, replacing All In: Wembley as the company’s annual UK event.
Danielson’s media appearances demonstrate that the former World Champion remains valuable to AEW, even as his in-ring future remains uncertain. In December 2024, Danielson stated it was 50/50 whether he’d wrestle again due to his lingering injuries and desire to spend more time with his family.
Tony Khan remains optimistic that Danielson’s wrestling career isn’t over, but even if he doesn’t return to the ring, Bryan continues to be a valued member of the AEW team. Fans can therefore look forward to hearing more from Danielson in the media and, perhaps one day, seeing him lace up his boots once more.
“For some reason I thought when I got it, there’d be a sense of closure here. I feel like I’m just getting started, uce.”
Jey expressed surprise that his brother Jimmy was on hand to celebrate his victory in the ring. While Jey’s solo career has far surpassed what his brother has achieved so far, Jey was quick to make clear that his World Heavyweight Title win wasn’t just for him.
“I felt like it was for me and him. I know it’s just me, but I feel like it’s a token of both our hard work. This is just as much his title as it is mine.”
Jey concluded by reiterating that after months of talking about WrestleMania 41: Saturday, he is ready to embark on a new chapter in his career. It remains to be seen what’s to come for ‘Main Event’ Jey as the popular star embarks on this new chapter as champion.
The WWE Hall of Fame is a special part of WWE lore for the ways in which it celebrates legends, embraces pro wrestling nostalgia, and affords an opportunity to hear what are often inspired speeches and stories from stars of yesteryear. The Hall has also become a moneymaker for WWE as its an additional piece of live content to broadcast, a live event to sell tickets for, and excuse to sell new merchandise for retired talent.
Ever since WWE transitioned to the two-night WrestleMania format, however, the Hall of Fame has also presented challenges. From 2004 to 2019, the induction ceremony was a part of WrestleMania weekend, taking place the night before ‘Mania. The 2020 ceremony was postponed due to COVID, and recent years have seen it occur after SmackDown—directly in the same arena as the live Friday night show or, this year, from a separate location, hours later. The resulting ceremonies have not done WWE legends, talents, or fans justice.
The WWE Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony Has Started Too Late At Night
Image credit: WWE
The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony started at 10 p.m. Pacific Time. It’s always a bit arbitrary to say what time of night is too late to expect people to watch or enjoy a show, but when a program isn’t getting started until 1 a.m. Eastern Time, that’s a pretty hard sell for any kind of mainstream audience to watch live.
What’s more, WWE staged NXT Stand & Deliver starting at 10 a.m. Pacific Time the next morning. In terms of fans who attended WrestleMania weekend live and who wanted to attend both events, that meant a mere eight and a half hours between shows. Even for fans watching from home on the East Coast, it meant staying up until 4:30 a.m., then tuning back in at 1 p.m. Even for the most hardcore fans, that’s not an appealing combination.
Even independent of the NXT event, though, a show ending at 1:30 on the west coast, 4:30 on the east coast simply isn’t a great fit for fans, nor for WWE talents themselves. Perhaps most importantly, a generally older population of legends getting Hall of Fame recognition both have to stay up way past their bedtimes and deliver speeches in front of an audience that’s fighting just to stay awake.
Another Time Of Year Might Give The WWE Hall Of Fame More Spotlight
One solution to Hall of Fame scheduling would be to do it on a separate weekend. Indeed, back in the 1990s when WWE started experimenting with live induction ceremonies, they held them in conjunction with the King of the Ring PLE and then the Royal Rumble. A major PLE without a two-night format would make all the sense in the world to inherit the ceremony and, in so doing, elevate that PLE’s weekend on the whole.
As an alternative, WWE could innovate around the Hall of Fame itself. They could take a page out of WCW’s playbook with the old Slamboree shows, built around celebrating their own Hall of Fame and featuring a handful of matches in which former talents got back in the ring for one more match. The idea of more properly resurrecting the Starrcade brand—not just with a glorified house show WWE streams, but as its own major event that invokes nostalgia could be a perfect fit to pair with the Hall of Fame’s own emphasis on celebrating yesteryear.
Airing The Induction Ceremony In Place Of A SmackDown Go-Home Show May Make The Most Sense
Some people would undoubtedly look at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony getting moved off WrestleMania weekend as a step down for its prestige. It is fair that WrestleMania is the biggest event on the WWE calendar and draws the largest volume of fans. As such, the Hall of Fame does get some extra shine just by being associated with The Showcase of the Immortals.
Perhaps the simplest solution, then, would be for the ceremony to simply replace the go-home SmackDown before WrestleMania. Even with attractions like the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and a spirited promo between Cody Rhodes and John Cena this year, the blue brand’s last show before ‘Mania felt pretty skippable, knowing the card was set and WWE probably wouldn’t want to risk major talents getting hurt in matches right before the big one.
Plugging the Hall of Fame into that spot would make better use of the time, still honoring WWE’s programming obligations and giving the ceremony a larger, organic viewership. WWE might have to shrink down its induction classes marginally to ensure they fit in the SmackDown time slot, but most fans would be fine with a ceremony they knew wouldn’t exceed three hours. Perhaps that time could even include a couple matches, as pairing the Andre battle royal, for example, with the ceremony actually has a nice ring to it.
In the end, there are pros and cons all around to how WWE might reimagine its Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. At minimum, though, for the sake of truly honoring legends and entertaining fans, this important piece of WWE content really shouldn’t happen so late at night at the front end of the biggest weekend of the year.
The Roast of WrestleMania wasn’t officially aired by WWE, but that hasn’t stopped portions of the event from making it to the public. According to various sources who attended the roast, Nia Jax didn’t hold back on Charlotte Flair, who was not in attendance. Jax mocked Flair’s three divorces, raising questions among many fans as to whether Nia crossed a line.
Regardless of what Charlotte may think about Jax’s comments, the Queen is rising above the controversy. Taking to X, Flair made it clear that her focus is not on the scathing remarks from Jax and others, but instead on what she does best.
While a roast is known for harsh comments, many feel that Jax went too far, especially since Flair was not present to defend herself. Jax has faced her own series of hurtful comments from fans, often targeting her weight and alleged incidents of injuring other talent. With Jax having spoken openly about how these comments affected her mental health, many believe she should have shown more restraint regarding Charlotte’s personal life, particularly since Flair has been candid about the emotional impact of her divorces.
The Roast of WrestleMania was intended only for fans in Las Vegas, but the event has sparked a significant debate online. It remains to be seen whether WWE will organize a second event following the controversy stemming from this inaugural show.
Dorian Joaquín Roldán Peña, CEO of Mexican pro wrestling promotion AAA, recently opened up about what led to the acquisition of AAA.
The historic acquisition has significantly changed the landscape of Mexican professional wrestling. The announcement was made during the WrestleMania 41 Saturday Countdown show. WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque was joined by Fillip Chairman Alberto Fasja, AAA’s Marisela Peña and Dorian Roldán Peña, as well as WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio and AAA standout El Hijo Del Vikingo.
During the Sports Summit, Dorian Joaquín Roldán Peña emphasized that competing against other forms of entertainment and sports industries in Mexico is particularly challenging. He further explained that securing sponsorships has become increasingly difficult.
Peña noted that soccer generates substantial revenue in the country, making it difficult for AAA to compete against Liga MX, the Mexican National Team, and the soccer industry in general. He said:
“I went three weeks ago, it was a brand’s turn, and I told that brand, ‘Hey, I need money…’ And no, the money is in football, the money is in the Super Bowl, the money is in whatever property is hot. You have to chip away at a lot of money.”
It has been speculated that the acquisition of AAA by WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, was worth approximately $50 million, though exact figures remain undisclosed. The acquisition enables WWE to collaborate with a talented roster of luchadors, create exciting crossover matches, and further expand their international market presence.
¿Por qué Triple A fue vendida a WWE? ?
? Esto fue lo que dijo Dorian Joaquín Roldán Peña, General Manager de Lucha Libre AAA. pic.twitter.com/0EN0Z1tdpl
Aleister Black’s WWE return is set for tonight’s episode of WWESmackDown (April 25, 2025), marking his first appearance since his 2021 release. Known as Malakai Black during his AEW tenure, his comeback has been quietly building through weeks of cryptic teases.
Build-Up and Teasers
Over the past several weeks, WWE has aired unsettling vignettes featuring dark, symbolic imagery tied to Black’s former WWE persona. Visuals like a lone chair encircled by candles directly reference the “Dark Father” character from his previous run.
The vignettes escalated in detail, incorporating the numbers “4” and “25” — subtly signaling the April 25 return date. Zelina Vega, Black’s real-life wife, has also appeared in these segments and was recently moved to SmackDown, reinforcing speculation about his comeback.
Details on the Return
Multiple outlets have confirmed that Black’s return is locked for the April 25 edition of SmackDown, the first show following WrestleMania 41. The episode will be held in Fort Worth, Texas.
His re-debut was reportedly delayed until after WrestleMania to ensure maximum exposure and creative momentum. He was also spotted at WWE Headquarters in recent weeks, adding to internal buzz.
Creative Direction and Potential Storylines
Early reports suggest Black’s return could intersect with ongoing supernatural-themed storylines. He may align with or challenge the Wyatt Sicks faction, or possibly engage with Uncle Howdy, hinting at a deeper horror-inspired angle.
Despite a strong run in NXT, Black struggled to find consistent direction on the main roster before his departure. Now, with Triple H guiding WWE’s creative, there’s renewed hope that Black will finally receive a sustained push and a defined role.
Still, some analysts caution that the success of his return could hinge on how audiences receive the darker character elements — particularly if paired with less conventional storytelling.
Bianca Belair confirmed she suffered a possible broken finger during her triple threat match at WrestleMania 41.
Despite the injury and the end of her WrestleMania streak, Belair praised IYO SKY and vowed to continue her rivalry with Rhea Ripley.
Bianca Belair has revealed that she suffered an injury during her triple threat match at WrestleMania 41 against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley.
The high-profile bout opened night two of the event, where IYO successfully defended the WWE Women’s Championship in a match that received widespread acclaim from fans and peers alike.
The Injury
A behind-the-scenes video released by WWE showcased Steve Austin congratulating IYO on her performance, while also capturing a candid moment with Belair, who disclosed she had hurt one of her fingers during the match.
“I think I broke a finger. My fingers hurt, my feelings hurt, but nah, I’m so happy right now. That was amazing. Win or lose, it’s WrestleMania,” Belair told WWE Digital.
Despite the physical setback and the end of her WrestleMania winning streak, she praised IYO’s performance, calling her one of the best in the world.
Her Message for Rhea Ripley
Belair also sent a message to Rhea Ripley, stating,
“Rhea, I’m still comin’ for that ass! This ain’t over, because it’s your fault.”
The match marked a significant turning point for Belair, both in terms of storyline and personal resilience, as she looked ahead to future rivalries.
The Young Bucks appreciate the fans and have taken the time to show how much it means to them.
The Young Bucks had been on hiatus until Dynasty, when they returned and helped Jon Moxley retain the AEW World Heavyweight Title over Swerve Strickland. They took to Instagram to share a message of thanks to the fans.
“Nothing but love to the real ones who’ve never stopped supporting us,” he wrote via Instagram. “To the ones who didn’t fall for the phony character assassination clickbait articles.”
Jackson continued, “The rumors, the lies. You had our backs the whole time [and] it didn’t go unnoticed. We still do this for you. I would have probably called it a night a long time ago without your support. Let’s keep going. Let’s come back bigger, better [and] sharper. What is ‘the feeling’ everyone talks about? It’s you. You’re the recipe. Onward [and] upward.”
The former AEW Tag Team Champions beat Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey in a tag team match this past week on Dynamite.
Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 41 as Randy Orton’s opponent, bringing his TNA World Championship to WWE’s biggest stage
Despite the quick match ending with Orton’s RKO, Hendry views the experience as a positive career milestone that will boost TNA’s visibility
TNA World Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry appeared as a guest on Busted Open Radio during WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas to discuss his surprise appearance and match against Randy Orton at WWE’s biggest event of the year.
The interview revealed Hendry’s mindset about the moment, his journey, and what it means for his future.
The Surprise Appearance and Match Experience
Hendry described the feeling of being revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery opponent at WrestleMania as “unfathomable.” Unlike his Royal Rumble appearance, where he simply walked out, this moment featured a special entrance with his signature spin as the doors opened.
“I was chill the entire time until we got close to the venue… I’m watching the video package and I’m going ‘Holy smokes,'” Hendry shared about his pre-match emotions. “The doors open, the music hits, spin around, I’m thinking ‘What is going on?’ That’s what I love about this business now, it’s just anything can happen.”
When discussing the match itself, which ended quickly with Orton delivering his signature RKO, Hendry pushed back on characterizations of it as a “squash match.”
“The offense was back and forth… My job as TNA champion and what defines this reign is getting as many eyeballs on TNA wrestling as possible,” Hendry explained. “You know who else lost quickly in WrestleMania in similar fashion? John Cena. Am I going to all of a sudden say I’m too good to do that? That was, to me, exactly how it should have gone.”
Confidence Boost and Future Outlook
Busted Open host Dave LaGreca noticed a change in Hendry’s demeanor during the interview, noting a new level of confidence. Hendry confirmed this transformation, attributing it to conversations with WWE legend John Cena.
“John Cena said it this morning. He was on Pat McAfee’s show and he said ‘I think Joe Hendry is going to be a major player,'” Hendry revealed. “John Cena and I had another conversation last night that reinforced that for me. When John Cena won the championship, I was walking through back to the little room that I had, and John Cena—the camera crew is filming him, he’s just won the championship—and he comes over to me.”
Reflecting on his remarkable rise over the past year, Hendry expressed amazement at how quickly his career has accelerated.
“I never thought it’d be possible at this speed. Last year, that’s when the song started to gain traction… I released the song on April 29th. We’re not even a calendar year forward, and all these things have happened—WrestleMania match with Randy Orton, main event No Mercy, TNA World Champion.”
Focus on TNA’s Future
Despite experiencing WWE’s grandest stage, Hendry emphasized his commitment to TNA Wrestling and leveraging his increased exposure to benefit the company.
“The challenge for me is not when can I get another moment, it’s about how can I take this and make money for TNA,” Hendry stated firmly. He also hinted at potential crossover appearances, mentioning that a “WWE mega star who has a tour bus” had expressed interest in appearing at TNA’s upcoming Rebellion pay-per-view.
Hendry’s WrestleMania moment represents not just a personal milestone, but potentially a new chapter in the relationship between WWE and TNA Wrestling, with the confident champion right at the center of it all.
Despite fan campaigns calling for the Women’s United States Championship to be featured at WWE’s biggest event of the year, champion Chelsea Green found herself without a match on the WrestleMania 41 card. Speaking with Adrian Hernandez for Unlikely during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, Green addressed the situation with remarkable professionalism while reflecting on her journey to WWE success.
“I felt the want and the need for these titles to be on the show. I wanted them to be on the show, but at the end of the day, you know, we only have so many hours and so many spots on the card,” Green explained, acknowledging the reality of WWE’s premier event’s time constraints.
While clearly disappointed about missing wrestling’s biggest stage, Green showed solidarity with her colleagues who did make the card.
“I think that the women that were on the show did an amazing job of representing all of us. So, although I’m upset and I wish I could have been on it, I’m really proud of the girls.”
From NWA to WWE: A Decade-Long Journey
The interview also provided Green an opportunity to reflect on her remarkable career journey, which included a stint in NWA in 2017 alongside several wrestlers who have since become major stars, including LA Knight, Eddie Kingston, and Thunder Rosa.
“I honestly reflect on this whole journey like once a week because I’m so grateful to be here, have this championship, be a part of WWE,” Green shared. “It’s everything I ever wanted when I got into wrestling.”
What makes Green’s perspective particularly compelling is her appreciation for the indirect path that ultimately led to her current championship status.
“I wanted so badly 10 years ago to be here, but now it makes it special that I’m here because I went through all those companies and opponents and you know, the journey was just hard and I love that for me.”
Championship Status and Fan Connection
As the first-ever Women’s United States Champion, Green’s absence from WrestleMania 41 has raised questions about the championship’s positioning within WWE’s hierarchy. However, her positive outlook and team-first attitude demonstrate why she’s become a fan favorite beyond her in-ring capabilities.
Green concluded the interview with a message to her fanbase, whom she affectionately refers to as her “harvest”:
“If you want to be a part of my secret harvest, we do not discriminate. Honey, you are in. You are hired. As long as you are secretary of slaying, you’re in. We love you all.”
While her championship wasn’t defended on wrestling’s grandest stage this year, Green’s journey and perspective offer an inspiring reminder about perseverance in professional wrestling’s increasingly competitive landscape.
Former WWE and AEW star Saraya (Saraya-Jade Bevis) recently spoke about the lasting impact of her “Paige” character and the potential for bringing that persona back if she returns to the ring.
“I would take Paige again. Yeah. I love that character. I love Paige. I love the music. I love that she was a badass,” Saraya said in an interview with Andro Mammo.
Best known for her time in WWE, Paige became a standout figure with her anti-diva image, unique presentation, and aggressive style. She held the NXT Women’s Championship and captured the WWE Divas Championship twice, becoming a fan favorite during her run.
Comparing that version of herself to her time in AEW, Saraya noted the contrast in character styles.
“Saraya was a different character in AEW. It’s more like a chicken sh*t heel, which was fun, but I preferred Paige, for sure,” she admitted.
Looking to the future, Saraya hinted that a return could feature a mix of both personas.
“And if I was to be Saraya, it would be a Paige version of Saraya,” she added.
The influence of Saraya’s Paige character extended beyond the ring, inspiring the 2019 biographical film Fighting with My Family, produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The movie chronicled her journey to WWE and introduced her story to a global audience.
Saraya has spoken openly about her respect for both WWE and AEW, crediting WWE for helping shape her career while acknowledging the support and creative freedom she experienced in AEW. She also praised WWE’s current women’s division for its depth and talent, naming Rhea Ripley as a dream opponent should she step back into the ring.
In addition to her wrestling legacy, Saraya is focusing on new creative ventures. She recently released her memoir, Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives, and has expressed interest in acting. She’s also set to host a new show titled Rule Breakers.
WWE SmackDown airs live tonight from Fort Worth, Texas, at the Dickies Arena, delivering a high-stakes episode centered around a rare Tables, Ladders & Chairs (TLC) Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships.
In the main event, The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) will defend their titles against Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa).
All three teams have recently held the gold, and after weeks of rising tension and last week’s chaotic title match interference, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis made the decision to settle the score in a TLC match—WWE’s first on television since 2020.
The match is expected to deliver a fast-paced, high-impact spectacle as the teams compete to retrieve the titles suspended above the ring.
Also Advertised
Also advertised for tonight’s show are several top WWE Superstars, including WWE Champion John Cena, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Cody Rhodes, and Bianca Belair, adding further star power to an already stacked lineup.
We’ll also see fallout from WrestleMania 41, as we begin the road to WWE Backlash 2025 on Saturday, May 10.
SmackDown broadcasts live at 8/7c on USA Network, with the spotlight firmly on the explosive TLC main event in Fort Worth.
