Cody Rhodes has unveiled his latest persona transformation, evolving from “The American Nightmare” to the “Nightmare King” ahead of his SummerSlam 2025 championship rematch with John Cena.
Rhodes announced the change via Twitter with an image of himself holding the King of the Ring crown, declaring simply: “Nightmare King @WWE.” WWE’s official account responded with “We’re speechless…”
Rhodes, a master storyteller who has utilized numerous personas throughout his career, strategically combines his iconic “American Nightmare” identity with his recent King of the Ring victory. The timing is deliberate—Rhodes faces the nemesis who took his WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 in a controversial finish involving Travis Scott.
Rhodes earned his crown by defeating longtime friend Randy Orton at Night of Champions on June 28, showcasing a more aggressive edge. The victory guaranteed his SummerSlam title shot and made him one of only seven superstars to win both the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring while also being WWE Champion.
The Stakes
After acknowledging fan disappointment with their WrestleMania encounter, Rhodes has promised to “get them to the finish line” at SummerSlam. The “Nightmare King” persona signals a darker, more determined approach as he seeks redemption against Cena, now wrestling’s most decorated champion with 17 world titles.
As SummerSlam approaches, one thing is certain: the Nightmare King is coming for his throne.
Sami Zayn’s night on the July 7 episode of WWE Raw took a devastating turn before his scheduled match against Bron Breakker even began, resulting in his indefinite removal from WWE programming.
As Zayn made his entrance for what was expected to be a competitive singles match, Karrion Kross launched a brutal blindside attack from behind. With assistance from Scarlett, who provided the weapon, Kross struck Zayn repeatedly in his already-injured ribs with a steel lead pipe, leaving the former Intercontinental Champion writhing in pain on the entrance ramp.
WWE official Adam Pearce and medical personnel immediately rushed to the scene, confiscating the weapon and calling for medical assistance. Despite the vicious assault and visible injuries, Zayn demonstrated his characteristic determination by insisting he could still compete in his scheduled match against Breakker.
Zayn’s Stubborn Determination Proves Costly
Against Pearce’s wishes and medical advice urging him to withdraw, Zayn pushed past officials and humorously “diagnosed” himself as fit to compete. The weakened superstar entered the ring to face Bron Breakker, but the damage from Kross’s attack had already been done.
Breakker, who had earlier declared his vision of a WWE “without Sami Zayn,” capitalized on his opponent’s compromised condition. The match became a one-sided affair, with Breakker easily dominating the already-injured Zayn. Multiple devastating spears later, Breakker secured a decisive victory in what effectively became a squash match.
Paul Heyman Delivers the Final Verdict
The severity of Zayn’s condition became clear later in the evening when Paul Heyman addressed the situation. In a gloating statement that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, Heyman confirmed that Sami Zayn was now out of WWE indefinitely due to his injuries sustained from the attack.
“Sami Zayn was now out of WWE indefinitely due to his injuries” – Paul Heyman
This announcement effectively writes Zayn off television for the foreseeable future, leaving fans wondering when they’ll see the beloved superstar return to action.
The Escalating Kross-Zayn Feud
The attack represents the latest chapter in an intensely personal rivalry between Kross and Zayn. Despite Zayn’s recent victory over Kross at Night of Champions, where he broke a 210-day losing streak, Kross has continued his relentless psychological campaign against the former champion.
During a post-attack interview in the upper deck of the arena, Kross made his intentions crystal clear. “Every single week that Zayn comes out here, Kross is going to blast his guts with a steel rod,” he declared to a surprisingly supportive crowd that chanted “We Want Kross” throughout his appearance.
Kross’s message to Zayn was unmistakable: acknowledge that Kross was right about his character, or face continued punishment. “Until you do that, this will continue,” Kross warned, positioning himself as “the devil they know” while calling Zayn “the devil they don’t know.”
Implications for WWE Programming
Zayn’s indefinite absence creates significant ripple effects across WWE’s programming. The popular superstar had been involved in multiple ongoing storylines, including his conflicts with Seth Rollins’ faction consisting of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.
Karrion Kross’s stock continues to rise following this attack, with the former NXT Champion receiving unexpectedly positive crowd reactions despite his heel tactics. The fan support suggests WWE may be positioning Kross for a significant push, especially given his renewed contract status and the company’s apparent confidence in his ability to connect with audiences.
For Zayn, this forced hiatus could provide creative opportunities for character development and a potential reinvention upon his eventual return. Commentary teams have noted that Zayn may need to “save himself from himself” and reassess his approach to competition.
What’s Next?
With Zayn out of the picture indefinitely, attention turns to how WWE will fill the void left by one of their most reliable performers. Bron Breakker’s dominant victory positions him strongly within Seth Rollins’ faction, while Kross appears poised for bigger opportunities given his current momentum with fans.
The wrestling world will be watching for any signs of Zayn’s return timeline, though WWE’s use of the word “indefinitely” suggests this absence could extend for several weeks or potentially months.
As the dust settles from this shocking turn of events, one thing remains certain: when Sami Zayn does return to WWE programming, the landscape may look very different from the one he left behind.
Professional wrestling fans are in for an unprecedented treat this weekend, as multiple major promotions deliver a stacked lineup of premium events across three action-packed days. From WWE’s ambitious Atlanta triple-header to AEW’s biggest show of the year in Texas, this weekend represents one of the most significant periods in modern wrestling history.
The weekend kicks off Thursday with ROH’s Supercard of Honor, followed by the highly anticipated head-to-head battle between WWE’s NXT Great American Bash and AEW’s All In: Texas on Saturday. WWE closes out the weekend with their groundbreaking all-women’s Evolution event on Sunday.
Complete Event Schedule
Friday, July 11, 2025
ROH Supercard of Honor – 8:00 PM ET (Esports Stadium Arlington, TX)
Saturday, July 12, 2025
WWE NXT Great American Bash – 3:00 PM ET (Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, GA)
AEW All In: Texas – 3:00 PM ET (Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX)
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event – 8:00 PM ET (State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA)
Sunday, July 13, 2025
WWE Evolution – 8:00 PM ET (State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA)
Here’s everything you need to know about each major event happening this historic wrestling weekend.
ROH Supercard of Honor 2025
Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 Location: Esports Stadium Arlington, Arlington, Texas Streaming: Honor Club Start Time: 8:00 PM ET
Ring of Honor kicks off the weekend festivities with their biggest annual event, marking the 18th edition of Supercard of Honor. Originally scheduled for Atlantic City during WrestleMania weekend, the event was moved to align with AEW’s All In weekend, creating a perfect storm of wrestling entertainment in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Key Championship Matches
The ROH World Championship takes center stage as Bandido defends against the dangerous Konosuke Takeshita. This match promises to showcase the international flavor that has become ROH’s calling card, with Mexico’s Bandido facing off against Japan’s Takeshita in what should be a hard-hitting affair.
The women’s division features a highly anticipated clash between ROH Women’s World Champion Athena and former WWE star Thunder Rosa. This represents one of Rosa’s biggest matches since joining the ROH roster and could serve as a springboard for future storylines.
Tag team action highlights the Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara) defending their ROH World Tag Team Championships against The Infantry (Capt. Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo), who earned their shot by defeating Top Flight in a number one contender’s match.
Tournament Spotlight
A major tournament continues at the event as ROH crowns the inaugural ROH Women’s Pure Championship winner. This tournament has been building for months and represents the company’s commitment to expanding their women’s division with prestigious titles.
WWE NXT Great American Bash 2025
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Location: Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, Georgia Streaming: Peacock (US), Netflix (International) Start Time: 3:00 PM ET
WWE’s developmental brand returns to the historic Center Stage Theater – the former home of WCW Saturday Night – for an afternoon of high-stakes action. This marks the 13th Great American Bash under the WWE banner and notably airs directly opposite AEW’s All In event.
Championship Showdowns
The NXT Championship headlines the card as Oba Femi faces his toughest challenge yet against Yoshiki Inamura. The Japanese challenger earned his shot by defeating Jasper Troy in a hard-fought number one contender’s match, setting up this international clash for NXT’s top prize.
Women’s championship action features NXT Women’s North American Champion Sol Ruca defending against Izzi Dame of The Culling. Dame earned this opportunity after pinning Ruca in a recent tag team match, thanks to an inadvertent spear from Ruca’s partner Zaria.
Cross-Promotional Elements
One of the most intriguing segments involves the contract signing for the TNA World Championship match at TNA’s Slammiversary. Current champion Trick Williams will face both Joe Hendry and Mike Santana in a three-way match, representing the continued partnership between WWE and TNA Wrestling.
The event also features a tag team match between Jordynne Grace and Jacy Jayne against Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley and Jacy Jayne), marking Grace’s televised WWE debut ahead of her championship opportunity at Evolution.
AEW All In: Texas 2025
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Location: Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas Pay-Per-View: $49.99 (Traditional PPV, Amazon Prime, Triller.TV) Start Time: 3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT
AEW’s flagship annual event makes history as the first professional wrestling show held at Globe Life Field and the first All In event on American soil. The company has pulled out all the stops for this Texas-sized spectacle, creating what many consider their most stacked card of the year.
Main Event Championship Drama
The AEW World Championship takes center stage in a Texas Death Match between champion Jon Moxley and “Hangman” Adam Page. Page earned this opportunity by winning the men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament, setting up a redemption story as he attempts to reclaim the title he once held. The stipulation adds an extra layer of intensity to this already personal rivalry.
Women’s Championship Excellence
The women’s division features a dream match between AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm and current TBS Champion Mercedes Moné. Moné earned her shot by winning the women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament and brings an undefeated streak since joining AEW into this championship clash.
Historic Championship Unification
Perhaps the most anticipated match on the card sees the return of one of wrestling’s greatest rivalries. Kenny Omega puts his AEW International Championship on the line against Kazuchika Okada’s AEW Continental Championship in a winner-take-all unification match. The victor will be crowned the inaugural AEW Unified Champion, adding another chapter to these legends’ storied history.
Tag Team Spectacle
The Young Bucks defend their Executive Vice President status against the team of Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay. If Strickland and Ospreay lose, they cannot challenge for the AEW World Championship for one full year, adding massive stakes to this grudge match.
Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, known as The Hurt Syndicate, challenge for the AEW Tag Team Championships against the defending champions Kevin Knight and Mike Bailey in what promises to be a hard-hitting affair.
Casino Gauntlet Opportunities
Two Casino Gauntlet matches round out the card, with the winners earning future world championship opportunities. Mark Briscoe and MJF have earned the first two spots in the men’s gauntlet, while Kris Statlander secured the number one position in the women’s version.
WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia Network: NBC (Primetime Special) Start Time: 8:00 PM ET
The legendary Saturday Night’s Main Event brand returns to NBC primetime as part of WWE’s Atlanta takeover weekend. This marks another chapter in the show’s storied history and serves as the perfect bridge between the afternoon’s NXT event and Sunday’s Evolution spectacle.
Goldberg’s Final Chapter
The main event features WWE Hall of Famer Bill Goldberg in what has been announced as his retirement match. The WCW legend challenges World Heavyweight Champion Gunther in his hometown of Atlanta, where WCW once ruled supreme. This emotional farewell takes place in the city where Goldberg first rose to prominence.
Additional Attractions
While the full card hasn’t been revealed, expect WWE’s biggest stars to deliver memorable moments on network television. The primetime spotlight ensures maximum exposure for WWE’s premium talent and storylines.
WWE Evolution 2025
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia Streaming: Peacock (US), Netflix (International) Start Time: 8:00 PM ET
WWE’s groundbreaking all-women’s premium live event returns for the first time since 2018, capping off an incredible weekend of wrestling action. Evolution represents WWE’s commitment to showcasing their incredible women’s roster on the biggest stage possible.
Championship Opportunities
The event will feature championship matches across multiple divisions, with Jordynne Grace earning a shot at the women’s championship after her impressive victory in a number one contender’s match. Grace’s journey from TNA Wrestling to this championship opportunity represents the continued collaboration between promotions.
Historic Significance
Evolution’s return after seven years highlights how far women’s wrestling has come in WWE. The original 2018 event broke new ground, and this 2025 version promises to showcase the incredible depth and talent of today’s women’s division.
A Historic Weekend for Professional Wrestling
This weekend represents more than just individual events – it’s a showcase of professional wrestling’s current golden age. The direct competition between WWE and AEW on Saturday afternoon hearkens back to the Monday Night Wars, while the cross-promotional elements with TNA Wrestling show how the industry has evolved to embrace collaboration.
For wrestling fans, this weekend offers something for everyone: hardcore technical wrestling, sports entertainment spectacle, emotional storytelling, and historic moments. Whether you’re team WWE, AEW, ROH, or TNA, this weekend proves that professional wrestling is thriving in 2025.
The stage is set for one of the most memorable weekends in wrestling history. From Thursday’s ROH action through Sunday’s Evolution finale, this four-day stretch will likely be remembered as a turning point in the industry’s ongoing evolution.
Tonight’s WWE NXT serves as the crucial go-home show for this Saturday’s Great American Bash 2025, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Championship gold is on the line and the July 8 episode from the WWE Performance Center promises to deliver the final momentum shifts before the weekend’s premium live event.
Confirmed Matches & Segments
NXT Tag Team Championship Match
Hank & Tank (c) vs. The Culling (Shawn Spears & Niko Vance)
Champions Hank Walker and Tank Ledger have held the titles for over 70 days
The Culling brings a brutal, unorthodox style that could end the champions’ reign
A title change would send shockwaves through the tag division heading into Great American Bash
Gauntlet Match – North American Title Contention
Ricky Saints vs. The Vanity Project (Jackson Drake, Brad Baylor, and Ricky Smokes)
Winner earns another shot at NXT North American Champion Ethan Page
Saints seeking redemption after losing the title to “All Ego” Page
Must overcome three opponents to secure his championship opportunity
Tag Team Clash
Joe Hendry & Mike Santana vs. High Ryze (Tyriek Igwe & Tyson DuPont)
TNA stars continue their NXT integration after Santana helped Hendry defeat Wes Lee last week
Hendry building momentum toward an eventual confrontation with TNA World Champion Trick Williams
High Ryze looking to bounce back and assert dominance
Contract Freedom Match
Tavion Heights vs. Charlie Dempsey
Stipulation: If Heights wins, he can leave the No Quarter Catch Crew
Heights’ freedom from the NQCC hangs in the balance
Dempsey must win to keep his stablemate under contract
Final Thoughts
With just days remaining before Great American Bash 2025, tonight’s NXT episode could reshape multiple divisions and storylines. The tag team championships face their most serious threat in months, while Ricky Saints battles for another crack at singles gold.
The TNA involvement continues to gain steam, and personal freedom is literally on the line in the Heights-Dempsey clash.
Expect the kind of chaos that only a go-home show can deliver as NXT builds the final bridge to Saturday’s premium live event.
Paul Heyman’s alliance with Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed has quickly become one of the most dominant forces in WWE. However, a new report suggests that the faction’s unity may be short-lived, with an internal implosion already being planned.
According to a report from Viper of BodySlam.net, WWE has already started to sow the seeds for a future split within the group. The plan, while not expected to happen overnight, will reportedly result in Bron Breakker turning on the faction’s leader, Seth Rollins.
The group formed after WrestleMania 41 when Paul Heyman shockingly betrayed Roman Reigns and CM Punk to align himself with Rollins. The subsequent addition of “The Bronsons” — Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed — has made the faction seemingly unstoppable. Rollins currently holds the Money in the Bank briefcase, and there has been widespread speculation that he could cash in on the World Heavyweight Championship match between GUNTHER and Goldberg at this Saturday’s Main Event PLE.
A future feud between Rollins and the powerhouse Breakker would create a major storyline for the Raw brand. For now, the group remains a cohesive unit, but this report suggests that fans should be watching for signs of dissent in the coming weeks and months.
The faction was in action on the July 7 episode of Monday Night Raw. Sami Zayn defeated Bron Breakker by disqualification after Bronson Reed interfered. Later in the night, Jey Uso defeated Reed after Breakker’s attempt to interfere backfired, creating visible tension between the stablemates.
Karrion Kross was part of the July 7, 2025, episode of WWE Raw, where he ambushed Sami Zayn before his match. Despite attacking one of WWE’s most popular stars, Kross was cheered during the show, and that momentum was felt after Raw went off the air.
Once Raw wrapped up, Kross and his wife Scarlett were spotted making their way out of the arena. As countless fans chanted ‘We Want Kross,’ the former NXT Champion and his bride revilled in the support. Kross spoke with several fans, including sharing a touching moment with a young member of the WWE Universe, and signed some autographs.
This video is the latest sign of fan support growing for Kross, despite WWE not giving him many matches on TV, and even fewer victories. Despite his limited time, Kross’ merch is outselling some of WWE’s biggest legends, another sign of his undeniable popularity. Many have argued that Kross’ dedication to do the best he can both in the ring and on social media should be rewarded on TV.
It remains to be seen what’s next for Karrion Kross, though his issues with Sami Zayn appear far from over. And despite going up against the popular former Intercontinental Champion, Kross will no doubt be on the receiving end of more fan support.
LA Knight was full of confidence following the July 7, episode of WWE Raw, after he got the upperhand on Seth Rollins. In the show’s closing moments, Knight hit a BFT to Rollins, a warning shot ahead of their battle at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Knight escaped through the crowd before Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker could get to him, but his night wasn’t finished yet. In a post-match promo, Knight vowed to kick Bron’s brains (or rather, the little he has left,) out of his head. After throwing a swipe at Bronson Reed, Knight vowed victory in his upcoming showdown with Rollins.
“None of it matters! Saturday night’s Main Event! It’s me, it’s Seth Rollins. Getting what’s mine, Seth, getting what’s coming to him! And what’s coming to him, how sweet it’s gonna be! BFTs for ya!”
5 more sleeps @WWERollins. Lights out and the music plays…
For Knight, facing Rollins is another high-profile opportunity, one that could see him return to the World Title picture if victorious. It remains to be seen if Knight or Seth will be standing tall at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
In the world of rock music, few names are more iconic than Ozzy Osbourne, who recently gave his final performance. On WWE Raw, Corey Graves gave a shoutout to the Prince of Darkness on behalf of the entire WWE.
Osbourne may be known as a music star, but he is no stranger to the world of WWE. Highlights of his time in wrestling include:
Ozzy made his WWE debut at WrestleMania 2 (in Chicago), accompanying The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith & The Dynamite Kid) and Captain Lou Albano.
His 2007 single “I Don’t Wanna Stop” served as the official theme for WWE’s Judgment Day 2007 PPV. Ozzy delivered a live performance at a SmackDown taping in Baltimore.
In 2009, Ozzy and his wife Sharon served as guest hosts on Monday Night Raw, further solidifying his WWE celebrity appeal.
In April 2021, Ozzy was inducted into the Celebrity Wing of the WWE Hall of Fame. Though he couldn’t attend in person, he delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech via video.
Ozzy Osbourne’s relationship with WWE spans almost four decades—from managing wrestlers in the ’80s, electrifying live TV performances, hosting segments. With that in mind, it’s only fitting that WWE gave a shout-out to the Prince of Darkness following his retirement.
Roxanne Perez has been aligning herself with the Judgment Day in recent weeks, seemingly in an effort to replace the injured Liv Morgan. On the July 7, edition of WWE Raw, Perez even went as far as to erect a memorial to Morgan within the Judgment Day clubhouse.
Roxanne Perez has built a eulogy shrine for Liv Morgan in the Judgment Day clubhouse
Perez’s memorial did not go down well with everyone in the faction. Raquel Rodriguez was against the memorial, pointing out that Liv is still alive. Perez stated that she crafted the memorial for Dominik Mysterio.
Perez has wasted no time in replacing Liv in the faction. On the June 30, episode of WWWE Raw, Perez officially replaced Morgan as one half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. She has also been shown getting close to Dominik Mysterio, with some fans speculating that the pair may be more than ‘just friends.’
As for Morgan, she successfully underwent surgery on her injured shoulder on June 28, and there’s no word on when she’ll be back. In the meantime, Perez will remain part of WWE TV, and continue to grow closer to Liv’s faction.
Roman Reigns won’t be seen in WWE again, at least according to Paul Heyman, who has claimed that OTC is too afraid to return to the squared circle. Reigns hasn’t appeared since the Raw after WrestleMania 41, one night after he and CM Punk lost to Seth Rollins thanks to Heyman aligning with the latter.
When Heyman grabbed the mic on the July 7, edition of WWE Raw, the arena was flooded with chants for Roman Reigns. Heyman dismissed the crowd’s chants, declaring that Roman Reigns doesn’t “have the balls” to confront this new era.
"Roman Reigns doesn't have the balls to come back and step up against us." – Paul Heyman
Heyman’s fiery comments have left fans intrigued as to when Reigns will return, with some speculating that it could come as soon as Saturday Night’s Main Event this weekend. Whatever’s next, Reigns will have his work cut out against the might of Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed.
The July 7, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw saw El Grande Americano return to the ring, though fans may have noticed something different about the luchador. During the show’s second hour, Anericano defeated Dragon Lee.
Throughout the match, Michael Cole questioned if the man in the El Grande Americano mask was the same man fans have been watching since the character’s debut earlier this year. While Cole pointed out that Americano no longer has tattoos, Corey Graves argued that the luchador had had them removed that morning. Cole also noted how small Americano’s mask looked on him, and Graves said he wore it snugly so it didn’t slip off mid-match.
It has been reported that El Grande Americano is being portrayed by Ludwig Kaiser, who is filling in for the injured Chad Gable. The Olympian has been portraying the character since its introduction in February, but recently underwent surgery. While Gable is keeping himself active out of the ring, there’s no word on when fans can expect him back as El Grande Americano.
Americano 2 got the win by using the character’s patented steel plate in the mask. It remains to be seen whether the two Americano’s ever come face to face.
Blake Monroe hasn’t even had her first televised match in WWE yet, but plans are already in motion to flip the script on her fast-rising character. The former AEW star Mariah May, now going by Blake Monroe, debuted last month on NXT and was met with major fanfare.
While Monroe is currently positioned as a babyface, a new report from Fightful Select indicates that WWE has bigger moves in mind. According to the report, “a heel run for Blake Monroe on NXT has already been discussed.” While no exact date was revealed, sources confirmed that the turn has been brought up “for the near future.”
WWE reportedly has long-term plans for Monroe on the black-and-gold brand, and it looks like her current role might just be step one. Fans expecting a happy-go-lucky newcomer might want to prepare for something far more ruthless in the coming weeks.
After making a quick impression with an NXT live event appearance, Monroe will officially make her in-ring televised debut at The Great American Bash on July 12. She is set to team with TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace to take on NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley.
WWE Evolution returns this weekend with updated matches after the July 7th episode of Monday Night RAW. Nikki Bella will participate in the Battle Royal to potentially earn a title shot at WWE Clash in Paris.
WWE Hall of Famer NIKKI BELLA will be in the WWE Evolution Battle Royal this Sunday!
The Kabuki Warriors, reformed by Kairi Sane’s victory over Roxanne Perez, are set to join the Fatal 4-Way for the Women’s Tag Team Championship.
The confirmed matches include Becky Lynch defending her Women’s Intercontinental Championship in a Triple Threat match and Tiffany Stratton facing Trish Stratus for the Women’s Championship.
Jade Cargill and Naomi will meet in a No Holds Barred match.
Other match participants include Ivy Nile and the newly formed team of Asuka and Kairi Sane.
Tyler Bate is ready to get back in the ring. The former NXT UK Champion has taken to social media to shut down recent reports that he has been sidelined with an injury, making it clear that his absence from WWE television is for other reasons.
In a post on his Instagram account, Bate addressed the online speculation directly. He posted a photo of himself looking ring-ready with a simple, definitive caption. “Not injured. Waiting…” Bate wrote.
The post was a direct response to a recent report from Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live. Alvarez had told subscribers that he believed both Bate and his tag team partner, Pete Dunne, were out of action.
“I can give everybody a scoop. I believe both Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne are injured,” Alvarez stated.
While Bate has now clarified his own status, the reason for Pete Dunne’s absence remains unknown.
The duo, known as New Catch Republic, have been missing from WWE programming for several weeks. Their last match took place on the May 26th taping of WWE Main Event, where they defeated the team of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. Their absence led to the speculation that an injury was to blame.
Bate’s post makes it clear that for him, a return is more about timing and creative plans than his physical health. The Raw tag team division has seen a major shift in their absence, with The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh defeating The New Day to become the new World Tag Team Champions on the June 30 episode of Raw. Whenever New Catch Republic does return, they will be re-entering a division with new champions at the top.
An AEW star has reflected on his in-ring return last year at All In 2024, after over a decade away from the ring. The August 25, 2024, Casino Gauntlet match saw Nigel McGuinness make a surprise return to the ring, wrestling for the first time since 2011.
Speaking on the Heel S#!t podcast, McGuinness noted that this moment felt like it was from a Hollywood movie to him. Feeling it was odd when he lost “that sense of grandeur” surrounding his comeback, he said:
“It’s one of those moments I’ve said to people, it was so surreal and you just couldn’t believe it. It’s just, it’s like a Hollywood movie. After all those years of not wrestling as well, I mean, giving up on the dream of ever possibly doing anything like that to then walk out there on that stage, get that kind of reaction. It was just incredible.”
McGuinness also offered a dose of reality, explaining that while the moment was amazing, it didn’t magically solve life’s problems.
“There’s an odd thing with it as well. You lose that sense of grandeur after the fact becomes, I don’t want to say normal, but it’s not the life changing moment that you think it will be. So it’s just something you’re very appreciative of,” he said. “It was an amazing moment, and I’ll always be grateful for Tony Khan for giving me the opportunity to do it. But it doesn’t, it doesn’t solve anything. Any (of) lifes problems, if that makes sense. In a movie, at the end of the movie, your hero gets to do what he wants to do and then off he goes into the sunset and lives happily ever after. I guess that’s what I’m trying to get at.”
Becky Lynch is stepping out of the ring and into the world of comedy, landing a major TV role as The Man continues to expand outside of wrestling. According to Deadline, Lynch has officially joined the cast of FX’s new workplace comedy pilot Movers. The project comes from Reno 911! creators Robert Ben Garant and Cathy Shim, who will also star.
Movers centers on the chaotic, codependent lives of a moving crew, with much of the dialogue expected to be improvised. Lynch joins an ensemble cast that includes Maz Jobrani (Friday After Next), Darius Homayoun (Sex/Life), Tanael “TJ” Joachim, and Manny Montana (Ironheart).
This is the latest notable role for Lynch outside the confines of the Squared Circle. Past credits include roles in Billions, stunt work on Vikings, and portraying Cyndi Lauper in NBC’s Young Rock. Looking to the future, Lynch is set to appear in Happy Gilmore 2, premiering July 25 on Netflix, and has also been cast in Alex Kurtzman’s Star Trek project for Paramount+.
As Lynch continues to expand her resume beyond the squared circle, the big question is whether her acting career will start to take center stage. Whatever’s next for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch will not be a hard woman to miss.
CM Punk’s tumultuous tenure with AEW came to an end in September 2023, just over two years after his grandiose debut/return to pro wrestling. Though Punk was pivotal to plenty of controversy during his run, Jim Ross wishes that the Best in the World was ‘All-Elite’ to this day.
On his Grilling JR podcast, Ross defended CM Punk’s new viewpoint about Saudi Arabia, arguing that people ultimately change their mind as years go by. Ross followed up by sharing his desire that Punk had never been fired from AEW.
“He’s controversial, that’s why he’s so fun to follow. Phil’s a good friend of mine. I am a full-on supporter of his work, I really am; I still wish he was at AEW, quite frankly. He adds a lot to any presentation that he’s involved in.“
Punk was fired following his second AEW suspension in under a year, this time for his fight with Jack Perry backstage at AEW All In: London 2023. The incident left Tony Khan ‘fearing for his life’ as he told a live Chicago crowd, ahead of the following week’s All Out pay-per-view.
Punk has since returned to WWE where he has been incident-free behind the scenes. While Punk’s days appearing for AEW are seemingly behind him for good, Jim Ross can’t help but wish Punk was working in AEW to this day.
MJF may be a leading name in AEW, but the former World Champion hasn’t forgotten his roots. In a recent video shared by Major League Wrestling, AEW made a surprise appearance to reunite with Hammerstone. The pair would spend a year as part of ‘The Dynasty’ in MLW, alongside Richard Holliday.
This reunion was not just a blast from the past, but perhaps a tease of things to come. MJF appeared at MLW’s recent Summer of Beasts event, where he attacked Mistico. And with reports that Hammerstone has been backstage at AEW recently, fans can’t count out seein the self-proclaimed “Dynasty Bros” doing more together soon enough.
In the meantime, MJF will continue to be part of AEW, where he is aligned with The Hurt Syndicate. But should the MVP-led faction ever oust MJF, the devil may not be without an ally for long.
The 2018 All In event was a landmark moment in professional wrestling, ultimately laying the groundwork for the formation of AEW in 2019. Now, some pivotal names from behind the scenes are seeking the recognition, and royalties, they believe they deserve.
It started when a fan on X reminded everyone that Teil Rhodes, the sister of Cody and Dustin, was the one who named the event, a name AEW has used for it’s biggest annual event in recent years. Teil responded with a pointed comment, suggesting it’s typical for a Rhodes to contribute significantly to wrestling history without seeing proper benefit.
Very Rhodes of me to conceptualize a generational wrestling event and get no royalties ?? https://t.co/dGUV4Nsxst
Her post sparked further conversation, including a response from Bully Ray. The WWE/TNA Hall of Famer understood her frustration, claiming he booked the entire Battle Royale at All In 2018 but received no credit.
While Teil’s remarks may have been delivered with some tongue-in-cheek, her comment highlights the legacy that her family has in shaping pivotal wrestling moments. With AEW All In: Texas mere days away, it remains to be seen if Teil, and Bully Ray, ever see the credit they believe they are due.
Bray Wyatt’s presence remains a part of WWE programming to this day. In a heartfelt revelation on The Nikki & Brie Show, Alexa Bliss shared how she carries a piece of Bray Wyatt with her, literally. Months after the passing of the beloved WWE star, Bliss has incorporated a patch of Wyatt’s gear into her ring attire.
Quote “That’s one of the things I try to always keep a part of it with me. I actually have a piece of his gear on my skirt. My skirt has a patch of his gear. And then we all have—I’ll grab it, one second—we all have these bracelets with his gear on it. So this is the gear that’s also on my skirt,” Bliss explained, showcasing the tangible memories she cherishes.
This gesture goes beyond mere tribute; it’s a personal reminder of the profound impact Wyatt, whose real name was Windham Rotunda, had on her career and wrestling approach.
Quote Bliss continued, “It’s… it’s how do we… how do we, you know, respect Windham’s vision and keep his memory alive without, you know, making it a tribute—making it more of like this is Alexa now, and this is part of her past that’s always going to be with her.”
Wyatt’s legacy still resonates deeply with fans, coming up on two years since his untimely passing.
Tony Khan, president of AEW, remains hopeful about Jim Ross’s appearance at the much-anticipated All In 2025 event in Texas, despite Ross’s recent battle with colon cancer.
Khan expressed this optimism to TMZ Sports, noting, “It would be amazing. I don’t want to put too much on Jim’s plate, but it certainly would be amazing and I would love it and I hope that it’s possible.”
Ross, considered by many to be the greatest wrestling commentator of all time,” has had to scale back his commentary duties in recent years due to health issues.
JR was part of AEW from the ground floor, and his potential involvement in All In 2025 would be a true symbol of his resilience.
Ric Flair Shows Fighting Spirit with Gym Return After Skin Cancer Battle
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair is proving his legendary toughness extends beyond the wrestling ring, sharing a workout video that has fans celebrating his recovery progress from skin cancer treatment.
The Nature Boy posted footage of himself doing cardio at the gym on Twitter, accompanied by his trademark enthusiasm and a message that perfectly captures his resilience.
“Back In Business! A Little Blood Can’t Hold Me Back! I’ve Been Bleeding My Whole Life! WOOOOO!” – Ric Flair
Back In Business! A Little Blood Can’t Hold Me Back! I’ve Been Bleeding My Whole Life! WOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/BE19syBldN
The post comes as welcome news for fans concerned about Flair’s health journey. The 16-time world champion has been open about his skin cancer battle, recently revealing he’s undergoing treatment and will require surgery. His health issues forced him to cancel a fan event last month, leading to increased worry among the wrestling community.
True to form, Flair’s approach reflects the same toughness that made him a wrestling icon. His reference to “bleeding his whole life” connects his current struggles to decades of in-ring warfare, showing fans that the “Dirtiest Player in the Game” remains unbroken as he continues his treatment journey.
WWE is bringing the excitement of NXT directly to Philadelphia with a special edition broadcast scheduled for Tuesday, August 19 at The Met Philadelphia. This marks a significant milestone for WWE’s developmental brand as it continues to expand its presence under the new partnership with The CW network.
The live broadcast represents more than just another NXT event – it symbolizes the brand’s evolution since transitioning to broadcast television under a five-year agreement with The CW that was announced in 2023. This deal has positioned NXT alongside other major sports programming on the network, giving the brand unprecedented mainstream exposure.
Fans eager to witness this historic broadcast in person will have their chance when tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 9. Those looking to secure their seats early can take advantage of a special presale opportunity on Monday, July 8, using the exclusive code “NXTLIVE.”
The Met Philadelphia provides an ideal venue for this special edition of NXT, offering an intimate setting that has become synonymous with the brand’s unique atmosphere. The venue’s capacity allows for the close-quarters energy that NXT is known for, while still accommodating the production requirements of a live television broadcast.
Philadelphia’s rich wrestling history makes it a natural choice for this special broadcast. The city has long been a hotbed for professional wrestling, with passionate fans who always add a unique backdrop to the action in the ring.
AEW powerhouse Bobby Lashley has thrown his name into the ring as a potential opponent for celebrity boxer Jake Paul, expressing genuine interest in a crossover fight during a recent interview with WFAA. The wrestling and MMA veteran didn’t hold back his enthusiasm for the opportunity, despite acknowledging some reservations about the matchup.
“If I had an opportunity to box him, 100% I’d do it tomorrow. You know, I stay in good shape, let’s go hit some mitts, let’s do some sparring, let’s get ready for it, I’d be ready, I’d sign a contract,” Lashley stated during the interview.
Lashley’s interest stems from his competitive nature and genuine respect for what Paul has accomplished in the boxing world. The AEW star, who joined the promotion in September 2024, praised Paul’s impact on the sport and his ability to elevate the profiles of fighters appearing on his cards.
“Jake is doing some big things in the fight world. He’s helping out boxing tremendously because he’s bringing a lot of eyes to it, and the fighters that are fighting on his card are getting paid really well,” Lashley explained.
However, Lashley demonstrated strategic thinking about the potential matchup, suggesting that Paul might benefit more from facing established boxers to further legitimize his boxing career. Despite this assessment, the former WWE Champion’s competitive drive remains undeterred.
“I don’t know if I’m the right matchup for him. I think what he needs is some more like seasoned boxers to fight because he’s good, yeah, he’s actually good, so if he’s good, he needs to keep fighting boxers that can legitimize him more,” Lashley noted.
The potential bout would represent another high-profile crossover opportunity for Paul, who has built his boxing career by facing opponents from various combat sports backgrounds. For Lashley, it would mark a return to combat sports outside of professional wrestling, drawing on his extensive MMA experience.
“I’m the kind of guy that I love competition, so I’d love to be able to fight him and see what he’s all about, see how good he is,” Lashley added, emphasizing his motivation for the potential fight.
Lashley’s openness to the fight reflects the growing trend of crossover matches in combat sports, where athletes from different disciplines test themselves against one another. His wrestling pedigree, combined with his MMA background, would certainly bring a different dynamic to any potential matchup with Paul.
While no official discussions have been reported, Lashley’s public interest and immediate availability could make this an intriguing option for Paul’s future fight calendar. The combination of Lashley’s legitimate combat sports credentials and Paul’s promotional machine would likely generate significant interest from both wrestling and boxing audiences.
As AEW continues to build its roster with high-profile signings like Lashley, the crossover potential between wrestling and other combat sports continues to create compelling storylines and opportunities for athletes to expand their competitive horizons.
WWE Hall of Famer Alundra Blayze has thrown her hat into the ring for a potential return at WWE Evolution, the upcoming premium live event scheduled for July 13 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The former Women’s Champion took to Twitter to express her enthusiasm for participating in a Battle Royal at the historic women’s wrestling showcase.
“THIS WAS FUN!! Looking forward to #WWEEvolution #BattleRoyal. It would be great again! I wish?” – Alundra Blayze (@Madusa_rocks)
— Madusa/AlundraBlayze (@Madusa_rocks) July 6, 2025
The tweet from the wrestling legend has sparked excitement among fans who remember her groundbreaking contributions to women’s wrestling during the 1990s. Blayze, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015, remains one of the most respected figures in women’s professional wrestling history.
WWE Evolution promises to be a landmark event for women’s wrestling, with the confirmed Women’s Championship match between Trish Stratus and Tiffany Stratton already generating significant buzz. The addition of veteran competitors like Blayze would add another layer of star power and nostalgia to the card.
Blayze isn’t the only veteran showing interest in the event. Michelle McCool, another former Women’s Champion, has also expressed desire to participate, though she has not yet received an official offer from WWE. The interest from multiple Hall of Fame-caliber performers suggests WWE Evolution could become a true celebration of women’s wrestling across different generations.
The potential return of Alundra Blayze would be particularly meaningful given her pivotal role in elevating women’s wrestling during its formative years. Her legendary feuds with competitors like Bull Nakano helped establish the foundation for the women’s division that exists today, making her presence at Evolution both symbolic and significant.
While WWE has not officially responded to Blayze’s public pitch, the company has historically been receptive to incorporating veteran talent into special events, particularly those celebrating milestone moments in wrestling history. WWE Evolution certainly qualifies as such an occasion.
As July 13 approaches, fans will be watching to see if WWE takes advantage of the opportunity to feature some of women’s wrestling’s most influential figures alongside today’s rising stars. For Alundra Blayze, the chance to step back into the ring at WWE Evolution would represent a fitting continuation of her lasting impact on the industry.
