Hulk Hogan is going all-in on Real American Freestyle Wrestling—and according to the WWE Hall of Famer, it’s not just another wrestling promotion. In a new interview with TMZ Sports, Hogan boldly declared that his new venture could one day stand toe-to-toe with the biggest names in sports entertainment.
“When I think about the UFC and the WWE, we’re not competitive at all with these guys, but we have a chance to be just as big as them. So that’s what I’m looking for, because everybody loves the, you know, the wrestling, the freestyle wrestling.”
The debut show is set for August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio, and Hogan says Real American Freestyle Wrestling will combine the best elements of professional wrestling and MMA.
“What we’re going to do is kind of like shoot these packages so that you care about the athletes. Kind of like The Voice, where if you’re wrestling, brother, we’re going to find out why you started.”
Hogan once doubted whether amateur wrestlers could draw mainstream attention—but now he says he’s been proven wrong. He cited Conor McGregor as someone who’s “been watching the wrestling” to pick up tips, adding that the Irish star understands “what branding is all about.”
Hulk Hogan may not be the beloved icon he once was in the world of pro wrestling, but he’s determined to carve a new chapter in his storied career. Fans will have to stay tuned to see whether Real American Freestyle Wrestling lives up to the hype and finds a foothold in the sports entertainment landscape.
Natalya Talks Career Longevity, Creative Drive Ahead of NWA Title Challenge
Natalya isn’t waiting around for WWE to decide her next storyline—she’s taking control of her career and exploring new in-ring opportunities. In a new interview with The Toronto Sun, the longtime WWE Superstar discussed stepping outside the company to wrestle with WWE’s full approval.
“It’s so cool that I’m being allowed to do these outside projects with WWE’s full blessing. As I’ve mentioned before, and I’ve said this to a lot of other people, I am not comfortable just taking a paycheck and coasting, hoping that the writers at WWE think of something for me to do.”
Natalya made her WWE main roster debut in 2008 after signing with the company a year earlier. Now 18 years into her career, the former Divas Champion takes pride in her longevity and resilience in a constantly evolving industry.
“I would have never survived in WWE for over 18 years, which is unprecedented for a female in WWE—no other woman in the industry has done this at the level that I’ve done it, for 18 uninterrupted years.”
“I would never have survived what I survived in WWE had I not been creative and persistent, constantly trying to think of new ideas and ways to be involved and included.”
With nearly two decades of WWE experience, Natalya has dedicated her career to entertaining fans. Despite her contributions, she remains grounded when it comes to expectations from WWE leadership, including Chief Content Officer Triple H.
“Triple H doesn’t owe me anything. Triple H doesn’t owe me a storyline, he doesn’t owe me a phone call, he doesn’t owe me a text, he doesn’t owe me an email—he doesn’t owe me a single thing.”
Natalya could soon add the NWA Women’s World Championship to her legacy
Jeff Cobb Claims Retirement Amid NJPW Exit & WWE Rumors
Jeff Cobb is adding more mystery to his next move in the world of professional wrestling, this time by claiming he’s retired. After competing in what was billed as his final match for NJPW on April 18, Cobb took to social media to claim his days in the ring are done.
Many fans are skeptical of this ‘retirement’, and it’s not hard to see why. With WWE rumors swirling in recent weeks and Cobb’s NJPW contract now behind him, many believe it is only a matter of time before the ‘retired’ Cobb is back in the ring, this time as a WWE Superstar.
On April 18, Cobb posted “Then, now, forever ??????????”—a clear nod to WWE’s trademark slogan that didn’t go unnoticed by fans.
While the post featured a photo of Cobb in an NJPW ring, many saw it as a sign that his future lies with the sports-entertainment juggernaut. Dave Meltzer recently reported that WWE wanted Cobb “for Sunday or Monday” around WrestleMania 41, but that move didn’t materialize.
Jeff Cobb may be finished with New Japan, but he doesn’t appear to be finished with pro wrestling—despite what his post on social media would have you believe.
Ricochet Says He Began Loving Wrestling Again In AEW After WWE Ruined It For Him
Ricochet was one of the names getting buzz on the independent scene before his WWE days because of his incredible matches, and eventually signed with WWE. Ricochet signed with WWE in 2018 and initially made waves in NXT.
After WrestleMania 35, he moved to the main roster (Raw/SmackDown) and found success, including runs as United States and Intercontinental Champion. However, fans felt he deserved a better push. He opted to leave WWE in June 2024 and signed with AEW.
He debuted at AEW All In in London in August 2024, participating in the Casino Gauntlet match. In a response to a fan on Twitter, Ricochet clarified that the main reason he left WWE for AEW was due to WWE running his love and passion for wrestling.
While in AEW, he credits them for helping him find it again. You can see his response below:
Recently, he has aligned himself with The Elite (The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada). They teamed together in a 8-man tag match this week on Dynamite and going over Kenny Omega, Kevin Knight, Mark Briscoe & Mike Bailey
Shotzi Opens Up on Losing Herself and Why the ‘New Ballsy Badass’ Is Unstoppable
WWE star Shotzi recently delivered a powerful promo outlining the struggles in her career.
Taking to her social media account, she posted a video clip in which she cut a promo about her setbacks and how she transformed herself. She highlighted how she lost so much in her life. She said:
“Have you ever lost so much that you start to wonder if you’re even real anymore? I called myself the Ballsy Badass because I was wild, reckless, chaotic. I lived for the danger—loved every second of it. That confidence and fearlessness… it was intoxicating. It’s why I loved being in the ring so much.
But it felt like, in the blink of an eye, that feeling was gone. I lost. I lost people who meant everything to me. And I let that grief consume me. I let injuries make me feel worthless. And somewhere along the way, I lost myself. I wish I could stand here and tell you that I walked through the fire and rose from the ashes like a damn phoenix. But you know what? That’s not my story. I struggled—a lot. I fought through years of darkness.”
Shotzi revealed that self-doubt caused her to lose her fearless identity which she once embraced as ‘Ballsy Badass.’ However, Shotzi has managed to overcome the hindrances and never gave up.
Unlike the typical redemption story which is often narrated in wrestling, Shotzi didn’t have a triumphant arc. However, she has persevered through the years of struggle and criticism. She is not just back, she has evolved and gotten stronger than ever:
“But here’s where I’m going to give myself some credit: through all of that—every dark thought, every injury, every crippling criticism—I never quit. I never asked for time off, even when I was down to just a sliver of who I used to be. I held on. I held on, hoping that same carefree Ballsy Badass would come back. But you know what I realized? As I was rebuilding myself, I realized that Ballsy Badass? She’s gone. She’s gone, and she’s never coming back. And that’s okay.
Because I redefined what it means to be the Ballsy Badass. It’s not just about being reckless or having brutal matches. It’s about having the guts to face your demons. It’s about standing tall, even when you feel like you’ve got nothing left. It’s about refusing to break—even when the world is telling you that you should. That takes bigger balls than anything I’ve ever done in the ring. Am I still wild? Yeah. A little unhinged? Sure. But now? Now I’m also unstoppable. The Ballsy Badass isn’t just back. She’s evolved. And this time—nothing, and I mean nothing—can shake me.”
Shotzi recently returned to WWE TV at NXT Stand & Deliver. She had been on the shelf for months after suffering ACL injury . She has been associated with Tatum Paxley and Gigi Dolin in a faction that is known as, Chemical X. The former one-half of the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion is yet to compete inside the ring. Her televised last match took place in January when she battled Fallon Henley.
Carmella Talks ‘Snatch’ Platform to Support Women Through Pregnancy Loss and Motherhood
Former WWE star Carmella has channeled her personal experiences with pregnancy loss into creating a supportive community for women facing similar challenges. Speaking on Wrestling Classic’s Casual Conversations, she revealed the inspiration behind her new platform, Snatch.
Born from Personal Tragedy
“When I had my miscarriages, I feel like I kind of was alone in that and I wanted to share my experience. And through that, I realized how much we needed to talk about these things as women. And so, that’s why I created Snatch,” Carmella explained.
The platform addresses a critical gap in women’s health discussions.
“Snatch is a platform for women um to kind of be educated and discuss all things related to fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood.”
Real Impact on Real Women
The response to her openness has been overwhelming, with women sharing how her vulnerability has helped them through their own struggles.
“There was a woman here today and her she was with her son the same age as Dimmitri and she was like because you spoke up about your birth story, it made me feel so much better about mine cuz she had a really traumatic birth.”
Carmella shared that the impact extends beyond pregnancy and birth experiences.
“I feel like there are so many women that have come out of the woodwork and just said like even today, women coming up to me today saying and and men coming up to me today saying that I helped their wives to talk about my ectopic pregnancy or to talk about the miscarriages.”
Transforming Platform into Purpose
This venture represents a significant shift in how Carmella uses her public platform.
“It’s just really really cool to know that like I’ve taken my platform and turned it into something different and just meeting so many people that it’s helped.”
She takes particular pride in building a genuine community focused on real-life experiences rather than highlights.
“I feel like because I’ve had a platform through WWE and kind of like years ago and just kind of lean more into just like showing like the highlights and the best clips of your life that now I’m like what I’m really leaning into is the real life aspect and I love that.”
Through Snatch, Carmella is proving that sometimes our greatest challenges can become our most meaningful contributions to others facing similar struggles.
Carmella Opens Up About WWE Contract Ending: ‘I Was Shocked But Now I’m So Happy’
Former WWE star Carmella has finally addressed the circumstances surrounding her contract ending with the company, clarifying misconceptions about her departure while expressing gratitude for her time in WWE. In an interview with Wrestling Classic’s Casual Conversations, she opened up about the emotional journey.
The Shocking Moment
“In the moment it was very jarring. I was shocked. I feel like it was shocked and immediately I was shocked and because I didn’t get a lot of notice to me. That’s what kind of was like, wow,” Carmella explained about learning her contract wouldn’t be renewed.
However, she emphasized that her feelings have evolved significantly since then.
“But I’m so happy. I’m so so happy. Everything happens for a reason. I feel so blessed. Like with my time at WWE, I I mean, everyone that I’ve seen here today, it’s like joking around with Big Show and like I saw Ellsworth. I’m like, this is wild.”
Addressing the Misconceptions
Carmella directly addressed criticism and misconceptions that arose after her podcast comments about leaving WWE.
“I wasn’t at all saying anything bad about WWE. I’m like so grateful for my time at WWE. Eventually, I’m going to leave WWE. Like, there’s no way I can live like work there forever.”
She acknowledged feeling hurt about how things ended while maintaining perspective.
“For me personally, I was just a little upset and hurt, I guess, with how it ended, but it was going to end no matter what, you know? And I was just a little hurt with how it ended, that’s all.”
Looking Forward
Now several months removed from the situation, Carmella is embracing her new identity outside of wrestling.
“I even though I had been away for 2 years, I was still under contract. And it’s like for the first time in 12 years, I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m Leah. I’m not Carmela.’ Like, but who is Leah without wrestling?”
Despite this transition, she remains open to future opportunities with WWE.
“I will for sure hope that someday I go back, you know, whether it’s like a oneoff or for a Rumble or something. Um, it’s in my blood and I I love it.”
Carmella Reveals Promo Performance That Changed Vince McMahon’s Money in the Bank Plans
Former WWE star Carmella has revealed how a single promo performance altered WWE’s plans for the 2018 Money in the Bank briefcase, leading to her historic second win. Speaking to Wrestling Classic’s Casual Conversations show, Carmella detailed how Vince McMahon’s reaction to her performance changed everything.
The Promo That Changed Everything
“I went out there, cut a promo. I think we opened the show and um came back through the curtain and like got standing ovation. And I remember Vince was like, ‘I wish my top guys could cut a promo like that,'” Carmella recalled during the interview.
The impact was immediate and significant. When asked about winning Money in the Bank for the second time, Carmella confirmed that plans had originally been different.
“Were you not supposed to win it again the second time? No, it was supposed to be Becky. Becky was supposed to win the second time,” she revealed.
How Plans Changed
Carmella explained that the pivotal moment came on the SmackDown following the Money in the Bank pay-per-view. After delivering her promo and receiving a standing ovation backstage, she noticed immediate changes to the show’s format.
“We had a segment later that night was I think the closing segment of the night. We were out there with Daniel Bryan and there were supposed to be physicality and I think Becky or Charlotte was supposed to like tag team me to the floor or I was supposed to beat them up.”
The physical dynamics of the segment were altered, with Carmella recognizing what it meant.
“They changed all the physicality to them beating me up and I was just like I just knew in my heart I’m like I am going to win it again and um I did.”
Making History
This promo performance led to Carmella becoming the first woman to win Money in the Bank twice, and she holds the record for the longest reign with the briefcase. Her ability to showcase her character work when given the opportunity proved pivotal to her career trajectory, demonstrating that sometimes one standout performance can change everything in professional wrestling.
NXT Star ‘Shoots His Shot’ With Bayley After On-Screen Breakup
Ashante is already teasing his next move following the end of his on-screen relationship with Karmen Petrovic on WWE NXT.
During this week’s episode, Petrovic suffered a non-title loss to NXT Women’s North American Champion Sol Ruca. In a surprising turn, she lashed out at Ashante post-match with a kick, signaling the abrupt end of their storyline.
Shortly after the segment aired, Ashante took to social media to address Bayley, referencing her recent comments during an interview with Chris Van Vliet. Bayley had expressed a willingness to take on any role WWE presents to her, including romantic storylines.
“Hey @itsBayleyWWE, I heard you are looking for romance,” Ashante wrote on X, hinting at a potential new angle.
Bayley has not publicly responded to the message. With Ashante already moving in a new direction, attention now turns to how Petrovic may react in the weeks ahead.
Before the Idol Killer Strikes: What to Know About Thekla
Fresh off a highly successful stint in Japan, Austrian sensation Thekla is poised to spin her web stateside – drawing serious interest from WWE, AEW, and other leading promotions. Before the “Toxic Spider” makes her North American debut, here are a few key things every fan should know about one of the most intriguing gaijin to emerge from the Joshi scene in years:
Toxic Spider
Thekla is an Austrian wrestler known for her aggressive, acrobatic style and “Toxic Spider” persona, making her a standout gaijin (foreigner) in Japan’s top women’s promotions. She is recognized for her unique look and in-ring psychology, often playing a villainous “idol killer” character that contrasts with the typical “idol” image of Japanese women’s wrestling.
Accolades
She is a decorated former champion in Japan, having held the Goddesses of Stardom and Artist of Stardom titles in World Wonder Ring Stardom, and the Triangle Ribbon Championship in Ice Ribbon. Thekla was a core member of the Donna del Mondo (DDM) stable alongside Giulia, a name familiar to American fans through her own rising international profile. Thekla and Giulia, as part of the “Baribari Bombers,” were ranked among PWI’s top 100 tag teams in 2023.
What’s Next
Thekla is reportedly drawing interest from both WWE and AEW after finishing her run in Japan, setting the stage for a high-profile debut in the U.S. She has worked with and against top names from the Japanese scene, including Giulia, Suzu Suzuki, and Mayu Iwatani, and is known for her adaptability and strong presence in both singles and tag competition-qualities that could make her a breakout star in American promotions.
With championship pedigree, a distinctive villainous edge, and the versatility to thrive in singles or tag competition, Thekla arrives on U.S. soil as far more than a curiosity—she’s a breakout star in waiting. Whether she lands in WWE, AEW, or elsewhere, expect the “idol killer” to inject fresh venom into the women’s division and capture global attention the moment the bell rings.
Hulk Hogan Teases Donald Trump Appearance at Real American Wrestling’s Inaugural Event
Hulk Hogan’s new freestyle wrestling league is already generating buzz—but now there’s a political twist. In a recent interview, Hogan hinted that none other than former President Donald Trump may appear at the league’s debut event in Cleveland on August 30.
“We were way ahead of the game… but to see our president step up and be involved, I said, I think I know who’s going to be at our August 30th event in Cleveland,” Hogan said. “I might know somebody. I’d say so. The big man himself.”
Hogan and Trump have a longstanding relationship, dating back to their shared ties with WWE and appearances at WrestleMania. Trump recently drew headlines for attending the NCAA Wrestling Championships, a moment Hogan says “definitely factored in” to the timing and positioning of his new league.
The comment adds a new layer of intrigue to Hogan’s Real American Wrestling launch, which has already positioned itself as a disruptor by offering elite amateur wrestlers paid opportunities outside traditional promotions.
While no official confirmation has been made, Hogan’s playful yet pointed comments suggest fans and media should expect more than just athletic fireworks when the league makes its debut.
What to Watch: Will Trump’s presence turn the launch into a political spectacle? All eyes are now on Cleveland, August 30.
Thekla Exits Stardom, Teases U.S. Move Amid AEW and WWE Interest
Thekla has concluded her time with Stardom, ending a three-year tenure with the Japanese promotion as she prepares for the next chapter in her wrestling career. Thekla’s contract with Stardom has expired, and her planned relocation to the United States is now underway.
Her free-agent status has already attracted strong attention from major companies, with both AEW and WWE monitoring her closely. Sources indicated that WWE had taken interest in Thekla during the period surrounding Giulia’s signing, while AEW’s interest intensified toward the end of 2024.
Independent promotions have also reached out regarding bookings. However, Fightful reports that sources within AEW believe Thekla is expected to join their company—marking AEW as her likely next destination.
Thekla’s Next Chapter
Thekla has been keeping fans apprised of her status on social media. Most recently, she posted a photo on Thursday of herself holding her passport with the caption, “Off to new lands.”
With her Stardom chapter officially closed and a move to the U.S. confirmed, Thekla is poised to make an impact in WWE, AEW, or other top US-based promotions very soon.
TNA Impact Preview: Special Start Time, Live from Irvine, CA
Show Details & How to Watch
- Live from Bren Events Center, Irvine, California
- Special start time: 10/9c on AXS TV (US), Sportsnet+ (Canada), TNA+ (worldwide)
Featured Matches & Segments
- Six-Man Tag Team Main Event:
TNA World Champion Joe Hendry teams with The Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy) to face the new TNA World Tag Team Champions, The Nemeths (Nic & Ryan Nemeth), and Frankie Kazarian. This follows the Nemeths stealing the tag titles at Rebellion, promising high-stakes chaos. - Indi Hartwell Speaks:
After her shocking debut at Rebellion, the newest Knockout, Indi Hartwell, addresses the TNA audience for the first time. - X-Division Title Match:
Zachary Wentz, who pinned Moose in six-man action at Rebellion, challenges Moose for the X-Division Championship. Will Wentz capitalize on his momentum or will Moose retain? - Singles Match:
KC Navarro (with AJ Francis) battles Leon Slater in a one-on-one bout after both impressed in the Ultimate X match. This is expected to be a show-stealer. - Mike Santana in Action:
Fresh off a brutal Falls Count Anywhere victory over Mustafa Ali, Mike Santana returns to the ring. His opponent has not been announced. - Steve Maclin Speaks:
Still International Champion after surviving Eric Young and an attack by the Northern Armory, Steve Maclin will address the TNA audience live. - Jody Threat vs. Maggie Lee:
Jody Threat seeks redemption against Maggie Lee, the Elegance brand’s newest weapon, after choosing honor over brutality at Rebellion.
Tune in for the fallout from Rebellion and several high-stakes matches and segments, all live at a special time.
TNA Rebellion 2025 Fallout
- Joe Hendry retained the TNA World Championship in a triple threat match but was attacked post-match by Trick Williams, setting up a new rivalry.
- The Nemeth Brothers (Nic & Ryan Nemeth) defeated The Hardys to become new TNA World Tag Team Champions, using underhanded tactics to secure the win.
- Moose retained the X-Division Championship in an Ultimate X match, overcoming multiple challengers in a chaotic bout.
- Steve Maclin successfully defended the International Championship against Eric Young, but was attacked and left laying by The Armory after the match.
- Indi Hartwell made her debut as the newest Knockout, officially joining the TNA Knockouts division and promising to shake up the women’s roster.
WWE Star Dakota Kai Reveals New Natural Look
Dakota Kai has revealed a striking new hairstyle while remaining away from in-ring action. Known for frequently changing her look, the WWE Raw star showcased her natural curls in a recent Instagram post, departing from her usual straightened styles.
Opening up about her hair transformation, Kai shared that she previously damaged her hair through years of straightening and bleaching, which led her to cut it down to an inch in 2020. She admitted to struggling with her natural texture due to teasing and lack of care knowledge growing up.
“Surprise haha,” Kai wrote. “In 2020, I had to cut all my natural hair to an inch. I had been straightening and bleaching the s**t out of my hair since high school and it took its toll. I never loved my curly hair because I didn’t know how to look after it and I got teased for it growing up.”
She credited Kendra Simmons of Her Hand Styles for helping restore her hair’s health, adding, “@herhandstyles played the biggest part of helping it get healthy. I love her sm for that and I’m learning to love my hair too.”
Kai last competed on the March 24 WWE Main Event taping, which aired March 27, where she scored a win over Ivy Nile. Her most recent Raw appearance also featured a victory against Nile on the March 17 episode.
Injured AEW Star Back In Action After 8 Months On Dynamite
An AEW star has returned to the ring after long hiatus.
This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite saw the new Trios Champions Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, & Powerhouse Hobbs competing in a six-man tag match. Their opponents were Rhett Titus & Myles Hawkins, and a returning Nick Comoroto.
Comoroto had been out of action since last August. The 34-year-old had announced back then that he was undergoing hip resurfacing surgery, revealing that he had been wrestling on one leg for almost two years.
The returning star ended up losing the match however, after Powerhouse Hobbs pinned Myles Hawkins with a spinebuster for the win.
Trained by Q. T. Marshall and Dustin Rhodes, Nick Comoroto made his wrestling debut in 2013. He had a short WWE run in 2019 after being signed to a development contract, but Comoroto ended up being one of the names released during the early 2020 pandemic budget cuts.
The wrestling star then made his AEW debut later that year, mostly appearing on Dark the next couple of years. Nick made his ROH debut in 2023 and had been a regular for the promotion before his injury.
The Death Riders showed up after Comoroto’s match tonight to attack the Trios Champions. This attack led to a stipulation being announced for the upcoming Samoa Joe vs. Jon Moxley title match which you can check out here.
Stipulation Added To Samoa Joe vs. Jon Moxley Spring Break Title Match
A stipulation has been added to the upcoming match between Jon Moxley and Samoa Joe for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship.
The April 30 episode of Dynamite featured the Trio Champions Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, & ‘Powerhouse’ Will Hobbs facing the team of Myles Hawkins, Nick Comoroto, & Rhett Titus in a tag match.
The Death Riders hit the ring after Hobbs won the match for his team. The group led by Mox targeted Shibata, taking him out with a slam on an upturned chair. The faction then quickly retreated out of sight.
Samoa Joe picked up the mic to address Mox after this, calling him a ‘little bitch.’ The Samoan Submission Machine discussed how Moxley always brings his goon squad with him and said that he wants their title match to be inside the steel cage.
The AEW Champion didn’t reply to Joe, but the company made the stipulation official with a graphic on X after the show went off air.
The World title match is the only bout confirmed for the upcoming Dynamite special so far, taking place on May 15 from Now Arena in Chicago.
Apart from this, tonight’s episode also featured the last semi-final for the ongoing Owen Hart Cup tournament. You can check out the result of the match here.
Men’s Owen Hart Cup Finals Confirmed On Dynamite
The second Owen Hart Cup final is now set.
The April 30 episode of Dynamite featured the second semifinals of the ongoing tournament on the men’s side, with Hangman Adam Page and Kyle Fletcher going at it in the main event of the show.
The ending of this match saw Fletcher getting a couple of near-falls. Hangman Page then got the upper hand, delivering a moonsault on the outside. Page got Fletcher back into the ring and got ready for the Buckshot Lariat.
Fletcher, however, shoved the referee at the last second and countered Hangman with a kick between the legs. Kyle went for the pin after a brainbuster, but Page somehow still kicked out.
Kyle Fletcher then got the former AEW Champion up on the turnbuckle, aiming for another brainbuster, but Page shoved him down and delivered a Lariat from the top of the corner. Adam Page managed to deliver the Buckshot Lariat from his usual spot at the apron and finally got the pin.
Will Ospreay already made his way into the finals of the tournament by defeating Konosuke Takeshita at the April 16 episode of Dynamite.
Jamie Hayter meanwhile earned the spot in the finals on the women’s side last week. She is now set to face Mercedes Mone with both the finals set for Double or Nothing on May 25.
AEW Dynamite Results & Fallout – April 30, 2025
Steel Cage World-Title Match Headlines Beach Break
Moments after the Death Riders ambushed reigning Trios Champions The Opps, Samoa Joe strode onto the stage and challenged AEW World Champion Jon Moxley to defend the title inside a steel cage at Beach Break on May 14 in Chicago. Moxley—still seething from the post-match brawl—accepted immediately. The bout will be the first singles meeting between the two since Moxley captured the championship.
Owen Hart Cup Finals Finalized for Double or Nothing
Both tournament brackets reached their conclusions tonight, completing the card for the annual Owen Hart Cup Finals at Double or Nothing on May 25:
- Men’s Final – “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Will Ospreay
- Page punched his ticket by defeating Kyle Fletcher with the Buckshot Lariat, setting up a first-ever singles showdown with Ospreay.
- Women’s Final – Mercedes Moné vs. Jamie Hayter
- Although the bracket wrapped last week, Mercedes Moné’s post-match confrontation with Women’s World Champion Toni Storm and Hayter’s surprise assault on Moné reignited hostilities. Commentary confirmed the winner will earn a future championship opportunity.
Women’s Division Turmoil
Toni Storm survived a stiff non-title test from Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, but her celebration was cut short when Mercedes Moné confronted her in the aisle. Before Moné could issue a formal challenge, Jamie Hayter blindsided the CEO, turning the title picture into a three-way collision course. Storm now faces Hayter’s ally Lady Frost in an eliminator match this Saturday on Collision—a bout AEW officials note could vault Frost into title contention.
The Hurt Syndicate’s Ultimatum to MJF
In a tense backstage segment, Bobby Lashley informed MJF that his long-teased entry into The Hurt Syndicate hinges on a “trial by fire” next week. MJF must “prove himself in blood” on the May 7 Dynamite; failure means the invitation is off the table. The opponent—and stipulation—will be revealed live.
Other Key Results & Angles
- All-Star Eight-Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada and the Young Bucks joined Ricochet to defeat Kenny Omega, Leon Slater, Mike Bailey and Mark Briscoe. Okada stole the pin on Briscoe, then locked eyes with Omega—a clear signal that their rivalry is far from over.
- ROH World Television Championship: Nick Wayne retained against Jay Lethal after a hard-fought House Call, marking his first successful defense since capturing the belt.
- The Opps vs. Titus/Comoroto/Hawkins: The champions rolled, but were attacked post-match by the Death Riders, escalating the factions’ bad blood.
Newly Announced Matches
AEW Collision – Saturday, May 3
- Toni Storm (non-title) vs. Lady Frost – Women’s World Title Eliminator
- Brody King vs. Josh Alexander – First-time ever singles encounter
AEW Dynamite – Wednesday, May 7
- MJF’s Hurt Syndicate “trial by fire” (opponent TBA)
Beach Break – Tuesday, May 14
- Jon Moxley (c) vs. Samoa Joe – AEW World Championship, Steel Cage
Double or Nothing – Sunday, May 25
- Owen Hart Cup Men’s Final: “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Will Ospreay
- Owen Hart Cup Women’s Final: Mercedes Moné vs. Jamie Hayter
- Women’s World Title Match – Date and challenger to be determined following the Owen Hart Final and Toni Storm’s eliminator bouts
Looking Ahead
With the World Title now locked inside a cage and both Owen Hart Cup finals set in stone, AEW’s route to Double or Nothing suddenly looks crystal clear—but hardly calm. Next week will reveal whether MJF can survive the Hurt Syndicate’s gauntlet and whether Toni Storm can navigate a division coming at her from two directions. One thing is certain after tonight’s fireworks in Norfolk: May is going to be a brutal, unmissable month on the road to Las Vegas.????????????????
Liv Morgan’s Big Hollywood Movie Role Revealed
WWE Superstar Liv Morgan is set for another acting role, joining the cast of Neon Pictures’ upcoming film, “Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo.” Deadline first reported the news about Morgan’s involvement in the project.
Acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Miike will direct the movie and also stars Lily James, known for “Baby Driver” and “Pam & Tommy.” Early plot details reveal the story follows a corrupt Tokyo police officer (Shun Oguri) caught in a high-stakes case. James portrays an FBI agent investigating the disappearance of a politician’s daughter, played by Morgan, while a sinister yakuza-connected killer looms over their investigation.
Production for the thriller is expected to begin in Japan within the next week. Neon Pictures, the distributor behind the recent Best Picture Oscar winner “Anora,” is backing the film, signaling significant expectations. This role represents a major step for Morgan into the film industry, after reports suggest the official announcement might be planned for next week.
Morgan has already made notable appearances in both television and film. She played herself in a 2022 episode of the “Chucky” television series, where the title character famously killed her. Additionally, she took on the role of Emma in the 2023 dark comedy thriller film “The Kill Room,” sharing screen time with Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, and Joe Manganiello.
AEW All In: Texas Title Match Plans Remain Under Wraps
Fightful Select has an on update AEW All In: Texas 2025, scheduled for this July. A key match planned for the event features the reigning AEW World Champion defending against the Owen Hart Foundation Cup tournament winner.
Currently, Jon Moxley holds the AEW World Championship. The finals of the men’s Owen Hart Cup tournament are set for AEW Double or Nothing 2025, where Will Ospreay will compete against the winner of the Hangman Page vs. Kyle Fletcher match.
According to the Fightful report, AEW is keeping the identity of the eventual tournament winner, who will challenge for the title at All In, highly confidential. This secrecy also extends to the planned main event for the Texas show. Sources suggest details surrounding the challenger and the main event matchup are closely guarded secrets.
It’s currently unclear if this tight-lipped approach is because AEW officials are still finalizing creative decisions for the significant event or if the primary goal is to prevent spoilers from leaking beforehand.
AEW’s next pay-per-view event, AEW Double or Nothing 2025, is scheduled for Sunday, May 25th, starting at 7:00 PM CDT, live from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Steve Austin On WWE Without Vince McMahon: That Era Is Gone And New One Has Begun
Stone Cold Steve Austin shared his thoughts on Vince McMahon’s no longer being affiliated with WWE. During a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, he recounted a past conversation in which he questioned McMahon’s desire to take the company public.
Asked if he ever thought he’d see a time when McMahon wasn’t associated with WWE while still alive, Austin acknowledged the shift.
“It seems weird, but I mean, only for a minute, because, you know, when they sold the company to TKO or whatever the deal is, you know, it was like, okay, it was kind of like the end of an era, and now that we’ve taken a breath, okay, we digested that the era’s over, and it is what it is,” Austin said.
He then recalled advising McMahon against taking WWE public many years ago, puzzled by the chairman’s reasoning.
“So I remember talking to Vince 100 years ago when he wanted to take the company public. And I told him, I said, dude… I said, why do you want to go public? He goes, Steve, [to] be more legitimate. I was like, man, what the hell? be more legitimate? He owned the whole damn thing, you know, it was worth a shit ton of money, you know, how much do you want? So I never understood to begin with, you know.”
Despite past disagreements, Austin spoke positively about his time working under McMahon and for WWE.
“And I love working with Vince… and I’ve had a tremendous time working with WWE, and we haven’t always seen eye to eye on everything, but, you know, and I gave him all my blood, sweat and tears, and they gave me a bunch of opportunities to go out there… We had a great time together.”
Austin ended by noting the change in leadership and the company’s current positive trajectory.
“But you know that era is gone and a new one has… begun, and it’s taken off, and it’s seemed like it’s going good.”
Logan Paul Rejects ‘YouTuber’ Label, Eyes the WWE Championship
Logan Paul joined the Raw Recap podcast directly from his private jet, fresh off his backstage attack on World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso. The social media star turned WWE Superstar made it clear he’s moved beyond his digital content origins and is fully committed to wrestling success.
Cutting the YouTuber Narrative in Half
When addressing Jey Uso’s “punk ass YouTuber” comments from Monday Night Raw, Paul didn’t hold back:
“Yeah, he’s mistaken. I don’t blame him. He’s just a headline hunter. I’m not a YouTuber anymore. And I’m cutting that narrative in half right now. That’s not the case. And I prove that every time I wrestle. When I’m in there, if I’m a YouTuber, why am I looking better than my peers who do this full time, who’ve done this 15 years?”
Paul pointed to his match with Roman Reigns – just his third WWE contest – as evidence of his natural wrestling ability.
Despite taking an unconventional path to WWE, Paul believes his performances speak for themselves and deserve respect from both fans and locker room veterans.
Championship Aspirations
Paul made no secret of his championship ambitions, stating the World Heavyweight Championship is just one of many titles he feels he should possess:
“For sure. And that’s, by the way, one of the many titles I think I should be holding. If they were up to me, I’d be holding all of them. I think when it comes to box office, views, capability, everything, I’m the full package. Anyone who denies that is just oblivious.”
The controversial Superstar has clearly set his sights on Jey Uso’s recently-won championship, seemingly unbothered by the traditional path most wrestlers take to reach title contention.
Big E Breaks Down Gunther vs Pat McAfee, Logan Paul vs Jey Uso
During his appearance on Raw Recap, Big E provided expert analysis on two significant matchups taking shape in WWE – Pat McAfee vs. Gunther at Backlash and the brewing conflict between Logan Paul and World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso.
Gunther’s Dangerous Potential
Big E expressed genuine concern for commentator Pat McAfee as he prepares to face the recently dethroned Gunther at WWE Backlash:
“Of all the guys that I’ve seen since I have been out that I have watched come up on the main roster that I thought were real forces that I imagine myself in the ring with. Gunther is gonna put it on you, Gunther is gonna, if you end up winning that match, you are going to leave hurting. I am worried about Pat, I think his family should be worried about Pat.”
The former champion noted that Gunther’s frustration after losing his title makes him particularly dangerous, comparing him to old-school wrestlers who would return from injuries still in casts just to seek revenge.
Logan Paul’s Legitimate Threat
Despite his unconventional background, Big E acknowledged Logan Paul represents a genuine threat to Jey Uso’s championship:
“He’s a guy who is obviously very athletically gifted. He’s someone that so many of us don’t wanna root for, we don’t wanna see him do well. But then he goes out there and he beats AJ Styles and he goes out there and he has incredible matches with Roman Reigns, with so many people on the roster, the dude is very talented.”
Big E noted that just three weeks into Jey’s hard-earned championship reign, he’s already facing an opponent who has demonstrated the ability to compete with top WWE talent. The former champion cautioned that regardless of how fans feel about Paul personally, his capabilities in the ring make him a legitimate championship contender.
Steve Austin Explains What Went Wrong With His WrestleMania 41 ATV Mishap
When the glass shattered at WrestleMania 41 Night 2, fans expected “Stone Cold” Steve Austin to roar down the aisle on his trademark ATV, raise a few fists (and a few beers), and deliver the evening’s attendance figure. Instead, the WWE Hall of Famer gave Las Vegas a moment he’d rather forget: on his second lap around the ring, Austin clipped the ringside barricade, sending both himself and a front-row fan sprawling.
What Went Wrong?
Chatting with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show today, April 30, 2025, Austin explained that the stunt vehicle wasn’t the familiar rig he’s been tearing up arenas with since the Attitude Era.
“Different throttle set-up than what I’m used to. Long story short, just a different throttle system. I’m pretty dang handy on a four-wheeler,” he laughed.
Seconds later, his confidence overruled the new controls—and the barricade won. WWE President Nick Khan rushed over to check on the startled fan, while Austin—ever the pro—made sure the attendee was okay before climbing between the ropes to handle his duties. After the segment, the Texas Rattlesnake circled back a second time to apologize in person.
The Rattlesnake’s Reaction
Despite everyone walking away unscathed, Austin admits the mishap stung more than a Stunner gone wrong:
“I was embarrassed by it. You go out there on the biggest night in wrestling and you end up like that—it’s not the greatest day at the office. You want to give people the best show you can, and when you fall short of that, it’s not great.”
A Hall of Fame Weekend—With a Bump
The ATV snafu came just 24 hours after Austin and Bret Hart jointly received WrestleMania’s inaugural “Immortal Moment” Hall of Fame honor for their legendary WrestleMania 13 bout. One embarrassing spill won’t tarnish that legacy, but it did remind the six-time WWE Champion that even icons can hit the brakes—literally—on the grandest stage.
Bottom Line
Accident or not, Austin still delivered his signature swagger (and the attendance number) to 60,000-plus fans in Allegiant Stadium. As for the unlucky speed bump in the front row? They’ve now got a once-in-a-lifetime tale to tell—and maybe a souvenir handshake from the toughest SOB in the business.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton at Backlash: Officially Billed as Their Final Showdown
Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena will face Randy Orton at Backlash on May 10 in what WWE is now promoting as the final encounter between these two legendary competitors. According to recent promotional materials, this will be the “last time” fans witness these megastars compete one-on-one—a significant declaration that was notably absent from earlier marketing.
As Cena progresses toward his scheduled retirement at the end of 2025, this match represents one of several career milestones fans can anticipate from the WWE icon. He has already participated in his final Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber matches, while triumphantly concluding his WrestleMania legacy with a victory in his farewell appearance.
Throughout their storied rivalry, Cena and Orton have clashed 21 times on WWE programming across various stipulations, including Hell in a Cell, TLC, and an “I Quit” match. Cena currently dominates the series with a 13-7-1 record and has prevailed in their four most recent encounters, dating back to their last confrontation on WWE SmackDown in 2017.
In his controversial championship run, John Cena has boldly declared his intention to “ruin wrestling” by retiring with the WWE Championship, effectively removing 62 years of prestigious title lineage. Should he succeed, his departure would necessitate WWE creating an entirely new championship—one that Cena has dismissively characterized as a mere “toy” lacking both legacy and prestige.
WWE Backlash will stream live on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix for international viewers, broadcasting from St. Louis at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.