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.
Tonight’s AEW Dynamite: Beach Break from Chicago culminated in a major power shift as MJF was finally accepted into The Hurt Syndicate. After weeks of attempting to gain their approval, “The Salt of the Earth” is now aligned with MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin.
Earlier in the night, after The Hurt Syndicate (Lashley & Benjamin) decisively won an AEW World Tag Team Title eliminator against Top Flight, MVP instructed MJF, who was interviewed backstage, to join them in the ring later. Following a chaotic multi-team promo segment, MVP summoned MJF. Initially hesitant, MJF was eventually escorted from the go-position, looking nervous.
In the ring, MVP told MJF it was his “day of reckoning” and “you asked for this.” In a dramatic moment, all members of The Hurt Syndicate, including an initially reluctant Lashley, gave MJF the thumbs up, signaling his acceptance into the group.
MJF celebrated with his new faction, leading the Chicago crowd in a resounding “we hurt people!” chant. MVP then announced that MJF will be officially inducted into The Hurt Syndicate on next week’s AEW Dynamite, solidifying this formidable new alliance.
Former AEW TBS Champion Willow Nightingale is officially “sticking around” with All Elite Wrestling, having re-signed with the company on a new multi-year contract. Fightful Select confirmed the new agreement this week.
This development follows Fightful’s recent report that Nightingale was in her contract year. At that time, it was also noted that AEW considered her a “priority” and was keen on keeping the popular star. According to Fightful, a new deal was finalized “almost immediately after our story” (their initial report on her contract status), with early indications suggesting she would remain with the promotion.
Fightful Select shared insights from AEW sources regarding Nightingale’s own stance. These sources indicated that Nightingale “communicated she was very happy with the company and wanted to remain there.”
Nightingale has become one of All Elite Wrestling’s most popular and beloved stars. Nightingale first appeared in AEW in May 2021, primarily competing on “AEW Dark: Elevation” and “AEW Dark.” She signed with the company the following year where she would win the TBS Title in 2024. She lost the title to Mercedes Mone at Double or Nothing.
Today, WWE 2K25 launched its first DLC pack of the season, the New Wave Pack, across all major platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Steam PC. The pack introduces four new playable Superstars, each making their franchise debut:
Alex Shelley
Chris Sabin (together known as the Motor City Machine Guns)
Giulia
Stephanie Vaquer
Each Superstar comes with MyFACTION cards and a collection of over 40 new moves and taunts. The pack is available for $9.99 / €9,99 / £7.99, or as part of the WWE 2K25 Season Pass.
Celebrity Guest Character Postponed
A celebrity guest was originally scheduled to be part of today’s DLC drop but has been postponed due to undisclosed reasons. WWE 2K announced that this mystery character will be revealed and added in an upcoming update, with an official announcement expected in the coming weeks. As compensation, players received a locker code for 12,500 VC (virtual currency) to use in-game.
Game Update 1.11 – Patch Notes
Coinciding with the DLC release, WWE 2K25 rolled out Update 1.11, which includes:
General stability and performance improvements
Numerous camera system enhancements (fixes for drifting, improved logic for multifall matches, better camera collision, and new depth of field settings for third-person camera)
Improved logic for action cams and spectator mode
Fixes for custom arenas and stability across all creation modes
This update aims to address several community-reported issues and further polish the gameplay experience.
Upcoming Content
The New Wave Pack is the first of five planned DLC releases for WWE 2K25. The next DLC, the Dunk & Destruction Pack, is scheduled for June 25, 2025, and will feature Abyss, Great Khali, and three NBA stars (to be announced).
WWE legend Jazz (Carlene Begnaud) was at the WWE Performance Center this week. The former two-time WWE Women’s Champion shared her excitement on social media, posting a photo of a WWE Performance Center t-shirt with the caption, “What an amazing week this has been thus far!”
Fellow WWE legend Natalya responded to the post on Instagram with “?? love this! ??”
Jazz is renowned for her powerful in-ring style and trailblazing career in professional wrestling. Her accomplishments include championship reigns in WWE and the National Wrestling Alliance, as well as influential runs in ECW and Impact Wrestling.
Her presence at the WWE Performance Center marks a noteworthy return to the WWE environment for one of the most respected and accomplished women in professional wrestling history.
Elayna Black’s days as a WWE Superstar may be over but the former Cora Jade is already taking the wrestling world by storm. Absolute Intense Wrestling has announced that Black will be a part of their Globe Iron event on July 18. The show will take place in Cleveland, Ohio with tickets going on sale on Friday, May 16.
— Absolute Intense Wrestling (@aiwrestling) May 14, 2025
For Black, AIW isn’t just a booking, but the latest in her journey post-WWE. Fans will also be able to see the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion at the following events:
Black Label Pro: Have You Heard? – June 14
Game Changer Wrestling – June 20
Game Changer Wrestling – July 5
Game Changer Wrestling – July 11
Game Changer Wrestling – July 19
Absolute Intense Wrestling: Globe Iron – July 28
Atomic Legacy Wrestling: Summer Slamfest – July 27
Game Changer Wrestling – August 1
Though once considered a potential future top woman in WWE, Black’s career with the promotion came to a surprising end in May 2025. Undeterred, the former Cora Jade is ready to prove her skills in the squared circle.
WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley took to social media on Wednesday to address what she considers the most problematic fans of women’s wrestling.
The multi-time world champion is fed up with the hypocrisy of fans who claim to support women’s wrestling while simultaneously undermining female performers with sexist assumptions and harmful rhetoric.
“Women’s wrestling fan – “women deserve better” (Same breath) – “she’s sleeping with her boss that’s why she’s where she is” – “She should retire” – “She doesn’t deserve it” – “She’s handed everything and never worked for anything” – “I hope she gets injured” YOU guys are the real reason it’s so difficult to be taken seriously as a women’s wrestler. If YOU put as much effort into your own miserable lives as you put into degrading successful women, then maybe you would accomplish something yourself.”
Ripley points out that this toxic behavior contributes to the ongoing challenges women face in gaining respect in professional wrestling.
Women’s wrestling fan – “women deserve better”
(Same breath)
– “she’s sleeping with her boss that’s why she’s where she is” – “She should retire” – “She doesn’t deserve it” – “She’s handed everything and never worked for anything” – “I hope she gets injured”
Jordynne Grace recently shared her candid thoughts on performing for different audiences, expressing a preference for the energy of traveling shows over the familiar crowd at the WWE Performance Center (PC). Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Grace discussed the contrasting experiences.
Grace highlighted a key difference between her current NXT role and her time in TNA: “Another thing with NXT is we’re at the Performance Center a lot, whereas in TNA, we were always traveling. That was a big difference.”
When asked about her preference, she was clear: “I don’t prefer it [performing solely at the PC]. I would much rather be traveling, not just because of the audience, just because I love to travel. I love going to new gyms and trying new things.”
She elaborated on how crowd familiarity impacts reactions: “The PC audience is very familiar. It’s not like seeing someone for the first time. You go to Sheboygan, Bangor, Duluth, Birmingham — it’s, ‘Wow, Jordynne’s here.’ When you go to other places, you get a different reaction because those fans don’t see you.”
Grace noted that while her entrance at the PC still gets a pop, “the pop fades… When I first came here, it was an explosion. Now I come out… it’s more like, ‘Oh, she’s here again.’“
Zelina Vega is the second-ever Women’s United States Champion and is ready to take the gold outside of WWE. In a recent interview with Good Karma Wrestling, Vega shared her desire to defend the title away from the main roster and away from WWE entirely.
“I mean, I want to defend this title as much as I can. You know, we just had the merge with AAA. So, I mean, I’d love to take it out there. I’d love to wrestle Stephanie Vaquer there. You know, that’d be super dope. I’d love to take it to NXT, wrestle Giulia there… or I’d love to take it to, you know, Stardom and go and wrestle out there.”
For Vega, her first taste of singles gold isn’t just a win, but a testament to her develpment as a wrestler. After previous roles and characters in WWE, Vega is ready to be defined as a fighting champion.
“You’ve seen Zelina as a manager, you’ve seen her as, you know, the singles competitor in the LWO version. There’ve been very different versions of me, but now seeing me as the United States Champion.”
Vega is 2-0 since winning the gold but has yet to defend the championship. Time will tell who is the first Superstar to step up to the Women’s U.S. Champion.
Dominik Mysterio debuted in WWE when he was a child and was an integral part of Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero’s acclaimed feud in 2005. Speaking on the Intoxicados Podcast, Dominik shared the incredible pay he made for one appearance at the time.
“I got paid, I’ll tell you exactly how much I got paid. I got paid five grand. Five grand. That was just for one of the events.”
Dominik’s parents were often coy about his pay, the Judgment Day star added, often telling him that they were putting his earnings to the side. After badgering his ‘deadbeat’ elders, Dominik was told about his five-grand pay-day, resulting in a unique trip to Toys ‘R’ Us.
“It totaled out to maybe $400, maybe $300, if that. As soon as we got home, I’m like, ‘Can we go to Target?’ My mom goes, ‘That’s it. That’s all your money.’ It probably all went to my sister’s college fund.”
Today, Dominik is making big bucks as the WWE Intercontinental Champion and has become a popular Superstar despite his heel antics. With Toys ‘R’ Us re-opening stores in 2024, Dominik may get his $5,000 toy trip after all.
Former WWE Tag Team Champions Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) recently opened up on their fans who were disappointed after their match was snubbed from WrestleMania 41 lineup.
Motor City Machine Guns, one of the legendary tag teams in the business had their tandem wrestling prowess on display during SmackDown after WrestleMania 41. They headlined the show as they challenged WWE tag team champions the Street Profits and #DIY in a memorable TLC match.
The match featured some epic moments and it was arguable a WrestleMania-worthy match. Las Vegas crowd were thrilled when it was announced the night before WrestleMania.
However, they were left disappointed as the match was scheduled for the following week. WWE’s decision to not book the match for ‘The Grandest Stage of Them All’ left fans frustrated. Speaking with CBS Sports, Motor City Machine Guns recalled the fan reaction that night. Sabin said:
“To see the response from the fans and everyone after the match, I think it worked out how it was meant to work out. I’m very happy with everything, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Shelley added:
“It’s one ear and out the other. It’s nice we got these accolades, but at the same time, those are done with and don’t benefit us going forward. We need to stay grounded, stay humble and work even harder because if there’s another one, you better believe we’ll want to top it.”
Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford successfully defended their WWE Tag Team Championships on WWE SmackDown in a brutal TLC match on April 25th. The Streets Profits pushed to their limits going up against two of the most reputed tag teams, #DIY and the Motor City Machine Guns. The champs also labeled WWE’s decision a ‘mistake’ after they decided to keep the match off WrestleMania 41 card.
Former AEW star Saraya recently revealed that her departure from AEW was amicable and that the door remains open for her potential return in the future.
The former AEW Women’s Champion recently departed AEW. Since then talks of a potential return to WWE has been on the cards. While she hasn’t joined any pro wrestling promotion yet, she doesn’t rule out a return to AEW in the future as well.
During an appearance on Women’s Wrestling Talk, Saraya discussed her departure from AEW and stated that Tony Khan was supportive of her decision. She then revealed that Khan has left the door open for a possible comeback. Saraya revealed:
“I was like, alright, time for me to bow out. Tony was amazing with it. It ended up being mutual, which is great. He was like, let’s do it. Like- that’s perfectly fine. He was extremely supportive about my my future endeavors and he encouraged me and the door was left open, you know, which is great, and yeah, it was just a lot of brainstorming on my time off where I was like, okay, now it’s time for me to bow out gracefully, I guess.”
AEW star Skye Blue is set for her official in-ring return on tonight’s “Dynamite: Beach Break,” nearly a year after suffering a serious leg injury. She recently opened up about the difficult recovery and the moments she feared her career might be over.
Blue sustained a fractured fibula during an AEW Collision match in July 2024 while trying to catch a diving Hikaru Shida, an injury requiring surgery with a steel plate and screws. Speaking to Q101 host Case Lowe, Blue admitted retirement crossed her mind.
“That definitely crossed through my head a bunch of times, especially at night when I couldn’t sleep and it’d be like four in the morning.”
She credited fellow wrestler Kyle Fletcher as a crucial support during her rehabilitation.
“There were times that I would have to lay with my legs straight because if I moved it, it was just in pain,” Skye Blue shared. “But this one [Kyle Fletcher] was the best because he would say ‘No, tell the voices to shut up because you’re going to wrestle…’ Yeah, he was by far the biggest support I could have ever asked for.”
Blue makes her comeback in a four-way eliminator match against AZM, Mina Shirakawa, and AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm.
Former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland is set to release his own Reebok Answer 3 sneaker collaboration.
The exclusive colorway of Allen Iverson’s signature shoe draws inspiration from the Killmonger-themed gear Strickland wore during his title win at AEW Dynasty 2024. The design pays tribute to both his championship moment and cultural influences.
The limited-edition sneaker will release on May 28 and is priced at $160.
AEW star Ricochet opened up about his undefeated partnership with EVPs The Young Bucks and paid tribute to recently departed wrestling legend Sabu during a candid interview on the Battleground Podcast.
The high-flying superstar, who has been turning heads with his reinvented persona in AEW, spoke glowingly about teaming with The Young Bucks, emphasizing the natural chemistry that comes from their shared history.
“The chemistry is great. It goes back years,” Ricochet explained. “We’ve been respectively in our own battles against each other. So we know each other very well. They’re the bosses. They’re the EVPs. So that’s never a bad thing to have on your side.”
Beyond the political advantages of aligning with AEW’s executive talent, Ricochet highlighted their in-ring prowess as a key benefit of the partnership.
“They have—they’re known for winning. Their track record is known for winning. And anytime you can be a part of that, it’s great,” he added, noting their current undefeated streak as a team.
Honoring Sabu’s Legacy
The interview took a more somber turn when discussing the passing of wrestling innovator Sabu, who had died just before the interview was conducted. Ricochet was reflective about Sabu’s significant influence on his own high-flying style and modern wrestling as a whole.
“He’s one of the original guys that I’ve seen doing the craziest stuff,” Ricochet said. “Sometimes it didn’t work out, but when it did work out, man, it was awesome. And so he goes up there for sure as one of those guys that really helped innovate the high-flying style that you see today.”
The AEW star didn’t hesitate to acknowledge how Sabu’s pioneering work paved the way for his own career and many others in the industry.
“If not for Sabu, I don’t think a lot of us would even be doing what we do,” he stated, before adding with his characteristic confidence, “Actually, I remember giving him a 630 pinning him. So that’s another legend that I beat. But mad respect to Sabu.”
Ricochet battles Zack Gowen tonight at AEW Dynamite: Beach Break.
AEW star Kenny Omega has revealed his latest crossover between the wrestling and gaming worlds—a voice acting role in producer Adi Shankar’s upcoming Devil May Cry animated series for Netflix. The revelation came during a wide-ranging conversation between the wrestling superstar and the visionary producer, confirming Omega’s continued expansion beyond the wrestling ring.
From Wrestler to Voice Actor
Omega, long known for his passionate gaming fandom alongside his wrestling career, confirmed his participation in the highly anticipated adaptation of Capcom’s popular action game series. While discussing Shankar’s approach to the project, Omega casually revealed his involvement.
“You play Solid Snake. That’s right. Yeah, pretty much. Yeah, Solid Snake,” Shankar confirmed, with Omega adding: “So, you guys can look forward to that… I did indeed lend my voice and my talent and or lack thereof to the show, but I tried my best.”
This marks the second collaboration between Omega and Shankar, following the wrestler’s appearance in “Captain Laser Hawk.” However, unlike his previous role where he played himself, Omega’s Devil May Cry character will be an original performance.
“It’s the second show we’ve done together, man,” Shankar noted during their conversation. “Yeah, this time you didn’t play yourself. I didn’t play myself this time,” Omega confirmed, contrasting it with his earlier work on “Captain Laser Hawk as well.”
For Omega, the opportunity represents a meaningful connection between his career and his lifelong passion for gaming. As he explained:
“Being able to do stuff with some of the things that I’ve loved throughout the years and things that have inspired me… I wouldn’t have been able to do it without wrestling.”
A Wrestling Star’s Gaming Connection
The Devil May Cry role is a natural extension of Omega’s well-established gaming credentials. During their conversation, he revealed his deep connection to the franchise, recalling his history with the original games.
“I still remember those days, you know, playing the original Devil May Cry. And I think that’s the only Devil May Cry that I’ve played three times now. I’ve played it three times like start to finish,” Omega shared. “I think I played the original twice and then I remember when the HD remaster collection came out like the first three… I played them all over again as well.”
This gaming expertise makes Omega an ideal collaborator for Shankar, who emphasized his commitment to authentic video game adaptations throughout their conversation. Unlike many Hollywood figures who approach gaming properties without familiarity with the source material, both Omega and Shankar speak the language of gaming fans.
“It’s crazy that they would be like—to me that it always blows my mind when I will hear of a project getting green lit that would be something that’s an adaptation of video game and they’ll go the writer, producer, director, actors, actresses none of them have played the game and it’s like ‘but we think it’s going to be great,'” Shankar lamented, with Omega agreeing that this approach has done a disservice to many gaming adaptations.
Bringing Devil May Cry to Life
While specific details about Omega’s character remain limited, Shankar shared extensive insights about his approach to the Devil May Cry adaptation, promising a series that honors the games’ legacy while adding psychological depth.
“I didn’t want to modernize it. No. That was like my first, you know, it was like I will not modernize this because I wanted to recreate the memory of playing it on PS2,” Shankar explained, highlighting his commitment to capturing the nostalgic feeling that made the original games so impactful.
The series will focus on an earlier period in protagonist Dante’s life, before he fully understood his demonic heritage. “This is sort of like the Dante before Dante even knew how just how powerful he was,” Shankar revealed. “He’s like figuring it out. This was very like Batman Begins in that way… He doesn’t even know that he’s a demon. And he’s like, ‘I just hunt these things cuz what do you mean I’m a demon?’ And he hasn’t really even put thought into why he has these special abilities.”
For fans of both wrestling and gaming, the collaboration represents a perfect intersection of Omega’s dual passions. As someone who has successfully connected the worlds of professional wrestling and gaming throughout his career, his involvement adds another layer of authenticity to Shankar’s vision.
“It’s just awesome like being able to do stuff with some of the things that I’ve loved throughout the years and things that have inspired me,” Omega reflected. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without wrestling.”
While no release date has been announced for the Devil May Cry series, the involvement of both a gaming-fluent producer like Shankar and authentic gaming enthusiasts like Omega suggests the adaptation is in knowledgeable hands—potentially breaking the curse of disappointing video game adaptations that has plagued Hollywood for decades.
In a revealing interview on the Battleground Podcast, AEW star Ricochet provided startling insights into his intensifying feud with Zack Gowen, including the shocking moment when he removed Gowen’s prosthetic leg on Collision. The high-flying superstar didn’t mince words when explaining the physical confrontation, placing responsibility squarely on Gowen for escalating the situation.
“That wouldn’t have even happened had he not gotten in the ring,” Ricochet explained. “We were just talking. The security came over. And then honestly, I kind of just blacked out after that and, you know, events transpired and things happened. That wouldn’t have happened if he had just stayed on that side. If he would have just watched the show.”
What makes this confrontation even more intriguing is the unexpected nature of Gowen’s appearance at the event. According to Ricochet, Gowen wasn’t originally scheduled to be there at all.
“He wasn’t even going to be there at first,” Ricochet revealed. “He had actually messaged one of our producers just to ask to get lunch and the producer is like, ‘if you’re going to be there why don’t you just come to the show, we’ll get you front row, you bring your family, give you a little shout out and have a nice time.’ So he wasn’t even supposed to be there really, it’s just by chance.”
The AEW star then pointedly added:
“He’s the one that decided to jump over the guard rail and get into the ring. And he knows more than anybody, he knows that anything can happen when you step into that ring, that 20 by 20. So, he just happened to see that literally anything can happen.”
Social media has been ablaze since the incident, with Ricochet doubling down on his aggressive stance. He has publicly threatened to target Gowen’s remaining leg in their upcoming confrontation on Dynamite, suggesting this feud is far from over.
Gowen Prepares for “Beach Break” Showdown
The rivalry reaches its boiling point tonight as the two are set to face off on AEW Dynamite: Beach Break. Gowen, who will be making his first appearance on national television wrestling in 22 years, recently shared an emotional video alongside his two young sons discussing the upcoming match.
“You know, life always seems to put me in impossible situations to overcome. Yet I always overcome. The Gowens always overcome. It’s what we do,” Gowen declared in the powerful promo posted to AEW’s social media accounts. “Overcoming cancer to become the world’s first one-legged professional wrestling superstar. Climbing a mountain with 11 other amputees.”
The emotional video shows Gowen using this moment as a teaching opportunity for his children:
“This is what I teach my boys: that life is not about what happens to us. Life is about how we respond to what happens to us. And Ricochet, it’s time for me to overcome one more time, because you’re going to see me, Zach Gowen, in an AEW ring next Wednesday.”
Gowen later expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, and thanked fans for remembering him. He said the magic of professional wrestling is still very much alive in his soul, and he’s grateful to share that energy one more time in front of his kids.
"Life is not about what happens to us. Life is about how we RESPOND to what happens to us.”
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair will be attending tonight’s AEW Dynamite: Beach Break special from Chicago, IL. After Dynamite goes off the air, AEW tapes Saturday’s episode of AEW Collision, which will feature a tribute to late wrestling and NFL legend Steve “Mongo” McMichael.
Steve “Mongo” McMichael, the legendary Chicago Bears defensive tackle and former professional wrestler and broadcaster, passed away on April 23, 2025, at the age of 67. His death followed a prolonged battle with ALS, which he had publicly announced in 2021.
Flair posted this video on social media announcing his honor to pay tribute to the man he calls his best friend. Flair says he has too many good memories of McMichael to count, and credits him for originating the phrase, “To be the man, you’ve gotta beat the man.”
See You In Chicago Tonight @AEW! It Will Be A Night To Remember. I Will Be Paying Tribute & Honoring My Best Friend The Great Steve “Mongo” McMichael. The Tribute Will Be On #AEWCollision This Saturday! pic.twitter.com/0vDxRAL7uP
Ric Flair is currently under contract with All Elite Wrestling, having signed a 2-year deal in late 2023 (primarily tied to a sponsorship agreement for his Whooo! Energy drink).
His most recent appearance on AEW television was at the Revolution 2024 pay-per-view, which featured Sting’s retirement match against The Young Bucks – where Flair took superkicks from Bucks as he tried to protect Sting.
Former WCW President Eric Bischoff believes the upcoming Netflix documentary series ‘WWE Unreal’ represents a strategic opportunity to deepen fan engagement, provided the company can balance education with preservation of wrestling’s mystique.
Speaking on his “83 Weeks” podcast alongside co-host Conrad Thompson, Bischoff addressed Stone Cold Steve Austin’s concerns about exposing too much of wrestling’s inner workings, while offering a more pragmatic perspective on the evolution of sports entertainment.
“I have mixed emotions like Steve, and I’ve often used the analogy of magic and kayfabe, so I get where Steve is coming from and agree with him in many respects,” Bischoff explained. “But there’s another side of it as the business continues to grow and evolve, and finding ways to connect and engage with the audience continues to grow and evolve, and you have to grow and evolve with the business of the entertainment business.”
The discussion came in response to Austin’s recent interview with Ariel Helwani, where the WWE Hall of Famer expressed reservations about pulling back the curtain too far: “If Harry Houdini was still around, I don’t want him to tell me how he does it. I want to try to figure out how he does it… So don’t tell me how he’s doing it, but see if I can figure it out because I want to think that I know that it’s not magic.”
Stone Cold on if WWE is going too far in breaking kayfabe:
"Man, I'm still a little old school on that. I'm a big magic fan, but if Harry Houdini is still around, I don't want him to tell me how he does it. I want to figure out how he does it. And if I can't, then I'm gonna… pic.twitter.com/vmVNDHcURN
Rather than viewing behind-the-scenes content as potentially damaging, Bischoff drew compelling parallels to UFC’s successful strategy of educating viewers about the technical aspects of mixed martial arts.
“Let’s look at MMA as an example. Twenty years ago, if you asked somebody what a rear naked choke was, they would probably immediately think it’s some kind of a sexual kick. Nobody knew what a rear naked choke was,” Bischoff said. “Right now, if you take any fan out of the 20,000 people that show up at a UFC event or find anybody sitting at a bar… everybody knows what that is.”
He elaborated on this “infotainment” model at length:
“UFC has done a phenomenal job of educating their audience on the nuances of the sport. And in so doing, they’ve engaged the audience to become more interested. Call it infotainment. They’re giving them the information. The UFC is giving information in the form of color commentary, play-by-play interviews, and all the different means of media that UFC is being promoted across the board.”
This educational approach, according to Bischoff, has proven successful across multiple sports, creating deeper connections between fans and the product they consume.
“Nobody knew what Brazilian jiu-jitsu was outside of the people that were really in the sport or a small segment of the audience. The general population had no idea what Brazilian jiu-jitsu was, as well as any of the moves that are associated with it and holds and submissions. UFC has done a great job educating just like the NFL has educated the audience.”
WWE’s “Unreal” Opportunity
For WWE, Bischoff sees “Unreal” as potentially following this template: “This is an opportunity to showcase what goes into creating this phenomenal presentation. How did they do it?”
However, he acknowledges the risks inherent in this approach. “To Steve’s point, you risk exposing the magic,” Bischoff admits, before suggesting that the potential benefits outweigh the drawbacks for most viewers. Ultimately, Bischoff believes success hinges not on whether WWE should expose wrestling’s inner workings, but on their execution:
“That model’s proven itself across traditional sports and other forms of entertainment. The question is how do they do it? Can they do it without disappointing someone like Steve Austin or Eric Bischoff? Because I want there to be a little magic too. But if they can present it in a way that makes people appreciate and respect the product even more, then it’s a winner.”
As WWE prepares to launch “Unreal” on Netflix this summer, Bischoff’s analysis suggests the company is making a calculated bet that greater transparency will lead to stronger audience connection—a significant shift from decades of protecting “the business” at all costs.
Wrestling legend Eric Bischoff has offered a measured perspective on the controversial high-risk spots that have become increasingly common in professional wrestling, suggesting that many performers may be taking unnecessary risks for diminishing returns.
While acknowledging he hadn’t seen the specific incident, Bischoff provided thoughtful commentary on the broader issue of dangerous stunts in wrestling and the responsibility of both performers and promotions.
“Unfortunately, guys put themselves in positions where they’re doing things that they either shouldn’t be doing because they don’t have the experience, or they’re just too inherently dangerous for what you… the risk-reward factor is out of freaking whack,” Bischoff explained.
WCW’s Cruiserweight Legacy and Today’s High-Flying Style
The conversation prompted Bischoff to reflect on his own role in popularizing high-flying, risk-taking wrestling during his tenure as President of WCW, particularly through the promotion’s influential cruiserweight division.
“Was I an advocate for a lot of the high-flying dynamic, incredible athleticism that the Luchadors brought to the table? Yes, absolutely,” Bischoff acknowledged. “It’s one of the things I’m most proud of as a cruiserweight division because it’s one of the things that I think doesn’t get the credit even I should have given it at the time into making Nitro such a unique format.”
Bischoff went further, asserting the lasting influence of WCW’s cruiserweight innovation on contemporary wrestling:
“That cruiserweight division and the people that we brought in for it is the reason that you’re seeing 70% or 80% of the wrestling presentation that you’re seeing today.”
This acknowledgment makes Bischoff’s caution about excessive risk-taking particularly noteworthy, given his role in helping popularize a more athletic, high-risk style.
“There is an element of does it make sense and is it safe doing crazy high-risk insane maneuvers for the sake of doing them when perhaps some people shouldn’t be doing them because they don’t have the experience,” he questioned.
While celebrating the athletic evolution of professional wrestling that he helped pioneer, Bischoff emphasized that spectacular spots should never come at the expense of performer safety. “Wrestling is so much more than that,” he stated, referring to the focus on “crazy holy sh*t moments” that sometimes seems to drive modern wrestling presentation.
The discussion highlights an ongoing tension in professional wrestling between spectacular athletic displays and performer safety – a balance that promotions like WWE, AEW, and TNA continue to navigate as audience expectations evolve.
Without directly commenting on the specific TNA incident that prompted the conversation, Bischoff offered a philosophy that could serve as valuable guidance for today’s wrestling landscape: impressive athletic feats have their place, but they must be executed by properly trained performers with appropriate precautions and a clear understanding of whether the potential reward justifies the physical risk.
As the wrestling industry continues to push boundaries in pursuit of memorable moments, Bischoff’s perspective serves as a reminder not to lose sight of the health and well-being of the performers who put their bodies on the line for entertainment.
Tonight, All Elite Wrestling presents AEW Dynamite: Beach Break – broadcasting live at 8/7c on TBS and Max from the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
The penultimate edition of Dynamite before AEW Double or Nothing 2025 features:
AEW World Championship Steel Cage Match: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Samoa Joe
The main event sees Jon Moxley defend the AEW World Title against Samoa Joe inside a steel cage. After weeks of escalating violence-including the Death Riders’ attack on HOOK and Katsuyori Shibata-Joe is out for revenge and championship gold. Moxley, coming off a string of brutal title defenses, faces one of his toughest challenges yet.
AEW Continental Championship Eliminator: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kevin Knight
“The Rainmaker” Okada puts his status as Continental Champion on the line in an eliminator match against the high-flying Kevin Knight. A win for Knight would earn him a future title shot, but Okada looks to continue his dominant run atop AEW.
Trios Grudge Match: Swerve Strickland, Mark Briscoe & “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Ricochet & The Young Bucks
This star-studded trios match features Swerve and his allies seeking payback after last week’s sneak attack by The Elite. Expect high-flying action and plenty of animosity as these six competitors collide.
AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator 4-Way: Toni Storm vs. Thunder Rosa vs. Penelope Ford vs. Anna Jay
“Timeless” Toni Storm faces three challengers in a high-stakes four-way eliminator. Thunder Rosa, Penelope Ford, and Anna Jay all look to earn a future shot at the Women’s World Title, while Storm aims to prove she’s the division’s top star.
Plus, we’ll see live appearances from Will Ospreay and “Hangman” Adam Page ahead of their Owen Hart Cup final at Double or Nothing, and an exclusive sit-down interview with Jamie Hayter ahead of her Owen Hart Cup final against Mercdedes Moné.
WWE brings Battleground back to Tampa, Florida, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, as NXT’s top stars-and some surprise guests-take center stage at the Yuengling Center.
With championship gold on the line in the cross-promotional main event, Battleground 2025 is shaping up to be another can’t miss offering by NXT.
How to Watch
Start Times:
United States: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
United Kingdom: 1:00 AM BST (Monday)
India: 6:30 AM IST (Monday)
Australia: 12:00 PM AEDT (Monday)
Broadcast Details:
United States: Peacock
International: Netflix
Venue
Location: Yuengling Center, Tampa, Florida
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Match Card
NXT Championship Match
Oba Femi (c) vs. Myles Borne
Oba Femi, NXT’s dominant powerhouse, puts his title on the line against Myles Borne in a classic David vs. Goliath showdown. Borne has steadily climbed the ranks and now faces his toughest test yet against the physically imposing champion.
NXT Women’s Championship Match
Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Jordynne Grace
In a cross-promotional dream match, NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer defends her title against TNA’s powerhouse, Jordynne Grace. The partnership between WWE and TNA has made this high-stakes clash possible, and both women are coming off a recent tag team victory, adding extra momentum to their rivalry.
TNA World Championship Match
Joe Hendry (c) vs. Trick Williams
Another result of the WWE-TNA partnership, this bout sees TNA World Champion Joe Hendry defend his title against former NXT Champion Trick Williams. Williams aims to make history by bringing the TNA World Title to NXT, while Hendry looks to prove himself on a bigger stage.
Singles Match
Tony D’Angelo vs. Stacks Lorenzo
Former allies turned rivals, Tony D’Angelo and Stacks Lorenzo settle their score in a personal grudge match. Their long-running story comes to a head as they face off one-on-one.
Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena has added anothe date to his ongoing 2025 farewell tour. Cena’s packed 2025 schedule, since announcing last summer that this year would be his last, has included appearances at the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and his historic title win at WrestleMania 41.
Cena’s upcoming confirmed dates also feature Money in the Bank in Los Angeles on June 7th, WWE Clash in Paris on August 31st, and WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, on October 11th.WWE has confirmed that the 17-time World Champion will appear on the June 9, 2025, episode of Monday Night Raw, emanating from The PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.
He recently defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at Backlash on May 10th and is reportedly slated to face R-Truth at the Saturday Night’s Main Event in Tampa on May 24th.
While WWE has yet to officially announce the specific date and event for Cena’s retirement match, reports stemming from comments by his father, John Cena Sr., suggest his final match is targeted for a WWE event in his home state of Massachusetts, specifically Boston, this December. Each confirmed appearance now brings fans closer to the end of an era.
“The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes has been absent from WWE television since losing his Undisputed WWE Championship to John Cena at WrestleMania 41 in April, is reportedly expected to be involved in the upcoming Money in the Bank Premium Live Event. While away from WWE, he has yet to comment on hia status.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting his return and to address his WrestleMania outcome. During a recent Q&A, WrestleVotes provided an update on Rhodes’ status for the June 7th event in Los Angeles, noting that Rhodes is still scheduled for the Money in the Bank show in LA.
It’s worth noting that while Rhodes has been locally advertised for SmackDown events as soon as May 16th, WWE has not officially confirmed these appearances on their programming.
He was previously removed from other advertised SmackDown events during his current hiatus, making the Money in the Bank timeframe the most concrete indication yet for his return.
WWE NXT saw a Hall of Fame presence during the May 13, episode as The Undertaker and Bubba Ray Dudley were a part of the show. During a backstage segment, the two legends of the ring were joined by the two female finalists of WWE LFG, Tyra Mae Steele and Zena Sterling. The four were joined by several members of the NXT Women’s division who seemed unhappy.
There were tensions at the idea of either Steele or Sterling winning WWE LFG and earning an NXT contract. The concern among the roster is that either woman joining could put their own spots on the roster and on the card at risk.
Steele joins WWE after seeing success in freestyle wrestling, including capturing gold at the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. As for Sterling, she comes from a background in swimming and has been making headlines with her in-ring action and her outfits. Sterling’s outfit was described as being akin to lingerie by Mickie James, sparking a debate about appropriate in-ring attire in an era of women’s progression in wrestling.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WWE LFG and to see which recruits earn themselves a place on the WWE NXT roster.
