Jeff Cobb is expected to begin his tenure with WWE shortly, and internal speculation suggests he may be present at Backlash this weekend.
According to PWInsider, Cobb’s debut has been discussed creatively in recent weeks. While it remains uncertain whether he will appear on-screen during the event, those within WWE anticipate his arrival is imminent.
Cobb’s signing marks a significant addition to WWE’s roster, given his international experience and strong in-ring reputation.
Scarlett Bordeaux has expressed interest in stepping back into the ring for WWE and even has a certain ‘Dirty’ opponent in mind. Speaking with WWE Deutschland, Scarlett explained that while she loves managing her husband Karrion Kross, she’s “always open” to getting back in the ring.
“I train. I’m always ready. I love managing. Managing has always been my favorite thing to do, but I do like wrestling when it means something.”
Scarlett isn’t just ready to tussle with her fellow women but won’t shy away from battling the men. Scarlett reflected on her past experience in intergender matches before calling out Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio.
“That’s what I was known for on the indies before. Having a singles match against Dom Mysterio—that would be amazing.”
While Scarlett has competed at WWE live events in mixed tag-team matches, she is ready for a bigger role in WWE and in intergender competition. It remains to be seen whether the ‘Smokeshow’ gets the chance to prove what she can do in the ring away from her husband.
TNA Wrestling has announced the signing of Harley Hudson, marking another key addition to its growing Knockouts division. The Liverpool-born wrestler will make her debut on the May 23 episode of Xplosion, where she faces fellow international competitor Myla Grace.
Hudson brings eight years of in-ring experience and becomes part of TNA’s ongoing effort to spotlight talent from across the globe. Her debut match airs as part of TNA’s two-night event in Brampton, Ontario, running May 23–24. The May 23 Under Siege event will stream live on the TNA+ app.
Following the announcement, Hudson tweeted, “i’m a knockout ???” as she joins a roster that continues to evolve with international talent.
The first book from AEW ‘This Book is All Elite‘ will hit shelves this November, giving fans an in-depth look at the promotion. Now, more has been revealed as to what this highly-anticipated tome will hold within its pages.
According to Fightful Select, “countless interviews” have been conducted over the past year by author Keith Elliot Greenberg, a known name in wrestling literature. The book aims to chronicle AEW’s journey from its inception to its landmark debut at Wembley Stadium and beyond. Fightful added that interviews have been conducted “over the last year or so.”
The book will also include exclusive backstage stories, never-before-seen photos, and detailed accounts of AEW’s biggest moments. While huge moments like AEW’s debut in Wembley and Sting’s retirement will be covered, fans are eager to see how the tome wiill cover the reported backstage issues and CM Punk’s exit from AEW in 2023. Punk, once considered the biggest name on AEW’s roster, is nowhere to be seen on the cover.
The book will be available through major retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Stay tuned for the latest on This Book is All Elite.
TNA Wrestling has signed Myla Grace, marking a major milestone as she becomes the first Irish talent to join the promotion. Her arrival highlights TNA’s continued push to grow its international Knockouts division.
The Northern Irish wrestler began her career in 2018 on the British independent circuit. She gained further recognition through her appearances in WWE NXT UK from 2021 to 2022 and recently competed for Japan’s Dream Star Fighting Marigold earlier this year.
Grace confirmed the news on social media, writing, “First ever Irish wrestler to sign with TNA! I’m officially a knockout!!”
Her addition reflects TNA’s broader strategy of diversifying its roster and spotlighting emerging talent from around the world.
With just a few more sleeps until WWE Backlash 2025, updated betting odds offer a clearer picture of how Sunday’s high-stakes matchups could unfold. BetOnline has the latest lines, pointing to several strong favorites across the card.
In the WWE Undisputed Championship match, John Cena is a commanding -5000 favorite against Randy Orton, who enters the bout as a significant underdog at +1000. Cena’s odds reflect strong confidence in his continued reign.
Jacob Fatu is another heavy favorite, sitting at -5000 in the Fatal Four-Way for the WWE United States Championship. Damian Priest (+1200), LA Knight (+900), and Drew McIntyre (+600) trail far behind in a match that’s expected to solidify Fatu’s reign.
Gunther is heavily favored at -1000 in his singles match against Pat McAfee (+550).
Dominik Mysterio stands as a strong favorite (-900) to retain the Intercontinental title against Penta, who is listed at +500. While Penta’s odds indicate some potential for an upset, the numbers remain strongly in Dominik’s favor.
The Women’s Intercontinental Championship sees Becky Lynch as a solid -400 favorite over Women’s Intercontinental champion Lyra Valkyria (+250), signaling a potential title change.
Fans will find out how these matches will unfold soon enough as WWE Backlash 2025 goes live this Sunday.
John Cena is set to reprise his role as the vigilante Christopher Smith in the hit series “Peacemaker.” Max announced that “Peacemaker” Season 2 will premiere exclusively on the streaming platform on August 21, 2025. The news comes as Cena undertakes promotional activities for the highly anticipated return of the series.
Coinciding with the promotional push, Max has released a new trailer, offering fans an extended first glimpse into Peacemaker’s next mission. James Gunn returns as the creator and showrunner for the second season, continuing the story of the titular antihero determined to achieve peace at any cost.
John Cena leads the returning cast, which includes Steve Agee (John Economos), Jennifer Holland (Emilia Harcourt), Freddie Stroma (Vigilante), Danielle Brooks (Leota Adebayo), Robert Patrick (Auggie Smith), and Chukwudi Iwuji (Clemson Murn).
Initially introduced in Gunn’s 2021 film “The Suicide Squad,” Cena’s Peacemaker character proved immensely popular, leading to the successful 2022 spin-off series. Season 1 was a hit for Max, breaking streaming records with its finale. Season 2 is expected to pick up from the explosive events of the previous season, continuing its signature blend of dark comedy, intense action, and compelling character-driven storytelling.
Maven Huffman was a name on WWE programming for years but recently was spotted behind the scenes at All Elite Wrestling. Fans speculated that Maven’s appearance backstage at AEW Collision signaled a new role with the company—but the truth was far less official: he snuck in.
On his YouTube channel, Maven shared how he managed to get backstage at an AEW Collision taping despite not having an invite. The first obstacle—getting into the building—was surprisingly easy. His plan? “Act like you belong.” It worked on a parking lot guard, and just like that, Maven was in.
“I’m not booked for this show. Hell, I’m not even on AEW’s payroll, so I have no clue what’s going to happen. The one thing I do know is you’re coming along for the ride… I’m a firm believer that if you simply act like you belong, some people—it’ll win them over… I can’t believe that worked.”
Maven hoped to meet some of the talent, with his ultimate goal being a face-to-face with Tony Khan. Along the way, he spotted Billy Gunn cutting a pre-taped promo and reunited with his WrestleMania X8 adversary, Dustin Rhodes.
“The guy who carried me through my first WrestleMania! It’s good to see you, brother. Thank you again. I’m going to thank you for the rest of my days.”
After Gunn wrapped up his promo, “Daddy Ass” caught up with Maven. Like many others, Maven was amazed at how Gunn continues to defy age.
“How in the hell he looks better now than he did in 2002 when I first started working with him, I’ll never know. The man is ageless, and somehow he’s added more muscle. He looks great. He’s in high spirits. Obviously, you can tell he’s happy at the home he found here in AEW.”
Maven also took a nostalgic detour through catering, reminiscing about his go-to post-match treat: a pulled pork sandwich. He later connected with Thunder Rosa, calling her one of his favorite gimmicks in wrestling today. The two teased a possible collaboration on Maven’s YouTube channel.
His visit continued as he bumped into fellow Tough Enough alum Josh Mathews, noting, “Word had spread that I’m here.” After quick encounters with Scotty 2 Hotty and a “scissoring” moment with Anthony Bowens, Maven finally got to meet Tony Khan.
“Thanks for coming. You’re welcome anytime… I hope this is the first of many.”
Though Maven’s entrance into AEW Collision was unorthodox, he left with his head held high. Two decades after his WWE run, it’s clear the wrestling world still has plenty of love for the first Tough Enough winner.
Over the past 24 hours, a heated social media exchange erupted between NXT star Je’Von Evans and AEW’s Ricochet, with AEW President Tony Khan taking the worst of it.
The situation began when a fan praised Evans as the “best young prospect in wrestling.” Ricochet, a former WWE star now with AEW, responded dismissively, saying he would “squash” Evans if they ever faced off. Evans fired back by highlighting his training under Shawn Michaels at WWE’s Performance Center, while Ricochet has downgraded since becoming All Elite.
The exchange escalated when Evans made a controversial comment, calling Tony Khan a “crackhead” and mocking Ricochet for performing “in front of 2,000 people, every week, for a crackhead.” Evans further suggested that Ricochet only engaged with him to generate attention, and is getting the most exposure he’s ever had in his career from their interaction.
Ricochet responded by mocking the size of NXT’s audience sizes dismissed Evans energy, but the damage was done.
While Ricochet’s posts remain online, Evans has since deleted his tweets.
Reigning WWE Women’s World Champion IYO SKY is reportedly receiving exceptionally high praise from within the company, with at least one key decision-maker viewing her as a “breakaway star” in 2025. This insight comes from Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
According to the report, a WWE source high up in decision-making praised SKY’s all-around abilities. Meltzer shared the source’s comments: “Sky has been considered breakaway star this year, combining the fire and voice inflections that made Asuka a strong promo without speaking English and ‘her ridiculously great workrate, and everyone loves working with her, so no one has a problem making her shine, letting her shine, and designing a match for her to shine.’”
This internal acclaim follows SKY’s standout performance at WrestleMania 41, where she retained her Women’s World Championship in a critically acclaimed Triple Threat match against Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley, a bout even “Stone Cold” Steve Austin praised. Since joining WWE in 2018, SKY, already considered one of the world’s best, has secured multiple Women’s Championship reigns and Women’s Tag Team titles.
While not scheduled for this weekend’s Backlash PLE, SKY will team with Rhea Ripley against Roxanne Perez & Giulia on Raw next Monday.
Cost Synergies: Corporate expense trimmed by $38 million as overlapping WWE/UFC roles were consolidated.
Management projects WWE will post its largest quarterly revenue ever in Q2 thanks to WrestleMania 41 and a spring Saudi premium live event.
Cost synergies and richer WWE TV contracts flipped last year’s first quarter loss into a solid profit for TKO. With record Q2 revenue on deck and fresh growth plays—including a boxing venture and pending UFC rights renewal—the company raised full year guidance and continues to build on its combat sports portfolio.
WWE storms into St. Louis for WWE Backlash 2025 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, marking the first major PLE following WrestleMania 41. Hosted at the Enterprise Center, this year’s event is headlined by a generational clash as John Cena defends his record-setting 17th world title against hometown icon Randy Orton.
Backlash 2025 is stacked with personal grudges, title matches, and the first major steps into WWE’s post-WrestleMania landscape. With John Cena’s farewell run, Orton’s hometown pride, and the emergence of new alliances, every match carries weight.
Start Times:
Broadcast Details:
John Cena captured his 17th world title at WrestleMania, surpassing Ric Flair’s legendary record. But his celebration was short-lived, as Randy Orton-St. Louis’s own-ambushed Cena with an RKO on Raw, reigniting a rivalry that defined a generation. Now, these two veterans write the final chapter of their story in Orton’s hometown.
Fresh off a dramatic split as tag champions, Becky Lynch’s heel turn on Lyra Valkyria has set up this all-Irish showdown. Valkyria, the rising star, faces her toughest test yet against a now-vicious Lynch, who’s determined to add more gold to her legacy.
Gunther, frustrated after his WrestleMania loss, targeted commentator Pat McAfee on Raw, leading to this unlikely but highly anticipated showdown. McAfee, a fan favorite and former NFL star, steps back into the ring to settle the score with “The Ring General”.
Jacob Fatu will defend the United States Championship in a Fatal Four-Way bout against Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, and Damian Priest. The match was authorized by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis following recent in-ring altercations among the participants.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE News on the road to WWE Backlash 2025.
Despite her recent WWE release in early May 2025, Dakota Kai continues to be regarded positively by many within the company.
Some people in WWE reportedly believe All Elite Wrestling should sign her. Dave Meltzer shared the international reaction to Kai’s upcoming free agency in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
“Those we talked to in WWE were positive on her and felt AEW should sign her.”
Over the last two years, AEW has heavily invested in its women’s division by signing top free agents and developing talent that they have. The likes of Toni Storm, Mercedes Mone, Mariah May and others have helped elevate the roster.
In WWE, she made history in NXT by becoming an inaugural and two-time NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Raquel Gonzalez, with whom she also won the first-ever Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic in 2021. Transitioning to the main roster as a key member of Damage CTRL, she was in a tag team role and won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship twice with IYO SKY.
Before becoming a WWE champion and making history as one half of the first African American women to main event WrestleMania, Bianca Belair battled inner demons that nearly derailed her athletic career.
In a candid conversation with Stephanie McMahon on her podcast “Stephanie’s Places,” Belair revealed the powerful mantra from her father that continues to guide her through life’s challenges: “It’s okay to be nervous, just don’t be scared.”
This distinction between nervousness and fear has been crucial for Belair, who admits she still gets nervous before every performance, whether it’s WrestleMania or a routine live event.
“My daddy helped me with that. He’s the one that always told me it’s okay to be nervous cuz it means you care and when you stop being nervous, that means you don’t care, and it’s time to move on, to find something else that you’re passionate about,” Belair explained.
Behind the confidence Belair exudes as “the EST of WWE” lies a deeply personal story of mental health struggles, particularly during her years as a competitive track athlete.
“I was my own worst enemy,” she admitted, describing how her perfectionism and obsession with success became destructive.
“I was so obsessed with being the best, I was so obsessed with my dream and I felt like if I didn’t do everything that I could do, then it was my fault,” Belair said. This mindset led her down a dangerous path.
“I developed eating disorders and I hid it from my coaches, I hid it from my parents, but I ran faster, which is crazy, and I got a scholarship and I went to college, but then it caught up with me and I got injured and I know for sure it was because I was not healthy.”
Belair’s college years brought additional challenges as she struggled with her identity being tied exclusively to her athletic performance.
“My identity was track, my identity was my performance. If I didn’t perform well, I felt like, well, nobody wants to be friends with the lame girl who doesn’t perform very well.”
The pressure mounted as she worried about losing her scholarship and facing the embarrassment of returning home without achieving her dreams.
These pressures led to depression, and eventually, Belair began taking medication without her parents’ knowledge. When she decided to stop the medication abruptly—without medical supervision—her mental health deteriorated dramatically.
“I just felt like I was trying to swim back to the top, and I had like a weight on my ankle and I’m like, I don’t know what’s going on,” she recalled of that dark period.
It was her coach at Texas A&M who recognized Belair’s struggle and intervened.
“You’re not getting on that track until you get yourself together,” he told her, prioritizing her wellbeing over her athletic contributions.
“I care about you more as a person than an athlete,” he said, insisting she get help.
This intervention proved pivotal. Belair’s parents came to support her, and she made the difficult decision to take time away from track.
“At one point I was like, I’m finished. I don’t want to run anymore because I need to get myself together,” she said. However, after focusing on her mental health, she realized her passion remained.
“That burning love is still there, I love track, I miss it, I wanna finish this off.”
When Belair returned to the sport at the University of Tennessee, two coaches played transformative roles in her recovery. First, Heather Van Norman gave her a chance despite her competitive gap, allowing her to train for a year before rejoining the team. Then, coach Sharon Couch implemented a powerful daily practice.
“Every morning I want you to send me three affirmations,” Couch instructed, requiring Belair to start each day with positive self-talk.
“It was just something about being intentional about when you first wake up and just starting your day off positive, and having somebody that’s investing in you and that cares,” Belair explained.
The combination of mental health support and athletic guidance allowed Belair to finish her college career stronger than ever.
“I PR’D. I ran faster than I’ve ever ran before,” she said, referring to achieving her personal record. Though her childhood dream of becoming an Olympic track athlete didn’t materialize, Belair found peace with her journey.
“I said, I gave everything that I had, and I grew from this. And that’s what this should be about. If you grew from it, that’s a better life lesson than winning the 100-meter hurdles.”
This perspective shift—valuing growth over achievement—has served Belair well in her WWE career, though she admits to still battling imposter syndrome at times.
“I didn’t come from this business,” she explained, describing how she felt out of place among lifelong wrestling fans who had dreamed of WWE careers since childhood.
“When I was at the WrestleManias and main eventing, I’m like, am I supposed to be here? But no, I’ve worked for this. I do deserve this because I’ve earned it.”
Now at the top of WWE, Belair emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between giving up and pivoting.
“I think there’s an importance of knowing the difference between giving up and pivoting, and always moving,” she advised.
“Whatever is for you will find you, and sometimes when you’re trying so hard… and it just feels like, why is this so hard? Why is this so complicated?… Sometimes it’s because it’s time to pivot. Because when what’s for you finds you, it becomes so easy.”
This wisdom extends to her approach to failure and vulnerability.
“Don’t be afraid to try. Don’t be afraid to embarrass yourself. We’re on live TV every week, it might be a possibility, you might go out there and embarrass yourself… But you gotta be okay with it.”
For athletes, performers, and anyone facing mental health challenges, Belair’s journey offers valuable insights about resilience, self-acceptance, and the courage to seek help. Her story demonstrates that even at the highest levels of achievement, mental health struggles are common—and overcoming them often requires both personal determination and the support of others who recognize when something isn’t right.
As Belair prepares for her next WrestleMania appearance, she carries her father’s wisdom with her: It’s okay to be nervous—it means you care. Just don’t be scared.
# EST of Fashion: Bianca Belair Dreams of Bringing WWE Style to Fashion Week
WWE Superstar Bianca Belair is making a compelling case for professional wrestling’s place in the world of high fashion, revealing ambitious plans to showcase WWE-inspired designs on prestigious runways while questioning why WWE Superstars aren’t invited to events like the Met Gala.
“I would love to somehow bring the fashion of WWE and the gears and the entrance pieces. And do some outfits that are inspired by that and put that on the runway and showcase how much fashion there is in WWE,” Belair shared in a revealing interview with Stephanie McMahon on her podcast “Stephanie’s Places.”
The self-proclaimed “EST of WWE” — signifying she’s the strongest, fastest, and toughest competitor — may soon add “most fashionable” to her list of superlatives. Belair, who creates all her own in-ring gear without any formal training, sees WrestleMania entrances as fashion shows deserving of recognition from the broader fashion industry.
“When you think about WrestleMania, right? And you think about everybody’s entrance pieces and how when we walk down that ramp, that’s a fashion show,” Belair explained, highlighting the visual spectacle that has become synonymous with WWE’s biggest annual event.
What makes Belair’s fashion ambitions particularly noteworthy is that she’s entirely self-taught.
“I’ve never taken a sewing class. Everything that I’ve learned, I’ve learned from either the Internet, YouTube, or just trial and error,” she revealed. This DIY approach has become central to her WWE character and personal brand.
The WWE champion’s passion for fashion dates back to her childhood, when she would find a needle and thread in her family’s cookie tin and mend socks as young as six years old. This early interest evolved through high school, where she designed matching outfits for her track team and created jersey dresses “before they were a thing.”
When Belair transitioned to CrossFit competitions, she embraced fashion as a way to express herself and have fun after years of intense athletic training.
“I started going out there in tutus and flowers,” she recalled, noting how her distinctive style caught people’s attention. “They were saying, I’m coming to see what Bianca’s gonna wear.”
This flair for fashion eventually helped Belair get discovered by WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, who noticed her elaborate CrossFit competition outfits resembled wrestling gear.
“You’re basically wearing wrestling gear. I was wearing entrance pieces,” Belair recounted.
Now, as one of WWE’s top stars, Belair’s creative process often becomes a family affair. For her recent WrestleMania gear, she enlisted her parents and husband (fellow WWE Superstar Montez Ford) in an “assembly line” of gear creation.
“My mom’s pulling stuff off handed to my dad, he’s covering in glitter. They’re handing it to me, I’m hot gluing it, and my husband’s helping me,” she described.
As for the future, Belair’s ambitions could potentially elevate WWE’s cultural status while creating new opportunities for wrestlers to be seen as fashion influencers. When asked about the Met Gala, one of fashion’s most prestigious events, Belair expressed enthusiasm despite admitting she’d be nervous. The question “Why aren’t our superstars at the Met Gala?” posed by McMahon during the interview highlights a potential untapped crossover opportunity.
Belair has already demonstrated her high-fashion capabilities, creating her own red carpet gown when she and Sasha Banks won an ESPY Award — a project she completed last-minute when she realized she didn’t have appropriate attire for the event.
“I would love to do something with fashion and wrestling and mixing it and I think of New York Fashion Week,” Belair said, articulating a vision that could bring fresh creativity to both industries.
As Belair continues to push boundaries with her in-ring fashion, her ambitions represent a significant opportunity for both WWE and the fashion world to create a mutually beneficial cultural crossover that acknowledges professional wrestling’s often-overlooked visual artistry and theatrical fashion sensibilities.
For a performer who once told her mother as a child that all she wanted was for “people to throw roses at my feet,” Belair’s fashion dreams represent yet another avenue for the multi-talented athlete to express herself while elevating WWE’s presence in mainstream culture.
Former WWE star Blair Davenport (real name Bea Priestley) is not ruling out a potential return to All Elite Wrestling and facing AEW Womens’s World Champion Toni Storm.
Davenport’s WWE non-compete clause has now expired which means she could be signed by any promotion including AEW. Speaking to Tom Campbell of Cultaholic, Blair Davenport revealed that she remains close with AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm and values their friendship.
While she is open to having conversations about her next move, she also wants to follow her own path. Blair Davenport also expressed her desire to take on projects she genuinely enjoys rather than being obligated to perform:
“Definitely now with Toni (Storm), everyone knows how close me and Toni are. We’re like sisters at this point. She lives in Orlando as well, we see each other fairly often. But I’m also along the lines of I’m definitely open to having conversations but I do also want a little bit of time just to do my own thing because I’ve just come out of a contract where it’s like you have an app. If you’ve got a dot on this day, you have to be there, you have to show up.
“If you’re sore from the gym or you’ve had a hard match and they book you the next day, you can’t say you don’t feel like it. You have to go do it even when you don’t feel 100 per cent or you don’t particularly feel wanting to do it. You just have to.”
Blair Davenport recalled being cooperative during her time in WWE but now she wants the freedom to choose her matches, especially the ones she is excited about. The former NXT star also said that she was open to sharing the ring with Toni Storm:
“So I kind of just want to be able to take things that I want to do and do it because I’m looking forward to it or enjoying it rather than doing it because someone else is telling me to. Even WWE, I was very happy like, ‘Tell me what to do. I’m more than happy to do whatever.’ I’m not one of those people who is like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to lose.’” I’m just generally excited, say if there’s an opponent who I really want to wrestle that I can push that and get excited to wrestle someone who I’ve always wanted to and never had the chance to, or have another match with someone who I really enjoyed wrestling in the past.
“I’m looking forward to taking on my own stuff for a little bit and then maybe after I’ve done that, maybe I’ll push a little bit harder…But I know Toni really wants to wrestle me, so we’re hoping it’s going to happen someday.”
Toni Storm and Blair Davenport previously fought each other in a singles match in June 2018 at Frontline’s Build Me An Empire in London, England. They could once again share the ring if Davenport decides to sign with AEW.
Blair Davenport had previously signed with AEW in January 2019 but she was released in 2020 after being unable to travel to the US during the pandemic. She went on to ink a deal with WWE in June 2021, joining NXT UK. The following year she joined NXT before being called-up to the main roster in June last year. However, she was released from the company earlier this year.
WWE veteran Natalya Neidhart has revealed she’s been in communication with former WWE Divas Champion Paige about training together at her private facility, potentially setting the stage for Paige’s return to the company.
In a recent interview, Natalya confirmed she’s discussed bringing Paige to train at “the dungeon,” her invitation-only wrestling facility that continues her family’s storied wrestling legacy.
“I have been talking to Paige about coming to train with me at the dungeon. And so, I’m really excited about her coming down,” Natalya revealed. “I would love to see Paige come back and train with me. And then of course, you know, I would love to work with Paige again in WWE one day. We have a lot of unfinished business.”
The third-generation wrestler explained that her training facility, an extension of her grandfather Stu Hart’s original “Dungeon” in Calgary, has already welcomed other former WWE stars looking to sharpen their skills.
“Nikki Bella has been coming and privately training with me and TJ [Kidd] for the last few months now,” Natalya shared. “I just saw her a few weeks ago and she was in my ring for 4 hours training.”
Natalya suggested that similar opportunities await Paige, whose WWE career was cut short by neck injuries in 2018 before departing the company in 2022.
“We’ve had Nikki down training and then I would love to have Paige down. She wants to come down. So, we’ll see what happens,” Natalya added, seemingly confirming Paige’s interest in the opportunity.
While this doesn’t guarantee Paige’s WWE return, it represents a significant step toward a potential comeback, especially with Natalya’s “unfinished business” comment suggesting storyline possibilities should Paige make her way back to WWE rings.
Here’s the preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown, broadcasting live at 8/7c on USA Network from the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.
WWE SmackDown Preview: May 9, 2025
Additional storylines to watch include the fallout from Aleister Black’s return and confrontation with Carmelo Hayes, and ongoing drama between Piper Niven and Chelsea Green after Niven’s failed bid for the Women’s United States Title
This episode is the final stop before WWE Backlash, setting the stage for major championship clashes and potential surprises as the road to St. Louis reaches its peak.
Zach Gowen debuted in WWE in 2003, inspiring fans as the one-legged wrestler who’d beaten cancer took on powerhouses like Brock Lesnar and The Big Show. Now, Gowen is set to make his in-ring debut for AEW against the One and Only Ricochet.
During AEW Collision, Gowen was in attendance and Ricochet used the ex-Superstar’s prosthetic leg as a weapon. Not only that, but Ricochet would attack Gowen in front of his own family. On X, fka, Twitter, Tony Khan shared thay Gowen will have the chance to get payback during the AEW Dynamite: Beach Break on May 14.
Though Gowen’s time with WWE ended in 2004, he has remained a part of the wrestling world. His upcoming match will mark Zach’s first match since October 2024. Will Gowen rise to the occassion, or will Ricochet once again get the upper hand on the one-legged wrestler? Time will tell…
Earlier this year, Saraya confirmed that she had exited AEW and now the former Women’s World Champion is opening up about what did and didn’t happen during her tenure. Speaking on her Rulebreakers podcast, Saraya shared that AEW once wanted her to be part of a love story with Daddy Magic but turned the idea down.
“I’ve managed to go my whole career without doing a love storyline. I wasn’t going to start now.”
At the time, Saraya had a boyfriend and didn’t feel right kissing someone else, even if it was just for show, and shared that it’s the only storyline she’s ever refused. Saraya added that no one had ever asked her to do something like that before AEW and while she likes Daddy Magic and believes he’s a good guy, she just didn’t feel right about the idea.
“There’s not really any other storyline I’ve turned down. It’s just that if I have to kiss someone and I have a boyfriend, I don’t think it’s appropriate.“
Saraya’s AEW exit led many fans to speculate on a potential return to WWE, with the former Paige herself teasing that a return could come. As for how Saraya’s second potential run with WWE will go, only time will tell, but there are clearly some lines that the Brit won’t cross, even if the kiss was just a part of the show.
Following the WWE talent releases last week which included names like Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, and Shayna Baszler, speculation immediately began about where these wrestlers might land next. AEW star Thunder Rosa didn’t wait long to voice who she’d like to see join her in All Elite Wrestling.
Speaking on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio shortly after the news broke, the former AEW Women’s World Champion specifically singled out former NXT Women’s Champion and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Shayna Baszler. Rosa has strong admiration for Baszler’s abilities and experience, making her think Baszler would be a welcomed addition to the AEW roster.
“Shayna Baszler. I love Shayna. I’ve always loved her,” Thunder Rosa stated emphatically. “And I think she’s solid on everything she does. She’s really good at cutting promos, she has a lot of experience on TV. I think that she’ll be great…”
Rosa elaborated on a specific role she sees for Baszler in AEW: “I think we need more women in those men’s stables. I think it adds more to things… I think Shayna would add a lot to that mix.”
Current TNA World Champion Joe Hendry is reportedly making a strong positive impression within WWE circles, according to a new report from PWInsider.com. Sources indicate there has been significant “great internal feedback” regarding the Scottish wrestling star.
The positive reception is apparently so strong that, per the report, many within WWE think it is “pretty much considered a lock” that Hendry will eventually sign with the company once he is contractually free from TNA.
Much of the praise reportedly stems from Hendry’s performance during WrestleMania 41 weekend. He received high marks for stepping into a high-profile match against Randy Orton on short notice after Orton’s original opponent, Kevin Owens, was sidelined due to injury.
Beyond his WrestleMania contribution, PWInsider also notes Hendry has been commended internally for his creativity and for how well he has reportedly taken feedback and advice during his interactions facilitated by the TNA/WWE working relationship. The report added that the TNA Champion is currently held in “high regard” by key figures within WWE.
Alicia Taylor may not be a WWE Superstar, but her journey to the promotion rivals that of any in-ring competitor. Appearing on Busted Open Radio, Taylor reflected on the challenges she faced earlier in life, including a period she described as being “luxury homeless,” when she was sleeping in her car. A drummer for 18 years, Taylor eventually found help from an unexpected source: the Osbourne family.
“Kelly’s just like, ‘Mom, Dad, Alicia is staying with us.’ Sharon’s like, ‘Okay. Show her the room upstairs.”
Taylor stayed with the rock family for some time as she got herself back on her feet. Even decades later, the bond between the two sides is strong as Taylor shared that she has nothing bad to say about the family.
The Osbournes didn’t just offer Taylor a place to stay—they played a pivotal role in launching her entertainment career. Wanting to move away from the music industry, Taylor shifted her focus to another passion: professional wrestling. She began interviewing wrestling talent, quickly landing conversations with legends.
“That’s where I met Terry Funk, Stan Hansen, and I started getting all these legends on the show right away.”
Taylor’s friend Nicole also played a key part in her career trajectory. After spotting ECW icon Rhino at a Smashing Pumpkins event, Nicole mentioned Taylor’s work. Impressed by her interviews, Rhino recommended her for a WWE audition. As Taylor noted, “here we are, six-and-a-half years later,” a clear testament to the success of that referral.
Today, Alicia Taylor is a familiar presence on WWE television, announcing weekly and living the dream of many wrestling fans.
WWE’s acquisition of AAA has reached a significant milestone, as the promotion is now reported to hold a majority stake in the company. According to LexLatin, a Mexico-based news outlet, WWE will own 51% of AAA upon completion of the transaction, with the remaining 49% retained by Fillip, a prominent Mexican sports and entertainment firm.
The deal places considerable emphasis on AAA’s intellectual property assets, including trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements. LexLatin reports that the transaction required an audit of these assets to verify their specific characteristics, validity, and legal status.
“The deal had a strong intellectual property component as the main value of the acquired company (part of the main assets purchased) is its intangible assets… Because of this, the transaction required an audit of these assets ‘to verify their specific characteristics, validity, and legal status.’”
WWE announced its intention to acquire AAA during WrestleMania 41 weekend, with the deal expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. In the meantime, WWE NXT and AAA are set to collaborate for the Worlds Collide event on June 7 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on this landmark deal as WWE expands its presence in the world of lucha libre.
In November 2024, Bill Goldberg announced that his final match will take place in 2025, just weeks after making a surprise appearance at WWE Bad Blood. His upcoming retirement has sparked speculation among fans about how the legendary former WCW World Champion will be sent off.
According to WrestleVotes, Goldberg’s name has recently resurfaced in internal WWE discussions—the first mention since his Bad Blood appearance. The report notes that a return appears to be “nearing,” though no opponent has been confirmed as of yet. At Bad Blood, Goldberg confronted GUNTHER, leading many to believe the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion could be his final opponent.
Goldberg has suggested that his retirement match may happen this summer, potentially bringing his storied career to a close within the next few months. Stay tuned for updates on what promises to be a significant final chapter in Goldberg’s career.
