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Tony Khan Addresses WWE’s Counter-Programming Strategy Against AEW

Andrew Ravens
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Tony Khan Addresses WWE’s Counter-Programming Strategy Against AEW

AEW President Tony Khan has responded to WWE’s recent strategy of running its premium live events on the same day as AEW pay-per-views. During a media call ahead of this Sunday’s Forbidden Door, Khan stated that his focus remains on his own company and making it the best promotion it can be.

When asked about being counter-programmed, Khan emphasized AEW’s successful year and the importance of focusing on their own product.

“We’ve had a great 2025 in AEW and I believe that, in large part, that’s because everyone in AEW is really focused on making AEW a tremendous promotion and continuing this excellent year we’re having,” he said (H/T to Fightful). “The most important thing for us is to talk about AEW and work really hard on AEW every week. It means not necessarily focusing on what every wrestling promotion is doing, but I do like watching wrestling and keeping up with what other wrestling promotions are doing.”

Throughout 2025, WWE has scheduled its NXT premium live events on the same day as AEW’s pay-per-views. This Sunday’s NXT Heatwave will run after Forbidden Door, and NXT’s Great American Bash went up against AEW’s All In weekend. In September, WWE will escalate the strategy by running a main roster PLE, Wrestlepalooza, on the same night as AEW All Out.

Despite the increased competition, Khan believes that by focusing on their own product, AEW will continue to thrive. “At the very best of AEW, we’ve been super focused on what we’re doing. Not being the only wrestling company in the world, but trying our best to be the best,” he stated. “I know we have the best wrestlers, and this year I think we’re doing the best TV shows and pay-per-views. I know we have the best fans.”

Pat McAfee Is Returning To WWE Commentary

Andrew Ravens
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Pat McAfee Is Returning To WWE Commentary

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has announced that Pat McAfee will be a part of the upcoming Wrestlepalooza premium live event on September 20 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The appearance will mark McAfee’s first time on a WWE broadcast since his recent hiatus.

Triple H made the announcement during an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, where he was promoting the new partnership between WWE and the sports media company. The inaugural Wrestlepalooza event is taking place in McAfee’s home base of Indianapolis.

The popular podcaster and ESPN analyst stepped away from his role as the color commentator for Monday Night Raw in June of this year. At the time, McAfee stated that he was taking a break due to burnout from his demanding schedule, which includes his daily “Pat McAfee Show” and his upcoming role on the “College GameDay” panel for the new college football season.

Since his departure, his spot on the Raw commentary team alongside Michael Cole has been filled by Corey Graves. It is not yet known what McAfee’s specific role at Wrestlepalooza will be.

The September 20th show from Gainbridge Fieldhouse will be the first-ever WWE premium live event to air on ESPN’s new streaming service.

Triple H Addresses The Possibility Of More Two-Night WWE PLEs

Andrew Ravens
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Triple H Addresses The Possibility Of More Two-Night WWE PLEs

Following the successful debut of the two-night SummerSlam format earlier this month, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has addressed the possibility of expanding other premium live events into two-night events in the future.

Speaking during an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Levesque was asked about the potential for more two-night events. While he did not confirm any specific plans, he made it clear that the company is open to the idea if it serves the fans.

“I think time will tell. It’s really, for us, about super-serving our fans,” Levesque said. “Just like for ESPN, you guys thrive on super-serving your fan base and the people that watch. So do we. It’s what we want to do.”

He elaborated on the philosophy behind the two-night model, explaining that the goal is to create larger-than-life “destination weekends” for the WWE fans.

“So when we can turn these into bigger events, make them destination weekends for fans, that’s what we will do,” he stated. “It’s all about our fans—our WWE Universe—and making them happy.”

 The success of both the two-night WrestleMania and now SummerSlam has led to widespread speculation that other events, like the Royal Rumble, could also be expanded in the future. While Levesque remains open to the idea, a recent report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter on WWE’s new deal with ESPN indicated that the current plan for 2026 and beyond is for 12 premium live events per year, with only WrestleMania and SummerSlam being scheduled as two-night events. 

Medical Malpractice Claims Emerge After Hulk Hogan’s Death

Thomas Lowson
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Medical Malpractice Claims Emerge After Hulk Hogan’s Death

Hulk Hogan’s death stunned the wrestling world in July 2025, and now startling claims have come to light about his passing. TMZ reports that Law enforcement sources have claimed that an occupational therapist was present when Hogan stopped breathing. The occupational therapist, who is not named in the report, reportedly claimed that Hogan had been the victim of medical malpractice.

Hogan’s widow Sky told TMZ Sports that Hulk’s phrenic nerve was “compromised” during a recent surgery. The phrenic nerve stimulates the diaphragm, which controls breathing. Sky added that an autopsy has been conducted on her late husband, but did not share the results. Sky was the one to call 911 after seeing that her husband had stopped breathing.

TMZ were also told by their sources in law enforcement that there was a discussion by officers at the scene about the occupational therapist’s claims, and these talks are on body cam footage. Brooke Hogan recently claimed that police footage could change the narrative about her father’s death.

Hogan has not yet been cremated, Sky shared, amid ongoing questions about the wrestling icon’s final days. Our thoughts remain with Hogan’s family and friends at this sad time.

Vince McMahon Reacts to Hulk Hogan Being Booed in Final WWE Appearance

CM Punk On Seth Rollins’ Injury Ruse: “He Even Lied To His Daughter”

Andrew Ravens
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CM Punk On Seth Rollins’ Injury Ruse: “He Even Lied To His Daughter”

CM Punk has reflected on the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced in the main event of WWE SummerSlam Night One, where he won the World Heavyweight Championship from GUNTHER, only to lose it moments later to a cashing-in Seth Rollins.

Appearing on the latest episode of ESPN’s First Take, Punk was asked about the memorable moment. He described the grueling nature of his match with GUNTHER and the subsequent shock of Rollins’s appearance.

“I got the absolute dog c*ap beat out of me by Gunther. Not an enjoyable experience,” Punk said. “You wind up not beating him, but surviving Gunther and now I’m the champion for the first time in 12 years and I think I’ve made it back to the top of the mountain and here comes old tiny tim limping out on his crutches. Turns out, it was all phony, he even lied to his daughter. That’s the kind of man I’m dealing with it.”

Punk also addressed the fan question of why he didn’t simply leave the ring to avoid Rollins’s cash-in attempt. He gave a two-part answer.

“Why didn’t I just run away is the question a lot of people are asking me and the simple answer is, I don’t run away,” he stated. “I also don’t think I could at that point, I was too exhausted.”

Mercedes Mone Reveals New Acting Project, Teases Future Movies

Thomas Lowson
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Mercedes Mone Reveals New Acting Project, Teases Future Movies

Mercedes Moné has proven herself to be a force in and out of the ring, and the AEW TBS Champion has revealed her latest acting project. Sitting down with Scott Fishman of TV Insider, Moné shared how recently shooting a Christmas movie could lead to bigger things.

“I just shot a Christmas movie. When I was on set, a couple of directors told me it was so amazing that they wanted to put me in their movie. I definitely see more acting in my future.”

Moné’s comments come after a recent list was shared by the Hollywood Reporter about the best wrestlers-turned-actors. While Dave Bautista, Dwayne Johnson and John Cena took the gold, silver, and bronze respectively, Moné believes she should have been in contention.

“I saw that list, and I should have been number 2 on the list. Don’t you think?”

With five episodes of The Mandalorian to her name as well as a role in 2023’s The Collective, Moné continues to have fans talking both in and out of the squared circle. It remains to be seen what will come of this upcoming Christmas movie, and what it will lead to for the belt collector.

The Beast Mortos Teases Wanting Kids, Mercedes Moné Responds

Brooke Hogan: Police Footage Could Change The Narrative On Hulk’s Death

Thomas Lowson
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Brooke Hogan: Police Footage Could Change The Narrative On Hulk’s Death

The narrative about the final days of Hulk Hogan’s life could soon change, according to the wrestling icon’s daughter Brooke. In an Instagram Story, Brooke shared that eyewitnesses present when her father passed have reached out to her.

“I’ve 100% gotten legit calls from professionals—from police officials to nurses—that were supposedly with my dad on the day of his death telling ME I need to see body cam footage and I need to get a hold of the 911 tapes because they supposedly contain information that could potentially shed enough light to change the narrative we/I/everyone’s been hearing.”

“Those same professionals feel so passionately about what they witnessed, they have continued to contact me and push me to find specific answers to this very day. They are quite literally putting their careers at risk because they feel so compelled to do the right thing.”

Brooke added that she has zero control over this situation, with control instead resting with Hulk’s wife Sky. Not only does Brooke not have any say over her father, but she suggested that she has been kept in the dark about what has transpired since his death.

“I do not have any information on if or when he is being cremated. Could have been right after he died, could be tomorrow. I do not know. I have been told by my brother there will be an autopsy. I do not know who will be performing the autopsy. Any information I receive from an autopsy—if one happens—whether I believe it or not, I will be keeping private out of respect for my father.”

Brooke has plenty of unanswered questions, but is trusting her brother Nick to do his best to get answers. Brooke ended with a pertient message to those she believes are misrepresenting her.

“So please stop misquoting, speculating, and ASKING me if I know anything. I cannot get any information. I know you’d think I could being his blood, but I can’t. We are already dealing with enough. I will not be talking about this ‘mystery’ anymore.”

Much has been said about Hulk Hogan following his death aged 71 of a heart attack. While Brooke believes there may be more to his death than first meets the eye, it remains to be seen if there are any official updates on the end of the life of one of wrestling’s biggest stars.

Vince McMahon Reveals Immediate Reaction To Hulk Hogan’s Passing

Seth Rollins Says WWE Partnership With ESPN Helps ‘Legitimatize’ The Industry

Andrew Ravens
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Seth Rollins Says WWE Partnership With ESPN Helps ‘Legitimatize’ The Industry

The new World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins, has commented on the new partnership between WWE and ESPN. Speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Rollins called the deal “huge for us as an industry” and a step in “legitimatizing” what WWE superstars do as both artists and athletes.

Rollins appeared on the Thursday morning sports talk show to discuss the news that WWE’s premium live events will begin airing on ESPN platforms in September, much earlier than the originally announced 2026 start date.

“The fact that we’re here teaming up with ESPN, it’s like my two favorite things in the world — sports and WWE — coming together. It’s huge for us as an industry,” Rollins said.

He went on to explain why he believes the partnership is so important for the perception of professional wrestling as a whole. “Professional wrestling has been a part of Americana for many, many, many years… and as we start to dip our toe further into the mainstream and really integrate ourselves into the mainstream, this is a huge step for us legitimatizing what we do as artists, as athletes,” he stated.

“For me personally, to be a part of the ESPN family is huge. I’m looking forward to this partnership and everything that is brings,” Rollins added.

The new partnership will officially kick off with the first-ever WrestlePalooza premium live event on Saturday, September 20, from Indianapolis, Indiana. The show will be the first WWE PLE to air on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service.

Montez Ford Thinks The Fans Will Support Bianca Belair Heel Turn

Andrew Ravens
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Montez Ford Thinks The Fans Will Support Bianca Belair Heel Turn

Montez Ford has weighed in on the possibility of his wife, Bianca Belair, ever turning to the “dark side” in WWE. The Street Profits member stated that the fans would likely continue to cheer for “The EST” regardless of her character alignment.

Speaking with O’Shea Jackson Jr and TJ Jefferson of the No Contest Wrestling Podcast, Ford was asked about the potential for Belair to one day become a heel on the main roster. He shared his belief that she is too popular with the fans to ever be truly booed.

“I told her that. She can try to go heel, she can try to go bad, they just gonna rock with her man,” Ford said.

During her time in NXT, Bianca Belair showcased her versatility as both a babyface and a heel. However, since her main roster debut in 2020, she has been presented exclusively as one of the company’s top babyfaces, winning multiple world championships in that role.

Belair has been out of in-ring action since suffering a finger injury at WrestleMania 41 in April. In a recent interview, she stated that she is “closing in” on a return to the ring and could be medically cleared as early as this month.

WWE’s Big Move: From Peacock to ESPN (Complete Guide)

Michael Reichlin
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WWE’s Big Move: From Peacock to ESPN (Complete Guide)

Starting September 20, 2025, all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) will stream in the U.S. exclusively on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service. The first event, Wrestlepalooza, kicks off this partnership.

How to Access WWE Content on ESPN

Subscription Requirements

To watch WWE PLEs, you’ll need the ESPN Unlimited plan at $29.99/month. This plan includes all ESPN channels and major sports content, including WWE. Sign up for ESPN Unlimited here or through the ESPN app.

Provider Authentication: If you already subscribe to ESPN through select pay-TV or streaming providers (DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Charter, FuboTV, Verizon Fios), you may authenticate through your provider to access ESPN’s streaming service—including WWE—at no extra cost. Note that YouTube TV and Xfinity currently do not offer this authentication for WWE PLEs.

Sign-Up Steps

  1. Visit ESPN.com or open the ESPN app
  2. Create or log into your ESPN account
  3. Select ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/month) for full access to all WWE PLEs
  4. Complete payment and activate your subscription
  5. If you have a qualifying pay-TV subscription, select your provider and follow authentication steps

What’s Included

Your ESPN subscription covers all major WWE events including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank—no additional pay-per-view fees required.

Bundle Option

An introductory bundle with ESPN Unlimited, Hulu, and Disney+ is available for $39.99/month.

Important: WWE PLEs will no longer be available live on Peacock after August 31, 2025.

Saturday Night’s Main Event: The Peacock Exception

While most WWE content moves to ESPN, Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) is heading in a different direction—exclusively to Peacock as a separate deal.

SNME Details

Peacock will stream four SNME specials per year, starting with two events in 2025 (November 1 and December 13, with John Cena’s retirement match on the latter). These events will not air on linear TV or ESPN—Peacock has exclusive live rights.

WWE’s Fragmented Streaming Landscape

Here’s where to find WWE content across platforms:

  • ESPN Unlimited: All main roster Premium Live Events starting September 2025
  • Peacock: Saturday Night’s Main Event (4x/year), WWE Network library through 2025, NXT Premium Live Events through March 2026
  • Netflix: WWE Raw (Monday nights) starting January 2025, plus international WWE content
  • USA Network: SmackDown (continues on traditional TV)
  • CW: Weekly NXT programming

Does This Affect WWE’s Netflix Deal?

No. The Netflix deal covers WWE Raw for U.S. audiences and international WWE programming. Peacock’s SNME exclusivity is separate and doesn’t interfere with Netflix’s rights. These deals are complementary, with each platform serving different pieces of WWE’s content strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do WWE events start streaming on ESPN? September 20, 2025, beginning with Wrestlepalooza.

Do I need to pay extra for WWE on ESPN? Yes, you need an ESPN Unlimited subscription ($29.99/month). Some pay-TV subscribers can authenticate at no extra cost, but YouTube TV and Xfinity are excluded.

Will WWE still be on Peacock after August 2025? Live WWE Premium Live Events will not be on Peacock after August 31, 2025. However, Peacock retains Saturday Night’s Main Event and the WWE Network library through the end of 2025.

Which WWE events are included with ESPN? All major Premium Live Events including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank.

Can I bundle ESPN with other services? Yes, an introductory bundle with ESPN Unlimited, Hulu, and Disney+ costs $39.99/month.

Where can I watch different WWE shows?

  • Premium Live Events: ESPN Unlimited
  • Saturday Night’s Main Event: Peacock
  • Monday Night Raw: Netflix (starting January 2025)
  • Friday Night SmackDown: USA Network
  • Weekly NXT: CW

The bottom line: WWE fans will need multiple subscriptions to catch all content, as the company has split its programming across several platforms rather than consolidating under one streaming home.

U.S. Olympic Rugby Star Ilona Maher Open To WWE Future

Thomas Lowson
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U.S. Olympic Rugby Star Ilona Maher Open To WWE Future

United States Rugby star Ilona Maher is ready for life beyond the field, including a potential future in professional wrestling. Speaking to BBC Sport, Maher first discussed going into acting, and following other athletes who have turned to the silver screen.

“I would love to get into the acting space, the scripted space. I think that a John Cena, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson progression [would be great.]”

When asked about a potential move to WWE, Maher revealed that she’s been approached before. While she hasn’t thought too much on the matter, a move to WWE would make a lot of sense.

“I should [join.] Great money in it, great money in it… Maybe, I’ll think about that.”

Maher did share her qualms about wrestling, including bringing up the scripted nature of programming. If she were to join WWE, Maher would follow in the footsteps of Ridge Holland, who played Rugby for year before the Welsh Superstar signed with WWE.

Maher is an Olympic Bronze Medalist, another accolade that could catch the attention of WWE if she pursues a future in the ring. With Maher set to compete in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup that kicks off on August 22, it remains to be seen if a future in the ring happen.

Asuka Rejected Japan’s Wrestling Traditions for IYO SKY

Thomas Lowson
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Asuka Rejected Japan’s Wrestling Traditions for IYO SKY

Asuka and IYO SKY competed for years in Japan before either found their international success as part of WWE. Though tensions between the two continue to boil on WWE programming, there was a time when Asuka was ready to go against Japan’s traditions for her fellow wrestler.

In a video from her YouTube channel, Asuka addressed her lengthy past with SKY. Asuka shared that despite a strict heirarchy in Japanese wrestling, she never wanted to take advantage of the younger IYO.

“IYO and I teamed up back in Japan. In Japanese wrestling, there’s a very strict senpai–kohai system. Since I debuted before her, I was the senpai (senior), and IYO was the kohai (junior). Normally, that means the junior must follow everything the senior says. But I never wanted to treat IYO like that. To me, that culture had no meaning, no value. So I didn’t follow that tradition.”

Asuka went on to discuss how she and IYO would work well together and also succeed after going their separate ways. Discussing their time in WWE, Asuka reiterated the success of both herself and SKY, either as allies or as adversaries.

On WWE programming in recent weeks, the pair have been far from the same page. During the latest Raw, SKY exploded at both Asuka and Rhea Ripley, both of whom have been arguing over the loyalties of the Genius of the Sky. With SKY caught in the middle, it remains to be seen who’s side she aligns with.

Giulia On How Asuka Inspired Her WWE Journey, Wants Dream Match

Nick Wayne Pulled From Forbidden Door, Replacement Revealed

Thomas Lowson
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Nick Wayne Pulled From Forbidden Door, Replacement Revealed

Nick Wayne will not be a part of AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door, the young wrestler has confirmed. During the August 20, episode of AEW Dynamite in Glasgow, Scotland, Wayne shared that he won’t be competing at the pay-per-view due to a broken foot. Wayne claimed he suffered the injury at the hands of Cope on the August 13 edition of Dynamite.

Despite this setback, Wayne still plans to ruin the reunion of Cope and Christian Cage. In his video, Wayne shared that the returning Killswitch would be replacing him at Forbidden Door. Killswitch attacked Cope in the ring and delivered a chokeslam, before hitting a second chokeslam on Cage.

The match at Forbidden Door will now see Cope and Cage battle Killswitch and Kip Sabian. As for Wayne, the reigning ROH TV Champion, it is unclear when he will return to action. With the possibility of forfeiting his title ever-present, time will tell what’s to come for the injured star.

Multiple Big Matches Announced For AEW Forbidden Door

Ex-WWE Tag Champion Set For AEW Collision Debut

Thomas Lowson
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Ex-WWE Tag Champion Set For AEW Collision Debut

AEW has arrived in the United Kingdom for a huge week, culminating with this weekend’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view event. Now, a former WWE Superstar has made their All-Elite debut as part of the taping for AEW Collision.

The August 23, episode of Collision was taped from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland following the taping of the August 20, Dynamite. During the Collision taping, Isla Dawn made her AEW debut, taking on Megan Bayne.

Dawn got a huge ovation in her native Glasgow, though she was unsuccesful in her match against Bayne. Dawn is a former NXT and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion who was released from WWE in February 2025. Her partner Alba Fyre remains with WWE as part of Chelsea Green’s Secret Hervice.

Whether Dawn’s appearance in AEW was a one-off for the fans in Collision or the start of big things, time will tell. As Dawn wasn’t the only notable Scottish debut at the tapings, it’s clear that the fans in the OVO Hydro had a night full of local and international talent.

Isla Dawn Is “Not Dead Yet,” Superstars React To Post-WWE Tease

Trish Stratus Mourns Mother After Cancer Battle

Thomas Lowson
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Trish Stratus Mourns Mother After Cancer Battle

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus is in mourning following the death of her mother following a brave battle with cancer. On Instagram, Stratus shared the news of the death of Alice Stratigeas, stating that “my heart feels broken in a way I can’t describe.” The seven-time WWE Women’s Champion added that “life will never be the same” and ended with a poignant message of “f*** cancer.”

Stratus had cancelled an appearance at a convention in Wales to be by her mother’s side in her final days. Stratus’ most recent appearance for WWE came at the Evolution 2 PLE, where she unsuccessfully challenged Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton.

We here at SEScoops would like to extend our condolences to Trish and her family at this sad time.

 

WWE NXT No Mercy Date And Location Revealed

Andrew Ravens
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WWE NXT No Mercy Date And Location Revealed

The next premium live event for the WWE NXT brand has reportedly been set. According to a new report from POST Wrestling, NXT will present “No Mercy” on Saturday, September 27, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Citing multiple sources with knowledge of the schedule, the report confirms that the “No Mercy” event will take place in late September. An official announcement from WWE has not yet been made. The event will continue the tradition of NXT reviving classic main roster pay-per-view names for its premium live events.

No Mercy will be the first NXT premium live event since April that is not scheduled to air on the same day as an AEW pay-per-view. The show is expected to air live on Peacock in the U.S. and on Netflix in most international markets. As was recently reported, NXT’s premium live events were not included in the new rights agreement between WWE and ESPN for main roster shows.

“No Mercy” began as a UK-only event in 1999 before becoming a staple of WWE’s annual pay-per-view calendar from 1999 to 2008. It was revived for two years in 2016 and 2017 before being moved as an NXT event in 2023.

Before the brand gets to Fort Lauderdale for No Mercy, the stars of NXT are preparing for this Sunday’s Heatwave premium live event in Toronto, Canada. The show will be headlined by Oba Femi defending the NXT Championship against Je’Von Evans.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Moving To Peacock Exclusively

Official Date For John Cena’s WWE Retirement Match Announced

Andrew Ravens
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Official Date For John Cena’s WWE Retirement Match Announced

The date for John Cena’s final match has officially been set. In a joint announcement on Wednesday, WWE and Peacock have confirmed that the 17-time World Champion will have his last match on a special edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, December 13.

While a location for the event has not yet been officially announced, the long-standing expectation is that the show will take place at the TD Garden in Cena’s home state of Massachusetts.

The confirmation of the December 13 date also puts an end to recent rumors that WWE was considering moving the special to December 27 to compete with AEW’s Worlds End pay-per-view. The announcement was made in conjunction with the news of a new multi-year deal between WWE and NBCUniversal.

As part of the new arrangement, Saturday Night’s Main Event will now stream exclusively on Peacock four times per year. The next two specials are scheduled for November 1 and the December 13 show featuring Cena’s finale. The WWE Network library will also remain on Peacock through the end of 2025.

With his final match now officially on the calendar, Cena has just a few dates left on his farewell tour. His next premium live event match is scheduled for August 31 at Clash in Paris, where he will face Logan Paul. Following that, he is expected to headline the inaugural WrestlePalooza event on September 20 against the returning Brock Lesnar.

WWE Premium Live Events To Debut On ESPN In September With WrestlePalooza

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Moving To Peacock Exclusively

Andrew Ravens
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0
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Moving To Peacock Exclusively

WWE has reached a new arrangement with NBCUniversal that will see its quarterly Saturday Night’s Main Event specials air exclusively on the Peacock streaming service. The specials were previously simulcast on the NBC broadcast network.

The news was reported on Wednesday by Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated. The revived specials, which began in December 2024, will no longer air on NBC as part of the new arrangement. This change comes as part of a larger shuffle of WWE’s media rights.

It was recently announced that WWE’s main roster premium live events will be leaving Peacock and moving to ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service beginning with the WrestlePalooza event on September 20.

Traina’s report also provided an update on the future of WWE’s vast historical content library. The archives will reportedly remain on Peacock through the end of 2025. After that, Traina speculated on its next potential home.

WWE Premium Live Events To Debut On ESPN In September With WrestlePalooza

WWE Premium Live Events To Debut On ESPN In September With WrestlePalooza

Andrew Ravens
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0
WWE Premium Live Events To Debut On ESPN In September With WrestlePalooza

WWE and ESPN have announced that their landmark rights agreement for premium live events will begin much earlier than previously expected. The partnership will officially launch with the first-ever “WrestlePalooza” premium live event on Saturday, September 20.

The joint press release issued on Wednesday confirmed the new event, which will take place live from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. “WrestlePalooza” will stream live on the new ESPN direct-to-consumer streaming service, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. This makes the September 20 show the official start of the new five-year, $1.6 billion partnership.

The move confirms recent reports that WWE had fulfilled its contractual quota of events for its current U.S. streaming partner, Peacock, paving the way for an early start to the ESPN deal. The original start date was slated for 2026.

The press release also confirmed a lineup of top stars for the inaugural “WrestlePalooza.” The show will feature John Cena in action, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre.

Tickets for the event go on sale to the general public this Friday, August 22, with a presale beginning tomorrow, August 21.

Grado Debuts At ROH Taping, Uses Madonna’s Like A Prayer

Thomas Lowson
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0
Grado Debuts At ROH Taping, Uses Madonna’s Like A Prayer

Popular Scottish wrestler Grado made his Ring of Honor debut this week, and was able to use his popular Like A Prayer theme song. At the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, Grado had the fans on their feet for his entrance.

The song has been synonymous with Grado, though he was unable to use it during his time with TNA Wrestling. As seen here, and with Bryan Danielson’s use of The Final Countdown, Tony Khan has been willing to use licenced songs for key entrances.

Grado has competed in several notable promotions within the UK, including RevPro, PROGRESS and World of Sport. Outside the UK, Grado has competed for Germany’s wXw, as well as U.S. based companies including GCW and TNA.

It remains to be seen if Grado’s appearance for ROH was a one-off in Scotland, or the start of bigger things to come. One thing for certain, is that the popular star had a hero’s welcome in Glasgow.

Official Attendance For WWE WrestleMania 41 Disclosed

Andrew Ravens
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Official Attendance For WWE WrestleMania 41 Disclosed

The official attendance numbers for this past April’s two-night WrestleMania 41 premium live event have been disclosed. A new report from the Las Vegas Stadium Authority (LVSA) reveals that a combined total of 118,641 fans were in attendance at Allegiant Stadium for the event.

The report, analyzed by Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics, breaks down the attendance for each night. Saturday’s Night One had 58,538 fans in attendance, while Sunday’s Night Two had 60,103. These numbers are slightly different from the figures announced by WWE during the broadcast, which were 61,467 for Saturday and 63,226 for Sunday.

Thurston notes that it is “unclear if these figures reflect tickets distributed or ticket sales,” and that it is “possible those numbers include suite attendees” to account for the discrepancy between the two sets of figures.

The LVSA’s “Stadium Activity” report also highlights the economic impact the event had on the city of Las Vegas. The report indicates that 81% of the attendees on Saturday and 84% on Sunday were from out of town. Furthermore, 98% of those out-of-town fans on Saturday and 97% on Sunday traveled to Las Vegas specifically for WrestleMania.

The two nights of WrestleMania were the most highly attended events at Allegiant Stadium during the April to June quarter, drawing more fans than concerts by major artists such as Post Malone, Kendrick Lamar, Coldplay, and AC/DC. Las Vegas is also set to host WrestleMania 42 in 2026.

Becky Lynch Says She Does More Good Being Bad in WWE

Thomas Lowson
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Becky Lynch Says She Does More Good Being Bad in WWE

Becky Lynch may have spent years as one of WWE’s top babyfaces, but she’s far more comfortable showing her dastardly side. Speaking to Cody Rhodes on What Do You Wanna Talk About?, Lynch gushed over her love for playing the heel.

“I really love being a bad guy. I feel like I do more good being bad, you know?… I’m better at making people look good. I’m not a cool wrestler. I don’t have cool moves. I don’t like—you don’t do anything.”

Lynch’s most recent heel run has seen her capture the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, ending the reign of fellow countrywoman and inaugural champion Lyra Valkyria. For Lynch, playing the villain allows for far more freedom.

“When you are a babyface, you have to be selfish. Because you have to be liked. Your job is to look the coolest… it becomes political… Whereas when you’re a heel, you get that freedom. My job is to make you look cool.”

Lynch’s sentiments have been echoed by many over the years as being a dastardly heel is often found to be more fun than a lovable babyface. For Lynch, there’s little better than riling up fans and using her actions to get audiences to rally behind her opponent.

Currently, Lynch has found herself feuding with Nikki Bella, another woman who knows all about playing both a heel and a face. With a match between the two expected, it remains to be seen how Lynch will coax fans to back the WWE Hall of Famer.

‘Cancel Me’ – Becky Lynch Pushes Back on Cancel Culture

Cody Rhodes On Turning Heel: “I Just Don’t Have Any Interest”

Andrew Ravens
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Cody Rhodes On Turning Heel: “I Just Don’t Have Any Interest”

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is one of the top babyfaces in the industry, and despite calls from some fans for a heel turn, “The American Nightmare” has made it clear that he has “no interest” in making that change.

Speaking on his “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast with fellow superstar Becky Lynch, Rhodes was asked about the possibility of turning to the dark side. He stated that it’s simply not something he feels he could put his full effort into.

“I have the complete opposite outlook. On all these metrics, on all of these measurables, I just don’t have any interest in being a bad guy,” Rhodes said. “I just don’t know if I could do it. I don’t know if my heart would be in it.”

The conversation came up while Rhodes and Lynch were discussing her own successful run as a heel. This is not the first time Rhodes has addressed the topic, as fans have consistently fantasy-booked a heel turn for him since his return to WWE.

He has previously stated that if he were to ever turn heel, it would be so extreme that it would “get him canceled.” Reports have also indicated that WWE currently has no internal plans to change his character’s alignment.

After defeating John Cena at SummerSlam, he was attacked by Drew McIntyre on the following SmackDown, officially kicking off his next feud. The rivalry between the two top stars is expected to lead to a championship match at the upcoming premium live event in Indianapolis on September 20.

Natalya: When Wrestling Gets Easy, I’ll Know It’s Time to Retire

Thomas Lowson
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Natalya: When Wrestling Gets Easy, I’ll Know It’s Time to Retire

WWE veteran Natalya has opened up about her life as a pro-wrestler and knows when it will be time to hang up her boots for good. On Instagram, Natalya reflected on being the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Lou Thesz award. Natalya was open as she spoke about the difficulties in wrestling, adding that if that ever changes, she know it’s time to go.

Like everything worth spending a life chasing,
the wrestling business has never been easy.
It’s not easy today.
It never gets easy, and if it ever does,
I’ll know that’s when it’s time to hang them up.

Natalya’s post comes eight years to the day since she captured the SmackDown Women’s Championship, her most recent singles title. In WWE, Natalya is also a former Divas Champion and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. She also holds several World Records, including having the most matches of any woman in WWE history, in addition to the most victories.

Outside WWE, Natalya has been able to show her ‘Nattie’ side, a more violent take on the typically glamorous Superstar. Whether it’s another year or another decade in the ring, Natalya is ready to fight with all she has to call herself a professional wrestler.

Bryan Danielson Confirmed For Dynamite & Forbidden Door Role

Thomas Lowson
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Bryan Danielson Confirmed For Dynamite & Forbidden Door Role

Bryan Danielson will be a part of the festivities surrounding AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door 2025, though fans shouldn’t expect him in action. AEW has confirmed that Danielson will be one of the hosts of the show’s Zero Hour kick-off event. The former AEW World Champion will host alongside Jeff Jarrett, Renee Paquette, and RJ City.

Fans won’t have to wait until Forbidden Door to hear from the American Dragon. With Taz set to miss tonight’s AEW Dynamite due to health issues, AEW has confirmed that Danielson will be calling the action in Glasgow, Scotland.

Bryan’s appearance comes amid ongoing speculation about his in-ring future. Danielson has not competed in close to a year since his lost to Jon Moxley at October 2024’s WrestleDream. While Danielson made a return at All In: Texas, he has been open about the possibility that his career may be over.

Danielson has a unique history with Forbidden Door, including being pulled from the inaugural event in 2022 due to an injury. An injury suffered at Forbidden Door in 2023 would force Bryan to miss months of in-ring action. The 2024 show saw Danielson defeat Shingo Takagi in a Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament First Round match.

Whether he’s competing or not, Bryan Danielson continues to prove popular among wrestling fans. Stay tuned for the latest from this weekend’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view.

Bryan Danielson & Will Ospreay Steal the Show at AEW Karaoke Night
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