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The Undertaker on Women’s Wrestling: “More Grit Than the Men”

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On his Six Feet Under podcast, WWE legend The Undertaker recently shared his thoughts on the evolution of women’s wrestling, highlighting its significant growth and impact on the industry. The WWE Hall of Famer had big praise for names like Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley, as well as storylines that have surpassed the men’s division in intensity.

Becky Lynch’s Breakout & Star Power

After her transformation into ‘The Man’ in 2018, Becky Lynch became one of the most popular women in wrestling history. As fans eagerly await the return of Lynch, The Undertaker had nothing but praise for the former WWE Women’s World Champion.

She blew up quick, super talented… she’s got the full package.”


Women’s Division Gaining Respect

WWE’s handling of women has changed dramatically throughout the Undertaker’s career, as for years, the female roster were treated as little more than eye-candy. Now, The Undertaker is pleased to see women not only be taken serious, but in some cases, are showing more intensity than their male counterparts.

“[There is] a little bit more grit than the men did... I think they kind of figured that out too and were like, ‘We got to step up our games.’”

Current Storylines & Rhea Ripley’s Role

The Undertaker’s most recent appearance for WWE came on Raw’s Netflix debut where he shared a moment with Rhea Ripley after her title victory over Liv Morgan. On the podcast, the Phenom pointed at Rhea Ripley’s feud with Liv Morgan, calling it one of WWE’s strongest rivalries, just behind The Bloodline. The Undertaker also had praise for Ripley, who’s dominance in the ring has helped her grow increasingly important in the company.

The Future of Women’s Wrestling

The future of WWE’s women’s division also looks to be in strong hands with names like Roxanne Perez, Giulia, Cora Jade, Stephanie Vaquer, Zaria, Kelani Jordan, and more tearing it up in WWE NXT. As for The Undertaker, his comments reflect the division’s transformation from an underappreciated attraction to a legitimate main-event staple.

Carlito on Judgment Day Pairing & What He Likes About WWE Today

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When Carlito saw his WWE run end 14 years ago, there was wonder if we’d ever seen “Caribbean Cool” again. Thankfully for fans the answer would be yes. The popular performer returned for a few appearances including the Royal Rumble in 2021, but the seeds for his current run were planted in 2203 during Backlash in Puerto Rico. 

Carlito brought the electric crowd to his feet when he made a surprise appearance during the Bad Bunny and Damian Priest San Juan street fight. The live reaction coupled with the social media buzz and the fact Carlito was still in tremendous shape certainly caught the attention of WWE officials. Fast forward to today and Carlito has been signed full-time and a part of the Judgment Day. 

“It was a weird pairing at first,” he said. “Everyone was asking what is Carlito doing with the Judgment Day. It’s kind of like a little family. We fight and have little in-fights but at the end of the day we love each other. At the end of the day, that’s the dynamic you see on TV.” 

Despite having a short segment or two some weeks, he maximizes his minutes. Something the second-generation talent learned to do as the well-traveled veteran. The 45-year-old takes pride in lending a hand to emerging members of the WWE roster. 

“The locker room is great,” he said. “I’m one of the elder statesmen now, which is weird. WheN I was first here, I was the younger guy. I’m one of the older guys, so it’s cool to help out and guide the new crop of talent.” 

Carlito has also appreciated the diversity across the board on the shows. Not to mention the true global reach. 

“I feel it’s an actual world company now,” he said. “We have talent from all over the place. We’re visiting more parts of the world now. Doing PLEs [all over]. I think it truly encompasses what [WWE] envisioned a long time ago. A world company.” 

At this stage of his career he has appreciated the little things like being in WWE video games. He notices the advancement, especially compared to when he first started with the company. 

“The graphics got a lot better,” he said. “My character looks a lot better these days. Definitely, a lot of advancement in that part.” 

As far as what he sees for his WWE career, for him, it’s about having fun. “I want to enjoy the years I have left,” he said. “Have a good time and hopefully ride off into the sunset.” 

Given his mindset and conditioning, Carlito is far from his last WWE apple. Speaking of which, if you’ve ever wondered what brand of the fruit the Raw superstar likes best, he isn’t picky. 

“They all work. They all spit pretty good. It doesn’t matter what color or brand.” 

Preorder “WWE 2K25” here. 

The Undertaker on Goldberg Match: It Was Ugly, I Stunk

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In a recent episode of his Six Feet Under podcast, WWE legend The Undertaker (Mark Calaway) candidly discussed his infamous 2019 match against Goldberg at Super Showdown. The match is considered one of the worst bouts in the career of both men, and served as a reminder that age was wearing down the legacy of both legends.

WWE had promoted the match as a massive occasion, as one of WWE’s biggest ever stars fought one of WCW’s top performers in their first (and ultimately last) collision. Despite WWE hyping up the match, The Undertaker admitted that he failed to deliver in Saudi Arabia.

“That Saudi thing was a little uglyI stunk the joint out, man.”

Challenging Conditions

Competing in a different country can prove to be a logistical nightmare for wrestlers who may be jet-lagged when they step in the ring. For The Undertaker, it was extreme heat in Saudi Arabia that made the challenging match even tougher.

“It was 9:00 at night and 98 degrees outside… You could chew the air it was so thick.”

Goldberg’s Reputation & Circumstances

The match did not help the reputations of either man, as fans who had loved the pair during their respective hey-days felt pity or embarrasment to see the in-ring farce. Despite the match’s failure, The Undertaker defended Goldberg, stating he was “thrust into something” and praising him as a “good dude.” At nine minutes long, this match was the longest Goldberg had spent in the ring since his 2016 WWE return, and a concussion early into the bout only made things more difficult.

Reflection on His Career

On the podcast, the 59-year-old Undertaker also reflected on the evolving nature of professional wrestling, admitting that he wouldn’t physically survive some of today’s high-impact moves. As for his one-and-only showdown with Goldberg, the match remains a low point in the Deadman’s career, and fans would see both men back in the ring soon after, hoping to wash the taste of this match away.

Ex-WWE Star Played Key Role In Alexa Bliss’ Royal Rumble Return

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Alexa Bliss made her stunning return to WWE as part of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match, over two years after her previous appearance for the promotion. As the #21 entrant, Bliss lasted eleven minutes in the match but didn’t score any eliminations before being thrown out by Liv Morgan.

Bliss’ return came after reported conflict between herself and WWE which had led some to believe that an agreement between the two sides would never be reached. Fans pleased to see Bliss back have Dean Muhtadi (fka Mojo Rawley) to thank, as Wrestling Observer Radio reports that he helped Bliss and WWE make amends, culminating in Bliss’ new contract.

Bliss had wanted a new contract but WWE had hoped for her to continue on her previous deal with time added. On X, Muhtadi, who represents Bliss as part of the Paragon Talent Group, shared his congratulations after her Royal Rumble return.

With Bliss back in the ring, fans are excited to see what’s next for The Goddess. Before her contract issues with WWE, there had been plans for Bliss to return on the January 13, Raw and do something with The Wyatt Sicks. Now that Uncle Howdy’s faction has been moved to SmackDown, it remains to be seen what brand Bliss will land on and who she’ll work with first.

Backstage Reason Behind Duke Hudson’s Release from WWE NXT

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Duke Hudson’s time with WWE NXT has come to an end, with the Chase U star reportedly being let go in January 2025. Now more has come to light about the abrupt exit of the former Tag Team Champion.

WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque made the call for Hudson to be cut, the Wrestling Observer Radio reports, as decisions like these are one of Levesque’s many roles. WWE’s Chief Content Officer did not see Hudson as a main-roster talent, despite having been under contract for six years. At 34 years old, time was also not on his side, resulting in Hudson’s WWE tenure coming to an end.

Duke Hudson in WWE

Hudson joined WWE in February 2019 and would debut at an NXT live event the following month under real name Brendan Vink. In March 2020, he began appearing on Raw as an associate of MVP, but their partnership would disband shortly after and Hudson would return to NXT.

Highlights of Hudson’s WWE career include facing Cameron Grimes in a hair vs. hair match at NXT WarGames 2021, a match that Hudson would lose. The Australian’s sole title reign in WWE saw himself and Andre Chase hold the NXT Tag titles for three weeks in late 2023.

Now, Duke Hudson will have to find a role for himself in wrestling outside WWE. As an NXT release, fans will have to wait for Hudson’s 30-day non-compete clause to expire before they see the Australian powerhouse back in the ring.

Natalya Challenges Masha Slamovich for TNA Knockouts Title Showdown

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The WWE-TNA partnership has promised years of crossover between the two promotions, with strides already being made with NXT stars appearing on TNA shows, now, one of WWE’s longest-tenured talents, Natalya, is coming for Masha Slamovich and the TNA Knockouts title.

In an interview with Contralona, Natalya made it clear she has her sights set on Slamovich and invited the champion to train in her Hart Family dungeon.

“Masha, I’m coming for your championship. That’s the cool thing about challenging you right now, Masha. I think you’re so talented. Listen, Masha, if you want to come down to the dungeon, this is an official invite for you to train. I’ll try not to kick your ass too much—but yes, that’s an invite.”

Natalya, a former Divas Champion, SmackDown Women’s Champion, and Tag Team Champion, isn’t the only WWE name with an eye on Slamovich. Cora Jade has also targeted Slamovich and has been making appearances on TNA iMPACT! While a title match has yet to be announced, fans can expect the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion in the ring with Masha soon enough.

With the TNA Knockouts division gaining increased attention, a match between Masha Slamovich and Natalya could mark a significant moment for the careers of both women. Fans will have to wait and see if this highly anticipated showdown becomes a reality.

Significant Update On Drew McIntyre After Royal Rumble Controversy

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Drew McIntyre’s frustration following his elimination from the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match wasn’t just about losing a WrestleMania opportunity, but it was also fueled by an overlooked moment early into the match.

Entering at No. 17, McIntyre, the winner of the 2020 Rumble, lasted nearly 27 minutes but failed to secure any eliminations before being tossed out by Damian Priest. While some initially believed LA Knight’s collision with Priest during the elimination caused McIntyre’s anger, reports suggest the issue occurred earlier.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, McIntyre was visibly furious backstage, loudly venting his frustration over LA Knight allegedly performing unplanned moves that disrupted the match flow. The delay affected the timing of McIntyre’s elimination, forcing a mid-match adjustment. Multiple people reportedly shared McIntyre’s frustration, making his reaction a significant backstage incident rather than a scripted storyline.

This situation has raised questions about McIntyre’s direction going forward and the nature of his relationship with WWE. Sportskeeda’s Dr. Chris Featherstone reports that frustrations with McIntyre have “cooled off” since the Rumble and things are “moving forward” between the Scottish Warrior and WWE.

As for Knight, it is yet to be known whether he will face any consequence for perfoming unplanned moves and disrupting the flow of the Men’s Royal Rumble match. While neither man was set to win the 30-Man contest, this incident has cast a shadow over WWE’s first PLE of 2025.

Bayley on WWE’s Women’s Division: “We Have Too Much Talent”

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Professional wrestling continues to evolve in unprecedented ways, from WWE’s groundbreaking partnership with TNA to the remarkable growth of women’s wrestling. During an interview with Adrian Hernandez for Unlikely this past weekend before the 2025 Royal Rumble, Bayley said:

“Dude, not even two years ago…we’re in this relationship with TNA that we have all these talented women in NXT people coming all around the world to be a part of this because it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

Bayley WWE Entrance (2025)

Reflecting on the women’s division, Bayley highlighted how far it’s come since the early days of the Royal Rumble.

“The crazy thing about Royal Rumble this year is that we have a good problem where we have too much women…compared to the first year we needed to bring in some Legends, we needed to bring in NXT talent, and now we’re in a place where we have too many talented women.”

What’s Next for Bayley After the 2025 Royal Rumble

Despite an impressive showing that saw her enter at number 12 and last nearly 47 minutes, Bayley’s quest for Royal Rumble glory was ultimately cut short by Nikki Bella. Throughout her time in the match, she engaged in memorable exchanges with several top competitors, including former rival Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and perhaps most notably, her former Damage CTRL ally Iyo Sky.

The tension didn’t end with the elimination, as Bayley and Bella found themselves in a heated post-match confrontation that called back to their previous clash at WrestleMania 37. Given the intensity of their exchange and their storied history, fans may soon see these two competitors reignite their rivalry in the weeks to come.

Joe Hendry Reveals John Cena’s “Challenge” After WWE Royal Rumble Debut

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Joe Hendry stunned fans with his surprise appearance in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, once again highlighting the partnership between WWE and TNA Wrestling. On the Ariel Helwani Show, Hendry shared his disbelief that his role in the match didn’t leak. Hendry also shared that he was able to receive advice from some of WWE’s very top sars, including Cody Rhodes and CM Punk.

“I said, ‘If you guys were me, how would you approach this?’ I got great advice. I have to tell you, I don’t know if he would want me to say this, but The Miz is awesome. These guys go out of their way to help you succeed.”

After three minutes in the match, Hendry was eliminated by Roman Reigns, robbing fans of a chance to see the TNA World Champion share the ring with John Cena. Hendry has been vocal about wanting to face Cena on the WWE icon’s retirement tour, though a match has yet to be announced. On the show, the Scottish star recalled speaking with Cena at the Royal Rumble.

“What he made clear is that, if I want that match to happen, it’s on my shoulders. I have to make it happen and I have to generate the interest to make it happen. It was almost like a challenge.”

Hendry is willing to put in the work to make the idea of a Cena-showdown “one of the most compelling matchups in professional wrestling.” Cena would also come up short in the Men’s Royal Rumble and would be the last Superstar eliminated by the winner Jey Uso. Now, Cena’s attention turns towards Elimination Chamber, but Joe Hendry remains eager to face the 16-time World Champion on the final year of the WWE icon’s career.

Logan Paul Turns On “Peanut Brains” in Cleveland After WWE Raw Booing

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Logan Paul was a part of the February 3, edition of WWE Monday Night Raw, and his presence would cost Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee their match with the New Day. When Cathy Kelley tried to speak with Paul after the show, Mysterio interrupted and shared some heated words with the Maverick.

Paul tried to defend himself, arguing that Mysterio pushed him first during the tag-team match. Mysterio bit back, stating that Paul had no reason to be at ringside for the match in the first place.

Logan Paul Turns On Cleveland

This week’s Raw took place in Paul’s hometown of Cleveland, but the former U.S. Champion wasn’t thrilled with the homecoming. Paul was resoundingly booed by the crowd inside the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and after the show, the Maverick shared his take on his fellow Clevelanders.

“Cleveland, they don’t recognize greatness. Because everybody is average… Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, full of average, which is why I left. Which is why they don’t appreciate me. They can’t see it, they’re too stupid for their own good. Peanut brains.”

Paul will be back on Raw next week where he’ll face Rey Mysterio in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match. Despite the frosty reception he received in his former hometown, the Maverick is looking to the future and a potential World Championship match at WrestleMania 41.

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

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Liv Morgan is heading to the Women’s Elimination Chamber match on March 1, and the former Women’s World Champion has Rhea Ripley to thank. During Morgan’s qualifying match with IYO SKY, Ripley’s anger got the better of her, and she struck Liv, resulting in a disqualification.

After Raw, Morgan relished in her victory, especially since it was her nemesis who guaranteed her victory.

“How dumb is Rhea?! Thank you so much Rhea. I know you’re so obssessed with me and you missed me so much! You help me beat IYO so I can win the Elimination Chamber and take back my Women’s World Championship. She’s obssessed, what the heck?”

Morgan will face five other women with the winner earning a WrestleMania 41 title opportunity. The winner of the Women’s Elimination Chamber match will face whichever main-roster champion that 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair does not choose to face. With reports of Flair vs. Tiffany Stratton circulating, it’s expected that the Women’s Elimination Chamber winner will face Rhea Ripley this April in Las Vegas.

Next month will mark Morgan sixth appearance in the Elimination Chamber, extending her record for the most times competing in the match. Though Morgan has three eliminations to her name, she’s yet to win the contest, and hopes to change that on March 1, and earn a WrestleMania title match in the process.

Watch: What Happened With Sami Zayn After Brutal Kevin Owens Attack On Raw

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Sami Zayn could not walk out on his own after this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

The post-Royal Rumble show began the build for the upcoming Elimination Chamber PPV with qualifying bouts. Zayn was involved in one of the two such bouts of the night, facing CM Punk in the main event of the show.

The Underdog from the Underground fought hard and did his best to defeat the former world champion. Unfortunately for Sami Zayn, it was CM Punk who came out victorious in the end, winning the bout with a GTS. The Straight Edge Star showed respect for his opponent after the bell by shaking hands.

What Happened After Raw

As the two stars were leaving the ring, however, a banged-up Kevin Owens appeared out of nowhere. Owens attacked his best friend from behind, inadvertently taking out Punk in the process as well. KO then continued his attack on Sami, delivering a brutal Package Piledriver to end the show.

While Owens left after the show went off air, Sami and Punk remained in ring. The medics came out to check on Zayn after the brutal attack. The former IC Champion could not walk out on his own in the end, and he had to be taken out on a stretcher as a concerned Punk looked on.

CM Punk and Kevin Owens had a heated promo battle on the January 31 SmackDown heading into Royal Rumble. Now this second interaction between the two suggests that the company might be planning a feud between the two in future.

Superstars Qualify For Elimination Chamber Matches On WWE Raw

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With the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE in the history books, attention now turns to the Elimination Chamber PLE, set to take place on March 1 in Canada. During this week’s Raw, several Superstars earned a spot in the Chamber, getting them one step closer to a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 41.

Liv Morgan qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match with a controversial victory over IYO SKY. Constant attempts at interference by Raquel Rodriguez would lead to Rhea Ripley coming out to attack her. After dealing with Raquel, Ripley mistakenly turned her anger towards Morgan and struck her in face, causing a disqualification.

On the men’s side of things, CM Punk earned his spot inside the Elimination Chamber match. In his second Raw match since 2014, Punk defeated Sami Zayn to earn his spot on the Toronto card. Punk joins John Cena, who declared for the Elimination Chamber during the post-Royal Rumble press conference.

What’s Next?

There’s still plenty of spaces to fill in the Elimination Chamber matches, and Seth Rollins hopes to be part of the Men’s contest. On Raw, Rollins shared that he will have a qualifying match against Finn Balor which will come in the next couple of weeks.

As for next week, fans will see Logan Paul and Rey Mysterio battle for a spot in the Men’s match in a rare TV showing for the Maverick. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria will also battle next week, both hoping to earn a spot in the Women’s Elimination Chamber contest.

The Undertaker Laughs At Hulk Hogan Getting Booed: “Things Come Back”

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Hulk Hogan was resoundingly booed during his appearance on WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix, despite the Hulkster stating that he loved the fans. Given his controversial past and this response, there have been renewed conversations among fans about Hogan’s place in modern-day WWE and his legacy as a whole.

On his Six Feet Under podcast, fellow Hall of Famer The Undertaker saw the funny side to this situation. Amid fits of laughter, the Phenom called the appearance an “ego pop” for Hogan, who was trying to promote his Real American Beer. When guest Justin Danger Nunle asked if he felt like giving Hogan a hug, The Undertaker laughed again before giving a resounding no.

While the Phenom was not in a hugging mood, he ws also asked if he felt bad for Hogan. The Undertaker suggested that the frosty reception Hogan received was karma for what’s happened in the past

“I got feelings. I got feelings for people, like sometimes in life, things come back.”

The Undertaker also appeared on Raw’s Netflix debut, where he received a more favorable response from the crowd inside the Intuit Dome. While both Hogan and Undertaker have expressed support for Donald Trump, the Phenom’s support of the 47th President wa not as pronounced as Hogan, who appeared at various events rallying for the billionaire.

Hulk Hogan Cites NWO Run As Reason Behind WWE Raw Booing

WWE has yet to have Hogan appear in front of a live crowd since Raw in LA, with video spots featuring the Hulkster also getting booed. It remains to be seen if WWE use Hogan in person again, as the once beloved babyface may be in store for another cold welcome.

AJ Styles Joins WWE Raw Roster After Royal Rumble Return

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AJ Styles made his return at the WWE 2025 Royal Rumble PLE, and now fans can expect to see him in action ever Monday Night. During a backstage segment on the February 3rd episode of WWE RAW, Adam Pearce confirmed that Styles is now part of the red brand and will appear on next week’s show.

Styles made his long-awaited return from injury in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Entering at #21, he went toe-to-toe with Roman Reigns, John Cena, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins, proving he hadn’t lost a step. As Styles was showing that he’s still got ‘it’ in the ring, his WrestleMania journey hit a roadblock when Logan Paul eliminated him.

Following his Rumble exit, Styles admitted he was embarrassed, saying in a WWE Digital Exclusive, “I don’t know if I’ll ever live that one down.” When interviewer Cathy Kelley pointed out that Paul also eliminated CM Punk, Styles tried to shake it off, responding, “Well, at least I’m not the only one dealing with this humiliation.”

It had been reported before RAW that WWE was considering moving Styles to the red brand. With his move to RAW confirmed, Styles has a fresh roster of opponents to face, including Paul, who moved to the red brand in January 2025. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on AJ Styles now that the former WWE Champion is officially part of the Raw roster.

Roman Reigns Expected To Be Out ‘For The Forseeable Future’

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Roman Reigns’ immediate future in WWE is uncertain following an attack by Seth Rollins after the Royal Rumble. The length of Reigns’ absence remains unknown.

On Monday’s Raw, Michael Cole provided an update on Reigns’ condition. However, instead of a detailed injury report, he relayed a statement from WWE’s medical staff confirming that Reigns would be out of action for the foreseeable future.

The situation stems from the Royal Rumble, where CM Punk eliminated both Reigns and Rollins. Afterward, Rollins launched a vicious assault on Reigns, culminating in a Stomp on the steel steps. Later in the match, Logan Paul eliminated Punk. Rollins took credit for injuring Reigns later in the show.

Reigns’ absence adds another chapter to a rocky several months in his career. In 2024,  Solo Sikoa had challenged Reigns’ leadership, which ultimately led to a split in the faction following Reigns’ hiatus after his WrestleMania XL loss to Cody Rhodes. Reigns made a shocking return at SummerSlam, attacking Solo Sikoa and seemingly turning babyface for the first time since 2020.

Reigns later participated in a WarGames match, where he helped his team secure victory over The New Bloodline this past November. With his status now uncertain, questions remain about when and how The Tribal Chief will return.

New Day Debut New Theme On Monday’s WWE Raw

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The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) debuted a new entrance theme on the February 3rd episode of WWE Raw ahead of their tag team match against Dragon Lee & Rey Mysterio. With their new music, the match ended with the heels securing the victory after a distraction from Logan Paul.

The group’s heel turn has taken them in a drastically different direction. On the December 2, 2024, episode of Raw, Kingston and Woods shockingly turned on their longtime friend and tag team partner, Big E, during The New Day’s 10th-anniversary celebration.

The betrayal made for an emotional and unexpected moment, generating significant heat from the WWE Universe.This change comes after The New Day abandoned Big E.

Since then, Woods and Kingston had been making their entrances without music, accompanied only by a chorus of boos. Their previous theme, “New Day, New Way” by Jim Johnston, featured an intro by Big E, making their recent shift even more symbolic. The group’s heel turn has taken them in a drastically different direction. 

Since the turn, The New Day has embraced a more serious demeanor, shedding their signature colorful attire in favor of a darker, more somber look. Other WWE stars, including Rey Mysterio and CM Punk, have publicly voiced their disapproval of their actions.

Duke Hudson Released By WWE In January

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Duke Hudson is no longer part of WWE after spending years with the company.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported that Hudson was released by WWE in January, though news of his departure is only now becoming public. The reason for his release remains unclear.

Hudson debuted under his real name, Brendan Vink, at an NXT house show in 2019 and made his televised debut in 2020, teaming with Shane Thorne. He also competed in EVOLVE Wrestling as part of the promotion’s partnership with WWE.

In 2021, he rebranded as Duke Hudson and participated in the NXT Breakout Tournament. By 2022, he had aligned with Chase University, becoming a key member alongside Andre Chase and Thea Hail.

Hudson won the NXT Tag Team Championship with Chase in 2023, marking his first title victory in WWE. However, Chase University disbanded in late 2024 following a loss to Ridge Holland, leaving Hudson’s future uncertain.

Before the group’s split, Hudson had been a consistent presence in NXT, showcasing his versatility and potential. His departure raises questions about his next move in professional wrestling.

CM Punk: I Want Somebody Hungry To Take My Spot

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CM Punk is looking for someone to step up and take his place in WWE.

Since his shocking return at Survivor Series 2023, Punk has reestablished himself as a major presence, engaging in feuds with top stars like Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre. He has also shared the ring with rising talent, notably facing Dominik Mysterio in his first match back at a house show in Madison Square Garden.

In a recent interview with Jackie Redmond, Punk reflected on the balance between mentoring younger wrestlers and maintaining his own competitive edge. He expressed his desire for a new challenger to emerge.

“The air I operate in is pretty rare. Obviously, the guys I’m competing against aren’t asking me for advice—they don’t care what I think. But there are others who do, or maybe they ask because they think politically it’s the smart thing to do. I’ve been open about my purpose here: I’m here to help people. The selfish aspect of it is that I can talk to a 20-year-old track and field athlete from NXT and learn something myself. It’s a two-way street.

At 46, I don’t know what ‘cool’ is—if I ever did. Maybe the younger talent can help me with that. In this business, you’re nothing without those who paved the road before you. It’s not a team sport; it’s a very selfish business. I don’t like talking about myself because it leads me to say things that feel egotistical, like, ‘I’m tired of pretending that half the locker room didn’t buy a pair of boots because they saw CM Punk wrestle.’

But I also see it as a powerful responsibility. I don’t want to treat the next generation the way some veterans treated me. It’s learned behavior—some veterans were hard on me because they feared I was coming for their spot. I want someone to be that hungry. I want someone to take my spot. Old lions don’t die of old age; they die from young lions. Eventually, that’s how the book of CM Punk will end. But I haven’t seen anyone man enough to do it yet.”

Punk’s journey in the 2025 Royal Rumble ended when he was eliminated by Logan Paul, adding fuel to his determination to stay at the top. He recently battled Sami Zayn in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match on this week’s WWE Raw.

Hulk Hogan Cites NWO Run As Reason Behind WWE Raw Booing

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Hulk Hogan was resoundingly booed during his appearance on the January 6, edition of WWE Raw, the first show to broadcast on Netflix. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Hogan admitted that he expected a hostile response, and believes his NWO days fuelled the fans.

“The last I ran hard in LA, I was a bad guy. I was Hollywood Hogan and riding dirty with [Kevin] Nash and [Scott] Hall, spray painting people and crotch chopping everybody.”

Hogan acknowledged that politics may have played a role in the response he received, but believes the appearance was still worth it. The Hulkster claimed that his appearance had “eleven billion impressions,” a number much higher than “some of the big starts that were on the card.

The WWE Hall of Famer did not touch on his racist past which many have cited as a major factor behind the hostile respone he received. On an earlier edition of The Pat McAfee Show, a parody of Hogan threw out the challenge to several African-American wrestlers. Mark Henry has claimed Hogan made no effort to make amends following his racist remarks that leaked in 2015.

The response Hogan received has renewed conversations about WWE’s use of arguably the biggest star in all of pro wrestling. While the Hulkster continues to make friends in politics, the frosty reception he received in LA shows that it may be a very long time before Hogan is in front of a WWE camera again.

WWE Completes Historic First Transfer Window: List of All Moves

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WWE has concluded its inaugural transfer window, marking a significant shift in how superstars move between its flagship shows. The window, which opened in December 2024, closed during Royal Rumble weekend on February 2, 2025.

Moves to RAW:

Moves to SmackDown:

  • The Wyatt Sicks bring their supernatural presence to Friday nights
  • The Miz returns to the blue brand after three years
  • Braun Strowman rejoins SmackDown’s heavyweight division
  • Damian Priest adds power to SmackDown’s main event scene
  • Zelina Vega strengthens the women’s division
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory transferred to WWE RAW
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory transferred to WWE RAW near the end of the first WWE Transfer Window

The new transfer system, modeled after professional sports leagues, allowed WWE superstars to negotiate moves freely between RAW, SmackDown, and NXT. This marks the first time WWE has implemented a formal transfer period, replacing the traditional draft system.

The transfers take effect immediately, with superstars debuting on their new brands in the coming weeks as WWE begins its road to Elimination Chamber and then WrestleMania 41.

Jey Uso On Royal Rumble Critics: “You Don’t Strap My Boots”

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Jey Uso’s Men’s Royal Rumble match victory shocked fans, with some sharing their issues with the decision on social media. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Jey was asked for his response to the negative response to the biggest win of his WWE career.

“You don’t strap my boots every week… I’m in the trenches like everybody else man, I don’t pay no mind to that. I don’t need none of that… There’s a lot of haters out there and they talk it because they can’t walk it.”

Uso’s victory came at the expense of top talent including John Cena who many fans had predicted would be winning his final Royal Rumble match. Instead, the 16-time WWE World Champion hopes a victory inside the Men’s Elimination Chamber match will lead him to a title match at WrestleMania 41.

What’s Next for Jey Uso?

With his victory, Jey has earned himself a WrestleMania main event, either against World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER or Undisputed WWE Champion (and former tag-team partner) Cody Rhodes. After the Royal Rumble, Jey said he was going to become World Heavyweight Champion, teasing a rematch with the Ring General.

Jey will be on tonight’s edition of WWE Monday Night Raw where he’ll no-doubt address his surprising victory. No matter what some fans may say, Jey Uso is ready to prove his ‘Main Event’ moniker by competing for a World Championship at WrestleMania 41.

Paul Heyman Blasts Seth Rollins Over Reigns Rumble Attack

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Paul Heyman has addressed Seth Rollins’ aggressive attack on Roman Reigns during the Royal Rumble, following a chaotic sequence involving Rollins, Reigns, and CM Punk.

Entering at No. 25, Rollins found both Reigns and Punk already in the ring. As the battle intensified, Punk seized an opportunity, eliminating both Rollins and Reigns while they fought near the ropes. However, Punk’s celebration was cut short when Logan Paul blindsided him, tossing him out as well.

The chaos continued outside the ring as Rollins viciously stomped Reigns on the floor before turning his attention to Punk. After a brief brawl, Rollins went a step further, delivering another devastating Stomp to Reigns—this time on the steel steps.

Image: WWE

Heyman Reacts to Rollins’ Outburst

After Pat McAfee shared footage of the post-elimination brawl, Heyman weighed in on social media, suggesting Rollins’ anger issues were reaching new heights.

“One could read this post as @PatMcAfeeShow calling @WWERollins an A-HOLE.

Considering Mr. Rollins’ actions last night at @WWE #RoyalRumble, I would suggest Mr. Rollins’ lack of anger management has been provoked enough!”

While chaos unfolded between Rollins, Reigns, and Punk, Jey Uso capitalized on the moment, delivering a shocking victory in the Royal Rumble match. He last eliminated John Cena, securing his spot in the main event of WrestleMania 41.

Penta Wants a Clash with WWE IC Champion Bron Breakker

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Since making his WWE debut, Penta has made an immediate impact with standout performances, including an explosive Royal Rumble showing where he lasted over 40 minutes before being eliminated by Finn Balor.

While he fell short of securing a WrestleMania main event spot (there’s always Elimination Chamber), the luchador has already identified his next challenge: Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker.

Bron Breakker
Penta eying the gold on Bron Breakker’s shoulder

Speaking with Between Two Beards for Love Wrestling ahead of the Royal Rumble, Penta praised Breakker, calling him “one of the best wrestlers in the world” and expressing excitement for a potential match.

“I like to face this kind of wrestler because it makes Penta more aggressive, more violent,” he said, adding that such a bout would be unlike anything WWE fans have seen from him so far.

Penta Rejects Rey Mysterio Comparisons

As one of WWE’s most high-profile masked luchadores, Penta has naturally drawn comparisons to Rey Mysterio. However, he made it clear that while he respects the Hall of Famer, he has no interest in being the next Mysterio—he wants to be the first Penta. In fact, he’s more than willing to go through Mysterio himself to make his mark in WWE.

With a fearless attitude and a “Cero Miedo” mindset, Penta is proving that he’s ready to carve out his own legacy in WWE, one hard-hitting match at a time.

Video: Penta Confronts Dominik Mysterio At Royal Rumble Media Day

Alexa Bliss Signs A New Long-Term Deal With WWE (Report)

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Alexa Bliss is back in WWE, and it looks like she’ll be with the company for quite some time. Bliss made her surprise return at the Royal Rumble over the weekend and received more than just a warm welcome.

Bliss signed a new multi-year contract just hours before her surprise return in the Rumble, according to an exclusive report by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select. Negotiations had been ongoing for weeks, but reports suggested a stalemate at one point. However, despite the hurdles, both sides reached an agreement at the last minute.

Fightful notes that WWE flew Bliss into Indianapolis on the day of the event, finalized the deal, and the rest is history. One scenario discussed for her return involved a singles match. The deal was facilitated by Dean Mutandi (formerly known as Mojo Rawley) and Steven Kaye.

Bliss had been away from television since 2023 after giving birth to her first child.

Alexa Bliss One Of Many Returns At Royal Rumble

Bliss wasn’t the only current star to make her way back to WWE courtesy of the Royal Rumble match. 2025 winner Charlotte Flair was previously advertised but actually was first seen back in the ring on Saturday. Both her and Bliss were in babyface roles. Another name to show back up in the Rumble is latest signee Jordynne Grace who got a great reaction after being a surprise entrant in last year’s Rumble

As for the men, AJ Styles was the major name to return from injury as he was ultimately eliminated by Logan Paul.