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WWE Pulls In Millions From Six Live Events 

Andrew Ravens
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WWE Pulls In Millions From Six Live Events 

WWE brought in more than $13.2 million from the ticket sales of just six live shows held in late March and early April 2025. Post Wrestling via Pollstar reported the news on Monday. 

This big success comes from a very popular time for the company and TKO’s new ticket pricing strategy, which has led to many shows making over a million dollars each.

These events were part of a wider, successful European tour in March that included twelve events in total, featuring three episodes each of WWE Raw and WWE Friday Night SmackDown. According to Pollstar, a group that reports on the event industry, WWE saw huge earnings from these specific dates, highlighting the strong demand from WWE fans.

Several individual shows made impressive amounts. For example, the WWE Raw show at London’s O2 Arena on March 31st made an amazing $3.58 million from 14,816 tickets sold. Other big successes included Friday Night SmackDown in Glasgow, Scotland, which brought in over $2.6 million, and another SmackDown in London that made $2.8 million.

Upon returning to the U.S., a SmackDown show in Rosemont, Illinois, on April 4th also made nearly $2.3 million. Pollstar confirmed the total from these six specific shows alone was $13,298,774.

Lucha Legend Backs El Grande Americano Amid Insensitivity Claims

Thomas Lowson
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Lucha Legend Backs El Grande Americano Amid Insensitivity Claims

The character of El Grande Americano has drawn criticism from fans and wrestlers alike who view the character as racially insensitive and a mockery of lucha libre. Speaking on his Keepin’ It 100 podcast, Konnan dismissed these criticisms, arguing that fans will always find something to complain about.

“A lot of people are complaining, bro? People complain about everything. You could give people a gold bar and they’d be like, ‘Oh, there’s a scratch in the corner.’ You can take it as far as you want.”

Konnan acknowledged that pro wrestling has “always been behind the curve on racial sensitivity,” whether it be it’s treatment of black, Japanese, or Samoan talent. Today, Konnan is pleased that El Grande Americano’s take on lucha libre is intended as funny, rather than hateful.

“You just can’t be outwardly racial. You have to be very funny and kind of subtle about it. But it’s a parody, you know what I’m saying? I have no problem with it.”

Konnan doesn’t have an issue with El Grande Americano, especially when compared to some of WWE’s other Mexican-based characters. On his podcast, Konnan recalled some of WWE’s ideas that he took issue with.

“I think the most important part, is it demeaning Mexicans? No, it isn’t. If you remember the lawnmower thing — the Mexicools — very demeaning, you know? I also thought the piñatas were demeaning with the Lucha… whatever, Lucha House Party.”

Americano recently defeated Dragon Lee for the WWE Speed Championship and will reportedly be heading to AAA soon enough. While debate around the character is unlikely to fade soon, Konnan views it as a lighthearted homage to old-school wrestling—not an insult.

WWE Files ‘King of the Luchadores’ Trademark

Kofi Kingston Calls Out Disrespectful Fan Behavior: ‘You Don’t Have The Right’

Michael Reichlin
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Kofi Kingston Calls Out Disrespectful Fan Behavior: ‘You Don’t Have The Right’

WWE Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston addressed fan boundaries in an interview with Adrian Hernandez on “Unlikely” following a disrespectful encounter on an airplane.

“Don’t think that because you bought a ticket that you have the right to shake my hand,” Kingston stated firmly.

“Don’t come up to me and say, ‘Well, I bought a ticket to the show, so I should be able to get a picture,’ and you are obligated to come over to me. That is not true. I don’t have to do that.”

Kofi Kingston’s WWE Fan Etiquette

On morning flight interactions:

“Do not come over and try to shake my hand and try to take a picture with me early in the morning when I’m trying to go to work. If I’m sitting in first class when you are on your way to last class, don’t sit there with your camera and do a thumbs down so you can get a little viral shot.”

Kingston’s comments follow fellow WWE superstar Drew McIntyre’s recent dos and don’ts for fan interactions.

On social media behavior:

“Don’t like the pictures and posts when people post disrespectful pics like that. Don’t like them because you perpetuate that… you perpetuate the negativity.”

His response culminated with him referencing his championship:

“If I am in my everyday life going to work doing what I want to do, if I’m hanging out with my family, I don’t need you to tell me how much I suck. Because look here…

That means that I don’t suck. So don’t come across as a liar when you tell me that I do.”

Kingston’s message is clear: enthusiasm is welcome, but entitlement and disrespect are not.

Tailer for ‘Money Talk$’ Short Film with AEW’s Hook

Michael Reichlin
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Tailer for ‘Money Talk$’ Short Film with AEW’s Hook

AEW star Hook is set to make his cinematic debut in the upcoming short film “Money Talk$,” which will have its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City this June.

The film, directed by Tony Mucci, follows “the adventure of a $100 bill in 1981 NYC” on the day of Reagan’s inauguration as it travels through the underbelly of New York City.

Hook, the former FTW Champion and current member of The Opps, is credited as a “Mystery Man” on the film’s IMDb page.

Hook’s father Taz shared this trailer for the film over the weekend:

This marks the directorial debut for Tony Mucci in the film industry. Mucci has an extensive background in music video production, and worked with late rapper Juice WRLD.

The 2025 Tribeca Festival, running June 4-15 in New York City, will feature an expanded lineup of 93 short films this year, including 49 world premieres. The short is scheduled to screen before one of the festival’s Member Exclusive Events titled “Bunny.”

‘I Could Have Bought A New Car’: MVP On His Past WWE Weed Fines

Andrew Ravens
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‘I Could Have Bought A New Car’: MVP On His Past WWE Weed Fines

WWE started its wellness program in 2006 to test for steroids and other drugs that wrestlers might misuse. At first, WWE did not test for marijuana, but later added it, fining superstars rather than suspending them for failed tests.

On his Marking Out podcast, former WWE United States Champion MVP shared how he handled these rules. He explained:

“When the wellness policy started at WWE, initially, they only tested for steroids and hard drugs; they didn’t test for cannabis. Then, as I recall, all the pillheads started complaining… They added cannabis, but it wasn’t a suspension; it was just a $1000 Fine.”

MVP, making good money at the time, even offered a unique solution:

“I went to John Laurinaitis and said, ‘Can I just give you a $12,000 check for the year? I’m gonna smoke.'”

Eventually, WWE raised the fine to $2,500.

“Finally, after a couple of $2,500 fines, plus the numerous $1,000 fines….I could have bought a new car for these fines for weed. I finally stopped smoking for a while,” MVP said.

Today, marijuana is not on WWE’s banned substance list.

MVP On Leaving WWE: ‘New Management Just Wasn’t For Me’

“They Were So Mad” – Logan Paul On Those Who Wanted Him To Be Released By WWE

Andrew Ravens
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“They Were So Mad” – Logan Paul On Those Who Wanted Him To Be Released By WWE

Logan Paul says that some people are not happy he kept his job during the recent WWE talent releases. Earlier in May 2025, WWE let go of several superstars, and others were told their contracts would not be renewed. This news caused some WWE fans to be upset about wrestlers leaving the company, and Paul believes a lot of that anger has been aimed at him.

Speaking on his “Impaulsive” podcast, the social media star talked about the WWE releases. He said that some people wished he had been one of the superstars cut from the roster.

Paul stated, “Some people are mad I didn’t get fired in the last round of WWE releases, they let a lot of people go. Not your boy. They were mad about that. The way I see it, you can’t let go a future world heavyweight champion…. That would just be ridiculous.”

Despite some fans’ negative feelings, Paul remains confident in his WWE status and future ambitions. He is scheduled to appear on tonight’s  WWE Monday Night Raw episode.

WWE Files ‘King of the Luchadores’ Trademark

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Files ‘King of the Luchadores’ Trademark

WWE has filed a trademark application for “King of the Luchadores” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The filing covers the usual wrestling-related ‘goods and services’ usage description, including: Entertainment services including wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler delivered through live events, television, radio, and online platforms.

It remains to be seen if this will be used for one of WWE’s existing luchador competitors, such as the comedic Grande Americano character, or if this is used for more-legitimate purposes.

John Cena’s WWE Retirement Tour Schedule (Updated)

Michael Reichlin
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John Cena’s WWE Retirement Tour Schedule (Updated)

John Cena is currently on his WWE retirement tour with several confirmed appearances remaining in 2025.

The reigning WWE Champion has approximately 24 appearances remaining before he rides off into the sunset once and for all.

This list includes all currently confirmed appearances for John Cena’s farewell tour as of May 19, 2025.

Here’s his upcoming schedule (subject to change), including another WWE SmackDown television appearance in August on the road to WWE Clash in Paris:

May 2025

  • May 24: Saturday Night’s Main Event in Tampa, Florida (Rumored match vs. R-Truth)
  • May 30: WWE SmackDown in Knoxville, Tennessee

June 2025

  • June 7: WWE Money in the Bank in Los Angeles, California
  • June 9: WWE Raw in Phoenix, Arizona
  • June 13: WWE SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky
  • June 20: WWE SmackDown in Grand Rapids, Michigan

July & August 2025

  • July 18: WWE SmackDown in San Antonio, Texas
  • August 2-3: WWE SummerSlam in East Rutherford, New Jersey
  • August 8: WWE SmackDown in Montreal, Canada
  • August 22: WWE SmackDown in Dublin, Ireland
  • August 29: WWE SmackDown in Lyon, France
  • August 31: WWE Clash in Paris in Paris, France

October 2025

  • October 10: WWE SmackDown in Perth, Australia
  • October 11: WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia
  • October 13: WWE Raw in Perth, Australia

December 2025

  • Date TBD: WWE event in Boston, MA

Mick Foley’s ‘Banned’ Christmas Book May Return for 25th Anniversary

Michael Reichlin
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Mick Foley’s ‘Banned’ Christmas Book May Return for 25th Anniversary

WWE legend Mick Foley has revealed he rewrote his controversial Christmas book for a potential 25th anniversary release, but Jerry “The King” Lawler’s health challenges may prevent its publication.

Speaking with Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture at Comic Con Revolution, Foley explained the updates he made to the holiday classic:

“I did rewrite it a few years ago, maybe for ahead of a 25th anniversary release. I just changed a couple of words around like instead of Santa saying ‘perhaps I’ll buy some fancy chains like that wrestler named Too Hottie’… I changed it to ‘perhaps I’ll buy a fancy robe like the Nature Boy Ric Flair.'”

Despite his preparations, Foley explained why fans might not see the updated version:

“Jerry Lawler was the original illustrator and Jerry’s had a stroke, so it’s much tougher for him to do his artwork. So, I think that’s the reason why there won’t be an amended version.”

The book gained notoriety for being banned from some stores due to its adult humor, including a memorable “naked elf” illustration.

“It got buried in adult humor in some bookstores kind of killing off the whole Santa Claus audience. But people did like it and even though it was banned from some chain stores around the country because of the naked elf…”

While this specific project remains in limbo, Foley continues writing and working on various projects outside of wrestling.

Mick Foley: Randy Orton Hardcore Match Was ‘My Favorite of All Time’

Michael Reichlin
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Mick Foley: Randy Orton Hardcore Match Was ‘My Favorite of All Time’

In a surprising revelation, hardcore legend Mick Foley has declared his 2004 brutal encounter with Randy Orton as his “favorite match of all time,” despite a career filled with iconic battles against Terry Funk, The Undertaker, Triple H, and others.

Speaking to Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture at Comic Con Revolution, Foley specifically recalled the elation he felt during a pivotal moment in the match:

“It was my favorite match of all time. I remember dropping that elbow on Randy and thinking it was the most perfect elbow I’d ever dropped. And I also remember the feeling like he was growing in front of people’s eyes, you know, that people were getting to see a different side of Randy Orton and they really embraced it.”

The hardcore battle, which featured Foley’s infamous thumbtacks and barbed wire, provided a transformative moment in Orton’s career development, establishing him as more than just a third-generation prospect.

“I think it was a really good match for both of us,” Foley added, acknowledging how the encounter benefited both performers despite occurring late in his own career.

The match represents a perfect example of wrestling’s generational torch-passing, with the hardcore legend elevating a young talent to new heights. This late-career confrontation with Orton now stands as Foley’s personal favorite, cementing its significance in both men’s legacies and WWE history. You can watch the match in its entirety right here, courtesy of WWE:

Mick Foley Reveals How Mankind Became a ‘Kindred Spirit’ for Outsiders

Michael Reichlin
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Mick Foley Reveals How Mankind Became a ‘Kindred Spirit’ for Outsiders

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley says his mid-late 90’s Mankind character became an unexpected symbol of acceptance for fans who felt like outsiders, despite being his most challenging persona to portray.

Speaking with Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture at Comic Con Revolution, Foley shared that while many fans remember his legendary matches, others found personal meaning in his characters:

“My favorite part about being here is just hearing what connected with fans. For some people was this match, legendary match with the Undertaker, but in some cases it’s someone telling me they kind of felt out of place and then they saw in mankind a kindred spirit and realized it’s okay to be a little bit different.”

Foley achieved worldwide notoriety as Cactus Jack before arriving in the World Wrestling Federation (April 1996), but Vince McMahon had a different vision for his presentation.

The creation of Mankind pushed Foley to dark psychological places, requiring intense method acting techniques seldom seen in professional wrestling.

“Mankind was the toughest because it was a really dark character in 1996. It was really dark and it was tough for me to go to a dark place. I mean, literally, I would go to the boiler room to try to get into the character of mankind,” Foley explained.

This revelation contrasted with his other personas, as he noted, “Dude Love was the easiest because it’s just me being a little nerdier than I am in real life.”

Mankind was initially a vehicle to introduce Foley as a viable opponent for The Undertaker, but even he must have been surprised at the direction it ultimately took. 30 years later, he’s still hearing from fans who felt an unlikely connection with the tortured character.

WWE Raw Preview: Logan Paul, MITB Qualifiers, and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker

Michael Reichlin
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WWE Raw Preview: Logan Paul, MITB Qualifiers, and Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker

Here’s the preview for this week’s WWE Raw, broadcasting live on Netflix at 8/7c from Greenville, South Carolina’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

The episode serves as the go-home Raw for Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24 and will feature high-stakes Money in the Bank qualifying matches for both the men’s and women’s ladder matches, as the road to the June 7 Premium Live Event heats up.

WWE Raw Preview: May 19, 2025

  • Logan Paul appears live ahead of his World Heavyweight title match at Saturday Night’s Main Event
  • Jey Uso (World Heavyweight Champion) vs. Bron Breakker (Non-Title Match)
  • Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller
  • AJ Styles & Penta vs. Finn Balor & JD McDonagh
  • Money in the Bank Qualifying Matches (Men’s & Women’s)

Other top stars scheduled to appear include Gunther, Rhea Ripley, Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio, The New Day, Raquel Rodriguez, IYO SKY, Seth Rollins, and more.

Darby Allin Speaks After Climbing Mount Everest: ‘What A Ride’

Michael Reichlin
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Darby Allin Speaks After Climbing Mount Everest: ‘What A Ride’

All Elite Wrestling’s resident daredevil Darby Allin has realized his dream of climbing Mount Everest. The 32-year-old “pillar of AEW has been off television since December to prepare for the adventure.

He finally reached the top of Everest on Sunday, and fulfilled his promise by bringing an AEW flag with him. He documented the accomplishment on Instagram, writing:

“Mount Everest summit. What a ride thanks @aew for everything in life. Thanks to the amazing team at adventure consultants and the Sherpa squad this shit was wild!”

Allin’s team began the climb last month and their progress was tracked online by the company that organized the excursion.

Why Darby Allin Climbed Mount Everest

Back in December, he spoke with Flickering Myth and revealed his motivation to embark on such an ambitious undertaking.

“That’s why like Mount Everest is so peaceful, the thought of like climbing it. Because when you’re climbing it, you can’t just talk, you can’t waste any energy talking. So it’s just you and your thoughts for like two months climbing that mountain. So you gotta dig deep down inside and really pull out who you are.

From a day-to-day life, you have all these distractions whether it’s your phone or whether it’s TV or whether it’s anything [else] but when you’re alone with your thoughts, that’s when you really find out who you are. You can deal with a lot of problems that you have in your head when you just have to bear with it and you can’t distract yourself.

So I think that sounds, that’s the most fun thing about Mount Everest – it’s very therapeutic.”

Darby Allin Breaks World Record on Mount Everest

AEW Double or Nothing 2025: Preview, Matches, and How to Watch

Michael Reichlin
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AEW Double or Nothing 2025: Preview, Matches, and How to Watch

All Elite Wrestling’s Double or Nothing returns for its seventh edition this Sunday, May 25, 2025, marking a historic first as the event heads to the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Traditionally held in Las Vegas, this year’s show brings the casino-themed spectacle to the Southwest. With the culmination of the Owen Hart Cup tournaments, championships on the line and a hot summer ahead, all eyes are on Glendale this holiday weekend.

How to Watch

Start Times:

  • United States: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
  • United Kingdom: 1:00 AM BST (Monday)
  • India: 6:30 AM IST (Monday)
  • Australia: 12:00 PM AEDT (Monday)

Broadcast Details:

  • United States:
    • Prime Video PPV
    • TrillerTV PPV (app/site)
    • PPV.com PPV
    • YouTube PPV
    • Traditional cable/satellite providers
    • In-person viewing at most Dave & Buster’s locations
  • International (outside the U.S.)
    • TrillerTV PPV – Canada + select markets
    • PPV.com PPV – Canada + select markets
    • YouTube PPV – Canada + select markets
    • Prime Video PPV – United Kingdom

Match Card

AEW Women’s World Championship

Toni Storm (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa

After a dominant reign and a series of eliminator victories, “Timeless” Toni Storm faces her former friend and returning star Mina Shirakawa. Shirakawa’s surprise pinfall over Storm at Beach Break earned her this title shot, making this one of the most anticipated women’s matches in AEW history.

AEW World Tag Team Championship

The Hurt Syndicate (c) vs. Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara

The reigning champions, The Hurt Syndicate, defend against the newly crowned number one contenders, Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara, who earned their shot after a hard-fought win on Collision.

Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Final

Will Ospreay vs. “Hangman” Adam Page

The winner secures an AEW World Championship match at All In Texas. Ospreay and Hangman Page, two of AEW’s most acclaimed athletes, collide in a high-stakes showdown that could steal the show.

Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Final

Mercedes Moné vs. Jamie Hayter

Both women are former champions in their own right, and the winner will earn a shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In Texas. Moné’s undefeated streak is on the line against the returning Hayter.

Anarchy in the Arena

Jon Moxley, Gabe Kidd, The Young Bucks, Marina Shafir & The Death Riders vs. Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, Powerhouse Hobbs, Willow Nightingale, Kenny Omega & The Opps

AEW’s signature chaotic brawl returns with a star-studded lineup. The match promises carnage and unpredictability as some of AEW’s biggest names clash in a no-holds-barred environment.

Stretcher Match

Mark Briscoe vs. Ricochet

This grudge match escalates to AEW’s first-ever Stretcher Match, as Briscoe and Ricochet look to settle their heated rivalry in a bout where only one can be wheeled out victorious.

FTR vs. Daniel Garcia & Nigel McGuinness

FTR, now embracing their villainous side, face the unlikely duo of Daniel Garcia and Nigel McGuinness. This marks McGuinness’ fourth match since his return to the ring, adding intrigue for longtime fans.

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
  • Venue: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona
  • Promotion: All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
  • Theme: Casino/Vegas-style spectacle, with a new Arizona twist

Don’t miss AEW Double or Nothing 2025-live from Glendale, Arizona, this Sunday.

John Cena Made His Stupidest Decision At ECW One Night Stand 2006

Thomas Lowson
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0
John Cena Made His Stupidest Decision At ECW One Night Stand 2006

John Cena is now a heel but the Undisputed WWE Champion received a frosty reception at ECW One Night Stand 2006, despite being a babyface. Speaking at the Philadelphia Fan Expo, Cena recalled the hostile reaction as he walked into the Hammerstein Ballroom to face Rob Van Dam.

“the audience was pretty bad. The event started at about seven o’clock, and we went on last, and at around seven, they were so audibly chanting ‘F-You Cena,’ so I know when I went out at ten o’clock, it was going to be pretty gnarly.”

With his head down and title raised, Cena made his way to the ring to a chorus of boos. During his talk, Cena shared that he did something he’d never dream of doing again in his career.

“It was the most stupid decision of my life, but I told Rob, ‘Hey, let’s go out through the audience.’ And I just wanted to see what would happen… I thought I was going to get my a** kicked.”

Cena appreciates that fans let their voices heard without resorting to violence, leaving the professionals to put on an incredible show. As Cena embraces being a villain once again, the Unseen Seventeen isn’t forgetting the importance of fans knowing not to get physical.

John Cena Keeps Coy About Potential Political Future

WWE LFG Renewed For Three More Years, Claims Legend

Thomas Lowson
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WWE LFG Renewed For Three More Years, Claims Legend

Fans haven’t seen the last of WWE LFG now that the first season has completed as the show has reportedly been green-lit for many years to come. Speaking to Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture at Comic Con Revolution Ontario, WWE LFG trainer Mickie James dropped the bombshell.

“It was so fun. It was so much fun… it’s gotten picked up not just for another season, but for three years — like six seasons hopefully — that’s a big damn deal. I loved it.”

While the show will continue on, it will go ahead without James. For the second season, Michelle McCool will join the panel of legends alongside Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, and her husband The Undertaker. McCool’s inclusion has sparked a backlash with fans arguing that she only has the role due to her marriage to the Phenom. While The Undertaker reportedly pushed for McCool to be brought to the show, it is not believed he pushed James out.

In the interview, James spoke about her role on the show and how her relationship with The Undertaker has changed through WWE LFG.

“I’d only seen him as the judge and jury of the locker room. To feel like an equal with these Hall of Famers, as the first female coach and the only one not in the Hall of Fame — it was a big deal.”

WWE LFG wrapped up in May 2025 with Tyra Mae Steele and Jasper Troy earning WWE NXT contracts. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the hit series.

The Undertaker Crowned First-Ever Champion on WWE LFG

Thomas Lowson
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The Undertaker Crowned First-Ever Champion on WWE LFG

The first season of WWE LFG is over with two of the show’s recruits earning contracts with WWE NXT. Not only did Jasper Troy and Tyra Mae Steele win big during the season finale, so did WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker.

The Undertaker had been the coach of Steele and Shiloh Hill, the other finalist of the men’s side of things. As he was the only legend with two talents in the finals, the Phenom was crowned the first-ever WWE LFG Champion. He was also presented with a championship by his long-time in-ring rival and head of WWE NXT, Shawn Michaels.

WWE LFG has already been confirmed for a second season with The Undertaker’s wife Michelle McCool replacing Mickie James on the show. Will the Phenom be able to retain his WWE LFG Championship? Only time will tell…

Jasper Troy Wins WWE LFG, Earns NXT Contract

Michael Reichlin
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Jasper Troy Wins WWE LFG, Earns NXT Contract

Jasper Troy has been crowned the men’s winner of WWE’s Legends & Future Greats (LFG) competition, securing a contract with WWE’s NXT brand. In the season finale, Troy triumphed over Shiloh Hill in a match taped at Madison Square Garden, with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels announcing the result. 

Representing Team Booker T, Troy stood out among 16 competitors mentored by WWE legends, including The Undertaker, Mickie James, and Bubba Ray Dudley. His victory highlights his transition from a promising athlete to a professional wrestler.

Before his LFG success, Troy, real name Antione Frazier, debuted on NXT Level Up in May 2024. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 251 lbs, the Huffman, Texas native has shown significant growth since his debut. 

With his official entry into NXT, Troy is poised to make a significant impact in WWE’s developmental brand.

Tyra Mae Steele Clinches WWE LFG Victory and Secures NXT Contract

Michael Reichlin
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Tyra Mae Steele Clinches WWE LFG Victory and Secures NXT Contract

Tyra Mae Steele, formerly known as Olympic gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock, has emerged as the female winner of WWE’s reality competition series WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats). Her victory over Zena Sterling in the season finale, which aired on May 18, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, earned her a coveted contract with WWE’s NXT brand.

Steele’s journey on WWE LFG was marked by resilience and determination. Mentored by WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker, she showcased her athletic prowess and charisma throughout the competition. Her performance culminated in a decisive victory, solidifying her transition from Olympic wrestling to professional wrestling.

Prior to her LFG triumph, Steele made her in-ring debut on the July 5, 2024, episode of NXT Level Up, facing Wren Sinclair. Although she did not secure a win in that match, her performance demonstrated significant potential.

With her LFG victory, Steele joins the ranks of NXT, bringing with her a unique blend of Olympic-level athleticism and a growing fanbase.

WBD Exec Addresses AEW Collision Broadcast Failure

Michael Reichlin
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WBD Exec Addresses AEW Collision Broadcast Failure

AEW Collision: Beach Break was abruptly cut off 30 minutes early on Saturday, May 17, 2025, due to technical difficulties that affected both the East and West Coast airings on TNT. Instead of the show’s final matches, viewers were met with an early broadcast of Black Adam or a notice indicating the program had ended on Max.

AEW President Tony Khan quickly responded on social media, attributing the issue to transmission problems during the show’s delivery from the studio. He apologized and promised that the complete episode would be made available on-demand.

Despite those reassurances, the West Coast feed suffered the same fate as the East Coast, leading to further frustration among fans.

On Sunday, Warner Bros. Discovery executive Rich Guleksen publicly addressed the incident on Bluesky, confirming it was “a severe technical problem with show delivery & recording.” He expressed regret over the situation and said the team was working to restore the episode for replay on Max and TNT’s on-demand service “ASAP.”

IMG 0566

The full episode of AEW Collision: Beach Break is now available on Max and the TNT app.

In The Studio with Swerve Strickland and Samantha Irvin

Michael Reichlin
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In The Studio with Swerve Strickland and Samantha Irvin

Swerve Strickland went live on Instagram on Sunday, May 18, 2025, sharing a studio session with former WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin.

Strickland, also known in music as Swerve The Realist, recently dropped his latest single “Outta Control” on May 6. Produced by Mike Snell and released via the Swerve City collective, the track is now streaming across major platforms.

Samantha Irvin, now performing under the name Samantha The Bomb, relaunched her music career after departing WWE in October 2024. Her first release in several years, “Make Me,” debuted on Valentine’s Day 2025, followed by the April release of her “Shawty Wanna” music video.

Irvin, who married AEW star Ricochet in March 2025, has expressed interest in returning to wrestling in a non-announcing capacity. While she’s made clear she doesn’t plan to return to ring announcing, she remains open to backstage or on-screen roles that align with her creative direction.

Shawn Michaels Names the Best Tag Team in Wrestling Today

Michael Reichlin
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Shawn Michaels Names the Best Tag Team in Wrestling Today

WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels believes the future of tag team wrestling is already here – and it’s spelled Fraxiom.

Although “Mr. WrestleMania’s” most famous matches are singles bouts, the Heartbreak Kid is no stranger to tag team wrestling. As a member of The Rockers, Two Dudes with Attitudes and D-Generation X, Michaels knows what he’s talking about here.

During a recent appearance on Stay Busy with Armon Sadler, Michaels offered glowing praise for the SmackDown newcomers, the duo of Nathan Frazer and Axiom. According to the NXT boss, Fraxiom may very well be the best tag team in the business today.

“I 100% agree with the people who say that,” Michaels said. “Right now, they’re clicking on all cylinders. Once they committed to being a team, they took it to another level. People sincerely consider them the best tag team in the industry — and that’s amazing praise for two guys in their mid-20s.”

Michaels, who has worked closely with the duo since their NXT UK days, reflected on their journey from standout singles competitors to a cohesive and dynamic unit. He highlighted their youth, versatility, and commitment to the division as key factors in their success.

Fraxiom recently debuted on SmackDown and remain undefeated on the main roster. Their hot streak has earned them a shot at the WWE Tag Team Titles currently held by The Street Profits, with the title match set for the May 23 episode of SmackDown.

With Shawn Michaels vouching for their excellence and a championship opportunity on the horizon, Fraxiom is poised to prove that the future of WWE tag team wrestling is now.

Kevin Owens Shares Health Update, Reflects on 10-Year WWE Anniversary

Michael Reichlin
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Kevin Owens Shares Health Update, Reflects on 10-Year WWE Anniversary

Kevin Owens shared a video update on social media Sunday, May 18, addressing recent speculation about his health and setting the record straight regarding his neck surgery.

“We don’t have a surgery date yet. I have not had surgery yet, despite reports to the contrary,” Owens said.

“We’re still trying to figure out the best way to go about it all is, exactly what needs to be done, so we’re still kind of figure that out still.

So, there’s a lot of uncertainty but hopefully in the next few weeks, we get clarity and we do this surgery and we go from there.”

The update came on the 10-year anniversary of Owens’ WWE Raw debut, when he answered John Cena’s open challenge—an appearance that launched his main roster career. While he acknowledged not being in the ring where he wants to be, Owens expressed gratitude for the journey and the moments he’s experienced over the past decade. He thanked everyone who has been part of his WWE journey, including his family, wrestlers he’s traveled with, the crew who work behind the scenes and fans around the world.

Owens also brought attention to a book titled Fight Forever, written by author J.J. McGee chronicling his feud with fellow WWE star Sami Zayn. He praised McGee’s writing and her perspective as a fan.

John Cena Reveals His Favorite T-Shirt Design

Michael Reichlin
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John Cena Reveals His Favorite T-Shirt Design

John Cena has had dozens of t-shirt designs over the years featuring every color imaginable, but he’s only saved one special limited edition shirt for his personal collection.

At the Philadelphia Fan Expo 2025 over the weekend, the reigning WWE Champion revealed his all-time favorite WWE t-shirt design is the limited-edition Super Mario parody shirt. Here’s what he said about it:

“The my favorite one of all time is a very, very limited one—it’s the Super Mario parody. I thought they were going to be great. We were going to run 500 shirts and we sold it with like a championship belt, wristbands, an NFT, autograph, a commemorative book… but the price point was way too high. I learned my lesson.”

Only about 15 kits were sold due to the high price, making the shirt extremely rare. At one point, WWE approached him wanting to sell the t-shirt at a regular price, but he Cena declined. He explained:

“It’s the one time I put my foot down and I said, ‘No. There are people out there that spent a lot of their resources and I want them to have something collectible.’”

Cena loved the shirt so much that its his only shirt that he kept for his personal collection. Each one has a unique serial number, and he snagged #000.

“It’s the only shirt of mine I’ve ever saved. I have serial number 000, and I really think that’s the dopest shirt.”

Also during the Q&A, Cena named his 3 favorite feuds. You can watch the full panel here, courtesy of Matt Kempke:

John Cena Names His 3 Favorite Career Feuds

Michael Reichlin
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John Cena Names His 3 Favorite Career Feuds

John Cena has battled countless opponents throughout his WWE career, which has spanned 23 years.

Over the weekend, Cena fielded questions from the media at a press event and named his three favorite feuds.

The reigning WWE Champion named The Rock and CM Punk, and said he’d leave it up to the fans to decide his final great rivalry. The person who asked the initial question suggested Randy Orton, and Cena agreed with the pick.

The Rock, CM Punk and CM Punk have all had classic matches with John Cena. Cena and Orton closed out their story last weekend at WWE Backlash, with Cena getting the W in their final battle. Punk and Cena are almost certain to cross paths before the year is up and Cena rides off into the sunset.

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