The promotion issued a detailed public statement addressing Riddle’s claims about the booking, revealing that “his flights were booked and approved by his manager back in April. No issue was raised at the time.”
According to GWK’s timeline, communication issues plagued the booking from the start. After months of chasing Riddle’s manager for promotional materials, they finally received content just days before the show. When Riddle’s driver waited at the airport for hours, the wrestler claimed flight issues and decided to take “other bookings instead.”
“We implored him to try and get a flight over as fans had paid to see him,” GWK stated. “He was reminded again, that this was a charity event for ‘Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide’ and ‘help 4 homeless veterans.'”
The promotion contradicted Riddle’s claims about flight arrangements, providing screenshots showing two meals were included in his booking. They emphasized that any luggage issues “could have been quickly sorted out by a quick message or phone call.”
Despite the disappointment, GWK praised the talent and fans who attended, noting “the reaction of the crowd when Grado’s music hit nearly knocked us out of our chairs.”
Mick Foley had a crazy character idea that never became a reality.
The wrestling legend recently sat down with The David Difference for an interview. During the talk, he was asked which one of his three faces he would use if he had to make his wrestling debut today, or if he would use some other character that never saw the light of day.
Foley gave a two-part answer, first saying that if he had to choose between his three famous characters, he would choose to debut as Cactus Jack:
“I’ll give you a two-part answer. I think Cactus Jack, I’m really grateful for Mankind, but if you only have one shot, I think you go with what is most legit and most true, and that was Cactus Jack, just as an extension of my personality.”
Mick Foley however, then revealed a crazy character idea which he had pitched during his TNA days. It would have seen him being introduced as the son of the company’s resident monster at the time, Abyss:
“The one character that got away from me, oh man. This was money. You can almost…the smell of money is still around. This was at a time when Hulk Hogan came into Impact Wrestling, and he took Abyss under his wing.
I wanted Hulk to have a man-to-man talk with Abyss and tell him that the way he had of expressing his love 18 years earlier had actually, resulted in a child who would be revealed to be the Son of Abyss. That’s me. Son of Abyss. I just imagined it like Abyss and a secret partner working against two of Eric Bischoff’s guys.
I would be the secret partner, come down in the Abyss mask. I just imagined Eric Bischoff in the middle of the ring going, ‘Son of Abyss, Son of Abyss.’ That’s where I have to say with all due respect to Austin 3:16, Steve, you’re darn lucky the Son of Abyss shirts never hit the market.”
Tiffany Stratton wants Sabrina Carpenter to be part of her WrestleMania moment.
The WWE Women’s Champion recently appeared on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast. She talked about things such as her mom being a wrestling fan, the process of developing her character and more.
During the talk, Stratton was also asked which musician she would like to play her to the ring for a WrestleMania entrance. The Buff Barbie Doll manifested Sabrina Carpenter creating a special theme song just for her:
“Sabrina Carpenter would be so cool. She’s really hot right now, she just came out with a whole new album.
I think that would be a banger and I would want her to create my own entrance music and have her perform it for the first time at WrestleMania for me. Sabrina, if you’re listening, let’s do this … It needs to happen, let’s manifest it.”
In recent years, we have seen Slayer’s Kerry King performing Damian Priest’s WrestleMania entrance while Living Color did the same for CM Punk. WWE veteran Bayley has also expressed interest in having Paramore accompanying her for an entrance but it hasn’t happened yet.
So Sabrina Carpenter being part of Tiffany Stratton’s entrance for a future show does not seem completely out of question. Though considering her popularity, the company will have to pay a lot of money if they do want the pop star to make an appearance at the Show of Shows.
Maven has recalled being part of Brock Lesnar’s WWE debut.
The former WWE star spoke to Chris Van Vliet for a new interview recently. He talked about things such as beating the Undertaker for the Hardcore title not long after his wrestling debut, the infamous promo of Ric Flair on him and more.
During the interview, they also talked about Maven being the first person who took an F5 from Brock Lesnar on TV, during the Beast’s March 2002 Raw debut. The former WWE star revealed the conversation he had with Lesnar before the show:
“There was no telling me how I’m gonna take it. It’s ‘I’m gonna grab you, put you up on my shoulders.’ ‘What do you need from me Brock?’ ‘Nothing, just lay flat.’ He’s like, ‘I’ll do the rest.’ And he did.”
Maven then explained that Brock is as strong as he is presented on TV and the former UFC star was able to handle him like a child during the segment:
“I even asked him while we were working on it during the day. I was like, ‘Do you need me to hoist myself up? You need me to boost?’
He laughed at me. He said, ‘No, I got you.’ And then once he grabbed me, I realized I’m a child to him. Literally, the way you probably run and grab and pick your two-year-old up, that’s how he was with me.”
Apart from this, Maven also discussed his in-ring status. The 48-year-old said that he would be open to wrestling again if the situation was right.
Maven has reflected on one of his career highlights.
The former WWE star recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as becoming a YouTube personality, if he’s retired from wrestling, taking the first F5 and more.
During the interview, Maven also discussed one of his biggest career moments, when he beat The Undertaker for the Hardcore Championship. The 48-year-old mentioned how The Rock interfered in the bout leading to his win, and explained that being paired with such huge stars was big for him:
“It’s big for me because it was The Rock. He’s [Undertaker] got me in the dragon sleeper, and you can physically see my eyes looking up the ramp, because I knew that was the spot when The Rock was coming out with the chair.”
Maven had made his wrestling debut only 4 months before this match as part of the Tough Enough reality show. The former champion discussed how life was moving very fast for him at the time and only a few months back he was working as a teacher:
It’s just crazy again, how life works out. A year and a half prior to that, I’m a sixth-grade school teacher with a ‘The Rock says…’ bulletin board in my classroom, and they just a year and a half later, I’m in a match where he’s hitting The Undertaker with his finish to allow me to beat him. How does life work out that way?”
The wrestling veteran also revealed that he used to go under the elevated ramps to listen to the pop for big stars and claimed that the pop for The Rock during this match was insane.
Kenny Omega was potentially written off TV after Dynamite.
This week’s episode of the Wednesday night show, coming live from the 2300 Arena, featured an 8-man tag team match in the main event. The Cleaner teamed up with “Hangman” Adam Page & JetSpeed to take on the Don Callis Family & Young Bucks in this bout.
After a chaotic fight, the heels won the match. The ending saw Kyle Fletcher delivering a brainbuster on Kevin Knight to get the pin for his team.
Things didn’t end there, however, as the heels continued beating their opponents. Page was put through an open chair by Fletcher after which Omega covered his friend to save him from further damage.
A table was set up outside for the current AEW Champion, but Kenny Omega interfered in these plans. The former NJPW star tried to fight off the heels on his own but the numbers proved too much. Kenny was then put through the table outside, originally intended for Hangman.
The show went off air with the medics checking on the former AEW champion. The company later posted a video of Omega being stretchered off after the broadcast ended as the fans cheered him on.
Kenny is reported to still be dealing with the effects of his diverticulitis diagnosis, and he is said to be in a lot of pain. It’s possible that this angle was done to write Omega off for recovery following his brutal steel cage match at Forbidden Door.
This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite featured a backstage segment where Ricochet and Gates of Agony challenged the Hurt Syndicate to a match at the upcoming All Out PPV. The One and Only specifically mentioned that he wasn’t laying out a challenge but demanding the match.
MPV later accepted the challenge in another backstage segment during the September 3 episode, confirming his in-ring return:
This wasn’t the only All Out match announced for the show tonight. A returning Riho was confirmed to be challenging Mercedes Mone for the TBS Championship after she saved Alex Windsor from a post-match attack.
Since joining AEW in September 2024, MVP has wrestled only one match for the company. He joined his Hurt Syndicate partners to defeat Mark Briscoe & Private Party during the January 15 episode of Dynamite this year.
Though he has stayed active in the independent circuit, competing for promotions such as NEW, and CCW since his AEW in-ring debut.
AEW All out will be taking place from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on September 20, 2025. The show was recently moved up in the day to avoid competition with WWE WrestlePalooza on the same day. You can check out details of this change here.
The Dungeon 2.0, the training facility of Natalya and Tyson Kidd, is busy training the next generation of wrestlers within its walls. On Instagram, Natalya shared a photo from the latest training session, revealing that Aalyah Mysterio, daughter of Rey Mysterio, has been getting in the ring. Aalyah had plenty of names to learn from, including Natalya, Kidd, her father Rey Mysterio, Apollo Crews, Angelo Dawkins, and B-Fab, among others.
Aalyah is no stranger to appearing in wrestling. An interruption of her birthday would kick off Rey’s feud with CM Punk in 2010, a feud that resulted in Punk losing his hair. Years later, Aalyah got in the face of her brother Dominik at WrestleMania 39, and had a drink thrown on her by her big bro.
These weren’t the only notable names at the Dungeon’s latest training session. Eagle-eyed fans will spot WWE Hall of Famer Tatanka on the left-hand-side of the image. In recent days, Tatanka’s sons Jeremiah and Joseph have also been training at the Dungeon 2.0.
Time will tell if Aalyah or Jeremiah ever make it to WWE, or if their time in the ring is more-so about their own physical fitness rather than pro-wrestling aspirations. Whatever the case may be, the Dungeon 2.0 is proving to be a hot bed of notable young names, leaving fans excited to see who’s next to step out of the Dungeon and carve a legacy in the squared circle.
WWE/AEW alum Saraya has opened up on her mental health, sharing that she is feeling the most positive about herself and her situation than she has in years. On X, the British wrestler shared her “random late night thoughts” and included a photo of herself and her dogs for good measure.
This year I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been. Everything feels just so much more positive. Personal. Business. Even when things aren’t easy, my mind set is just so much better. I feel like it’s noticeable? I dunno but making big changes and putting myself first FINALLY looks good on me
Random late night thoughts lol but.. This year I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been. Everything feels just so much more positive. Personal. Business. Even when things aren’t easy, my mind set is just so much better. I feel like it’s noticeable? I dunno but making big changes… pic.twitter.com/T7oX1Kp1lE
Saraya’s message is especially meaningful given the challenges she has faced in the past. During her WWE career, she struggled with substance abuse and endured harassment after private photos were leaked without her consent. In 2017, she suffered a serious neck injury that sidelined her for nearly five years. In her new memoir, she also discusses surviving assault during her younger life.
While Saraya is thrilled with how things are going professionally and personally, fans eagerly await her next move. With her AEW run over, many have pointed to a WWE return. In July, Saraya shared that while she loves WWE, return talks hadn’t happened yet. The British star wrestled as Paige for years, and has said that if a return does happen, she hopes to come back as her WWE persona.
Whatever’s next for Saraya, she’s ready to meet it head-on. With 2025 proving to be a great year already for her, the sky’s the limit for the British wrestler.
UFC alum Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson has said a police investigation is apt in the wake of his son’s attack on Syko Stu, but that Stu should be investigated. Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show, the elder Jackson said that investigators should look into Stu, the victim of the attack, for times he’s “attacked somebody backstage and p***ed people off.”
“The police need to investigate that s***. How many times Syko Stu done attacked somebody backstage and p***ed people off, being drunk and s***?”
The issues between Stu and Raja Jackson reportedly began when Stu hit Jackson with a beer can, believing it to be a spot between wrestlers. While Jackson reportedly accepted Stu’s apology as the pair shook hands, Raja would later deliver a series of punches to the head of a seemingly unconscious Stu in the ring.
"The police need to investigate that s—. How many times Syko Stu done attacked somebody backstage and pissed people off, being drunk and s—."@Rampage4Real's final thoughts on his son's pro wrestling incident. pic.twitter.com/0AlEpieeG0
Rampage Jackson’s comments continue to follow a trend from the UFC alum. Though he has said that Raja went too far with his attack, Rampage has accused Stu of bring drunk and reckless, adding that this has been the case at past events as well. To date, Jackson has yet to provide any evidence of this, and has similarly not provided evidence that Syko Stu has attaacked others backstage while intoxicated.
This situation has cast an ugly shadow over KnokX Pro Wrestling, a promotion that has been dropped as a WWE ID affiliate as a result. With this situation continuing to develop, it remains to be seen what the future holds for both Syko Stu and Raja Jackson.
AJ Lee and Naomi fought dozens of times, both on TV, at pay-per-view events, and at untelevised house shows, during Lee’s first run with WWE. Lee’s final match on the March 30, 2015, edition of WWE Raw would see the former Divas Champion team with Naomi and Paige (now Saraya) to defeat The Bella Twins and Natalya.
Lee’s return is expected to be as part of the ongoing CM Punk feud against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. WWE Shop recently spoiled that AJ Lee’s return is coming and that new merchandise is in the works, though deleted this post from their X account.
As for Naomi, she’ll be out of action for several more months, and there’s no word on how long she will be out post-birth. However long it is, Naomi is ready to share the ring with AJ Lee once more.
MLW World Champion Matt Riddle has taken aim at both CM Punk and AJ Lee, in the latest hot take from the former WWE Superstar. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Riddle branded Punk a “p***y” and added that he’s already ready for a legitimate fight with the Best in the World.
Riddle then took aim at Punk’s support for the women of WWE NXT, including his support for Cora Jade. In Riddle’s eyes, the Chicago-Made star is too comfortable with female talent decades younger than him.
“I think he’s fake and I think he’s a creep. I don’t know. I feel like he’s just lingering around the NXT locker room a little too much.”
Punk married AJ Lee in 2014, with the former World Champion being served his WWE termination papers on his wedding day. Though claiming that “I have no problems with her” Riddle insinuated that Lee slept-around in wrestling.
“I’m not one to talk, I’m a little f**ed up myself—but she did go get around from what I heard. But no disrespect to that.“
Excitement is growing that AJ Lee will soon return to WWE, with her match expected to come in a matter of weeks at WrestlePalooza. Two years since his release, Riddle won’t be on the card, and the ‘Original Bro’ continues to throw shade at those still in WWE.
Age is just a number for Frankie Kazarian. The 48-year-old continues to compete at a high level for TNA Wrestling. A company the 28-year ring veteran began working for during its early days as part of the revolutionary X Division.
“I really don’t feel my age,” Kazarian said. “That’s the thing. I feel better than I did in my 20s…In addition to working hard, it’s about working smart. I think that’s why I’ve had the longevity I’ve had. I have a very strict regime in the gym. I’m very disciplined in terms of my diet and self limitations and always have been.
“Consistancy is key. It’s a lifetime’s worth of work. Staying healthy is very important to me because of what I do because of the physical nature and violent nature of it. Other than a couple of surgeries many years ago, I’ve avoided many injuries. I feel better than I have any right to.”
After his time away from TNA, he dipped his toes back into the promotion back in 2022 before fully committing to his former longtime home in 2023. It was during that period Kazarian was caught up in the positive atmosphere and motivated roster. He felt momentum building to the point the multi-time champion wanted to be on the team.
“I saw they were on a good path because they had gone through some pretty rough times in the past. I was part of those rough times early on. I saw they were trending in the right direction,” Kazarian said.
“…Since I’ve been back, call it coincidence,I don’t, but since I’ve jumped back in TNA we’ve trended upward in every metric. Right now the company is on fire. We’re selling out shows, breaking attendance records and coming to new towns. It’s really cool and exciting the same way it was exciting in the early Asylum days when we first got on Fox Sports [Net] and Spike TV, but it’s a different kind of excitement. We have this relationship with NXT that has garnered a lot of interest. The stuff we are doing on our own people are really into. It’s just a great time to be in this company.”
A contributing factor of TNA’s current success comes with its President Carlos Silva at the helm. The executive brings a wealth of sports experience to the table. His approach has been impactful in Kazarian’s eyes.
“Carlos is an outsider in terms of he didn’t come for the wrestling business, but he is certainly not a stranger to the sports industry and sports business,” he said. “I know Carlos is a very big advocate of live TV. He has been very aggressive about going out there and getting what he wants and saying things and making them happen. He stepped up as a true leader. He also will humble himself and will defer to things he may not know to others when it comes to pro wrestling.
“Carlos has been very good for our company. My first boss here was Jerry Jarrett and Jeff Jarrett. Two of the smartest guys you’re going to get in pro wrestling. Jeff Jarrett, at the end of the day, he is the founder of this place and this is his vision. What Dixie [Carter] did can never be overlooked. I hope Dixie is going to get the respect she deserves one day. What Scott D’Amore did for this company. He held it down through some rough times and brought us from the dark place into the light. All those men and women have shared and should share in the success of TNA and what we’re doing right now.”
One goal TNA hopes to achieve is landing a bigger programming deal. Whether that be a streamer or traditional network, Kazarian remains hopeful and optimistic that this will come sooner rather than later.
“Everybody is, internally and management and roster alike, are focused on getting better distribution, more distribution, more eyes on our product. Especially, now that we are at our hottest,” he said. “Be it on streaming or a cable network, everybody is waiting with bated breath. It’s one of those things where it’s a matter of if, but when. I know Carlos and his team are working around the clock.
“All of our management team are putting in the hours and time. That’s their job and our job is to entertain and bring the best wrestling you’re going to see. I really think it will happen. I would hope by the time Bound for Glory comes around or end of year we’d know more about that. I’m just a lowly wrestler, but I do talk to management quite often and we’re all on the same page and have that goal certainly in mind. I think we’re closer than we ever have been.”
When it comes to the future, Kazarian doesn’t have any intention of retiring from the ring any time soon. Though post active career he would be open to a behind the scenes role or even on commentary. At the same time, the dedicated father and husband hasn’t ruled out just fully riding off into the sunset “disappearing into the desert never to be heard from again.” The focus now is to continue his journey to achieving the one accolade that has escaped him, winning the TNA World Heavyweight Title.That and maybe making a match with his former TNA original AJ Styles a reality.
“I hope if we see AJ Styles, the person he sees across from him is Frankie Kazarian because it’s only fitting. There is nobody else that would make more sense than me and AJ doing it one more time in a TNA ring,” Kazarian said. “It would be very special. It would be very special to me. It would be very special to him. I know he is down. I know I am down. I know the fans want it. It’s just a matter of a few people signing off on it and making it happen. It would be a great full-circle moment for that to happen. For it to happen in a TNA ring would be very special.”
Outside of wrestling, Kazarian stays busy with his business ventures including American Rebel Cigars, which includes partner Cody Rhodes. He has a few “brothers of the leaf.” He named Eric Young as his cigar smoking buddy with Matt Cardona and Brian Myers rounding out the crew. Kazarian has managed to find a good work-life balance. Helping in that department is the fact his spouse is none other than OG TNA Knockout Traci Brooks, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
“We’ve been married 15 years. I couldn’t have done it without her. She is my rock,” Kazarian gushed. “She knows better than anybody what I go through because she has gone through it herself…She knows this business and is smart about this business and smart about people. She and my son are my entire support system. Putting up with me she should have a world title and be in the Hall of fame for that alone. It’s cool. Asking a ‘regular’ person to put up with our schedule and our incredibly wacky life is a big ask. To be with someone who knows the challenges you face has been just incredible. Whatever happens in pro wrestling, I’ll always be grateful for this business because it got me her and my son.”
Riho, AEW’s inaugural Women’s World Champion, made a surprise return on the September 3, 2025 episode of Dynamite after being sidelined for over a year due to a fractured arm.
During the opening match, TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defeated Alex Windsor but attacked her post-match. Riho’s music hit as she rushed to the ring, delivering a double foot stomp from the top rope and a dropkick that sent Mone retreating. Riho then picked up the TBS Championship belt, signaling her interest in challenging for the title.
The confrontation has led to an official TBS Championship match between Mercedes Moné (c) and Riho at AEW All Out 2025 on Saturday, September 20th, streaming on HBO Max PPV. This will mark the first singles match between the two wrestlers.
Riho looks to have her eye on @MercedesVarnado's TBS Championship!
The inaugural AEW Women’s World Champion, Riho, has made her surprise return to All Elite Wrestling. On tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Riho appeared for the first time in over a year, confronting the reigning AEW TBS Champion, Mercedes Mone, and making her intentions for the title clear.
The return took place after the opening match of the broadcast, which saw Mercedes Mone successfully defend her AEW TBS Championship against Alex Windsor. After securing the victory, Mone was not satisfied and continued her assault on Windsor, locking her back in the Bank Statement submission hold. This post-match attack is what prompted the surprise arrival of the former champion.
As Mone was applying the submission, Riho’s music hit, and she stormed the ring to a loud ovation from the Philadelphia crowd. She immediately went after the champion, taking her out with a diving footstomp. After chasing Mone from the ring, Riho attended to the fallen Alex Windsor before picking up the TBS Championship and holding it high in the air, a clear challenge to the “CEO.” The segment ended with the two stars staring each other down, teasing a potential championship match at the upcoming All Out pay-per-view.
This was Riho’s first appearance on AEW television in over a year. Her last match for the company took place on the July 6, 2024, episode of AEW Collision, where she defeated Lady Frost. As the first-ever AEW Women’s World Champion, Riho holds a special place in the history of the company.
WWE Hall of Famer The Godfather (Charles Wright) has shared details from his experience at Vince McMahon’s recent 80th birthday party, revealing a star-studded guest list and an interesting story about the former WWE Chairman’s attire. The party, which was intended to be a private affair, took place in New York City over the weekend of August 22-24 at the Baccarat Hotel and Gotham Hall.
Speaking on his “Poddin’ Ain’t Easy” show, The Godfather confirmed he had a “good time” at the event and listed some of the other high-profile attendees. “I’m not going to mention everybody who was there but, of course, Taker was there and Kane was there and Bradshaw was there. We had a good time. Cena was there,” he said. “A lot of entertainers were there. Jelly Roll performed.”
The Godfather also recalled his personal interaction with McMahon upon arriving at the cocktail party on Friday. “I’m like, ‘Vince, thank you for inviting me.’ He goes, ‘Charles, I just want you to know there’s nobody here that’s not my true friend.’” He also noted that McMahon’s physical condition appeared to have improved from recent photos. “He looked better than when I’ve seen pictures of him lately, he looks a lot better than that. He’s walking a lot better than that,” he said.
He then shared a story about McMahon’s suit, which he said reminded him of the character Dr. Evil from the “Austin Powers” movies, an observation he soon found out was shared by The Undertaker. “I didn’t want to say it to him but… I thought, Dr. Evil, you’re Dr. Evil,” he recalled. “He gets to me and Taker are talking and Kane and (Vince) walks away and Taker goes, ‘Dude, Vince looking like Dr. Evil. I’m like, ‘Dude, that’s exactly what I was thinking!’”
The Godfather also confirmed previous reports that the party was a private, secretive event, noting that phones and cameras were not allowed at the cocktail party. This aligns with a report from Fightful Select earlier this week which stated that the party was intended to be kept secret, but details and photos leaked out anyway.
WWE appears to be setting its sights on a significant return to the Chinese market, with influential figures within the company pushing for a Premium Live Event in Hong Kong.
According to Fightful Select‘s Sean Ross Sapp, “numerous people of influence within WWE have pushed for WWE to hold a major event in China in the coming years. Specifically, we’ve heard Hong Kong mentioned as a location, with a PLE event discussed internally within WWE as a possibility.”
This potential expansion represents a strategic shift for WWE, which previously focused its Chinese operations primarily in mainland cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen.
WWE and UFC in China
Between 2016 and 2019, WWE established what became a September tradition of touring China, holding eight events across the country before the COVID-19 pandemic halted international touring.
The timing aligns with parent company TKO Group’s broader Asian expansion strategy. UFC, also owned by TKO, has maintained an active presence in the region with events in Shanghai and Macau throughout 2024 and 2025, plus a Performance Institute facility in Shanghai since 2019.
A Strategic Return
WWE’s previous China ventures proved successful, featuring major stars like John Cena, Roman Reigns, and Charlotte Flair, while also serving as a platform for developing Chinese talent. The company signed multiple Chinese athletes to developmental contracts and established content distribution partnerships during their active period in the market.
Hong Kong’s selection as the potential venue represents a notable departure from WWE’s historical focus on mainland Chinese cities. The location could offer unique advantages for international broadcasting and audience reach while maintaining access to the broader Chinese market.
With WWE’s international expansion continuing across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, a return to China would fill a significant gap in their global touring schedule.
The company has yet to announce official plans, but internal discussions suggest serious consideration of re-entering one of the world’s largest entertainment markets.
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella expressed gratitude to WWE and execs Nick Khan, Paul Levesque (Triple H), and Stephanie McMahon for their five-year partnership with Peacock, which began in 2021.
And a big thank you to @WWE Nick Khan, @TripleH and @StephMcMahon for taking a chance on Peacock 5 years ago, as we were just launching.
But it’s not goodbye. We’re excited to stay a partner of the WWE, with must-watch, Saturday Night Main Events for years to come. https://t.co/klTGmOpbgr
Dustin Rhodes has shared an update on his recovery journey just two weeks after undergoing a double knee replacement.
The wrestling veteran shared that he had been competing for the past five years with severely damaged knees, making his recent surgery a significant milestone in his career and personal life.
Today marks 2 wks since surgury. Don't really know how I was doing it these last 5 yrs. Knees were destroyed. Dressing off finally. I look forward to a slow and methodical rehab. Slow and steady. Thank yall for all of your support and prayers. God has it under control. ????… pic.twitter.com/z92o90p1xO
At the two-week mark, Rhodes posted post-surgery photos that highlight the extent of his procedure and the progress he has made so far. He noted that his dressings have now been removed, marking another step forward in his rehabilitation process.
“Today marks 2 wks since surgery. Don’t really know how I was doing it these last 5 yrs. Knees were destroyed. Dressing off finally. I look forward to a slow and methodical rehab. Slow and steady. Thank yall for all of your support and prayers. God has it under control.”
Despite the challenges, Rhodes emphasized his commitment to a slow and steady recovery, understanding the importance of patience and proper healing.
Fans and fellow wrestlers have expressed their support as Rhodes continues his journey back to health, inspired by his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
Former WWE and UFC star Ronda Rousey has effectively closed the book on her professional wrestling career, revealing in a candid interview that WWE repeatedly failed to deliver on promised storylines throughout her tenure.
Speaking on The Lapsed Fan podcast, Rousey confirmed that pro wrestling is “pretty much” in her rear view mirror while detailing the frustrations that led to her October 2023 departure from WWE.
“I got into WWE because I wanted to be able to wrestle with my girls, you know, the Four Horsewomen and be able to wrestle with my friends,” Rousey explained. “And they kind of dangled that carrot for my whole run and never let it happen.”
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The revelation sheds new light on one of wrestling’s most anticipated storylines that never materialized. Fans had long anticipated a feud between WWE’s Four Horsewomen (Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Sasha Banks) and their MMA counterparts (Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Marina Shafir, Jessamyn Duke).
Her Ultimatum to WWE
Rousey disclosed that she ultimately had to issue an ultimatum to secure her final WWE match.
“And then the second run, they kept dangling it. And then by the end, I was like, I’m f*cking leaving unless I can wrestle with Shayna [Baszler]. And that’s how I was able to do it at all.”
The match she referenced was her SummerSlam 2023 encounter with Baszler under MMA rules, which served as Rousey’s farewell to WWE.
Ironically, the only Four Horsewomen storyline Rousey received was against her own teammate.
“And now nobody even works there anymore,” Rousey noted, highlighting the complete dissolution of the MMA Four Horsewomen from WWE.
Baszler was released in May 2025 despite having three years remaining on her contract, while Shafir and Duke were released in 2021.
Life After WWE
Since leaving WWE, Rousey has appeared on the independent wrestling circuit alongside Shafir, who now works for AEW. She characterizes her WWE experience as a valuable “sabbatical” that will inform her future creative projects, including her recently published memoir “Our Fight.”
The interview provides rare insight into the creative frustrations that can drive top talent away from WWE, even when achieving championship success.
AEW has strategically shifted All Out to a 3pm ET start time on September 20, positioning the pay-per-view several hours before WWE’s WrestlePalooza on ESPN to avoid direct head-to-head competition.
The afternoon scheduling represents a tactical move in the ongoing wrestling wars, allowing AEW to capture viewership without competing directly against WWE’s evening ESPN broadcast. This timing strategy could potentially benefit both promotions by giving wrestling fans the opportunity to watch both events.
AEW PPVs are coming to HBO Max! Starting this Friday, U.S. subscribers can purchase AEW: All Out for the exclusive price of $39.99. @hbomax@AEWpic.twitter.com/DzjR7c1unv
Starting with All Out, AEW will transition all future pay-per-views to HBO Max as their exclusive streaming platform. Current Max subscribers in the United States can purchase the event for $39.99, featuring an ad-free viewing experience. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 5, with an exclusive $10 discount for early buyers.
The HBO Max partnership marks a significant shift from traditional pay-per-view distribution, with purchased events remaining available for replay exclusively to buyers for six months. Fans can access their purchases through the My Stuff section under My Purchases on the HBO Max platform.
This scheduling and platform strategy positions AEW to avoid the intense competition that often splits wrestling audiences during major events, while establishing HBO Max as their long-term streaming home for premium content.
AEW ring announcer Justin Roberts has revealed that he has sustained an injury, sharing on his social media that he has a broken toe. Roberts, who has been with All Elite Wrestling since the company’s inception, is a key part of the presentation of AEW’s weekly programming via his announcing style. His injury, while painful, is not expected to cause him to miss any time from his on-screen duties, a testament to his toughness and dedication.
In a post to his Instagram story, Roberts uploaded a photo of an X-ray of his foot, which clearly showed that one of his toes was broken. The graphic image detailed the extent of the damage to the bone.
Despite the unfortunate injury, Roberts maintained a sense of humor about the situation. He included a broken bone emoji in the post and also had the song “Them Bones” by the rock band Alice in Chains playing over the image for good measure.
Roberts’s career as a ring announcer has spanned over two decades, with a lengthy and memorable run in WWE before he joined AEW in 2019.
AJ Mana recently claimed that he’d been fired from his day job due to his role in Raja Jackson’s attack on Syko Stu that shocked the wrestling world. Now, Mana is walking back on those claims, as he told the Something to Wrestle podcast:
“[wORK TOLD ME] yOU’RE NOT TECHNICALLY FIRED, BUT WE’RE NOT REALLY ASKING YOU TO COME BACK TO WORK UNTIL THIS DISSIPATES.”
Mana was the person who told Jackson to give Stu a ‘receipt’ after Stu hit Raja with a beer can. Though Stu apologized and he and Raja shook hands, Jackson would deliver a series of punches to the head of an unconscious Stu in the ring in a moment that has outraged fans.
Mana is not fired, despite in a previous interview claiming that his day job terminated him once they saw a video of his and Jackson through TMZ. Mana had previously claimed that his work had told him “You’re an accessory to an attempted murder. We gotta let you go,” but that no longer appears to be the case.
This situation has cast an ugly shadow over KnokX Pro Wrestling, a promotion that has been dropped as a WWE ID affiliate. While Mana may not be gone from his day job, despite his past comments, his future in wrestling, much like Jackson’s, remains in doubt.
MLW World Champion Matt Riddle has refuted claims that he no-showed an independent wrestling event that raised funs for veterans and those reeling from the self-inflicted death of a loved one. In a video on Instagram, Riddle shared his side of the story.
“GWK, the reason I didn’t go is because you booked me a flight for Thursday for a show that’s happening Sunday. And you said you were booking me meet and greets, other matches, and appearances. You did none of that. I had nothing scheduled. What, I was gonna sit in a hotel room for two days in London? I told you multiple times I can’t do that, I wouldn’t do that, and I had work on Friday, Saturday, even Thursday. And I told you I’d fly to London on Saturday evening. You said you’d pay for it, and I said, ‘No, take it out of my pay, whatever.’ You guys refused.”
The show, hosted by the new Global Wrestling Kingdom promotion, took place in Barnsley, England on Sunday, August 31. In his video, Riddle also rejected the claim that the show was for charity, and believes GWK’s first show will also be their last.
“So I flew to Miami and wrestled there, alright? Also, I never said I wouldn’t pay you guys back. That’s a lie. And this show wasn’t a charity event. That’s another lie, a last-second change. You also booked me the worst flight in history, bro—middle seat, no meal, no bag. GWK, this is probably your last run.”
The mayor of Barnsley opened the show with a ribbon-cutting before General Manager Al Snow shared that Riddle would not be appearing. In his place, the UK’s own Grado made a surprise appearance and faced Simon Miller in the show’s main event. Riddle’s name was said during Grado’s post-match speech and illicited boos from the crowd.
The situation is the latest controversy to the name of the former WWE Superstar, who had a series of issues ahead of his release in 2023. With Riddle claiming innocence over his GWK no-show, it remains to be seen what’s next for the new promotion.
Excitement continues to grow that AJ Lee will finally return to WWE over a decade after her final match for the promotion. CM Punk has teased bringing his wife back as part of his feud with Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins, and now WWE Shop has seemingly given the game away.
On X, Wrestling YouTube content producer Wrestling Daze asked when fans can expect new AJ merch, jokingly horrified at the idea of not wearing her merchandise for a return. While Wrestling Daze likely didn’t expect a response, the now-deleted reply from WWE Shop’s official account speaks volumes.
This is the biggest sign yet that Lee will make her long-awaited return to WWE. It has been reported that Lee’s in-ring return will come at WWE WrestlePalooza, kicking off WWE’s new partnership with ESPN on a massive note. Lee last wrestled on the post-WrestleMania 31 edition of Raw in 2015. While she has done some things in wrestling, including being a presence on-and-off screen for WOW – Women of Wrestling, a return to WWE has been the dream of fans for years.
It remains to be seen whether AJ Lee’s in-ring return is a one-off or the start of something bigger. What we can say is that according to WWE Shop, her return isn’t a matter of if, but when.
