Jey Uso’s Royal Rumble victory shocked the WWE Universe—but no one was more surprised than Jey himself. During an interview with Shak Mahjouri for CBS Sports, Uso admitted that he was still in the dark about what was coming just hours before the openig bell.
“I ain’t know nothing,” Uso said. “Halfway through the day, I’m still in there, looking around like, ‘Oh damn, it might be me.’”
Unlike other matches, where winners are informed in advance, the Rumble’s unpredictability meant Jey had no idea what was happening.
“It’s almost like this—we’re all in a big room, and then it’s like, ‘Last six is this, this, this, and this. Y’all stay, the rest can go.’”
As the match went on, reality began to sink in – it was his time. He was about to achieve something very few WWE Superstars in history have done.
“I knew I’d have a big part in it, but I didn’t think I’d be standing there with John Cena at the end.”
Uso was well aware that he wasn’t the favorite, but that didn’t slow him down one bit. In fact, it may have made the big moment even sweeter.
“I was the last pick to win,” he admitted. “But within myself, I was like, ‘Man, I’m about to win this thing, dawg.’”
Now, heading into WrestleMania 41 to challenge Gunther, Uso is determined to prove his Rumble win wasn’t just a fluke—it was the start of something special.
“Whoever’s going on after me, they’re gonna have to follow me. I’m about to have 100,000 people moving in one motion, man.”
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling world, John Cena—WWE’s longtime virtuous standard-bearer—embraced the dark side at Elimination Chamber 2025 on March 1. After nearly two decades as the company’s premier babyface, Cena’s alliance with The Rock and subsequent attack on Cody Rhodes marked one of the most dramatic character shifts in WWE history.
While the turn stunned many fans, a closer examination reveals that WWE had been planting the seeds for this transformation for months.
Earliest Signs: On a March 2024 episode of WWE Raw, The Rock manhandled Cody Rhodes with a shot of John Cena’s image on a WWE production truck in the background. WWE has utilized similar foreshadowing techniques before, and while it seemed inconsequential at the time, it may prove to be more than coincidental.
Royal Rumble Fallout: Cena’s elimination as the final competitor in the 2025 Royal Rumble match proved pivotal. Rather than accepting defeat gracefully as his babyface persona typically would, Cena immediately declared himself for the Elimination Chamber match—displaying an uncharacteristic desperation that hinted at his shifting priorities.
Ari Emuanuel on Pat McAfee Show: TKO Group head honcho Ari Emanuel appeared on the Pat McAfee show in early February 2025 and teased that significant things were brewing for Elimination Chamber.
TKO Group CEO Ari Emanuel teases some “pretty good things” happening at Elimination Chamber
Promotional Materials for Elimination Chamber: The official Elimination Chamber poster prominently featured Cena alongside The Rock and Travis Scott—a trio that would later unite during the heel turn. This visual connection, initially dismissed as coincidental, proved to be deliberate foreshadowing.
Telling Post-Rumble Rhetoric: In media appearances following the Royal Rumble, Cena repeatedly used the phrase “what’s best for business”—terminology historically associated with heel authority figures and morally compromised characters in WWE storytelling.
Internal Security Measures: WWE took extraordinary steps to protect the surprise, including falsifying production schedules to mislead backstage personnel about the timing of key segments involving Cody Rhodes and The Rock.
The turn itself occurred after Cena secured victory in the Elimination Chamber match by defeating CM Punk. As the show appeared to be ending, Cena witnessed Cody Rhodes reject The Rock’s offer to “sell his soul.”
In a shocking twist, Cena blindsided Rhodes with an attack, symbolically accepting the same corrupt bargain Rhodes had just refused. The sight of Cena standing tall alongside The Rock and Travis Scott closed the show, cementing his transition to villainy.
Understanding the Motivation
Cena’s heel turn appears driven by several compelling factors:
Championship Obsession: The pursuit of a record-breaking 17th world championship to surpass Ric Flair’s legacy has consumed Cena. After coming tantalizingly close at the Royal Rumble, his desperation reached a breaking point.
Reinventing His Farewell Tour: What began as a nostalgic celebration of Cena’s career has transformed into something more complex and dramatically satisfying, rejecting predictable storytelling in favor of a fresh narrative direction.
Strategic Alliance: By aligning with The Rock, Cena gained a powerful advocate in his quest for championship glory while creating a formidable opposition to WWE’s top hero, Cody Rhodes.
Storytelling Dynamics: A babyface versus babyface match between Cena and Rhodes risked splitting audience loyalty. Turning Cena heel creates a clear emotional dynamic heading into their inevitable WrestleMania confrontation.
Meta-Narrative Elements: After years of polarizing audience reactions despite his virtuous character, Cena’s turn allows him to channel real-life frustrations into his on-screen persona.
How this Ends
With Cena already two months into his announced 2025 retirement tour, this heel turn represents a calculated risk in the twilight of his career. While it would be the ultimate villainous act to break his vow to retire in December, all indications suggest this is indeed Cena’s final year in WWE—just not the farewell anyone anticipated.
What’s becoming clear is that Cena, The Rock, and WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H have orchestrated a masterful subversion of expectations. Rather than a predictable victory lap filled with nostalgia and tearful goodbyes, they’ve chosen to send WWE’s biggest box office attraction of the modern era out with an unprecedented character arc.
Photo: WWE
Fans will witness a side of John Cena never before seen in his two-decade career—the fallen hero corrupted by ambition. Yet despite this dark turn, it seems almost unthinkable that Cena would exit WWE permanently without redemption. The most likely scenario sees him eventually recognizing his moral compromise and finding a path to atonement, ultimately allowing him to retire as the heroic figure generations of WWE fans have cherished.
Whatever path this storyline takes through 2025, one thing is certain: WWE fans should buckle up for a thrilling and emotionally complex conclusion to one of professional wrestling’s most celebrated careers.
As WWE builds toward WrestleMania 41, this unexpected character evolution promises to deliver one of the most compelling final chapters possible for Cena’s legendary career while creating an electrifying showdown with Rhodes on wrestling’s grandest stage.
John Cena has made his first public comments since his shocking heel turn at Saturday’s Elimination Chamber PLE.
Cena was scheduled to address the media at the post-show press conference, but simply “dropped the mic” and left the event without saying a word.
With fans still processing what transpired over the weekend, Cena returned to social media to deliver what appears to be a justification for his actions. He tweeted:
“Have the discipline to do what needs to be done, especially when you don’t feel like it.”
Have the discipline to do what needs to be done, especially when you don’t feel like it.
While these motivational quotes from Cena have often left fans wondering if he’s subtly responding to current events, this one strongly suggests he’s attempting to rationalize his decision to turn on Cody Rhodes and align with The Rock, now known as “The Final Boss.”
Cena also posted a movie still on Instagram of character Harvey Dent from The Dark Knight. Dent, who would become supervillain Two-Face, said in the 2008 Batman classic, “You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
WWE 2K25 is just days away from hitting shelves and MyGM is bound to prove popular among players wanting to craft their own brands. The feature has been a staple of WWE 2K video games for years but the latest instalment has some brand-new features.
When newLegacyInc’s John Blud spoke with Tyson Hiener, Lead Designer of MyGM mode for WWE 2K25, the pair discussed some of the new features in the game. Tyson shared that for the first time ever, MyGM will be online, allowing for the host and three other players to battle as General Managers for ratings surpremacy.
MyGM Online
MyGM online will play similarly to playing locally, but with some key features missing. The option to use custom GMs and custom rosters will not be possible when playing online. Similarly, matches cannot be played or spectated online.
While certain features won’t be available online, that doesn’t mean fans will never get the chance to play these features with their pals. If players who usually play online are able to meet, they will be able to use their online saves as part of local play.
WWE 2K25 will have an official way for fans to compete in MyGM online for the first time ever.
Playable GMs
The User Interface for MyGM has been “completely revamped” thanks to the addition of several new playable General Managers. The playable GMs list includes Adam Pearce, Sonya Deville, Stephanie McMahon, Xavier Woods, Tyler Breeze, Eric Bischoff, Mick Foley, Paul Heyman, Teddy Long, Ava, Nick Aldis, Shawn Michaels, Sensational Sherri, Miss Elizabeth, Armando Estrada, Mr. Fuji, and CM Punk. Each GM comes with their own abilities. When asked if more GMs would be available, Tyson said he couldn’t say.
A Brand New Brand
Hopeful GMs will be able to have control over SmackDown, Raw, WWE NXT, NXT 2.0, WCW, ECW, and for the first-time ever, NXT Mutiny. This never-before-seen brand will tie into the MyRise storyline. Putting any speculation to bed, Hiener made clear that this is a fictional brand and fans shouldn’t expect it on real-life WWE programming.
MyGM mode will include WWE NXT Mutiny, a fictional brand that will have a large role in the game.
WWE 2K25 promises the largest roster in any WWE video game, with over 300 playable characters and more already teased. With MyGM mode, players will have the chance to create the show of their dreams and battle for supremacy both online and in local play.
WWE 2K25 releases March 14. The Deadman and Bloodline Editions of the game will release on March 7.
Jade Cargill is back in WWE and the former Women’s Tag Team Champion is through playing by the rules. At Elimination Chamber: Toronto, Cargill returned to destroy the woman she believes attacked her in November of last year: Naomi.
In a video on X, which was directed by NXT talent and fellow AEW alum Ricky Saints, Cargill reflected on her place within WWE.
“There are wolves in the shape of women all around me. I can see the way they look into my eyes. I am not them, and they are not me. I weathered every storm that was meant to break me.”
Cargill isn’t in WWE to be liked, but is here because she’s earned it. Looking to the future, Jade is through doing things for other, seemingly ending her partnership with Naomi and Bianca Belair.
“I will not strike myself for anyone. Don’t mistake my grace for weakness. I’ve played by the rules long enough. Now it’s time for mine. I am one of one. I am that b**ch.”
Questions remain now that Jade is back, including whether Naomi did attack her friend, or if somebody has framed the long-time WWE babyface. Whatever the case, Jade Cargill is through playing nice with others on the WWE roster.
John Cena shocked the world by turning heel at WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto, kicking off a rollercoaster of emotions for fellow WWE veteran R-Truth. Truth has often seen John as a childhood hero, which has made Cena’s betrayal of Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect all the more difficult.
On social media, several wrestlers reacted in shock to Cena’s heel turn. When Brandi Rhodes made her views on Cena’s assault on her husband very clear, Truth shared that fans shouldn’t be quick to judge the 16-time WWE World Champion.
Hours later, it appears that Truth is starting to accept the sad reality of what happened in Toronto. On X, Truth changed his header and profile picture to reflect on Cena’s heel turn.
Cena refused to explain his actions at the Elimination Chamber post-show, leaving fans to speculate what’s to come from the WWE icon. Whatever’s next, the heel turn heard around the world has shocked fans, and could spell disaster for Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41.
WWE legend-turned-Hollywood heavyweight Dave Bautista was on hand at this year’s Academy Awards to present the award for Best Cinematography. Alongside Joe Alwyn, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldaña, and Willem Defoe, the former WWE World Heayvweight Champion was part of the award’s festivities.
Joe Alwyn, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista and Willem Dafoe presenting Best Cinematography at the #Oscarspic.twitter.com/sWLZH8vLgc
The award was won by Lol Crawley for her work on The Brutalist. The film faced fierce competiton in its category.
The Brutalist – Lol Crawley
Dune: Part Two – Greig Fraser
Emilia Pérez – Paul Guilhaume
Maria – Edward Lachman
Nosferatu – Jarin Blaschke
Bautista wasn’t nominated for any individual awards, but there was a victory for the Animal at the ceremony. Dune: Part Two, which saw Bautista reprise his role as Glossu Rabban won the Oscar for both Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
Bautista has proven to be one of the biggest wrestler-turned-actor success stories, matching the likes of John Cena and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. With In the Lost Lands coming this year, as well as aspirations to direct, the Animal’s time in the movie-making industry is far from over.
Liv Morgan took significant damage during the Women’s Elimination Chamber match at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025. Competing for a WrestleMania 41 opportunity, Morgan lasted until the final moments before being eliminated by Bianca Belair, who secured the victory.
Throughout the match, Morgan endured several punishing spots, including a moment where Belair whipped her with her signature braid, the impact echoing through the arena.
The next day, Morgan shared a photo on social media revealing severe bruises and welts, captioning it simply with “Wrestling” and a heart emoji.
Despite the physical toll, Morgan remains one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions alongside Raquel Rodriguez. With Jade Cargill’s return at Elimination Chamber 2025 shifting her storyline focus to Naomi, Morgan now looks ahead to WrestleMania.
While she is expected to appear on WWE RAW, it is unlikely she will compete so soon after the grueling Chamber match. Instead, she may be involved in backstage segments, particularly as The Judgment Day continues to face internal turmoil.
With major women’s division matches for WrestleMania already set, Morgan’s likely path to the grand stage involves defending the Women’s Tag Team Championship—provided she and Rodriguez can hold onto the titles until April.
The upcoming March 3, 2025, episode of WWE RAW promises to be action-packed as General Manager Adam Pearce has announced three championship matches for the Elimination Chamber fallout show. The event will take place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
Championship Matches
WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley will defend her title against IYO SKY in what promises to be a highly anticipated match. This title defense comes after Ripley accidentally cost SKY her spot in the Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Liv Morgan, leading Ripley to offer SKY this championship opportunity as an apology.
The match carries significant implications as Bianca Belair, who emerged victorious in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match on March 1, awaits the winner for a WrestleMania 41 showdown.
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) will put their titles on the line against The Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed). This rematch follows their previous encounter where The Creed Brothers attacked the champions with the title, causing a disqualification.
Chad Gable, leader of American Made, has expressed his desire to see The Creed Brothers capture championship gold upon his return.
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria will defend her championship against Ivy Nile. This match was set up after Valkyria successfully retained her title against Dakota Kai on the February 24 episode of RAW, only to be ambushed post-match by Nile, who made it clear she still wants a shot at the IC title.
Elimination Chamber Aftermath
Photo: WWE
The show will also feature the fallout from the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event that took place on March 1 in Toronto, Canada. Bianca Belair won the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, defeating Bayley, Alexa Bliss, Roxanne Perez, and Liv Morgan to earn a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 41.
Fans can expect appearances from the Men’s Elimination Chamber participants and possibly Roman Reigns, who is anticipated to return following his absence after losing at the Royal Rumble.
This episode marks an important transition on the Road to WrestleMania 41, with championship implications and storyline developments that will shape the upcoming showcase in Las Vegas.
Sabu’s retirement match is officially set for Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9 following a brutal attack on Joey Janela at GCW The Coldest Winter 3 in Los Angeles on March 1, 2025.
During the event, Janela entered the ring to present Sabu with his Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame plaque. However, tensions escalated when Janela criticized Sabu’s past absences, claiming that the version of Sabu who cared about the fans was “dead.”
This provoked an unexpected response from Sabu, who stormed the ring and viciously attacked Janela with skewers and the Hall of Fame plaque, leaving him bloodied.
Despite recently undergoing surgery for a ruptured bicep, Janela responded by challenging Sabu to a match at Spring Break 9, which was immediately confirmed.
Set for April 18, 2025, at the Palms Theater in Las Vegas, the bout is expected to be Sabu’s final match. Joey Janela’s Spring Break series has a reputation for delivering unforgettable moments, and fans are anticipating a historic sendoff for the hardcore wrestling icon.
Toronto native and internationally acclaimed rapper Drake attended WWE’s Elimination Chamber event at the Rogers Centre on March 1, 2025.
Expressing his newfound appreciation for professional wrestling, Drake took to Instagram, stating, “I’m sold.” He tagged fellow rapper Lil Yachty, who accompanied him to the event.
Despite his presence, WWE did not officially acknowledge Drake during the broadcast. However, fans in attendance spotted him seated behind the commentary desk, sharing photos and videos on social media. Lil Yachty captured moments of their experience, including a notable interaction involving wrestler Logan Paul.
During the event, as Logan Paul awaited his entry into the match, he wrote “OVO” on his pod door—a direct nod to Drake’s October’s Very Own brand. This gesture drew a smile from Drake.
Drake’s attendance at the Elimination Chamber follows his recent postponement of tour dates in Australia and New Zealand due to scheduling conflicts.
At the 2025 WWE Elimination Chamber event, CM Punk faced an unexpected challenge unrelated to his opponents. Throughout the match, the light attached to his chamber pod malfunctioned, detaching multiple times. This technical glitch was captured in footage that has since circulated on social media platforms.
Despite the repeated distractions caused by the malfunctioning equipment, Punk remained focused on the match. The incident has sparked discussions among fans, with many sharing clips and expressing their thoughts on the unforeseen technical issues during such a high-profile event.
However, technical difficulties were the least of CM Punk’s problems at Elimination Chamber. His WrestleMania dreams were dashed when John Cena eliminated him, securing his spot at WrestleMania to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Watch highlights of CM Punk in this year’s Elimination Chamber event.
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair has sent a stern warning to John Cena regarding the upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41.
The 16-time world champion made his intentions crystal clear through a passionate social media statement that not only celebrated his legacy but also included a direct threat to physically intervene in the championship bout.
In his tweet posted on March 2, 2025, Flair commemorated the 25th anniversary of what WWE recognizes as his 16th and final world championship victory. The Nature Boy first reflected on his illustrious career, mentioning legendary opponents like Harley Race, Bruiser Brody, Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, Bret Hart, Undertaker, and Ricky Steamboat.
After acknowledging his past achievements, Flair shifted his focus to the current championship picture, writing: “Let’s Get Serious! @JohnCena, I Love You And Respect You, But You Ain’t Taking Nothing From @CodyRhodes!”
The WWE legend didn’t stop there. In a shocking declaration, Flair threatened to take extreme measures to ensure Cena doesn’t succeed: “If I Have To Fight My Way Through Security To Hit The Ring, I Will. I’ll Take The Day Off Of Blood Thinners. LFG! Let’s Do This!”
It’s Been 25 Years Since I Won My Last, 16th World Championship, According To The @WWE. Blood, Sweat, And Tears! Harley Race, Bruiser Brody, Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, Brett Hart, Undertaker, Ricky Steamboat. The List Is Endless Of World Class Opponents. Unparalleled! My 1984… pic.twitter.com/2WKvdW0gHN
While Flair publicly frames his involvement as defending Rhodes’ honor, his true motivation appears to be protecting his legacy. Currently tied with Cena at 16 world championship reigns, Flair seems determined to prevent the breaking of his historic record – even if it means risking his health by temporarily stopping his blood thinners.
The personal connection between Flair and the Rhodes family adds another layer to this story, as Cody’s father Dusty was one of Flair’s greatest rivals. With The Rock already in Cena’s corner, Flair’s potential involvement could create a more balanced scenario at WrestleMania 41, making this one of the most anticipated matches in recent memory.
As the event approaches, the wrestling world waits to see if the Nature Boy will indeed make good on his threat to intervene in this high-stakes championship bout.
John Cena’s shocking betrayal of Cody Rhodes has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. But no one was more blindsided than Rhodes himself—especially considering his own words about Cena just a year ago.
In an April 2024 interview on Cheap Heat, Rhodes reflected on Cena’s career and his unwavering babyface persona, praising the 16-time world champion for never turning heel despite years of fan speculation. He told Peter Rosenberg and Stat Guy Greg:
“John’s [heel turn] never happened, and I think rightfully so,” Rhodes said at the time. “We look back now and realize the magic of what John was able to do.”
Now, Cena has shattered that legacy with a heel turn that has changed the trajectory of his legacy.
Cody’s Respect for Cena’s Work Ethic
During that same interview, Rhodes spoke highly of Cena as a role model for success, comparing him to other WWE megastars like The Rock and Roman Reigns.
“Him, John Cena—these guys are models for you,” Rhodes said. “You want the world? You have to do the work.”
Rhodes also credited Cena as one of the veterans who helped guide him early in his career.
“I clung to Randy Orton. I clung to John Cena. And they were both good for me. They never led me astray.”
That makes Cena’s betrayal all the more personal. For years, Rhodes saw Cena as an inspiration, a man whose unwavering moral compass kept him as WWE’s hero, even when the fans turned against him.
A Stunning Reversal of History
At WrestleMania 40, Cena was among the legends who celebrated with Rhodes after his victory over Roman Reigns. Cody was visibly moved by Cena’s presence, later recalling:
“It was just really touching who happened to be in the ring. And then here they are, these absolute legends and mountains of men like a Randy Orton and a John Cena.”
Now, that moment of celebration has been flipped upside down. Cena—who once refused to betray the fans no matter how loudly they booed—has done the unthinkable, turning on the man who idolized him.
For years, fans wondered if a Cena heel turn was possible. Even Rhodes himself believed it would never happen. But in 2025, John Cena finally proved everyone wrong—especially Cody Rhodes.
Former WWE Superstar Cassie Lee has officially returned to the ring after a 16-month hiatus. The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, best known as Peyton Royce, made her in-ring comeback at a Smash Wrestling event in London, Ontario, on March 1.
Cassie Lee calls out Jody Threat for the Smash Wrestling women's title in April and she's bringing Jessie McKay with her! pic.twitter.com/IM11umIAgW
— Joel Pearl | Fightful Overbooked (@JoelPearl) March 1, 2025
Lee teamed up with Harley Cameron in a tag team match against Ava Lawless and Jody Threat. This marked her first match since 2023, following her decision to step away from wrestling after the birth of her child.
Cassie Lee rose to prominence in WWE as part of The IIconics alongside Billie Kay. After the duo was released in 2021, she and Kay (Jessica McKay) briefly competed in IMPACT Wrestling as The IInspiration before stepping away from in-ring competition.
With her return to action, it remains to be seen whether Lee will continue wrestling regularly or if this was a one-time appearance.
She was recently trained with WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair.
AEW star Eddie Kingston has expressed a strong desire to step into the ring with WWE’s Sheamus, despite the unlikelihood of the matchup happening.
During a conversation with Wrestling With The Narrative, Kingston shared his admiration for Sheamus’ hard-hitting style and his personal motivation for wanting the match.
“I want to fight him so bad. I want to wrestle him very much,” Kingston said. “It’s mostly about machismo, that I can show that I’m better and beat him. But also, the other part is I like his style.”
Kingston, who has spent more than 20 years in the industry battling names like CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and Claudio Castagnoli, has previously stated his commitment to AEW for the remainder of his career. If that remains the case, a showdown with Sheamus may remain a dream match.
Elsewhere in the interview, Kingston admitted that he has avoided watching modern wrestling since his injury, opting instead for classic New Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH content.
“I haven’t watched anything but stuff I want to watch,” Kingston said. “I haven’t watched AEW, I haven’t watched New Japan. I’ve watched old New Japan. I’ve watched, you know, my King’s Road stuff and I’ve watched early NOAH and that’s it. I don’t want to watch anything new because it’s just gonna piss me off.”
However, Kingston did make an exception for one current performer—Konosuke Takeshita.
“There’s one person I’ve been watching. Takeshita, I’ve been watching. He’s the only person I’ll watch.”
At WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto, Trish Stratus made her in-ring return to team with Tiffany Stratton. Together, the pair defeated Candice LeRae and Nia Jax, extending Stratus’ tag-team streak in Canada to 8-0.
Speaking after her match, Stratus recalled training with the WWE Women’s Champion ahead of their match in the Rogers Centre.
“We clicked from the beginning, and we’ve been really working together. We had this opportunity to team up, so we took advantage of it and we made sure we were in sync and we trained together, we did yoga together, preparing for this moment.”
Stratton is the latest high-profile name Stratton has worked with in the ring, a list that includes the likes of Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair. The Hall of Famer is pleased that years after her full-time career ended, she is able to keep up with generation after generation of talent.
“I had a chance to mix it up with Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, that generation. Now [I’ve] had a chance to work with the next generation, that’s not lost on me. It’s pretty special.”
2025 marks a quarter-century since Trish Stratus debuted in WWE as the manager of Test and Albert. It remains to be seen what Trish does next in the ring, but working with the top stars of WWE’s women’s division decade after decade isn’t lost on the Hall of Famer.
Triple H had an interesting remark about Jade Cargill’s WWE return at Elimination Chamber.
The former AEW star had been off TV after being attacked backstage at the November 22, 2024 episode of SmackDown. She finally returned to WWE programming tonight after months of mysterious inaction.
The Game talked about Cargill’s comeback during the post-Elimination Chamber press conference. He responded to the criticism to the odd build suggesting that they didn’t know if Cargill was even going to return at all:
“I know sometimes that seemed like an odd build or an odd storytelling, the way it all went down over time. Sometimes, it is very difficult to do. It is very difficult to tell a story when you don’t know the outcome that you have in front of you yet. Is she going to be back? Is she going to be back soon or really long?
You just don’t have any answers. Each week, you’re kind of kicking the can down the road a little bit to see where you get to. Luckily, she was able to come back when she did, right now, and we were able to get to the place we did tonight. I thought it was an incredible moment and so happy for her to be able to come back and do that. Excited to see where that leads with her and Naomi,”
Jade Cargill wasted no time going to work upon her return tonight. The popular star brutally attacked Naomi before the women’s chamber match could begin, resulting in the former women’s champion being eliminated from the bout.
The third member of this story Bianca Belair was watching helplessly from her pod as Cargill was beating up Naomi. It’d be interesting to see how things unfold when The EST comes face to face with her former tag team partner after this.
The Rock says his mom is the biggest fan of his Final Boss character.
This latest evolution of The Great One is potentially the most brutal character he has ever played, especially for Cody Rhodes. This quality was at display once again at Elimination Chamber when The People’s Champion left The American Nightmare a bloody mess after John Cena’s shocking heel turn.
During the post-PPV press conference, The Rock was asked what his mother thinks about his character. The Hollywood star noted how his mother has grown up in the business and claimed that she loves the final boss except for one thing:
“My mom is my biggest fan. She grew up in the business too. My grandfather, for those of you who don’t know, High Chief, Peter Maivia, a Hall of Famer in WWE, wrestled for Vince McMahon sr. in the 70s. That’s my mom’s dad. She’s my biggest fan.
She loves this business of pro wrestling and loves the Final Boss. Mama Rock loves the final boss. I’ll tell you what she doesn’t love. She hates when I cuss. She hates it. Completely hates it. And I was like, “Come on, Mom. Who gives fuck” [Laughs] Kidding. Kidding. She’d slap me. No, no. Not at all.”
The Rock also peeled back the curtain a little bit on Cena’s heel turn revealing how much influence he had on the decision. You can check out his comment on the matter here.
The Rock has peeled back the curtain a little on John Cena’s shocking heel turn at tonight’s Elimination Chamber PPV from Toronto.
The Great One took part in the post-show press conference after the PPV where he was asked how much influence he had on the shocking decision. The Hollywood star suggested that the Cenation Leader wanted to make the turn himself and he was a mere conduit to the whole thing:
“So with John, I don’t know if I was the influence to this, perhaps maybe I was a conduit to help him in a way, in my small way. I don’t want to take any credit for this because this is John. In my small way, a conduit to help John get to the place he’s gotten tonight. So, storyline, no storyline, fiction, nonfiction.
What you guys felt tonight out there was decades of what John has experienced as a performer and as a human being. I felt it in the ring. I’ve had conversations with John. We’re good buddies. I knew what his why was going into this and it is so incredibly moving and compelling and it just, it grips you by the neck when he talks about it as he’s talked to me about it. And this is why I’m doing what I’m doing tonight.”
The Rock praised John Cena for his commitment revealing that the 16-time world champion had to take long flights to make the appearance possible. He mentioned how Cena did not speak at the press conference, opting to just ‘drop the mic’ instead and revealed the short exchange between them before John left for his next destination:
“And again, storyline, no storyline, fiction, non-fiction. The greatest I think angles in wrestling is when it’s anchored in some sort of authenticity. What you felt tonight, he didn’t say a word. Look, he came out and dropped the mic. That’s decades of a man who gave everything to this business that I love. Now it’s coming out.
I told him as he left. By the way, he flew in today this morning from Budapest. He’s flying out right now to Africa to continue. So that’s a level of commitment. I told him as he left, I said…we say two things in our wrestling vernacular. He said, ‘hey, thank you for the house.’ And I said, ‘I’m proud of you.’ It’s a big deal.”
Tonight’s PPV provided the Rock an opportunity to shut down his critics who had called him out for his last few appearances. You can check out how he buried all those people here.
The Rock has sent a message to critics and all the fans after giving us one of the most memorable moments in wrestling history at Elimination Chamber.
The Great One had made several seemingly unconnected appearances on WWE TV in the last few months starting with Bad Blood. A lot of people had been confused about where the whole thing was going and if the company even had a plan to string all these together into one story. Fans got the answer to these questions when The Rock did the same neck-slashing gesture tonight that he had done last year, before John Cena turned on Cody Rhodes and joined The Final Boss.
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) March 2, 2025
During the post-Elimination Chamber press conference, the Attitude Era star was asked how long the whole thing was in the works. The Hollywood star noted how people criticized his Bad Blood appearance saying that it meant nothing, and claimed that he is a long gamer who always knew what he was doing:
“It meant something. You said a word – it’s long and that’s what it is. I’m a long gamer and I like long gaming. I like creating with Paul and with Brian Gewirtz and Maya Lazri who’s on my side of the team and I like creating with Paul and his team as well. We’re long gamers.
So what a lot thought of Bad Blood when it was a pay-per-view that the Rock attended and I just did a very small subtle thing. There was a lot of criticism like ‘Oh it didn’t mean anything.’ Well it did. It’s okay. It’s okay if you’re not thinking about it now but just trust me when I tell you we are thinking about this stuff and long gaming this and I love that.
Same thing last week, same thing when we opened up with Netflix in LA where I came out as the director of the board and welcomed everybody and welcomed the Netflix executives. I thanked Cody Rhodes for carrying this company in such a tremendous way on his shoulders. I gave him a dap; I gave him a big hug. Well I knew this night was coming.”
The Rock was also asked if he has a message for the fans heading into WrestleMania 41. The former World Champion told people to take a breath and enjoy the story instead of trying to dissect it all:
“I do. I think the fans can expect the unpredictable. I think they can expect exciting storylines to unfold. And I also want to encourage the fans, whether they’re hardcore fans or not hardcore fans who just enjoy the product. Take your time, take a breath. It’s all going to unfold. It’s okay. And now, by the way, not everyone’s going to like everything that we present, and that’s okay too.”
The wrestling veteran later claimed that he and Triple H are always thinking about where they can take the current story in the long term. He said that fans can expect the unexpected on the build to WrestleMania and also some predictable moments as they want to satisfy the audience while keeping them on their toes.
Ahead of WWE Elimination Chamber, the United States and Canadian national anthems were performed, with the crowd in Toronto booing the former. During the Premium Live Event, Logan Paul attempted to earn heat by arriving with the stars and stripes and was again booed.
Logan Paul came out for the Men's Chamber match waving the American Flag.
On the post-show press conference, WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque addressed the situation when showing his gratitude to those in the Rogers Centre for being loud throughout the evening.
“The fans here are always loud, come to have a good time and support their favorites, or boo our flag or whatever, they love doing it. So thank you very much.”
The fans in Toronto’s frosty reception to the U.S. flag and anthem comes amid President Trump’s efforts to rile up the Great White North. Trump has repeatedly referred to Canada as a 51st state in waiting, despite the insistence by Canadians that their country will not join the U.S. A clip of Canadians booing the U.S. National Anthem at a hockey game recently went viral, which may have fuelled WWE’s decision to lean into the ongoing drama.
WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto will be remembered for decades, if for nothing else, for the shocking heel turn of John Cena. While fans in Toronto made their feelings on the U.S. (or specifically, Trump’s rhetoric) loud and clear in the Rogers Centre, the show was able to entertain and shock fans around the world.
Did the Rock know about John Cena’s heel turn months in advance?
The Great One influenced one of the most shocking moments in the history of pro wrestling at Elimination Chamber tonight, becoming the reason John Cena finally turned heel after two decades in wrestling.
Fans have been wondering how long this surprise was in the works and some have uncovered evidence that suggests that the whole thing had been planned for a long time. A photo making rounds on social media reminds people of the gesture The Rock made during his surprise Bad Blood appearance last year.
The Great One showed up after Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns beat Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. He held up three fingers at the time to indicate something and fans have pointed out that the gesture was very similar to the signature gesture Cena does during his iconic entrance:
Though some have also pointed out that The Rock also gestured with 2 fingers at the show from Toronto which suggests that something even bigger might be coming at WrestleMania:
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) March 2, 2025
Roman Reigns is still the missing link of this story and one has to wonder which side The Tribal Chief will stand on when he finally comes face to face with his cousin after the events of the past couple weeks.
The Rock has made it clear—Travis Scott isn’t just a WWE fan, he’s ready to step into the ring.
Following WWE’s Elimination Chamber event, The Rock spoke to the media and revealed that Scott has a genuine passion for wrestling and will be involved in the business beyond just appearances.
“Yes, absolutely. That’s why we’re doing it. Long gaming. I love Travis. That’s my guy,” The Rock said, hinting at long-term plans for the rapper in WWE.
He added, “Travis Scott is one of the greatest already, of all time. He’s a GOAT, a legend, an icon, and he loves the business.”
Rumors of Scott’s WWE involvement have been circulating for some time, but The Rock’s endorsement suggests the Grammy-nominated artist will do more than just make a cameo.
According to The Rock, Scott is eager to immerse himself in the wrestling world.
“He wanted to get, to steal a term, he wanted to get his hands bloody,” he said.
While no official match has been announced, the idea of Scott stepping into the ring—potentially alongside or against The Rock—adds another layer of intrigue to WWE’s ongoing storylines.
If history is any indication, WWE has successfully integrated mainstream stars like Bad Bunny and Logan Paul into its roster, both of whom delivered standout performances.
If The Rock’s words hold weight, fans might soon witness Travis Scott trading the stage for the squared circle. The only question now is: Who will he face first?
On a recent edition of WWE SmackDown, The Rock won over fans by sharing news about WrestleMania 42, before going dark and claiming he wanted the soul of Cody Rhodes. This sudden change has led many to question as to whether the Final Boss is a heel or babyface, as well as the character’s wider influence on WWE.
At the WWE Elimination Chamber post-show, The Rock was asked about his Final Boss character, one that, according to the TKO Board member, transcends the norms of the wrestling industry.
“The Final Boss is a lot of things. He’s a heel, he’s a babyface. But also, he’s one who doesn’t adhere to the typical professional wrestling tropes we find.”
The Rock added that the Final Boss’ role on any given night depends on how he is feeling in the moment. If The Rock feels like having fun with the fans, he’s a face, and if he feels like lashing out at the fans, the Final Boss is typical of a heel.
“I say what I feel, and in that moment, that’s the luxury and the blessing of being in pro wrestling. You can say what you feel.”
The Final Boss was certainly a heel at WWE Elimination Chamber, where he and a heel-turned John Cena left Cody Rhodes bloodied in the ring. With WrestleMania 41 drawing ever closer, fans can expect plenty of the Final Boss, no matter if he’s cheered or booed by the fans.
