It appears that this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown could be a monumental show, as a new report from Fightful Select indicates that Brock Lesnar is expected to be in Chicago for the event. WWE sources have reportedly confirmed that “The Beast Incarnate” is scheduled to travel to the city, where SmackDown will be broadcasting live.
While his involvement in the show has not been officially confirmed, his presence strongly suggests a potential appearance as the company builds towards its next Premium Live Event, WrestlePalooza, on September 20. This comes after Lesnar made a shocking return at SummerSlam to attack John Cena, setting up a major match between the two legends.
Adding to the significance of the evening, John Cena is also expected to be at the show. According to a separate report from WrestleVotes, this Friday could mark Cena’s final appearance ever on the SmackDown brand as his retirement tour continues. With both Lesnar and Cena in the building, the stage is set for a confrontation to build to their rumored match at WrestlePalooza.
Sources have indicated that WWE is intentionally stacking this week’s show to serve as a major part of the build for the upcoming event in Indianapolis. Lesnar is reportedly scheduled to arrive in Chicago on Thursday, making his on-screen involvement a strong possibility for the live broadcast.
Former WWE star Matt Riddle has been removed from SiouxperCon in South Dakota following inflammatory remarks he made about sexual assault allegations during a recent online appearance.
While addressing accusations that he no-showed a Global Wrestling Kingdom event, Riddle dismissed what he called “MeToo bullsh*t,” referencing 2020 allegations made against him by Candy Cartwright during the #SpeakingOut movement. Cartwright had accused Riddle of sexual assault, though he denied the claims and maintained their relationship was consensual. The subsequent lawsuit was ultimately dropped.
SiouxperCon organizers swiftly responded to Riddle’s comments with an official statement:
“In light of recent public statements made by Matt Riddle regarding the topics of SA and DV, SiouxperCon has made the decision to cancel his appearance at this year’s convention. The statements that were made in no way represent our organization or event, and are not aligned with the mission, vision, and values of our organization.”
The convention announced automatic refunds for fans who purchased photo opportunities with Riddle and will donate 10% of SiouxperMania ticket proceeds to The Compass Center, which supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
This incident highlights the wrestling industry’s continued efforts to address misconduct allegations and maintain accountability standards for performers.
The world of professional wrestling is colliding with classic arcade gaming as WWE superstars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes have been cast in key roles for the upcoming Street Fighter movie, set to release October 16, 2026.
In a casting move that bridges sports entertainment with video game nostalgia, Reigns will portray the formidable Akuma, while Rhodes takes on the role of the patriotic fighter Guile. The announcement comes as part of Legendary Pictures’ ambitious live-action adaptation of Capcom’s iconic fighting game franchise.
From Championship Reigns to World Warrior Tournament
Reigns, known to WWE audiences as “The Tribal Chief,” brings his commanding presence to the role of Akuma, the series’ most feared dark warrior. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes, “The American Nightmare” who recently completed his emotional championship story at WrestleMania, seems perfectly suited for Guile, the military hero known for his unwavering sense of justice.
The casting represents a natural evolution for both wrestlers, who have demonstrated dramatic range throughout their WWE careers. Rhodes, in particular, has shown storytelling prowess that extends beyond the wrestling ring, while Reigns’ intimidating screen presence aligns well with Akuma’s menacing character.
The wrestling stars join an eclectic cast that includes Jason Momoa as Blanka, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog, and Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo as the iconic duo Ryu and Ken Masters. Director Kitao Sakurai is helming the project, which promises to capture “the quarter-pumping, button-mashing spirit of the 90s classic while leveling up for a new generation.”
Set in 1993, the film follows estranged fighters Ryu and Ken as they’re recruited by Chun-Li (Callina Liang) for the World Warrior Tournament, uncovering a deadly conspiracy that forces them to confront their past.
Wrestling’s Hollywood Evolution
The casting continues wrestling’s successful transition into mainstream entertainment, following in the footsteps of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista. For Reigns and Rhodes, the Street Fighter movie represents an opportunity to showcase their talents to a global audience beyond wrestling fans.
Filmed for IMAX and distributed through Legendary’s new partnership with Paramount Pictures, Street Fighter promises to deliver the high-octane action that both gaming and wrestling audiences crave. With Hadoukens, Sonic Booms, and the star power of WWE, this adaptation is positioning itself as a must-see spectacle.
Jim Ross, the legendary wrestling commentator, has publicly endorsed AJ Lee’s return to the wrestling ring, expressing his admiration and support for the former WWE Divas Champion. On the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, Ross praised AJ Lee’s passion for the business and her resilience, stating, “I’m pulling for her. She’s always been a tremendous talent and a great ambassador for wrestling.”
Ross highlighted AJ Lee’s impact on women’s wrestling, noting that her unique charisma and in-ring skills helped pave the way for the current generation of female wrestlers.
“AJ brought something different to the table,” he began. “She wasn’t just another face in the crowd—she had a spark, a real connection with the audience.”
The Hall of Famer also addressed the challenges AJ Lee faced during her career, including overcoming injuries and breaking through in a male-dominated industry.
“She’s tough as nails. Coming back after all she’s been through shows her dedication and love for wrestling. I have no doubt she’ll make a big impact again,” Ross added.
Fans have been buzzing about AJ Lee’s potential return, and Ross’s endorsement has only fueled excitement. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, with many echoing Ross’s sentiments and expressing hope that AJ Lee will inspire a new era in women’s wrestling.
As speculation continues about where and when AJ Lee will make her in-ring return, Jim Ross’s words serve as a powerful reminder of her legacy and the high expectations for her comeback.
“Wrestling needs people like AJ Lee—people who are passionate, talented, and unafraid to be themselves. I’m excited to see what she does next,” Ross concluded.
Ronda Rousey’s arrival in WWE in 2018 was a massive deal that made headlines in the mainstream for the wrestling giant. Now though, Rousey’s time in WWE is history, and she believes that her legacy in the ring will soon be swept under the rug.
While speaking on the Lapsed Fan podcast, Rousey was asked about the ongoing growth of WWE’s women’s division, and whether she will be recognized. Rather than be highlighted as a massive female star who helped WWE’s women’s division grow in significance, Rousey said that “I don’t know if I’ll be part of that story about how women are main eventers.”
Rousey was part of the first women’s match to headline WrestleMania, a feat many feel would not have happened if not for the star power of the UFC alum. That match saw Rousey, then the Raw Women’s Champion lose to Becky Lynch in a winner-takes-all triple threat which included SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.
While Rousey believes WWE won’t give her the proper credit, the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion “don’t give a f***!” Rousey claimed that there’s a lot of “badass f***** gangster s*** that no one’s ever gonna know about.” Rather than be annoyed, Rousey doesn’t care, saying that she does this “gangster s***” not for the praise or credit, but because it’s what she wants to do.
Rousey parted ways with WWE in 2023 and took a loss on her way out to her friend Shayna Baszler. Rousey has spoken critically of her time with WWE, especially the time under Vince McMahon. While Rousey has also spoken highly of her fellow women as part of the roster, she believes their names will be etched in the history books, without her involved.
The September 3, episode of AEW Dynamite aired from the legendary 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, a venue that was a home to the original ECW. With extreme energy at fever pitch, it was fitting that an ECW original was honored after the show.
Once Dynamite stopped rolling, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan emerged and spoke highly of Taz. The former ECW World Champion received a warm welcome from the Philly crowd before a banner was revealed, cementing Taz’s place in the venue’s Hardcore Hall of Fame.
Taz was handed the mic and reflected on his time in the 2300 Arena. The Human Suplex Machine remained humbled that the crowd in Philly never made him feel like an outsider despite his New York home.
“Wrestling here, performing here as a New York guy, Philadelphia opened up their arms to a New York guy which I’ll never forget that.”
Taz was part of the original ECW for years and became one of the company’s most iconic stars before his exit in 2000. Years later, Taz would be part of WWE’s revival of ECW and would get physical at the One Night Stand events before settling into his role as a commentator.
Years after his in-ring career ended, Taz’s time in ECW remains iconic to fans. It was only fitting that the ECW legend was honored in the building he fought in and wowed fans for so many years.
This week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown from the Allstate Arena in Chicago could be a historic one. A new report from WrestleVotes indicates that some within WWE are “quietly expecting” that tonight’s show will be the final SmackDown appearance of John Cena’s legendary career.
The report, which was released on Thursday, details the thinking behind the expectation. “We’re told some within WWE are quietly expecting tomorrow night to be John Cena’s final SmackDown,” WrestleVotes reported.
The news comes as Cena’s year-long retirement tour is beginning to wind down, with only a handful of dates remaining on his schedule before his final match in December.
According to the source cited in the report, the logistics of his remaining schedule make a return to the Friday night show unlikely. “According to a source, with only seven remaining dates left—and just two yet to be announced—it’s unlikely another will be a SmackDown event,” the report continued.
We’re told some within WWE are quietly expecting tomorrow night to be John Cena’s final SmackDown. According to a source, with only seven remaining dates left—and just two yet to be announced—it’s unlikely another will be a SmackDown event, meaning Cena will have debuted and…
If this week is indeed his final appearance, it would be a poetic, full-circle moment for Cena’s career. His official WWE television debut took place on an episode of SmackDown on June 27, 2002, in the very same building where tonight’s show is being held: the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. On that night, he famously answered an open challenge from Kurt Angle, kicking off one of the most decorated careers in WWE history.
With his final SmackDown appearance now potentially in the books, Cena’s farewell tour will continue with its final stretch of premium live event matches. He is reportedly scheduled to face Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza on September 20, and his final match ever is set for the Saturday Night’s Main Event special on December 13.
Matt Riddle finds himself in hot water once again, this time over a controversial no-show situation involving a UK charity wrestling event that has spiraled into a public war of words and personal attacks on fellow wrestlers.
The Initial Incident: A Charity Event Gone Wrong
The drama began when Matt Riddle was scheduled to appear at Global Wrestling Kingdom’s charity event “A New Kingdom Rises” in Barnsley, England, on August 31. The event was organized to support important causes—specifically charities helping homeless veterans and survivors of bereavement by suicide.
When showtime arrived, Riddle was nowhere to be found. Global Wrestling Kingdom publicly stated that the former WWE star had “no-showed” the event, keeping his deposit in the process. The promotion revealed they had been left waiting at the airport for Riddle’s arrival and were forced to issue refunds for meet-and-greet packages that disappointed fans had purchased.
Adding insult to injury, reports surfaced that Riddle was actually wrestling in Florida that same weekend instead of honoring his UK commitment. SEScoops originally reported on this story here.
Riddle Fires Back: A Profanity-Laced Defense
Never one to stay quiet when controversy strikes, Matt Riddle responded with a heated video on social media that raised eyebrows for multiple reasons. In the expletive-filled rant, Riddle vehemently denied that he had no-showed the event.
According to Riddle’s version of events, Global Wrestling Kingdom failed to meet his travel and booking requirements. He claimed the promotion didn’t initially present the show as a charity event and criticized the flight arrangements they had made. Riddle also complained about being scheduled to stay in a Barnsley hotel for two days with minimal activity planned, suggesting the booking was poorly organized from the start.
This directly contradicts Global Wrestling Kingdom’s claim that the charity aspect was announced in July, with Riddle maintaining the charitable branding was a last-minute addition.
On Wednesday, Matt Riddle sat down with TMZ Sports for an extensive interview where he provided much more detail about his side of the controversy, revealing the personal and professional pressures behind his decision.
Death Threats and Timeline Disputes
Riddle revealed the serious personal consequences he’s faced from the backlash: “I woke up this morning to a bunch of death threats… How dare you scam a charity? I’m like, dog, four months ago, this wasn’t a charity event. Three months ago, it wasn’t a charity event. This week was the first time I got a message saying, ‘What? You’re going to do this to a charity event?'”
Riddle Takes Aim at CM Punk and AJ Lee
What started as a dispute over a booking quickly spiraled into something much more controversial. Riddle called CM Punk “fake and a creep,” alleging that the WWE Champion spends too much time around younger female talent.
He then crossed a major line by making disparaging comments about AJ Lee, implying she “got around” during her wrestling career—though he added “no disrespect” as if that somehow softened the blow. These comments about Punk and Lee appeared completely unrelated to the UK booking situation, raising questions about Riddle’s judgment and professionalism.
Defending His Charity Credentials
Riddle pushed back against suggestions he’s anti-charity. “I do multiple charity events where I don’t get paid a dime… But I’ll tell you this, I’m not flying to London in a middle seat with no meal with no check bag.” He made clear he’s willing to work for charity but not under what he considers unreasonable conditions.
Communication Breakdown and Promoter Issues
The interview revealed deeper issues with the promotion’s organization. Riddle explained: “The biggest concern was they flew me out Thursday… I hit this guy up two, three weeks ago. I’m like, ‘Hey, what’s up with Friday and Saturday?’ And they go, ‘Oh, they haven’t got back to us.'”
He also criticized the promoter’s overall approach: “You can look at the promoting and booking. It’s just one of those trashy… I’m not trying to bury ’em, I wish them the best, but I hope this is a good learning lesson not to throw the King of Bros under the bus.”
Additionally, Riddle accused the promotion of deceptive marketing practices: “They kept promoting me like I was still coming… even after they knew I wasn’t coming, which—it’s a scumbag move. I’ve had other promoters do this.”
Personal and Financial Motivations
Riddle opened up about the personal pressures driving his decisions: “I have five kids. I have an ex-wife who’s a real [expletive]. Plus, I take care of my girlfriend’s kid who has special needs… I need to make money.”
He explained his choice to stay in the US: “I stayed in the US and I made that paper. I can pay my bills. I can even pay these guys back.”
Broader Industry Commentary
The interview also touched on wider issues in international wrestling economics. Riddle was blunt about overseas pay: “They don’t pay enough. Their economy’s in the tanker… I get paid about 10 times what they want to pay me everywhere else. That’s why I don’t wrestle in Japan.”
Combative Response to Critics
Riddle ended the interview with a defiant message to his detractors: “If you’re bashing me, you can go [expletive] yourself, you know. Why don’t you go subscribe to my OF and see what a real man looks like?”
He also added: “At the end of the day, I know what I gotta do to keep my head on a swivel and make the right choices…”
Resolution and Aftermath
In a lengthy Facebook post, Global Wrestling Kingdom announced that the situation had been partially resolved. Riddle had repaid the deposit he initially kept and promised to reimburse other expenses related to his non-appearance. The promotion emphasized this update was meant to “set the record clear” and allow everyone to move past the controversy.
While the financial aspects appear to be settled, the TMZ interview reveals this controversy touches on much larger issues within the wrestling industry, from international pay disparities to communication failures between wrestlers and promoters.
The Bigger Picture
The TMZ interview paints a more complex picture than the initial social media outburst suggested. However, Riddle’s unprovoked attacks on CM Punk and AJ Lee remain indefensible, and he risks significant damage to his reputation.
The wrestling community will likely be watching closely to see if Riddle can learn from this situation or if similar controversies will continue to follow him on the independent scene. His TMZ comments suggest he’s unlikely to change his approach, which could prove problematic for future bookings and professional relationships.
WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella has revealed that her recent Women’s Intercontinental Championship match against Becky Lynch was originally scheduled to take place on an episode of Monday Night Raw, not the Clash in Paris premium live event. The change was made at the last minute after another championship match was pulled from the PLE card.
Speaking on the latest episode of “The Nikki & Brie Show,” Nikki discussed the build to her first singles championship match in over seven years. She explained that the initial plan was for the title bout to happen on the August 25 episode of Raw from Birmingham, England. The week prior, Nikki had even cut a promo during a commercial break, challenging Lynch for the following week’s show. However, that plan was soon changed.
The decision to move the match to the premium live event was made after it was announced that the reigning Women’s World Champion, Naomi, was pregnant and had to relinquish her title. Her scheduled championship defense against Stephanie Vaquer at Clash in Paris was subsequently canceled, which opened up a spot on the card. Nikki said that she was informed about the change about a week before the event.
The match at Clash in Paris was a hard-fought encounter that saw Becky Lynch retain her championship. In the main event of the show, Lynch would go on to interfere on behalf of her husband, Seth Rollins, helping him to retain the World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk. This has led to speculation of a potential mixed tag team match pitting the two couples against each other at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event.
During her conversation on the podcast, Nikki also confirmed that cameras are currently filming for the second season of the “WWE: Unreal” docuseries on Netflix. The new season is reportedly set to be released in early 2026. This means that the backstage drama and last-minute changes surrounding the Clash in Paris event will likely be a featured part of the new season.
The promotion issued a detailed public statement addressing Riddle’s claims about the booking, revealing that “his flights were booked and approved by his manager back in April. No issue was raised at the time.”
According to GWK’s timeline, communication issues plagued the booking from the start. After months of chasing Riddle’s manager for promotional materials, they finally received content just days before the show. When Riddle’s driver waited at the airport for hours, the wrestler claimed flight issues and decided to take “other bookings instead.”
“We implored him to try and get a flight over as fans had paid to see him,” GWK stated. “He was reminded again, that this was a charity event for ‘Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide’ and ‘help 4 homeless veterans.'”
The promotion contradicted Riddle’s claims about flight arrangements, providing screenshots showing two meals were included in his booking. They emphasized that any luggage issues “could have been quickly sorted out by a quick message or phone call.”
Despite the disappointment, GWK praised the talent and fans who attended, noting “the reaction of the crowd when Grado’s music hit nearly knocked us out of our chairs.”
Mick Foley had a crazy character idea that never became a reality.
The wrestling legend recently sat down with The David Difference for an interview. During the talk, he was asked which one of his three faces he would use if he had to make his wrestling debut today, or if he would use some other character that never saw the light of day.
Foley gave a two-part answer, first saying that if he had to choose between his three famous characters, he would choose to debut as Cactus Jack:
“I’ll give you a two-part answer. I think Cactus Jack, I’m really grateful for Mankind, but if you only have one shot, I think you go with what is most legit and most true, and that was Cactus Jack, just as an extension of my personality.”
Mick Foley however, then revealed a crazy character idea which he had pitched during his TNA days. It would have seen him being introduced as the son of the company’s resident monster at the time, Abyss:
“The one character that got away from me, oh man. This was money. You can almost…the smell of money is still around. This was at a time when Hulk Hogan came into Impact Wrestling, and he took Abyss under his wing.
I wanted Hulk to have a man-to-man talk with Abyss and tell him that the way he had of expressing his love 18 years earlier had actually, resulted in a child who would be revealed to be the Son of Abyss. That’s me. Son of Abyss. I just imagined it like Abyss and a secret partner working against two of Eric Bischoff’s guys.
I would be the secret partner, come down in the Abyss mask. I just imagined Eric Bischoff in the middle of the ring going, ‘Son of Abyss, Son of Abyss.’ That’s where I have to say with all due respect to Austin 3:16, Steve, you’re darn lucky the Son of Abyss shirts never hit the market.”
Tiffany Stratton wants Sabrina Carpenter to be part of her WrestleMania moment.
The WWE Women’s Champion recently appeared on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast. She talked about things such as her mom being a wrestling fan, the process of developing her character and more.
During the talk, Stratton was also asked which musician she would like to play her to the ring for a WrestleMania entrance. The Buff Barbie Doll manifested Sabrina Carpenter creating a special theme song just for her:
“Sabrina Carpenter would be so cool. She’s really hot right now, she just came out with a whole new album.
I think that would be a banger and I would want her to create my own entrance music and have her perform it for the first time at WrestleMania for me. Sabrina, if you’re listening, let’s do this … It needs to happen, let’s manifest it.”
In recent years, we have seen Slayer’s Kerry King performing Damian Priest’s WrestleMania entrance while Living Color did the same for CM Punk. WWE veteran Bayley has also expressed interest in having Paramore accompanying her for an entrance but it hasn’t happened yet.
So Sabrina Carpenter being part of Tiffany Stratton’s entrance for a future show does not seem completely out of question. Though considering her popularity, the company will have to pay a lot of money if they do want the pop star to make an appearance at the Show of Shows.
Maven has recalled being part of Brock Lesnar’s WWE debut.
The former WWE star spoke to Chris Van Vliet for a new interview recently. He talked about things such as beating the Undertaker for the Hardcore title not long after his wrestling debut, the infamous promo of Ric Flair on him and more.
During the interview, they also talked about Maven being the first person who took an F5 from Brock Lesnar on TV, during the Beast’s March 2002 Raw debut. The former WWE star revealed the conversation he had with Lesnar before the show:
“There was no telling me how I’m gonna take it. It’s ‘I’m gonna grab you, put you up on my shoulders.’ ‘What do you need from me Brock?’ ‘Nothing, just lay flat.’ He’s like, ‘I’ll do the rest.’ And he did.”
Maven then explained that Brock is as strong as he is presented on TV and the former UFC star was able to handle him like a child during the segment:
“I even asked him while we were working on it during the day. I was like, ‘Do you need me to hoist myself up? You need me to boost?’
He laughed at me. He said, ‘No, I got you.’ And then once he grabbed me, I realized I’m a child to him. Literally, the way you probably run and grab and pick your two-year-old up, that’s how he was with me.”
Apart from this, Maven also discussed his in-ring status. The 48-year-old said that he would be open to wrestling again if the situation was right.
Maven has reflected on one of his career highlights.
The former WWE star recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as becoming a YouTube personality, if he’s retired from wrestling, taking the first F5 and more.
During the interview, Maven also discussed one of his biggest career moments, when he beat The Undertaker for the Hardcore Championship. The 48-year-old mentioned how The Rock interfered in the bout leading to his win, and explained that being paired with such huge stars was big for him:
“It’s big for me because it was The Rock. He’s [Undertaker] got me in the dragon sleeper, and you can physically see my eyes looking up the ramp, because I knew that was the spot when The Rock was coming out with the chair.”
Maven had made his wrestling debut only 4 months before this match as part of the Tough Enough reality show. The former champion discussed how life was moving very fast for him at the time and only a few months back he was working as a teacher:
It’s just crazy again, how life works out. A year and a half prior to that, I’m a sixth-grade school teacher with a ‘The Rock says…’ bulletin board in my classroom, and they just a year and a half later, I’m in a match where he’s hitting The Undertaker with his finish to allow me to beat him. How does life work out that way?”
The wrestling veteran also revealed that he used to go under the elevated ramps to listen to the pop for big stars and claimed that the pop for The Rock during this match was insane.
Kenny Omega was potentially written off TV after Dynamite.
This week’s episode of the Wednesday night show, coming live from the 2300 Arena, featured an 8-man tag team match in the main event. The Cleaner teamed up with “Hangman” Adam Page & JetSpeed to take on the Don Callis Family & Young Bucks in this bout.
After a chaotic fight, the heels won the match. The ending saw Kyle Fletcher delivering a brainbuster on Kevin Knight to get the pin for his team.
Things didn’t end there, however, as the heels continued beating their opponents. Page was put through an open chair by Fletcher after which Omega covered his friend to save him from further damage.
A table was set up outside for the current AEW Champion, but Kenny Omega interfered in these plans. The former NJPW star tried to fight off the heels on his own but the numbers proved too much. Kenny was then put through the table outside, originally intended for Hangman.
The show went off air with the medics checking on the former AEW champion. The company later posted a video of Omega being stretchered off after the broadcast ended as the fans cheered him on.
Kenny is reported to still be dealing with the effects of his diverticulitis diagnosis, and he is said to be in a lot of pain. It’s possible that this angle was done to write Omega off for recovery following his brutal steel cage match at Forbidden Door.
This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite featured a backstage segment where Ricochet and Gates of Agony challenged the Hurt Syndicate to a match at the upcoming All Out PPV. The One and Only specifically mentioned that he wasn’t laying out a challenge but demanding the match.
MPV later accepted the challenge in another backstage segment during the September 3 episode, confirming his in-ring return:
This wasn’t the only All Out match announced for the show tonight. A returning Riho was confirmed to be challenging Mercedes Mone for the TBS Championship after she saved Alex Windsor from a post-match attack.
Since joining AEW in September 2024, MVP has wrestled only one match for the company. He joined his Hurt Syndicate partners to defeat Mark Briscoe & Private Party during the January 15 episode of Dynamite this year.
Though he has stayed active in the independent circuit, competing for promotions such as NEW, and CCW since his AEW in-ring debut.
AEW All out will be taking place from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on September 20, 2025. The show was recently moved up in the day to avoid competition with WWE WrestlePalooza on the same day. You can check out details of this change here.
The Dungeon 2.0, the training facility of Natalya and Tyson Kidd, is busy training the next generation of wrestlers within its walls. On Instagram, Natalya shared a photo from the latest training session, revealing that Aalyah Mysterio, daughter of Rey Mysterio, has been getting in the ring. Aalyah had plenty of names to learn from, including Natalya, Kidd, her father Rey Mysterio, Apollo Crews, Angelo Dawkins, and B-Fab, among others.
Aalyah is no stranger to appearing in wrestling. An interruption of her birthday would kick off Rey’s feud with CM Punk in 2010, a feud that resulted in Punk losing his hair. Years later, Aalyah got in the face of her brother Dominik at WrestleMania 39, and had a drink thrown on her by her big bro.
These weren’t the only notable names at the Dungeon’s latest training session. Eagle-eyed fans will spot WWE Hall of Famer Tatanka on the left-hand-side of the image. In recent days, Tatanka’s sons Jeremiah and Joseph have also been training at the Dungeon 2.0.
Time will tell if Aalyah or Jeremiah ever make it to WWE, or if their time in the ring is more-so about their own physical fitness rather than pro-wrestling aspirations. Whatever the case may be, the Dungeon 2.0 is proving to be a hot bed of notable young names, leaving fans excited to see who’s next to step out of the Dungeon and carve a legacy in the squared circle.
WWE/AEW alum Saraya has opened up on her mental health, sharing that she is feeling the most positive about herself and her situation than she has in years. On X, the British wrestler shared her “random late night thoughts” and included a photo of herself and her dogs for good measure.
This year I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been. Everything feels just so much more positive. Personal. Business. Even when things aren’t easy, my mind set is just so much better. I feel like it’s noticeable? I dunno but making big changes and putting myself first FINALLY looks good on me
Random late night thoughts lol but.. This year I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been. Everything feels just so much more positive. Personal. Business. Even when things aren’t easy, my mind set is just so much better. I feel like it’s noticeable? I dunno but making big changes… pic.twitter.com/T7oX1Kp1lE
Saraya’s message is especially meaningful given the challenges she has faced in the past. During her WWE career, she struggled with substance abuse and endured harassment after private photos were leaked without her consent. In 2017, she suffered a serious neck injury that sidelined her for nearly five years. In her new memoir, she also discusses surviving assault during her younger life.
While Saraya is thrilled with how things are going professionally and personally, fans eagerly await her next move. With her AEW run over, many have pointed to a WWE return. In July, Saraya shared that while she loves WWE, return talks hadn’t happened yet. The British star wrestled as Paige for years, and has said that if a return does happen, she hopes to come back as her WWE persona.
Whatever’s next for Saraya, she’s ready to meet it head-on. With 2025 proving to be a great year already for her, the sky’s the limit for the British wrestler.
UFC alum Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson has said a police investigation is apt in the wake of his son’s attack on Syko Stu, but that Stu should be investigated. Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show, the elder Jackson said that investigators should look into Stu, the victim of the attack, for times he’s “attacked somebody backstage and p***ed people off.”
“The police need to investigate that s***. How many times Syko Stu done attacked somebody backstage and p***ed people off, being drunk and s***?”
The issues between Stu and Raja Jackson reportedly began when Stu hit Jackson with a beer can, believing it to be a spot between wrestlers. While Jackson reportedly accepted Stu’s apology as the pair shook hands, Raja would later deliver a series of punches to the head of a seemingly unconscious Stu in the ring.
"The police need to investigate that s—. How many times Syko Stu done attacked somebody backstage and pissed people off, being drunk and s—."@Rampage4Real's final thoughts on his son's pro wrestling incident. pic.twitter.com/0AlEpieeG0
Rampage Jackson’s comments continue to follow a trend from the UFC alum. Though he has said that Raja went too far with his attack, Rampage has accused Stu of bring drunk and reckless, adding that this has been the case at past events as well. To date, Jackson has yet to provide any evidence of this, and has similarly not provided evidence that Syko Stu has attaacked others backstage while intoxicated.
This situation has cast an ugly shadow over KnokX Pro Wrestling, a promotion that has been dropped as a WWE ID affiliate as a result. With this situation continuing to develop, it remains to be seen what the future holds for both Syko Stu and Raja Jackson.
AJ Lee and Naomi fought dozens of times, both on TV, at pay-per-view events, and at untelevised house shows, during Lee’s first run with WWE. Lee’s final match on the March 30, 2015, edition of WWE Raw would see the former Divas Champion team with Naomi and Paige (now Saraya) to defeat The Bella Twins and Natalya.
Lee’s return is expected to be as part of the ongoing CM Punk feud against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. WWE Shop recently spoiled that AJ Lee’s return is coming and that new merchandise is in the works, though deleted this post from their X account.
As for Naomi, she’ll be out of action for several more months, and there’s no word on how long she will be out post-birth. However long it is, Naomi is ready to share the ring with AJ Lee once more.
MLW World Champion Matt Riddle has taken aim at both CM Punk and AJ Lee, in the latest hot take from the former WWE Superstar. Speaking to TMZ Sports, Riddle branded Punk a “p***y” and added that he’s already ready for a legitimate fight with the Best in the World.
Riddle then took aim at Punk’s support for the women of WWE NXT, including his support for Cora Jade. In Riddle’s eyes, the Chicago-Made star is too comfortable with female talent decades younger than him.
“I think he’s fake and I think he’s a creep. I don’t know. I feel like he’s just lingering around the NXT locker room a little too much.”
Punk married AJ Lee in 2014, with the former World Champion being served his WWE termination papers on his wedding day. Though claiming that “I have no problems with her” Riddle insinuated that Lee slept-around in wrestling.
“I’m not one to talk, I’m a little f**ed up myself—but she did go get around from what I heard. But no disrespect to that.“
Excitement is growing that AJ Lee will soon return to WWE, with her match expected to come in a matter of weeks at WrestlePalooza. Two years since his release, Riddle won’t be on the card, and the ‘Original Bro’ continues to throw shade at those still in WWE.
Age is just a number for Frankie Kazarian. The 48-year-old continues to compete at a high level for TNA Wrestling. A company the 28-year ring veteran began working for during its early days as part of the revolutionary X Division.
“I really don’t feel my age,” Kazarian said. “That’s the thing. I feel better than I did in my 20s…In addition to working hard, it’s about working smart. I think that’s why I’ve had the longevity I’ve had. I have a very strict regime in the gym. I’m very disciplined in terms of my diet and self limitations and always have been.
“Consistancy is key. It’s a lifetime’s worth of work. Staying healthy is very important to me because of what I do because of the physical nature and violent nature of it. Other than a couple of surgeries many years ago, I’ve avoided many injuries. I feel better than I have any right to.”
After his time away from TNA, he dipped his toes back into the promotion back in 2022 before fully committing to his former longtime home in 2023. It was during that period Kazarian was caught up in the positive atmosphere and motivated roster. He felt momentum building to the point the multi-time champion wanted to be on the team.
“I saw they were on a good path because they had gone through some pretty rough times in the past. I was part of those rough times early on. I saw they were trending in the right direction,” Kazarian said.
“…Since I’ve been back, call it coincidence,I don’t, but since I’ve jumped back in TNA we’ve trended upward in every metric. Right now the company is on fire. We’re selling out shows, breaking attendance records and coming to new towns. It’s really cool and exciting the same way it was exciting in the early Asylum days when we first got on Fox Sports [Net] and Spike TV, but it’s a different kind of excitement. We have this relationship with NXT that has garnered a lot of interest. The stuff we are doing on our own people are really into. It’s just a great time to be in this company.”
A contributing factor of TNA’s current success comes with its President Carlos Silva at the helm. The executive brings a wealth of sports experience to the table. His approach has been impactful in Kazarian’s eyes.
“Carlos is an outsider in terms of he didn’t come for the wrestling business, but he is certainly not a stranger to the sports industry and sports business,” he said. “I know Carlos is a very big advocate of live TV. He has been very aggressive about going out there and getting what he wants and saying things and making them happen. He stepped up as a true leader. He also will humble himself and will defer to things he may not know to others when it comes to pro wrestling.
“Carlos has been very good for our company. My first boss here was Jerry Jarrett and Jeff Jarrett. Two of the smartest guys you’re going to get in pro wrestling. Jeff Jarrett, at the end of the day, he is the founder of this place and this is his vision. What Dixie [Carter] did can never be overlooked. I hope Dixie is going to get the respect she deserves one day. What Scott D’Amore did for this company. He held it down through some rough times and brought us from the dark place into the light. All those men and women have shared and should share in the success of TNA and what we’re doing right now.”
One goal TNA hopes to achieve is landing a bigger programming deal. Whether that be a streamer or traditional network, Kazarian remains hopeful and optimistic that this will come sooner rather than later.
“Everybody is, internally and management and roster alike, are focused on getting better distribution, more distribution, more eyes on our product. Especially, now that we are at our hottest,” he said. “Be it on streaming or a cable network, everybody is waiting with bated breath. It’s one of those things where it’s a matter of if, but when. I know Carlos and his team are working around the clock.
“All of our management team are putting in the hours and time. That’s their job and our job is to entertain and bring the best wrestling you’re going to see. I really think it will happen. I would hope by the time Bound for Glory comes around or end of year we’d know more about that. I’m just a lowly wrestler, but I do talk to management quite often and we’re all on the same page and have that goal certainly in mind. I think we’re closer than we ever have been.”
When it comes to the future, Kazarian doesn’t have any intention of retiring from the ring any time soon. Though post active career he would be open to a behind the scenes role or even on commentary. At the same time, the dedicated father and husband hasn’t ruled out just fully riding off into the sunset “disappearing into the desert never to be heard from again.” The focus now is to continue his journey to achieving the one accolade that has escaped him, winning the TNA World Heavyweight Title.That and maybe making a match with his former TNA original AJ Styles a reality.
“I hope if we see AJ Styles, the person he sees across from him is Frankie Kazarian because it’s only fitting. There is nobody else that would make more sense than me and AJ doing it one more time in a TNA ring,” Kazarian said. “It would be very special. It would be very special to me. It would be very special to him. I know he is down. I know I am down. I know the fans want it. It’s just a matter of a few people signing off on it and making it happen. It would be a great full-circle moment for that to happen. For it to happen in a TNA ring would be very special.”
Outside of wrestling, Kazarian stays busy with his business ventures including American Rebel Cigars, which includes partner Cody Rhodes. He has a few “brothers of the leaf.” He named Eric Young as his cigar smoking buddy with Matt Cardona and Brian Myers rounding out the crew. Kazarian has managed to find a good work-life balance. Helping in that department is the fact his spouse is none other than OG TNA Knockout Traci Brooks, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
“We’ve been married 15 years. I couldn’t have done it without her. She is my rock,” Kazarian gushed. “She knows better than anybody what I go through because she has gone through it herself…She knows this business and is smart about this business and smart about people. She and my son are my entire support system. Putting up with me she should have a world title and be in the Hall of fame for that alone. It’s cool. Asking a ‘regular’ person to put up with our schedule and our incredibly wacky life is a big ask. To be with someone who knows the challenges you face has been just incredible. Whatever happens in pro wrestling, I’ll always be grateful for this business because it got me her and my son.”
Riho, AEW’s inaugural Women’s World Champion, made a surprise return on the September 3, 2025 episode of Dynamite after being sidelined for over a year due to a fractured arm.
During the opening match, TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defeated Alex Windsor but attacked her post-match. Riho’s music hit as she rushed to the ring, delivering a double foot stomp from the top rope and a dropkick that sent Mone retreating. Riho then picked up the TBS Championship belt, signaling her interest in challenging for the title.
The confrontation has led to an official TBS Championship match between Mercedes Moné (c) and Riho at AEW All Out 2025 on Saturday, September 20th, streaming on HBO Max PPV. This will mark the first singles match between the two wrestlers.
Riho looks to have her eye on @MercedesVarnado's TBS Championship!
The inaugural AEW Women’s World Champion, Riho, has made her surprise return to All Elite Wrestling. On tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Riho appeared for the first time in over a year, confronting the reigning AEW TBS Champion, Mercedes Mone, and making her intentions for the title clear.
The return took place after the opening match of the broadcast, which saw Mercedes Mone successfully defend her AEW TBS Championship against Alex Windsor. After securing the victory, Mone was not satisfied and continued her assault on Windsor, locking her back in the Bank Statement submission hold. This post-match attack is what prompted the surprise arrival of the former champion.
As Mone was applying the submission, Riho’s music hit, and she stormed the ring to a loud ovation from the Philadelphia crowd. She immediately went after the champion, taking her out with a diving footstomp. After chasing Mone from the ring, Riho attended to the fallen Alex Windsor before picking up the TBS Championship and holding it high in the air, a clear challenge to the “CEO.” The segment ended with the two stars staring each other down, teasing a potential championship match at the upcoming All Out pay-per-view.
This was Riho’s first appearance on AEW television in over a year. Her last match for the company took place on the July 6, 2024, episode of AEW Collision, where she defeated Lady Frost. As the first-ever AEW Women’s World Champion, Riho holds a special place in the history of the company.
WWE Hall of Famer The Godfather (Charles Wright) has shared details from his experience at Vince McMahon’s recent 80th birthday party, revealing a star-studded guest list and an interesting story about the former WWE Chairman’s attire. The party, which was intended to be a private affair, took place in New York City over the weekend of August 22-24 at the Baccarat Hotel and Gotham Hall.
Speaking on his “Poddin’ Ain’t Easy” show, The Godfather confirmed he had a “good time” at the event and listed some of the other high-profile attendees. “I’m not going to mention everybody who was there but, of course, Taker was there and Kane was there and Bradshaw was there. We had a good time. Cena was there,” he said. “A lot of entertainers were there. Jelly Roll performed.”
The Godfather also recalled his personal interaction with McMahon upon arriving at the cocktail party on Friday. “I’m like, ‘Vince, thank you for inviting me.’ He goes, ‘Charles, I just want you to know there’s nobody here that’s not my true friend.’” He also noted that McMahon’s physical condition appeared to have improved from recent photos. “He looked better than when I’ve seen pictures of him lately, he looks a lot better than that. He’s walking a lot better than that,” he said.
He then shared a story about McMahon’s suit, which he said reminded him of the character Dr. Evil from the “Austin Powers” movies, an observation he soon found out was shared by The Undertaker. “I didn’t want to say it to him but… I thought, Dr. Evil, you’re Dr. Evil,” he recalled. “He gets to me and Taker are talking and Kane and (Vince) walks away and Taker goes, ‘Dude, Vince looking like Dr. Evil. I’m like, ‘Dude, that’s exactly what I was thinking!’”
The Godfather also confirmed previous reports that the party was a private, secretive event, noting that phones and cameras were not allowed at the cocktail party. This aligns with a report from Fightful Select earlier this week which stated that the party was intended to be kept secret, but details and photos leaked out anyway.
