The competition on WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats) has intensified as the 16 aspiring superstars have been divided into four teams, each mentored by a WWE Hall of Famer. With The Undertaker, Booker T, Bubba Ray Dudley, and Mickie James leading the charge, the pressure is on for these competitors to earn a potential NXT contract.
Official WWE LFG Teams
Team Undertaker
Guided by The Deadman himself, this team features a strong lineup of competitors:
Bayley Humphrey
Elijah Holyfield
Tyra Mae Steele
Shiloh Hill
Team Bubba Ray Dudley
Under the mentorship of a hardcore tag team specialist, this team includes:
Zena Sterling
Tatyanna Dumas
Drake Morreaux
Brayden “BJ” Ray
Team Booker T
With a five-time WCW Champion at the helm, these hopefuls will look to make an impact:
Anthony Luke
Leigh Laurel
Jasper Troy
Penina Tuilaepa
Team Mickie James
The former Women’s Champion leads this diverse and determined group:
Dani Sekelsky
Chris Island
Sirena Linton
Troy Yearwood
With limited spots available in NXT, every competitor must prove they have what it takes to stand out. As the competition progresses, the stakes will only get higher, making every moment inside the ring crucial.
Ryan Nemeth has filed a lawsuit against AEW, Tony Khan, and CM Punk, in the latest chapter of the Best in the World’s controversial time with the promotion. Nemeth’s lawsuit was filed on February 14 in California. The complaint is for assault, breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and intentional interference with prospective advantage.
This isn’t the first time Nemeth has taken aim at Punk and his AEW tenure. In December 2024, it was reported that Nemeth had alleged the use of threats and harrasment in AEW which involved Punk. Fightful reported at the time that Nemeth had detailed these issues in a complaint dated September 12, and provided emails, texts, and call logs as evidence.
In the lawsuit, Nemeth makes a series of startling claims, including that Punk assaulted the Young Bucks “in early 2023.” This would come after the altercation at All Out 2022 that resulted in Punk, the Bucks, and others being suspended.
Nemeth alleges that in April 2023, he contacted AEW executives, concerned that Punk would return from suspension to assault him. He adds that despite this, AEW didn’t hesitate in bringing Punk back. Nemeth alleges that on June 21, 2023, Punk assaulted him, despite Nemeth’s efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Punk faced no punishment for assaulting Nemeth, the lawsuit adds, while Ryan feared being “benched” by AEW. The promotion’s attorneys assured Nemeth that this would not be the case, but it would be another two months before he was used in any capacity.
Nemeth adds that he learned that Punk had insisted that he be ‘benched,’ despite not having done anything wrong. The suit adds that when Nemeth was booked to return in August, Punk spotted him and fired off a text. Nemeth was informed shortly after that he would not be used.
When Tony Khan fired CM Punk in September 2023, the AEW President blameed Nemeth, the suitn adds. It is claimed that Khan and Punk have embarked upon a campaign to “blackball” Nemeth from professional wrestling. Khan has “used his significant resources to make sure that Nemeth can never again make a living in wrestling” the lawsuit adds.
Punk returned to WWE in November 2023, where his conduct has reportedly been exemplarly. While Punk is focused on this weekend’s Men’s Elimination Chamber and a potential title match at WrestleMania 41, the issues stemming from Punk’s AEW tenure continue to haunt the Chicago-Made Superstar.
I had no idea how big or fun the world of WWE cards was until it hit home while attending Topps Rip Night at Layton Sports Cards in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The Fanatics Collectibles’ Topps Rip Night welcomed sports trading card and memorabilia hobbyists, where more than 70,000 fans and collectors visit more than 600 hobby shops across 16 countries around the world. WWE superstars joined other pro athletes as they met and interacted with fans, took part in Q&As and ripped open some packs to give away. It gave me the vibe of a Free Comic Book Day, but upped a notch. Not to mention free food and drink!
Another thing I love about Rip Night festivities is it gives an opportunity for owners like Layton Sports Cards’ Rich and Sara Layton to give their store business a shot in the arm. The couple just opened this particular space as it stands in December, so a nice way to create awareness.
First, it was “Tiffy Time” as WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton hopped off a plane from SmackDown the night before in New Orleans to Central Florida to meet some of her biggest admirers. Much like a WWE show, there were fans in Stratton shirts and holding signs. One South Carolina couple even came after finding out about the event while in town for a cruise. Stratton got to work opening up packs and revealing the contents.
The champ was learning about things like gold refractor and parallel meant, She got a kick out of pulling her own card and “Trishy Time” Trish Stratus. A fun moment came when Rich asked who may have a “Tiffy Time” card within their packs. Without much luck, he then asked for her favorite and Elimination Chamber tag partner Stratus card. A fan yelled out, “Hey Tiffany, what do you think about Charlotte Flair?” She said, “If you have that, you can throw it on the ground and stomp on it.” He did it! Stratton then responded with, “He’s the winner right there.” The attendee got rewarded with some additional packs.
Next up was Sami Zayn, who reminisce about collecting hockey cards. Zayne brings such a welcoming presence I can liken to that of Mick Foley. Just a regular guy in an extraordinary profession. Fans also came with Sami signs with one wearing a classic El Generico shirt. I wonder what happened to that guy? Perhaps, still retired running an orphanage in a Mexican village.
After opening all the cards, Zayn offered to personally hand out the cards to those in the crowd. He also took time to take photos and autographs with literally anyone who asked. The staff was amazed how he dedicated so much extra time to doing something he wasn’t obligated to do.Just another reason why Zayn has such a deep-rooted connection to his fanbase.
Along Stratton and Zayn, later in the evening, Orlando Magic’s Anthony Black came for a visit. Elsewhere in Central Florida, Stratton’s and Zayn’s future opponents Charlotte Flair and Kevin Owens were across town for a similar event at Game Time Cardz in Winter Park.
Former WWE Superstar Victoria recently sat down with ‘From the Vault’ to reflect on her second Women’s Championship victory in February 2004. Victoria recalled being in tears after the match and reflected on what winning any championship in wrestling means.
“Every time you win the championship, you are getting a pat on the back and there’s a lot of pressure on you, but they know you can do it. It was truly amazing.”
Though Victoria walked into the match alone in 2004, she often worked with Stevie Richards during her WWE tenure. Victoria shared that Richards was often ready to help her, both on and off-screen.
“Stevie and I, amazing. He always gave me a pep talk in the backstage cuz I always self doubt. I’m just really hard on myself, and he always just looked me in the face. ‘You got this, you got this, you got this.'”
Victoria’s second reign with the gold, her first as a babyface, would see her defend at WrestleMania 20. Not only did she retain the gold at WWE’s biggest annual event, inside the iconic Madison Square Garden, but as a result of losing, Molly Holly had her head shaved.
Victoria recently joined WWE under a Legends Deal, leaving fans excited at seeing more from the veteran. Whatever comes, Victoria will never forget the profound effect that becoming WWE Women’s Champion had on her.
Miro has finished his time with AEW and the former TNT Champion has made a successful return to the ring after over a year on the shelf. During a Qatar Pro Wrestling event held on February 22nd in Doha, Miro took on fellow WWE and League of Nations alum Alberto El Patron.
This marked Miro’s first match since his bout against Andrade El Idolo at the AEW Worlds End pay-per-view on December 30, 2023. Despite a 14-month absence from the ring, Miro proved he could still compete at a high level.
El Mega Campeón de AAA, Alberto Del Río, fue el primer oponente de Miro en su regreso a los cuadriláteros y ocurrió en QPW en Doha, Qatar, como parte del súper evento SuperSlam III, el cual estará disponible desde el 2 de marzo por @FiteTV@QPWrestlingpic.twitter.com/WTSvnCYtPE
Miro joined AEW in 2020 and despite a strong initial push, would become less utilized from 2022 until the end of his tenure. In late 2024, it was shared that Miro had requested his release, but that his request was turned down. Miro was nevertheless let go in early 2025 alongside Malakai Black and Ricky Starks, the latter of whom has joined WWE NXT as Ricky Saints.
Whether Miro returns to WWE remains to be seen, though his ex-wife CJ Perry has teased Miro taking on Andrade, another AEW alum who’s since returned to WWE. Whatever’s next for the Bulgarian, Miro is proving that his absence from the ring hasn’t dulled his skills.
Sami Zayn has revealed how he felt taking the package piledriver from Kevin Owens again.
KO and Sami are no strangers to the move, as they used it a lot during their time in the indies. In WWE however, it had been banned for a long time due to its high risk. Owens has brought it back on TV recently since turning heel and both Zayn and Cody Rhodes have been on the receiving end of it in recent weeks.
The Ultimate Underdog was asked how he felt taking the move after so long during his interview with FN Barn Burner. The 40-year-old claimed that he felt things that he has never felt before when Owens delivered one to him during the February 3 episode of Raw:
“Oh my god. Yeah, different ball game. I felt things in my spine that I’d never felt taking that move. And you know, I used to take that move a lot in my early 20s. My entire 20s, actually, was just me taking that move pretty much. [It] felt very different at 40, no question.”
Sami Zayn was also asked if his relationship with Kevin Owens was damaged beyond repair or they could become friends again in the future. The former IC Champion noted that after doing this dance for many years with his real-life best friend, he’s learned to never say never:
“Look I’ve said before no and I’ve been wrong. So I don’t know, maybe I’m just being emotional when I’m saying ‘No no, this is it, this is it for real.’ and you know maybe 3-4 years pass, and you kind of start to overlook things. It’s just kind of how life is I feel. I don’t know, never say never. I’ve learned that by now. But I don’t know. Right now we’ve got an issue and it’s time to solve it.”
15 years after their first unsanctioned match at ROH Final Battle 2010, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will be going to war once again under the stipulation at the upcoming Elimination Chamber: Toronto event on March 1.
It’s been over 2 decades since the end of The Attitude Era but there are many fans who still begrudge WWE for moving away from the mature themes and eccentric programming of the time. Wrestling legend Mick Foley, however, believes that it happened for a good reason.
The Wrestling veteran recently had an interview with SportingTalk to promote his 40 years of Mick Foley show. During the interview, he was asked about the evolution of WWE and things being toned down since his active years.
The WWE Hall of Famer explained that in some ways the matches today are a lot better than past and there is a different kind of danger involved because of how fast-paced some of the moves are. He also discussed how the change was required for WWE to survive because even at the height of the Attitude Era they couldn’t get sponsors:
“When you say toned down, I think the matches are better on a whole than they’ve ever been. I see danger in a different way. I see things like the fast moves coming off the ropes are things that can hurt ligaments and things like that. So these really quick moves that require lightning speed and strength, they’re dangerous for your joints and your ligaments.
But also, I know how frustrated we were in the attitude era that our ratings were through the roof and we couldn’t get sponsors. Like nobody would touch us. So I definitely understand why WWE moved in the direction they did. They made it more accessible to people not only in United States but around the world. So worldwide wrestling and WWE has never been more popular. And then I think some of the superstars are making a lot of money. And they should.”
When asked if he felt he was undervalued or underpaid during his time in WWE, Mick Foley discussed how things could have gone either way had he come up in a different era. The former champion noted that he feels lucky that people remember him after all these years:
“Well, I’m never going to begrudge anybody who gets what they deserve. Yeah, maybe if I’d come along in a different time. But if I’d come along at a different time, maybe I wouldn’t have been utilized as well. I was kind of an outside-the-box type of wrestler and I was lucky that when I got to WWE the powers would be saw something in me and used me really well.
But I’m lucky that I can come to Manchester and have people waiting in line to see me. I mean I haven’t wrestled full time in 25 years. I seriously thought I had a 18-month shelf life before everyone forgot about me. You would have told me that I’d be making more money for a signing in Manchester than I did main eventing Madison Square Garden. I would have thought you were crazy.”
In WWE NXT, Sol Ruca has proven to be a star on the rise, but now the popular young Superstar could be waiting for a significant name change. Recently, WWE filed a trademark for Kaylx with the USPTO, a name that conveniently matches Sol Ruca’s real name of Calyx Hampton. On X, fans speculated that Ruca will soon be on the receiving end of a name change.
Man they're really changing Sol Ruca's name smhhh… WWE filed for the trademark "Kalyx" and her real name is Calyx Hampton. :(( #WWENXTpic.twitter.com/Tz8tTZQOHk
Calyx is Sol Ruca's shoot name so it looks like she might be getting repackaged to fit in closer with Zaria? I'm really happy with it. Haven't been a fan of the slapdash pairing especially when compared to the Meta-Four. Maybe that's just because I'm a Lash mark. ? https://t.co/2HlRf98GE5
In recent weeks, Ruca has been teaming with Zaria, who has been making waves since her arrival in WWE NXT in late 2024. After Ruca recently introduced Zaria to her surfing lifestyle, Zaria has teased introducing Ruca to her way of life, which fans believe could lead to a name change.
Whatever name Sol Ruca goes by in WWE, the young star has been off to a promising start. Though she is yet to hold gold, Ruca has challenged for the NXT Women’s and NXT Women’s North American Championship. In September 2024, Ruca challenged then-TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace, becoming the first NXT talent to challenge for the title.
WWE often changes the name of talent, just ask the recently-debuted Ricky Saints, and now many expect Ruca to receive a change, ironically to something closer to her real name. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Sol Ruca, and her future in WWE, whatever she is called.
WWE Superstar Angel Garza and his family are celebrating as they SmackDown star welcomed his new daughter into the world this week. On X, fka Twitter, Garza shared a photo of himself, his wife, his daughter Dara, and Dara’s new sibling.
After Garza proposed to his wife Zadie, a sports journalist, in the ring, the couple tied the knot in July 2020. Two years later, the couple welcomed their first child Dara into the world. Now, the family has grown and Garza, Zadie, and Dara couldn’t be happier.
The birth of Alia comes at a pivotal time for Angel Garza, who is receiving more of a showcase on WWE SmackDown. Garza and Berto have been circling the WWE Tag Team Championship picture, though are yet to compete for the gold. Nevertheless, working with teams including the Motor City Machine Guns and reigning champions DIY have left fans believing a title shot for Garza and Berto isn’t a question of if, but when.
We at SEScoops would like to extend our congratulations to Angel Garza and his family at this joyous time.
During the latest tapings of Impact, for an episode set to air on March 6, Femi was again part of the show, but his moment was cut short when Moose and the System stormed the ring. Both Moose and Femi held up their titles, and a winner-takes-all match has been set for the pair. That showdown will come at NXT Roadblock on March 11, from The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Regardless of who wins, this match will prove to be historic. Since TNA and WWE NXT began partnering in 2024, no wrestler has won a championship from the other show. That will change soon enough, as in addition to the winner of this match, Cora Jade hopes to become TNA Knockouts World Champion at Sacrifice.
As for whether it’ll be Moose or Femi who become a double champion, time will tell. One thing for certain though, is that NXT Roadblock in the Theatre at MSG will be the stage for arguably the biggest match in this multi-year partnership to date.
Female talents in WWE are not only frustrated with the creative direction heading into WrestleMania but they also feel insecure about their future in the company after the sudden release of Sonya Deville.
Deville’s run with WWE came to an abrupt end when officials told her that her contract would not be renewed earlier this month. This came as a surprise to the former champion as she had been in active negotiations with the promotion for a potential new deal.
Fightful Select in a new update noted that Deville had been told that she would be re-signed 4 days prior to the decision. So her sudden departure has made talents who are not being used much feel insecure about their spot in the company.
Female talents also feel frustrated at the lack of focus on developing contenders for the various titles and talents lower on the card not getting screen time. The issues are more glaring when compared to NXT where the women’s roster is given a lot more opportunities to develop characters resulting in the emotional investment of the fans.
Talents have also pointed out how a lot of the time the same names are featured at the top of the card and in the mid-card title scene as well, instead of lesser used talents getting the spotlight.
While the new regime gets praise for its focus on long-term storytelling from fans, the talents on the female side don’t seem to be benefiting a lot from it. According to the report, many have just been told that their time will come and asked to be patient when they inquired about their creative plans.
With The Rock making a last-minute return to insert himself back into the build for WrestleMania, the card will have to be shuffled around again. So it doesn’t seem like the concerns of the female division will be addressed anytime soon.
The Death Riders captured the AEW World Trios Championships at All In: London 2024 but fans have been far from impressed with their reign. In an AEW Digital Exclusive, Claudio Castagnoli, one-third of the reign champions, blamed AEW’s roster for why the titles are rarely defended.
“You wanna know why these titles haven’t been defended in over two, three months, huh?… That’s because the pool is so shallow when it gets to the level that we are at. It’s absolutely pathetic!”
Since winning the titles, the Death Riders have defended the titles just six times, two of these title defenses coming in February 2025. Prior to that, fans would have to go back to the November 7, edition of AEW Collision to see the championships on the line.
These sporadic title defenses have only the issue fans have with the Death Riders and AEW’s top storyline. Many feel the group lacks a clear creative direction, and that their mission to ‘reshape’ AEW has been too vague without clear goals. Fans have also taken issue to the faction briefly aligning with the Learning Tree, a somewhat comedic group that the ultra-serious Death Riders should, in theory, be opposed to in their mission to change AEW.
With a lack of clear challengers and a “pathetic” pool of talent, it remains to be seen how much longer the Death Riders hold the Trios titles. While the group is finally defending the titles more, the lengthy reign has proven an issue for countless fans.
Isla Dawn is far from finished in the world of professional wrestling, despite her recent exit from WWE. Taking to Instagram, the former Women’s Tag Team Champion reflected on her exit, the fan reaction to her departure, before making clear that she’s “not dead yet.”
“One of the sad facts of life is that you won’t hear all the good things people have to say about you until you’re gone. Everyone bottles up their emotions, only to pour them out over your lifeless body—just a little too late.
‘Oh my God, I’m gonna miss her. Oh my God, she was a champion. She was a star. She did not deserve this.’
Did I deserve it? No. But I did need it. I was bleeding out. This was pressure. I was crashing. And this—this is what revived me. My heart stopped on the table, but someone down there sent me back up, knowing it was not quite my time.
The White Witch is gone. The Unholy Enchantress, buried in the grave. A two-time tag team champion—ashes in an urn. But don’t grieve for me. Isla Dawn is not dead yet.”
Isla Dawn’s video caught the attention of several names in the wrestling world. NXT’s Kiana James shared a series of emojis to share her support for the video, while Scarlett told Dawn to ‘Get em girl!’ Samantha Irvin, who exited WWE last year, stated “Moves” and a fire emoji.
Dawn first made her mark in NXT UK, where she became a standout in the women’s division. In 2022, she transitioned to WWE NXT, where she formed a tag team with Alba Fyre. Highlights of her career include a reign as a NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, as well as Dawn and Fyre winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles in their native Scotland.
With Dawn’s 90-day non-compete clause in place, all eyes are on her next move and how she will reinvent herself. Given her talent and creativity, the possibilities are endless for the ex-Superstar.
Toni Storm is set for a Hollywood ending at the upcoming AEW Revolution PPV.
This week’s episode of AEW Collision opened with Mariah May attacking the AEW Women’s Champion backstage. May then dragged Storm onto the stage, holding the Women’s title in her hand.
The former protege laid out the Timeless star with a Storm Zero. Mariah then asked for the spotlight and cut an intense promo challenging Storm to a Revolution match:
“Look what you made me do. You never did know how to write an ending, did you? I guess I’m going to write one for you. I’m going to write it in your own blood. This is our spotlight; this is our moment. Let’s be stars together. At Revolution, let’s have a Hollywood ending.”
The match was later made official for the upcoming AEW PPV. Here is the update card for the show:
Steel Cage Match: Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher
AEW International Championship Match: Konosuke Takeshita (c) (with Don Callis) vs. Kenny Omega
Singles Match: MJF vs. “Hangman” Adam Page
AEW World Championship Match: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Cope
AEW TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Momo Watanabe
AEW Women’s Championship Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Mariah May
“Big Boom!” A.J. is also expected to be in action at the March 9 show but his opponent is yet to be confirmed. The AEW Revolution PPV will be taking place from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Former TNA X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey is officially headed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Bailey, who departed TNA Wrestling in late 2024, has been confirmed as the latest acquisition for Tony Khan’s promotion. A vignette hyping his arrival aired during tonight’s episode of AEW Collision.
The highly acclaimed Canadian wrestler, known for his dynamic striking ability and innovative offense, is currently finalizing his work visa requirements to perform in the United States.
Bailey’s impressive resumé includes three reigns as TNA X-Division Champion and a victory in the prestigious Battle of Los Angeles tournament in 2023. Many regarded him as one of the best wrestlers in the world during his 2023 run.
While awaiting visa approval, Bailey has been competing in select independent promotions across North America, including GCW, DEFY, and Pro Wrestling REVOLVER.
The wrestling world eagerly anticipates Bailey’s arrival in AEW, where he will undoubtedly bring his unique style and high-energy performances to an already stacked roster.
In the main event at QPW Super Slam III, Matt Cardona emerged victorious against Nic Nemeth to claim the QPW Middle East Championship at the Ladies Hall in Aspire Zone, Doha.
The match, which headlined the second night of the two-day wrestling extravaganza, had the audience on their feet throughout.
Cardona, who has been reinventing himself across various promotions since his WWE departure, adds another accolade to his growing collection of championships.
What a meet and greet yesterday for @QPWrestling! I can’t wait to wrestle tomorrow night in Qatar! Make sure to watch Super Slam III tonight AND tomorrow on @FiteTV! pic.twitter.com/16g3ZY6Oyn
The victory marks a significant milestone in QPW’s history, as the promotion continues to establish itself as the premier wrestling organization in the Middle East.
The match served as the finale to Super Slam III, which featured over 30 international wrestling superstars across 12 matches and 2 nights.
Former WWE superstar Nixon Newell, previously known as Tegan Nox, recently revealed the creative constraints she faced during her time with the company.
Some things are just out of your control and you can only do as much as you can. Let’s clear one thing up though. I’m ready. Ive been ready. Just have to show people what they’ve missed.
Speaking during a Highspots Sign-it-Live session on Facebook, Newell discussed how her on-screen persona differed significantly from her authentic self.
“This is me down to a T. I’m very emo pop-punk,” Newell explained, referring to her current appearance and style.
“The ‘Tegan Nox’ was so far removed from me, that I was trying to get this through but I just wasn’t allowed. They preferred me to be the ‘girl next door’ instead of tattooed-up punk kid.”
Her comments shed light on WWE’s character development process and their preference for certain character archetypes, particularly in their women’s division.
Newell’s revelation highlights the ongoing discussion about creative freedom and authentic representation in professional wrestling.
Matt Hardy says his brother Jeff Hardy wants to ‘right the wrongs’ with his WWE return.
The Hardy Boyz are set to make a return to WWE programming next week after years. The duo will be representing TNA Wrestling and face off against Tavion Heights and Myles Borne at the February 25 edition of NXT.
The Broken One opened up about his excitement about the upcoming appearance on his podcast. He revealed that the whole thing came together very quickly and he is not sure where it is headed:
“Really excited about this, man. All this stuff — even us popping up and responding to that challenge on NXT, that was a very last-minute thing. So it’s going to be interesting. It’s going to be fun.
I don’t know where this ride’s going. I really don’t want to know where this route is going in all capacities. Because I want, especially whatever we end up doing, I want everything to be as natural and as organic and as real as possible, as authentic as possible.”
For Jeff Hardy, the return would be a sort of redemption after his infamous walkout during a live event match that led to his WWE release in December 2021. After his failed AEW run, the Charismatic Enigma has expressed interest in making a return to the company in recent times believing that he could retire CM Punk before going into Hall of Fame.
Matt Hardy also revealed how his brother feels about the comeback claiming that Jeff wants to use the opportunity to show everyone who he really is:
“He’s very happy to be going back and I feel like he wants to right the wrongs, he wants to leave on a good note, no more erratic behavior. He wants to go back and show them who he is.”
The Attitude Era star expressed the belief that WWE waited this long to do something with The Hardys as part of the TNA deal because they wanted to see how Jeff fared in his TNA run.
The Rock has revealed the wrestling moment that almost made him quit the business.
The Great One’s misadventures as Rocky Maivia is a well-known chapter of wrestling history. Despite being pushed as a babyface in his early days, the fans did not connect with The Hollywood star’s first wrestling persona at all. WWE put the IC title on him only a few months after his debut in February 1997, but the fans kept booing him out of the building everywhere he went.
The People’s Champion remembered this time when asked about a moment that broke his spirits during the post-SmackDown press conference. He specifically remembered getting booed out of the building during his WrestleMania 13 match with Rikishi:
“I go into WrestleMania in Chicago at the Horizon at that time. It was sold out and I was the Intercontinental champion. And that entire arena booed me and they were chanting Rocky sucks. And it was very hard. I was just a kid, but also, I was what’s called a babyface, in wrestling binocular you’re a good guy. You’re not supposed to get booed.
That place, they [booed the shit out of me] that night. So much so I remember being on the mat and the guy I was wrestling was called the Sultan. He’s actually a family member of mine. He’s my cousin Rikishi. I remember him holding me in this wrestling move and he goes, ‘Don’t worry about it. Don’t listen to them, it’s okay.’ Meanwhile, there’s 15,000 people chanting ‘Rocky sucks.’ It’s like, man.”
The Rock revealed he was making $150,000 per year at the time and didn’t have a lot of money left over after paying his taxes and various bills. When Vince McMahon decided to take the title off him after his WrestleMania match, he seriously considered switching careers to MMA:
“So then that was a big turning point for me. That was in March of 1997. And you think a year earlier I was, I just got cut from the CFL, the Canadian Football League. I had no money; I had seven bucks. Now I’m champion and everything is supposed to be amazing and I was getting booed out of the building.
Then that was at WrestleMania. That was my WrestleMania moment. After that night, I had a meeting with Vince. He said ‘Things aren’t working out. I’m going to take the title off you.’ A week later I got hurt. I tore a ligament in my knee. He said you got to go home. I went home for the rest of the summer and I didn’t know what I was going to do.
In that summer, I thought ‘Man I’ve got really no money. I’m getting booed out of the building. I went to WrestleMania. I don’t know what to do.’ At that time I thought maybe I should consider a career in MMA. At that time there was a company called; it was called Pride in Japan. They were making a lot of money and I thought maybe I should do that.”
Thankfully, The Rock did not pull the trigger on this career change. When McMahon decided to bring him back as a heel, the former world champion asked to be given 5 minutes of promo time. Vince only agreed to give him 2 minutes and that became the turning point of his career.
“We were going to be part of the Super Bowl and make the announcement at the Super Bowl. We had a couple of hiccups that we couldn’t make that happen.”
The Rock didn’t share what “hiccups” came in WWE’s way, but the Super Bowl did feature plenty of wrestling involvement. Vince McMahon made a rare public outing to attend the game and was joined by The Undertaker and his son Shane McMahon. WWE Hall of Famers The Bella Twins were spotted with Britt Baker, leading fans to speculate as to Baker’s future, months after her most recent appearance for Tony Khan’s promotion.
Plans remain scarce for WrestleMania 42 but The Rock’s involvement on this week’s SmackDown has led many to speculate that he will have a role with WrestleMania 41 this April in Las Vegas. With an appearance at Elimination Chamber confirmed, fans can expect to see much more of the Final Boss very soon.
Lawyers representing Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis have formally opposed Janel Grant’s amended lawsuit, which accuses McMahon of sexual abuse and trafficking. On Friday, February 21, legal teams for the defendants filed motions in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut challenging the amended complaint by Grant’s attorneys filed last month.
McMahon’s counsel, Jessica Rosenberg, contended that the revised lawsuit was filed in “bad faith.” She added that Grant should adhere to the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) she signed prior to initiating the original lawsuit.WWE’s legal representatives argued that the amended complaint did not counter their argument that this matter should be resolved through private arbitration. WWE, McMahon, and Laurianaitis have all argued for arbitration.
Grant’s amended filing introduced new evidence and allegations, asserting that certain WWE personnel were aware of McMahon’s alleged misconduct and participated in its cover-up. While her original lawsuit against WWE, Laurinaitis, and McMahon, was 68 pages in length, the amended version is now at 101 pages.
Janel Grant’s battle with the three parties has gained widespread attention, especially after Brock Lesnar was named in the updated complaint. The amended filing alleges alleges that McMahon attempted to involve Lesnar in the alleged misconduct against Grant.
McMahon stepped down from WWE in January 2024 though has denied all claims of wrongdoing, instead insisting that he and Grant had a consensual relationship. Stay tuned for updates on this case and the wider effects it could have on WWE and the wrestling world.
The Rock’s beef with Cody Rhodes may not culminate with a match between the two, according to the Final Boss. Speaking after his appearance on WWE SmackDown, The Rock shared his mentality when it comes to going one-on-one with the American Nightmare.
“The Final Boss and Cody Rhodes, it’s not about the WWE title, it isn’t about a match, it isn’t about bleeding or anything like that that’s part of our world. It never has to culminate into a match.“
The Rock shared that the fact that his feud with Rhodes is so ‘personal’ that it may not end with a match is a “very special place” from a creative standpoint. The Brahma Bull is ready to have “fun” with Rhodes, even if a match isn’t in the works, and The Rock also highlighted that this angle gives the chance to develop “creatively, character-wise.”
The Rock’s comments about a match, or lack thereof, contrast greatly with early plans for WrestleMania 41. While for a time, a match between the two seemed a guarantee, it now appears that the pair’s WrestleMania 40 tag match will be the only time the two lock horns in a match.
On SmackDown, The Rock said he wants Cody’s soul, and in essence, intends for the American Nightmare to work under him and do his bidding. The Rock has given Rhodes until Elimination Chamber to give an answer, an event that The Rock will be in attendance for.
Elimination Chamber will also see Rhodes learn who he’ll face at WrestleMania 41, but with The Rock’s involvement, fans can’t count out meddling from The Final Boss. No matter what’s to come, WWE Elimination Chamber will prove to be a pivotal point on Rhodes’ road to WrestleMania.
Alexa Bliss made her return at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble, and now the Goddess of WWE has shared her big plans. After a two-year absence, Bliss is back, and is ready to take control.
The February 21, edition of WWE SmackDown included a video segment with Bliss, where she reflected on her time away. She acknowledged that while the faces in WWE may have changed, she remains the same. She also emphasized her experience with the Elimination Chamber, reminding everyone that she’s won the match before. Bliss then promised her opponents in next weekend’s Women’s Elimination Chamber match a “hell they haven’t experienced before.”
Bliss ended by declaring that SmackDown’s women’s division belongs to her and that she’s in charge. The segment featured glitchy cuts, similar to what fans have seen from The Wyatt Sicks. Fans have already begun to speculate that Bliss’ comment about being in charge could be hinting at a major role with Uncle Howdy’s faction.
Alexa Bliss hablando de sus inseguridades… y de que la Elimination Chamber va a ser como un patio para ella. Recordando cómo ganó la primera Chamber femenina de la historia… y dejando entrever ese personaje diabólico. #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/i8bXAZ6oz6
The Wyatt Sicks have seemingly taken an interest in Bliss, with the group interrupting Bliss’ promo during the Februrary 14, edition of SmackDown. Since the group arrived in WWE, it had been speculated that Bliss would join, and now fans can expect a major role for the former WWE Women’s Champion going forward.
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus was a part of the February 21, edition of WWE SmackDown, but the Canadian legend was left hurting in New Orleans. On the show, Tiffany Stratton defeated Candice LeRae, but was attacked by Candice and Nia Jax after the match. Though Stratus made the save, Nia and Candice were able to get the upperhand on the WWE Hall of Famer and WWE Women’s Champion. The segment ended with Jax laying out Stratton and Stratus with an Annihilator.
Tiffany Stratton VENCE a Candice LeRae con el Prettiest Moonsault tras que Nia Jax la intentase atacar en ringside, para hacerlo justo después en el ring. Un combate que ha tenido siu tiempo y en el que Tiffy tenía que ganar.
Stratus’ appearance comes ahead of her return to the ring at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025, where she will team with Stratton in tag-team action. The show will take place in Trish’s home town of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on March 1.
Stratus’ most recent match was as part of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match which was on by Charlotte Flair, Stratton’s WrestleMania 41 opponent. Whether she competes at Elimination Chamber or not, Stratus remains one of WWE’s most iconic women, and continues to have the fans on her side.
The Final Boss made his WWE return at tonight’s SmackDown from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. As expected, he first announced WrestleMania 42 returning to New Orleans in 2026.
The Great One then called out the Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes. When the champ came out, Rock first discussed how the two have become friends after their WrestleMania encounter last year and shared a drink at Raw’s Netflix premiere.
Things took an interesting turn after this, however, as The Hollywood star reminded Cody that he was a TKO board member and owned everything. He then presented an offer to the American Nightmare.
The Rock declared that he wanted Rhodes to be ‘his champion,’ claiming that it would help the former AEW star become an even bigger superstar than the Great One himself. The megastar gave Cody some time to think about his offer, declaring that he’ll return at Elimination Chamber for his answer.
The segment ended with the 52-year-old pointing at Cody saying that he wanted to own ‘it.’ When Rhodes mistook it for his championship belt, Rock clarified that he wanted to own Cody’s ‘soul.’
What being The Rock’s champion would mean for Cody Rhodes is unclear. We’ll have to tune in to Elimination Chamber from Toronto on March 1 to find some answers.
