Following his final contracted match with New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Wrestling Dontaku on May 4th, Tetsuya Naito has revealed he will be undergoing surgery on his left eye on May 7, 2025. In an interview with Tokyo Sports, the former multi-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion also stated that he will begin stem cell treatment for his right knee.
Naito has a history of vision problems, noting he has dealt with double vision in his right eye for many years, requiring several past surgeries. Now addressing issues with his left eye, Naito expressed hope, stating, “I hope that with this next surgery I’ll be able to see out of the eye well.”
Regarding his career, Naito is taking a measured approach: “As for his future, he said he has nothing planned out, instead choosing to maintain his body before moving to the next stage of his career.”
His departure, along with fellow Los Ingobernables de Japon (LIJ) member BUSHI, marks the end of the iconic faction in NJPW. At Wrestling Dontaku, Naito, BUSHI, Shingo Takagi, and Hiromu Takahashi were victorious in an eight-man tag match. Later, all five LIJ members, including IWGP Global Champion Yota Tsuji, shared a final pose for the crowd, signaling the group’s conclusion within the promotion.
TNA Wrestling star Elijah, formerly known as Elias in WWE, made an unexpected appearance on the May 6, 2025, episode of WWE NXT on The CW. He emerged as the final entrant in a Battle Royal held to determine the #1 contender for Oba Femi’s NXT Championship at the upcoming NXT Battleground premium live event on May 25th.
Elijah, who was released from WWE in September 2023 and made his official TNA Wrestling debut in February 2025, immediately impacted the NXT Battle Royal by eliminating Charlie Dempsey.
This appearance is part of the working relationship between WWE/NXT and TNA. His participation in NXT comes just weeks before a major TNA event.
At TNA Under Siege on May 23rd, Elijah is scheduled to team with TNA World Champion Joe Hendry to face the duo of Frankie Kazarian and current NXT standout Trick Williams, further showcasing the crossover talent involvement between the two promotions.
Elijah’s previous WWE tenure included memorable runs as both the guitar-strumming Elias and his “younger brother,” Ezekiel, had a lengthy program with Kevin Owens.
VICE TV’s Dark Side of the Ring turns its focus next on Billy Jack Haynes. The episode, which premieres May 6, traces his life of violence, as well as the mystery that led to him being behind bars.
Haynes was charged on February 28, 2024 with second-degree murder of his wife Janette Becraft. The 85-year-old was found dead in the couple’s Portland, Oregon home. Medical examiners determined Becraft died of a homicide by a gunshot wound . At the time, she had reportedly been suffering from dementia.
Along with examining the case, the hour also delivers the 1980’s wrestling star’s first interview from prison. Before the episode, SEScoops received the above exclusive clip, which shows Hayes inside Multnomah County Justice Center Jail. He explains the charges against him, vehemently denies that he killed his wife and revisits his troubled past with drugs in WWE.
Haynes reveals he had been incarcerated for six months. “What I’m talking to you guys about today is one small percentage of my life. And there’s a whole big part of my life I’m leaving out here,” he said. Haynes’ attorney is present during filming. Haynes added there were only two people he truly loved, which was his father who was blind and confined to a wheelchair and his late wife. “I loved her more than life,” he said.
During the 71-year-old’s heyday Haynes was among the true powerhouses of the ring. His most notable rivals during his tenure in WWE were against the likes of Randy Savage and Hercules Hernandez. The latter led to a match at WrestleMania III. Haynes also worked throughout a number of territories including Championship Wrestling from Florida, Pacific Northwest Wrestling and World Class Championship Wrestling. His last notable stop before fully retiring was in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA). He was also among those who filed a lawsuit in federal court against WWE, arguing they failed to protect them from repeated head injuries that led to long-term brain damage.
New episodes of Dark Side of the Ring air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on VICE TV
Vincent and Dutch, collectively known as The Righteous, have departed AEW, and caught the attention of WWE’s Karrion Kross. Following the duo’s release from AEW, Kross shared a cryptic video clip featuring himself seated in a chair, gazing into the distance. At the beginning of the video, The Righteous’ entrance theme coincidentally (?) plays in the background.
— Kevin Robert Kesar (@realKILLERkross) May 6, 2025
The Righteous requested their release from AEW, according to PW Insider, after not being utilized on any AEW programming throughout 2025. A source indicated that the departure was entirely mutual and that the door remains potentially open for the tag team’s return. The pair’s final AEW match occurred in September 2024, while their last appearance with ROH was in April 2025.
Kross’ suggestive video has sparked speculation among fans that The Righteous might be WWE-bound, potentially joining forces with Karrion Kross as new allies. With Kross continuing to deliver impressive performances in his on-screen role on Raw, it’s entirely possible that the Devil’s Advocate could soon have new muscle backing him.
Rhino is a true legend of the wrestling business, and it appears his future could be with All Elite Wrestling. Recently, the Man Beast from Detroit, Michigan has been making media appearances for Tony Khan’s promotion, generating excitement among fans about a potential “All-Elite” future.
The veteran has spoken to several news outlets, including CBS Detroit, FOX2 News, 101 WRIF, and WXYZ Detroit, sharing his insights on AEW and the professional wrestling landscape. With decades of experience across WWE, ECW, and TNA Wrestling, Rhino brings valuable perspective to discussions about the industry.
These media appearances come ahead of Rhino’s upcoming AEW debut. The wrestling legend will appear on the May 7 edition of AEW Dynamite as well as the May 10 edition of AEW Collision. These appearances follow Rhino’s departure from TNA Wrestling in late 2024.
With Rhino sharing his thoughts ahead of his AEW arrival, fans should expect that his appearances this week might signal not just a one-off visit, but the beginning of something significant.
Many talents released by WWE in February 2025 are now becoming free agents as their 90-day non-compete clauses conclude on May 8. This opens up a host of possibilities for their next moves in the wrestling world.
This wave of newly available wrestlers includes several established names and former champions. Among those whose non-compete clauses are expiring, allowing them to appear for and sign with other promotions are: Cedric Alexander, former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Isla Dawn, Sonya Deville, Blair Davenport, former NXT UK Tag Team Champion Giovanni Vinci, and Elektra Lopez.
The former Raw Tag Team Champions, The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar), are also now free to explore new opportunities. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows (The Good Brothers) already have immediate plans lined up.
They are scheduled to compete at this Saturday’s (May 10th, 2025) Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling event in Canada. Furthermore, a return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling for the duo has been strongly teased for this Friday, May 9th, at NJPW’s event in California. The availability of these diverse talents is set to create an interesting period on the independent scene and for other major promotions.
Cody Rhodes completed his story at WrestleMania 40, but could his brother Dustin Rhodes still have a World Championship reign in his future? Speaking to Sportskeeda’s Bill Apter, the elder Rhodes made it clear that he hopes for at least a shot at ROH gold before his career concludes.
“Before I retire, which will probably be in two or three years, I do want a shot at the Ring of Honor World Title. I think I can get it.”
Rhodes is no stranger to ROH gold, as he currently holds dual championships in Tony Khan’s second promotion. Along with the ROH World Tag Team Titles alongside Sammy Guevara, Dustin is also one-third of the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions with the Von Erichs.
Dustin Rhodes turned 56 in April 2025 and has never shied away from acknowledging that his career is approaching its conclusion. It remains to be seen whether the former WWE Intercontinental and Hardcore Champion will add the ROH World Title to his collection before he hangs up his boots.
Becky Lynch may call herself ‘The Man,’ but she’s frustrated by a startling difference between herself and her male counterparts in WWE. During a recent appearance on the RAW Recap show, Lynch addressed the pressure to face new challengers in WWE, an issue that doesn’t seem to affect the top men in the company.
“It seems to be harder on the women’s division. Like, look at the men’s — who do you got that’s hot and young over there? None. You got a bunch of old lads beating each other up.”
Lynch didn’t hold back, pointing out that while many believe she should step aside for younger female talent, no one is asking veterans like CM Punk or Seth Rollins to do the same. The outspoken superstar made it clear that the only moving she plans to do is toward capturing more championship gold.
“The only time I’m gonna move over is to make way for more titles.”
Becky Lynch has her eyes firmly set on the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and her upcoming match against Lyra Valkyria at WWE Backlash. Despite the decade age gap between the challenger and the champion, Lynch has no intention of stepping out of the spotlight anytime soon.
Hulk Hogan remains a controversial figure in wrestling, with many fans unwilling to forgive the Hulkster for his racist comments and other controversies. Taking to X, Shelton Benjamin recently shared the exact moment when Hogan ‘lost’ the Gold Standard.
Message to @HulkHogan. You lost me forever with your “don’t get caught” …or as you would call it “apology” speech. So rather than screw up my name and pretend we ever had any sort of camaraderie which we never had. Please do me a favor & pic.twitter.com/4ccA4I9Qef
Benjamin’s post refers to Hogan’s return to WWE in 2018, three years after being fired for his inflammatory remarks. During a backstage meeting, Hogan reportedly warned talent to be careful about what they say in case they were being recorded without their knowledge. This sparked fresh backlash against Hogan, as many critics argued that he didn’t truly regret his racist comments, but merely regretted getting caught.
WWE has since avoided featuring Hogan on television following the hostile reception he received during Raw’s debut on Netflix. While the Hulkster reportedly has plans to launch his own wrestling promotion, his days with the company he once dominated appear to be over for good.
Rob Van Dam is instantly recognizable thanks to his colorful airbrushed singlets, but now the WWE Hall of Famer has teased a startling new look. While speaking on the 1 of a Kind podcast, RVD revealed he’d be more than willing to wear Logan Paul’s PRIME bottle costume for the substantial sum of $1 million.
“Yeah, call me. I mean, I just need my arms. I need space to pull my arms out. It’d be a cool-looking battle. Yeah, it’d be cool. Imagine giving a Van Terminator in that one.”
Van Dam’s comments come after ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin turned down the same offer, according to Paul himself. During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Austin confirmed that an offer had been made which he had to decline.
“That’s not my gimmick. He’s doing really well—obviously he’s hustling… but it just wasn’t a great fit for Steve Austin.”
RVD, on the other hand, sees this as a fun and lucrative opportunity he’s not eager to pass up. Fans eagerly await the return of the WWE Hall of Famer to programming, and perhaps he’ll be sporting the PRIME bottle costume during his next appearance.
CM Punk is eager to be a part of the Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena’s farewell tour but whether to fight with him or against him, that is the question.
John Cena is currently on the final run of his illustrious career. While he currently holds the top prize of the company, he is still set to hang up his wrestling boots by the end of this year. Cena, who recently turned heel, has said that he’ll retire as the “Last Real Champion.” While it has opened the doors to dream matches, Cena could be facing one of his rivals, CM Punk.
CM Punk is one Cena’s greatest rivals. They have had storied rivalry back in the day and it could be reignited. However, Punk is also ready to team up with John Cena is the situation arises.
Speaking to Tudum by Netflix, Punk highlighted being on a similar path as Cena. He stated that Cena deserves more credit for putting WWE above himself. Punk said:
“I think me and him are on the same road. We’re [both] closer to the end of our career than we are to the start of it. He’s another guy who doesn’t like talking about himself too much. John Cena has never asked for anyone to give him any kind of credit, he always put the company before himself, always put others before himself — I think it’s time we give back, say thanks, pat him on the back.”
While CM Punk and John Cena have crossed paths during Royal Rumble 2025, they are yet to compete in a singles match. They were the final two superstars in the Elimination Chamber match before Cena tapped him out. While CM Punk has expressed his desire to be a part of Cena’s farewell tour, he is not sure whether he will team up or fight him:
“I feel like it’s my duty to talk about him. Selfishly, I’d love to be a part of [Cena’s farewell tour] in any which way he possibly sees fit. He wants to tag with me, awesome. He wants to lock back up with me, fantastic. But as a fan, I’m just excited to be here to witness it all.”
WWE star Damian Priest spoke highly of Grammy Award-winning artist and celebrity wrestler Bad Bunny for his impressive accomplishments inside the squared circle.
Since making his WWE debut during the pandemic, the Puerto Rican rapper and singer has enjoyed one of the most remarkable runs in the company. Speaking on MLB Central, ‘The Archer of Infamy’ praised Bad Bunny for his performances in the ring. Damian Priest emphasized that while many celebrities come to WWE to promote their movies or music, Bad Bunny has “set a new standard.”
Priest also expressed his surprise at seeing Bunny risk everything in a brutal Street Fight in front of the San Juan crowd, especially considering his accomplishments outside the ring. Damian Priest was visibly impressed by Bunny’s passion for the sport. The former World Champion said:
“So celebrities come and go all the time in our business. You know, either you want to promote a song, a movie, whatever. Bad Bunny took it differently because he’s a big fan. He put in the work training and everything and for me, a celebrity coming in and doing this style of match, a street fight and it was Backlash. So it’s anniversary time. It’s incredible to see somebody willing to risk, you know, he has a career like that. He’s obviously very successful at… But for his fans, for our fans and he showed us respect and everything.”
“To me, when it comes to celebrities, nobody touches him. He set a new standard. If anything, for celebrities to come in and want to be a part of our world, you gotta look at what Bad Bunny was willing to do — and willing to take.”
Bad Bunny has competed in a handful of matches in WWE, but his most memorable performance against Damian Priest at WWE Backlash 2023 set a new benchmark for celebrity wrestlers. It marked the first time the music superstar competed in a singles match, and he completely stole the show.
Bad Bunny previously held the now-defunct 24/7 Championship during his WWE tenure. He also partnered with Damian Priest at WrestleMania 37 and has competed in the men’s Royal Rumble match.
Damian Priest is scheduled to compete at this year’s WWE Backlash where he will face Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, and Jacob Fatu in a fatal four-way match for the United States Championship.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit SEScoops for transcription.
By wrestling standards, celebrity appearances often disappoint. But when global music superstar Bad Bunny stepped into the ring at WrestleMania 37, something extraordinary happened. In a revealing interview with Peter Rosenberg and co-host Stat Guy Greg on Rosenberg Wrestling, The Miz details the surprising journey from skepticism to standing ovation.
The Secret Training Sessions
While Bad Bunny was officially training with WWE coaches, The Miz took matters into his own hands to test the musician’s true abilities:
“I remember the first time I got in there with him, I didn’t call anything. I literally just got in, locked up, and just started having a match with him to see where he was… And honestly, he was training so hard before this. And I was like, I just need to get in there. And I probably beat him up. Not beat him up, but like put some heat to him, you know? And I was like, ‘Oh, this guy’s going to be able to do something.’ And then he kept training and kept training and kept giving ideas that were like not dumb ideas… You could tell he was a fan and that he knew psychology.”
What impressed The Miz most wasn’t just Bad Bunny’s athletic ability, but his understanding of wrestling fundamentals – something rare among celebrity performers.
Behind the Rainy WrestleMania Moment
What fans didn’t see was the weather crisis happening behind the scenes. With rain threatening the outdoor WrestleMania performance, The Miz personally intervened:
“It was raining if you remember… while Bad Bunny was coming out, I had everyone on the outside with towels scrubbing down where Morrison was going to do this maneuver. Him and Bunny were going to do this maneuver ‘cuz that’s a dangerous move, especially in the rain… No one sees it, but I was literally I had a towel and I was in the ring literally scrubbing the ropes because I knew we were going to be utilizing jumping off the ropes. You slip, you fall, you’re done.”
The Bugatti That Proved Commitment
When The Miz realized Bad Bunny allowed WWE to damage his actual Bugatti for the storyline, he knew the musician was fully committed:
“We made fun of him. We tore apart his Bugatti, which was a real Bugatti, and that was real paint. Like, that car is really expensive. And Bunny let us do it. Like, I was shocked. I was like, ‘Oh my god, this guy is in.'”
From Skepticism to Ovation
Despite preparing for rejection from wrestling’s notoriously critical fanbase, The Miz witnessed something remarkable during Bad Bunny’s entrance:
“I was literally going through my brain trying to figure out, ‘Okay, if this happens, we come out, we do our rap… We’re doing this thing.’ And then when he made his entrance at Mania, I don’t know if you heard it, but oh my god, it was an eruption of cheers. It wasn’t boos, it was cheers. They wanted to see him. They were yearning to see him. I was like, ‘This is amazing that you couldn’t ask for a better entrance and a better crowd, live crowd reaction.'”
For The Miz, Bad Bunny’s ultimate validation came in an unexpected compliment:
“The best compliment that we got, John and I, Morrison and I got, were that he said that he watches that match back more than he watches any concert he’s ever done. And I was like, ‘Wow, that’s pretty great.'”
Bad Bunny’s WWE Career
Bad Bunny has wrestled in 3 official WWE matches. The global music star trained seriously at the WWE Performance Center and is credited with raising the bar for celebrity involvement in WWE.
WrestleMania 37 (April 2021): Made his in-ring debut, teaming with Damian Priest to defeat The Miz & John Morrison in a tag match. His performance received critical acclaim for its athleticism and commitment.
Royal Rumble 2022: Entered the 30-man Royal Rumble match, eliminated two wrestlers, and was among the final five before being eliminated by Brock Lesnar.
Backlash 2023: Faced Damian Priest in a San Juan Street Fight in Puerto Rico, winning in front of his home crowd.
Bad Bunny is also a former champion in WWE. He captured the WWE 24/7 Championship on Raw in February 2021 (not a traditional match), held the title for 28 days, and later relinquished it.
In a revealing interview with Chris Van Vliet, WWE superstar R-Truth shared the incredible story of his wrestling career journey, from his troubled beginnings to becoming one of wrestling’s most beloved entertainers. His path to success features pivotal moments that nearly saw him quit the business entirely.
The Road Dogg Connection
R-Truth credits WWE Hall of Famer Road Dogg (Brian James) with saving his wrestling career when he was on the verge of quitting.
“I was having issues at home, man. I was discouraged. I felt like a failure. I was ready to quit. Road Dogg and his wife was in Memphis on vacation and they came to the TV taping… By the time I got back to the locker room, Road Dogg was back there.”
The chance encounter changed everything when Road Dogg offered him a partnership opportunity.
“He was like, ‘I want you to be my tag team partner.’ I’m like, ‘Dog, I’m going to quit, man.’ He really ripped into me good. He said, ‘If you can stake it out for three more months, I have you up there on TV with me.'”
Within two months, R-Truth was called up to WWF television as K-Kwik, partnering with Road Dogg. This fortuitous meeting completely altered his career trajectory.
Breaking Barriers as NWA Champion
One of the most significant moments in R-Truth’s career was becoming the first Black NWA World Heavyweight Champion, a moment facilitated by Jerry Jarrett.
“Jerry Jarrett sat me down in the municipal auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, and he explained to me the history of professional wrestling for African-American people, for Black Americans in the business and how prestigious this would be. He told me, ‘We want you to be our first Black American champion because of your charisma, your talent, and you have a story to tell.'”
This groundbreaking achievement came during his time with TNA Wrestling (now IMPACT Wrestling), where he performed after his initial WWE departure.
Seizing Moments
R-Truth’s philosophy on opportunity has guided his journey through wrestling’s ups and downs.
“We all wait for the right time, right? There’s no such thing as the right time. We all get moments in life to grab whatever we can when we can.”
This mindset helped him through multiple career phases, including his return to WWE with the help of Randy Orton and Umaga, who encouraged him to rejoin the company in 2008.
R-Truth’s perseverance through challenges—including a recent quad tendon tear and serious MRSA infection that nearly cost him his leg—demonstrates the resilience that has defined his remarkable career.
WWE’s R-Truth has cemented his legacy as one of professional wrestling’s most entertaining performers. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, the record 54-time 24/7 Champion shared insights into his approach to comedy and some of his most memorable moments in the ring.
Not a Comedian, Just Naturally Funny
Despite being known for his comedic performances, R-Truth doesn’t consider himself a comedian in the traditional sense.
“I’m not a comedian by no means at all. I just know how to be funny. I know how to make people feel good and laugh, and laughter breaks the barrier. It breaks the wall. You can calm a savage beast with laughter.”
His philosophy on entertainment comes down to energy exchange with the audience.
“Entertainment is nothing but energy. I just got a big ball of it.”
This natural charisma has made R-Truth one of WWE’s most reliable performers when it comes to connecting with audiences across all demographics.
The Brock Lesnar Moment
When asked about his favorite comedic moments, R-Truth immediately highlighted his famous interaction with Brock Lesnar.
“Definitely the Brock Lesnar thing. Paul [Heyman] and just surprising everybody like, ‘You know what, we’re not going to let Brock know what we’re going to do.'”
The spontaneous nature of the segment added to its authenticity, with R-Truth recalling Lesnar’s reaction backstage.
“Brock walked in to Gorilla and it was simply just like he walked in and looked. He’s like, ‘So, what are we doing?’ And I’m looking at everybody like, ‘Somebody say something to this dude.’ Nobody said nothing. He’s like, ‘All right, well, I guess we just go out there and talk then.’ Turned out to be one of the best moments.”
Little Jimmy’s Enduring Legacy
The interview also touched on his iconic invisible friend “Little Jimmy,” who became a fan favorite character.
“Little Jimmy is around because we believe. Y’all believed in Little Jimmy. He is real. We all see him, don’t we?”
R-Truth even pitched a unique merchandise idea to Stephanie McMahon.
“I asked Stephanie McMahon, ‘Could I make a Little Jimmy [action figure]?’ She said, ‘What is it going to be?’ I said, ‘Nothing, but it’ll be in the box.'”
Other memorable comedic moments from R-Truth’s career include his hide-and-seek segments under the ring, his Royal Rumble confusions, and the infamous moment when he climbed a ladder during a non-ladder match.
While some wrestlers struggle with comedy, R-Truth’s ability to embrace these moments has made him a beloved figure across multiple generations of wrestling fans.
WWE superstar R-Truth (Ron Killings) is expanding his entertainment horizons beyond wrestling. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, the beloved performer discussed his music career, including an unexpected genre pivot, and shared profound life lessons from his remarkable journey.
The White Album: R-Truth’s Country Music Venture
In a surprising revelation, R-Truth announced he’s completed a country music album.
“I just completed a country album. It’s called the White Album. As dark as I am, I called it the White Album.”
The first single, titled “When It All Adds Up,” is expected to release within the next three weeks. Other tracks include “Stallion,” “Counting My Sins,” and “Moments” – the latter inspired by his philosophy on seizing opportunities.
“My producer Jay Tracks came up with ‘Moments.’ It’s about we all wait for the right time, right? There’s no such thing as the right time. We all get moments in life to grab whatever we can when we can.”
This isn’t R-Truth’s first venture into music, as fans may remember his WWE entrance themes were often performed by Killings himself.
From Tupac to WWE: A Music Connection
Before wrestling fame, R-Truth pursued a rap career, which led to encounters with music legends.
“I was a show opener for any act that came through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia. I was hustling my CDs. They had these things called Jack the Rapper conventions… where the A&Rs are, the record reps, everybody would be at. I would meet Tupac. He would be there at the Jack the Rapper convention.”
During the interview, Van Vliet referenced a photo of R-Truth with Tupac that many fans had questioned the authenticity of. R-Truth confirmed the photo is genuine, explaining that they crossed paths multiple times at these industry events.
Finding Pride in the Journey
When asked about his proudest moment, R-Truth offered wisdom that transcended wrestling.
“My proudest moment in my life is being proud of myself. I don’t think we give ourselves enough pat on the back for what we go through as people. I know what it’s like to doubt yourself. I know what it’s like to not feel the best. Being proud of myself, I think it’s the best accomplishment I’ve ever made.”
This perspective comes after a career filled with both triumphs and setbacks, including his recent return from a quad tendon tear and life-threatening infection that nearly cost him his leg.
R-Truth’s diversification into country music represents another chapter in his multifaceted career. It’s a reminder that the 54-time 24/7 Champion continues to reinvent himself while staying true to the entertainment principles that have defined his success in WWE.
WWE legend R-Truth opened up about his reaction to John Cena’s shocking heel turn at Elimination Chamber during a candid interview with Chris Van Vliet. As a longtime fan and friend of Cena, R-Truth’s emotional response offers a unique perspective on one of wrestling’s most unexpected moments.
The Betrayal
When asked about his childhood hero’s actions, R-Truth initially hesitated to discuss the topic, revealing the depth of his feelings.
“I’m hurt to the beyond hurtivity… all that stuff is just going with me. Like hustle, loyalty, respect, never give up. The make-a-wish stuff—all that is just going with me.”
He even mentioned that “Little Jimmy” was in turmoil over Cena’s actions, highlighting the personal impact of the heel turn.
Two Sides to Every Story
Despite his disappointment, R-Truth demonstrated loyalty by suggesting there might be more to the situation than fans realize.
“There’s two sides to every story. He kicked Cody Rhodes in the balls. We don’t know that for sure. It could have been the inner thigh, top part of the inner thigh, maybe.”
R-Truth explained that he’s still processing the situation, comparing it to “bubble guts” and needing time to determine how to react.
Potential Dream Match
When Van Vliet asked about a possible R-Truth vs. John Cena match during Cena’s retirement tour, the crowd’s enthusiastic response was immediate. R-Truth carefully considered the possibility.
“Only way we can see that though… it’s got to be the right way. I’m not a bad guy. I am a good guy now if you haven’t noticed that. I kiss the babies. I hug people. I don’t kick people in the noans.”
Whether this dream match materializes remains to be seen, but fans clearly relish the potential of seeing these two WWE icons face off one last time.
R-Truth has a history with Cena, including memorable moments competing alongside him and The Rock at Survivor Series. This connection adds additional weight to his comments about Cena’s recent character shift.
Becky Lynch has directly addressed fans who’ve dubbed her “Becky Hogan,” a nickname comparing her to Hulk Hogan following her unannounced return at WrestleMania 41. The term emerged online as some fans criticized her continued top-tier status in WWE.
Speaking during the May 5 WWE Raw Recap, Lynch pushed back in-character against the backlash, defending her record and calling out the double standards.
“I’m the bad guy? All I’ve done is be lovely to some people, a few people, like Lyra,” Lynch said. “Do you remember when… she didn’t beat me, but she won in NXT? She won the NXT Women’s Title.”
Referring to her match against Lyra Valkyria, Lynch continued,
“She beats me, quick roll up, very quick roll up, it wasn’t a definitive win. Beat me with a very quick roll up? Do you know what I did afterwards? Because I’m such a great person, I raised her hand. I raised her hand because I’m that kind of person.”
Turning to recent events, she criticized Valkyria’s actions, saying,
“What did she do tonight? She kicked me in the face. I’ve got a big lump here. My wonderful face, by the way, that is already being scarred up. My nose doesn’t sit perfectly straight anymore, my shoulder is popping out, I’ve got scars on my arms.”
Online Backlash
Lynch underscored her physical sacrifices and dedication to the industry:
“All of this because of what I’ve given to this industry. I wear the scars of what I’ve done on my body. I wear them with pride because of all I’ve given back.”
She concluded by addressing the online comparisons and backlash.
“These people go around and they compare me to this scummy person? After everything I’ve done for them, and I’m the bad guy? I’m supposed to sit here and take it? I’m supposed to go, ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ even though I didn’t do anything wrong? I broke through glass ceilings, I changed the game.”
Lynch’s fiery response reinforced her in-ring persona while also acknowledging the ongoing discourse among fans surrounding her place in WWE’s current landscape.
An NXT star has announced her retirement after recent WWE release.
The company let go almost a dozen talents in the post WrestleMania 41 cuts earlier this month. The list included former world champion Braun Strowman as well as a number of NXT stars.
One of the names released by the company was Dani Palmer who has decided to say goodbye to the wrestling world after the end of her WWE run.
The female star posted a video of her last match with the company that came at the February 21 Evolve tapings. Palmer, who wrestled Kali Armstrong in the bout, revealed that she suffered a knee injury in the match and wrote that it was ‘the last time’ she would enter the ring:
The now former WWE star wrote a similar message in a story she posted on Instagram and confirmed that it’s officially the end of her athletic career.
Dani Palmer, real name Alexsis Amrhein, was signed by WWE in 2022, and made her in ring debut the same year. She mostly wrestled at live events and NXT Level Up, though Palmer did make a few NXT appearances during her time with the brand.
The good news is that the retired wrestling star seems to be staying positive despite her release, and she noted that she’d be starting a business.
New matches have been announced for the Backlash PPV.
This week’s episode of Raw from Nebraska saw Pat McAfee coming face to face with Gunther after their previous interaction. Both the stars exchanged words before it was announced that they’ll meet at the Backlash PPV.
WWE also announced a rematch between ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio and Penta for the IC title. This came after Dom retained his championship over the Masked Star on Raw after WrestleMania 41, with help from a returning JD McDonagh.
Another component was added to this equation later in the night, as AJ Styles informed the current champion he’d be coming after the IC title following the PPV.
A total of 5 matches have been announced for Backlash so far. Here is the updated card for the Premium Live Event taking place on May 10 from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri:
WWE Championship Match: John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton
Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch
Singles Match: Pat McAfee vs. Gunther
United States Championship Match: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre
Intercontinental Championship Match: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta
The company has also teased Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk and Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul in recent times. We’ll have to see if these bouts get a spot on the PPV card or if they take place on a later date.
It didn’t take long for Jey Uso to meet his next challenger after tonight’s Raw from CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, went off air.
The World Champion defended his title against WrestleMania Night 1 main event winner Seth Rollins in the closing match of tonight’s show. Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman were in Rollins’ corner for this bout.
Breakker got involved as expected after Seth pulled the referee Chad Patton in. This prompted Sami Zayn to come out who evened the odds by taking out Bron.
The young star didn’t stay out for long, however, and he delivered a huge spear to Zayn. As Jey went to check on his friend, Paul Heyman distracted the referee and Breakker hit another spear, this time on the world champion.
Before Rollins could take advantage, CM Punk made his surprise return with a chair in his hands. He blasted Bron Breakker and then attacked Seth. The show went off air with Punk and Zayn standing tall, as the heels retreated.
Jey Uso started greeting the fans at the ringside after recovering but he got taken out by a hooded figure who appeared from the crowd. The figure who revealed himself to be none other than Logan Paul, quickly retreated as Zayn and Punk came to Jey’s aid.
Rollins will likely be focusing on taking out Punk after his interference tonight, so it appears that we’ll see Jey Uso defending his world title against Paul at the upcoming Backlash PPV.
Jey Uso successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship on Monday’s WWE Raw, but the drama continued after the Netflix stream concluded.
As Uso was shaking hands with fans at ringside following his title defense against Seth Rollins, he was ambushed by Logan Paul, who had disguised himself in a black hoodie. Paul quickly escaped through the crowd while CM Punk and Sami Zayn rushed to Uso’s aid.
WWE released this footage of Paul’s post-show attack:
WWE veteran Thaddeus “Titus O’Neil” Bullard is stepping into the dating spotlight as one of three celebrity bachelors in Bravo’s upcoming reality series Kings Court, premiering Sunday, July 13, 2025.
The new series, a spinoff of Peacock’s Queens Court, pairs O’Neil with supermodel Tyson Beckford and former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer in a quest to find lasting love.
Finding love as a king… isn't always easy. Join Tyson, Carlos, & Thaddeus on the series premiere of #KingsCourt, arriving July 13th! ? pic.twitter.com/jhsgeIMurB
The show follows the three men as they connect with 21 single women through a mix of adventurous group dates and intimate moments. Each episode ends with a dramatic elimination dinner party, where the bachelors decide which women will continue the journey and who will be sent home. The process builds toward each man ultimately selecting his “queen.”
Hollywood couple Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete serve as hosts and mentors, drawing from over 30 years of marriage to offer advice and perspective throughout the emotional rollercoaster.
O’Neil, known for his success in WWE and philanthropic efforts as a Global Ambassador, brings a unique dynamic to the series. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 280 lbs, he acknowledges his imposing appearance but hopes contestants will see beyond the surface. “People are intimidated at first, but I’m really just a big teddy bear,” he says.
With each “king” bringing a distinct personality and set of challenges to the dating experience, Kings Court promises a compelling blend of romance, drama, and self-discovery.
Sheamus made a surprise return to WWE programming on this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw from the CHI Health Center Arena in Omaha, Nebraska. This comeback marked his first televised appearance since competing in the 2025 Royal Rumble match.
During the broadcast, Grayson Waller teased an unannounced opponent for his tag team partner, Austin Theory. When the time came for the match, Sheamus’s familiar entrance music hit, eliciting a strong, positive reaction from the live audience.
Sheamus looked impressive in his return bout against one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, Austin Theory. After showcasing his signature power, including the White Noise and the Ten Beats of the Bodhran, Sheamus decisively ended the match. He connected with a thunderous Brogue Kick, pinning Theory for the victory.
It’s unclear why Sheamus was off TV up to this point. Following hisreturn, fans are eager to see what’s next for the multi-time former World Champion.
— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) May 6, 2025
Can we PLEASE get Austin Theory away from Waller at this point…
I love Sheamus…
But I’m not sure why we’re having him at 47 beating Austin Theory in 2025. I think it’s time for Theory to start going on a run soon ????#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/qOIQ4nYI3j
Wrestling icon Ric Flair has firmly denied having cancer following earlier reports about his health. This clarification comes after his son-in-law Conrad Thompson had initially suggested Flair underwent a procedure to remove skin cancer from his forehead. Flair has now directly addressed these claims on social media, setting the record straight about his condition.
He had a skin cancer removed but go on
— Conrad the Mortgage Guy (@HeyHeyItsConrad) May 5, 2025
In response to the spreading reports, Flair took to Twitter to address his fans directly: “I’m Sorry People Have Been Misled By Social Media, But I Don’t Have Cancer Of Any Kind. Thank You For Your Concerns And For Everyone Reaching Out. I Am Absolutely Fine, And Unfortunately, You’ll Have To Live And Put Up With Me For Another 25 Years!”
While the 76-year-old wrestling legend has faced significant health challenges in the past—including a life-threatening crisis in 2017 that resulted in multiple organ failures and a medically induced coma—his current statement emphasizes that cancer is not among his health concerns. Despite previous health issues, including a heart attack during his 2022 retirement match and ongoing treatments for alcoholic cardiomyopathy, Flair continues to make public appearances and maintains a positive outlook on his health.
