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The Rock To Return On Friday’s WWE SmackDown

Andrew Ravens
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The Rock To Return On Friday’s WWE SmackDown

The Rock announced late Thursday night on his social media accounts that he will appear on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. However, it remains unclear what his role will be on the show.

He captioned his post:

“Bold and disruptive. Unpredictable and dangerous. The Final Boss returns, LIVE on #SmackDown tomorrow at 8ET/7CT on @USANetwork.”

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque added in a statement:

“Strap in. When The Final Boss shows up at this time of year, the audience knows absolutely anything is possible. Everything could change in an instant.”

The Rock was last seen on the January 6 Raw premiere episode on Netflix. On Raw, Roman Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat match. Afterward, The Rock placed the Ula Fala around Reigns’ neck and embraced him. This moment followed a babyface promo from The Rock, where he seemingly dropped his “Final Boss” persona. He followed it up with making an appearance on NXT the next night.

While WWE was planning to do Rock vs. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, it has been reported that Rock isn’t currently planned to wrestle at the show. However, he decides whether he wants to do something, and should he feel he is in ring shape, then its always a possibility he wrestles at the show.

Elijah Signs with TNA Wrestling, Debuts on Impact

Michael Reichlin
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Elijah Signs with TNA Wrestling, Debuts on Impact

Former WWE performer Elijah, previously known as Elias, has signed with TNA Wrestling and made his first appearance on the February 20 edition of Impact.

Elijah debuted during TNA World Champion Joe Hendry’s “Encore Championship Concert” segment. The segment began with Hendry in the ring before being interrupted by The Colons (Carlito and Eddie Colón).

Elijah then made his entrance and joined Hendry for a musical performance. The segment also included TNA authority figure Santino Marella. During his appearance, Elijah took time to address the TNA audience directly.

Fightful Select first reported Elijah’s signing with TNA Wrestling earlier today.

Elijah spent several years with WWE, where he developed his musical performer character and competed across various programs including Raw and SmackDown. His signing continues TNA’s recent talent acquisitions as the company moves forward under its restored TNA branding.

Forum to Examine Linda McMahon’s Education Secretary Nomination

Michael Reichlin
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Forum to Examine Linda McMahon’s Education Secretary Nomination

A panel discussion at The City College of New York will analyze Linda McMahon’s nomination for Education Secretary following her advancement by the Senate HELP Committee. The committee approved her nomination in a 12-11 party-line vote on February 20, 2025, sending it to the full Senate for final consideration.

“Understanding Linda McMahon: Secretary of Education in an age of TrumpMania” will examine McMahon’s proposed policies, including her support for reducing federal education oversight and emphasizing state control.

The event features Staten Island Technical High School Principal Mark Erlenwein, The City Tutors Executive Director Garri Rivkin, and journalist Brian R. Solomon, with S Jay Levy Fellowship Managing Director Lavie Margolin moderating.

The free forum takes place Tuesday, March 11, 3:30-4:45pm EDT in Shepard Hall (Room SH-350) at City College, 160 Convent Avenue. Registration is available through Eventbrite. Panelists will explore McMahon’s background as WWE co-founder and her vision for federal education policy, as her nomination currently awaits Senate consideration.

Charlotte Flair Names Roxanne Perez As WWE’s Next Big Thing

Michael Reichlin
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During an Instagram Live session on Thursday, WWE superstar Charlotte Flair shared insights into her intense training regimen while engaging with fans. When asked who she sees as the “next big thing” in WWE’s women’s division, Flair immediately singled out NXT standout Roxanne Perez.

“I was extremely, extremely impressed by Roxanne in the Royal Rumble. I think she killed it. So, my vote is Roxanne, she has a really bright future,” Flair said. (H/T Landon Buford)

Perez, a former NXT Women’s Champion and ROH Women’s Champion, showcased her speed, agility, and technical skills during the Royal Rumble, standing out against top-tier competitors. At just 22, she is already considered one of the most promising young talents in WWE.

After losing her NXT Women’s Championship to Giulia at New Year’s Evil on January 7, “The Prodigy” competed in her final major NXT event at Vengeance Day on February 15. She has now successfully transitioned to the main roster and will be competing in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match alongside Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Naomi, Bayley, and Bianca Belair.

Flair’s endorsement carries weight, given her decade-long dominance in women’s wrestling. As Perez continues to impress, fans will be watching closely to see if she can meet the high expectations set by one of WWE’s greatest champions.

Jacqueline Calls Out Charlotte Flair For WWE Retirement Match

Kofi Kingston Rips WWE Fans: ‘Y’all Dumb, Man’

Michael Reichlin
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Kofi Kingston Rips WWE Fans: ‘Y’all Dumb, Man’

Kofi Kingston isn’t holding back. The former WWE Champion took to social media in a fiery video, ripping into WWE fans who questioned his claim that he has been with the company longer than Rey Mysterio. In an unapologetic and blunt rant, Kingston called out “keyboard commandos” and “smart fans” for relying on Wikipedia and Google instead of doing “real” research.

Kingston doubled down on his statement, breaking down the numbers to prove his point. While Mysterio debuted with WWE in 2002, he took a hiatus from 2014 to 2018. Kingston, on the other hand, signed with WWE in 2006 and has remained an active competitor ever since. To further back himself up, Kingston revealed match statistics:

“As of today, February 19, 2025, Rey Mysterio has had 682 televised matches with WWE. You know how many I’ve had? 886. I have spent more time in a WWE ring than Rey Mysterio, which means that I have been here longer than Rey Mysterio—like I said.”

But it wasn’t just the numbers that caught attention—it was Kingston’s attitude. His tone throughout the video was confrontational, and he ended it by directly insulting the WWE Universe:

“Do you feel as dumb as we think you are? … It’s a rhetorical question. The only answer is yes. Y’all dumb, man.”

Reactions to the video are split, with some fans cheering on Kingston’s darker attitude, while others miss the feel-good New Day we’ve grown to love after all these years. We’re hoping someone can talk some sense into Kingston and Woods one of these days.

Road Dogg Reveals His WWE Booking Regret: ‘I Wanted Big E to Win at KofiMania’

Dijak Wrestling Academy: Ex-WWE Star Teaching Online Course

Thomas Lowson
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Would-be wrestlers will have the opportunity to learn from industry veteran Donovan Dijak as part of the ex-WWE Superstar’s new online wrestling academy. Speaking to The A2theK Wrestling Show, Dijak shared that the online courses will help aspiring wrestlers learn a vital side of the business outside of the ring.

“There’s a huge part of professional wrestling that’s mental and learning and applying concepts and psychology and even about the physicality. We can talk about the physicality and some of the pitfalls and things that I see.”

Dijak aims for his online courses to be an “introduction to professional wrestling” but acknowledged that it should not be a trainee’s only guide to the ring. Instead, Dijak hopes for his courses to be used in parallel to physical wrestling training to help craft an all-round talent.

When asked what he’ll be looking for in talent as part of the Dijak Wrestling Academy, the former WWE star had one word in mind: effort.

“I don’t need you to be the greatest wrestler in the world. I don’t need you to be the most charismatic person in the world. I need nothing besides 100% effort.”

Those willing to make the effort can learn more about the Dijak Wrestling Academy at the official website, including the full eight-week program that covers match basics and in-ring psycholgy. While Dijak’s career in the ring is far from over, the former WWE Superstar is ready to feast his eyes on the potential stars of the future.

Donovan Dijak Reflects on WWE Release: “It’s a Business Decision”

Our Lady Peace Performs Chris Benoit’s WWE Theme ‘Whatever’ After 15-Year Ban

Michael Reichlin
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Our Lady Peace Performs Chris Benoit’s WWE Theme ‘Whatever’ After 15-Year Ban

Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace made a notable choice during their Wednesday night performance in Calgary, Alberta, as part of their 30th Anniversary Tour, performing their song “Whatever” – a track that has largely remained absent from their setlists for over 15 years due to its complicated history.

The song, which gained prominence in professional wrestling circles, served as WWE Superstar Chris Benoit’s entrance music from 2002 until 2007. While “Whatever” was initially released on the WWE compilation album “WWF Forceable Entry,” Our Lady Peace also included a live version on their 2003 album “Live.”

Following Benoit’s shocking murder-suicide in June 2007, which claimed the lives of his wife Nancy and young son Daniel, the band’s relationship with the song changed dramatically.

In 2012, Our Lady Peace made the definitive decision to remove the song from their catalog and announced they would never perform it again, citing the negative emotional impact and tragic associations the song had come to carry.

Lead singer Raine Maida has recently spoken about the band’s desire to “reclaim” the song from its dark associations, marking a significant reversal from their 2012 position.

The decision to perform “Whatever” in Calgary represents a momentous step in separating the track from its troubled history and returning it to its original artistic context.

The song, which originally appeared on Our Lady Peace’s 1997 album “Clumsy,” stands as one of the band’s more aggressive rock compositions, with themes of perseverance and determination – themes that now carry a markedly different weight given its historical context.

Our Lady Peace’s performance in Calgary marks a turning point in the song’s legacy, as the band works to preserve their artistic creation while acknowledging its complex past.

The performance demonstrates the challenges artists face when their work becomes inexorably tied to tragic events, and their efforts to move forward while remaining sensitive to the gravity of such associations.

WWE Considering A Change To Hall Of Fame Ceremony (Report)

Andrew Ravens
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WWE may be considering a change to the format of the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.

While the event was never officially announced along with the other WrestleMania activities, it was widely believed to be scheduled for April 18, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas—the night before WrestleMania 41. Traditionally, the ceremony airs immediately after SmackDown in the same arena, streaming on Peacock and other platforms.

However, WrestleVotes reported today that WWE officials are reconsidering this format, as some within the company are unhappy with the event following SmackDown.

“After speaking with sources, we’ve heard varying speculation about when and where the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place. Some within the company strongly dislike the recent format of the ceremony following SmackDown. We’re told WWE is considering a change, with no mention of the time or place in any WM promotional material so far.”

Paul “Triple H” Levesque is set to headline the 2025 Hall of Fame class, with Michelle McCool as the only other announced inductee so far. Additional names are expected to be revealed soon.

The Hall of Fame ceremony will be part of a packed WrestleMania weekend, including NXT Stand & Deliver on the afternoon of April 19, followed by WrestleMania 41 – Night 1 that evening.

The Rock Joins Scorsese-Directed Crime Drama With Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Blunt

Andrew Ravens
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The Rock Joins Scorsese-Directed Crime Drama With Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Blunt

A major pitch is in development for an untitled drama directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Dwayne Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emily Blunt.

According to Deadline, the film is inspired by a real-life Hawaiian crime boss, described as a ruthless figure who fought off encroaching rivals to control organized crime in Hawaii. The character is likened to Robert De Niro’s Jimmy the Gent from Goodfellas. 

Nick Bilton is set to write the screenplay, with Scorsese, Johnson, Blunt, DiCaprio, Bilton, Dany Garcia, Lisa Frechette, and Rick Yorn attached as producers. The project is particularly meaningful to Johnson, who has deep ties to Hawaii and has long aspired to make a film set there.

Synopsis: The article notes the film is about, “a turbulent time on the island paradise when an aspiring mob boss battled rival crime factions to wrest control of the underworld of the Hawaiian islands. It was a bloody battle, the kind of terrain Scorsese covered in both Goodfellas and The Departed. In 1960s and 70s Hawaii, this formidable and charismatic mob boss rises to build the islands’ most powerful criminal empire, waging a brutal war against mainland corporations and rival syndicates while fighting to preserve his ancestral land. It’s based on the untold true story of a man who fought to preserve his homeland through a ruthless quest for absolute power — igniting the last great American mob saga, where the war for cultural survival takes place in the unlikeliest of places: paradise.”

This marks another collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese, following their recent work on the Best Picture-nominated Killers of the Flower Moon. Their past films together include The Aviator, The Departed, Gangs of New York, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Meanwhile, Johnson and Blunt, who previously co-starred in Disney’s Jungle Cruise, are also set to reunite in A24’s Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie and slated for release later this year.

Johnson and Blunt initially brought the idea to Scorsese and DiCaprio, who quickly joined the project. With Bilton now onboard to write, the film is moving toward development.

Sonya Deville: ‘I Thought We Were Finalizing My New WWE Contract, Not Ending It’

Michael Reichlin
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Sonya Deville: ‘I Thought We Were Finalizing My New WWE Contract, Not Ending It’

After a decade with WWE, Sonya Deville (real name Daria Rae) was blindsided by the company’s decision not to renew her contract. Speaking candidly for the first time on her YouTube channel, Deville detailed the emotional rollercoaster of receiving the news and why she ultimately sees it as a blessing in disguise.

Deville revealed that she was in the middle of contract negotiations with WWE when she received the unexpected phone call.

“I was in Washington, D.C., for a cheer tournament with our little one, running on the treadmill, when I got the call,” she shared. “We were in the middle of negotiations, so I thought it was going to be the middle ground we met on. Instead, they said, ‘We are not renewing your contract.’”

The news came as a complete shock to Deville, who had spent ten years building her career within the company. She had developed strong relationships backstage and was deeply invested in her role.

“I had a great relationship with almost everybody—from backstage to talent. It felt like family,” she explained. “You work somewhere for 10 years, you don’t expect that kind of call.”

“I Have No Choice But to Listen to the Universe”

Despite the initial shock, Deville quickly found peace with the decision. She believes fate had a bigger plan for her—one that aligns with her lifelong dream of acting.

“You can’t fight fate,” she said. “That chapter was meant to close, and all these new beautiful blessings were meant to come. The irony of it all is that the same week they didn’t renew my contract, I booked my first big film project.”

Deville admitted that while wrestling became an unexpected passion, acting had always been her first love.

“The way people turn to music for comfort is how I turned to television and film. Acting was my dream since I was 12,” she shared. “I fell in love with wrestling along the way, but this is what I always wanted.”

No Bitterness, Only Gratitude

Unlike some former WWE stars who leave the company with resentment, Deville holds no ill will. She remains grateful for the opportunities WWE gave her and sees her release as a new beginning.

“I see people leave and talk bad about the company, but I cannot relate,” she stated. “I loved every minute of it. I loved everybody there. I loved everything I got to do. But that was a chapter, and now it’s time for the next.”

With a major acting role already lined up and a positive mindset about the future, Deville is ready to embrace what comes next.

“I have no choice but to listen to the universe. That was good, but here’s what’s next,” she said. “And I’m excited.”

Donovan Dijak Reflects on WWE Release: “It’s a Business Decision”

Thomas Lowson
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Donovan Dijak was disappointed to be released from WWE in 2024, but isn’t going to hold too big of a grudge over what was ultimately a business decision. Speaking to The A2TheK Wrestling Show, Dijak reflected on his abrupt exit in June of last year.

“At the end of the day it’s a business decision, right? Of course I wanted to say. I made that very clear in in the the letter that I wrote and things like that.”

While Dijak’s days as a WWE Superstar are a thing of the past, his time with the company continues to prove beneficial. Not only did Dijak’s name in wrestling circles grow considerably thanks to his WWE run, but his time as a Superstar allowed for immense growth as a character.

“There was a ton of things that happen in WWE that are helping me to this day, right? Whether it be the the the picture of me in the jacket and the glasses with that character… all of that wouldn’t exist without the opportunity that I was given.”

Since his WWE exit, Dijak has wasted no time in re-establishing himself outside the Sports Entertainment juggernaut. With matches for Rev Pro, Beyond, House of Glory, MLW, Limitless, DPW, and more, Dijak is ready to prove his value in the ring, but will never forget how WWE helped him, and continues to help him to this day.

Complete Soundtrack for WWE 2K25 Features Eminem, Jelly Roll and More

Michael Reichlin
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Complete Soundtrack for WWE 2K25 Features Eminem, Jelly Roll and More

2K has revealed the complete soundtrack for the upcoming WWE 2K25 video game:

  1. Fuel – Eminem ft. JID
  2. Suffocate – Knocked Loose ft. Poppy
  3. Arabi – Mohamed Ramadan, Future, & Masari
  4. Packapunch – Joey Valence & Brae ft. Danny Brown
  5. Hurt You – Spiritbox
  6. It’s Supposed to Hurt – House of Protection
  7. The Thin Grey Line – $uicideboy$
  8. Curse – Architects
  9. Black Flag Freestyle – Denzel Curry & That Mexican OT
  10. Halfway to Hell – Jelly Roll
  11. Backbone – Chase & Status, Stormzy
  12. Doblexxó – J Balvin & Feid
  13. Hertz – Amyl & The Sniffers
  14. Ratatata – BABYMETAL & Electric Callboy
  15. Only Pain – Gojira

You can preview the WWE 2K25 soundtrack here:

WWE 2K25 is set to launch on March 14, 2025, featuring an extensive roster of over 300 Superstars, Legends, and Hall of Famers. Players can experience new gameplay modes, including intergender matches and the immersive “The Island” mode, exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-ordering the Deadman or Bloodline Editions grants early access starting March 7, 2025.

WWE 2K25 Complete Soundtrack

Goldberg Says Retirement Match Will Happen This Summer: ‘I Feel Like a Trillion Bucks’

Andrew Ravens
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Goldberg Says Retirement Match Will Happen This Summer: ‘I Feel Like a Trillion Bucks’

Goldberg is preparing for his final match in 2025, prioritizing health and recovery in the process. He previously stated on ESPN’s College GameDay last year that his retirement match would take place in WWE.

The WWE Hall of Famer recently underwent stem cell treatment, a procedure he prepared for by making significant lifestyle changes. On his CarCast podcast, Goldberg revealed that he had to eliminate bad habits, such as tobacco use and poor dietary choices.

While the treatment was successful, he is currently in a three-week recovery period during which he cannot lift weights. The date and opponent for his farewell match remain unknown.

“I feel like a trillion bucks. Whether it’s from the stuff that I altered in my life prior or the stem cell treatment after a day, I feel like a million bucks, comparatively,” Goldberg shared.

“You have to be logical, but it’s like you’re a racehorse again, and you’re being held in a stall, and you can’t come out for a period of time. I have a match sometime this summer. I don’t know exactly when it is, but I know it’s coming up, and I know at 58 years old, I have to be in my underwear in front of everybody, and I hold a very high standard for myself.

I need to get to work yesterday. The long-term benefit and the benefit for me in the ring will be much more if I just calm my ass down.”

Goldberg had a confrontation with World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER at Bad Blood this past October. His last match took place in 2022 at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event, where he faced Roman Reigns.

Liv Morgan Explains How She Hijacked The Judgment Day from Rhea Ripley

Michael Reichlin
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Liv Morgan Explains How She Hijacked The Judgment Day from Rhea Ripley

Liv Morgan’s return to WWE wasn’t just about getting back in the ring—it was personal. After being sidelined for six months due to an injury inflicted by Rhea Ripley, Morgan came back with a mission: to take everything from the woman who took everything from her.

“I was going to take away everything she loved because she took everything that I ever loved,” Morgan said on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast.

That mission led to the creation of the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour, a ruthless campaign that has seen Morgan align with The Judgment Day and even stake a claim to Dominik Mysterio.

Morgan’s transformation from fan-favorite underdog to a cunning, dominant force has been one of WWE’s most surprising turns in recent years. While her methods have drawn boos from some fans, she remains unapologetic.

“I felt so justified in every single fiber of my being. I knew that I was right and that I was in the right.”

Her comeback was fueled by months of frustration and reflection.

“All I ever loved was WWE, and she took six months from me—not knowing if I’d make a full recovery, if I’d come back the same, or if my career was even over.”

That realization only strengthened her resolve to dismantle Ripley’s world piece by piece. Now, with WWE Elimination Chamber on the horizon, Morgan’s focus remains locked on championship gold. As the last person to defeat Ripley, she may be the biggest threat to the Women’s World Champion yet.

Liv Morgan Mocks “Obsessed” Rhea Ripley After Controversial Raw Win

WWE Hall Of Famer Signs New Legends Deal (Exclusive)

Dominic DeAngelo
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WWE Hall Of Famer Signs New Legends Deal (Exclusive)

WWE has ‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes donning the red, white and blue, but have a Hall of Famer returning to the company to hoist up ‘Ol’ Glory,’ tough guy! I can report exclusively for SEScoops that ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan has put pen to paper in signing a new Legends deal with WWE. Duggan has not been under a legends deal for several years so him signing a new contract opens him up for the obvious possibilities that come with it.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan

Duggan became a household name for WWE in the company’s ‘Golden Era’ and was ultimately inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2011. On an upcoming episode of ‘The Hacksaw Hour’ Duggan expressed his excitement for being on WWE games and apart of the their Mattel action figure line.

One man who will be excited to hear the news of Jim Duggan rejoining WWE is actor Matthew McConaughey. The Hollywood megastar has previously expressed that his favorite wrestler of all time is Hacksaw and McConaughey was at ringside recently for SmackDown at the behest of Kevin Owens.

WWE has kept busy in signing legacy talent under legends contracts. Most recently, the company finally got Demolition under deals which nearly felt impossible as the tag team was in a previous lawsuit dispute with the company. However, Demolition Ax (Bill Eadie) and Demolition Smash (Barry Darsow) are now back with the company and their odds of finally getting inducted into the WWE went up exponentially.

From WWE to Hollywood: Liv Morgan Discusses Her Acting Career

Michael Reichlin
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From WWE to Hollywood: Liv Morgan Discusses Her Acting Career

Liv Morgan has already conquered the WWE ring, and now making waves in Hollywood.

Despite signing a 5-year WWE contract extension in late 2024, she’s preparing for the next chapter of her career. Morgan is signed to Paradigm Sports Group and says she’s “auditioning regularly” for projects outside of professional wrestling.

During a recent appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, the multi-time Women’s world champion explained how her years in WWE have made her early transition to acting surprisingly smooth.

“When I got on set, it felt like I was doing a WWE backstage,” Morgan shared. “It dawned on me how much practice we get in WWE.”

Morgan, who played herself in Chucky and met Uma Thurman while filming The Kill Room, credits WWE for preparing her for the acting world.

“We only get one take in WWE, so we have to be on point,” she explained.

For now, Morgan’s sights are set on capturing more WWE gold. This coming Monday on Raw, she and Raquel Rodriguez will challenge Bianca Belair and Naomi in hopes of recapturing the WWE Women’s tag team championship.

She’s also earned a spot in the upcoming Women’s Elimination Chamber match, which could send her to the main event of WrestleMania in a match against longtime rival Rhea Ripley.

Learn more on Liv Morgan’s remarkable life story:

Liv Morgan: From Hooters Waitress to Elite WWE Talent

‘He Hugged Me’ – Road Dogg Clears the Air on CM Punk Feud

Michael Reichlin
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‘He Hugged Me’ – Road Dogg Clears the Air on CM Punk Feud

For years, Brian James believed he and CM Punk had a deep-seated rivalry—until Punk’s recent WWE return changed everything. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, James revealed the unexpected moment that made him realize the supposed feud was all in his head.

“For 10 years, I thought we hated each other. Turns out, he hadn’t thought a damn thing about me!” James laughed.

The tension stemmed from James’ perception of past backstage clashes, particularly during Punk’s early WWE run. However, when the two reunited, Punk greeted him with a hug, immediately breaking the ice.

James admitted that the moment taught him a valuable lesson about letting go of grudges and overthinking past conflicts. He even praised Punk’s new attitude, saying,

“He’s a different dude today. I told him, ‘Hey man, I really appreciate your attitude,’ and he said, ‘That’s the first time anybody’s ever said that to me.’”

The revelation highlights how wrestling’s backstage politics can sometimes be more about perception than reality. Now, James sees Punk as a valuable part of WWE’s locker room, proving that time can change even the most stubborn perspectives.

These remarks from Road Dogg echo what we’ve heard about CM Punk from several people who have worked closely with him, most recently The Undertaker:

The Undertaker on CM Punk: “He’s Actually Very Pleasant To Be Around, It’s Like a Different Guy”

Road Dogg Clarifies His Current WWE Creative Role

Michael Reichlin
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Road Dogg Clarifies His Current WWE Creative Role

WWE Hall of Famer Brian James is opening up about his backstage role with WWE. Admit reports that he just returned to SmackDown as a co-lead writer along with John Swikata, the former DX member addressed his job during a recent conversation on Insight with Chris Van Vliet.

“Honestly, dude, I’m a creative consultant, and that goes across the board when it comes to wrestling.

I don’t think I could be a creative consultant for IBM, but I can do it for WWE,” he joked.

James was previously SmackDown’s head writer, overseeing some of the brand’s most memorable moments. While WWE has scaled back its domestic live events, he remains in charge of creative direction for house shows and continues to work closely with Triple H and WWE’s writing team. He reportedly just

One of his favorite aspects of the job is crafting superstar entrances, working with production to make each performer stand out.

“Me and Hunter love to create together. We look at new talent and say, ‘What can we do with that entrance? What lights? What smoke?’”

James also praised WWE’s new era of creative freedom, describing it as a major improvement over past regimes.

“The old regime sometimes stifled creativity. Now, nobody gets shut down—it’s a free-flowing environment.”

With WWE continuing to evolve, James remains a key figure in shaping its future, proving that his contributions extend far beyond his in-ring career.

Road Dogg Opens Up on Sobriety: ‘I Was Trying to Die’

Michael Reichlin
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Road Dogg Opens Up on Sobriety: ‘I Was Trying to Die’

Brian James, better known as Road Dogg, has opened up about his battle with addiction and how sobriety saved his life. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the WWE Hall of Famer reflected on his darkest moments and the journey that led him to recovery.

“I was on a vicious cycle—wake up and do drugs, wake up and do drugs. I didn’t want to live like that anymore,” James admitted. “I wanted to die, but I was scared my kids would find me that way. Sobriety saved my life.”

James has now been sober for 15 years, but getting to this point wasn’t easy. He revealed that at one stage, he contemplated taking his own life, feeling trapped in a cycle he couldn’t escape. His turning point came when his brother confronted him after a show, leading James to seek help through WWE’s rehab program.

Looking back, James recognizes how much time he wasted on self-destructive habits.

“One of my biggest fears today is not being self-aware. I wasted so much time trying to die, and now I just want to live.”

Today, James is a key figure behind the scenes in WWE, helping shape the next generation of talent. His story serves as an inspiring reminder that change is possible, even in the darkest moments.

Road Dogg Reveals His WWE Booking Regret: ‘I Wanted Big E to Win at KofiMania’

Michael Reichlin
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Road Dogg Reveals His WWE Booking Regret: ‘I Wanted Big E to Win at KofiMania’

In a surprising revelation, former WWE SmackDown head writer Brian James admitted that he initially pushed for Big E to win the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 instead of Kofi Kingston. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, James reflected on the decision and why he’s glad he was proven wrong.

“I was wrong. I didn’t realize how deep Kofi’s connection was with the fans. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong,” James confessed.

At the time, James believed Big E was the best choice to be WWE’s next major star. However, a member of his writing team convinced him otherwise, pointing out the emotional investment fans had in Kingston’s journey. The moment culminated in one of the most celebrated victories in WWE history, with Kingston defeating Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship.

While James initially questioned the decision, he now recognizes that it was the right move.

“Kofi won the title at WrestleMania, and nobody can ever take that away.”

Big E would go on to have his own championship moment years later, proving that both men were destined for greatness.

Road Dogg Praises Triple H’s Leadership in WWE: ‘The New Regime is Like Google’

Michael Reichlin
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Road Dogg Praises Triple H’s Leadership in WWE: ‘The New Regime is Like Google’

Brian James has seen WWE’s creative process from all angles, and under Triple H’s leadership, he says it has reached new heights. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, James compared the current WWE regime to the past and praised Triple H’s vision for the future.

“The New regime is like Google—we’ve got ping pong tables in the production meeting room! Creativity flows, and no one gets shut down,” James joked, highlighting the new environment.

James noted that under previous leadership, creative ideas were often stifled, making it harder to innovate. However, Triple H has created an atmosphere where all ideas are considered, leading to a more engaging product for fans.

Road Dogg and Triple H

Beyond creative freedom, James credited Triple H’s ability to think both short-term and long-term.

“He has such a vision—right now and five years from now at the same time. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

With WWE’s storytelling at an all-time high and its production value continually evolving, James believes the company is in the best hands possible.

“He’s taken this industry into a stratosphere that wasn’t even thought about.”

Konosuke Takeshita, Taya Valkyrie Set For CMLL Debuts

Bishal Roy
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Konosuke Takeshita, Taya Valkyrie Set For CMLL Debuts

AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita and Taya Valkyrie are set to make their debut in CMLL as they have been announced for future CMLL events at Arena Mexico.

CMLL recently dropped video clip on social media on Wednesday night and announced that Konosuke Takeshita is scheduled for future appearance at an Arena Mexico show. CMLL’s weekly show takes place every Friday night in the iconic arena. However, the promotion didn’t reveal any dates for the Japanese star’s debut.

On the other hand, Taya Valkyrie will also be making an appearance for CMLL for the first time soon. In another video clip on social media, Taya Valkyrie, who is a former AAA regular, announced that she will make her CMLL debut on the Friday, March 7th show. She will be going up against Lady Frost in a World Women’s Tag Team title qualifying match.

Valkyrie is replacing Red Velvet in the match after the latter announced that she was unable to compete due to injury.

‘The Alpha’ will be putting his AEW International Championship on the line against Orange Cassidy on February 26 edition of AEW Dynamite. The winner of that match will defend the title against Kenny Omega at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view on March 9th.

The AEW International title picture has gotten interesting. On this week’s AEW Dynamite, Orange Cassidy defeated The Undisputed Era’s Roderick Strong in an International Championship Series Match to earn a shot at Konosuke Takeshita’s title next week. The series was announced over the weekend as Kenny Omega challenged Takeshita to a match at AEW Revolution. Next week’s outcome of the title match will determine which superstar Omega is going to face.

Liv Morgan Fuels Speculation About Jade Cargill’s Attacker

Michael Reichlin
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Liv Morgan Fuels Speculation About Jade Cargill’s Attacker

Is Liv Morgan responsible for the vicious attack that put Jade Cargill out of action for months? If you ask her directly, you won’t get a clear answer.

“In the history of Liv Morgan, there’s not been one time when I didn’t scream and brag about whatever I had just done,” Morgan teased on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast.

She backed up her position by asking, how much has she bragged about stealing Daddy Dom and retiring Becky Lynch? A lot.

Her response has only fueled speculation. While WWE cameras didn’t catch the culprit, Cargill was blindsided, leading to a brutal beatdown of Morgan on Raw.

 “I think that that beat down was highly, highly unwarranted, but I was there she was there and that’s all you get.”

If Morgan wasn’t responsible, she certainly paid the price for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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Naomi and Bianca Belair are shown footage indicating Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were responsible for Jade Cargill’s attack

The potential rivalry between the two could set up a major WrestleMania showdown. Morgan has already shown she isn’t afraid to take what she wants—could Cargill be her next target?

Morgan and Rodriguez challenge Belair and Naomi for the WWE Women’s tag team championship this coming Monday on Raw.

How 3MB Paved the Way for Raj Dhesi’s WWE Title Glory

Thomas Lowson
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How 3MB Paved the Way for Raj Dhesi’s WWE Title Glory

At Monopoly Events’ For The Love of Wrestling, Raj Dhesi spoke about his WWE run as Jinder Mahal and how his role in 3MB led to his unlikely WWE Championship victory. Dhesi shared that when he first heard about Heath Slater getting a band, he speculated who’d be cast. While he saw names like Johnny ‘Fandango’ Curtis and Jon Moxley as potential band members, the idea was not for him.

“I jokingly said watch all be in the band complete joke and lo and behold I found out that I was going to be a member of the band.”

Dhesi was distraught at the idea of being part of the comedy group, equating the idea to “career s*icide.” After this initial shock, however, Dhesi decided to embrace the role, for better and worse.

“You just have to embrace it and we actually embraced it too much where we thought we were legit rock stars which led to the downfall.”

The downfall in question saw Dhesi released in 2014, a setback that forced the wrestler to re-evaluate his life. After focusing himself on getting in better shape, Dhesi was rehired in 2016 and became WWE Champion the following year.

“Without 3MB, there would be no Maharaja, there would be no WWE Champion.”

Dhesi’s story highlights the importance of wrestlers embracing what they are given as even the most unlikely characters can rise up to become World Champion. With all three members of the band seeing success after the group’s split, Dhesi’s unlikely journey to the WWE Champion is a story that should inspire wrestlers on all rungs of the proverbial ladder.

Raj Dhesi On Future Wrestling Contract: “Everything Would Have To Be Right”

JBL Praises Jacob Fatu, Wants To Work With “Unbelievable” WWE Star

Thomas Lowson
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JBL Praises Jacob Fatu, Wants To Work With “Unbelievable” WWE Star

Jacob Fatu has caught the attention of many since his arrival in WWE in 2024, and John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield would love the chance to work with him. Speaking to Monopoly Events at For The Love of Wrestling 2025, the WWE Hall of Famer shared his amazement at Fatu’s work.

“Jacob Fatu to me is, just that kid is, a kid, I’m almost 60 so everybody’s a kid to me. [Fatu] is unbelievable. He’s unreal, how good he is. I’d love to work with Jacob Fatu.”

Fatu isn’t the only member of the extended Bloodline that has caught the eye of the former WWE Champion. In the interview, JBL also praised the rise of Jey Uso and shared that he hopes Jey becomes World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania 41. JBL has “loved him and his brother since they came in” and will no-doubt be YEETing along with countless others should Jey dethrone GUNTHER this April.

As for Fatu, his WrestleMania debut could see a showdown with Solo Sikoa in a match that could prove to be another pivotal turning point for the Bloodline. Time will tell whether JBL ever gets to work with Fatu, but with such a bright future, anything seems possible for the Samoan Werewolf.

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