Home Blog Page 2

Cody Rhodes Sets the Record Straight on a Potential Heel Turn

Michael Reichlin
-
0
Cody Rhodes Sets the Record Straight on a Potential Heel Turn

WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes has addressed growing speculation about a potential heel turn, clarifying that the discussion primarily exists on social media rather than in actual WWE creative plans.

During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio with Dave LaGreca and Bully Ray, Rhodes acknowledged the ongoing conversation about his character direction while emphasizing the disconnect between online speculation and reality.

“You know what? One thing I noticed about that is it only exists on X, and it’s a deep—it’s a deep discussion,” Rhodes explained to the hosts.

The “Never Say Never” Approach

While Rhodes appeared to walk back his previous comments suggesting his babyface run might be nearing an end, he maintained the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling storytelling.

“Yeah, you never say never in wrestling, and plenty of people have the capacity for the light and the dark, but I don’t know if we’re on that road within the time I have left in wrestling. Who knows though? With Bully Ray sitting next to you, you never wanna say never.”

Social Media vs. Wrestling Reality

Rhodes’ comments highlight the growing influence of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) in shaping wrestling narratives and fan expectations. The American Nightmare’s acknowledgment that the heel turn discussion exists primarily online suggests a significant gap between fan speculation and actual creative direction.

The hosts on Busted Open Radio appeared supportive of Rhodes maintaining his heroic persona, with one stating: “Cody, no more of this heel talk, alright? You’re a hero to a lot of fans.”

What This Means for WWE Storylines

Rhodes’ clarification comes at a time when WWE continues to build around him as one of their top babyface champions. His journey to finally “finish his story” and capture the Undisputed Championship has been central to WWE’s programming, making a sudden character shift unlikely in the immediate future.

However, his “never say never” stance keeps the door open for future character evolution, demonstrating the fluid nature of wrestling personas and the importance of maintaining long-term storytelling flexibility.

The ongoing speculation also reflects the passionate engagement of WWE’s fanbase, who actively discuss and theorize about potential character developments across social media platforms.

WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes has addressed growing speculation about a potential heel turn, clarifying that the discussion primarily exists on social media rather than in actual WWE creative plans.

During a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio with Dave LaGreca and Bully Ray, Rhodes acknowledged the ongoing conversation about his character direction while emphasizing the disconnect between online speculation and reality.

“You know what? One thing I noticed about that is it only exists on X, and it’s a deep—it’s a deep discussion,” Rhodes explained to the hosts.

The “Never Say Never” Approach

While Rhodes appeared to walk back his previous comments suggesting his babyface run might be nearing an end, he maintained the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling storytelling.

“Yeah, you never say never in wrestling, and plenty of people have the capacity for the light and the dark, but I don’t know if we’re on that road within the time I have left in wrestling. Who knows though? With Bully Ray sitting next to you, you never wanna say never.”

Social Media vs. Wrestling Reality

Rhodes’ comments highlight the growing influence of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) in shaping wrestling narratives and fan expectations. The American Nightmare’s acknowledgment that the heel turn discussion exists primarily online suggests a significant gap between fan speculation and actual creative direction.

The hosts on Busted Open Radio appeared supportive of Rhodes maintaining his heroic persona, with one stating: “Cody, no more of this heel talk, alright? You’re a hero to a lot of fans.”

What This Means for WWE Storylines

Rhodes’ clarification comes at a time when WWE continues to build around him as one of their top babyface champions. His journey to finally “finish his story” and capture the Undisputed Championship has been central to WWE’s programming, making a sudden character shift unlikely in the immediate future.

However, his “never say never” stance keeps the door open for future character evolution, demonstrating the fluid nature of wrestling personas and the importance of maintaining long-term storytelling flexibility.

The ongoing speculation also reflects the passionate engagement of WWE’s fanbase, who actively discuss and theorize about potential character developments across social media platforms.

Big Stars Left Off WWE Evolution 2 Poster

Andrew Ravens
-
0
Big Stars Left Off WWE Evolution 2 Poster

WWE has unveiled the first official poster for the upcoming Evolution 2 premium live event, but the image has left some fans wondering about the status of several key members of the women’s division.

Triple H took to X to release the poster for the all-women’s event, which takes place on Sunday, July 13, in Atlanta, Georgia. “Honoring the trailblazers and inspiring the next generation,” he wrote.

The poster features a collection of top stars from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, including Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley. However, fans were quick to notice the absence of several prominent talents, most notably Queen of the Ring winner Asuka, the fast-rising Stephanie Vaquer, and the new Women’s United States Champion, Giulia.

With the event expected to feature a larger card of 7-8 matches, the omission of these key stars from the promotional material is curious. It is not yet known why they were left off, and fans will have to wait and see if they will ultimately be part of the historic show.

Zeuxis Provides Update After Successful Surgery

Bishal Roy
-
0
Zeuxis Provides Update After Successful Surgery

We have an update on former CMLL Women’s Champion Zeuxis, who recently underwent surgery for torn meniscus.

The 17-year veteran recently took to her social media and provided an update for fans. She revealed that she has undergone successful surgery for torn meniscus.

In her post, Zeuxis said that she had been working with the injury for a month. She said that she was ready for recovery, during which she will be away from what she loves most. She then promised her fans that she will return stronger. She wrote (as per translation):

“After 1 month with a torn meniscus and working at 100%, finally coming out of surgery, and ready for recovery and to be at 1000%, I will be away from what I love most, which is the ring and the fans, but I promise to return and take back everything that belongs to me.”

Zeuxis had been enjoying her reign as CMLL World Women’s Champion before her injury. However, her title run came to and end when she suffered a defeat against Mercedes Mone at AEW Grand Slam Mexico.

We at SEScoops wish her a speedy recovery.

Spoiler: Hall of Famer Set For Title Match At Evolution 2 After SmackDown Return

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0
Spoiler: Hall of Famer Set For Title Match At Evolution 2 After SmackDown Return

A WWE Hall of Famer is set for Evolution 2.

The company presented this week’s episode of Raw from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They also taped Friday’s SmackDown on the same day, and the show featured some exciting segments.

One such segment saw Jade Cargill confronting the Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, after winning the Queen of The Ring tournament. The Champion, however, ended up giving a big surprise to fans, and she introduced a returning Trish Stratus.

This led to the wrestling legend announcing her first singles match since 2023, confirming that she’ll be challenging Tiffany for the title at Evolution 2.

Stratus was part of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble. She also teamed with Stratton to take on Candice LeRae & Nia Jax at the Elimination Chamber PPV from Canada earlier this year.

This is the fifth match that has been announced for the upcoming show. Jordynne Grace previously won a fatal four-way to earn a shot at Jacy Jayne’s NXT Women’s title at the event.

Rhea Ripley is set to challenge IYO SKY for the women’s title at the show while Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez will be defending the tag titles in a fatal four-way match. Apart from this, a battle royal has been announced with the winner receiving a title shot at Clash In Paris on August 31.

Saraya Loves WWE, Says Return Talks Haven’t Happened

Thomas Lowson
-
0
Saraya Loves WWE, Says Return Talks Haven’t Happened

Saraya was once part of WWE, where she was a former Divas Champion and the first-ever WWE NXT Women’s Champion. After leaving AEW, fans have been left wondering if Saraya will become Paige in WWE once again.

Speaking to the Orlando Sentinel in a new interview, Saraya admitted that while she loves WWE, she hasn’t had talks with the company about a return. Saraya recognized that fans are eager to see her back in the near future.

“I haven’t had a conversation with them. know, I always get tagged in everything, as soon as there’s a mystery going around, they’re like, ‘Hey, she’s coming back.’ But no. I love the WWE, but no.”

Saraya hasn’t wrestled since her exit from AEW in early 2025. While a return to action is expected in due time, Saraya is enjoying her break from the wrestling world.

“I just want to get my feet wet outside of wrestling for a little bit and take care of myself this year. It’s consumed me my whole life.”

With WWE Evolution 2 around the corner, fans have been left wondering if Saraya/Paige could be back for the upcoming July 13 PLE. Whether that happens or not, Saraya is enjoying her time outside wrestling.

Watch: What Happened With Cody Rhodes After Raw Went Off Air

Anutosh Bajpai
-
0
Watch: What Happened With Cody Rhodes After Raw Went Off Air

Jey Uso helped Cody Rhodes celebrate his birthday after Raw.

The Main Event of this week’s episode of the Monday night show from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saw the duo of Bron Breakker & “Big” Bronson Reed taking on Penta & Sami Zayn.

Breakker hit Sami with a spear outta nowhere after a chaotic match, and he then pinned the wrestling veteran to pick up the victory for his team. The heel duo were not finished with Zayn, and they looked to deliver the 747 splash on him after the bout until Jey Uso made the save.

The babyfaces cleared the ring and stood tall to end the show. This wasn’t the end of the night however, as WWE also taped this Friday’s SmackDown on the same night as well.

What Happened After Raw

Cody Rhodes did his usual routine after the second taping. He invited a kid from the audience in the ring and gifted him a signed wight belt.

Though The American Nightmare wasn’t alone. Uso joined him in the ring and he helped the former AEW star celebrate by bringing out a cake and leading the crowd in singing him happy birthday.

Jey ended up dropping the cake, however, before Cody could get a taste. Though the Birthday Boy did not let the cake go to waste. He picked it up and teased smashing it into Uso’s face before smearing his own face to end the night.

Seth Rollins Debuts New MITB Briefcase, Sets Sights on GUNTHER

Thomas Lowson
-
0
Seth Rollins Debuts New MITB Briefcase, Sets Sights on GUNTHER

The June 30 episode of WWE RAW aired live from Pittsburgh and saw Seth Rollins debut a brand new Money in the Bank briefcase design. Mere days aftet teasing cashing in at Night of Champions, Rollins was part of a massive semgne that also included CM Punk, and LA Knight.

GUNTHER kicked off the segment by addressing his upcoming match with Goldberg. Rollins then emerged, carrying a brand-new black Money in the Bank briefcase adorned with his personal SR logo. WWE Shop is already selling the new Seth Rollins Money in the Bank briefcase, including a limited autographed edition.

Rollins shared that he traveled to Saudi Arabia to make sure CM Punk doesn’t become World Champion. Now, he’s ready to focus on himself, adding that the World Heavyweight Champion is now on his radar.

CM Punk interrupted the segment, running Rollins off before shoving GUNTHER to the mat and warning him to stay out of his business. In the crowd, LA Knight brawled with Mr. Money in the Bank. The pair brawled through the backstage area, leaving fans excited to see what’s next.

Rollins knows what it takes to cash in Money in the Bank. It remains to be seen if lightning strikes twice.

image

WWE SmackDown Spoilers – July 4: Hall of Famer Returns

Thomas Lowson
-
0
WWE SmackDown Spoilers – July 4: Hall of Famer Returns

The July 4, edition of WWE SmackDown was taped immediately following the June 30, episode of WWE Raw at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The taping saw SmackDown return to two hours and will air this Friday at 8:00 PM ET on USA Network, with international streaming available on Netflix.

Segment: Cody Rhodes kicks off SmackDown but is interrupted by Randy Orton. Orton makes Cody promise to take down John Cena at SummerSlam. Drew McIntyre returns from his injury to mock both men but is hit with an RKO.

Segment: Nick Aldis offers Charlotte Flair a spot in a No. 1 Contender’s Match for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Charlotte agrees.

Segment: Drew McIntyre meets with Nick Aldis. McIntyre Vs. Orton is made for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Match: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair defeat Michin & B-Fab and the Secret Hervice to become the No. 1 Contender’s Match for the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

Match: The Wyatt Sicks defeat Berto, Johnny Gargano, Montez Ford, and Chris Sabin.

Segment: Tiffany Stratton discusses her upcoming match with Jade Cargill at SummerSlam, but that’s not all on her mind. Tiffany says she also plans to defend her title at WWE Evolution. Jade appears and reveals that Stratton’s next opponent is Trish Stratus. Trish appears and agrees to the match.

Match: Andrade and Rey Fenix defeat Fraxiom.

Match: Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso defeat Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo. Fatu pinned Sikoa clean an tried to put him through a table. Instead, Sikoa, Hikuleo, and Tonga Loa teamed up and put Fatu through a table.

Alberto Del Rio Mentioned By Name On WWE Raw

Andrew Ravens
-
0
Alberto Del Rio Mentioned By Name On WWE Raw

A surprising name was mentioned on the June 30 episode of Monday Night Raw. During the singles match between Sheamus and Rusev, commentator Michael Cole referenced their history together as part of the League of Nations faction. In doing so, Cole also mentioned their former stablemate, Alberto Del Rio (El Patrón).

The mention is notable given Del Rio’s complicated history with WWE. The former WWE Champion left the company in 2014 under controversial circumstances. While he had a second run, his relationship with the company has been strained for years. A previous report from Fightful Select noted that for a long time, WWE had a “hard no” policy on working with Del Rio again.

However, the same report indicated that in recent times, the relationship was no longer considered “contentious.” The name-drop is made even more significant by WWE’s acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide in April, where Del Rio is a top star.

While just a passing reference on commentary, it is the kind of detail that will undoubtedly fuel speculation among fans about whether the door is now open for a potential return in some capacity, given the new business relationship between the two promotions.

New Champions Crowned On WWE Raw

Andrew Ravens
-
0
New Champions Crowned On WWE Raw

The Judgment Day has once again draped itself in championship gold. On the June 30, 2025, episode of Monday Night Raw in Pittsburgh, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh defeated The New Day to become the new World Tag Team Champions.

The match saw the now-former champions, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, defend their titles in a hard-fought battle. However, the combined efforts of Balor and McDonagh proved to be too much, bringing The New Day’s recent heel championship reign to an end.

After the pinfall, the new champions were joined in the ring by their stablemate, Intercontinental Champion “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio. The trio posed with their respective titles as pyro went off, making a definitive statement that The Judgment Day is back in a position of power on the Raw brand.

With multiple championships now within their grasp, the faction’s dominance in WWE is stronger than ever.

Reason For WWE Tag Team’s Absence Revealed

Andrew Ravens
-
0
Reason For WWE Tag Team’s Absence Revealed

For fans wondering about the recent absence of the tag team of Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, an update has been provided. The duo, known as New Catch Republic, have been missing from WWE television for over a month.

Speaking on a recent edition of Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez addressed their status, revealing that both men are currently on the shelf with injuries.

“I can give everybody a scoop. I believe both Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne are injured,” Alvarez stated.

Dunne and Bate last competed in a WWE ring on the May 26th edition of WWE Main Event, where they defeated the team of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory.

At this time, the nature of their injuries and a potential timeline for their return to the ring are not known. We wish both Dunne and Bate a full and speedy recovery.

Rhea Ripley vs. IYO SKY For Set For WWE Evolution

Andrew Ravens
-
0
Rhea Ripley vs. IYO SKY For Set For WWE Evolution

A major championship match has been set for the upcoming WWE Evolution premium live event. On the June 30 episode of Monday Night Raw, Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky challenged Rhea Ripley to a match at the all-women’s show, and Ripley accepted.

The show opened with Rhea Ripley, fresh off a victory in a brutal Street Fight at Night of Champions. Ripley welcomed the crowd to “Monday Night Mami” and began to address her future plans with Evolution on the horizon. Before she could elaborate, she was interrupted by the Women’s World Champion, Iyo Sky.

Sky declared that you can’t have Evolution without her and that Ripley isn’t on top because she doesn’t hold the championship. Sky then announced that since she can pick her opponent for the event, she was choosing “The Nightmare.”

Ripley accepted the challenge and made it clear that she intends to walk out of the event as the new champion. She warned Sky that since she was the one who asked for the match, whatever happens next is her own fault.

The match is now set for WWE Evolution, which takes place on Sunday, July 13, from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

What’s Next for Talla Tonga/Hikuleo Following Night of Champions Debut

Michael Reichlin
-
0
What’s Next for Talla Tonga/Hikuleo Following Night of Champions Debut

WWE Night of Champions 2025 marked the long awaited debut of Talla Tonga (formerly Hikuleo), representing a major acquisition from the Japanese wrestling scene.

The towering powerhouse from the Bullet Club has been highly sought after by major wrestling promotions worldwide. His WWE debut had been anticipated for months, with wrestling insiders speculating about his potential signing throughout 2024.

Standing at an imposing 6’8″ and weighing over 300 pounds, Hikuleo brings a unique combination of size, athleticism, and international credibility to WWE’s roster.

His background in NJPW’s hard-hitting style and experience working with top-tier talent makes him an immediate asset to WWE’s increasingly global approach to talent acquisition.

The debut comes as WWE continues to strengthen its relationships with international wrestling scenes and expand its global footprint. Hikuleo’s signing represents WWE’s commitment to bringing in established stars from prestigious promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

While specific details about Hikuleo’s WWE character direction and which brand he’ll be assigned to remain to be seen, his Night of Champions debut signals WWE’s intention to utilize his talents prominently.

What’s Next for Jade Cargill After Queen of the Ring Victory

Michael Reichlin
-
0
What’s Next for Jade Cargill After Queen of the Ring Victory

Jade Cargill’s meteoric rise in WWE reached another pinnacle at Night of Champions 2025 as she captured the Queen of the Ring tournament, adding another prestigious accolade to her rapidly expanding resume and securing a guaranteed women’s world title shot at SummerSlam 2025.

The former AEW star has been on an incredible trajectory since joining WWE, quickly establishing herself as one of the most dominant forces in the women’s division. Cargill’s ascension was temporarily stalled when the original plans for her at WrestleMania were put on hold, but her Queen of the Ring victory has put her firmly back in the hunt for championship gold.

Cargill’s tournament victory over Asuka in the finals showcased the combination of athleticism, charisma, and star power that made her such a coveted free agent. Her unique blend of legitimate athletic background and natural wrestling instincts has translated seamlessly to WWE’s style, positioning her as a legitimate main event player.

The Queen of the Ring victory comes with significant championship implications, guaranteeing Cargill a women’s world title match at WWE SummerSlam 2025. The event will be held over two nights—August 2 and August 3—at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

While the specific champion Cargill will face has not been officially announced, WWE typically reveals exact title match opponents in the weeks leading up to SummerSlam.

The stipulation guarantees her a world title shot, though it remains unclear whether this will be for the Raw or SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Cargill herself declared, “A storm is coming to SummerSlam!” in her post-match interview, emphasizing her intent to challenge for the top prize at the summer spectacular.

Another Stop On John Cena’s Farewell Tour Revealed

Andrew Ravens
-
0
Another Stop On John Cena’s Farewell Tour Revealed

Another stop on John Cena’s “The Last Time Is Now” retirement tour has been announced. On Monday, WWE.com confirmed that the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion will appear on the July 18 episode of Friday Night SmackDown from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Also advertised for the show are the 2025 King of the Ring Cody Rhodes, WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, Randy Orton, LA Knight, and Charlotte Flair.

With this latest addition, here is the updated list of confirmed dates remaining on John Cena’s farewell tour:

  • July 18: SmackDown – San Antonio, TX
  • August 1: SmackDown – Newark, NJ
  • August 2 & 3: SummerSlam – East Rutherford, NJ
  • August 8: SmackDown – Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  • August 15: SmackDown – Dublin, Ireland
  • August 29: SmackDown – Lyon, France
  • August 31: Clash in Paris – Paris, France
  • October 11: Crown Jewel Perth – Perth, Australia
  • December: Retirement match

Cena is coming off a successful title defense over CM Punk in the main event of Night of Champions this past Saturday night. There was outside interference from the likes of Seth Rollins, Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker, Sami Zayn, and Penta during it. 

WWE Hall Of Famer Set To Appear On Raw

Andrew Ravens
-
0
WWE Hall Of Famer Set To Appear On Raw

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the site of tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw, and is expected to appear on the broadcast. According to a report from PWInsider.com, Stratus is there to initiate a new storyline.

The purpose of her appearance is reportedly to set up a program that will culminate in a match at the upcoming Evolution 2 Premium Live Event on July 13.

Stratus’s most recent run in WWE took place in 2023, where she turned heel and entered into an extended feud with Becky Lynch. That storyline, which saw Stratus align with Zoey Stark, concluded with Lynch defeating Stratus in a steel cage match at the Payback PLE last September.

Her potential return comes on a night where Raw GM Adam Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis are already scheduled to make a joint announcement about the Evolution 2 event.

WWE Raw Preview: Night of Champions Fallout with Early Start Time

The Rock’s Involvement In “WWE: Unreal” Revealed

Andrew Ravens
-
0
The Rock’s Involvement In “WWE: Unreal” Revealed

New details have been learned about the upcoming Netflix docuseries, ‘WWE: Unreal’, which is set to provide an unprecedented look behind the scenes of the sports entertainment giant. The five-episode series, co-produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and NFL Films, will be released on July 29.

A source close to the production compared the series to HBO’s popular ‘Hard Knocks’ and provided POST Wrestling with the following breakdown for each episode:

Episode 1: A focus on the WWE Raw premiere on Netflix from this past January, highlighting the main event between CM Punk and Seth Rollins, with a spotlight on Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Rhea Ripley.

Episode 2: This episode will center on the men’s Royal Rumble match, the feud between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, and Jey Uso’s Royal Rumble victory.

Episode 3: An episode heavily featuring the women’s division, including Chelsea Green’s United States title win, Charlotte Flair’s return from injury, the women’s Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber matches, and a spotlight on Bianca Belair. Both Rumble-focused episodes are said to feature a visually compelling continuous sequence following one wrestler throughout the match.

Episode 4: This episode will cover John Cena’s shocking heel turn at Elimination Chamber in March, the secrecy surrounding it, the men’s Elimination Chamber match, and The New Day’s heel turn. This is reportedly the only episode to feature comments from WWE President Nick Khan, along with appearances by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Brian Gewirtz.

Episode 5: The WrestleMania 41 episode, spotlighting the matches between GUNTHER and Jey Uso; CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns; Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley, and Bianca Belair; and Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena.

Paul “Triple H” Levesque is said to be a central figure in the series, providing narration and an introduction. It was also noted that Dwayne Johnson’s team provided notes for the episodes in which he appears.

While the series will feature footage from writers’ meetings and the Gorilla position, a large portion will be dedicated to wrestler profiles and match breakdowns. Filming reportedly began around WrestleMania 40 last year and ramped up significantly last November. A second batch of five episodes is already being filmed for a planned release in early 2026.

Maria Kanellis-Bennett And Mike Bennett Announce They Are Expecting Their Third Child

Andrew Ravens
-
0
Maria Kanellis-Bennett And Mike Bennett Announce They Are Expecting Their Third Child

Wrestling veterans Maria Kanellis-Bennett and Mike Bennett announced some happy personal news this morning. In a video posted to their Instagram accounts on Monday, the couple revealed they are expecting their third child.

Maria and Mike, who have been married for over a decade, have two other children: a daughter, Freddie, born in 2018, and a son, Carver, born in 2020.

Mike Bennett is currently signed with AEW, where he competes on the ROH roster as a member of The Kingdom alongside his longtime tag team partner, Matt Taven. He also competes on the independent circuit.

Maria departed from AEW earlier this year and is currently a free agent. She has stated that she is not focused on an in-ring return at the moment unless the right opportunity arises. This news comes after Maria navigated a difficult health situation last year, where a mass found on her adrenal gland was thankfully determined not to be cancerous.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maria Kanellis (@mariakanellis)

CM Punk’s Saudi Arabia Apology Divides Wrestling Fans

Michael Reichlin
-
0
CM Punk’s Saudi Arabia Apology Divides Wrestling Fans

CM Punk’s public apology to Saudi Arabia during WWE Night of Champions weekend has become one of the most talked-about stories in pro wrestling, generating massive discussion across social media and wrestling forums about redemption, career evolution and even hypocrisy.

The controversy stemmed from Punk’s infamous 2020 tweet directed at The Miz, where he told the former WWE Champion to “go suck a blood money covered d**k in Saudi Arabia.” When confronted by a fan named Mohammed during the Night of Champions kickoff show, Punk took accountability for his past actions.

“This guy wants me to apologize for a mean tweet I wrote six years ago,” Punk said on the WWE Night of Champions kickoff show. “Listen, legitimately had nothing to do with Saudi Arabia. I woke up and was crabby, and wrote a mean tweet to The Miz. I apologize to The Miz. Mohammed, I sincerely apologize to you and all of Saudi Arabia.”

Punk continued, explaining his mindset: “I am not perfect by any means. Sometimes, as human beings, we screw up. The beautiful thing is everything is a lesson learned. Now here I am, and you have invited me to your country, and I’m grateful to be here.”

WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H praised Punk’s maturity during the post-show, stating he was “incredibly proud” of Punk’s growth as both a performer and person. The apology has sparked intense debate among wrestling fans about whether Punk’s change of heart represents genuine growth or career-driven pragmatism.

WWE Raw Preview: Night of Champions Fallout with Early Start Time

Michael Reichlin
-
0
WWE Raw Preview: Night of Champions Fallout with Early Start Time

WWE Monday Night Raw returns tonight with a special early start time as the company presents the fallout from Night of Champions 2025. The show will air live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, beginning at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT – two hours earlier than the usual start time.

The early scheduling comes as WWE prepares to tape this week’s SmackDown episode in advance, giving the roster time off for the upcoming July 4th holiday.

Tonight’s Raw promises to be a stacked episode dealing with the aftermath of Saturday’s premium live event from Saudi Arabia, where several major storylines advanced and new feuds were ignited.

With major announcements regarding WWE Evolution 2025 on tap and multiple championship implications stemming from Night of Champions, tonight’s show is positioned as a must-watch episode for the WWE Universe.

Confirmed Matches & Segments

Opening Segment: Rhea Ripley Kicks Off Raw

Fresh off her victory over Raquel Rodriguez at Night of Champions 2025, “Mami” Rhea Ripley will open tonight’s show. Fans are eagerly anticipating what Ripley will have to say following her dominant performance in Saudi Arabia, and whether she’ll set her sights on championship gold moving forward.

WWE World Tag Team Championship Match

The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) defend their WWE World Tag Team Championships against The Judgment Day’s Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh. This high-stakes title defense promises to be a showcase of both teams’ in-ring abilities, with The New Day looking to continue their championship reign against the always-dangerous Judgment Day faction.

Sheamus vs. Rusev – Years in the Making

Two powerhouse veterans collide as Sheamus faces off against Rusev in singles competition. This encounter marks Rusev’s first high-profile Raw match in months and represents a feud that has been reignited over recent weeks. The match could potentially set the tone for Rusev’s standing on the red brand in the post-Night of Champions landscape.

Tag Team Action: Sami Zayn & Penta vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

An intriguing tag team matchup features Sami Zayn, who is now 3-0 at premium live events from Saudi Arabia following his Night of Champions victory over Karrion Kross, teaming with the high-flying Penta to take on the powerhouse duo of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.

World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER Appearance

The World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER is advertised to appear on tonight’s show, likely to address his championship status and potential challengers moving forward from Night of Champions.

Major WWE Evolution 2025 Announcements

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis will appear together to deliver “major announcements” concerning the upcoming WWE Evolution 2025 premium live event. These announcements could significantly impact the women’s division and set the stage for the next major WWE spectacle.

Tonight’s WWE Raw looks poised to deliver on multiple fronts. With Evolution 2025 announcements on deck and a strong card, the June 30 episode of Raw is shaping up to be an eventful one as we head into the holiday weekend.

WWE Monday Night Raw airs live tonight at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT on Netflix from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Matt Cardona Reacts To Fan Support At Night of Champions Post-Show

Thomas Lowson
-
0
Matt Cardona Reacts To Fan Support At Night of Champions Post-Show

Matt Cardona has yet to return to WWE, but the former NWA World Champion is certainly garnering plenty of attention. During the post-show segment at Night of Champions 2025, Cardona’s name was chanted by the fans during a discussion with Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.

No one on stage acknowledged the chant, but the crowd’s enthusiasm was unmistakable. On X, Cardona made clear that the love being shown from the fans has not gone unnoticed.

The former Intercontinental Champion has been referenced multiple times on WWE programming in recent weeks, including during John Cena’s ‘pipebomb’ on CM Punk. Cardona has often teased returning to WWE but has said he would not come back as his previous Zack Ryder character.

After being released in 2020, Matt Cardona has gone on to become one of WWE’s biggest post-release succcess stories. Whether he returns or not remains to be seen but fans clearly haven’t forgotten about him.

Triple H On CM Punk In Saudi Arabia: ‘People Grow, People Change’

Solo Sikoa Offers Title Match To Jacob Fatu, On One Condition

Thomas Lowson
-
0
Solo Sikoa Offers Title Match To Jacob Fatu, On One Condition

The Night of Champions Premium Live Event saw Solo Sikoa defeat Jacob Fatu to capture the United States Championship, giving Sikoa his first taste of gold on the main roster. Now, the new U.S. Champion is ready to put the title on the line, but only if Fatu makes ammends.

During the Night of Champions post-show, Solo Sikoa was asked what Jacob Fatu would need to do to earn a rematch. Solo stated that Fatu must first apologize and return to the family.

“If he says sorry and he comes back to the family—then everything will go back to normal. Yes, he has to apologize to get a rematch. He’ll have to say, ‘I’m sorry for trying to step outside of the family, I’m sorry for leaving the family, sorry for turning on you at Money in the Bank, I’m sorry for kicking you in the face, Solo.’ What about that? There’s a lot of things he can say sorry about.”

Sikoa’s victory came about thanks to interference from Tonga Loa and a debuting Hikuleo, giving Solo another soldier to his Bloodline. As for whether Fatu apologizes in order to earn a title match, time will tell…

Triple H On CM Punk In Saudi Arabia: ‘People Grow, People Change’

Triple H Responds To ‘One More Match’ Fan Chant

Thomas Lowson
-
0
Triple H Responds To ‘One More Match’ Fan Chant

A health issue forced Triple H to retired from in-ring competition, culminating in an official farewell at WrestleMania 38. While WWE’s CCO remains in impressive shape, an in-ring return remains off the table.

Fans in Saudi Arabia were electric for Night of Champions 2025 and during the post-event conference, fans began chanting “One more match!” at Triple H. After taking a moment to hear the crowd, he responded with clarity.

“Chant all you want—there’s not another match in there.”

His statement drew a strong reaction, with fans replying with chants of “You still got it!” and “Thank you Hunter!” Although many fans would love to see Triple H return to the ring, he made it clear that this is not an option.

Instead, the Game is content with his current role in WWE. While he may have wrestled some incredible matches in WWE, there will not be one more.

Triple H On CM Punk In Saudi Arabia: ‘People Grow, People Change’


Triple H On CM Punk In Saudi Arabia: ‘People Grow, People Change’

Thomas Lowson
-
0
Triple H On CM Punk In Saudi Arabia: ‘People Grow, People Change’

CM Punk’s role in Saudi Arabia has garnered plenty of interest and debate given his infamous 2020 tweet aimed at The Miz. The tweet, which encouraged Miz to “go suck a blood money soaked d*** in Saudi Arrabia.” Despite this post, Punk competed in Saudi Arabia at WWE Night of Champions, though he received a hostile response from the local fans.

On the post-show panel, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque discussed Punk appearing in Saudi Arabia. Given his post and his past bad blood with WWE, Levesque noted that this seemed impossible in the past.

“If you’d have told me 10 years ago that CM Punk would be here in Saudi for the WWE, I would have thought you’re out of your mind. But people grow, people change, people evolve, and they learn, and they learn a lot in life.”

The topic of growth has been core to Punk’s return to WWE as he and Levesque were able to make ammends in 2023. Once at odds with CM Punk, WWE’s CCO is pleased to see this development.

“I was privileged to watch him grow as a human being, to step out here and apologize to the people of Saudi, to just cherish where he is at in life and his career and the things he gets to do and the opportunities that he has. And I was incredibly proud of him.”

Punk didn’t leave Saudi Arabia as Undisputed WWE Champion, but with the endorsement of Levesque, fans could be seeing him in the country again down the line.

CM Punk Praises ‘My MVP’ Liv Morgan After Shoulder Injury

Canadian Man Faces Federal Stalking Charges In Liv Morgan Incident

Andrew Ravens
-
0
Canadian Man Faces Federal Stalking Charges In Liv Morgan Incident

A Canadian professional wrestling fan is facing federal charges after an alarming stalking incident where he allegedly attempted to break into the Florida home of WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan.

According to a recently unsealed FBI affidavit, 41-year-old Shawn Chan of Scarborough, Ontario, was captured on surveillance video on May 31 trying to enter Morgan’s home. The affidavit states Chan flew to Orlando on May 26 and, four days later, arrived at Morgan’s residence. The footage reportedly shows him circling the property, trying the front door handle multiple times, and searching for a spare key.

After failing to gain entry, Chan allegedly found an air rifle that had been left on the porch and was seen on video holding the weapon. The affidavit identifies the weapon as a “Sig Sauer MCX .177 air rifle capable of firing metal pellets at 600 feet per second.”

After more than two hours, Chan left a handwritten note near the front door that included his name and contact information, stating, “I came here to pay just a friendly visit, nothing more.”

On June 3, Chan appeared at the WWE Performance Center, where Morgan was present for a taping. Security personnel, who had been alerted and shown the surveillance footage, recognized Chan and notified authorities. He was taken into custody, and during a search, officers reportedly found two bottles of liquid on his person, which Chan described as “medicines, one of which was to treat injuries such as bleeding.”

Morgan informed police that she did not know Chan. He has been indicted on one count of interstate domestic violence and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Orlando on July 18.

123...3,371Page 2 of 3,371