Karrion Kross and Scarlett made their presence felt on the April 14th episode of WWE Raw by bringing back his ominous “Fall and Pray” entrance theme. While Kross’s entrance wasn’t aired during the live broadcast, WWE’s social media platforms shared the visual spectacle online. He battled AJ Styles in a singles match on the show.
This theme holds significance as it was the one Kross used during his initial impactful debut in NXT in 2020 before he transitioned to “The End Is Near” as part of the Final Testament faction.
Commentary from Michael Cole shed light on the change, stating that Kross specifically requested the return of his “Dead Silent” theme. This decision was driven by Kross’s desire to recapture the essence of his earlier and more dominant persona, aiming to “reestablish himself as the killer he once was.”
This singles match on Raw was Kross’s first since July 2024, signaling a potential shift in his character and direction within WWE, perhaps marking the start of a relaunch. Kross does not have a match lined up for WrestleMania 41, while Styles is scheduled to meet Logan Paul in a singles match.
This year’s WWE NXT Stand & Deliver event will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The headliner is expected to be a triple threat match for the WWE NXT Championship featuring Oba Femi vs. Trick Williams vs. Je’Von Evans.
Other top bouts include a Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE NXT Women’s Championship between Stephanie Vaquer vs. GIULIA vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Jaida Parker, and a Ladder Match for the vacant WWE NXT Women’s North American Championship.
While appearing on the Bobby Bones Show, head of WWE NXT creative Shawn Michaels was asked if a standout performance at NXT Stand & Deliver could expedite a talent’s move to the main roster.
“Absolutely, Stand & Deliver, much like WrestleMania, you can turn your career around in one match and one moment. Even when it comes to bonuses, those are things that, especially from an NXT standpoint, we have a lot of multi-person matches at Stand & Deliver. A lot of people don’t like that, but these young men and women work throughout the entire year. Not all of them get an opportunity to be on PLEs and those televisions that are on the road, which we’ve been doing more of lately. We want to give as many people as we can an opportunity to perform on the biggest weekend. That’s the reason people get into this line of work. To have that experience to have those moments. We’re hoping we have a lot of standouts come Stand & Deliver. It’s something we definitely keep an eye on and anytime there is a performance or somebody goes above and beyond, whether it’s in a match or throughout the entire year, we try to take care of them as much as possible,” said Michaels.
NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer and Axiom, and NXT North American Champion Ricky Starks, will also defend their titles at the show against competitors soon to be announced.
WWE will present the WrestleMania 41 premium live event on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. Despite a stacked card, one title is not currently scheduled to be on the line at the show.
Fightful Select reports that United States Champion Chelsea Green is not currently planned for WrestleMania. Fans observed on Friday that Green was not among the champions advertised when the cards were announced.
According to the report, sources indicated that she was not scheduled for the show late last week. It was reiterated that as of this past weekend, there were no plans for her involvement. While a last-minute segment or skit remains possible, sources consistently stated otherwise in the preceding two inquiries.
The first night of WrestleMania is set to feature Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk in the main event. Other prominent matches include WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER vs. Jey Uso, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair, and WWE United States Champion LA Knight vs. Jacob Fatu.
Night two’s main event will showcase Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena. The other top matches slated for the second night include WWE Women’s World Champion IYO SKY vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley, WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker vs. Penta vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Balor in a Fatal Four Way Match, and Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest in a Sin City Street Fight.
Randy Orton has no plans to slow down after making his in-ring return at WrestleMania 40. In a recent interview with Complex, the 14-time world champion revealed that he hopes to sign another five-year deal with WWE, showing his long-term commitment to the company following a career-threatening back injury.
“I just had back fusion about a year and a half ago. A lot of people were thinking I was done,” Orton said. “Now that I’m back, I feel better than I have in a decade.”
Orton returned to action in November 2023 at Survivor Series: WarGames and has since re-established himself on WWE programming. Discussing his current mindset, he emphasized his determination to stay active as long as his body allows.
“I want to do another five years,” Orton added. “I just turned 44, and I’d love to sign that next contract and keep it going until I can’t anymore.”
In addition to his own return, Orton commented on the recent injury to Kevin Owens, stating that the situation is still unfolding and there’s hope Owens won’t be out for long.
WWE WrestleMania 41 is mere days away but not everyone will be part of the two-night supershow. Braun Strowman is among those not expected to appear in Allegiant Stadium but the former Universal Champion isn’t too worried about this ‘snub.’
On X, a fan criticized WWE for omitting Strowman from the WrestleMania card, highlighting that Braun has always been willing to do what was asked of him. This caught the attention of Strowman who appreciated the fan’s support. With that said, Braun made clear he’s just doing his job, seemingly rejecting idea that WWE ‘owes’ him a WrestleMania spot.
— The Monster of all Monsters (@Adamscherr99) April 14, 2025
Strowman’s attitude reflects a maturity as he recognizes that not everyone can make it to the WrestleMania card and there are limited opportunities when WWE boasts such a massive roster. Strowman recently feuded with Jacob Fatu though it was the Samoan Werewolf who won their Last Man Standing match on the April 4, edition of WWE SmackDown. Fatu will make his WrestleMania debut by challenging WWE United States Champion LA Knight for the gold.
As for Strowman, it remains to be seen what’s next in his career as he continues to search out his next storyline on WWE programming. And while Braun may not make it onto this year’s WrestleMania card, Strowman plans on being a part of many more massive events in the future.
Roman Reigns is days away from competing in a triple threat match with Seth Rollins and CM Punk at WrestleMania 41. He enters this match knowing that Paul Heyman will not be in his corner for the main event on Saturday night; instead, Heyman will be supporting Punk.
In a message shared on Monday afternoon ahead of tonight’s Raw, Reigns reflected on his past year in WWE.
“It’s funny how much a year can change. This time last year I was untouchable. I should have tightened my grip around this company’s neck. There was a wise man that taught me diplomacy. ‘You gotta think politically’, I tried to help everyone. Most of them don’t understand what a helping hand really looks like. What that really feels like. What do I get for it? Netflix. TKO. The mainstream. Billion dollar deals and somehow I’m out on my ass. I lift everybody up and somehow no one’s got enough respect to just be true to their Tribal Chief. My father didn’t agree with me. He used to say, son why do you care if they respect you? Why do you care if they acknowledge your talent and your contribution? Lessons learned. We don’t lose. We learn. Don’t trust anyone.”
At last year’s WrestleMania, Reigns won a tag team match on night 1, teaming with The Rock to defeat Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The following night, Reigns lost the Undisputed WWE Title to Rhodes.
In September 2023, TKO Group Holdings officially launched, consisting of two entertainment juggernauts: WWE & UFC. Ever since, fans have speculated about potential crossover between the two and WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque won’t rule the idea out.
Speaking to Flagrant, Levesque wouldn’t confirm a crossover event or talent competing for the other, though didn’t reject the concept.
“Look, it’s one of those things—it just depends on who’s an entertainer and who’s not… We’re always wide open to it.”
While WWE are yet to send one of its Superstars to UFC, nor has a crossover event happened, the bond that exists within TKO has played out on screen. Since TKO’s launch, several names from both sides have made appearances for the other, including Rhea Ripley attending UFC 314. In 2024, WWE hosted NXT Battleground from the UFC Apex in Paradise, Nevada, further demonstrating the ties between the two sides.
If Levesque is looking for Superstars to compete in UFC, he won’t have a problem finding volunteers. After attending UFC 298 in 2024, Montez Ford shared that he’d 100% love the opportunity to try his skills inside the Octagon.
With WWE more open to working with others than ever before (just ask TNA Wrestling) a crossover event with UFC can’t be counted out. And with several Superstars already having experience in the Octagon, such an event may not be a matter of if, but when.
Donald Trump is loved by some and loathed by others, but there’s no denying that the U.S. President is able to get everyone talking. Speaking to Flagrant, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque argued that Trump has a pull that few people in his circles could dream of replicating.
“He’s charismatic in so many ways, and I think he likes getting under peoples skin, generating [heat]. It’s amazing and it’s genius, and it worked.”
Levesque, set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for the second time this weekend, highlighted Trump as “the epitome of that billionaire status” and once again credited ‘The Don’s’ charisma for that. While there are other billionaires in the word, Levesque noted that it was Trump that individuals could find on People Magazine on a regular basis.
While Trump has obvious ties to WWE, including appearances at several WrestleManias, the company has avoided mentioning the current President of the United States on-screen. This restraint demonstrates WWE wisely stepping away from the highly-volatile world of politics despite the potential for headlines if they were to lean into their Trump connection. WWE’s TKO partners in UFC haven’t shied away from Trump, who appeared at the recent UFC 314 event.
Each day, Trump continues to make headlines, with his recent tarriffs and changes to said tarriffs sparking a ton of debate, and while Levesque may avoid mentioning the President by name on WWE TV, the CCO’s admiration for Trump’s charisma is no secret.
Since arriving in WWE in 2021, Logan Paul has been riling up fans, though even his fiercest critics can’t deny his skills in the squared circle. Speaking recently to Ariel Helwani, WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER shared his praise for the Maverick.
“I have no bad experience with Logan. I think he’s a great addition for us. Crazy athlete and he picked it up very quick.”
GUNTHER acknowledged that Paul may not have “aspirations to be the best wrestler in the world,” but said that his “obvious passion” for pro wrestling can’t be denied. And though some may have issues with an ‘outsider’ getting top treatment by WWE, GUNTHER argued it’s hypocritcal for others to bemoan Paul for accepting such lavish treatment.
“When you get offered a private jet and locker room, none of you would turn it down. Let’s be honest.”
GUNTHER’s comments are interesting given that his journey to WWE and Paul’s couldn’t be more different. While GUNTHER spent years honing his craft in his native Europe before landing in NXT UK, Paul made his name as a social media influencer who crossed over into Sports Entertainment.
Both GUNTHER and Logan Paul will be in action at WWE WrestleMania 41 in matches against Jey Uso and AJ Styles respectively. And while GUNTHER’s declaration that the mat is sacred may seem the antithesis of Paul’s brash, in-your-face attitude, the Ring General has no issue with the Maverick.
At WWE SummerSlam 2024, Rhea Ripley’s time as part of the Judgment Day came to an end, as did the tenure of the group’s longest-tenured member Damian Priest. When asked by the Toronto Sun if she still keeps tabs on her former group, Ripley argued that the Judgment Day is hardly the faction it once was.
“Judgment Day died when Damian and I got turned on. They died. When we got kicked out, they died. They’re not the Judgment Day anymore.”
Ripley’s time with the group ended when Dominik Mysterio cost her a Women’s World Title match with Liv Morgan, and sealed his betrayal with a kiss to the latter. As for Priest, his ousting came when Finn Balor would cost him his World Heavyweight Championship match to GUNTHER.
Despite Ripley’s bold claim, the Judgment Day remains a force on WWE TV, with four members of the group set to do action at WrestleMania. While Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez will put their tag titles on the line, Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio will be at odds in the Intercontinental Championship fatal four-way match.
As for Ripley, her Road to WrestleMania will lead her to potentially regaining the Women’s World Championship, though IYO SKY and Bianca Belair won’t make this easy. And just one year after retaining the very same title as a fully-fledged member of the Judgment Day, WWE’s ‘Mami’ wants no part of the ‘dead’ faction.
Brock Lesnar hasn’t appeared for WWE in over a year but fans can expect the Beast to return to TV, at least according to one WWE Hall of Famer.
On the Something to Wrestle podcast, John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield predicted that Lesnar’s return isn’t a question of if, but when.
“There’s gonna be a figure that comes that has two commas in it that they’re gonna offer him to come back, and I think he’ll take it and I hope he does.”
Layfield said that his fellow former WWE Champion will be tempted by “the limelight,” a somewhat ironic belief given Brock is a self-professed misanthrope. Nevertheless, a high-enough figure could convince Lesnar, who for years was WWE’s highest-paid Superstar to step back in the ring.
Lesnar’s WWE future has been in limbo since Janel Grant filed her lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis. In the suit, Grant alleges that she was trafficked to Lesnar in order to convince him to re-sign with WWE.
The nixing of plans led to Lesnar being removed from the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match, won by Brock’s most recent opponent, Cody Rhodes. Lesnar was reportedly set to face Dominik Mysterio at Elimination Chamber: Perth, and GUNTHER at WrestleMania 40, though neither match occurred.
While JBL believes WWE will make an offer alluring enough to bring Lesnar back, the company has outwardly shown no sign of doing just that. And with the inevitable bad PR WWE would face bringing Lesnar back amid Grant’s legal dispute, it may be a long time before fans ever see him in the ring again.
The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here’s what to know about tuning in to the ceremony.
Streaming Options
In the United States
Peacock: The ceremony will stream live on Peacock, WWE’s official U.S. streaming partner. Fans can watch by subscribing to either Peacock Premium ($7.99/month) or Peacock Premium Plus ($13.99/month, ad-free).
WWE Social Channels: The event will also be available through WWE’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
International Viewers
WWE Social Channels: Fans outside the U.S. can watch via WWE’s Facebook and X accounts.
Netflix: While not officially confirmed for this event, WWE programming on Netflix may include the Hall of Fame ceremony for international viewers.
WWE Network: In regions where WWE Network is still available, the ceremony may be accessible there due to ongoing streaming agreements.
Timing Details
The ceremony begins at 10:00 PM Pacific Time on Friday, April 18, 2025. Start times by region include:
Pacific Time (PT): Friday, April 18, at 10:00 PM
Mountain Time (MT): Friday, April 18, at 11:00 PM
Central Time (CT): Saturday, April 19, at 12:00 AM
Eastern Time (ET): Saturday, April 19, at 1:00 AM
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): Saturday, April 19, at 5:00 AM
Central European Time (CET): Saturday, April 19, at 6:00 AM
India Standard Time (IST): Saturday, April 19, at 10:30 AM
Japan/Korea Standard Time: Saturday, April 19, at 2:00 PM
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): Saturday, April 19, at 3:00 PM
Venue Information
The ceremony will be held at the BleauLive Theater inside the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The Fontainebleau has also been named the official host hotel for WrestleMania 41 and is offering up to 30% off on room rates for Fontainebleau Rewards Members.
Mattel and WWE have announced a multi-year extension of their global licensing partnership, continuing their collaboration on a wide range of WWE-branded products including action figures, playsets, roleplay items, vehicles, and accessories.
The partnership, which began in 2010, has seen WWE action figures become a mainstay in the U.S. toy market and beyond, with products now available in over 50 countries. Mattel’s WWE Main Event Action Figure Series remains the longest-running continuous action figure line in history.
The renewed agreement comes as WWE accelerates its global footprint, highlighted by its recent partnership with Netflix. As of January 2025, Monday Night Raw began streaming in the U.S., with other WWE programming and Premium Live Events reaching international audiences through the platform.
“Our longstanding partnership with WWE has resulted in some of the most celebrated action figures in the industry,” said Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer at Mattel. “As we extend this agreement, we are committed to delivering authentic, high-quality products that capture the energy and larger-than-life personalities of WWE for fans across the globe.”
Alex Varga, Co-Head of Revenue at WWE, added, “WWE’s relationship with Mattel has been a cornerstone of our consumer products strategy for 15 years. Extending this collaboration will allow us to continue offering products that bring our WWE Superstars and their stories to life for our global fanbase.”
Mattel’s WWE products are available online and in select retailers worldwide.
The Miz has shared his thoughts on John Cena’s recent heel turn, predicting that the WWE Universe will ultimately drive a return to his babyface persona.
After Cena embraced a heel character for the first time at WWE Elimination Chamber in March 2025—blaming fans for his attitude shift—The Miz addressed the change in a recent interview with TMZ. He said he’s long believed Cena had heel tendencies and recalled calling it out as far back as their WrestleMania 27 feud.
“Haven’t I been telling everyone that John Cena is already a heel? Since the beginning,” The Miz said. “Do you not remember all the promos, the feuds, all the things I’ve said about John Cena? I’ve known this forever.”
He went on to reflect on Cena’s star power, noting that any opponent must elevate themselves just to compete with him—regardless of whether Cena is portrayed as a hero or villain.
“John Cena is such a big star that when you’re in the ring with him, you need to step up,” he explained. “He’s literally saying, ‘this is where I’m at—if you’re not here, you’re not on my level.’”
Looking ahead, The Miz predicted that the fans who once turned against Cena may now be the ones to bring him back to the light.
“In my mind, I feel like I know what’s going to happen,” he said. “The audience is going to like John Cena as a heel so much that they’re going to turn him back to babyface. That’s what the audience does.”
Cena is set to face Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 on April 20.
Gail Kim’s departure from TNA has stirred emotions across the wrestling world, but her legacy as the cornerstone of the Knockouts Division remains firmly intact. TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett recently shed new light on just how instrumental Kim was in creating a platform for women in the company — even when leadership wasn’t ready to commit.
Kim Pushed for a Women’s Division When No One Else Would
Speaking on a recent episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett revealed that Kim wasn’t just a top-tier performer, but the driving force behind the birth of TNA’s women’s division.
“She really, really pushed for a women’s division at that time,” Jarrett said. “And I gave the pushback multiple times, because I said, ‘Hey, if we’re going to do it, we got to make sure we give the proper amount of time to it.’”
Jarrett emphasized the logistical challenges of launching a women’s division in the early TNA days, noting that the roster wasn’t deep enough. But Kim insisted.
“We had a little bit — but with me and America’s Most Wanted, she was the first one,” he explained. “She pushed and pushed, and she was right. We needed it.
A Star Performer Who Redefined the Role
Kim didn’t just advocate for change — she embodied it. Jarrett praised her athleticism and storytelling ability.
“She’d jump off the top and do a hurricanrana… her athleticism in the early days jumped off the page.”
More importantly, she mastered the art of being a believable babyface, something Jarrett says is rare for women in wrestling.
“Sometimes it is harder for a female to be that — you know, as we call the business, white meat babyface. Because you still got to have an edge… She was very, very, very skilled, and I’ll say this: a professional wrestler.”
A Legacy That Won’t Be Forgotten
Kim’s efforts helped establish one of the most respected women’s divisions in wrestling history. As her chapter with TNA closes, Jarrett’s reflections offer a powerful reminder of her enduring impact — not just as a performer, but as a pioneer who wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, shared rare behind-the-scenes insight into his creative leadership, personal growth, and the transformative power of professional wrestling during a feature-length interview on the High Performance podcast.
John Cena’s Heel Turn: “What if We Pulled the Lever?”
One of the most headline-grabbing revelations centered around John Cena’s long-awaited heel turn. Levesque revealed that after years of resistance, the decision was finally made during Cena’s farewell run.
“I went to John and said, ‘What if we pulled the lever no one ever wanted to pull? What if you turned heel?’” Triple H recalled. Cena responded, “I f***ing love it.”
The storyline played out during Elimination Chamber, where Cena shockingly attacked The Rock. According to Levesque, it was a creatively risky but emotionally grounded decision designed to showcase a new layer of Cena’s character—one bitter over years of mixed fan reactions.
Leading WWE with a Creative Vision
Levesque emphasized that his approach to creative leadership differs from that of Vince McMahon, particularly in giving performers more autonomy. “I like to work with the talent and give them freedom to try things,” he said.
Citing examples like Jey Uso’s organic crowd connection and his own iconic water-spitting entrance, Levesque highlighted how many successful moments arise from improvisation and crowd feedback rather than rigid scripting.
The Feel vs. The Formula
He credited mentors like Pat Patterson for teaching him the intangible quality of “feel” in wrestling. “You can’t teach feel. You either know what emotion something will evoke or you don’t,” he explained, noting it as a creative gift that only a few truly possess.
Life After a Health Scare
Triple H also opened up about his 2021 heart failure, which nearly claimed his life. Doctors discovered 100% blockage in one of his arteries, and he later received a defibrillator implant.
Reflecting on that time, he said, “I’m Triple H, the larger-than-life wrestler. But the most important job I have is being a husband and a dad.” The experience reshaped his outlook: “A bad show? Who cares—I have three amazing kids and a great wife.”
Rebuilding Bridges with CM Punk
Levesque discussed his renewed collaboration with CM Punk, describing past tensions as the result of “bad communication.” After Punk’s return, both agreed to move forward with transparency and openness, which has since led to a positive working relationship.
“Sitting down with Punk now is one of my favorite things to do at TV,” Levesque said.
WrestleMania, Storytelling, and Lasting Impact
From WrestleMania planning to the emotional highs of fan engagement, Triple H stressed the importance of making people feel something. “It’s like music,” he said. “Wrestling moments stick with you, just like the songs from your youth.”
From Performer to Executive
Now in a top executive role, Levesque has embraced a new leadership style rooted in collaboration and perspective. He described his younger self as singularly focused, even obsessed, with success. Today, balance and presence are central to his philosophy.
“There’s no such thing as perfect work-life balance,” he said. “It’s about emotionally managing where you are, when you’re there.”
Final Lessons: Humility, Respect, Passion
Triple H closed the conversation by identifying three core values: respect, humility, and drive. These non-negotiables guide how he leads and how he wants others to grow—whether they’re WWE superstars or professionals in any field.
“There’s always another level to reach,” he concluded. “And the joy isn’t just in reaching it—it’s in the process of getting there.”
WWE has officially announced the summer 2025 schedule for its RAW and SmackDown live shows, confirming dates across 10 major cities in the United States and Canada.
The tour begins on Monday, July 7, with RAW in Providence, Rhode Island at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. SmackDown follows on July 11 in Nashville, Tennessee at Bridgestone Arena. Additional stops include Birmingham, San Antonio, Houston, Cleveland, Detroit, Montreal, Quebec City, and Boston.
Here is the full schedule of announced dates:
July 7 – RAW in Providence, RI at Amica Mutual Pavilion
July 11 – SmackDown in Nashville, TN at Bridgestone Arena
July 14 – RAW in Birmingham, AL at Legacy Arena
July 18 – SmackDown in San Antonio, TX at Frost Bank Center
July 21 – RAW in Houston, TX at Toyota Center
July 25 – SmackDown in Cleveland, OH at Rocket Arena
July 28 – RAW in Detroit, MI at Little Caesars Arena
August 8 – SmackDown in Montreal, QC at Bell Centre
August 11 – RAW in Quebec City, QC at Centre Videotron
August 15 – SmackDown in Boston, MA at TD Garden
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, AXS, and SeatGeek, depending on the venue.
John Cena’s schedule with WWE continues to expand beyond his in-ring appearances, with another date recently added. Cena is set to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 this Sunday.
Following this Mania match, Cena is also advertised for the Raw episode immediately following WrestleMania next Monday.
In addition to his Raw appearance, WWE had previously announced Cena’s participation at Backlash, the post-WrestleMania premium live event in St. Louis, and WWE Clash at the Paris La Défense Arena, scheduled for Sunday, August 31.
These bookings, along with his advertised appearance on the Raw after WrestleMania, signal a more active schedule for the veteran star as he continues his current run with the company.
Cena’s upcoming appearances advertised on WWE’s website include:
CM Punk walks into WrestleMania 41 prepared for his first ever ‘Mania main event, a Triple Threat with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Though The Straight Edge Superstar has been well-protected since his return to WWE, he enters a scenario in which it’s entirely feasible he could lose, working against the face of the past decade of WrestleMania in Reigns and a fellow top star in Rollins.
Does the city in which a show like this occurs matter? There’s no telling for sure, but Punk has had a pretty remarkable history in Las Vegas these past fourteen years, including two major career highlights. Indeed, for those wagering on match outcomes at WrestleMania 41, past precedent suggests that they probably shouldn’t bet against Punk.
CM Punk Dropped A Pipe Bomb
CM Punk had a good WWE career from 2006 to 2011. He starred for ECW and won the brand’s championship. He went on to overachieve in twice winning Money in the Bank and twice successfully cashing in to win world titles. Other highlights included winning a SummerSlam main event and getting a lot of heat via his Straight Edge Society faction.
Punk leveled up, though, when he got a live mic and a long leash on June 27, 2011, in the build to the Money in the Bank PLE in which he challenged John Cena for the WWE Championship. He delivered a promo that represented all of his best, most provocative qualities—walking the work-shoot line with aplomb, lending voice to the chip on his shoulder, and taking aim at those who might seek to oppress him, ranging from Cena all the way to Vince McMahon himself.
That promo happened in Vegas and took Punk from the kind of career that likely would have garnered a middle-of-the-class Hall of Fame induction one day to a surefire future Hall of Fame main eventer. (And if that triumph in Vegas weren’t enough, Punk also won his last televised WWE match in Vegas too, over The Big Show.)
CM Punk Enjoyed His Biggest AEW Win In Las Vegas
In addition to CM Punk’s WWE successes in Las Vegas, he also garnered his biggest AEW victory in Sin City. At Double or Nothing 2022, Punk challenged Hangman Adam Page for the AEW Championship and emerged victorious coming out of a very good bout.
It’s unfortunate that things were all down hill from there. Punk got injured, returned, won the title back, lost it in short order, won it back, but got injured in the process. His remaining time with AEW overshadowed and defined by backstage happenings, including the infamous “Brawl Out” incident and clashing with Jack Perry. Still, Punk’s triumph in Vegas—winning his first world title in nearly a decade, and doing so cleanly and in front of a boisterous crowd—marked a career highlight and certainly his most noteworthy triumph under the AEW banner.
CM Punk Vs. Roman Reigns Vs. Seth Rollins Should Be Special
There are clear reasons why the CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins Triple Threat Match got the WrestleMania Saturday main event nod over Gunther vs. Jey Uso or either women’s title match at WrestleMania 41. The star power is incredible. The three-way feud is white hot. The match is all but guaranteed to be one of the best of ‘Mania weekend. There’s every reason to expect that whatever happens here will have major implications moving forward, including the victor transitioning into one world title picture or the other before long.
CM Punk’s track record in Vegas and momentum as a character both make him a likely victor. There’s also the intrigue of Paul Heyman owing Punk a favor dating back to Survivor Series when The Straight Edge Superstar helped out Roman Reigns and The OG Bloodline. Could that favor entail The Wiseman turning on the The OTC, formally realigning with Punk in a shared heel turn? Nothing’s for sure, but part of the fun of this main event is all the fantasy booking possibilities. Whatever plays out, this looks to be a huge night for Punk.
Jim Johnston, the composer behind some of WWE’s most iconic entrance themes, has criticized the way he was released from the company after over three decades of service. In a new interview, Johnston described his exit as “disrespectful” and voiced strong concerns about the current direction of WWE’s music.
“It’s absolutely politics. [There] was a guy there who was trying to kill me and get his people in the door, which he eventually successfully did. I slowly got just sort of pushed out because I wasn’t getting the full information about characters and what was needed. And so it eventually worked, and Vince eventually fired me at the end of 2017.”
Unceremonial Departure
Towards the end of his run, he grew indifferent about his standing with WWE. His days of having fun on the job, and that inspiring great work, had long passed.
“By the time that Vince finally fired me, I think I was kind of so burned out on it. I was fine… because this stopped being fun a while ago. Early on it was really fun, I really enjoyed it, and when things become not fun, you’re never going to do your best work.”
Most business relationships have a ‘life cycle’ and parties eventually go their separate ways. Unfortunately, Johnston felt a bit disappointed with how little fanfare he received after making such a contribution to the company.
“I know from people who were still there that I disappeared. I didn’t even get the classic corporate email to everyone saying ‘Jim Johnston no longer is an employee of WWE’… It was just like boom, that’s it. And I never heard from anyone there, still.”
The Creative Process, and Today’s WWE Music
Known for creating legendary themes for stars like The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and D-Generation X, Johnston emphasized the emotional storytelling that once defined WWE music. “To me, music in wrestling is about character. It’s not just about making a cool-sounding song. It’s about telling the audience who this person is before they even speak or step in the ring,” he said.
Johnston expressed disappointment with WWE’s current musical direction, noting a lack of individuality in the themes. “I don’t hear the characters in the music anymore,” he explained. “When you heard The Undertaker’s theme, you instantly understood that this guy was something ominous and different. Today, a lot of the themes sound interchangeable.”
He also reflected on the creative process that helped elevate talent. “My job was to help make someone a star through music. Not to just fill time,” Johnston added. “When Stone Cold’s glass broke, people jumped. That was intentional. That was part of the art.”
Since Johnston’s departure, WWE has moved toward working with outside music producers, including CFO$ and more recently def rebel, marking a significant shift in how the company approaches entrance music.
Johnston’s comments underscore a broader sentiment among longtime fans who feel the current themes lack the distinctiveness and emotional punch of earlier eras. For Johnston, the exit wasn’t just personal — it represented a shift in how WWE values the role of music in shaping its performers.
Mariah May has issued her first public comment amid growing speculation about her AEW status.
The British star had been absent from AEW programming since losing the Women’s Championship to Toni Storm at Grand Slam Australia in February 2025. Their feud, which began when May debuted in November 2023 as Storm’s protégé, spanned several major events. After winning the Owen Hart Cup, May turned heel and later captured the title from Storm at All In, only to lose it back in their latest bout.
Despite widespread praise for the storyline, May has not appeared on AEW TV since the loss, prompting questions about her status. With Fightful Select, sources within AEW believe her contract could be set to expire this summer, May has responded with a cryptic message on Instagram, stating:
“You can’t make the wrong decision because every decision leads you to where you’re supposed to be.”
The post included a photo tagged in Orlando, Florida—an area closely linked with WWE operations—further fueling discussion about her next move.
Tonight’s WWE Raw airs live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California on Netflix at 8/7c.
This episode serves as the go-home show for WrestleMania 41, setting the stage for an historic weekend of wrestling. Here’s what’s scheduled for the final Raw before WWE’s biggest event of the year.
Matches and Segments
AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross – AJ Styles is set to face Karrion Kross in a singles match, with Kross determined to see Styles unleash his more aggressive side ahead of his WrestleMania bout against Logan Paul.
Bayley vs. Liv Morgan – Bayley takes on Liv Morgan in a singles match, building momentum for Bayley and Lyra Valkyria’s upcoming title challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championships.
Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Paul Heyman Segment – These four superstars will appear on the show, with tensions running high ahead of their Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 41.
Gunther Segment – WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther is scheduled to confront Jey Uso ahead of their clash for the World Heavyweight title.
Logan Paul Appearance – Logan Paul will appear on the show, further hyping his match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for coverage of tonight’s WWE Raw.
Layla is stepping back into the wrestling spotlight with Lay Talk, a new visual podcast dedicated to honoring and preserving the legacy of WWE’s Divas era—a period she believes has been unfairly criticized.
The podcast will focus on the overlooked accomplishments and backstage experiences of women who were central to that chapter of WWE history. As a former Diva Search winner and champion, Layla makes it clear:
“I am a diva, and I’m proud of it.”
Throughout Lay Talk, she plans to spotlight the challenges and triumphs faced by her peers, many of whom, she says, haven’t received the credit they deserve.
“I want to celebrate the Diva era… these women had great careers. We accomplished so many things that nobody knows about,” she shared.
Layla also pointed out the era’s foundational role in today’s women’s wrestling scene.
“We were the beginning… we endured so that women now can fly,” she said, urging fans to “put some respect to their names.”
As the podcast prepares for its debut, Layla’s mission goes beyond storytelling—she’s seeking to reframe public perception and ensure the contributions of Divas-era performers are properly recognized and appreciated.
One half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions Jeff Cobb has decided to part ways with NJPW.
New Japan Pro Wrestling recently announced that Cobb is set to depart the company and the IWGP Tag Team titles which he currently holds with Callum Newman have been vacated. The promotion has also announced that Jeff Cobb will face Hiroshi Tanahashi in a singles match on April 19th at Korakuen Hall. This will mark his final match for the promotion.
“New Japan Pro-Wrestling has come to terms with the departure of Jeff Cobb at his request. With Cobb one half of the IWGP Tag team Champions, those titles have now been vacated. Cobb’s final match in NJPW will take place in Korakuen Hall on April 19 against Hiroshi Tanahashi. New Japan Pro-Wrestling profoundly apologises for the sudden nature of this news and joins fans in wishing Cobb the best in all his future endeavours.”
This news comes after Fightful reported that WWE was interested in signing Cobb. The outlet noted that he was already on the internal roster. Dave Meltzer reported that there had been talks between the two parties. However, there was no confirmation of a deal. Cobb’s contract with NJPW ran out earlier this year, but he continued to serve the company as a free agent.
The 42-year-old powerhouse has been a key member of the United Empire faction and has had a great run with the promotion. But he is eager to look out for new opportunities and even added fuel to the speculation of his NJPW exit in a post-match interview last month:
“Maybe it’s time to take my bags and go somewhere else.”
His comments came last month after he faced El Phantasmo in a losing effort, for NJPW World Television Championship match at the NJPW Road to the New Beginning on February 3rd, 2025.
WWE have been making massive signings in recent memory. It is needless to say that they have their eyes on Jeff Cobb’s status and if they are able to secure a deal, Jeff Cobb could be an impactful acquisition.
Joe Hendry has appeared for WWE several times, but has yet to appear on WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw. Now, it appears that Hendry came close to appearing on the red brand before one higher-up nixed the idea.
Fightful Select reports that there was a plan for Hendry to appear on WWE RAW earlier this year to set up a feud with The Miz, but Ariel Shnerer shot down the idea. It is believed that Shenrer, who recently was an executive for Anthem, didn’t like the idea of Hendry taking the loss. Hendry is, after all, the reigning TNA World Champion, and has held the gold since TNA Genesis in January of this year.
WWE reportedly soured on Shnerer during his tenure with TNA. Following his exit, it was reported that NXT talent had requested that he not be in the locker-room during TNA-NXT collaboration. At the time, it was noted that this wasn’t anything personal to Shnerer but simply talent believing that ther locker room should be restricted to talent.
While Hendry didn’t appear on WWE Raw, the idea was not entirely scrapped. Fightful reports that Ethan Page arriving in TNA to feud with Hendry is very similar in terms of creative to what would have been planned. Page, someone who Hendry battled in 2024 over the NXT Championship, will challenge for the TNA World Title at Rebellion in a triple-threat match that’ll include Frankie Kazarian.
