AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm recently shared her thoughts on WWE’s recent strategy of scheduling its events on the same day as major All Elite Wrestling pay-per-views. Throughout 2025, WWE has positioned its NXT Premium Live Events directly against AEW’s major shows, and the upcoming WWE WrestlePalooza on September 20 will take place on the same day as AEW’s All Out.
During a recent appearance on The Sandman’s podcast, Storm was asked about the counter-programming efforts from the rival promotion. She responded with a challenge.
“I think it’s great. Come on, fight me! Be a bit weird of them as a large corporation to just do nothing. Of course they are. Of course they will. It’s their job. We’re the old hot ticket, we’re the talk of the town.”
In the same interview, Storm also declared that she plans to be an “AEW lifer,” further cementing her loyalty to the company in the face of the ongoing “wrestling war.” In response to the scheduling conflict, AEW has moved the start time of its All Out pay-per-view on September 20 to 3:00 PM Eastern, avoiding a direct head-to-head clash with WWE’s evening event.
WWE superstar Kevin Owens made a surprise appearance via video message at the inaugural event for the Vermont-based independent promotion, Green Mountain Wrestling, on Sunday, September 14. The company held its “Green Mountain Classic” tournament to crown its first-ever champion, and the show opened with the video from the former WWE Universal Champion. In the message, Owens introduced himself by his former independent wrestling name, “Kevin Steen,” a nod to his long and storied career before joining WWE.
Owens stated in the video that he wished he could have been at the event in person to present the new championship belt to the tournament winner. He also alluded to a move he performs being featured on one of the side plates of the new Green Mountain Wrestling Championship.
“He stated that he wishes he could have been at the show to present the tournament winner with the belt.”
The appearance is particularly notable given Owens’s current injury status. He has been out of action since April after being sidelined with a serious neck injury that required surgery. In a media appearance over the summer, Owens was open about his uncertain future, stating that it would be “untruthful” to say that he is absolutely returning to the ring. His last match was an Unsanctioned Match against his long-time rival and friend, Sami Zayn, at the Elimination Chamber event.
As one of the few legends to have worked for both Vince McMahon’s WWE and Tony Khan’s AEW, Jake “The Snake” Roberts has a valuable perspective on the management styles the two men.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Games Hub, Roberts broke down the key differences between the two promoters, praising Khan for his treatment of talent but also offering a critique of his “hands on” booking approach. Roberts has been a part of the All Elite Wrestling roster since 2019, serving as a manager and a mentor to the younger talent.
“Well, I think Khan has it in the way he treats talent. Vince was a great delegator. He would come up with the idea or use somebody else’s idea and spread it around to where everybody could work on it. Tony Khan doesn’t do that. He wants us to be all hands on him doing it. And a lot of times things get missed, no way one man came up with this stuff 24/7, seven days a week. You know, how many shows are they doing now? You know, that’s a lot of TV time.”
When asked if he thinks Khan will take his advice on board, Roberts joked, “Either that or he’ll fine me.”
WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels discussed the challenge of transitioning from performer to coach during his Nightcap appearance, revealing why natural talent often struggles with instruction.
“What came easy is hard. Those that can do, those that can’t teach, you did because you could do. Now, how do you show patience, show grace, and say, ‘What came so easy to Shawn Michaels? What was a God-given gift? How do I convey that?'” Michaels explained.
The NXT leader emphasized timing as wrestling’s most crucial yet unteachable element.
“The hardest thing for us is a very natural feel and also as you gentlemen know you almost can’t teach timing. Timing is something that our business as yours sort of hangs on.”
Changing Wrestling Culture, Finding Fulfillment
Michaels expressed determination to improve wrestling’s working environment for future generations.
“We want the culture of our business to be different and to be more positive than it was when we got into it. We want to leave it better off than the way we came into it,” he stated.
His role at the WWE Performance Center focuses on developing complete performers rather than just athletes. Through repetition and mentorship, Michaels helps translate raw talent into television-ready superstars.
Physical Sacrifice for the Craft
Despite his legendary status, Michaels paid dearly for his in-ring career. “I have had my back fused. I’ve had my shoulder replaced. I got two knees that I’m getting replaced in probably a month. And I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world,” he revealed without regret.
His dedication extended to an exhausting schedule that few modern performers could match.
“When I worked on the road, we did 286 days. When I got a part-time schedule, it was 150 days… I enjoyed every minute.”
Perfect Retirement Timing
Michaels found peace in his final match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25.
“I had a match… with Undertaker WrestleMania 25 in Houston that made me feel so peaceful in a way that I’d never felt after a match in my entire life,” he reflected. “I was able to leave, as they say, on a high note… I’ve never looked back and regretted it.”
The wrestling legend found fulfillment in developing others after his own career concluded.
“I do one thing well in this lifetime and it’s wrestle. I’m able to use that gift to give other young men and women… the opportunity to have the amazing life that I’ve been given through this line of work.”
Shawn Michaels responded humbly to Ric Flair recetly declaring him the greatest all time.
“Ric Flair says your understanding of the moment and the timing and the theatrics of it… there’s no one close to Shawn Michaels. He’s the greatest,” Shannon Sharpe quoted, adding “That’s no disrespect to Hogan. That’s no disrespect to anyone… But Shawn Michaels is the greatest wrestler.”
Michaels accepted the compliment graciously while maintaining perspective.
“It’s the greatest compliment a guy could have to even be in the conversation,” he replied, acknowledging the significance of Flair’s endorsement.
WWE Raw airs live tonight from the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, at a special start time of 7:00 PM ET on Netflix.
Tonight’s go-home show for Wrestlepalooza is loaded with major segments, star appearances, and final hype for Saturday’s premium live event.
Major Segments & Star Appearances
CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch: All four will share the ring for an intense face-to-face segment, fueling one of Wrestlepalooza’s most talked-about storylines. Expect fireworks as this mixed tag feud reaches a boiling point.
Jey Uso Heel Tease: The fallout continues from Jey’s shocking spear to LA Knight last week, with fans awaiting further signs of a Bloodline split or heel turn.
Confirmed Match Card
John Cena’s Final Springfield Raw: Cena says farewell to Springfield ahead of his final clash this weekend with Brock Lesnar.
Lyra Valkyria vs. Roxanne Perez: Valkyria looks to bounce back from defeat in a singles contest against Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez.
Penta vs. Kofi Kingston: The rivalry continues with high-flying action showcased in this anticipated bout.
Dragon Lee vs. El Grande Americano: General Manager Adam Pearce announced this match following the World’s Collide fallout, promising a fast-paced affair.
What To Expect
Fireworks. Expect fireworks. It’s the go-home show before Wrestlepalooza, WWE will have all hands on deck to hype the PLE, and John Cena makes his final appearance in Boston. Keep the tissues nearby.
Viewing Details:
Location: MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA
Start Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT (special early start due to the NFL season)
Streaming: Netflix (Worldwide)
Stay with SEScoops for live coverage, results, and breaking news throughout Raw and all Wrestlepalooza weekend.
The Undertaker supplied his unfiltered opinion about the most important aspect of professional wrestling during his recent interview with Nightcap. The Deadman explained to Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson that technical execution serves a larger narrative purpose.
“Wrestling isn’t about wrestling moves. Wrestling is about telling stories. We use the moves to help tell the story, but it’s all about the connection.”
Professional wrestling is a business, and Undertaker argues there’s bigger factors at play than snug ring work and a killer move set.
“If you love somebody you pay money to see him kick the other guy’s ass, or if you hate him, you pay to see him get beaten. That’s the gist of what we do.”
Modern Recruitment Challenges
Storytelling is important, but athleticism is still WWE’s canvas. Charisma is the X factor, but Undertaker detailed how WWE still aggressively scouts collegiate athletes instead of waiting for independent wrestlers to show up on their radar.
“We recruit at the combine, go to colleges, pro days…because we have to continue to feed the system.”
This approach creates unique teaching challenges.
“When I came up, either you had it or you didn’t. Now we get people from ground zero who don’t understand the business, so you have to break it down.”
Remembering Bray Wyatt’s Unique Presence
When asked about potential supernatural character successors, The Undertaker immediately thought of the late Bray Wyatt.
“Do I see any young Undertakers coming up? Hard to say, but the closest in the past few years was Bray Wyatt. He was in that category. We lost him last year.”
Dominik Mysterio is now pulling double duty as both the WWE Intercontinental Champion and the brand-new AAA Mega Champion — and his latest win has only escalated his feud with his legendary father, Rey Mysterio. Shortly after the event, Rey took to Instagram to remind his son that he wasn’t the first young Mysterio to hold multiple championships at once.
Dominik wasted no time firing back with trademark sarcasm, highlighting that his father never held the AAA Mega Championship.
“Good job son. Maybe one day you’ll be as great as me. Now post a pic of you holding the AAA Mega Championship ?”
Dominik’s victory at Worlds Collide saw him dethrone El Hijo del Vikingo to win the gold, much to the delight of the AAA crowd who are far from fond of Vikingo. After the match, Dominik had Rey place the title around his waist before ordering his father out of the ring.
This war of words is the latest development in the Rey-Dominik feud that has been simmering for over three years. Dominik turned on his father at WWE Clash At The Castle 2022 in Cardiff, Wales, following Rey and Edge’s win over the Judgment Day. Dominik would join the faction shortly after, where he remains a member to this day.
Now, with two championships around his waist, Dominik’s stock is at an all-time high. Meanwhile, Rey is inching closer to an in-ring return, and another clash between father and son feels inevitable.
Jake Hager’s time in AEW may be over, but fans hoping for a WWE comeback shouldn’t hold their breath. Speaking with Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge, the former World Heavyweight Champion dismissed the idea of entering a future Men’s Royal Rumble match, saying bluntly
“I don’t think they like me very much.” When pressed to clarify, Hager didn’t name names, instead replying “Whoever books the Royal Rumble.”
Hager, then competing under the name Jack Swagger, made his Royal Rumble debut in 2010 as the #26 entrant. His run was short-lived, as John Cena tossed him out in just over two minutes. His last Rumble outing came in 2016, when he entered at #24 but was eliminated in just 15 seconds by Brock Lesnar.
After leaving WWE in 2017, Hager transitioned to mixed martial arts, signing with Bellator MMA. Fighting under his real name, he went unbeaten with a professional record of 3-0 (1 NC) between 2019 and 2020. His debut win came via first-round submission at Bellator 214.
Hager’s comments come after he shared that he finished with pro wrestling and has started his own trucking company based out of Tampa, Florida. Hager himself isn’t driving the trucks in his new company ‘Hauling Oats’ but is overseeing those who do.
Hatton also worked with Floyd Mayweather, another boxing name with ties to pro wrestling., We at SEScoops would like to share our condolences to his family at this sad time.
Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, the former world boxing champion who made a memorable crossover into WWE in 2009, has died at the age of 46. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that officers were called to an address in Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, September 14, where they discovered Hatton’s body. Authorities have stated that his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Hatton was one of the fiercest and most popular boxers of his generation, achieving major success in the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions. His career peaked in 2005, when he defeated Kostya Tszyu in Manchester to claim the IBF light-welterweight championship — a win that cemented him as a British sporting hero.
In the world of professional wrestling, Hatton made a guest appearance as host of WWE Monday Night Raw in Sheffield in 2009. During the broadcast, he stepped into the ring for a special “boxer vs. wrestler” match against Chavo Guerrero. The match ended with Hatton knocking out Guerrero to a thunderous ovation from the UK crowd.
Reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair recently opened up about her current tag team run, admitting that while she has always preferred to be a singles competitor, she is greatly enjoying her current partnership with Alexa Bliss. The duo won the championships at SummerSlam in August.
During a recent appearance on the “Nightcap” podcast, “The Queen” was asked about her chemistry with Bliss and their championship reign. She was candid about her usual preference but made it clear that her current partner is the exception.
“Personally, I like solo. I don’t like sharing the spotlight, but I am in a tag team with the one person I don’t mind sharing the spotlight with, and that’s Alexa Bliss. And I’m having so much fun. She’s great. She brings out definitely a different side of my character for TV, so it’s great.”
Flair is scheduled to be back in action tomorrow night, September 16, at the NXT Homecoming special, where she and Alexa Bliss will defend their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against the NXT duo of The Culling (Izzi Dame & Tatum Paxley).
Rob Gronkowski praised WWE’s audience engagement during his interview with Steph McMahon, drawing sharp contrasts with NFL fan behavior based on his WrestleMania experience. The former Patriots star found wrestling crowds more consistently invested in the action.
“NFL fans sometimes grabbing beer if their team’s not on offense… WWE fans, they’re ready at all times, truer fans.. energy is kinetic, nothing like it,” Gronkowski said.
Behind-the-Scenes Wrestling Mishap
Gronkowski shared details of a security miscommunication during his WrestleMania involvement that created unscripted drama.
“My favorite was the security guy didn’t know I was part of the show. She looked at me, grabbed me, and I could tell she wasn’t tipped off,” he recalled.
The confusion led to improvised moments that enhanced the segment.
“So I played back—it was fixed, but I wasn’t going to fight her. Eventually, she realized, and I got to level [Jinder] Mahal. Wasn’t supposed to kick him—did it anyway.”
Attitude Era Influence
Gronkowski referenced wrestling’s cultural impact through his DX tribute at recent events.
“I chose to do a DX crotch chop entrance at Fanatics Fest—’Can’t really do that anymore, but I can’… Attitude Era, best era—kids sent home for crotch chops.”
His foundation work includes gifting equipment to youth organizations, continuing his philosophy of turning opportunities into positive outcomes for others.
Gronk Nation Youth Foundation
Beyond the gridiron and the ring, Rob Gronkowski’s passion for giving back is embodied in the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. Established with his family, the foundation is dedicated to supporting youth through sports, education, fitness, and community engagement.
Recent initiatives include a $315,000 donation to the Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund for regional disaster relief, as well as numerous community sports equipment drives and regular visits to children’s hospitals. Gronkowski’s foundation also partners with organizations such as Kids 2 Camp to provide scholarships and memorable camp experiences for disadvantaged youth.
Gronkowski’s commitment to philanthropy extends far beyond his own organization. In 2025, he participated in charity pickleball events to raise funds for cancer research, and he frequently lends his voice to causes close to his heart, including The Jimmy Fund and ALS awareness.
Rob Gronkowski’s WWE Career Highlights
Gronkowski’s journey from NFL superstar to WWE personality is marked by several memorable moments that underscore his genuine love for professional wrestling. Gronkowski made his WWE debut at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, storming the ring to help longtime friend Mojo Rawley claim victory in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Three years later, Gronkowski officially signed with WWE and was named the host of WrestleMania 36, where he stunned fans by capturing the WWE 24/7 Championship in a daring on-screen leap – reportedly only after WWE Chairman Vince McMahon demonstrated the jump himself to boost Gronk’s confidence.
Mads Krugger was crowned the new MLW World Heavyweight Champion at Saturday’s MLW Fightland 2025 event. He clinched the title in dramatic fashion, cashing in his Gravity Gamble contract to make the main event a triple threat match against then-champion Matt Riddle and challenger Donovan Dijak. The bout was originally set as Riddle vs. Dijak, but Kruger’s surprise move changed the stakes.
Riddle hit his signature Brostone Piledriver on Dijak and looked poised to retain. Kruger broke up the pin, delivered a full nelson face slam to Riddle, and pinned him to win the championship. After the bell, Kruger and Dijak brawled around the arena, with Alex Hammerstone joining in the fray by attacking Kruger with a chair outside the ring.
MJF’s Return to MLW:
AEW star MJF (Maxwell Jacob Friedman) made a buzzworthy return to MLW during the show, appearing in a backstage segment with former Dynasty teammate Hammerstone. MJF delivered a promo reflecting on their shared history and encouraging Hammerstone to reclaim his former dominance. The reunion tease left fans speculating about a build to future storylines between these stars.
Rhea Ripley has been brutally ‘killed’ by Art the Clown, in a dream come true for the former WWE Women’s World Champion. Appearing at Silver Scream Con, Ripley shared the stage with the star of the Terrifier film series, played in the films David Howard Thornton.
After some tensions between the two when Art grabbed Ripley’s Labubu toy, Ripley slapped Art, only to be slapped in return. This sent Ripley to the floor and a cleaver shot to the WWE Superstar finished her off. Individuals dressed as medical staff would carry away Ripley’s lifeless body
But Ripley’s untimely demise didn’t stop her from taking to social media. Shortly after the convention stunt, the WWE Superstar posted on X to share her excitement about the moment, calling it a dream come true.
Ripley has long been vocal about her love for the Terrifier franchise and its villain, Art the Clown. She has even expressed interest in being killed by Art in a future film. Recently, Ripley and Art collaborated on exclusive merchandise, with themed shirts available at Hot Topic.
Despite taking a cleaver to the head, fans won’t have to wait long to see Ripley again. She remains a key part of WWE Raw, where she’s been feuding with another face-painted demon — Asuka. Her appearance at Silver Scream Con is the latest reminder that Ripley’s popularity extends far beyond the wrestling ring.
In WWE, Jillian Hall is best remembered for her over-the-top gimmick as a terrible singer who believed she was destined for pop stardom. For years, many assumed the character was a jab at Brooke Hogan, who was pursuing a music career at the time with support from her father, Hulk Hogan.
While speaking on Ring the Belle, Jillian was asked about how the gimmick came about. The former WWE Divas Champion refuted the notion that the character was any sort of swipe at Brooke.
“I don’t know where all these people get that I was making fun of Brooke Hogan. That is so ridiculous. Untrue. Rumor. Bye.”
Instead, Hall explained that the gimmick originated at a WWE house show during a planned “best body” contest. Backstage, Ashley Massaro and Michelle McCool overheard her singing and encouraged her to turn it into a way to rile up the crowd. With the approval of agent Fit Finlay, Hall put the idea to the test.
“I took the mic and I did my thing. I said, ‘I didn’t come here to take off my clothes. I came here to sing.’ And I got the biggest boo of the night.“
From that point on, Hall’s “pop star” persona became a staple of her WWE career. She even reprised the character in the 2021 Women’s Royal Rumble match, once again belting out off-key notes to the dismay of fans. Now, Hall has made it clear: the infamous gimmick wasn’t aimed at Brooke Hogan — it was all in the name of entertainment.
Shawn Michaels’ in-ring career is long behind him — and now the two-time WWE Hall of Famer is preparing for major surgery. Speaking on Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Michaels was asked about the possibility of one more match. His answer was blunt: “Not a chance.”
Michaels, now the head of WWE NXT, recalled his years of injuries, including a fused back and a replaced shoulder. HBK also revealed that a double knee replacement surgery is scheduled within weeks.
“I got two knees that I’m getting replaced in, probably a month.”
Despite the toll wrestling has taken on his body, Michaels has no regrets about his career. Michaels acknowledged that “I knew the price that was going to come along with it” but that he enjoyed every minute of being an active pro wrestler.
With WWE expected to bring in major names for WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh, fans should not expect HBK to be among them. Instead, Michaels’ focus remains on shaping the next generation of WWE talent through NXT — the latest chapter in a legendary career.
WrestleMania 43 is officially headed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the biggest step yet in WWE’s partnership with the kingdom. At the press conference announcing the event, Bianca Belair offered her perspective on what the move means for women in wrestling.
“[Saudi Arabia is] a space specifically for women to make amazing moments.”
The role of women’s wrestling in Saudi Arabia has often been a hot-button topic, and AEW star Thunder Rosa weighed in with a much more critical take. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Rosa argued that WWE’s deal with Saudi Arabia ultimately comes down to money.
“They give them money. We’re gonna give you a show. That’s it. The stakeholders are calling the shots. And you have to go for what they tell you to do.”
While Rosa acknowledged the progress WWE’s women have made by competing in Saudi Arabia, she questioned whether those milestones create any lasting societal change.
“You’re not gonna change how society looks at women in these countries. This is part of historical religions and everything else.”
The announcement of WrestleMania 43 has already been met with backlash online, with many fans echoing Rosa’s belief that money is the driving factor. With less than two years to go before WWE’s biggest event of the year lights up Riyadh, the company faces an uphill battle convincing parts of its fanbase that the move is more than financial.
Anthony Bowens has spoken out about what he sees as a lack of television time in AEW, saying it has left him “overlooked” by many. Responding to a supporter who called him underrated and urged AEW to “let him run with it,” Bowens explained why he feels overlooked. The former Tag Team Champion argued that his absence from longer matches has prevented him from fully showcasing his ability in the ring.
I get overlooked bc I’ve never had an opportunity to go 20-30 minutes or more with someone in AEW. That is really when you start to earn your stripes. You can’t make a determination without giving people the chance to prove you wrong.
Bowens signed a five-year contract with AEW in November 2020 alongside Max Caster. Together, The Acclaimed captured the AEW Tag Team Championships in 2022 before later teaming with “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn to win the AEW Trios Championships. Their trios title reign lasted 238 days — still the longest in company history.
His recent comments arrive at a pivotal point in his career. On the September 13 episode of Collision, Bowens and Caster crossed paths backstage for the first time in months. A fight broke out, ending only after Jerry Lynn intervened, reminding both men they were stronger as a team than as rivals.
Whether this moment sparks a reunion remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Anthony Bowens wants more opportunities — and longer matches — to prove his worth in AEW.
Andrade is gone from WWE once again, with his second stint ending less than two years after his January 2024 return. New details have now emerged about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
According to The Takedown on SI, Andrade was effectively released by WWE, and the decision was not mutual. Sources indicated he had not been backstage at TV tapings for nearly a month, and by Saturday afternoon multiple talents had been informed that he had been let go.
Unlike many past roster cuts, Andrade’s release was not tied to budget reductions. PW Insider’s Mike Johnson also confirmed the news, reporting that it was WWE’s decision to part ways. The Takedown on SI reached out to the company for comment but did not receive a response.
Andrade rejoined WWE as part of the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match following a turbulent run in AEW. During this second tenure, he captured the WWE Speed Championship and nearly won the 2025 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Carmelo Hayes.
His final WWE appearance came at SummerSlam 2025, where he competed in the six-team TLC match for the Tag Team Championships, ultimately won by the Wyatt Sicks. At the show, Andrade teamed with Rey Fenix, who joined WWE this year.
With his WWE run now over and AEW potentially hesitant to bring him back, questions remain about Andrade’s next move. Whether he heads back to Mexico, explores opportunities in Japan, or takes time away from wrestling, the future of El Idolo is once again uncertain.
Andrade has parted ways with WWE once again, officially ending his second stint with the company. Fightful Select first reported the news, and fans can now see Andrade’s profile moved from the active roster to the “Alumni” section of WWE.com.
This marks the second time Andrade has left WWE. Originally released in 2021, he made a surprise comeback in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match. During his latest run, Andrade captured the WWE Speed Championship and came close to victory in the 2025 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Carmelo Hayes.
With Andrade’s departure, speculation immediately turns to what’s next. From 2021 to 2023, he wrestled in AEW but never won a championship. His run there was marred by inconsistency and a backstage altercation with Sammy Guevara in 2022, which took place shortly after the infamous “Brawl Out” incident. That history may make AEW hesitant to bring him back following his latest WWE exit.
Andrade’s final WWE appearance came at SummerSlam 2025, competing in the six-team TLC match for the Tag Team Championships, which was ultimately won by the Wyatt Sicks. For now, Andrade’s future remains uncertain. Whether he resurfaces in AEW, returns to CMLL, or pursues opportunities elsewhere, his time inside a WWE ring has come to a close once again.
A new WWE Performance Center is in the works, in the promotion’s latest effort to hone its Superstars of the future. During his appearance on Nightcap with Unc & Ocho, Triple H revealed that WWE is in the process of building a brand-new Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.
“It’s in Orlando. We’re in the process of building a new one now in Orlando. It’ll be even bigger and better. Our main offices are in Connecticut and L.A., but Orlando’s the developmental.”
The current WWE Performance Center, located at 5055 Forsyth Commerce Road in Orlando, opened its doors in July 2013. Some of WWE’s current top stars honed their skills in the Performance Center including Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, and many more.
In July of this year, WWE and AAA shared plans for a Performance Center in Mexico, which will hone lucha talent and give them a taste of the WWE style of doing things. With another PC planned for Orlando, WWE again demonstrates that it is ready to stack the deck with young talent to hone for the future.
Time will tell how long it’ll take for the second Orlando Performance Center to go from idea to opening day. What is clear is that WWE is sparing no expense with the development of stars.
WWE is still figuring everything out about WrestleMania 43.
The company made the game-changing announcement of the Show of Shows moving outside of the North American continent for the first time early on Friday. They held an online press conference revealing that Saudi Arabia will be holding the biggest wrestling event of the year in 2027.
From the amount of money involved to names being expected to appear at this show, all kinds of rumors have been going around about WrestleMania 43 since this announcement was made.
Fightful Select provided some backstage updates on the whole thing. They noted how the news was leaked by General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh earlier in the week, and some in the company wish that he hadn’t done so.
On the rumors that The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin have been made big money offers for wrestling at the PLE, a higher up in the company said that none of the rumored names have yet been approached for any such talks.
The officials are yet to finalise a date for the show. It’s something that will depend on the venue plan and WWE is expected to start developing it soon.
Regarding previous reports that the company was hoping to hold a WrestleMania-branded event in the country while still doing a Mania in North America, it’s said that the Saudi government made it clear that they wanted an actual WrestleMania and not just an event with the same name.
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella battled Asuka during the September 8, episode of WWE Raw, in a match that did far more than showcase two female talents. Speaking on her Nikki and Brie Show podcast, Nikki shared how the match demonstrated how wrestling has changed, allowing older women to demonstrate their skills, in stark contrast to how things used to be.
“When you look at Asuka and I’s match, you have two women in their 40s, moms – this used to only be men they would let at this stage doing things.”
Nikki added that she was “truly honored” to share the ring with Asuka, who recently marked a decade since singing with WWE in September 2015.
Nikki Bella praises Asuka, talks about her match with her, how she prepared for and her dream of wrestling in Japan! ? pic.twitter.com/OSMJ7auYQl
WWE, and the wider wrestling world has, more so in the past, taken an issue with women growing older. Women in their late 30s and 40s have often been cast aside, while the same isn’t the case for their male counterparts of the same age. Earlier this year, Charlotte Flair told the Players Tribune that this age gap remains an issue.
“There are people in this industry who already consider me old. Nevermind that I’m literally younger than Cody, who is considered the face of the company, and Roman, who is probably our biggest star.”
For Nikki Bella, she is grateful that she was given time in the ring with Asuka, as both women proved that age is often just a number in the ring. While many believe there is still more work to be done, Nikki is ready to prove herself as a mom and as a professional wrestler.
Fans are letting WWE know what they think about a Saudi WrestleMania.
The Endeavor-owned promotion held an online press conference early on Friday with top names such as Triple H, Undertaker and more, announcing that the Middle Eastern country will be hosting the Show of Shows in 2027.
This marks the first time WrestleMania will be held outside of the North American continent, and fans were not happy with the company making this move to please the Saudi authorities.
People have been expressing their anger with the decision online since the announcement was made, and they also made their stance clear at the WWE/AAA Worlds Collide event.
The event held in Las Vegas after the broadcast of SmackDown featured Dominik Mysterio, Wyatt Sicks and a number of other big names.
When the company ran a video package about their WrestleMania announcement, however, loud boos were heard from the crowd, and ‘you sold out’ chants were clearly audible in the arena:
The crowd at Worlds Collide reacts to WrestleMania 43 Saudi Arabia Announcement ? pic.twitter.com/PqyXX5VbT1
While a number of big names are rumored to appear at the Saudi Arabian show in 2027, the company has not announced many official details of the event.
With not even the date being announced for the upcoming show, it seems the deal came together quickly and the officials are still figuring things out. Stay tuned for more updates on the PLE.
WWE’s Xavier Woods is on the road to recovery after a surgery forced him to miss competing at WWE x AAA Worlds Collide. Woods was supposed to team with Kofi Kingston to challenge AAA Tag Team Champions Pagano and Psycho Clown at the event. Instead, Grayson Waller teamed with Kingston and before the match, Woods shared that he was not medically cleared.
Taking to X, Woods shared that the concept of him not being medically cleared was no joke, and that a mass was “carved out of the back of my head” during surgery. Remaining in character, Woods blamed the lymphoma on Adam Pearce, who, according to Woods, instructed Penta to injury the former King of the Ring.
Woods later clarified that it was a lipoma (a fatty lump, usually non-cancerous), not lymphoma (cancer).
Kingston and Waller came up short in their efforts to bring the AAA Tag Team Titles to the New Day, but Pagano and Psycho Clown’s victory was short-lived. After the match, the pair were laid out by the Wyatt Sicks, who have set their sights on the AAA Tag Team Gold.
With Woods’ surgery, it remains to be seen how long he will be out of action for. In the meantime, Kingston and Waller will hold the fort for the New Day as the group continue to try and ‘revive’ the tag team division on WWE Raw.
The Wyatt Sicks has been part of WWE’s main roster for over a year and urrently hold the WWE Tag Team Championships. Now, the group has set its sights on the AAA Tag Team Titles, and even more is coming for the faction, according to its leader.
Speaking to TV Insider, Bo Dallas reflected on the group’s work so far. Looking to the future, the man behind Uncle Howdy’s mask shared that much is coming.
“A lot is coming in the near future. Stories and character development being told out of the mind of my brother and coming to actual TV screens. Using actual stories we wanted to tell in the past and unfolding.”
These ideas have been “in the works for years” according to Bo, and include ideas and angles from the mind of his late brother Windham ‘Bray Wyatt’ Rotunda. While big things may be coming, Bo doesn’t see the group growing in numbers, at least at this time.
“There are always possibilities of other people coming in the future, but right now the core and our direction and what we want to get done is going to stay as it is.”
The Wyatt Sicks’ dominance comes as the wrestling world enters Halloween, a time that is obviously linked to the macabre and menacing Bray Wyatt, for Bo, the spooky season is always a great time and he and Windham enjoyed plenty of past Halloweens.
“Me and my brother loved Halloween growing up. We were addicted to horror, different or weird or something you shouldn’t like, that was probably what we were attracted to. We had a lot of fun growing up.”
Bo plans to watch a scary movie each day in the run-up to Halloween. When asked if the Wyatt Sicks could soon find themselves on the big screen, Dallas didn’t bawk at the idea.
“I’d say the sky is the limit. I’ve taken what has been given to me and built on that. What we have been doing recently has been mind-blowing, so I’m just trying to keep the train rolling.”
The Wyatt Sicks has already been featured with the own horror event from Universal Studios, meaning fans shouldn’t count out a movie or similar project. For now, the Wyatt Sicks continues to deliver chills and thrills on WWE SmackDown.
