Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has welcomed a new member to his family—a puppy named Rosie Blue Honeybuns Johnson. The energetic addition arrived courtesy of his daughters, Jasmine and Tiana, much to the dismay of their existing dog, Turbo.
In a lighthearted social media video, Johnson shared the family’s introduction to Rosie. However, not everyone in the household was thrilled. Turbo, their French Bulldog, appeared visibly unimpressed, refusing to look at the camera throughout the clip.
The Rock, who is about to begin work on his latest movie project, playfully captioned the post, describing how he and Turbo were adjusting to being further outnumbered in a house dominated by female energy.
“Me and my guy Turbo were doing just fine… Until the girls brought home this little ball of puppy misery and joy kill, named…Rosie Blue Honeybuns Johnson,” he joked.
Despite Turbo’s initial resistance, Rosie seems to be making progress winning over the family patriarch. Johnson noted that Rosie’s snuggles and kisses were already testing his resolve, offering a humorous take on the situation. The Johnson household, which includes his wife Lauren Hashian and their two daughters, has long shared moments of family life online.
AEW is set to commemorate a major milestone as Dynamite prepares to surpass the total number of WCW Nitro episodes, marking a historic achievement in wrestling history.
Tony Khan confirmed that April 16 will feature a special broadcast titled AEW Spring BreakThru, serving as the 289th episode of Dynamite. This officially makes it the longest-running primetime weekly wrestling program in Turner Sports history, outlasting WCW Nitro, which aired 288 episodes before ending in March 2001.
AEW Dynamite debuted on October 2, 2019, reviving wrestling’s presence on the Turner Networks. Its inaugural show featured Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara, Riho becoming the first AEW Women’s Champion, and Jake Hager’s debut alongside Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle. The launch mirrored WCW Nitro‘s September 1995 debut, which famously introduced Lex Luger and ignited the Monday Night Wars.
The April 16 episode will air during WrestleMania week, a period already filled with speculation around Sting and Lex Luger. While some fans hope to see Sting induct Luger into the WWE Hall of Fame, his involvement in AEW’s celebration may take precedence, especially considering his legacy in Nitro’s final match.
Don’t miss Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite 289, Wednesday, April 16 in Boston, AEW Spring BreakThru! We’ll celebrate AEW Wednesday Night Dynamite becoming the longest running prime time weekly pro wrestling program in Turner Sports history!
Here is a preview of tonight’s WWE Monday Night RAW, broadcasting live on Netflix from the OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow, Scotland.
Programming Note: Raw will have a special airtime at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT.
Matches and segments for Raw on the Road to WrestleMania include:
Cody Rhodes and John Cena Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and John Cena will be under the same roof again.
CM Punk The “Best in the World” is set to address the crowd about the upcoming triple-threat match between Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins.
Lyra Valkyria vs. Raquel Rodriguez Valkyria and Rodriguez will have a Women’s Intercontinental Title Match.
Bron Breakker vs. Penta Breakker will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Penta.
Jey Uso & Mystery Partner vs. A-Town Down Under Jey Uso will team up with a mystery partner to battle A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller).
WWE is set to hold a European tryout session on March 30, marking its continued commitment to expanding its global talent roster. This upcoming session will feature a more focused group compared to past tryouts in the region, according to Fightful Select.
Among those invited are Rhio, Man Like DeReiss, PROGRESS World Champion Luke Jacobs, Goldenboy Santos, Spanish talent Zozaya, and Adam Maxted, known for his appearance on Love Island.
Rhio has previously tried out for WWE, while DeReiss participated in a TNA Wrestling tryout. Jacobs recently appeared in a WWE SmackDown segment in Barcelona as part of a security team, signaling potential WWE interest.
Two notable names have been ruled out for this session. Michael Oku, a prominent name on the independent circuit, is not expected to be invited. Former wXw Unified World Champion Peter Tihanyi is also unavailable as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.
These tryouts are part of WWE’s broader initiative to scout emerging talent across Europe through smaller, more intimate evaluations. This approach allows for a focused assessment of performers and reflects WWE’s evolving strategy to diversify and strengthen its talent pool on a global scale.
Drew McIntyre has directly addressed fan criticism regarding his developing rivalry with Damian Priest, a feud that some fans have questioned. The storyline, fueled by Priest’s eliminations of McIntyre in key matches, has faced skepticism from a portion of the audience.
In a recent interview with The Daily Star, McIntyre acknowledged the negative feedback while expressing his commitment to shaping the narrative. He emphasized his dedication to building a compelling story with Priest, aiming to deliver a match that justifies the buildup and resonates with fans.
McIntyre believes the feud has the potential to develop into a significant WrestleMania moment if given the opportunity to unfold naturally. His response reflects both a willingness to engage with fan perspectives and a determination to prove the storyline’s value.
“I appreciated when the fans’ reaction was, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s Priest and Drew, there’s nothing there.’ I’m like, bloody hell, give us a chance to tell the story. The thing with Priest has been going on since last year’s WrestleMania when he cashed in on me after Punk assaulted me.
“He doesn’t know how to succeed unless it is at my expense. At Elimination Chamber, I Claymored Cena. Instead of going, ‘I’ll let Drew pin Cena first,’ he eliminates me. It’s the only way he knows how to succeed—because he is a vulture. A parasite. A big emo vulture.
“Finally, he’s got my attention because they’ve got nothing else. I stomped him in his big, stupid head last week, and if he wants to keep coming back for more, if it goes all the way to Mania, it’s a year-in-the-making story—and he deserves the biggest stage of all to get his stupid-looking arse kicked.”
Naomi is a veteran of the WWE Women’s division and recnetly reached a massive milestone in her career. On X, fka Twitter, a fan pointed out that between FCW and WWE, Naomi has hit 1,000 matches under contract with the promotion. This caught the attention of the SmackDown Superstar who was proud of her achievement.
With a background in dance, including as part of the dance team for the Orlando Magic, Naomi signed with WWE in August 2009. Since then, Naomi has had several major moments and accolades, including:
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion (2 Times)
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (2 Times)
WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal Winner (2018, Inaugural)
WWE Year-End Award Winner (2018, Most Underrated Superstar)
Slammy Award Winner (2013, Best Dance Moves of the Year)
FCW Divas Champion (1 Time, Inaugural)
More recently, Naomi has found herself in the spotlight once more after being revealed as the attacker of Jade Cargill. Naomi’s heel turn has seen her be rejected by Bianca Belair who Naomi deemed an “ungrateful b****” on SmackDown. With WrestleMania 41, fans have been left wondering if a showdown with Jade is coming for Naomi, another high-profile match on her storied career.
Hulk Hogan’s standing among wrestling fans has taken a hit in recent years, as seen during Raw’s debut episode on Netflix where he was heavily booed. It turns out that this hostility to the Hulkster isn’t just in the U.S as fans in the UK are no fan of the self-professed ‘Real American.’
On March 23, Joe Hendry and Mark Henry hosted the ‘Sweet Chin Disco‘ in Notttingham, England. While the event was an enjoyable time for the most part, the tone soured at a time when Hogan’s theme song was played. Those in attendance booed the use of Hogan’s theme, resulting in the song quickly being cut and a different theme being played.
This response to Hogan’s theme shows that the dislike for the former WWE World Champion isn’t confined to the U.S. alone, but is instead an international viewpoint. In 2015, Hogan was fired from WWE after racist remarks came to light, including Hogan saying he would be opposed to his daughter dating a black man.
While Hogan was brought back in 2018, many believe Hogan did not make sufficient efforts to make-up for his past. Hogan reportedly addressed the WWE roster upon his return. At the time, it was said that the crux of Hogan’s speech was for wrestlers to be wary about what they say because they may be recorded, rather than reflecting on why racism is wrong.
Hogan hasn’t been spotted on WWE programming since Raw’s Netflix debut though he remains part of the world of politics as a supporter of President Donald Trump. While the Hulkster may continue to make waves in the political world, this disco in Nottigham shows that wrestling fans are still a long way away from forgiving the controversial wrestling icon.
In October 2024, Chris Bey suffered a paralyzing neck injury when competing in a tag-team match at a taping of TNA iMPACT. Since then, Chris has worked hard to regain mobility in a testament to his never-give-up attitude.
On Sunday, March 23, a ‘Beynefit’ was held for Chris featuring talent from WWE, AEW, TNA Wrestling and beyond. In the main event, WWE’s Karrion Kross, accompanied by his wife Scarlett, defeated one of the biggest free agents around, Hammerstone. After the match, the man of the house, Chris Bey made an appearance and was able to walk to the ring.
CHRIS BEY HAS MADE AN APPEARANCE AT FSW TONIGHT AND TOOK HIS FIRST STEPS BACK INTO A PRO-WRESTLING RING!!! ?????? pic.twitter.com/TyRPuTzuue
In his first appearance in a wrestling ring since the accident, Bey expressed his gratitude for everyone who has supported him. Bey explained that, before meeting his partner Brittnie Brooks, wrestling was the only think that he ever truly loved.
“Thank you to all of you for creating this special night where people from everywhere around the world, all companies, all of you can create something so special that’s gonna live in history forever and live in my heart forever.”
Bey didn’t address his future in wrestling, but ended by expressing his love to all in attendance, “even AJ Francis.” Bey singed off by declaring that “I am nothing” without all the wrestlers and fans who continue to support him.
We here at SEScoops would like to continue to wish Chris Bey all the best at this time as well as a full recovery.
AEW star Swerve Strickland appeared at Sunday’s Future Stars of Wrestling (FSW) Benefit for Chris Bey from the Veil Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Strickland was originally slated to face Kenny King was forced to withdraw due to medical reasons.
Despite his inability to compete, Strickland expressed unwavering support for Bey, stating,
“When Chris Bey is ready and cleared to wrestle again, I’ll be waiting to wrestle him for his first match.”
Swerve Strickland says that when Chris Bey is ready and cleared to wrestle again he will be waiting to wrestle him for his first match ? pic.twitter.com/K8VRjT4jYa
The benefit show aims to support TNA wrestler Chris Bey, who suffered a severe neck injury during a TNA iMPACT taping in October 2024. Since the injury, Bey has been on a challenging road to recovery, sharing updates on his progress, including a video of himself walking again.
The event featured a lineup of prominent wrestlers from various major promotions. Alongside AEW’s Johnny TV and Brian Cage, TNA’s Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz, Ace Austin, Frankie Kazarian, and WWE’s Karrion Kross are scheduled to participate. This collective effort underscores the wrestling community’s solidarity in supporting one of their own during a challenging time.
FSW promoter Joe DeFalco has been instrumental in organizing the benefit show, actively collaborating with various wrestlers and securing donations. The event aims to raise funds for Bey through a GoFundMe campaign and local contributions, highlighting the community’s commitment to aiding Bey’s recovery journey.
The FSW Benefit for Chris Bey stands as a testament to the wrestling world’s unity and support, bringing together talent from different promotions to rally behind a fellow wrestler in need.
Mercedes Moné, one of the most dynamic and decorated stars in pro wrestling today, recently opened up about the mental toll of her success—revealing a panic attack she suffered before a major match and sharing details about the immense pressure she faces on a regular basis. Since transitioning from WWE to AEW in March 2024, Moné has remained undefeated, winning championships across multiple promotions, but behind the scenes, the journey has tested her limits both physically and emotionally.
Panic Attack Before Tokyo Dome Match: “Making History Was the Last Thing on My Mind”
In January 2025, Moné made her debut at the legendary Tokyo Dome during Wrestle Dynasty, where she faced Mina Shirakawa in a high-stakes match for the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship. Moné emerged victorious, adding the title to her growing collection that already included the AEW TBS Championship and the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship.
However, in her Mone Mag newsletter, she revealed that hours before the match, she was battling something far more personal—a full-blown panic attack brought on by the gravity of the moment.
“One of the lines Advocate Kev says to Team-Moné on our various trips is: ‘We’re gonna make history…AGAIN!’ Though I have nerves and butterflies for all my big matches, my match at the Tokyo Dome against Mina was somehow different. From the moment I landed in Japan, where I actually bawled my eyes out with both disbelief and gratitude, to the morning of the event, where I had an actual panic attack, making history was the last thing on my mind.”
Feeling the Weight of Expectations
In the same piece, Moné described the emotional conflict she felt leading up to the event. While proud and excited to perform at such an iconic venue, she also felt an overwhelming responsibility not to disappoint the many people counting on her—including fans, promoters, and the future generation of female wrestlers.
“Along with the rich wrestling history, I feel as though, in some strange way, Japan, like Mexico, is another home. Yet, for all my joy, I was likewise petrified. I didn’t want to let the promoters down. I didn’t want to let the fans down. I didn’t want to let Mina down. I especially, and as always, didn’t want to let the women wrestlers of today AND tomorrow down.”
AEW Dominance: 8-0 and Counting
Since joining AEW in March 2024, Moné has carved out a dominant path, remaining undefeated in singles competition. She successfully defended her titles against some of the top names in the industry, including Kris Statlander, Hikaru Shida, and most recently, Momo Watanabe at AEW Revolution 2025.
That match in particular tested her resilience. After being caught off guard by a stiff kick early in the bout, Moné revealed that she experienced a rush of panic mid-match, but managed to center herself and pull through for another successful title defense.
Next Stop: Athena at AEW Dynasty 2025
Up next, Moné is scheduled to defend her AEW TBS Championship against Athena at AEW Dynasty 2025—a bout that fans and analysts alike see as her toughest test yet. With her undefeated streak on the line and growing pressure to continue delivering standout performances, all eyes will be on Moné to see if she can continue her reign.
Backstage Friction and Mental Strain
Behind the curtain, things haven’t been much easier. Reports have surfaced of ongoing backstage tension between Moné and AEW veterans like Britt Baker and Saraya, stemming from perceptions of favoritism and special treatment. The rumored friction has added another layer of mental stress to Moné’s already high-pressure environment.
In a Hot 97 interview, Moné also opened up about how fan criticism—especially stemming from her WWE departure—sparked a period of depression and self-doubt.
“That definitely set me on a spiral of depression, because wrestling has always been my biggest dream and I’ve always wanted to be the greatest at it. So to hear any kind of noise that people might not think you’re safe… it wasn’t even the boys in the back, it was the fans thinking you’re not safe.”
A Bigger Picture: Mental Health in Wrestling
Moné’s openness comes at a time when the topic of mental health in professional wrestling is gaining more visibility. Just recently, Drew McIntyre reignited a war of words with CM Punk by referencing a now-legendary 2011 tweet from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson criticizing Punk’s drawing power. McIntyre tweeted:
“14 years on and still relevant. Cry more you b**** Punk. I’ll see you down the line.”
– Drew McIntyre, March 4, 2025
That kind of public mudslinging is indicative of how personal and high-stress the wrestling business can become—especially when fame, legacy, and expectations collide. Moné’s story provides a counterbalance to the bravado, offering a raw and honest look at what it truly takes to thrive under the spotlight.
Hulk Hogan’s WrestleMania 41 VIP suite package is back online after briefly vanishing from WWE and On Location’s official offerings.
The Real American Suite, originally priced at $9,500 and later discounted to $6,950, disappeared from the site on March 23, leading fans to believe it had been canceled. For several hours, the link returned a “Not Found” error with no explanation provided.
However, the package quietly returned after 9 PM ET on the same day, just as reports of its removal began to circulate.
The package offers a two-night VIP experience, including luxury suite seating for WrestleMania 41, unlimited food and drinks, exclusive Hulk Hogan merchandise, a meet-and-greet with Hogan, and a Topgolf event hosted by The Miz.
WWE and On Location have not addressed the reason behind the temporary disappearance. The move comes amid recent controversies involving Hogan, including negative fan reactions at a WWE Raw taping and an ongoing lawsuit tied to his Real American Beer brand.
Despite the turbulence, the package is once again available—at least for now.
Bill Mercer, a legendary sports broadcaster and the iconic voice of World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), has passed away. His career spanned over 60 years and left a lasting impact across multiple arenas of sports and journalism.
Mercer began his broadcasting journey in the 1950s, calling wrestling matches on radio in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He later moved to Dallas, where he gained national recognition as the announcer for WCCW from 1982 to 1987. During this era, he became synonymous with the promotion, narrating matches that featured the famed Von Erich wrestling family.
Beyond the squared circle, Mercer made his mark in mainstream sports. He provided play-by-play commentary for Major League Baseball teams including the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox, and covered college football and basketball, notably for the University of North Texas.
In addition to his work in sports, Mercer was part of one of the most pivotal moments in American history. While working as a reporter for KRLD in Dallas, he covered the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. His experience led him to co-author When the News Went Live, recounting his firsthand account of the historic event.
Mercer also dedicated over three decades to teaching sports broadcasting at the University of North Texas, where he mentored generations of aspiring journalists and commentators. His influence remains embedded in the fabric of sports media and professional wrestling history.
Pete Dunne made a surprise appearance at OTT Wrestling’s Homecoming event on March 22, 2025, marking his first match for the Irish promotion in five years. The event took place in Dublin, where fans were stunned by Dunne’s unadvertised return.
Adding to the moment, Dunne paid homage to Triple H by performing a version of the WWE legend’s signature water spit entrance. The tribute entrance, combined with his unexpected appearance, created a standout moment that drew a strong reaction from the live crowd.
Dunne’s return highlights a rare appearance on the independent circuit, drawing attention to his roots in the European wrestling scene.
A high-stakes Intercontinental Championship match has been made official for WWE Raw, as Penta is set to challenge reigning champion Bron Breakker in what could have major WrestleMania implications.
Penta, who has remained undefeated since debuting in WWE this January, earned the title opportunity after a brutal No Disqualification win over Ludwig Kaiser. Following the match, Penta declared his intent to capture the Intercontinental Championship, setting the stage for a marquee clash.
Bron Breakker, currently in his second reign with the title, has held the championship since October 2024. He successfully defended it against Finn Bálor on Raw, capitalizing on an accidental distraction caused by Dominik Mysterio.
RAW General Manager Adam Pearce confirmed the title match across social media, locking in the marquee showdown.
The match signing follows the dramatic show-closing segment of last Monday’s broadcast, where Penta intervened to fend off The Judgment Day, preventing an ambush on Breakker. The moment ended with the two rivals face-to-face, setting the tone for their upcoming showdown.
Several AEW stars sustained injuries during the physically intense AEW Revolution 2025 pay-per-view event, with medical evaluations ongoing for key performers. Mercedes Moné confirmed she suffered a bruised larynx during her match against Momo Watanabe.
The injury occurred when Watanabe’s kick landed directly to Moné’s throat. Despite the setback, Moné managed to complete the bout.
Momo Watanabe was seen exiting the arena on crutches, raising concerns over a potential ankle injury. While the exact nature of her injury remains unclear, early indications suggest it may have occurred during a high-impact moment in the match.
Swerve Strickland reportedly ruptured his eardrum during his match with Ricochet. He was still able to appear in the show’s final segment alongside Jon Moxley, demonstrating resilience despite the injury.
Will Ospreay may also be dealing with a potential hip injury following his Steel Cage Match with Kyle Fletcher. Ospreay was seen limping backstage after landing awkwardly on his hip, prompting further evaluation from AEW’s medical team.
AEW has confirmed that its medical staff is actively monitoring the health of all affected wrestlers. While several performers are dealing with physical wear and tear, no critical or long-term injuries have been reported at this time.
La Parka, a character synonymous with AAA Lucha Libre, is back for a new generation of professional wrestling fans. At the Rey de Reyes event, La Parka 3, the third iteration of the character, was introduced to fans. The character was resurrected in a literal sense as it was emerged from a coffin and given the seal of approval from Vampiro.
La Parka 3 strutted his way to the ring for his debut match that went in and out of the ring. In one of the most impressive moments of the night, La Parka hit a dive from the stands onto his opponents.
— Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (@luchalibreaaa) March 23, 2025
The La Parka name was first used by Adolfo Tapia who made the character a name in AAA, ECW, WCW, CMLL and beyond. In 2003, Jesús Alfonso Huerta Escoboza was introduced as La Parka Jr. before becoming the official La Parka years later. Escoboza died in 2020 from complications arising from injuries that he sustained from a botched move during an October 2019 match. He was posthumously inducted into the AAA Hall of Fame.
Now, a new La Parka is on the scene and has already been impressing. With his skills, personality, and nod to wrestling history, La Parka 3 is bound to be a success in the world of Lucha Libre AAA just like his predecessors.
At WWE NXT Roadblock, Giulia lost the WWE NXT Women’s Championship to North American Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer. Now, the Beautiful Madness has returned to WWE NXT and is already getting violent with the Superstars of the women’s division.
At a WWE NXT live event in Bartow, Florida, Giulia made her first appearance for the silver brand since her title loss. Not only did Giulia return but she sent a painful message to Cora Jade. Giulia also gestured that she’s ready to re-enter the NXT Women’s Championship picture.
Giulia’s return to NXT comes at an interesting time in the career of the Japanese Superstar. Shortly before her title loss, reports came out stating that Giulia was dealing with injuries. The fact that WWE rushed into a title-for-title match with Vaquer, as well as Vaquer’s victory, led many to believe that booking had been changed to give Giulia time off to recover.
With Giulia’s appearance in Bartow, it remains to be seen when she’ll be back on WWE NXT programming. With Vaquer set for two title defenses on the upcoming March 25, episode, the show will be one Giulia will be watching closely, if she isn’t set to be a part of it.
Amateur wrestling fans were shocked to see Gable Steveson lose in the NCAA National Championship finals, a loss many are calling the biggest upset of all time. In the 285 NCAA finalm Wyatt Hendrickson got the win over Steveson, a former Olympic Gold Medalist. Hendrickson scored the takedown in the third round to pull off the victory.
WYATT HENDRICKSON BEATS GABLE STEVESON TO WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE
Given his established success on the mat, Steveson’s defeat is being heralded as a massive upset. FloWrestling described the result as “unthinkable” and questioned if this was “the biggest upset in college wrestling history.” DraftKings acknowledged Steveson’s track record and said that Hendrickson’s win “might be considered the largest upset in NCAA history.” GopherHole added that Hendrickson’s victory was shocking and that fans had “witnessed the biggest upset in the history of collegiate sports.” Steveson hadn’t lost an NCAA match since 2019, only adding to the shocking nature of his defeat.
After capturing gold in the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Steveson signed with WWE shortly after to much buzz. That same year, he was drafted to Monday Night Raw, the first-ever draftee to be selected without a match to his name. Ultimately, Steveson’s career in pro wrestling would not live up to the expectations of fans and he was quietly released from the promotion in 2024.
After his time with WWE, Gable Steveson joined the Buffalo Bills but was cut before playing in the league. With this setback on the mat, it remains to be seen what’s next for the Olympic Gold Medalist.
The wrestling world is in mourning after the passing of Artist Artest, real name Graham Michael, following a match for Xtreme Valley Wrestling. Michael collapsed at the event and was rushed to hospital but sadly did not survive. In a statement shared to Facebook, XVW gave a sad statement.
“It is with great sadness that I have the duty to inform the fans of XVW That After Collapsing Tonight At XVW, And being rushed to the hospital… Artist Artest has passed away. We Wish To Send Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. Our Staff Worked Tirelessly To Keep Him alive until the medics arrived. We Will Pause Activities In Remembrance of The Life of Artest. Rest in peace champ.”
Graham was one of the rising prospects in XVW and had held the promotion’s Next-Gen Championship. He had been nurtured by established names in the wrestling industry including Ace Austin, Sami Callihan, and Jake Crist.
Graham’s passing comes mere days after Vince Steele died at the age of 39 following a medical emergency at an event. Steele had experienced his medical emergency during a match for BriiCombination Wrestling in New Jersey. Reports stated that it took 45 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, raising concerns about the response time and what could’ve been done had an ambulance been on-site for the show or at least closer to the venue.
Our condolences go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of both Graham Michael and Vince Steele at this difficult time.
Pete Dunne made a surprise return to the Irish indie scene on March 22 as part of OTT Wrestling’s latest event in Ireland. Not only did Dunne shock fans with his arrival, but he, Trent Seven, and Sammy D made their entrance with a nod to WWE’s very own King of Kings, Triple H.
This match marked Dunne’s first time competing for the Irish promotion since 2019 but his return wasn’t all fun and games. After the match, he took a moment to honor two late figures from the wrestling community—Ryan Smile and Niamh Dunphy. Dunne’s return demonstrated that for all his success in WWE, both in NXT and the main roster, he remains deeply connected to the roots that shaped his career.
When not appearing for OTT Wrestling, Dunne can be found on Monday Night Raw where he has been feuding with Penta. Despite the best efforts of the former NXT UK Champion though, he has yet to get a victory over the masked Superstar. Dunne’s most recent match for WWE came at the March 3, WWE Main Event taping, where he defeated the LWO’s own Cruz Del Toro.
Charlotte Flair is back doing what she does best, performing in front of a WWE live crowd. Flair returned to in-ring action at WWE’s Road to WrestleMania live event in Belfast, Northern Ireland on March 22. Flair’s victory over Piper Niven inside the SSE Arena marked her first time competing at a live event since December 2023. On X, fka Twitter, Flair reacted to her live-event return.
Tonight, was my first live event match since December 2023. Felt sooo good to be back. Thank you #WWEBelfast for WOOOOing & BOOing ? pic.twitter.com/U67pBAPQPl
Though Flair has competed on televised WWE programming this year, including her historic Royal Rumble match victory, this was her first live event win since returning from her injury. Prior to this week, Flair’s previous live event match had come on December 3, 2023, where she lost to then-Women’s Champion IYO SKY in Newark, Delaware.
With WrestleMania 41 fast approaching, this return to the house show grind comes at the perfect time as she prepares to challenge Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship. Whether it’s Flair or Stratton who stand tall in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium in April 2025, fans can expect a war between two of the very best women in WWE today.
Mark Henry has officially returned to the WWE fold, announcing that he has signed a legends/nostalgia deal with the company. This agreement signals a renewed partnership between the wrestling veteran and his former employer, bringing him back into the WWE universe after a three-year stint with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). A notable aspect of this new deal is the collaboration with Mattel to produce a new Mark Henry action figure, catering to fans eager to add to their WWE memorabilia collections. Ringside Collectibles captured the moment of Henry’s announcement, sharing the news with fans.
Henry’s history with WWE spans a significant period, from 1996 to 2021, during which he established himself as a dominant force in the company. His accolades include reigns as WWE World Heavyweight Champion and WWE ECW Champion, cementing his status as a formidable competitor. His contributions to WWE were recognized with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, solidifying his legacy within the organization.
Mark Henry has signed a WWE Legends deal which includes new @Mattel@WWE Figures! ???
Following his departure from WWE in 2021, Henry joined AEW, where he took on a multifaceted role as an analyst, coach, and occasional commentator. During his time with AEW, Henry played a crucial part in mentoring younger talent, sharing his extensive knowledge of match psychology and character development. His behind-the-scenes contributions were highly valued, and he maintained a positive relationship with the company.
However, in mid-2024, Henry and AEW mutually agreed to part ways. This decision stemmed from Henry’s desire to focus on personal ventures, while still maintaining a respectful and amicable relationship with the company. His return to WWE signifies a new chapter in his career, allowing him to reconnect with his WWE fanbase and contribute to the company’s legacy in a legends/nostalgia capacity.
Rhea Ripley has revealed her latest tattoo, a touching tribute to her beloved dog, dressed as Art the Clown from the horror film “Terrifier.” This new ink not only showcases Ripley’s edgy style but also commemorates her deep bond with her furry friend.
Ripley shared the tattoo on Instagram, explaining the emotional significance behind it. Her dog entered her life during a pivotal time, providing support and companionship. By choosing to dress her dog in the guise of Art the Clown, Ripley beautifully blends her passion for horror with her affection for her pet.
The timing of the tattoo is particularly notable as Ripley is currently embroiled in the high-stakes storyline leading up to WrestleMania 41, where she aims to join the Women’s World Title match against IYO SKY and Bianca Belair. Despite her busy schedule, Ripley took the time to get this meaningful tattoo, highlighting her ability to balance her personal life with her wrestling career.
Ripley’s tattoo is a testament to her unique personality, combining her love for horror and her cherished dog. Fans are wondering if WWE will explore more of Ripley’s personal side on TV, as her latest tattoo certainly reveals an intriguing glimpse into her life outside the ring.
When one thinks of the glory days of World Championship Wrestling during many fans’ peak fandom in the 1990s, you can’t not hear the voice of David Penzer. The longtime ring announcer helped build that big fight feel and excitement for matches, from Nitro to pay-per-view. With interest of yesteryear so prevalent these days, the argument could be made that WCW has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity. Maybe even renewed appreciation for what the once Turner-owned juggernaut of the industry was able to accomplish and its influence felt today.
“It really did not get a proper sendoff,” Penzer said of the uptick in interest for the promotion shuttered in 2001. “If you give [viewers] the last episode of Seinfeld or Friends and a close, and it’s like you saw this to the end and can walk away from it. They are not happy about it. They may have reruns. They may get together to make a movie or land a TV series reunion. Most people feel satisfied by that.
“One week we got two days’ notice that it was the last Nitro show in Panama City. That was it. I think the people really never got competition or satisfaction and saw it through. There were a lot we lost in the end, but for the ones who stayed didn’t get competition or finish. The ones we lost still remember the glory days of the nWo and Sting coming down from the rafters, DDP, and all that crazy stuff. It’s a lot of notstalia, but also the fact it never got a proper sendoff.”
The good news for those who long for the glory days is there is an upcoming convention aptly titled Glory Days GrappleCon 2 on Saturday, March 29. This star-studded event in Lutz features top names including Abdullah The Butcher, Arn Anderson, Nikita Koloff, Dutch Mantell, Haku/Meng, NWO Sting, Col. Robert Parker, Bunkhouse Buck, Glacier, “Nightmare” Danny Davis, April Hunter, Ivelisse, Bill DeMott, Larry Hamilton, the Barrio Brothers, “Jungle” Jim Steele, and more. Penzer himself will be moderating a special panel.
The 58-year-old wrote two books “Sitting Ringside” along with Nitro books authors Guy Evans. Penzer reflects back on backstage stories and insight, as well as old formats and never-before-scene memos. He called the experience of opening up cathartic.
“I wasn’t supposed to make it. I came in at a time you just didn’t make it if you were a wrestler,” Penzer said. “ Jody Hamilton, “The Masked Assassin”, saw something in me that wasn’t there. Thank God he did and gave me the opportunity. I took it from there with a lot of help from a lot of other people.”
Penzer remains humble about his contributions to the business. He’ll get reminded by those who watched over the decades. Even in the most unexpected places, like Game Changer Wrestling.
“I was at an event. It was right after COVID with WrestleMania in Tampa,” Penzer recalled. Game Changer was running three days outside. My adult kids are big Game Changer fans, so I reached out to Brett Lauderdale, who I had never talked to before. I said, ‘Yeah man, any chance I can get my kids some passes.’ He said, ‘Only if you open one of the shows. I’ll introduce you and put you over.’
“In the process of talking to him he said, I used to do the David Penzer voice. I said, ‘What’s the David Penzer voice?’ He told me he would imitate me during the intros. I was like, ‘No you didn’t’?’ I was blown away. Since I”ve been on Twitter I’ve heard that more times than I would ever imagine. It’s crazy, but it’s a huge honor. By the way, Brett Lauderdale might be a fan, but when I went out there and did my welcome, you could hear a pin drop. They shit all over it because they didn’t know who I was or didn’t care. That’s fine. Life will humble you at certain times.”
Beyond WCW, Penzer shared great memories working for Impact Wrestling/TNA Wrestling starting almost a decade ago. His last stretch with the company ended on a particularly special note in 2023.
“Scott D’Amore gave me a hell of a run before COVID and after COVID,” Penzer said. “The sendoff he gave me, which I go into detail in the book, is fantastic. I’m not fooling myself. I’m not going into any Hall of Fames, but the sendoff Scott gave me with a wonderful plaque and speech with my friends and coworkers and fans chanting, ‘Thank You Penzer.’ It makes me tear up even to this day. I wasn’t expecting that in any way, shape or form, but I appreciated that and enjoyed it”.
“…If I never get in the ring and the ring announced again, I have no regrets. It was 30 years living my dream. I was 11-years-old, a little kid and turned on Championship Wrestling from Florida. Dusty Rhodes, “Superstar” Billy Graham with Gordon Solie on the mic. I fell in love with it. It was my passion. By darn I was going to find a way to try to get in, but never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined I would achieve what I achieved. I’m blessed and honored.”
For Penzer, conventions like the Glory Days are an opportunity to stay connected with many longtime colleagues. He couldn’t be happier for one of those in Lex Luger, who will be enshrined into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.
“The Lex Luger I knew in WCW, and I’ll be honest with you, was an arrogant prick,” Penzer said. “I’ll never forget after he went through all the stuff he had gone through I didn’t realize TNA was bringing him down to do something with Sting. It was at Universal Studios. I go into vivid detail, but I’ll never forget I was walking out of the production office and Lex was in his wheelchair about to go in about five feet apart. He says, ‘Hey Dave, how are you doing?’ I said, ‘Hi Lex, how is it going?’ He said, ‘Good, I’m glad you’re doing good. How is your family?’
“I’m thinking, ‘You never asked me how my family was’…We had this nice conversation. I called my wife as soon as I walked away and said, ‘You’ll never guess what I just went though. I was convinced he was working or had totally changed his life around. I’ve been with him so many times since then at Fan Fests and different stuff and had in-depth conversations with him that there is not a doubt in my mind that he is sincere. He is a changed person. It’s not how part of the ride goes, but how you finish the ride. He is finishing the ride with class and dignity. I’m really happy for Lex. Lex has had his issues that are well documented. There is a lot of pain in that. I wouldn’t want anybody in pian, but he has come out of the other side as a wonderful human being. I don’t think anybody deserves this more than Lex Luger.”
Today Penzer remains a fan and appreciates those who have come after him. Among them that stood out was Samantha Irvin. A fan in her own right.
“She had an emotion about her where she would introduce a match or even a winner, you could really feel that like I’ve never felt in the business,” he said. “Howard Finkel was the best of all-time. Nobody is even close. If there is a Mount Rushmore, it’s the four faces of Howard. Let’s get that out of the way, but Samantha did it a different way I never seen do it before. It’s funny because WWE and other companies didn’t usually pitch to the ring announcer in this era.
“When Samantha started catching on, announcers were pitching to her, they were acknowledging her and putting her in the ring for the main events. She did a great thing. She had to step aside and do what she needed to do with her life and live her dream. Being a ring announcer was cool but wasn’t her dream. SHe wants to be a singer, and has a hell of a voice. Why not use the notoriety while you can and record an album. Live your dream. That’s all you can ask of anybody…she is young and could come back.”
These days Penzer found a new purpose in real estate. He even sold one of Chris Jericho’s houses. Those who secure his services and purchase a home have the chance to pose with a 25-pound World Heavyweight Reality Championship belt. “I like helping people,” he said. “There is nothing more that I enjoy more in my career than helping a first-time buyer buy their first home.”
Looking back at his ring announcing career, there was one match that he really looked at as the pinnacle. One monumental episode of Nitro from the Georgia Dome in 1998.
“It was when [Bill] Goldberg beat [Hollywood] Hogan in front of 45,000 people or whatever the crowd was sold out in Atlanta. That was history,” Penzer said. ”They are still doing documentaries about it. I had so many cool moments in WCW, TNA and Impact. If I had to pick one, but that is the one that jumps up first in my head. My family was there because we lived in Atlanta at the time.
“Funny story, we were backstage at the Georgia Dome and there’s this little up-and-coming rapper singer who was kind of backstage when someone got him in and was a local guy and had a bright future. He was taking pictures with some of the guys. I went up to introduce myself to him that night. I said, “Hi, I’m David Penzer, the ring announcer.” He said, ‘Great to meet you. I’m Usher.’ That worked out pretty good.”
This wasn’t just a loss for Jade Cargill but was her first singles pinfall defeat since joining WWE in September 2023. Taking to X, Cargill refused to let the loss keep her down. The former Women’s Tag Team Champion also promised that Naomi will get what’s coming to her in the end.
Bet. I’ll take last night on the chin. But this is far from over.
Looking up at the lights is a rare thing for Cargill throughout her wrestling career. The pinfall loss is Jade’s third time throughout her entire career being pinned. Her first pinfall loss came at AEW Double or Nothing 2023, when she lost the TBS Title to Kris Statlander. Cargill would lose their subsequent rematch, her final match as part of the AEW roster.
Cargill returned to programming at WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto, where she attacked Naomi. The Glow later confirmed that she was the one to attack Cargill in November 2024. While Naomi claimed she did it for herself and for Bianca Belair, the EST wants no part of her former friend/tag-team partner.
While losing is never the intended outcome, Jade Cargill is ready to get back on the proverbial horse and back to her winning ways. While a showdown at WrestleMania 41 is yet to be confirmed, fans can expect to see Cargill and Naomi in the ring as adversaries soon enough.
