Drew McIntyre has finally revealed the behind-the-scenes planning that made his “Bored at Work” WrestleMania moments the most viral wrestling content in recent memory. The Scottish Warrior’s mid-match selfies during two consecutive WrestleMania events weren’t just spontaneous social media genius but carefully orchestrated stunts.
Speaking on the Impaulsive podcast, McIntyre detailed how the idea originated during a casual gym conversation:
“I were in the gym and I was just like, man, like imagine someone tweeted like during a match like you filmed yourself and then posted it, whatever. That was cool. And I was imagine someone did it in the match. Imagine it was a ‘Mania.”
What started as a hypothetical quickly became reality when opportunity presented itself during his match with Seth Rollins. With Rollins down, McIntyre saw his chance to strike.
“Nobody knew I was going to do it, but I didn’t know if it was going to happen. We did it right there on the fly.”
The execution required perfect timing—waiting for Seth to sell an overhead suplex on the floor before grabbing his phone and capturing the moment. The viral impact exceeded all expectations and McIntyre was giddy to share how far his post mid-WrestleMania 40 went.
“Of the past 60 days when it was posted, it in the first hour it was the most liked second most liked post in 60 days on X of everything like presidents, tweet, it has like 430,000 favorites.”
The success led to a repeat performance the following year, proving the concept wasn’t a one-time fluke. This time, the post came during McIntyre’s showdown with Damian Priest.
“A year later, I was like, can we do it again? I was like, probably not. And we talked about it and then figured out a plan.”
Despite the viral success, McIntyre had to wait over a year for WWE’s merchandise department to capitalize on the moment with official “Bored at Work” t-shirts—a delay that reportedly frustrated the entrepreneurial superstar. Whether fans get another post during WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, only time will tell…
Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul have officially solidified their unlikely alliance, fueled by a shared frustration with celebrity involvement they believe undermines pro-wrestling. Speaking on the ImPaulsive podcast, McIntyre made his views clear and gave Travis Scott as an example.
“I’m a little bit sick of the Outsiders… [Travis Scott is a] Piece of sh*t. Six-minute run-in at WrestleMania and screw up our damn main event, Travis Scott, which happened by the way.”
What makes this alliance particularly compelling is McIntyre’s recognition of Paul’s legitimacy, distinguishing him from other celebrity guests. With Paul now three years into his in-ring career, McIntyre sees him as far different than the usual celebrity encounter.
“You genuinely make a difference to the show, bring eyeballs and put on performances like someone like Logan.”
Their chemistry extends beyond the ring into their shared approach to social media warfare. Both McIntyre and Paul know how to use their profiles online to draw attention to their respective feuds in WWE.
“We’re not your average trolls. We rip you apart behind the keyboard. Then we get from behind the keyboard and we can kick your ass as well. And if we weren’t married, we’d take your girls, too.”
With SummerSlam looming, their message is clear: stepping into their ring makes you a target—and fame offers no protection from the fallout. Fans can expect the pair to be all business when they face Randy Orton and Jelly Roll at the next WWE PLE.
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has shared fantastic news with the wrestling world, announcing on Tuesday that his recent battle with skin cancer has been successful and he is now officially cancer-free.
In a post on his Twitter account, Flair thanked his medical team and celebrated the positive news. The announcement comes after Flair recently underwent surgery and had stated he had one more procedure remaining.
“Thank You Academic Alliance In Dermatology! I’m Now Cancer Free! WOOOOO!” Flair wrote.
This was Flair’s second bout with skin cancer in the last three years and is the latest in a series of significant health issues he has overcome. Even while dealing with his recent diagnosis, “The Nature Boy” showed his trademark fighting spirit, recently posting a video of himself successfully completing a 3-minute plank challenge.
Stephen Amell isn’t ruling out a return to professional wrestling, but he admits there’s one major obstacle standing in his way: his wife’s reaction.
During a fan Q&A at Comic-Con Midlands, the former Arrow star was asked directly if he would ever get back in the ring. His response was both honest and humorous.
“I think my wife will kill me. I’m serious,” Amell said with a laugh. “You know, if the right thing came along. Um, yeah, for sure, but hasn’t happened quite yet.”
The admission came nearly a decade after Amell’s memorable WWE debut, which began with a chance encounter following his previous Comic-Con appearance in Birmingham. His wrestling journey started when Cody Rhodes invited him to a Monday Night Raw taping, leading to an on-screen interaction and eventually a match.
Amell’s wrestling experience wasn’t without its challenges. He revealed that he injured his back on the very first day of in-ring training, giving him firsthand knowledge of the sport’s physical demands.
“Most of those guys, you walk away from the business at some point, but you know, most of the time, by the time these guys do walk away, like they’ll have to have a neck surgery or a back surgery or shoulders replaced or hips replaced or knees replaced,” he explained. “It’s a grueling grueling lifestyle.”
Despite understanding the risks, Amell’s fondness for the wrestling world remains evident. He’s still occasionally spotted in WWE crowds and maintains relationships within the industry. His realistic assessment of wrestling’s toll doesn’t seem to have dampened his appreciation for the artform.
The 44-year-old actor’s approach reflects a mature perspective on balancing career opportunities with family priorities. While he’s clearly interested in the right wrestling opportunity, his wife’s concerns appear to be a significant factor in any decision.
For wrestling fans hoping to see the Green Arrow actor return to the squared circle, Amell’s comments suggest it’s not impossible—just improbable without the perfect circumstances and family approval.
As one enthusiastic fan at the convention put it when encouraging a return: “I think you should do it, too.”
Amell’s response was telling: “All right. Thank you.”
The door remains open, even if his wife might prefer it stayed closed.
Wrestling legend D-Von Dudley became emotional discussing his surprise return to TNA for their 1000th episode of Impact, revealing he believes he has just one more match left in him – and it would have to be alongside the Hardy Boyz.
The WWE Hall of Famer’s appearance at TNA’s milestone event was particularly meaningful given his health struggles following back surgery and a stroke. When he stepped into the ring and looked up, saying “Thank you,” it represented far more than just another wrestling moment.
“It was where I came from, the back surgery, the stroke, and to be able to come back and to be able to do that was just man, it was incredible. And I thank God,” D-Von explained on Chris Van Vliet’s Insight. “You didn’t think it was possible? No. I didn’t think anybody would give me another shot to do it.”
The reunion came together when Bubba Ray called about TNA’s historic 1000th episode. Initially, D-Von had reservations about performing the duo’s signature “What’s Up” spot from the top rope.
“I said, ‘I could do it, but I don’t want to do the what’s up.’ When you watch the match, I did it anyway,” he admitted with a laugh.
Despite his successful return, D-Von is realistic about his future in the ring. When asked how many more matches he might have left, his answer was definitive:
“I would say one more and that would be it.”
However, there’s a specific condition for that potential final match.
“If I was to do anything in the ring again, it would have to be with Matt and Jeff,” D-Von stated.
The trio’s history together during the attitude era’s legendary TLC matches makes them the only wrestlers D-Von would trust with his body for one final outing.
“Those are the only two I trust for my body on the line and to go there one more time,” he explained, noting that while he thinks Jeff Hardy “is out of his damn mind,” the bond between the three performers runs deep.
The emotional weight of his TNA return wasn’t lost on D-Von, who saw his family watching from ringside—including his young daughter witnessing something she never thought she’d see again.
“It was just such a rewarding feeling to be able to get back in that ring and to do it again because again, without the grace of God, I wouldn’t be here.”
This match will take place at TNA Bound For Glory 2025, when The Hardys battle Team 3-D for one last time.
Check out Chris Van Vliet’s full interview with tag team wrestling legend D-Von Dudley:
AEW star Willow Nightingale has come to the defense of her colleague, Deonna Purrazzo, after Purrazzo was subjected to hateful, body-shaming comments on social media following a match this past weekend.
After Deonna Purrazzo competed against Jonathan Gresham for Game Changer Wrestling on Saturday, she was targeted by online trolls criticizing her appearance. Nightingale, who has faced similar comments herself, took to social media to praise Purrazzo’s match and question the focus of the online discourse.
“Why in the blue hell is that the prevailing conversation when a professional is still going out there and successfully doing their job?” Nightingale wrote. “I’m not naive. Some people’s lack of humanity doesn’t surprise me. I guess I’m just still hopeful we could collectively try to be better to one another?”
Purrazzo had initially clapped back at a user who claimed she had “let herself go.” Following the outpouring of support from fans and peers like Nightingale, she expressed her appreciation. “The people in this community who show up with love and support when it matters most? That’s why I stay,” Purrazzo tweeted. “Love will always outweigh hate.” Purrazzo had previously opened up on the Mighty Pursuit podcast about how a past experience with body-shaming left her “terrified” to get in the ring.
Both Nightingale and Purrazzo are key members of the AEW and ROH women’s divisions. Nightingale recently competed in the Women’s Casino Gauntlet match at the All In: Texas pay-per-view. As was recently reported, Purrazzo has been absent from television due to a creative ripple effect caused by other injuries in the ROH women’s division, but she remains under a long-term contract with the company.
You know who was the main character of my feed yesterday? Deonna. So I sought out her match vs. Gresham and it was a fun watch! When they were moving, they were moving and it was silky smooth. It told a good story, technically sound, and made me smile many more times than once
— Willow Nightingale (@willowwrestles) July 22, 2025
Wrestling legend D-Von Dudley has opened up about his incredible health transformation that not only saved his career but potentially his life, losing over 85 pounds and regaining his ability to walk properly after career-threatening back surgery complications.
The WWE Hall of Famer revealed he had ballooned to nearly 300 pounds following his L4, L5, and S1 spinal fusion surgery, leaving him barely able to walk.
“I was almost 300 lb. And basically what happened was I had an issue even after the back surgery where everything was tight. I couldn’t walk barely.
I was walking with a limp like some of the old-timers used to see who never really took care of their bodies and they paid for it in the end,” D-Von explained during his recent appearance on Chris Van Vliet’s Insight.
The turning point came when someone suggested he contact Diamond Dallas Page, the former WCW star who has helped numerous wrestlers overcome health challenges through his DDP Yoga program.
“I called him and I said, ‘Dallas, I’m in trouble.’ I said, ‘My back the back surgery was supposed to make me walk straight, make me do things, and it just it’s not doing it.’ And he was like, ‘Devon, I’m going to send you something. I want you to not I’m going to send you to DDP Yoga.'”
The transformation was remarkable and swift. “DDPY has been one of the greatest things I had ever done. It got to the point where even after the first two to three weeks I was able to walk. The scar tissue in the body had loosened up everything,” D-Von said, explaining how the yoga helped break down layers of scar tissue that had built up after his surgery.
Beyond the physical therapy, D-Von also made dramatic dietary changes after watching documentaries about food production. He eliminated wheat, dairy products, and fried foods while focusing on organic and grass-fed options. The combination of DDP Yoga and clean eating resulted in his 85-pound weight loss.
The health transformation proved pivotal when Bubba Ray called about reuniting for TNA’s 1000th episode of Impact.
“It was where I came from, the back surgery, the stroke, and to be able to come back and to be able to do that was just man, it was incredible. And I thank God… If it wasn’t for the grace of God giving me the opportunity to do DDPY, I wouldn’t be there.”
Now in the best shape he’s been in years, D-Von operates a successful wrestling school in Winter Park, Florida, where he still takes bumps with students. His transformation serves as inspiration for anyone facing similar health challenges, proving that with the right approach and dedication, it’s possible to reclaim your physical well-being even after serious setbacks.
What appeared to be Bill Goldberg’s final WWE match against Gunther on July 12, 2025, may not have been as definitive as fans believed. In a revealing interview with Bill Apter for Wrestlebinge, the WWE legend’s son Gage offered intriguing comments that suggest his father’s wrestling future remains uncertain.
When asked directly about whether the Saturday Night’s Main Event World Heavyweight Championship match represented his father’s true retirement, Gage provided a cryptic response that has fans buzzing.
“My dad’s a very spontaneous guy, so we’ll see for sure,” Gage explained. “All I do know is he really liked that match and he I thought he was in great conditioning and everything and I mean, he could still be in wrestling shape. Who knows?”
The younger Goldberg’s comments reveal the extensive preparation his father undertook for what many assumed would be his farewell performance at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.
“He’s been working his butt off like every single day, whether it’s diet to working out to running. He was he was working like for he was working for that for a while,” Gage noted with evident pride.
While Bill Goldberg has previously mentioned the possibility of a final match in Israel, Gage remained diplomatically non-committal about his father’s future plans.
“I can’t really talk for him, but I mean, who knows?” he said, carefully avoiding putting words in his father’s mouth.
Despite Goldberg expressing frustration with aspects of his retirement sendoff in a subsequent interview with Ariel Helwani, Gage’s comments offer a glimmer of hope for WWE fans that the Hall of Famer’s legendary career may have additional chapters yet to be written.
Time and again, people have dismissed TNA. From its earliest days with the weekly PPV model, vocal critics saw it as a dressed up indie for talents who couldn’t find a spot with WWE. That stigma, paired with questionable business choices around empowering Vince Russo and later Hulk Hogan and a rollercoaster of both booking and management structure changes made a lot of fans give up on the brand over time. The rise of AEW, in some ways, felt like a final nail in the coffin for TNA, as the longer standing brand was firmly supplanted by a different, better-resourced number two US promotion.
TNA has momentum, though, in 2025. That includes a Slammiversary show that, in drawing a reported 7,623 live fans marked the largest live attendance the promotion has ever drawn in North America. Moreover, the show delivered. While it wasn’t necessarily an all-time classic PPV, it highlighted a number of things going right for and that uniquely represent TNA today.
TNA Has A Long History Worth Celebrating
Image credit: Sportskeeda
For all its haters, TNA has a history that dates back to 2002, and has a legitimate claim to have featured talents including Christian Cage Samoa Joe, R-Truth, Bobby Roode, Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley in main event, world champion roles before they attained such success with WWE.
Indeed, the company has a history worth celebrating and the Slammiversary event, which has occurred each June or July explicitly celebrates the anniversary of the first TNA show and all the history since.
Slammiversary 2025 fittingly featured AJ Styles, in many ways the face of TNA for its first decade-plus, returning to his old stomping grounds for a feel good moment. Moreover, Bully Ray—a TNA Hall of Famer, World Champion, and tag team icon—also appeared to make some news of his own. All of this served as a testament to the promotion’s longevity and importance to the wrestling business.
The Hardys Vs. Team 3D Makes Sense In TNA
When Bully Ray appeared at Slammiversary, he set the stage for a nostalgic dream match between Team 3D and The Hardys at Bound For Glory, TNA’s biggest annual show.
This particular match is perfect for TNA. Were WWE to book it in 2025, fans would complain about old-timers taking a spot that could go to younger talents. A similar critique might emerge in AEW, and the fast-paced action fans have come to expect there might not make a collision of these veteran teams really click with the audience.
TNA fans tend to be loyalists and devoted wrestling fans—exactly the right audience to reprise a twenty-five year old rivalry, particularly when both teams have substantial TNA history (albeit very little history under the TNA banner with each other). Featuring this match highlights some of the upside of being a third-tier brand with a smaller, more specific audience to serve.
The NXT Crossover Will Continue To Draw A Larger Audience
There’s little doubt that some of TNA’s commercial success this year relates to their partnership with NXT, which has included a talent exchange and cross-promotion. Some critics might suggest it’s bad for TNA that Trick Williams and Jacy Jayne—talents under WWE developmental contracts—hold TNA’s respective world titles. That criticism is short-sighted, though.
Having the TNA World and Knockouts Championships featured on NXT regularly is a big plus for TNA’s exposure. Indeed, there’s a real case to be made that TNA talents like Joe Hendry have seen their star power rocket since his involvement with WWE in general. Assuming Williams and Jayne retain their titles or at least remain in their title pictures through Bound For Glory, TNA could well be building to their most attention-grabbing PPV yet come October. That will be especially rewarding if they can pay off the buzz with homegrown TNA stars taking the titles back in great matches at that major event.
TNA Is Still Building Its Own Stars
Image credit: TNA Wrestling
While Trick Williams and Jacy Jayne may have claimed the top titles in TNA, Slammiversary also included an important sub-plot of Leon Slater capturing the X-Division Championship. At only twenty years old, Slater is a promising TNA prospect to say the least.
This title change—with him beating no lesser star than Moose—also highlights TNA does still have an eye on its own future. Only time will tell how the NXT-TNA partnership plays out in the long run, but for now it’s a very good thing that with so many eyes on the product, TNA was also able to produce a passing the torch moment for a top young talent. That came complete with TNA Legend and current WWE Superstar AJ Styles putting over Slater on the mic after the big win.
No one in wrestling has a crystal ball to tell what a company’s long-term prospects might look like. Nonetheless, TNA has beaten the odds in surviving into 2025, and perhaps least likely of all, thriving at its highest level by a number of metrics. Slammiversary offered just cause for celebration as the company keeps on building momentum.
The wrestling business may soon witness the rise of another Goldberg, and he already has a clear target in mind. During an emotional interview with Bill Apter for Wrestlebinge, University of Colorado linebacker Gage Goldberg discussed his wrestling aspirations and expressed a burning desire for revenge against the man who (probably) ended his father’s career.
When asked if the experience watching his father’s retirement match against World Heavyweight Champion Gunther ignited his own wrestling ambitions, the 19-year-old didn’t hesitate. The moment became personal when he jumped the barrier during the July 12, 2025 Saturday Night’s Main Event match, requiring security to escort him back to his seat.
“I mean for sure like I mean if if I ever get to that point um 100% I’ll have to get revenge for dad,” Gage declared with conviction. His enthusiasm for the potential storyline was palpable as he added, “Who who doesn’t like a little revenge? I mean if I get to that point 100%.”
The prospect of eventually capturing championship gold while avenging his father clearly appeals to the younger Goldberg. When Apter suggested the scenario of defeating Gunther for the title, Gage’s response was immediate:
“Oh yeah, 100% it would [make me proud].”
Currently focused on his football career at Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders, Gage has previously indicated that WWE remains a consideration for his post-football future. The interview even touched on the playful possibility of a father-son rivalry, with Apter jokingly suggesting Bill Goldberg could make a comeback to face his own son for the championship. “Yeah, there you go. There you go,” Gage laughed, clearly entertained by the idea.
In a new interview, CM Punk has shared a behind-the-scenes story from the week after his return to WWE, revealing a pivotal moment with Paul “Triple H” Levesque where his script was ripped up and thrown away.
Speaking with Sportsbible.com, Punk described the scene on his first Raw back after Survivor Series 2023. After a match ran long and cut his promo time, he was running around backstage trying to edit his script, which caused a stir.
“I remember I was running around with a piece of paper in my hand that had whatever I was supposed to say… and then Triple H gets up and he comes up to me. He goes, ‘what are you doing, man? You’re freaking everybody out,’” Punk recalled. “He’s like, ‘Nobody here has ever seen you hold a script in your hand and read it.’”
Punk explained that because he was new again, he was trying not to “step on anybody’s toes.” That’s when Triple H gave him some direct and liberating advice.
“He grabbed the piece of paper and he crumpled it up and he threw it out. And he was just like, ‘You’re CM Punk.’ He’s like, ‘Just go out there and talk to the people,’” Punk said. “And I was just like, ‘Right.’ And that’s what I needed to hear… He’s just like, ‘No, you don’t got to do that. Just go be you. That’s why you’re here.’”
This story highlights the positive and trusting working relationship that has developed between Punk and Triple H since the former’s return. That relationship has quickly led Punk back to the main event scene, as he is now scheduled to challenge GUNTHER for the World Heavyweight Championship at the SummerSlam premium live event on August 2nd and 3rd.
CM Punk talks about Triple H throwing away a script he was reading shortly after he returned to WWE ? pic.twitter.com/otfd39P8lW
Paul Walter Hauser, already making waves as Harvey Elder (Mole Man) in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, took his passion for pro wrestling to the red blue carpet. At the premiere of the new Marvel film, Hauser was spotted sporting his PROGRESS Proteus World Championship belt in Los Angeles.
Natasha Lyonne and Paul Walter Hauser attend Marvel Studios' “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”. pic.twitter.com/tsRGdq6rVN
Hauser’s presence at such a major Marvel premiere, belt in tow, symbolizes his growing legitimacy in both wrestling and acting. Director Matt Shakman has described Hauser’s role as Mole Man as “more of a union boss than a supervillain.” While Mole Man is one of the Fantastic Four’s most iconic villains, this will be a different take on the character.
Hauser shocked the wrestling world by winning the PROGRESS Proteus Championship in a scramble match at the promotion’s Chapter 179 show. This year alone has seen Hauser battle Steve Maclin, Joey Janela, and compete in the MLA Battle Riot won by Matt Riddle.
Whether he defends his Proteus title at PROGRESS Chapter 183 in Camden or faces down Silver Surfer and Galactus, there’s no doubt he’s a champion in every arena.
Seth Rollins issued a powerful warning about the dangers of predatory wrestling schools during a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. Speaking to a 14-year-old fan with dreams of entering the business, Rollins erred on the side of caution.
“There’s a lot of carny folk out there in the wrestling business, these guys, these old-timers. And you know, look, I get it. You got to find a way to pay the bills, but try not to take money from these kids who are just coming to you with a dream.”
As the co-owner of the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy in Davenport, Iowa, Rollins has spent over a decade helping young wrestlers develop properly. While others see trainees as nothing more than a quick way to make money, that isn’t what Rollins is about.
“When you’re trying to get trained, look for places that have some sort of accreditation. Even just a conversation with some of these trainers—you can kind of get the idea. Or you see people who’ve come through there that have actually gotten trained. It’s a wild west out there in the independent pro wrestling world. So, you got to be careful.”
Outside of wrestling schools, Rollins believes prospective talent should be smart and aware that training doesn’t guarantee massive success. While Rollins believes in one chasing their dreams, having something to fall back on can’t hurt.
“I’m saying just give yourself some options when you’re first getting started. Because you never know—you might not like it. You know, it’s not for everybody.”
Rollins’ candid comments serve as an essential reality check for aspiring wrestlers and their families. His willingness to address the issue head-on reflects his deep sense of responsibility to protect the next generation of performers.
Roman Reigns made a thunderous return on Raw during the July 14, episode, confronting Paul Heyman and his allies. One week later, Reigns and Heyman came face to face in their first encounter since the Raw after WrestleMania.
Heyman, flanked by his new proteges Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, opened the segment by professing his continued loyalty to Reigns. Unmoved, Reigns told Heyman that he is no longer a ‘Wiseman’ but a ‘dumbass.’ Reigns emphasized that Heyman didn’t understand their bond that they had shared that went beyond a simple wrestler-manager dynamic.
“You thought we were just another faction or wrestling group, but we were family, and you were invited in.”
Reigns warned Breakker and Reed that Heyman will inevitably turn on them and take credit for their successes. When Bron mocked Reigns as ‘old news,’ a brawl ensued. When it appeared Breakker and Reed had Reigns down and out, Jey Uso arrived on the scene to save his cousin. With a flurry of superkicks and Reigns holding his own, the cousins ended the show standing tall after delivering dual spears to Breakker and Reed.
The segment saw the reunion of two of WWE’s most popular stars and has fuelled speculation of a tag-team match at SummerSlam. Whatever comes next, Roman Reigns’ issues with Paul Heyman are far from over.
R-Truth’s release from WWE sparked a global fan movement in outrage, a movement that resulted in Ron Killings being rehired by WWE mere days later. In a recent interview on Casual Conversations with The Classic, the veteran WWE performer opened up about the overwhelming fan support that led to his return.
“You’re talking about almost 100 million people that were viewing and being a part of this one movement… it was a unifying moment for me. And it pretty much showed me, man, that I am well, well, well loved.”
Dubbed the “We Want Truth” campaign, the movement became a viral expression of admiration for the longtime star. Killings described the movement as a “truly unifying moment” that showed that fans can use their voice to change plans.
“It was moving… Celebrities from different walks of life, man. Every race, nationality, every [group], bro. It was a worldwide show of love, man, and investment and just appreciation.”
The movement reflects the power of grassroots fan campaigns to influence corporate decisions in the wrestling industry. In the 2010s, fan support for Bryan Danielson (then Daniel Bryan) forced WWE to put him in a high-profile role at WrestleMania 30.
Killings’ return to WWE stands as a testament to the influence of authentic fan-driven momentum—highlighting how digital communities can reshape careers, storylines, and contract negotiations in today’s wrestling landscape.
There was a time when WWE and TNA Wrestling were sworn enemies, though those days are clearly a thing of the past. Now, not only is WWE and TNA allies, but the TNA World Championship was present during the July 21, episode of WWE Raw.
“The truth is, I ain’t got no problem with The Undertaker. The Undertaker has a problem with me. It was his LFG sitting in the way after I had a match. So I stood on business and told him to move. Undertaker, since you want to talk, let’s talk.
“You out here popping off like your knees ain’t got no expiration date. I’m glad you like to roll your eyes to the back of your head because I might just knock your ass out. You can keep tweeting if you want to. Tomorrow might be your last ride.”
The issues between Williams and the Phenom when Trick mocked some stars from WWE LFG, a show The Undertaker serves as a judge on. After Shiloh Hill spoke with the Deadman, he and Trick engaged in some verbal sparring online. Now, The Undertaker is coming to WWE NXT, exciting fans as to what comes next.
Williams is riding high after his successful title defense at TNA Slammiversary, where he retained against Joe Hendry and Mike Santana. Between this win, and his appearance during Raw, Williams is making an impression whereever he goes.
Paradigm’s The Sports Group has launched a new book-to-film initiative which will see CJ Perry take a leading role in the first project. Deadline reports that Bulletproof Angel, a high-stakes international spy thriller co-authored by Perry and Blake Northcott, will be the first book to be turned into a film.
Deadline describes Bulletproof Angel like this:
Bulletproof Angel is a high-octane international spy thriller that centers on a brilliant young CIA agent and her estranged mother, a retired operative with a haunted past. They are forced to work together behind enemy lines to stop an AI-powered weapon system capable of triggering global catastrophe.
This collaboration marks the first in a larger content slate spearheaded by Paradigm’s Sports and Publishing divisions, aiming to build franchise-ready stories books, film, and TV. For Perry, Bulletproof Angel is just the start of things to come.
“I’ve always been drawn to stories of espionage, betrayal, and resilience, and building a world around two powerful female operatives was a dream. Blake is an incredible partner, and Bulletproof Angel is just the beginning.”
Northcott is known for Arena Mode and The North Valley Grimoire, and has over 50 published works including contributions to Heavy Metal Magazine, Weird Tales, DC Comics (Catwoman), and Dynamite (Barbarella).
Perry reportedly re-sighned with WWE on a legends deal in April of this year, and fans have been left wondering if she will join her husband Rusev on TV. In the meantime, the Ravishing Russian will be kept busy as her new book is made into a film.
A major stipulation has been added to the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship match at SummerSlam. On tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw, it was confirmed that the bout between champion Becky Lynch and challenger Lyra Valkyria will now be a No Disqualification, No Count Out match.
During an in-ring face-to-face segment, Lyra Valkyria laid down the challenge to make their championship match at MetLife Stadium a lawless affair. “The Man” Becky Lynch accepted the new terms without hesitation, setting the stage for a brutal encounter where anything goes.
The challenger, Valkyria, earned her title opportunity by defeating Bayley in a two-out-of-three falls match on last week’s episode of Raw. According to reports, the original plan as of three weeks ago was for Lynch to defend her title against Bayley at SummerSlam. However, the company made a “last-minute pivot” to the match with Valkyria, leaving Bayley off of another major premium live event.
The No DQ stipulation adds another layer of intensity to the women’s championship landscape at SummerSlam. In addition to this bout, the two-night event will also feature Naomi defending the Women’s World Championship in a triple threat match against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, and Tiffany Stratton defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill.
The tag team of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory, known as A-Town Down Under, is officially over. On tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw from Houston, Texas, Waller announced that the team is “done” following an injury to Theory.
During a backstage segment on tonight’s broadcast, Grayson Waller approached The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Waller informed them that he was looking for new partners because his tag team with Austin Theory had come to an end. He bluntly stated that A-Town Down Under is “done” and that because Theory is injured, he is “moving on.”
The breakup marks an abrupt end for the former WWE Tag Team Champions. Their last match as a team was on the June 23rd episode of WWE Main Event. Austin Theory’s most recent match was a singles loss to El Grande Americano on the July 14th edition of WWE Main Event, and it appears he suffered an injury at some point around that time.
The split of the former champions comes as the Raw tag team division is heating up on the road to SummerSlam. Later tonight, The New Day, The Creed Brothers, and the LWO are set to compete in a triple-threat match to determine the next challengers for the World Tag Team Championships, currently held by The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh.
Following AJ Styles’ memorable appearance at last night’s TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view, a new report has shed light on the creative process behind his return. The report reveals that the original plans for the segment were changed just hours before the show went on the air.
According to a report from Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown, multiple TNA sources indicated that the former WWE Champion was originally expected to be part of a segment involving another TNA original, Frankie Kazarian. However, those plans “shifted in the hours before the event.” The report added that some sources in TNA believed WWE may have had input on the change, not wanting to promise a future TNA match for one of their main roster stars that they would not be able to deliver on.
What ultimately transpired saw Styles come to the ring after Leon Slater won the TNA X-Division Championship from Moose. Styles endorsed the new champion and put over the history of the X-Division and TNA. In the same report, TNA President Carlos Silva stated that despite creative plans changing, the original plan was “always to celebrate AJ’s X Division history.”
Styles’ special one-night return to a TNA ring comes as he is in the middle of a storyline on WWE Raw. “The Phenomenal One” is currently waiting to find out if he will challenge Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam, pending Mysterio’s medical clearance. The fact that WWE allowed one of its top stars to appear on another promotion’s pay-per-view in the middle of a major program highlights the unique nature of the current wrestling landscape.
A new report has revealed the significant site fee that WWE is potentially receiving for bringing this November’s Survivor Series premium live event to San Diego, California. The total budget for the event could reach as high as $5 million.
In a report from Wrestlenomics based on public records requests, it was revealed that the city’s Tourism Marketing District (TMD) approved an initial payment of $650,000 to bring the event to the city. Additionally, the San Diego Padres baseball team, whose Petco Park will host the event, submitted a separate budget of $4.25 million for other expenses, bringing the total overall budget to $5 million. It is not yet known how much of that total figure WWE will receive directly.
A site fee in the $5 million range would put Survivor Series on par with some of WWE’s biggest events, including WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas and next month’s SummerSlam in New Jersey. The report also notes the expected economic impact for the city, with the TMD estimating the event will generate 18,000 hotel room nights, accounting for $3.6 million in revenue on its own. It is also considered likely that the Friday Night SmackDown and/or Monday Night Raw broadcasts for that weekend will take place in San Diego.
Survivor Series will take place at Petco Park in San Diego on Saturday, November 29th. In recent years, the event has been headlined by the popular WarGames match format.
An update has been provided on the status of AEW and ROH star Deonna Purrazzo. A new report has clarified the length of her current contract with the company as well as the reason for her recent absence from television.
According to a report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Deonna Purrazzo’s current AEW contract runs through 2026. “The Virtuosa” reportedly signed a three-year deal with the company, which will be up at the start of 2027. This information came after fans asked about her status following her absence from the recent AEW All In weekend.
The report also shed light on why Purrazzo has not been featured heavily on television of late. When asked, company sources indicated that injuries to other talent, which caused a delay in the ROH Pure TV Tournament, had a domino effect that ended up affecting her booking. Purrazzo’s last on-screen appearance was on an episode of ROH TV that was filmed on June 21.
While Purrazzo waits for a new storyline, the Ring of Honor women’s division has seen significant developments. Former ROH Women’s World Champion Athena recently won the Casino Gauntlet at AEW All In to earn a shot at the AEW Women’s World Title. Meanwhile, the newly created Interim ROH Women’s TV Championship was recently won by Mina Shirakawa, who then unfortunately suffered a broken hand, leaving that title’s status in question.
As WWE prepares to pull back the curtain with its new “WWE: Unreal” docuseries, CM Punk has revealed one of the business’s “secret rules” in a new interview. He explained the unwritten rule about going over an allotted segment time on live television.
While WWE shows are strictly timed, Punk told Josh Lawless of SportBible that there’s an unwritten rule that allows for flexibility, as long as the segment is delivering.
“It’s one of the secret rules. As long as it’s really, really good, you can get away with it. Going 20 minutes over and you suck, that’s no good,” Punk explained. “I know there is a lot of Bloodline segments or stuff with The Rock, when it’s really good and the crowd’s going absolutely banana for it – you can’t really rush through it.”
Punk also shared his personal philosophy on segment timing, noting that he prefers to give time to others rather than take it. He explained how talent often works together backstage to ensure the best overall show.
“I don’t want to cut into anyone else’s segment and there’s a lot of times I have X amount of time for something and I don’t think I need all that time, I’ll just go out there and go short,” he said. “I would rather go short than long. If Rhea [Ripley] is in the next segment, I can nudge here and be like, ‘Hey, you guys need two minutes? I can give you two minutes’.”
CM Punk will have the opportunity to put this philosophy into practice tonight, as he is scheduled to kick off Monday Night Raw. He will be in the ring to address his upcoming World Heavyweight Championship match against GUNTHER at SummerSlam.
Damien Priest recently opened up about his challenging time in Ring of Honor, revealing that despite his best efforts, he struggled to connect with the fans. Priest explained on Busted Open Radio that his focus was on developing a strong character, but he found himself in a company that prioritized high-impact moves over character work.
“I was trying to be a character in a non-character company. They just wanted to see cool moves, and I was trying to give them something different.”
Bully Ray, who witnessed Priest’s journey firsthand, recounted how Priest’s attempts to stand out were often overlooked by the ROH audience, who were more interested in the in-ring action than the personalities behind the performers. Despite this, Priest would spend much of 2018 as Ring of Honor World Television Champion before later signing with WWE.
In WWE, Priest has been given ample opportunity to showcase his character, from being the ‘Archer of Infamy’ to a dark figure during his Judgment Day tenure. While ROH may not have been the right fit for Priest, he has proven that succeeding in wrestling relies on much more than moves in the ring.
Naomi and Cardi B engaged in a heated exchange on X, mere weeks before the music artists serves as the host of WWE SummerSlam. Naomi shot back at Cardi B after the rapper sided with WWE Sign Guy over a humorous swing at the new WWE Women’s World Champion.
Cardi B isn’t the only person who’ll be busy at SummerSlam as Naomi is set to defend her title against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. With the odds already stacked against her, the reigning champ may come to regret getting on the wrong side of the host of WWE SummerSlam 2025.
