Although Nikki Bella returned to WWE at February’s Royal Rumble, and has made several appearances since, her sister remains noticeably absent from the company. On a recent episode of The Nikki & Brie Show podcast, Brie Bella shared why she hasn’t been welcomed back to WWE with her twin.
“What I wanted to bring up, when I look at that, I know my roadblock is the fact that my husband is with the rival company. For some people, it makes them uncomfortable at WWE, thinking I would be there when my husband is with AEW.”
Brie’s comments highlight the complex behind-the-scenes politics that go beyond in-ring talent as WWE seems more interested in her family ties than her ability. Even with Danielson stepping back from full-time competition, his continued backstage presence in AEW seems to weigh on WWE’s decision-makers.
While being blocked through no fault of her own could’ve left Brie angry, she instead was sympathetic to WWE’s position. After joking that she is “waiting for the call,” Brie reiterated that her absence from WWE is not her choice.
“Does it bum me out at times that I wish feelings were different? Absolutely, but it doesn’t make me angry or bitter. It makes me feel like that right there is a sign that I’m supposed to be staying in my Soft Girl Era.”
Will WWE change course and bring Brie Bella back to WWE? Fans know to ‘never say never’ in wrestling, even if it doesn’t seem to be in the works. While Nikki remains active with future matches planned, Brie will have to watch her ‘Fearless’ sister from the sidelines.
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has issued a warning to Elayna Black following her recent descion to take a break from pro wrestling. Speaking on his podcast, Booker T emphasized the importance of staying active in the industry, or risk fading to obscurity.
“You’ve got to stay on the horse and keep grinding. Out of sight is out of mind in this business.”
Black is best known to WWE fans as Cora Jade, and was once considered one of NXT’s brightest prospects. The young wrestler took a hiatus in late 2023 to focus on her mental health. The break was met with support from many fans and fellow wrestlers, highlighting the growing awareness of mental health issues in professional wrestling.
Black/Jade was released from WWE in May 2025, shocking fans who expected a lengthy tenure as a Superstar for her. The decision divided fans, some of whom felt WWE should have given her more time. Others argued that her absences, caused by both her mental health break and multiple injuries in the ring, made her release inevitable.
Time will tell, when, if ever, Black returns to the ring, but with her focus on her mental health, and reported success with her OnlyFans, it may be some time. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shared that thanks to the exclusive-content platform, Black won’t be worrying about money amid her wrestling break.
“I know she was talking to somebody who I know, and she has probably made more money last month than any woman pro wrestler in the world, probably by a lot, because of OnlyFans.”
Booker’s comments have reignited the debate about talent taking time for themselves, potentially jeopardising their standing in wrestling’s hierarchy. Whatever Black does next, the two-time Hall of Famer hopes to see her back in the ring very soon.
WWE has yet to confirm which match will headline each night of WWE SummerSlam 2025, but a recently updated promotional banner on Peacock may have spoiled the surprise. New artwork for the Saturday portion of the show World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER and challenger CM Punk, while Sunday’s banner showcases John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes.
?| WWE is now promoting CM Punk vs. GUNTHER on the main cover of Night 1 of SummerSlam on Peacock.
WWE typically uses its main event match to sell a Premium Live Event, and this has led to speculation that Punk vs. GUNTHER will headline SummerSlam‘s first night. If accurate, this would mark CM Punk’s first SummerSlam main event since 2012, where he left the Biggest Party of the Summer with gold around his waist.
Punk has a history of winning gold at SummerSlam, including beating Jeff Hardy for the World Heavyweight Championship in 2009. Punk retained World title gold in 2008, 2011, and 2012, proving that he knows how to win big at the PLE.
This development could also impact the rest of the card. Roman Reigns’ Bloodline tag match may be slotted earlier on Saturday’s show, while Cena vs. Rhodes appears poised to headline Sunday. Whatever order the show’s matches fall under, expect a massive two-night event in New Jersey.
TNA World Tag Team Champion Jeff Hardy has reflected on his legendary career, naming his surprise return to WWE alongside his brother Matt at WrestleMania 33 as the single greatest moment he has ever experienced in professional wrestling.
While speaking to Outside The Ring in a new interview, Jeff Hardy was asked about the return and stated that it now ranks above all other moments in his career. He explained that after a tumultuous prior exit, he never thought he would be able to go back to WWE.
“That’s my number one moment now, man. It’s above all that,” Hardy said. “It was just so welcoming and it just felt so good because WWE does feel like it’s where it all started… I was in this mindset of, ‘man, I’ll probably never end up going back to WWE. I probably burnt my bridge with them and I’ll just, I’ll never go back.’ So it was just, it felt so good, kind of being back home and especially coming out to that reaction, man, in front of a sea of humanity was, was so special.”
The iconic return took place at WrestleMania 33 when The New Day, who were hosting the event, announced The Hardy Boyz as surprise entrants in the Raw Tag Team Championship Ladder Match. The duo received a massive ovation from the crowd and went on to win the match, capturing the tag team titles in a triumphant comeback.
On the most recent edition of WW LFG, Elijah Holyfield and Drake Morreaux refused to wait for next week’s grudge match and threw hands in front of the judges. Morreaux launched himself from the top turnbuckle with a leaping cross-body that wiped out three referees. Holyfield answered with a running tackle, sending both men crashing through a ringside barricade. The brawl would spill backstage, leaving producers and security scrambling to regain control.
— Corey B(Wrestling/Lakers)??? (@CoreyBElite) July 28, 2025
While this brawl may not be becoming of rookies in the eyes of some, The Undertaker liked what he saw. When asked for his verdict on the outburst, the WWE Hall of Famer who was crowned the best trainer in season one offered just four words: “I don’t mind that.”
While Undertaker had no problem with the brawl, the fight left his fellow pros stunned. Bubba Ray Dudley was heard yelling, “This isn’t what the show’s about!” as security finally pulled the two rookies apart.
Producers teased on-camera disciplinary hearings for both Holyfield and Morreaux, an act that may only further the issues between the two. With the opportunity at a WWE NXT contract up for grabs, tensions remain high as a stoic Phenom watches on.
Roxanne Perez’s integration into Judgment Day wasn’t accidental—it was a calculated recruitment by Finn Balor who recognized her NXT accomplishments and potential to balance the faction’s gender dynamics.
Speaking on “Casual Conversations with The Wrestling Classic,” the 22-year-old WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion revealed the strategic thinking behind her addition to one of WWE’s most dominant factions.
“I feel like everybody saw my journey on NXT and everything I was able to accomplish. I was pretty much the most accomplished NXT women’s champion from that era,” Perez explained. “So, I’m sure Finn Balor saw that. He saw why people call me the prodigy is because I am the youngest on the roster and I’ve already mastered everything about that ring. So, he needed someone to come in and help the judgment day.”
The recruitment addressed a clear numerical imbalance within the group’s structure. “You got JD, you got Dom, you got Finn, but you only have Raquel and Liv. So, why not add a third to the mixture and someone that can help the judgment day keep all the gold,” Perez noted.
Her integration has already proven successful, with Perez emphasizing her growing relationship with tag team partner Raquel Rodriguez. “What better faction to be a part of than one of the best in WWE history. I got voted in. So I’m very happy about that. And I think, you know, Raquel, she’s warming up to me a little bit. I got the win for her on Monday Night Raw and we got the win on Evolution.”
This strategic addition showcases Judgment Day’s evolution from a pure numbers game to a calculated roster of champions across multiple divisions. With tag team gold secured and Liv Morgan’s return creating potential tension, Perez’s role as the faction’s youngest member becomes increasingly crucial to their continued dominance.
In an era where social media can make or break careers, CM Punk’s mentorship of Roxanne Perez centers on a simple but powerful message: ignore the noise and focus on the dream.
During her appearance on Casual Conversations with The Wrestling Classic, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion revealed the most impactful advice from her “wrestling dad,” emphasizing how Punk’s guidance has shaped her approach to handling criticism and maintaining focus.
“To not look at Twitter and not look at the haters and not listen to any of the hate, you know, because they can be loud sometimes,” Perez shared when asked about Punk’s best piece of advice. “But it’s like we’re up there living our dream and making moments and inspiring people. So, why listen to the hate when I’m doing everything that I’ve ever wanted to do?”
The relationship between wrestling’s “Voice of the Voiceless” and WWE’s youngest champion represents a unique mentorship dynamic that transcends typical backstage relationships. Perez explained how Punk’s intervention came at a crucial time in her career development.
“I think he just saw me on Twitter and he’s like, ‘Don’t be on that.’ I’m like, ‘Okay,’” she recalled with a laugh, demonstrating the direct but caring approach Punk takes to protecting emerging talent from social media pitfalls.
This mentorship philosophy stands in stark contrast to the engagement-driven culture that often consumes professional athletes and entertainers. Punk’s emphasis on mental health and career longevity over online validation reflects lessons learned from his own turbulent relationship with social media and fan criticism.
The advice has clearly resonated with Perez as she navigates her transition from NXT standout to main roster champion, allowing her to maintain focus on in-ring performance while building meaningful connections with audiences through her work rather than online presence.
Karl Fredericks, known to WWE fans as Eddy Thorpe, has officially made his return to the independent wrestling scene. During a multi-promotional event this past Saturday, Fredericks addressed the crowd, confirming his return and taking a shot at his former employers.
On July 26, at the DPW x Prestige x West Coast Pro “Cruel Summer” event in San Francisco, Fredericks appeared in the ring during an intermission. In a promo to the live crowd, he confirmed he was back on the independent scene and stated that he has “regained his love of pro-wrestling.”
Fredericks also made comments that appeared to be directed at his former “Eddy Thorpe” character in WWE NXT. He referenced the “cowboy” sitting in Orlando and declared that he is “not their Indian,” a clear reference to his previously stated critiques that the character leaned too heavily on his Native American heritage and lacked depth.
Fredericks was part of a round of WWE talent releases on May 2nd that included several other notable names. Since their departures, Braun Strowman has begun taking independent bookings, Shayna Baszler has reportedly returned to WWE in a backstage producer role, and Elayna Black (Cora Jade) has announced she is taking a break from wrestling. Fredericks is the latest from that group to make his next move in the wrestling world.
CM Punk, the former wrestling superstar and comic book writer, has set his sights on a dream role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: The Punisher. In a recent interview with Film Seal, Punk revealed his passion for the iconic vigilante, saying, “I’m a big Punisher guy. I think it would be a lot of fun to play a character who sees the world in such black and white terms.”
CM Punk Reveals MCU Dream Role: ‘I’m a Big Punisher Guy’
CM Punk already dominates the wrestling ring, but the WWE superstar has his sights set on something bigger—stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as one of its most iconic vigilantes.
In a recent interview with Film Seal, Punk was asked which superhero he’d want to portray. Without hesitation, he revealed his top pick: The Punisher.
“Who would I play? I’m a big Punisher guy. I think it’s, you know, it’s a black-and-white world when you’re the Punisher. That would be fun. Not that Jon Bernthal does a bad job.” – CM Punk
Punk’s Marvel ambitions come with legitimate comic book credentials. The wrestling star has extensive experience writing for Marvel Comics, having contributed to Thor Annual #1, co-wrote the entire Drax ongoing series, and penned a Master of Kung Fu one-shot featuring Shang-Chi. He’s repeatedly pitched Punisher stories to Marvel since 2011, calling it his dream project.
However, Punk’s casting dreams face a significant obstacle. Jon Bernthal is firmly established as the MCU’s Frank Castle, with a confirmed 2026 Disney+ Special Presentation currently filming in New York City. The R-rated special, co-written by Bernthal himself, promises to deliver what the actor calls “not Punisher-lite.”
While Punk’s MCU aspirations may remain fantasy, his passion for the character and proven comic writing abilities demonstrate his deep connection to Marvel’s street-level vigilante world.
Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, is no stranger to the world of Marvel. He has previously written for Marvel Comics, contributing to stories featuring Thor, Drax, and Shang-Chi. His experience with these characters has only deepened his appreciation for the complex world of Marvel heroes and anti-heroes.
Currently, the role of Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, is played by Jon Bernthal, who is set to reprise the character in a 2026 Disney+ special. Despite Bernthal’s acclaimed portrayal, Punk’s enthusiasm for the role shines through, as he discussed the appeal of the Punisher’s uncompromising sense of justice and the challenges of bringing such a character to life on screen.
While there are no official plans for Punk to join the MCU, his comments have sparked excitement among fans who would love to see the wrestling icon take on the mantle of Marvel’s most notorious vigilante.
Following reports last week that she was dealing with an injury, former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa has now confirmed that she is taking time off from the company. She made the announcement in a new video published to her YouTube channel.
In a vlog recapping her experience during the AEW All In: Texas weekend, Thunder Rosa addressed her current status. After a long weekend of competition, she stated that she would be taking a break.
Rosa’s announcement confirms an earlier report from Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com that she was dealing with an undisclosed injury. Her time off comes after a grueling weekend where she competed in the Women’s Casino Gauntlet match at All In and also challenged Athena for the Ring of Honor Women’s World Title at the Supercard of Honor event.
Thunder Rosa now joins a growing list of injured talent in the AEW women’s division. As was also reported following the All In pay-per-view, Mina Shirakawa suffered a broken hand during the same Casino Gauntlet match that Rosa competed in. The loss of two veteran stars presents a new challenge for the depth of the division.
WWE’s second SuperShow Mexico event concluded in Monterrey with multiple championship defenses and international talent showcases. The July 27 event featured a mix of WWE stars and Mexican wrestlers in high-stakes competition.
Championship Highlights
Tiffany Stratton successfully defended her WWE Women’s Championship against Nia Jax in a brutal Street Fight, showcasing the hardcore stipulation that allowed both competitors to utilize the no-disqualification environment. The match demonstrated Stratton’s resilience as champion while continuing her dominant reign.
World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER defeated PENTA in what marked a significant international showcase for both competitors. The Austrian powerhouse maintained his championship status against the lucha libre veteran, adding another successful defense to his impressive title run.
Dominik Mysterio defended his Intercontinental Championship in Mexico, defeating both El Grande Americano and R-Truth in a triple threat match. The victory on Mexican soil holds special significance for Mysterio, whose family heritage connects deeply with lucha libre culture.
Tag Team and Featured Action
The Bloodline storyline continued with mixed results as Cody Rhodes teamed with Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu to defeat Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, and Tonga Loa. The match highlighted the ongoing family dynamics within the Samoan wrestling dynasty.
Sami Zayn and Jey Uso combined forces to defeat the powerhouse team of Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, while WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez successfully defended against Michin and B-Fab.
The event also featured Andrade and Rey Fenix defeating the Creed Brothers, and Stephanie Vaquer’s victory over Chelsea Green, demonstrating WWE’s commitment to showcasing diverse international talent.
International Wrestling Showcase
The SuperShow Mexico format continues to highlight WWE’s global reach, blending established WWE storylines with local wrestling culture. The event featured Mexican wrestlers including Mr. Iguana, Pagano, and Psycho Clown, who defeated Legado Del Fantasma in a showcase of lucha libre talent.
These results position WWE’s Mexican events as significant stops on the international wrestling calendar, providing unique matchups and championship opportunities outside traditional WWE venues.
WWE superstar Dominik Mysterio has revealed he’s planning a significant visual overhaul, with new gear designs already in development. Appearing for WWE’s ‘Break It Down’ series on YouTube, the reigning Intercontinental Champion shared his plans.
“I’ve had someone draw it out for me of, like, the next evolution of what I want my gear to be… and change it up a little bit, because it always has. I always got to keep, you know, people on their toes, but I can’t tell you guys. All I can say is just, you know, keep an eye out. There might be some stuff here and there.”
Despite the teased changed, the Judgment Day member confirmed he’ll continue wearing his current attire, which he says was inspired “La Parka” and “OG Dom,” for the time being. With that said, changes are coming for the Intercontinental Champion.
“I’m gonna rock the La Parka and the OG Dom stuff for a little bit more, but I got some stuff in the works that’s, like, super cool.”
It’s not just his attire that Mysterio is thinking about changing. On the show, Dominik teased going with a bleach-blond look, one similar to his WWE debut in 2005. The look, juxtaposed with Dominik keeping his moustache dark, would certainly prove ‘toyetic’ according to Dirty Dom.
“I’ve been thinking about bleaching my hair again and just fully like, because I think in my head I think I’d look cool but also like insane if I just bleached my whole head like bleach blonde exactly like this and leave my mustache just dark. I think it’d be a hell of an action figure.”
Mysterio has undergone several transformations throughout his WWE run, including changing attires as well as getting tattoos honoring some of wrestling’s greatest luchadors. With new designs already commissioned and a potential change to his hair, Mysterio is poised for the next evolution of his WWE character.
El Grande Americano is no friend to the AAA roster, as made clear during a recent backstage segment. Behind the scenes at WWE live event in Mexico City, several names associated with the brand attacked a pinata of the WWE Speed Champion. Psycho Clown, Pagano, and the ever-popular Mr. Iguana annihilated the pinata, all while the real El Grande Americano watched on in horror.
Americano has made a number of appearances for AAA in recent weeks, though now portrayed by Ludwig Kaiser instead of Chad Gable. While the roster is hardly on board with the masked sensation, the fans seem to be fully behind El Grande Americano.
El Grande Americano’s next high-profile match will see him compete for the AAA Mega Championship. This was originally a three-way between himself, Dragon Lee, and Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo. That was until Dominik Mysterio made his presence felt in AAA with an assault on Lee and Vikingo. The WWE Intercontinental Champion has now been added to the AAA Mega Championship match.
MJF has a golden opportunity to become AEW World Champion again, but is keeping quiet about when he intends to cash in. At AEW All In: Texas, MJF won the Men’s Casino Gauntlet match by pinning Roderick Strong to earn himself a shot at the AEW World Title.
Speaking with TMZ Sports, MJF, a former AEW World Champion addressed speculation about his future title shot. While he refused to give a definitive timeline, he took the opportunity to fire a shot at ‘Hangman’ Page, who won the gold in Texas.
“First of all, when am I going to execute the contract? I can’t answer that. But what I will say is this—I know I can beat Hangman Adam Page in the middle of the ring easy. I don’t need to cash this thing in. So, I’m looking forward to wrestling him because when I do, the Triple B is going back around my waist. Because my name is Maxwell Jacob Friedman… and I’m better than you, and you know it.”
MJF is seemingly going the route of the majority of wrestlers to have held WWE’s Money in the Bank briefcase. Rather than announce when he will cash in, MJF will let fans wait and speculate before making his move when the timing is most in his favor.
MJF’s comments come just days after tensions flared within the Hurt Syndicate on AEW Dynamite, and Boby Lashley wants him out of the faction. Losing the back-up of Lashley, Benjamin, and MVP, threatens to cause problems for any potential cash-in plan the ‘Scumbag’ has planned.
Whether MJF is soon on his own again, time will tell. Nevertheless, he remains confident that his next title reign isn’t a question of if, but when.
Alberto El Patron has a complicated legacy in WWE, but that didn’t stop fans at a recent event rallying behid him. During WWE’s Live Event at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, the former WWE Champion received an overwhelming show of support from the local crowd.
Though El Patron wasn’t on the card, the fans cleatly wanted to see him. chants erupted during a promo from Rey Mysterio, Alberto’s first opponent upon his debut in WWE. Mysterio remained silent during the moment, letting the reaction speak for itself as the crowd continued to demand to see Alberto.
The chants came just one day after Del Rio’s storyline loss to El Mesias on the July 25 edition of AAA Alianzas. As per the stipulation of the match, El Paton has been forced to leave AAA, ending the run of one of the company’s biggest stars.
While fans in Mexico City may want El Patron back, that seemingly won’t be happening. According to insiders, Del Rio has not been contacted by WWE and is not being considered for any future creative or talent-related roles. WWE has also distanced themselves from El Patron since announcing its acquisition of AAA.
With both AAA and WWE seemingly out of the picture, El Patron’s next move remains uncertain. Nevertheless, there are clealy fans who hope to see him in a WWE ring again.
Catch As Catch Can (CACC) made wrestling history on July 27, 2025, staging its inaugural “Show sur l’Eau” event on a floating ring in Proville, Nord, France. The spectacle took place on the waters of Canal de Saint-Quentin as part of a riverside community festival.
Catch As Catch Can (CACC) made wrestling history on July 27, 2025, staging its inaugural “Show sur l’Eau” event on a floating ring in Proville, Nord, France. The unprecedented spectacle took place on the waters of Canal de Saint-Quentin as part of a riverside community festival, marking a groundbreaking first for professional wrestling.
The northern France-based promotion, known for its traditional catch-style wrestling and technical grappling expertise, drew an enthusiastic crowd to Rue Lucien Sampaix under clear skies. CACC has established itself as the premier independent wrestling organization in the Douai region since around 2018, regularly showcasing the CACC France Championship.
Floating Ring Delivers Unique Wrestling Experience
The card featured an impressive roster including Léon Vigoureux, Isaac Machado, Agathe Ariès, Calypso, MBM, and Joseph Fenech Jr. The Agathe Ariès versus Calypso bout was praised by fans on social media.
Catch-as-Catch-Can wrestling, rooted in early 20th-century British and American grappling traditions, emphasizes submissions, pins, and holds with fewer restrictions than modern wrestling styles. This technical foundation proved ideal for the unique water-based venue, allowing wrestlers to showcase their skills while adapting to the distinctive floating environment.
Chad Gable made a surprising script-breaking comment during a recent appearance at a Minnesota Twins baseball game, publicly acknowledging his masked performance at WrestleMania 41.
Speaking candidly to Twins TV, Gable stated he “wrestled his first singles match at WrestleMania back in April,” directly confirming what WWE programming has kept separate – that he performed as the masked El Grande Americano at the premium live event.
This admission breaks kayfabe, as Gable’s on-screen character has consistently denied any connection to El Grande Americano. The masked persona appeared at WrestleMania 41 on April 19-20, 2025, marking a significant moment in Gable’s transition from tag team specialist to singles competitor.
The Raw superstar has been recovering from rotator cuff surgery following an active period that included winning the WWE Speed Championship as El Grande Americano against Dragon Lee on June 11, and challenging for the AAA Mega Championship against Nic Nemeth on June 15. He also competed in the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match on July 6.
“I’m looking at the silver lining here. I got a little injury to my rotator cuff, but what it did do was buy me some time off the road to be home with my family and do stuff like this. Come to a baseball game on a Sunday, which I never get to do. So, find the bright side, right?”
Gable’s baseball game appearance comes during his injury recovery period, with the wrestler previously indicating optimism about a quicker-than-expected return to WWE programming.
WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre finds himself stuck in Great Britain after encountering unexpected travel complications following a wedding this weekend.
The Scottish Warrior revealed he was denied boarding on his return flight due to passport documentation issues. McIntyre had traveled to the UK with only his British passport, but was told he needed his U.S. passport to board his flight back to America.
“McIntyre announced he was denied the chance to board his flight back due to the fact he didn’t have his U.S. passport with him, just his UK one.”
According to PWInsider, WWE sources have confirmed this is a legitimate issue the company is currently dealing with. The travel complications come at an inconvenient time for the former WWE Champion, who maintains a busy schedule with the company.
McIntyre, who holds dual citizenship in both the United Kingdom and United States, apparently ran into bureaucratic red tape regarding which passport documentation was required for his specific travel circumstances.
It remains unclear when McIntyre will be able to resolve the documentation issues and return to the United States.
McIntyre is scheduled to be wrestling in a tag team match this coming weekend at SummerSlam 2025, teaming up with Logan Paul to face Randy Orton and Jelly Roll. The match is officially listed on the Saturday, August?2 night card at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
Drew McIntyre could miss SummerSlam if he can’t board a flight in time for the upcoming PLE, and the Scottish Warrior is pointing the finger of blame directly at Jelly Roll. On X, McIntyre shared that he was stuck in the UK after being refused the chance to board his flight.
The reason for McIntyre’s travel woes? He lacks a U.S. passport. McIntyre shared that even though the staff at the airport know of him and know he lives in the U.S., they could not allow him to board. Despite McIntyre’s pleas, pointing out that he and his wife have pets that need caring for, he remains in the UK at this time.
McIntyre has travelled countless times, but shared that this is the first time something like this has happened. The three-time former World Champion shared his suspicion that Jelly Roll, one of the men he’s set to face at SummerSlam, is to blame.
“Jelly Roll. You know somebody, got your connections. You’ve got your 15 minutes of fame right now, you can get away with some stuff… You realized when I took off my shirt on SmackDown, you thought ‘All that aura, I’m screwed.'”
Why am I stranded? Why am I cutting a promo with cows?
Despite Jelly Roll’s supposed actions, McIntyre vowed to make it back to the U.S. in time for SummerSlam. The music artist will make his WWE in-ring debut by teaming with Randy Orton to face McIntyre and Logan Paul.
Mercedes Moné has reached a historic milestone in professional wrestling, expanding her championship collection to an unprecedented eight belts after capturing two inaugural titles at Prime Time Wrestling’s “All About The Moné” event in Poland on July 27, 2025.
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) July 27, 2025
The former WWE and current AEW star defeated Diana Strong at Szafirowy Dwór in the small Polish village of Koz?ów to become both the inaugural Prime Time Wrestling Women’s Champion and inaugural BestYa Wrestling Women’s Champion. Moné secured victory by hitting her signature backstabber before transitioning into the Bank Statement submission, forcing Strong to tap out.
With these latest victories, Moné now holds an extraordinary collection of eight championships across multiple promotions worldwide. Her current title portfolio includes the AEW TBS Championship, RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship, CMLL World Women’s Championship, EWA Women’s Championship, 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Championship, Queen of Southside Championship, and her two newly captured Polish titles.
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) July 27, 2025
This championship expansion represents a remarkable bounce-back for Moné, whose 16-month undefeated streak in singles competition was recently ended by Toni Storm at AEW All In. Rather than slowing down, the “CEO” has continued her international dominance, having previously captured the EWA Women’s Championship in Austria just last month.
Moné’s eight-belt collection establishes her as one of the most accomplished champions in modern professional wrestling, showcasing her ability to succeed across different promotions and wrestling styles on a global scale.
WWE brought its SuperShow Mexico tour to Arena CDMX in Mexico City on July 26, featuring multiple championship defenses and cross-brand talent in an action-packed international event.
The evening’s main events featured three championship defenses, headlined by WWE World Champion GUNTHER successfully retaining his title against former AEW star Penta. The Austrian powerhouse continues his dominant reign as he adapted to the high-energy Mexico City crowd.
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton overcame former champion Nia Jax in a hard-fought contest, while Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio defended against both El Grande Americano and R-Truth in a unique triple threat format that showcased local Mexican talent alongside established WWE stars.
International Talent Integration
The card prominently featured Mexican wrestling culture, with local luchadores Mr. Iguana, Pagano, and Psycho Clown defeating the Latino World Order trio of Santos Escobar, Angel, and Berto in the opening contest. This cross-cultural approach demonstrated WWE’s commitment to honoring Mexican wrestling traditions.
Rey Fenix, performing in front of his home country audience, teamed with Andrade to defeat the Creed Brothers in a match that highlighted technical wrestling excellence. Women’s Tag Team Champions Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez also successfully retained their titles against Michin and B Fab.
Bloodline Saga Continues
The ongoing Bloodline storyline reached Mexico as Cody Rhodes, Jimmy Uso, and Jacob Fatu defeated Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, and Tonga Loa in the co-main event. This faction warfare continues to be a driving force in WWE programming, even on international stages.
Additional action saw Jey Uso and Sami Zayn overcome the powerhouse team of Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, while Stephanie Vaquer defeated Chelsea Green in women’s singles competition. The SuperShow Mexico tour continues Sunday in Monterrey, bringing WWE’s international expansion efforts to another major Mexican market.
On July 23, 2025, news broke that Hulk Hogan had passed. At 71 years of age and having been the most famous professional wrestler who ever lived, he unsurprisingly drew an outpouring of tributes on social media and in the press. It was also noteworthy, however, how many critics spoke up too, not bowing to the impulse to lionize and whitewash the history of the recently deceased, but rather pointing out that the man may have worn out his welcome on the mortal plane.
Such is the legacy of Hulk Hogan, chock full of complicated, contradictory feelings around a major celebrity who helped shape a business and was such an inspiration for generations, while also suffering a profound fall from grace on record over the course of the last decade of his life.
Hulk Hogan Was The Most Important Star In Pro Wrestling History
Photo: WWE
From the late 1970s to early 1980s, Hulk Hogan was a pro wrestling star, making waves in WWE, the AWA, and for New Japan. Despite representing a different style than promoters tended to push on top at the time, it nonetheless wouldn’t have been shocking, even then, to learn that he’d one day be a world champion.
When Hogan did win his first world title in January 1984 it marked a shift for not just his career but the wrestling business. Vince McMahon had the vision to take WWE national; Hogan was the primary vehicle to make that happen. A larger than life superhero, Hogan became the business’s defining champion and babyface in a run that launched WrestleMania and took WWE into the stratosphere.
It’s all the more remarkable that Hogan’s time on top had a second act. In 1994, he became the face of WCW. More importantly, 1996 saw Hogan’s heel turn elevate WCW in very similar ways to how the original Hulkamania run elevated WWE. The New World Order became an enormous draw that allowed WCW to beat WWE in TV ratings for a year and a half and remain competitive for some time to follow.
Though nothing should have surprised fans by that point, Hogan even had one more trick up his sleeve. When he returned to WWE in 2002, he briefly burned bright one last time as a nostalgia act, capturing the imagination in a run that led to his dream match opposite The Rock at WrestleMania 18 and one last world title run to follow.
It may well have been this run that fueled WWE leaning into nostalgia with returning legends and such emphasis on its Hall of Fame for decades to come. That’s not to mention Hogan’s own periodic returns to the company and his run with TNA.
Hulk Hogan Crossed Over To The Mainstream
Ask the average person who has never followed pro wrestling to name five wrestlers. If the person at hand can complete the task, the odds are Hulk Hogan’s name made the list.
Hogan entered pop culture as the face of WWE at its hottest. He appeared on MTV and late night talk shows, main evented seven out of the first eight WrestleManias, and became the subject of an unprecedented volume of toys and merchandise. All of that’s before the nWo became a pop culture phenomenon in its own right.
So it is that, for all his baggage, The Hulkster remains one of a very small handful of wrestlers who could die and make the entire world take notice.
Hulk Hogan’s Backstage Reputation Took A Hit
The era of tell-all books, documentaries, and podcasts was not kind to Hulk Hogan’s public image. He’d been WWE’s top babyface and WCW’s top heel, and though plenty of “smart” fans may have cooled on him, it was difficult to deny his sheer importance to the wrestling business.
However, one-by-one, accounts fleshed out an unflattering portrait of Hogan. Bret Hart’s book may have offered the most compelling, well-rounded accounting.
The Hitman recalled himself and his contemporaries loving Hogan for what a draw he was—the rising tide that lifted all their ships to financial prosperity. However, Hart also recalled a double-talking, politicking Hogan who contributed to a booking mess at the top of the card in WWE in 1993. From there came the version of Hogan who ran roughshod over WCW, holding down talents, abusing creative control, and strategically choosing when to and not to appear on television to take credit for ratings spikes.
While Hogan has spun his own version of events—looking out for his and his family’s financial well being in a tumultuous business where his body wouldn’t allow him to compete forever—a murkier picture of how and why Hulkamania ran wild so long took shape.
Hulk Hogan Fell From Grace
Image credit: Ariel Helwani Show
The narrative of Hulk Hogan as egotistical, self-serving, and a backstage politician was just the tip of the iceberg. A sex tape would follow and then, most damning, recordings of him issuing a racist rant in 2015.
Hogan’s words themselves were bad enough. He compounded them with his failure to take accountability. Rather than issue a meaningful apology, he equivocated around the way people talked when he was growing up and later lecturing the WWE roster about being careful not to get caught saying regrettable things on tape in place of actually apologizing.
Add on Hogan continually getting caught telling a range of lies like that he was almost a part of Metallica, that Andre the Giant weighed 600-plus pounds when Hogan body slammed him, or that he was offered the grill endorsement deal that George Foreman capitalized on. Add on the polarizing choice for Hogan to appear at the 2024 Republican National Convention and offer a full-throated endorsement of Donald Trump.
In the end, The Hulkster had alienated a significant portion of his fan base. He went from a largely cherished icon of the 1980s to alternately a punchline or an outright villain depending on one’s perspective.
The Legacy Of Hulk Hogan
Image credit: WWE
Hulk Hogan has one of the most complicated legacies in wrestling. For devout fans of certain eras of the business, it remains difficult to fully disavow him (and that’s doubly true for those who also aligned with his political views). Nonetheless, the racist sentiments in particular position him among those figures one had to—to put it kindly—parse the art from artist for.
Unlike Chris Benoit whose final acts and means of death were what condemned his reputation as a wrestler Hulk Hogan’s story had played out before he passed—greatest triumphs, warts, and all. It will be interesting to see if his importance to wrestling history or his public blunders “win” in the end as the lasting memories associated with him. It seems certain, though, for better or worse, Hogan will never be forgotten.
TNA Wrestling held a set of television tapings on Friday, July 25, in Kingston, Rhode Island, featuring significant developments, including the return of a former champion and a serious injury announcement. The spoilers below will air in August.
The following matches were taped for an upcoming episode of TNA Xplosion:
Jody Threat defeated Arianna Grace
Home Town Man defeated The Mecca Brian Johnson
The following matches and segments were taped for the August 7 episode of TNA iMPACT:
The show opened with Mustafa Ali and Order 4. Ali spoke about outsiders holding TNA championships and was interrupted by Joe Hendry. After a verbal exchange and a video mocking Order 4’s John Skylar, Ali accepted a challenge from Hendry for a match later in the night.
TNA World Champion Trick Williams came to the ring to discuss his upcoming match against Moose at Emergence. Moose interrupted, leading to a brief physical confrontation before Williams retreated.
International Championship Match: Steve Maclin (champion) vs. Jake Something ended in a double countout. The two continued to brawl after the match, with Maclin diving onto a group of security guards who were holding Something back.
Mike Santana cut a promo from the crowd, reflecting on his loss at Slammiversary and promising his daughter that he will eventually defeat Trick Williams for the TNA World Championship.
Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Lee defeated M & Heather By Elegance.
First Class (AJ Francis & Rich Swann) hosted an episode of the First Class Penthouse. It was announced that their stablemate, KC Navarro, suffered a torn ACL and will require surgery. AJ Francis then introduced the returning Rich Swann as the newest member of the group, before kicking Navarro out of the faction. Swann then attacked Navarro with his crutch.
Mara Sade defeated Vicious Vicki in a quick match.
TNA Knockouts World Championship Match: Ash By Elegance defeated Jacy Jayne (champion) by disqualification after Masha Slamovich interfered. The match was followed by a large brawl involving The Elegance Brand, Fatal Influence, and The IInspiration.
Santino Marella announced several matches for the TNA Emergence event: Steve Maclin vs. Jake Something in a No Disqualification, No Countout match; Mike Santana vs. Sami Callihan; and a four-way match for the Knockouts World Tag Team Championships between The Elegance Brand, Xia Brookside & Lei Ying Lee, Fatal Influence, and The IInspiration. He also suspended The Nemeths for their recent actions, but after being threatened with a lawsuit, he booked Ryan Nemeth vs. Home Town Man for Emergence.
Mustafa Ali defeated Joe Hendry in the main event after interference from his entire Order 4 entourage.
The following matches and segments were taped for the August 14 episode of TNA iMPACT:
The show opened with Moose laid out backstage. This led to a six-man tag team match where Trick Williams & First Class (AJ Francis & Rich Swann) defeated The System (Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & JDC).
Dani Luna and Indi Hartwell defeated Harley Hudson and Myla Grace. After the match, Rosemary appeared from the crowd and sprayed mist in Indi Hartwell’s face.
Matt Cardona defeated John Skylar. After the match, Cardona was attacked by Mustafa Ali and Order 4.
A “Knockouts Tag Team Summit” was held featuring the four teams competing at Emergence. The segment ended in a brawl.
Mike Santana defeated Eric Young. After the match, Young’s partners in The Northern Armory attacked Santana before Sami Callihan made the save.
Frankie Kazarian hosted a “King’s Speech” talk show segment with his guests, Steve Maclin and Jake Something. The two brawled, ending with Something laying out Maclin with a Black Hole Slam.
The Rascalz & Cedric Alexander defeated Leon Slater & The Hardys.
The tapings concluded with a non-televised concert featuring Joe Hendry and Jeff Hardy.
Nick Hogan has spoken publicly for the first time since the passing of his father Hulk Hogan, who died at 71 of a reported cardiac arrest. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on July 27, 2025, Nick thanked those who reached out in the days following his father’s death.
Though Nick never became a wrestler like his father, he has a connection to the business Hulk played a pivotal role in. In 2005, it was reported that Nick had been training at Rikishi’s school, and Nick would tease interest in wrestling during his role on Hogan Knows Best. In 2023, Hulk claimed that there had been talks within WWE of Nick facing Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 39, though WWE sources refuted the claim.
Hulk Hogan’s role in wrestling can never be understated, and tributes continue to pur in, our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and fans at this sad time.
Alberto El Patron lost a match to El Mesias in AAA on July 25, and as per the stipulation of the match, must leave AAA for good. This departure has led some to speculate on a return to WWE, but fans shouldn’t expect ‘Alberto Del Rio’ anytime soon.,
Per Fightful Select, Alberto’s status with WWE “has not changed,” even after his storyline exit from AAA. WWE has no plans to bring Alberto back, despite him allegedly telling members of the AAA locker room that WWE has reached out to him. According to El Patron, WWE is interested in a potential Royal Rumble return, though one higher-up reportedly stated:
“If we wanted Alberto at all, much less in the Royal Rumble, he’d be here… [There is] never any difference or change to his status.”
The report also notes that WWE deliberately distanced itself from the former World Champion, especially after announcing its acquisition of AAA. El Patron was not present during the announcement that took place during WrestleMania weekend. WWE wasted no time in taking the AAA Mega Title off El Patron in a match with El Hijo del Vikingo. Though WWE sources told Fightful that this move may have drawn some backlash in Mexico it was considered a “long-term benefit.”
Así es como Alberto El Patrón cerró su etapa en AAA, la cual cumplió con creces, convirtiéndose no sólo en el rudo más rudo, también en un ídolo que se marchó ovacionado por el público.
Earlier this year, it was reported that WWE had signed El Patron, leaving some to theorize that a return was happening. It was later clarified that WWE had simply acquired Alberto’s pre-existing AAA contract. An incident with a fan at an AAA event in May would result in Alberto being suspended from competition in Tijiuana, hardly a good look for someone trying to get a third chance in WWE.
This report adds that El Patron is “legitimately done in AAA” and that “no plans” exist for a future in WWE. El Patron was fired from WWE in 2014 after a backstage altercation, and after being rehired the next year, was cut in 2016. While he may continue to talk of a WWE future as a certainty, it appears that this simply isn’t in the cards.
