Tony Khan seems to have a lot of cooks in the kitchen, but he makes clear that he’s the head chef of it all.
Speaking with Kevin Walsh during Super Bowl week, the AEW President expressed his love for the creative process behind booking the shows. He didn’t disclose any names as to who joined him in booking ideas, but he did mention there was a good amount of people involved.
“I come up with a lot of ideas in wrestling and I also have a big team of people and a lot of wrestlers that are brilliant minds. I try to pick the best ideas and I put the matches and the shows together.”
Khan clarifies that he does receive a lot of input from so many names that he probably only utilizes “10 to 20%” of the feedback he gets. During the World’s End PPV media call last year, Khan mentioned to SEScoops that he remains the head booker of AEW and that won’t change in 2025.
Tony Khan on AEW's current creative process:
"I come up with a lot of ideas in wrestling and I also have a big team of people and a lot of wrestlers that are brilliant minds. I try to pick the best ideas and I put the matches and the shows together." pic.twitter.com/wCHHwzgleW
Who Has Been Apart Of Tony Khan’s Creative Process?
When Tony Khan says he has a hefty creative team, he means it. In the past, Khan has confirmed that names like Bryan Danielson, Jimmy Jacobs, Mike Mansury, Dean Malenko, Will Washington and Jerry Lynn have all been involved in the process. That doesn’t include the hiring of Jennifer Pepperman, who is speculated to have a focus on working with Mercedes Mone. As it stands, Khan controls the creative on both AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) will remain a privately held company, as CEO and co-owner Tony Khan has no interest in taking the promotion public.
Speaking with Alex Sherman for CNBC Sport, Khan explained that he envisions AEW as a long-term family business that he hopes to pass down to his future children.
“I want to build,” Khan said. “I’m still a relatively young executive, and someday, I’d like to have a family. Hopefully, they can work in the business. It’s a family business.”
At 42, Khan has positioned AEW as WWE’s biggest competitor in the wrestling industry since its launch in 2019. Keeping AEW private allows the company to maintain creative and financial control without external shareholder influence.
Seth Rollins sees it just that Hulk Hogan got booed during the premiere of WWE Raw on Netflix. It’s Super Bowl week in America and Rollins, a notorious Chicago Bears fans, joined Kyle Brandt on Good Morning Football in build for the ‘Big Game.’
Brandt is an avid wrestling fan and it certainly hit his radar that The Hulkster got booed back on January 6 as the WWE Hall of Famer was in attendance to support his Real American Beer. The city of Los Angeles didn’t give him a warm reception at all and the boos resonated throughout much of mainstream news.
Brandt flat out asked Rollins what he thought of Hogan getting booed and ‘The Visionary’ kept it plain and simple.
“I’m all for people getting what they deserve. That’s how I feel about Hulk Hogan getting booed. If you are getting booed by the masses there is a reason for it, alright? I don’t know if Hulk fully understands the scope, but people get what they deserve.”
Rollins does give credit to Hogan for what he has meant overall for the pro wrestling industry, but he does think Terry Bollea needs to take some onus for his past.
“But I do think there’s some responsibility that he needs to own up to that he hasn’t yet and maybe when he finally figures that out might be able to move forward with our fans so we’ll see.”
SETH ROLLINS ON HULK HOGAN GETTING BOOED ON #RawOnNetflix
As WWE Women’s Champion, Tiffany Stratton will have a crucial role at WrestleMania 41, with a showdown with Charlotte Flair expected. Speaking to Grind City Media, Stratton shared plans to dress to impress this April in Las Vegas.
“Having WrestleMania in Vegas, I think it would only be fitting if I did a showgirl theme. I feel like that could be really cool—feathers and stuff like that.”
Stratton encouraged fans to “stay tuned” for more on her WrestleMania attire as she wants to make her debut at WWE’s biggest event one to remember. The reigning Women’s Champion also shared how her attire for the Showcase of the Immortals will fit in with her established look.
“I’m trying to find a goodtheme and consistency throughout all my years, so I try to go with like the girly girl—pink, blues, yellows, like bright colors.”
Stratton will be on tonight’s SmackDown where she’ll come face to face with Charlotte Flair, the winner of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match. While Flair’s ornate robes often make her stand out, Stratton is ready to go toe-to-toe with Charlotte, both in the ring and in the fashion world.
Former WWE Winged Eagle Champion Kevin Owens may have just revealed his future in the company in a unique way—through a Girl Scout cookie fundraiser.
In a tweet posted on Friday, Owens encouraged fans to support his daughter’s Girl Scout troop by purchasing cookies. Owens’ daughter Élodie, a Junior Girl Scout, sells cookies to fund troop activities and community projects while learning communication, money management, and build confidence.
In return, he jokingly promised to continue wrestling for “at least 4 years, 11 months, and 22 days more.” The oddly specific timeframe sounds like Owens is hinting he’s signed a new five-year contract with WWE running through February 2030.
If you guys help support my daughter’s Girl Scout troop by buying some cookies, I promise to keep wrestling for at least 4 years, 11 months and 22 days more.https://t.co/AQu2S8e2Xi@BonJovi
Owens, a former Universal Champion and one of WWE’s most reliable performers, has been with the company since 2014. His current contract was reportedly set to expire in 2024, making a renewal at this time plausible. While WWE has not officially announced an extension, Owens’ tweet strongly suggests that he’ll be staying with the company for the foreseeable future.
If true, this would be a major commitment from both sides, keeping Owens as a key figure in WWE’s plans for the next half-decade. Whether he continues his main-event run or helps elevate the next generation, fans can seemingly count on five more years of “The Prizefighter” in WWE.
Lyra Valkyria had a standout moment at the WWE Royal Rumble, but not for the reason she expected. During the match, the first-ever WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion faced an unexpected wardrobe malfunction, leading to a split-second moment of panic. Thankfully, Liv Morgan was there to lend a helping hand—literally.
Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, Lyra addressed the viral incident with humor and composure.
“Of course, it would be in the Royal Rumble—my biggest show ever. Why not? My top just had to fall off,” she joked. “I’ve never been so happy to be hit in the face.”
“It was completely out of my control, so I just handled it the best way I could,” she said. “You can’t let stuff like that throw you off. At the end of the day, I got to run that ramp as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion—pretty cool moment.”
Morgan’s quick thinking helped defuse the situation, knocking Lyra down just long enough for her to adjust her gear. Despite the hiccup, Lyra remained focused, making the most of her first Rumble appearance as champion.
With WrestleMania season in full swing, Lyra has bigger things to focus on, including a crucial Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Bayley this coming Monday on WWE Raw. But if one thing is clear, it’s that she’s proven she can handle any challenge—wardrobe malfunctions included.
Penta has revealed an emotional incident that made his first meeting with Rey Mysterio even more special.
The Master of 619 has been one of the top Luchadors competing in the wrestling world for over three decades. With his unprecedented success and popularity, there is no luchador of the new generation who hasn’t grown up watching the WWE Hall of Famer and considers the former World Champion his idol.
The newest WWE signee is no different, and for him, Rey has been a hero since his childhood. During his recent Interview with Chris Van Vliet, Penta talked about his admiration for the legendary wrestler. He recalled an incident from before he entered the wrestling world himself where he and his younger brother Rey Fenix attended a meet & greet event in hopes of meeting Mysterio in person:
“I don’t remember what year, but Rey Mysterio would go to Mexico for a meet and greet. But brother it is five blocks long for the line to see Rey Mysterio in Mexico City. Me and my brother are in the line for two hours, three hours, when somebody say, hey, Rey Mysterio is going to leave. Me and my brother running behind the car.
I want a picture with that, with him, but never. My brother is crying in this moment because my brother is six years younger than me. So after that, my brother is crying, ‘Hey, I want to see Rey.’ I say ‘Maybe one day, no worry.’ Because I’m older, no worry.”
The dream of meeting Mysterio in person would finally come true for the brothers year later when the WWE veteran came to a PWG show where both Penta and Fenix were competing:
“But my first time with Rey Mysterio was, I remember in PWG, in LA, Battle of Los Angeles, the tournament. Konnan came with Rey Mysterio to the show. I remember that I was in the locker room I see Rey. I go Rey! He speaks Spanish too. This is my first time, it was amazing and magic for me. I never forget that.”
The former AEW star also discussed the comparison to Mysterio after his Raw debut. He repeated his previous remarks saying that Rey is his role model but he wants to be remembered as the first Penta because their style is very different.
Former WWE Superstar Jeffrey Sciullo, formerly known as Elias, has signed with Ring of Honor (ROH), according to the Wrestling Observer. Now competing under the name Elijah, he has aligned himself with Vincent and Dutch, forming a new faction under the banner of The Righteous.
Elijah recently shared a video on social media, hinting at his new direction. The clip features him, Vincent, and Dutch dressed in white, walking through a field as Elijah strums a guitar. A narrator delivers an ominous monologue, ending with the question:
“Who wants to run with The Righteous Ones?”
The video’s narration suggests a rebirth theme, portraying the trio as men of one mind and one spirit, spreading a message in a world of wicked lies.
The faction has been active in ROH, recently competing in a double bullrope match against Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara at Final Battle. While The Righteous last appeared on AEW television during September’s Casino Gauntlet match, they have remained active on the independent scene.
Since his WWE release in 2023, Elijah has competed for Wrestling REVOLVER, IWC, The Crash in Mexico, and completed a tour with World Series Wrestling in Australia. This past weekend, Elijah, Vincent, and Dutch appeared together on Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea, further solidifying their bond as a unit.
With his official signing to Ring of Honor, Elijah embarks on a new chapter in his career. His association with The Righteous signals a fresh creative direction, and fans will be eager to see how this faction evolves in the ROH landscape.
TNA World Champion Joe Hendry has sparked speculation about a possible TNA Wrestling DLC pack for WWE 2K25. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hendry suggested that such an addition could be beneficial for both companies and, most importantly, the fans.
“Something that would be wonderful for both companies and most importantly the fans—can you imagine if we had TNA DLC? That would be huge,” Hendry said.
“That’s not just the modern roster like myself. That could be classic AJ Styles. That would be exciting.”
While WWE 2K25 is set to feature five DLC packs, only one has been revealed – the Wyatt Sicks Pack featuring Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan, available to gamers who pre-order.
Historically, WWE Games’ DLC offerings have been met with mixed reactions. The WWE 2K20 DLC, which included alternate universe arenas and reimagined wrestlers, faced criticism from fans. More recently, the Pat McAfee and Friends pack in WWE 2K24 also drew controversy, with some arguing that McAfee’s associates took spots that could have gone to NXT talent.
WWE 2K25 is scheduled for release on March 14, with early access available on March 7 for those who pre-order premium editions.
WWE 2K25’s gameplay trailer gives a first look at many of the new additions, including the Bloodline showcase mode, Intergender gameplay, Bloodline Rules, and Underground matches.
Now that Penta El Zero Miedo has arrived in WWE, the question on every fan’s mind is: Who’s next?
In an interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta revealed a stacked list of dream opponents—including some of WWE’s biggest names. While he’s ready to take on anyone, two matches stand out as personal goals: a showdown with John Cena and a rematch with CM Punk.
“I had one match with CM Punk. He won. I need revenge,” Penta declared. “The rematch with him, with Cody [Rhodes] too. But for me, a special dream match is Penta versus John Cena or Penta versus Finn Balor.”
The luchador also named Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, and Bron Breakker as potential opponents, proving he has his sights set on WWE’s top stars. But beyond individual matchups, Penta has one goal above all else: championship gold.
“No matter who is in the ring, no matter what he won—I want to win everything in WWE,” he said.
With Cero Miedo as his battle cry, Penta is ready to take on the best WWE has to offer. Now, it’s just a matter of who steps up first.
Drew McIntyre has been making headlines following the WWE Royal Rumble, and WWE reportedly has significant plans for him, including a match with Cody Rhodes.
According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that there is currently a plan to set up a Rhodes vs. McIntyre feud. However, it remains unclear when the rivalry will take place or whether it will be for the Undisputed WWE Championship. This feud was originally scheduled for 2023, but plans changed after Rhodes did not win the WWE Title at WrestleMania 39.
For now, McIntyre is set to move to SmackDown and will enter a feud with Damian Priest. Additionally, reports indicated that McIntyre expressed frustration backstage at the Royal Rumble over a wrestler prioritizing their moves over the match’s overall storytelling. His elimination was initially planned to happen earlier, but due to timing issues, adjustments had to be made.
The original plan was for McIntyre to be eliminated before Logan Paul entered the match, following a face-off with Priest. He was also supposed to tease eliminating Jey Uso before Priest ultimately eliminated him, setting up their WrestleMania feud. However, these plans were disrupted by the timing issues. Reports suggest that the wrestler McIntyre was frustrated with was LA Knight.
Penta El Zero Miedo’s signature catchphrase, “Cero Miedo” (Zero Fear), has become one of the most recognizable phrases in professional wrestling. But according to Penta, its origins are rooted not in wrestling, but in Mexican music.
In his recent interview with Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Penta shared that the phrase comes from corridos, a popular Mexican music genre known for its storytelling. Specifically, he credits the band Los Buitres De Culiacan Sinaloa, whose songs frequently use the phrase “Cero miedo, mi compa”—which translates to “No fear, my friend.”
“The truth is, I love the Corridos,” Penta explained. “In my first interview in Triple A in Mexico, I needed to do a promo, and I was like, how do I finish it? Cero Miedo! Just like that. It was my reaction. And after that, everyone started saying it to me.”
Since then, Cero Miedo has become more than just a wrestling taunt—it’s a mindset. Fans around the world throw up Penta’s signature hand gesture and chant it in unison, while others have told him that the phrase has helped them overcome personal struggles.
“To be honest, Cero Miedo isn’t just a lucha thing anymore—it’s a lifestyle,” Penta said. “People have told me, ‘Penta, thanks for Cero Miedo. I conquered cancer.’ That’s when I realized the responsibility on my shoulders.”
With Penta now in WWE, Cero Miedo is poised to reach an even wider audience. And as the luchador himself puts it,
“I need to improve every day—my body, my mind, my soul—because I know I inspire a lot of people.”
The WWE Raw Netflix premiere on January 6, 2025, was a historic night for the company, marking the beginning of its partnership with the streaming giant. However, one of the biggest talking points from the event was the unexpected reaction Hulk Hogan received from the Los Angeles crowd. When the WWE Hall of Famer made his appearance, he was met with a chorus of boos, a stark contrast to the hero’s welcome he typically received in decades past.
Wrestling legend Kurt Angle weighed in on the incident during an interview with legendary wrestling journalist Bill Apter for WrestleBinge. Angle, a former Olympic gold medalist and WWE Champion, acknowledged Hogan’s legacy while addressing the crowd’s reaction.
Kurt Angle’s Perspective
Angle didn’t seem surprised by the reaction but made it clear that Hogan’s status in the industry remains undisputed. He stated:
“Let the fans do what they want to do. I mean, Hulk Hogan is a legend. You can’t take that away from him. He’s probably the most popular pro wrestler of all time. He’s an incredible human being, but sometimes politics gets in the way. That’s what happened.”
Angle’s comments suggest that Hogan’s reception may have been influenced by factors outside of wrestling, possibly referring to past controversies that continue to affect the way fans perceive him.
Wrestlers React to Hogan Getting Booed
Kurt Angle isn’t the only one who has spoken about the incident. Several prominent wrestlers have shared their thoughts on why the Los Angeles crowd reacted the way they did.
Seth Rollins’ Response
Seth Rollins didn’t hold back when discussing the reaction to Hogan’s appearance. He expressed satisfaction with the crowd’s response, stating that people ultimately get the reaction they deserve when facing a live audience. While he acknowledged Hogan’s contributions to wrestling, Rollins emphasized that past actions have consequences and that Hogan has yet to fully take responsibility for some of the controversies surrounding him.
Hulk Hogan’s shitty beer may not unite people, but at least he’s managed to unite Seth Rollins and CM Punk on something ? pic.twitter.com/vYrNiwCHD5
Kevin Nash, a long-time friend of Hogan, was surprised by the intensity of the boos. He noted that Hogan’s approach to the event may not have resonated with the Los Angeles audience. Nash also pointed out that Hogan’s physical condition made the appearance more challenging, as he has been dealing with severe back pain in recent years.
Rob Van Dam’s Analysis
Rob Van Dam took a different approach, questioning why the reaction became such a major talking point. He suggested that the situation gained traction because it seemed unplanned and went against WWE’s expectations. Van Dam also noted that Hogan has experienced multiple cycles of popularity and controversy throughout his career, indicating that this is just another phase in his storied legacy.
Final Thoughts
Hulk Hogan’s appearance at the WWE Raw Netflix premiere was meant to be a celebratory moment, but the reaction from the crowd highlighted the complicated relationship he has with today’s wrestling audience.
While legends like Kurt Angle continue to respect his legacy, the strong reaction from fans and the varied responses from fellow wrestlers indicate that Hogan remains a polarizing figure in the industry.
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes has shared an update on his condition after sustaining multiple injuries in his brutal ladder match against Kevin Owens at Royal Rumble 2025.
Rhodes emerged victorious on February 1, securing both the WWE Championship and the Winged Eagle belt. However, WWE later confirmed that The American Nightmare suffered several injuries during the high-risk contest.
With speculation surrounding his health ahead of WrestleMania 41, Rhodes reassured fans via Instagram that he spent two days recovering in bed but is now feeling well and prepared to appear on SmackDown in Memphis on February 7.
“2 days in bed essentially, but feeling good and ready for Memphis! Also, since I got through it in one piece, I got to keep the best promise…” Rhodes wrote, sharing photos of himself with his wife Brandi and their daughter Liberty, who was dressed as Spider-Woman.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, Rhodes is set to defend his championship against either Royal Rumble winner Jey Uso or the victor of the upcoming Elimination Chamber match, depending on Uso’s decision.
Shad Khan made a grand entrance at the Super Bowl when he arrived in Kismet, his stunning 400-foot, $360 million superyacht that embodies luxury. On SportsGrid, Tony Khan was asked about his father’s yacht, a place the AEW President now calls home.
“It’s fantastic, that’s where I’m living. My father is a spectacular person… And yes, I’m also living with him on a boat.”
The boat in question boasts many luxeries that set it apart from a standard yacht. Passengers and guests can enjoy seeing the world from six decks or perhaps one of the three pools. The ismet also boats four fireplaces, two fire pits, a full spa with a Turkish bath, a sauna, a cryotherapy chamber, plus a gym, a basketball court, a pickleball court, and even a helipad.
Khan has never shied away with being close to his father, who made his AEW on-screen debut in 2024 after the Elite took out the younger Khan. In the interview, Khan highlighted how his father’s success is a story that all can be inspired by.
“The embodiment of the American dream. He came here with nothing, and everything he has built is a true success story. Thanks to him, we’ve been able to accomplish so much.”
Tony Khan’s efforts arent only with AEW, as he also plays a key role in the management of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham FC. With both teams and AEW proving to be commerical hits, the Khans are enjoying the perks of their success on their superyacht.
On January 29, 2025, Asuka took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to ask fans not to have romantic feelings for her, describling it as “meaningless” and “100% pointless.” The former Women’s Champion also shared that police had been contacted to deal with ‘advances’ from fans that had left her feeling in danger.
Unfortunately, Asuka’s request has fallen on deaf ears. In an update on X, Asuka shared that there are people who are still making advances and asked them to stop immediately.
There are still people who have romantic feelings for me and are making advances. Please stop immediately.
Asuka’s update spawned plenty of responses, many of whom sympathized with the Japanese Superstar. When one shared their hope that the people advancing on her leave Asuka alone, the WWE star called the matter “troubling.”
Exactly. It’s really troubling. Because those romantic advances toward me are completely pointless. Seriously… pic.twitter.com/APpNDWOIR8
WWE and TKO have stepped in to protect Asuka, the Superstar recently stated, and her situation has renewed talks about the nature of the fanbase’s relationship with talent. In 2024, many WWE Superstars spoke up against fans pressuring them for several autographs in a public setting, with Asuka being among those who were hounded.
Asuka has been out of action since May 2024 though recent reports have suggested that her return to action could be coming sooner than later. While Asuka is an internationally recognized star, she, like anyone else, has a right to privacy. One can only hope that those with advances against the Damage CTRL member eventually stop given the now-multiple requests from Asuka.
WWE theme songs by Def Rebel often get a bad wrap among fans, many of whom believe they are generic or unrecgonizable. Now, it’s not just fans who feel this way, as many Superstars are wanting a change.
According to Fightful Select, multiple wrestlers have voiced concerns over their current themes, with some even attempting to revert to their previous entrance music. Talent reportedly has little to no creative input when working with Def Rebel, and there’s no direct collaboration on the final product.
While some superstars have managed to keep or regain their original themes, others haven’t been as fortunate. Incoming wrestlers prefer using their own established music rather than adopting a Def Rebel-produced theme. Jordynne Grace for example is using the theme fans already know her for now that she’s part of WWE.
The issue of Def Rebel themes has once again come up given the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. The show saw a total of 60 entrants across the two Rumble matches, but many fans didn’t know who was coming out when their generic theme song hit.
Def Rebel is the latest group to work with WWE and follows on from the likes of CFO$ and the much-acclaimed Jim Johnston. Given that a great entrance theme can do big things for a wrestler’s career, fans and talent remain hopeful that WWE’s time partnering with Def Rebel will oversee major changes, if not come to an end very soon.
n an exclusive interview with Mark O’Brien for Bodyslam.net, wrestling veteran Jimmy Jacobs reflected on Tony Khan’s leadership and AEW’s influence on the industry. He credited Khan with reshaping professional wrestling, improving pay standards, and creating new opportunities for talent.
Tony Khan’s Leadership and AEW’s Growth
Jacobs highlighted Khan’s deep commitment to AEW, emphasizing his awareness of how company decisions impact wrestlers and staff. He praised Khan for fostering an environment where talent can thrive and for significantly expanding job opportunities within wrestling.
“Tony takes that seriously—so many people’s jobs revolve around what he does.”
Jacobs noted that AEW’s rise has made it one of the best times to be a pro wrestler, with more opportunities and better financial stability than in decades past.
AEW’s Influence on Wrestler Pay and Competition
According to Jacobs, AEW’s presence in the industry has contributed to higher pay for wrestlers. He suggested that WWE adjusted its salary structure in response to AEW’s emergence, indirectly benefiting talent across both promotions.
“WWE raised their pay rates right around the time AEW started… I’d guess AEW had something to do with it.”
By providing a viable alternative to WWE, AEW has increased competition, pushing both companies to offer better contracts and more financial security for wrestlers.
Tony Khan’s Creative Direction
Jacobs described Khan as having a clear creative vision while allowing his team to refine ideas and execute them effectively. He stressed the importance of controlled information flow in AEW’s creative process, preventing leaks and ensuring well-planned storytelling.
“Tony has ideas, and I help organize them so the right people get the right information at the right time.”
AEW’s Lasting Legacy
Jacobs believes AEW’s impact extends beyond its own success, crediting Khan with transforming the wrestling landscape by offering wrestlers more financial and creative freedom.
“Tony really pushed AEW into being a place where talent could actually thrive.”
He sees Khan’s leadership as a key factor in making AEW a true alternative to WWE, giving wrestlers more control over their careers and fans a fresh, competitive product.
In just one year, Tiffany Stratton has gone from a fresh face on WWE’s main roster to the reigning WWE Women’s Champion on SmackDown. In an interview with DS from Ring the Belle, the WWE Women’s Champion weighed in on her feud with Nia Jax, the internet comparing her to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, and the LGBTQ+ community’s fascination with Ludwig Kaiser.
Stratton on Nia Jax: ‘She Should Have Seen It Coming’
Stratton’s title victory came at the expense of Nia Jax, her former ally, who Stratton cashed in Money in the Bank on in January 2025. In the interview, Stratton was surprised that Jax had been surprised that her goal was to become WWE Women’s Champion.
“She basically handpicked me to be her bestie… She should have seen it coming.”
The Sabrina Carpenter Comparison: ‘She Better Sing My Entrance Music’
With her blond bombshell locks, many have compared Stratton to singer Sabrina Carpenter. When a meme placing Stratton alongside Carpenter and J-Lo on a tiered rank of ‘divas’ went viral, Stratton saw the funny side of things.
“That was hilarious. She better sing my entrance music or something!”
Ludwig Kaiser: WWE’s Next Heartthrob?
Stratton is in a relationship with Ludwig Kaiser, who has become something of a hearthrob among fans of all genders. Speaking about her man, the WWE Women’s Champion was hardly surprised by the affection fans have shown the German.
“He’s a beautiful man! Have you seen his abs?”
Kaiser has been gaining momentum on WWE Raw while Stratton is set to firmly establish herself as the top woman of SmackDown. With a massive WrestleMania match reported for Stratton, fans can expect for the WWE Women’s Champion to remain one of WWE’s most talked-about stars.
Hulk Hogan, one of wrestling’s most iconic figures, was met with a chorus of boos from the live crowd when WWE Raw premiered on Netflix in January 2025. Despite Hogan’s best efforts to win over fans, even bringing up Randy Savage and Andre the Giant, the crowd inside Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome made their views loud and clear on the Hulkster.
Seth Rollins was also part of that night’s event, as he faced CM Punk in the long-awaited one-on-one showdown between the two. Speaking on Good Morning Football, Rollins argued that Hogan got exactly what he deserved.
“I am all for people getting what they deserve. That’s how I feel about Hulk Hogan getting booed. If you are getting booed by the masses, there is a reason for it.”
Rollins admitted that Hogan was the person who got him into wrestling and acknowledged that the two-time Hall of Famer is one of wrestling’s most significant stars, if not the most significant. Despite this, Rollins believes that Hogan has failed to suitably address the source of the backlash against him.
“There’s some responsibility that he needs to own up to that he hasn’t yet. Maybe when he finally figures that out, might be able to move forward with our fans.”
Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 for racist remarks coming to light, but brought back three years later. At the time, it was reported that the Hulkster had a meeting with talent to address what had happened. Sources at the time said that Hogan’s main takeaway from the scandal was that talent should be careful about what they say, as they may be recorded.
Hogan has yet to appear for WWE since his disastrous Raw appearance, which he has blamed on politics and his past in the NWO. For now, it seems Hulk Hogan’s presence in wrestling will continue to elicit mixed emotions—if not outright boos—from the WWE Universe.
Strapley, the fan-created ship of Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, has proven popular with audiences. During a recent interview with Ring The Belle, Stratton endorsed the term for herself and ‘Mami’ created by fans.
“The internet did [come up with the term.] Someone said ‘Strapley,’ and I was like, that’s kind of cool!”
Stratton doesn’t just love the name, but is ready to team with Ripley again, if the Australian enters the world of glam. “I would love that… Pink goth!” she said, suggesting Ripley embrace her signature pink aesthetic.
Stratton and Rhea Ripley teamed on the October 7, 2024, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, defeating Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez via DQ. With WWE having a history of leaving into fan-driven pairings, and the current creative team being especially receptive to audiences, fans shouldn’t count out seeing more of Strapley on TV.
TBS has pulled the plug on its Wipeout revival, co-hosted by John Cena, as part of a broader programming shift, according to Deadline. The announcement came from TNT & TBS president Jason Sarlanis during a keynote presentation at the Realscreen Summit in Miami, Florida While Sarlanis confirmed that “a few more episodes” will still air, the show will not return for another season.
High Costs and Programming Changes Led to Cancellation
During his remarks, Sarlanis acknowledged that shows like Wipeout and The Cube—another recently canceled TBS game show—are costly to produce. Instead, the network is focusing on sports-adjacent programming and potential spinoffs of Impractical Jokers, which has been a staple for TBS.
“These shows are expensive,” Sarlanis admitted. “Wipeout is inherently comedic and a joy to watch. But we have to be realistic in terms of the entire environment. We have to recalibrate.”
The End of a Short-Lived Revival
The Wipeout reboot, based on the original ABC series, premiered on TBS in 2021 and ran for two seasons. The show will conclude with more than 30 episodes, though it’s unclear how long it will remain available for streaming on Max.
Despite the cancellation, Cena remains active within the Warner Bros. Discovery family. His hit DC series Peacemaker is set to return for its second season on Max in August 2025.
TBS has not announced a specific date for the final Wipeout episodes, and Cena has yet to publicly comment on the show’s cancellation.
Tiffany Stratton is in the camp that it’s “Tiffy Time” and no longer “Mandy Rose’s Minute.”
On a recent episode of WWE SmackDown, Stratton used the term “put some respect on my name,” something former NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose happened to use while she was on the rise for the black and gold brand. After Rose caught wind of Stratton’s similar slogan, Rose took exception on her podcast, even calling Stratton a “b*tch.” However, Stratton had her retort while speaking with ‘Ring The Belle’ who expected such a conversation to be had.
“Honestly, I think it’s a little sad that she felt the need to go on her podcast and say something like that, but I wish her the best honestly.”
Rose had a historic reign as NXT Women’s Champion, holding the title for over 400 days before dropping it to Roxanne Perez on December 13, 2022. She was then released from WWE the following day due to the company discovering she had a FanTime account and was posting salacious content behind a paywall.
? Tiffany Stratton reacts to Mandy Rose's accusation that she stole her slogan "put some respect on my name" pic.twitter.com/VjMoeEfOLt
Since entering the NXT and WWE fold, Stratton has certainly picked up where Rose left off and has become an even bigger name in the WWE ecoscape. On the January 10 episode of WWE SmackDown Stratton cashed in her Money In The Bank briefcase to become the new WWE Women’s Champion.
It’s currently unknown what may be the WrestleMania plans for Stratton, but with Charlotte Flair winning the women’s Royal Rumble match, ‘The Queen’ very well could put ‘Tiffy Time’ on the clock.
Samantha Irvin is getting back into the music business, and it all really kicks off for her on Valentine’s Day.
Irvin officially left her ring announcing duties from WWE four months ago. She revealed to USA Today that while there was nothing specific for her exit, a major motivator was that she wanted to return to singing.
“It just became more and more sad as time went on, because it’s like, ‘Wow, am I just not a singer anymore? Like, what am I doing?’” she said. “I know that I am a performer and being a ring announcer on WWE, it was the performance of a lifetime.
But then when people stopped calling me for singing gigs, and now they’re asking me to announce everything, I said, ‘Oh no, I took it too far.’
Now Irvin has a new single lined up, titled “Make Me,” which she describes as a “personal little love letter to everyone.” She and WWE left matters amicably. The speculation was that Irvin could head to AEW, considering she is in a relationship with Ricochet, but that wasn’t in the cards for her. She does hope the wrestling fan base will continue with her as she gets back to an original passion.
“Hopefully the fans that were touched by my vocal performance in WWE will give the music and everything else I do a chance, because it’s the same thing that I’ve always done, and everything that I do, I try to pour as much emotion into it and make people feel something.”
However, if fans were worried she is leaving wrestling for good, fear not.
“My wrestling career has barely even begun. I think it would be an absolute waste of everything that I’ve done so far to not continue the story. I gotta finish my story.”
