The music star caught the wrestling bug after his SummerSlam 2024 appearance, and he has been training for an in-ring career ever since.
PWinsider reported earlier this week that the 40-year-old was finally ready for his first wrestling match, and the company was planning for him to make his in-ring debut at this year’s SummerSlam event.
The site has now provided a further update on the plans for Jelly Roll, revealing a surprising name that is expected to have a program with the Grammy-nominated artist in the coming weeks.
According to the site, fellow celebrity wrestler Logan Paul is planned to be involved in a program with the Rapper ahead of the WWE PPV next month.
It’s unknown if the program will lead to the two having a match at the biggest party of the summer. One would think that the officials will choose a more experienced wrestler to be the one working a debuting star in his first match.
It seems likely that the company will take the Bad Bunny-route with this program, having two full-time roster members joining the celebrities for a tag team match at SummerSlam instead of a singles bout.
The singing star is expected to make an appearance at SmackDown tonight to kick off his program and we should get a better idea about what the company is planning for him at the event.
The Young Bucks have given flowers to one of AEW’s top stars ahead of All In Texas.
The duo spoke to Uncrowned for an interview promoting the PPV event this weekend. They talked about things such as Hangman Page being the main character of AEW, how far the company has come since its inception and more.
During the interview, the brothers also discussed the importance of Jon Moxley for the company. Matt Jackson noted how he was the first major star to jump ship from WWE to AEW and has been a cornerstone of the promotion ever since:
“Jon was one of the first people who came over and it was truly shocking at the time. He’s been a locker room leader the entire time, and has worked so hard from the beginning,”
All four members of the Elite have had to take time off from the company for different reasons in the past couple of years. Moxley has continued to be a leader on and off-screen for the promotion in this time.
The duo noted how the current AEW Champion has always been around even when they have not been, saying that he deserves more credit than he’s given:
“You talk about consistency, and drive, you’re talking about Jon. Even times when we weren’t able to be around, Jon was always there to help guide the crew. I don’t think he gets enough credit for what he’s done to make AEW thrive.”
The Young Bucks will be putting their Executive positions with AEW on line against Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay at the All In PPV this weekend. You can check out all the latest news about the show here.
WWE SmackDown comes to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight at 8:00 PM ET on USA Network, with a stacked card featuring championship gold on the line and a special appearance by four-time Grammy nominee Jelly Roll.
The show serves as the crucial go-home episode before this weekend’s Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution, promising major developments across multiple storylines.
WWE Tag Team Championship Match Set for Tonight
The Street Profits’ Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins will defend their WWE Tag Team Championships against The Wyatt Sicks’ Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis in what promises to be a hard-hitting title defense. The challengers have been on a dominant run through the tag division, setting up this high-stakes championship opportunity.
The Wyatt Sicks have built considerable momentum in recent weeks, making them legitimate threats to dethrone the champions in front of what’s expected to be a near-capacity crowd in Nashville.
R-Truth and Aleister Black Set for Heated Showdown
Weeks of escalating tension will come to a head when R-Truth faces Aleister Black in singles competition. The rivalry between these two competitors has intensified significantly, with both men looking to settle their differences in the ring tonight.
Grammy Nominee Jelly Roll Returns to WWE
Nashville native and four-time Grammy nominee Jelly Roll will make a special appearance on tonight’s show. The musician and noted WWE fan previously appeared at both SummerSlam and WrestleMania 41, making his involvement tonight highly anticipated by the WWE Universe.
His appearance adds mainstream star power to an already loaded episode, with fans eager to see how the country-rap artist will factor into tonight’s proceedings.
Additional Appearances and Storyline Developments
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is expected to address his upcoming clash with John Cena at SummerSlam, likely setting the stage for one of the summer’s biggest matches. Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green, and Solo Sikoa are also advertised to appear, suggesting multiple storyline developments throughout the night.
With Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution on the horizon, tonight’s episode carries extra weight as WWE looks to build momentum heading into these marquee events.
Drew McIntyre has revealed what his final chapter in wrestling might look like.
The former World Champion recently spoke to SI to promote his Saturday Night’s Main Event match against Randy Orton. During the interview he was asked about the recent reunion of 3MB at Jinder Mahal’s wedding and if we can see the group reuniting on TV.
The Scottish Warrior said that he has actually talked about the same with both Jinder Mahal and Heath Slater. Drew McIntyre previously mentioned that his current goal is getting the world title back but he can see the band getting back together eventually:
“Yeah, there’s gonna be. I tell Heath and Jinder all the time. I was like I’m gonna do what I gotta do. I’m gonna, as I mentioned, get what is mine. But eventually when I feel like it’s getting close to time, I’m about to say goodbye.
That’s when I throw my mates a bone. We reform 3MB. I don’t take any bumps. Heath takes all the bumps. Jinder might take a few in there. I’ll stand in the apron, air guitar like hell. Have a good old time.”
Drew McIntyre discussed how people’s memory of 3MB is different than how the group was perceived at the time of its original run. He then claimed that he might give fans the treat of the group’s reunion before retiring and leaving the wrestling business for good:
“The fun thing about nostalgia is everyone believes we were like The Shield. The way I talk to people when I’m out meeting all the fans. All the big events, they’re like, ‘God, I love 3MB. You guys were amazing,’ whatever and they mean it.
I can tell when somebody’s lying or not. I’m like a human lie detector. I learned it through, growing up in this industry. I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s interesting.’ Because I guess they would have been kids at the time. They looked at things differently.
They weren’t on the internet complaining about everything. They weren’t so jaded. And they grew up with 3MB and see differently. So yeah, I’ll give everybody a treat. I’ll give my boys a payday and boom, I’ll disappear into the night, never to be seen again.”
Dustin Rhodes will be breaking a career record with AEW.
The new WWE management has been putting more efforts to celebrate the legends of the business. With his brother Cody Rhodes being treated as one of the company’s top stars, many wondered if this would prompt Dustin to consider leaving AEW and returning to WWE.
A new article from Dallas Morning News, however has confirmed that this won’t be the case and the wrestling veteran will be staying with Tony Khan’s promotion for a long time to come.
The article looking at the rich history of the Rhodes family before the upcoming ROH Supercard of Honor event this Friday, reveals that the former Goldust has signed a new deal with AEW recently.
The new contract signed over the winter will see the wrestling legend working as a consultant, coach, and ambassador for All Elite Wrestling, in addition to occasionally wrestling for the promotion.
Since making his debut in 1988, Dustin Rhodes has had runs with all major promotions of his time. Though he’s never stayed with a company for more than six years in a run.
The report states that the latest contract is for 6 years, that will keep him employed at the promotion atleast until 2030. Not only will this be the longest single run of his career for the 56-year-old, but it’ll also take him into his 5th decade as an active performer in the business.
WWE Women’s U.S. Champion Giulia has seen plenty of success in WWE since joining in 2024, both in WWE NXT and on the main roster. During a recent media junket, Giulia reflected on how winning and losing in the west is far different than her experience back home in Japan.
“In Japan, it’s not uncommon for the losing fighter to shine more. But what Asuka taught me was, ‘In the U.S., all the spotlight goes to the winner. There’s a world of difference between winning and losing.’”
Like Giulia, Asuka is no stranger to success with several titles and the honor of winning the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble to her name. As arguably the most successful Japanese female wrestler in WWE history, Asuka paved the ways for Giulia and countless others, according to the Beautiful Madness.
“Because of Asuka, the path to WWE women’s wrestling was opened up, and somehow it’s connected to where I am now. So, fighting Asuka is one of my goals and dreams.”
Asuka recently returned from an injury that kept her out of the ring for over a year. With the Empress of Tomorrow back and hungry for gold, Giulia’s dream match may be just a matter of time away.
Kevin Von Erich is officially All Elite after signing a contract with AEW. On The Claw podcast, Marshall Von Erich, Kevin’s son, broke the news.
“My dad is officially AEW. He’s on the team. He’s with AEW now. We were surprised, too. ‘Yeah man, I’m on the team now.”
Ross Von Erich added that their father is on “sort of a legends deal,” adding that it is “awesome” for their family. Marshall shared that whenever Kevin is at an AEW event, the roster wisely try and pick his brain.
“When my dad is in the locker room, he’ll be in deep conversation with one of the wrestlers. It’s crazy who he impacts and talks to. Ross and I were impressed with the people that really respect him.”
Part of the legendary Von Erich family, Kevin’s story was documented during A24’s biopic ‘The Iron Claw.’ More recently, Kevin has made a handful of appearances for AEW, often in his native Texas. Now, fans can expect much more of Kevin Von Erich in AEW as he joins the Icon Sting as being under a legends deal.
Throughout WWE’s PG Era, John Cena would often take a beating in matches, only to rally back and win at the end. This character, dubbed ‘Super Cena’ by the fans, caused many to argue that WWE had grown stale.
While speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Cena addressed a comment from Reddit user SR JNP, who claimed that the Super Cena era made WWE uncool. While SR JNP was annoyed that the show became more catered to children, John remained unfazed.
“‘The Super Cena era made WWE uncool and something for kids to watch.’ That is Reddit user SR JNP. That’s your perspective, pal. For 25 years, I have been John Cena. That has easily been my longest running persona. But what I’m hearing is the perspective of a group of folks that probably didn’t like the performances I was giving.”
Today, fans are seeing a much different John Cena, one who has vowed to ‘ruin wrestling’ by retiring as WWE Champion. With a title match against Cody Rhodes set for SummerSlam, Cena hopes to anger fans once more, this time on purpose.
TNA Wrestling is home to several ex-WWE Superstars and it now appears that Enzo Amore is on his way to the promotion. On the July 10 episode, a surreal vignette aired featuring the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion.
Enzo reminded fans — and perhaps warned TNA’s locker room — that he’s always been a disruptive presence. The WWE alum made reference to his infamous appearance at Madison Square Garden, where he once interrupted Survivor Series 2018 from the crowd following his release from the company.
“You remember what I did at the Garden… don’t think I won’t do it again.”
It remains to be seen how far Enzo will go in TNA Wrestling, and what the future holds for the controversial wrestler. All we know for certain is that the ‘Certified G’ is embracing his controversial past.
Former WWE star Ricochet has publicly criticized his former employer for what he perceives as deliberate counter-programming against All Elite Wrestling events.
The controversy stems from reports that WWE/TKO is strategically scheduling shows to coincide with AEW programming. According to WrestleVotes Radio, WWE plans to run Saturday Night’s Main Event after AEW’s “All In” event, allowing them to “have the last word of the night” and control online discussion.
“This is definitely something WWE wants to do where hey, if NXT is on the road and booking for arenas, they want to do it somewhere where they’re gonna have the last word of the night,” the report stated. “Controlling the narrative and momentum online — So there’s no coincidence, there’s definitely a directive coming from WWE with the behest of TKO behind.
I love all the people who think they are actually saying something important! Haha losers trying to tell me what to do and how to feel.
It's kind of embarrassing how fast they come running, too.
Ricochet responded bluntly on Twitter, calling the strategy a “bitch move.” When fans criticized his comments, he doubled down, writing: “I love all the people who think they are actually saying something important! Haha losers trying to tell me what to do and how to feel. It’s kind of embarrassing how fast they come running, too.”
The wrestler, who left WWE for AEW earlier this year, subsequently engaged in heated exchanges with fans who replied to his initial tweet.
As John Cena prepares for his WWE farewell, the never seen 17 is diving into uncharted territory with his latest project: a collaboration with HGTV and former Queer Eye star Bobby Berk on the upcoming series “Junk or Jackpot?”
What we collect is a reflection of who we are and what we love. Grateful to @HGTV and Bobby for making this project come to life! https://t.co/6F3LDyMXag
Set to premiere in late 2025, this six-episode series follows collectors navigating their massive and unusual collections to determine what’s worth keeping and what can fund home renovations. Cena serves as executive producer, bringing his personal passion for collecting to the project.
The concept emerged from Cena’s conversations with friends about whether collections are “trash or treasure.” As he explained, “What we collect is a reflection of who we are and what we love.”
Wrestling’s Ultimate Crossover Star
This venture with Bobby Berk highlights Cena’s remarkable versatility in working across different entertainment genres – from action and comedy roles to lifestyle television and his extensive sponsorship deals.
Macho Man Randy Savage has been officially announced as the sixth and final wrestler addition to RetroMania Wrestling’s upcoming DLC pack, which is set to launch on September 13, 2025. This marks a significant addition to the indie wrestling game, bringing one of professional wrestling’s most iconic figures to the roster.
DLC Pack Details
The new DLC pack will feature Savage alongside several other wrestling legends, including Magnum TA, Demolition (Ax and Smash), and The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson). This $10 DLC will be available across multiple platforms including Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.
How the Deal Came Together
RetroMania Wrestling creator Mike Hermann revealed the process behind securing Savage’s likeness for the game. The inspiration came after seeing Savage licensed in another wrestling game called WrestleQuest and noticing Matt Cardona’s Major Bendies wrestling figures had released a Macho Man figure. Hermann explained to Insider Gaming that after making contact with Savage’s estate representatives, they responded quickly and were impressed with the project, seeing it as “a great fit for Macho Man to be in RetroMania”.
Additional Content and Features
Beyond the wrestler additions, the DLC will include substantial content updates. Players can expect three new arenas, six new handicap match types, a House Show mode with random events across multiple matches, tournament modes for both singles and tag team competitions, wrestler gear customization options, and new championship titles with a tracking system. The update will also feature a new “Attract Mode” intro video and various gameplay improvements including new tag team mechanics, animation updates, and camera options.
This announcement represents a major coup for the independent wrestling game, as Savage remains one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in professional wrestling history, known for his flamboyant personality, distinctive voice, and iconic “Oooh yeah!” catchphrase.
OHH YEAHH!! Macho Man Randy Savage is the sixth man!
One of the popular narratives among the IWC in the present moment is that John Cena turning heel has been a failed experiment. There are a number of reasons for that, between disappointing match after disappointing match, the novelty wearing off Cena’s heel promos, and the simple principle that a lot of fans want to cheer Cena as he wraps up a historic career.
Indeed, there’s a groundswell of organic, nostalgic support beneath Cena in spite of the bad guy persona, which has left some fans feeling less heat than like the current run is just awkward.
While there’s plenty of room to nitpick, Cena’s heel run is serving more purposes and going much better than a lot of fans might realize.
Lackluster Matches Land Better For Heel John Cena Than They Would For A Babyface
Image credit: WWE
While “you can’t wrestle” have followed John Cena for much of his time as a main eventer, he has proven capable of holding his own in great matches. No, he was never a “work-rate guy,” but he held up his end in all-time classic matches with the likes of Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, AJ Styles, and others.
One thing that has become apparent in 2025 is that Father Time and extended time away from the ring have caught up with Cena. He didn’t quite look like himself in his Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber efforts, and, sure enough, his every singles match performance since that point has proven underwhelming.
While babyface Cena may have been able to play the hits and gotten by on nostalgic good will, there’s little doubt fans would be questioning him reigning as world champion under those circumstances. As a heel, however, there’s a wider berth for lackluster ring work to blend in as part of the character’s heat. Indeed, fans who want to see him drop the title can root against him in full-throated fashion both to see a better champion crowned and to see the villain get his comeuppance.
Bizarro Babyface Challengers Against Heel John Cena Are Fun
Image credit: WWE
When Randy Orton emerged as John Cena’s challenger for Backlash, a lot of the buzz surrounded such long-term, iconic rivals switching face-heel orientations for the first time.
While the original R-Truth vs. Cena feud wasn’t as historic as The Champ’s storylines with Orton, it nonetheless carried similar undertones of super hero Cena vanquishing crazed heel Truth back in 2011. As such, it was also a little surreal to see babyface Truth versus heel Cena on the marquee for a Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Lo and behold, fans are again intrigued with babyface CM Punk lined up as Cena’s next challenger, and it seems entirely possible face versions of AJ Styles and even The Miz could follow. Were Edge still signed to WWE or were it not for Bray Wyatt’s tragic passing, one would have to imagine fresh versions of these famous feuds would be on the docket as well.
Sure, there’s a case Cena should be working more young talents or at least first-time opponents on this farewell tour. Nonetheless, when all indications are the matches wouldn’t be great anyway, there’s something to be said for focusing on nostalgia instead and putting a different filter on these feuds fans remember fondly.
Fans Will Appreciate The Return Of Babyface John Cena
Image credit: SEScoops
It’s an uncomfortable truth that wrestling fans—and particularly wrestling fans in this era of social media and constant content—tend to be a little fickle and to suffer from short attention spans. As much as fans might think they would’ve wanted a straightforward face retirement tour for Cena, might it have started feeling a little stale by now?
There’s no knowing for sure how things would’ve gone had Cena never turned. Nonetheless, in the likely case Cena does ultimately turn back to his do-gooder ways at or leading up to the end of his career, it’s all but guaranteed to draw a huge response as fans welcome back their hero. Perhaps Cena puts Logan Paul in place or shows respect to the babyface who can pull the sword from the stone and ensure Cena is not, in fact, “The Last Real Champion.” Perhaps things come full circle and he winds up standing up to The Rock. Regardless, it’ll be a feel good moment when Cena does switch sides again, and that move will set him up to get a pop each time he resurfaces as a visiting legend in the years to come.
Drew McIntyre, following his hiatus after a steel cage match loss to Damian Priest, returned to WWE on July 4 during SmackDown.
He shared a health update on FOX News, stating he feels better than the past six or seven years, equating his current health to the time before his 2020 Royal Rumble win.
“I honestly feel better than I felt in about, minimum, six or seven years.” – FOX News Interview
McIntyre mentioned his involvement in new rehab techniques.
“I brought somebody in to start doing rehab at the gym, stretching things I’ve never done in my life and it’s unbelievable what it’s opened in my body.”
Despite a challenging return, he is set to face Randy Orion at Saturday Night’s Main Event due to a confrontation during a segment with Orton and Cody Rhodes.
TNA wrestler Trey Miguel has announced that he will undergo hernia surgery following the July 20 Slammiversary pay-per-view. Despite the upcoming surgery, Miguel will compete in the event, viewing it as a minor operation with a full recovery expected.
“After Slammiversary I will undergo hernia surgery. I was given a choice and I chose to be there. I will give it my absolute best because that’s what [TNA] deserves and you the fans… A full recovery is expected as this is a minor surgery. Thank you all for the well wishes and messages. Apologies to anyone I missed and didn’t get to reply to.”
After Slammiversary I will undergo hernia surgery. I was given a choice and I chose to be there. I will give it my absolute best because that’s what @ThisIsTNA deserves and you the fans. A full recovery is expected as this is a minor surgery. Thank you all for the well wishes and…
Miguel and teammate Zachary Wentz, known as The Rascalz, will participate in a ladder match for the TNA Tag Team titles against Nic & Ryan Nemeth, The Hardy Boyz, and First Class at the event held at UBS Arena, Long Island, New York.
Shayna Baszler was cut from WWE in early 2025, but that didn’t stop her from working backstage during a recent WWE NXT taping. A report, first shared by Cory Hays of Bodyslam.net, claimed Baszler had been listed as a producer for the Kelani Jordan versus Lainey Reid match from the July 8, episode of WWE NXT. On Twitch, Baszler confirmed this to be the case.
“I happened to be at the (WWE) P.C. working with people and I’m not gonna out the people that requested I work with them.”
Baszler’s exit from WWE caught many by surprise given that she had been active on WWE’s main roster at the time. Reflecting on a possible return to WWE as a producer, the former Women’s Champion wasn’t opposed to the idea.
“The possibility be there? Sure. I would have to decide if I’m ready to be done. But that’s a whole other thing, you know what I mean? I still think I have some stories to tell.”
For now, Baszler is ready to do more in the ring, and teased a potential move to Japan once her 90-day non compete expires. Whatever comes next, the Queen of Spades is keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Jay Briscoe was tragically killed in a car accident on January 17, 2023, mere minutes from his home in Laurel, Delaware. Jay’s death rocked the wrestling world, though nobody was affected quite like his tag-team partner and brother Mark.
In a Player’s Tribune special, Mark revealed that Jay had texted him that morning, though he didn’t see it until later. Rather than share words, Jay let a single image do the talking for him.
“It was a picture of a rainbow out his back door, off his back patio or whatever. Just a beautiful picture of a rainbow. I think he had posted it online and said, ‘God’s showing off this morning.'”
Mark recalled being called after the accident. Despite what had happened, at the time, Mark had confidence that his brother would pull through.
“I was in total denial that he might die. That wasn’t even in my brain. It was like, OK, it’s not good. So what, he broke his legs? He’s paralyzed? It wasn’t a ‘Jamin-might-be-dying’ type thing.”
Tragically, Jay/Jamin would die, though his daughters, who were also in the car at the time of the crash, were able to recover. While Jay Briscoe is no longer with us, the spirit of a brother, father, and friend who found beauty in life remains in the hearts of those who knew him.
ECW legend Francine is celebrating after learning that she does not have cancer despite her fears earlier this year. In June, Francine shared that that a small mass was found in her left breast, leaving many to fear the worst. In an update on X, Francine shared that no cancer was found and was grateful for the support of fans.
Just got my biopsy results and NO CANCER WAS FOUND! God is good! ??
Thank you for all the prayers and positive thoughts that you sent my way! ?
This wasn’t Francine’s first time dealing with a health scare like this. On her Eyes Up Here podcast, she shared that at 21, she had a similar concern with the same breast, resulting in a painful ordeal.
“I just remember them sticking this huge needle into my boob and extracting five to six vials of fluid to test to see if it was cancer and it wasn’t.”
This is fantastic news for Francine, who appeared for WWE NXT when the show was hosted from the ECW Arena in 2024. We at SEScoops are sending our congrats and best wishes to the ECW icon.
Gail Kim was cut from TNA Wrestling in March 2025, which came as a huge shock to fans and those within the promotion. Guest appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, TNA President Carlos Silva recently explained his mentality behind cutting the TNA Wrestling Hall of Famer.
“I had to make a couple of hard decisions, not just with Gail, but with a few other staff, to try and maybe reinvigorate what I think was already going well.
“We kind of got a little more aggressive in making changes we thought we needed to make to reinvigorate the locker room, maybe reinvigorate the Knockouts division, which I think we’ve done.”
Kim’s release was met with shock, disbelief, and anger within TNA Wrestling, Fightful Select reported at the time. On X, Kim shared her two cents on being cut from TNA as part of Silva’s ‘reinvigoration’ tactics.
On comments recently about the KO division needing to be reinvigorated, I want to let it be known that I was pushing for that for a year plus before Carlos Silva came in. To grow homegrown talent and do more with the KO division. I was fighting for that since Scott departed. 1/2
My loyalty and passion towards the KO division should never be questioned and how I wanted that division to be upheld. I fought for them on the weekly. Just wanted my thoughts to be clearly delivered. (2/2)
Kim’s exit from TNA has sparked speculation about her future, including a potential return to WWE or a move to All Elite Wrestling. Whatever’s next, Gail Kim will have to witness the Knockouts division she shaped from the very start be ‘reinvigorated’ as an outsider.
Charlotte Flair has no time for people who have baseless theories when it comes to her push in WWE. While some have speculated that secret reasons are behind her success, Flair believes her success comes from her own skills alone.
During her appearance on the Six Feet Under podcast, Flair addressed fans who spin outlandish theories about her career trajectory in WWE. She playfully mocked the notion that she’s a heartless figure who personally dictates her own storylines, title wins, and bookings.
“I ruin everything. I control my storylines, bookings and title wins. It’s true, it’s in my contract. I need to win that title! People think that for real and the fact that we’re even talking about it, that’s the issue — that these opinions aren’t real but because people have been successful, everyone thinks they can have an opinion. It’s just learning to navigate and overcome it and not even give it any power.”
Many fans have claimed that Charlotte, WWE’s most decorated woman in history, only received the push she has because of her famous father. With that said, there are countless examples of second-generation wrestlers not going far in wrestling, including Charlotte’s brother David never having a big break in WWE.
While some may continue to make claims about Charlotte’s success, said success has proven to be undeniable. While Flair hasn’t held gold in over two years, many believe it’s a matter of time before a title is around her waist once more.
WWE has announced its first-ever cosmetics partnership with Maybelline New York, naming it the Official Cosmetics Partner of WWE.
This historic partnership will commence with Maybelline serving as the Presenting Partner for WWE Evolution 2025, this weekend’s all-women’s premium live event taking place on July 13 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Both WWE and Maybelline officials expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the role it will play in promoting confidence and self-expression.
WWE is excited to collaborate with Maybelline, a partner that not only leads the beauty industry but also shares our vision for highlighting amazing individuals across the roster.” – Brit Santypal, Senior Vice President of Partnership Marketing, TKO
Amy Whang, President of Maybelline New York, added:
”Maybelline New York is proud to partner with WWE and have the opportunity to put our products to the ultimate test. As the presenting sponsor of Evolution, we’re not just showing up in the ring; we’re supporting a global community that inspires confidence and self-expression, both in and out of the spotlight.”
The deal includes branding opportunities for Maybelline during WWE events.
WWE and @Maybelline, the number one cosmetic brand in the world, announced today a new partnership in which the beauty brand will become the first-ever Official Cosmetics Partner of WWE.https://t.co/iET1s6WhV2
Wrestling star Saraya, formerly known as Paige in WWE, is currently a free agent after leaving AEW with no contractual restrictions. She’s open to making appearances anywhere, including a potential WWE return. In an interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Saraya confirmed that her departure from AEW was amicable and expressed mixed feelings about returning to wrestling.
“I’m a free agent now, I could pop up anywhere. No, my contract’s done, done. That’s the one thing that helped, they gave me the opportunity to walk away from this contract. I mean, not a lot of companies or businesses would do that, you know? But Tony [Khan] was really, really great about it.”
She added, “If the opportunity is there, I’ll take it. I won’t chase it too hard, you know? Because, again, I want to be focused on stuff outside of wrestling.”
While she focuses on non-wrestling projects like her podcast ‘Rulebreakers’ and acting, Saraya remains open to returning to WWE if the opportunity arises, preferring to reprise her WWE character Paige, which she feels is an elevated part of herself.
With the second WWE Evolution PLE taking place this weekend, Saraya admits she’d love to be a part of that.
“It’s like a bittersweet thing, because the first [Evolution], I couldn’t be on it because of my neck. So if I had the opportunity to be on this all-female pay-per-view, of course, yeah, I would think about it.”
As for her future in the ring, Saraya envisions herself wrestling for years to come. Legends like Goldberg and Trish Stratus have paved the way and shown how careers can extend longer than ever.
“I want to go — I think I can squeeze 10 more years out of me. Yeah, 10 more years on and off. We’ll see.”
Cody Rhodes has explained why he doesn’t take people under his wing anymore.
The American Nightmare invited his good friend Ricky Saints for a chat on his podcast recently. During the discussion, Saints, who left AEW for NXT earlier this year, mentioned that his career might have advanced more if someone had taken him under his wing like Cody did with MJF.
Responding to it, the former Undisputed Champion claimed that his work with MJF was all a story. Rhodes then mentioned how there were people who took him under their wing when he first came up to the main roster:
“I had a really great mentor. In multiple, Randy Orton, shockingly, John Cena. All these guys, once I came up in 2007, 2008, took me under their wing in the way you’re talking about. I am shy to do so.”
Cody Rhodes then went on to explain why he is not very enthusiastic about becoming mentor to people anymore, mentioning how very few of his former partners reached out to him upon his successful WWE return:
“And the reason is because and you already know this, when I was off in the wilderness and started my own deal with, the team that I had and they were wonderful teammates and helped me create it, I made everybody my BFF. I made everybody my number one.
When I came up on the stage at WrestleMania 38, I was warmly received by, 80 something thousand people. That was a wonderful feeling, but I can tell you none of those people, I want to just flat out say none, but you could probably count on one hand, messaged me.
And I thought that’s a lesson. There’s a lesson, and it’s not that I wanted anything from it. But that’s why I’m trepidatious to jump in the water and say, ‘Hey kid, you’re with me.'”
Goldberg was one of WCW’s biggest names. He won the WCW Championship and main evented Starrcade twice. He went on to win three world titles in WWE, twice defend world titles at WrestleMania, and entered the Hall of Fame in 2018.
Now, one of the last legends left in the ring from the Monday Night War era is poised to officially retire. After rumors and reports suggested it, WWE confirmed on the June 23 episode of Raw that Goldberg looked at his Saturday Night’s Main Event showdown with Gunther as his final match. However, they also explicitly referenced that if he won and captured the World Heavyweight Championship, that would present an “interesting” scenario.
Goldberg’s Road To Challenging Gunther
Photo: WWE
At WWE’s most recent major event in Atlanta, the Bad Blood PLE from October 2024, Gunther went out of his way to disrespect Goldberg and his son at ringside. In so doing, the wheels started turning. Goldberg had already spoken openly about wanting one more match, and here, a clear opponent came into focus. Word is Goldberg spent the intervening months working out like crazy so he could look and perform like a much younger version of himself one last time.
Fast forward to June 2025 and Goldberg proclaimed himself Gunther’s challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship when WWE returned to Atlanta for Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Goldberg May Well Lose To Gunther
Goldberg. Photo: WWE.com
The most straightforward narrative for WWE to play out would see Gunther defeat Goldberg, albeit in a competitive match. The Ring General might weather a storm, looking as though he’s on the verge of losing, only to pull out a victory in the end.
There are ways in which this resolution would make a lot of sense. Gunther’s a main event act in his prime. That’s not to mention that Goldberg has quietly been on a title match losing streak, dropping his last four championship bouts to Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, and Roman Reigns. It’s only fitting that he’d fall short at the age of 58 opposite peak Gunther.
Goldberg Could Pick up The Victory
Photo credit: WWE
While a lot of signs point to Goldberg losing to Gunther, there’s also a very simple counterargument. In his last night in the ring, working in front of his adopted hometown fans in Atlanta—the old homebase of WCW—wouldn’t it be a downer for Goldberg to eat a pin? And fans can only imagine the pop one more spear into a jackhammer might get, with the Hall of Famer picking up the one-two-three.
Goldberg raising the modernized, closest thing to the big gold belt so synonymous with his glory days in WCW and WWE alike, feels like the right moment to provide closure to a legendary career. Of course, it raises two major issues. As cool as the stand-alone moment may be, it’s not clear anyone would really want to see Goldberg have an extended reign as world champion at this age and with so many worthy title contenders on the full-time roster.
Seth Rollins Can Resolve The Goldberg Problem In Short Order
Image credit: WWE
WWE finds itself in a darned if it does, darned if it doesn’t scenario. Gunther wins and the live fans in particular leave Saturday Night’s Main Event deflated. Goldberg wins and the World Heavyweight Championship picture is in rough shape.
Enter Seth Rollins.
As Mr. Money in the Bank, The Visionary has an opportunity to do something very similar to what he did when he bailed WWE out of a no-win situation at WrestleMania 31 a decade back, when a Brock Lesnar win would have been demoralizing but a Roman Reigns main event push was already getting major backlash. Goldberg can have his one last victory in a hard-fought match, then Rollins can steal the title.
After all, since winning the WrestleMania Saturday main event and allying himself with Paul Heyman, Rollins emerging as World Heavyweight Champion has felt all but inevitable. Rollins more recently teasing a WWE Championship cash-in when he interrupted the promo battle between John Cena and CM Punk may amount to little more than a red herring to throw fans off the scent of what’s really happening. Indeed, Rollins has been conspicuously absent from sticking his nose in Gunther and Goldberg’s business.
Goldberg’s triumphant moment, immediately followed by a cash-in feels a lot like WWE having its cake and eating it too. That’s not to mention an array of storylines waiting to play out, with a potentially babyface Gunther, a dethroned Jey Uso who hasn’t yet gotten his rematch, CM Punk, LA Knight, and Roman Reigns all lined up to chase the Seth Rollins as the new champion for months to come.
