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Steve Austin Explains What Went Wrong With His WrestleMania 41 ATV Mishap

Michael Reichlin
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Steve Austin Explains What Went Wrong With His WrestleMania 41 ATV Mishap

When the glass shattered at WrestleMania 41 Night 2, fans expected “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to roar down the aisle on his trademark ATV, raise a few fists (and a few beers), and deliver the evening’s attendance figure. Instead, the WWE Hall of Famer gave Las Vegas a moment he’d rather forget: on his second lap around the ring, Austin clipped the ringside barricade, sending both himself and a front-row fan sprawling.

What Went Wrong?

Chatting with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show today, April 30, 2025, Austin explained that the stunt vehicle wasn’t the familiar rig he’s been tearing up arenas with since the Attitude Era.

“Different throttle set-up than what I’m used to. Long story short, just a different throttle system. I’m pretty dang handy on a four-wheeler,” he laughed.

Seconds later, his confidence overruled the new controls—and the barricade won. WWE President Nick Khan rushed over to check on the startled fan, while Austin—ever the pro—made sure the attendee was okay before climbing between the ropes to handle his duties. After the segment, the Texas Rattlesnake circled back a second time to apologize in person.

The Rattlesnake’s Reaction

Despite everyone walking away unscathed, Austin admits the mishap stung more than a Stunner gone wrong:

“I was embarrassed by it. You go out there on the biggest night in wrestling and you end up like that—it’s not the greatest day at the office. You want to give people the best show you can, and when you fall short of that, it’s not great.”

A Hall of Fame Weekend—With a Bump

The ATV snafu came just 24 hours after Austin and Bret Hart jointly received WrestleMania’s inaugural “Immortal Moment” Hall of Fame honor for their legendary WrestleMania 13 bout. One embarrassing spill won’t tarnish that legacy, but it did remind the six-time WWE Champion that even icons can hit the brakes—literally—on the grandest stage.

Bottom Line

Accident or not, Austin still delivered his signature swagger (and the attendance number) to 60,000-plus fans in Allegiant Stadium. As for the unlucky speed bump in the front row? They’ve now got a once-in-a-lifetime tale to tell—and maybe a souvenir handshake from the toughest SOB in the business.

Steve Austin On John Cena’s Heel Run: ‘It’s Warranted And Deserved’

John Cena vs. Randy Orton at Backlash: Officially Billed as Their Final Showdown

Thomas Lowson
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John Cena vs. Randy Orton at Backlash: Officially Billed as Their Final Showdown

Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena will face Randy Orton at Backlash on May 10 in what WWE is now promoting as the final encounter between these two legendary competitors. According to recent promotional materials, this will be the “last time” fans witness these megastars compete one-on-one—a significant declaration that was notably absent from earlier marketing.

As Cena progresses toward his scheduled retirement at the end of 2025, this match represents one of several career milestones fans can anticipate from the WWE icon. He has already participated in his final Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber matches, while triumphantly concluding his WrestleMania legacy with a victory in his farewell appearance.

Randy Orton Vs. John Cena
Image credit: WWE

Throughout their storied rivalry, Cena and Orton have clashed 21 times on WWE programming across various stipulations, including Hell in a Cell, TLC, and an “I Quit” match. Cena currently dominates the series with a 13-7-1 record and has prevailed in their four most recent encounters, dating back to their last confrontation on WWE SmackDown in 2017.

In his controversial championship run, John Cena has boldly declared his intention to “ruin wrestling” by retiring with the WWE Championship, effectively removing 62 years of prestigious title lineage. Should he succeed, his departure would necessitate WWE creating an entirely new championship—one that Cena has dismissively characterized as a mere “toy” lacking both legacy and prestige.

WWE Backlash will stream live on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix for international viewers, broadcasting from St. Louis at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Zelina Vega Basks In Response to Title Win, Names First Challenger

Thomas Lowson
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Zelina Vega Basks In Response to Title Win, Names First Challenger

Zelina Vega captured the WWE Women’s United States Championship on SmackDown by defeating Chelsea Green, becoming only the second woman ever to hold the prestigious title. The new champion has already demonstrated her commitment to being an active titleholder, revealing her first potential challenger in a recent interview.

Rather than simply celebrating her victory on the blue brand, Vega is already looking ahead to competition—specifically eyeing her close friend Dakota Kai from RAW as her inaugural challenger.

“I would love to give her the first shot… Dakota Kai gets first shot. I would love that. She has become like a sister to me.”

Their bond extends beyond the wrestling ring, as the duo co-hosts a popular weekly podcast embraced by fans of both Superstars. Now, Vega is eager to offer her friend an opportunity to showcase her talents in competition, with championship gold potentially at stake.

This championship victory represents Vega’s first singles title in WWE—an achievement fans have long anticipated. Reflecting on the audience’s reaction to her triumphant moment, the Women’s U.S. Champion shared her experience with evident enthusiasm.

“You started to feel that energy building and once the pin came shortly after, it was just like, it blew the roof off. It was so crazy.”

Vega was overwhelmed not just by her championship win, but by the passionate response from the WWE Universe. After enduring a lengthy title drought and a prolonged period without significant victories, she had concerns that “fans had given up on me.”

As she begins her reign, Zelina Vega is clearly focused on establishing herself as a worthy champion. Rather than waiting for management to assign her next opponent, she’s proactively seeking competition against someone she genuinely respects.

Zelina Vega On WWE Women’s U.S. Title Win: ‘It Doesn’t Feel Real’

Backstage Response to Zelina Vega’s WWE Women’s U.S. Title Win

Thomas Lowson
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Backstage Response to Zelina Vega’s WWE Women’s U.S. Title Win

Zelina Vega is the new Women’s United States Champion after dethroning Chelsea Green during the April 25 edition of WWE SmackDown. This victory marks not only a significant milestone for Vega herself but also created a genuine surprise for those watching backstage.

According to PW Insider, WWE personnel were legitimately caught off guard when Vega captured the championship from Green. Most talent watching from behind the curtain had no indication the title would change hands until the referee’s hand struck the mat for the decisive three-count.

One particularly interested observer of Vega’s triumph was her husband, Aleister Black, who made his own dramatic return to WWE during the same episode of SmackDown. With Black’s spectacular comeback and assault on The Miz, coupled with Vega’s championship victory, this episode certainly delivered a memorable night for the couple.

The focus now shifts to Vega’s championship reign. Will she establish herself with a substantial title run, or will the challenges of being a singles champion prove overwhelming? Only time will tell…

Zelina Vega On WWE Women’s U.S. Title Win: ‘It Doesn’t Feel Real’

Steve Austin On John Cena’s Heel Run: ‘It’s Warranted And Deserved’

Andrew Ravens
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Steve Austin On John Cena’s Heel Run: ‘It’s Warranted And Deserved’

Steve Austin revisited one of the most debated moments of his career, his WWE WrestleMania 17 heel turn, and offered his perspective on why he believes John Cena won’t share similar regrets about his own recent turn to the dark side.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Austin confirmed his long-held feelings about the 2001 decision.Austin wished he hadn’t turned heel by aligning with Vince McMahon to defeat The Rock.

“Yeah, man, if I could go back in a time machine, I would have told Vince, ‘Hey, man, we used him. He helped me interfere, beat the hell out of Rock with that chair’,” Austin recalled. “It was very physical… I’d have called that audible, and I told Vince, after it’s all said and done, ‘watch a stunner.’ I’d have dropped him on that stack of dimes he called a neck. And I would have stayed a baby face.”

However, Austin offered a different prediction when host Helwani asked if Cena might eventually regret his WrestleMania 41 heel turn.

“Regarding John Cena. Man. I love what Cena is doing. I love the way a guy talks his promos, where he’s going with it,” Austin stated. “I know some people think differently, but I like the ride that he’s taken me on because I’m invested in John Cena. I’ve watched him for a long time. He’s a class act.”

Austin believes Cena’s motivations differ from his own back in 2001. He attributes Cena’s current run to a passion for the business at this stage of his successful career.

“I think he’s going to look back and love what he’s doing, because he loves the business, and I think he truly enjoys it,” Austin continued. “He loves it so much that at this stage of his life… he’s only doing this because he loves it that much, and he wants to take the people on another ride and a ride that they haven’t been on yet, and it’s warranted and deserved.”

WWE President Nick Khan Shares Insights on Hiring, Culture Building and Failure

Andrew Ravens
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WWE President Nick Khan Shares Insights on Hiring, Culture Building and Failure

In a notable session focused on building successful enterprises at this week’s CAA World Congress of Sports (hosted by Sports Business Journal) in Nashville, WWE President Nick Khan provided valuable insights into his philosophy on organizational culture that has helped shape one of entertainment’s most recognizable brands.

Khan, who has been instrumental in WWE’s continued evolution, emphasized three key principles that guide his approach to leadership and company culture (all quotes in this article via SJB):

“No. 1, in our hiring practice, never hire people who do out-of-office replies,” Khan stated frankly during the session. “Not a fan. Message a person back, ‘Hey, I’m out of the office for the rest of the week. Do we need to talk now?'”

This seemingly small detail reveals Khan’s emphasis on responsiveness and availability in a fast-paced industry where opportunities and challenges can emerge at any moment.

Perhaps more significantly, Khan highlighted the critical importance of honest feedback within an organization, particularly as executives climb the corporate ladder.

“When you do have a vision for something and you’re going after it, if it’s not going well, you have to have people who work with you who can tell you that,” Khan explained.

“Sometimes as you grow in an organization and you get more towards the top, there’s a lot of people who say, ‘It’s great!’ ‘It’s great!’ But if it’s not great, you got to make sure that you have the key people in place who will tell you, ‘I don’t think this is going well.’ And at that moment you got to pivot out of it.”

This philosophy underscores Khan’s belief in creating an environment where candid communication takes precedence over performance flattery – a challenge many organizations face as leadership becomes more isolated.

How WWE Approaches Failure

Khan also addressed how WWE approaches failure, offering a refreshingly pragmatic perspective that acknowledges the inevitability of missteps in any business venture.

“We fail every day, multiple times every day, throughout the day. Don’t mistake that,” Khan acknowledged. “The clock strikes midnight and resets for a reason. No matter how good the day was, how bad the day was, it’s over. So, the key employees are the ones who wake up the next morning with a fresh look on their face and have a fresh start.”

This resilient mindset has likely contributed to WWE’s ability to adapt and evolve in a constantly changing entertainment landscape, allowing the organization to learn from setbacks rather than being defined by them.

Khan’s perspectives were shared alongside other industry leaders during the event, including Fenway Sports Group partner and CEO Sam Kennedy, who offered complementary insights on organizational culture, emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with “energy givers” rather than “energy takers.”

As WWE continues its global expansion and integration with UFC under TKO Group Holdings, Khan’s cultural philosophy offers valuable lessons for executives across the sports and entertainment landscape who aim to build resilient, honest, and forward-looking organizations.

More Details About Real American Freestyle Wrestling

Michael Reichlin
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More Details About Real American Freestyle Wrestling

In a bold move that merges Olympic-style grappling with professional wrestling spectacle, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff have officially announced elite coach Israel “Izzy” Martinez as the third partner in their new venture: Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAFW). The announcement came via an nWo-inspired teaser video that has already generated significant buzz in both the wrestling and combat sports communities.

During the announcement, Bischoff highlighted Martinez’s impressive credentials, describing him as a “nine-time state high-school champion” and “coach of eight UFC champions.” Hogan promised fans a “black-and-blue” fight scene where athletes “get paid to beat people up.”

Martinez himself addressed viewers directly: “You’ve seen what these two have done before. We’ve got the cash, we got the talent, we got real American freestyle wrestling.”

A Groundbreaking Concept

According to a press release, Real American Freestyle is being positioned as “an unscripted freestyle wrestling league injected with storytelling and colorful characters” that aims to “blend the drama of pro wrestling and reality shows with the unscripted competition of freestyle wrestling.” This represents a significant departure from traditional freestyle wrestling competitions, which typically lack the entertainment elements that make professional wrestling so popular.

Hogan explained their mission in the official press release:

“Real American wrestlers are some of the most disciplined, elite athletes in the world — but until now, they haven’t had a true professional stage to showcase their greatness. Eric and I know how to build the kind of heat that grabs attention and we’re going to make Real American Freestyle wrestling a must-see for fans.”

The Elite Partnership

The partnership brings together three individuals with complementary expertise and official roles:

Hulk Hogan will serve as Commissioner of Real American Freestyle, bringing his decades of experience in professional wrestling entertainment and global name recognition.

Eric Bischoff takes on the role of Chief Media Officer, contributing his extensive business acumen and experience in wrestling production. In the press release, Bischoff stated:

“I intimately understand and appreciate what it takes to perform at the level these athletes do, and I was always curious why this sport wasn’t recognized for the potential it has.”

Israel “Izzy” Martinez joins as Chief Operating Officer, providing the technical wrestling expertise and coaching prowess that gives RAFW its competitive legitimacy. Martinez expressed in the press release:

“I’ve been an athlete and a coach in the sport of wrestling, and couldn’t be more proud of what the Real American Freestyle team has built.”

Martinez’s Wrestling Pedigree

Martinez brings over two decades of elite wrestling coaching experience to the partnership. As the founder of Izzy Style Wrestling in Illinois, he has developed numerous NCAA All-Americans through his program.

He currently serves as the head wrestling coach at Jackson-Wink MMA, where he helped shape the career of Jon Jones, who captured eight UFC titles under his guidance. Martinez has also worked with other MMA champions including Holly Holm and top contender Yair Rodríguez.

His coaching philosophy blends traditional folkstyle fundamentals with freestyle techniques—an approach that forms “the backbone of RAFW.”

Competition Format and Roster

Real American Freestyle has already announced an impressive roster of talent. Former UFC fighter Ben Askren, former Olympian and world champion Kennedy Blades, and former national champion Zahid Valencia have all signed on to compete.

When asked about the ideal athlete for RAFW in an interview with Alfred Konuwa for Forbes, Hogan emphasized their approach:

“We went to Ohio, Wisconsin, hung around some of the colleges… and it wasn’t like just plain white toast. It wasn’t flat. It was like these guys have a Conor McGregor swagger already. They know about branding. They’re smartened up way ahead of their time.”

Bischoff added during the same interview:

“Wrestling in particular, you’ve got to be wired a little differently to reach the elite level that some of our athletes have. And part of that is just really, really interesting individual personalities and characters, and the things that these people have to overcome.”

Business Model and Media Approach

RAFW will receive venture capital investment from Left Lane Capital, backers of Gerard Piqué’s Kings League, Shaun White’s Snow League, and League One Volleyball. This significant financial backing suggests a serious commitment to building the promotion as a long-term venture.

Regarding their media approach, Bischoff explained to Forbes:

“It is about, as Hulk said, much like The Voice on NBC, it is a show about singers… You don’t really care until you find out what it took for them to get there. And you learn about their families, you learn about the history… Those are the stories that matter the most. Much more than something a Hollywood writer could come up with.”

While no TV deals have been announced yet, Bischoff noted in his Forbes interview:

“We know that right now the market for sports rights, television rights. It’s a very healthy market and we’re glad to be in it, but we’ve got our work to do.”

The Future of RAFW

The promotion aims to create a unique format that bridges the gap between amateur wrestling and professional entertainment. According to Hogan in the Forbes interview: “I think with this amateur wrestling, the storytelling is going to be so organic, that once these guys get in that gladiator arena and they start tugging and pulling for position… their whole life is on the line, I think the storytelling is going to get really crazy as to how far these guys are going to go to win.”

Bischoff emphasized to Forbes that: “These are not sports entertainment stories. These are not crafted by writers… You learn about their families, you learn about the history. You learn about the people in their church who inspired them and kept them going.”

According to Martinez in the press release, this new venture represents a significant opportunity for amateur wrestlers: “Until now, wrestlers have not had the opportunity to seek a professional career as there was not adequate funding or attention being paid to it. This league will provide them with a platform to not only do that, but build their skills, brand, and legacy.”

As RAFW continues to develop its roster, ruleset, and media presence, the wrestling world will be watching closely. With the combined industry expertise of these three figures, RAFW’s debut could represent one of the most significant innovations in wrestling entertainment in recent memory.

Hulk Hogan Critical of John Cena’s WWE Heel Turn: ‘I Just Got Disconnected’

Michael Reichlin
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Hulk Hogan Critical of John Cena’s WWE Heel Turn: ‘I Just Got Disconnected’

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has offered candid thoughts on John Cena’s recent heel turn while discussing his new venture with longtime collaborator Eric Bischoff. In a wide-ranging interview with Forbes published on April 30, 2025, Hogan didn’t hold back when comparing Cena’s character switch to his own historic 1996 heel turn that launched the nWo.

When asked to compare John Cena’s heel turn to his own historic turn, Hogan initially deflected, saying: “I’m going to let Eric comment on that, because if I talk first, I could say something that’s [not appropriate].”

This hesitation suggested Hogan had strong opinions about the execution of Cena’s character change, which he later elaborated on after Bischoff shared his thoughts.

Respect for Cena as a Performer

Despite his criticisms, Hogan expressed genuine respect for Cena, stating:

“Well, first off, John Cena was my favorite wrestler. Let me start there. Because I grinded for years, brother, and there was no Rock, no Stone Cold. There was only me for 20-plus years. I saw all the Make-A-Wish kids… So John stepped up and really ran with the ball and he did a really great job.”

The acknowledgment of Cena’s charitable work and his role in carrying WWE during his era demonstrated Hogan’s appreciation for Cena’s contributions to professional wrestling.

Criticism of Cena’s Heel Turn Execution

However, Hogan criticized how Cena’s heel turn was executed compared to the nWo storyline:

“We set it up, we set up, we set up, then we delivered. And then not only did we deliver, we rolled out with me, Hall and Nash. And that story kept snowballing and snowballing, and we kept getting more evil and evil.”

Continuing his critique, Hogan added:

“And so for me, watching that story with John Cena, when The Rock did the throat thing, cut his throat, and John Cena turned heel, I expected more of the same. And then John Cena came out and there was no Rock, and I just got disconnected at that point, ’cause I was expecting the characters to keep rolling out like we did.”

Comparing the Impact of Both Turns

Hogan emphasized the greater impact of his nWo turn:

“Like when the nWo took over, man, I even hate to say the word, we just cleaned house and beat everybody’s ass, and we just killed it. All the babyfaces were crying and complaining, and it got really ugly. We were so powerful with that trio.”

The wrestling icon clearly believes the follow-through and long-term storytelling behind his own heel turn created a more significant impact than what he’s seen from Cena’s character change so far.

Real American Freestyle Wrestling

The interview was conducted as part of Hogan and Bischoff’s promotion of their new venture called “Real American Freestyle,” an unscripted freestyle wrestling league that aims to combine legitimate wrestling competition with the storytelling elements that made professional wrestling successful.

Real American Freestyle Wrestling: Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff Unveil Izzy Martinez

JBL on WWE’s AAA Acquisition: ‘Don’t WWE It, Preserve Lucha Libre’s Heritage’

Michael Reichlin
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JBL on WWE’s AAA Acquisition: ‘Don’t WWE It, Preserve Lucha Libre’s Heritage’

WWE legend JBL has enthusiastically endorsed WWE’s acquisition of Mexican wrestling promotion AAA, calling it a “fantastic partnership” while emphasizing the importance of preserving lucha libre’s unique cultural identity.

Speaking on Conrad Thompson’s Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL expressed excitement about the business move while cautioning against completely transforming the product as WWE has done with past territory acquisitions.

“I’m excited about them with Triple A. I think it’s great,” JBL said during the interview. “I always thought that WWE should have done this maybe back in the day where you acquire a territory like Mexico that is completely different that wants their own culture and wants their own heritage and wants their own history, but wants to be a part also.”

The former WWE Champion elaborated on his vision for the partnership, emphasizing cultural preservation.

“Not where you WWE it… but where you buy it and you have a WWE influx into it, but you leave the culture and heritage the same with Lucha Libre,” he stated, highlighting a key concern among wrestling fans about corporate acquisitions.

JBL also used the opportunity to spotlight rising talent he’s observed through his visits to Triple A events.

“That [Vikingo], I think that’s how you say his name. I watched him have a match down there with Del Rio. That kid is freaking amazing,” he raved.

This acquisition, scheduled to close later this year, represents a significant step in WWE’s global strategy under Triple H’s leadership.

The first AAA event under the WWE banners is taking place in less than six weeks at WWE NXT x AAA: Worlds Collide on June 7, 2025.

Triple H Reveals Intentions Behind WWE’s AAA Acquisition

JBL: Paul Heyman-Seth Rollins Alliance ‘Perfect’ Move for WWE’s Future

Michael Reichlin
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JBL: Paul Heyman-Seth Rollins Alliance ‘Perfect’ Move for WWE’s Future

WWE Hall of Famer JBL has given his emphatic approval of Paul Heyman’s shocking alliance with Seth Rollins at WrestleMania, calling it the “perfect” creative direction for everyone involved.

Speaking on Conrad Thompson’s Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL explained why pairing Heyman with Rollins makes strategic sense, especially with Roman Reigns and CM Punk currently positioned as fan favorites.

“Seth Rollins was the right choice. I thought that was the way… that was 100% the way I would go,” JBL stated firmly. “Paul Heyman, I think is a separate issue. But if you want to put a fresh coat of paint on Paul, which is really hard to do after 30, 40 years in the business of being constantly in main events, all of a sudden now Paul Heyman is just as rejuvenated as ever.”

The former World Champion further praised Heyman’s legendary career while noting how this new alliance continues his unprecedented success as a manager.

“He’s got the greatest run of a manager in the history of the world and he’s done it again and he’s on fire again with a new guy that went over two incredible legends,” JBL added.

This alliance could significantly impact WWE’s main event scene moving forward, with Heyman once again positioned to influence championship storylines despite his decades-long career already being considered the most successful managerial run in wrestling history. The move gives Heyman a fresh start after his iconic pairings Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline.

Karrion Kross Teases Joining Seth Rollins’ New Power Alliance After Sami Zayn’s Rejection

Karrion Kross Teases Joining Seth Rollins’ New Power Alliance After Sami Zayn’s Rejection

Michael Reichlin
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Karrion Kross Teases Joining Seth Rollins’ New Power Alliance After Sami Zayn’s Rejection

WWE’s newest power alliance may soon be adding another member to its ranks. Following Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman, and Bron Breakker’s brutal attack on Sami Zayn during Monday Night Raw, Karrion Kross has begun teasing his potential interest in joining the dominant faction through cryptic social media posts.

Sami Zayn’s Confrontation

On Monday’s Raw (April 28), Sami Zayn confronted Seth Rollins about his hypocrisy in allying with Paul Heyman and Bron Breakker, calling the new faction a “load of crap” and pointing out that Rollins was just becoming another “Paul Heyman guy” like Roman Reigns and CM Punk.

Rollins offered Zayn an ultimatum: move to SmackDown or face consequences. Heyman sweetened the deal by promising Zayn a championship match against the Cena-Orton winner at Backlash if he accepted. When Zayn refused, Breakker delivered multiple devastating spears before Rollins finished with a Curb Stomp.

Karrion Kross Shows Interest

Following the confrontation, Karrion Kross took to social media asking fans if they thought Zayn made the right choice. When a fan suggested Kross should join Rollins’ faction due to their aligned visions, Kross responded with intrigue, posting: “Oh really? Elaborate. You have my attention?” before sharing a telling GIF that suggested further interest.

While initial reports indicated the faction would remain a three-man team, Kross’s social media activity suggests potential expansion. WWE is reportedly planning to elevate Kross in a “unique manner” with focus on character development after he “turned heads” with his viral WrestleMania 41 rant.

Kross’s Recent Character Evolution

Since the disbandment of his previous faction, The Final Testament, in February 2025, Kross has been involved in backstage segments trying to convince various superstars to “embrace their dark side” – making this potential alliance with the Rollins-Heyman-Breakker group a natural progression.

With recent rumors mentioning “Karrion Kross opportunities” in WWE’s future plans, his potential inclusion in what some are calling the new “Dangerous Alliance” could represent a significant elevation on the roster.

AEW Dynamite Preview: April 30, 2025

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Dynamite Preview: April 30, 2025

AEW Dynamite roars into the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia tonight (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) at 8 p.m. ET on TBS and streams simultaneously on Max, bringing a card head-lined by Hangman Page vs. Kyle Fletcher in the Owen Hart Cup semifinal, an All-Star eight-man tag that pits Kenny Omega’s crew against The Elite, and a “Timeless” Toni Storm eliminator bout—all while MJF and The Hurt Syndicate promise volatile mic time.

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite airs live on TBS (8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT) with streaming on Max, emanating from the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, VA. The show serves as AEW’s final Dynamite of April and sets the table for next month’s Double or Nothing, as tournament spots and simmering rivalries collide under one roof.

AEW Dynamite April 30 2025
Match / SegmentPreview
Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Semifinal
Hangman Adam Page vs. Kyle Fletcher		Page looks to punch his ticket to the finals and a potential rematch with Will Ospreay, while Fletcher fights to keep Don Callis Family momentum rolling.
All-Star 8-Man Tag
Kenny Omega, Mark Briscoe, “Speedball” Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight vs. The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada & Ricochet		Omega seeks payback on The Elite, adding the high-flying Bailey, Knight and Briscoe to counter Okada and Ricochet’s debut Dynamite alliance with the Bucks.
AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator
Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Miyu Yamashita		Storm’s red-carpet open challenge at the TCM Film Festival lures Japan’s “Pink Striker”; if Yamashita wins, she earns a future title shot.
MJF appearanceStill desperate to impress Bobby Lashley, Max promises “something unforgettable” in Norfolk as he angles for Hurt Syndicate membership.
The Hurt Syndicate speakAEW World Tag Champions will respond to MJF’s overtures and address their next title defense.

Catch real-time results, backstage updates, and post-show analysis all night long here on SEScoops.com – your home for the latest AEW news.

Real American Freestyle Wrestling: Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff Unveil Izzy Martinez

Michael Reichlin
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0
Real American Freestyle Wrestling: Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff Unveil Izzy Martinez

In a bold move that merges Olympic-style grappling with professional wrestling spectacle, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff have officially announced elite coach Israel “Izzy” Martinez as the third partner in their new venture: Real American Freestyle Wrestling (RAFW). The announcement came via an nWo-inspired teaser video that has already generated significant buzz.

The High-Profile Partnership

During the announcement, Bischoff highlighted Martinez’s impressive credentials, describing him as a “nine-time state high-school champion” and “coach of eight UFC champions.” Hogan promised fans a “black-and-blue” fight scene where athletes “get paid to beat people up.”

Martinez himself addressed viewers directly: “You’ve seen what these two have done before. We’ve got the cash, we got the talent, we got real American freestyle wrestling.”

The video concluded with Hogan’s iconic delivery style: “Whatcha gonna do when Real American Freestyle comes for you?”

Who Is Izzy Martinez?

Martinez brings over two decades of elite wrestling coaching experience to the partnership. As the founder of Izzy Style Wrestling in Illinois, he has developed numerous NCAA All-Americans through his program.

He currently serves as the head wrestling coach at Jackson-Wink MMA, where he helped shape the career of Jon Jones, who captured eight UFC titles under his guidance. Martinez has also worked with other MMA champions including Holly Holm and top contender Yair Rodríguez.

His coaching philosophy blends traditional folkstyle fundamentals with freestyle techniques—an approach that Hogan indicates will form “the backbone of RAFW.”

What to Expect from RAFW

The new promotion aims to create a unique format that bridges the gap between amateur wrestling and professional entertainment. Bischoff has teased the possibility of open-weight freestyle tournaments alongside traditional card-style events featuring crossover stars from MMA and collegiate wrestling.

According to Hogan, Martinez will oversee a developmental system designed to “turn mega-stars loose” under the RAFW banner.

While specific launch dates and media partnerships remain under wraps, industry sources suggest a summer debut may be in the works. There are also reports of interest from retired Olympic wrestlers looking to join the promotion.

As Hogan enthusiastically put it: “Izzymania is gonna go wild on the whole world of wrestling.” With the combined industry expertise of these three figures, RAFW’s debut could represent one of the most significant crossovers between amateur and professional wrestling in recent memory.

These Are The Good Guys: Bryan Danielson Reveals AEW Moment That Made Him Leave WWE

Anutosh Bajpai
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These Are The Good Guys: Bryan Danielson Reveals AEW Moment That Made Him Leave WWE

Bryan Danielson has revealed the AEW moment that made him want to leave WWE and join the promotion owned by Tony Khan.

The wrestling veteran spoke to Talk Sport for a new interview. He opened up about the perceived war between the two American wrestling promotions, claiming that AEW does not approach other companies in a warlike fashion.

The former AEW World Champion said that he doesn’t feel like they are at war with anyone but he noted how this feeling is not mutual. Bryan Danielson explained that since WWE always perceives the competition between the companies as a real war, he finds that AEW is constantly in the defense:

“I don’t know the right strategy, but I like the way Tony Khan handles things because that it in my mind, it makes us the good guys. But I don’t know if at some point we need to go more on the offensive. I’ve had friends bring that up to me like, ‘Oh, you guys should attack.’ I’m like, wait a second.

Like one, that’s not my personality. Two, that’s not Tony Khan’s personality. And I think that’s one of the things that drew me to AEW.”

It Touched Something In Me: Bryan Danielson

Bryan Danielson noted that sharing this mindset with Tony Khan is what first attracted him towards his promotion. He then revealed the one moment that finally convinced him that AEW was the place to be:

“We had a wrestler, Brodie Lee, who had passed away. They did this incredible tribute show. At that point, I was still with WWE. And the way that they did that show — Brodie was my friend — it touched something in me and in my mind. I was thinking like, ‘Oh, these are the good guys of professional wrestling.’”

The former WWE star mentioned that anyone can make mistakes or take bad decisions. As a company however, AEW tries to be good without ever trying to market themselves as the same.

Apart from this, Bryan Danielson also talked about his in ring status after retiring from full time wrestling last year. The 43-year-old noted how he had been in a lot of pain towards the end of his full time run in AEW. On the topic of retirement, Bryan explained that he doesn’t want to put the word out there but claimed that he feels very comfortable where he is right now.

Adam Copeland Reveals Tentative Retirement Age

Anutosh Bajpai
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Adam Copeland Reveals Tentative Retirement Age

Adam Coepland believes he will retire after his current contract ends.

The wrestling veteran has been part of some memorable storylines since returning to in ring action in 2020. He’s also dealt with some serious injuries however. With all damage he’s done to his body over the years now catching up, the WWE Hall of Famer knows that he doesn’t have a lot of time left in the squared circle.

The former World Champion was asked how long he sees himself continuing wrestling during an interview with First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo. Replying to it, Cope said that he doesn’t plan to be active much longer:

“I mean, not much longer. The schedules are far better now than they it used to be. If you asked me to try and pull off over 200 days a year that I pulled before, there is absolutely no way because the recovery just takes too long now. I’ll have a match and it’ll take me a good week to finally start walking normal.”

Get Out While I Can: Adam Copeland

The AEW star discussed how he feels pretty beat up when he wakes up in the morning and it takes a while for him to start feeling normal. Per Adam Copeland, he’s likely to retire when his current contract ends:

“I’ve realized now, I’m 51 years old, I figure I got till maybe 53, the end of this contract, and then it’s probably time to call it a day and get out while I can still limp away [laughs]. Then lick my wounds and do a whole lot of yoga after,”

The former WWE star will be turning 53 in October 2026. Earlier this year he discussed who would be his ideal opponent for a retirement match. You can check out his remarks on the matter here.

Another Top WWE Star Poised For Big Movie Role (Report)

Anutosh Bajpai
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Another Top WWE Star Poised For Big Movie Role (Report)

Another WWE star may soon be taking time off for a movie role.

One half of the current women’s tag team champions Liv Morgan told General Manager Nick Aldis on Raw this week that she needed time off from WWE programming to film ‘a big Hollywood movie.’

Insiders have hyped up the yet unknown movie project saying that that it’s something significant that will turn people’s heads when revealed. While not a superhero film, the project is said to be backed by a prestigious studio involving some high-profile acting names.

Now a new report from PWinsider has provided a similar update about Drew McIntyre, saying that the Scottish Warrior is also ‘lined up for a major film role.’

“For months, we’ve heard that McIntyre — also repped by Paradigm and recently announced as the new face of Project Rock — is lined up for a major film role. He may very well be the next WWE talent to break into large-scale film or television work.”

WWE talent crossing over to the acting world is not a new phenomenon as wrestlers have long history of appearing on movies and TV shows, though very few have made a full transition successfully.

There have been an increase in wrestling talents exploring their potential outside the industry recently as the raise of AEW has forced WWE to also allow talents the freedom to take the required time off.

CM Punk explained recently how his other relationships are baked into his WWE contract now which allow him to take time off when needed, unlike before.

No solid details are available on either Drew McIntyre or Liv Morgan’s movies at the time so it’s hard to say how long they might stay out of action once the projects start filming

Dakota Kai Provides Puzzling Health Update Amid WWE Absence

Anutosh Bajpai
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Dakota Kai Provides Puzzling Health Update Amid WWE Absence

Dakota Kai has provided an update on her WWE status.

The former tag champ has not wrestled for the company for over a month. Her last match came at the March 24 Main Event tapings where Kai defeated Ivy Nile in a singles match.

The WWE star got people talking about her status on Monday when Dakota made a tweet claiming that she misses wrestling. When people started speculating about her health, Dakota Kai confirmed that she is not injured in any way, making fans question her absence:

The former Damage CTRL member is not the only name missing from WWE programming without an explanation. Names such as Alexa Bliss and Omos have also been off TV for some time for no apparent reason.

Bliss who only returned to action earlier this year after a 2-year hiatus, is reported to be set for a return soon alongside the Wyatt Sicks.

The fate of Omos however, remains a mystery. The Nigerian Giant was abruptly called back from his successful Japan trip before Royal Rumble, but he has not appeared on any WWE shows since then.

All this comes at a time when WWE President Nick Khan claimed that their company does not bench talent, raising questions about the validity of his statement.

Trick Williams Goes Hollywood, Confirms Heel Turn on WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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Trick Williams Goes Hollywood, Confirms Heel Turn on WWE NXT

Trick Williams confirmed his heel turn during the April 29, edition of WWE NXT as the two-time NXT Champion claimed that he is now ‘Hollywood.’ To back up his silver-screen moniker, Williams bragged about appearing in the season finale of All American on the CW Network.

Getting down to business, Williams took aim at Joe Hendry, who he compared to being a ‘local talent.’ After assaulting Hendry at TNA Rebellion, Williams shared that he was moving on and set his sights on a shot at WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi.

WWE NXT General Manager Ava arrived but instead of giving him what he wanted, scolded Trick for his actions at Rebellion. Williams bit back, declaring himself the biggest star, not only in WWE NXT but also in TNA Wrestling. Ava declared that a 25-man battle royal will take place next week, with the winner earning a title match at Battleground against Femi. This match won’t just be for NXT Superstars, as it will include talent from TNA, and WWE LFG.

Williams plans on becoming a three-time NXT Champion, but his journey back to the top won’t come easy if the 24 other wrestlers in the battle royal have anything to say about it.

Internal Reaction And More Backstage News On SmackDown TLC Main Event

Anutosh Bajpai
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Internal Reaction And More Backstage News On SmackDown TLC Main Event

The incredible TLC main event at this past Friday’s SmackDown after WrestleMania 41 from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas was received as well as you’d expect.

The WWE management under Triple H has tried to pull back on the number of matches on each PPV in favor of increasing the quality of bouts. Talents have felt the adverse effect of this approach as well, however, as many stories and matches that deserve a spot at the PLEs have been relegated to the weekly programming.

The TLC match featuring DIY, Motor City Machine Guns, and Street Profits on Friday was big example of it. The match was highly praised by the fans and many questioned why it wasn’t featured on the Show of Shows.

Fightful Select provided an unsurprising update on this match. They noted that the bout got incredible reviews internally as well with many knowing that the trio being left off Mania card would become a big talking point.

The stipulation match, produced by Jamie Noble and Kenny Dykstra featured many high-risk spots, but everyone involved emerged from the match ‘relatively healthy’ per the report.

The ending of the TLC match saw Chris Sabin and Johnny Gargano fighting at the top of the ladder before the latter was thrown out. Montez Ford jumped in at the last second and retained the championship for his team after taking Sabin out.

Backstage News On Plans For New Seth Rollins Stable

Anutosh Bajpai
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Backstage News On Plans For New Seth Rollins Stable

Paul Heyman surprised everyone when he betrayed not only CM Punk but Roman Reigns as well to join hands with Seth Rollins in the main event of WrestleMania 41.

This new alliance gained another member on the following episode of Raw when Bron Breakker took out CM Punk and Roman Reigns to became part of the group.

The creative team under Triple H has had a larger focus on factions than the previous management. So the group instantly drew comparison to past stables such as Evolution with many fans speculating who could be the next member to join this dangerous alliance.

In a new update, however, Fightful Select notes that the comparisons are not something that is intended by the management. The higher-ups wish for this team to become its own thing, instead of reminding people of other groups from history.

Furthermore, the site reports that as of WrestleMania weekend, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Paul Heyman were the only names planned for this group. 

WWE had teased Roman Reigns making an unlikely alliance with arch rival CM Punk to tackle this challenge after the two stars were taken out by Rollins & Company on Raw after Mania.

Though they also started a feud with Sami Zayn on this week’s Raw so we’ll have to see how these two stories progress and if they overlap in coming times.

Joe Hendry Appears on WWE NXT, Attacked By Dark State

Thomas Lowson
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Joe Hendry Appears on WWE NXT, Attacked By Dark State

Say his name, and he’ll appear, but the April 29, edition of WWE NXT was not a show Joe Hendry will wish to remember. Hendry opened this week’s NXT with a promo that highlighted his recent appearances in WWE. He also proudly noted his successful defense of the TNA World Championship at Rebellion. During his segment, Hendry called out Trick Williams, referencing Trick’s attack at Rebellion as well as their other previous altercations.

However, instead of Williams, Dark State appeared and launched a surprise attack on Hendry. The TNA World Champion was overwhelmed by the NXT faction in a brutal assault that clearly painted a target on his back.

While Williams has come to the aid of Hendry in the past, the two-time former NXT Champion was nowhere to be seen during this ambush. At Rebellion, Williams attacked Hendry following the show’s main event and teased going after the TNA World Championship. Now, Hendry has not only the TNA roster to deal with, but also Trick Williams and the combined might of Dark State.

Reason Why Plans for Joe Hendry on WWE Raw Were Nixed

Jey Uso Reveals Neck Tattoo After WWE World Title Win

Thomas Lowson
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Jey Uso Reveals Neck Tattoo After WWE World Title Win

Jey Uso captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41, and now the new champion also has some new ink. On April 29, Jey shared footage on Instagram from his latest tattoo session. The WWE star unveiled a striking new neck tattoo that extends his existing tribal design, connecting intricate patterns from his shoulder and chest up along the side of his neck.

Created by @samoanmike, the detailed work adheres to traditional Polynesian tattoo styles, marked by sharp geometric flow and deep cultural symbolism. The tattoo wraps upward in tight, layered lines, aligning perfectly with Jey’s already signature body art. The tattoo also features the bible passage Proverbs 17:17, which reads “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Jey is hardly the first wrestler to get ink on their neck. In 2020, Cody Rhodes debuted his infamous tattoo, which the American Nightmare has since admitted was bigger than he’d expected. More recently, WWE Hall of Famer The Great Khali introduced the world to his neck tattoo.

Jey Uso is expected to defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Backlash against Logan Paul, where he seeks to prove that his victory over GUNTHER in Las Vegas was no fluke.

Sheamus: I’d Rather Risk Liver Failure Than A Neck Tattoo

The Undertaker Confronts Oba Femi on WWE NXT

Thomas Lowson
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The Undertaker Confronts Oba Femi on WWE NXT

The Undertaker just made a surprise appearance on WWE NXT—and he came with a message for WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi.During the April 29 episode of NXT, Femi was backstage sharing his thoughts on next week’s 25-man battle royal. The winner of that match will earn a shot at Femi’s NXT Title at Battleground. But before Femi could finish, the Phenom entered.

The Undertaker came face-to-face with Oba Femi and kept it brief. He acknowledged the success of the champion in his title reign so far but then issued a warning:

“This is your yard for now. Just so you know, I’ve got some guys in LFG, and they’re gonna be coming for you soon.”

LFG is WWE’s new reality series based out of the Performance Center, where The Undertaker serves as a coach. His appearance on NXT served as both a promotional moment and a serious signal: someone from the LFG roster may be eyeing the NXT Championship.

Oba Femi has been dominating the competition since winning the title, but now it seems new challengers could emerge from outside the standard NXT lineup.

Meta-Four Disbands on WWE NXT Following Noam Dar’s Return

Michael Reichlin
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Meta-Four Disbands on WWE NXT Following Noam Dar’s Return

A WWE faction disbanded on the April 29 episode of NXT on The CW, as Meta-Four—comprising Noam Dar, Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson, and Oro Mensah—agreed to go their separate ways.

Noam Dar returned last week in Las Vegas to capture the NXT Heritage Cup Championship from Lexis King, marking his first appearance since a May 2024 injury. However, he was notably unaccompanied by the rest of Meta-Four during his comeback.

During Dar’s absence, Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson made strides on the main roster, including competing for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles at Crown Jewel and participating in the Royal Rumble. Oro Mensah, meanwhile, has shifted focus to WWE’s new Evolve brand, where he’s become a consistent presence.

On this week’s episode, the group briefly reunited backstage. Legend addressed how each member had started moving in different directions and suggested it might be time to officially part ways. The group shared a final hug, leaving Dar standing alone with the Heritage Cup trophy as the segment closed.

Jeff Jarrett Criticizes MJF Feud in AEW: ‘A Massive Mistake on Many Levels’

Michael Reichlin
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Jeff Jarrett Criticizes MJF Feud in AEW: ‘A Massive Mistake on Many Levels’

Jeff Jarrett did not enjoy working with MJF in AEW. On the latest episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett reflected on his return to AEW Collision last week and took the opportunity to address his brief feud with MJF earlier in the year.

Double J described the experience in blunt terms, calling it detrimental both creatively and professionally.

“Ever since [MJF] got involved in anything that had to do with myself, it’s turned to absolute shit,” Jarrett said.

He noted that he had warned MJF about avoiding lowbrow material and expressed frustration that the direction of their program didn’t align with his vision or values.

Jarrett also suggested MJF resented his aspirations for AEW gold and implied that interactions with the former world champion tend to negatively affect other talent.

“He always leaves everyone worse than when he started being associated on any level,” Jarrett added.

While acknowledging MJF’s talent, he labeled him “toxic” and “selfish,” and admitted the experience harmed his own momentum in AEW. Looking more broadly at his AEW tenure, Jarrett admitted to listening to the wrong people and losing creative focus.

“I think us as a group in a lot of ways lost our way, and I’m the veteran—I should take more responsibility for that.”

As he considers the next phase of his run and a potential final contract, Jarrett made clear that some internal matters remain private. However, he firmly concluded that the storyline with MJF was a misstep.

“The MJF situation was a massive, massive, massive mistake on so many levels. That goes without saying. We’ll see.”

Quotes – Fightful

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