WWE superstar Karrion Kross is stepping into the world of film as an executive producer for Blue Evening, an independent drama set to premiere at the Pasadena International Film Festival on April 8. The screening will take place at the Laemmle NoHo 7 Theater, with tickets becoming available on March 21.
Written and directed by Jett Jansen, Blue Evening tells the story of a homeless addict in Los Angeles who stumbles upon a lost masterpiece in a thrift store. This discovery sets him on a desperate journey of redemption, survival, and self-discovery as he faces a pivotal choice between his destructive past and an uncertain future.
We are thrilled to announce, as an Official Selection, BLUE EVENING will have its World Premier @PasFilmFest this April 8th. This years screening will be held at the Laemmle Noho 7 Theater in the 8:05pm Block, tickets will be available 3/21 on their website, stay tuned & follow… pic.twitter.com/8FK7xucMHZ
The film stars Gustavo J. Ramirez, alongside Sari Sanchez and Sammy Horowitz. It is produced by Cory DeMeyers, Jett Jansen Fernandez, and Kale Murphy, with Kross—credited under his real name, Kevin Robert Kesar—serving as an executive producer. The cinematography is handled by Deangelo Harding.
Kross, known for his intense presence and captivating promo work in WWE, shared a still from the film, adding to the anticipation surrounding its debut.
AEW isn’t just making waves in the wrestling world—it’s breaking into Hollywood as well. Speaking on The Battleground Podcast, Tony Khan discussed AEW talent’s increasing presence in film and television, including stars like MJF, Samoa Joe, and Toni Storm.
The AEW boss acknowledges the balancing act of letting AEW stars pursue outside opportunities. Despite these commitments, Khan ensured that AEW remained their primary focus.
“MJF was working on Happy Gilmore 2, and Samoa Joe was filming Twisted Metal… but now, everyone’s back,” Khan said.
Toni Storm, the current AEW Women’s World Champion, has also expanded her reach with a role in Queen of the Ring. Khan was directly involved in helping Storm land the role, saying,
“Tony Storm is the greatest actress in Hollywood. She’s the AEW Women’s World Champion, and when I think of Hollywood and pro wrestling, they fit like a glove.”
With AEW talent gaining more mainstream exposure, Khan sees this as an opportunity for the company to grow beyond wrestling. “AEW is where the best come to wrestle,” he said, emphasizing that AEW’s stars are becoming crossover entertainers while still delivering in the ring.
With a fully stacked roster, Khan is confident that AEW is set for a major run in 2025.
“If you haven’t watched AEW before or you haven’t watched recently, now’s a great time to come in,” he added. With AEW Dynasty on the horizon, the company looks poised to continue building on this momentum.
AEW’s women’s division continues to grow, and Tony Khan hinted at some intriguing developments on The Battleground Podcast. One major storyline fans have been speculating about is the return of Camille, who was mysteriously attacked the last time she appeared in AEW.
“We don’t know who attacked Camille… When she does return, it’ll be interesting to see who she goes after,” Khan said.
Camille’s absence has left a major question mark in AEW’s women’s division, and her eventual comeback could lead to a major revenge storyline.
Khan also addressed the buzz around newly signed powerhouse Megan Bayne and the possibility of a dream match between her and Camille.
“That would be a great matchup [Megan Bayne vs. Camille], and something to keep an eye on,” he teased.
With stars like Toni Storm, Mercedes Moné, and Willow Nightingale leading the division, AEW’s women’s roster is deeper than ever. If Camille does return, AEW fans could be in for a major shake-up in the division’s hierarchy.
The State of AEW’s Women’s Division
The AEW Women’s Division is in a state of intense competition and high-level performances. The current AEW Women’s World Champion is “Timeless” Toni Storm, who is in her record-setting fourth reign after defeating Mariah May at Grand Slam Australia on February 15.
Storm’s reign has been marked by her continued evolution as a performer and her ability to deliver classic matches.
The division also boasts other top-tier talents such as Mercedes Mone, who holds multiple championships and has been putting on great performances against challengers like Mina Shirakawa, Harley Cameron, and Momo Watanabe.
The roster depth of the AEW Women’s Division has grown significantly, with a mix of established stars and promising newcomers.
Top challengers include former champions like Britt Baker, Hikaru Shida, Jamie Hayter, and Thunder Rosa, as well as rising stars such as Mariah May, who had a 174-day reign as champion before losing to Storm.
The division also features talented performers like Riho, Emi Sakura, Athena, Deonna Purrazzo, and Kris Statlander.
Up-and-coming talents such as Willow Nightingale, Julia Hart, and Skye Blue are making waves and adding depth to the division.
With this combination of experienced veterans and emerging stars, the AEW Women’s Division is poised to continue delivering high-quality matches and compelling storylines throughout 2025.
Tony Khan has acknowledged the ongoing mystery surrounding Kamille’s backstage attack, which occurred on the November 30th episode of AEW Rampage.
This attack has led to her absence from AEW programming. Kamille, the former NWA Women’s World Champion, initially debuted in AEW as Mercedes Mone’s bodyguard in July, later transitioning to in-ring competition before the attack.
Despite her absence, updates on her condition have been far and few between. In a recent interview with Tim Battle on the Battleground Podcast, the AEW CEO was questioned about Kamille’s status and the possibility of a future match against Megan Bayne.
“That’s a great question. We don’t know who attacked Kamille, and the last time we saw her, she was attacked. We know she had a breakup with Mercedes Mone in their business relationship. Mercedes is flourishing since then. She’s done really well on her own. But Kamille, we haven’t seen her since she was attacked, and we’re not sure what that was and what that was about. I do think that’s an interesting thought for sure, and it’s something to keep an eye on, but that would be a great matchup. When Kamille does return to get payback for that attack, it’ll be interesting to see who she goes after and what that was,” Khan said.
AEW has recently shifted its TV tapings to smaller, more intimate venues, and according to Tony Khan, this decision has been a game-changer for the fan experience. Speaking on The Battleground Podcast, Khan explained how these venues have recaptured the energy that made AEW stand out in its early days.
“We’ve been able to capture the spirit of places like Daily’s Place in venues like the Hammerstein Ballroom and Fenway Music Hall,” Khan said, referencing AEW’s frequent home during the pandemic era.
While AEW has continued to run major arenas for its pay-per-views—such as Crypto.com Arena for Revolution—Khan sees these smaller spaces as the perfect setting for AEW’s weekly TV.
“For pay-per-views, packing in 10,000 to 12,000 fans is great, but for TV, these theaters and amphitheaters bring a different kind of energy,” he explained.
AEW has recently held events in Cincinnati’s Andrew Brady Theater and the Virgin Theater in Las Vegas, with more unique venues planned for the future.
This shift has been well-received by fans, with the packed, energetic crowds giving AEW’s TV product a fresh new feel. With AEW Dynasty and more marquee events on the horizon, Khan seems intent on balancing large-scale spectacle with the raw, intimate atmosphere that helped AEW build its passionate fanbase.
AEW star Eddie Kingston suffered a broken leg, torn meniscus, and torn ACL during his no-rope last-man-standing match against Gabe Kidd at NJPW Resurgence.
This is where he lost the NJPW Strong Openweight Title. The injury happen when his leg struck the barricade during a suplex. After the match, Kingston was further attacked by The Young Bucks after a confrontation with Jack Perry.
While recovering, he began experiencing stomach problems due to stress. PWInsider.com caught up with Kingston for a recent interview. During it, he was asked if there was any update on his recent stomach issues.
“I just f–ked it up from stress and got meds for it,” Kingston said. “It is getting better and better everyday. You can quote me here: I was stressed out about dumb sh– I can’t control. So I f–ked up my stomach being a a–hole, but I’m trying to get better and I will get better. As of late, I have been up and down and up and down. It was a normal day for me. I just don’t have certain things that I use to get my aggression out. This has been the longest I have ever been from my lady, pro wrestling. This is as honest as I can be Mike.”
It was added that the expectation is that Kingston will be cleared to return to the ring this summer.
WWE RAW has been the flagship program of the company for many years, now airing live every Monday night at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix. The weekly show continues its tradition of traveling to different arenas every week, bringing the live WWE experience to fans worldwide. If you’re able to make it to a live RAW event, then it is absolutely worth doing, as nothing compares to being at a pro wrestling show live.
Here is a detailed WWE RAW live schedule through June 2025, including the newly announced “Road to Clash in Paris” tour dates:
March 2025
March 24, 2025: Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro
March 31, 2025: London, England – O2 Arena
April 2025
April 14, 2025: Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
April 28, 2025: Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
May 2025
May 12, 2025: Louisville, KY – KFC Yum Center
May 19, 2025: Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
June 2025
June 2, 2025: Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
June 16, 2025: Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
June 23, 2025: Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
June 30, 2025: Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
August/September 2025 – Road to Clash in Paris Tour
WWE has announced an exciting European tour leading up to the Clash in Paris premium live event on August 31. The Raw episodes included in this tour are:
August 25, 2025: Birmingham, UK – BP Pulse Live (first Raw broadcast from Birmingham in 12 years)
September 1, 2025: Paris, France – Paris La Défense Arena (following the Clash in Paris premium live event)
This European tour also includes additional SmackDown episodes and live events across cities in Ireland, the UK, and France, creating WWE’s most comprehensive European tour in recent years.
WWE SmackDown is one of professional wrestling’s most iconic weekly television shows, airing live every Friday night on USA Network. The program expanded to a three-hour format in January 2025, continuing to deliver high-stakes wrestling entertainment to fans across North America and internationally on Netflix.
As the WWE continues its 2025 schedule, SmackDown is currently in the midst of an exciting European tour, with upcoming shows in Bologna and London. Following its return to the United States in April, the blue brand will bring live action to fans across various cities throughout spring and summer 2025, culminating in another major European tour for the “Road to Clash in Paris” in August.
This list has been updated as of March 19, 2025
Upcoming SmackDown Shows
Here is a detailed WWE SmackDown live schedule through June 2025:
March 2025
Mar 21: Bologna, Italy – Unipol Arena
Mar 28: London, UK – The O2
April 2025
Apr 4: Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Apr 18: Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena (WrestleMania Week)
May 2025
May 16: Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum
May 23: Savannah, GA – EnMarket Arena
May 30: Knoxville, TN – Thompson Boling Arena
June 2025
June 13: Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
June 20: Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
After WrestleMania 41, fans should mark their calendars for WWE’s major summer events, including WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XXXIX on May 24 in Tampa, WWE NXT Battleground on May 25, and the two-night WWE SummerSlam on August 2-3 at MetLife Stadium.
August 2025 – Road to Clash in Paris Tour
WWE has announced an exciting European tour leading up to the Clash in Paris premium live event on August 31. The tour includes these SmackDown dates:
August 22: Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
August 29: Lyon, France – LDLC Arena
This marks WWE’s most comprehensive European tour in recent years, with Raw episodes also scheduled for August 25 in Birmingham, UK at BP Pulse Live and September 1 in Paris, France following the premium live event.
‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey has made an immediate impact in AEW. The high-flying star stunned fans with his debut on the March 12 episode of AEW Dynamite, where he faced The Beast Mortos. Now, he’s set for a high-stakes match on March 19, competing against Ricochet, Mark Davis, and Orange Cassidy for a shot at Kenny Omega’s AEW International Championship at AEW Dynasty.
In a recent interview with Chris Mueller for Bleacher Report, Bailey reflected on signing with AEW, calling it a necessary next step in his career.
“I think my biggest accomplishment in pro wrestling, and in life to be honest, is making every single year better than the last.”
The highly-skilled martial arts practitioner says he felt the need to step up his level of competition, and wanted to test himself ‘Where the Best Wrestle.’
“It was time for me to step up and make it to the big leagues, and AEW is where the best wrestle, and in my opinion, it’s where I belong.”
Bailey, who previously aimed to wrestle in as many promotions as possible, now sees AEW as his primary home. However, he remains open to representing the company in NJPW and CMLL.
“Obviously, right now, AEW is my focus. It’s where I want to be, it’s where I want to wrestle, but wrestling for New Japan and CMLL and going to those places to represent AEW would be a huge honor.”
Bailey has long been chasing a match with Omega, a goal he has pursued for over a decade. With a win on March 19, he’ll finally have his chance.
AAA Mega Champion Alberto El Patron has yet again grabbed the headlines for controversy. An official document from the Tijuana Wrestling Commission confirms that the former WWE star has been suspended after a recent incident at a AAA show in Tijuana, Mexico.
According to the official suspension notice dated March 17, 2025, the H. Comisión de Lucha Libre of Tijuana has suspended professional wrestler Alberto Del Rio (El Patrón) for 180 days from performing in Tijuana. The decision was made during an extraordinary meeting held at the commission’s facilities on Blvd. Díaz Ordaz 12421, with legal quorum present, in accordance with local wrestling regulations.
The incident occurred on March 14th when Patron was in action against El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. As per TV Azteca, El Patron confronted fans following the match as they were throwing coins and beer at him. Alberto El Patron entered the crowd area and threw a chair which hit a woman in the face. The woman was soon attended by paramedics at the event and was rushed to the hospital.
Video clip of the incident also surfaced on social media. El Patron could be seen trying to jump over the barricade but was unable to get over. He then got to the left side of the venue and into the crowd. Patron then threw the chair at the crowd before he was struck by a chair. He then made his way back to the ringside area.
Terrible que sigan pasando este tipo de cosas en las Arenas,Alberto el patron se encara con aficionados ,Aficionados reaccionan y le avientan una silla.
La señora salio lesionada y tuvo que ser llevada al hospital.
The suspension document, signed by Prof. Mario Fuentes Luna, President of the Tijuana Wrestling Commission, explicitly states that Alberto Del Rio is prohibited from performing in Tijuana for a six-month period. As noted by Rob Viper, El Patron’s ban is specific to the city, which means his involvement in upcoming AAA tapings in nearby Ensenada and Rosarito won’t be impacted. However, should AAA decide to host a Triplemania show in Tijuana before September, El Patron will be banned from competing at the event.
This marks the latest in a series of controversies for the wrestler, who has previously faced legal and professional issues throughout his career in both WWE and AAA.
WWE Hall of Famer The Great Khali has recently ruled out a full-time comeback to WWE.
‘The Punjabi Nightmare’ has been away from the company for seven years and it doesn’t seem like he is returning for full time schedule anytime soon. However, he might make one-off appearance.
During an interview with Rewind, Recap, Relive, Khali was questioned regarding a possible comeback to the company. The 7 feet tall powerhouse revealed that he was lots of projects outside of wrestling including a restaurant business. He replied:
“I don’t think so, going back to WWE. I’m doing so many things. CW, I have a restaurant business. I have lots of commercials. So many events in India. I’m busy all the time.”
He reiterated that he won’t return permanently but to check in on the company. He added:
“I don’t want to come back to WWE. I want to come and just say, ‘Hello. Hi.’ Check in a little bit. Royal Rumble. Not permanently. Permanently? No. I’m doing so many things.”
The Great Khali’s run with WWE went on for eight years in the WWE during which he became the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. However, he has not competed inside the ring since the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018. The former World Champion was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2021. His last appearance in WWE took place a couple years back at WWE Superstar Spectacle.
During a recent interview, The Great Khali had also recalled a real life altercation with a former WWE star. Check it out below:
WWE will host its Clash in Paris Premium Live Event on Saturday, August 30, marking the company’s first PLE in the French capital. Ahead of the big event in Paris, WWE will host a series of events in the UK, Ireland, and France. These will include the Friday, August 22, edition of SmackDown from Dublin, Ireland, the Monday, August 25, WWE Raw from Birmingham, England, and the go-home SmackDown before Clash in Paris that will also take place in the city.
News of the tour comes amid WWE’s ongoing tour of Europe which has already seen events in Barcelona, Spain, and Brussels, Belgium. The Friday, March 21, edition of WWE SmackDown will take place in Bologna, Italy while the March 24, episode of WWE Raw will emenate from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. Events in London, England, Vienna, Austria, and Amsterdam, Netherlands have also been confirmed.
Once again, WWE is proving the first W of its name by taking its Premium Live Events internationally. Though no stars have been officially confirmed for the tour, several names have been used in promotional material. Stay tuned for SEScoops for the latest on WWE’s journey to Clash in Paris and the exciting tour in store for fans in Europe.
John Cena’s heel turn has shown no signs of slowing down, and his issue with the fans has now come to the attention of social media. On X, Cena shared his doubts that people will be willing to analyze their own behavior in order to understand his point of view.
Expect no one to understand your point of view, especially when it calls for them to look within themselves.
Cena’s post comes after a fiery promo on the March 17, edition of WWE Raw, his first since turning heel at WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto. Speaking to a rauccous crowd in Belgium, Cena said he was leaving his “abusive relationship” with fans who never treated him as a human being. Going on to call the fans “awful,” Cena said they should be ashamed of themselves for how they’ve treated him since his arrival in WWE.
Despite this new attitude from John Cena, the WWE icon is sticking with his theme song and colorful attires. Explaining this lack of change, John said that fans were excited to see these aspects of his character change, but told the fans in Brussels that “You get what you have earned and what you have earned is nothing!”
John will be a part of the March 24, edition of WWE Raw from Glasgow, Scotland, as will his WrestleMania 41 adversary Cody Rhodes. Though the pair didn’t come to blows in Brussels, it remains to be seen what explosive encounter unfolds when the pair head to the UK next week.
Jordynne Grace was part of the March 18, edition of WWE NXT where she staked her claim to a title match with NXT Women’s/Women’s North American Champion Stephanie Vaquer. Despite Grace’s comments and an attack by Jaida Parker, the topic of conversation among many fans was not on the action or a potential title match, but on Grace’s outfit.
Grace wore a blistering pink and green ensemble with platform boots that made the Juggernaut far taller than she actually is. Fans of Nickelodeon may recognise Grace’s outfit as inspired by Patrick Star from the SpongeBob SquarePants movie. During ‘Goofy Goober Rock’ Patrick, wears similar heels and has a similar color-scheme to what fans saw from the former Knockouts Champion.
Jordynne Grace (left) borrowed her look from Patrick Star.
Grace would confirm that her look was inspired by Spongebob’s neighbor. In a video, Grace took a phone call saying “This is Jordynne. No this is Jordynne.” The video was a nod to Patrick’s time working at the Krusty Krab restaurant, and telling a caller asking if this was the Krusty Krab “No, this is Patrick.”
Grace’s new boots are a bold new look for the NXT Superstar. In shared DMs, Grace shared that Lash Legend was a factor behind the purchase and once again confirmed the connection to Patrick.
Grace has made an impact since arriving in WWE NXT last year, with many believing a title victory will come eventually. Until that day comes, Grace is ready to walk over the competition with her fancy new boots.
One fan’s attempt to use WWE references to win over a lady did not pan out, despite his willingness to fight 2009-era Randy Orton. In a screenshot shared on social media, the fan in question told his would-be romance that he’d wrestle a bear just to get her number. When that show of affection went unanswered, the fan said they’d even fight Orton, specifically from his 2009 run.
Randy Orton circa 2009 is considered one of the most violent, dastardly chapters in the career of the Legend Killer. The year saw Orton take out several wrestlers with the punt kick. In perhaps his most dastardly act, Orton would hit his middle-rope DDT on Stephanie McMahon, all while a handcuffed Triple H watched on helplessly. Orton would seal the act with a kiss to the unconscious McMahon, adding fire to the feud between Orton and his former mentor heading into WrestleMania 25.
Orton isn’t quite as evil as he once was, but teasing the return of the punt in his ongoing feud with Kevin Owens shows he still has a bonafide mean-streak. As for the fan, it remains to be seen if they can win over their would-be romance with more references to WWE’s resident Apex Predator.
Cena’s heel turn has had everyone talking with his actions extending past pro-wrestling. On X, one fan compared John’s fall to the dark side to LeBron James joining the Miami Heat. James’ decision to sign with the Heat in 2010 spawned an immediate backlash at the time with many taking issue with the move and his televised The Decision special. Prominent basketball icons including Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan were among those criticzing James at the time.
After his explosive return to WWE Raw in Brussels, Cena will be a part of the March 24, episode in Glasgow, Scotland. With Cody Rhodes also confirmed for the show, fans can expect another encounter between the two. Rhodes and Cena will battle at WrestleMania 41, where John intends on becoming a 17-time WWE World Champion at the expense of the American Nightmare.
Many fans are still awaiting The Rock’s role in the Cena-Rhodes situation. While the Final Boss was at Elimination Chamber: Toronto, he has been absent from programming ever since. With WrestleMania 41 looming, fans eagerly anticipate the return of the Final Boss, providing Rhodes with another WWE icon he’ll need to overcome to have any chance at retaining his title.
Alexa Bliss, who made a surprise return at the WWE Royal Rumble, has been absent from WWE television since wrestling only two matches. Adding to the mystery, she has now been removed from her scheduled appearance at WWE World during WrestleMania 41 weekend.
A fan inquired about Bliss’s absence from the Fanatic Events page, which was promoting her appearance at WWE World over WrestleMania 41 weekend next month. Fanatic Events confirmed that Bliss would no longer be attending. The company replied,
“Regrettably, Alexa Bliss is no longer attending. Please DM if you have any questions!”
Bliss was initially scheduled to appear at WWE World from the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 17th to 21st.
Hi, Roger! Regrettably, Alexa Bliss is no longer attending. Please send me a DM if you have any questions! -Marissa https://t.co/n291Rp7n7f
This removal has puzzled fans, especially given WrestleVotes’ report of WWE’s “major plans” for Bliss at WrestleMania 41, potentially involving the Wyatt Sicks. Whether Bliss’s absence from WWE World is related to these plans, or if she will return to television in time for WrestleMania, remains to be seen.
As of this writing, Bliss has yet to comment on being pulled from the appearance. It’s unclear when WWE exactly has her planned to make a return to television nor why she has disappeared.
The excitement keeps building, more WWE Superstars are coming to WWE World! ?
Get ready to meet your favorites: ? Kevin Owens ? Charlotte Flair ? Drew McIntyre ? Bianca Belair ? Damian Priest ? Alexa Bliss
On his 83 Weeks podcast, former WCW president Eric Bischoff shared his thoughts on John Cena’s long-awaited heel turn, calling it “beautiful” and praising its execution. However, he also laid out his own vision for how he would have handled Cena’s transformation, opting for a slower, more mysterious approach.
Bischoff admired the cinematic quality of the turn, describing it as “theatrically done” with a strong focus on subtlety, body language, and nuance. “Good television is nothing more or less than the artful use of little details,” he explained, emphasizing how Cena’s shift was built on carefully crafted moments rather than a single shock factor.
While WWE chose to have Cena debut his new persona in an aggressive and defiant manner on RAW, Bischoff suggested an alternative strategy.
“I’d lean into ‘less is more,’ at least initially,” he said. “Make it mysterious. Don’t be definitive. Don’t come out in week one and tell me why—you’ve already planted the hook, so leave it in as long as you can.”
Despite his personal take, Bischoff acknowledged that Cena’s turn was a major moment in wrestling history, something fans had clamored for over two decades. He noted that with Cody Rhodes stepping into the role of WWE’s top babyface, the timing was right for Cena to finally embrace his darker side—especially if this is truly his final year in the ring.
Another key factor in Cena’s turn is his alliance with The Rock, creating an intimidating duo that could reshape WWE’s landscape. Bischoff compared the moment to Hulk Hogan’s infamous heel turn in 1996 but highlighted one major difference—the involvement of mainstream celebrities. The presence of music star Travis Scott, who was featured alongside The Rock and Cena, added another layer of intrigue and unpredictability to the storyline.
As Cena prepares to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41, the question remains: Is Rhodes walking into a two-on-one fight? With The Rock backing Cena and Rhodes’ allies preoccupied, the odds could be stacked against the champion.
Triple H has added another accolade to his storied career. The WWE Chief Content Officer was recently honored with the Full Sail University Industry Icon Award in Orlando, Florida, recognizing his contributions to NXT during its time at Full Sail Arena.
For nearly a decade, Full Sail served as the home of WWE NXT, hosting the brand from 2012 until the COVID-19 pandemic led to a move to the WWE Performance Center. Under Triple H’s leadership, NXT became a critically acclaimed brand, helping launch some of WWE’s top superstars.
Reflecting on the honor, Triple H shared his gratitude on social media, writing:
“Last week I was honored to receive the @FullSail Industry Icon Award. Full Sail gave #WWENXT a home and helped us create industry-defining moments. Will always be proud of our connection. Thank you to President Garry Jones and congratulations to all this year’s honorees.”
From shaping NXT to now leading WWE’s creative direction, Triple H’s impact on the industry continues to grow.
Last week I was honored to receive the @FullSail Industry Icon Award. Full Sail gave #WWENXT a home and helped us create industry-defining moments. Will always be proud of our connection. Thank you to President Garry Jones and congratulations to all this year’s honorees. pic.twitter.com/Ny9NKA5Esf
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has responded to being named the greatest black wrestler in history by BET.
“I really appreciate that. I really do. My body of work has been vast. I’m still working my butt off.”
Booker works his ‘butt off’ to help the next generation of wrestlers “find their way through this journey.” A renaissance man, Booker helps train wrestlers, operates the Reality of Wrestling promotion alongside wife Sharmell, and serves as a WWE NXT commentator.
Even with this ranking, Booker doesn’t consider himself as the best wrestler in the ring. Instead he believes that his performance was his gratest strength.
“I never thought I was the best wrestler in the world, but I always thought I was a really, really good performer, and that’s what the difference was.“
When asked for the secret to his longevity in wrestling, Booker shared that “I was always thinking about what was next.” It is this dedication to do more that turned Booker into a six-time World Champion and two-time WWE Hall of Famer, among other accolades.
“When I got in this business more than 30 years ago, I said when it was over with, I just want my name to ring with the best wrestlers that have ever did it, and I feel like I’ve achieved that.”
Booker fought off some fierce competition to take the #1 spot, including fellow WWE Hall of Famers and current-day talent. The rankings from BET is as follows:
Booker T
The Rock
Kofi Kingston
Mark Henry
Mercedes Moné
Junkyard Dog
Ron Simmons
Bobby Lashley
Bianca Belair
D’Von Dudley
Big E
Jacqueline
Naomi
Shelton Benjamin
Jazz
Whether it be in the ring or on the mic, Booker T proved his exceptional talents time and time again. Now, the former WCW World Champion has a legacy that only a few wrestlers, regardless of race, can ever touch.
As part of the WrestleMania festivities, On Location is hosting an exclusive luncheon with Cena on Saturday, April 19, just hours before Night One of WrestleMania 41. The catch? Only 20 fans will be able to attend, and the price tag for this experience is $25,000 per person. That’s pre-tax, of course.
For such a steep price, fans will experience a private dining event held at a luxury restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip. Attendees will enjoy a meal alongside Cena, hear heartfelt speeches, and witness Cena receive a Lifetime Achievement in recognition for his contributions to the industry.
Cena’s luncheon is hardly the only high-price experience for fans with deep pockets traveling to Las Vegas. A meet-and-greet VIP experience with Hulk Hogan is also available though the price of meeting the Hulkster has been slashed. Though there’s no official word on why the price has been cut, many fans believe Hogan’s controversies have left the star not the attractive prospect he once was.
In the ring, John Cena plans on defeating Cody Rhodes to claim his record-breaking 17th WWE World Championship. Whatever comes for Big Match John, the WWE icon will give some fans a true once-in-a-lifetime experience on his retirement tour.
WWE is adding a comedic twist to WrestleMania 41 weekend with The Roast of WrestleMania Featuring Tony Hinchcliffe & Friends. The event is set for Sunday, April 20, at 10 p.m. PT at the BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Hinchcliffe, a well-known comedian and host of the Kill Tony podcast, will be joined by fellow comedians, celebrities, and WWE superstars, including Sami Zayn, The Miz, Braun Strowman, and Paul Heyman.
While the roast will not be televised, fans can secure tickets via Ticketmaster, with presale beginning on March 19 at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT. General public sales start on March 21 at the same time. On Location, WWE’s official fan hospitality partner, will also offer access to the event.
This marks a significant moment for Hinchcliffe, a longtime pro wrestling fan, who recently secured a deal with Netflix for three Kill Tony specials and a new stand-up special.
WrestleMania 41 itself will take place at Allegiant Stadium on April 19 and 20, featuring matches such as Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair, and Gunther vs. Jey Uso.
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has expressed his appreciation for fans who stopped using the “Perc Angle” nickname after he shared that it brought back painful memories of a difficult period in his life.
During a recent interview with Bro Bible, the Olympic gold medalist acknowledged the overwhelming support from his fanbase after they decided to retire the moniker, which referenced his past struggles with addiction.
Kurt Angle on Fans Retiring the ‘Perc Angle’ Nickname
In the interview, Angle revealed his reaction to learning that WWE fans had chosen to stop using the nickname after he publicly voiced his discomfort with it.
“Thank you so much. I was really pleasantly surprised that they responded that way,” Angle said. “It makes me know that I have true fans out there that really enjoyed my career and loved me for what I did. I’m just grateful that they’re going to drop the name.”
Angle explained that hearing the phrase reminded him of a dark chapter in his life, one that he has since worked hard to overcome.
“It was not cool. I’m just glad that they’re now using ‘Peak Angle’ instead,” he added. “I’m very grateful for that.”
Angle’s Journey to Redemption
Throughout his career, Angle has been open about his struggles with painkiller addiction, which stemmed from severe injuries sustained in both amateur and pro wrestling. He has since turned his life around and remains dedicated to helping others and mentorship.
Beyond his legacy in WWE and amateur wrestling, Angle continues to advocate for the growth of wrestling, including the recent addition of women’s wrestling as an NCAA championship sport and increased funding for Team USA athletes.
While his in-ring days are behind him due to significant health issues—including multiple knee and neck surgeries—Angle remains deeply involved in wrestling through public appearances and interviews.
Angle is focused on producing two biographical films about his life, with filming set to begin later in the year. His story is set to hit the big screen with Jon Bernthal cast as his father and discussions underway for Gabriel LaBelle to portray Angle himself.
Leyla Hirsch has officially announced her return to the independent wrestling scene. The former AEW and ROH star took to Twitter on March 18, sharing,
“After taking some time to reflect and recharge, I’m beyond excited to announce that I’m BACK on the independent wrestling scene!”
In addition to her career move, Hirsch recently celebrated a personal milestone, tying the knot earlier this year.
During the Fightful Select Podcast on March 18, Sean Ross Sapp was asked whether WWE NXT had interest in Hirsch. His response: “Nothing so far.” While that doesn’t rule out future interest, there’s currently no indication that WWE is pursuing her.
Hirsch signed with AEW in 2020, quickly gaining attention with her amateur wrestling background. She competed against top names like Serena Deeb, Thunder Rosa, and Kris Statlander before shifting to ROH in 2022.
A knee injury sidelined her for over a year, but she returned in 2023, aligning with The Kingdom. Her AEW/ROH tenure ended after losing the ROH Women’s World Television Title to Red Velvet at Final Battle 2024.
Now a free agent, Hirsch has plenty of options. WWE NXT, NJPW, TNA, and other promotions could be in the mix, but for now, she’s focused on taking bookings on the independent scene.
Hirsch’s departure from AEW comes amid a wave of recent exits. Malakai Black and Rey Fenix are reportedly heading to WWE, while Miro is another name that could be WWE-bound.
Kevin Nash has weighed in on John Cena’s shocking heel turn at WWE Elimination Chamber, suggesting that Randy Orton should be the third man in the newly formed faction alongside Cena and The Rock.
On his Kliq This podcast, Nash, a founding member in the industry-changing New World Order (nWo), expressed skepticism about rapper Travis Scott’s involvement in the group. Instead, he believes adding a veteran like Orton would elevate the faction’s credibility and intensity.
“Have Randy Orton join Cena and Rock,” Nash said. “I don’t think Travis Scott is the right guy to be out there as the third.
You would have to have somebody come back, like if you could get Austin or ‘Taker… But we’ve all timed out. I think Randy looks amazing right now.”
The Third Man?
Orton and Cena have a storied history as rivals, making a potential alliance even more intriguing.
The Viper recently referenced Cena’s shocking turn on WWE SmackDown, fueling speculation about his next move.
With Cena and The Rock embracing their dark side, the addition of Orton could take the faction to another level. Whether WWE will shake up the lineup remains to be seen, but Nash’s insight carries weight given his experience in industry-defining stables.
