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Shawn Michaels Reveals Which NXT Stars Are Ready for WWE Main Roster

Michael Reichlin
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Shawn Michaels Reveals Which NXT Stars Are Ready for WWE Main Roster

When WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels identifies potential future main event talent, the wrestling world listens. In a recent interview with Brad Gilmore of Reality Wrestling, the NXT Senior Vice President of Talent Development pinpointed which rising stars he believes are destined for the big stage.

Michaels, who oversees WWE’s developmental brand, specifically named NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer as the standout female performer.

“I think it’d have to be Stephanie Vaquer from the women’s side, our NXT women’s champion,” Michaels said. “She has just taken the entire world by storm. I think she’s somebody that already had an international name, but once she got onto NXT programming, the entire world, the entire globe and her popularity has just skyrocketed.”

On the men’s side, Michaels highlighted both NXT Champion Trick Williams and North American Champion Oba Femi as two distinctive talents with main-roster potential.

“I think it’s a toss up on our men’s side,” Michaels explained. “Trick Williams and Oba Femi are two guys with, Trick has unlimited charisma, but Oba also has a mystique and an aura about him. They’re two very different individuals, but they’re both guys that are easily superstars that people see are going to be Raw Smackdown superstars in the very near future.”

Gilmore reinforced this assessment, noting, “Oba Femi has a presence and an authenticity about him where you can really see him main eventing WrestleMania one day.”

These endorsements from one of wrestling’s all-time greats carry significant weight as WWE continues building its next generation of stars. With NXT’s move to The CW network bringing increased visibility, these performers have a platform to develop their characters before potentially joining Raw or SmackDown.

As WWE’s Memorial Day weekend takeover in Tampa approaches, featuring Saturday Night’s Main Event, Battleground, Monday Night Raw, and NXT, fans will have the opportunity to see these future stars in action and judge for themselves if Michaels’ high praise is warranted.

Killer Crossover: 2 More NBA Stars Joining Haliburton as WWE 2K25 DLC (June 25)

Michael Reichlin
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Killer Crossover: 2 More NBA Stars Joining Haliburton as WWE 2K25 DLC (June 25)

Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton has officially confirmed his inclusion in WWE 2K25’s “Dunk & Destruction” DLC pack during a special appearance on Monday Night Raw.

The previously announced downloadable content now has a confirmed release date of June 25, 2025, perfectly timed as Haliburton’s Pacers prepare to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals starting Wednesday.

Perfect Timing for NBA-WWE Crossover

The announcement’s timing couldn’t be more strategic, coming just days before Haliburton faces Jalen Brunson and the Knicks in a highly anticipated playoff series.

WWE has been actively highlighting the existing rivalry between the two guards, recently resurfacing footage of their memorable confrontation from a WWE SmackDown event at Madison Square Garden last June.

Complete “Dunk & Destruction” Pack Roster Confirmed

While the DLC pack was previously announced, WWE has now confirmed the complete lineup:

  • Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers guard making his WWE gaming debut
  • Abyss – TNA legend and current WWE producer
  • The Great Khali – WWE Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion
  • Two additional NBA stars – To be announced in the coming weeks

This marks the first official WWE 2K appearance for both Haliburton and Abyss, with the latter never having competed on WWE television despite currently working behind the scenes as a producer.

Triple H Hints at More NBA-WWE Crossovers

WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H seems to be doubling down on the basketball connection, responding to recent comments from Knicks forward Josh Hart about NBA players wanting WWE involvement this summer.

“My phone hasn’t stopped buzzing since Friday. #SummerSlam is coming to @MetLifeStadium in August…” Triple H posted, suggesting the crossover could extend to WWE’s upcoming two-night SummerSlam event on August 2-3 in East Rutherford, NJ.

The “Dunk & Destruction” pack is the second of five planned DLC releases for WWE 2K25, following the recently released “New Wave Pack.” Fans can purchase it individually or as part of the WWE 2K25 Season Pass when it arrives on June 25, 2025.

Lyra Valkyria Shares When She Was Told About WWE Women’s Intercontinental Title Win

Andrew Ravens
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Lyra Valkyria Shares When She Was Told About WWE Women’s Intercontinental Title Win

Lyra Valkyria discussed her experience becoming the  WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, revealing she wasn’t part of any creative discussions beforehand and only learned of the major career moment on the day of the show.

Valkyria won the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship by defeating Dakota Kai in a tournament final on the January 13, 2025, episode of Raw. This made her the first-ever woman to hold the title.

Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Valkyria shared her feelings about holding the championship. “[It’s brought me] A lot of confidence, it’s a big responsibility, and there’s a lot of pressure that comes with it,” she said. “But I think I’m kind of in control once I get in the ring… No one can take that away.”

When asked when she first heard about winning the title, she explained, “I never was a part of that conversation. I just find out on Mondays what I’m doing. I found out the day of. I was never a part of the decision or the conversation. I just showed up to work.”

Describing her reaction, Valkyria stated, “Amazing. I couldn’t believe it… it never hits me in the moment. It hit me when I was driving home… The title is just sitting in my bag… and I’m like, Oh yeah, that’s the Intercontinental Championship. I won that.”

Lyra Valkyria Thrives on WWE’s Constant Challenge: ‘That’s What I Love About This’

Bray Wyatt’s Son Becomes “The Fiend” For Birthday In Heartwarming Tribute

Andrew Ravens
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Bray Wyatt’s Son Becomes “The Fiend” For Birthday In Heartwarming Tribute

Well-known special effects artist Jason Baker recently shared a very touching story. He helped make a special birthday wish come true for Knash Rotunda, the young son of the late wrestling star Windham Rotunda, who was famously known to WWE fans as Bray Wyatt.

Moved by the idea, Baker and his colleague Sandy Mimpson immediately started working to make the boy’s wish happen. To make Knash’s costume truly special and real, Baker noted they used the “Mask from Bray’s original mold.” The costume itself, made by Sandy Mimpson, was based on the original “Fiend” gear that Windham Rotunda wore.

Baker posted on social media that Jojo Offerman, Knash’s mother and Windham’s partner, contacted him with a request straight from the heart. “I had the honor of doing something that is so close to my heart that I’m still fighting back tears while writing this,” Baker wrote.

He added, “I got a call from Jojo wanting to fulfill Knash’s birthday wish, which was to dress up like his dad @Windham6 for his birthday party.” Baker ended his post with a warm message, “We love you Knash and Hope you had the best birthday ever!” and then added Bray Wyatt’s iconic call to “LET HIM IN! ??”.

Callosum Studios, Baker’s company, was a big part of creating the look of “The Fiend.”

WWE Has Strong Interest In International Star

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Has Strong Interest In International Star

WWE is reportedly showing “significant interest” in signing an international wrestling star to a contract. This development follows company tryouts held in London during WWE’s Road to WrestleMania European tour in late March 2025, which looked at many hopefuls from Europe.

While earlier news mentioned that English wrestlers Man Like DeReiss and Rhio did well at the tryout, a new update has come from Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan. Brennan reports that WWE has in in adding Spanish talent Zozaya to its roster after his strong performance at the London tryout and is actively “pursuing” him.

According to Fightful, sources close to Zozaya said the star from Madrid is due to finish his University studies in June 2025. It is also believed within WWE that any new talent signed from this particular tryout group would likely start working with the company around September of this year.

Zozaya is not new to the wrestling world, as he made his in-ring debut back in 2018. Since then, he has gained a lot of experience by wrestling for several well-known promotions, including Pro Wrestling NOAH, RevPro, CMLL, and PROGRESS Wrestling, among others. More news on Zozaya’s future with WWE and any other possible signings from the London tryouts is expected as it becomes known.

Elektra Lopez Set For First Match After WWE Exit, New Name Confirmed

Thomas Lowson
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Elektra Lopez Set For First Match After WWE Exit, New Name Confirmed

Elektra Lopez was released from WWE in early 2025 and now the former Superstar is stepping back in the ring. On X, House of Glory Wrestling shared that Lopez, now working as Karissa Rivera, will make her HOG debut at the Puerto Rican weekend event on Saturday, June 7.

This will be Rivera’s first match in 2025. Her final match for WWE came in December 2024 when she competed in the Women’s United States Championship tournament. Lopez wouldn’t make it past the first round in the tournament eventually won by Chelsea Green.

Now, Karissa Rivera has the chance to show that her skills extend far beyond WWE. After stepping foot in the ring for the first time back in 2017, it remains to be seen how the former Superstar fares in this post-WWE chapter of her career.

Elektra Lopez Released From WWE

SABU Documentary Teaser Gives First Look at ECW Icon’s Final Farewell

Thomas Lowson
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SABU Documentary Teaser Gives First Look at ECW Icon’s Final Farewell

ECW icon Sabu passed away in May 2025, and now his life and legacy will be explored with a powerful new documentary from Backrow Studios. The first official teaser trailer for SABU has been released, offering an emotional glimpse into the life, rise, resilience, and final days of one of wrestling’s most influential figures.

The doc is produced by Rob Van Dam and directed by Joe Clarke and chronicles Sabu’s storied career in the ring as well as the personal struggles that defined his journey. SABU follows the hardcore legend all the way to his final match which came mere weeks before his death at the age of 60.

The teaser also highlights Sabu reflecting on the toll his career has had on his body, as well as the passion that fuelled him to put his body on the line to entertain the fans. A voiceover says that Sabu’s tale is “a story of passion, pain, and the ultimate price of living life on the edge” giving fans a tease as to what to expect.

RVD worked with Clarke previously on the ‘Headstrong’ documentary, and it’s fitting that he’s back to help his friend Sabu have one final goodbye in this upcoming documentary.

Sabu GoFundMe To Help ECW Icon’s Family Smashes Target

Lance Archer Recovers Stolen Truck, Stripped for Parts

Thomas Lowson
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Lance Archer Recovers Stolen Truck, Stripped for Parts

Lance Archer faced a major personal setback earlier this year when his truck was stolen earlier this year. Now, he has revealed that while the vehicle has been recovered, it was found completely stripped down to the frame.

On X, fka Twitter, Archer shared that he had received a call from the police informing him that the truck had been found, though not in the condition he had hoped. Instead, what remained was little more than a bare frame.

The theft occurred in broad daylight at a Costco in Duncanville, Texas. The stolen vehicle was a 2018 white Yukon Denali, customized with 24-inch rims, whitewall tires, and extra dark tinted windows.

Archer got his truck back, but it’ll be a long asnd expensive process before it is driveable, if that ever comes. His situation shows that the recovery of a vehicle isn’t always a relief.

Zoey Stark Injured In WWE Raw Match

Andrew Ravens
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Zoey Stark Injured In WWE Raw Match

An unfortunate situation happened on the May 19, 2025, episode of WWE Raw. It occurred during a significant Money in the Bank qualifying match involving WWE Superstar Zoey Stark, who suffered an injury.

Stark fought hard in a high-stakes Triple Threat match against two top opponents. Those opponents were the recently returned Kairi Sane and the former Women’s World Champion, Rhea Ripley.

The stipulation for the winner of this match was a spot in the upcoming Money in the Bank ladder match, which gives the winner a chance for a future championship.

Stark went for a missile dropkick from the top rope during the fast-paced and intense action. However, she had a very bad and awkward-looking landing from the move, which immediately caused concern.

Following this rough landing, Zoey Stark seemed unable to continue wrestling on her own. WWE medical staff and company officials quickly came to ringside to check on her. She was then carefully helped to the backstage area so medical personnel could look at her more closely.

The exact type or seriousness of any injury Zoey Stark might have is not known at this moment. We wish her a speedy recovery. 

NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton Joins WWE 2K25 Roster

Michael Reichlin
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NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton Joins WWE 2K25 Roster

WWE has announced that Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton will become a playable character in WWE 2K25. The revelation came during the May 19 episode of WWE Raw, where Haliburton participated in an interview segment with commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee to confirm his virtual wrestling debut.

Haliburton will be featured in the upcoming “Dunks & Destruction” DLC pack, scheduled for release in June 2025. This addition is part of WWE 2K25’s strategy to incorporate high-profile athletes from outside wrestling, expanding the game’s appeal to broader audiences.

The NBA star’s inclusion follows his rising prominence in basketball, having led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals and represented Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics. As a known WWE enthusiast, Haliburton has previously appeared on WWE programming, including a segment on SmackDown alongside New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson.

This collaboration continues the growing trend of crossover appearances between the NBA and WWE, further blurring the lines between sports and entertainment. The “Dunks & Destruction” DLC will be available across all major gaming platforms next month.

Roxanne Perez Officially Joins WWE Raw Roster

Andrew Ravens
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Roxanne Perez Officially Joins WWE Raw Roster

Former NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez has officially been called up to the WWE Raw main roster. The news was shared on social media just before the May 19, 2025, episode of WWE Raw was set to begin.

In a video WWE put out for WWE fans, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce was shown giving Perez a Raw contract, which she then signed, making her move official. Perez is set to jump right into action on the May 19th Raw broadcast. She will compete in a tough Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifying match against Natalya and “The Man” Becky Lynch.

Many have expected this official move to the Raw brand for some time. Perez made impressive appearances on the main roster earlier in 2025, including at the Royal Rumble and qualifying for a spot in the WWE Elimination Chamber match back in February. After WWE WrestleMania, she briefly teamed up with Giulia, but that partnership ended when Giulia moved to the WWE SmackDown roster last week.

Before she signed with WWE in 2022, Perez had a very good run in Ring of Honor (ROH), where she made history as the first-ever ROH Women’s Champion. Once in NXT, she quickly became a top star, winning the NXT Women’s Championship twice and also holding the NXT Women’s Tag Team titles with Cora Jade.

Nikki Garcia Is Ready for Flirty French Fling At Monaco Grand Prix

Thomas Lowson
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Nikki Garcia Is Ready for Flirty French Fling At Monaco Grand Prix

Nikki Garcia’s marriage to Artem Chigvintsev is over, and now the WWE Hall of Famer is ready for some fun. While speaking on the Nikki and Brie Show, Nikki gushed about attending the upcoming DraftKings yacht party during the Monaco Grand Prix. Nikki shared that whilst in Europe, she’s ready to get her flirt on with the men on the boat.

“Yeah. In France. Mhm. Vacay fling. I mean, it would be fun. What an experience. Talk about a yacht. Monaco vacay fling, have some good makeouts. That’s what I’m saying. Single Nikki is coming to France!”

Brie Garcia pitched for her sister to join dating apps, an idea Nikki quickly shot down. Saying she prefers to go “old-school,” Nikki discussed her dream-scenario when in Europe.

“I’d like a moment like sipping an Aperol Spritz sitting by the pool and then an F1 driver walks by.”

Nikki’s revelation comes after she recently shared that she’s been on a few dates, her first after her marriage to Chigvintsev ended with plenty of drama. While Garcia isn’t looking for a life-long commitment at the Monaco Grand Prix, she won’t say no to some yacht-based fun.

Nikki Garcia to Pay $3,500 A Month, $200k This Year, In Child Support After Split

Absent WWE Superstar Spotted Arriving At RAW

Thomas Lowson
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Absent WWE Superstar Spotted Arriving At RAW

The May 19, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw will be a stacked show, which could include the return of an absent Superstar who has been missing for months. On X, WWE shared footage of Kairi Sane make her way to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Green has been out of action since December 2024 as the ‘Pirate Princess’ has been nursing an arm injury that has kept her out of the ring. On-screen, Sane was written off TV with an attack by the Pure Fusion Collective. Sane won’t have to worry about the faction should she return tonight, as both Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville have since been released.

With Sane’s Damge CTRL ally IYO SKY standing tall as Women’s World Champion, it remains to be seen what role Sane will play should she return tonight. Could Sane be in action in a Money in the Bank qualifier, a match that could lead to her being at odds with SKY? Time will tell…

Kairi Sane & Mina Shirakawa Train In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Matt Riddle

Shawn Michaels Reveals His Wrestling Mount Rushmore

Andrew Ravens
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Shawn Michaels Reveals His Wrestling Mount Rushmore

WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels recently shared his personal choices for a wrestling Mount Rushmore. He did this during an interview with “Going Ringside,” and his selections mostly honor the classic wrestlers he watched growing up, mainly from the late 1970s and mid-1980s.

When asked to pick his top four, the “Heartbreak Kid” said it was not an easy thing to do, feeling that such lists often come down to personal taste. “Yeah, I guess. I mean, I don’t know. To me, I’ve always felt like there’s — I don’t know — they’re just your personal favorites, I think,” Michaels stated. He then added, “But I, yeah, I’ve got a few I guess, but mine, you know, date back to usually the mid 80s or late 70s.”

When asked for actual names for his prestigious list, Michaels quickly identified his first three clear choices without hesitation. “I always put Terry Funk in there. I usually put Harley Race in there, Ric Flair.”

However, picking the fourth and final legend for his wrestling mountain proved to be a harder decision for him. “That fourth one’s always a little tough for me,” Michaels explained. “It sort of goes to Tully Blanchard because that’s who I grew up with or Wahoo McDaniel.”

Shawn Michaels on WWE Hall of Fame: I’ve Got Eight Fingers Left!

Shawn Michaels on WWE Hall of Fame: I’ve Got Eight Fingers Left!

Thomas Lowson
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Shawn Michaels on WWE Hall of Fame: I’ve Got Eight Fingers Left!

Shawn Michaels is already a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, but their may be more honors coming the way of Mr. WrestleMania. During an appearance on Going Ringside, Michaels discussed WWE inducting its first ‘Immortal Moment’ into the Hall of Fame during this year’s class. Michaels admitted to being intrigued at the idea, before putting himself forward for future honors.

“I think the one that many think easily goes in is myself vs. The Undertaker. But in my humble opinion, I believe there are numerous others. The good thing is I have eight fingers left, so I only got two Hall of Fame rings. If they wanna fill up the other eight, I have no problem with that.”

Michaels’ 2009 clash with The Undertaker is regarded by many as one of, if not the bet match of either man’s career. If inducted as an Immortal Moment, it’d make Michaels the second-ever three-time inductee, only behind his long-time adversary Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart.

Even if Michaels was not inducted for his matches, he could still receive a third induction as part of The Rockers. WWE has been open to inducting talent for both singles and tag-team work, such as Booker T, and Michaels’ popularity alongside Marty Jannetty could earn him a ring.

Michaels was inducted in 2011 for his role as a singles star and as part of DX a decade later. With a career filled of epic moments and matches, it may be just a matter of time before Michaels has at least one more Hall of Fame ring weighing down his fingers.

KJ Orso Is Working To Get Rid of His AEW Loser ‘Stench’

Thomas Lowson
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KJ Orso Is Working To Get Rid of His AEW Loser ‘Stench’

KJ Orso is opening up about his experience in AEW, revealing that he felt overlooked and underutilized while working as an ‘All-Elite’ talent. On Busted Open Radio, Orso, who competed as Fuego Del Sol, didn’t shy away from naming Tony Khan as a cause of his frustrations.

“I don’t think Tony Khan ever had any true plans for me. I think the fanfare and the respect I earned from the locker room almost forced his hand to signing me.”

Orso would have glimmers of potential in AEW, including appearing on-screen alongside the likes of Cody Rhodes and Sammy Guevara. Despite this, Orso summarized that he only received work if others wanted it, and that “there was no real plan for me ever.”

Realizing he was in a rut, Orso pitched competing in Japan or even unmasking and doing something entirely different to what hadn’t been working. None of these ideas were followed up on by Khan, leaving him feeling stifled creatively.

“I really do feel that I had become a lovable loser in a sense, and there’s a stench I’ve been dying to get rid of since leaving AEW.”

Orso unmasked and shed his Fuego Del Sol identity at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9, an act he’d wished to do years earlier. Now competing under his real name, K.J. Orso is determined to redefine himself and showcase the version of himself that AEW never fully embraced.


WWE Pulls In Millions From Six Live Events 

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Pulls In Millions From Six Live Events 

WWE brought in more than $13.2 million from the ticket sales of just six live shows held in late March and early April 2025. Post Wrestling via Pollstar reported the news on Monday. 

This big success comes from a very popular time for the company and TKO’s new ticket pricing strategy, which has led to many shows making over a million dollars each.

These events were part of a wider, successful European tour in March that included twelve events in total, featuring three episodes each of WWE Raw and WWE Friday Night SmackDown. According to Pollstar, a group that reports on the event industry, WWE saw huge earnings from these specific dates, highlighting the strong demand from WWE fans.

Several individual shows made impressive amounts. For example, the WWE Raw show at London’s O2 Arena on March 31st made an amazing $3.58 million from 14,816 tickets sold. Other big successes included Friday Night SmackDown in Glasgow, Scotland, which brought in over $2.6 million, and another SmackDown in London that made $2.8 million.

Upon returning to the U.S., a SmackDown show in Rosemont, Illinois, on April 4th also made nearly $2.3 million. Pollstar confirmed the total from these six specific shows alone was $13,298,774.

Lucha Legend Backs El Grande Americano Amid Insensitivity Claims

Thomas Lowson
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Lucha Legend Backs El Grande Americano Amid Insensitivity Claims

The character of El Grande Americano has drawn criticism from fans and wrestlers alike who view the character as racially insensitive and a mockery of lucha libre. Speaking on his Keepin’ It 100 podcast, Konnan dismissed these criticisms, arguing that fans will always find something to complain about.

“A lot of people are complaining, bro? People complain about everything. You could give people a gold bar and they’d be like, ‘Oh, there’s a scratch in the corner.’ You can take it as far as you want.”

Konnan acknowledged that pro wrestling has “always been behind the curve on racial sensitivity,” whether it be it’s treatment of black, Japanese, or Samoan talent. Today, Konnan is pleased that El Grande Americano’s take on lucha libre is intended as funny, rather than hateful.

“You just can’t be outwardly racial. You have to be very funny and kind of subtle about it. But it’s a parody, you know what I’m saying? I have no problem with it.”

Konnan doesn’t have an issue with El Grande Americano, especially when compared to some of WWE’s other Mexican-based characters. On his podcast, Konnan recalled some of WWE’s ideas that he took issue with.

“I think the most important part, is it demeaning Mexicans? No, it isn’t. If you remember the lawnmower thing — the Mexicools — very demeaning, you know? I also thought the piñatas were demeaning with the Lucha… whatever, Lucha House Party.”

Americano recently defeated Dragon Lee for the WWE Speed Championship and will reportedly be heading to AAA soon enough. While debate around the character is unlikely to fade soon, Konnan views it as a lighthearted homage to old-school wrestling—not an insult.

WWE Files ‘King of the Luchadores’ Trademark

Kofi Kingston Calls Out Disrespectful Fan Behavior: ‘You Don’t Have The Right’

Michael Reichlin
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0
Kofi Kingston Calls Out Disrespectful Fan Behavior: ‘You Don’t Have The Right’

WWE Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston addressed fan boundaries in an interview with Adrian Hernandez on “Unlikely” following a disrespectful encounter on an airplane.

“Don’t think that because you bought a ticket that you have the right to shake my hand,” Kingston stated firmly.

“Don’t come up to me and say, ‘Well, I bought a ticket to the show, so I should be able to get a picture,’ and you are obligated to come over to me. That is not true. I don’t have to do that.”

Kofi Kingston’s WWE Fan Etiquette

On morning flight interactions:

“Do not come over and try to shake my hand and try to take a picture with me early in the morning when I’m trying to go to work. If I’m sitting in first class when you are on your way to last class, don’t sit there with your camera and do a thumbs down so you can get a little viral shot.”

Kingston’s comments follow fellow WWE superstar Drew McIntyre’s recent dos and don’ts for fan interactions.

On social media behavior:

“Don’t like the pictures and posts when people post disrespectful pics like that. Don’t like them because you perpetuate that… you perpetuate the negativity.”

His response culminated with him referencing his championship:

“If I am in my everyday life going to work doing what I want to do, if I’m hanging out with my family, I don’t need you to tell me how much I suck. Because look here…

That means that I don’t suck. So don’t come across as a liar when you tell me that I do.”

Kingston’s message is clear: enthusiasm is welcome, but entitlement and disrespect are not.

Tailer for ‘Money Talk$’ Short Film with AEW’s Hook

Michael Reichlin
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Tailer for ‘Money Talk$’ Short Film with AEW’s Hook

AEW star Hook is set to make his cinematic debut in the upcoming short film “Money Talk$,” which will have its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City this June.

The film, directed by Tony Mucci, follows “the adventure of a $100 bill in 1981 NYC” on the day of Reagan’s inauguration as it travels through the underbelly of New York City.

Hook, the former FTW Champion and current member of The Opps, is credited as a “Mystery Man” on the film’s IMDb page.

Hook’s father Taz shared this trailer for the film over the weekend:

This marks the directorial debut for Tony Mucci in the film industry. Mucci has an extensive background in music video production, and worked with late rapper Juice WRLD.

The 2025 Tribeca Festival, running June 4-15 in New York City, will feature an expanded lineup of 93 short films this year, including 49 world premieres. The short is scheduled to screen before one of the festival’s Member Exclusive Events titled “Bunny.”

‘I Could Have Bought A New Car’: MVP On His Past WWE Weed Fines

Andrew Ravens
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‘I Could Have Bought A New Car’: MVP On His Past WWE Weed Fines

WWE started its wellness program in 2006 to test for steroids and other drugs that wrestlers might misuse. At first, WWE did not test for marijuana, but later added it, fining superstars rather than suspending them for failed tests.

On his Marking Out podcast, former WWE United States Champion MVP shared how he handled these rules. He explained:

“When the wellness policy started at WWE, initially, they only tested for steroids and hard drugs; they didn’t test for cannabis. Then, as I recall, all the pillheads started complaining… They added cannabis, but it wasn’t a suspension; it was just a $1000 Fine.”

MVP, making good money at the time, even offered a unique solution:

“I went to John Laurinaitis and said, ‘Can I just give you a $12,000 check for the year? I’m gonna smoke.'”

Eventually, WWE raised the fine to $2,500.

“Finally, after a couple of $2,500 fines, plus the numerous $1,000 fines….I could have bought a new car for these fines for weed. I finally stopped smoking for a while,” MVP said.

Today, marijuana is not on WWE’s banned substance list.

MVP On Leaving WWE: ‘New Management Just Wasn’t For Me’

“They Were So Mad” – Logan Paul On Those Who Wanted Him To Be Released By WWE

Andrew Ravens
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“They Were So Mad” – Logan Paul On Those Who Wanted Him To Be Released By WWE

Logan Paul says that some people are not happy he kept his job during the recent WWE talent releases. Earlier in May 2025, WWE let go of several superstars, and others were told their contracts would not be renewed. This news caused some WWE fans to be upset about wrestlers leaving the company, and Paul believes a lot of that anger has been aimed at him.

Speaking on his “Impaulsive” podcast, the social media star talked about the WWE releases. He said that some people wished he had been one of the superstars cut from the roster.

Paul stated, “Some people are mad I didn’t get fired in the last round of WWE releases, they let a lot of people go. Not your boy. They were mad about that. The way I see it, you can’t let go a future world heavyweight champion…. That would just be ridiculous.”

Despite some fans’ negative feelings, Paul remains confident in his WWE status and future ambitions. He is scheduled to appear on tonight’s  WWE Monday Night Raw episode.

WWE Files ‘King of the Luchadores’ Trademark

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Files ‘King of the Luchadores’ Trademark

WWE has filed a trademark application for “King of the Luchadores” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The filing covers the usual wrestling-related ‘goods and services’ usage description, including: Entertainment services including wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler delivered through live events, television, radio, and online platforms.

It remains to be seen if this will be used for one of WWE’s existing luchador competitors, such as the comedic Grande Americano character, or if this is used for more-legitimate purposes.

John Cena’s WWE Retirement Tour Schedule (Updated)

Michael Reichlin
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John Cena’s WWE Retirement Tour Schedule (Updated)

John Cena is currently on his WWE retirement tour with several confirmed appearances remaining in 2025.

The reigning WWE Champion has approximately 24 appearances remaining before he rides off into the sunset once and for all.

This list includes all currently confirmed appearances for John Cena’s farewell tour as of May 19, 2025.

Here’s his upcoming schedule (subject to change), including another WWE SmackDown television appearance in August on the road to WWE Clash in Paris:

May 2025

  • May 24: Saturday Night’s Main Event in Tampa, Florida (Rumored match vs. R-Truth)
  • May 30: WWE SmackDown in Knoxville, Tennessee

June 2025

  • June 7: WWE Money in the Bank in Los Angeles, California
  • June 9: WWE Raw in Phoenix, Arizona
  • June 13: WWE SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky
  • June 20: WWE SmackDown in Grand Rapids, Michigan

July & August 2025

  • July 18: WWE SmackDown in San Antonio, Texas
  • August 2-3: WWE SummerSlam in East Rutherford, New Jersey
  • August 8: WWE SmackDown in Montreal, Canada
  • August 22: WWE SmackDown in Dublin, Ireland
  • August 29: WWE SmackDown in Lyon, France
  • August 31: WWE Clash in Paris in Paris, France

October 2025

  • October 10: WWE SmackDown in Perth, Australia
  • October 11: WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia
  • October 13: WWE Raw in Perth, Australia

December 2025

  • Date TBD: WWE event in Boston, MA

Mick Foley’s ‘Banned’ Christmas Book May Return for 25th Anniversary

Michael Reichlin
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Mick Foley’s ‘Banned’ Christmas Book May Return for 25th Anniversary

WWE legend Mick Foley has revealed he rewrote his controversial Christmas book for a potential 25th anniversary release, but Jerry “The King” Lawler’s health challenges may prevent its publication.

Speaking with Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture at Comic Con Revolution, Foley explained the updates he made to the holiday classic:

“I did rewrite it a few years ago, maybe for ahead of a 25th anniversary release. I just changed a couple of words around like instead of Santa saying ‘perhaps I’ll buy some fancy chains like that wrestler named Too Hottie’… I changed it to ‘perhaps I’ll buy a fancy robe like the Nature Boy Ric Flair.'”

Despite his preparations, Foley explained why fans might not see the updated version:

“Jerry Lawler was the original illustrator and Jerry’s had a stroke, so it’s much tougher for him to do his artwork. So, I think that’s the reason why there won’t be an amended version.”

The book gained notoriety for being banned from some stores due to its adult humor, including a memorable “naked elf” illustration.

“It got buried in adult humor in some bookstores kind of killing off the whole Santa Claus audience. But people did like it and even though it was banned from some chain stores around the country because of the naked elf…”

While this specific project remains in limbo, Foley continues writing and working on various projects outside of wrestling.

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