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Backstage News On Jeff Cobb’s WWE Debut

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Jeff Cobb had to make a long journey to make his Backlash appearance happen.

The former NJPW and AEW star had announced ‘retirement’ after ending his run with the Japanese promotion in April, and had stayed away from the wrestling scene for the past few weeks. The heavyweight star finally returned this week at the WWE PPV.

He made a surprise appearance during the Fatal Four-way US Championship match among Jacob Fatu, Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, and LA Knight. Cobb, taking orders from Solo Sikoa, took out LA Knight during the bout. This allowed Fatu to retain the US title in the end.

PWinsider provided some updates on how this appearance came about. They revealed Jeff Cobb had been in Japan up until this week, and he had to take ‘somewhere in the area of 4-5 flights’ to make it to St. Louis for tonight’s show. He was then hidden by the management until the match.

The site unsurprisingly also confirmed that the former NJPW TV Champion is going to be part of the SmackDown roster going forward. This was expected as both Knight and Sikoa are part of the Blue Branded show as well.

While Jacob Fatu retained his title at the PPV, he seemed unsure about the involvement of Cobb and refused to comment on it in the post-show press conference. We’ll have to see how the things proceed and if the two heavyweights are able to work together under Solo Sikoa.

Watch: Character Change Teased For John Cena After Backlash Goes Off Air

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WWE has teased a character change for John Cena after Backlash.

The Cenation Leader picked up yet another victory, successfully defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at the latest PPV from St. Louis, Missouri.

The ending of this bout was a chaotic one involving a number of WWE personnel. Cena accidentally took out the referee with the WWE title belt, and then Randy caught him with an RKO. Orton couldn’t get the pin, however, as the ref was down.

General Manager Nick Aldis with several other staff came down to check on the referee only to eat RKOs out of Orton’s hands. The Viper then looked to deliver a punt kick to John but R Truth appeared in the ring to save his childhood hero. He got RKOed for his efforts as well.

What Happened After Backlash

All the chaos allowed John Cena to capitalize. He low-blowed his opponent and then used the title belt again to finally get the pin. The 17-time world champion then cut a promo saying that he wants competition. The PPV went off air with the champ still posing in the ring.

The Peacemaker star, however, didn’t leave immediately after the show ended. The crowd cheering him again seemingly got Cena to reconsider his life choices. A ‘Thank You Cena’ chant broke out as the WWE champion exited the ring, and John contemplated his actions for some time before finally making his way to the back.

The former face of WWE turned at Elimination Chamber, but it’s unlikely that he’ll end his career as a heel. This latest tease could be the start of the story that leads Cena back to his roots and turn face again to end his run on a high note.

Triple H: Logan Paul Is More Than a Celebrity Wrestler

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Logan Paul was already a prominent celebrity before signing with WWE in 2022, and his mainstream appeal has transitioned smoothly into his wrestling career. While many still view Paul as a celebrity-turned-wrestler, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H believes it’s time for that perception to change.

At the post-Backlash press conference, Triple H was asked about celebrity involvement in wrestling. When the journalist mentioned Logan Paul alongside Travis Scott, Bad Bunny, and Pat McAfee, Triple H clarified his perspective.

“I don’t put Logan in that group [of celebrity wrestlers.] I don’t see Logan as now, the outside celebrity that came in to do what we do. He’s really good at this… [He] had a name and was a celebrity walking in the door, but delivers on it in a way where he’s like a full-time performer. I don’t see him in that celebrity vein, I just see him as an incredible performer.”

Paul has competed in 20 WWE matches, with his most recent victory coming against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 41. He’ll look to continue his winning streak when he challenges World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Triple H Gives Update on Drew McIntyre After Injury Scare

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WWE Backlash 2025 opened with an epic four-way that saw Jacob Fatu retain the U.S. Championship against LA Knight, Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest. After the match, it was reported that McIntyre was potentially hurt during this title match.

On the WWE Backlash post-show press conference, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque spoke about the match.

“Luckily everyone is healthy. I think Priest got a tooth that he’s hoping will stay inside his head for a couple of days and get solid again. But other than that, Drew McIntyre, little banged up but totally fine.”

The United States title is the only piece of gold keeping McIntyre from the Grand Slam, a similar fate to his friend Sheamus and the Intercontinental gold. While time will tell if he ever holds the gold, fans can expect McIntyre back in the ring soon enough despite the injury scare.

John Cena Attacks R-Truth On WWE Backlash Post-Show

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John Cena retained the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash 2025, defeating Randy Orton in the show’s main event. Cena finished off his rival with his Attitude Adjustment, but the last real champion had one AA left in him after the show.

Cena would’ve lost the gold to Orton if not for R-Truth, who prevented the Viper from using his dreaded punt kick. On the post-Backlash press conference, Truth interrupted Cena, who had spoken about wanting to do better with his handling of the media. Cena did not take kindly to Truth’s interruption, or Truth bringing up the “you can’t wrestle” chant aimed at Cena by the fans. Cena would hit the AA on Truth to end the press conference without answering a single question.

Truth has remained loyal to Cena, even in the face of John’s shocking heel turn. Now, this attack may be what finally makes Truth realize that the John of 2025 is not the ‘childhood hero’ Truth has supported for years.

Boston’s TD Garden to Host John Cena’s Final Match in December

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John Cena will retire in December 2025, concluding his legendary WWE career with a final match at Boston’s TD Garden, according to WCVB. The venue serves as a symbolic setting for the 17-time world champion, who will retire in his hometown.

The retirement news arrives shortly after Cena retained the WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WWE Backlash. The match, which saw Cena deliver a decisive performance, further solidified his status as one of the company’s most enduring figures.

Details on Cena’s final opponent have yet to be revealed, but the event is expected to be a major milestone in WWE’s calendar, marking the end of an era.

Jacob Fatu Shares Surprise At Jeff Cobb’s WWE Debut

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At WWE Backlash, U.S. Champion Jacob Fatu retained his title, thanks to the assistance of Solo Sikoa and the debuting Jeff Cobb. After the match, Fatu was visibly confused by Cobb’s arrival, suggesting that Solo had not informed the U.S. Champion about his plan.

Speaking on the post-WWE Backlash press conference, Fatu was asked for his thoughts on Cobb’s debut and made clear that his surprise was genuine.

“You’ve seen the look on my face. There’s nothing that I can explain, there’s nothing that I can say even if I wanted to. At the end of the day, we’re still just trying to figure everything out.”

On the SmackDown before Backlash, Sikoa was concerned that the Bloodline was out of ‘soldiers’ though Fatu was uninterested in making a gameplan. Now, the Bloodline has another ‘soldier’ in its ranks, though the issues between Solo and Jacob may be far from over.

Logan Paul Vs. Jey Uso Set for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

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WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso will put the gold on the line against Logan Paul in a matter of weeks, it has been confirmed. During WWE Backlash 2025, it was confirmed that Paul will challenge for the title at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24.

For Paul, this will be his third opportunity to become a WWE World Champion. The Maverick came up short against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel 2022 and Cody Rhodes at Night of Champions 2024, both times challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Paul and Jey have been building their feud both on and off WWE cameras. After the May 5, edition of WWE Raw, Paul attacked Uso, making clear his desire to be the next World Heavyweight Champion. Now, Paul will get his chance to do just that at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

John Cena Defeats Randy Orton at WWE Backlash, Demands Competition

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John Cena’s dream to ruin wrestling and leave WWE as champion is alive and well after retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash. In the show’s main event, Cena retained against Randy Orton, renewing one of WWE’s biggest rivalries.

Neither man held back in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis and multiple referees were taken out of action along the way. The finish saw R-Truth get involved and prevent Orton from punting Cena. The 17-time WWE World Champion capitalized by hitting Orton with a low blow before getting the victory.

Cena won the match but he wasn’t finished yet. Grabbing the microphone after the match, Cena declared that he doesn’t need the fans but he needs competition. Cena ended the show by once again declaring that he is the last real champion WWE will ever see.

While WWE had promoted the match as “one last time,” Michael Cole claimed during the event that the match “could be the final time these guys ever go one-on-one.” It remains to be seen if Orton will get another shot at Cena who remains hungry for competition.

Kenny Omega Beats Xavier Woods At PAX, Rematch Teased

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AEW’s Kenny Omega once again proved his gaming credentials by beating WWE’s Xavier Woods at Capcom Fighting Collection 2. The pair of wrestlers battled for the UpUpDownDown Championship, a creation of Woods, at the PAX video gaming event.

Though Omega won, he said that he didn’t want the title, as all he wanted was to see the look on Woods’ face when he lost. The wrestling gamers then agreed to meet again with the same stakes on the line.

Woods and Omega are no strangers to doing battle in the video game world. In 2018, New Day (Woods, Kofi Kingston, & Big E) battled The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks) in Street Fighter V. It remains to be seen when Omega and Woods meet again and if the New Day star can get a win back against AEW’s resident Cleaner.

Drew McIntyre Potentially Hurt At WWE Backlash

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Drew McIntyre is reportedly being checked out by WWE medical personnel following a dangerous spot during his match at the WWE Backlash Premium Live Event on Saturday night, according to PWInsider.com. The incident occurred during the WWE United States Championship Fatal Four-Way match.

The contest, held at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, saw champion Jacob Fatu defend against McIntyre, LA Knight, and Damian Priest. During a high-impact moment, McIntyre and Priest reportedly went off a barricade through two sets of tables.

It was during this “South of Heaven” maneuver with Priest that McIntyre’s head appeared to miss the table, instead hitting the floor hard. PWInsider.com reports they were told McIntyre is currently “being evaluated” by the WWE medical team.

The chaotic match also featured interference from Solo Sikoa and the debuting Jeff Cobb, ultimately leading to Jacob Fatu retaining his United States Championship with a moonsault. 

WWE Night Of Champions 2025 Set for June 28 in Riyadh

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WWE will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June 2025 for the annual Night of Champions PLE, it has been confirmed. During the WWE Backlash 2025 event, a video vignette confirmed that the show will take place in Riyadh. The show will take place at the Kingdom Arena, a facility that can host 27,000 fans in its soccer configuration. Night of Champions will be WWE’s first event inside the venue.

Night of Champions will see championship gold on the line though not every title has been defended at the event in the past. WWE’s most recent Night of Champions was also in Saudi Arabia. The show marked 1,000 days of Roman Reigns’ run as Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. It also saw Seth Rollins kick off his reign as World Heavyweight Champion.

Stay tuned for the latest on WWE Night of Champions 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Michael Cole Makes Naming Botch On WWE Backlash Pre-Show

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Michael Cole is a veteran of WWE broadcasting, but even seasoned professionals can have an off night. During the WWE Backlash pre-show, Cole made a notable slip while speaking with Big E and Wade Barrett—accidentally referring to Barrett as “Stu,” using his real name on air.

Barrett joined Cole on commentary for Backlash, filling in for Pat McAfee, who was unavailable for the event. Rather than taking his usual spot at the announcer’s desk, McAfee is set to face GUNTHER during the Premium Live Event.

Barrett made his WWE main roster debut in 2010 during the inaugural season of the original NXT, adopting the ring name fans have recognized ever since. He quickly rose to prominence as the leader of The Nexus and later became a multi-time Intercontinental Champion—making Cole’s on-air mistake all the more awkward.

Jeff Cobb Debuts At WWE Backlash, Jacob Fatu Retains U.S. Title

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Jacob Fatu is still the WWE U.S. Champion, thanks to the timely debut of Jeff Cobb at WWE Backlash. In the show’s opening match, Fatu put his gold on the line against LA Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre.

The match was hard-hitting from the start with nobody holding back. The finish saw Knight appeared poised to regain the gold until Solo Sikoa saved his ally. Cobb would then debut by attacking Knight, giving Fatu the opportunity to retain the gold.

Fatu looked visibly surprised to see Cobb make his debut, suggesting that he had no idea about the former New Japan star’s arrival. Now, it appears that Cobb will be part of the new Bloodline, giving Solo Sikoa another soldier in his war for total WWE dominance.

Cobb is a former IWGP Tag Team Champion and NEVER Openweight Champion. Now, fans can expect to see plenty of him on WWE’s main roster after this stunning debut.

Becky Lynch and MJF Share Mutual Respect After Filming Happy Gilmore 2

WWE star Becky Lynch recently opened up about working alongside AEW’s MJF on the set of Happy Gilmore 2 in a new interview with Variety.

“I did [cross paths with MJF on set],” Lynch said. “You know, a very nice boy. Great chats. Of course, he knows he’d lose at [a promo battle], but we had great chats.”

She added, “Unfortunately, it was way before this happened, but I feel like he would completely agree with everything that I’m saying about Lyra.”

MJF responded to Lynch’s remarks on Twitter with his signature blend of sarcasm and bravado:

“Agree with Becks fully on Lyra, she seems like a horrible person and clearly a gross poor.

Enjoyed my time with ‘the man’ on set. A very nice girl and an upstanding citizen.

However….. not too sure about her thoughts on a potential promo battle ? #BetterthanYou”

The crossover between wrestling’s top stars continues to blur lines as both Lynch and MJF expand their reach into Hollywood.

Happy Gilmore 2 is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on July 25, 2025.

SPOILER: WWE Backlash Match Order Revealed

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The match order for tonight’s WWE Backlash Premium Live Event in St. Louis appears to have surfaced ahead of the show. According to a report from Cory Hays of Bodyslam.net and PWN, the lineup for the event has been revealed.

As per the reported leak, the Intercontinental Championship match featuring Dominik Mysterio defending against Penta is slated to open the night’s action. The Undisputed WWE Championship clash between John Cena and Randy Orton, billed as “One Last Time,” is set to be the main event, closing the show.

The report also noted Women’s Intercontinental Championship match, with Lyra Valkyria defending against Becky Lynch, will be in the semi-main event spot. 

Other key matches reportedly include the United States Championship Fatal Four-Way (Jacob Fatu vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre) placed second, followed by GUNTHER vs. Pat McAfee. As always with leaks, the official order may change. 

WWE Backlash 2025 Start Times Around the World

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WWE Backlash 2025 emanates live from St. Louis tonight and will stream globally on Peacock (U.S.) and Netflix (internationally).

Fans across the globe can catch the action at the following local times:

  • St. Louis – 6:00 PM
  • Toronto – 7:00 PM
  • Mexico City – 5:00 PM
  • São Paulo – 8:00 PM
  • London – 12:00 AM (midnight)
  • Riyadh – 2:00 AM
  • Mumbai – 4:30 AM
  • Sydney – 9:00 AM

Stay tuned to SEScoops for our coverage of tonight’s big event

John Cena’s Dad Predicts Destruction for Randy Orton at WWE Backlash

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John Cena Sr. has his son’s back as he prepares for his final showdown with Randy Orton at tonight WWE Backlash. Cena says he’d bet on the “Real Champ” over the “Legend Killer,” but knows his son is in for the fight of his life.

“Backlash, or will the real champ destroy the legend killer?? Orton/Cena goes way back. I can still feel that kick in the head from Orton,” he posted, referencing a pivotal moment in their long-running feud from 2007.

Despite Orton’s recent momentum heading into the match, Cena Sr. expressed full confidence in his son’s ability to walk out as champion. The match will be the final chapter of one of WWE’s most iconic rivalries.

Goldberg Teased for Tonight’s WWE Backlash

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WWE is speculating that Bill Goldberg could show up at tonight’s Backlash 2025 premium live event from St. Louis.

Goldberg is set to wrestle one more time for WWE before officially retiring and calling it a career. His final opponent is expected to be Gunther, after the two had an intense altercation back in October at Hell in a Cell.

The official Backlash predictions article at the WWE website gives some interesting takes for each match on tonight’s card. For the McAfee vs. Gunther special attraction, writer (and Pat McAfee Show correspondent) Mark Kaboly predicted a victory for Pat McAfee, with a possible appearance by the WWE Hall of Famer.

“This could get ugly, right? There is no way that McAfee can avoid getting the beating of his life by a monster like Gunther, and I would imagine that will happen… eventually. The only thing that makes sense with this impromptu match at a PLE is somebody coming to the rescue of McAfee getting put to sleep. But who? Jey Uso? Michael Cole? Goldberg? Corey Graves?”

Goldberg vs. Gunther is very likely where we’re headed, so this is a reasonable prediction. We’ll find out in just a matter of hours.

WWE 2K25 DLC Trailer Gives First Look At Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, MCMG

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A new trailer for upcoming DLC for WWE 2K25 has revealed some exciting additions to the game, which already boasts the largest roster in wrestling game history. The trailer includes NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, and the Motor City Machine Guns. The newest wave of WWE 2K25 DLC will drop on May 14, with the four Superstars and a fifth mystery talent yet to be revealed.

This trailer caught the attention of Chris Sabin. On X, Sabin was delighted to be part of a WWE video game, calling it milestone to cross off his bucket list.

WWE 2K25 hit shelves earlier this year and has been praised for its massive roster of over 300 playable characters, giving fans plenty of options to create unique, never-before-seen matches. The game also includes a Bloodline Showcase mode, detailing some of the biggest matches from the Anoa’i family and those associated with the WWE faction.

As for Giulia, Vaquer, and the Guns, this marks their first, but likely not last time in a WWE video game. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from the world of WWE 2K25.

‘It’s Mind Numbing’: Shotzi Blackheart Discusses Getting Benched By WWE Before Release

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Shotzi Blackheart is finally ready to show the world what she is capable of.

The last couple of years in WWE had not been the best for the former NXT star. She had been put on the shelf multiple times due to various injuries, and Shotzi spent a fair amount of time off TV even after getting cleared for her return. Overall, Blackheart has had less than 10 televised matches for the company since 2024, including her two WWE Speed matches.

This is why Shotzi is not feeling bad about the officials’ decision not to renew her contract. The wrestling star who is set to exit the company in July was asked how she is feeling in an interview with Busted Open. The former NXT tag champion claimed that she is feeling like a weight has been lifted off her shoulder:

“Honestly, I didn’t expect this, but I just feel so free. I just feel like this weight is lifted off me. I just feel like clarity, and I just feel extremely motivated and excited for the future. I’m just ready to get to work because I have just been sitting at home it feels like for the last two years. I’m just excited to get back at it.”

When asked how she felt about the company benching her, even after being cleared to compete, Shotzi Blackheart admitted that it was extremely frustrating. She noted how being an active part of the company is the best feeling in the world; however, it quickly becomes mind-numbing when they stop utilizing you:

“It is extremely frustrating. When they’re utilizing you, it’s the best job in the world. It’s so much fun, and it really is the best. But like when you’re in the dark and you’re pitching things, and it just feels like no one wants to talk to you.

It just feels like no one believes in you, you’re just sitting at home or you’re sitting in catering for months. It’s mind-numbing and it’s confusing and it’s boring as hell.

So I’m just excited to finally get to go out there and just kick ass on my terms. I get to make my schedule. I’m not going to put myself in catering. I’m going to get out there and I’m going to wrestle my butt off.”

Identity of Fake Randy Orton from WWE SmackDown Revealed

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John Cena was ambushed by a fake Randy Orton during the May 9, edition of WWE SmackDown, but floored this doppelganger with an AAA. As Cena posed with his Undisputed WWE Championship though, the self-proclaimed last real champion in WWE was floored by the real Viper.

The fake Orton wasn’t unmasked during the show, but was actually played by WWE NXT’s Shawn Spears. It was the tattoos and body type that gave him away as the former North American Champion’s ink gave the game away.

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Spears is currently the leader of The Culling, a faction in NXT that includes Brooks Jensen, Niko Vance, and Izzi Dame. The group has been gaining momentum, and Spears’ appearance on SmackDown could signal a major storyline shift for him moving forward.

Former WWE Star Indi Hartwell Wins Gold In House Of Glory

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Indi Hartwell has added another championship to her collection, winning the vacated House of Glory (HOG) Women’s Title by defeating the acclaimed Miyu Yamashita at the HOG Waging War event. AEW’s Megan Bayne previously relinquished the title.

Hartwell secured the victory over Yamashita with her signature Full Nelson Facebuster. This championship win comes shortly after Hartwell officially signed with TNA Wrestling.

This success follows Hartwell’s departure from WWE. She was part of the talent releases in early 2025 (assuming a hypothetical early 2025 release for this context, as details can vary). During her WWE tenure, primarily in NXT, Hartwell achieved notable success as a member of The Way faction alongside Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Austin Theory.

She is a former NXT Women’s Champion and also held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship with Candice LeRae, showcasing her capabilities both as a singles and tag team competitor before a stint on the main roster. Her HOG title win and TNA signing indicate Indi Hartwell is poised for a prominent role in the wrestling landscape post-WWE.

NJPW Resurgence 2025 Results: Title Changes and Double Main Event Drama

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NJPW Resurgence 2025 took place on May 9 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, showcasing high-profile matches, major title shifts, and notable returns.

In the night’s headline matches, AZM emerged as the new NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion, pinning Mina Shirakawa in a triple threat bout that also included Mercedes Moné. Moné nearly broke the fall but was a moment too late, allowing AZM to score a career-defining win.

The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match between Hirooki Goto and Zack Sabre Jr. ended in a no-contest after a double pinfall. As a result, Goto retained the title, leaving the championship picture unresolved.

United Empire’s Templario and TJP dethroned The World Class Wrecking Crew to capture the NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Titles, marking a key victory for the faction.

Tomohiro Ishii retained the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship against Drilla Moloney, while Konosuke Takeshita successfully defended the NEVER Openweight Championship against El Phantasmo.

The Young Bucks teamed up with The Good Brothers to defeat BULLET CLUB War Dogs in an eight-man tag team clash. The match reinforced the dominance of the veteran duo in NJPW’s U.S.-based events.

Earlier in the night, Bea Priestley returned in a surprise pre-show appearance, defeating Viva Van. CJ Tino also picked up a win over Allan Breeze.

NJPW Resurgence 2025 continued the company’s push into the U.S. market, featuring title stakes and storyline developments that set the stage for upcoming events.

Damian Priest to be Honored with Bronx Walk of Fame, Street Naming

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Damian Priest has spent years building his legacy in WWE, and now that legacy will be permanently honored in his hometown. According to a report from the Bronx Times, Priest is set to be inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame in May 2025. In addition to this honor, a street in the Bronx will also be named after the former World Heavyweight Champion.

This recognition was announced by Joe Tessitore during the May 9 edition of WWE SmackDown. On the show, Priest teamed with LA Knight to defeat Solo Sikoa and U.S. Champion Jacob Fatu in a tag team match. Priest, Knight, and Drew McIntyre are scheduled to challenge Fatu for the United States Championship at WWE Backlash on May 10.

Priest’s success both inside and outside the ring continues to be celebrated. While the Bronx Walk of Fame induction is already confirmed, it remains to be seen whether Priest will attend the ceremony as the newly crowned United States Champion.