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Joe Hendry Appears At WWE Live Event In Manchester

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The crossover between WWE and TNA Wrestling continued on Tuesday during WWE’s live event in Manchester, England. Top TNA star Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance, answered an open challenge, and defeated the former two-time WWE Champion, The Miz.

The match took place at the AO Arena as part of WWE’s “Road to Clash in Paris” tour. During the show, The Miz issued an open challenge to anyone in the back, which was answered by the surprising arrival of “The Prestigious One,” Joe Hendry.

Hendry, representing TNA, went on to defeat The Miz in the one-on-one contest. This was Hendry’s third official match on the WWE main roster. His previous appearances include an entry in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match and a match against Randy Orton on Night Two of WrestleMania 41.

In addition to his main roster appearances, Hendry has become a semi-regular on the NXT brand as part of the ongoing partnership between WWE and TNA. He has competed in several matches on NXT television and at their premium live events.

Lex Luger Takes Steps On His Own In New Video

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A new video has been shared showing WWE Hall of Famer Lex Luger walking without any support, a moment that showcases his incredible progress in his long recovery from a debilitating spinal injury.

The video, which was shared by the official DDP Yoga social media accounts, shows Luger walking around a kitchen island while being spotted by trainer Autumn Swansen. As he makes his way around the counter, Swansen exclaims, “Lex, you’re literally walking unsupported right now.”

Luger has been primarily confined to a wheelchair since suffering a spinal injury in 2007. In the years since, he has been working closely with his friend and fellow Hall of Famer, Diamond Dallas Page, using the DDP Yoga program to improve his mobility.

Just last week, another video was posted showing Luger using a LifeGlider upright walker to get up from his wheelchair. In that same video, he was also able to get out of his car and retrieve his own wheelchair without any assistance.

Luger’s incredible progress is the latest chapter in an inspiring year for “The Total Package.” Earlier this year, he was officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.

FTR Refutes Jake Hager’s Claims About Tony Khan And Talent Meeting

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A disagreement went public between AEW’s FTR and the recently retired Jake Hager. Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler have both publicly refuted claims made by Hager in a recent interview concerning a “talent only” meeting and an alleged outburst from AEW President Tony Khan.

In a new episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Jake Hager recounted a story about a “wrestlers-only” meeting that took place in 2022 after the incident involving CM Punk. Hager claimed the meeting was interrupted by an angry Tony Khan, who allegedly yelled at the talent. Hager stated he believed the reason for the outburst was that FTR had refused to come to television that day because they didn’t like the creative plans.

Both members of FTR have since taken to social media to refute Hager’s version of events. Dax Harwood posted a statement directly addressing the claims. “Cash and I were at the all-talent only meeting that was called by Bryan, Jericho, and Mox. Tony never interrupted,” Harwood wrote. “Cash and I have NEVER refused to show up to work… Im not really sure where all this is coming from, but it’s mostly not true.”

Cash Wheeler also refuted Hager’s story and went a step further, sharing a screenshot of a direct message exchange he had with Hager about the comments. The back-and-forth between the two stars adds another layer to the story.

Shawn Michaels Calls WWE NXT The ‘Best Two-Hour Show On Television’

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WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, who now serves as the Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Creative for the NXT brand, has high praise for the show he oversees. In a new interview, Michaels called NXT the “best two-hour show on television.”

Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Undisputed ahead of the recent NXT Heatwave event, the “Heartbreak Kid” expressed his pride in the current NXT product.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t think we have the best two-hour show on television,” said Michaels. “The most exciting.” He noted, “All our success comes down to the athletes that walk through the doors of the Performance Center every day in Orlando,” he said. “It’s a testament to all the work that our coaches and our creative team and the entire production team in NXT.”

He also touted the success of the brand’s recent partnerships. “The partnership with The CW is huge. They’ve been fantastic,” Michaels stated. “We’ve had collaborations like NOAH, TNA, and AAA.”

Raja Jackson: It Wasn’t My Fault, Blame the Cameraman

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Raja Jackson’s actions at KnokX Pro Wrestling’s latest event have shocked wrestling fans, and now the MMA fighter has broken his silence over the incident. At the event, Jackson delivered a series of punches to the head of a seemingly unconcious Syko Stu, resulting in the latter being hospitalized in critical condition.

Countless fans and wrestling insiders have expressed their outrage at the attack while questioning how such a moment was able to unfold. In his first public comments since the incident, Jackson avoided accountability, instead pointing the finger of blame at a camera operator.

“It wasn’t my f***ing fault! The god-damn cameraman’s fault! I know he’s watching this s***… How could you? How f***ing could you. It’s what I expected though. It’s all good, we’re gonna figure this s*** out.”

While the vast majority of people have been outraged by Jackson’s actions, including his UFC alum father, some have come to his side. Mark Henry has said that Syko Stu bears some responsibility for the assault, while Rob Van Dam has suggested that Jackson was manipulated into the heinous actions.

Jackson has been banned from future events for KnokX Pro, who have lost their affiliation with the WWE ID program as a result of the attack. Whatever comes next, it appears that Jackson’s future in wrestling, if he has one, will forever be tained by this attack.

Warning: Clip below features profanity and a racial slur.

Jake Hager Slams Tony Khan’s Leadership, Says He Regrets AEW Run

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Former All Elite Wrestling star Jake Hager offered an unfiltered look at why he walked away from professional wrestling. During his appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, he said:

“Absolutely. I’m very jaded from my exit at AEW… I wish I would have just stayed in MMA.”

Hager confirmed he’s done, and doesn’t even watch pro wrestling anymore.

“Retired, baby. Hall of Fame. I think for me, like, I had accomplished everything that I really cared about and wanted to move on.”

AEW Backstage Drama and CM Punk Fallout

Hager offered a unique perspective on AEW’s backstage environment during the young promotion’s most tumultuous chapter.

“After all the Punk [stuff] that went down, the boys got together and we had a meeting… No office, right? …Who comes into the room, storming in, daddy’s little billionaire and he’s like yelling at us… We became his little play things. We had to wait outside his office. His storylines were very good at debuting, but he could never carry anything through. …He couldn’t take criticism.”

In hindsight, he wishes he would have been more outspoken when he disagreed with Khan’s booking approach.

“I still to this day wish I would have stood up and said a lot of things, but you just told Sting you’re putting him in a six-man in 6 minutes, then honor him for his retirement…”

Hager Declares Chris Jericho as The G.O.A.T.

Hager’s AEW run was closely linked to Chris Jericho, and was one of the highlights of his time as an ‘All Elite’ athlete. He loved sitting under The Learning Tree, and marvels at Jericho’s ability to succeed in this unique field.

“Chris Jericho is the reason why that purple hat was so over. …He’s number one on my Mount Rushmore.”

These insights shed a revealing light on AEW’s inner workings from a veteran’s perspective.

Mark Henry Says Syko Stu Is Partially To Blame For Incident With Raja Jackson

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WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has weighed in on the controversial incident involving Raja Jackson and Syko Stu at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event this past weekend.

Speaking with TMZ, Henry commented on the situation, which saw Raja Jackson, son of MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, legitimately knock out and injured Syko Stu. Henry stated that he believes the injured wrestler, Syko Stu, shoulders some of the blame for what happened.

“You’ve got to be careful, one, who you’re messing with, and, two, what kind of example are you as a veteran for inciting a riot with a kid,” Henry said.

“The World’s Strongest Man” noted that while he also chastised Raja for needing to have more “respect for the business” and to control his anger, he feels the primary fault lies with Stu for instigating the situation. The incident was preceded by an altercation where Stu hit Raja with a drink can.

“If indeed what I saw was what I saw, which is people before the show, during the day time, drinking and intoxicated or partially intoxicated, and you bust a bottle over a guy’s head and talk trash like that guy was not going to do nothing, yeah, you’re at fault,” Henry stated.

The in-ring attack, which was part of a planned spot that went wrong, left Syko Stu hospitalized with what his family called “severe injures to his head.” The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the incident.

An update from Stu’s family on Monday stated that he is “conscious and able to talk,” and a GoFundMe for his medical expenses has raised over $60,000. YouTuber Mr. Beast has also offered to help Stu and his family.

AEW Star Expected To Return “Sooner Than Later” After Injury

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A positive injury update is out for one of AEW’s top stars. Former AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy has been medically cleared to return to the ring, and his return could be happening “sooner than later.”

BodySlam.net first reported on Tuesday morning that Cassidy has been cleared to return, a report which Fightful Select has since noted aligns with what their sources have said. The AEW star has been out of action for the past five months after suffering what was suspected to be a torn labrum in March.

The injury required Cassidy to undergo shoulder surgery, which has kept him on the sidelines throughout the spring and summer. His absence reportedly affected a number of creative plans for the company during that time.

A report from Fightful Select adds that Cassidy will be back “sooner than later” and is not expected to be out for the remainder of the year unless he suffers a setback. It was also noted that he has been frequently backstage at recent AEW events during his recovery.

Legacy and Representation: Mara Sadè’s Journey from Saudi Arabia to TNA Wrestling

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Mara Sadè has quickly become a name to watch in the world of professional wrestling, not just for her in-ring talent but for the legacy she is building and the representation she brings to the sport.

Reflecting on her time wrestling in Saudi Arabia, Mara shares, “I’m grateful to have been a part of that,” highlighting the pride she felt performing alongside some of the top female stars in the industry. These moments, she says, are about more than just personal achievement. She’s the next link in the chain, paving the paving the way for future generations and showing what is possible.

One of the most meaningful relationships Mara has developed is with Lash Legend. “I’m so happy to see my girl doing her thing,” Mara says, emphasizing the genuine friendship and support that exists between them.

Mara’s decision to leave WWE for TNA was driven by her desire for creative freedom. She wanted the opportunity to express herself fully and contribute to the art of wrestling in her own way. Her international debut in Paris marked a significant milestone, expanding her reach and influence on a global scale.

For Mara, wrestling is more than just a sport.. it’s an art form. “Wrestling is art that can’t be left unfinished,” she explains. She holds deep respect for the wrestling community at all levels, recognizing the collective effort that goes into making the industry thrive.

As she looks to the future, Mara’s philosophy remains clear: “The marathon continues.” She’s on a new path and proving that she’s committed to this great sport.

WWE NXT Preview (8/26): Blindfold Match, Blake Monroe in Action

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Tonight’s WWE NXT airs live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., beginning at 8 p.m. ET on the CW Network and Netflix internationally. This episode is the first following the NXT Heatwave event, which saw major title matches and the emergence of new No. 1 contenders, setting the stage for ongoing rivalries and new storylines throughout the women’s division and tag team ranks.

Confirmed Matches and Segments:

  • Blindfold Match: Lexis King vs. Myles Borne
  • Tag Team Match: The Culling (Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley) vs. Wren Sinclair & a mystery partner
  • Six-Woman Tag Team Match: Fatal Influence (NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx) vs. Lola Vice, ZARIA & Sol Ruca (NXT Women’s North American & Speed Champion)
  • Singles Match: Blake Monroe vs. Kelani Jordan

With the fallout from Heatwave still fresh, tonight’s NXT will push new contenders forward and continue building toward No Mercy next month, where championship pursuits and unresolved conflicts will come into sharper focus.

Kelly Osbourne Blasts Becky Lynch And WWE For “Disrespectful” Comments About Her Father

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A controversial promo from last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw in Birmingham, England, has caught the attention of Kelly Osbourne, the daughter of the late rock legend and WWE Hall of Famer, Ozzy Osbourne. She took to social media to call out Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch and WWE for comments made about her father and his hometown.

In a post on her Instagram story on Tuesday morning, Kelly Osbourne responded directly to the segment, which saw Becky Lynch use Ozzy Osbourne’s recent passing as part of her heel promo.

“@beckylynchwwe you are a disrespectful dirtbag! Birmingham would not piss on you if you were on fire,” Osbourne wrote. “#birminghamforever shame on the @wwe for allowing such things to be said about my father and his home!!!”

The comments came during an in-ring confrontation between Lynch and her Clash in Paris challenger, Nikki Bella. To get heat from the Birmingham crowd, Lynch first called the city a “dump.”

She then referenced Ozzy Osbourne, who was a beloved native of Birmingham and passed away on July 22. Lynch said the only good thing to come out of Birmingham was dead, and that in Ozzy’s defense, “he had the sense to move to LA because if she lived in Birmingham, she would want to die too.”

Ash By Elegance: TNA Title Win Shows Not To Burn Bridges

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New TNA Knockouts World Champion Ash By Elegance is relishing her recent title win, a victory that demonstrates the importance of keeping bridges. Elegance brought the title back to TNA at WWE Heatwave, dethroning NXT’s Jacy Jayne in a triple-threat match that included Masha Slamovich.

The biggest victory of her career to date, Elegance’s win at Heatwave comes just short of two-years after her release from WWE. Taking to social media, the former Dana Brooke reflected on her win, her journey outside WWE, and how her win shows that she was wise not to burn a bridge with her former employer.

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During her WWE run, Elegance never held a major singles title, but was instead a 15-time WWE 24/7 Champion, the second-most number of reigns behind Ron ‘R-Truth’ Killings. With her bridges stronger than ever and WWE’s ongoing partnership with TNA, don’t be surprised to see more of the new Knockouts World Champion on WWE programming.

Drew McIntyre Targets Randy Orton With Old Yeller Threat

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Drew McIntyre will put Randy Orton out of his ‘misery’ following the Viper’s RKO on the Scottish Warrior during a recent SmackDown. During the August 22, episode, as McIntyre said how Cody Rhodes has no allies left in WWE, Orton floored McIntyre, showing that there are people still on Rhodes’ side.

On X, McIntyre shared a fiery promo aimed at both Rhodes and Orton. Saying Rhodes should enjoy the “gift” of time off, an absence caused by a McIntyre attack, Drew made his bold claim.

“The winds of change are blowing through WWE, and we’re sick of the same Cody reruns, week after week. Change means no champion.”

McIntyre then turned his attention to Randy Orton, questioning why the veteran continues to involve himself in his business. Comparing Orton to the dog Old Yeller who has to be put down in the classic book, McIntyre called him a legend ready to be put down and suggested he is looking for a way out of WWE in one final blaze of glory.

“You’re Old Yeller. You want to go out in a blaze of glory. I think you see the end coming, and you’re trying to find your way out of this industry. And I’m happy to oblige.”

McIntyre ended with a warning to Orton not to try another sneak attack or risk facing violent consequences. While no match has been made, fans can expect the pair to come face to face sooner than later.

Swerve Strickland Set For Torn Meniscus Surgery

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Swerve Strickland will miss considerable time in the ring due to recovery from a torn meniscus surgery that is very near. Bodyslam.net reports that Strickland will undergo the surgery this Wednesday, August 27. The report was later confirmed by Fightful.

Strickland has been dealing with the meniscus tear since 2019, Fightful adds, and that he was expected to take time off after Forbidden Door. AEW’s most recent pay-per-view from London, England saw Strickland fail to beat Kazuchika Okada in an AEW Unified Championship match. Post-match, Okada trapped Swerve’s knee between the post and ring steps and struck him with a steel chair.

Strickland’s absence opens up a void for somebody to step up into his spot on the AEW roster. A former AEW World Champion, Swerve is regularly featured in main event segments and matches and it remains who fills the gap in the card.

Swerve isn’t the only notable name who’ll disappear from AEW’s shows as Will Ospreay is dreading an upcoming surgery of his own. As AEW prepares to move ahead without two of its most popular stars, fans await to see what’s next for Tony Khan’s promotion.

Will Ospreay Grateful For WWE Support As Surgery Looms

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Will Ospreay is set to miss considerable in-ring time as the Aerial Assassin will undergo surgery for two herniated discs in his back. This setback will force Ospreay of AEW TV for months, and some in WWE are also pulling for the former International Champion.

Speaking to the Metro UK newspaper, Ospreay shared that many people from WWE have reached out. Despite not being with WWE, Ospreay has been met by a wave of support from those in the company.

“I’ve got people in (WWE) that I’ve never met before in my entire life, that have reached out because of this neck injury, and they have gone, ‘Hey, if you need a doctor, or if there’s any questions that need to be answered.’

“Every single one of them are super lovely. And I wish them all the best. I really do.”

Ospreay has been honest about this injury, sharing that he is terrified of what’ll be his first surgery related to pro wrestling. Ospreay also believes that this surgery could forever change his in-ring offense, forcing him to cut back on some of his most high-risk attacks.

There’s no word yet on when fans can expect Ospreay back in the ring, but fans eagerly await his return. The comments from those in WWE show that when it comes to wrestling injuries, support transcends beyond the promotional barriers.

AJ Mana Explains Telling Raja Jackson To Give A Receipt

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The events at KnokX Pro Wrestling’s latest event have shocked the wrestling world and raised questions as to how Raja Jackson was allowed to assault a seemingly unconscious Skyo Stu in the ring. Now, AJ Mana, one of the parties involved, has spoken up about his involvement in this unfortunate situation.

Prior to the attack, AJ Mana was part of a segment in which he encouraged Raja to give Stu a “receipt” for a previous issue between the two. Many have said that Mana bears some blame for Raja’s actions that left Stu hospitalized in critical care.

On Facebook, Mana posted the following statement:

“I want to take a moment to address the recent incident at KnokX Pro. First and foremost, my thoughts are with Syko Stu and his family — no one ever wants to see a fellow performer get seriously hurt.

“There’s been a lot of speculation online about my role that night. The truth is, I was in character and speaking in the language of wrestling. Everything I said was part of the show, and I never intended — or encouraged — real harm. This was a situation that unfortunately got out of hand due to miscommunication behind the scenes.

“Wrestling is built on trust, respect, and protecting each other in the ring. That’s what I stand for, and anyone who has worked with me knows that. I respect this business, I respect the fans, and I respect the performers who step between those ropes. I hope we can focus on Stu’s recovery and making sure something like this never happens again.”

A GoFundMe has been created for Syko Stu which has already reached more than half of its $60,000 goal. As the fallout of this incident continues, including potential legal action against Jackson, this is a situation nobody wants to see repeated.

Fate Of The Women’s World Title Revealed on WWE Raw

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The fate of the WWE Women’s World Championship will be decided within a matter of days, it has been confirmed. During the August 25, episode of WWE Raw, General Manager Adam Pearce spoke with Stephanie Vaquer, the number one contender for the title. Though Vaquer had earned a title match for Clash in Paris, Pearce shared that due to Naomi’s pregnancy, a title match in Paris is no longer feasible.

Instead, Vaquer will face an opponent of Pearce’s choosing at a show yet to be decided. Fans won’t have to wait long to find out who the Chilean Superstar will face, as they’ll be revealed on the September 1, episode of WWE Raw.

For Vaquer, already an NXT Women’s and Women’s North American Champion, the Women’s World Title would be her first taste of main roster gold. Time will tell who she’ll face for the vacant title, but expect a hard-fought contest from La Primera with the Women’s World Championship on the line.

WWE Raw Moving To An Earlier Start Time Throughout September

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For the month of September, WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, will be airing at an earlier start time in the United States. The official schedule on the Netflix streaming platform has been updated to reflect the change for three consecutive weeks.

The Netflix schedule now lists the episodes of Monday Night Raw on September 15, September 22, and September 29 with a 7 p.m. ET start time. This is a full hour earlier than the show’s traditional 8 p.m. ET time slot.

While no official reason for the change has been given by WWE or Netflix, it is widely believed to be a strategic move to get a one-hour head start on the NFL’s “Monday Night Football,” which begins its regular season in September and airs on ESPN.

The adjusted schedule in September follows several other unique start times for the program due to its international tour. Today’s August 25th episode from Birmingham, England, has a special 3 p.m. ET start time, and the September 1st episode from Paris, France, will begin at 2 p.m. ET.

The show is currently scheduled to return to its normal 8 p.m. ET start time in October, with the exception of the October 13th episode from Perth, Australia, which will air live in the U.S. at 8 a.m. ET.

Identities Of Extras In Roman Reigns Segment On WWE Raw Revealed

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Today’s edition of Monday Night Raw from Birmingham, England, kicked off with a chaotic brawl between Roman Reigns and Bronson Reed. The “security guards” who unsuccessfully attempted to break up the fight were actually a group of independent wrestlers from the UK wrestling scene.

The show opened with Roman Reigns in the ring, but he was quickly interrupted by his Clash in Paris opponent, Bronson Reed. The two behemoths immediately came to blows, leading to a wild brawl that spilled all over the ringside area. A group of security guards rushed to the ring to separate them but were promptly taken out as the fight continued.

According to a report from Fightful’s Corey Brennan, the security guards were portrayed by several well-known names from the UK and international independent circuit. The wrestlers who were identified are CBL, Sammy D, Tate Mayfairs, Ethan Allen, and James Ellis.

The use of local independent talent as extras and enhancement performers is a common practice for WWE whenever the company tours internationally. This was the final confrontation between Reigns and Reed before their scheduled match at the Clash in Paris premium live event this Sunday, August 31.

MrBeast Offers Help For Veteran Syko Stu After Raja Jackson Attack

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YouTube superstar MrBeast has stepped forward to offer financial assistance to independent wrestler Syko Stu following the shocking actions at the KnokX Pro Wrestling event. After an attack by Raja Jackson left the Army veteran hospitalized with serious injuries, MrBeast took to X to share his support.

Stu, real name Stuart Smith, was attacked by Raja Jackson at the KnokX Pro Wrestling even in Los Angeles. What began as a planned wrestling spot escalated when Jackson delivered over 20 real punches to Smith’s head while he lay unconscious on the mat. The incident has received widespread condemnation from wrestling fans, pundits, and those in the wider news media world.

Smith, who began wrestling in 2017 as therapy for PTSD after returning from military service, suffered broken facial bones and lost multiple teeth in the attack. He remains in critical but stable condition at a Los Angeles hospital, according to his brother.

The Los Angeles Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident, while Kick has permanently banned Raja Jackson from its platfom. KnokX Pro has banned Raja for the “selfish, irresponsible act of violence” while Raja’s father, UFC alum Rampage Jackson has also condemned his son’s actions. The situation is ongoing.

Next WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Location And Date Revealed

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The date and location for the next WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event special have been officially confirmed. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 1, and will take place from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The news was confirmed by FOX 13 Utah, following a new agreement between Smith Entertainment Group and the Utah Sports Commission to bring more WWE and UFC events to the state. The Salt Lake City show will mark the first time a PLE-level event has ever been held in Utah.

The Saturday night special will cap off a full WWE weekend in Salt Lake City. A special Halloween edition of Friday Night SmackDown will also take place from the Delta Center on Friday, October 31.

Chris Barney of Smith Entertainment Group commented on the news in a statement. “We are thrilled that live WWE entertainment and UFC action will return to Utah,” Barney said. “Every TKO event Delta Center has hosted has captivated fans and brought people from across the country into Salt Lake City, creating opportunities to showcase Utah’s world class sports and entertainment landscape.”

It was recently reported that the quarterly Saturday Night’s Main Event specials will now air exclusively on the Peacock streaming service as part of a new multi-year deal.

Absent AEW Star Reaches Out To Young Bucks After Forbidden Door Loss

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AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door 2025 hardly went the way the Young Bucks would have hoped for. After being embarrassed with the use of Hanson’s Mmmbop (their first wrestling theme), the Jackson brothers were on the losing end of the show’s Lights Out Steel Cage main event.

In footage taken post-Forbidden Door, the former AEW EVPs can be seen drowning their sorrows in some comfort food while watching the main event. The pair were interrupted by a phone call from Jack Perry, who they’d promptly hang up on.

Perry has been missing from AEW TV for over nine months, though it is believed he could be back soon. Perry has been backstage at tapings of AEW programming in July and was said to be in good spirits. Perry was aligned with the Bucks as part of The Elite prior to his hiatus.

Perry has not appeared on AEW programming since he lost the TNT Championship to Daniel Garcia at Full Gear 2024. Now, all signs point to Perry inching closer to a return, though finding allies may prove harder for the Scapegoat than first thought.

Inside Dwayne Johnson’s Most Vulnerable Role Yet

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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is an established name in box-office blockbusters, from explosive action hits to family-friendly animations. Now, the former WWE World Champion is taking on a much different role in A24’s impending Mark Kerr biopic ‘The Smashing Machine.’

For Johnson, the role of the UFC fighter who battled both opponents and substances, is a far-cry from the likes of Jumanji or the Fast & Furious franchise. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Johnson was open about his nerves leading up to production on The Smashing Machine.

“It was very real. I had not experienced that in a very, very, very long time, where I was really scared and thinking, I don’t know if I can do this. Can I do this? I realized that maybe these opportunities weren’t coming my way because I was too scared to explore this stuff.”

The Smashing Machine reunites Johnson with Jumanji co-star Emily Blunt, who is impressed by Dwayne’s drive to do something new. The English actress reflected on how the role as Kerr is different to anything Johnson has done before.

“DJ has been pigeonholed into the image of the big hero who’s got all the answers and he’s going to fix everything and he’s invincible. I think until this moment, maybe he thought that was the only lane that people wanted to see him in.”

Johnson has had his eye on The Smashing Machine since 2019, when he reached out to co-director Benny Safdie about a potential Kerr project. Though the pandemic derailed countless plans in Hollywood, Johnson never gave up on The Smashing Machine, as Safdie explained:

“Dwayne felt so deeply about it, it was something I couldn’t shake… It was literally like, ‘What about the thing you haven’t stopped thinking about for four years? That’s it!’”

Now, Johnson has the chance to show that he is much more than bulging big-screen muscles and cheesy quips. As he prepares to bring the two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion to the big screen, it remains to be seen if his performance will be a knockout in the Octagon.

WWE Coming To Netflix House Attraction In Philadelphia & Dallas

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WWE landed on Netflix in January 2025, kicking off a new era for the pro wrestling giant on the world’s biggest streaming platform. Already, WWE has become a staple of Netflix, and will be featured in the upcoming ‘Netflix House’ physical attraction.

Netflix House opens November 12 in Philadelphia, followed by another location in Dallas on December 11. Among its biggest features is “Top 9,” a fully themed, nine-hole mini-golf course, which will have one hole dedicated to WWE RAW.

Chief Marketing Officer Marian Lee described the concept in a statement:

“Finally, a place where the Netflix story you can’t get enough of becomes something real that you can play, shop, and taste. This is fandom coming to life, where you can actually step inside the worlds you’ve been watching and loving for years.”

Netflix House will span more than 100,000 square feet and include other hits from the streaming giant. Alongside WWE, fans will get to experience franchises like WednesdaySquid GameONE PIECE, Stranger ThingsKPop Demon HuntersLove Is Blind and Knives Out in a brand-new immersive way.

Back on the screen, WWE continues to be committed to Netflix, despite its budding deal with ESPN that is set to shake things up. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE and its Netflix deal.

AEW Dynamite Celebrates 6 Years: Oct. 1 from Hollywood, FL

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All Elite Wrestling is marking a milestone celebration as AEW Dynamite hits its year anniversary with a special event at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on October 1, 2025.

The anniversary show will take place at one of Florida’s premier entertainment venues. ‘HOLLYWOOD! All Elite Wrestling brings you an epic night of professional wrestling as AEW Dynamite invades Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock on October 1st!’ the promotion announced.

The Hard Rock Live venue, known for hosting major entertainment events, signals AEW’s positioning of this anniversary as a significant occasion.

Ticket Info

Tickets will be available through a tiered release system:

  • Premium Seating Early Access: September 2 (AEW Insiders)
  • General Presales: September 3
  • Public Sales: September 5

The anniversary positions this as one of AEW’s most significant Dynamite episodes of the year.