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The Undertaker Had Heart Surgery Right After WrestleMania 41

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The Undertaker had to go straight to the ER after WrestleMania 41.

The Dead Man relaunched his Six Feet Under podcast on WWE’s official channel with his wife, Michelle McCool. The husband & wife duo talked about McCool’s days in WWE development, their current favorites in WWE, and more.

During the episode, the former Divas Champion also revealed some previously unknown details about the health struggles of The Undertaker around the time of WrestleMania 41. The female star who was inducted into the Hall of Fame during the PPV weekend mentioned how she was distraught the whole time.

Michelle discussed how many people thought it was because of her induction. In reality, she was worried about the Phenom, who ended up in the hospital on the day they returned from the Mania trip:

“I felt like when people would come up to me and congratulate me and be like ‘how you doing,’ and I am almost in tears. [I would say] I’m okay, but they could tell I wasn’t ok. They thought it was probably just because of the speech.

No, it was because of the heart issues you had been having weeks prior, which by grace of God we found out just by a God thing. But it ended up being terrifying. The day we got home from WrestleMania, the next morning at 6 a.m., we were at the hospital for a little bit of heart surgery.”

The Old School Mentality: Michelle McCool

Michelle McCool later revealed more details on the situation. Per the former champion, Taker was diagnosed to be living with chronic atrial fibrillation (AFib) for an unknown period after he underwent a heart exam in March. His heart’s ejection fraction was recorded to be only 30%.

The Attitude Era star was first given some medicines that didn’t work. Two weeks before Mania, he had to be admitted to the hospital for four nights, where he underwent cardioversion to restore normal heart rhythm. The fix, however, was short-lived, and the AFib was back within days. Taker was dealing with issues like unstable heart rate and low blood pressure over the PPV weekend:

“We were in the hospital for four nights, two weeks before WrestleMania. Yeah, you weren’t supposed to go [to Vegas]. That’s that old school mentality. I’m not mad at it, because I’d probably be the same patient, but it was terrifying.

I couldn’t focus on anything else. All I wanted to focus on was you, your heart, getting you in with the best cardiologist, which we eventually did, but that took a lot of phone calls, several nights in the hospital, lots of doctor visits, and by the grace of God, yes, you are here, but out of the words of the doctor himself, it could have turned out badly, have we not found it that day.”

Thankfully for the Hall of Famer, the second procedure was a success, and Undertaker noted that he is doing well now.

Nikki Bella Reveals Advice From Fellow Veteran Before Raw return

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Nikki Bella has revealed the advice she got before her WWE return.

The Hall of Famer talked about her return to WWE programming on this Monday’s Raw on the latest episode of the Bella Twins podcast. She discussed things such as mispronouncing Stephanie Vaquer’s name, why she felt like it was the right time for her return and more.

Speaking about the day itself, Brie asked her sisters about the best advice she got beforehand. Nikki Bella revealed that the advice came from fellow veteran Natalya, who told her to just speak from her heart instead of relying on the script:

“Nattie was the one who like, because she saw me looking at my script and she goes, ‘No, speak from the heart,’ and she went in on this whole thing about speaking from the heart.

She’s like, ‘You know what you’re here to say. You don’t need that. You know what you’re here to say and you get to that.’ Nattie’s always the best in that way. She knows us so well.”

Nikki Bella also revealed that Kairi Sane helped her out too. On the Japanese star’s insistence, she prayed to God before going out, asking to be able to connect with fans authentically.

The wrestling veteran’s return was interrupted by current Women’s tag team champion Liv Morgan. Reports suggest Brie Bella is not happy about the same and she is planning her own return soon. You can check out more about it here.

Isla Dawn Warns Of Imposter Scamming Fans Online: ‘I Hate It’

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Isla Dawn is sharing a warning to fans not to send any money to a social media account claiming to be her. On X, the real Dawn shared a screenshot of her imposter, who is offering the “latest merchandise” and the opportunity for fans to send a tip. Dawn dubbbed the fake “weird” and warned fans, saying “don’t send this person any money.”

Scammers assuming the identity of wrestlers, often female talent, is sadly nothing new. A scammer used Alexa Bliss’ identity to con Alfred Mancinelli out of $1 million, as well as his granddaughter’s college fund. Mancinelli’s son later shared that his father would have kept giving away his money to the scammer had he not passed away.

For anyone who falls victim to the fake Isla Dawn, it’s almost certain they’ll never see any merchandise or any benefit to giving a tip to the profile. Dawn’s warning serves as a reminder to always be wary with those one meets on the world wide web.

Trish Stratus Joins Cathy Kelley for Karate Ghost Comedy Movie

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Trish Stratus has joined the cast of a new movie in the works, a role that could see her share the screen alongside WWE correspondent Cathy Kelley. Stratus will be a part of the upcoming action-comedy Karate Ghost which is currently in production in Stratus’ native Canada. A press release reads:

Trish Stratus stars as Susan Fanshawe, an overenthusiastic pageant-queen-turned-karate-mom whose obsession with martial arts puts her daughter’s dreams in a chokehold. Think a pom-pom-wielding Miss America, with a black belt.

Karate Ghost is set to have a festival premiere and theatrical release slated for early 2026. The film will also feature David Koechner (Anchorman, The Office), and Steve Howey (Shameless, True Lies), and Jim Belushi among a stacked cast of actors.

For Stratus, this is her latest role outside the ring, as she has been in multiple films and served for three seasons as a judge on Canada’s Got Talent. It remains to be seen if she gets to share her karate skills against Kelley in the upcoming film.

Cameraman Stu Needs Haircut After Logan Paul’s Gum Mishap

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WWE Superstars are known for changing up their looks from time to time, but now Stu the cameraman has otten a haircut, thanks to Logan Paul. In his latest vlog, Paul discussed a recent entrance from SmackDown where he was supposed to throw a piece of gum at the camera lens, only for it to catch Stu instead.

“Stu, I could not believe what I was seeing with my own eyes… I couldn’t show remorse in the moment because I was walking down the aisle.”

Paul had the chance to speak with Stu during his vlog. When Paul asked why Stu didn’t just take the gum out, the veteran WWE camera operated fired back, sharing “That’s why I got the friggin’ haircut!”

Stu is the one who holds the camera, but has become quite the star in his own right. Prior to his heel turn, John Cena would often address Stu when speaking directly to the camera, resulting in fans wanting to learn much more about the cameraman.

Fans may never see Stu’s haircut, but he has a new look thanks to Logan Paul, a look he clearly isn’t ready to embrace just yet.

RVD And Katie Forbes Announce Pregnancy

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ECW Legend RVD is expecting his first child.

The wrestling veteran’s wife, Katie Forbs, made the announcement on social media late on Thursday. The duo posted a photo together, holding WWE-branded children’s clothing. Forbs noted that the baby Van Dam would be coming in 2026:

“You know life is interesting, we lost Sabu recently of course. I feel like a big part of me was lost when we lost Sabu,” said RVD, “Because he was part of me. He helped create me, make me who I am. And the universe has a funny way of balancing out.”

The former ECW champion began dating Katie back in 2016, after separating from his first wife, Sonia Delbeck, in 2015. The couple would initiate divorce proceedings in 2016, and it was finalized in 2018.

RVD, real name Robert Szatkowski then married Forbs, who is also a professional wrestler, in 2021. The wrestling couple has several joint ventures, including OnlyWrestlers, a wrestler exclusive platform similar to OnlyFans.

First gaining popularity through his work with the original incarnation of ECW in 90s, RVD has since worked for almost all major wrestling promotions of his time.

Apart from his long stint with WWE in early 2000, the Hardcore star has had runs with promotions such as TNA wrestling, Pro Wrestling Noah and All Japan Pro Wrestling. Van Dam has been brought in for multiple appearances by AEW since 2023 as well.

The former champion is not officially retired but he only makes sporadic wrestling appearances. He has wrestled only one match in 2025, competing in MLW’s 40 Man Battle Riot VII back in April.

Terri Runnels Reveals Near-Death Experience During WWE Match

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Terri Runnells is better known as a manager than a wrestler, but one match nearly marked the end of the former Marlena. Speaking with Ring the Belle, Runnels recounted a frightening moment from a 2002 Monday Night Raw “fluff match” against Stacy Keibler which saw her get tarred and feathered with a combination of syrup and feathers.

“The mistake I made was trying to take a breath before the syrup hit. Oh my god. I opened my mouth to breathe—and it all came in. The syrup coated my throat.”

Having her throat drenched in syrup made things difficult for Runnels, and things went from bad to worst once the feathers came into play.

“When the little pin feathers from the feather pillow hit, they went straight into my throat. Every tiny feather stuck because of the syrup. I couldn’t breathe. I thought, ‘I’m going to die on live television.”

Runnels described the situation as “God awful” but made it through the show and continues to live to this day. Fans continue to be relieved that the incident didn’t end in tragedy and she would remain with WWE for another year or so before pursuing opportunities outside of the promotion.

Nikki Bella Confirms Extended WWE Return, Not A One Off

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Nikki Bella made her WWE television return during the June 9th edition of Monday Night Raw and fans can expect to see much more of her. Speaking with PEOPLE, Bella revealed that this comeback won’t be limited to a single appearance, as is often the case with WWE Hall of Famers.

“You’ll definitely see me for a bit,” Bella said. “It’s not a quick in and out.”

The WWE Hall of Famer has not competed inside the ring since her appearance at the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Now, with a major storyline unfolding opposite Liv Morgan, fans are eagerly anticipating their upcoming clash at the Evolution 2 Premium Live Event.

Nikki Bella clearly aims to prove she can still perform at a high level. Whether she competes beyond Evolution 2 remains to be seen, but fans can expect plenty from the former Divas Champion.

Watch: Tiffany Stratton Throws Wild First Pitch At Mets Game

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Tiffany Stratton’s first pitch did not go as planned.

The current WWE Women’s World Champion was present for a New York Mets baseball game at Citi Field, wearing the custom WWE Mets championship instead of her world title.

The female star threw the honorary first pitch before the game, though she missed the mark completely. The ball was too far away from the catcher and it almost landed on a cameraperson

Tiffany Stratton is not the first celebrity to botch the ceremonial first pitch. Back in 2014, rapper 50 Cent made a similar mistake, with his pitch going nowhere near the catcher.

Making her SmackDown debut in February 2024, Tiffany quickly secured her position in the main roster. The fan reaction for her at the Elimination Chamber: Perth event, only weeks after her main roster debut, first ensured that the 26-year-old was booked like a top star.

This led to the former NXT Women’s champion winning the Women’s Money In The Bank match later that year and aligning herself with the then-champion Nia Jax.

After teasing it for months, she finally turned on Jax during the January 3 episode of SmackDown this year. She cashed in her guaranteed contract on her former best friend and has held the title since then.

Jade Cargill Set for Acting Debut in Action Thriller ‘True Threat’

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WWE Superstar Jade Cargill is making the leap from the squared circle to the silver screen, landing her first major acting role in the upcoming action thriller “True Threat” opposite Jonathan Majors.

The film follows Special Forces operative Vernon Threat, who returns home seeking justice after his teenage son is murdered by Harlem’s Apollo Kids gang. Threat infiltrates The Carter, a twenty-story project building controlled by the gang, and fights his way toward a confrontation with its leader and his former mentor, Shallow.

Deadline reports Cargill will portray Meeka, a key lieutenant in the Apollo Kids and one of the film’s central antagonists. Her character controls the building’s red light district and operates as a power broker inside The Carter, positioning her as a significant force in the story rather than a typical wrestler cameo appearance.

From WWE Champion to Hollywood Antagonist

The casting represents a strategic career expansion for Cargill, who has established herself as one of WWE’s most dominant performers since joining the company. Known for her imposing presence and athletic prowess in the ring, Cargill’s transition to playing a complex antagonist role showcases her versatility beyond professional wrestling.

The role of Meeka appears tailor-made for Cargill’s skill set, combining her natural commanding presence with the opportunity to explore dramatic acting. As a power broker character who controls territory within the gang’s stronghold, the role offers substantial screen time and character development opportunities.

Joining the Wrestling-to-Hollywood Pipeline

Cargill joins a growing list of WWE superstars who have successfully transitioned into acting careers. Her casting in “True Threat” follows the Hollywood success of wrestlers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista, who have all leveraged their wrestling personas into major film careers.

The action thriller genre provides an ideal launching pad for Cargill’s acting debut, allowing her to utilize her physical capabilities while developing her dramatic range. Working alongside established actor Jonathan Majors also positions her to learn from an experienced performer in a high-profile production.

The film’s setting in Harlem’s project buildings and focus on gang warfare creates an intense urban thriller environment that should showcase both Cargill’s physical presence and acting abilities as she takes on her first major antagonist role.

Production details and release dates for “True Threat” have not yet been announced, but the casting news signals Cargill’s commitment to expanding her entertainment career beyond the wrestling ring while maintaining her WWE presence.

Mercedes Monè Claims Status as Highest-Paid Women’s Wrestler

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Mercedes Monè has made a bold declaration about her position in professional wrestling, claiming to be the highest-paid women’s wrestler in the industry while reflecting on her recent tournament victory and upcoming championship opportunity.

Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Triumph

The CEO successfully captured the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation tournament, earning her way to AEW All In in Texas on July 12, where she will face Toni Storm in what she describes as another “dream match.” Monè’s path to victory included notable wins over several top competitors.

Her tournament run began with a highly anticipated match against Athena in her hometown of Boston, a bout she had been eagerly awaiting.

“I had dreamed of facing for years, and to do it in my hometown of Boston made it all the more special,” Monè said in her latest Monè Mag newsletter, adding that the match left her craving a rematch where she plans to “show her that I am the true God of Wrestling.”

The former WWE star then defeated Julia Hart, the former TBS Champion, followed by a standout performance against Jamie Hayter at AEW Double or Nothing. Monè praised Hayter’s abilities, noting that fans had warned her about the competitor’s talent level. “Jamie has heart, resilience, and an unyielding fighting spirit,” she acknowledged while emphasizing her own preparation methods.

Double or Nothing Highlights

Reflecting on the recent pay-per-view, Monè expressed particular enthusiasm for several matches, including Mina Shirakawa versus Toni Storm and the chaotic Anarchy in the Arena bout. She credited Shirakawa as “such an incredible addition to our AEW women’s division, bringing charm and a vibrant charisma that lights up the ring.”

The event holds special significance for Monè, as it marked the anniversary of her AEW in-ring debut and TBS Championship victory from the previous year.

NJPW Championship Loss and New Opportunities

Despite her recent success, Monè recently lost her NJPW IWGP Women’s Championship in a three-way match to Mayu, a defeat that came without her being pinned or submitted. The loss of what she calls “the title that truly launched my global journey as Mercedes Moné” led to reflection on her post-WWE career path.

Her involvement with NJPW stemmed from a childhood fascination with Japanese wrestling, particularly women’s competitions. “Since I was 13, I’ve had a deep love for Japanese wrestling,” she explained, noting her inspiration from promotions like AJW and dreams of competing in the Tokyo Dome.

Following her championship loss, Monè contributed to the creation of the NJPW Strong Women’s Title, which is currently held by top competitors including Willow Nightingale, Gulia, Stéphanie Vaquer, and AZM.

Career Reflections and Future Plans

In a candid assessment of her career trajectory, Monè addressed previous doubts about leaving WWE, referencing advice from a company higher-up who told her “The grass isn’t greener on the other side.” Her response was definitive:

“Well, let me tell you, every seed I’ve planted over the years is growing and flourishing like never before. Becoming the highest-paid women’s wrestler is a beautiful flower that has blossomed, and I couldn’t be prouder.” – Mercedes Monè

The wrestler emphasized that her passion extends beyond any single promotion, stating that while WWE was once everything to her, she has realized “it’s not WWE I can’t live without; it’s pro wrestling itself.”

Monè hinted at future revelations about her career journey, promising that when she shares her complete story, “it’s going to be one for the books.” She encouraged fans to trust their instincts when facing major decisions, reflecting on her own experience of following signs from the universe that led to her current success.

As she prepares for her championship opportunity against Toni Storm at AEW All In, Monè’s message remains consistent with her CEO persona: “Keep chasing your dreams because no one will stop mine.”

Injured WWE Star Expected Be Back In Time For SummerSlam

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WWE is hoping that former champion Bianca Belair will return to the ring by SummerSlam this August, or possibly sooner. This is according to a report from PWInsider.com. Her injury forced a key women’s division storyline to be changed.

According to the report, WWE Creative had to “recalibrate” its plans for Belair’s involvement in the rivalry between Naomi and Jade Cargill.  Initial plans reportedly had Belair as a key figure in that feud.

The injury happened during the chaotic match, which Naomi ultimately won. Belair has been recuperating since the event. However, the injury required her to be written off television for recovery. 

Belair has been off WWE television since her injury at WrestleMania 41 this past April. Belair sustained several broken fingers during the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 41.

A return by SummerSlam, scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd, would place her comeback just over three months post-injury. This timeframe aligns with a potential recovery window. However, it has yet to be confirmed. We wish her a speedy recovery. 

5 Wrestling Stars Join Amazon Prime’s American Gladiators Cast

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Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming American Gladiators reboot has added major star power with the casting of five professional wrestlers who will serve as Gladiators in the competition series hosted by The Miz.

Wrestling Royalty Joins the Arena

The Hollywood Reporter exclusively revealed that five prominent wrestlers from WWE and other promotions have been cast as Gladiators, bringing their athleticism and entertainment experience to the revived franchise:

  • Eric Bugenhagen (Rick Boogs) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Michael Wardlow from Middlefield, Ohio
  • Jessie Godderz (Mr. PEC-Tacular) from Weed, California
  • Jessica Roden (The Ultimate Athlete, J-Rod) from Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Kailey Latimer (Kamille) from Durham, North Carolina

Perfect Fit for Competition

The casting of professional wrestlers makes strategic sense for the reboot. As Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media and Big Fish Entertainment, explained to The Hollywood Reporter: “Pro wrestlers must have the physique to look good in spandex, as well as the athleticism and microphone skills required for the role.”

Complete Gladiator Roster Revealed

The five wrestlers join 11 other competitors to form the complete 16-person Gladiator lineup, featuring eight women and eight men aged 22 to 38. The diverse cast was selected from across the country and includes bodybuilders, former Division I athletes, CrossFit champions, and military veterans.

“The original Gladiators were iconic, so our search for the new Gladiators had to be exhaustive. Every Gladiator in this lineup embodies what it means to be a modern warrior — relentless, inspiring, and ready for the challenge of a lifetime. They are real-life superheroes.” – Barry Poznick

Classic Meets Modern

The reboot will feature both new competitive events and classic favorites from the original series including “Gauntlet,” “Hang Tough,” and “The Eliminator.” The series will air on Amazon Prime Video with The Miz as host, alongside sideline reporter Rocsi Diaz and play-by-play commentator Chris Rose.

Ron Killings Fires Back at Critics: “I’m Driving Now”

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WWE veteran Ron Killings delivered a fiery response to critics during his appearance on Busted Open Radio, defending his recent character transformation and career decisions.

The 53-year-old superstar, who shed his R-Truth persona and cut his signature dreadlocks on WWE Raw this week, didn’t hold back when addressing those questioning his choices.

“How you gonna tell me why I cut my hair?! I do what I wanna do. It ain’t that nice time no more. I’m not angry. I just won’t be taken advantage of no more. Things gon’ change around here. I’m driving now.”

Killings’ comments came after Busted Open Radio host Bully Ray suggested he shouldn’t reference his “Truth” persona anymore. The veteran fired back with explicit language, asserting his independence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQNCZPCUa94

“Who the f*** he talking to? Who is he telling me who I am? I know who I am. They better put some respect on my name. I feel different. I feel more alive than I have ever felt.”

The transformation follows Killings’ dramatic WWE return at Money in the Bank on June 7, just one week after reports of his release sparked fan outcry. WWE subsequently offered him a new contract, allowing him to perform under his real name.

Wrestling legends Mark Henry and others have praised the reinvention as a powerful career move for the two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Goldberg Set to Return to WWE Programming This Monday on RAW

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WWE legend Goldberg is set to make his return to WWE programming this Monday when RAW heads to Green Bay, Wisconsin. The announcement confirms that the former WCW and WWE Champion will be making regular appearances on Monday Night RAW as the company builds toward their upcoming Atlanta weekend.

This marks a significant return for Goldberg, who has been absent from regular WWE television programming. The news was reported by PWInsider.

The timing of Goldberg’s return is strategic, with WWE positioning his appearances to build momentum into their Atlanta weekend for the legend’s expected final match.

Goldberg’s presence on RAW will bring some extra star power into the summer.

Fans can expect to see Goldberg when WWE RAW broadcasts live from Green Bay, Wisconsin this Monday, marking the beginning of his regular appearances leading into his retirement match.

Hikuleo Expected to Make First Backstage Appearance at SmackDown

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Hikuleo is reportedly set to be backstage at tomorrow’s SmackDown, marking a significant development for the WWE talent who has remained off television since signing with the company.

According to PWInsider.com, the former NJPW star will be present backstage at the June 13th SmackDown taping. This would represent Hikuleo’s first backstage appearance since joining WWE’s roster in 2024.

Despite signing with WWE over a year ago, Hikuleo has yet to make any on-screen appearances for the company. His backstage presence at SmackDown could signal that WWE is preparing to finally utilize the talent in upcoming programming.

The 6’7″ wrestler, who is the real-life brother of Solo Sikoa and son of Rikishi, brings a strong wrestling pedigree and international experience to WWE’s roster. His extended absence from television since signing has been notable among wrestling fans who have been anticipating his debut.

Tomorrow’s SmackDown will be closely watched to see if Hikuleo’s backstage presence leads to any on-screen developments or if this represents the beginning of his integration into WWE’s active programming.

Natalya Praises Liv Morgan’s Attack on Nikki Bella

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WWE veteran Natalya has praised Liv Morgan’s passionate confrontation with Nikki Bella from this week’s WWE RAW, calling it authentic and compelling in her latest column for the Toronto Sun.

The Queen of Hearts, who is widely regarded as a prominent figure in the WWE locker room, expressed her admiration for how Morgan handled the situation when she was excluded from Bella’s Evolution 2 promo.

Natalya Approves

Natalya praised the authenticity she witnessed in Morgan’s promo and subsequent attack on the former Divas Champion.

“When she was cutting that promo on Nikki Bella for being forgotten and she didn’t mention my name, and I’m the best. It was coming from her soul, I felt it. She was just in the zone. Nikki needed that energy because Liv is like, you know what b****, this is where we are now and you need to step up your game. It kicked off the story to where now I want to see them fight.”

Natalya on the Toronto Sun

Natalya emphasized that Morgan’s emotional response felt genuine and that the confrontation effectively established a compelling storyline between the two wrestlers.

The RAW Incident Recap

Nikki Bella returned on Monday’s WWE Raw to promote the upcoming Evolution 2 premium live event, delivering a promo where she named current stars carrying on the legacy of WWE legends. However, Bella notably excluded Morgan from her list, which led to the former Women’s World Champion confronting her about the omission.

The verbal exchange escalated when Morgan laid out Bella with her signature Oblivion finisher, making a statement about her standing in the women’s division.

Setting Up Evolution

Natalya’s comments reinforce speculation about a potential match between Morgan and Bella at the upcoming Evolution event. The veteran wrestler believes the confrontation successfully launched a storyline that fans want to see continue.

Reports suggest Morgan may receive backup from Raquel Rodriguez, while Nikki Bella could turn to her sister Brie Bella for assistance, potentially setting up either a singles match or tag team contest at Evolution.

Natalya’s endorsement of Morgan’s actions adds credibility to the storyline and highlights the respect the former Riott Squad member has earned from her peers in the locker room.

Seth Rollins Set for New Entrance Theme (Report)

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WWE fans have grown accustomed to, “Burn it down!” for Seth Rollins’ grand entrances, but the iconic phrase and theme song might be retired soon.

According to BodySlam.net’s Cory Hays, WWE is collaborating with a mainstream music artist to create a new entrance theme for Rollins, moving away from his current “The Vision” track produced by WWE’s in-house team Def Rebel.

“WWE is working with a mainstream artist to create a new theme for Seth Rollins. The exact artist is unknown at this time,” Hays reported.

Seth Rollins Paul Heyman Bronson reed new faction

The theme change aligns with Rollins’ recent heel turn, leading the dominant upstart faction alongside Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. The group is also expected to receive an official faction name in the near future, signaling WWE’s commitment to the storyline.

Rollins currently holds the Money in the Bank briefcase after winning the ladder match, giving him the opportunity to cash in for a championship match at any time.

New Bloodline Member To Debut On WWE SmackDown?

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Hikuleo is slated to be at tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown taping in Lexington, Kentucky, according to a new report from PWInsider. This could signal the long-awaited debut for the star, who has been with WWE for nearly a year.

Hikuleo, the 34-year-old son of wrestling legend Haku and brother of current WWE star Tama Tonga, signed with the company in July 2024. Despite being under contract with WWE and in NXT, he has yet to make an official on-screen appearance for the brand.

The Masked J of BodySlam.net confirmed his travel to SmackDown. The report stated, “Hikuleo has transportation scheduled for SmackDown tomorrow. “

Hikuleo had a decorated career in NJPW from 2016 through 2024. During his time there, he held the IWGP Tag Team Championship with El Phantasmo and also had a run with the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. His arrival may be related to joining Solo Sikoa or Jacob Fatu following their split at the Money in the Bank PLE, when Fatu turned on Sikoa after months of building to it.

James Storm Reveals Real Reason He Never Signed With WWE

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James Storm has explained why he never signed a contract with WWE, despite having an offer on the table.

The former Beer Money star is one of the few TNA originals who never made the jump. He made a couple of appearances for the NXT brand back in 2015, defeating names such as Danny Burch and Adam Rose in singles matches.

A number of other top TNA stars, including his former tag team partner Bobby Roode and AJ Styles, ended up joining the company around the same time, but the Cowboy opted to return to TNA instead. Now he has explained the reason why.

The former TNA World Champion had an interview with Chris Van Vliet where he went into details of his talks with the promotion back in the day. James Storm revealed that he was prepared to join the NXT roster full-time and even worked on his fitness on instructions from William Regal. Things started going south, however, when the company changed their initial offer:

“They gave me a contract; I went home and I got a call from Regal. He goes, ‘Hey, we definitely want to sign you.’ I was like, Oh, great. So I was going to sign the contract and all that stuff, and then he asked me, ‘Can you tighten up a little bit? Lose a little weight?’

I was like, ‘Yeah.’ I busted my ass and I lost 20 pounds. I got in really good shape when I got back down there. Everybody’s like, ‘Oh, my God, you look totally different.’ Because I always tell people, you give a man motivation, he’ll work his ass off if. So I did it, and then when I got down there, the contract had changed. They added 25 more dates, but the money didn’t move.”

I’m Going Home: James Storm

James Storm noted how TNA, at the same time, had offered him a deal to return to the promotion with more money than WWE was offering, and he made NXT officials aware of the same. The wrestling veteran revealed that his wife wanted to have another child at the time, and he ultimately decided to choose his family over the WWE deal:

“Because my wife, she wanted to have another child at the time, but she had to take the shots and all this stuff, so I was basically kind of giving that up as well, because I was going to be on the road a lot.

We came to an agreement, and she was like, ‘Well, if they can just give you this, then you have my blessing to sign.’ Hunter is like, ‘I just can’t do it.’ I was just like, ‘All right, well, I’m sorry, my wife gave me permission not to sign, so I’m going home.’”

The 48-year-old later noted that he had one final conversation with Triple H about signing with the brand. The Game told him that Vince McMahon was a fan of characters, and with his experience, he’d be called up to the main roster sooner than later.

The WWE Executive however, claimed that he did not have the authority to offer him the deal Storm was asking so he declined the proposal. James said it was one of the hardest phone calls of his life, but in hindsight, it was the right decision for him and his family.

Brie Bella In Talks For WWE Return

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WWE Hall of Famer, Brie Bella, is reportedly in talks for a return.

According to a report from TMZ Sports, Brie is considering coming out of retirement to be with her sister, Nikki Bella, at the all-women’s Evolution premium live event on July 13. The motivation for her return comes after Liv Morgan made their feud personal by referencing Nikki’s highly publicized and difficult split from her ex-husband, Artem Chigvintsev.

Morgan attacked Nikki after a heated verbal exchange on this week’s Raw. Should they agree on a deal, it would be Brie’s first time getting physical in a WWE ring since the 2022 Royal Rumble match. A Bella Twins reunion would add major star power to the Evolution card and raise the stakes for their program with Morgan.

Bella is a former WWE Divas Champion and a WWE Hall of Famer, inducted as part of The Bella Twins with her sister Nikki in the Class of 2020. Alongside her sister, Brie was a central figure in WWE branching off into reality television. She was a main cast member of the hit reality shows Total Divas and its spinoff, Total Bellas.

James Storm Reveals Which Recent Wrestling Moment Made Him Emotional

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James Storm got emotional over a wrestling moment recently.

The TNA original recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as making a career in acting, how he was put together with Bobby Roode in the Beer Money tag team and more.

The Cowboy, who is a former TNA World Champion himself, was also asked about the company’s partnership with WWE. Specifically, James Storm was asked about the then-TNA Champion Joe Hendry appearing at the 2025 Royal Rumble PPV.

The wrestling veteran revealed that he felt so happy for the company that he almost shed a tear over it. The Beer Money star also dismissed any criticism of the spot:

“I actually almost shed a tear. Because I was happy for Joe, but I was really happy for TNA. People can say whatever they want to say about oh, this was not a good look.

No, it was a good look. It’s the biggest show of the year, and they have another company’s belt in shot.”

Joe Hendry would later also appear at WrestleMania 41, being revealed as Randy Orton’s surprise opponent. The viral star would go on to lose the short match, but he insists that his loss did not undermine the TNA title.

Apart from this, James Storm also discussed never signing with WWE himself. He revealed that Triple H had offered him an NXT deal, which he had agreed on. The officials however, later added 25 more dates to the contract without more money, and the deal fell through.

James Storm Reveals Origin of Beer Money Tag Team

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The duo of James Storm and Bobby Roode, collectively known as Beer Money, is one of the most iconic tag teams in modern wrestling history, and there is a crazy story behind the two TNA originals becoming partners.

The Cowboy recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet where he talked about things such as his start in wrestling, never signing with WWE in his career, his TNA World title run, and more.

During the interview, the former TNA star also talked about the origin of the Beer Money tag team. He revealed that Dutch Mantel put them together because their contract was coming up. According to the former champion, the company actually intended to let both of them go if the pairing did not work:

“We were coming to the end of our contracts, and I don’t think they really knew what to do with us. So Dutch, he was just like, ‘Just put them together. If anything, we fire them together.’ That’s how I got the Dutch was looking at it.”

Just Act Fools: James Storm

James Storm and Bobby Roode were both TNA originals, and they had worked with each other on occasion before. Though they really became a proper tag team and got their name in 2008. Together, they would go on to win the TNA tag titles a record five times. Beer Money also holds the record for both the longest single and combined title reigns as tag champions in TNA history.

In his early run with the company, Storm was part of another tag team dubbed America’s Most Wanted with Chris Harris. He explained that Beer Money was different because both the stars had been established by that point, and they could just go out there to have fun:

“So they put us together, and me and Bob was like, You know what? We’re gonna make the best of this. We’re gonna do what we can to it. The thing with Bobby is, whereas me and Chris had to rely on each other, me and Bobby was already kind of established, so we can just go out there and have fun and just act fools. So they had us as heels, and I made up some dumb merchandise that said Beer Money on it.”

Apart from this, James Storm also revealed that they came up with the team name during a casual conversation with Eric Young. They originally intended to annoy the audience with it but it soon caught on and became a popular phrase.

Mariah May Confirms Inspiration Behind New WWE Name

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Mariah May has seemingly confirmed the inspiration behind her new name.

A name change was expected for the former AEW star when she made her NXT debut a couple weeks ago. The same was confirmed with a video package on this week’s episode of the development brand, with Blake Monroe being revealed as the new name for the female star.

The second part of her new name was obviously inspired by Iconic actress Marilyn Monroe. The fans, however, were not sure about the first name, with many believing that she should have kept the AEW name for better recognition.

The 26-year-old then posted a photo with her niece on Wednesday with the caption ‘B,’ seemingly confirming that the first part of her name is inspired by the little one:

Blake Monroe confronted the current NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne upon her NXT debut during the June 3 episode, clearly indicating that winning the title was her goal in the Black & Silver brand.

The company, however, did not include her in the mini tournament they have announced to determine Jayne’s opponent for the upcoming Evolution 2 PPV

So it appears that the former AEW Women’s Champion will have to wait some time to get her first title shot in WWE. It’d be interesting to see who she feuds with in the meantime.

Mr. Iguana Reveals What He’s Been Told About His WWE Future

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Mr. Iguana made an appearance at this week’s episode of NXT after becoming an internet sensation but according to the high-flying star himself, the developmental brand will not be his new home.

The Mexican pro wrestler recently spoke to Línea Directa TV, where he confirmed what’s next for him. The AAA star discussed his visit to the WWE Performance center and revealed that the company is planning for him to join the main roster soon:

“I’m there effectively. Like literally, I was in the Performance Center yesterday and they told me, you’re not going through NXT — you’re heading straight to the main roster.”

All this comes out of Mr. Iguana’s appearance at the Worlds Collide event, which went viral. The officials were quick to capitalize on his popularity, bringing him in for an appearance at the Money In The Bank PPV.

During the talk, Mr. Iguana confirmed previous reports that his merchandise was among the bestselling merch over the PPV weekend and the company is now looking into ways to capitalize on his popularity:

“I was literally taking pictures with Shawn Michaels and they told me they need you here because your shirt is the top seller in WWE, and you’re also the fastest-rising star when it comes to action figures and trading cards.”

It’s unknown what the company’s plans are for Mr. Iguana on the main roster, but it seems likely that he’ll be working with top WWE stars very soon.