Take-Two Interactive has officially confirmed the development of WWE 2K26 during its latest earnings call. According to information compiled by The SmackDown Hotel, the wrestling title is set for release during Take-Two’s fiscal year 2026 (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026).
The announcement follows the successful launch of WWE 2K25, which released on March 14, 2025 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms, with Deadman and Bloodline special editions arriving March 7.
The development of WWE 2K26 has been officially confirmed during the latest Take-Two Earnings Call
Take-Two also confirmed WWE 2K Mobile is in development for release in Fall 2025 in partnership with Netflix. As shown in Take-Two’s future lineup schedule, this mobile expansion will bring the wrestling experience to a new platform.
WWE 2K26 joins Take-Two’s fiscal 2026 roster alongside other major titles including Borderlands 4 (September 12, 2025) and Mafia: The Old Country (August 8, 2025). The publisher has expressed confidence in achieving “sequential increases and record levels of Net Bookings” in upcoming fiscal years.
For wrestling game fans, this announcement confirms the continuation of the franchise’s annual release schedule.
Here’s the preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown, broadcasting live on USA Network at 8/7c from Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina:
Tonight’s episode kicks off the road to WWE Money in the Bank 2025 and features the fallout from last weekend’s Backlash event. The show will showcase the first Money in the Bank qualifying matches for both the men’s and women’s ladder matches, with top WWE Superstars vying for a chance at a guaranteed championship opportunity at the upcoming premium live event on June 7.
WWE SmackDown Preview: May 16, 2025
Money in the Bank Qualifying Matches: The first set of qualifiers for the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches take place tonight, with stars such as Tiffany Stratton, Shinsuke Nakamura, Drew McIntyre, Bianca Belair, Damian Priest, LA Knight, Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and more expected to compete.
Cody Rhodes Returns: The American Nightmare makes his first appearance on WWE programming since losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to John Cena at WrestleMania 41. Fans are eager to see what’s next for Rhodes as he begins his climb back to the top.
United States Champion Jacob Fatu, Jeff Cobb, and Solo Sikoa: After Fatu retained his title at Backlash with help from Cobb, expect a segment involving The Bloodline as their storyline continues to unfold.
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax: Stratton is set to appear following Jax’s victory last week to become the new No. 1 contender, setting up a future title clash.
Join us here later tonight for a recap of all the news coming out of this wek’s WWE SmackDown.
Saraya, known to WWE fans as Paige, is already envisioning exciting future matches, including a potential tag team reunion with former three-time Divas Champion AJ Lee. Following her departure from AEW in March, Saraya discussed her dream matchups on a recent episode of Women’s Wrestling Talk.
While she might be taking some time away from the ring, Saraya has a clear list of talent she’d love to work with. She first named current AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné: “First of all, it would be Mercedes, of course. I feel like that’s a built-in story.” She also expressed interest in facing or teaming with WWE’s Rhea Ripley, saying, “Then I would love to face Rhea or be in a tag with Rhea… The first goth going against the modern goth, it’d be really great.”
However, a reunion with Lee, with whom she teamed in WWE during 2014, is something she’s interested in. “I would love to tag with AJ again down the road. I feel like that would be amazing,” Saraya stated. She added, “I just want to wrestle everybody,” also mentioning names like Natalya, Nikki Bella, Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, and Trinity.
Saraya has confirmed the door remains open for a potential AEW return.
Following WWE’s acquisition of Mexico-based promotion AAA, announced at WrestleMania 41, new details are emerging about the company’s expansion plans in the region. According to a recent report from WrestleVotes, WWE is organizing multiple live events in Mexico “in the near future.”
These live events will reportedly be centered around a major featured attraction, dubbed a “SuperShow Mexico” event. While specific dates and locations for this “SuperShow” and the accompanying tour are still being finalized, the plans indicate a push into the Mexican market.
This development is noteworthy given WWE’s recent strategy of reducing its overall number of domestic live events, with TKO executives stating the company will “continue to prune” its touring schedule. These new Mexico shows signal a targeted international expansion.
The move builds on existing crossover opportunities, such as Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo and several TNA Wrestling champions (including Joe Hendry) being announced for AAA’s Triplemania Regia on June 15. Furthermore, WWE Women’s United States Champion Zelina Vega has publicly pitched defending her title in AAA.
WWE is always on the hunt for new talent, and now the company has brought in three athletes with Olympic pedigree, and hope to mould them into being future WWE Superstars. Shady Elnahas, Francois Prinsloo, and Aaron Fara have all joined WWE and on Twitter, the WWE NXT account shared a photo of the three signings.
Shady Elnahas, 27, is no stranger to winning as the Canadian judo fighter snagged gold at the Pan-American games in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. He also represented Canada at the 2021 Tokyo Summer Games as well as in the Paris Olympics last year, so comes with a wealth of combat experience.
Francois Prinsloo, 23, has been making a name as a discus thrower and represented South Africa in Paris, so his arm strength will be undeniable as a WWE recruit.
Aaron Fara, 27, hails from Austria and represented the country in Judo at the Paris Olympics, where he competed in the men’s 100kg as well as the mixed team event.
Now, all three have jumped from the Olympics to WWE and will they see similar success to fellow Olympians like Kurt Angle, Ronda Rousey, and Chad Gable? Only time will tell…
One WWE fan marked a major milestone by graduating and made his devotion to pro wrestling loud and clear during the ceremony. In footage that has since gone viral on TikTok, the fan accepted their diploma while holding a replica of the ‘Big Eagle’ version of the WWE Championship used from 1998 to 2002. In case that wasn’t enough of a clue, the fan celebrated after receiving their diploma with IYO SKY’s signature pointing gesture.
SKY is the reigning WWE Women’s World Champion after winning the gold from Rhea Ripley during the March 3, episode of WWE Raw. Despite being overlooked by Ripley and Bianca Belair on the road to WrestleMania 41, SKY proved why she shouldn’t be underestimated when she beat both women in Allegiant Stadium.
SKY has since found herself facing NXT’s Roxanne Perez and Giulia, leading to speculation that the duo are poised for a call-up. Whether on the main roster or in WWE NXT, IYO SKY continues to impress and has earned herself a legion of fans.
WWE made major cuts to its roster in May 2025, with both the main roster and those in WWE NXT being affected. While over a dozen Superstars are now facing a future outside WWE, some are still appearing on programming for now.
On the latest episode of WWE EVOLVE , Gallus (Joe Coffey and Mark Coffey) defeated Keanu Carver and Harlem Lewis. This is despite the fact that Gallus, which also includes Wolfgang, were released from WWE.
Later in the show, Javier Bernal was in action, despite also recently being released. Bernal debuted a new metalcore gimmick which consisted of headbanging and a mesh shirt, suggesting that there had been plans for a new gimmick before he was cut. This week’s WWE EVOLVE was taped in advance, explaining why talent are being used who are no longer part of WWE.
This isn’t the first time that Superstars have been presented after being given the pink slip. In 2024, Indi Hartwell competed on a pre-taped episode of SmackDown after being released. Hartwell has since signed with TNA Wrestling, and is open to a WWE return.
As for Gallus and Bernal, they will have to wait out a 30-day non-compete clause before they work elsewhere. With four talented individuals, it remains to be seen where they land next in the pro wrestling world.
Jim Ross has been diagnosed with colon cancer, in the latest health battle for the man many consider the greatest commentator of all time. On X, Vince Russo shared a heartfelt message to Ross, a man who Russo holds an immense amount of respect for.
“I will pray with everything I have in my being for the health and speedy recovery of @JRsBBQ. With the hundreds of people I worked with in the wrestling business for over 30 years—there is no one I respect more than JR.
“He’s a man’s man. A straight shooter. If he had something to say he said it TO YOU. To be in the position of power that he was in–and NOT play politics– tells you all about his character.
“I love you, JR, and I will never forget the years that I worked with you. You are one of a kind and there will never be another.
“God Bless You, Sir.”
I will pray with everything I have in my being for the health and speedy recovery of @JRsBBQ.
With the hundreds of people I worked with in the wrestling business for over 30 years—there is no one I respect more than JR.
This isn’t Ross’ first battle with cancer, as he was diagnosed with skin cancer in late 2021. That same year, Ross shared that he was cancer free. We here at SEScoops are continuing to send Jim our very best amid this latest battle with cancer.
Mina Shirakawa and Kairi Sane may be on opposite sides of the AEW-WWE ‘war’ but came together to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle. The pair trained with Riddle at the RUDOS Brazilian Jiu Jitsu facility, run by the former WWE United States Champion.
Riddle is not the only notable name who helps train fighters at the facility. Shayna Baszler, who was recently released from WWE, also works as a ‘professor’ at RUDOS, as does WWE Raw Superstar Karrion Kross. The facility offers “World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu led by experienced and accomplished instructors” for novices and professional fighters, according to the company’s website.
Back in the ring, Shirakawa recently earned herself a Women’s World Title match, a contest that will put her back in the ring with ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm. While Sane has yet to compete for WWE this year, fans can expect a hard-hitting style from the Pirate Princess thanks to her training.
Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev’s tumultuous split is now officially behind them, as the former WWE star has finalized her divorce from the Dancing with the Stars pro. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Nikki will pay Artem $3,500 per month in child support for their son, Matteo. The financial settlement also includes two lump-sum payments totaling $200,000—$100,000 upfront and another $100,000 due by the end of 2025.
Nikki will also cover the full cost of Matteo’s speech therapy, while both parents will share expenses for extracurricular activities. Nikki, who has teased returning to WWE, will remain full control of her business ventures including her wine label, Bonita Bonita. Custody arrangements stipulate that the exes will alternate major holidays with Matteo each year.
The couple married in 2022 but Artem was arrested in August 2024 following claims of domestic violence. Artem, however, countered by alleging Nikki was the aggressor and the couple reached a settlement in November 2024. Now, the court has finalized their agreement.
With this marriage behind her, Nikki is ready to do more in wrestling after appearing at this year’s Royal Rumble PLE. With Chelsea Green being open about a potential hair vs. hair match, it appears to be just a matter of time before fans see the longest-reigning WWE Divas Champion in the ring again.
The Motor City Machine Guns may be a part of WWE, but their future in the ring could lead Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin back to TNA Wrestling. Speaking to Metro UK, Shelley recalled coming close to facing the wrestling brothers when both teams were in TNA.
“It was scheduled once. Maybe 2011, there was a UK tour TNA had booked that match on in particular. And I can’t remember where it was gonna be. It was gonna be somewhere in England.”
Ultimately plans changed and the match never came to pass. While both teams have seen plenty of success both in and out of WWE and TNA, a tag-team match pitting the two teams against one another is yet to happen.
“We’ve somehow managed to evade the Hardy Boyz our entire career, and it’s probably time that we get that match.”
WWE’s ongoing partnership with TNA Wrestling makes this match a genuine possibility. After competing in a TLC match on SmackDown only recently, Shelley and Sabin are ready to face the innovators of the stipulation.
Five years after his WWE release, Matt Cardona has achieved something remarkable in professional wrestling: relevance without television. In an industry where visibility typically correlates with weekly TV exposure, Cardona has not only maintained his profile but amplified it, becoming more successful than during his 14-year WWE tenure as Zack Ryder.
Speaking candidly on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Cardona reveals the strategic thinking behind his character evolution that has led to unprecedented independent success.
The Death of Zack Ryder
“Zack Ryder’s dead,” Cardona states matter-of-factly. “And I don’t mean that in a negative way. Zack Ryder set me up for Matt Cardona.”
This clear-eyed assessment of his former persona reveals Cardona’s pragmatic approach to wrestling identity. Rather than clinging to past glories or resenting his release, he recognized the opportunity for reinvention.
“I think Zack Ryder set me up for Matt Cardona,” he explains. “That intercell title, I’m grateful for it. What a moment that was. It was my Wrestlemania moment that I will never forget.”
This perspective – appreciating the past while focusing on the future – has allowed Cardona to leverage his WWE history without being defined by it.
At wrestling conventions, he estimates “75% Matt, 25% Zack” when it comes to autograph requests, showing his successful transition while maintaining the marketability of his previous character.
The Indie God and Death Match King: Creating Perception
Perhaps Cardona’s most brilliant character work came with his transformation into the self-proclaimed “Death Match King” – despite having only one actual death match.
“People say all the time, ‘Oh, man. I love all your death matches.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, thanks, bro. The one, but I’ve worked the whole wrestling world into thinking I’m this deathmatch wrestler because I had one,'” Cardona reveals with a knowing laugh.
This sleight of hand – creating a perception larger than reality – demonstrates Cardona’s understanding of wrestling psychology. By leaning completely into the character, wearing a crown, and repeatedly claiming the title, he made it real in fans’ minds.
“Perception is reality,” Cardona notes. “I used to hate that saying, but it’s true. It is so true.”
The Complete Matt Cardona: Building a Character with Layers
Following a pectoral injury that sidelined him in 2023, Cardona needed yet another reinvention.
“I can’t just come back wearing that crown or that indie god hat again,” he explains. “I needed a fresh coat of paint.”
The solution became “The Complete” Matt Cardona – a nickname with multiple layers of meaning that encapsulates his entire wrestling journey.
“It means so many things,” Cardona explains. “Like the total package like Lex Luger, like I can do it all. I looked apart. I wrestled apart. I talked apart. Or the complete like everything that led to this point in my career, whether it be the major brothers or the YouTube broski stuff or winning the IC title or getting fired, then the death match king, the indie guy, everything wrapped into one, is the complete Matt Cardona.”
This approach to character building – creating a nickname with multiple interpretations and layers of meaning – shows a deeper understanding of wrestling psychology than the one-dimensional characters often seen on television.
The Heel Turn WWE Never Gave Him
Central to Cardona’s independent success has been his transformation into a heel – something he longed for but never received in WWE.
“I would have loved the opportunity to show the different side, the heel side, if you will, but in WWE, like you could pitch all day. They’re not necessarily going to do it,” Cardona explains. “On the Independence can do whatever I want.”
This creative freedom allowed Cardona to “organically turn heel” on the indies, finding a character space that resonates both with his natural talents and audience expectations.
“I love that the fans hate me now,” he says. “I think they’re starting to love to hate me, which is fine, too, because they’re still buying my merch.”
Creating Through-Lines in Fragmented Indies
Independent wrestling presents unique challenges for character continuity. Unlike WWE’s controlled weekly narrative, independent shows are isolated events, often with completely different audiences.
“There’s so rarely a through line in independent wrestling,” the interviewer notes. “You can work as a baby face on Saturday, go to another town on Sunday, you’re working as a heel.”
Cardona overcomes this fragmentation through social media and streaming platforms.
“Independent wrestling 10 years ago, if it happened in New Jersey, it happened that night in New Jersey,” he explains. “Now it’s streaming. People can watch all over the world.”
By aggressively promoting events before and after on social media, Cardona creates continuity between otherwise disconnected shows. This modern approach solves a traditional problem of independent wrestling – the difficulty of building coherent character arcs across different promotions.
The Psychology of Entrance and Reintroduction
Cardona’s understanding of wrestling psychology extends to his approach to entering unfamiliar markets. He credits William Regal with a crucial lesson:
“Every time you walk through the curtain, you have to pretend that they don’t know who you are,” Cardona recounts. “You need to reintroduce yourself and tell that story in the ring.”
This principle informs how Cardona approaches performances in different markets. Rather than assuming name recognition, he reestablishes his character in the opening moments of every match.
“For me, it’s just so easy because I’m this chicken [expletive] heel,” he explains. “It’s as simple as like ding ding ding, like we’re about to lock up. I just roll out of the ring.”
These simple but effective heel tactics – avoiding contact, breaking high-five promises, ripping signs – allow Cardona to quickly establish character regardless of the audience’s familiarity with his work.
Being Uncool: The Secret to Effective Heel Work
Perhaps most significantly, Cardona understands something many modern heels miss: the willingness to be genuinely uncool.
“I feel like these bad guys now, they don’t want to be uncool. I have no problem being uncool, you know?” he says.
This commitment to genuine heel work – eschewing the “cool heel” phenomenon that often undermines true heat – has allowed Cardona to generate authentic negative reactions rather than the performative boos often directed at popular villains.
Moments Over Moves
Cardona’s character-first approach extends to his ring philosophy.
“I tell people on the indies when they ask for advice, it’s not about the moves. It’s about the moments,” he explains.
This philosophy prioritizes emotional connection over athletic spectacle – understanding that wrestling’s most memorable elements are rarely the moves themselves but the moments that give them meaning.
Cardona illustrates this with a perfect example: “Rock-Hogan, right? Arguably the best match of all time. If you have two indie guys, random guys do that match move for move at some random show, it’s going to be the worst match ever. But the people were invested in those two men, those two characters, the story.”
The Complete Package
Five years after his WWE release, Matt Cardona has demonstrated mastery of the art of wrestling reinvention. Through strategic character development, psychological understanding, and adaptation to modern media landscapes, he’s crafted a character with greater depth and profitability than his television predecessor.
“This is the most successful I’ve ever been in my career as Matt Cardona,” he states with conviction.
For wrestlers, fans, and students of character development, Cardona’s post-WWE evolution offers a masterclass in the art of reinvention – proving that in wrestling, perception is reality, and a wrestler with control of their narrative is never truly constrained.
WWE will be well-represented at the 2025 Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards.
Today, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson earned three nominations: Favorite Movie Actor for “Red One,” Favorite Male Animated Voice for “Moana 2,” and Favorite Song from a Movie for “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” from “Moana 2.” Additionally, “Moana 2” received a nomination for Favorite Animated Movie.
The Bella Twins’ podcast “The Nikki & Brie Show” was nominated for Favorite Podcast.
Several WWE celebrity guests also received nominations:
Cardi B (Favorite Female Artist)
Bad Bunny (Favorite Male Artist)
Jelly Roll (Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Album, and Favorite Song from a Movie)
The Weeknd (Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Song, and Favorite Album)
Travis Scott (Favorite Male Artist)
IShowSpeed (Favorite Gamer)
Kai Cenat (Favorite Gamer)
The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2025 will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The ceremony will be broadcast live from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, starting at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), with Tyla serving as the host.
As one of the most decorated luchadors to recently join WWE, Penta brings a uniquely qualified perspective on the company’s newly announced partnership with Mexican wrestling promotion AAA – and he couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what it means for wrestlers from his home country.
“It’s good for the business, it’s good for the trans you, I think it’s a very very good opportunity for the Mexican wrestler, the jungle wrestlers and in general the Mexican Brother,” Penta explained during a recent appearance on WWE Raw Talk. “Because this door bigger. That’s what any other opportunity in the world.”
The landmark partnership between WWE and AAA was announced less than a month ago, creating a potential talent pipeline between the two organizations that have historically operated in separate wrestling ecosystems. Penta, who built much of his international reputation in AAA before making the jump to WWE earlier this year, emphasized the significance of this new relationship.
“I don’t know exactly what is the form. I don’t know exactly how will be the Mexican, I don’t know,” he admitted, acknowledging that specific details about the partnership implementation remain unclear. “But I’m sure this is the best opportunity for all Mexican wrestlers, brother. I hope that I wanna see more wrestler here in WWE, you know, like Luchados, obviously.”
Penta’s enthusiasm underscores the potential industry-shifting implications of this deal. While WWE has featured notable Mexican stars throughout its history – from Rey Mysterio to Alberto Del Rio to Santos Escobar – the AAA partnership could accelerate talent exchange and create new cross-promotional opportunities previously unavailable.
“To be honest, man, and serious, I think it’s good for the business, bro,” Penta concluded on the partnership.
“I don’t know when to start. I don’t know how the real formula for this project, but just I feel in my heart this is a good business.”
With Penta already making waves on Raw and the WWE-AAA partnership just beginning to take shape, wrestling fans could soon see an unprecedented influx of Mexican wrestling talent and style that fundamentally reshapes WWE programming in the months and years ahead.
Dave Bautista’s latest action movie, “Trap House,” is slated to be the first theatrical release from the newly launched film distribution company Aura Entertainment.
According to a report from Deadline, the film is scheduled to hit theaters on November 14, 2025.Deadline describes the movie as being “centered on a team of elite DEA agents whose rebellious teenage children use their parents’ own tactics—surveillance, infiltration, and non-lethal weapons—to rob a ruthless drug cartel.”
Bautista, the former WWE Champion turned Hollywood star, is expected to feature prominently in the action. Adding to his involvement, Bautista’s own production company, Dogbone Entertainment, is listed among the producers for the film.
This project marks a significant debut for Aura Entertainment, which is entering the film distribution landscape with a star-powered action vehicle. Bautista starred in “In the Lost Lands,” a fantasy adventure released around March 2025.
In the film, which merges post-apocalyptic, western, and fantasy themes, Bautista plays Boyce, a guide escorting a sorceress (Milla Jovovich) through a treacherous wilderness.
For Zelina Vega, the April 25, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown will always be remembered. Not only did she win the WWE Women’s U.S. Title, her first taste of singles gold, but also witnessed her husband Alistar Black make his surprise return to the company after years away. Speaking to Steve Fall on Ten Cont, Vega gushed about the special night.
“I’ve had so many dreams of like ‘It’ll be so great to become champion, it’ll be so great if he came back’… and you always wake up from those dreams, but this one I didn’t wake up from.”
The surreal experience began before SmackDown when Vega learned of her impending title win. Even with mere hours between learning of her victory and the win itself, Vega was surprisingly subdued as she awaited her moment of glory.
“I actually didn’t know until maybe 3 hours before the show started. I wasn’t nervous surprisingly. Normally I’m always nervous… I get like hawks. I’m very much a nervous person.”
The reason for her calm? Her mind was elsewhere, namely with her husband.
“My husband was coming back and I think I was so fixated on that, seeing him at work again and traveling with him again. I think my brain was just so focused on that that I didn’t have time to get nervous.”
The double celebration created what she describes as a dreamlike experience which Vegas added was “mind-blowing.” Now, the reunited couple is traveling together again, restoring their routines that were in place prior to Black’s previous exit from WWE.
“Even now still, sitting next to him on the plane, I’m like ‘You’re really here right now? That’s really a thing?’ So I’m still getting used to it, but in the best of ways.”
As Vega settles into her role as champion and the couple reestablishes their travel routines, including their “car ritual” of listening to City and Color while driving between venues. With her title and her husband, Vega concluded that everything feels right in her world again—a perfect alignment of personal and professional dreams realized on a single, unforgettable night.
WWE legend Tatanka has announced he will be attending WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24, 2025, alongside his wife Michelle and their two sons, Joseph and Jeremiah Chavis.
Sharing his excitement on Instagram, Tatanka thanked WWE and expressed pride in his family’s Native American heritage, declaring, “The #NativeAmerican Dynasty Begins!”
Tatanka, known for his iconic run in the 1990s (and sporadic WWE appearances in the mid-2010s) remains a beloved figure among wrestling fans.
His sons, Joseph and Jeremiah, are following in his footsteps, with Jeremiah already gaining experience in wrestling training and appearances.
Saturday Night’s Main Event (5/24) will feature Logan Paul challenging Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship and CM Punk teaming with Sami Zayn against Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker.
Former professional wrestling star Billy Jack Haynes, who recently appeared on Vice’s documentary series “Dark Side of the Ring,” has been deemed unfit to stand trial for the alleged murder of 85-year-old Janette Becraft.
Court Orders Mental Health Treatment
On Wednesday, Multnomah County Judge Angela Lucero ordered William Albert Haynes (known professionally as Billy Jack Haynes) to be committed to the Oregon State Hospital after ruling he is unable to assist in his own defense.
According to reporting by KATU News, the Portland ABC Affiliate, the decision came after a certified evaluator examined Haynes’ behavior during court proceedings, along with statements from his attorneys and stipulations from both the defense and prosecution confirming his mental unfitness.
Serious Charges
Haynes was arrested in February 2024 and faces charges of second-degree murder with a domestic violence enhancement and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with Becraft’s death. Few details about the alleged killing have been made public, as the case involves a secret grand jury indictment with no publicly filed probable cause affidavit.
The former wrestler waived his right to a preventative detention hearing (similar to a bail hearing) twice in April and May 2024, which might have revealed more information about the case.
Extended Timeline
The court has scheduled another hearing regarding Haynes’ fitness for May 20, though his trial—currently set for December 2025—remains in doubt. According to court records, Haynes could be committed to the Oregon State Hospital for anywhere from one to three years while undergoing treatment.
Wrestling Background
Haynes gained fame as a professional wrestler in the Portland area and beyond, with his career spanning multiple wrestling promotions in the 1980s. His story was recently featured on Vice TV’s documentary series “Dark Side of the Ring,” which explores controversial and tragic stories from professional wrestling history.
The case represents a dramatic fall for the once-prominent athlete, now facing serious criminal charges while undergoing court-mandated psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
Recently released WWE NXT Superstar Jakara Jackson is embarking on a new chapter in her professional wrestling career, unveiling her new ring name as she prepares to enter the free-agent market. The performer will now be known as Mara Sadè.
Jackson announced the change by updating her name on her X social media profile. This move comes shortly after she confirmed earlier this week that she has no intention of retiring from wrestling following her WWE release. She has also come up with a new banner for her Twitter.
Jackson was one of 17 WWE talents confirmed to have departed the company in early May 2025, among 11 stars from the NXT brand. Her release occurred alongside that of her former Meta-Four stablemate, Oro Mensah.
During her time in NXT, Jackson was a prominent member of the Meta-Four faction, showcasing her athletic abilities and charisma. Her adoption of the new ring name Mara Sadè signals a fresh start as she looks to make her mark on the independent wrestling scene and beyond. She is still waiting out her 30-day non-compete.
Ross has faced several significant health challenges in recent years, including two bouts of skin cancer in 2021 and 2024, and other hospitalizations he’s mentioned on social media.
SEScoops wishes Jim Ross a full and speedy recovery.
Legendary ring announcer Lilian Garcia recently let her fans know that she is set to return at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24th.
Taking to Instagram, Garcia revealed that she will back on mic in front of fans:
“9 more days until I’m back on the mic inside a wrestling ring in front of the best fans in the world!”
Lilian Garcia previously returned to the company last year after Samantha Irvin departed the company. She worked on WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown until March before finishing up with the company full-time after the SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain.
During an interview withInsight with Chris Van Vliet, Lilian Garcia stated that her initial return to WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown led to her involvement in Saturday Night’s Main Event. She loves what she does and said:
“But what was so beautiful that has evolved from it is that even though I’m not going to do the full-time SmackDown announcer anymore, they said, ‘You know what? We love having you [be a] part of this. We want to extend. We want you to Saturday Night’s Main Event. We think you’re a perfect fit for that.’
“I love it, I get to wear gowns for that, we dress up a little bit…Then they’re like, look, we’ve got a lot of other shows that we know we’re in talks right now on what we can do. So I’m like, whatever you guys need. Again, whatever you need. Just put me in coach, I’m here.”
Saturday Night’s Main Event will emanate from the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. A couple of matches have been announced for the event. Jey Uso will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Logan Paul, while CM Punk and Sami Zayn will join forces to face Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker.
Lexis King has made an impact during his time with WWE NXT, and the former Brian Pillman Jr. isn’t holding back about his former employer: AEW. On X, King hyped up his main event appearance on WWE Evolve, calling it a major moment for the brand.
Tonight #WWEEvolve has the glorious privilege of hosting the King in its main event!
While I don’t foresee the competition to be steep I will say this…
Evolve is not a downgrade, it is not a demotion, it is fresh green land to be conquered by none other than myself!!!#LLLK ?
While many were excited to see King in action, one fan made clear that they’d be watching AEW Dynamite instead. While the fan mocked King for being on Evolve, calling it “developmental for the developmental” King had some choice words of his own.
So you’ll be watching the developmental for the developmental for the developmental?
While considered as WWE’s developmental territory, WWE NXT is home to plenty of AEW alum. Alongside King, fans can watch NXT North American Champion Ricky Saints, Ethan Page, and Shawn Spears, all of whom were once ‘All-Elite.’
King is already a former NXT Heritage Cup holder, and winning a title is beyond what he accomplished in AEW. As fans wait and see what’s next for King, the second-generation star is pleased to be out of the developmental for developmental for developmental.
CM Punk’s potential involvement in WWE Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia on June 28 is drawing attention given his previous criticisms of WWE’s partnership with the kingdom. Punk has since shared that he doesn’t hate Saudi Arabia, renewing the hopes of fans in the country wishing to see him live.
According to an update from Mike Johnson of PWInsider, while the card remains subject to change, he would “certainly believe” that Punk will appear at the upcoming Premium Live Event. Currently, no matches have been confirmed for Night of Champions, though title matches are expected at the upcoming event.
Punk’s current stance on Saudi Arabia is a notable shift from his infamous 2020 jab at The Miz, where he said, “Go suck a blood money covered d** in Saudi Arabia you f*****g dork.” WWE has faced criticism for years for its partnership with Saudi Arabia which has proven to be one of the promotion’s biggest money makers.
As for who Punk will face in his Saudi debut, time will tell, but all signs point to the Best in the World heading to Riyadh next month.
Say his name and he appears. Well, TNA World Champion Joe Hendry recently showed up at the Edinburgh’s Tynecastle stadium on Wednesday, May 14th.
Joe Hendry returned to his hometown and cheered on for Heart of Midlothian FC in their match against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership. He appeared during half-time and came out to his iconic entrance music.
Joe Hendry also joined in for an on-pitch interview and revealed that his family is a lifelong Hearts fans. The Scotsman then said that the Edinburgh-based club would win the big one, similar to his TNA title victory in January. Hendry had a great time watching the clash as Heart of Midlothian FC indeed won the game with 2-1 score.
Hendry surprised fans last month when he turned up to answer Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41. Though he faced ‘The Viper’ in a losing effort, he had his WrestleMania moment. The appearance in Edinburgh marks his first apperance in his hometown after WrestleMania 41.
In March, he also competed in the city for Discovery Wrestling’s Year 10 event. At the show, he defeated Man Like DeReiss. He is currently in a feud with NXT’s Trick Williams and has been making regular appearances on NXT alongside TNA Wrestling.
