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.
WWE NXT star Jaida Parker has responded to criticism of her finishing move, the hip attack known as Hipnotic, making it clear she has no plans to change it—though an upgrade might be on the horizon.
Some fans have questioned the impact of the move, suggesting she should adopt a new finisher. Addressing the criticism on No-Contest Wrestling, Parker dismissed the idea of replacing Hipnotic while emphasizing its effectiveness.
“Not to be disrespectful, but if I were to use another one, then I wouldn’t be Jaida Parker,” she said. “That Hipnotic is Jaida Parker. People don’t like it or understand it, but they’re not me.”
Not Backing Down
Parker, a former soccer player for LSU’s Lady Tigers, explained that the move draws from her athletic background, likening it to powerful hip-checks in soccer. She defended its legitimacy, stating that if critics experienced the move firsthand, they wouldn’t be questioning its impact.
While Parker has no intention of replacing her finisher, she did tease potential improvements.
“I might upgrade it, but I’m not changing it,” she said. “I can only go up from here.”
Parker signed with WWE in August 2022 after completing her final college soccer season in 2021.
TNA Wrestling has gained significant momentum over the past year, with growing live audiences and increased exposure through its partnership with WWE. Now, the company’s next major goal is securing a larger distribution deal. Speaking on Stories with JBL & Gerald Brisco, veteran grappler Frankie Kazarian highlighted the importance of expanding TNA’s reach.
“Internally, the focus is on getting distribution and landing on a bigger network,” he explained.
He cited the recent move to Sportsnet 360 in Canada—following WWE’s shift to Netflix—as a major step, comparing it to being on ESPN in the U.S. Kazarian also pointed to the growing impact of streaming, suggesting platforms like Paramount+ as potential avenues.
“Management is working tirelessly on this, and with our current momentum, I’d hope by year’s end we’ll have a new deal bringing more eyes to our product,” he added.
Frankie Kazarian in TNA
Frankie Kazarian remains a key figure in TNA Wrestling, balancing in-ring competition, mentorship, and strategic influence. After re-signing in January 2025, he holds the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Trophy, positioning him as a TNA World Championship contender.
Currently portraying a heel, Kazarian attempted to cash in his title opportunity at TNA Genesis during Joe Hendry’s match with Nic Nemeth, reinforcing his main-event status. His tenure since 2003 makes him a respected locker room leader, mentoring younger talents.
Despite multiple X-Division and Tag Team Championship reigns, Kazarian has never won the TNA World Championship. He remains determined, stating, “I have unfinished business… I want to be TNA World Champion.” His pursuit of the title continues to shape his current role.
Jake Roberts doesn’t believe John Cena ever had the “It Factor” that defined other top wrestling stars.
The 16-time WWE Champion shocked fans by turning heel for the first time in two decades at Elimination Chamber, aligning with The Rock and betraying Cody Rhodes. His villainous transformation continued on Raw, where he delivered a scathing promo that drew overwhelming boos from the crowd.
Speaking on his Snake Pit podcast, Roberts supported the decision to turn Cena heel, stating it was necessary to solidify Cody Rhodes as WWE’s top babyface.
“Absolutely. Why not? It’s time for it—for a couple of reasons,” Roberts said. “Cody’s your top babyface now, so you’ve got to get those other guys out of there so he’s the only one.
And to turn heel? He’s gonna end up putting Cody over, which is exactly what they want.”
However, when asked whether Cena had the “It Factor” that legendary wrestlers possess, Roberts gave a blunt response:
“I don’t think he did. I don’t feel it, man. Nothing personal, but I’ve just always struggled with him.”
Cena’s shocking heel turn has divided fans, but Roberts remains firm in his stance that while the move benefits WWE’s storytelling, Cena himself may not have ever truly had that special star quality.
During an appearance on The F Y’all Podcast with C.T. Fletcher, MVP was asked which figure in wrestling history he would have liked to slap if given the chance. While he didn’t name anyone outright, he strongly hinted that it was a certain wrestling executive.
“You know who I want to see? You know who I want to say? I just don’t know if it would be the best thing to say right now,” MVP said.
He went on to reveal that there was only one person he truly regretted not confronting.
“Let’s just say, in my professional career, I have only one regret. There’s one individual—an executive for a wrestling company—that I wish I had slapped the sh*t out of when I had the chance. But I never got the chance. And I’ll leave it at that.”
Shelton Benjamin, also on the podcast, jokingly added that his answer would be Mia Yim, continuing their playful social media rivalry.
While MVP didn’t specify who he was referring to, fans speculate that it could be someone from WWE. He has previously voiced frustrations about how The Hurt Business and Black talent were handled, as well as his experiences working under Triple H and Vince McMahon. However, unless MVP decides to reveal more, the identity of the executive remains a mystery.
Kofi Kingston has endorsed John Cena’s shocking heel turn, adding a new layer to one of 2025’s most captivating storylines so far. After turning at Elimination Chamber: Toronto, Cena confirmed his fall to the dark side during the March 17, WWE Rawwith a scathing promo aimed at the fans.
On X, Kingston supported Cena’s attack on the fans who only take and give nothing back, endorsing the 16-time World Champions that fans are awful. As the New Day member puts its:
“Not. A. Single. Lie. Told. You people have been AWFUL.”
Kingston himself turned heel in December 2024 when he and Xavier Woods betrayed their New Day teammate Big E. He and Woods have been embracing their roles as villains with increasing intensity while battling fan favorites including Rey Mysterio and the LWO.
Cena’s turn at Elimination Chamber saw him align with The Rock, yet another name fans didn’t imagine turning heel until it happened in early 2024. With the Final Boss in his corner, fans can’t count out Kofi and others being recruited to aid Cena in his quest for a 17th World Title.
Cena’s heel turn has set the stage for what promises to be an explosive WrestleMania showdown with Cody Rhodes and both have been confirmed for the March 24, Raw in Glasgow, Scotland. While The Rock’s involvement adds another layer to an already compelling narrative, it could be the work of Kingston and others that give more depth to this shocking betrayal.
Sol Ruca hopes to win the Women’s U.S. Title on the March 18, edition of WWE NXT but Chelsea Green is in no mood to put her gold on the line. Taking to X, Green, the inaugural holder of the gold, was furious that ‘Miss Sunshine’ was making Green wrestle on what she claimed was her one day off.
Can not believe Miss Sunshine is trying to take my ONE DAY OFF away from me. The audacity. https://t.co/nWMH02ZZpJ
Green then argued that her first amendment rights mean that this match should not go ahead. The self-professed Hot Mess had no shortage of reasons why the match simply can’t happen.
??? Thinking I may invoke my 1st amendment right to petition this @WWENXT match tonight due to the fact that 1) I am tired 2) I am jet lagged 3) I will be busy 4) I am not tanned 5) @SolRucaWWE sunny demeanor is annoying pic.twitter.com/9vPg213TlF
Despite Green’s best efforts, all signs point to the title match going ahead as planned. Ruca pinned Green during a tag-team match on the March 4, edition of WWE NXT, seemingly giving the challenger the psychological advantage heading into their title match.
Despite her reluctance to compete, Green won’t be walking into this title match alone. The U.S. Champion has her own secret service including ‘Slaygent P’ (Piper Niven) and the group’s newest recruit, ‘Slaygent A’ (Alba Fyre.) The irony is that the faction that leans heavily into a U.S. Presidential campaign, does not feature anyone born in the U.S. of A.
For Sol Ruca, this match marks a golden opportunity for the NXT star to etch her name in the history books as the second Women’s U.S. Champion. Will Ruca shock Green just as she did two weeks ago or will the numbers of the Green Administration prove too much once again?
BJ Ray, one of the standout personalities from Legends & Future Greats, recently appeared on Casual Conversations with The Wrestling Classic to discuss his WWE experience. Along the way, Ray discussed his rivalry with Bubba Ray Dudley and his approach to the business.
Ray’s issues with Bubba Ray have played a key part of the WWE LFG so far. In the interview, Ray compared his issues with the Hall of Famer to the dynamic between Batman and the Joker.
“You don’t want to get rid of Bubba—you want to keep getting under Bubba’s skin. It fires you up.”
Bubba Ray Dudley is joined by Booker T, Mickie James, and The Undertaker as judges on WWE LFG which has also seen guest appearances. While Ray recognizes the status of his legendary coaches, he believes respect is a two-way street.
“I don’t care who you are—we all wake up, eat, bleed, and sleep the same. If you respect me, I’ll respect you.”
Ray didn’t grow up watching wrestling but quickly embraced the business after attending WWE’s Next Gen tryout, where he secured a contract. With a background in amateur wrestling and combat sports, he now sees WWE as the perfect way to demonstrate both his athletic prowess and his charisma.
Despite being a fresh face in wrestling, Ray’s antics on WWE LFG have already made him one of the show’s focal points. Proudly declaring that “Everything I touch turns to gold,” Ray was all-in when asked about a potential official match with Bubba Ray Dudley.
“If you’re a money man, you get it. People want to see it. Let’s make it happen.”
Ray’s confidence and charisma continue to make waves, and whether fans support him or not, he is determined to cement his place in WWE history. Catch WWE LFG on A&E on Sunday nights.
ECW legend The Sandman recently opened up about his negative experience in WWE while appearing on 1 of a Kind with RVD. The hardcore wrestling icon, known for his beer-drinking and kendo stick-wielding persona, revealed that his time in WWE was far from enjoyable, calling it “soul-sucking.”
Sandman explained that while ECW was the most fun and TNA was the easiest job for the money, WWE was the most lucrative but also the most frustrating. He shared that the corporate structure and backstage atmosphere in WWE made him miserable, stating he dreaded traveling to shows and being in the locker room.
“I love the business… until I had to go deal with WWE,” Sandman admitted. “A week there, I’m like, I’m ready to kill myself, dude. If I didn’t have a couple of my boys with me…”
One of his biggest frustrations was WWE limiting his signature beer-drinking entrance. Before SummerSlam, he was told he could no longer drink beer on TV, which he later realized was because WWE wanted to protect Steve Austin’s beer-drinking gimmick. This decision left Sandman feeling stripped of his identity in the ring.
“Johnny [Laurinaitis] calls me into his office and goes, ‘You can’t drink the beer anymore.’ And I’m like, ‘What?!’” He later realized WWE wanted to protect Steve Austin’s beer-drinking gimmick. “I was hot, and I hated it there. I had no friends… It was soul-sucking.”
He also recalled the overwhelming environment in WWE, mentioning that there were often over 100 wrestlers backstage, but only a fraction would actually be used on shows. He preferred dressing in stairwells with Sabu to avoid the crowded locker rooms.
“There’s a hundred guys there for Raw, and they’re using like 30 of them,” he said. “I can’t be in that locker room stepping all over people… and everybody’s lying to you.”
Ultimately, Sandman admitted that he was so unhappy in WWE that he would intentionally cut his matches short just to leave the arena sooner. His time with the company ended after conflicts with management, making it clear that WWE was never the right fit for him.
“They had to tell me to stop going home early,” he revealed. “I was going in there, giving them five minutes, and getting out.”
The Sandman’s WWE career lasted approximately 15 months, from June 2006 to September 2007. While his time in WWE was relatively short compared to his legendary ECW tenure, it provided WWE fans with a glimpse of the hardcore icon who had been so instrumental in ECW’s popularity during the 1990s. After his WWE departure, The Sandman returned to the independent wrestling circuit, where he has continued to make appearances well into the 2020s, with matches documented as recently as this month.
Catch The Sandman’s comments about working for WWE on the latest episode of Rob Van Dam’s 1 of a Kind podcast:
Nikki Bella made her in-ring return at the 2025 Royal Rumble, entering the women’s match as the final participant at number 30. Following the event, she hinted at a possible extended run with WWE but has yet to appear on television since.
Speaking with Foothills Focus, Brie Bella discussed her sister’s return and the possibility of joining her in the ring.
“I’m grappling grapes while Nikki is grappling some girls this year. You never know—I might join her. I have a few tricks up my sleeve,” Brie shared.
“For the first time, I’m so content in my life. I’m exactly where I wanted to be.”
Beyond wrestling, the Bella twins remain busy with their wine brand, Bonita Bonita, and their podcast, the Nikki and Brie Show. Now based in Napa Valley, the sisters embrace their passion for winemaking while staying connected to their Scottsdale roots. She sees wine as a way to foster connection, emphasizing its role in bringing people together.
Jaida Parker’s journey to WWE has been anything but easy, but she believes her success is a testament to faith and perseverance. After her standout moment at NXT Roadblock, Parker opened up about how overcoming adversity led her to this defining stage of her career.
“You can’t tell me God ain’t real,” Parker said on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast.
“There’s no way I can go through all these trials and tribulations and then still end up on top. That ain’t nothing but God.”
Parker’s passion was on full display when she shared the ring with top WWE stars like Bianca Belair, Naomi, Lash Legend, and Chelsea Green. For her, it was more than just another match—it was a realization of years of hard work paying off.
“I turned and I’m like, oh, that’s Bianca, and I look, I was like, oh, that’s Naomi. I was just embracing that moment because a lot of people can’t say they’ve ever had that,” she shared.
She also praised Belair and Naomi for paving the way for Black women in wrestling, calling them an inspiration. But Parker isn’t just here to admire—she’s here to compete.
“I’m trying to make my idols become my rivals… because iron can only sharpen iron at the end of the day.”
With her faith driving her and a hunger to prove herself, Parker is determined to keep climbing in WWE. And if her Roadblock moment was any indication, she’s only just getting started.
Tyler Bate, former NXT UK Champion and one half of New Catch Republic, has been medically cleared to return to WWE. Reports indicate his comeback is imminent, with RAW as his confirmed destination.
Bate suffered a torn pectoral muscle in July 2024 during an NXT tag match alongside Pete Dunne. After successful surgery, he spent seven months rehabbing before receiving clearance to compete.
Return Plans and Future Direction
Initially rumored for a February return, Bate’s comeback was delayed but is now expected soon. WWE officials have confirmed he will remain on RAW, where he competed before his injury, according to PWInsider.
At just 28, Bate boasts an impressive career, including becoming the first WWE United Kingdom Champion at 19 and achieving NXT UK Triple Crown status. His return raises questions about whether he will reunite with Dunne, who has since adopted a heel persona, or pursue a singles run.
With his mix of technical skill and power, Bate’s return promises to add excitement to WWE’s flagship brand. Fans can expect his reappearance any time now.
On the March 17, WWE Raw, John Cena confirmed his heel turn with a scathing promo aimed at the fans. To chants of “You sold out” and “F*** you Cena,” the WWE icon spent over 25 minutes berating fans, calling them “awful” and accusing them of “only taking and taking.”
While the WWE Universe is still trying to process Cena’s transformation, one person who’s clearly struggling with it is R-Truth. Shortly after the show, Truth took to X and once again failed to connect all the dots.
Something’s wrong… Why is everyone turning on my childhood hero @JohnCena
Truth has often heralded John as his ‘childhood hero,’ making Cena’s heel turn especially bad for the former WWE 24/7 Champion. Truth and Cena have yet to come face-to-face since this heel turn though fans anticipate (and dread) a potential meet-up.
John Cena will be part of the March 24, edition of WWE Raw in Glasgow, Scotland, as will his WrestleMania 41 opponent Cody Rhodes. While the pair did not come to blows in Belgium, it may be a matter of time before fists fly ahead of the Undisputed WWE Championship match in Las Vegas.
