On this week’s WWE Raw, Chad Gable continued his journey of redemption.
In a cryptic video segment, Gable was shown in Mexico, seeking a deeper understanding of lucha libre. As he displayed a picture to various locals, they seemed not to recognize him, adding to the mystery.
The vignette took a dramatic turn when Gable encountered a mysterious figure who warned him, “You can’t fight what you don’t understand.”
The man then told Gable that he must become lucha before handing him a box in exchange for payment.
The video ended with Gable staring in shock at whatever was inside, leaving fans to wonder what comes next.
Chad Gable recently announced on RAW that he was taking a break from WWE to “learn the dark arts of Lucha Libre”. This storyline developed after Gable experienced a series of setbacks, including losses to Penta, Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio.
Dominik Mysterio suggested a specific mentor for Gable’s training and provided directions to a mystery contact in Mexico.
Monday’s episode of WWE Raw in Buffalo’s KeyBank Center, a crucial stop on the road to WrestleMania 41, kicked off in a strong way with a promo segment involving CM Punk. The former WWE Champion was heated following the events of Elimination Chamber 2025.
John Cena last eliminated Punk to win the Men’s Elimination Chamber match after Seth Rollins hit a curb stomp to Punk in the bout that allowed Cena to lock in the STF and secure the win. Cena turned heel by kicking Cody Rhodes low and aligning with The Rock after Rhodes turned down the offer from The Rock to be his Undisputed Champion and give him his soul.
In his promo, Punk called The Rock and Cena “bald frauds” before turning his ire toward Rollins. He then challenged Becky Lynch to “come get her man.”
This prompted Rollins’ immediate arrival, sparking a chaotic brawl. The two traded blows, rolling around the ring as WWE officials desperately tried to stop them. Their attempts were overthrown several times, as the two were determined to fight.
Eventually, a flood of WWE personnel managed to separate the two wrestlers. Although not confirmed, it’s believed that WWE is building towards a triple threat match between Rollins, Punk, and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 41.
Sonya Deville recently shared how Vince McMahon provided crucial support following the 2020 kidnapping attempt at her home.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Deville recalled how McMahon personally reached out to check on her in the days leading up to SummerSlam.
“I’m talking to Vince. SummerSlam is coming up, and he’s checking in on me,” Deville said. “He said, ‘Why don’t you come to the venue? I want to say hi and hug you.’”
During their conversation, McMahon, along with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, reassured her and asked what she needed.
When Deville admitted she didn’t feel safe returning home due to the media presence, McMahon immediately offered assistance.
“‘Are you going to be okay staying back at your house?’ ‘No, I don’t think I can go back there,’” Deville recalled. “I left on my ADT camera, and there were reporters all over my front doorstep. ‘I can’t do this. It’s okay. I’ll figure it out.’”
Determined to help, McMahon took action.
“Vince is like, ‘No, what do you want to do? Do you need a place to stay?’” she said.
When Deville explained that her father was coming to help figure things out, McMahon assured her, “‘Alright, we’ll get you a place to stay if you need a place to stay.’”
McMahon arranged for a rental home in another part of Florida, providing Deville with a secure place to stay. Her mother, Mandy Rose, and Rose’s mother joined her for support.
Additionally, McMahon ensured 24/7 armed security for her protection. “These guys had guns on their hips,” Deville said, describing the level of security provided.
The 2020 incident, in which an armed stalker attempted to break into her home, had a lasting impact on Deville’s life. She has since been open about the emotional toll and the precautions she had to take in its aftermath.
TKO Group President Mark Shapiro revealed that WWE and NBC Universal are interested in extending their current partnership, keeping WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) on Peacock.
WWE’s domestic PLEs have been exclusively on Peacock since March 2021, along with their extensive library.
“We will get into discussions soon — in the next quarter — when it comes to the PLE’s. That deal comes up early to mid-part of 2026. Our conversations on our renewal start relatively soon. In speaking with all the powers at be at Comcast, they are keen to renew and we’re excited to have those conversations. And by the way, Peacock has been a crazy good partner, we’ve been a huge driver of that platform — both in terms of acquisition and retention — and they are making it a priority, so we’re keen to renew with them.”
Internationally, WWE content, including PLEs and library, moved to Netflix at the start of this year. Peacock Premium subscribers gain access to all WWE PLEs as part of their subscription, along with a wide range of other entertainment options available on the platform.
Trinity Fatu (Naomi) was removed from scheduled media appearances promoting “Queen of the Ring,” which is set to be released March 7th.
PWInsider reports this was a WWE decision intended to emphasize the storyline attack by Jade Cargill at Elimination Chamber. Cargill returned after a hiatus that started in mid-November when a mystery person attacked her. At the start of the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, Cargill came out and laid out Naomi, who had been slated to compete in the bout.
Fatu plays Ethel Johnson in the film, which focuses on the life of Mildred Burke. An official synopsis reads:
“In a time when pro wrestling for women was illegal across the country, a small-town single mother embraces the danger to change culture as she dominates America’s most masculine sport, becoming the first million-dollar female athlete in history.”
The upcoming film brings to life the story of Mildred Burke, a trailblazing figure in women’s wrestling from the 1930s to the 1950s, portrayed by Emily Bett Rickards. Wrestling enthusiasts will be excited to see familiar faces, including AEW’s Kamille as Burke’s rival June Byers, Britt Baker as Debbie Nichols, Toni Storm as Clara Mortensen, and WWE’s Trinity “Naomi” Fatu as Ethel Johnson.
After its premiere at the Buffalo International Film Festival in October, ‘Queen of the Ring’ is scheduled for a theatrical release in March. The film aims to capture the same critical success as A24’s ‘The Iron Claw,’ the Von Erich family biopic that garnered significant praise last year.
WWE is set to enhance its fan engagement by launching a series of podcasts as part of its expanded partnership with Fanatics. The inaugural podcast, The Raw Recap Show, will debut on Tuesday morning, offering in-depth reactions and analyses of Monday Night Raw.
Hosted by WWE personalities Megan Morant and Sam Roberts, the show aims to provide fans with fresh insights and discussions on the latest developments within one of WWE’s premier brands.
Listeners can access The Raw Recap Show across multiple platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and WWE’s official YouTube channel.
Fanatics, known for its extensive involvement in global e-commerce, merchandise, trading cards, and memorabilia, will serve as the primary partner for all upcoming WWE podcasts.
In addition to the weekly recap of Monday Night Raw, Morant and Roberts will host instant-reaction podcasts following each premium live event, starting with WrestleMania 41.
Looking ahead, WWE has plans to introduce additional podcasts featuring current superstars and legendary figures from the wrestling world.
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Linda McMahon as the Secretary of Education. McMahon, co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), previously served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019.
During her confirmation hearings, McMahon addressed key educational issues, including the enforcement of Title IX protections based on biological sex and the potential restructuring of the Department of Education.
She emphasized her commitment to ensuring women’s safety in educational settings and acknowledged that any significant departmental changes would require congressional action.
Her appointment aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda to reform federal education policies, focusing on reducing bureaucracy and enhancing school choice initiatives. McMahon’s business acumen and previous governmental experience are expected to influence her approach to leading the department.
Asuka’s return to WWE is expected to be delayed, making fans wait even longer to see her back in the squared circle.
Cassidy Haynes of BodySlam.net reports that she’ll remain out of action for at least a couple more months, likely returning after WrestleMania.WWE is taking a cautious approach to her recovery from a knee injury sustained nearly nine months ago.
While her recovery is progressing well, WWE appears to be prioritizing a post-WrestleMania return, given that creative plans for the event are already set.
Asuka underwent knee surgery last year, having worked through the injury prior, including a WWE Women’s Tag Team title loss at Backlash France in April against Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. Following her announcement of a break for surgery, Asuka has been documenting her rehabilitation journey through vlogs on her YouTube channel.
In January, Fightful Select reported that creative plans, including a potential tag team match, were pitched for Asuka but ultimately rejected. There are no reports of her training at the Performance Center.
There have also not been any updates from Asuka regarding her recovery in recent memory. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her compete again.
The road to WWE WrestleMania 41 has heated up coming out of the Elimination Chamber PLE and won’t be a straight line leading up to the show. Fans are seeing the top matches and trying to predict the rest of the card.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena, WWE World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER vs. Jey Uso, WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair, and WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Charlotte Flair are the top bouts on the card. These are also the only bouts confirmed thus far for the show.
The road to WrestleMania is rarely a straight line, and according to a recent report, this year is no exception. Following the WWE Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event, fans began piecing together the potential WrestleMania card, drawing conclusions from the outcomes and storylines presented. However, those predictions might be premature.
Despite the apparent clarity following Elimination Chamber, Bryan Alvarez revealed on today’s Wrestling Observer Live that more “twists and turns” are planned for WrestleMania. He cautioned that the current perception of the WrestleMania card is likely to change.
With seven weeks remaining, WWE has plenty of time to introduce new matches and storylines. WWE presents the WrestleMania 41 premium live event on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.
During the event, John Cena shocked the wrestling world by turning heel for the first time in his illustrious career. After winning the Men’s Elimination Chamber match to secure a title shot at WrestleMania 41, Cena celebrated in the ring with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The celebration was interrupted by The Rock and Travis Scott, who entered the arena to confront Rhodes. The Rock, now embracing his “Final Boss” persona, demanded that Rhodes “sell his soul” and align with him. When Rhodes refused, tensions escalated.
In a stunning moment, Cena delivered a low blow to Rhodes, signaling his alliance with The Rock. The two then launched a brutal assault on Rhodes, joined by Travis Scott, who physically participated by slapping the WWE Champion and holding him down as The Rock whipped him with his weight belt. This marked Scott’s most significant involvement in WWE to date, as he transitioned from being a celebrity guest to an active participant in the storyline.
The Rock later revealed in a press conference that Scott had been eager to “get his hands bloody” and hinted at future appearances or even matches for the rapper in WWE. Scott’s involvement was reportedly part of a long-term plan by WWE’s creative team to bring mainstream attention to Cena’s historic heel turn and create buzz leading into WrestleMania 41.
The trio’s actions have drawn comparisons to iconic villainous factions in wrestling history, fueling speculation of a potential new mega-group forming under The Rock’s leadership. With Cena now positioned as a top heel and Scott’s growing presence in WWE, this storyline is expected to dominate the Road to WrestleMania.
Bo Dallas, a former WWE Superstar and real-life brother of the late Bray Wyatt, has been medically cleared to return to in-ring competition following an undisclosed injury, as first reported by Bodyslam.net.
Dallas, who was released from WWE in 2021, has recently gained attention for his portrayal of the enigmatic Uncle Howdy, a character central to the Wyatt Sicks faction that continues Wyatt’s legacy. Uncle Howdy debuted in late 2022 as part of Bray Wyatt’s storyline, initially appearing as a mysterious antagonist before evolving into a key figure in Wyatt’s creative universe.
Following Wyatt’s tragic passing in 2023, Dallas took on an expanded role as Uncle Howdy, leading the Wyatt Sicks—a faction inspired by characters from Wyatt’s lore. The group includes Erick Rowan (Rambling Rabbit), Nikki Cross (Abby the Witch), Joe Gacy (Huskus the Pig), and Dexter Lumis (Mercy the Buzzard), with Howdy at the helm.
Dallas has described Uncle Howdy as his most creative role in wrestling, emphasizing its personal significance and connection to his late brother. His return to WWE programming could reignite the Wyatt Sicks storyline, which has been on hiatus since late 2024.
Fans eagerly await how Dallas’ return will further develop this haunting narrative and honor Bray Wyatt’s enduring influence on WWE storytelling.
WWE Superstar Grayson Waller has openly criticized fellow wrestlers who publicly express dissatisfaction regarding their perceived lack of opportunities within the company.
Drawing a clear distinction between his approach and that of his peers, Waller emphasized his commitment to making the most of the chances he receives, rather than airing grievances online or through media outlets.?
“I could be like some of the other ‘flop’ wrestlers in WWE.I could bitch and moan and complain online. I could even run to ‘journalists’—and I could cry about all the opportunities I’m not getting,” Waller remarked.
“But instead, I choose to maximize every opportunity I’m given and focus on what I can control.”?
Catch Grayson Waller’s comments about ‘whiny’ WWE Superstars here:
Rey Fenix is officially a free agent after seeking to work elsewhere for some time. His AEW contract had been extended due to injuries, during which AEW kept him off television rather than using him in programming. According to PWInsider, Fenix has been released, though neither he nor AEW have officially confirmed this. His final AEW match took place in July 2024.
This release appears to follow a pattern at AEW, where removal from the AEW website roster page has indicated a wrestler’s departure – as was recently seen with Miro, Ricky Starks, and Malakai Black. Fans recently noticed Fenix’s removal from AEW’s official roster page, sparking some excitement that Fenix has been ‘freed’ and will be back on television wrestling elsewhere soon.
Rey Fenix Removed from the AEW Roster Page
The news aligns with earlier reporting from Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline who suggested more AEW releases are imminent, while Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful had previously mentioned Fenix as a candidate for the previous round of cuts.
Fenix’s contract situation had been complicated by these injury-related absences, with AEW reportedly extending his deal by nearly a year to compensate for time missed. As this extension period approaches its end, speculation has intensified that Fenix may reunite with his brother Penta El Zero M to reform their popular tag team, the Lucha Bros.
Industry sources indicate significant interest from WWE in signing the Lucha Bros as a team. This possibility seems increasingly likely given that Penta El Zero M has already made his WWE debut and is reportedly being positioned as a rising star in the promotion.
‘Nobody Stays Where They’re Not Wanted’
Rey Fenix shared his frustrations about his situation with AEW during an interview with Lalo Elizarrarás last month. The decorated luchador said, “I am waiting to be used, to be called to work, or to have my situation clarified a little more.”
Rhea Ripley has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the ring, both in real life and in WWE 2K25. Ahead of the game’s release on March 14 (March 7 for the Bloodline & Deadman Editions) it has been revealed that Ripley has a 96 rating in WWE 2K25.
This rating is the highest rating for any woman, past or present, in WWE 2K25, a testament to the high standing of Ripley on the promotion’s proverbial totempole. Not only is ‘Mami’ on top of the women, but she shares having a 96 rating with two of WWE’s biggest current stars: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and the OTC Roman Reigns.
Ripley’s high rating in WWE 2K25 is just the latest sign of how the Australian has taken the world of WWE video games by storm. Not only is Ripley a regular pick to play as among gamers, but she and Bianca Belair shared the cover for WWE 2K24‘s Special Edition, the first all-female cover for a WWE video game.
After recapturing the Women’s World Championship in January and this high ranking, 2025 is already off to a strong start for Rhea Ripley. As WrestleMania 41 draws near, fans can expect to see plenty of Mami, both in the ring on TV, and in the ring in WWE 2K25.
WWE Elimination Chamber kicked off at the Rogers Centre in Toronto with Canadian singer-songwriter Elizabeth performing the U.S. National Anthem. However, the crowd responded with loud boos, prompting Pat McAfee to call Canada “terrible” on commentary. His remark sparked backlash, leading McAfee to address the controversy on The Pat McAfee Show.
McAfee Responds to Criticism
McAfee defends his reaction, explaining that his comments stemmed from his deep respect for the U.S. National Anthem. He acknowledged Canadians’ passion for their country but said he was simply showing the same pride in his own.
“Listen, I respect the passion Canadians have for their country, but I was doing the same for mine,” McAfee said. “You booed my country. My whole life, whenever I hear someone boo the national anthem, my first reaction is to get upset.”
I'm very proud and thankful that I'm from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States of America..
Canadians have a lot of passion for their country and I understand it..
You booed our country and I said you're terrible..
McAfee, a Pittsburgh native, emphasized that while the U.S. isn’t perfect, he is proud of his country. He shared a personal story about his father, who went from being a truck driver to a millionaire, highlighting the opportunities available in America. He also spoke about his time in Indiana, where he met military members and Gold Star families, which deepened his connection to the anthem.
Understanding Canada’s Perspective
After receiving messages from Canadians, McAfee acknowledged their frustration, with some pointing out political tensions between the U.S. and Canada. However, he said he doesn’t associate Canada with politics but rather with positive memories, such as visiting Niagara Falls as a teenager.
“I get that there are political issues, but when I think of Canada, I think about the people and the great times I had there,” he said.
Moving Forward
Despite the backlash, McAfee stood by his initial reaction, clarifying that he wasn’t attacking individual Canadians—just their reaction to the anthem.
“You booed us, and I called your country terrible. Let’s shake hands and move on,” he concluded. “I still love Canadians.”
Liv Morgan not only failed to earn a Women’s World Title match at WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto, but she also set a rather unfortunate record. In the show’s opening match, Morgan was one of those who came up short in the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match, which was won by Bianca Belair.
With this defeat, Morgan has broken the record for the most times competing in the Elimination Chamber without ever getting a victory. The match marked Liv’s sixth time losing inside the hellish structure, a match she first competed in back in 2018. Morgan does hold another, more fortunate record, as she is tied for the most eliminations (5) alongside Shayna Baszler.
H/T to @WWEStats for uncovering this stat. Stay tuned to SEScoops for more interesting wrestling facts and statistics.
With this setback, it remains to be seen what Liv’s direction is for WrestleMania 41. As the reigning (and record-breaking three-time) WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, many predict that Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez will put their titles on the line at the two-night event this April. As for who would challenge the pair, that remains a mystery, especially with Jade Cargill seemingly ending her trio with Bianca Belair and Naomi.
2024 proved to be a banner year for Liv Morgan, who spent much of the past year as Women’s World Champion. While Morgan may not have won inside the Elimination Chamber, expectations remain high for the Judgment Day member for the remainder of this year.
Jey Uso’s unlikely singles run has propelled him to the top of WWE’s card, but despite all that’s come, his connection to his brother remains unbreakable. During an emotional moment in his CBS Sports interview, Jey visibly choked up when Shak Mahjouri asked about Jimmy’s role in all that has happened.
“My brother’s living it with me. He’s there with me, man.”
An emotional Jey collected himself to reflect on his family, knowing that his brother will support him no matter what happens. Jey shared that “No matter how high you get, you’ll always meet the same people on your way down. Be kind to everyone, be nice, be respectful.”
As a tag-team, Jimmy and Jey dominated WWE’s tag-team division for over a decade, with today, March 3, 2025, marking eleven years since their first WWE Tag Team Championship victory. While some may expect Jimmy to be jealous of Jey’s skyrocketing singles career, but that is not the case.
“Man, my brother’s doing his thing, and I’m doing mine. But that’s my brother, man. No matter what, we’re in this together.”
In a business where friendships often go as quickly as they come, the bond between Jimmy and Jey remains as strong as ever, even with Jey’s singles success. As he prepares for the biggest match of his career at WrestleMania 41, Jey knows his brother is always by his side, both in and out of the ring.
The storyline surrounding Jade Cargill’s mysterious attacker has captivated WWE fans, particularly with the recent developments at Elimination Chamber 2025. After months of speculation, Cargill’s dramatic return and her attack on Naomi have reignited this “whodunnit” mystery, setting the stage for a major reveal as WrestleMania 41 approaches.
The Mystery
The Case Against Naomi
Jade Cargill’s attack on Naomi at Elimination Chamber strongly suggests that she believes Naomi was behind the ambush that sidelined her in November 2024. The two were former tag team champions, but Naomi stepped in as Bianca Belair’s partner during Cargill’s absence, capturing the titles. This could provide a motive, as Naomi gained significantly from Cargill’s injury.
However, Naomi has denied involvement, and her stretcher exit after Cargill’s assault complicates the narrative. WWE commentators and analysts have speculated that this attack might lead to a feud between the two, potentially culminating at WrestleMania.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez: Red Herrings?
Initially, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were prime suspects due to cell phone footage showing them near the scene of the attack. They vehemently denied involvement but also made cryptic comments that fueled suspicion. While their proximity to the incident raised eyebrows, most signs now point to them being red herrings in this storyline.
Bianca Belair emerges as a compelling suspect despite her current trajectory toward a WrestleMania title match. As Cargill’s former tag team partner and one-half of their dominant run as champions, Belair had much to lose when Cargill was injured.
Photo: WWE
Speculation suggests that Belair may have orchestrated the attack to replace Cargill with Naomi, who helped her maintain championship success during Cargill’s absence. Adding intrigue is Belair’s reaction at Elimination Chamber—she expressed confusion and a desire for answers but avoided directly addressing the possibility of her own involvement.
If Belair is revealed as the attacker, it could set up a blockbuster match against Cargill at WrestleMania 41. Such a feud would pit two of WWE’s most dominant athletes against each other in a clash of power and prestige.
The primary complication with Belair being revealed as the attacker lies in her current storyline. She won the Women’s Elimination Chamber match and is set to face either Rhea Ripley or Iyo Sky for the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania.
For this twist to work, WWE would need to rework its plans and disregard the stipulation attached to the Women’s Elimination Chamber match—but we’ve seen stranger things happen during WrestleMania season.
Other Possibilities
WWE could also introduce an unexpected twist by revealing someone completely out of left field as the attacker. This would preserve Naomi’s innocence and avoid disrupting Belair’s championship storyline while keeping fans guessing.
Conclusion: The Likely Path Forward
While Naomi remains the most obvious suspect based on recent events, Bianca Belair stands out as the more intriguing choice for storytelling purposes.
A heel turn by Belair leading to a high-stakes match against Jade Cargill at WrestleMania would elevate both superstars and provide one of the marquee moments of the event.
For now, all eyes are on tonight’s episode of Raw and how this mystery unfolds on the road to WrestleMania 41.
Rappers Nardo Wick and 21 Savage’s new track, HBK, isn’t just a song about heartbreak—it’s a nod to one of WWE’s most iconic figures: Shawn Michaels, the “Heartbreak Kid” (HBK).
Known for his swagger, arrogance, and undeniable star power in the ring, Michaels revolutionized wrestling entertainment. HBK captures that same energy, using his persona as a metaphor for breaking hearts and living unapologetically.
Embodying the Heartbreak Kid
The chorus makes it clear that Nardo Wick and 21 Savage embrace the “Heartbreak Kid” moniker in their own way. Lines like:
“I’m the HBK, heart break kid / Sorry baby girl but I did what I did”
mirror Michaels’ charismatic, love-him-or-hate-him attitude. In wrestling, HBK was infamous for his rebellious streak, much like the way Nardo and 21 Savage position themselves in their music—unattached, unbothered, and dominant.
Cocky, Confident, and Controversial
21 Savage’s verse takes this tribute a step further, embodying the same brash persona that defined Michaels’ WWE career. The lyrics portray him as a ruthless heartbreaker, much like Michaels’ “sexy boy” gimmick that had fans swooning but rivals fuming. Lyrics such as:
“I’m the heart break king, I break hearts left and right”
capture the cocky playboy persona Michaels carried throughout his career. The song isn’t about wrestling moves, but the spirit of HBK—confident, untouchable, and always in control.
More Than Just a Name-Drop
While HBK doesn’t explicitly reference Michaels’ in-ring career, the title and themes resonate with the legendary wrestler’s larger-than-life persona. The song serves as a modern reinterpretation of the “Heartbreak Kid” gimmick—translating it from the squared circle to the rap game.
For longtime WWE fans, HBK offers a fresh reminder of Michaels’ impact—not just in wrestling, but in pop culture as a whole.
Expectations are high for Zilla Fatu in WWE, but the son of Umaga is in no hurry to sign, or be associated with The Bloodline. Speaking to The Show on Riverwest Radio, Fatu was asked about his goals in the wrestling business.
“Obviously, getting some more gold. I’m not in no rush to really get anywhere or sign anywhere. I’m literally just trying to figure out who I am.”
Zilla is part of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family that includes wrestling heavyweights including Roman Reigns, The Rock, The Usos, Yokozuna, and his late father. Despite his connection to some of wrestling’s all-time greats, Fatu intends to be his own man in the ring.
“Five years from now, my name will be separated from my family. I just want to have people just focus on Zilla Fatu. That’s it.“
Zilla Fatu / Facebook
Fatu has yet to sign with WWE, though many believe it is just a matter of time. Already the Reality of Wrestling World Champion, Zilla has many in WWE backing him, including his mentor Booker T. Zilla was also spotted at SummerSlam 2024, further fuelling speculation of a WWE role, though didn’t do anything at the PLE outside of being a fan.
Zilla Fatu’s future in the ring remains to be decided, but he’s ready to stand on his own merits. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Zilla and his longterm goals inside the squared circle.
WWE Hall of Famer JBL recently reflected on The Miz’s remarkable journey in professional wrestling, calling his success “almost an impossibility.” Speaking on the challenges Miz faced early in his career, JBL emphasized how rare it is for someone to learn the craft while performing on global television.
“When he came in, it’s not because he lacked talent,” JBL said. “But how do you learn on national, global television? That’s nearly impossible. By the time I got to WWE, I probably had a thousand matches. Most of the guys did.
And Miz is having to learn on global television without that educational background of working a bunch of territories. He has built a Hall of Fame career from that moment, and I think that’s incredibly remarkable.”
JBL: “Hell Yes!” I Hazed The Miz
The Miz and JBL never had a high-profile match or feud in WWE. JBL retired from full-time competition in 2009, before The Miz reached his peak as a main-event star. However, JBL was known for hazing The Miz during his early days in WWE – which became a well-documented instance of backstage bullying.
During a 2010 interview on the “Right After Wrestling” radio show on Canada’s The Score network, JBL said:
“Did I haze the Miz? Hell yes! A lot of people want to talk about me and my hazing. Yes I did. I make no apologies about it what so ever.
When I started, guys were hazed, and for good reason. They wanted to know that in a riot, which we had a few back in the day, were you going to be on the side of the boys or the fans?
Nowadays there’s no room for it, the corporate, sterile world that is the WWE. When the Miz came in, most of the hazing was me working. Me on the mic, me talking to him.
I gave him as much advice as I possibly could because I thought he had the ability to be a good heel. But I’m not going to apologize for hazing him.”
JBL on the Use of Agents in Wrestling
JBL also addressed the role of agents in professional wrestling on Something to Wrestle, discussing well-known representative Barry Bloom and how some wrestlers benefit from having an agent. While acknowledging their impact, JBL noted that he personally never used one for WWE negotiations.
“I’ve never used one,” he explained. “Vince [McMahon] hated agents. Vince was a pay guy, but if you tried to back him into a corner, it would work just the opposite. If you brought an agent, you’d have a worse deal than if you just went to Vince directly.”
He admitted to briefly having an agent for outside ventures like CNBC or Fox but recalled McMahon’s visible disdain when introduced to him. Despite never utilizing an agent in wrestling, JBL acknowledged the advantages they can provide, particularly in understanding salary structures, which are often confidential in WWE contracts.
While JBL preferred handling negotiations himself, he recognized why some wrestlers turn to agents, especially figures like Barry Bloom, to navigate contract details and secure better deals.
A WWE Superstar has been secretly running a burner Twitter account with over 20,000 followers, using it to engage in online banter without fans realizing their true identity. Wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful shared the revelation on Twitter, stating that the unnamed talent admitted to operating the account.
Sapp initially tweeted that a WWE talent had disclosed their anonymous social media presence, describing it as a “shitposting Twitter/IWC account” with a significant following.
In a follow-up, he clarified that the account has “over 20K” followers.
Later, Sapp shared a conversation—posted with permission—where the talent acknowledged owning the account.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful shared this interaction with the mystery person, confirming they later admitted it was them running a burner account with over 20,000 followers.
The exchange suggested that several wrestlers maintain anonymous profiles but avoid engaging in extreme online discourse.
The identity of the WWE star behind the account remains unknown, leaving fans speculating about which wrestler might be secretly active in the online wrestling community.
Women in pro wrestling have fought and clawed for every opportunity. Today female talent are regularly featured on shows, even the biggest ones including WrestleMania. The road for every bit of progress was paved by the blood, sweat, and tears of trailblazers like Mildred Burke. Her empowering story is told in the upcoming film Queen of the Ring.
Emily Bett Rickards, known as Arrow fan favorite Felicity Smoak, steps in the boots of tough as nails Burke, who became the first million-dollar female athlete. The biopic was built off the Pulitzer Prize winner Jeff Leen’s book tracing the gender barrier-breaking performer’s incredible journey to the top. Burke broke into the industry by wrestling men at carnivals because at the time women’s wrestling was illegal in much of the United States.
The movie takes us back to the 1930s and decades that followed where the driven lady grappler turned heads through her incredible presence and ability. Among those admirers was dastardly promoter Billy Wolfe, played by Josh Lucas. Their often tumultuous relationship unravels in the movie to the point where for Burke, Wolfe becomes a means to an end. It’s a marriage that becomes a matter of convenience rather than anything romantic. After all, Wolfe was twice the age of Burke. The two clash with their dynamic becoming increasingly volatile. Despite Wolfe’s efforts to extinguish Burke’s fire, she never forgoes her inner strength fighting for herself as a wrestler and businesswoman. Complicating things further was Wolfe, a noted womanizer, witnessing his son G. Bill (Tyler Posey) catching the eye of Burke.
More female talent come into the fold including Mae Young, who is portrayed by scene stealer Francesca Eastwood. She is so good one could argue the flick becomes a Young biopic in moments. Pro wrestling fans will enjoy seeing familiar faces including Jim Cornette as an NWA commissioner, which given his own time in the business including that promotion wasn’t a major stretch.
Other recognizable names bring some of Burke’s colleagues at the time to life like Clara Mortensen (Toni Rossall/”Timeless” Toni Storm), the first African-American Women’s Champion Ethel Johnson (Trinity Fatu/Naomi), Debbie Nichols (Britt Baker), and the imposing June Byers (Kailey Farmer/Kamille). The latter becomes the wife of G. Bill and stands as an imposing rival for Burke. When life is stranger than fiction. Heels viewers will enjoy seeing Kelli Berglund lace up the boots once again as the new girl on the block Nell Stewart. The A-list cast also brings in Walton Goggins as promoter Jack Pfefer and the legendary Martin Kove playing veteran Al Haft.
A lot of time and care was clearly put into making sure the story came off as authentic. WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, an executive producer, fought so hard to make sure the project got off the ground and secured the rights from the book. He can stand proud and take pride in the fact the finished product isn’t just a good pro wrestling movie, but a movie in general. Channeling pure lipstick and dynamite, Rickards clearly invested a lot of time to immerse herself in this unique world and time period. Director and writer Ash Avildsen also captures the business at the time while also grounding this larger-than-life atmosphere and characters masterfully.
It may be a story about a pro wrestler, but this project transcends anything that goes on in the ring. Resonating with anyone who has worked and never given up to realize a dream. Don’t let this championship-caliber film miss you, which goes for the gold in every way while shining a light and giving deserved flowers to an often forgotten icon.
Queen of the Ring opens in theaters nationwide March 7.
Veteran wrestling broadcaster Tony Schiavone believes that Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest stars in wrestling history, wouldn’t achieve the same success if he were competing in today’s era.
Speaking on his What Happened When podcast, Schiavone reflected on the evolution of professional wrestling and why the industry has moved past the style that made Hogan a household name.
“’80s music wouldn’t work today. And Hulk was a champion,” Schiavone said. “One of the things you remember during the ’80s is Hulkamania.
So yeah, Hulk wouldn’t be a world champion today.”
Hogan, who dominated the wrestling scene through the 1980s and early 1990s, became synonymous with larger-than-life characters, heroic storytelling, and a more theatrical approach to wrestling.
However, today’s wrestling landscape prioritizes athleticism, technical in-ring ability, and long-term match quality—areas where Hogan’s classic style might not translate as effectively.
Schiavone’s comments came during a discussion about Hogan’s real-life backstage tensions with Vader, further illustrating how different eras of wrestling required different skill sets.
Despite suggesting that Hogan’s character wouldn’t work as a modern-day champion, Schiavone did acknowledge that the WWE Hall of Famer was tougher than some critics gave him credit for.
“For all his luster and all the character he’s portrayed… I think Hogan was a lot tougher than you thought back then.”
While Hogan’s place in wrestling history is undeniable, Schiavone’s remarks highlight the changing nature of the industry and how even the biggest icons of the past might struggle to fit into today’s wrestling world.
Fresh off his performance in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match on March 1, 2025, where John Cena last eliminated him to secure a WrestleMania title shot against Cody Rhodes, CM Punk is looking forward.
WWE is keeping Punk’s schedule packed with appearances on both Raw and SmackDown. Punk was initially scheduled for a series of international events ranging from TV to live events.
Punk is advertised for the Raw in Brussels show on March 17, SmackDown shows in Bologna, Italy, on March 21, and London on March 28. He was also slated for Raw events in Glasgow on March 24 and London on March 31. However, according to WWE’s official website, his Raw appearances have been adjusted.
He is no longer listed for the latter Raw shows. WWE has also deleted social media posts promoting his involvement in those Raw events. He remains scheduled for the SmackDown shows.
Despite these changes, Punk is still set to face World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER in a steel cage match on March 29, 2025, in Vienna, Austria, as part of the Road to WrestleMania WWE Live tour. Here is Punk’s updated WWE schedule for the UK tour:
Raw: Monday, March 17: WWE Raw at Forest National in Brussels, Belgium
SmackDown: Friday, March 21: WWE SmackDown at Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy
SmackDown: Friday, March 28: WWE SmackDown at O2 Arena in London, England
House Show: Saturday, March 22: Belfast, Northern Ireland
House Show: Sunday, March 23: Nottingham, England
House Show: Saturday, March 29: Vienna, Austria
House Show: Sunday, March 30: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Punk is expected to wrestle Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 41 next month.
