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Kevin Owens Will Never Forgive “Disgusting Human” Sami Zayn

Thomas Lowson
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Kevin Owens Will Never Forgive “Disgusting Human” Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are once again at odds over what Zayn did (or rather, didn’t do) at this year’s 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. In a video shared to X, Owens recounted some of the injuries he sustain during his WWE Championship ladder match with Cody Rhodes.

“The scars. The stitches. These scars—I’m always gonna have on my face. And the trauma? You can’t see that, but I can feel it. My neck, my spine, the pain I’ve been in all week… and I still am.”

Owens said that the pain he’s in will be pain he feels for the rest of his life. The Prizefighter then turned his attention to Zayn, who despite coming out during the match, did not help him defeat Rhodes.

“It’s all your fault. Because Sami, you just stood there and watched while Cody tried to end my career. Worse, I think he was actually trying to end my life in that Rumble.“

Owens pointed out that Zayn rushed to help Roman Reigns in late 2024, but refused to act at the Royal Rumble. Owens concluded by calling Zayn a “horrible friend” and “disgusting human being” beforestating that “I’ll never forgive you.”

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens have a storied rivalry in WWE, facing each other multiple times across various events. Here is a list of notable matches between them:

  • NXT TakeOver: Rival (February 11, 2015): Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn to win the NXT Championship.
  • NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable (May 20, 2015): The match ended in a no-contest after Owens attacked Zayn, leading to the debut of Samoa Joe.
    Battleground (July 24, 2016): Sami Zayn defeated Kevin Owens in a critically acclaimed match.
  • WrestleMania 37 (April 10, 2021): Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn.
  • Hell in a Cell (June 20, 2021): Sami Zayn defeated Kevin Owens.
  • SmackDown (June 18, 2021): Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn by count-out.

Now, fans can expect another showdown between the two, potentially at WrestleMania 41. Whatever is to come, don’t expect the pair to ever be on the same page after Sami’s so-called betrayal of Kevin Owens.

Drew McIntyre Moves To WWE SmackDown, Royal Rumble References Made

Andrew Ravens
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Drew McIntyre Moves To WWE SmackDown, Royal Rumble References Made

Drew McIntyre is officially part of the WWE SmackDown roster.

On this week’s SmackDown, McIntyre appeared at the top of the second hour to cut a promo, calling Raw a toxic work environment and announcing his move to SmackDown to pursue the Undisputed WWE Championship, currently held by Cody Rhodes.

McIntyre also referenced his frustration over his elimination from the Men’s Royal Rumble. Jimmy Uso then interrupted, prompting McIntyre to take a jab at him, saying that Jimmy might have been in Jey Uso’s position had he just said “YEET” first.

LA Knight then entered, delivering a brief message about men’s mental health before turning his focus to McIntyre. Knight referenced their Royal Rumble issues, joking that he heard McIntyre had been called “Drew McIncyer.” This exchange led to a triple-threat Elimination Chamber qualifying match featuring all three men.

Reports have surfaced that McIntyre was frustrated with a fellow wrestler at the Royal Rumble, believing they prioritized their moves over the match’s storytelling. Missed time cues allegedly led to McIntyre’s irritation, particularly with Knight, whom he reportedly felt was more focused on fitting in his own spots rather than following the match’s narrative.

WWE Releases Cedric Alexander

Andrew Ravens
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Cedric Alexander is no longer with WWE.

After nearly a decade with the company, Alexander has been released—a move he confirmed in a tweet on Friday night.

“Thank you for the last 8 1/2 years! Being a professional wrestler has been a dream of mine since I could form memories, and I will continue to do so till the good Lord says otherwise. #SeeYouIn90,” Alexander wrote.

Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that Alexander was indeed released, though the reason behind his departure remains unclear.

Alexander first gained recognition in WWE through the Cruiserweight Classic before moving to the 205 Live brand and later transitioning to Raw. In late 2019, it was reported that Paul Heyman, then Raw’s Executive Director, was high on Alexander, leading to a brief push and a feud with AJ Styles over the United States Championship.

In 2020, Alexander joined Bobby Lashley, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin in The Hurt Business, a fan-favorite faction that was eventually disbanded. During that time, he held the WWE Tag Team Championship. However, since then, WWE has done little with Alexander outside of house shows and Main Event matches. In 2024, he was sent to NXT.

Tony Khan Takes ’10-20%’ Of Booking Opinions For AEW

Dominic DeAngelo
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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.

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.

Tony Khan Rejects AEW IPO, Hopes to Work With His Kids

Michael Reichlin
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Tony Khan Rejects AEW IPO, Hopes to Work With His Kids

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 Lays Out a Path to Forgiveness for Hulk Hogan

Dominic DeAngelo
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Seth Rollins Lays Out a Path to Forgiveness for Hulk Hogan

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.”

Kevin Nash, RVD and The Undertaker weighed in on Hogan getting booed. Undertaker had some similar sentiments when it came to what Rollins had to say. Hogan cited himself getting booed because of his past ties with the NWO.

Tiffany Stratton Teases Stunning WrestleMania 41 Attire

Thomas Lowson
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Tiffany Stratton Teases Stunning WrestleMania 41 Attire

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.

Tiffany Stratton Spills on Nia Jax, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ludwig Kaiser Love

Did Kevin Owens Just Reveal His New WWE Contract?

Michael Reichlin
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Did Kevin Owens Just Reveal His New WWE Contract?

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.

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 on Her Royal Rumble Wardrobe Malfunction: “I’ve Never Been So Happy to Be Hit in the Face”

Michael Reichlin
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Lyra Valkyria on Her Royal Rumble Wardrobe Malfunction: “I’ve Never Been So Happy to Be Hit in the Face”

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.”

Here’s a look at the champion’s gear in question:

“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.

Lyra Valkyria’s Full Circle Showdown: From Bayley Fan to Opponent

Penta Recalls Emotional First Meeting With Rey Mysterio

Anutosh Bajpai
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Penta Recalls Emotional First Meeting With Rey Mysterio

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.”

It Was Magic For Me: Penta

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.

WWE’s Elias Signs with Ring of Honor

Michael Reichlin
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WWE’s Elias Signs with Ring of Honor

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.

Joe Hendry Hints at Potential TNA DLC Pack for WWE 2K25

Michael Reichlin
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Joe Hendry Hints at Potential TNA DLC Pack for WWE 2K25

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.

Pre-order WWE 2K25 now at Amazon.com 

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: First Official Gameplay Trailer

Michael Reichlin
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WWE 2K25: First Official Gameplay Trailer

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.

Pre-order WWE 2K25 now at Amazon.com to get the Wyatt Sicks Pack featuring Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan.

The gameplay trailer showcases new features including:

  • Enhanced brawl environments like NXT Parking Lot and WWE Archives
  • Intergender matches and new high-flying moves
  • 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty, featuring matches with Roman Reigns, The Rock, Yokozuna, and Jacob Fatu
  • New match types: Underground and Bloodline Rules
  • MyRISE Mutiny with unified male/female storylines
  • MyGM online and MyFACTION World Tour
  • The Island – a new game environment (PS5® and Xbox Series X|S only)

Penta’s WWE Hit List: John Cena, CM Punk & Cody Rhodes

Michael Reichlin
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Penta’s WWE Hit List: John Cena, CM Punk & Cody Rhodes

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.

https://podcast.chrisvanvliet.com/penta-on-his-wwe-debut-rey-mysterio-dream-opponents-cero-miedo

Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes Match is in the Works

Andrew Ravens
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Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes Match is in the Works

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.

Cero Miedo: How Penta’s Catchphrase Became a Wrestling Phenomenon

Michael Reichlin
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Cero Miedo: How Penta’s Catchphrase Became a Wrestling Phenomenon

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.”

Kurt Angle Defends Hulk Hogan: “He’s An Incredible Human Being!”

Michael Reichlin
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Kurt Angle Defends Hulk Hogan: “He’s An Incredible Human Being!”

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.

The Undertaker Reacts

Former The Undertaker joked about the backlash against Hogan, stating “things come back” and implying that karmic justice may be at play.

Kevin Nash’s Perspective

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.

More from Kurt Angle about the Hulkster:

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes Shares Recovery Update

Michael Reichlin
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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.

cody update

“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.

Inside Kismet: Tony Khan Talks Living Life On His Father’s Superyacht

Thomas Lowson
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Inside Kismet: Tony Khan Talks Living Life On His Father’s Superyacht

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.

Jimmy Jacobs On How Tony Khan & AEW Re-Shaped Pro Wrestling

Asuka Still Facing “Troubling” Advances Despite Plea to Fans

Thomas Lowson
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Asuka Still Facing “Troubling” Advances Despite Plea to Fans

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.

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.”

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.

Asuka’s Home Targeted by Package Thieves During WWE Injury

WWE Stars Frustrated with Def Rebel’s Entrance Music

Thomas Lowson
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0
WWE Stars Frustrated with Def Rebel’s Entrance Music

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.

Sheamus: I’m Tired Of Asking For WWE To Bring Back My Theme Song

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.

Jimmy Jacobs On How Tony Khan & AEW Re-Shaped Pro Wrestling

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Jimmy Jacobs On How Tony Khan & AEW Re-Shaped Pro Wrestling

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.

Tiffany Stratton Spills on Nia Jax, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ludwig Kaiser Love

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Tiffany Stratton Spills on Nia Jax, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ludwig Kaiser Love

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.


Seth Rollins On Hulk Hogan Boos: People Get What They Deserve

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Seth Rollins On Hulk Hogan Boos: People Get What They Deserve

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.

The Undertaker Laughs At Hulk Hogan Getting Booed: “Things Come Back”

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.

Tiffany Stratton Backs ‘Strapley,’ Wants Rhea Ripley In Pink

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Tiffany Stratton Backs ‘Strapley,’ Wants Rhea Ripley In Pink

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.

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