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AEW Removed From Britt Baker’s Social Media Bios

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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.

Britt Baker Social Media

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.

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.

Ethan Page Explains How North American Title Is Above A Main Roster Championship

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Ethan Page believes the North American Championship is more prestigious than the NXT title and he can prove the same.

The former AEW star made his NXT debut back in May 2024. He quickly inserted himself into the NXT title picture. Page ended up winning the title at the Heatwave event in July, setting a new record for winning the top prize of the brand in the quickest time since debut.

During a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Page was asked about becoming the North American Champion after previously having held the NXT title. Ethan first discussed how he had previously claimed that the NA title was beneath him. After winning the championship however, he has given the matter more thought:

“After some time and thinking and using my logical brain in professional wrestling, which usually doesn’t work out, I came to the conclusion that the North American Championship is actually the most prestigious championship in NXT.

I mean, Oba Femi, current NXT Champion. In description, he’s the champion of NXT, which its home base is in Orlando at the Performance Center. So Oba Femi is the champion of the Performance Center.”

The Champion of Three Entire Countries: Ethan Page

Ethan Page went on to explain that geographically, the North American Championship not only trumps the NXT title but even the United States Championship currently held by Jacob Fatu:

“Ethan Page is the champion of three entire countries. Meaning that this championship is also higher than the United States Championship. So I wanted to actually thank Jacob Fatu for doing such a great job representing the US, as his superior.”

Apart from this, Ethan Page also discussed things such as how his WWE signing came about, his segment with The Rock, learning from Shawn Michaels in NXT and more. You can check out his full interview below:

Pat McAfee Explains Recent Raw Absence

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Pat McAfee has revealed why he has been off WWE TV.

The Raw commentator has missed the last three weeks with other names such as Wade Barrett and Corey Graves filling in for the former Football star.

The 38-year-old explained the reason behind his sudden absence on the latest episode of his Show. Pat McAfee revealed that he’s taken time off because of his overwhelming work schedule:

“I will not be commentating. Continuing to catch up on life as a whole. Post-Money in the Bank, Pre-Night of Champions. Feels like a good time. I was getting pretty exhausted there. Shoutout to everybody in WWE looking out for me, too. Very thankful,”

While not confirmed, McAfee mentioning the upcoming Night of Champions PPV from Saudi Arabia indicates that he’ll be back on Raw after the show on June 28.

Pat’s absence from TV led to Corey Graves being brought in to work a main roster show for the first time since his controversial demotion to accommodate McAfee earlier this year.

Prior to his Raw return, Graves had received praise for his work on the recent Worlds Collide event and he was said to be well received on his recent Monday night appearance as well. It’d be interesting to see if Corey remains part of the Raw broadcasting team once McAfee returns.

Hulk Hogan to Open $7M Bar Opposite Madison Square Garden

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Hulk Hogan is opening a huge, 9000 sq/ft, $7 million bar opposite his spiritual home, Madison Square Garden. Page Six reports that the Hulkster’s bar will be called ‘Slam’ and will feature a wall of windows facing the iconic arena. Slam will be filled with memorbilia celebrating the two-time WWE Hall of Famer and will feature screens playing some of Hogan’s greatest moments. On Instagram, Hogan shared a copy of the report, confirming its accuracy.

The spot is currently owned by New York nightlife vet Rich Rosen. Speaking to Page Six, Rosen shared how he waited for hours to meet Hogan just to pitch the idea.

“I basically waited 5 hours on line to get two seconds with Hulk Hogan. I came with an 8? by 11? glossy picture of Madison Square Garden, and in the picture is our [storefront]… I walked up to Hulk, I dropped the picture in front of him.”

Hogan called Rosen four days later to confirm his interest in the pitched product. They plan to open the sports bar, which will have three floors including a rooftop bar, in the fall. The bar will feature Hogan’s ‘Real American Beer’ brand, though Hogan will not have a direct ownership stake in the project, according to Rosen.

News of this bar comes after reports that Hogan and his beer brand were looking to acquire Hooters. While the Hulkster’s legacy and future in pro wrestling remains in question, the controversial icon continues to make moves in the world of food and drink.

John Cena Confronts Fan Over Recording Without Consent

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John Cena tries to be respectful to all those he meets, but respect is a two-way street. A viral TikTok video from Fanatics Fest captured a tense moment where Cena confronted a fan who was recording him without permission. After the fan snapped a photo alongisde the WWE icon, they followed Cena and continued to film him, prompting the WWE Champion to respond.

“I’m a big fan of consent. So if you would like to take a video, I’m a big fan of consent.”

@theorginalityshow

Met @John Cena & accidentally crossed a boundary. He called it out, walked away… then came back and apologized for how he handled it. Mad respect ? Sometimes it’s not about being perfect, it’s about accountability. Real one. #johncena #wwe #lesson

? original sound – Biig_c

The fan quickly apologized and stopped filming, allowing Cena to walk away. But in a move that further highlighted his character, Cena returned moments later to speak with the fan again.

“I’m sorry for walking away from you. Just take a deep breath. And I feel like I’m in a tough situation… I just know it’s kinda chaos back here. I’ll give you whatever you want, as long as you ask. I appreciate you.”

Cena’s response shows his maturity while also demonstrating that, he, like anyone, deserves to be treated with respect. Cena’s response, highlighting the value of consent, was measured, respectful, and a lesson in handling uncomfortable situations with grace.

Challenger For NXT Women’s Title Match Confirmed For Evolution 2

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The first championship match has officially been confirmed for Evolution 2.

NXT General Manager Ava had announced a mini-tournament to determine the challenger for the Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne at the upcoming Women’s only PPV.

The finals of the tournament took place on this Tuesday’s episode of the development brand, with Jaida Parker, Izzi Dame, Lash Legend, and Jordynne Grace squaring off in a fatal four-way for the title opportunity.

The main event match was full of chaos, with all four of the contestants trying to make their way to the PPV. In the end, it was Jordynne Grace who was able to overcome the odds. She became the new #1 contender for the title, pinning Jaida Parker with an Argentine powerbomb:

This wasn’t the only notable development during tonight’s show. After Noam Dar relinquished the Heritage Cup due to his injury, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo was crowned the new champion during the June 24 episode. He defeated Tony D’Angelo for the win.

The episode also featured Trick Williams defending the TNA title against Josh Briggs. Joe Hendry showed up after the bout and took out Williams to indicate that he wasn’t out of the title picture yet.

WWE Evolution 2 will take place next month on July 13 from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, only a day after Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Matt Cardona Attacks Shotzi, Steals Tank in ‘Indy God’ Feud

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Since her WWE release, Shotzi Blackheart has defined herself as the ‘Indy God,’ much to the frustration of Matt Cardona. The former NWA World Champion has threatened legal action against Blackheart and now things have been taken to a new level.

In footage shared on X, Shotzi and Cardona can be seen arguing over who is the true Indy God, before an ally of Cardona’s attacks Blackheart with a chair. To make matters even worse for Blackheart, Cardona, who served Shotzi legal papers, fled the scene on her signature tank.

The pair will do battle on July 11, seemingly to determine who is the true god of the independent scene. With Shotzi’s arm at less than 100% though, the advantage has to go to Cardona after this latest attack.

New NXT Heritage Cup Champion Crowned After Noam Dar Injury

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The June 24 episode of WWE NXT delivered plenty of action as well as a new WWE NXT Heritage Cup champion be crowned. Originally, Noam Dar was scheduled to defend his Heritage Cup Championship against Stacks. Due to an injury though, Dar was forced to vacate the cup and Stacks would face a mystery opponent.

Stacks’ opponent turned out to be none other than former ally Tony D’Angelo and their match kicked off the second hour. The pair went for five rounds before Stacks got the win. This win came about as Luca Cruisfino accidentally hit Tony with a bucket, infuriating The Don after the match.

This win marks Stacks’ first taste of singles glory in WWE, though he is a former NXT Tag Team Champion alongside D’Angelo. With several heavies at his side, it may be some time before anyone takes the NXT Heritage Cup from Stacks.

Cody Rhodes Says WWE Heel Turn is Coming

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Cody Rhodes has been the ultimate babyface since his return to WWE in 2022, but he knows that all good things must one day come to an end. Speaking at Fanatics Fest, Rhodes acknowledged that he can only be the top babyface for so long before fans get sick of the same.

“I do think we’re probably at the tail end of it though. Because there’s only so much someone can like you. I’d like to do it until the end of my career, but at some point it’s like, ‘Alright, all we do is cheer for him.’ Eventually, fans want to see someone else.

Rhodes didn’t have an exact date for when he’ll stop being a face, and fans shouldn’t expect a heel turn just yet. While such a turn is seemingly inevitable, Rhodes’ run as a babyface won’t end without a fight.

“I think you’ve got a good solid year, maybe even three years, because I’m not changing until I’m changed.

Rhodes claimed that “if The Rock had it his way, I would’ve been changed already,” acknowledging claims that WWE’s Final Boss pushed for him to turn heel earlier this year. Though fans have time yet to love and cherish the American Nightmare, a darker side continues to bubble away within Cody Rhodes.

Abyss (Chris Park) Confirms He Has No Plans To Wrestle Again

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A conclusion that many had already reached has now been officially confirmed: Chris Park, known to wrestling fans as Abyss, is retired from in-ring competition. The TNA Hall of Famer confirmed the news in a new interview with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select.

Park, who has been working as a WWE producer and agent for over six years, has not wrestled since taking the backstage role. While he is featured as a playable character in the new WWE 2K25 “Dunk & Destruction” DLC pack, he has no desire to step back into the ring for a real match.

“To answer quite frankly, I’m done. I don’t have plans to ever wrestling again,” Park said. “Never say never, but I don’t see it in the cards, and I don’t want it in the cards. I’m so happy what I’m doing as a producer.”

He added that he is very fulfilled with his work in game planning and working on the production end of things in WWE. Park also noted that while he hasn’t pushed to be an on-screen character, he would not be opposed to making an appearance as his other character, the lawyer Joseph Park.

During the interview, Park also confirmed that he had discussions to join WWE on several occasions in the 2000s and was very flattered by their offers at the time.

Rey Mysterio: World Title Win Doesn’t Happen Without Eddie’s Death

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In 2006, Rey Mysterio captured the World Heavyweight Championship, a huge win for the masked icon, though one that came with a big asterisk. Rey’s victory, and the months prior to it, saw heavy references to Eddie Guerrero, who had tragically passed away in November the previous year at the age of 38.

Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, Mysterio reflected on his emotional rise to champion and his relationship with Guerrero. The WWE Hall of Famer acknowledged that the push he received to the top likely never would have materialized had Guerrero not died so young.

“I truly believe in my heart that that moment wouldn’t have happened if Eddie hadn’t passed. Because the connection that Eddie and I had—even though we were feuding at the end… But that connection that we had, you know, everything that we did together was so unique, so real, so organic.”

Shortly after Eddie’s passing, WWE would push Rey, who dedicated his 2006 Royal Rumble win to his late friend. On the podcast, Mysterio recalled how the talk of making him a World Champion began.

“When Eddie passed, I believe Pat Patterson was the one that mentioned to Vince at the time, ‘You got to put the title on him’… it happened so fast and it was so surreal.”

WWE’s use of Guerrero’s death on-screen earned a backlash among several fans at the time, even being dubbed ‘Eddiesploitation’ online. WWE would use Eddie’s death during storylines involving Rey and Randy Orton, and later for Mysterio’s feud with Chavo and Vickie Guerrero.

Close to two decades after Eddie Guerrero’s passing, Rey Mysterio and countless others remember Latino Heat and honor his legacy. For Rey, Eddie wasn’t just a friend and in-ring adversary, but a driving factor in his own World Championship win.

John Cena Hopes For Marvel-DC Unity In Crossover Film Role

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John Cena has been part of the DC Cinematic Universe as the star of Peacemaker but could fans one day see him in a role in a MARVEL movie? Speaking at Fan Expo Dallas, Cena was asked if he would ever consider playing a Marvel superhero, and shared his vision for the future.

“Here is my vision, here is my hope for the future: everybody plays nice in the same sandbox. I would love Iron Man to shake hands with Superman. I would love to see all superheroes, across all platforms, be involved in one big universe. So if that happens, and I get my wish, as a member of DC, I would essentially walk into the MCU.”

Cena is well aware that he doesn’t write checks or cast roles, meaning that while he is under a DC contract, his current answer is no. Though some fans may have an issue with his idea of crossover, Cena believes it’d benefit everyone in the long-term.

“I know I’m going to get punched in the face by critics for saying this, but my long-term vision is that we can tell stories with characters from both sides of the fence. Can’t we all just get along and make some good comic books and good stories?”

DC and Marvel have worked together in the past, and a crossover comic series that’ll see Batman face Deadpool will hit shelves later this year. As for Cena, he remains hopeful for a time when Peacemaker will be able to share the screen with the likes of Spider-Man, The Avengers, and others.

Backstage News On Kota Ibushi’s AEW Return And First Match

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Following his return to AEW after more than a year away, Kota Ibushi’s first match back has been confirmed for this week’s episode of Dynamite, where he will face Trent Beretta. According to a report from Fightful Select, there is a specific reason Beretta was chosen for Ibushi’s return, and there is positive news regarding Ibushi’s physical condition.

Ibushi returned on the June 21 episode of Collision to stand with his friend Kenny Omega against the Don Callis Family. He had been sidelined for much of the past year and a half with various injuries, wrestling only sparingly during that time. Those spoken to within AEW indicated that Ibushi is now in a “much better place physically than he has been in quite a long time.”

His opponent, Trent Beretta, is also returning from a year-long absence from the ring, and this will be his first singles match back as well. AEW sources indicated that Beretta was seen as an appropriate opponent for Ibushi because of his familiarity with both the American television style and the Japanese style that Ibushi is known for.

The match, which will be the first one-on-one encounter between the two, was officially announced by AEW President Tony Khan on X this morning. 

Janel Grant asks Vince McMahon, WWE for docs Relating to Linda McMahon in Federal Motion

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Janel Grant, a former World Wrestling Entertainment employee suing Vince McMahon and the company for sex trafficking and sex assault in federal district court, is asking for documents and communications regarding Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Dr. Carlon Colker of Peak Wellness in a motion filed on Monday.

The request was part of a motion to compel discovery ahead of an arbitration hearing. The defendants, Vince McMahon and WWE, believe Grant should adhere to an arbitration clause in a non-disclosure agreement she signed after she left WWE as an employee instead of pursuing her case in court.

UPDATE: Representatives for Janel Grant gave a statement to SEScoops.

“WWE and McMahon had the opportunity to voluntarily provide discovery and they refused. They claim the NDA and its arbitration clause are enforceable, but resist any attempts to investigate whether Ms. Grant was coerced into signing it—facts that go to the heart of its enforceability. They can’t have it both ways. Today we asked the Court to allow that discovery to proceed, Ms. Grant deserves to have the facts about her case.”

Grant’s legal team claimed the NDA violates federal law including the Speak Out Act and the Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act, as well as recent federal court precedent.

Grant is suing for discovery in Connecticut court against Colker and Peak Wellness, where she was treated at the behest of McMahon while she was employed at WWE. According to Grant’s amended complaint, filed earlier this year, Grant was told by Vince McMahon their relationship was discovered by Linda McMahon which led to Grant’s firing by WWE. Communications between employees and defendants involving Colker and Linda McMahon were part of an exhibit of discovery requests as part of Monday’s filing.

The discovery motion mentioned communications between Vince McMahon and his former counsel Jerry McDevitt were available as evidence due to the federal crime-fraud exception in attorney-client privilege.

Prior to the previous arbitration hearing in 2024, federal prosecutors asked Grant for a stay in her civil suit. They said discovery ahead of the arbitration hearing could interfere with their investigation of Vince McMahon. A six-month stay was placed on the case, which expired in December 2024.

Shareholders suing Vince McMahon and TKO in the Delaware Court of the Chancery have asked for access to discovery evidence in other cases involving the former WWE owner and president, stating his issues with the federal investigation and the Grant cause led him to take a cheaper bid in the sale of WWE two years ago to TKO.

Representatives for Vince McMahon say the federal investigation ended earlier this year. An appeals court decision earlier this year, which ruled McDevitt and McMahon should provide missing documents to federal investigators, suggested the case was possibly still ongoing.

Grant, Vince McMahon and WWE have until July 11 to file responses to the discovery motion.

Men’s and Women’s Casino Gauntlet Matches Set for AEW All In Texas

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AEW President Tony Khan has officially announced the return of one of the company’s most beloved match formats for AEW All In Texas 2025. Both men’s and women’s Casino Gauntlet Matches will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, July 12, with championship implications for both divisions.

Khan generated buzz with the news that that All In 2025 will feature both the Men’s Casino Gauntlet and Women’s Casino Gauntlet matches. The stakes are high, as both winners will earn future World Title shots, setting up major storyline implications for AEW’s championship pictures.

Historic All In Debut in Texas

This announcement marks a historic moment as AEW brings its flagship All In event to Texas for the first time. Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, will provide the backdrop for what promises to be one of the company’s most significant events of 2025. The venue’s massive capacity and Texas’s passionate wrestling fanbase create the perfect storm for a memorable night.

The Casino Gauntlet format has become synonymous with AEW’s innovative approach to professional wrestling, combining the excitement of battle royal eliminations with strategic timing elements. Having both divisions compete in this fan-favorite format will likely attract top-tier talent from both the men’s and women’s rosters.

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Building Toward July 12

As AEW All In Texas approaches, fans can expect the company to begin building storylines and announcing participants for both Casino Gauntlet matches. The championship implications ensure that these won’t be throwaway matches but rather pivotal moments that could reshape both AEW’s men’s and women’s title scenes heading into the latter half of 2025.

AEW All In Texas takes place Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas

WWE’s Plans For July 4th Episode Of SmackDown Uncertain

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The runtime for WWE SmackDown throughout July remains a mystery, with a new report indicating that even WWE may not have a firm plan in place. The confusion was discussed on the June 23 episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the show’s format, particularly for the upcoming July 4th episode, which will be taped next Monday following Raw. Alvarez noted that the show is apparently planned to be three hours long, which contradicts some other recent reports.

Meltzer confirmed he’s heard the same but has been unable to get a definitive answer from his sources within the company, suggesting a lack of a finalized plan.

While SmackDown is confirmed to be moving to a three-hour format permanently starting on August 15, the schedule for the weeks leading up to that date remains unclear.

USA Network has set August 15 for the premiere of The Rainmaker, USA’s upcoming legal drama series based on the John Grisham novel. This show will air in the place that the third hour of SmackDown currently does. 

WWE Blocked Any Mention Of The Iran-Israel Conflict On Raw

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Despite significant regional conflict in the Middle East that has caused travel disruptions for its staff, WWE is reportedly moving forward with its SmackDown and Night of Champions events in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this weekend. The company also reportedly banned any mention of the real-world crisis on its programming.

The status of the events came into question due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel, which has seen military action from the United States and has impacted the region. The situation led to the temporary closure of Qatari airspace on June 23, which resulted in some WWE staffers being stuck in Qatar while en route to Riyadh for the shows.

On Monday’s episode of Raw, WWE made changes to the Night of Champions card, pulling the Intercontinental Championship match between Dominik Mysterio and AJ Styles, citing an injury to Mysterio. However, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, there was a directive not to mention the geopolitical situation.

“They just were not allowed to mention anything…I don’t think they wanted those questions being asked as far as everything,” Meltzer said. 

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced today, June 24, but the situation remains volatile with conflicting reports about its stability. As of now, the expectation is that WWE Night of Champions will proceed as planned on Saturday, June 28.

Tony Schiavone Travels Cross Country To Give Rescue Dog A Home

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Tony Schiavone loves his dogs, and he isn’t afraid to go the extra mile (or several miles) to adopt a rescue. KIRO-TV, an outlet based in Seattle, Washington, recently shared a story of Schiavone flying cross-country to give a rescue dog a ‘forever home.’

Schiavone’s journey began when Saraya brought a Chihuahua-beagle mix to a show, instantly catching Schiavone’s eye. The British wrestler, who has since left AEW, shared that the dog came from Motley Zoo, an animal rescue shelter based in Washington state. When AEW next held a show in Seattle, Schiavone reached out, hoping to adopt the same type of dog. By the time he made contact though, the particular dog that had captured his interest had already been adopted.

Undeterred, Schiavone and his wife waited for the right time and adopted a beagle from a rescue shelter in Atlanta, Georgia. When Schiavone later got word from Motley Zoo that a similar dog was available, he used frequent flyer miles to travel to Seattle, caught an Uber, and adopted a new furry companion named Dobby.

Schiavone’s dedication to adopting Dobby is a testament to his compassion and the powerful bond that can form between humans and rescue animals—even before they’ve met.

Ronda Rousey Impressing As Screenwriter For Netflix Biopic

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Ronda Rousey will be the subject of a Netflix biopic, based on her two memoirs, My Fight/Your Fight and Our Fight. Now, Rousey isn’t just the subject of her story, but she’s the one writing it.

According to Deadline, Rousey immersed herself in screenwriting while working within WME’s story group department. She studied structure, read dozens of scripts, and ultimately decided to write the screenplay herself. Rousey finished her first draft in a week, reportedly stunning agents who were shocked that a first-time screenwriter had delivered something so quickly and effectively.

The biopic will be directed by Augustine Frizzell, who already has a well-established relationship with Netflix. Outside of the Rousey project, she’s currently directing four episodes of their upcoming sci-fi series The Boroughs, executive produced by the Duffer Brothers.

This biopic was initially set up at Paramount in 2015 but executive turnover and other issues saw the matter delayed. Now, Netflix is at the helm, and unlike earlier iterations, this biopic will include stories from her Our Fight memoir.

There’s no official release date yet, but with Netflix and Frizzell onboard—and with Rousey herself penning the script—the long-anticipated biopic is finally in motion.


Michael Cole Gives Injury Update on LA Knight After SmackDown Attack

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WWE has issued an official update on LA Knight’s condition following an attack he suffered during the latest episode of WWE SmackDown. During the June 23 episode of WWE RAW, Michael Cole shared that Knight suffered separated rib cartilage and a bruised sternum during an attack on the blue brand.

The assault came after weeks of rising tensions between LA Knight and the alliance of Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. On SmackDown, Knight was ambushed backstage by Breakker and Reed. Breakker hit two crushing Spears, followed by three Tsunamis from Reed, dismantling the two-time former United States Champion.

While the injury is believed to be part of an ongoing storyline, WWE is emphasizing that Knight’s in-ring status remains uncertain in the weeks ahead. Not only is Rollins riding high as Mr. Money in the Bank and with his heavies, but he now has one less problem to deal with on WWE TV.

Asuka Reflects on WWE Return After Year-Long Absence

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Asuka is officially back after over a year out of the ring, and her return to the squared circle was far from easy. During the newest video from her KanaChanTV YouTube channel, Asuka thanked fans for their support during her time away.

“I finally made my return to the ring. So, thank you so much for all your support, your kind messages, and your love. It means more than I can say. It really was a great help to me. I can’t even put it into words.”

Asuka admitted that her time away from WWE was anything but easy—both physically and emotionally—and revealed there were times she struggled to stay motivated.

“This was by no means easy. It was really hard. Well, I’d been away from the ring for almost a year, and it really wasn’t easy, and to be honest, there were some tough days.”

The support from fans was able to keep Asuka motivated, culminating in her return during the Queen of the Ring tournament. After her first round and semi-finals wins, Asuka is just one win away from being crowned Queen, and earning herself a title match at SummerSlam 2025.

Asuka’s comeback story is far from over and now she’s not only back, but poised to join the title picture. It remains to be seen if Asuka can secure her place at SummerSlam when she battles Jade Cargill at WWE Night of Champions.

Asuka Ends Damage CTRL For Good In Tense IYO SKY Face-Off

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If there were any lingering doubts about the future of Damage CTRL, Asuka just ended them once and for all. During the June 23 episode of WWE RAW, Asuka made it clear that the faction is over when she came face-to-face with former stablemate IYO SKY.

In the segment, Asuka was addressing her upcoming Night of Champions match against Jade Cargill to crown the new Queen of the Ring. Sky interrupted, expressing her continued desire to face Asuka in a long-awaited dream match. The reigning Women’s World Champion declared that “It can finally be Asuka vs. IYO SKY, just like what we talked about during Damage CTRL.”

Asuka didn’t hesitate to set the record straight, telling SKY “We are not in Damage CTRL anymore.” With that one line, Asuka confirmed that the faction, that had been introduced in 2022, was finished for good.

Reports earlier this year indicated WWE had quietly disbanded Damage CTRL following Dakota Kai’s release in May. Since then, the remaining members have gone their separate ways. Bayley is pursuing a solo run, Kairi Sane and Asuka were briefly sidelined by injuries, and IYO SKY has been the only active member on-screen.

Even with Asuka and Kairi now back in the mix, there have been no signs of a reunion—and Monday night’s confrontation left no room for misinterpretation. Instead, fans can expect the group’s alum to work solo, and in the case of Asuka, intend to compete against IYO SKY soon enough.

King & Queen of the Ring Finals Set for WWE Night of Champions

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WWE’s next King and Queen will soon be crowned after the final finalists for the two tournaments were decided during the June 23, edition of WWE Raw. During the show, Cody Rhodes defeated his former tag team partner Jey Uso to move on to the finals. With this victory, Rhodes will face Randy Orton, his former mentor, in the finals with a shot at a WWE World Title on the line.

In the Queen of the Ring semi-finals, Jade Cargill bested Roxanne Perez to earn her place at Night of Champions. Cargill will face Asuka in the finals, in a match with a significant meaning. After all, Asuka was sharing the ring with Cargill in May 2024 when she suffered an injury that’d keep her out of action for over a year.

Either Asuka or Cargill will be crowned queen and earn a shot at either Tiffany Stratton or IYO SKY. With championship opportunities on the line, expect these four Superstars to hold nothing back when the King and Queen of the Ring finals take place this Saturday.

Goldberg Sends Brutal Warning To GUNTHER

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On the June 23 episode of Monday Night Raw from Columbus, Ohio, WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg spoke about his upcoming match against World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER. The match is scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, 2025, in Atlanta, a city with significant history for Goldberg’s career.

During the interview segment, Goldberg confirmed that this upcoming match will be his retirement match. He explained that GUNTHER put himself in that spot after their physical confrontation at the Bad Blood event in Atlanta. Goldberg stated that he wasn’t going to let GUNTHER get away with the disrespect shown during that encounter and that the embarrassment would be rectified soon.

When asked about his opponent, Goldberg made his intentions clear, promising to seek revenge and introduce the champion to who he really is. As long as he is breathing, he will make GUNTHER breathe his last.

“I will beat the ***** out of GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event,” he stated.

When Michael Cole followed up by asking about the possibility of winning the World Heavyweight Championship in his final match, Goldberg acknowledged that it presented an interesting situation, leaving the door open for a historic end to his career.

Title Match Pulled From WWE Night Of Champions

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The card for this Saturday’s WWE Night of Champions premium live event has undergone a significant change. On the June 23 episode of Monday Night Raw, it was announced that the scheduled Intercontinental Championship match between Dominik Mysterio and AJ Styles will no longer be taking place at the event in Saudi Arabia.

During the broadcast, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce informed an unhappy AJ Styles that his title match was off. The reason given was that the situation was connected to Liv Morgan’s recent injury, though further details were not provided.

The reason for Mysterio’s removal from the event has not been officially confirmed. In the segment, Styles was promised the next opportunity at the Intercontinental Championship whenever Mysterio is able to defend it again.

Night of Champions is scheduled to take place this Saturday, June 28, leaving WWE with little time to add a replacement match to the card. The removal of the Intercontinental Championship defense leaves a notable spot open on the card for the major international event. Here is the updated card for the show:

Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena vs. CM Punk

United States Champion Jacob Fatu vs. Solo Sikoa

King of the Ring tournament finals

Queen of the Ring tournament finals

Update On WWE Night Of Champions After Airspace Shutdown Reports

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There is an update on the status of this weekend’s WWE events in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following reports of regional tensions and travel disruptions. While a handful of WWE employees are currently stuck in Qatar, the setup for Night of Champions is reportedly continuing as scheduled.

Reports from PWInsider and Fightful Select have clarified the situation after news of temporary airspace shutdowns near Qatar caused concern. According to PWInsider, five WWE staffers are currently stuck at Dohar Airport in Qatar while waiting for a connecting flight into Riyadh. However, the majority of the production crew has been in Saudi Arabia for over a week, with some staff arriving as early as the week of June 9. Setup for the event has been underway and is said to be continuing on schedule.

According to Fightful Select, as of Monday evening, the plan was still for the event to take place, with government meetings reportedly being held in Saudi Arabia. WWE talent scheduled for the trip had not been informed of any changes to their travel plans as of Monday afternoon and are still expected to fly over mid-week on a charter plane. Talent who were spoken to for the report said they expect that WWE is figuring things out like everyone else is.

For those who have asked, the reports also reiterate that talent are no longer given a separate bonus for the Saudi Arabia shows, as that compensation is now included in their main contracts.