Jimmy Uso and Naomi have opened up about keeping their marriage strong despite the demanding WWE schedule, emphasizing the importance of genuine check-ins over surface-level conversations. During their joint appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast, Jimmy gave the key tenets of their healthy relationship.
“Communication… keep it new so it don’t be old… we always got to talk.”
The couple, who travel together constantly for WWE, stressed that maintaining connection requires intentional effort. “Checking in is key… fine is my least favorite word,” Naomi added, highlighting their commitment to meaningful dialogue.
Their relationship foundation proved crucial during challenging periods, such as injuries or during Naomi’s WWE walk-out in 2022. For the pair, their journey to being one of WWE’s beloved power couples has been a long one.
“We started as really good friends… mutual friendship, love and respect… You don’t grow together, you grow apart. I don’t want to grow apart.”
Jimmy also revealed his approach to staying present for himself and his wife. For Jimmy, a key step is taking a break from the noise and criticism found on social media.
“I got off social media for about two years… turning everything off mentally.”
The couple also discussed setting healthy boundaries, even with family members. With such a large family, the pair make sure to care for themselves rather than risk spreading negative vibes around.
“Our unit has to be okay first… I can’t help everybody else if I’m not okay,” Naomi explained.
Their practical approach extends to everyday life, with both acknowledging that perspective and humility play crucial roles in their success both personally and professionally.
Following a new teaser vignette that aired on last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, an update has been provided on the contract status of the “Cold Hearted Handsome Devil,” HOOK. A new report from Fightful Select has confirmed that the second-generation star re-signed a new long-term, multi-year deal with the company in 2024.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, HOOK is “firmly under contract” with All Elite Wrestling and has “years remaining” on his current deal. The new contract was reportedly signed at some point last year.
The report also clarifies a previous story about HOOK retaining a new agent. “We’re told by sources familiar with the situation that by the time it had been reported that Hook had retained Barry Bloom’s group to represent him, that he had already re-signed with AEW and was locked up for years,” the report states.
The news of his long-term signing comes as HOOK has been on an extended hiatus from AEW television. He has been out of action with a concussion since his last match in April. The teaser vignette that aired on last night’s Dynamite was the first sign of his impending return.
The multi-time FTW Champion has been a popular star since his debut, and his return will be a major boost to the AEW roster.
TNA President Carlos Silva has commented on the upcoming final showdown between legendary tag teams The Hardy Boyz and Team 3D (The Dudley Boyz), calling the bout “as big a legacy match as you could put together.”
Speaking with Jon Alba on Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown, Silva discussed the significance of having the two iconic teams face off one last time at TNA’s biggest show of the year, Bound for Glory.
“I think it’s just another piece of the way that we put together a great show at Bound For Glory,” Silva said. “There’s going to be a bunch of title matches, as you know, and so the belts will be on the line. But I think that, you know, having the Hardys and the Dudleys together, it’s as big a legacy match as you could put together.”
The history between the two teams is legendary, defined by their groundbreaking Tables, Ladder, and TLC matches in WWE at the height of the Attitude Era. This will be their first match against each other in nine years and will serve as the official retirement match for D-Von Dudley.
Health And Safety A Priority For Team 3D
Silva also addressed the health concerns surrounding D-Von, who has dealt with a stroke and spinal surgery in recent years. He assured fans that the company is prioritizing the well-being of the performers.
“Well, certainly make sure that all the athletes are healthy and feeling good, and not going to do anything if that doesn’t happen,” he said. “But everyone has assured us that that’s the case. They wanted to do it. We liked the idea, and so it was great.”
The legendary tag team encounter is set to take place at TNA’s Bound for Glory on Saturday, October 12, from the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts. The match was made after Bully Ray confronted the new TNA World Tag Team Champions, The Hardy Boyz, at the Slammiversary pay-per-view in July and issued the challenge for one final match. The full interview with TNA President Carlos Silva can be found on Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown.
When James Gunn calls, John Cena answers, even if the WWE icon’s schedule says otherwise. Appearing on The Tonight Show, Cena explained how his surprise cameo in 2025’s summer blockbuster Superman came about.
“Well, when James Gunn calls, you pick up. He’s like, ‘Hey, pal, I need you.’ I told him, ‘I don’t have the time.’ He said, ‘It’s for Superman.’ I’m like, ‘I’m there.’”
Cena’s brief role in the film sees him return to the character of Christopher ‘Peacemaker’ Smith. Fans wanting to see more of the anti-hero ready to commit all manner of violence in the name of peace will have their chance when Peacemaker Season 2 drops on HBO Max on August 21.
“Guys, get ready because Peacemaker 2 is full of surprises. Tons of surprises, tons of cameos, all new cast. We got tons of story swerves and stuff you’ll never see coming.”
One fan-favorite element is also making a comeback — the infamous emotionless opening dance sequence. Fans can expect the dance for Peacemaker’s second season, albeit with a brand-new song with fresh choreography.
As Cena’s WWE career nears its end, his role n the world of DC Comics continues to grow. With this cameo and Peacemaker Season 2, fans can expect plenty more of the WWE icon in his very shiny helmet.
One of the most memorable parts of Torrie Wilson’s WCW run came when she shared the screen with ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage. Now, over two decades later, Wilson has opened up about the unscripted incident that altered the course of the WWE Hall of Famer’s career.
In an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri on SHAK Wrestling, Wilson revisited the July 5, 1999 episode of WCW Monday Nitro, where Savage struck her.
“I was so green, and that slap came out of nowhere. I didn’t know it was coming.”
The slap came when an irate Savage had been teased by Kevin Nash, who claimed that Savage’s girlfriend was in his dressing room. Instead, Savage found his girlfriend Gorgeous George hanging out with Wilson, who couldn’t help but laugh after being hit.
“The laugh was just me… I didn’t know what to do, and that’s just what came out — which I’m sure pissed him off even more.”
Her nervous laughter only heightened the tension, as Savage was known for his intense commitment to kayfabe. For Wilson, it gave her a rapid education into the chaotic nature of wrestling at the time.
“It was just really me not knowing what was going on. I hadn’t been in the business long enough to understand that things like that could really happen.”
The slapsent shockwaves within WCW, especially as the show aired from the Georgia Dome — Turner Broadcasting’s corporate headquarters. With several high-ranking execs in attendance, Turner’s Standards and Practices department swiftly intervened. Savage was pulled from TV as a result of the slap, nixing a planned push that would’ve seen him beat Nash for the WCW World Championship.
Though Savage would win the gold later on, he quickly dropped the title to Hulk Hogan and his role on TV would never reach the same heights. For Wilson, she today sees it as “a nice welcome to the biz” that she would forge her own legacy within.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy was forever changed when racist comments made by the wrestling icon came to light in 2015. WWE wasted no time in taking action, firing Hogan and removing him from the Hall of Fame. Hogan wouldn’t be brought back until 2018, where he would received mixed responses by fans until his final appearance.
In a recent interview with TMZ, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon addressed the controversy over Hulk Hogan’s comments. McMahon was direct in his response.
“What Hulk said was absolutely unforgivable. I was shocked and disappointed when I heard those comments. There is no place for that kind of language or attitude in WWE or anywhere else.”
Explaining removing Hogan from the Hall of Fame, McMahon called it “necessary to show that we do not condone that behavior.” While McMahon believes WWE showed its opposition to Hogan’s comments, news that he had been removed only came about in 2018 when he was reinstated.
Still, McMahon offered a personal defense of Hogan’s overall character. While what his friend said was “unforgivable,” McMahon hopes that fans are willing to give the Hulkster a second chance.
“I’ve known Hulk for decades. I don’t believe he’s a racist. He made a terrible mistake, but that’s not who he is at his core. People can change, and I believe in second chances.”
“The comments were unforgivable, but I hope people can see the man beyond the mistake.”
Hogan died in July 2025, and WWE has honored the late icon several times ever since. While fans have paid tribute to the wrestling legend, the comments he made continue to cast a long shadow over the legacy of Hulk Hogan.
Jade Cargill has reflected on the recent all-women’s Evolution 2 premium live event, admitting in a new interview that even some of the talent were unsure if the crowd would turn out for the show.
Speaking on The Babyfaces Podcast, Cargill looked back on the July 13th event in Atlanta, Georgia. She praised the “electric” atmosphere and the fans who came out to support the show.
“I had a great time [at WWE Evolution]. The crowd was electric,” Cargill said. “I think we didn’t even think that many people were gonna come out for that show because… the storylines weren’t really there, but, the fact that the crowd showed up for us was amazing.”
Cargill explained that despite the feeling that the storylines weren’t as strong as they could have been, the talent was determined to put on a great show. Based on the successful outcome, she now believes the event will become a staple on the WWE calendar.
“The fact that we were able to deliver and people want more, I know it’s something that’s gonna happen and be a yearly PLE,” she stated.
At the event, Cargill was victorious in a No Holds Barred match against Naomi. The show was main evented by a shocking Money in the Bank cash-in, which saw Naomi defeat IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley to become the new Women’s World Champion.
WWE has announced that two-day combo tickets for WrestleMania 42 will go on sale Wednesday, September 24, at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. Tickets for WWE’s return to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium will be available via Ticketmaster.com, with the show taking place on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Fans can register now for pre-sale opportunities at wwe.com/wrestlemania42-pre-registration. Premium WrestleMania 42 Priority Passes will also be available through exclusive partner On Location, offering premium seating, hospitality events with Superstar appearances, and exclusive photo opportunities.
The announcement comes as WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, continues its strategic expansion following a WrestleMania that broke several records. Now, fans eagerly await September 24 and the chance to catch WWE’s biggest show live and in person.
# Naomi Opens Up About Her 2022 WWE Departure: “I Thought I Was Done”
**Current WWE Women’s World Champion reflects on walking away, finding herself, and returning stronger than ever**
WWE Women’s World Champion Naomi has revealed the raw emotions behind her controversial 2022 departure from WWE, admitting she genuinely believed her wrestling career was over.
“I thought I didn’t want to wrestle anymore… I thought I was done,” Naomi confessed during a recent appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast alongside her husband, Jimmy Uso.
## A Time for Self-Reflection
The champion described her time away as a crucial period of self-reflection that ultimately transformed her approach to the business. “It was the first time… I had the chance to stop, rethink, redefine, and figure out what I really wanted next,” she explained.
Naomi’s journey included a successful run in TNA Wrestling, which Jimmy Uso praised as showcasing “the most authentic we’ve ever seen Trinity.” The experience outside WWE proved pivotal in rebuilding her confidence and purpose.
## Finding Her Purpose
“I have never quit anything in my life… I wanted a better ending—for my parents, my stepkids, for legacy,” Naomi stated, revealing the deeper motivations driving her return.
The champion also addressed overcoming self-doubt, a battle that previously hindered her career. “I let [the self-doubt voice] win before—now I fight it,” she declared.
## An Intentional Return
Her intentional approach to her current run has paid dividends. “When I came back, I was ready… refreshed… intentional on what I wanted this time to be like.”
Naomi’s story reflects a broader evolution in how female wrestlers navigate their careers, with the champion noting that “women are showing if I wanted to stop and have a baby, we can do it—gracefully.”
Wrestling fans have made a lot of noise about missteps in AEW’s use of stars. Whether it was not pushing Malakai Black or Miro sufficiently, or exhibits of how up and comers like Penta, Ethan Page and Blake Monroe have arguably been featured much better in the WWE system, there certainly are cases worth critiquing.
However, AEW’s handling of Adam Copeland has highlighted a number of real strengths. Where as all indications were WWE was happy to feature Edge as a part-time special attraction, Cope seems happy with his time in AEW, and he has been used in diverse and fulfilling ways.
Cope And Christian Cage Finally Had Their Proper Feud
Photo: AEW
In WWE, Edge and Christian feuded on and off, with their issue most prominently taking centerstage in 2001, during the Invasion angle after their tag team had formally split up. The uncomfortable truth is that while they had a handful of free TV matches and two PPV showdowns, their matches never felt like they realized their potential. An Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match at No Mercy 2001 was probably as close as they got to a banger.
Both Adam Copeland and Christian Cage have probably been, by any objective measure, past their physical primes for their AEW runs. Nonetheless, their collective experience and wisdom, not to mention enhanced credibility made fans take notice when they clashed in AEW. Across a series of bouts, they elevated the TNT Championship, with their first free TV encounter, the No DQ bout at World’s End 2023 and I Quit Match to blow off their feud all extremely well received and paying off all the potential fans long saw in a feud between them.
Cope Worked Fresh Opponents
Adam Copeland on Dynamite. Photo: AEW
A highlight of any legend working a run in the twilight of his career is seeing fresh matchups materialize opposite younger talents. Cope’s AEW resume includes bouts with the likes of Malakai Black, Penta, Daniel Garcia, Minoru Suzuki, Claudio Castagnoli, and PAC to name a few.
While Adam Copeland’s comeback tour in WWE also included new matchups, he also had a tendency to get bogged down working the same opponents like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor on repeat. Not to take away from the quality of the resulting matches, but it has been refreshing to watch Cope work a range of talents on TV and PPV alike in AEW.
Cope Worked The Main Event
No Adam Copeland run would be complete without him venturing into the main event picture. Cope vs. Jon Moxley was a solid world title feud that lent Mox and The Death Riders a more than credible top face to fend off in the heat of their time on top. While the Revolution 2025 main event under-delivered by most standards, Cope vs. Mox in a Street Fight on Dynamite made up for it.
Cope did well in the AEW main event scene. Importantly, he also didn’t overstay his welcome. After coming up short against Mox, The Rated R Superstar continued to feud with The Death Riders, but away from the title, before transitioning to his current issue with FTR.
The Cope And Christian Reunion Is Coming
Cope feuding with FTR signaled to a lot of fans that a tag team reunion with Christian Cage may well be on its way. Cage’s own falling out with his Patriarchy allies has edged him toward a babyface turn, which seems to solidify where this pair is headed.
A proper Cope and Christian reunion looked like it may have been in the works in 2011 when the two allied against Alberto Del Rio and Brodus Clay, before Cope’s neck issues forced him into retirement. A feel-good story still followed, with Christian finally capturing a world title as his best friend cheered him on, but their tag team reunion came across as one of the many things about Copeland’s pro wrestling career that hadn’t had a proper chance to resolve.
Cope and Christian may not have a long run as a tag team in AEW given their collective age. But even just seeing them work FTR—not only one of the best tag teams in the world, but close friends to Copeland behind the scenes—has all the makings of something truly special. Any other encounters—against Patriarchy alumni, The Death Riders, The Young Bucks, The Hurt Syndicate could all just be gravy before an all-time great tag team and one of wrestling’s most likeable bromances rides off into the sunset.
From the feud Cope was meant to finally, properly have, to fresh matchups, to a main event stint, to the reunion everyone wants, Cope’s AEW run has checked every box fans realistically could have hoped for. Not unlike how Sting got a proper sendoff, working fulfilling programs in protected tag team contexts to finish off his in-ring career, Cope is also illustrating how AEW can get things very right in using legends to their full potential.
WWE Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson pulled back the curtain on wrestling’s backstage politics in a candid new interview, revealing how she witnessed the rise and fall of ego-driven performers while facing heat from veteran wrestlers over her non-physical role.
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri on SHAK Wrestling, Wilson addressed long-standing tensions that arose during her early career when established wrestlers resented being placed in storylines that didn’t showcase their athletic abilities.
“I definitely felt some of that, especially in the beginning. Ivory… being thrown into a bikini match with Stacy Keibler, and her going off on us in the ring. We laugh about it now, but I was telling her how I totally understand her frustration because she’s a wrestler and we get hired and all of a sudden she’s having to get in the ring in a bikini.”
The 2019 Hall of Fame inductee acknowledged the uncomfortable position both sides found themselves in, explaining the delicate balance between opportunity and respect for the wrestling business.
“I’m sorry, right? I’m sorry, but also I’m not going to turn down the opportunity that was given to me even if I don’t have the wrestling skills. I didn’t even know what my job really was going to be at that point. So, I didn’t know if I was going to be a wrestler or not.”
Wilson’s unique perspective allowed her to observe patterns among performers who let success go to their heads. Her insights into wrestling psychology proved remarkably prescient throughout her career.
“I’ve just always had this deep way of looking at it. And I’d see people come in and they get a lot of TV time and I just knew—I could tell by the way they were acting from the beginning that their head was going to get big and literally I was never wrong.”
The veteran performer described watching the inevitable downfall of ego-driven wrestlers with almost scientific precision. “It was like their head got big, they started to act like their shit didn’t stink, and then the downfall came. I just got a front row seat to all of that.”
Wilson emphasized that the competitive nature of wrestling creates tension regardless of individual personalities.
“That business is just so hard because everyone’s fighting for that spot and even the nicest people—they’re fighting for their own spot, right? So there tends to be a little animosity no matter who you are because you’re in a spot that they want.”
Her philosophy centered on maintaining perspective in an industry where careers can end in an instant.
“I see it for what it is and it’s entertainment and it could be gone tomorrow. No matter who you see on TV today, it could all be taken away tomorrow—one botched move, right?”
This mature outlook on the wrestling business helped Wilson maintain relationships and build a reputation for professionalism that continues to pay dividends years after her retirement.
Logan Paul has shared his thoughts on the “Ruse of the Century,” which saw Seth Rollins cash in his Money in the Bank contract to win the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam. “The Maverick” did not seem impressed with the new champion’s tactics.
Speaking on an episode of his Impulsive podcast that was recorded just two days after SummerSlam, Logan Paul reacted to Rollins faking a knee injury for weeks in order to execute his plan.
“I have to say, that was dirty,” Paul said. “The dude’s at home on crutches taking his daughter for a walk down the street.”
Paul’s comments come after his own successful weekend at the event. On Night One of the premium live event, he and his partner, Drew McIntyre, defeated the team of Randy Orton and musical artist Jelly Roll in a high-profile tag team match. Now, he meets John Cena at Clash in Paris.
Jon Moxley has lauded the experience of attending a live All Elite Wrestling show, stating in a new interview that the company captures the “spirit of pure professional wrestling” and isn’t trying to “sell you anything.”
Speaking with Fox 19 News, the former multi-time world champion put over the unique atmosphere of an AEW event and the passion of its fanbase.
“There’s something really special about All Elite Wrestling and the fans that come out to our shows and buy tickets,” Moxley said. “This is the spirit of pure professional wrestling and fun and excitement and drama and the human spirit of competition and everything you go to a sporting event for. Not a lot of fluff, not a lot of bs.”
Moxley continued by explaining what he believes separates AEW from other wrestling promotions. He praised the company for focusing on the in-ring product and creating an authentic experience for the fans.
“We’re not trying to sell you anything, we’re trying to have a good time. It’s wrestling the way you remember it when you were a kid. It’s really a beautiful thing,” he stated.
“We’re exactly what we claim to be and I think the fans can sense that. I think we have the greatest fans in the world.”
On last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, it was announced that he will get his rematch for the AEW World Championship against “Hangman” Adam Page on next week’s show, with everyone banned from ringside. He is also a part of the ten-man Lights Out Steel Cage match scheduled for the Forbidden Door pay-per-view on August 24.
Just one day after being announced for a massive main event match at Forbidden Door, Japanese wrestling legend Kota Ibushi has confirmed he will be staying with All Elite Wrestling for the foreseeable future. “The Golden Star” announced that he has signed a new two-year contract extension with the company.
In a post on his Instagram account, Ibushi shared video of himself riding on a private jet and confirmed the new deal. He called the moment a “turning point” in his life.
“This was amazing! A turning point in my life. I never thought I’d get to ride in a private jet! And I signed a two-year contract renewal,” Ibushi wrote in the caption.
The contract news comes on the heels of the announcement of Ibushi’s match for the upcoming AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view on August 24. The event will take place at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
On last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, it was revealed that Ibushi will be part of a colossal 10-man tag team match inside a Lights Out Steel Cage. He will team with his fellow Golden Lover, Kenny Omega, as well as Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, and Hiroshi Tanahashi to take on the combined forces of the Death Riders (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli), The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd.
Ibushi, 43, first debuted for AEW in July 2023 under a contract that also allowed him to compete in Japan. While his time in the company has been impacted by injuries, the former top star of NJPW and DDT Pro Wrestling has been active in recent months.
The former AEW star has been involved in a bitter feud with the current Women’s World Champion since last year. It started with Naomi taking Cargill out in a backstage attack. Since then, they’ve wrestled each other on multiple occasions, including two singles matches at WrestleMania 41 and Evolution II.
During a recent interview with Rap On Wrestling podcast, Jade Cargill broke character to discuss her feud with the WWE veteran. The former TBS Champion claimed that seeing her rival’s work is inspiring:
“Oh, it’s so inspiring. I think Naomi gets it. She just gets it, and to see her shed new skin that no one ever seen before and she was ready to unlock, it’s inspiring.”
Jade Cargill also discussed how Naomi has been able to unlock a new level to her performance after more than 15 years in the business. She hoped that the current champion’s love for the sport would inspire her to keep working hard as well:
“The fact that she still loves this business after being in it for so long, because it can become taxing and it can become so, so much, right? But she strapped up her boots and she’s still pushing it,
And she’s still in love with it. I’m hoping she inspires me to keep on pushing, strap up my boots and keep pushing when it’s time, when things get hard as well.”
Naomi was scheduled to defend her Women’s title at this past Monday’s Raw against IYO SKY. This bout was cancelled hours before the show however, with the company announcing that the defending champion was not cleared to compete. You can check out more about it here.
Karrion Kross has confirmed some reports about his WWE departure.
The former NXT Champion made his last appearance for the company at SummerSlam, where he lost to Sami Zayn. His contract with the promotion then expired on August 10. Reports suggested that the officials only offered him a new deal at the very last second, which the heavyweight star rejected.
In his new interview with Ariel Helwani, Karrion Kross confirmed these reports. He revealed that WWE only offered him a new deal on the Tuesday after SummerSlam. The officials also did not provide any information on how they came up with the terms for the new contract:
“My contract was up last week. I never actually received a contract, like an offer, until last week. I think it was Tuesday off the top of my head. Okay. I got the offer.
I wanted to know how they came to the valuation of that offer. Just wanted some information, some metrics, some analytics that’s supporting to, Hey, this is how we got here.”
Karrion Kross revealed that not only were the officials unwilling to discuss the contract details with him, they also gave him only 24 hours to sign the deal. The 40-year-old, however, decided not to give in to the ultimatum and made the call to end his run with the promotion instead:
“When I inquired about that, they were unwilling to provide that information and told me [I] had 24 hours to agree to the offer or they were they were rescinding it.
The next day, we talk. I ask if they have the information. They don’t. I said, I can’t make an informed decision without the information. I’d like to keep the dialogue open. They rescind the offer, and that’s actually where we’re at.”
Though despite the manner of his departure, Karrion Kross is not opposed to a WWE return because he wants to give people what they want. You can check out his remarks on the matter here.
The Celtic Warrior recently spoke to Chris Van Vliet for a new interview. He talked about things such as the origin of the famous burger after burger insult from Drew McIntyre, winning the WWE title from John Cena, his dream guests for his YouTube workout series and more.
During the talk, Sheamus also opened up about his mohawk look, which he debuted upon returning from an injury in March 2015. The former world champion revealed that he did not take permission from the office for the change and Vince McMahon was not very happy about it:
“The great thing about that was I pissed the brass off on that one, because I didn’t ask for permission, I just did it. I think I’ve been off with an injury, and I just kind of felt stagnant,
And I’d done that babyface. I was just like, I need something different and cool, right? So I did it, and I think Vince was pissed big time because I didn’t tell him I was doing it.”
In his mind, Sheamus thought the mohawk made him look badass and he hoped that the audience would think the same. The first time he came out with it, however, the fans in the arena reacted in the opposite way:
“But I did all this stuff, my beard and all the braids and everything, and I thought man, I look cool, dude. I look badass. I look like a bleeding ass kicker again. I’m gonna go out there.
I think I attacked Wade and Bryan. I was going out, I looked badass and I thought people are gonna go, this guy looks cool. I walked out, and then some bollocks in the audience started a ‘You look stupid’ chant, and that was it.”
The wrestling veteran later revealed that even his mother was not aware of his new look, and she called him crying when she first saw the picture of him with a Mohawk. Though Sheamus decided to lean into the negative reaction and used the heat for his heel run that started with his return.
Sheamus has revealed who was behind the burger after burger line.
The former World Champion recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as moving to the US from Ireland, slamming Mark Cuban through a table, winning the WWE title from John Cena early in his career and more.
The Celtic Warrior also talked about the insult from Drew McIntyre that went viral last year. Sheamus mentioned how he let himself go during his absence from the company before that segment and got mocked online by the fans when he came back in a new ring gear and bad physical shape:
“I kind of just said, I don’t give a sh*t anymore, so I’m going to eat what I want and not really work out. So I kind of just didn’t care.
When I came back with my new biker shorts, booty shorts, it was not good. I got absolutely slaughtered online. I mean, slaughtered. At first, I was like oh my God, I was like, Oh no. Then I was like well in fairness I did kind of like to go party like it was the end of the world.”
Sheamus suffered a shoulder injury back in September 2023 that kept him out of action for more than 6 months. The Irish star returned to the company during the April 15, 2024, episode of Raw with new green trunks. Drew McIntyre confronted his former tag team partner on the next episode of the Red Branded show and dropped the line that went viral.
The 47-year-old revealed that the idea for the insult was his own. He came up with it after seeing the reception to his comeback and deciding that the best thing to do with all the negative reactions was to lean into it:
“So, anyway, I leant into it, it was great. But the promo me and Drew did the burger after burger line, what’s that show on WWE now, behind the scenes, Unreal? So I’m gonna give you my own unreal moment. I gave Drew the burger after burger line.
Because I was gonna lean into it. He was like, ‘You want me to say that?’ I was like ‘I want you to say it, it’s everywhere, bro, it’s everywhere. Have you not seen Twitter in the last seven days? Have you not seen I’m getting slaughtered?’
So we did it, I gave him the line of his career. And you know why? Because that’s what it is, fella, it’s entertainment. That’s what it’s about.”
Sheamus was officially drafted to the Raw brand in the following Draft and he started a feud with Pete Dunne. He has not been used much by the company in recent times. The wrestling veteran has had only 10 televised matches in 2025 so far, with Royal Rumble being his only PPV appearance this year.
Similar to Angelico, Nese has also reduced his in-ring workload in the last couple of years, and he’s mostly been wrestling under the ROH banner with some cameos on AEW programming.
Tony Nese is a 20-year veteran of the industry who has wrestled for promotions such as Evolve, Dragon Gate USA and TNA since his debut back in 2005.
His most famous stint with a company is his WWE run, which began with his participation in the cruiserweight classic tournament back in 2016. He was part of Raw’s Cruiserweight Division and later 205 Live.
Tony even had a run with the Cruiserweight title after winning the belt at the WrestleMania 35 pre-show. He joined AEW in late 2021 after being released during the COVID budget cuts.
Much has been said about Hulk Hogan since the WWE icon’s death in July 2025 aged 71. Recently, TMZ presented ‘The Real Hulk Hogan’ though Jim Ross believes that Hogan’s reality was far from the focal point.
On his Grilling JR podcast, Ross argued that the video glossed over too much. Ross argued that the only negativity addressed was Hogan’s leaked sex tape that derailed the icon’s career in 2015. As for the rest of the documentary, “everything else is hearts and flowers and apple pie and ice cream.”
Ross believes that the documentary should have done more with Hogan’s controversies beyond the sex tape, including his alleged politicking. Ross went as far as to call the doc a “fluff piece on steroids,” arguing that an agenda was in place to honor Hogan rather than being brutally honest.
The doc also saw a rare appearance by Vince McMahon who like many in the doc, spoke highly of Hogan. On his podcast, Ross said that McMahon “looked horrible,” adding that he appeared tired and withdrawn. McMahon also seemed “a little frustrated” according to Ross, who suspected that the former WWE CEO regretted agreeing to give an interview.
TMZ’s documentary “didn’t dwell” on Hogan’s racism, according to Ross, and barely touched any of the other controversies to the Hulkster’s name. While many had plenty to say in the video, the tone should have been “stiffer” as far as Hogan’s fellow WWE Hall of Famer is concerned.
Karrion Kross is no longer with WWE as both he and Scarlett’s contracts expired on August 10. The duo’s swansong came at this year’s SummerSlam, where Kross came up short against Sami Zayn.
Kross’ exit comes after weeks of reports about his contract and the risk of his departure. Speaking to The Ariel Helwani Show, Kross admitted that he suspected that the end was coming for him as he appeared at SummerSlam.
“I felt it. I even had a friend tell me, ‘You know, maybe do something for the live crowd when you’re leaving—say goodbye or something.’”
While many wrestlers like to have a special moment in their final appearance, that wasn’t Kross’ M.O. Instead, the former NXT Champion wanted to go out by making sure the spotlight stayed on Zayn.
“I said, ‘I don’t want to be unprofessional. This moment, clearly by design, is for the babyface to get everything back that we took away from him. I don’t need to make this about myself right now. It’s about him.’”
AEW has yet to reach out to Kross, the ex-Superstar also revealed, a fact that has taken him by surprise. Fans remain eager to see what’s to come for Karrion Kross and Scarlett, who have wasted no time post-WWE.
SummerSlam 2025 marked Kross’ only singles match at the historic event, and he’s satisfied with how he handled it. The allure of a personal farewell was there, but Kross remained professional to the very end.
One of AEW’s most popular stars who has been out of action for some time is on their way back to the ring, according to the August 13, Dynamite. During the second hour of the show, fans were treated to a video teaser confirming the return of three-time FTW Champion HOOK.
HOOK’s last AEW appearance came at Double or Nothing, where he teamed with Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Katsuyori Shibata in the chaotic Anarchy in the Arena match. In June, HOOK shared that he had been recovering from a concussion and promised to be back soon.
While AEW hasn’t given an exact date, the return of HOOK has already excited fans of the cool, calucated wrestler. Whether it’s setting his sights on title gold, or rekindling past feuds, HOOK is expected to make an impact upon his return.
A wild and false rumor has drawn the ire of WWE NXT General Manager Ava as it concerns the daughter of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. A fake post circulating on social media claimed Ava had been in a “serious car accident.” The post included a staged image of her, as well as a somber photo of her father.
Ava quickly took to X to set the record straight, calling out those responsible for the false report.
there is such a special place in hell for people who do stuff like this … ya’ll are so weird. pic.twitter.com/kRGsUHvdAy
This is sadly not the other lie shared about a wrestler in recent days. On Facebook, it was claimed that Charles Robinson had died after a user shared a picture with the caption “In memory of Ref Lil’ Natch 1964 – 2025.” While the description hinted that this post was meant to be taken as a joke, many didn’t find the death hoax as funny.
Ava is doing well, despite what this claim online has had to say. While Ava shut this one down fast, the persistence of such stories shows how reckless and damaging false reports can be.
AEW has announced some huge matches for Forbidden Door.
After Christian Cage and Adam Copeland reunited on this week’s episode of Dynamite, the company announced that they’ll be teaming together for the first time since 2011 against The Matriarchy at the upcoming PPV.
MJF challenged Hangman Adam Page for a world title match at the upcoming show and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Kyle Fletcher for the TNT title was also added to the PPV.
Finally, Will Ospreay challenged Jon Moxley for a huge lights-out steel cage match during Dynamite, involving big names such as Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks and more.
AEW Forbidden Door will be taking place from The O2 Arena in London, England on August 24, 2025. Here is the updated match card for the show:
Lights Out Steel Cage Match: Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi), Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Will Ospreay vs. Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley), The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson), and Gabe Kidd
Unified Championship Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Swerve Strickland
AEW Women’s World Championship Match: “Timeless” Toni Storm (c) vs. Athena
AEW TNT Championship Match: Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi
AEW World Championship Match: “Hangman” Adam Page (c) vs. MJF
Tag Team Match: Adam Copeland and Christian Cage vs. The Matriarchy (Kip Sabian and Nick Wayne)
Apart from this, Zack Sabre Jr. is scheduled to defend his IWGP World Title, and Mercedes Mone will be defending her TBS title, but their opponents have not been finalized. The Hurt Syndicate will also be defending the AEW tag titles against the winner of FTR vs. Brodido set for next week’s Dynamite.
Adam Copeland and Christian Cage are back together.
This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite from The Andrew Brady Music Center in Cincinnati featured a singles match with Cope in action against Stokely Hathaway.
Hathaway had to be forced into the ring by the security to get the match started and Cope was in control during this short fight. The bout ended in DQ when FTR finally decided to come to their manager’s aid and Stokely threw powder in his opponent’s eyes.
The duo of Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood started assaulting the former World Champion after the bell, untill Christian Cage came out to make the save.
Cage came out with Spike in hand and he got FTR to retreat. Nick Wayne tried to attack Christian from behind with a chair but the former TNT champion managed to get the upper hand using Spike.
Adam Copeland then delivered a spear to Kip Sabian before he turned around to face his Attitude Era tag team partner.
The two were unsure of each other at first but they softened up and Cage gave spike back to Adam. The former TNA star then tried to leave the ring but Copeland pulled him back and hugged him, reuniting the legendary tag team.
After this segment, AEW announced that Christian Cage and Adam Copeland will be teaming up to face Kip Sabian and Nick Wayne at Forbidden Door, for their first match together since 2011.
