Tonight’s WWE SmackDown features Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and more, setting the stage for high-stakes showdowns as the road to WWE Clash in Paris heats up. The show will be live from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
WWE SmackDown preview for tonight (August 15, 2025):
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will appear
Drew McIntyre will address his shocking attack on Cody Rhodes
DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)
Alexa Bliss vs. Piper Niven
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom)
LA Knight, Randy Orton, Jacob Fatu, Jade Cargill, and WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton are advertised as featured stars
Both in-ring action and big storyline developments are expected, with Drew McIntyre’s explanation being a major focus of the hype.
Former AEW Women’s World Champion Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., has fired back at a fan on social media who assumed she had retired from professional wrestling after she posted a photo from a beach day.
The interaction occurred in the comments section of a recent beachside photo Baker posted on her Instagram. A fan commented on the post, writing, “So I see your officially retired.” Baker did not hold back in her response, sarcastically shutting down the assumption.
“Because I’m at the beach…. In Florida… where I live?” she replied.
The fan’s comment stems from Baker’s extended absence from AEW television. The former champion has not appeared on Dynamite or Collision since a promo segment with Serena Deeb on November 13, 2024.
The long hiatus has fueled widespread speculation about her future with the company. However, AEW President Tony Khan has addressed the rumors, stating that Baker has “never talked to me about leaving.” Khan explained that her absence is due to AEW’s “rotating talent policy” and that she would return to television “when the time is right.”
Tony Khan has named the one wrestling legend he would have loved to sign in his prime.
The AEW President recently had an interview with Z100 New York. He talked about things such as the 2025 Full Gear PPV, booking Bryan Danielson’s world title run, people saying AEW doesn’t have stories and more.
During the interview, Khan was also asked which talent from past or present he would like to sign to his promotion if he could. Tony named The Texas Rattlesnake as someone he would have loved to be part of his company:
“Steve Austin. If you could get Steve Austin in the 90s and just have Steve Austin for the decade of the 90s, he’s the greatest ever. He’s a great human. I love Steve Austin.
He was very nice to me, haven’t seen him in a long time. He was very kind to have me on his show after the original Double or Nothing and I am one of the biggest fans of his.”
Tony Khan also claimed that he would have been fortunate to work with any iteration of the WWE Hall of Famer from the 90s, whether it be Stunning Steve, Superstar Steve, the Ringmaster or his most famous Stone Cold Steve Austin run.
The wrestling executive had recently talked about Jon Moxley’s AEW title reign elevating young stars as well. He had revealed that one of the talents Mox wrestled during his run is going to be out of action for a long time due to injury. You can check out his remarks here.
Karrion Kross is shedding light on how his relationship with Scarlett came about, and how the former NXT Champion broke his own rule in the name of love. Speaking on the Stories With Brisco and Bradshaw podcast, Kross recalled seeing his future wife for the first time.
“I met her at a wrestling show and it was one of those types of things where you lock eyes with a woman and you know that something could happen.”
Kross instantly felt pulled to Scarlett, despite his rule forbidding work-based relationships. At the time, Kross told himself that mixing his professional and romantic lives wouldn’t end well.
“I always had a policy — I absolutely do not want to intermingle with anybody at work… I never really messed around with people at work.”
Kross and Scarlett tried to keep their distance, but fate had other plans. After being put together by Konnan during events in Mexico, sparks began to fly.
“It wasn’t long after that we were dating. The cool part about it was her and I became very good friends before we started dating.”
WWE Raw will have a new sponsor in its upcoming season, it has been claimed. According to a report from AdWeek, DoorDash will serve as the presenting sponsor for Monday Night Raw’s next season.
Netflix has “more than doubled” its overall ad commitments, according to Netflix’s Ads president Amy Reinhard, who spoke at upfront negotiations. WWE has yet to announce when the next season of Raw will begin, as the show currently does not have an off-season.
WWE has embraced sponsorships and brand integration over the past year, as seen on Raw and other shows. Several sponsors can be found on the ring canvas, an area that was completely bare during the McMahon era of the promotion. Slim Jim caused a stir by sponsoring WWE tables, while some sponsors have found their logos on the Money in the Bank briefcases.
With DoorDash stepping into the ring, WWE’s connection to its sponsors continue to grow closer. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest WWE news.
Hulk Hogan was recently laid to rest following a cermony attended by some of pro wrestling’s biggest names. Kevin Nash was one of the attendees at the Hulkster’s ceremony, and he experienced a bizarre encounter after the somber affair.
Speaking on his Kliq This podcast, Nash shared what happened hours after the service. While trying to get home in the rain, Nash decided to pull into his usual secluded spot to urinate.
“I’m standing up in the rain and I’m just going to let it go. I spin around, open my door, right in front of me is a Daytona Beach Shores SUV police and I’m like, ‘Oh, f—.’”
Nash’s run-in with the police forced him to abort plans to urinate. Fortunately, the matter was resolved without Nash facing an arrest.
“I’m looking right at the cops. I haven’t even touched my zipper. So now I’m going to jail for indecent exposure. So I sit back in my car.”
Nash continued his drive, still holding his bladder. When he tried to make it to another spot — he lost the battle in spectacular fashion.
“I can feel like I’m starting to get a squirt of piss. I’m in my car, I grab the t-shirt I had on earlier and cram it over my [junk], and the next thing you know, man, that thing feels like a water balloon in my hand.”
Drenched in his own car, Nash called his wife to share the unfortunate news. When he eventually made it home, Mrs. Big Daddy Cool was prepared for the worst.
“As I’m pulling up, the garage doors are already on their way up. She’s got paper towels and some Lysol. I said, ‘Could you shut the garage door please?’”
The female talent has found success early in her wrestling career. She became the inaugural TBS Champion only months after her wrestling debut for AEW in 2021 and had a 508-day-long reign with the championship. She was given the star treatment upon joining WWE in 2023, and Jade made her debut directly on the main roster despite her limited experience.
All this success, however, has also attracted some criticism for the former Basketball player. The former champion responded to some of this hate during her appearance on The Babyfaces Podcast. Jade Cargill mentioned how her success has changed the expectations for some aspiring wrestlers:
“I’m four years and some change now in this industry and I think the other person I think had the less amount of time was Bianca [Belair] and I think she was 11 years in the game, and people want things so quick and so fast because I’ve been pushed to the moon because I’m gonna be a star and people see that.”
Jade Cargil then mentioned how Roman Reigns also got a lot of hate for his early push but he’s been able to turn things around. She later revealed what Bryan Danielson told her about her skills:
“People used to say stuff about Roman. Now, everybody loves Roman. People wanna see Roman more and so, and I’ve had people like Bryan Danielson who literally was like, ‘It took me seven years to feel comfortable. How are you doing this? This is wild.”
The WWE star noted that she has always had the ability to not let people get you down. She explained that feeding on negativity is what society does and you should not care about it.
There has been a lot of talk about TNA’s future in the wrestling world recently. With the company’s recent resurgence and partnership with WWE, there has been a belief that TNA could land a new TV deal soon with much better exposure.
A new report from Fightful Select, however, reveals a potential direction for the company that not many would have predicted. According to the report, Anthem officials have also been exploring a potential sale for the company alongside the new TV deals, and they’ve sent feelers to potential buyers.
The officials being interested in a sale is not new, and the company has had talks with potential buyers within the wrestling world in recent years. Former TNA president Scott D’Amore has publicly talked about his unsuccessful efforts to buy the company, and Tony Khan also revealed that he was approached by the promotion before he founded AEW.
Though the report reveals that it wasn’t the only time Khan was approached about a potential buy. Tony was offered the company again a few years after starting his own promotion. The Jacksonville Jaguars owner, however, opted against it since most of the AEW veterans have more history with ROH than TNA.
An interesting rumor about the potential sale is the involvement of former UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta. Fertitta worked with Dana White for decades and has an obvious TKO connection, which could help him in the talks of a potential sale.
What’s really in the future of the wrestling promotion is anyone’s guess, but with the latest reports, it appears that all options are on the table for Anthem.
After tonight’s go-home show for TNA Emergence, the card for tomorrow’s special event (August 15, 2025) is now complete. The show features several championship matches and new additions following tonight’s Impact.
TNA World Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Moose
TNA X Division Championship: Leon Slater (c) vs. Cedric Alexander
TNA World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys (Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy) (c) vs. The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz & Myron Reed) Note: Myron Reed has replaced the injured Trey Miguel as Zachary Wentz’s partner
TNA International Championship – No Disqualification, No Countouts Match: Steve Maclin (c) vs. Jake Something
TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship – Four-Way Match: The Elegance Brand (Ash By Elegance & Heather By Elegance) (c) vs. Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx) vs. The IInspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessie McKay) vs. Léi Y?ng Lee & Xia Brookside
Matt Cardona vs. Mustafa Ali This match was confirmed following tonight’s Impact episode, where Ali and his Secret Service enforcer attacked Cardona after his victory over John Skylar.
Mike Santana vs. Sami Callihan If Callihan loses, he must retire
Ryan Nemeth vs. The Hometown Man
Event Details: The event takes place August 15, 2025 at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, streaming live on TNA+.
Ace Austin has officially joined All Elite Wrestling. AEW President Tony Khan confirmed the signing tonight as Austin made his debut during the Collision taping at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center.
The episode, set to air August 16 on TNT and HBO Max, was packed with high-profile bouts, including:
$100,000 Four-Way Match: Julia Hart vs. Kris Statlander vs. Anna Jay vs. Penelope Ford Tag Team Match: “Speedball” Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight vs. Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator: Nigel McGuinness vs. Hechicero vs. Daniel Garcia vs. Lee Moriarty (winner advances to Forbidden Door: London)
Austin, 28, arrives in AEW following a six-year run in TNA Wrestling where he won the X-Division Championship three times and captured the tag team titles on three occasions with Chris Bey as ABC. His TNA exit in May was described as amicable, with former president Scott D’Amore praising him as “ready for the next chapter.”
Since leaving TNA, Austin has competed across the independent scene, including appearances for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. His signing comes just ahead of AEW’s major international dates, highlighted by Forbidden Door at London’s O2 Arena on August 24.
The ongoing search for a new United States media rights deal for TNA Wrestling is heating up. New reports have confirmed that The CW has a “legitimate” interest in the promotion and have revealed that TNA is open to moving its weekly show to Wednesday nights, a move that would put it in direct competition with AEW Dynamite.
In a new report from Jon Alba of The Takedown on SI, multiple independent sources confirmed that discussions have taken place regarding TNA moving to a WWE-associated network. “The company is even open to shifting from Thursday to Wednesday nights to go head-to-head with AEW Dynamite,” Alba wrote.
While the report did not indicate that The CW was the definitive destination, it was noted that “The CW’s interest in the promotion is legitimate, and that some WWE stakeholders would like TNA to be a part of the network.” When asked about these specific rumors, TNA President Carlos Silva did not deny them but acknowledged that negotiations were ongoing.
Silva did state that any potential move to another night “is not done on the basis of competition, but rather, it would be about what is in the company’s best interests.” TNA is reportedly seeking a new media rights deal valued at around $7 million to $10 million per year, which would give them the ability to air their weekly show, iMPACT!, live.
While a deal has not yet been signed, Silva told The Takedown that there is “positive momentum” in the negotiations and that more meetings are scheduled for later this month, with a hope to have a deal finalized by the fall.
Jimmy Uso and Naomi have opened up about keeping their marriage strong despite the demanding WWE schedule, emphasizing the importance of genuine check-ins over surface-level conversations. During their joint appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast, Jimmy gave the key tenets of their healthy relationship.
“Communication… keep it new so it don’t be old… we always got to talk.”
The couple, who travel together constantly for WWE, stressed that maintaining connection requires intentional effort. “Checking in is key… fine is my least favorite word,” Naomi added, highlighting their commitment to meaningful dialogue.
Their relationship foundation proved crucial during challenging periods, such as injuries or during Naomi’s WWE walk-out in 2022. For the pair, their journey to being one of WWE’s beloved power couples has been a long one.
“We started as really good friends… mutual friendship, love and respect… You don’t grow together, you grow apart. I don’t want to grow apart.”
Jimmy also revealed his approach to staying present for himself and his wife. For Jimmy, a key step is taking a break from the noise and criticism found on social media.
“I got off social media for about two years… turning everything off mentally.”
The couple also discussed setting healthy boundaries, even with family members. With such a large family, the pair make sure to care for themselves rather than risk spreading negative vibes around.
“Our unit has to be okay first… I can’t help everybody else if I’m not okay,” Naomi explained.
Their practical approach extends to everyday life, with both acknowledging that perspective and humility play crucial roles in their success both personally and professionally.
Following a new teaser vignette that aired on last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, an update has been provided on the contract status of the “Cold Hearted Handsome Devil,” HOOK. A new report from Fightful Select has confirmed that the second-generation star re-signed a new long-term, multi-year deal with the company in 2024.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, HOOK is “firmly under contract” with All Elite Wrestling and has “years remaining” on his current deal. The new contract was reportedly signed at some point last year.
The report also clarifies a previous story about HOOK retaining a new agent. “We’re told by sources familiar with the situation that by the time it had been reported that Hook had retained Barry Bloom’s group to represent him, that he had already re-signed with AEW and was locked up for years,” the report states.
The news of his long-term signing comes as HOOK has been on an extended hiatus from AEW television. He has been out of action with a concussion since his last match in April. The teaser vignette that aired on last night’s Dynamite was the first sign of his impending return.
The multi-time FTW Champion has been a popular star since his debut, and his return will be a major boost to the AEW roster.
TNA President Carlos Silva has commented on the upcoming final showdown between legendary tag teams The Hardy Boyz and Team 3D (The Dudley Boyz), calling the bout “as big a legacy match as you could put together.”
Speaking with Jon Alba on Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown, Silva discussed the significance of having the two iconic teams face off one last time at TNA’s biggest show of the year, Bound for Glory.
“I think it’s just another piece of the way that we put together a great show at Bound For Glory,” Silva said. “There’s going to be a bunch of title matches, as you know, and so the belts will be on the line. But I think that, you know, having the Hardys and the Dudleys together, it’s as big a legacy match as you could put together.”
The history between the two teams is legendary, defined by their groundbreaking Tables, Ladder, and TLC matches in WWE at the height of the Attitude Era. This will be their first match against each other in nine years and will serve as the official retirement match for D-Von Dudley.
Health And Safety A Priority For Team 3D
Silva also addressed the health concerns surrounding D-Von, who has dealt with a stroke and spinal surgery in recent years. He assured fans that the company is prioritizing the well-being of the performers.
“Well, certainly make sure that all the athletes are healthy and feeling good, and not going to do anything if that doesn’t happen,” he said. “But everyone has assured us that that’s the case. They wanted to do it. We liked the idea, and so it was great.”
The legendary tag team encounter is set to take place at TNA’s Bound for Glory on Saturday, October 12, from the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts. The match was made after Bully Ray confronted the new TNA World Tag Team Champions, The Hardy Boyz, at the Slammiversary pay-per-view in July and issued the challenge for one final match. The full interview with TNA President Carlos Silva can be found on Sports Illustrated’s The Takedown.
When James Gunn calls, John Cena answers, even if the WWE icon’s schedule says otherwise. Appearing on The Tonight Show, Cena explained how his surprise cameo in 2025’s summer blockbuster Superman came about.
“Well, when James Gunn calls, you pick up. He’s like, ‘Hey, pal, I need you.’ I told him, ‘I don’t have the time.’ He said, ‘It’s for Superman.’ I’m like, ‘I’m there.’”
Cena’s brief role in the film sees him return to the character of Christopher ‘Peacemaker’ Smith. Fans wanting to see more of the anti-hero ready to commit all manner of violence in the name of peace will have their chance when Peacemaker Season 2 drops on HBO Max on August 21.
“Guys, get ready because Peacemaker 2 is full of surprises. Tons of surprises, tons of cameos, all new cast. We got tons of story swerves and stuff you’ll never see coming.”
One fan-favorite element is also making a comeback — the infamous emotionless opening dance sequence. Fans can expect the dance for Peacemaker’s second season, albeit with a brand-new song with fresh choreography.
As Cena’s WWE career nears its end, his role n the world of DC Comics continues to grow. With this cameo and Peacemaker Season 2, fans can expect plenty more of the WWE icon in his very shiny helmet.
One of the most memorable parts of Torrie Wilson’s WCW run came when she shared the screen with ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage. Now, over two decades later, Wilson has opened up about the unscripted incident that altered the course of the WWE Hall of Famer’s career.
In an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri on SHAK Wrestling, Wilson revisited the July 5, 1999 episode of WCW Monday Nitro, where Savage struck her.
“I was so green, and that slap came out of nowhere. I didn’t know it was coming.”
The slap came when an irate Savage had been teased by Kevin Nash, who claimed that Savage’s girlfriend was in his dressing room. Instead, Savage found his girlfriend Gorgeous George hanging out with Wilson, who couldn’t help but laugh after being hit.
“The laugh was just me… I didn’t know what to do, and that’s just what came out — which I’m sure pissed him off even more.”
Her nervous laughter only heightened the tension, as Savage was known for his intense commitment to kayfabe. For Wilson, it gave her a rapid education into the chaotic nature of wrestling at the time.
“It was just really me not knowing what was going on. I hadn’t been in the business long enough to understand that things like that could really happen.”
The slapsent shockwaves within WCW, especially as the show aired from the Georgia Dome — Turner Broadcasting’s corporate headquarters. With several high-ranking execs in attendance, Turner’s Standards and Practices department swiftly intervened. Savage was pulled from TV as a result of the slap, nixing a planned push that would’ve seen him beat Nash for the WCW World Championship.
Though Savage would win the gold later on, he quickly dropped the title to Hulk Hogan and his role on TV would never reach the same heights. For Wilson, she today sees it as “a nice welcome to the biz” that she would forge her own legacy within.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy was forever changed when racist comments made by the wrestling icon came to light in 2015. WWE wasted no time in taking action, firing Hogan and removing him from the Hall of Fame. Hogan wouldn’t be brought back until 2018, where he would received mixed responses by fans until his final appearance.
In a recent interview with TMZ, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon addressed the controversy over Hulk Hogan’s comments. McMahon was direct in his response.
“What Hulk said was absolutely unforgivable. I was shocked and disappointed when I heard those comments. There is no place for that kind of language or attitude in WWE or anywhere else.”
Explaining removing Hogan from the Hall of Fame, McMahon called it “necessary to show that we do not condone that behavior.” While McMahon believes WWE showed its opposition to Hogan’s comments, news that he had been removed only came about in 2018 when he was reinstated.
Still, McMahon offered a personal defense of Hogan’s overall character. While what his friend said was “unforgivable,” McMahon hopes that fans are willing to give the Hulkster a second chance.
“I’ve known Hulk for decades. I don’t believe he’s a racist. He made a terrible mistake, but that’s not who he is at his core. People can change, and I believe in second chances.”
“The comments were unforgivable, but I hope people can see the man beyond the mistake.”
Hogan died in July 2025, and WWE has honored the late icon several times ever since. While fans have paid tribute to the wrestling legend, the comments he made continue to cast a long shadow over the legacy of Hulk Hogan.
Jade Cargill has reflected on the recent all-women’s Evolution 2 premium live event, admitting in a new interview that even some of the talent were unsure if the crowd would turn out for the show.
Speaking on The Babyfaces Podcast, Cargill looked back on the July 13th event in Atlanta, Georgia. She praised the “electric” atmosphere and the fans who came out to support the show.
“I had a great time [at WWE Evolution]. The crowd was electric,” Cargill said. “I think we didn’t even think that many people were gonna come out for that show because… the storylines weren’t really there, but, the fact that the crowd showed up for us was amazing.”
Cargill explained that despite the feeling that the storylines weren’t as strong as they could have been, the talent was determined to put on a great show. Based on the successful outcome, she now believes the event will become a staple on the WWE calendar.
“The fact that we were able to deliver and people want more, I know it’s something that’s gonna happen and be a yearly PLE,” she stated.
At the event, Cargill was victorious in a No Holds Barred match against Naomi. The show was main evented by a shocking Money in the Bank cash-in, which saw Naomi defeat IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley to become the new Women’s World Champion.
WWE has announced that two-day combo tickets for WrestleMania 42 will go on sale Wednesday, September 24, at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. Tickets for WWE’s return to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium will be available via Ticketmaster.com, with the show taking place on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Fans can register now for pre-sale opportunities at wwe.com/wrestlemania42-pre-registration. Premium WrestleMania 42 Priority Passes will also be available through exclusive partner On Location, offering premium seating, hospitality events with Superstar appearances, and exclusive photo opportunities.
The announcement comes as WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, continues its strategic expansion following a WrestleMania that broke several records. Now, fans eagerly await September 24 and the chance to catch WWE’s biggest show live and in person.
# Naomi Opens Up About Her 2022 WWE Departure: “I Thought I Was Done”
**Current WWE Women’s World Champion reflects on walking away, finding herself, and returning stronger than ever**
WWE Women’s World Champion Naomi has revealed the raw emotions behind her controversial 2022 departure from WWE, admitting she genuinely believed her wrestling career was over.
“I thought I didn’t want to wrestle anymore… I thought I was done,” Naomi confessed during a recent appearance on Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast alongside her husband, Jimmy Uso.
## A Time for Self-Reflection
The champion described her time away as a crucial period of self-reflection that ultimately transformed her approach to the business. “It was the first time… I had the chance to stop, rethink, redefine, and figure out what I really wanted next,” she explained.
Naomi’s journey included a successful run in TNA Wrestling, which Jimmy Uso praised as showcasing “the most authentic we’ve ever seen Trinity.” The experience outside WWE proved pivotal in rebuilding her confidence and purpose.
## Finding Her Purpose
“I have never quit anything in my life… I wanted a better ending—for my parents, my stepkids, for legacy,” Naomi stated, revealing the deeper motivations driving her return.
The champion also addressed overcoming self-doubt, a battle that previously hindered her career. “I let [the self-doubt voice] win before—now I fight it,” she declared.
## An Intentional Return
Her intentional approach to her current run has paid dividends. “When I came back, I was ready… refreshed… intentional on what I wanted this time to be like.”
Naomi’s story reflects a broader evolution in how female wrestlers navigate their careers, with the champion noting that “women are showing if I wanted to stop and have a baby, we can do it—gracefully.”
Wrestling fans have made a lot of noise about missteps in AEW’s use of stars. Whether it was not pushing Malakai Black or Miro sufficiently, or exhibits of how up and comers like Penta, Ethan Page and Blake Monroe have arguably been featured much better in the WWE system, there certainly are cases worth critiquing.
However, AEW’s handling of Adam Copeland has highlighted a number of real strengths. Where as all indications were WWE was happy to feature Edge as a part-time special attraction, Cope seems happy with his time in AEW, and he has been used in diverse and fulfilling ways.
Cope And Christian Cage Finally Had Their Proper Feud
Photo: AEW
In WWE, Edge and Christian feuded on and off, with their issue most prominently taking centerstage in 2001, during the Invasion angle after their tag team had formally split up. The uncomfortable truth is that while they had a handful of free TV matches and two PPV showdowns, their matches never felt like they realized their potential. An Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match at No Mercy 2001 was probably as close as they got to a banger.
Both Adam Copeland and Christian Cage have probably been, by any objective measure, past their physical primes for their AEW runs. Nonetheless, their collective experience and wisdom, not to mention enhanced credibility made fans take notice when they clashed in AEW. Across a series of bouts, they elevated the TNT Championship, with their first free TV encounter, the No DQ bout at World’s End 2023 and I Quit Match to blow off their feud all extremely well received and paying off all the potential fans long saw in a feud between them.
Cope Worked Fresh Opponents
Adam Copeland on Dynamite. Photo: AEW
A highlight of any legend working a run in the twilight of his career is seeing fresh matchups materialize opposite younger talents. Cope’s AEW resume includes bouts with the likes of Malakai Black, Penta, Daniel Garcia, Minoru Suzuki, Claudio Castagnoli, and PAC to name a few.
While Adam Copeland’s comeback tour in WWE also included new matchups, he also had a tendency to get bogged down working the same opponents like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor on repeat. Not to take away from the quality of the resulting matches, but it has been refreshing to watch Cope work a range of talents on TV and PPV alike in AEW.
Cope Worked The Main Event
No Adam Copeland run would be complete without him venturing into the main event picture. Cope vs. Jon Moxley was a solid world title feud that lent Mox and The Death Riders a more than credible top face to fend off in the heat of their time on top. While the Revolution 2025 main event under-delivered by most standards, Cope vs. Mox in a Street Fight on Dynamite made up for it.
Cope did well in the AEW main event scene. Importantly, he also didn’t overstay his welcome. After coming up short against Mox, The Rated R Superstar continued to feud with The Death Riders, but away from the title, before transitioning to his current issue with FTR.
The Cope And Christian Reunion Is Coming
Cope feuding with FTR signaled to a lot of fans that a tag team reunion with Christian Cage may well be on its way. Cage’s own falling out with his Patriarchy allies has edged him toward a babyface turn, which seems to solidify where this pair is headed.
A proper Cope and Christian reunion looked like it may have been in the works in 2011 when the two allied against Alberto Del Rio and Brodus Clay, before Cope’s neck issues forced him into retirement. A feel-good story still followed, with Christian finally capturing a world title as his best friend cheered him on, but their tag team reunion came across as one of the many things about Copeland’s pro wrestling career that hadn’t had a proper chance to resolve.
Cope and Christian may not have a long run as a tag team in AEW given their collective age. But even just seeing them work FTR—not only one of the best tag teams in the world, but close friends to Copeland behind the scenes—has all the makings of something truly special. Any other encounters—against Patriarchy alumni, The Death Riders, The Young Bucks, The Hurt Syndicate could all just be gravy before an all-time great tag team and one of wrestling’s most likeable bromances rides off into the sunset.
From the feud Cope was meant to finally, properly have, to fresh matchups, to a main event stint, to the reunion everyone wants, Cope’s AEW run has checked every box fans realistically could have hoped for. Not unlike how Sting got a proper sendoff, working fulfilling programs in protected tag team contexts to finish off his in-ring career, Cope is also illustrating how AEW can get things very right in using legends to their full potential.
WWE Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson pulled back the curtain on wrestling’s backstage politics in a candid new interview, revealing how she witnessed the rise and fall of ego-driven performers while facing heat from veteran wrestlers over her non-physical role.
Speaking with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri on SHAK Wrestling, Wilson addressed long-standing tensions that arose during her early career when established wrestlers resented being placed in storylines that didn’t showcase their athletic abilities.
“I definitely felt some of that, especially in the beginning. Ivory… being thrown into a bikini match with Stacy Keibler, and her going off on us in the ring. We laugh about it now, but I was telling her how I totally understand her frustration because she’s a wrestler and we get hired and all of a sudden she’s having to get in the ring in a bikini.”
The 2019 Hall of Fame inductee acknowledged the uncomfortable position both sides found themselves in, explaining the delicate balance between opportunity and respect for the wrestling business.
“I’m sorry, right? I’m sorry, but also I’m not going to turn down the opportunity that was given to me even if I don’t have the wrestling skills. I didn’t even know what my job really was going to be at that point. So, I didn’t know if I was going to be a wrestler or not.”
Wilson’s unique perspective allowed her to observe patterns among performers who let success go to their heads. Her insights into wrestling psychology proved remarkably prescient throughout her career.
“I’ve just always had this deep way of looking at it. And I’d see people come in and they get a lot of TV time and I just knew—I could tell by the way they were acting from the beginning that their head was going to get big and literally I was never wrong.”
The veteran performer described watching the inevitable downfall of ego-driven wrestlers with almost scientific precision. “It was like their head got big, they started to act like their shit didn’t stink, and then the downfall came. I just got a front row seat to all of that.”
Wilson emphasized that the competitive nature of wrestling creates tension regardless of individual personalities.
“That business is just so hard because everyone’s fighting for that spot and even the nicest people—they’re fighting for their own spot, right? So there tends to be a little animosity no matter who you are because you’re in a spot that they want.”
Her philosophy centered on maintaining perspective in an industry where careers can end in an instant.
“I see it for what it is and it’s entertainment and it could be gone tomorrow. No matter who you see on TV today, it could all be taken away tomorrow—one botched move, right?”
This mature outlook on the wrestling business helped Wilson maintain relationships and build a reputation for professionalism that continues to pay dividends years after her retirement.
Logan Paul has shared his thoughts on the “Ruse of the Century,” which saw Seth Rollins cash in his Money in the Bank contract to win the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam. “The Maverick” did not seem impressed with the new champion’s tactics.
Speaking on an episode of his Impulsive podcast that was recorded just two days after SummerSlam, Logan Paul reacted to Rollins faking a knee injury for weeks in order to execute his plan.
“I have to say, that was dirty,” Paul said. “The dude’s at home on crutches taking his daughter for a walk down the street.”
Paul’s comments come after his own successful weekend at the event. On Night One of the premium live event, he and his partner, Drew McIntyre, defeated the team of Randy Orton and musical artist Jelly Roll in a high-profile tag team match. Now, he meets John Cena at Clash in Paris.
Jon Moxley has lauded the experience of attending a live All Elite Wrestling show, stating in a new interview that the company captures the “spirit of pure professional wrestling” and isn’t trying to “sell you anything.”
Speaking with Fox 19 News, the former multi-time world champion put over the unique atmosphere of an AEW event and the passion of its fanbase.
“There’s something really special about All Elite Wrestling and the fans that come out to our shows and buy tickets,” Moxley said. “This is the spirit of pure professional wrestling and fun and excitement and drama and the human spirit of competition and everything you go to a sporting event for. Not a lot of fluff, not a lot of bs.”
Moxley continued by explaining what he believes separates AEW from other wrestling promotions. He praised the company for focusing on the in-ring product and creating an authentic experience for the fans.
“We’re not trying to sell you anything, we’re trying to have a good time. It’s wrestling the way you remember it when you were a kid. It’s really a beautiful thing,” he stated.
“We’re exactly what we claim to be and I think the fans can sense that. I think we have the greatest fans in the world.”
On last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, it was announced that he will get his rematch for the AEW World Championship against “Hangman” Adam Page on next week’s show, with everyone banned from ringside. He is also a part of the ten-man Lights Out Steel Cage match scheduled for the Forbidden Door pay-per-view on August 24.
Just one day after being announced for a massive main event match at Forbidden Door, Japanese wrestling legend Kota Ibushi has confirmed he will be staying with All Elite Wrestling for the foreseeable future. “The Golden Star” announced that he has signed a new two-year contract extension with the company.
In a post on his Instagram account, Ibushi shared video of himself riding on a private jet and confirmed the new deal. He called the moment a “turning point” in his life.
“This was amazing! A turning point in my life. I never thought I’d get to ride in a private jet! And I signed a two-year contract renewal,” Ibushi wrote in the caption.
The contract news comes on the heels of the announcement of Ibushi’s match for the upcoming AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view on August 24. The event will take place at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
On last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, it was revealed that Ibushi will be part of a colossal 10-man tag team match inside a Lights Out Steel Cage. He will team with his fellow Golden Lover, Kenny Omega, as well as Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, and Hiroshi Tanahashi to take on the combined forces of the Death Riders (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli), The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd.
Ibushi, 43, first debuted for AEW in July 2023 under a contract that also allowed him to compete in Japan. While his time in the company has been impacted by injuries, the former top star of NJPW and DDT Pro Wrestling has been active in recent months.
