In a stylish social media reveal, Karyn Best has announced her WWE persona as “Summer Sorrell,” accompanied by professional photos and Jay-Z’s iconic line “Allow me to reintroduce myself.”
The announcement marks the latest milestone in Best’s transition from track and field star to WWE-contracted professional wrestler. She’s set to be featured on the new WWE Evolve series, coming to Tubi starting March 5.
Summer Sorrell in WWE Evolve on Tubi
Before joining WWE, Best dominated high school track and field, setting 16 school records and collecting multiple titles including a state championship in the 300-meter hurdles and two USATF Youth National Championships in the 400-meter hurdles. She continued her athletic career at Cal State Fullerton, competing in events including the 60-meter hurdles and 400-meter dash.
Best’s journey to WWE began at tryouts during SummerSlam weekend in August 2024, leading to her joining the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida as part of the company’s new recruitment class.
The newly-minted Summer Sorrell is engaged to fellow WWE performer, Kale Dixon.
Veteran broadcaster Josh Mathews has officially parted ways with TNA Wrestling, reported exlusively at Fightful Select. Mathews, who joined TNA in 2014, has been a prominent figure in the company’s broadcasting and production departments.
Upon his arrival in TNA, Mathews quickly ascended to the role of lead commentator, replacing long-time announcer Mike Tenay in December 2014. In 2021, Matthews finished his time as TNA’s main play-by-play announcer but would step in on occassion if the lead announcer was unavailable. Behind the scenes, Mathews took on significant behind-the-scenes responsibilities, including serving as a senior producer and the senior director of digital media.
While Matthews s best known for his time behind the commentary table, he did compete a handful of times for the promotion. His biggest match came at Slammiversary XV, where he and Scott Steiner lost to Joseph Park and Jeremy Borash. In 2018, Matthews even became Impact’s Grand Champion after being gifted the title by the recently-heel-turned Matt Sydal.
Matthews is the latest notable name to part ways with TNA Wrestling. In recent months, fans have seen an exodus of talent including Rhino, PCO, Mike Bailey, and Jordynne Grace, the latter of whom has since joined WWE. Josh Alexander’s contract with TNA is set to expire this week with this week’s Impact set to feature his final TNA match against Eric Young.
A veteran of the business for decades, fans are eager to see what’s next for Josh Matthews now his TNA tenure has ended. Whether it’s a return to WWE, where he worked from 2001 to 2014, or something else entirely, expect Josh Matthews to remain part of pro wrestling.
Since cashing in Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton has made the WWE Women’s Championship her own, but could the title be in store for a serious makeover?
During her recent interview on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, Stratton was asked if she’d consider customizing her title to match the pink aesthetic. The self-professed ‘Buff Barbie’ previously introduced a pink Money in the Bank briefcase after capturing the contract last year.
“I say never say never. I’m Tiffany Stratton—I’m an icon living, I’m a legend living. A pink title would totally fit Tiffy Time.”
Stratton’s fashionable transformation of the Money in the Bank briefcase certainly turned heads in 2024, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if she took the same approach with the Women’s Championship.
The question among fans is whether WWE would approve a change to the title design, which was introduced in 2023. Given Stratton’s rising star power and dedication to her brand, it’s not out of the question as she told fans “you’ll have to wait and see, guys!”
Stratton’s reign is just getting started, and with WrestleMania 41 approaching, the champ plans on holding her gold for a very long time. Whether a pink title is in the cards remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—it’s Tiffy Time no matter the color of the WWE Women’s Championship.
Daniel Bryan and John Cena had custom title designs in WWE. Could Tiffany Stratton be next?
Throughout WWE history, several iconic Superstars have personalized their championships, including the Ultimate Warrior (belt color variations), Bryan Danielson (Eco-Friendly WWE Championship) and John Cena (spinner versions of the United States and WWE Championships).
Others introduced their own titles entirely, such as like Ted DiBiase (the diamond-encrusted Million Dollar Championship) Stone Cold Steve Austin (Smoking Skull belt in 1998) and The Rock, who recently received the prestigious People’s Championship from Muhammad Ali’s wife at the 2024 Hall of Fame ceremony.
For decades, The Undertaker played a key role in WWE both as an on-screen performer and as a backstage figure. Though his career in the ring is a thing of the past, the WWE Hall of Famer continues to influence wrestlers throughout WWE.
In 2015, Bray Wyatt feuded with The Undertaker in a clash of two of WWE’s darkest characters. In a video hyping up WWE LFG, Wyatt reflected on The Undertaker’s teaching nature in footage from before the passing of Windham Rotunda.
“He teaches everyone, everything. That’s just how powerful he is here. To say I learned one thing from him is an understatement.”
Wyatt was not the only name who had praise for the Undertaker in the video. WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque highlighted the importance of talent like the Phenom to “pass on their knowledge,” adding that it is key to the “survival of the business.” John Cena feuded with The Undertaker in 2003 and the pair would share the ring several in the subsequent years. A WWE icon in his own right, Cena described The Undertaker as “our never-ending, ass-kicking, undead phenomenon.”
Bray Wyatt tragically passed in August 2023, and new footage of the former World Champion is a rarity for fans to witness. As this video shows, Wyatt was among the many WWE Superstars who benefitted greatly from the work of The Undertaker.
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair believes AEW star Mercedes Moné will eventually return to WWE and wrestle again as Sasha Banks.
Moné left WWE in 2022 due to creative differences with Vince McMahon. After a stint in NJPW, she signed with AEW, where she has remained undefeated since her debut in March 2024. She currently holds four championships and boasts a 15-0 record.
However, while speaking on Busted Open, Flair expressed doubts about AEW being the right long-term home for Moné. The Nature Boy argued that AEW lacks the world-class competition she’ll require to remain driven.
“Right now, I do think WWE is a better fit, yeah, because she doesn’t have that many good opponents over there in AEW.
Everybody’s good. To be in the business, you’ve got to be good, but to be great, that encompasses a whole different word. ‘Great’ and ‘good’—you know what I mean? And I truly believe she’ll end up over there back in WWE.”
Flair’s daughter, Charlotte Flair, recently made history by becoming the first woman to win the Royal Rumble twice and is now headed to WrestleMania 41. Given their legendary rivalry in WWE, Flair seems convinced that Moné and Charlotte will share the ring again.
For now, Moné remains focused on AEW, where she is scheduled to defend the TBS Championship against Harley Cameron this Saturday at Grand Slam Australia.
After years of estrangement, legendary WWE tag team Demolition appears to be mending fences with the company, potentially paving the way for their long-awaited Hall of Fame induction.
The iconic duo of Ax (Bill Eadie) and Smash (Barry Darsow), who dominated WWE’s tag team division in the late 1980s and early 1990s, held the Tag Team Championships for a combined 698 days across three reigns, including a remarkable 478-day stretch that stood as a record for nearly three decades.
Demolition’s Superstar Profile has been added back to the Alumni section of WWE.com
The relationship between Demolition and WWE became complicated following legal disputes, including a 1997 lawsuit over the rights to the team’s name and gimmick, and their involvement in a 2016 class-action lawsuit regarding concussion-related injuries. However, recent developments under Triple H’s leadership suggest a significant improvement in relations.
Barry Darsow revealed that WWE extended an invitation to the team for last year’s WrestleMania and Hall of Fame ceremony, though prior commitments prevented their attendance.
Bill Eadie has expressed optimism about their future with WWE, noting that while past politics under Vince McMahon’s leadership may have blocked their Hall of Fame induction, the new regime offers fresh possibilities.
With their profiles now restored to WWE’s Alumni section and improved communication between both parties, Demolition’s long-overdue recognition may finally be on the horizon.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have concluded their criminal investigation into former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, his attorney has claimed. Speaking to The New York Post, Robert W. Allen shared that a ruling from a three-panel judge determined whether McMahon broke the law by hiding allegations of sexual misconduct from two former two female employees.
The judge’s verdict does not mention McMahon by name but refers to a CEO who allegedly mislead company auditors to conceal allegations of sexual misconduct. Sources close to the situation told The Post that this was about McMahon, who paid $10.5 million to keep the two former employees quiet.
Allen shared on Tuesday, February 12, that the prosecutors have ended their probe without seeking indictments against McMahon by a grand jury.
“This is simply the result of an appeal of a procedural matter that was argued five months ago. We have been in consistent communication with the government since that time and understand, with no ambiguity, that the investigation has definitively concluded and will not result in charges.”
The end of this probe into McMahon’s activities comes after the 79-year-old billionaire paid $1.7 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2025 as part of a settlement over financial mistatements. At the time, McMahon dismissed the matter as “minor accounting errors” and shared that “I’m thrilled that I can now put all this behind me.”
McMahon has been accused of sexual abuse and trafficking by Janel Grant as well as sexual misconduct by other women who have previously worked for WWE. McMahon stepped down from WWE in January 2024 over Grant’s lawsuit but has denied the notion that their relationship was not consensual.
Ricky Starks shocked fans by debuting in WWE NXT on the February 11, episode, close to a year after his final appearance for AEW. On Busted Open Radio, The Undertaker was a guest and shared his live reaction to Starks’ WWE NXT debut.
“I’ve seen him a few times here and there. I’ve always had great conversations with him. He’s such a good kid, such a respectful kid. So that [Starks’ NXT debut] caught me completely off guard.”
While The Undertaker and Starks have yet to share the screen, the Phenom recalled meeting Starks in the gym when training for his WrestleMania 32 Hell in a Cell showdown with Shane McMahon.
“I noticed this kid is there every day and [he] doesn’t say anything, really respectful. As the training went along and we needed different spotters and different help, he was always right there.”
During their meet-ups in the gym, Starks shared that he was trying to break into the business and The Undertaker gave him some pointers about “different things.” Years later, the pair would reconnect as Starks would train with Michelle McCool ahead of her appearance in a Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Starks’ arrival comes after a mixed relationship with AEW that saw the 2023 Men’s Owen Hart Cup winner go unused for months despite being cleared to wrestle. Now, Starks has joined those who’ve left WWE for AEW and is ready to make an impact in WWE NXT.
Ricky Starks has arrived in WWE NXT, after a complicated exit from AEW that saw him go unused for close to a year. While Starks made a name for himself as part of Tony Khan’s promotion for years, WWE may have an entirely different name in mind for the former Tag Team Champion.
Fans who watched Starks’ WWE debut on the February 11, edition of WWE NXT may have noticed (or rather not noticed) his name. The commentary team did not mention Starks by name, and Starks himself did not say his name during his promo. Similarly, WWE’s upload of his debut on X (formerly known as Twitter) did not mention Starks by name.
Backstage at the Performance Center, Starks declared that “The Absolute One is here” but again opted not to say what his name is. Similarly, WWE’s tweet did not mention the name of the invidual in the video.
This post spawned several responses by fans, pleading for somebody to say Starks’ name so that they can confirm what he’ll be known as in WWE. One fan asked WWE “Bro say his name,” while another feared an unfortunate name change to ‘Trill London’ or some other WWE creation.
Starks’ arrival was also shared by WWE’s account on YouTube. Once again, the promotion didn’t name the person being spotlighted and instead referred to Starks in the description as a “new competitor.”
While the arrival of Ricky Starks is a huge get for WWE NXT, he may not be known as Ricky Starks for much longer. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Starks, or rather, whatever he’ll be known as going forward.
Ricky Starks has become the latest AEW alum to arrive in WWE as the former tag champion debuted during the February 11, edition of WWE NXT. Starks is not the only AEW name to go on to call WWE home, as he follows in the footstps of the following talents:
Cody Rhodes: A founding member of AEW, Cody Rhodes made a high-profile return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, reigniting his quest for a WWE World Championship.
Jade Cargill: After a dominant run as AEW’s TBS Champion, Cargill signed a multi-year contract with WWE in September 2023. She made her in-ring debut at the Royal Rumble in January 2024 and is a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.
CM Punk: Following a tumultuous tenure with AEW, CM Punk made a surprising return to WWE at Survivor Series in November 2023, marking a significant comeback after nearly a decade away from the company.
Penta: Formerly known as Pentagon Jr. in AEW, Penta debuted on WWE’s Raw in January 2025, securing a victory over Chad Gable. Becoming the Iron Man in this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble demonstrates WWE’s faith in the masked star.
Shawn Spears: After his AEW contract expired at the end of 2023, Spears returned to WWE in February 2024, appearing on NXT and continuing his “Chairman” persona. He has since been involved in various storylines, including a notable feud with Ridge Holland.
Blair Davenport: Briefly part of AEW under her real name, Bea Priestley, Davenport signed with WWE in 2021. She won the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge in 2023 and moving to the SmackDown roster in 2024 before her recent release from WWE.
Lexis King: After making waves in AEW under his real name of Brian Pillman Jr., Lexis King signed with WWE in 2024. He debuted on NXT, where he is the reigning NXT Heritage Cup holder, and retained the cup on this week’s NXT against TNA’s JDC.
Andrade: Andrade returned to WWE in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match after a handful of years in AEW. He has since gone on to hold the WWE Speed Championship.
Many former AEW names have gone on to hold championships in WWE while some are awaiting their big break. It remains to be seen what direction Starks’ future takes in the company but his arrival has left fans excited to see what’s to come.
Drew McIntyre’s actions at the 2025 Royal Rumble made headlines as the Scottish Warrior was reportedly furious that his elimination in the Men’s Rumble match did not go as planned. McIntyre was also said to be disappointed about plans to feud with Damian Priest going into WrestleMania 41, though that may soon change.
According to a report by Chris Featherstone, WWE officials are having internal discussions about changing Drew McIntyre’s WrestleMania 41 opponent. Sources within the company noted that the online backlash surrounding McIntyre’s rumored match has led to a reevaluation of current plans.
Many fans now believe that McIntyre could face LA Knight in Las Vegas instead, as Knight was the source of the issues surrounding Drew’s Royal Rumble appearance. While tensions have since cooled, with the pair even acknowledging their issues during the latest SmackDown, WWE might be looking to capitalize on their history.
McIntyre made an immediate impact during the February 7th edition of Friday Night SmackDown, defeating LA Knight and Jimmy Uso to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. Though Drew is not expected to win the Chamber match that will include CM Punk, John Cena, Logan Paul and two others, his place at WrestleMania 41 is practically guaranteed, though his opponent is far less certain.
Starks isn’t the only name in wrestling to react to his WWE NXT debut this week. On Instagram, CM Punk, who like Starks has his own issues with AEW, was pleased to see his former colleague make the jump to the silver brand.
Starks hadn’t been used in AEW since March 2024 after he and Big Bill lost the AEW World Tag Team Championships to Darby Allin and Sting. Though Starks was dealing with an injury for a time, he was fully cleared to compete for much of his absence. In November 2024, Starks shared that he’d not been given a reason for why he wasn’t being used, but had theories as to why this was the case.
Now in WWE, Starks will hope to follow other AEW-to-WWE success stories including Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill, Lexis King, and Ethan Page. At the very least, Starks can expect to be seen on TV and be allowed to wrestle, far more than he was receiving during his final year as part of AEW.
Viewers of this week’s WWE NXT received a blast from the past as Bayley’s old ‘Hugger’ persona was featured on the show, but not by the former Women’s Champion.
As Bayley ascended the ropes to deliver her signature flying elbow against Cora Jade, the ‘Turn It Up’ theme song played and out came Roxanne Perez. This unexpected appearance momentarily distracted Bayley, allowing Cora Jade to capitalize. Jade executed two Double-Arm DDTs, one on the ringside floor, securing a notable victory over the former champion.
Bayley’s Hugger persona proved immensely popular with fans both in NXT and after her move to the main roster in 2016. In 2019, Bayley turned heel and ‘murdered’ the Bayley Buddies, ending her time as the Hugger so that she could become the ‘Role Model. This isn’t Perez’s first time dressing as Bayley’s lighter side, as she performed as Bayley during a WWE NXT live event near Halloween in 2022.
Bayley and Perez will challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship held by Giulia during this weekend’s WWE NXT Vengeance Day event. After costing Bayley her match this week with these mind-games, it remains to be seen if Roxanne Perez becomes a record-breaking three-time NXT Women’s Champion at the event.
Additional matches have been confirmed for the upcoming WWE NXT Vengeance Day event.
Eddy Thorpe has challenged Trick Williams to a Strap Match at Vengeance Day, citing Williams’ numerous opportunities compared to his own lack of recognition from Ava, Shawn Michaels, and the fans. This challenge follows weeks of Thorpe using a strap to attack Williams on NXT.
Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) will defend their NXT Tag Team Championships against Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura. Briggs & Inamura secured this title shot by defeating Hank Walker & Tank Ledger and the No Quarter Catch Crew (Myles Borne & Tavion Heights) on the February 11 episode of NXT.
Additionally, Cora Jade has been added to the NXT Women’s Championship match, making it a Fatal 4-Way. Jade earned her spot by defeating Bayley on the February 11 episode of NXT, thanks to a distraction from Roxanne Perez, who disguised herself as “Hugger” Bayley. Taking advantage, Jade secured the victory with two Double-Arm DDTs, including one on the ringside floor. Following the match, NXT General Manager Ava made the Fatal 4-Way official.
WWE NXT Vengeance Day 2025 takes place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. The event will air live on Peacock, with the pre-show starting at 5 PM ET and the main card beginning at 6 PM ET.
Updated WWE NXT Vengeance Day 2025 Card:
WWE NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Grayson Waller vs. Austin Theory
NXT Women’s Championship Fatal 4-Way: Giulia (c) vs. Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Cora Jade
NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley (c) vs. Stephanie Vaquer
Ethan Page vs. Je’Von Evans
Strap Match: Eddy Thorpe vs. Trick Williams
NXT Tag Team Championship: Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) (c) vs. Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura
Ricky Starks made his debut in WWE NXT on the February 11, 2025, edition of the show.
He appeared in the crowd and announced his arrival with a statement emphasizing his status as a free agent and his intention to impact the future of NXT.
”It’s obvious you know who I am. If NXT is the future of professional wrestling, well guess what? You need an absolute superstar of the future.
If this is the hottest brand, well you need the hottest free agent right now, baby. Do not let the handsome face and the expensive fragrance fool you. I am here to turn this place upside down.”
Toni Storm has never been one to hold back, and her latest interview with Renee Paquette for AEW Close-Up was no exception. With her highly anticipated AEW Women’s Championship match against Mariah May at Grand Slam: Australia this Saturday, Storm made her intentions brutally clear.
“I’m finally going to get my hands on that broad. I’m going to rip her tits off—it’s as simple as that,” Storm declared, leaving no doubt about the personal nature of their rivalry.
Storm and May’s history is deeply intertwined, with May once idolizing Storm before ultimately betraying her. The betrayal sent Storm into a spiral, forcing her to reevaluate everything—including her persona.
“The Glamour” Mariah May and “Timeless” Toni Storm as “The Glamour” Mariah May
Now, as she reclaims her identity as “Timeless” Toni Storm, she’s ready to settle the score once and for all.
“No more trauma—we finally get to move on,” Storm added, suggesting that this showdown will be the definitive end of their bitter feud.
AEW Grand Slam: Australia promises to be a landmark event, and with Storm fighting in front of her home country’s fans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether or not she can reclaim the title, one thing is certain—Mariah May is in for a fight.
AEW star Keith Lee has responded to recent speculation regarding his presence at AEW events. A report from PWInsider suggested that Lee was backstage at a recent episode of AEW Dynamite in Athens, Georgia, fueling rumors of his potential return. However, Lee took to social media to clarify the situation.
“For the record… this isn’t true,” Lee wrote. “I was at Collision in Houston. But I was at Dynamite in Austin briefly. I do live in Texas after all.”
Lee has been out of action since December 2023, after being pulled from his scheduled match against Swerve Strickland at AEW Worlds End due to lingering health issues.
For the record…. this isn't true.
I was at Collision in Houston. But I was at the Dynamite in Austin briefly.
WWE fans won’t have to wait long to see Jordynne Grace, a multi-time TNA Knockouts World Champion, make her presence felt in NXT.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Grace is set to begin working with the NXT brand in the near future. She is currently in Orlando, the location of tonight’s WWE NXT broadcast on The CW.
Grace’s potential involvement in WWE’s developmental brand has generated significant buzz among fans, as she has built a strong reputation through her work in TNA. Her in-ring ability and accomplishments have made her one of the most recognizable names in women’s wrestling outside of WWE.
Her presence in Orlando suggests that her debut could happen sooner rather than later.
WWE made it official on this week’s Monday Night Raw – Jey Uso will challenge GUNTHER at WrestleMania 41 for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. However, this matchup was not decided overnight.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Uso’s Royal Rumble victory and GUNTHER’s selection as his opponent had been planned for quite some time—even before Saturday Night’s Main Event. The two last clashed at Saturday Night’s Main Event in January, where GUNTHER successfully retained his title in the main event.
Uso secured his WrestleMania title opportunity by winning the 2025 Royal Rumble. During Raw, Uso was making his entrance and “yeeting” on the announce table when GUNTHER launched a surprise attack from behind. This led to a brawl before Uso officially announced their WrestleMania showdown.
Despite having the option to challenge Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Uso has opted to pursue GUNTHER’s title. Although not confirmed, reports suggest that John Cena is expected to win Elimination Chamber and go on to challenge Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. If successful, Cena would break the all-time record for most World Heavyweight Championship reigns.
WrestleMania 41 will be a two-night event, taking place on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dustin Rhodes has built a legendary career, with championship reigns and accolades across decades promotions. At 55 years old, Rhodes knows the end of his career is coming and has shared when he’ll be hanging up his boots.
In an interview on Battleground with Tim & Eli, Rhodes shared that he’s known for years who he wants his final match to be with. The Natural added that the end of his career will come within the next three years, meaning fans won’t see him in action past 2028.
“By no means am I anywhere on Sting’s level, but I want that same kind of out. I think I’ve earned it.
To finish it off on a pay-per-view and cut a heart-wrenching, emotional promo after—that’s what people like.”
While many wrestlers take a loss in the final match to ‘pass the torch’ to somebody else, Rhodes hopes to win his final-ever match. Though his final match will come in 2028 if not sooner, it won’t be the last fans see of him in wrestling.
“I’ll be coaching and still producing, which I’m doing right now anyway. I love that. Passing all my knowledge to the young kids—that’s the payoff.”
Dustin Rhodes signed a multi-year contract with AEW in December 2024, ensuring his continued presence in the company as both a wrestler and a mentor for younger talent. Though much of his retirement plans remain a mystery, fans know that they only have three more years, at max, to enjoy the veteran in the ring.
Jacob Fatu’s WWE arrival has already sent shockwaves through the locker room, and if you ask Nia Jax, everyone should be on high alert.
In an interview with Muscle Man Malcolm on Muscle Memory during Royal Rumble weekend, Jax didn’t mince words when discussing her cousin’s impact on WWE.
“You should be scared of Jacob. I am,” she said, before calling him “one of the most talented human beings I’ve ever seen step into a ring.”
Fatu, a dominant force in MLW before signing with WWE, has been tearing through the competition since his debut. Jax shared a personal story about his journey, revealing that before making it to WWE, Fatu had to overcome significant personal struggles.
“When he was going through his troubles, he was watching the boys on TV and changing his life around,” Jax recalled. “Look at him now—he had the opportunity, and he took it upon himself to get better. Now he’s almost at the top.”
Her words only add to the mystique surrounding Jacob Fatu, whose intensity and in-ring ability have made him an instant threat in WWE. Given his history of dominance and the backing of the legendary Anoa’i family, it seems only a matter of time before he re-claims championship gold.
Joe Hendry’s surprise appearance in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble was one of the most talked-about moments of the night. But for the TNA World Champion, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just the massive crowd reaction—it was the fact that WWE and TNA even made it possible in the first place.
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Hendry reflected on how rare a moment like this is in pro wrestling.
“TNA and WWE did not have to do this. Any of them could have said no at any point,” Hendry said. “I’m just very grateful because I think both parties knew they were really giving me a special moment there.”
Hendry noted that while he hasn’t yet had a full debrief with TNA management, those he has spoken to have been thrilled with the exposure. On WWE’s side, the most important feedback came directly from the fans.
“Ultimately, when we go out there, our job is to get reactions,” Hendry said. “I was welcomed with open arms backstage. I got great advice from some of the biggest names in the business and had a very warm reception. It was a really special moment in my life.”
The significance of Hendry walking into a WWE ring with the TNA World Championship wasn’t lost on him either. He compared it to AJ Styles’ legendary WWE debut in 2016, calling it “a ridiculous notion” to think he’d one day follow in those footsteps.
With TNA and WWE’s working relationship continuing to evolve, Hendry’s Royal Rumble moment may be just the beginning.
Catch Joe Hendry’s full thoughts on the Rumble and more in his interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri:
Joe Hendry has set his sights on the biggest match of his career, and John Cena has thrown down the gauntlet. Following his surprise appearance in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble, the TNA World Champion told CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri that Cena has left it up to him to generate the momentum needed to make their match a reality.
“John laid down the challenge and said it’s on me to make it happen, and I accept that challenge,” Hendry said.
“If I can generate enough buzz where the right people want that match to happen, he’ll be there for it. So, it’s very much on me.”
For Hendry, this isn’t just another dream match—it’s personal. He recalled how Cena was the first wrestler he ever spoke to when he was just 15 years old. Now, two decades later, he’s doing everything he can to turn that moment into a full-circle showdown.
Hendry is no stranger to viral marketing and grassroots fan engagement. He has already hinted at “publicity stunts” and has even considered putting up a billboard outside WWE events to keep the hype alive.
“I don’t think I’ve done anything too crazy yet,” Hendry admitted. “But the publicity stunts may get more interesting as it goes on. I might overstep the line, but I’m willing to take that risk because I think it’s the right thing to do.”
If the match happens, it could be one of Cena’s final bouts before retirement. Hendry’s next challenge isn’t just in the ring—it’s making the world believe in him enough to get Cena to say yes.
Watch the full interview with Joe Hendry on CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri:
Former WWE star Tegan Nox, now wrestling as Nixon Newell, has spoken for the first time about her release from the company. The 30-year-old Welsh wrestler, who competed on Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, was released in November 2023 as part of WWE’s talent cuts.
In an interview with Metro, Newell revealed that she had been dealing with an undiagnosed illness before her departure, which kept her out of action for months. Despite being medically cleared, she was never given the chance to return to the ring, citing miscommunication between WWE’s medical team and outside doctors as a major factor.
“I’m giving myself two years to either find the love, find myself, or just call it a day. That’s what’s driving me right now—trying to find this happiness again.”
Newell admitted she saw the release coming and struggled to gain creative momentum in WWE. Despite pitching multiple character changes, including a football hooligan-inspired heel persona, she was often portrayed as an underdog due to her history of injuries.
She also faced online harassment, with some trolls sending her cruel messages after her knee injuries in the Mae Young Classic tournaments.
With her 90-day noncompete clause expired, she is set to return to wrestling in May for ATTACK! Pro Wrestling, facing former WWE colleague Dani Luna.
While training with top stars like Pete Dunne and receiving advice from veterans such as Sheamus and William Regal, Newell remains uncertain about her long-term future in wrestling. She has given herself two years to rediscover her passion for the sport or consider retirement by mid-2027.
“I tried to change everything—new gear, new look, a new style—but it always came back to commentary mentioning my knee injuries.”
WWE has officially announced that WWE Roadblock will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event will be a special episode of WWE NXT and will air live on The CW at 8 PM ET.
Tickets for Roadblock will be available to the general public starting Friday, February 14, at 10 AM ET/7 AM PT. Fans can gain exclusive presale access beginning Wednesday, February 12, at 10 AM ET/7 AM PT.
The History of WWE Roadblock
WWE Roadblock has a rich history dating back to 2016, when it debuted as a WWE Network exclusive event in Toronto featuring a memorable WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Triple H and Dean Ambrose. The event later evolved into a Raw brand pay-per-view with “Roadblock: End of the Line” in December 2016, which saw several historic moments including the end of The New Day’s record-setting tag team championship reign.
After a six-year hiatus, WWE reimagined Roadblock as an annual television special for the NXT brand, typically serving as a key event leading into NXT Stand & Deliver during WrestleMania season. The event’s legacy continues as WWE prepares to bring Roadblock to The Theater at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2025, marking another significant chapter in the event’s history.
