WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus has announced that she will be present at the February 28th taping of WWE SmackDown this Friday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. Stratus shared the news via tweet.
The announcement follows her return on the February 21st episode of SmackDown, where she was confronted and attacked by Nia Jax. Stratus is set to compete at WWE Elimination Chamber, teaming up with Tiffany Stratton against Jax and Candice LeRae.
Current Lineup for WWE SmackDown (February 28, 2025):
WWE United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. LA Knight
Sonya Deville has commented on her wrestling future following the abrupt end to her decade-long WWE career earlier this month.
The now-former WWE star appeared on Made It Out podcast recently. She talked about things such as growing up in a small town, how she got her break in wrestling, coming out on WWE TV and more.
Talking about her future, Deville noted that she is still processing her release and does not have all the answers yet. The former Absolution member revealed that she booked her first big movie project the same week she got released, and the former champion is not sure if she will be returning to the ring or not:
“I don’t know if wrestling is over for me yet, so that’s something that I’m figuring out right now too and I’m giving myself the time to really decide what the next moves are. But we have some really fun things in the works that I’m excited to share with everybody.”
Sonya Deville had been talking to WWE about a potential new contract and given the impression that she would be re-signed shortly before officials told her that her deal would not be renewed. Despite how things turned out, however, the former NXT star is not bitter about the situation:
“I’m very in the mentality of nothing happens to you, it happens for you. So I don’t have an ounce of anger, regret. Even the sadness, the sadness is just missing the moments, but the sadness isn’t like, ‘Oh my God, I want to be back there right this second.’ It truly isn’t. It’s Like ‘No, I’m so at peace with What’s happening because I’m such a strong believer in the Universe.’ Whatever the powers that be are, I’m a believer. Because I know that everything is going to be okay.”
While Sonya Deville herself does not sound too worried about her WWE departure, the abrupt end of her run has led to concerns among other female roster members. You can check out an update on how the locker room feels here.
WWE recently filed to trademark the name “Fraxiom” on February 25, 2025, with the US Patent & Trademark Office. Fraxiom is the tag team name for the current NXT Tag Team Champions, Nathan Frazer and Axiom.
The trademark application outlines the use of the name for “entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media, including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service.”
The move to trademark Fraxiom comes as the popular duo is firmly established as one of the premie tag teams in all of WWE. By securing the trademark, WWE ensures that the name “Fraxiom” is protected for future use across merchandise, promotional materials, and other related services.
Fraxiom’s Eventful 2025
Fraxiom debuted in TNA Wrestling at Genesis, defending their NXT Tag Team Titles against The Rascalz on the January 23 episode of Impact.
They successfully defending their titles at NXT Vengeance Day against Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura, but were attacked by a new faction afterward.
On February 7, they retained their championships against Nic and Ryan Nemeth in the main event of TNA Impact.
Most recently, on February 25, they challenged The Hardy Boyz for the TNA Tag Team Championships at the upcoming NXT Roadblock PLE.
Reports suggest Fraxiom may be called up to WWE’s main roster after WrestleMania 41.
Matt Morgan has revealed that his horrible stuttering gimmick was originally meant for The Beast Incarnate Brock Lesnar.
The wrestler-turned-politician recently had an interview with Jonathan Coachman on his YouTube channel. They talked about things such as Morgan’s journey to sobriety, his time in WWE and TNA, and more.
During the interview, the 48-year-old recalled the stuttering gimmick given to him back in 2005. He told the story of Vince McMahon pitching the gimmick and his initial reaction to it:
“He goes, ‘Could you imagine? You, six feet, whatever you are, six ten, six eleven, you’ve all these physical, body perfections, and you have that Achilles’ heel to you that nobody sees coming. And you start to stutter.’ And I’m like, ‘With respect sir, I graduated top of my class in college with a public speaking degree. Are you sure?'”
During the interview, Matt Morgan also discussed how Vince had been obsessed with the gimmick for some time. According to him, the boss originally wanted to give the character to Brock Lesnar:
“Vince trying to sell the stuttering character, he actually wanted to put this on Brock Lesnar as God as my witness. He wanted to find somebody that’s jacked and has all these great physical attributes. That looks like a warrior as he put it. But that when they opened their mouth there was this verbal imperfection. Coach we could have had ‘The next Big Stutterer.'”
Morgan debuted the stuttering gimmick in April 2005, defeating then-unknown Matt Cardona in his debut. He then aligned himself with Carlito as his backup in May. The gimmick did not last long and Morgan was released from his contract in July that year after Carlito was drafted to Raw.
Despite being one of WWE’s top stars, Bianca Belair admits that stepping into a leadership role in the company wasn’t always easy. In a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion reflected on the challenges of moving from a rising star to a veteran presence in the locker room.
“When I first came onto the main roster, I was thrown into things very quickly,” Belair recalled. “I won the Royal Rumble, I main-evented WrestleMania. But I was used to being led. I was in the ring with a vet like Sasha [Banks], then Becky [Lynch], then Asuka, then Bayley. I wanted to soak up and absorb as much as I could from them.”
That dynamic changed when she became one of WWE’s most decorated superstars.
“I remember when I became Raw Women’s Champion, and all of a sudden, I was like, ‘Oh, okay… I’m not in the ring with them anymore. I have to lead now,’” she admitted.
“I got a little uncomfortable because I was so used to feeling safe. I knew we were going to have a great match, and they were leading me. Now, I was in this new role where I’m looked at as the vet, but I still felt like I was learning.”
Belair’s evolution extended beyond singles competition. Her time as a tag team wrestler alongside Naomi has helped her grow in new ways.
“I’ve learned more in a different way this past year than I’ve learned on the main roster,” she said. “I’ve learned how to be a better partner, how to take the ego out of things, and that it doesn’t always have to be about you for you to accomplish something.”
WWE power couple Bianca Belair and Montez Ford support each other in everything—but Belair draws the line at one of Ford’s bizarre diet habits. In a CBS Sports interview, Belair revealed her husband drinks raw egg whites every morning.
“That’s such a toxic trait to me,” she joked. “But you know what? I actually tried it, and it’s not that bad.”
Despite giving it a chance, Belair isn’t making it a habit.
“No, but you know what? I would rather drink the egg whites than eat boiled eggs at this point,” she admitted.
Years of training and meal prep left her burned out on traditional protein sources.
“I was eating so many boiled eggs that I don’t think I could eat another one in my life.”
The couple’s busy WWE schedule means they often rely on quick nutrition on the road—even gas station hard-boiled eggs in desperate situations. But Ford’s dedication to his raw egg whites remains unmatched.
“Maybe if I leave some in my purse for three days, Montez will still drink them,” Belair joked.
Bianca Belair isn’t just aiming for another WrestleMania moment—she wants two.The former WWE Women’s Champion revealed in a CBS Sports interview with Shakiel Mahjouri that she hopes to wrestle on both nights of WrestleMania 41, aiming for singles gold while also competing for the Women’s Tag Team Championships.
“I want to win the Elimination Chamber… I’ve won it before, so I want to win it again and go to WrestleMania. I want to face Rhea Ripley,” Belair said, calling it a “dream match” for both herself and fans.
But her ambitions don’t stop there. With WrestleMania now a two-night event, Belair wants to make history by wrestling on both nights on the show. In the interview taken before this week’s Raw, the EST said that she would love to walk out of the Show of Show with two titles:
“I would love to defend our tag team titles at WrestleMania. I would love to wrestle two nights and walk out with two titles.”
The duo of Bianca and Naomi lost the tag titles to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez at this past Monday’s show. While it makes achieving her dream harder, she can still fulfil it by cashing in the rematch and challenging for both singles and tag gold at the two-night PPV.
Belair’s undefeated record at WrestleMania also adds intrigue to her plans. She currently holds a 4-0 streak at WWE’s biggest event and is determined to keep it alive.
“It’ll be number five, so I want to continue to be undefeated.”
With the Elimination Chamber match on March 1 serving as her path to Ripley, Belair’s road to WrestleMania 41 could lead to one of the most dominant weekends of her career.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2025 takes place this Saturday, March 1 from Toronto. WrestleMania 41 is scheduled for seven weeks later – Saturday, April 19 and Sunday April 20 from Las Vegas.
WWE 2K25 is set to hit shelves in March 2025 with the latest video game instalment boasting the largest roster in wrestling game history. Here is every playable character ranking confirmed for the game so far:
Male Superstars
AJ Styles: 85
Braun Strowman: 81
Brutus Creed: 77
Carmelo Hayes: 81
Cody Rhodes: 96
Damian Priest: 91
Dominik Mysterio: 84
Dragon Lee: 78
Erik: 79
Ivar: 81
Jacob Fatu: 87
Julius Creed: 78
Kofi Kingston: 81
LA Knight: 88
Logan Paul: 90
The Miz: 81
R-Truth: 71
Rey Mysterio: 86
Roman Reigns: 96
Xavier Woods: 80
Female Superstars
Alexa Bliss: 83
Bayley: 87
Bianca Belair: 95
Candice LeRae: 71
Chelsea Green: 80
Dakota Kai: 82
Iyo Sky: 89
Liv Morgan: 91
Lyra Valkyria: 83
Naomi: 85
Raquel Rodriguez: 86
Rhea Ripley: 96
Roxanne Perez: 83
These rankings give fans a glimpse as to how WWE pursues its talent and their standing on the proverbial totem pole. While Roman Reigns is sitting pretty at 96, the number is hardly what the one and only Tribal Chief had in mind.
WWE 2K25 is set to release on March 14, with the Deadman and Bloodline Editions of the game set to release one week early for eager gamers. With expectations sky high for the upcoming video game, fans won’t have to wait much longer to play the literal biggest wrestling video game of all time.
TNA X-Divison Champion Moose has was part of the February 25, edition of WWE NXT, where he retained his championship against Lexis King. After the match, it was confirmed that Moose will challenge NXT Champion Oba Femi at the March 11, NXT Roadblock event.
In a WWE NXT Digital Exclusive, Moose discussed his “awesome experience” with WWE NXT so far and how his journey to the brand has been a long time coming.
“Every weight I’ve ever lifted, every flight I’ve ever boarded on, every country I’ve ever went to, every championship I’ve ever won prepared me for this moment.”
Moose admitted to being surprised by the fans cheering him in WWE NXT, as he’s used to being booed by TNA crowds. The leader of The System, Moose admitted that he’s been waiting to face Oba Femi for a “very long time.”
“I have a ton of respect for Oba. He’s done a lot of great things in the last two years. But let’s be honest, without me, there wouldn’t be no Oba. At Roadblock, I’m gonna prove that to him.”
With everything to gain, Moose hopes to do what Joe Hendry failed to do last October and become the WWE NXT Champion. While The Ruler of NXT won’t make things easy, Moose intends to prove why everyone should “trust the System” on March 11.
Mercedes Mone has detailed her mental health struggles following her WWE departure.
The current AEW star recently had an interview with fellow Mandalorian star Katee Sackhoff. She opened up about her departure from the promotion then owned by Vince McMahon during the talk. Mone noted how it was not an easy decision because it meant potentially saying goodbye to the Sasha Banks character forever.
Mercedes Mone explained that she wasn’t sure what to do even after her departure and her run in Japan was a way for her to figure out if she still wanted to continue wrestling. When asked if she considered leaving the business for good, the wrestling star revealed that she did have those thoughts:
“I did. I did because of how hurt I was by it and how much it drove me into a place of darkness. I couldn’t believe something that brought me so much light in my life, that saved me so many times when I was a kid, brought me so much darkness.
I was just like ‘I don’t want to feel like this.’ I don’t want to have so much stress where I’m legit killing myself because of all the stress that I’m creating or the sadness that I’m bringing to myself because of this bad constant mental talk in my head.”
The former Sasha Banks had been frustrated with her booking for a long time before she finally decided to quit WWE in May 2022. The decision was not an easy one, however, and the former WWE star struggled with it for a long time.
Thankfully in the end, Mercedes Mone decided not to give in to those voices. She decided that she would continue pursuing her dreams instead of letting people who wanted her to quit win:
“So just a lot of healing. Just a lot of healing and I told myself ‘No, this is still what I freaking love. I love wrestling. I still have the same goal of when I was 10 years old. No one’s going to take that away.’ I felt like at this time maybe they want to see me gone forever.
Maybe people want to see me disappear and I’m like ‘I can’t give that to people. I can’t give up on myself and I can’t give up on my dream. I still have so much light and passion for this and such a chase and a drive.'”
Mercedes Mone also discussed potential retirement from wrestling and noted that she wants to start setting up her post-retirement career soon. You can check out her comments on the matter here.
On the February 25, edition of WWE NXT, Ricky Saints made his in-ring debut by teaming with Je’Von Evans to defeat Wes Lee and Ethan Page. Speaking in an NXT Digital Exclusive, Saints reflected on his journey to the NXT roster.
“Wild, absolutely wild. My story isn’t that not-told, as they say. It’s pretty well known at this point, and I think I overcame a lot of things just to make it in this moment.”
Saints shared that in his past two appearances for WWE NXT, he didn’t know what to expect, but that things felt “different” once he was in the ring. Saints added that his tag-team victory felt like a fever dream “that I don’t want to ever wake up from.”
An emotional Saints then looked back at signing with WWE NXT and declaring that he plans on winning titles and headline every NXT PLE. After a succesful in-ring debut, Saints is confident that he’s on the right track.
“If this wasn’t a start, I don’t know what was. I am very honored to be here standing with you, I’m very honored to be standing in front of this camera, in front of NXT.”
Saints’ in-ring debut was a “love letter” to those who have supported him, as well as a tease of the “future Ricky” fans can expect. With bold plans in the mind of the former AEW talent, Ricky Saints remains confident that he will be the next top star of WWE’s silver brand.
Will Sasso is both a celebrity and a wrestling fan, but he doesn’t want to see individuals like himself picking up victories in the squared circle. On the Insight podcast, Sasso shared his concerns about celebs, including the likes of Logan Paul and IShowSpeed, overshadowing full-time talent.
“I don’t want to see celebrities getting a leg up on wrestlers; wrestling should always be on top.”
Though best known for his comedy, Sasso has had involvement in wrestling, including facing Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart during an episode of WCW Monday Nitro, a match Sasso would lose. Not just a name in WCW, Sasso appeared as a ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin impersonator during the Attitude Era and ate a stunner by the Texas Rattlesnake himself.
On the podcast, Sasso reflected on how his love for wrestling has influienced his impressions of legends including Ric Flair, Randy Savage, and Jesse Ventura.
“I love Jesse Ventura, so I will catch a story more often than not.”
Sasso’s love for wrestling extends to the modern day, as he expressed excitement with the current product as well as the returns of John Cena and The Rock. With Triple H at the creative helm, Sasso is excited to what’s to come in the industry he has seen evolve over decades.
Mercedes Mone is not thinking about hanging her wrestling boots anytime soon but she definitely wants to take more time off to pursue her other interests and set up a post-wrestling career.
The wrestling veteran had already started exploring outside roles during her time in WWE, staring in Star Wars series The Mandalorian. She has only expanded her scope following her departure from the company in 2022, having made both her modelling and film debut since then.
The TBS Champion was asked if she has thought about her retirement from in-ring action during a recent interview with Katee Sackhoff. Mercedes Mone claimed that she is scared of the thought of hanging her wrestling boots, though she does want to start taking more time off to try out new things:
“You’re giving me goosebumps. That scares me, I don’t want to think about the word retirement but I do think about slowing down because I’ve been doing it for so long and aches and pains start to catch up and different dreams start to happen.
Life starts to grow and I just have so many more dreams that I want to go pursue and chase and go accomplish while I still can, being young and feeling good and having my body feel good.”
I Really Enjoy The Process of Creating: Mercedes Mone
Mercedes Mone later explained that she wants to stay connected to the wrestling world long after she has stopped competing. The current TBS Champion noted that she enjoys the creative process of putting together matches and it’s something she’d like to continue doing:
“I don’t want to put a time frame of when that exact moment I will slow down, but I know sooner than later, I definitely want to take more time to pursue other things and just really set that place of what am I going to do when I’m done wrestling.
What’s going to bring me the most joy, what is still my passion, and I still love this business so much so I always want to be a part of it whether that’s being a producer or a coach which is putting the matches together and creating something or just always being involved with that,
I really enjoy the process of creating and forming matches and I feel like I’m really good at that, especially for a women. So I feel like when I’m done with wrestling, that’s an aspect or avenue that I want to go into.”
The February 25 episode of WWE NXT in Cincinnati, Ohio marked the in-ring debut of Ricky Saints, in an exciting moment for the silver brand. Saints’ in-ring debut comes after he debuted two weeks ago and after after he confirmed his new name on the February 18, broadscast.
The main event of the February 25, edition of WWE NXT saw Ricky Saints team up with Je’Von Evans to take on Wes Lee and Ethan Page. The rivalry between Evans and Page has intensified in recent weeks, with both men harboring deep animosity toward each other.
Fans erupted in “We want Ricky” chants as Evans and Page battled in the ring. When Saints took the hot tag, he unleashed a flurry of offense to the delight of the crowd. As the chaos escalated, Evans and Page brawled into the crowd, leaving Saints one-on-one with Wes Lee. In the decisive moment, Saints countered Lee and delivered a Roshambo to secure the victory for his team.
Saints’ emphatic win in the main event of WWE NXT comes in stark contrast to his final year with AEW, when he was pulled from the company’s programming. It remains to be seen if WWE can keep the momentum Saints has garnered in a short time, but his debut match has put the AEW alum on a strong start.
The legendary tag team returned to WWE programming on this week’s NXT. The duo defeated Tavion Heights and Myles Borne in their NXT debut.
They were asked how they feel about the return in a backstage interview after the show. Matt Hardy was the first to comment and said that it feels like being back home where their historic career began:
“It feels incredible. It’s extremely flattering. I mean, we returned home. We’re back at our birthplace. WWE will always be our home. It will always be our birthplace.
Without WWE, we wouldn’t be who we are and we are blessed to have had this 33-year-long career and coming back in NXT, making our debut, wrestling on live television. It was an absolute honor, an absolute blast and thank you for having us.”
Jeff Hardy then said that it’s very surreal to be back where it all began for them. Hardy, who has been open about his desire to end his career in WWE, claimed that it might be where it all ends:
“Amen. Yeah, this is very surreal. It’s good to be back. It’s where it all began. Maybe it’ll all end here, but for right now we’re Total Nonstop Action, baby. Mixing it up with NXT and the WWE. It don’t get much better.”
The Hardy Boyz were confronted by NXT Tag Team Champions Axiom and Nathan Frazer after their bout. Santino Marella then announced that the TNA tag team champions would defend their titles at the upcoming Roadblock event. You can check out the other matches that were made official for the show tonight here.
The Hardy Boyz are set for Madison Square Garden return.
NXT is set to hold the Roadblock event from The Theatre at Madison Square Garden on March 11. The company made multiple big matches official for this show during tonight’s episode of the development brand.
After Moose successfully defended the X Division Championship against Lexis King, the current NXT Champion Oba Femi came out to confront the TNA star. Femi announced that the former NFL star would be facing him for the NXT title at the upcoming show.
Elsewhere in the show, Women’s Champion Giulia came out to confront the NXT Women’s North American Champion Stephanie Vaquer after the latter defeated Karmen Petrovic in a title match.
The Japanese star first congratulated Vaquer and then declared that she wanted to know who the best champion was. She then challenged the Mexican star to a title vs. title match at the upcoming show.
Potentially the biggest match that was announced during the night was of The Hardy Boyz. The TNA tag team champions defeated Tavion Heights and Myles Borne in their WWE in-ring return at the February 25 show.
The NXT tag champs Axiom and Nathan Frazer came out looking for a fight with the legendary tag team after this. TNA Director of Authority Santino Marella then announced that The Hardys will defend their titles against the NXT team at the upcoming PPV.
With multiple crossover matches, the upcoming event is becoming a must-watch show. It’d be interesting to see if the Hardy Boyz stick around WWE programming after Roadblock.
Drew McIntyre is making one thing clear: nothing is stopping him from winning the Elimination Chamber and taking his rightful place at WrestleMania. During the WWE Elimination Chamber 2025 media call, McIntyre spoke with intensity about his mindset heading into one of the most brutal matches on the road to WrestleMania.
“I’m winning that match. I’m getting my title match against Cody. I’m getting my moment at WrestleMania… and I don’t care if anyone else likes it,” McIntyre declared.
The Scottish Warrior also reflected on his journey over the past year, including his rivalry with CM Punk and the challenges he’s faced in the title picture. After missing his chance to hold the WWE Championship in front of live crowds due to the pandemic, McIntyre sees this as his redemption moment.
“Last time I got it, obviously Punk screwed me over, then Priest capitalized like a freaking snake. I’m getting that run, and I don’t care if anyone else likes it.
If they do, cool—they’re with me through my struggle. But they’re gonna deal with it, and they’re gonna like it, because Drew McIntyre is simply the best right now.”
McIntyre didn’t hold back on his frustrations with how quickly fans and management move on from talent in WWE.
“It was for the fans before, but the reality is when I’m gone, they move on. I saw it when I was gone after Hell in a Cell. They move on so quick… I will not have any freaking regrets.”
With Elimination Chamber looming, McIntyre is focused on one goal—winning. And he’s not concerned with who stands in his way, be it CM Punk, Seth Rollins, or anyone else.
“I owe Punk one, but I’m not focused on him. I’m winning that match, I’m getting my title match against Cody, and I’m walking into WrestleMania to take what’s mine.”
McIntyre’s confidence is at an all-time high. Now, it’s only a matter of time before we see if his words translate into action inside the chamber.
Bianca Belair has been one of WWE’s top babyfaces for years, but the question of a potential heel turn continues to follow her. During the WWE Elimination Chamber 2025 media call, the EST addressed the possibility, making it clear that if she ever turns, fans won’t be cheering for her.
“I never say never, but… being a successful babyface that can consistently stay at the top of the conversation is very hard. Once you get it, you don’t want to let go of that,” Belair explained.
She emphasized that any shift in character would have to be significant, not just for the sake of change.
“If that heel turn happens, the longer you can hold on to being a babyface, the bigger that heel turn will be,” she continued.
However, Belair made it clear that she has no interest in being the kind of heel that fans still cheer for.
“When I hear fans say, ‘I love so-and-so as a heel,’ that doesn’t work for me. If I ever turn heel, I want to be the kind of heel people genuinely don’t like… not the kind they ‘love to hate.’”
Belair also praised Nia Jax for playing the role of a true villain in the women’s division and acknowledged how valuable that is for WWE storytelling.
“Someone like Nia Jax, how valuable she is to this division playing that role—we need that,” she noted.
For now, Belair remains one of WWE’s top heroes, but her comments suggest that if she ever embraces the dark side, she’ll make sure fans truly despise her.
“Right now, I don’t know if I’m ready for that. I don’t know if the fans are ready for that. But if it ever happens, it’s going to be something big.”
With Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania on the horizon, Belair is focused on continuing her dominance. But if a character shift ever comes, it sounds like she’ll make sure it’s unforgettable.
AEW commentator and wrestling veteran Taz recently shared his thoughts on fans comparing wrestlers from AEW and WWE. In a tweet, he acknowledged that fans enjoy making these comparisons but emphasized that it’s ultimately an unfair evaluation.
“I know fans like to compare wrestlers in AEW & WWE the past several years. I know as fans that’s fun to do! I get that, but PLEASE realize is it’s an unfair comparison. It’s too completely different organizations, with different goals creatively. With differing visions. Guys, u r comparing DOGS & CATS! And most of you don’t even realize that.” Taz wrote.
I know fans like to compare wrestlers in AEW & WWE the past several years. I know as fans that’s fun to do! I get that, but PLEASE realize is it’s an unfair comparison. It’s too completely different organizations, with different goals creatively. With differing visions. Guys,…
Taz’s perspective aligns with ongoing discussions in the wrestling community about the differences between AEW and WWE. While both companies feature elite talent and compelling storylines, their creative approaches, presentation styles, and business models vary significantly.
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, comparisons between AEW and WWE are inevitable. However, Taz’s comments serve as a reminder that each company offers its own unique brand of entertainment.
Ricky Saints quickly became part of NXT after debuting on the February 11 episode following his AEW exit. He has already made an impact with his presence, and it appears he reunited with CM Punk before this week’s NXT episode.
The Second City Saint took to his Instagram story and uploaded a photo of himself alongside Ricky Saints, marking their reunion ahead of the February 25 edition of NXT. Punk and Saints appeared happy together, with Punk humorously referencing their shared moniker by captioning the post, “Couple of Saints.”
Couple of Saints: The “Second City Saint” CM Punk and Ricky Saints (Photo: CM Punk / Instagram)
Ricky Saints and CM Punk developed a close bond from their time working together in AEW, where they had a notable feud on AEW Collision in 2023. Despite Punk’s departure from AEW, the two have remained close.
As for Ricky Saints, he is set to team up with Je’Von Evans to face Ethan Page and Wes Lee in tag team action during the February 25 edition of NXT. Given this photo, Punk will likely be watching closely as Saints makes his WWE in-ring debut.
WWE Shop has launched WWE has launched a new t-shirt for The Hardy Boyz just in time for Matt and Jeff Hardy’s highly anticipated return to NXT tonight on the CW.
The shirt is listed as a “special event item” and is expected to ship no later than Friday, March 28, 2025. While the merchandise release does not confirm a full-time return for the Hardys in WWE, it adds to the excitement surrounding their appearance.
Maybe they’re just returning for one night, but it could also be the start of something more.
The product description highlights the brothers’ signature style, referencing their high-flying moves and energetic presence in the ring. Notably, this is a t-shirt for The Hardy Boyz, not “The Hardys” as they’re known in TNA Wrestling.
The Bloodline may be one of the most dominant factions in WWE history, but behind the scenes, there’s no shortage of laughs. According to Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso is the funniest member of the group – by far.
In a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri ahead of the release of WWE 2K25, the “Tribal Chief” opened up about The Bloodline’s real-life chemistry – and why Jimmy stands out as the natural entertainer.
“I would say, and I think we all agree, Big Jim is by far the funniest of all of us,” Reigns said.
He explained that his brother always had a magnetic personality and shined in social situations.
“Way back in the day, we’d be in a bar or something—me and Jey keeping to ourselves—and then like, ‘Where’s your brother at?’ Look around and you see Jim over there making best friends.”
Reigns praised Jimmy for his charisma, positive energy, and ability to make connections with ease.
“Nobody makes best friends like Jim, but that’s because he’s funny, he’s personable, he’s got great energy, he’s super positive, and he’s always having a good time,” he explained. “Jimmy is by far our best greatest entertainer and funny guy.”
The acknowledgment from Reigns only solidifies what many WWE fans already knew—Jimmy Uso’s infectious energy isn’t just an on-screen persona, but a core part of who he is.
With WWE 2K25 on the horizon, fans will soon get to experience The Bloodline’s dominance (and maybe some of Jimmy’s humor) in the virtual ring.
Fox has officially denied reports that it is collaborating with Vince McMahon on a new wrestling promotion. The clarification comes amid speculation about McMahon’s next move following his resignation from WWE in January 2024.
According to The Athletic’sAndrew Marchand, a Fox spokesperson confirmed that the network has no involvement with McMahon in any wrestling-related capacity.
McMahon’s resignation came after Janel Grant filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual misconduct. The lawsuit added to previous controversies, including hush-money payments that had already drawn regulatory scrutiny. While McMahon has remained silent on his future plans, the Fox statement makes it clear that the network is not involved in any such efforts.
Wrestling legend Ric Flair appeared on Busted Open to discuss his daughter Charlotte Flair’s 2025 Royal Rumble victory, WWE’s direction under Triple H, and who he believes should break his championship record.
Charlotte Flair’s Confidence and Growth
Flair couldn’t be prouder of Charlotte’s evolution as a performer, emphasizing her confidence and work ethic.
“She just oozes confidence,” Flair said. “She knows she’s got it. She can sit there, think about it, and then go out there and knock it out.”
Despite WWE positioning her as a babyface, Charlotte was met with a mixed reaction on RAW. Rather than resisting it, she leaned into the moment.
“That is a confident human being,” Flair noted. “She can change it up and give the crowd whatever they want. That comes with time, but she’s got it now.”
Who Should Break Ric Flair’s Record?
Flair holds the record for most world title reigns at 16, a mark John Cena has tied. When asked who he’d prefer to break it, his answer was clear.
“I’d like it to be one of three people—Randy, Charlotte, or John,” Flair said. “My first pick would be Charlotte.”
Though he admires Cena, he admitted he isn’t rooting for him to take the top spot.
“I don’t want Cena at 17,” he admitted. “But I have so much time for John. He’s truly one of the greats.”
Flair on Triple H’s Leadership
Since Triple H took over WWE’s creative direction, the backstage atmosphere has shifted for the better, according to Flair.
“I haven’t heard one negative thing about him,” Flair said. “He’s much better at delegating authority. Vince had to see every vignette and pre-tape, but Hunter trusts the people around him. That’s made a huge difference.”
With record-breaking ticket sales and a rejuvenated roster, Flair believes WWE is in a great place under Triple H’s guidance.
“They’re running as smooth as I’ve ever seen,” he said.
With Charlotte back in the title picture and WrestleMania on the horizon, the Nature Boy is more excited than ever about what’s next for WWE.
Asuka has never been one to shy away from letting her feelings be known on social media. Recently, she hit back at a fan who harshly criticized her 2016 NXT TakeOver: Toronto match with Mickie James.
Initially, Asuka responded to a video clip of the match, commenting on how proud she was of her and James’ work, calling it a “great match.” However, one fan responded to Asuka’s comment, instead saying the bout was “boilerplate hardcam WWE slop.”
Asuka took the opportunity to send a message out to fans. Encouraging them not to allow “worthless, garbage reviews” to dictate their choices, the “Empress” of WWE suggested that fans think for themselves instead of relying on critics and online opinions.
Do you really let worthless, garbage reviews dictate your choices? Be it games or cars, reviews mean nothing. There’s nothing more pathetic than surrendering your own judgment to someone else’s opinion ?
Asuka and James went head-to-head back on November 19, 2016 at NXT TakeOver: Toronto. It was Asuka defending her then-NXT Women’s Championship against the veteran, who she eventually defeated via submission when it was all said and done. Now, years later, Asuka has established herself as one of the cornerstones of the WWE main roster.
She holds accolades such as being the winner of the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble, a three-time WWE Women’s Champion, and a former Women’s Money In The Bank winner, amongst others.
Asuka is currently out-of-action nursing a knee injury.
