Shotzi’s time with WWE has come to an end, and now the green-haired grappler is opening up about her departure. While speaking on Busted Open Radio, Shotzi acknowledged that her release came as a shock. Despite the unexpected news, she’s choosing to focus on the positives, saying the experience has left her feeling freer than ever before.
“I didn’t expect this, but I just feel so free, and I feel like this weight is lifted off me. I feel clarity and extremely motivated and excited for the future.”
Shotzi will have to wait out her 90-day non-compete clause with WWE before she can appear or wrestle for another promotion. But after being underutilized for much of her WWE run, a few more months on the sidelines seem manageable.
“I’m excited to get to work, since I’ve been sitting at home for what feels like the last two years. I’m just excited to get back at it.”
A former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, Shotzi never captured gold on WWE’s main roster. Now, she’s ready to take the world by storm outside the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.
In the world of professional wrestling, on-screen marriages almost universally end in disaster. Yet the union between Indi Hartwell and Dexter Lumis (nicknamed “Index” by fans) stands as a rare success story that continues to resonate with wrestling audiences years later. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Hartwell shared insights into the unlikely pairing and its lasting impact.
When asked about her current relationship status with the silent, enigmatic Lumis, Hartwell playfully kept kayfabe alive:
“It’s complicated. As you look at your… I’m not wearing the ring. Everyone asks me that. Like all these signings that I’ve done recently, they’re like, ‘Are you still with Dexter?’ I’m like, ‘Ah, it’s complicated.'”
Breaking Wrestling Tradition
What makes the “Index” storyline particularly notable is how it bucked wrestling tradition:
“It was good because almost every wedding marriage in wrestling either ends in just a bunch of people beating each other up. Or it turns into you guys somehow fighting each other or a mixed tag or something like that. I think everyone thought that it would like go wrong. Yes. But it didn’t. No, it actually went very right. And again, one of the very few wrestling weddings that is call it successful.”
From Joke to Storyline
The unlikely pairing began as an impromptu moment that wasn’t originally planned as a long-term storyline:
“I think it was just a… It was supposed to be a one-off thing. I think it started with Johnny [Gargano] was having a match with Dexter and they had me ringside and we just had this moment where we looked at each other and I think I backed up and I hit the ring post and that’s something that I did in rehearsal like as a joke which a lot of things I would do as a joke and they’d be like, ‘Oh, do that on TV.’ So, we did it and it got really good reaction. So, then every week the creative was like something with me and Dexter and I didn’t know what it was going to turn into honestly.”
Connecting With Fans
The spontaneous origin makes the storyline’s massive success even more remarkable. Hartwell expressed surprise at how strongly it connected with fans, especially considering it took place during the pandemic era with limited live crowds:
“When I do the signings and stuff, like 98% of people will bring up Index, which I love. I love that people loved it.”
Perfect Character Dynamic
The contrast between Hartwell’s expressive character and Lumis’s silent, stoic persona created a dynamic that fans couldn’t get enough of:
“He’s a man of very few words. He talks a lot to me. That’s why I tell people he doesn’t shut up. Like I just saw this clip yet yesterday on Twitter and it was like when the story line first started and he’s on the apron and I’m in the ring and he’s just standing there and I’m saying to him like, ‘Shut up. You talk too much.’ And he’s not saying anything. He’s just like… so good.”
Despite both performers now being in different companies, the Index storyline remains a highlight of both careers. It demonstrates the power of unexpected wrestling pairings when executed with commitment and creativity, allowing both performers to showcase different dimensions of their characters.
Former WWE Superstar Indi Hartwell recently opened up about the surprising timing of her release and the emotional journey that followed in a revealing interview with Chris Van Vliet for his Insight podcast.
In a candid conversation, Hartwell described the ironic timing of her WWE departure, which came just as she began feeling secure in her position for the first time:
“My whole time at WWE, I was always scared of getting released. And add another factor to it is that I’m an international. So people don’t really understand like visas, green cards…
But that was something that was like always in the back of my mind, like being scared of being fired. But it wasn’t until my last two weeks at WWE, I finally felt like comfortable and I finally felt like, yeah, okay, I’m part of the roster. Like I did the Netflix shoot and then and then I got released.”
“I Made the Call to Get Fired”
Perhaps even more unusual was how Hartwell learned about her release. Rather than receiving the news directly, she initially missed the call:
“I missed the call when they called me to release me. So, I made the call to get fired. I had a text message. I didn’t see I had a missed call and then I had a text message saying, ‘Hey, it’s blah blah blah from TR. Like, can you call us back?’
So, I called back and I thought it was like for a completely different topic and I had lost my voice as well. So, when I called back, I was like, ‘Oh, hey, sorry. Like, I lost my voice. Haha.’ They’re like, ‘Oh, we’re calling with some unfortunate news.'”
Adding to the strange circumstances, WWE aired a match featuring Hartwell the same day she was released:
“I was so confused because I wanted to say, ‘But like what do you mean? Like, I’m on the show tonight. Like, my match was taped last week. Like, I’m on the show tonight.’ But yeah, it was weird… It’s a nice little promotion for you. Like, I guess, hey, this person doesn’t work here anymore, but they’re good enough to be on the show.”
Emotional Roller Coaster
The 28-year-old Australian wrestler described the emotional roller coaster that followed her unexpected release:
“It’s been like up and down, like a roller coaster. Like I remember the first week after I got released, I just felt like really grateful. This is how my emotions went. First week I was just super grateful for what I had. You know, I’m kind of like you. I like to saturate my mind with gratitude and that helps me like keep perspective. So, first week I was really grateful.
Second week I kind of got like frustrated and mad. Third week I kind of got sad and then after that like I felt I felt fine. And now it’s been like 5 months I think 6 months almost. And yeah, I’ve been feeling really good. Excited because like there’s just so much to do.”
Wedding Day News
Hartwell also revealed another unusual circumstance surrounding her release – she received the news just before attending former WWE star Mandy Rose’s wedding:
“When I got released, I had just flown in for Mandy Rose’s wedding. And so then I got the call that I was released and then 2 hours later had to go to like cocktail hour at her wedding and then go to the wedding the next day. So it’s good that I had that distraction.”
Despite the career setback, Hartwell has maintained a positive outlook and believes everything happens for a reason. She has since signed with TNA Wrestling and launched a growing YouTube channel, demonstrating resilience in the face of career uncertainty.
Former WWE star Mandy Rose has spoken out about the recent wave of talent releases from WWE, firmly debunking rumors that performers like Kora Jade, Gigi Dolin, and Dakota Kai were let go due to alleged laziness or poor work ethic. Speaking on her Power Alphas podcast with husband “Sabby” Piscitelli (Tino Sabbatelli), Rose offered a candid insider perspective on WWE’s release cycles, drawing from her own experience with the company.
“It’s Just Business” – The Reality of WWE’s Release Cycles
Rose didn’t mince words when addressing speculation about why wrestlers get released, emphasizing that WWE operates on a calculated business model rather than making decisions based on individual performance issues.
“Let me just put a squash all that [expletive] right now,” Rose stated firmly. “It’s a business model with a revolving door. Meaning as their guys who sit in offices are dorks and nerds and they punch numbers all day and they know that WWE has x amount of money for their salary.”
She explained that releases occur in predictable cycles, regardless of talent or effort:
“Every 8 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks they have layoffs. That’s what they do. And at that moment or whatever in that time… they probably sit in the room and say, ‘We have cuts this week. Here we go. Who’s running cold? Who’s not cooperating?’
And they go down this list and they say, ‘Okay, well we got to eliminate 10 people so we could hire 10 new people.’ And that’s just the way the revolving door works.”
Rose’s explanation directly contradicts online rumors suggesting that recently released talent weren’t putting in sufficient effort at the WWE Performance Center.
Defending Her Colleagues’ Work Ethic
Rose specifically took issue with claims questioning the work ethic of recently released performers, noting that the rigorous schedule at WWE’s Performance Center makes laziness virtually impossible.
“A couple of the girls, Kora and Gigi, actually made a comment about it on Twitter. And I like that they spoke up because I think that’s BS,” Rose said. “It’s so stupid because we’ve been there and we know like how it works when it comes to releases.”
She continued her defense of the released talent:
“You can’t even sit and say there was like a specific reason or like you make up a reason of being someone that was didn’t put enough work… there’s no time to be lazy when you’re at the PC. You’re training all week. You’re putting in the work. Some of these girls have been there for a couple years now at this point. You’re going to live events. You’re traveling all around Florida.”
Rose also specifically mentioned Dakota Kai, noting:
“Dakota Kai had like two or three injuries at one point. Like you know what it takes to get back from a knee injury to get back into, you know, full tiptop shape.”
The Business Side: Various Factors Behind Releases
Rose emphasized that each talent release situation is unique, with multiple potential factors at play beyond simple performance metrics. The decisions often come down to financial calculations rather than talent assessment.
“The reality is everybody’s in different situations, different scenario,” Rose explained. “One person could be getting paid too much. One person could be not being used, kind of fizzling out, not getting up. They don’t want to renew your contract. Everyone’s every single person that gets released is in a different scenario.”
Sabby added a comparison to his NFL experience:
“I got caught in that bubble in the NFL. In my year seven, they want younger and cheaper. That was what I figured out when I was trying to get back in the NFL at year seven where I knew my minimum was a million bucks. At that time, you can get three rookies for me. So, younger and cheaper.”
WWE’s Changing Contract Strategies Under TKO
Rose also noted changes in WWE’s approach to talent retention since the formation of TKO Group Holdings, which combined WWE and UFC under the same parent company.
“Their big thing right now I’ve noticed with like now with TKO and how they’re hiring people and maybe they’re paying people a little bit more which is great for those people but they have to cut the others,” she explained. “They got to look at their books. They got to figure out who deserves how much and who doesn’t and then they got to get rid of that waste in a sense.”
She contrasted this with previous management:
“Back when Vince [McMahon] was in charge, Vince kept a lot of talent. If he wasn’t using them or whether he liked it… I think it’s a different business model plan how they do it now.”
Rose suggested contract negotiations have become more challenging:
“Word on the street is that if they are some, you know, my co-worker over here is making that much money, well, why shouldn’t I be making that much money? So they go in with an offer and they don’t want to give that offer. So at the end of the day they’re going to say, ‘Well, you know what, we’re going to have to cut you because we don’t want to renew your deal.'”
Life After WWE: “I’m Not Just Surviving, I’m Thriving”
Perhaps most notably, Rose, who was surprisingly released by WWE in December 2022 after losing the NXT Women’s Championship, revealed that she has found greater success outside the company.
“They want to make you believe that you can’t survive without them. So that’s why there’s always that fear that is instilled in every single one of us in that company,” Rose reflected. “We all went through it. But two and a half years later for me, you know, I can sit here and say I’m it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I’m blessed.”
She offered encouragement to recently released talent:
“Don’t just come out and take every offer that comes your way because let’s be honest, it’s sometimes scary when you get released. And if you didn’t save your money and you didn’t make a whole lot of money to be able to save or invest, you might be in a little bit of a pickle. But there are plenty of opportunities. And trust me when I tell you, you will be just fine.”
Rose even positioned herself as a mentor for wrestlers navigating their post-WWE careers:
“When these women find out their release… the smart ones, I should say… they know who to call.” She emphasized her willingness to help former colleagues leverage their WWE name recognition into new opportunities: “Being in WWE is a blessing. It’s a huge spectacle. Like we always say, it’s the cream of the crop. And you developed a name there and you have equity in your name.”
Financial Preparation Advice for Current WWE Talent
Both Rose and her husband stressed the importance of financial planning for inevitable career transitions, offering practical advice to current WWE performers.
“Take care of your money because taking care of your money is definitely a scenario where it takes a little bit of pressure off you. It takes a little bit of anxiety away,” Sabby advised. “At this point of my life and your life, we don’t have the pressure that we have to do anything, which is great. And I would tell anybody in WWE, and I know some of them aren’t getting paid as much as you think, but if you are getting paid a good amount, take care of your money, save it a little, invest a little bit of it.”
Rose added her own perspective on financial security:
“Nothing lasts forever. So don’t think that it’s going to last forever because it’s not. We always talk about all the time, hopefully this train runs, but we know this train will run out and then you will transition to something new and something new and something new.”
The couple’s candid discussion offers a rare glimpse into the business realities of professional wrestling, contradicting simplistic narratives about talent releases while providing valuable perspective for both fans and performers about the cyclical nature of the industry.
In the high-stakes world of WWE, careers can change in an instant—sometimes over the most unexpected things. For Pat McAfee, the former NFL Pro Bowl punter turned WWE commentator, his entire WWE journey almost ended before it truly began because of a pair of tuxedo shorts and a heated confrontation with WWE broadcasting veteran Michael Cole.
During a recent ESPN interview, McAfee revealed the shocking backstage incident at WrestleMania 35 that nearly cost him his WWE career. Arriving at the event in what he considered his “Sunday best”—a suit jacket paired with tailored tuxedo shorts—McAfee found himself in an unexpected confrontation.
“I go, ‘Mr. Cole, is it time to rehearse?’ And he goes, ‘Not like that.’ And he spazzes. I mean, full on tantrum,” McAfee recounted. “He goes, ‘You’re not going on the air like that.’ Kicks me out of gorilla. And I’m like, ‘Who the are you talking to right now?’ Like legit. I almost was about to fight Michael Cole.”
The humiliation was compounded by the fact that this confrontation happened in front of WWE legends, including The Undertaker and Triple H.
The Fashion Defense
What made the situation even more frustrating for McAfee was his genuine belief that his outfit was appropriate and fashionable. “I was proud of what I was doing,” McAfee explained. The outfit wasn’t without precedent, either—someone showed Cole a picture of NBA superstar LeBron James sporting a similar look.
This evidence forced Cole to backtrack.
“So Michael Cole had to walk into where I was, tail between his legs, and he had to come in and say, ‘Um, it’s actually okay if you wear those,'” McAfee said with evident satisfaction.
A Partnership Almost Over Before It Began
The relationship between Cole and McAfee, now considered one of WWE’s strongest commentary partnerships, nearly ended that day.
“This whole partnership on Raw, that thing was almost very quickly over. Very, very quickly over,” McAfee admitted.
However, both professionals found a way to move forward.
“Cole calls me back a few days later. We have it out full conversation and literally since then… like best of friends,” McAfee revealed. “And I think he learned a lot about me in that moment. I learned a lot about him.”
The incident serves as a reminder of how tenuous opportunities can be in the entertainment world, where small disagreements can escalate quickly. For McAfee, whose WWE career has since flourished both as a commentator and occasional in-ring performer, that moment of tension ultimately led to a stronger working relationship with Cole and a deeper understanding between two passionate professionals.
From the gridiron to the squared circle, Pat McAfee’s journey from NFL Pro Bowl punter to WWE personality has been anything but conventional. Yet behind the larger-than-life persona and boundless energy that have made him a fan favorite, McAfee harbored serious doubts about his abilities as a wrestler—doubts he candidly shared in a recent ESPN interview.
“I was nowhere near at a level of being good enough to be like in the ring with anybody that’s actually good. And I very much understood that,” McAfee confessed, revealing the vulnerability beneath his confident exterior.
Triple H’s Crucial Role
McAfee’s wrestling aspirations might have taken a very different path if not for the intervention of WWE legend Paul “Triple H” Levesque, who saw potential in the former footballer that McAfee himself couldn’t recognize.
“I was like, ‘Hey, I’m gonna go hit the indies and like see if I can do this or not.’ And he was like, ‘Don’t you even think about it,'” McAfee recalled. “He was like, ‘You need to be doing it with us if you’re going to do it at all.'”
This vote of confidence from one of wrestling’s most respected figures proved pivotal in McAfee’s decision to pursue wrestling within the WWE system rather than cutting his teeth in independent promotions.
An Emotional Journey
Despite his self-doubt, McAfee’s in-ring debut at NXT TakeOver exceeded expectations, showcasing his natural athleticism and innate understanding of performance. The match represented more than just a career transition—it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
“The amount of text messages I got from people that have been through my life… it was a very emotional thing for me,” McAfee shared, his typically exuberant demeanor giving way to genuine sentiment.
The Gratitude Behind the Bravado
While McAfee maintains a realistic view of his wrestling abilities—”I’m not good enough to be full-time professional wrestler,” he admits—his gratitude toward Triple H for providing the opportunity shines through.
“Obviously I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity from Paul, Mr. H, Papa H. Like that’s really cool moment,” McAfee said.
McAfee’s story stands as a testament to the power of taking chances despite the dreaded “impostor syndrome.”
WWE Superstar has Logan Paul has publicly apologized to wrestling legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin for revealing private business negotiations, including a million-dollar offer for Austin to promote Paul’s Prime hydration brand by dressing up as a Prime bottle at WrestleMania 41.
In his most recent vlog, Paul addressed Austin directly, acknowledging that he had inappropriately disclosed confidential business discussions during a podcast appearance following what he described as “a crazy night in Vegas.”
“Mr. Cold, I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize. I didn’t mean to expose any private business conversations,” Paul stated in the video. He continued with a candid explanation of his tendency to overshare, saying, “I was hung over… sometimes I say too much. In fact, most times I say too much, Steve.”
The apology confirms rumors that Paul and his Prime business partner KSI had approached Austin with a significant endorsement opportunity that the WWE Hall of Famer ultimately declined.
“I completely understand why you wouldn’t accept a million dollars to get in the Prime bottle,” Paul acknowledged, adding, “It’s not your thing. We knew it was a reach, Steve, but you’re a legend.”
Despite the rejection, Paul expressed hope for future collaborations, concluding his apology with, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, Steve. So, we tried. It didn’t work out this time, but I hope to see you in the future. And I hope you’re not mad at me, Mr. Cold.”
Neither Austin nor representatives have publicly responded to Paul’s apology at the time of publication.
Unfortunately for Steve Austin, he wound up going viral at WrestleMania 41 for another reason entirely:
Here are the key results and takeaways from Wednesday’s AEW Dymamite from Detroit:
Key Results
Samoa Joe defeated Claudio Castagnoli in a singles match, building momentum toward his AEW World Championship steel cage match against Jon Moxley next week.
Toni Storm won the AEW Women’s World Championship Fatal 4-Way Eliminator against Thunder Rosa, Penelope Ford, and Anna Jay via submission, continuing her dominant run.
Ricochet & The Young Bucks beat Swerve Strickland, Mark Briscoe, and Mike Bailey in a trios match, with Matt Jackson pinning Swerve for the win.
Kazuchika Okada defeated Kevin Knight in a Continental Championship Eliminator match (noted in preview and recaps).
Announcements and Segments
Hangman Adam Page and Will Ospreay had their first in-ring face-off, hyping their Owen Hart Foundation Tournament final at Double or Nothing. Both delivered passionate promos about their journeys and rivalry.
Jamie Hayter sat down with Renee Paquette to discuss her upcoming Owen Hart Cup final against Mercedes Moné at Double or Nothing.
Ongoing storylines: Ricochet’s alliance with The Elite continues to develop, and MJF’s attempts to join The Hurt Syndicate were referenced.
New opening theme: Dynamite kicked off with a new opening theme song, “”You Wanted War” by Sum 41:
Patrick Clark, aka Velveteen Dream, is ready for a grand return to WWE and also believes that an apology or two is in order. On May, Clark took to Instagram to respond to allegations against Mike ‘Duke’ Droese, who was indicted last week on one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. In his first slide, Clark argued that “Let Me Be Very Clear: People Guilty of Child Crimes Don’t Get to Walk Around Free,” something Clark is doing to this day. His second slide reads:
“A LOT OF YOU OWE ME AN APOLOGY FOR DRAGGING ME THRU THE MUD. KNOWING 5 YEARS LATER HERE I STAND STILL FREE AND WITHOUT A SINGLE CHARGE. BUT I GET IT. IT’S VERY HARD FOR PEOPLE TO ADMIT WHEN THEY WERE WRONG AND MALICIOUS. BUT HEY THAT’S WRESTLING.”
Clark was accused in 2020 of inappopriate conduct, including messages with minors. Though WWE claimed their investigation warranted no evidence, at least one person who accused Clark later said that WWE never reached out as part of their investigation.
In another slide, Clark called for fans to rally for his return to WWE.
“IF YOU LOVE ME LIKE YOU SAY YOU LOVE ME, THE BOSS’ (HHH/HBK) PAY ATTENTION TO SOCIAL MEDIA. IT’S SIMPLE. #WeWantTheDREAM AND SPAM @TripleH @WWE. THEY WILL HEAR YOU! WE CAN MAKE ENOUGH NOISE TO DROWN OUT THE LIES AND THE HATE.“
It remains to be seen if Clark will get to return to WWE but the former NXT North American Champion is adamant that he be given a second chance.
Rhea Ripley has emerged as one of WWE’s top female stars in recent years, but 2024 brought significant challenges for the powerhouse known as ‘Mami.’ In an interview with World Wide of Sports, Ripley reflected on the injuries that disrupted her momentum.
“I did a grade three AC sprain and then finally came back from that, which was so tough — not being able to do the things that I love. But I finally came back and got to go for my world championship again and try and grab that back, but then I broke my orbital bone.”
These injuries marked a difficult period in Ripley’s career, bringing her reign as Women’s World Champion to an untimely end and keeping her out of action for much of the year. Despite the setbacks, she used her time away to focus on personal growth.
“It was just injuries flying left and right. but I learned a lot about myself — that I can pretty much overcome whatever is in my way, and that’s such a strong thing to realise.”
Now back in action, Ripley reclaimed the Women’s World Championship during Raw’s debut on Netflix. Although she is no longer champion, many believe another title run is on the horizon for the dominant Australian.
WWE has officially unveiled the EVOLVE Championships. WWE EVOLVE General Manager Stevie Turner revealed both the WWE EVOLVE Championship and the WWE EVOLVE Women’s Championship on the May 7 episode. Both titles will be decided in fatal four-way elimination matches in the coming weeks.
— Follow @WrestlingCovers ?? (@AllTheYeeting) May 7, 2025
Wendy Choo, Kali Armstrong, and Kendal Grey have been confirmed as three of the four competitors set to vie for the EVOLVE Women’s Championship in three weeks. Meanwhile, Sean Legacy is the first confirmed participant in the men’s fatal four-way match, which will determine the inaugural WWE EVOLVE Champion in four weeks. This is a huge opportunity for Legacy, who wrestled in the battle royal to crown the next number one contender for the NXT Championship this week, but was unsuccessful.
The introduction of these new titles marks a significant step for WWE EVOLVE as the brand continues to establish itself through high-stakes competition and emerging talent. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from WWE EVOLVE
AEW star Will Ospreay respects WWE but has admitted that he isn’t a fan of their product, preferring AEW’s approach. Speaking with the Daily Star ahead of Forbidden Door 2025, Ospreay recalled enjoying certain WWE stars like Eddie Guerrero and Edge as a kid but finding the overall product “lame” and “recycled” as he got older.
While acknowledging WWE is “on fire now,” Ospreay stated, “not only as a viewer but also as a wrestler, I just don’t enjoy it… I just never was a WWE guy.” He elaborated on his critique: “I respect it and I respect the guys doing it. That schedule is crazy… I just didn’t like it. I don’t like the show, I don’t like the style of wrestling, I don’t like the presentation.”
However, he praised AEW’s approach, noting, “when AEW came along and they went with more the sports-based style of it, it was something that I could sink my teeth into.” Despite WWE’s business advantages, Ospreay firmly believes AEW excels in the ring.
“Yeah, you guys are the biggest… drawing the bigger houses… got the bigger deals. But the moment the bell rings, I think we’re better than all of them,” he stated, while acknowledging WWE has strong promo talents like CM Punk and Roman Reigns.
He also clarified he doesn’t hate Triple H, having never met him. Ospreay faces Hangman Page in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament final at AEW Double or Nothing on May 25. The winner will challenge for the World Title at All In.
Following recent reports from Fightful Select and teases from the promotion itself, the deal is now official: international wrestling star Thekla is All Elite. The Austrian-born star, known as the “Toxic Spider,” has officially signed a contract with AEW.
According to Fightful Select, Thekla had been planning a move to the United States for some time, and the agreement with AEW was reportedly in the works for a considerable period before being finalized. The report also noted that WWE had previously shown interest in Thekla during their international talent scouting efforts last year.
Thekla arrives in AEW after making a name for herself in Japan’s World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion. Joining Stardom in late 2021, she quickly captured the SWA World Championship while part of the popular Donna del Mondo (DDM) faction. She later achieved tag team success, holding the Goddess of Stardom Championship with Mai Sakurai before joining the God’s Eye stable following DDM’s dissolution.
With her unique “Toxic Spider” persona, striking look, and unique in-ring style built in Stardom, Thekla’s signing represents a major acquisition for AEW’s women’s division.
AEW Dynamite featured a legendary surprise tonight, May 7, 2025, as ECW original Rhino made his debut for the promotion. The “Man Beast” arrived to challenge Nick Wayne for the ROH World Television Championship.
Unfortunately for the veteran powerhouse, his first outing in an AEW ring ended swiftly. Wayne secured a quick pinfall victory over Rhino using the Killswitch finisher made famous by his mentor Christian Cage.
This marked Wayne’s second successful defense of the ROH World Television Championship. While Rhino came up short in his AEW debut, his appearance adds him to a notable list of former ECW standouts who have graced an AEW ring, following names like Rob Van Dam, Sabu, and Raven.
Furthermore, fellow ECW alumni Jerry Lynn and Taz remain integral parts of AEW, serving in prominent backstage and commentary roles, respectively. Despite the loss, Rhino looks ahead to another championship opportunity; he is scheduled to challenge NWA World Heavyweight Champion Thomas Latimer at the NWA Crockett Cup event on May 17th. Rhino’s Dynamite appearance provided a nostalgic moment for long-time fans and added another layer of veteran presence to the AEW landscape.
Mere weeks after his WWE debut, El Grande Americano is proving he’s not to be overlooked—this time by capturing championship gold. During the May 7 edition of WWE Speed, the luchador won the WWE Speed Championship, ending Dragon Lee’s reign in the process.
With this victory, El Grande Americano becomes the fourth Superstar to hold the WWE Speed title, following in the footsteps of Ricochet, Andrade, and Lee. On X, El Grande shared a message with his supporters:
“I want to publicly thank the WWE Universe for the support they have given me on my journey to earn my FIRST WWE singles title! Even though I’ve been doing this for 40 years or more, I’ve been made to feel like this is all new to me. Let’s celebrate!!”
Quiero agradecer públicamente al Universo WWE por el apoyo que me han brindado en mi viaje para obtener mi PRIMER título individual de WWE title!
Aunque he hecho esto por 40 años o más, me han hecho sentir como si todo esto fuera nuevo para mí
Americano’s win wasn’t just a title victory—it marked yet another conquest over a fellow luchador. Since his ‘debut’ earlier this year, El Grande Americano has made it his mission to dismantle his masked rivals in WWE. At WrestleMania 41, he defeated Rey Fenix, who stepped in for the injured Rey Mysterio.
It remains to be seen how far El Grande Americano can go as WWE Speed Champion. But after decades of being blacklisted by the lucha community, or so he claims, Americano has firmly planted his boots in WWE—and he’s not going anywhere.
Seth Rollins isn’t just one of WWE’s top stars of the past decade—he also stepped into a major new role in 2020: fatherhood. In a recent interview on the Chicago Bears YouTube channel, Rollins shared how becoming a dad to baby Roux has transformed his daily life.
“I can’t just lay in bed all day. I’ve got to get up and be dad, enjoy that process, and be that for her.”
Rollins’ perspective as a father extends beyond home life. Whether he’s in the ring or training, his daughter remains at the forefront of his mind.
“The way I train is just so much different now than the way I did 5, 10 years ago. I’m not falling down nearly as much as I used to.”
Rollins balances wrestling and parenting alongside his wife, fellow WWE Superstar Becky Lynch. He praised Lynch as “the greatest of all time” and expressed gratitude for sharing the parenting journey with her.
“We both gotta be up and at ’em for a little four-and-a-half-year-old because she [Roux] runs the house. That’s for sure.”
While Roux is far too young to considering entering the squared circle just yet, her viral appearance at the WrestleMania 41 post-show captured fans’ hearts. As for Rollins, he’s embracing his evolving responsibilities, both in the ring and at home.
AEW is getting into the publishing world with the release its first official book this November. This Book is All Elite will be written by wrestling historian and New York Times bestselling writer Keith Elliot Greenberg and and will be published by Random House Worlds, a division of Penguin Random House.
The book will be a definitive history of AEW and will trace the company’s history from its founding to the mondern-day. The book will also feature exclusive backstage stories and never-before-seen photos from the company’s early years.
"THIS BOOK IS ALL ELITE!"
Score a front-row seat for THE history of the first five years of AEW — a collection of memories packed with unbelievable photos and exclusive interviews, written by @keithegreenbeeg and AEW, available Nov '25.
This won’t be Greenberg’s first time writing about pro wrestling. Throughout his career, he has written biographies of wrestling legends including Ric Flair, Superstar Billy Graham, and Freddie Blassie. His latest book, Bigger! Better! Badder, focuses on the spectacle of WrestleMania 3.
This Book Is All Elite will be available through major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Additional details from AEW and Random House are expected in the coming weeks.
Randy Orton has had many memorable chapters in his storied career. However, his heel turn in 2009 stands out as a particularly defining period, one where “The Viper” truly came into his own as a top heel. In an interview with Billboard, Orton reflected on this crucial year, explaining what made that run so impactful.
“I remember in 2009, it all kind of clicked as a bad guy,” Orton recalled. “I just kind of let loose and acted a little bit more crazy. Even down to the body language and stuff.”
This transformation wasn’t just an internal shift for Orton; it was heavily influenced by his on-screen adversaries and the creative direction. “But I think what it came down to was who I was facing in the ring in 2009,” he continued. “I was booked really strong.”
The peak of this era was undoubtedly his intensely personal and brutal feud with the McMahon family and Triple H. Orton didn’t just beat his opponents, he aimed to destroy their lives and legacies.
“I did the thing where he [Triple H] was handcuffed and I assaulted Stephanie in front of him and he was an inch away. He had to sit there and watch as I messed with her. I kicked Vince in the head. I destroyed the entire McMahon family.”
These acts cemented Orton’s character as one of the most hated heels in WWE history. The creative freedom and significant storyline investment paid dividends.
“I think it was [a matter of] being given an opportunity in 2009,” Orton concluded, “and I had a home run with it.”
In 2009, he led the faction Legacy and captured multiple WWE Championships. It was the period when he fully shed the “Legend Killer” moniker to become the “Apex Predator.”
WWE may be planning a big surprise for this Saturday’s Backlash PLE in St. Louis involving a top star that fans have not seen in recent weeks.
That star would be Cody Rhodes. Regarding Rhodes’s return, a source told to PWInsider.com, “We’ve been asked about the potential return of Cody Rhodes to WWE storylines. It makes the most sense to have Rhodes show up at Backlash as a surprise this weekend in St. Louis. There’s at least been one pitch for that to happen, but we haven’t heard 100% that’s the direction.”
Rhodes defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena at WrestleMania 41 Night 2 on April 20, 2025, ultimately losing the title to Cena. That was Rhodes’ last match.
Cena is slated to defend the WWE Title against Randy Orton in the main event of Backlash. Rumors suggest Cena could team up with music superstar Travis Scott, and their potential opponents would be Bad Bunny, possibly partnering with Rhodes.
This matchup would stem from Travis Scott’s interference in John Cena’s WrestleMania 41 victory over Rhodes. Adding fuel to this, Scott is reportedly training with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, indicating plans for an official in-ring debut for the rapper.
AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone recently showcased her wit on social media, delivering an interesting clapback to a fan who called her “washed.” The exchange began when Mone posted a message of gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I’m so thankful [red heart emoji].”
A follower responded to this by stating, “You’re washed though.”Mone, who currently holds multiple championships including the TBS, NJPW STRONG, and RevPro Undisputed British Women’s titles, didn’t miss a beat. Referencing the dictionary definition of “washed” (meaning cleansed or covered with water), she wrote, “Extremely fresh and clean.”
Fans can see Mone on tonight’s (May 7, 2025) episode of AEW Dynamite from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit. While her exact role on the show is unconfirmed, her AEW Double or Nothing opponent, Jamie Hayter, is scheduled for a sit-down interview with Renee Paquette.
Moné and Hayter will face off in the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament finals at the May 25th pay-per-view, with the winner earning an AEW Women’s Championship match at All In on July 12.
extremely fresh and clean
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) May 7, 2025
An encouraging update has emerged regarding Japanese star Giulia following an injury scare during her NXT main event match against Jordynne Grace on the Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, episode. The bout was held to determine the next #1 contender for Stephanie Vaquer’s NXT Women’s Championship.
Throughout the contest, several spots caused concern among fans, but one stood out from the rest as Giulia appeared to land awkwardly on her head. However, according to Cory Hays of Bodyslam.net, word from within NXT is that Giulia is “all good” from a health perspective after the match.
Grace was ultimately victorious in the encounter, pinning Giulia after approximately 12 minutes of action. With this win, Grace has now earned the right to challenge Vaquer for the NXT Women’s Championship at the NXT Battleground Premium Live Event on May 25th.
Following the NXT broadcast, Giulia took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Jordynne Grace on their match and shared her interest in a potential rematch down the line. This indicates that Giulia is in good spirits and looking forward despite the scare.
I smelled a bit of that Japanese fight in you. I lost, but man, that was super fun! Let’s go again anytime. Maybe I come to your house now, huh? @JordynneGrace#WWENXTpic.twitter.com/jKNndtBCkv
A new challenger has emerged for the NXT Championship, and it’s not who fans expected. Following a 25-man battle royal on WWE NXT, Myles Borne has earned the right to face Oba Femi at WWE Battleground.
The stacked match featured top names such as Trick Williams, Ethan Page, Lexis King, Wes Lee, and Shawn Spears. Adding to the surprise, TNA’s Elijah (best known to WWE fans as Elias) made a notable appearance that drew a strong reaction from the crowd.
As the match narrowed down, the final four included Je’Von Evans, Shawn Spears, Ethan Page, and Borne. In a chaotic ending, Evans was eliminated by both Spears and Page, who then turned on each other.
Page attempted to throw out Spears but failed, and Borne seized the moment by eliminating Page. In a final twist, Page dragged Spears out with him, leaving Borne as the last man standing.
With this victory, Myles Borne now heads into WWE Battleground as the number one contender to Oba Femi’s NXT Championship.
NXT Battleground 2025
The third NXT Battleground event takes place Sunday, May 25, 2025. The event will stream live on Peacock/Netflix.
Match Card
NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Myles Borne
NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Jordynne Grace
TNA World Championship: Joe Hendry (c) vs. Trick Williams (First time the TNA World Title will be defended on a WWE event)
AEW Dynamite returns tonight live from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. tonight, May 7, 2025.
In a featured singles match, Samoa Joe takes on Claudio Castagnoli.
Meanwhile, the AEW Women’s World Championship picture heats up with a four-way eliminator match featuring Toni Storm, Thunder Rosa, Penelope Ford, and Anna Jay.
Kazuchika Okada continues his pursuit of the AEW Continental Championship in another eliminator bout, facing rising star “The Jet” Kevin Knight.
The show will also feature exclusive interviews, with Jamie Hayter sitting down with Renee Paquette and Will Ospreay making a live appearance to address the AEW audience.
Capping off the night, we’ve got a trios match featuring The Young Bucks (Matthew and Nicholas Jackson) teaming with Ricochet to face Swerve Strickland, Mike Bailey, and Mark Briscoe.
AEW Dynamite airs live at 8 p.m. ET on TBS and streaming on Max.
Logan Paul told Tom Brady that he reminds him a lot of Paul “Triple H” Levesque during the latest episode of his Impaulsive podcast.
During their wide-ranging conversation, Paul explained that gratitude is a key trait shared by WWE’s Chief Content Officer and the man widely considered to be the greatest quarterback of all time.
“I want to actually draw a comparison between you and another goat who happens to be my boss, Triple H,” Paul said to Brady. “He just got inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and in his speech, he’s saying a lot of things that you’re actually saying right now. He was just so thankful for everyone who helped him along the way and he didn’t attribute his greatness to himself that much. It was the people around him and the people that helped push him in the right direction.”
Paul continued by noting that the humility exhibited by both legends is “super inspiring,” before asking Brady about his mindset and the discipline that allowed him to perform at such a high level for so long.
Brady’s Response
While Brady didn’t directly address the Triple H comparison, his response revealed similar philosophies to what Paul had observed in both men. Brady emphasized his love for the game and the importance of relationships with teammates.
“I was blessed to love what I did for a job just like you’re doing now,” Brady responded. “It’s like you really have to love it because I think that’s what makes you bounce out of bed in the morning.”
Brady further explained that football wasn’t just a sport to him, but “all about relationships and teammates,” naming several players who motivated him throughout his career. He spoke about not wanting to let these teammates down because of the sacrifices they were making with “their body, their family, their time.”
In a moment that acknowledged the wrestling world, Brady drew his own parallel:
“There’s an accountability to sports like you get in the ring with someone who’s a great wrestler. You want to do your best for the crowd certainly and for yourself, but that guy’s putting a lot on the line, too. So, you’re like, I better show up ready to go.”
This conversation between Paul and Brady highlights WWE’s expanding reach into mainstream culture. As a prominent WWE Superstar, Logan Paul effectively leverages his connections to bring wrestling into conversations with top figures in sports and entertainment.
With his massive following from his influencer career and connections to figures like Brady, Paul serves as a valuable ambassador for WWE, creating moments that extend wrestling’s cultural influence beyond traditional boundaries.
Note: Some quotes have been lightly edited for clarity.
John Cena made an unexpected live appearance on Inside the NBA Tuesday night, stepping onto the TNT set dressed in full Peacemaker gear to promote Season 2 of the DC series.
The former WWE champion brought gifts for the show’s hosts, handing out Peacemaker helmets to Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.
Cena’s appearance comes ahead of the show’s Season 2 premiere on August 21, 2025, exclusively on Max.
James Gunn returns as creator and showrunner for Season 2, continuing the story of Christopher Smith — a vigilante determined to enforce peace at any cost. John Cena reprises the lead role, joined once again by Steve Agee, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Danielle Brooks, Robert Patrick, and Chukwudi Iwuji.
Originally introduced in The Suicide Squad (2021), Cena’s Peacemaker quickly gained popularity, leading to a spin-off series that debuted in 2022. The show broke streaming records on Max, with its finale becoming the platform’s biggest single-day debut for an original series.
Season 2 is expected to pick up where the explosive finale left off, continuing to blend dark comedy, action, and character-driven storytelling.
