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.
One former WWE NXT star has landed on her feet as the newest member of the TNA Knockouts division. During the latest episode of TNA iMPACT, it was announced that Mara Sadè has officially joined the promotion. Her signing was later confirmed on TNA’s website.
Sadè was known as Jakara Jackson in WWE before her release from the promotion earlier this year. Her exit came mere days after Meta-Four agreed to split, which itself came mere days after the group reunited with the return of the previously-injured Noam Dar.
Sadè arrived in TNA as the mystery ally of fellow WWE alum The IInspiration (Jess McKay and Cassie Lee.) With a bright future as a Knockout ahead of her, it remains to be seen how far Mara Sadè goes in TNA Wrestling.
The July 24, episode of TNA iMPACT was the first major televised wrestling show following the death of Hulk Hogan. As the show kicked off, Tom Hannifan spoke candidly as a graphic memorializing the two-time WWE Hall of Famer was shared.
“Earlier today, the world learned of the passing of the biggest icon in the history of professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan. His contributions to this company, and to the entirity of this industry will never be forgotten. TNA Wrestling is deeply saddened by this news and we are sending our condolences to the fans, friends, and family of Hulk Hogan.”
Tonight’s episode of #TNAiMPACT is dedicated to the memory of Hulk Hogan.
Hogan was part of TNA from 2009 to 2013 and was a prominent on-screen figure during his time. While the Hulkster may be gone, his legacy in TNA and the wider wrestling world will never be forgotten.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, D-Von explained that he’s known he’s had some left in the tank, all the way back when he and Bully Ray parted ways with WWE close to a decade ago.
“Some of you are probably wondering, why am I doing this? Why am I doing this one more match? In 2016, when we did our departure from the WWE, I still had some left in the tank.”
Whatever D-Von has left in the tank will be used when the Hardys and the Dudleys face off one more time. Not only will this be the final encounter between the two iconic tag teams, but it will be D-Von’s last match, period.
“I will say this — it will be my last. What better place than TNA. I’m doing it in front of you—the fans that made us. I’m doing it for my kids. They get a chance to see their dad do something that he loved, and they could say they were there.”
He ended the message with a heartfelt thank-you to the fans and a nod to his iconic catchphrase. For D-Von Dudley, he’s ready to give every last thing he has for what will be his last match.
“It’s my way of saying thank you… and I think Bubba put it best—that will be the last time you hear it in the ring again. And of course… oh my brother, testify. That will be it.”
D-Von will reunite with Bully Ray for one final match at Bound for Glory, where Team 3D is set to face off against the Hardys in a showdown for the Tag Team Titles. Fans now wait to see how this final chapter unfolds for one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history.
Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 following an apparent cardiac arrest, marking the end of one of wrestling’s biggest names. Before his passing, WWE had distanced themselves from the Hulkster, leaving fans to wonder what reaction they can expect from the promotion.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, many readers have inquired about WWE’s plans in the wake of Hogan’s death. The report states that WWE intends to honor Hogan as a key part of the WWE family and will highlight his contributions accordingly.
WWE has already put out a statement in addition to a lengthy tribute on WWE.com. With tonight’s SmackDown being WWE’s first event since Hogan’s passing, fans can expect a ten-bell salute and tribute package as typical for the death of high-profile stars.
Hogan’s final live appearance for WWE came at Raw’s Netflix debut where he was booed by the Los Angeles crowd. WWE had taken steps to not have Hogan on-screen following his January segment, and Fightful reports that there were no plans in the works for him to return prior to the Hulkster’s death.
WWE has long honored its legends with respect and ceremony, and Hogan’s tribute will likely be no exception.
Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIV just got a boost of WWE with the return of two Superstars to the show. Pete Dunne and Charlie Dempsey have officially been added to the card, joining an already-stacked lineup of shoot-style specialists for the August 2 event.
A Catch Wrestler A British Strong Style bruiser A total F-ing Maniac
All three making their Bloodsport returns on 8/2 and Josh Barnett's: Bloodsport XIV.
Limbs wrenched Teeth knocked loose BLOOD on the mats
Dunne’s return to Bloodsport after his impressive debut win over Timothy Thatcher back in April. While his appearances on WWE TV have been limited, with his most recent WWE match happening back in May, fans are excited to see the Bruiserweight back in Bloodsport.
Dempsey of WWE NXT is becoming a regular in the Bloodsport pit. This marks his fifth appearance in the promotion, where he holds a 3–1 record. Dempsey debuted in April 2024 with a win over Matt Makowski. His other wins have seen him defeat Tracy Williams and Shinya Aoki, with his sole loss coming at the hands of Royce Isaacs.
UFC President Dana White appeared on Jesse Watters Primetime on FOX News to reflect on the passing of Hulk Hogan. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer died on July 24, 2025, of a reported cardiac arrest.
Although White admitted his background leaned more toward boxing, he emphasized that Hogan was part of a cultural foundation that ultimately influenced his path with the UFC.
“To say that the WWE, boxing, and other things of that time—from the Muhammad Alis to Hulk Hogan, Vince, and Don King—all of the guys who paved the way for me to be where I am today, all had an impact and a lasting impression in my life.”
White’s appreciation of Hogan goes beyond what he did for the world of Sports Entertainment. At heart, White was a fan of Hogan, making his passing a difficult one.
“I grew up in that era, that’s my era… The ’80s were incredible. Not just them—guys like Stallone and Arnold, and the list goes on and on of the men’s men of that era. Reagan, I mean, I could go on and on.”
As tributes to Hogan continue to pour in, White’s comments offer a unique perspective from outside the wrestling world—reminding fans just how far the reach of Hulkamania extended. Our thoughts remain with those who knew Hogan best at this sad time.
A new report has provided an update on the contract status of WWE couple Karrion Kross and Scarlett. According to Fightful, Kross has been telling people that his current WWE contract is set to expire in August and that no new deal has been signed.
The report states that numerous talents in the wrestling industry who have asked Kross about his deal have been told that his contract is up next month. It was also noted that as of last week, Kross had claimed that neither he nor Scarlett had been approached by WWE about a new deal.
While Kross is reportedly claiming his contract is expiring, WWE’s actions suggest otherwise. Internally, things are being “kept very quiet,” but Kross has new merchandise available and has been regularly featured on both Friday Night SmackDown and premium live events. These are typically indicators that a talent has either re-signed or is expected to. The report also confirmed that there are still creative plans for Kross and Scarlett on WWE television.
The uncertainty surrounding Kross’s contract comes as he and Scarlett are involved in a high-profile storyline on Friday Night SmackDown. The duo has been attempting to play mind games with both Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and his SummerSlam challenger, John Cena. Kross and Scarlett were present during last week’s chaotic contract signing, and their future involvement in the main event picture remains a key point of intrigue.
Montez Ford is a Superstar many expected to go far, but the former Tag Team Champion has yet to reach the main event heights some have predicted for him. In a preview for an upcoming episode of the Insight podcast, Ford spoke about why he appears to have hit a cieling in WWE.
“What’s holding me back? What is holding me back? Is it me? Is it me?! Is it me being silly, not being as serious about my potential? How far I can grow? Is that what it is Chris? Is it the fact that I should stop holding back and acting like everything is okay when I know, deep down, I’m hurting. I’m hurting because I’m not being taken seriously.”
Wow, Montez Ford… this interview is about to be crazy.
— rob | president of the ESTate (@robbelair) July 24, 2025
On the surface, Ford has it all to be a top name in WWE, including talent, charisma, and skills both in and out of the ring. Being in a ‘power couple’ alongside Bianca Belair certainly doesn’t harm Ford, and yet a singles push and glory has continued to allude him.
Belair, understandably, has praised Ford several times, while The Rock even labeled Montez a future WWE Champion in 2022. Three years later, that prediction has yet to come true, and time will tell if it ever happens at all.
Vince McMahon has made a rare appearance on social media to pay tribute to Hulk Hogan after the WWE Hall of Famer’s death aged 71. Hogan died following a cardiac arrest which came following weeks of reports of health concerns.
On X, McMahon spoke openly about the man who helped him take the world of wrestling by storm.
Together, McMahon and Hogan would usher in the ‘Rock ‘n Wrestling Connection,’ using Hogan’s larger than life character to push wrestling in mainstream entertainment during the 1980s. Though the pair’s relationship would see peaks and pitfalls, that never stopped the pair from putting any differences aside for business.
Hogan’s death marks the end of arguably the biggest name in pro-wrestling, or perhaps only second to ‘McMahon.’ Our thoughts are with those who knew Hogan best at this sad time.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was delivering an emotional tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan when the somber moment was suddenly shattered by a protestor’s outburst, creating a jarring scene that highlighted both the governor’s personal connection to the icon and the unpredictable nature of today’s political climate.
Speaking at what appeared to be a press conference, DeSantis revealed his deep childhood connection to Hogan, describing the wrestling superstar as nothing short of a superhero for kids growing up in Florida during the 1980s and early 90s.
“I was sad to see the news that Hulk Hogan passed away today. He was a major icon for anybody in Gen X,” DeSantis said, his voice carrying genuine emotion. “I can tell you growing up then in the 80s and in particularly the early 90s, he was really big.”
The governor painted a vivid picture of Hogan’s cultural impact, noting how the wrestler achieved fame even before “Hulkamania” took hold. “He actually really was a star first before even he was Hulkamania but when he was Thunder Lips and Rocky 3 and that was like a huge huge deal,” DeSantis recalled, referencing Hogan’s memorable appearance in the Sylvester Stallone film.
For young DeSantis, Hogan represented something magical—a larger-than-life figure who happened to call the Tampa Bay area home.
“As a young kid, like, you know, I’m growing up and it’s like, you know, that was like somebody’s like, ‘Wow, that’s our superhero kind of deal.’ And the fact that he was from a Tampa Bay area when I’m growing up there, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, like this guy, this guy lives in our area,’” he explained.
The governor’s tribute included nostalgic details about the pre-pay-per-view era, when major wrestling events like WrestleMania were shown on closed-circuit television at local venues. He specifically remembered WrestleMania III, where Hogan faced Andre the Giant in what became one of wrestling’s most iconic moments.
Things took a dramatic turn when a protestor suddenly interrupted, shouting accusations before being forcibly removed by security. Undeterred, DeSantis continued his remarks, sharing that his own children had recently met Hogan.
“We were with him just a couple of months ago. My kids got to meet him and everything. So, I was really sad to see that,” he said, before extending condolences to Hogan’s family and the broader Florida community.
Clearwater, Florida – Major Nate Burnside of the Clearwater Police Department provided the first official law enforcement details surrounding the death of WWE legend Hulk Hogan during a press conference Thursday afternoon.
The wrestling icon, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died at 11:17 AM at Morton Plant Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest at his Clearwater home earlier that morning.
“Just before 10 AM, Clearwater Police Department responded to a house in the 1000 block of El Dorado Avenue for a medical related call. It was discovered at that time that Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was experiencing a serious medical related issue. Personnel provided medical treatment at that time and transported Mr. Bollea to Morton Plant Hospital, where he died at 11:17 AM.” – Major Nate Burnside
No Foul Play Suspected
Burnside emphasized that the Clearwater Police Department is conducting a standard medical investigation but found no signs of suspicious activity.
“The Clearwater Police Department is conducting a medical investigation, which is standard in these types of cases. There are no signs of foul play or suspicious activity related to this call for service at this time,” Burnside stated during the afternoon briefing.
Emergency operators confirmed the initial call was regarding a “cardiac arrest,” with first responders arriving at the scene at 9:51 AM.
Recent Health Struggles
The 71-year-old wrestling legend had been recovering from major spinal surgery in recent months. Hogan underwent a four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion procedure, which had kept him out of the public eye.
Over the past month, rumors had circulated about Hogan being on his “deathbed,” but family members and close associates had consistently denied these reports. His wife Sky Daily, whom he married in September 2023, had recently stated that his heart was “strong” and that he was recovering well from the surgery.
Privacy Request
Major Burnside announced that police records related to the incident would not be released Thursday, asking the public and media to respect the privacy of Hogan’s family during this difficult time.
The wrestling community and fans worldwide have been mourning the loss of the man who transformed professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment during the 1980s “Hulkamania” era.
Hogan, a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee, was instrumental in bringing professional wrestling to global prominence. His larger-than-life personality, combined with his iconic “24-inch pythons” and signature shirt-ripping entrance, made him one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment history.
WWE released an official statement following the announcement: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
The investigation into Hogan’s death continues, though officials stress it is purely procedural and no suspicious circumstances have been identified.
Hulk Hogan, arguably the biggest name in professional wrestling history, has died at the age of 71 after a cardiac arrest. Hogan’s passing comes after weeks of reports of health issues, though he was reportedly doing better the day before his death.
Hogan’s death has sparked a series of reactions from the wrestling world, as seen below:
The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative.
I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When… pic.twitter.com/rOWLakMjr4
WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea.
He was the archetype of what it meant to be a “Superstar” – a global sensation that inspired millions to work… pic.twitter.com/wXpgFvAhHA
Sending positive thoughts, energy, and prayers to Hulk Hogan’s family and close friends during this time. Thank you for all the great memories and everything you gave to the business. Every encounter I had left a positive mark. Rest in power, brother. ?? ? ? pic.twitter.com/O9jRNoqnXV
I am saddened to learn of the passing of pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. Hogan's name was synonymous with professional wrestling, transcending the industry to become an American pop culture fixture. My condolences go out to his fans, friends and family. Rest in peace.
Hogan’s name would transcend wrestling as he would become a star of film, Television, and even politics in his final years. Our thoughts remain with Hogan’s friends, family, and fans at this sad time.
Professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at age 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning, according to TMZ Sports.
Emergency medics were dispatched to the WWE legend’s residence with operators confirming the call was regarding a “cardiac arrest.” Multiple police cars and EMTs were reportedly stationed outside Hogan’s home, with the wrestling icon being carried on a stretcher into an ambulance.
Recent Health Struggles
The news comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife Sky publicly denied rumors that the wrestling legend was in a coma, stating his heart was “strong” as he recovered from recent surgeries. Hogan had undergone a neck procedure in May 2025, with previous reports suggesting he was dealing with post-surgical complications rather than life-threatening conditions.
Last month, rumors circulated about Hogan being on his “deathbed,” but sources close to the family indicated he was simply managing symptoms from his neck surgery recovery.
The Man Who Transformed Wrestling
Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, revolutionized professional wrestling by transforming it from a niche entertainment form into mainstream family sport. Before Hogan’s rise to prominence, wrestling catered to a relatively narrow audience. His theatrical persona and magnetic ring presence attracted children and their parents alike, supercharging the sport’s popularity throughout the 1980s and beyond.
Hogan’s impact on wrestling culture cannot be overstated. His trademark yellow and red attire, handlebar mustache, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” became synonymous with professional wrestling’s golden era.
From Hero to Hollywood Villain
In 1996, Hogan shocked the wrestling world by transforming from beloved hero to despised villain, creating the New World Order (NWO) and becoming “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan. This character reinvention propelled both Hogan and professional wrestling to even greater heights of fame and cultural relevance.
The NWO storyline became one of wrestling’s most successful angles, helping to launch the “Monday Night Wars” between WWE and WCW that defined late 1990s wrestling entertainment.
Hall of Fame Legacy
Hogan’s wrestling career was recognized with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. However, his career faced controversy when he was removed from the Hall of Fame in 2015 following the emergence of racist comments made during a secretly recorded encounter. The incident led to a successful lawsuit against Gawker Media.
WWE reinstated Hogan to the Hall of Fame in 2020, this time as a member of the NWO, acknowledging both his individual contributions and his role in one of wrestling’s most influential storylines.
Beyond the Ring
Hogan’s influence extended far beyond professional wrestling. His movie career began in 1982 with a memorable role as Thunderlips in “Rocky III,” leading to starring roles in films like “No Holds Barred,” “Suburban Commando,” and “Mr. Nanny.”
Television audiences knew him through the hit VH1 reality series “Hogan Knows Best,” which featured his family life with then-wife Linda and children Nick and Brooke, bringing the wrestling legend into American living rooms in an entirely different context.
A Wrestling Revolution
Hulk Hogan’s death marks the end of an era for professional wrestling. His ability to connect with audiences across generational lines helped establish wrestling as a legitimate form of mainstream entertainment. From headlining the first WrestleMania to his recent appearances promoting his Real American Beer brand, Hogan remained a central figure in wrestling culture for over four decades.
The wrestling community and fans worldwide are now mourning the loss of a true icon who helped shape the industry into what it is today. Hogan’s legacy as the man who brought professional wrestling to the masses will undoubtedly endure long after his passing.
Nikki Bella has once again added fuel to the fire regarding a potential WWE return for her twin sister, Brie Bella. In a new interview, Nikki teased that fans should keep watching because they “never know when Brie Mode will show up.”
Speaking with Access Hollywood, Nikki addressed the fan speculation about a Bella Twins reunion. She made it clear that she believes it will happen at some point.
“I do think Brie will be there at some point. I mean, how do we not have Brie Mode back, how do the Bella Twins not grace that WWE ring, right?” Nikki said. “A lot of people want her back, the internet is loud about it, the Bella Army. What I keep telling people is keep tuning in and you never know when Brie Mode will show up.”
Nikki has been in the middle of a comeback run this summer, while her sister has remained at home with her family. In a recent episode of their podcast, Brie stated that she was “yearning” to be at the WWE Evolution pay-per-view but that she felt it was currently “Nikki’s time” to be in the spotlight.
While Nikki continues to tease a reunion with her sister, she has recently formed a new partnership on Monday Night Raw. On the July 14th episode, Nikki was saved from a 3-on-1 attack by Stephanie Vaquer. The show ended with the two showing mutual respect, suggesting a new alliance is forming on the red brand, which could complicate a potential Bella Twins reunion.
WWE star Bianca Belair has provided an update on the finger injury that has kept her out of the ring since WrestleMania 41. In a new interview, Belair explained the complicated nature of her recovery and admitted that she “needed this break” from her non-stop schedule.
Speaking with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, Belair detailed the finger injury she suffered during her triple-threat match at WrestleMania. She explained that while the bone has healed, a lack of mobility is preventing her clearance for an in-ring return.
“I broke it in three places and the joint. It healed, but it won’t bend. You can’t wrestle with a straight finger because it’ll break again… I can’t even sew right now. I can’t even make gear,” Belair said. She added that she is still waiting to see if surgery will be necessary.
Despite the frustrating injury, “The EST” said that the time off has been a welcome change after a grueling five-year stretch. “I needed this break. I’ve been going for the past five years nonstop in the title picture, filming reality TV shows and appearances. I think I had over 300 appearances in one year,” she stated. While she can’t commit to a return date, Belair did not rule out making an appearance at SummerSlam. She has remained on WWE TV, most recently serving as the special guest referee for the match between Naomi and Jade Cargill at WWE Evolution.
Belair’s injury at WrestleMania 41 forced her and her partner, Jade Cargill, to vacate the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. While Belair focuses on her recovery, Cargill has transitioned into a singles role, quickly rising to the top of the card. Cargill is now scheduled to challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship at the upcoming SummerSlam premium live event.
WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg has provided more details on his recent retirement match, revealing that he suffered a broken hand during the bout. He also responded to the criticism he has received for his recent complaints about how his farewell was handled by WWE.
Speaking on his Car Cast podcast, Goldberg confirmed he was injured during his World Heavyweight Championship match against GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event as he broke his hand. Despite the injury, he addressed those who have been “complaining about me complaining” by highlighting the quality of the match itself, which he said was the second-longest of his career.
“Now, I could not have done it without GUNTHER. That kid is freakin’ unbelievable,” Goldberg said. “I mean, it was a wonderful opportunity to be in the ring with him, and an honor… he made it happen so, it was awesome. I had a good time.”
Goldberg also elaborated on his frustration with the NBC and Peacock feeds cutting off his post-match speech. He suggested the move felt deliberate to drive social media traffic.
“It might as well been a conspiracy because you had six months to plan for it,” Goldberg stated. “I knew to an extent that was gonna happen because they were silently pushing the social side of it… you keep people with a cliffhanger on national television and then say that the rest of the speech with be blistered on social media… It’s bullsh*t, so, I mean, you know, I’ll get into more in about a week.”
Bottom Line: Former UFC and WWE champion Ronda Rousey is openly documenting her postpartum fitness journey on Instagram while WWE reportedly maintains interest in her potential return.
Ronda Rousey is capturing attention across combat sports with her inspiring postpartum training journey. The former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and multi-time WWE titleholder has been sharing honest Instagram videos showcasing her return to fitness after giving birth to her second child earlier this year.
Unlike her private recovery after her first child, Rousey is now embracing transparency to help others facing similar challenges.
“I’m going to try and be a little more brave and not go through this journey in secret but share it in hopes it helps anyone out there going through something similar”
In a surprising twist, Rousey has been training with former UFC rival Cat Zingano, whom she defeated in just 14 seconds in 2015. Their collaboration has generated significant social media engagement, with training videos earning tens of thousands of likes.
According to Wrestling Observer‘s Bryan Alvarez, WWE remains interested in working with Rousey again despite previous tensions. The company’s reported interest comes as Rousey has expressed admiration for Triple H’s current creative direction, a stark contrast to her criticisms of previous WWE management.
While Rousey has stated she’s not neurologically fit for MMA competition due to concussion history, entertainment wrestling presents different demands, leaving the door open for a potential WWE return.
Leon Slater is still on a high from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s Slammiversary. The milestone event where, in front of the company’s biggest crowd in North America, won the X Division Championship from Moose. At 20, he made history as the youngest to ever hold the championship.
“I do believe it was the best day of my life so far. I don’ t think it will get topped until I get married or something life-changing like that,” Slater said. “These couple of days have, I don’t want to say difficult to process, but fun to process. It was an iconic night not only for me but TNA as a whole.”
Adding to the Brit breakout’s big moment was sharing it with the homecoming of AJ Styles. The legendary performer crossed the line from WWE for his first TNA appearance in more than 11 years. For Slater, a lifelong fan, it was surreal and a total surprise.
“I definitely did not know he was coming out. I think if I did know, I’d try to play it off a lot cooler. I would try to hold my own. My reaction was fully genuine,” Slater said. “ lost my mind like everyone else did, especially me as a TNA kid. AJ Styles is the one and only. He is the man, so to share in his return in a TNA ring was incredible. Again, it’s something I’ll never forget. AJ is a super cool guy.
“He took the time to talk to me a little bit after we came back. He was sharing wisdom not only on wrestling but life. I almost appreciate that a little more as a guy who has been in this game for 20 years, he has so much knowledge not only in the ring stuff but how to deal with all the successes and pitfalls of wrestling. He gave me some cool knowledge nuggets I can take and keep with me for the rest of my time in the wrestling business.”
The emerging talent was welcomed by many in the locker room the moment he walked through the curtain. Slater had his family ringside and his wrestling family backstage. It’s a night the star won’t forget. A reminder that hard work can pay off. The grind never stops for the young pro wrestler, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Coming to the United States brought unique challenges when it comes to travel. Not being old enough to rent a car for one.
“Everything is Uber or I have my family here and the guys in the locker room helping me out,” Slater said. “I think the hardest thing for someone coming from the UK to the US is getting a visa and making sure we’re doing it the legal way and right way. TNA has been a massive help in acquiring that. It really is the golden ticket because once you get that, you have the foot in the door and can spread your wings here. It really is a tribute to the TNA team from the office to the boys and girls in the locker room making sure I’m all good with the travel.”
Venturing to places like the UBS Arena and New York has been an exciting part of the job. Slater has taken a liking to Waffle House, as well as trips to the big cities including Los Angeles. A place he only knew from things such as playing “Grand Theft Auto V,” which takes place in fictional Los Santos patterned after the City of Angels.
Slater credits the Hardy Boys for also helping ease his transition in TNA for much of the year. Matt and Jeff Hardy took him under their wing.
“I went from someone that was recognized a little bit and, yeah, he can have good matches to the X Division champion,” he said. “They helped me elevate up through the rankings. Probably more than that personally it has been a dream come true. Matt and Jeff are my 1a.and 1b.. Growing up I was a Hardy Boys kid. Whether it was WWE or TNA, I’d follow them wherever they went. It really feels like a dream come true. It feels like all these pieces that could slot into place are perfectly aligned themselves. Hardy Boys are a huge part of that.”
Amazing Red was also among those who gave their stamp of approval to the exciting performer. The TNA trailblazer had the X Division record at age 21 before Slater. Perhaps we see old school meet new school one day?
“Before I went out [for the match], I said, ‘Man, I hope I can make you proud. I hope I do your record justice,’” he recalled. “When I came back, Red was one of those people to congratulate me and say well done. For me, that’s huge. Someone like Red who is an innovator and pioneer of this style. To break that record and him being in the building and honor him, that way was huge for me. I feel like the only natural step after that is to have the match. We’ll see where that road goes, but I think it’s inevitable for sure.”
Slater can’t help raving about the TNA locker room. He gives a lot of credit these days to the company President Carlos Silva. Someone successful in business, but coming from the outside world. His fresh ideas have been a breath of fresh air.
“I think it’s super important to have a boss that feels like the boss, but a part of the locker room. He is super accessible. I think to think me and Carlos have a pretty good relationship. I think for morale he has been huge,” Slater said. “The all-stars we’ve been doing every loop have been giving something to look forward to, but also something to strive for. Everyone wants to be the all-star and get the little award. He has been huge for morale. It has been huge for me because as a talent you want to have a boss you not only like, but you want to go out there and show out for.
“I was more than happy to jump from 20 plus feet off the Ultimate X because I knew it would help TNA and knew he would do the same for us in a business sense. He is putting in the work behind the scenes, so I think it’s only fair for us to do the same for him. This past year in TNA has been the proudest in my career. I can’t tell you how proud it is for me to wrestle for TNA. I don’t want to be anywhere else. I’ve been a TNA kid, and now I’m the TNA X Division Champion. It’s something I hold super close to my heart. I would do a lot for TNA. I wouldn’t say I would die for TNA, but I’d do a lot for TNA and Carlos Silva because he has been huge in this upswing we’re in at the moment.”
Coming off of Slammiversary, Slater was a welcome highlight for TNA. That’s because after the Pay-Per-View the promotion’s two top titles are currently held by WWE NXT names. An intriguing wrinkle in this collaboration.
“I think the partnership has almost all been positive. For us, we get to go to NXT and be on that platform with our brand and be on that kind of level of exposure, which is great for TNA,” Slater said. “The NXT people get to come to TNA and learn from the likes of Eric Young, Frankie Kazarian and Eddie Edwards and really get to hone their craft here. I say almost all positive because as we’ve seen at Slammiversary, both of our major titles are both with NXT talent right now. It’s not ideal, but I think it’ll put an extra hunger in this locker room than we already have. It’s hard to do but I think they’ve done it. I think they really sparked a fire within us in the locker room. I can see us doing everything to get those belts back where they belong.”
Despite the other disappointing results, Slater plans to celebrate this Thursday during the live Impact from Rhode Island. He looks to the future as the road to Bound for Glory begins. As for who he’d like to see stand opposite from him in the ring, one name stands out.
“I think after Sunday there is only one answer, and that answer is the ‘Phenomenal One’ AJ Styles. I think that the story of the first X Division Champion versus the youngest ever is huge,” Slater said. “Not just for me but TNA. Saying that, we have so many talented people on our roster. There are KC Navarro, Jason Hutch, Myron Reed, Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel and so many talented X Division wrestlers on our roster already that I’m not going to be disappointed whoever it is. But if I would to craft up a wild dream at Bound for Glory, it has got to be AJ.”
Former WWE wrestler Bishop Dyer has suggested that WWE’s competitive concerns about All Elite Wrestling (AEW) were exposed through the company’s handling of promotional material for the upcoming film “Happy Gilmore 2.”
Speaking on the Busted Open Radio podcast, Dyer—formerly known as Baron Corbin during his WWE tenure—revealed that WWE specifically requested promotional footage for the Adam Sandler sequel that excluded AEW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) for broadcast on Monday Night Raw.
“WWE asked for a preview of the film without MJF in it to air on ‘Raw.’ That’s a real thing. If you want to tell somebody that you’re in their head, that’s a way to do it,” Dyer explained during the discussion.
The former WWE superstar interpreted this move as evidence contradicting WWE’s public stance regarding their rival promotion. “They want to act like they don’t read the internet and do all this stuff, but everything that is being done says differently,” he added.
This incident highlights the ongoing competitive dynamics between WWE and AEW, with Dyer suggesting that WWE’s actions demonstrate a level of concern about their competition that contradicts their public messaging. The request to edit out AEW talent from promotional content represents what some view as a form of counterprogramming strategy.
The revelation adds another layer to the ongoing wrestling industry narrative about the relationship between the two major promotions and their respective approaches to competition.
Band breaks 23-year silence on song marred by association with disgraced WWE wrestler Chris Benoit
Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace has officially re-released their song “Whatever” in a new “Redux” version, marking the end of a more than two-decade boycott of the track due to its association with disgraced WWE wrestler Chris Benoit.
The song, which served as Benoit’s entrance theme from 2002 until his death in 2007, was effectively retired by the band following the wrestler’s murder-suicide that claimed the lives of his wife Nancy and young son Daniel in June 2007.
In a statement accompanying the re-release, Our Lady Peace explained their decision to reclaim the song after 23 years: “It’s been 23 years since the tragic events surrounding WWE wrestler Chris Benoit and the theme song we wrote for him. We feel that enough time has passed that it was necessary to re-record ‘Whatever’ to help shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health awareness.”
The band announced that all streaming revenue from “Whatever (Redux)” will be donated to suicide prevention initiatives across North America, transforming the song from a source of controversy into a vehicle for positive change.
Our Lady Peace recently performed the song live for the first time in over two decades during their 30th Anniversary Tour, where they expressed similar sentiments about their desire to “reclaim” their work from its troubled past.
The original track was recorded for WWE’s “Forceable Entry” compilation album in 2002 and became synonymous with Benoit throughout his WWE career. The band had previously stated in 2012 that they would never perform the song again due to its association with the tragedy.
The re-release represents a significant shift for the Toronto-based alternative rock band, who have sold several million albums worldwide and won four Juno Awards throughout their career. By repositioning “Whatever” as a mental health awareness tool, Our Lady Peace aims to transform a painful chapter of their catalog into something meaningful for those struggling with similar issues.
TNA iMPACT is back tonight as the promotion builds on the momentum from its successful Slammiversary event.
The show will feature a notable singles match between Joe Hendry and Mike Santana, marking their first-ever in-ring encounter.
Fans will also hear from Jacy Jayne following her historic Title vs. Title victory over Masha Slamovich.
Additional highlights include Leon Slater addressing fans after his X-Division Title win, a 6-woman tag match featuring The IInspiration with a mystery partner against the Elegance Brand, and a No Disqualification match between Jake Something and Mancer Warner.
The event will air at 8 PM ET on AXS TV, Sportsnet, and TNA+ from the Ryan Center in Kingston, Rhode Island.
Bobby Lashley is sick of MJF’s presence in the Hurrt Syndicate, and made that painfully clear during the July 23, episode of AEW Dynamite. During the episode, it was revealed that Adam Copeland had enlisted the Hurt Syndicate to help him fend off FTR. The Rated-R Superstar is currently banned from getting physical with Dax Harwood or Cash Wheeler.
MJF, however, wasn’t on board with the move. He expressed frustration that it had taken him months to earn the Syndicate’s approval, and questioned whether forming a team with Cope was the right call.
AEW World Tag Team Champion @fightbobby has officially lost his patience with @The_MJF!
Irate, Lashley erupted and made clear that he wants MJF out of the faction. Shelton Benjamin and MVP followed suit, leaving without saying a word to MJF.
Lashley—the last member to endorse MJF—is now the first to call for his removal from the Hurt Syndicate. Now, MJF will seemingly have to win the faction over once again, or risk being ousted from the group.
WWE Nikki Bella has spent tenures in WWE both pre and post-motherhood, and has opened up about how being a parent changed her in the ring. On Cody Rhodes’ What Do You Wanna Talk About podcast, Nikki shared that while she previously sought fame, glory, and championship gold for herself, her focus now is solely on her four-year-old son Matteo.
“I definitely think that everything for sure gets motivated to provide for your child. I think things that you didn’t have in your childhood or your life, like you want to provide for them. It’s so weird to be focused on education, health, like all the things college fund, I do all that, I’m really big with all that.”
One way Nikki is providing for Matteo outside of the ring is as the producer of a range of wines alongside her sister. For Nikki, being able to produce a product she’s passionate about is matched only by the fun she has hosting tastings.
“Lots of wine coming from Brie and I. And then what I’ve really fallen in love with is hosting shows. Yeah, I really love hosting. So I’ve gotten to work with a lot of badass people in the industry.”
Whether she’s in the ring of the vineyard, everything Nikki Bella accomplishes in work today is to benefit her son. With her recent return to the ring, it remains to be seen if more gold is in store for the WWE Hall of Famer.
AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné isn’t interested in a WWE return at this time, as made clear with a savage response on Instagram. When a fan commented on her Instagram told the CEO to return to WWE, Moné didn’t hold back in her response, stating “imma need your ugly ass to watch AEW.”
Moné made her AEW debut in March 2024 at the Big Business special in Boston and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since. In her first match as an AEW talent, Mone captured the AEW TBS Championship, a title she still holds to this day.
Moné walked out of WWE in May 2022 over creative frustrations alongside Naomi, who has since returned and is riding high on Raw. Since then, the CEO has carved a path on her own terms—and she’s clearly not entertaining the idea of looking back.
Mercedes Moné recently suffered her first singles loss in AEW to ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm at the All In: Texas pay-per-view. Despite this setback, Moné is making clear she’s in no hurry to return to WWE.
Saraya didn’t return to WWE at Evolution 2 as many fans had predicted, and now more has come to light about her status with WWE. According to a sources close to ViperReports from Bodyslam.net, WWE not had any recent discussions regarding hiring Saraya as an in-ring competitor. The report states that no internal discussions were held regarding a potential comeback, and she was never considered for an appearance at Evolution 2 in Atlanta.
On social media before the show, Saraya had been quiet, leading some to speculate that she was on a flight. Instead, Saraya was on a flight to Hawaii, though appreciated how eager fans are to see her back.
I’m sorryyyyy! Although seeing all the love made me very emotional.. https://t.co/oCcVYm02SR
Though a return hasn’t been shy about the topic of returning to WWE. Before Evolution, Saraya said she was open to an appearance, and has said she hopes to return to WWE one day as Paige. Saraya’s contract with WWE was not renewed in 2022, and despite Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque’s attempts to get her back after a change in administration that June, she would join AEW that same year.
In WWE, Paige was the first-ever NXT Women’s Champion, as well as a two-time WWE Divas Champion who won over fans with her mold-breaking look and attitutde. Despite her history with the company and enduring popularity, WWE appears uninterested in revisiting that chapter for the time being.
