The July 22 episode of WWE NXT brought the action to the 713 Music Hall in Houston, Texas and saw one title get a startling makeover. Ethan Page is the reigning NXT North American Championship and has given the belt a new look.
Before revealing the new title design, Page delivered a scathing promo that took shots at both the United States and Mexico. This was met with loud jeers, including chants of “shut the f*ck up” and “asshole,” among other comments. Page smiled in the ring at the response, as drawing heat was exactly what “All Ego” intended.
At the center of the ring, Page removed a cloth to reveal the redesigned title—complete with a strap styled after the Canadian flag. He used the moment to launch into a pro-Canada tirade, claiming Canadians are superior because they live with pride and honor. He also said Canadians are healthier, better-looking, and happier, and that the air in Canada is cleaner than in the U.S. or Mexico.
Page then began singing the Canadian national anthem, but was interrupted by Santino Marella (ironically, a Canadian.) Marella addressed the situation, saying he had been in talks with Ava about Page’s behavior and declared that he believes he can defeat Page for the title. The segment ended with the announcement that Ethan Page will face Santino Marella on next week’s NXT.
Page isn’t the first name to give their title a Canadian redesign, as Lance Storm did just that with several titles in WCW. It remains to be seen if Marella can take the gold from ‘All Ego’ next week.
The July 22 episode of WWE NXT brought the action to Houston’s 713 Music Hall, and the atmosphere was electric as Trick Williams kicked off the second hour. After declaring himself the greatest TNA World Champion of all time, Williams took aim at The Undertaker, accusing him of going “soft.”
In a face-to-face encounter, The Undertaker called Trick a “dead man walking” and said he had everything but respect. He questioned Trick’s attitude, saying the hunger he once had as NXT Champion had faded. Trick fired back, dismissing Taker’s WWE LFG protégés as irrelevant.
When Trick swung first, he got a chokeslam for his trouble. The message was clear: you don’t disrespect The Undertaker and walk away unscathed. Their confrontation had been hyped all week long, incuding by Williams during an appearance at WWE Raw.
As Trick Williams continues his dominant run, he may have just stepped into deeper waters than he expected—with the Deadman waiting to teach him a hard lesson in respect.
In response to recent comments from Goldberg about his WWE retirement, AEW star MJF has issued a challenge to the WWE Hall of Famer. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, MJF offered to give the WCW legend a “proper send-off” in an All Elite Wrestling ring.
After reminding the hosts that Goldberg was one of his favorite wrestlers as a child, MJF laid out a vicious challenge in his signature style, promising to destroy the veteran if he ever stepped in the ring with him.
“If Goldberg wants some, I’m right here, but I will embarrass him. I will demolish him,” MJF said. “I will snap, crack, and pop every single tendon, ligament, and bone in his stupid, old, musty body… So if he wants a proper send-off, he should be facing a generational talent. I’m right here if he’s interested.”
From a business perspective, MJF believes a match between himself and Goldberg would be a major attraction. He acknowledged Goldberg’s status as an “incredible, intense mega star” and said the matchup would be a big deal in any time period.
“As far as MJF versus Goldberg specifically? I mean, that’s a huge marquee match in any era,” MJF stated. He did add two conditions, however: “A, I’m going to need to be paid a lot of money if you want to see that match. And B, I would imagine he doesn’t come cheap either. So a lot of stars have to align for that to happen.”
MJF’s challenge comes just over a week after Goldberg’s official retirement match in WWE. At the Saturday Night’s Main Event special on July 12, Goldberg was defeated by World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER. In interviews following the match, Goldberg expressed frustration with the short build to his farewell and the production of the show.
The wrestling world mourns the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary “Prince of Darkness” who passed away today. While best known as the frontman of Black Sabbath and a solo rock icon, Osbourne carved out a unique and memorable place in professional wrestling history spanning nearly four decades.
WrestleMania Legacy
Osbourne’s most iconic wrestling moment came at WrestleMania II on April 7, 1986, during the height of WWE’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling era. Teaming with the colorful Captain Lou Albano, Ozzy managed The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) to victory over The Dream Team (Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) for the World Tag Team Championships. This appearance established him as one of the first major celebrities to actively participate in wrestling storylines rather than simply make cameo appearances.
RIP heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne. He appeared at WrestleMania 2 in 1986, managing the British Bulldogs during their tag team title win. He was also a guest host on Monday Night Raw in 2009 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021. ?? pic.twitter.com/zg62r0epBc
— Old Wrestling Pics (@OldWrestlingPic) July 22, 2025
Continued WWE Involvement
The Prince of Darkness maintained his connection to WWE throughout the 2000s. In November 2009, Ozzy and his wife Sharon served as special guest hosts for a memorable edition of Monday Night Raw, featuring the entertaining “Raw’s Got Talent” segment that showcased WWE Superstars’ hidden abilities. The couple’s natural chemistry and Ozzy’s unpredictable personality made for compelling television during their hosting duties.
Osbourne also made musical appearances, performing his latest singles on various WWE programming throughout the decade. His Black Sabbath classic “War Pigs” became the official theme song for NXT TakeOver: WarGames events, cementing his musical legacy within WWE’s modern era.
Hall of Fame Recognition
In 2021, WWE recognized Osbourne’s contributions to sports entertainment by inducting him into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Celebrity Wing. During his virtual acceptance speech, the humble rocker said, “Thank you so much WWE Universe for this award. I don’t deserve it, but thank you anyway.” He expressed gratitude to Vince McMahon and Triple H while emphasizing that “it’s all about the fans, really.”
A Lasting Bond
Even in his final years, Ozzy maintained his connection to WWE. Following his farewell concert “Back to the Beginning” on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, WWE paid tribute to the Hall of Famer on Monday Night Raw. Commentator Corey Graves declared him “the greatest to ever do it,” while WWE’s official social media accounts honored his legendary career.
Osbourne’s wrestling involvement represented more than celebrity appearances—it reflected his genuine appreciation for the art form and its connection to rock and roll’s rebellious spirit. His legacy in wrestling, like his music, will forever embody the phrase he made famous: “All aboard the crazy train.”
The wrestling world has lost a true friend and ally in Ozzy Osbourne, whose contributions helped bridge the gap between rock music and sports entertainment during some of WWE’s most memorable eras.
Bill Goldberg’s farewell speech was cut short after just 28 seconds at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, in a shocking way for his career to end. Many have expressed outrage over the handling of the former Universal Champion’s final moments as an active talent, and now Bill’s son Gage Goldberg has weighed in.
Speaking with Bill Apter for Wrestlebinge, the younger Goldberg addressed the incident that left his father visibly frustrated. While many have taken issue with WWE for the disruption, Gage isn’t going to blame the wrestling promotion.
“I don’t see it as a WWE standpoint. I see it as an NBC stand. NBC has a specific time they can show WWE, and a specific time they’re going to show the news. They’re not going to screw up the news for WWE because they have to keep their contracts going and everything.”
Gage, who has teased a future in WWE if his football goals don’t pan out, was quick to absolve WWE of wrongdoing. Instead, he made it clear that “WWE didn’t want to cut him off like that. I don’t think they would at all.”
WWE has since tried to make ammends, including uploading Goldberg’s speech in full on YouTube. For Gage, this speech was never truly intended for those watching around the world, but the select few who had made the trip to see Goldberg’s final match in Atlanta.
“I feel like the people that were there in that point in time, that’s who he was really talking to.”
Gage’s calm, thoughtful response to a highly personal and public moment reflects a level of insight well beyond his 19 years—standing in stark contrast to the intense criticism directed at both WWE and NBC from wrestling personalities and fans alike.
Gia Miller has now broken her silence following Tessa Blanchard’s vicious attack at TNA Slammiversary. Miller took to X and thanked everyone who reached out to check on her and apologized for not responding to everyone individually.
She assured everyone that she is okay but is not ready to discuss the incident publicly just yet. Miller added that TNA has given her time off to process what happened and to decide how she wants to move forward.
Miller was attacked by Tessa Blanchard at Slammiversary, an action that has earned the controversial wrestler a ‘suspension’ from the company. TNA’s Director of Authority Santino Marella. As and when Blanchard will return remains to be seen, but Miller is focusing on herself after what transpired at Slammiversary.
Drew McIntyre has spoken candidly about his recent three-month absence from WWE, revealing that only Logan Paul checked in on him. On the ImPaulsive podcast, McIntyre shared that after his grueling Hell in a Cell match with CM Punk, he felt isolated and largely ignored by the WWE locker room.
“After that match, I was physically and emotionally drained. I expected at least a few messages from the guys, but the silence was deafening. WWE always talks about being a family, but when I needed support the most, only one person reached out—Logan Paul.”
After returning to WWE TV, McIntyre alluded to just one person reaching out, though didn’t say who at the time. Now, fans know that it was Paul, someone who fans may not expect given that he is a celebrity-turned-wrestler.
“Logan Paul, who many see as an outsider, was the only one who checked in on me. That says a lot about the so-called ‘family’ here.”
His comments have sparked conversation among fans and insiders about the true nature of backstage relationships in WWE. As McIntyre prepares to team with Paul at SummerSlam, Drew won’t forget how his fellow WWE Superstars left him behind.
“I’ve learned to rely on myself. If there’s a real family in WWE, it’s a small one.”
Stay tuned for more on Drew McIntyre’s journey and the ongoing discussion about WWE’s backstage culture.
Drew McIntyre isn’t holding back when it comes to his honest assessment of WWE’s current talent pool, arguing that most would be better-suited slinging trays of fast-food. On the ImPaulsive podcast, the three-time former World Champion argued that many in WWE simply don’t have the Superstar ‘look.’
“85% of our guys don’t look like they should be in WWE. They look like they should be serving me my fast food. Jesus, guys, get in the gym.”
The comments stem from McIntyre’s concern about WWE’s mainstream appeal. He described conversations with friends who tune in occasionally, noting their reactions to the stark contrast between legitimate stars and questionable casting choices.
“My buddies will contact me and go, ‘Yo, I’ve just turned on the wrestling for a while to see what you’re up to.’ It’s cool to see people. Oh, Logan Paul’s on there and he’s killing it. You know, the Roman Reigns, what a freaking star. The guy comes on the screen, comes right off the screen. You’re a freaking giant. There’s these other guys. It look like they should be serving me my McDonald’s.”
McIntyre’s frustration extends beyond aesthetics to audience retention. As a fan of wrestling, McIntyre struggles to get behind those who he feels don’t have the proper aesthetic of a WWE Superstar.
“It takes me out of it and I’m like, ‘Oh, you know, they’re they’re good at wrestling and eventually you you’ll connect with them, but it’s I’m not going to watch it long enough. I change the channel.'”
The former WWE Champion’s comments highlight a growing debate within wrestling about athletic presentation versus technical ability. While the idea that ‘bigger is better’ may not be the norm today, the 6-foot-7 powerhouse believes that his smaller coworkers would fare better outside of the ring and behind the counter.
Drew McIntyre has finally revealed the behind-the-scenes planning that made his “Bored at Work” WrestleMania moments the most viral wrestling content in recent memory. The Scottish Warrior’s mid-match selfies during two consecutive WrestleMania events weren’t just spontaneous social media genius but carefully orchestrated stunts.
Speaking on the Impaulsive podcast, McIntyre detailed how the idea originated during a casual gym conversation:
“I were in the gym and I was just like, man, like imagine someone tweeted like during a match like you filmed yourself and then posted it, whatever. That was cool. And I was imagine someone did it in the match. Imagine it was a ‘Mania.”
What started as a hypothetical quickly became reality when opportunity presented itself during his match with Seth Rollins. With Rollins down, McIntyre saw his chance to strike.
“Nobody knew I was going to do it, but I didn’t know if it was going to happen. We did it right there on the fly.”
The execution required perfect timing—waiting for Seth to sell an overhead suplex on the floor before grabbing his phone and capturing the moment. The viral impact exceeded all expectations and McIntyre was giddy to share how far his post mid-WrestleMania 40 went.
“Of the past 60 days when it was posted, it in the first hour it was the most liked second most liked post in 60 days on X of everything like presidents, tweet, it has like 430,000 favorites.”
The success led to a repeat performance the following year, proving the concept wasn’t a one-time fluke. This time, the post came during McIntyre’s showdown with Damian Priest.
“A year later, I was like, can we do it again? I was like, probably not. And we talked about it and then figured out a plan.”
Despite the viral success, McIntyre had to wait over a year for WWE’s merchandise department to capitalize on the moment with official “Bored at Work” t-shirts—a delay that reportedly frustrated the entrepreneurial superstar. Whether fans get another post during WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, only time will tell…
Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul have officially solidified their unlikely alliance, fueled by a shared frustration with celebrity involvement they believe undermines pro-wrestling. Speaking on the ImPaulsive podcast, McIntyre made his views clear and gave Travis Scott as an example.
“I’m a little bit sick of the Outsiders… [Travis Scott is a] Piece of sh*t. Six-minute run-in at WrestleMania and screw up our damn main event, Travis Scott, which happened by the way.”
What makes this alliance particularly compelling is McIntyre’s recognition of Paul’s legitimacy, distinguishing him from other celebrity guests. With Paul now three years into his in-ring career, McIntyre sees him as far different than the usual celebrity encounter.
“You genuinely make a difference to the show, bring eyeballs and put on performances like someone like Logan.”
Their chemistry extends beyond the ring into their shared approach to social media warfare. Both McIntyre and Paul know how to use their profiles online to draw attention to their respective feuds in WWE.
“We’re not your average trolls. We rip you apart behind the keyboard. Then we get from behind the keyboard and we can kick your ass as well. And if we weren’t married, we’d take your girls, too.”
With SummerSlam looming, their message is clear: stepping into their ring makes you a target—and fame offers no protection from the fallout. Fans can expect the pair to be all business when they face Randy Orton and Jelly Roll at the next WWE PLE.
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has shared fantastic news with the wrestling world, announcing on Tuesday that his recent battle with skin cancer has been successful and he is now officially cancer-free.
In a post on his Twitter account, Flair thanked his medical team and celebrated the positive news. The announcement comes after Flair recently underwent surgery and had stated he had one more procedure remaining.
“Thank You Academic Alliance In Dermatology! I’m Now Cancer Free! WOOOOO!” Flair wrote.
This was Flair’s second bout with skin cancer in the last three years and is the latest in a series of significant health issues he has overcome. Even while dealing with his recent diagnosis, “The Nature Boy” showed his trademark fighting spirit, recently posting a video of himself successfully completing a 3-minute plank challenge.
Stephen Amell isn’t ruling out a return to professional wrestling, but he admits there’s one major obstacle standing in his way: his wife’s reaction.
During a fan Q&A at Comic-Con Midlands, the former Arrow star was asked directly if he would ever get back in the ring. His response was both honest and humorous.
“I think my wife will kill me. I’m serious,” Amell said with a laugh. “You know, if the right thing came along. Um, yeah, for sure, but hasn’t happened quite yet.”
The admission came nearly a decade after Amell’s memorable WWE debut, which began with a chance encounter following his previous Comic-Con appearance in Birmingham. His wrestling journey started when Cody Rhodes invited him to a Monday Night Raw taping, leading to an on-screen interaction and eventually a match.
Amell’s wrestling experience wasn’t without its challenges. He revealed that he injured his back on the very first day of in-ring training, giving him firsthand knowledge of the sport’s physical demands.
“Most of those guys, you walk away from the business at some point, but you know, most of the time, by the time these guys do walk away, like they’ll have to have a neck surgery or a back surgery or shoulders replaced or hips replaced or knees replaced,” he explained. “It’s a grueling grueling lifestyle.”
Despite understanding the risks, Amell’s fondness for the wrestling world remains evident. He’s still occasionally spotted in WWE crowds and maintains relationships within the industry. His realistic assessment of wrestling’s toll doesn’t seem to have dampened his appreciation for the artform.
The 44-year-old actor’s approach reflects a mature perspective on balancing career opportunities with family priorities. While he’s clearly interested in the right wrestling opportunity, his wife’s concerns appear to be a significant factor in any decision.
For wrestling fans hoping to see the Green Arrow actor return to the squared circle, Amell’s comments suggest it’s not impossible—just improbable without the perfect circumstances and family approval.
As one enthusiastic fan at the convention put it when encouraging a return: “I think you should do it, too.”
Amell’s response was telling: “All right. Thank you.”
The door remains open, even if his wife might prefer it stayed closed.
Wrestling legend D-Von Dudley became emotional discussing his surprise return to TNA for their 1000th episode of Impact, revealing he believes he has just one more match left in him – and it would have to be alongside the Hardy Boyz.
The WWE Hall of Famer’s appearance at TNA’s milestone event was particularly meaningful given his health struggles following back surgery and a stroke. When he stepped into the ring and looked up, saying “Thank you,” it represented far more than just another wrestling moment.
“It was where I came from, the back surgery, the stroke, and to be able to come back and to be able to do that was just man, it was incredible. And I thank God,” D-Von explained on Chris Van Vliet’s Insight. “You didn’t think it was possible? No. I didn’t think anybody would give me another shot to do it.”
The reunion came together when Bubba Ray called about TNA’s historic 1000th episode. Initially, D-Von had reservations about performing the duo’s signature “What’s Up” spot from the top rope.
“I said, ‘I could do it, but I don’t want to do the what’s up.’ When you watch the match, I did it anyway,” he admitted with a laugh.
Despite his successful return, D-Von is realistic about his future in the ring. When asked how many more matches he might have left, his answer was definitive:
“I would say one more and that would be it.”
However, there’s a specific condition for that potential final match.
“If I was to do anything in the ring again, it would have to be with Matt and Jeff,” D-Von stated.
The trio’s history together during the attitude era’s legendary TLC matches makes them the only wrestlers D-Von would trust with his body for one final outing.
“Those are the only two I trust for my body on the line and to go there one more time,” he explained, noting that while he thinks Jeff Hardy “is out of his damn mind,” the bond between the three performers runs deep.
The emotional weight of his TNA return wasn’t lost on D-Von, who saw his family watching from ringside—including his young daughter witnessing something she never thought she’d see again.
“It was just such a rewarding feeling to be able to get back in that ring and to do it again because again, without the grace of God, I wouldn’t be here.”
This match will take place at TNA Bound For Glory 2025, when The Hardys battle Team 3-D for one last time.
Check out Chris Van Vliet’s full interview with tag team wrestling legend D-Von Dudley:
AEW star Willow Nightingale has come to the defense of her colleague, Deonna Purrazzo, after Purrazzo was subjected to hateful, body-shaming comments on social media following a match this past weekend.
After Deonna Purrazzo competed against Jonathan Gresham for Game Changer Wrestling on Saturday, she was targeted by online trolls criticizing her appearance. Nightingale, who has faced similar comments herself, took to social media to praise Purrazzo’s match and question the focus of the online discourse.
“Why in the blue hell is that the prevailing conversation when a professional is still going out there and successfully doing their job?” Nightingale wrote. “I’m not naive. Some people’s lack of humanity doesn’t surprise me. I guess I’m just still hopeful we could collectively try to be better to one another?”
Purrazzo had initially clapped back at a user who claimed she had “let herself go.” Following the outpouring of support from fans and peers like Nightingale, she expressed her appreciation. “The people in this community who show up with love and support when it matters most? That’s why I stay,” Purrazzo tweeted. “Love will always outweigh hate.” Purrazzo had previously opened up on the Mighty Pursuit podcast about how a past experience with body-shaming left her “terrified” to get in the ring.
Both Nightingale and Purrazzo are key members of the AEW and ROH women’s divisions. Nightingale recently competed in the Women’s Casino Gauntlet match at the All In: Texas pay-per-view. As was recently reported, Purrazzo has been absent from television due to a creative ripple effect caused by other injuries in the ROH women’s division, but she remains under a long-term contract with the company.
You know who was the main character of my feed yesterday? Deonna. So I sought out her match vs. Gresham and it was a fun watch! When they were moving, they were moving and it was silky smooth. It told a good story, technically sound, and made me smile many more times than once
— Willow Nightingale (@willowwrestles) July 22, 2025
Wrestling legend D-Von Dudley has opened up about his incredible health transformation that not only saved his career but potentially his life, losing over 85 pounds and regaining his ability to walk properly after career-threatening back surgery complications.
The WWE Hall of Famer revealed he had ballooned to nearly 300 pounds following his L4, L5, and S1 spinal fusion surgery, leaving him barely able to walk.
“I was almost 300 lb. And basically what happened was I had an issue even after the back surgery where everything was tight. I couldn’t walk barely.
I was walking with a limp like some of the old-timers used to see who never really took care of their bodies and they paid for it in the end,” D-Von explained during his recent appearance on Chris Van Vliet’s Insight.
The turning point came when someone suggested he contact Diamond Dallas Page, the former WCW star who has helped numerous wrestlers overcome health challenges through his DDP Yoga program.
“I called him and I said, ‘Dallas, I’m in trouble.’ I said, ‘My back the back surgery was supposed to make me walk straight, make me do things, and it just it’s not doing it.’ And he was like, ‘Devon, I’m going to send you something. I want you to not I’m going to send you to DDP Yoga.'”
The transformation was remarkable and swift. “DDPY has been one of the greatest things I had ever done. It got to the point where even after the first two to three weeks I was able to walk. The scar tissue in the body had loosened up everything,” D-Von said, explaining how the yoga helped break down layers of scar tissue that had built up after his surgery.
Beyond the physical therapy, D-Von also made dramatic dietary changes after watching documentaries about food production. He eliminated wheat, dairy products, and fried foods while focusing on organic and grass-fed options. The combination of DDP Yoga and clean eating resulted in his 85-pound weight loss.
The health transformation proved pivotal when Bubba Ray called about reuniting for TNA’s 1000th episode of Impact.
“It was where I came from, the back surgery, the stroke, and to be able to come back and to be able to do that was just man, it was incredible. And I thank God… If it wasn’t for the grace of God giving me the opportunity to do DDPY, I wouldn’t be there.”
Now in the best shape he’s been in years, D-Von operates a successful wrestling school in Winter Park, Florida, where he still takes bumps with students. His transformation serves as inspiration for anyone facing similar health challenges, proving that with the right approach and dedication, it’s possible to reclaim your physical well-being even after serious setbacks.
What appeared to be Bill Goldberg’s final WWE match against Gunther on July 12, 2025, may not have been as definitive as fans believed. In a revealing interview with Bill Apter for Wrestlebinge, the WWE legend’s son Gage offered intriguing comments that suggest his father’s wrestling future remains uncertain.
When asked directly about whether the Saturday Night’s Main Event World Heavyweight Championship match represented his father’s true retirement, Gage provided a cryptic response that has fans buzzing.
“My dad’s a very spontaneous guy, so we’ll see for sure,” Gage explained. “All I do know is he really liked that match and he I thought he was in great conditioning and everything and I mean, he could still be in wrestling shape. Who knows?”
The younger Goldberg’s comments reveal the extensive preparation his father undertook for what many assumed would be his farewell performance at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.
“He’s been working his butt off like every single day, whether it’s diet to working out to running. He was he was working like for he was working for that for a while,” Gage noted with evident pride.
While Bill Goldberg has previously mentioned the possibility of a final match in Israel, Gage remained diplomatically non-committal about his father’s future plans.
“I can’t really talk for him, but I mean, who knows?” he said, carefully avoiding putting words in his father’s mouth.
Despite Goldberg expressing frustration with aspects of his retirement sendoff in a subsequent interview with Ariel Helwani, Gage’s comments offer a glimmer of hope for WWE fans that the Hall of Famer’s legendary career may have additional chapters yet to be written.
Time and again, people have dismissed TNA. From its earliest days with the weekly PPV model, vocal critics saw it as a dressed up indie for talents who couldn’t find a spot with WWE. That stigma, paired with questionable business choices around empowering Vince Russo and later Hulk Hogan and a rollercoaster of both booking and management structure changes made a lot of fans give up on the brand over time. The rise of AEW, in some ways, felt like a final nail in the coffin for TNA, as the longer standing brand was firmly supplanted by a different, better-resourced number two US promotion.
TNA has momentum, though, in 2025. That includes a Slammiversary show that, in drawing a reported 7,623 live fans marked the largest live attendance the promotion has ever drawn in North America. Moreover, the show delivered. While it wasn’t necessarily an all-time classic PPV, it highlighted a number of things going right for and that uniquely represent TNA today.
TNA Has A Long History Worth Celebrating
Image credit: Sportskeeda
For all its haters, TNA has a history that dates back to 2002, and has a legitimate claim to have featured talents including Christian Cage Samoa Joe, R-Truth, Bobby Roode, Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley in main event, world champion roles before they attained such success with WWE.
Indeed, the company has a history worth celebrating and the Slammiversary event, which has occurred each June or July explicitly celebrates the anniversary of the first TNA show and all the history since.
Slammiversary 2025 fittingly featured AJ Styles, in many ways the face of TNA for its first decade-plus, returning to his old stomping grounds for a feel good moment. Moreover, Bully Ray—a TNA Hall of Famer, World Champion, and tag team icon—also appeared to make some news of his own. All of this served as a testament to the promotion’s longevity and importance to the wrestling business.
The Hardys Vs. Team 3D Makes Sense In TNA
When Bully Ray appeared at Slammiversary, he set the stage for a nostalgic dream match between Team 3D and The Hardys at Bound For Glory, TNA’s biggest annual show.
This particular match is perfect for TNA. Were WWE to book it in 2025, fans would complain about old-timers taking a spot that could go to younger talents. A similar critique might emerge in AEW, and the fast-paced action fans have come to expect there might not make a collision of these veteran teams really click with the audience.
TNA fans tend to be loyalists and devoted wrestling fans—exactly the right audience to reprise a twenty-five year old rivalry, particularly when both teams have substantial TNA history (albeit very little history under the TNA banner with each other). Featuring this match highlights some of the upside of being a third-tier brand with a smaller, more specific audience to serve.
The NXT Crossover Will Continue To Draw A Larger Audience
There’s little doubt that some of TNA’s commercial success this year relates to their partnership with NXT, which has included a talent exchange and cross-promotion. Some critics might suggest it’s bad for TNA that Trick Williams and Jacy Jayne—talents under WWE developmental contracts—hold TNA’s respective world titles. That criticism is short-sighted, though.
Having the TNA World and Knockouts Championships featured on NXT regularly is a big plus for TNA’s exposure. Indeed, there’s a real case to be made that TNA talents like Joe Hendry have seen their star power rocket since his involvement with WWE in general. Assuming Williams and Jayne retain their titles or at least remain in their title pictures through Bound For Glory, TNA could well be building to their most attention-grabbing PPV yet come October. That will be especially rewarding if they can pay off the buzz with homegrown TNA stars taking the titles back in great matches at that major event.
TNA Is Still Building Its Own Stars
Image credit: TNA Wrestling
While Trick Williams and Jacy Jayne may have claimed the top titles in TNA, Slammiversary also included an important sub-plot of Leon Slater capturing the X-Division Championship. At only twenty years old, Slater is a promising TNA prospect to say the least.
This title change—with him beating no lesser star than Moose—also highlights TNA does still have an eye on its own future. Only time will tell how the NXT-TNA partnership plays out in the long run, but for now it’s a very good thing that with so many eyes on the product, TNA was also able to produce a passing the torch moment for a top young talent. That came complete with TNA Legend and current WWE Superstar AJ Styles putting over Slater on the mic after the big win.
No one in wrestling has a crystal ball to tell what a company’s long-term prospects might look like. Nonetheless, TNA has beaten the odds in surviving into 2025, and perhaps least likely of all, thriving at its highest level by a number of metrics. Slammiversary offered just cause for celebration as the company keeps on building momentum.
The wrestling business may soon witness the rise of another Goldberg, and he already has a clear target in mind. During an emotional interview with Bill Apter for Wrestlebinge, University of Colorado linebacker Gage Goldberg discussed his wrestling aspirations and expressed a burning desire for revenge against the man who (probably) ended his father’s career.
When asked if the experience watching his father’s retirement match against World Heavyweight Champion Gunther ignited his own wrestling ambitions, the 19-year-old didn’t hesitate. The moment became personal when he jumped the barrier during the July 12, 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event match, requiring security to escort him back to his seat.
“I mean for sure like I mean if if I ever get to that point um 100% I’ll have to get revenge for dad,” Gage declared with conviction. His enthusiasm for the potential storyline was palpable as he added, “Who who doesn’t like a little revenge? I mean if I get to that point 100%.”
The prospect of eventually capturing championship gold while avenging his father clearly appeals to the younger Goldberg. When Apter suggested the scenario of defeating Gunther for the title, Gage’s response was immediate:
“Oh yeah, 100% it would [make me proud].”
Currently focused on his football career at Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders, Gage has previously indicated that WWE remains a consideration for his post-football future. The interview even touched on the playful possibility of a father-son rivalry, with Apter jokingly suggesting Bill Goldberg could make a comeback to face his own son for the championship. “Yeah, there you go. There you go,” Gage laughed, clearly entertained by the idea.
In a new interview, CM Punk has shared a behind-the-scenes story from the week after his return to WWE, revealing a pivotal moment with Paul “Triple H” Levesque where his script was ripped up and thrown away.
Speaking with Sportsbible.com, Punk described the scene on his first Raw back after Survivor Series 2023. After a match ran long and cut his promo time, he was running around backstage trying to edit his script, which caused a stir.
“I remember I was running around with a piece of paper in my hand that had whatever I was supposed to say… and then Triple H gets up and he comes up to me. He goes, ‘what are you doing, man? You’re freaking everybody out,’” Punk recalled. “He’s like, ‘Nobody here has ever seen you hold a script in your hand and read it.’”
Punk explained that because he was new again, he was trying not to “step on anybody’s toes.” That’s when Triple H gave him some direct and liberating advice.
“He grabbed the piece of paper and he crumpled it up and he threw it out. And he was just like, ‘You’re CM Punk.’ He’s like, ‘Just go out there and talk to the people,’” Punk said. “And I was just like, ‘Right.’ And that’s what I needed to hear… He’s just like, ‘No, you don’t got to do that. Just go be you. That’s why you’re here.’”
This story highlights the positive and trusting working relationship that has developed between Punk and Triple H since the former’s return. That relationship has quickly led Punk back to the main event scene, as he is now scheduled to challenge GUNTHER for the World Heavyweight Championship at the SummerSlam premium live event on August 2nd and 3rd.
CM Punk talks about Triple H throwing away a script he was reading shortly after he returned to WWE ? pic.twitter.com/otfd39P8lW
Paul Walter Hauser, already making waves as Harvey Elder (Mole Man) in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, took his passion for pro wrestling to the red blue carpet. At the premiere of the new Marvel film, Hauser was spotted sporting his PROGRESS Proteus World Championship belt in Los Angeles.
Natasha Lyonne and Paul Walter Hauser attend Marvel Studios' “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”. pic.twitter.com/tsRGdq6rVN
Hauser’s presence at such a major Marvel premiere, belt in tow, symbolizes his growing legitimacy in both wrestling and acting. Director Matt Shakman has described Hauser’s role as Mole Man as “more of a union boss than a supervillain.” While Mole Man is one of the Fantastic Four’s most iconic villains, this will be a different take on the character.
Hauser shocked the wrestling world by winning the PROGRESS Proteus Championship in a scramble match at the promotion’s Chapter 179 show. This year alone has seen Hauser battle Steve Maclin, Joey Janela, and compete in the MLA Battle Riot won by Matt Riddle.
Whether he defends his Proteus title at PROGRESS Chapter 183 in Camden or faces down Silver Surfer and Galactus, there’s no doubt he’s a champion in every arena.
Seth Rollins issued a powerful warning about the dangers of predatory wrestling schools during a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. Speaking to a 14-year-old fan with dreams of entering the business, Rollins erred on the side of caution.
“There’s a lot of carny folk out there in the wrestling business, these guys, these old-timers. And you know, look, I get it. You got to find a way to pay the bills, but try not to take money from these kids who are just coming to you with a dream.”
As the co-owner of the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy in Davenport, Iowa, Rollins has spent over a decade helping young wrestlers develop properly. While others see trainees as nothing more than a quick way to make money, that isn’t what Rollins is about.
“When you’re trying to get trained, look for places that have some sort of accreditation. Even just a conversation with some of these trainers—you can kind of get the idea. Or you see people who’ve come through there that have actually gotten trained. It’s a wild west out there in the independent pro wrestling world. So, you got to be careful.”
Outside of wrestling schools, Rollins believes prospective talent should be smart and aware that training doesn’t guarantee massive success. While Rollins believes in one chasing their dreams, having something to fall back on can’t hurt.
“I’m saying just give yourself some options when you’re first getting started. Because you never know—you might not like it. You know, it’s not for everybody.”
Rollins’ candid comments serve as an essential reality check for aspiring wrestlers and their families. His willingness to address the issue head-on reflects his deep sense of responsibility to protect the next generation of performers.
Roman Reigns made a thunderous return on Raw during the July 14, episode, confronting Paul Heyman and his allies. One week later, Reigns and Heyman came face to face in their first encounter since the Raw after WrestleMania.
Heyman, flanked by his new proteges Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, opened the segment by professing his continued loyalty to Reigns. Unmoved, Reigns told Heyman that he is no longer a ‘Wiseman’ but a ‘dumbass.’ Reigns emphasized that Heyman didn’t understand their bond that they had shared that went beyond a simple wrestler-manager dynamic.
“You thought we were just another faction or wrestling group, but we were family, and you were invited in.”
Reigns warned Breakker and Reed that Heyman will inevitably turn on them and take credit for their successes. When Bron mocked Reigns as ‘old news,’ a brawl ensued. When it appeared Breakker and Reed had Reigns down and out, Jey Uso arrived on the scene to save his cousin. With a flurry of superkicks and Reigns holding his own, the cousins ended the show standing tall after delivering dual spears to Breakker and Reed.
The segment saw the reunion of two of WWE’s most popular stars and has fuelled speculation of a tag-team match at SummerSlam. Whatever comes next, Roman Reigns’ issues with Paul Heyman are far from over.
R-Truth’s release from WWE sparked a global fan movement in outrage, a movement that resulted in Ron Killings being rehired by WWE mere days later. In a recent interview on Casual Conversations with The Classic, the veteran WWE performer opened up about the overwhelming fan support that led to his return.
“You’re talking about almost 100 million people that were viewing and being a part of this one movement… it was a unifying moment for me. And it pretty much showed me, man, that I am well, well, well loved.”
Dubbed the “We Want Truth” campaign, the movement became a viral expression of admiration for the longtime star. Killings described the movement as a “truly unifying moment” that showed that fans can use their voice to change plans.
“It was moving… Celebrities from different walks of life, man. Every race, nationality, every [group], bro. It was a worldwide show of love, man, and investment and just appreciation.”
The movement reflects the power of grassroots fan campaigns to influence corporate decisions in the wrestling industry. In the 2010s, fan support for Bryan Danielson (then Daniel Bryan) forced WWE to put him in a high-profile role at WrestleMania 30.
Killings’ return to WWE stands as a testament to the influence of authentic fan-driven momentum—highlighting how digital communities can reshape careers, storylines, and contract negotiations in today’s wrestling landscape.
There was a time when WWE and TNA Wrestling were sworn enemies, though those days are clearly a thing of the past. Now, not only is WWE and TNA allies, but the TNA World Championship was present during the July 21, episode of WWE Raw.
“The truth is, I ain’t got no problem with The Undertaker. The Undertaker has a problem with me. It was his LFG sitting in the way after I had a match. So I stood on business and told him to move. Undertaker, since you want to talk, let’s talk.
“You out here popping off like your knees ain’t got no expiration date. I’m glad you like to roll your eyes to the back of your head because I might just knock your ass out. You can keep tweeting if you want to. Tomorrow might be your last ride.”
The issues between Williams and the Phenom when Trick mocked some stars from WWE LFG, a show The Undertaker serves as a judge on. After Shiloh Hill spoke with the Deadman, he and Trick engaged in some verbal sparring online. Now, The Undertaker is coming to WWE NXT, exciting fans as to what comes next.
Williams is riding high after his successful title defense at TNA Slammiversary, where he retained against Joe Hendry and Mike Santana. Between this win, and his appearance during Raw, Williams is making an impression whereever he goes.
Paradigm’s The Sports Group has launched a new book-to-film initiative which will see CJ Perry take a leading role in the first project. Deadline reports that Bulletproof Angel, a high-stakes international spy thriller co-authored by Perry and Blake Northcott, will be the first book to be turned into a film.
Deadline describes Bulletproof Angel like this:
Bulletproof Angel is a high-octane international spy thriller that centers on a brilliant young CIA agent and her estranged mother, a retired operative with a haunted past. They are forced to work together behind enemy lines to stop an AI-powered weapon system capable of triggering global catastrophe.
This collaboration marks the first in a larger content slate spearheaded by Paradigm’s Sports and Publishing divisions, aiming to build franchise-ready stories books, film, and TV. For Perry, Bulletproof Angel is just the start of things to come.
“I’ve always been drawn to stories of espionage, betrayal, and resilience, and building a world around two powerful female operatives was a dream. Blake is an incredible partner, and Bulletproof Angel is just the beginning.”
Northcott is known for Arena Mode and The North Valley Grimoire, and has over 50 published works including contributions to Heavy Metal Magazine, Weird Tales, DC Comics (Catwoman), and Dynamite (Barbarella).
Perry reportedly re-sighned with WWE on a legends deal in April of this year, and fans have been left wondering if she will join her husband Rusev on TV. In the meantime, the Ravishing Russian will be kept busy as her new book is made into a film.
