During backstage segments at the March 17, episode of WWE Raw, fans will have spotted that Brussels’ Forest National arena was covered in graffiti. Rather than being an act of vandalism, this was art for the venue and now WWE Superstars have literally left their mark.
In a video shared on X, Bayley, Penta, Jey Uso, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez all added to the venue’s art. The Superstars shared their names, catchphrases and in Rodriguez’s case, reminded passers-by that she is a three-time Women’s Tag Team Champion.
The March 17, episode of Raw marked WWE’s first televised event in Belgium, bringing the excitement of WWE’s longest-running show to the nation. The show also marked John Cena’s first appearance since his stunning heel turn in Toronto. In the Forest National, Cena lashed out at the fans, arguing that he was no longer giving to fans who had never been satisfied with his efforts.
While it remains to be seen when WWE will return to Brussels, though a PLE can’t be counted out, the promotion now has a permanent spot inside the Forest National. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WWE’s ongoing tour of Europe as the company continues to barrel forward on the Road to WrestleMania 41.
Saraya’s time with All Elite Wrestling has come to an end. During the debut episode of her new podcast Rulebreakers With Saraya, the former Women’s World Champion shared the news.
“I’m here to tell you that me and AEW’s relationship has come to an end. I had an amazing time there. There’s no bad blood between us. I had such a magical time.”
Saraya’s final appearance for AEW came in October 2024 where she was on the losing end of a four-way Women’s Title contest. After taking “a couple of months” off over the holidays for personal reasons, Saraya had time to reflect on her role as an All-Elite talent.
“I got to thinking — what is there left for me to do in wrestling right now? Right now, there’s really no storylines where I would fit in.”
Saraya clarified that her exit has “nothing to do” with AEW President Tony Khan and instead is “just me thinking that I just don’t fit in right now.” Saraya was worried that she was taking the spot of “someone who could be doing something really special.”
Speaking about AEW, Saraya made clear that “I absolutely love” the promotion Khan launched in 2019. With that in mind, the British star won’t count out a potential return in the future.
“That’s not to say I will never come back to AEW… But I’m taking a little step back and focusing on myself for a bit.”
Saraya “loved my f***ing time” with AEW and will miss her former colleagues in the company’s women’s division. While it remains to be seen what’s to come for the Brit, Saraya Bevis is far from finished when it comes to entertaining fans.
Adam Copeland isn’t just walking the line between two careers—he’s body-slamming it.
The WWE Hall of Famer turned AEW star and Emmy-nominated actor opened up about the whiplash-inducing pace of his life: red carpet one day, spiked mat the next. During an interview with Scott Fishman for TV Insider, he said:
“It’s like going from the Emmys to suplexing Moxley on a spike. That was five days apart!” he said.
Cope reflected on a whirlwind week that saw him nominated for Outstanding Supporting Performer for his role as Ares in Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians—then competing in a brutal AEW match days later.
“I never assumed I would be nominated for an Emmy. It wasn’t on my bingo card at all,” Copeland admitted.
But his role in the fantasy epic—and his ability to perform even while recovering from a broken leg—showcase his range and resilience.
“Disney was on board with me continuing wrestling while I filmed. My first day walking without my boot was on set.”
Despite his growing success in Hollywood, Copeland says wrestling remains his priority.
“The acting kind of fell in my lap. I still want to do it, but it will have to wrap around my wrestling commitments.”
With one foot in the ring and the other on set, Copeland is redefining what it means to be a multi-hyphenate in entertainment—and proving there’s no limit to what a wrestler can do.
Could AEW soon see another Hall of Famer join the fold? Adam Copeland, known to WWE fans as Edge, has opened the door for a possible appearance by his wife, Beth Phoenix.
In a wide-ranging interview with Scott Fishman for TV Insider, Copeland hinted that Phoenix hasn’t ruled out entering AEW—though it would depend on timing and family logistics.
“You never know. I don’t think she has completely closed the door on it if the situation fits,” Copeland said. “Beth is also pretty busy… so it becomes more a family issue and how do we pull it off if we’re both outgoing.”
AEW fans recently speculated that Phoenix might step into the ring as part of a storyline involving Copeland and Marina Shafir. Instead, Willow Nightingale was brought in—a decision Copeland supported fully.
“I thought she would be really cool to implement into the story. Why not use someone who was already on the roster?”
Still, the potential for a Phoenix cameo remains. Her presence would mark a major moment, bringing added star power and fanfare to AEW’s women’s division and extending one of wrestling’s most beloved partnerships into a new promotion.
For now, Copeland continues to thrive in AEW while juggling his acting career. But if the stars align, fans may see “The Glamazon” step into an AEW ring—and that’s a prospect worth watching.
Adam Copeland has wrestled on the biggest stages in the world—but he says there’s something uniquely special about AEW’s offbeat, unpredictable vibe.
“We’re kind of a bit punk rock. It’s not always going to be pretty. It’s an alternative. It’s something different,” Copeland said in a recent interview with Scott Fishman for TV Insider.
Coming off a blood-soaked, polarizing match with Jon Moxley, Copeland pushed back on criticism of AEW’s more violent segments. He sees wrestling as a variety show, one that should encompass everything from comedy to technical showcases to hardcore brawls.
“Think about me and Foley,” he said. “I’m sure there were a lot of people disturbed by that too. There are also a lot of people who enjoy horror movies.
There are people who enjoy romcoms. Wrestling can bring that all to the table.”
He sees AEW as a creative haven for risk-takers, pointing to talents like Darby Allin and matches involving glass and thumbtacks as part of its DNA.
“Let’s also face it. If you have two wrestlers coming out to wrestle a technical match every match, that can get pretty boring.”
Copeland’s endorsement reinforces AEW’s positioning as pro wrestling’s creative counterculture—messy, bold, and proudly different.
CM Punk shocked the world at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 when he made his return in the closing moments of the show. Speaking on Stephanie’s Places, Punk discussed his return and the conversations he shared with WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.
“Thanksgiving, on a Zoom… having a conversation we should have had ten years ago… Everything came together so fast.”
Given the season, Punk encouraged Levesque to spend time with his family, including his three daughters. Ever the working man, Levesque was eager to get the deal done as soon as possible, telling Punk “we gotta do this.”
Punk’s return to WWE came mere months after his exit from AEW, marking the closing of an infamous, controversial chapter of his life. Despite his star power and years of WWE fans chanting his name, CM Punk feared fans wouldn’t care about his return.
“I was still unsure of a lot of stuff. There is definitely that part of a performer’s brain, ‘Are they going to remember me? Are they going to care?'”
Levesque and Punk are more similar than either man wants to admit, according to Punk, with both being dedicated to their craft. Sure enough, the two men came together to make one of wrestling’s biggest returns, proving to never say never in WWE.
The first official WWE | UFC Store has opened its doors at The O2 Arena in London, marking a unique collaboration between the two sports entertainment brands. Located opposite entrance E, the store will operate until March 31, 2025.
Fans can explore a broad selection of exclusive merchandise, including Superstar apparel, collectibles, and limited-edition items from both WWE and UFC, all under one roof. The store is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with free entry for all visitors.
Listen to @DMcIntyreWWE and don’t miss out on the first-ever official @WWE | @UFC Store at @TheO2, London! ??
In addition to shopping, the store offers fans a chance to meet WWE Superstars during select appearances. Wristbands are required for photo opportunities and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scheduled Superstar appearances include Carmelo Hayes and Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) on Thursday, March 27. On Sunday, March 30, fans can meet American Made (Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, and Ivy Nile) along with A-Town Down (Austin Theory and Grayson Waller).
The WWE | UFC Store adds to the fan experience at The O2 ahead of upcoming live events, giving attendees a chance to engage with the brands in a new way.
Seth Rollins has revealed his thoughts on The Rock as his boss.
The Great One has faced some troubles in recent times with a number of big projects going sideways. His attempts to take over DC Studios and trying to replace Cody Rhodes in his WrestleMania match have met with resistance from the fans, doing a lot of damage to his image.
The Architect who was a big part of Rock’s story with Rhodes leading to WrestleMania 40, recently appeared on the Rich Eisen show. He talked about things such as his new role co-hosting Good Morning Football, his expectations for the Chicago Bears, and more.
During the interview, Seth Rollins noted that his daughter is a big fan of Moana. When the hosts joked about the Rock’s involvement in the film series and their on screen rivalry, the former Shield member recalled The People’s Champion inviting his family to the premiere of Moana 2:
“He was kind enough to invite us to Hawaii to watch the premiere of ‘Moana 2’, so we got to see it on the lawn, with the sunset in the background. She’s too young to remember it, but it was a really incredible experience for our family.
He’s been a great boss, I will say. In the ring, we’ve had our ups and downs, but he’s…people say a lot of things about him, he’s a really kind and generous man,”
Apart from this, Seth Rollins also talked about his match with CM Punk and Roman Reigns set for WrestleMania 41. He noted how a Triple Threat match has almost no rules and claimed that fans will get three ‘very combustible elements’ in their bout.
The Rock has not been seen on WWE TV since his Elimination Chamber appearance. There is no word on his next appearance but it’d be a surprise if The Hollywood star is not involved with WrestleMania 41 in some way.
Ric Flair has officially confirmed his attendance at WrestleMania 41, putting an end to speculation surrounding his potential appearance at WWE’s biggest annual event.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer was asked if he would be part of WrestleMania 41. Flair responded with enthusiasm, saying,
“Hell yeah, I’m going there! I’m going to the pool party with you, what do you mean?”
His confirmation comes amid rising fan interest due to John Cena’s announcement on the March 24 episode of WWE RAW. Cena declared his intention to surpass Flair’s record by capturing his 17th World Championship at WrestleMania 41. He added that after doing so, fans would remember his name over Flair’s.
Flair’s confirmed presence has raised questions about whether he will make a simple guest appearance or become involved in Cena’s title match, potentially against Cody Rhodes. Given Flair’s legacy and history of unexpected moments, his role at the event remains highly anticipated.
WWE Superstar Dominik Mysterio has teamed up with Wingstop to promote their latest offering: crispier chicken tenders. Sharing the collaboration on Instagram, Mysterio expressed his enthusiasm with the caption, “NOTHING hits like the new crispier chicken tenders from @wingstop #ad.”
This partnership isn’t Mysterio’s first with Wingstop; in August 2021, he collaborated with the brand to highlight their chicken thighs.
Mysterio’s fondness for chicken tenders is a recurring theme in his public persona. He has sported a t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Chicken Tender Slut.” During a WWE segment, he emphasized his preference for ranch dressing, scoffing at the idea of “dry dogging” his tendies.
Becky Lynch has remained off WWE television since the May 27, 2024, episode of Monday Night RAW, where she lost a Steel Cage match to Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Title. While she has yet to return to the company’s programming, Lynch has made a few public appearances. She’s also been working on various projects in the entertainment world, including Magic the Gathering and Star Trek: Star Fleet Academy.
Lynch and husband Seth Rollins attended the Tuesday early screening of Luckiest Man in America, starring actor/wrestler/MLW wrestling executive Paul Walter Hauser.
Despite her absence from WWE TV, Lynch has already signed a new contract with the company, signaling that her return is likely imminent. With WrestleMania 41 drawing near, anticipation continues to build for her next storyline.
Earlier this month, Lynch also made an appearance at an International Wrestling Revolution Group event at Arena Naucalpan in Mexico, further fueling interest in her comeback.
As the Road to WrestleMania runs out, Becky Lynch’s eventual return remains a major focus for WWE’s women’s division. Whether she enters a title picture or revisits a past rivalry, fans are eager to see what’s next for “The Man.”
Here’s the preview for tonight’s AEW Dynamite, broadcasting live from the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, Minnesota at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on TBS and Max.
Kenny Omega vs. Blake Christian: AEW International Champion Kenny Omega faces Blake Christian in a singles match, aiming to build momentum ahead of AEW Dynasty.
Toni Storm & Thunder Rosa vs. Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford: The AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm teams up with Thunder Rosa to take on Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford, setting the stage for Bayne’s title challenge at AEW Dynasty.
Swerve Strickland Calls Out Jon Moxley: Ahead of their AEW World Title match at AEW Dynasty, Swerve Strickland is set to confront Jon Moxley, but it remains to be seen if Moxley will respond.
Mark Briscoe vs. Konosuke Takeshita: A competitive singles match between Mark Briscoe and Konosuke Takeshita.
MJF Responds to MVP: MJF will finally answer MVP’s offer, which could have significant implications for his future alliances.
Brody King vs. Kyle Fletcher: Brody King of the House of Black faces Kyle Fletcher of the Don Callis Family.
Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Mark Davis: Mark Davis takes on Powerhouse Hobbs in another singles bout.
Rated FTR Interview: Tony Schiavone sits down with Rated FTR (Adam Copeland, Dax Harwood, and Cash Wheeler) for a revealing interview about their recent dynamics and future plans.
Stay tuned for live coverage and updates from St. Paul, Minnesota, as AEW Dynamite continues to build towards the upcoming AEW Dynasty event on April 21.
TONIGHT, Wednesday 3/26 St. Paul, MN On TBS + Max, 8pm ET/7pm CT Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite
Mina Shirakawa has officially announced her departure from STARDOM, effective March 31, 2025, to join All Elite Wrestling (AEW). In a press conference held on March 26, Shirakawa stated her intention to challenge herself on the global stage, a goal she has pursued since her wrestling debut.
She emphasized her desire to showcase the skills and wrestling techniques she developed in Japan to an international audience.
“Mina Shirakawa will be joining AEW. This will be a challenge to the world, which has been my goal since my debut. I think that the fact that I am holding this press conference shows that AEW has high expectations of me, so I would like to show all of the skills and wrestling I have cultivated in Japan at STARDOM overseas with all my might and continue to pursue my dreams.”
Shirakawa began her tenure with STARDOM in 2020, achieving notable success by securing titles such as the Wonder of Stardom and Goddesses of Stardom Championships.
Her appearances in AEW have included involvement in the Toni Storm-Mariah May storyline and a challenge for the AEW Women’s World Championship.
With this move, Shirakawa aims to further her wrestling career by competing against a diverse range of talent on a global platform.
Logan Paul suggests that CM Punk’s failed UFC run might have dampened his chances of competing in the promotion.
The former WWE US Champion recently invited interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall on his podcast. They talked about things such as Aspinall potentially joining WWE after retirement and more.
When the possibility of Logan joining the MMA world came up, the wrestling star revealed that he actually pitched the idea to Dana White, only to be ghosted by the UFC president:
“I did. I told Dana [White] for UFC 300. I texted him, I said, ‘Hey man, consider me available to fight on the undercard in The Sphere.’
Yeah, [he] basically completely ignored me [laughs], which I think spoke volumes. Haven’t bothered him about it since. But I think for the right fight, the right amount of money, man, I’m an entertainer at the end of the day,”
Tom Aspinall then brought up the failed UFC career of CM Punk, which ended with a record of 0-2. Logan Paul suggested that he could be a better fighter than the Straight Edge Star and that Punk getting dominated in his UFC outings hurt his own chances of getting in the business:
“He fucked it up. After that Dana was like ‘I’m never doing this again.’ But dude, I’m not CM Punk. He’s a great wrestler not a great UFC fighter. I think I would be a much better UFC fighter than I would just a boxer.”
Logan Paul has recently been involved in a feud with AJ Styles after the YouTube star eliminated Styles from the men’s Royal Rumble match.
On the March 24, edition of WWE Raw, John Cena laid out his plans to become the final WWE Champion, vowing to win the gold and retire with it this year. Such an act would also make Cena a 17-time World Champion, breaking the record he currently shares with Ric Flair.
“At WrestleMania, I make history by winning a 17th Championship. And I finally force you to forget the name of the fun machine, jet-flying WOOO Ric Flair. You will forever say the name John Cena.”
Now, Flair has responded. Speaking to TMZ, the Nature Boy took what John said in stride but doubts John or anyone else can scrub him from the history books.
“They’ve been trying to get rid of the ‘woo’ for 50 years. The ‘woo’ ain’t going away, and neither is Ric Flair.”
Flair said that he’s still grateful to be alive to hear the Cena talk, especially after a series of health scares that have plagued the two-time WWE Hall of Famer. Despite Cena’s strong words on Raw against him, Ric admitted that John’s shocking heel turn and his role in WWE since then “was the coolest thing they could have done.”
Cena’s road to potential historic glory will take him to WrestleMania 41 where he will battle Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Whether Cena makes history or not in Las Vegas, fans can expect an epic battle this April, one that Ric Flair and the wrestling world will be watching very closely.
The March 24, edition of WWE Raw aired from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland and proved to be another exciting stop on the Road to WrestleMania 41. Unfortunately, one fan took things way too far, resulting in a tense situation after the broadcast.
In a dark match, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Rey Mysterio beat The Judgment Day, represented by Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, and Carlito. As the faces made their way to the back, Punk stopped to take a selfie. One female member of the crowd began grabbing at Punk’s shoulders who looked uncomfortable and recoiled. When Punk tried to take the picture again, the fan grabbed him again. Punk allegedly warned the fan that if she tried to cross the line again “I’m going to punch you in the face.”
Cody Rhodes faced a similar situation with the aforementioned fan who tried to grab his arms and the back of his neck. The Undisputed WWE Champion was visibly uncomfortable as he tried to continue to make the night special for other, more respectful fans.
CM Punk SNAPS at woman for touching him INAPPROPRIATELY!
Video circulating online shows CM Punk and Cody Rhodes engaging with fans at a WWE live event in Nottingham, England. While Punk was attempting to take a selfie with several fans, one female fan, said to be a model, went… pic.twitter.com/RgfRQPZN8E
These incidents show the ugly side to fame and how wrestlers deserve personal space and respect just like any other individual. With several reports of fans crossing the line, either at events or online, surfacing over the years, one can only hope that a time comes when these matters are a thing of the past.
Saraya has spent years taking the wrestling world by storm and now is ready to leave her mark in the world of acting. Speaking to The A2TheK Wrestling Show, the former Divas Champion shared that she’s already making waves to make her acting dreams come true.
“I am trying to dabble more in acting and I’m really excited about it. I’ve already have a role coming up that I can’t talk about just yet.”
Saraya kept mum about the specifics of her upcoming role but said that it is a “big deal.” The project features a cast of “amazing people” that Saraya is grateful to be a part of. Saraya is also excited for her new podcast ‘Rulebreakers’ which will launch on March 27.
Saraya & Acting
While acting is a goal she plans to work towards, Saraya has some acting creds to her name. In 2015, she made her acting debut in Santa’s Little Helper, a TV movie for USA that also starred The Miz and also featured Maryse. Saraya also voiced Paige in Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon (2016) and Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania (2017.)
Saraya’s real-life story was brought to the big screen in 2019 with the release of Fighting with My Family. While Florence Pugh did a fantastic job bringing Saraya to life in the biopic, it’s now Saraya’s turn to flex her acting muscles.
On the March 24, edition of WWE Raw, El Grande Americano made his in-ring ‘debut’ with a victory over Dragon Lee. While this new character has already proven to be a hit with some and already has merchandise, the introduction of the character has also spawned a backlash among many for a number of reasons.
Mocking Lucha Libre Traditions
Some have argued that the character is a mockery of the historic traditions of Lucha Libre. Speaking on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge, veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter claimed that the character had already earned the ire of fans in Mexico.
“The Lucha community in Mexico is PO’d [p*ssed off.] I spoke to two people. If you really think that making what they called a mockery of true Luchadors… that’s like a religion in Mexico. It’s not a funny thing, it’s like a religion. It’s like mocking their religion... traditional old school luchadors and the fans that follow that tradition like a religion in Mexico were very upset.”
Americano won his match against Lee by unmasking the WWE Speed Champion, another massive sign of disrespect in Lucha Libre. While this spot was a planned part of Raw, some believe having it happen was a step too far from this parody of a Mexican wrestler.
Use of AI-generated Content
Ahead of his match, a video package was aired with ‘photographs’ of El Grande Americano’s historic career in Mexico. Fans quickly noticed that these images were generated with AI as several fans have more than five fingers. Fans have argued that WWE shouldn’t rely on AI on TV and that having a real person create this package would have been better.
The Gulf of America
In early 2025, President Donald Trump decided he would rename the Gulf of Mexico into the Gulf of America without any consultation with those also involved with the Gulf. This act sparked a backlash with many believing the change was unnecessary and only done to further division between the U.S. and its neighbors.
The video package made reference to the Gulf of America and the luchador is billed from the area. This has spawned a backlash among fans with many believing that WWE are unnecessarily wading into divisive politics. Some have defended the decision, saying that WWE wants a heel to be booed and this is a tool in illiciting that reaction.
The March 25, 2025, edition of WWE NXT proved to be a historic night for Stephanie Vaquer, who remains a double champion. In the show’s opening match, Vaquer retained her NXT Women’s Championship against Jaida Parker. Despite a post-match assault by Fatal Influence, Vaquer retained the NXT Women’s North American Championship in the show’s main event against Fallon Henley.
Vaquer has now become the first Superstar in history to have succesfully retained two titles on the same night in WWE NXT. The fact that nobody had ever defended two titles successfully was brought up at the start of the episode, adding another layer of intrigue to the show.
With these title defenses already under her belt, Vaquer won’t have much time to rest. NXT went off the air with several women demanding a shot at the double-champion. Ava vowed to find a solution, teasing a batte royal or some other kind of qualifying contest. On X, Ava promised to address the situation on the April 1, edition of WWE NXT.
Vaquer is proving to be a fighting champion and her rapid rise to the top of WWE NXT has caught the eye of fans and wrestlers alike. It remains to be seen how long Vauqer can keep both titles after her history-making performance during this latest episode of WWE NXT.
Swerve Strickland has teased wrapping up his wrestling career before he’s 40.
The former AEW World Champion has carved a unique path of success for himself in the last few years, achieving new heights in both the wrestling and the music world.
Strickland however has now suggested that he might be planning to step away from one of his roles earlier than someone in his position would be expected to.
The 34-year-old made a tweet late on Tuesday saying that fans only have 5 years to appreciate his work in the wrestling world after which he might not be seen.
When a fan claimed that he might continue his involvement in a nonphysical capacity, Swerve Strickland suggested that he would have made enough money by that time to step away from the lime light for good if he chooses:
Earlier this month, the AEW star confirmed that his new deal with Tony Khan’s promotion will keep him with the company through 2029. He had claimed that there is no where else he’d rather be:
“Yup (I’m signed to AEW until 2029). There’s nowhere else I would rather be. A lot of people say, ‘Oh, that’s just a PR. He’s supposed to say that sh*t.’ Nah, I mean that sh*t from the bottom of my heart. There’s no other place I’d rather be.”
Now these new comments from the former NXT star give a new meaning to his remarks about not going anywhere else, suggesting that he might just retire from active competition altogether when his contract expires.
Sexyy Red is open to a WrestleMania 41 appearance to support Jey Uso.
The 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble winner is set to compete in the biggest match of his career when he challenges Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Show of Shows.
The Yeet man is gathering all the support he can for this fight. During an interview, he noted that he would love for either Red or Cardi B to be at his side for his WrestleMania 41 entrance.
The singing star responded to this request from the former Intercontinental Champion, suggesting that she is just one call away from making it a reality:
Sexyy Red made multiple NXT appearances last year, helping unveil the Women’s North American Championship belt. She also shared the screen with the likes of Trick Williams and Shawn Michaels during her visit.
The Rap Star was reportedly even offered a full-time deal by the company but she turned it down on account of her already packed schedule. Though, she seems ready to make an exception for WrestleMania 41 and it’d be interesting to see if the company brings her in.
While Red may have declined the offer for a WWE run there are other celebrities who are interested in the possibility. You can check out what Interim UFC Champion Tom Aspinall said about a potential WWE career here.
Drew McIntyre has opened up about the brutal Hell in a Cell showdown with CM Punk at WWE’s Bad Blood event last October, highlighting a moment that changed the tone of the match early on.
“I got hit by a toolbox, and right away, I saw the blood spurt across the ring within the first seven, eight minutes,” McIntyre revealed in a recent interview with ACast.
“We’ve been building this story for a year, this was the culmination of this giant, and I was like, oh no, I’m bleeding out, and the lights are getting very bright right now.”
Despite the sudden intensity, McIntyre saw it as a fitting development in a long-standing rivalry.
“That’s one of those moments you just gotta suck it up, and considering the story we told, the blood feud we were having, it was actually perfect,” he said.
He also praised the support from WWE medical staff and in-ring communication.
“We have our doctors on site to ensure that I’m okay, our referee’s communicating with the people in the back, they’re relating messages from me to say, ‘I’m okay.’”
The match served as a climactic point in a year-long feud, with both Superstars pushing their limits inside the steel structure.
Swerve Strickland is one of the top stars in professional wrestling, but before he became a World Champion in All Elite Wrestling, Strickland lived through a whirlwind of experiences—from military service and young fatherhood to rising through WWE’s developmental system. In a revealing new interview with VladTV, Strickland opened up about his path through hardship, hustle, and reinvention.
Early Life: Military Childhood and Global Roots
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Swerve Strickland (real name: Stephon Strickland) spent much of his early life overseas. With both parents serving in the military, he was raised on U.S. Army bases in Frankfurt, Hanau, and Budigen, Germany, until the age of 8.
After returning to the United States, his family moved frequently—living in York, Pennsylvania and Richmond, Virginia. Though his parents eventually divorced, Strickland described his upbringing as supportive, structured through sports rather than strict rules.
“My dad wasn’t harsh, but when it came to competition? That’s where he turned it up,” Strickland said.
Military Service at 17: Lessons in Discipline and Survival
Just two weeks after graduating high school, Strickland enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where the reality of military life hit him fast.
“I was 17, learning how to shave, how to write a will. That stuff grows you up quick.”
He served during the Bush administration, a time when military enrollment was booming. The Army exposed him to diverse people, cultures, and responsibilities far beyond his age.
Teenage Fatherhood: Navigating Fear and Responsibility
While still in the military, Strickland became a father at just 18 years old—a life-changing moment he admits he didn’t handle well at first.
“I tried to act like it wasn’t real. I was scared.”
With help from his mother, he eventually took responsibility and began supporting his daughter. To make ends meet, he juggled military drill weekends and odd jobs—including working as a cemetery groundskeeper—all while starting his pro wrestling training in Richmond.
The WWE Chapter: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott and Hit Row
Strickland’s hard work on the independent wrestling scene eventually led to a contract with WWE in 2019, where he wrestled under the name Isaiah “Swerve” Scott.
He trained at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando and became a standout in NXT, known for his technical skill, charisma, and creativity. Eventually, he led the hip-hop-influenced faction Hit Row, a group that made waves in NXT before being called up to SmackDown.
Unfortunately, the group was released just weeks into their main roster run during a wave of WWE budget cuts.
“It was a pressure cooker. You either grow or get cooked,” Strickland has said about WWE’s developmental system.
Though short-lived, his WWE tenure helped sharpen his craft and broaden his audience—setting the stage for his AEW evolution.
AEW Ascension: A Star Reborn
In AEW, Swerve Strickland has finally found a platform where his full potential can shine. From high-stakes matches to creative freedom, he’s flourished as both a solo act and with his faction, Mogul Embassy.
He’s currently one of AEW’s top stars, known for his intensity, innovation, and swagger—carving out a lane that’s uniquely his own.
“This is a full-circle moment,” he told VladTV. “I used to watch [VladTV] on the road when I was grinding for $25 a match. Now I’m here telling my story.”
Final Thoughts: Grit, Growth, and Greatness
Swerve Strickland’s story is more than a typical wrestling journey—it’s about resilience. From Army bases and bunk beds, to raising a daughter and surviving WWE’s system, to now thriving in AEW, Strickland has proven he’s more than a wrestler—he’s a fighter in every sense of the word. And as he said himself: he’s just getting started.
Shawn Spears interrupted an interview between Vic Joseph and Ricky Saints on the March 25, 2025, episode of WWE NXT. The NXT North American Champion took Joseph’s seat and questioned Saints about his absence from The Cullen faction, which includes Spears, Izzi Dame, Niko Vance, and Brooks Jensen. He attributed Saints’ exclusion to his perceived arrogance, noting that Saints remains unchanged since his departure from WWE a year and a half prior.
Saints asserted his intention to pursue the North American Title. Spears responded by suggesting that Saints is aware of the likely outcome of such a challenge and hinted that, if unsuccessful, Saints could consider returning to his previous endeavors. However, Spears quickly dismissed this notion, remarking that Saints had “burned every bridge,” implying that a return would not be possible.
Saints joined WWE after his contract with All Elite Wrestling expired. He has previously spoken candidly about his departure from AEW and the circumstances that led to his year-long absence from television.
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall revealed on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast that professional wrestling could be part of his post-fight future.
“That’s maybe something I would look at doing when I’ve retired from MMA — I would love to do that,” Aspinall told Logan and co-host Mike Majlak, after praising the athleticism and production of WWE events. “Not only the entertainment side, but the athletic side. I was so impressed with what these guys are doing. It’s unbelievable.”
The heavyweight contender has often stood out for his grounded persona — a contrast to the over-the-top bravado of many crossover athletes. Yet even with his no-nonsense demeanor, the WWE world left a lasting impression on him.
“I actually met the guys who were involved with WWE… I was like, ‘This is f***ing cool. I like this. I like it a lot,’” he added.
Aspinall also made clear he’s aiming to retire from MMA earlier than most:
“I want to be done sooner rather than later. I would rather be a couple too early than a couple too late.”
With Logan Paul himself a high-profile WWE star, the conversation raised the intriguing possibility of Aspinall stepping into the squared circle in the coming years — a move that could mirror past UFC-to-WWE transitions by stars like Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar.
For now, though, Aspinall remains focused on unifying the UFC heavyweight title — and maybe, just maybe, laying the groundwork for a future WrestleMania moment.
