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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The grudge match between Roman Reigns and Bronson Reed is now official for the WWE Clash in Paris premium live event. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce confirmed the bout in a video posted to social media on Wednesday. In his announcement, Pearce explained his reasoning for making the singles match between the two stars.
“Look, if you have paid attention at all, you’ve seen how things have gone down between Roman Reigns and ‘Big’ Bronson Reed,” Pearce said. “Bronson said it himself: Every time he’s in the same place at the same time as the OTC, he leaves the man laying and takes his shoes. Where I’m from, that’s disrespect. And we’re going to find out if that disrespect continues at Clash in Paris because it will be ‘Big’ Bronson Reed one-on-one with Roman Reigns. After all, it’s like the old saying goes, if the shoe fits…”
The rivalry between Reigns and Reed, who is a member of Seth Rollins’s faction The Vision, has become personal in recent weeks. The feud has revolved around Reed repeatedly stealing Reigns’s unique Jordan sneakers during backstage attacks. Reed has taken to wearing the stolen shoes around his neck as a trophy, calling them his “shoe-la-fala,” while Paul Heyman has dubbed him “The Tribal Thief.”
The updated lineup for Clash in Paris is below.
World Championship: Seth Rollins defends against Jey Uso, LA Knight, CM Punk
John Cena vs. Logan Paul
Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed
Good ‘Ol Fashioned Donnybrook match: Sheamus vs. Rusev
AEW President Tony Khan has offered high praise for Matt and Nick Jackson, The Young Bucks. Speaking on a new podcast, Khan stated that he believes the duo is currently on “one of the greatest runs of their entire careers.”
Appearing on a new episode of the AEW Unrestricted podcast, Khan was previewing the upcoming Forbidden Door pay-per-view when he began to speak about the current run of The Young Bucks.
“Certainly The Young Bucks, people who have a lot to prove and also, to be honest, I think are on one of the greatest runs of their entire careers,” Khan said. “Whether you call ‘em Slick Nick and Mr. Instant Replay, or Matthew and Nicholas… They’re just absolutely having a fantastic year and you gotta give the devils their due in this case.”
Khan’s praise comes after a significant character shift for the brothers. At the All In: Texas pay-per-view in July, The Young Bucks lost a match that stripped them of their on-screen Executive Vice President roles.
The Young Bucks’ current run will lead them to the main event of this Sunday’s AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view from Wembley Stadium in London. They will team with the Death Riders (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli) and Gabe Kidd to take on the team of The Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi), Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, and Hiroshi Tanahashi in a Lights Out Steel Cage match.
Becky Lynch’s latest appearance on What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes delivered an in-depth, candid look at wrestling’s evolving meaning, the value of being a heel, and why legacy in WWE is as much about wisdom as it is about championship gold.
The Power of Being a Heel
“I really love being a bad guy. I feel like I do more good being bad, you know? … I’m a better wrestler that way. 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.” This wrestling self-assessment isn’t humility—it’s Becky’s way of highlighting the subversive art of being a heel. Instead of seeing “bad guy” as a slur, Lynch embraces it for what it means backstage: someone capable of getting an entire roster over.
Fame, Family, and the Art of Balance
Becky’s message on balancing career and motherhood was refreshingly direct:
“It’s mind-blowing to me… the fact that I have this family is—it’s unbelievable. That’s it. That’s life, that’s living.
When I was gone for that year, I’d have friends over, we’d have dinner parties. Because I read about this article where they said the dinner party was dying. And I said, not on my watch.”
The WWE star didn’t shy away from controversy, either:
“Cancel me. Because I found that you really can’t be canceled unless you’re a piece of shit. If you just said something dumb one time, that’s not enough.”
Her take on public blowback:
“I want enemies… I started to dare. Go ahead, please cancel me.”
Heel vs. Babyface: Wrestling Politics Unfiltered
Lynch articulated a distinction most only discuss in private:
“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, my job is to make you look cool… It’s way less stress.”
Mentors, Legacy, and Generational Ties
Cody Rhodes shared a memory of Dusty Rhodes’ last words to him:
“I got this pitch, Dusty. And he goes, ‘Shut up, Becky.’ And that was it. … I couldn’t ask for better last words.”
Lynch, meanwhile, offered her take on wrestling mentorship:
“If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will.”
Becky Lynch is currently WWE’s Women’s Intercontinental Champion and a central figure on Monday Night Raw. She recently defended her title against Natalya in a high-profile bout, reviving their long-running rivalry with personal jabs both on TV and social media. Lynch has been demanding that Natalya show the same ruthless edge she displayed during past heel runs.
After successfully retaining her title, the latest Raw episode featured an intense showdown where Nikki Bella intervened post-match, preventing Lynch from inflicting further harm on Natalya – suggesting that Nikki may be next in line for a feud. Lynch, having returned from a year-long absence earlier in 2025, remains one of WWE’s most prominent and influential superstars, driving major storylines as the company heads toward upcoming marquee events.
WWE’s upcoming WrestlePalooza event on September 20 in Indianapolis will feature two marquee matches headlining the card, according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider. The planned main events include the highly anticipated clash between Brock Lesnar and John Cena, alongside WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defending his title against Drew McIntyre.
The Lesnar-Cena showdown has been building since SummerSlam, where “The Beast Incarnate” made his surprise return and launched a vicious assault on the 17-time World Champion following his main event bout. Dave Meltzer confirmed on Wrestling Observer Radio that Lesnar’s recent absence from programming was specifically designed to save his return for this Indianapolis showcase.
Meanwhile, Rhodes will put his WWE Championship on the line against former champion McIntyre, adding significant stakes to the evening’s proceedings. The Scottish Warrior’s pursuit of championship gold continues as he seeks to reclaim the title he previously held.
Revival of ECW Legacy
WrestlePalooza marks WWE’s revival of the classic ECW pay-per-view brand, which originally ran from 1995 to 2000. The event represents a strategic move by WWE, with reports indicating it will air on ESPN as a preview of the company’s upcoming broadcast partnership that officially begins in April 2026.
Strategic Saturday Night Showdown
The September 20 date places WrestlePalooza in direct competition with AEW’s All Out pay-per-view in Toronto, marking the first time a WWE main roster premium live event will run head-to-head with a major AEW show. This escalates the ongoing competition between wrestling’s two major promotions, with WWE leveraging star power and nostalgia to counter-program their rival’s marquee event.
Tonight, AEW Dynamite broadcasts live from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, marking a historic first for the promotion as it holds its inaugural show in Scotland. The venue has hosted a few big professional wrestling events, including WWE’s first premium live event in Scotland: Clash at the Castle on June 15, 2024.
Airing at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT on TBS and Max, this episode serves as the high-stakes go-home show leading up to the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in London
Announced Matches & Segmentsappearances
Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & JetSpeed (Kevin Knight & “Speedball” Mike Bailey): Six-man tag team action ahead of Forbidden Door.
FTR vs. Brodido (Brody King & Bandido): Finals of the AEW World Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament. The winning team will challenge The Hurt Syndicate for the AEW Tag Titles at Forbidden Door.
Toni Storm & Alex Windsor vs. Athena & Mercedes Moné: Big tag encounter preparing for Forbidden Door, featuring two reigning champions (Storm and Athena) on opposing sides.
Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay face-to-face: A live confrontation, previewing their Lights Out Steel Cage match at Forbidden Door.
Cope & Christian Cage interview with Tony Schiavone: Live promo – their first in-ring segment together since reuniting, ahead of their match as a tag team at Forbidden Door.
Appearance by AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page: Page addresses MJF, who’ll challenge for the title at Forbidden Door.
With a milestone debut in Scotland and the anticipation surrounding Forbidden Door, tonight’s AEW Dynamite is set to deliver an action-packed lineup and pivotal moments for fans.
As stars from AEW and New Japan collide, and major storylines reach a boiling point, this go-home episode gives a glimpse of whats ahead when the Forbidden Door opens once again.
The August 19, episode of WWE NXT saw a new challenger confirmed for WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi. In a gruelling main event, Je’Von Evans earned himself a match with The Ruler with a hard-fought win over Trick Williams. The chaotic main event concluded with TNA’s Mike Santana distracting Trick, allowing for Evans to capitalize and get the win.
Evans had little time to celebrate his massive victory. In a WWE NXT Digital Exclusive, Evans was confronted by Femi. Oba, who has dominated as WWE NXT Champion since January, held his title aloft, a clear message that he doesn’t plan on losing the gold anytime soon.
Evans and Femi will battle at WWE Heatwave which will take place on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts. With a stacked card including NXT and main roster talent, as well as stars from TNA Wrestling in action, it remains to be seen who will walk away as the WWE NXT Champion.
TNA World Champion Trick Williams had plenty to say about the WWE NXT fans in Philadelphia, even before the show went on the air. As fans cued outside the Met Philadelphia venue for the August 19, episode, Williams made himself loud and clear with some barbs at the crowd.
Seeing one fan, Williams asked if his girlfriend had dressed him, and if so, quipped that “she don’t love you.” One fan was dubbed ‘Paul Heyman’ by Trick, who rejected the fan’s attempted fist bump. Similarly, Trick rejected a fan’s attempt to show him some love with a high-five, telling the fan “their ain’t no love” and that Philadelphia is “my city.”
A fan spotted wearing a JeVon Evans shirt was mocked as poor with Williams saying the fan had seats in the ‘nosebleeds,’ adding that only Trick Williams fans can afford good seats. Williams posed for a selfie but walked away before the image could be taken, before telling a fan that his Phildelphia Eagles gear was clearly a knock-off.
Williams’ barbs demonstrates that the NXT Superstar can entertain both in and out of the ring. And as a leading name in both WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling, fans can expect to see much more of Trick Williams.
Much has been said about Alberto El Patron’s potential return to WWE, close to a decade after his most recent run with the company came to an end. Now, a former WWE commentator has claimed that some of WWE’s very top Superstars wants the former World Champion back with the company.
Speaking to Lucha Libre Online, Hugo Savinovich discussed El Patron’s situation. While WWE avoided mentioning El Patron upon their acquisition of AAA, Savinovich claims that there’s no shortage of people hoping he returns.
“Roman Reigns wants him to return… I mean, when you have the influence of Roman Reigns, you can say ‘I want Alberto to come back’… and stars like Drew McIntyre, the entire Samoan clan, and Rey Mysterio [want Alberto back.]”
The Undertaker is another name who wants Alberto back, Savinovich added, claiming the Phenom “wants to use his creative to get the most out of Alberto’s character.” Ultimately, the decision regarding rehiring El Patron will come down to Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, though in Hugo’s eyes, the decision is a no-brainer.
“Now it’s up to Triple H to say ‘Hey, the people want him back.”
Alberto was released in 2014 after a physical altercation backstage and in 2016 following a Wellness Policy violation. While WWE reportedly has no plans for a return, the former World Champion proved exceptionally popular in Mexico during his AAA tenure.
With El Patron leaving AAA per the stipulation of a recent match, time will tell what’s next for him. If what Savinovich is saying is true, however, a third run in WWE can’t be counted out.
WWE had high hopes for Gable Steveson, that ultimately didn’t pan out for the Olympic Gold Medalist. Now, Steveson’s next move has been confirmed as he is stepping into the world of MMA. On X, MMA promotion LFA announced that Steveson has signed with the company. Not only that, but the former WWE Superstar will make his fighting debut at their LFA 217 event on September 12.
Steveson signed with WWE in 2021 mere weeks after capturing Olympic Gold in Tokyo, Japan. Despite high expectations and comparisons to Kurt Angle, Steveson would only have one televised match during his WWE tenure. The match, an NXT showdown with Baron Corbin, would end in a double count-out, and Steveson’s remaining matches would take place off TV.
After being cut from WWE in 2024, Steveson tried his hand in Football and would sign with the Buffalo Bills. Steveson’s career with the Bills would also fizzle out without notoiety. Now, the Olympian is hoping that the third time’s the charm and that MMA proves to be where he belonged all along.
Stay up to date with the latest breaking news from the world of MMA at MMANews.com.
The first official in-ring booking for Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux since their departure from WWE has been announced. The duo, now using their pre-WWE names, will be appearing for the independent promotion WrestlePro on Sunday, September 21st.
In an announcement on their social media, WrestlePro confirmed that Kross will compete at their “Killer Smokeshow” event in Rahway, New Jersey. This will be his first wrestling match since his WWE contract expired on August 10.
“WRESTLEPRO PRESENTS “KILLER SMOKESHOW” ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21st,” the promotion announced. “Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux are BACK! Kross & Scarlett will return to WrestlePro on Sunday September 21st! Killer Kross is scheduled to compete in action with an opponent TBD.”
This in-ring booking is the latest date to be added to Kross and Scarlett’s “Killer Smokeshow: Carnage Tour.” While the WrestlePro show is their first announced wrestling match, they have a full schedule of non-wrestling convention appearances and meet-and-greets lined up for the fall.
Their current tour dates include stops at Mad Monster Expo, Creep I.E. Aftermath, Silver Scream Con, Scaradise, New York Comic Con, and The Big Event EXS.
Several fans responded to the post questioning Mortos’ use of emojis and the possibility of he and Moné having children. Mercedes would also respond and while she didn’t reject the idea, The CEO suggested that she needs more gold first.
The couple’s interactions comes mere hours after Naomi, a known ally of Moné, revealed that she is pregnant. Naomi’s announcement resulted in her vacating the Women’s World Championship, though she vowed to be back better than ever.
With wrestling moms like Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss and others showing that one can have a family and a career, Moné and Mortos could indeed be proud parents down the line. For now though, the CEO is set on adding more championship gold to her collection.
With Chris Jericho’s AEW contract set to expire later this year, there is a growing belief backstage in both WWE that the legendary performer could be heading back to WWE for a final run.
On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed the situation, stating that the talk surrounding a potential Jericho reunion with WWE has begun to heat up in recent days.
“Jericho is actually a really big story. His contract is up at the end of the year, or late in the year, and there’s certainly been lots and lots of talk about WWE,” Meltzer said (H/T to SI.com). “I know from a WWE standpoint that there is lots of talk there about Jericho. People speculating Royal Rumble. Nobody has officially said anything, nor will anyone officially say anything.”
The latest chatter comes just a few months after Jericho himself publicly stated he would be willing to consider a move back to WWE. During a fan event, he made it clear he was keeping his options open. “Of course I would consider going back there. I would consider not going back there too. It just depends on what the situation is and what’s going on with me,” Jericho said.
“The Ocho” has not been seen on AEW programming for several months. His last appearance was in April, when he was written off television after a storyline where he walked out on his Learning Tree stablemates, Big Bill and Bryan Keith. His extended absence has left many wondering about his future with the promotion he helped launch.
WWE introduced WWE Speed on X in 2024, in an attempt to showcase their talent in fast-paced, high octane matches. However, with no episode of WWE Speed airing since the July 9, episode, speculation has grown among fans that the online project may be finished.
WWE Speed’s most recent match saw Women’s Champion Sol Ruca retain her title over Alba Fyre. Speaking to Ten Count Media, Ruca was asked if she is the current champion, or if she was the final champion.
“I know there’s a little confusion about what’s going on, and honestly, I don’t really have an answer either.”
Ruca, also the WWE NXT Women’s North American Champion, remained positive, saying that until she hears otherwise, she is a double champion. Even if WWE Speed as a show is finished, Ruca believes the premise could live-on in NXT.
“Maybe we’ll start doing stuff with it on NXT. I mean, I was starting to wear it on NXT, which before wasn’t allowed… now we’re just trying to figure out what we want to do with it.”
After Ruca’s victory over Fyre, WWE did not announce a new tournament to decide her next challenger, another sign of the show’s end according to some. Whatever comes next, Ruca is ready to put her gold on the line, no matter how many titles she holds.
Since debuting in 2021, Blood and Guts has become one of AEW’s most iconic matches, with some of the company’s very top stars competing. So far, women have yet to have a Blood and Guts match of their own, though Willow Nightingale is ready for that to change.
Speaking with Blavity, Nightingale put the idea forward for a Women’s Blood and Guts match. The former AEW TBS Champion argued that the women, like the men, would not shy away from getting visceral.
“I feel like we have our own unique identity, and I really do think a Blood And Guts type match is a part of that. I think we love bearing that. I think we love the viscerality of that, so it’s about time if something like that does happen.”
In addition to Blood and Guts, Nightingale is hoping that AEW goes further with its use of inter-gender wrestling. After sharing the ring with the likes of Swerve Strickland and Jon Moxley, Willow is honored to work with AEW’s best, regardless of their sex.
“It’s something that I wear with pride to be one of the people that really helped push the boundaries.”
Nightingale’s comments aren’t the first time the topic of a Women’s Blood and Guts match have come up. When asked, AEW President Tony Khan shared what it’d take for a Women’s Blood and Guts match to happen. While AEW certainly allows more blood for women’s matches than WWE, time will tell if Nightingale gets the match she believes her colleagues are ready for.
AEW is preparing for a huge week ahead with Dynamite, Collision and their much-anticipated Forbidden Door crossover event. Unfortunately, one of AEW’s regular on-screen acts, Taz, will not be part of the festivities.
The Human Suplex Machine took to X to inform fans that he will be absent from both AEW Dynamite and the Forbidden Door pay-per-view. Taz explained that with several doctor’s appointments and potential surgeries looming, traveling to the UK for the week is out of the question.
I will be off this week, a combo of doctors appointments/imaging test on a couple of future surgeries, some R&R & most importantly my new knee does not cooperate to well w/very long flights at the moment. Hope u all enjoy #AEWDynamite & #ForbiddenDoor !
This news comes after Taz underwent knee replacement surgery last year. While he will no-doubt be missed on commentary, it is important for Taz to prioritize his health over his role with AEW’s broadcast team.
AEW has filed a new trademark that pays homage to the legendary Extreme Championship Wrestling. The filing for “September to Remember” comes just before the company is set to begin a multi-week residency at the historic 2300 Arena, formerly known as the ECW Arena, in Philadelphia.
The trademark was filed on August 18 for goods and services related to producing a professional wrestling event. The filing is for: “Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services in the nature of live professional wrestling performances; Entertainment services in the nature of production of professional wrestling programs and events.”
The name is inspired by “November to Remember,” which was one of ECW’s signature pay-per-view events throughout the 1990s. The choice of name is particularly fitting given AEW’s upcoming schedule.
On August 27, AEW will begin a seven-show residency at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The run will last through September 11 and will include three episodes of Dynamite, three episodes of Collision, and the Ring of Honor Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view.
It is widely speculated that the “September to Remember” trademark will be used as the theme for one of these special episodes of Dynamite or Collision emanating from the iconic home of hardcore wrestling.
Former Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns has reached a significant milestone in his career. Today, August 19, 2025, marks the 15-year anniversary of his first-ever televised in-ring appearance.
Long before he was “The Tribal Chief,” Reigns signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2010 and began his career in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). On August 19, 2010, he made his television debut under the name “Roman Leakee,” competing in a 15-man battle royal.
He would continue to use the “Leakee” name throughout his time in FCW and in his early NXT run. In September 2012, he officially adopted the “Roman Reigns” name before making his NXT television debut that October, just one month before he would debut on the main roster as part of The Shield at Survivor Series.
Since those early days in FCW, Reigns has gone on to have one of the most decorated careers in WWE history. He is a six-time world champion, holding the WWE Championship four times and the Universal Championship twice. His last reign as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion was a record-breaking one, lasting 1,316 days. He is also a former Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team Champion, making him a Grand Slam Champion.
The 15-year anniversary of his debut comes as Reigns is in the middle of a new rivalry on Raw. He is currently feuding with Seth Rollins and his faction. Bronson Reed, who has been taunting “The Tribal Chief” by stealing his shoes. The two are now set to collide at the Clash in Paris premium live event on August 31.
On the August 18 episode of WWE Raw, Women’s World Champion Naomi announced she is pregnant, joined in the ring by her husband, Jimmy Uso. As part of her emotional announcement, Naomi relinquished her championship, vowing to return “in nine months and some change” and promising to pick up right where she left off when she comes back.
Relationship and Marriage History
Naomi (Trinity Fatu, 37) and Jimmy Uso (Jonathan Fatu, 39) have been together for over 11 years. The couple began dating after meeting through WWE developmental and tied the knot on January 16, 2014. Their wedding was featured on the reality series Total Divas.
Previous Marriages or Children
This is the first child for Naomi.
Jimmy Uso has two children, Jaiden and Jayla Fatu, from a previous relationship. Naomi has been their stepmother since marrying Jimmy Uso in 2014.
Omg so Naomi is currently 7 weeks pregnant and found out she was pregnant last Sunday.
Had a banger triple threat match at Summerslam and fought at raw pregnant and didn’t even know it ? pic.twitter.com/WtWOJ4OKDK
Naomi will be out of WWE action for the duration of her pregnancy. She indicated on Raw that she plans to return in “nine months and some change,” typical of a standard maternity leave in professional sports.
Naomi and Jimmy Uso, married since 2014, are expecting their first child together. Naomi is stepmother to Jimmy’s two children from a previous relationship. Naomi is expected to be away from WWE for at least nine months.
Tonight, WWE presents NXT live on The CW, broadcasting directly from The Met in Philadelphia, PA. As the go-home show before NXT Heatwave 2025, this episode will give us the final push of momentum before this Sunday’s big PLE. The historic venue provides an electric setting for the night’s action.
Confirmed Matches & Segments
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Trick Williams vs. Je’Von Evans Winner faces Oba Femi for the title at NXT Heatwave
Street Fight: Josh Briggs vs. Yoshiki Inamura
Jasper Troy vs. Ricky Saints
Six-Woman Tag Team Match: Fatal Instinct (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx) vs. The Elegance Brand (Ash By Elegance, Heather By Elegance & M By Elegance) Special Guest Referee: Masha Slamovich
Jordynne Grace & Blake Monroe – Face-to-face confrontation before their PLE grudge match
Ethan Page & Chelsea Green seek a Peace Treaty with Tavion Heights & Tyra Mae Steele
? ? ?
The PHILADELPHIA STREET FIGHT between @noah_yoshiki and Josh Briggs will KICK OFF #WWENXT tomorrow in Philly! ?
Heading into NXT Heatwave 2025, the stakes are high. The main event of NXT’s summer spectacular is set to feature Oba Femi defending the NXT Championship against the winner of tonight’s crucial #1 contender’s match.
Meanwhile, the heated rivalry between Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe culminates in a grudge match, following weeks of betrayals and interference that have kept fans on edge.
A major theme throughout this build has been the ongoing cross-promotion with TNA, which continues to introduce new alliances and rivalries, adding fresh intrigue and excitement to the NXT landscape.
NXT Heatwave takes place Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, MA, and will be broadcast live on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
The August 18, episode of WWE Raw emenated from Philadelphia, PA, a city tied to the legacy and violence of the original ECW. It was therefore only fitting that the show had several nods to ECW during the broadcast.
During an in-ring promo, ECW alum Paul Heyman brought up a number of legends of ECW, including The Sandman, New Jack, Rob Van Dam, and the late, great Sabu. Heyman also referred to “the late, great Tommy Dreamer,” despite the fact that Dreamer is not dead.
Heyman landed a blow on Dreamer, saying “I know he’s not dead yet, but he should be.” When Bron Breakker asked Heyman if Dreamer is still alive, the WWE Hall of Famer said “Yeah, unfortunately.”
Later in the show, Jey Uso was in action in an Extreme Rules match. With a shopping trolley of weapons and a bandana around his head, many fans saw this as a tribute to the late New Jack.
ECW may have gone out of business in 2001, but the legacy of the Extreme promotion remains to this day. These tributes show that the spirit of ECW is alive and well in the hearts of fans and those who appear for WWE.
